Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
Dealing with Smoke Damage during Fire Restoration in Mount Vernon
12/18/2023 (Permalink)
If your Mount Vernon home has fire damage, call SERVPRO! We'll make it “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO® Addresses All Aspects of Mount Vernon Fire Damage
Burrowed within the verdant Skagit Valley of Washington State, Mount Vernon is a testament to the seamless fusion of natural beauty and vibrant community life. Acres of vibrant tulip fields stretch across the valley, creating a mesmerizing tapestry that attracts visitors from around the globe. The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival is the city's most celebrated event. The city is an agricultural hub, boasting fertile lands and markets like the Mike & Jean's Berry Farm and Schuh Farms that yield various crops.
Fire restoration in Mount Vernon properties is crucial, as a fire can leave various detrimental impacts that affect the structure and the occupants' well-being. Fires have the potential to completely destroy or cause extensive damage to personal belongings, including important documents and sentimental items. Some items may be salvageable through professional restoration processes, while others may be lost beyond repair. Fire damage can be seen in different forms, for example, smoke and soot residues. SERVPRO crews understand how smoke damage occurs and how it affects properties.
Key aspects SERVPRO crews typically consider regarding smoke damage
- Penetration
- Temperature variations
- Air circulation
Smoke behaves differently based on the temperature during the fire. Hot smoke tends to rise and can affect higher areas, while cooler smoke may settle in lower parts of the property.
Managing Smoke Damage on Properties
Smoke residues settle on surfaces as soot, leaving dark, powdery residues. This can be seen on walls, ceilings, and furniture. SERVPRO crews evaluate how deeply smoke and soot have penetrated surfaces. This inspection helps determine the extent of cleaning and restoration needed. We use industry-standard techniques and specialized equipment to clean surfaces and contents affected by smoke and soot, including wet and dry cleaning, vacuuming, and abrasive cleaning.
Smoke residues effect on structural elements and house contents
- Odor retention
- Discoloration
- Staining
- Corrosion and weakening of materials
We use dry cleaning sponges to remove dry soot from surfaces without smudging or spreading the residues. Swift removal of loose soot prevents porous materials like walls, ceilings, and fabrics from absorbing the residues, reducing the risk of permanent damage.
SERVPRO of Skagit and Island Counties offers swift and comprehensive fire damage restoration services tailored to your needs. Call us at (360) 873-8744. Faster to any size disaster™.
Vital Preparations to Rebuild a Mount Vernon Home after Fire Damage
3/20/2023 (Permalink)
Regardless of the extent of the fire damage, our team in Mount Vernon can make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us right away!
SERVPRO Focuses on Orderly Fire Restoration Procedures in Mount Vernon Homes
Recovering from most fire incidents takes time because of the multiple steps restoration involves. A considerable rebuilding process is necessary for significant fires that consume many structural materials in Mount Vernon homes. Rebuilding takes more than replacing the unsalvageable materials torn down from the structure. Assessing, securing, and refinishing the structure is part of rebuilding.
The fire damage at your Mount Vernon home is unique from any other incident. Even if you have been afflicted by a similar property disaster before, the dynamics are always different in new incidents. The source of the fire, accelerants involved, and combustion durations vary. Professional assistance from SERVPRO factors in all the unique challenges, thus simplifying the recovery process.
Rebuilding a house affected by fire requires an orderly approach since some actions have to be prioritized for safety reasons or to limit the development of secondary damages after addressing the initial effects of combustion.
Orderly remediation requires:
- A thorough assessment
- Securing the property
- Early intervention against structural issues
- Cleaning, drying, and deodorization
Combustion leaves readily identifiable problems such as soot-covered surfaces and charred structural materials. So it is easy to think you know all the issues you need to resolve. However, such incidents also leave hidden problems or kick-start forms of deterioration that worsen over time. After a thorough evaluation, you can only get an accurate picture of the issues.
Our SERVPRO IICRC-Certified technicians collect different information when evaluating a fire, including understanding residue spread patterns by running a clean sponge along flat surfaces. It is necessary to inspect utilities such as the electrical system and HVAC since fire affects them significantly. Identifying where the electrical needs to be stripped off is essential. At the very least, rebuilding the electrical system requires a new breaker box and wiring. Inspection reveals whether fixtures and outlets have significant damage necessitating replacement.
Securing Fire Damaged Structures when Rebuilding
Your home may be your safe haven in ordinary times. However, when fire guts it down, it can become hazardous from physical and environmental risks.
Risks to mitigate during fire restoration:
- Unstable structural areas
- Slip and trip hazards
- Harmful substances or objects
Securing a house after fire damage ensures a safer environment for the workers and anyone who enters the house. Checking the level of charring on structural supports such as trusses and frames helps identify any unstable areas. Removing the compromised structural supports or surrounding materials to relieve weight diminishes the risk of collapse. Our SERVPRO technicians also tear down any partially burnt structural elements such as wall or ceiling panels since they might injure someone.
Securing a property also requires protective steps such as setting up barriers in different areas. If there is a roof cave-in, we set up tarps to keep rainwater out. Accumulation of water inside the house damages materials and increases the chances of slip and fall accidents. Our SERVPRO technicians ensure the roof tarp is installed correctly, including choosing a high-quality poly woven tarp and sandwiching it with 2 by 4 planks.
SERVPRO of Skagit County does not spare any energy when preparing to tackle fire damage, thus addressing it "Like it never even happened." You can reach us at (360) 873-8744.
SERVPRO Is Mount Vernon’s Expert Fire Damage Restoration Firm
2/19/2023 (Permalink)
When fire damage affects your home, it’s time to bring in certified technicians who have the training and access to equipment to get the job done.
Excellent Fire Damage Restoration in Mount Vernon
Knowing what to do is half the battle when completing fire damage remediation projects in Mount Vernon. Understanding what factors determine the speed and effectiveness of cleanup efforts is crucial. Of course, employing the best restoration procedures is also essential to doing quality work. Fortunately, SERVPRO has the requisite knowledge to get your job done right.
With several years of experience performing fire damage restoration work in Mount Vernon, SERVPRO can often help you recover from a fire-related event more quickly than other local firms. Our professional fire damage restoration crews routinely complete extensive house fire clean up projects, remediate even the worst smoke damage, and deal with every aspect of the fire restoration process. One of the key parts of this process is fire residue cleanup. In order to do this step most effectively, SERVPRO technicians:
- Determine which chemical reactions, like bleaching or dissolution, are best for each situation
- Use heat to speed up the necessary reactions involved in residue removal efforts
- Dislodge residue particles quickly with various kinds of agitation
- Take the requisite time to clean and deodorize impacted materials and spaces
The specific ways we perform these actions are:
- Examining your home, beginning where the fire started and moving toward the furthest reaches of the damage, to determine what has been impacted and the severity of impact
- Classifying fire-related deposits and affected surfaces to determine the best cleaning methods to employ
- Removing fire residues from materials with innovative, abrasive, wet, or dry methods
- Thoroughly treating and deodorizing surfaces with foggers and injection devices for the necessary amount of time
- Professionally disposing of residential blaze-related debris in government and industry-approved ways
With this in mind, remember that SERVPRO of Skagit and Island Counties is always here whenever you need fire damage restoration work done on your residence. Call us anytime at (360) 873-8744 for fast and effective assistance.
Our Experts Will Restore Your Fire and Smoke Odor Damaged Home in Mount Vernon
8/15/2022 (Permalink)
Reclaiming Your Home from Fire and Smoke Odor Damage in Mount Vernon
Cooking brings many in Mount Vernon great pleasure – seeing family and friends enjoy a home-cooked meal and time together. Our hectic lives can leave us less able to multi-task in our home's more relaxed atmosphere, leading to accidents in the kitchen. Grease fires only take a few seconds to get out of hand, so quick thinking and a handy lid can make a huge difference in how badly your home suffers.
Your home's entire interior in Mount Vernon can smell of fire and smoke odors no matter how many candles you burn, cans of air freshener you use, or hours spent airing out the house. Calling SERVPRO gets things placed in the right direction. We can perform mitigation that corrects fire damage and the odors continually overpowering your nose.
Odors do not appear out of anything. The scents you smell come from airborne molecules that break away from larger particles. This is why fire generally produces the same type of odor, although different things have slightly different smells when they burn. While we clean items up using various methods, these all accomplish the same: ridding your home of these smoke and soot particles.
Cleaning with soap and water might seem correct when the soot feels greasy like it does with cooking or grease fires. However, special cleaning agents immediately provide a much better result, including a fresh scent. Some surfaces hold more soot than others. These places often remain cooler than other areas, and smoke fills such areas more densely.
Getting things cleaned up and soot-free must happen before our Odor Control Technician (OCT) can start fogging and neutralizing the odors. Afterward, the particles that caused odors and possible health effects remain where they may have hidden during the fire. This happens at the microscopic level because the fogging binds these particles and makes them much heavier.
SERVPRO of Skagit County is always near homes in Anacortes, Sedro Woolley, and La Conner. Smokey odors and the physical damage caused by fire need mitigation as soon as possible to protect your property. Call us at (360) 873-8744, 24/7, 365 days a year.
The Appeal of a Reputable Fire Damage Remediation Company in Mount Vernon
5/22/2022 (Permalink)
When the smoke dissipates after a fire, the odors often remain. Bring in our certified technicians to help rid the premises of the offending odors.
Most Effective Fire Odor Removal Practices for Mount Vernon Homes
Smoke odors are a common concern after fire loss incidents in Mount Vernon homes. Though the fire itself can sometimes remain contained to specific areas of the residence, this is not always the case for the effects that can accompany it. Odors and airborne contaminants require cutting-edge equipment and potent products to address successfully.
While many solutions can reduce and remove odors and other fire damage from Mount Vernon homes, choosing the best approach is the responsibility of our project management and crew chief. During the scoping of the job, we can determine the concentrations of these destructive effects and the best places for containment barriers to limit the spread and migration of smoke damages.
Removing odors from your residence relies on the equipment our SERVPRO team uses and the physical practices we can implement as well. When our team first arrives at your damaged house, we can take note of the charred remnants of where the structure fire burned through specific materials and contents of the house. Ash and debris are significant odor catalysts and must get removed. Our technicians can shovel out this rubbish and begin projects like controlled demolition with our licensed general contractors. Eliminating sources of smoke damage odors can limit the work that deodorizing agents and tools must perform.
We have several potential options when choosing deodorization equipment. Depending on the location and the traffic, options like our ozone machines can be powerful tools for neutralizing odors over large areas like a high vault ceiling living room. Thermal and UV foggers are another reliable choice, and these get selected on their ability to penetrate porous construction materials with their generated vapor and their lightweight portability. Thermal foggers can reach more challenging areas because they are not stationary units.
No matter how challenging and harsh smoke odors can be after a fire, our SERVPRO of Skagit County team can help. We have sophisticated tools and powerful products to make harsh odors “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (360) 873-8744.
Fixing Unique Problems after Fire Damage Affects Your Mount Vernon Home
4/4/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO will help with everything from soot damage, to feather dusting when you have fire damage in your Mount Vernon home.
What Does SERVPRO Do to Complete Fire Restoration in Mount Vernon Homes Conveniently
Fire is one of the highly destructive forces which consumes materials or causes physical deterioration. Fires in Mount Vernon homes differ in many ways, including the intensity and ignition sources. Like the intensity, the sources affect the outcomes by influencing the types of deposits, odors or stains created.
Fire damage in Mount Vernon homes can develop in many ways, including spontaneous combustion, proximity to hot materials, or during household activities like cooking. SERVPRO has a wealth of experience resolving all types of fire events.
Typical sources of house fires include:
- Candles or smoking
- Chemicals
- Home heaters
- Cooking equipment
A fire caused by smoking or candles mostly ignites fabrics when someone falls asleep while smoking in bed or leaves unattended candles. If the fire is localized, it might not cause significant structural damage. However, multiple residues remain in the structure, including hard plastic-like beads that develop when fibers melt and drip. Cleaning such residue requires a unique approach, unlike dealing with ordinary powdery soot.
You may wonder what chemicals you have in your home, which might ignite spontaneously. However, cleaning agents or products like motor oil easily combust when exposed to the right conditions. Fuel oils produce a special type of soot that can bond with surfaces making it difficult to clean.
Proximity damage after a fire
While in most cases, fire moves from one item to another once it ignites, spreading over vast sections of a property, in some cases, the spreading is limited. Fire damage from space heaters or cooking equipment is likely to cause such damage as the heat radiates from the source without igniting materials. Stove flare-ups might also result in the same type of damage.
Fire restoration requires
- Cleanup
- Surface refinishing
- Deodorization
SERVPRO of Skagit County has developed elaborate fire damage management practices over the years. You can reach us at (360) 873-8744. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Effects of Different Fire Damage Sources in Mount Vernon Homes
3/14/2022 (Permalink)
Fire damage is not match for SERVPRO!
What Does SERVPRO Do to Complete Fire Restoration in Mount Vernon Homes Conveniently
Fire is one of the highly destructive forces which consumes materials or causes physical deterioration. Fires in Mount Vernon homes differ in many ways, including the intensity and ignition sources. Like the intensity, the sources affect the outcomes by influencing the types of deposits, odors or stains created.
Fire damage in Mount Vernon homes can develop in many ways, including spontaneous combustion, proximity to hot materials, or during household activities like cooking. SERVPRO has a wealth of experience resolving all types of fire events.
Typical sources of house fires include:
- Candles or smoking
- Chemicals
- Home heaters
- Cooking equipment
A fire caused by smoking or candles mostly ignites fabrics when someone falls asleep while smoking in bed or leaves unattended candles. If the fire is localized, it might not cause significant structural damage. However, multiple residues remain in the structure, including hard plastic-like beads that develop when fibers melt and drip. Cleaning such residue requires a unique approach, unlike dealing with ordinary powdery soot.
You may wonder what chemicals you have in your home, which might ignite spontaneously. However, cleaning agents or products like motor oil easily combust when exposed to the right conditions. Fuel oils produce a special type of soot that can bond with surfaces making it difficult to clean.
Proximity damage after a fire
While in most cases, fire moves from one item to another once it ignites, spreading over vast sections of a property, in some cases, the spreading is limited. Fire damage from space heaters or cooking equipment is likely to cause such damage as the heat radiates from the source without igniting materials. Stove flare-ups might also result in the same type of damage.
Fire restoration requires
- Cleanup
- Surface refinishing
- Deodorization
SERVPRO of Skagit County has developed elaborate fire damage management practices over the years. You can reach us at (360) 873-8744. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Treating Charred Studs as a Part of Fire Restoration in Mount Vernon
1/18/2022 (Permalink)
Fire damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. We are here to help 24/7 365 days a year, no matter the size of disaster.
SERVPRO Can Repair Fire Damaged Homes in Mount Vernon
If a fire ever spreads through your home, the ending results could look quite devastating. For example, the flames could spread throughout your home and engulf building materials like your drywall. And the worse part is, the fire could burn through your drywall and torch your wall studs that play a significant role in your building's structural integrity. However, just because the flames made their way to some of your walls, there is still a chance that some of your structural components can be saved instead of replaced.
In some cases, fire restoration in Mount Vernon can be quite straightforward. But, in other scenarios, there could be a significant amount of work that has to be completed to restore your home to its preloss state, "Like it never even happened." Luckily, our SERVPRO technicians are trained, and IICRC certified to provide the following after you suffer from a structural blaze:
- Smoke Remediation
- Fire Debris Removal
- House Fire Clean Up
- Structural Deodorization
- Soot Removal
Our SERVPRO team may have to remove several burnt materials in situations where severe damage is present. If a significant amount of your structural components got burnt, we might have to remove items like your drywall and wall studs.
However, we can take steps to restore some of your building materials and contents in some cases. For instance, after a fire, your wall studs could look like they got severely burnt, but the charring might not have burned deep into the wood. The general rule is that if the charring is less than a quarter-inch deep, we can save the items by sanding or sandblasting.
If you ever suffer from a structural blaze and you do not even know where to begin, call SERVPRO of Skagit County at (360) 873-8744.
How to Perform Fire Damage Restoration in Anacortes
12/6/2021 (Permalink)
When fire damage affects your home, time is of the essence. Call the certified technicians at SERVPRO to assess the situation and formulate a plan.
Hiring a Reputed Firm Like SERVPRO is the Right Way to Perform Fire Damage Repair in Anacortes
It is quite arduous to deal with a fire disaster, and the repair process is usually challenging. It is vital to take extra care and caution when restoring and reconstructing your home after a fire. It would help if you had experts such as SERVPRO restorers to lend you a hand in such a situation.
We have a team of skilled technicians who can perform efficient fire damage restoration in your Anacortes residence. We can assess the damage and then begin the restoration process by cleaning up the debris, charred remains, and the chemical agents or water used to extinguish the flames. Our SERVPRO team does this carefully without ruining the structure and contents of a home. As part of our fire repair process, we provide a complete solution for cleaning up a house with proper techniques and equipment. Our fire repair process is systematic, and it may include the following steps based on the severity of the damage.
- Establishing emergency electricity
- Separating salvageable items from unsalvageable ones
- Removal of water and moisture
- Removing soot, smoke, and odors
- Rebuilding affected structures
In certain cases of fire damage, initial cleaning is beneficial. If it is necessary to move out of your residence, we can clean your contents so that you can use them in your temporary housing. Initial cleaning can also prevent secondary damage from soot residues. Our SERVPRO restorers can pre-clean furniture and carpets to eliminate the heaviest soot. We can also wipe soot residues from metals and porcelain.
We can set up water removal and drying equipment to dry the affected structures and contents if there is water damage. Our SERVPRO technicians also use moisture meters to monitor moisture content and humidity levels. Smoke and soot residues may cause unpleasant odors. We can use air scrubbers or thermal foggers to remove the odors so that your residence is habitable.
You can trust SERVPRO of Skagit County to bring your home back to normal after fire damage. Call us anytime at (360) 873-8744 for help. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Who Can I Call for Fire Damage Restoration After a Small Grease Fire in Mount Vernon?
10/22/2021 (Permalink)
Fire and smoke damage restoration services by SERVPRO are second to none. Call now for fast and immediate service for your home.
SERVPRO Provides House Fire Clean-Up in Mount Vernon
The number one cause of a structural blaze is a mishap in the kitchen where a fire ignites. More specifically, unattended cooking is the number one cause of a kitchen fire starting. Most people have been in a situation where they begin heating grease for cooking, and then something distracts them, so they leave the kitchen. Once the oil gets too hot, the flames can ignite, and you could find a fire upon returning to your kitchen.
During fire damage restoration jobs in Mount Vernon, grease fires can create different conditions than other types of blazes. Even if the fire didn't spread past the pan you were cooking and didn't burn any of your contents or building materials, there could still be damage present. The smoke produced by grease fires could leave a greasy residue that is hard to remove on your walls and ceilings. Smoke also can penetrate deeply into porous materials and cause foul aromas to be present.
Therefore, even if the fire you had was small, it is still a good idea to ask for help from a professional restoration company like SERVPRO. We are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, and we can help you with the following services:
Depending on what surface got affected, removing greasy residues can be very difficult. We can use various methods and chemical products to figure out the best way to clean an affected surface. We can also utilize deodorization procedures such as thermal fogging or ozone generation to remove or neutralize malodor particles.
If you ever accidentally start a small grease fire in your kitchen, call SERVPRO of Skagit County at (360) 873-8744.
Who Can Help with Fire Damage Restoration at my Mount Vernon Home?
7/30/2021 (Permalink)
Affected by a recent fire? Contact team SERVPRO to aid in fire damage remediation in your home. Our certified technicians are standing by.
SERVPRO Can Provide Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup in Mount Vernon
During the summer months, outdoor cooking can create a risk for having a fire start on your property. When the weather is nice, many people choose to cook on outdoor grills and smokers, posing a danger if something goes wrong. If the grill or smoker is left unattended, they could ignite fuels in your yard, and then the fire could spread to your deck or home.
During fire restoration in Mount Vernon, our SERVPRO technicians will first make your property safe for workers and occupants. We can fully inspect your property and look for things that could cause electrical shorts or other hazards. If the fire started from outside your house and part of your structure is exposed, then we can board up the holes to secure your property during the work process.
Once we make sure your home is safe for our crew, we can conduct the following services:
- Water & Fire Damage Restorations
- Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup
- House Fire Clean Up
- Smoke Remediation
If the fire started by a grill outside and then spread to your house, your home has a good chance of major structural damage. When this occurs, we can remove all of the burnt debris like your charred exterior walls. If structural components like your wall studs and roof trusses got affected, we can either sand them down and treat them or remove pieces to get rebuilt.
If grilling outside ever creates a fire disaster, it is wise to call SERVPRO of Skagit County at (360) 873-8744.
Fire Damage at Your Mount Vernon Home? SERVPRO is Here to Help
6/3/2021 (Permalink)
Fire damage in your home can be overwhelming. Call in the experts for help. SERVPRO will make the process easier.
SERVPRO Technicians are Fast to Respond After Fire Damage at Your Mount Vernon Home
Fire damage at your Mount Vernon home can cause smoke and soot to deposit on the contents, including your expensive appliances. If you delay the restoration process, it can cause irreparable damage. SERVPRO technicians have expertise in restoring appliances after a fire incident "Like it never even happened."
The residue left on appliances after fire damage to your Mount Vernon home can be difficult to remove. SERVPRO technicians use wet cleaning agents and polishing agents to clean these surfaces in fire-damaged homes. The material used in the construction of most appliances includes metal, glass, plastic, or composite materials. SERVPRO technicians understand the chemistry of these surfaces and use various cleaning agents and techniques that are most effective for the surface involved.
How SERVPRO technicians clean appliances during the house fire cleanup of your Mount Vernon home?
Cleaning appliances after fire damage to your Mount Vernon home requires patience, expertise, and the right technique. SERVPRO restorers use the following methods during the fire restoration process-
- Use Water-based Detergents- SERVPRO technicians use these cleaners if the smoke damage is mild and mostly consists of dry residue. Abrasive foam pads are often used to dislodge the particles while using these agents.
- Use Alkaline Cleaners- If the residue after a fire and smoke damage is heavy and greasy, it requires aggressive cleaning agents. The high pH of these agents (pH = 13) helps to cut through the greasy residue and speed up the cleaning process.
- Use Abrasive Cleaners- Technicians use these agents when the heat from fire damage has caused yellowing of the surface. The abrasive agents can gently scrub the surface, removing any stains in the process.
Call SERVPRO of Skagit County at (360) 873-8744 for around-the-clock service.
What Does It Take For Complete Fire Restoration in Mount Vernon Homes?
5/3/2021 (Permalink)
Fire damaged home? Team SERVPRO can quickly assess and remediate the fire damage so you can finally get back in.
SERVPRO Helps with More than Just House Fire Clean-Up in Mount Vernon
After a fire breaks out, it can spread quickly through your home, damaging everything in its way. Even when the blaze is stopped before the structure is compromised, you have to face the challenging task of cleaning up and removing charred materials. On inspecting the loss site with every surface or item covered in residues and debris from the fire and smoke damage, you might conclude that the task is insurmountable.
Fire damage restoration in Mount Vernon is easier when adequate resources are available. SERVPRO uses a variety of tools and cleaning methods, thus simplifying the process. For better clarity when performing the restoration, we divide it into different groups of tasks like:
- Pack-out and pack-back
- Demolition
- Structure cleaning
- Content cleaning
Segmenting helps simplify the work because it is easy to focus on each stage, minimizing confusion and repetition of work. For instance, when our SERVPRO technicians pack out items, it creates room to perform demolition and structural cleaning without the need to keep shifting things out of the way. It also permits the use of potent cleaning methods such as power washing without harming vulnerable items. SERVPRO handles a variety of issues, including:
- Fire damage restoration
- Fire and smoke damage
- Smoke remediation
SERVPRO of Skagit County is a seasoned fire restoration company. Call us at (360) 873-8744 when you need assistance.
What Fire Restoration Cleaning is Possible in Mount Vernon?
3/26/2021 (Permalink)
Affected by a recent fire? Contact our team for fire damage remediation and to help with any insurance claim photos or assessments.
Our experienced smoke remediation professionals can thoroughly clean Mount Vernon homes after a fire.
Fires can be a devastating force that leaves multiple layers of damage to contend with in area homes. As fast as our professionals respond to these emergencies, we still have considerable work to do from emergency services through deodorization. We can help with:
- Fire damaged homes
- Fire and smoke damage
- Smoke remediation
- Fire damage restoration
What Does Smoke Remediation Entail for Mount Vernon Properties?
Regarding fire restoration for Mount Vernon homes, our smoke remediation efforts can often be the largest undertakings.
We can help by cleaning soot-laden surfaces with abrasive products and media blasting to overcome harsh odors left behind after a fire. Our experienced fire damage restoration professionals can help to identify correctable fire and smoke damage and implement mitigation and restoration strategies to make it "Like it never even happened."
No matter what damage your home experiences after a fire, you can count on our experienced SERVPRO of Skagit County team to help. Call us today at (360) 873-8744.
Professionally Restore Your Home After Fire Damage
1/29/2021 (Permalink)
Contact SERVPRO of Skagit County for fire damage remediation services. We are standing by 24/7 for your call.
Mount Vernon Residents Look to SERVPRO for Rapid Fire Damage Restoration Services
A house fire not only devastates your belongings or the structure of the building, but you also have to worry about lingering smoke odors or moisture left from water extinguishing the flames. The best way to ensure your Mount Vernon home gets the attention it deserves is by calling in the help of skilled SERVPRO technicians.
Part of our fire damage restoration efforts in Mount Vernon will be addressing your carpeting, draperies, and upholstery. Some of the common causes of damage to these porous materials include:
- Saturation from water or chemicals uses to fight the flames
- Exposure to fire or heat during the event
- Stubborn soot and smoke residue that accumulates on surfaces
- Dyes within the materials that may bleed and stain
Our team at SERVPRO is made up of technicians with training to handle all kinds of materials. We take the time to test fibers to eliminate the possibility of further damage while cleaning. This helps us to confirm if any issues may occur, including browning, shrinkage, and more.
Fire damage restoration is something SERVPRO of Skagit County excels at. If you require prompt attention after tragedy strikes during a fire in your home, call us at (360) 873-8744, and we will deploy our team as soon as possible.
SERVPRO Provides Professional Fire Damage Restoration for Mount Vernon Residents
12/17/2020 (Permalink)
Fire damage can catch you when you least expect it. Contact our experienced team to remediate right after the fire fighters leave.
When Fire Strikes Our Technicians Are on the Scene Implementing Emergency Mitigation in Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, WA, is a beautiful town and the county seat of Skagit County. It is well-known for its Tulip Festival Street Fair. The New Rating Guide to Life in America’s Small Cities voted it #1 in 1998 as the “Best Small City in America.” It is a delightful place to live and visit.
The Beginning of a Town
In 1870, on the banks of the Skagit River, Joseph Dwelley and Jasper Gates decided to begin a new life. It was the first settlement in the area and would be the start of Mount Vernon. E.G. English and Harrison Clotheir came to the settlement in 1877. Clotheir arrived mainly to teach school but also went into business with English. The two men became pioneer businessmen and founders of the city. Clotheir was also appointed the local postmaster in 1877. The two men designed the plan for the city and they named it after George Washington’s plantation and resting place, Mount Vernon.
Logging & Mining Develops the Area
The first industry in Mount Vernon was logging. The area was heavily timbered, and camps were set up to clear the town of the trees. Because of the logging camps, the city grew rapidly. Saloons, hotels, and the English & Clotheirs’ store were constructed. Everything was moving along when a massive log jam stopped large ships from coming portside. To deliver mail, the mail carriers were stuck paddling canoes down-stream to the neighboring Skagit City. Other things that impacted the area included:
- Ruby Creek Mining Activity – spurs growth in 1880, brought a new hotel to the town, but the mines were shallow.
- Other Logging Operations – These were established but not profitable
- Low Population – By 1881, the population was 75.
Steady Growth Begins
Although 1881 saw only 75 permanent residents through the rest of the 1880s, growth was steady. This decade would see the following:
- The Odd Fellows Lodge, 1882
- The Skagit News, the 1st newspaper, 1884
- Baptist church, 1884
Mount Vernon’s future looked bright when it was chosen for the Skagit County seat, which had been La Conner.
The Railroad Comes to Town
One of the primary reasons Mount Vernon was able to expand and develop was its location. It was close to the eastern and central parts of the county, and hence their farming, mining, and logging communities. The city also had access to Puget Sound. In 1889 an appointed committee began negotiating with the railroads. In 1891 the Great Northern Railway lines were completed. They tried to get a second railroad to lay track, but that never came to fruition. With the railroad came hundreds of new businesses, and with that, folks began to move into the area rapidly.
Fire & Riverfront Eroding Causes Problems
While many cities boomed in the 1890’s Mount Vernon never experienced that because they had a stable economy. This was in great part due to the railroad. On July 5, 1893, the city was incorporated. In 1891, the first of several fires destroyed waterfront property. That year would see Front Street and part of Main Street destroyed by waterfront erosion. Thankfully, the buildings were quickly replaced due to money from the railroad’s construction. Other important events that took place were:
- Brick schoolhouse built in 1891
- Mount Vernon Opera House
- Construction of other civic buildings
- Slow growth after Panic of 1893
- Large flood in 1894
- First dike built following the flood
Fire Strikes Again & Again
In 1900 another serious fire struck Mount Vernon. This fire wiped out all of the original structures, including Ruby Hotel and English and Clotheirs’ Store. More downtown businesses would be destroyed in 1903 by another blaze. A water system was finally put in place in 1902.
The Historic Lincoln Theatre
If you head over to First Street, you can see the Historic Lincoln Theatre. It was built in 1926 and was a silent movie and vaudeville house. It would remain a movie theater through the 1980s. Today locals can see concerts, live theater performances, and movies throughout the year. It has an original Wurlitzer theatre organ. Only 97 other theaters across the United States still possess one of these organs. They were played to open a show.
Mount Vernon Fire Department
Early fires caused a lot of damage and loss to the city. Today the Mount Vernon Fire Department proudly protects the citizens of the city with three fire stations. Each station is manned around the clock and has both EMTs and paramedics on all shifts. They are available with:
- 2 Fire Engines
- A Ladder Truck
- A Battalion Chief
Their mission is to “protect the lives, property, and environment of Mount Vernon and to minimize losses when emergencies occur.” They strive to make a difference in their community.
SERVPRO Provides Fire Damage Restoration in Mount Vernon
Once the MVFD does its part in putting out the fire, the cleanup is left. That is where SERVPRO comes into the picture. When the go-ahead is given to enter the premises, our technicians get busy. We enact emergency mitigation, such as boarding up and dealing with safety issues. We then proceed with putting your home back to normal. It includes:
- Removal and disposal of charred debris and unsalvageable content
- Water extraction using truck-mounted or portable pumps
- Drying the premises with industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers
- Cleaning the home with various methods, which can include soda blasting and wire brushing
- Pack out of content to our warehouse for cleaning if needed
- Controlled demolition to help with drying and restoration as needed
- Repair and restoration of structural elements
It is our mission to restore your home as quickly as possible. You are dealing with enough problems if you have experienced a fire. We take as much of the stress of cleaning up off your shoulders as we can. Let our experienced technicians mitigate your fire damage. Restoration is our specialty. Contact SERVPRO of Skagit County at (360) 873-8744.
Where Can Homeowners Go to Restore Their Fire-Damaged Residences?
9/23/2020 (Permalink)
The situation can feel overwhelming when your home is affected by fire damage. Call SERVPRO for effective remediation services.
SERVPRO Technicians Can Return Mount Vernon Residences to a Clean, Safe Condition Ready for Occupation Again.
Where Do Technicians Begin?
SERVPRO technicians start in Mount Vernon homes with a checklist to ensure thorough restoration, no matter the disaster. It allows our teams to carefully clean the home, remove debris, and perform other tasks as rapidly as possible.
What Are the First Actions Technicians Take?
Fire damage restoration in Mount Vernon begins with three preparation actions:
Initial Contact – A homeowner’s call starts it all. Our operator has a set of questions that tells technicians what equipment and other resources to bring, such as generators, foggers, and cleaners.
Inspection and Damage Assessment – The team leader inspects the home to ascertain the scope of damage from the fire and how to restore the home.
Securing the Home – Fire can damage doors, roofs, walls, and windows. Securing the home with plywood and tarps can prevent further damage from trespassing, animal intrusions, and the weather.
What Comes Next to Restore an Area Home?
Water Removal – Homeowners are surprised to discover that the water to put out the fire can also cause damage. Quickly removing it with pumps and extractors can reduce further damage to walls, flooring, and structural framework that the fire did not touch.
Smoke and Soot Removal – Technicians use sponges, cloths, water, and cleaners to remove smoke and soot residues from the floors to the ceilings, and most personal property surfaces.
Clean and Disinfect – Technicians clean and disinfect all restorable personal and structural items affected by the fire. Technicians use cleaning agents not available to the general public with industrial-grade equipment to restore the property to its pre-fire condition.
Physical Restoration – This final step is where technicians make each home look like it did before the fire. Actions include replacing carpets, hanging new wall panels, painting, and installing new plumbing.
Call SERVPRO of Skagit County at (360) 873-8744 today to schedule a service call for your home. We are here to return your residence to its pre-fire condition as quickly as possible.
Why Do I Need Water Damage Services After A Fire In Anacortes?
8/10/2020 (Permalink)
Contact SERVPRO of Skagit County at (360) 873-8744 for expert fire damage service.
Anacortes Homes That Experience a Fire Almost Always Need Water Damage Help – SERVPRO Can Help
Anacortes was founded in 1879 by a railroad surveyor and is part of the beautiful Puget Sound. Located on the north shore of Fidalgo Island, it has a stunning view of the Salish Sea. But being surrounded by water doesn’t mean fires do not happen. They do, and they can be deadly.
Shouldn’t I be Worried About Fire Damage?
Most people do not think about dealing with water damage when a fire rages through their home. But firefighters use gallons of waters and chemical agents to put out the flames. Yes, you are left behind with intense fire damage in Anacortes, but there is also water intrusion to worry about.
Which Do You Deal with First?
Fire damage recovery is hard enough to deal with; water incursion makes the situation even worse. Before our crews can clean up fire residue, they need to deal with water problems first. Water used by firefighters can cause:
• Water collecting in wall and ceiling cavities cause structural weakness.
• Electrical risks.
• Increased risk of falls, slips, and tripping.
• Mold and mildew if the water sits for any length of time.
• Contamination from biohazards, chemicals, and toxic substances such as lead and asbestos.
SERVPRO Can Handle Both Fire and Water Damage
While removing the excess water takes precedence many times, several crews can work in different areas. It is often possible to start working on things like charred remains removal while dealing with water. You can rest assured our professional team has a plan to take care of clean up, repair, and restoration.
A fire disrupts every aspect of your life and leaves you devastated. We understand that and are here to help. We strive for minimal disruption and to provide support by dealing with your insurance directly. We do nothing without your approval.
Contact SERVPRO of Skagit County at (360) 873-8744 for expert fire damage service.
How Can I Clean My Soot Covered Hardwood Furniture After Fire Damaged My House?
7/6/2020 (Permalink)
Hardwood flooring and furniture can be restored after a fire. SERVPRO has the know-how to clean your belongings.
For Fire Damage Restoration of Affected Furniture Inside Your Mount Vernon Home Call SERVPRO
Some of the most severe problems that can occur inside your Mount Vernon house after items burn are smoke-related issues. Smoke consists of partially combusted particles that can leave behind unpleasant aromas, soils, and soot residues.
How can you tell if my hardwood furniture can be cleaned and saved?
During fire damage restoration efforts in Mount Vernon, contents like your wooden furniture items can often be refinished and cleaned. The type of finish significantly affects the cleanability of an item and which methods we use. For example, unfinished wood can be porous, so it is not wise to clean it with water-based detergents. The extent of the damage can also be a factor affecting whether an item needs replacing or not. If your furniture was close to the heat source, the surface could have blistered. The exterior also could have been scorched or permanently stained by the smoke.
If my furniture is salvageable, how do you clean off the soot residues?
- Dry Cleaning- When dealing with unfinished or unsealed wood surfaces, our SERVPRO technicians can clean your hardwood furniture with a feather duster, cloth, a cleaning sponge, or by vacuuming with a dusting tool.
- Wet Cleaning- For finished surfaces with moderate soiling, we can use a wall and all surface cleaner or a concentrated wood oil soap.
- Semi-Refinishing- Heavy smoke residues may require semi-refinishing of the surfaces of your hardwood furniture items. This method includes using a wood creme paste that is a solvent-based product. The cleaner can remove an ultra-thin top layer of the surface's finish.
- Polishing- Some surfaces may require polishing to remove staining and soots that adhere well to the surface. Before applying a furniture polish or lemon oil polish, we clean all the soot off the item that we can.
If your furniture got coated in soot residues or burnt debris, call SERVPRO of Skagit County at (360) 873-8744 24/7.
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Can My Mount Vernon Kitchen Be Restored From a Cooking Fire?
6/9/2020 (Permalink)
Fire damage can be very tricky when it comes time to restore your home back. Call the team of professional from SERVPRO in Mount Vernon.
SERVPRO Can Clean and Restore Damage Done by Kitchen Fires Using Specialized Equipment and Cleaning Agents
Kitchen fires may not do as much damage as large fires but can still leave you with a mess in your Mount Vernon kitchen. Odors can quickly spread. Residue gets left on walls, ceilings, and appliances and needs removed. Our emergency mitigation handles the fire restoration necessary in your Mount Vernon home. We leave your kitchen, “Like it never even happened.”
Do I need a professional cleaner for a cooking fire?
Cooking fires in a Mount Vernon home differ from other kinds of fires. When proteins, such as meat, catch fire, the kitchen becomes coated in a fine mist invisible to the eye. These soot particles can ruin porous surfaces and leave nasty odors. There are several steps SERVPRO accredited Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) technicians follow when dealing with fire damage like this.
- Inspect the area – this determines how far the soot and smoke have extended into the home.
- Identify residue – more than one type of residue can exist and can call for different cleaning methods.
- Identify surface types – different cleaning agents are used depending on the type of surface. Wooden cabinets are different than metal stoves or curtains.
- Remove residue – capturing and cleaning the residue. A combination of wet and dry cleaning may be required depending on how the residue has bonded with the surface.
Is Fire Loss Mitigation is Crucial?
Cleaning your walls and ceilings yourself may sound like a good idea, but using the wrong cleaning material can lead to further damage. Our IICRC technicians use the proper agents to restore surfaces and tackle other problems that can occur as well.
- Airborne particulates – air scrubbers may need to be used.
- Immersion Cleaning – cleans non-porous items with smoke or soot damage
- Neutralizing odors – includes thermal fogging, and hydroxyl generators
Fire restoration is what we do best. Contact SERVPRO of Skagit County at (360) 873-8744. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
How Can I Find and Remove Safety Hazards in my House After I Suffer from Fire Damage?
5/7/2020 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO handle all the hard work when it comes to your Mount Vernon home fire problems.
SERVPRO Can Find and Mitigate Safety Hazards After you Have a Fire in your Mount Vernon Home
Nobody ever plans on having a fire ignite inside their Mount Vernon house, but it can happen quickly. According to statistics furnished by the Insurance Information Institute, fire departments respond to fires in the U.S. every 24 seconds, with a home fire occurring every 87 seconds.
What is a hazard?
During fire damage restoration in Mount Vernon, hazards can be defined as anything that could pose a threat or cause harm to a person, your property, or the environment. Before any work on your house begins, our SERVPRO technicians inspect your property to identify any potential safety risks.
What types of hazards can exist in my home after I have a fire?
• Overhead risks, including burnt pieces of ceiling hanging down.
• Electrical shock threats from damage to wiring.
• Slip, trip, and fall hazards due to loose debris.
• Inadequate lighting.
• Occupant or bystander safety risks during work activities.
What can you do to fix the hazards?
• Elimination/Substitution: Sometimes, our SERVPRO crew can eliminate the item causing the hazard altogether or substitute it using a safer method that can perform the same task.
• Engineering: In other cases, we can design the work activity or environment to eliminate or reduce potential safety risks.
• Administrative: During certain projects, we may be able to either train the employees to complete the work at hand in a safer way or schedule the workers in a way that helps eliminate any possible threats.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): During most restoration situations, our technicians can wear PPE that will reduce health risks by creating a barrier between the worker and the hazardous environment. For example, sometimes wearing gloves and protective clothing can protect a worker from dermal exposure to cleaning solutions.
If your house in La Conner or Concrete ever happens to be one of the nearly half-million houses in the country that suffer from a structural burn every year, call SERVPRO of Skagit County at (360) 873-8744. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.
Fire Damage in a Mount Vernon Home can have a Very Unusual Cause
3/9/2020 (Permalink)
No matter when you make the call, we have technicians who can assist you.
SERVPRO Warns you to be Cautious of the Items in your Home and Their Placement
A house fire in your Mount Vernon residence can create a significant amount of stress for your family. Depending on how much of your property becomes a charred disaster, your family might need to seek temporary shelter elsewhere. Unfamiliar surroundings often add to the uncomfortable amount of stress. Because of this, SERVPRO wants to help make recovering and getting things back to normal as simple and stress-free as possible.
Following the well-known fire prevention tips might not protect your home in Mount Vernon from fire damage in some more unusual situations. Fire does not always start with a spark or a direct flame to combustible materials. Something as benign as a transparent glass figurine or vase in a sunny window to add a dash of color can concentrate the sun enough to start a burning circle in closed curtains, a sweater hanging on a chair, or the carpet. Before placing such decorative items in the window, keep in mind how much sunlight that area of your home receives, especially in the afternoon.
Other causes of house fires include batteries, either loosely stored or in devices. When the ends of batteries touch their positive and negative ends to the same piece of metal, it can produce sparks or intense heat. This can happen with 9-volt batteries very easily because both the positive and negative ends are so close to each other. Storing these very carefully can prevent a fire. Adding a piece of tape to the ends can make them safer for longer storage. Overcharging a device can cause it to overheat, as can leaving it in a sunny location. Charge devices only as long as necessary, and place them in shady locations, avoiding the sun.
The convenience of having a pull-chain light in a closet can also cause a fire. It is easy to forget these lights, and they quickly heat the area around them to intense temperatures. Storing things in cartons, papers, and other highly combustible items can become a very costly and destructive combination. Using a battery-operated light that sticks to the interior surface of the closet can help prevent fire damage.
SERVPRO of Skagit County is always near you, including Anacortes, WA, Sedro Woolley, WA, and Burlington, WA, ready to help your family recover fast after fire damage strikes. Call (360) 873-8744 for more information about how to prevent house fires, or to start the process of restoration and rebuilding.
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Professionals in Mount Vernon Give Fire Prevention Tips
8/20/2019 (Permalink)
Fire damage can wreak major havoc in your home. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.
What You Can Expect from Professional Fire Damage Remediation in Mount Vernon
Thankfully significant residential fire losses are rare. When it happened in your Mount Vernon home, it can be a life-changing event. Successful recovery from fire requires a partnership with an experienced disaster response team. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians have a solid foundation of fire mitigation and remediation theory, on the job experience, and state-of-the-art equipment that transform post-fire chaos to “Like it never even happened.”
Water Damage Resolution is Job One
Because of the quantities of water used to limit your Mount Vernon fire damage our crews need to address that first. Water can be just as destructive to structural components and contents as fire, plus it is a major safety hazard. Slip and fall accidents and electric shock risks quickly decrease as the water evacuates. We are a full-service disaster recovery company making the transition from water to fire remediation seamless.
Secure Pack-Out Procedure for Contents
Fire damage mitigation and remediation are easier to accomplish if furnishings and personal possessions are relocated to our production facility. Our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) creates a digital listing of the affected property, very helpful when corresponding with your insurance company. Specialized contents technicians evaluate the packed-out items’ conditions and recommend and implement efficient strategies to clean, dry, deodorize, and disinfect them.
Customized Soot Removal
Fire residues or soot are found not only in the immediate burn area but also in rooms and floors far away. Soot deposits on surfaces cooler than the smoke that carries it away on air currents or through HVAC systems. One fire can challenge SERVPRO technicians with several kinds of sooty deposits. Each kind needs cleaning products, tools, and methods to match its consistency.
Our IICRC-trained Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) are uniquely qualified to customize soot removal. Dry, ashy soot vacuums and dry sponges away. Thick, sticky soot needs loosening with wetting agents and surfactants, with agitation to facilitate wipe off. Protein-based soot from kitchen fires spreads widely, smells strong, and might need abrasive tools and products plus agitation for removal.
SERVPRO of Skagit County has the tools, techniques, and training needed to clean up after residential fire damage. Contact us at (360) 873-8744 immediately after the firefighters release your home so we can assess, plan, and get to work.
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Fire Damage Emergency Tips
12/4/2018 (Permalink)
After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:
- Is it safe to stay in the house?
- Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
- Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
- Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency?
Call 1-800-SERVPRO
What To Do After A Fire
- Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
- Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
- Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
- Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
- Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
- Change HVAC filter.
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
What NOT To Do After A Fire
- Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
- Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
- Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
- Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
- Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.
https://www.SERVPRO.com/fire-damage-tips
Fire Damage And Restoration
12/4/2018 (Permalink)
Fires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.
Please refer to our Fire Damage Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals
Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today 1-800-SERVPRO
Why Choose SERVPRO Franchise Professionals?
They’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately when you need help with a fire or water damage event. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.
Learn More
They’re Fire and Water Damage Specialists
They specialize in fire and water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have extensive training and equipment to get your property back to pre-fire condition.
- Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician
- Odor Control Technician
- Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
- Water Damage Restoration Technician
Learn More
They Have a Restore vs. Replace Mentality
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean and restore your property using specialized equipment and cleaning techniques. Their “restore first” mentality reduces interruption and gets you back to your life.
Learn More
The Fire Damage Restoration Process
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals know just how devastating a fire can be. Fire and water damage can leave your house unsafe and unlivable. They’re trained to clean and restore your home with as little disruption as possible. Learn more about the fire damage restoration process.
Step1: Emergency Contact
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
Step 6: Cleaning and Repair
Step 7: Restoration
https://www.SERVPRO.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration
What To Do After Smoke Damage Has Happened?
12/4/2018 (Permalink)
Fire and smoke damage can be devastating to personal property and structures. Quick action is the only way to minimize the destruction. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, IICRC, is a globally recognized organization whose mission is to establish higher industry standards. As a referral source for consumers, IICRC certified firms are more likely to provide a faster, better service than non-certified competitors.
Restoration costs increase and damages escalate when the cleaning process is extended. By hastening the hiring process and using an IICRC certified technician, owners will be rewarded by having the damage stopped so repairs can begin.
What happens only minutes after the disaster?
Immediately after a fire, soot residue settles onto the property. Discoloration of porous materials is permanent, but other surfaces may be properly cleaned to remove the discoloration. Acidic soot begins staining other surfaces if not treated quickly.
Within hours all surfaces begin to suffer from fire and smoke damage. Wooden furniture may require refinishing. Metal begins to rust, pit and corrode. Painted walls begin to yellow. Clothing can become permanently stained. And finally, flooring may require refinishing or replacement.
If left untreated, within weeks the restoration process will take longer and cost more. Prolonged soot exposure permanently harms all surfaces and embeds in fibers. Replacement of property may be the best option at this point. The structure may continue deteriorating if not properly restored.
IICRC suggests the following steps after the incident:
- Remember safety comes first. Do not enter the property without proper work gloves and appropriate respiratory protection. Exposure to soot residue causes respiratory distress and other medical emergencies.
- Bring along a few box fans. Upon entering the property open the windows and place the box fans in the windows to force out the contaminated air and dust. Proper ventilation helps to prevent further smoke damage and reduces potential injury to people.
- Remove loose smoke contamination with a professional dry cleaning soot sponge.
- Clean every surface with soap and water. Begin at the top and work down to the floor. Be sure to get inside cabinets and cupboards.
- Using a high efficiency vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filter, vacuum upholstery and carpet. A good filtration system on a high efficiency vacuum prevents the soot from being blown back into the cleaned space. Clean or change the filter regularly.
- Launder bedding, clothes, curtains, and other washable materials. An alkaline cleaner neutralizes the acid found in the soot. Fine materials should be professionally dry-cleaned by a dry-cleaner who is experienced in smoke damaged articles.
- Clean the exterior walls and eaves using a water hose attached to the proper cleaner. Agitate and loosen stuck-on soot. The smoke damage to the outside of the property will continue until the soot is removed.
Though heavy residues require the assistance of professional restoration technicians, a certified technician may be contacted for any amount of smoke damage. Improper processes can further harm the property or belongings.
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