Springtime is Cleaning Time

4/1/2024 (Permalink)

Avoid fire hazards when you spring clean this season.

Now is the time that many of us embark on the annual tradition of spring cleaning. While clearing out clutter and tidying up our homes can bring a sense of renewal, it's essential to be mindful of potential fire hazards that may arise during this process.

Here are some tips to ensure your spring cleaning efforts don't inadvertently lead to a fire:

1. Inspect Electrical Outlets and Cords: Take the time to inspect all electrical outlets, cords, and appliances for signs of wear or damage. Frayed cords or overloaded outlets can increase the risk of electrical fires. Replace any damaged cords or outlets immediately, and avoid overloading circuits.

2. Clean Dryer Vents: Lint buildup in dryer vents is a common fire hazard. During your spring cleaning routine, don't forget to clean out the lint trap in your dryer and inspect the vent for any blockages. Regularly cleaning your dryer vents can prevent lint buildup and reduce the risk of a fire.

3. Dispose of Hazardous Materials Properly: When decluttering your home, be cautious when disposing of potentially hazardous materials such as old batteries, cleaning chemicals, or paint cans. Improper disposal of these items can lead to chemical reactions or combustion. Follow local guidelines for disposing of hazardous waste safely.

4. Check Smoke Detectors: Ensure that smoke detectors are installed on every level of your home and test them regularly to make sure they are functioning correctly. Replace batteries as needed, and consider upgrading to interconnected smoke detectors for added safety.

5. Store Flammable Materials Safely: When organizing storage areas, be mindful of how flammable materials are stored. Keep items such as gasoline, propane, and cleaning solvents in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources and flames.

6. Have a Fire Escape Plan: Finally, make sure your family has a fire escape plan in place and that everyone knows what to do in case of a fire. Practice fire drills regularly to ensure everyone can evacuate safely.

By incorporating these safety tips into your spring cleaning routine, you can reduce the risk of fire hazards in your home and enjoy a safer, cleaner living environment. 

If you're ever affected by fire in your home or place of business - SERVPRO of Richardson is here to help. We have experts who can restore or remove damaged items - call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 972-808-6006.

Keeping the Kitchen Fire Free

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires are the leading cause of residential damage. Practice safety when cooking with your oven and microwave.

According to the US Fire Administration, kitchen incidents caused most residential fires in 2019. We can’t stress enough how important it is that you practice fire safety in the kitchen — especially when it comes to your stovetop and microwave.

Unfortunately, we have seen it many times before; a fire started because someone became careless in the kitchen. In the end, they needed our SERVPRO of Richardson's help to make their kitchens look brand new again. The best way to avoid this is to prevent kitchen fires. Below are some helpful tips for keeping your kitchen fire free. 

Stovetop Fire Safety Tips

Always Be Attentive

The most important thing you should do when handling your stovetop is to make sure you never step away from it when it’s in use. Walking away from a pot or pan while it's cooking increases fire risk.

Always stay in the kitchen whenever you’re cooking and always be attentive.

Be Careful with Cooking Oils

When you’re cooking your next meal with oil, make sure the temperature isn’t too high so the oil doesn’t spatter everywhere. And if you require high temperatures to cook your food, use high smoke point oils (e.g. grapeseed oil).

Microwave Fire Safety Tips

Don’t Cook Items for Too Long

One common mistake a lot of people make is cooking their food in the microwave for too long. When you microwave food items for extended periods of time, the overcooked foods can quickly become a fire hazard.

When microwaving, always read the instructions on the packaged foods you plan on heating up. If you’re microwaving other food items that don’t have instructions, look online for recommended cook times.

No Metals!

Make sure there are no metals whatsoever in your microwave before you cook food. Microwaving metals can cause them to burst and can severely injure people nearby.

Sometimes, people forget that they accidentally left their fork or spoon in the bowl before cooking. So, make sure your plate or bowl is free of metals before being placed in the microwave.

What if a Fire Started?

If a fire has started, try to extinguish it with a fire extinguisher. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher or the fire has gone out of control, quickly exit the premises along with other occupants and call for firefighters. 

Once the fire is out, call for Richardson fire damage restoration services as soon as possible.

Let SERVPRO Help with the Aftermath

After the fire is out, look no further than SERVPRO Richardson for our fire damage restoration services.

For any inquiries, you can call us at (972) 690-1414 or visit our contact page.

Commercial Fire Hazards

3/15/2023 (Permalink)

Many things can cause commercial fires. Know the risks and who to call.

This article outlines the safety precautions you must take to ensure a safe working environment at your Richardson office. Below are the 5 most common risks to be aware of.

1. Cooking Equipment

The combination of high temperatures, oils and grease, and possible open flames make cooking equipment the most common cause of business fires in the US. For example, figures show that 61 percent of fires in restaurants are caused by cooking equipment. In healthcare facilities, fires cause over $50 billion in property damage a year.

2. Heating Equipment

From November through to March, most Richardson businesses need some form of heating. Without proper maintenance, boilers, furnaces, and radiators could overheat and cause a fire. Unfortunately, 14 percent of fires caused by heating equipment are in industrial or manufacturing properties, with 11 percent being in office properties.

3. Electrical Equipment

Office properties experience the most fires caused by electrical and lighting equipment. If your commercial space is older, then so are your circuits and wiring. These along with faulty fuses, imbalanced electrical loads could start a fire. 

4. Smoking Materials

Despite bans on smoking indoors, this is still one of the most common causes of fires in the workplace. Cigars and cigarettes that are not put out properly can light other materials nearby. Again, offices experience more fires caused by smoking materials than any other business property type.

5. Intentional Fires

There is little a business owner can do about intentional fires such as arson, one of the top five fire hazards for businesses. Office properties, healthcare facilities, and restaurants make up 20 percent of intentional fires. But this still isn’t close to the 36 percent of intentional fires set in educational facilities.

Be sure to have your fire equipment regularly checked and keep compliant with Dallas safety codes.

If your commercial property in Richardson has been damaged in a fire, SERVPRO's Fire Damage Restoration Services can restore your property so that it seems as though it never happened. Call us at (972) 690-1414 24/7. 

Restore Damaged Textiles After a Fire

2/12/2023 (Permalink)

Don’t hesitate to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Richardson today. We’re open 24/7 and offer free quotes for all your damage restoration needs. 

Your property, like any other, is valued by not only its structure and foundation but also by the items inside. Textiles in your home or business are designed to beautify your interiors - and it can be heartbreaking to see them damaged from soot, smoke and debris.  SERVPRO of Richardson has the training and expertise to help clean and save fire damaged items. These include many kinds of textiles - including curtains, bed linens, clothing and furniture.

Call SERVPRO of Richardson for Textile Restoration

After the fire is out, you’re going to need help with restoring your textiles. So, don’t hesitate to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Richardson. We’re open 24/7 and offer free quotes for all your damage restoration needs.  

Restoration is our number one priority and if it can be cleaned - we will clean it. We have the equipment and solvents to remove soot and smoke damage from many different textiles. In the event it is not salvageable, we can assist with insurance claims as well. We've got the experience and compassion needed to help our Richardson neighbors deal with the aftermath of fire damage - call us anytime.

How to Remove Smoke from Outdoor Bricks?

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

After a major house fire, it’s vital to call in professionals who have the necessary equipment and experience in fire damage restoration.

Getting rid of soot and smoke are some of the toughest stains and odors to tackle after a house fire. Having a fire in your home is stressful. However, after the dust has settled and your home was almost destroyed, you notice something – the rancid smell of smoke is everywhere. Even though the fire has been extinguished, the stench of smoke persists.

Of course, the need to remove smoke from outdoor bricks doesn’t have to be due to a catastrophic house fire. Maybe your outdoor grill went wild, or burning garden debris got out of control and blackened a brick wall. Regardless of the reason, removing smoke damage from blackened bricks is necessary to restore your property’s aesthetics. 

4 Ways to Remove Smoke Damage from Bricks

Several steps are necessary to clean the effects of smoke on bricks. You can often clean damaged brickwork on the ground floor if the fire was relatively small. However, for large jobs and cleaning bricks above head height, it’s best to call in professionals who specialize in Richardson fire damage restoration. 

Before tackling any cleaning job that involves soot removal and chemicals, it’s crucial to wear protective gear. Use a respirator, protective rubber gloves, goggles, and clothing to cover your skin. It’s also a good idea to cover any garden furniture and other surfaces from soot contamination.

Here are some handy tips on removing smoke stains and soot damage from outdoor bricks. 

1. Loosen the soot 

First, remove as much black soot as possible from the outdoor brick surface with a stiff brush or vacuum cleaner. Soot tends to smudge easily and cling to brickwork, especially because bricks have a rough, slightly porous surface.

2. Use a chemical cleaning sponge to clean brick

The second step is to remove more of the soot residue before using liquid solutions. A dry chemical sponge is ideal for getting rid of nasty black stains on bricks. For best results, always use a wiping motion with the dry cleaning sponge rather than a scrubbing motion to avoid pushing soot deeper into the bricks.

3. Use a soap solution to clean smoke damage

After removing as much smoke residue as possible, you should use a degreasing agent or dish detergent solution. Many hardware stores have special degreasing chemicals for tough fire restoration jobs. These cleaning solutions will also remove the unpleasant smoke odors from bricks.  

Always remember to rinse cleaning cloths regularly to prevent smearing sooty residue further. It’s also advisable to avoid harsh chemicals as they could damage brick facades. 

4. Rinse brickwork to remove smoke damage

The last step in removing smoke exterior wall brickwork is to rinse the cleaned bricks. You can use clothes and clean water to do this. However, a power washer is easier to rinse the last residues of smoke from brickwork.

After a major house fire, it’s vital to call in professionals who have the necessary equipment and experience in fire damage restoration. Call SERVPRO of Richardson at (972) 690-1414 to find out how we can help restore the exterior of your property to its former glory.

How to Sell a House After Fire Damage

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Even if the fire causes minor cosmetic damages, it may still deter your efforts when it comes to selling the house.

House fires can be a traumatic experience for homeowners, especially those planning to put the property on the market. The National Fire Protection Association reports 350,000 - 400,000 house fires annually, resulting in approximately 8 billion dollars in damages in the United States.

Fire-ravaged homes are no longer fit for accommodation. So, you can't move in, and the chances are that no one's willing to buy the property in a fire-damaged condition. But there are ways around this dilemma. 

Here are our top tips for how to sell a house after fire damage. 

Selling Fire-Damaged home: Reliable Approaches

Even if the fire causes minor cosmetic damages, it may still deter your efforts when it comes to selling the house.

If you want to make a quick sale, or if the time and cost of fixing the fire damage surpass your budget, it's good to sell as-is and not make any attempt to repair the damage — with one caveat. 

If you choose this route, the offers may be lower, contingent on the extent of the destruction caused. 

So why not get the home fixed first? This way, you can be sure to sell the property for top dollar. A home in good condition is desirable to a much larger pool of buyers. 

Take these steps to sell a fire-damaged property quickly.  

Connect with an experienced realtor

Based on the severity of the fire damage, an experienced realtor can alleviate a lot of your stress. They can help you with many aspects of marketing your fire-damaged property to the right pool of motivated buyers. 

Moreover, a realtor will manage the negotiations. It is vital to have backup reinforcements, especially for sellers who feel they’re unable to negotiate effectively compared to experienced home buyers.

Sell to cash buyers

Usually, all cash buyers visit the property and make an offer soon after viewing. Depending on how hot your local real estate market is, they may not even view the property at all. That way, you can close the deal in a few weeks and the fire damage won’t be as much of an issue preventing you from getting to the closing table. 

Ready to Sell Your Fire Damaged House The EASY Way?

The bottom line is that selling a property after fire damage can be troublesome and demand adequate effort and time. But it’s still possible to sell a fire-damaged home with the right steps and professionals at your side. 

If you’re trying to sell your home quickly after a fire, we can help. 

At SERVPRO of Richardson, we aim to help you restore your home or business property to its pre-fire condition. As a leading Richardson Fire Damage Restoration, our professionals have the experience, knowledge, and tools to clean up smoke and fire damage.

Give us a call at (972) 690-1414 to explore your options, and let us help you sell your fire-damaged house as fast as possible and for top dollar. 

Can a Dirty Oven Cause a Fire?

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Oven fires caused by a dirty appliance can cause serious harm to your property.

A buildup of grime, grease, and food bits can cause an oven to catch fire. However, even if your oven cavity never gets so dirty that it catches fire, cooking in a greasy oven affects food flavor, causes bad smells, and uses more energy. And even though most oven fires are relatively small, you may have to call in professionals to deal with fire damage restoration. 

Oven fires caused by a dirty appliance can cause serious harm to your property. 

According to statistics, 24 percent of kitchen appliance fires involve ovens or ranges. However, the figure could be significantly higher because many households don’t need to call the fire department for an oven fire. The average oven fire causes $2,300 in property damage. 

SERVPRO has expertise in fire damage restoration. Unfortunately, house fires in the kitchen are a common reason Richardson residents use our services. However, most kitchen appliances and range fires are preventable. 

In this article, you will find helpful tips on preventing an oven or range from catching fire.

Why Dirty Ovens Cause Fires

Over time, food scraps and grease stick to the inside of an oven. As a result, a buildup of food residue and fat will start to burn when continuously cooking in a filthy oven. If grease or oil gets too hot, it can ignite and burn. Although the fire may be contained, it can cause severe damage.

Other Dangers of a Dirty Oven

Here are some compelling reasons to avoid cooking food in a dirty oven. 

1. Poor Flavor

Cooking food in a greasy oven creates excess smoke and fumes that can make the food taste bad. 

2. Bad Smells

The unpleasant plume of smoke when you open the oven door will permeate your house. This can result in drapes or soft upholstery and furnishings smelling bad. 

3. Ovens are Less Efficient

Another issue when cooking with a dirty oven is that it takes more energy to heat. In addition, the cooking time takes longer, which further increases utility bills.

How to Prevent an Oven From Catching Fire

Regular oven cleaning with baking soda and hot soapy water is the best way to prevent an oven from catching fire. Depending on how much you use it, you should clean a range at least every three months. However, you may need to clean it more often, depending on its use. 

Even with a self-cleaning oven, you will need to regularly clean the grates and burners to prevent lots of smoke when cooking or roasting food. 

What To Do if a Dirty Oven Catches Fire

If your oven catches fire, here are some handy tips:

• Keep the door closed and switch the oven off.
• If the oven fire spreads or doesn’t go out, call 911 immediately.
• If the oven fire goes out, wait until the oven cools, then carefully remove the hot pan
• Get a professional technician to check the cooking appliance for any safety issues.

If an oven fire has damaged your home, contact SERVPRO of Richardson at (972) 690-1414 to inquire about our Richardson Fire Damage Restoration services. Our team of experts will return your home to its original condition.

How to Avoid Holiday Decoration Fire: 4 Top Safety Tips

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire has devastated your home during the holidays, call the professionals at SERVPRO right away.

In 2019, 16.6 thousand fire-related injuries were reported. Compared to the previous year’s statistics, that margin had decreased significantly. Still, fires are no joke and you always want to ensure members of your household are kept safe at all times. 

When it comes to holidays, especially, you have to be very mindful of what goes on in your home. The cheerful decorations on your walls or on the tree can cause a devastating fire. 

In the aftermath of a fire, SERVPRO will always be there to help. You can count on us for our high-end, 24/7 Richardson fire damage restoration services. 

But when you want to protect your family, get familiar with the below tips so you can stay safe during the holidays.

Unplug Your Electronics

The beauty of electronic holiday decorations is that they can light up and bring joy to your home. But on the flip side of that coin, however, electronic decorations can also bring potential dangers.

You should always unplug your decorations before you go to sleep. You should especially unplug decorations on your Christmas tree since leaving them on can cause them to overheat and set your tree ablaze.

Store Lighters and Matches Properly

During the holiday season, people will usually buy themed candles to add to the festive mood. When you light your candles for parties or holiday leisure activities, be mindful of where you are storing your matches and lighters.

Young children are often tempted to play with fire and will find any reason to light a match just because they find it entertaining. With a lit match in a child’s hand, a catastrophe will almost surely happen to which you will need Richardson fire damage restoration services.

Cook Carefully

Roasting that holiday ham or turkey is always a delight. But you need to be careful. It’s very easy for someone to put food in the oven and forget about it. Even when you have a timer on, whoever is preparing the holiday feast must always check up on their food items once in a while.

You should also check up on food items that aren’t in the oven as well. Stovetops can cause fires due to oil splattering out of pans or because of closely placed flammables, like oven mitts. 

Use Fireworks Appropriately

Fireworks are common around New Year’s Eve. Just make sure that you use fireworks appropriately if you’re setting them off. Fireworks can cause fires if not used responsibly.

When handling your fireworks, don’t let young children light them. Light them one at a time and ensure they go off at a safe distance away from grass, wood, and other flammables.

When The Fire is Out, Call SERVPRO Right Away

If a fire has devastated your home during the holidays, call the professionals at SERVPRO right away. We offer 24/7 emergency services and will immediately get to work with our Richardson fire damage restoration services.

Call us at (972) 690-1414 or visit our contact page.

Creating a Fire Escape Plan for Your North Dallas Home or Business

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in your home can be terrifying. But familiarity with your fire escape plan can help everyone in a home or business remain calm and save lives.

As careful as we are in our homes and businesses, fires will still happen. Worryingly, there are several causes of fires that are beyond our control.  In 2021, wildfires burned across 20,478 acres of land in Texas. 

Official government figures show that there are 5.5 deaths and 22.3 injuries for every 1,000 residential fires in Texas. Additionally, after the fire is put out, the problems don’t end for the house or business owner. There’s tremendous work involved to repair fire damage to a property and sort out insurance claims.

Whether electrical, chemical, accidental, or wild, creating a fire escape plan for your North Dallas home or business is crucial.

7 Steps to Creating a Fire Escape Plan for Your North Dallas Home or Business

Let’s look at seven essential elements of a fire escape plan if you live or work in North Dallas.

1. Consider who the plan is for

A fire escape plan must include children, the elderly, and people with special needs or disabilities. Children don’t always hear a fire alarm if they are asleep. But when they are awake, they may panic. People with special needs may also be terrified at the sound of an alarm or may need physical assistance leaving a building. Therefore, your plan must include a designated person to help those in need. Share the plan with everyone involved.

2. Find your exits

Each room should have a minimum of two exits. These can be windows or doors. As you walk through the rooms of your home or office, check for two exits and ensure they’re easily accessible.

3. Create a fire escape map

You can create maps of exit points using a copy of the blueprints or plans. The fire escape plan should be displayed throughout the building. If your home or business has children, you can get the children to draw their own map.

4. Have the correct number of fire or smoke alarms

The National Fire Protection Association recommends a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside every bedroom, and on every level of the home. For business locations, check the legal number of alarms you need per square foot. To ensure safety, regularly check that fire and smoke alarms are working.

5. Is your home or business address visible?

Emergency responders need to be able to find your address as quickly as possible. So make sure your building number is clearly visible from the street. It’s also a good idea to write down precisely what you will say to the emergency services to explain your location.

6. Have a regular fire drill

Businesses should practice the fire escape plan annually. With children, it is recommended to practice every three months. Practicing how to act during a fire helps to ensure that people remain calm but act immediately. In addition, everybody should know the assembly point outside the building.

7. Always have a backup plan

A backup plan is vital in case you can’t escape from your home or business premises. All doors between you and the fire must be closed, place towels under the door, and head to an exterior window.

A fire in your home can be terrifying. But familiarity with your fire escape plan can help everyone in a home or business remain calm and save lives.

If your home or commercial property has been damaged in a fire, SERVPRO Richardson is here to help. Contact us anytime, day or night, at (972) 690-1414 for a free estimate on our Fire Damage Restoration Services. 

Top 6 Common Causes of North Dallas House Fires and How to Prevent Them

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

House fires can be terrifying ordeals. Fortunately, preventing the most common causes of house fires isn’t difficult.

According to the NFPA, a death occurs from a house fire every three hours in the US. Fortunately, some of the most common causes of house fires in North Dallas are preventable. We’ll cover the most common house fire causes and ways to prevent them below.

If your home or commercial building has suffered fire and smoke damage, we can help. Contact SERVPRO of Richardson 24/7 at (972) 690-1414 for a free estimate. 

Cooking is the #1 Cause of House Fires 

Cooking-related fiascos are the most common cause of house fires and injuries in the US. Usually, open flames from a stove or oven are the culprit, setting fire to clothing or objects nearby. Fortunately, these fires are easily preventable. 

Be sure to keep flammable materials away from the stove and oven. Also, be mindful of loose clothing when cooking on an open fire. Don’t leave the kitchen unattended when cooking on the stove. Keep pot and pan handles turned inward or toward a wall to prevent them from being knocked over. 

Grease and fire don’t mix. So do not put water on an inflamed pot. Instead, use a fire extinguisher and always keep it handy in the kitchen. 

#2 Cause of House Fires in Dallas: Smoking

Smoke outside and fully extinguish smoking devices. Use an ashtray that’s too heavy to tip. Smoking-related fires are the leading cause of fire-related deaths. 

#3 House Fires Cause: Candles 

Children and pets can knock over burning candles. Candles left burning unattended can also catch drapery on fire. Never leave a candle burning unattended and keep them out of reach of pets and children.

#4 House Fires Culprit: Wiring Issues

Bad, old wiring and overloaded wires can quickly lead to fires. Have a certified electrician inspect your home for wiring issues to prevent this common cause of household fires in North Dallas. 

#5 Common cause of house fires: Heating appliances

Space heaters and fireplaces are significant sources of house fires. Keep flammable materials several feet away from these items. Fully extinguish a fireplace and make sure logs are cool before closing it. Also, only burn seasoned wood in an interior fireplace. Finally, never leave a space heater running unattended. 

#6 Most common cause of house fires: Christmas trees

Unfortunately, the joyful holiday season can turn tragic thanks to faulty Christmas tree lighting. Live trees are very dry toward the end of the season. Hot lights or even tiny sparks from a malfunctioning light fixture can lead to a tree engulfed in flames within mere minutes. 

Be sure to plug tree lights into an outlet that is not overloaded, and do not leave the lights on for too long. Always turn out the lights when leaving home.  

Causes of House Fires in Dallas: The Bottom Line

House fires can be terrifying ordeals and lead to thousands of dollars in damage and the loss of loved ones and pets. Fortunately, preventing the most common causes of house fires isn’t difficult. Never leave flames and holiday lighting unattended and keep flammable materials away from open flames. 

If your home has been damaged in a fire, we’re here for you. Contact us online. Or call us at (972) 690-1414 any time, day or night, for a free estimate on our Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Services. 

How to Create a Fire Escape Plan

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

A fire escape plan is an important protocol that you should discuss with all members of your household.

Richardson Fire Department responded to 6,104 fires in 2020. Though fires don’t happen every day they do come on suddenly and without warning. Smoke is an immediate and grave threat to anyone in the home or building. If you don’t already have an escape plan for your family, take the time this week to put one together. We’ll guide you through what a fire escape plan involves.

Plan It Out and Write It Down

You need a written plan so that you can communicate protocol with members of your household. Instructions should include:

• Where the best exits are.
• How to avoid smoke inhalation.
• Feeling the doors for heat before opening the door.
• Who is responsible for small children and disabled adults (it’s a good idea to delegate this to someone who has a bedroom close to those who need help.)
• What to do about pets.
• Warnings to all that they should not re-enter the burning structure.
• Where the meeting place is (should be a place outside the structure that is not too close such as across the street).

Inspection

There are several things you should check for ahead of time.

• Smoke detectors: Do they work? Test the alarm twice a year and replace as needed. Some use daylight savings time changes as a reminder to put fresh batteries in smoke alarms.
• Doors and windows: Make sure each exit opens easily. You don’t want to run into a jam when you are trying to get out. Remove locks from children’s doors so adults will not be locked out when there is a fire emergency.
• House number visibility: Can it easily be found by first responders?
• Important documents: You will not have time to gather all of your passports, social security cards, birth certificates, and precious family photos. Lock them up in a fireproof box.

Do Drills

Acting it out may seem silly at first, but it helps people remember the steps. Plan to do this rehearsal with your group at least twice per year.

Familiarize your group with the sound of the fire alarm. If you have a carbon monoxide alarm as well, help everyone understand the difference between alerts. 

Plan for accommodations for members with special needs such as a deaf person. Small children may not wake to alarms, and it’s been noted that they are more likely to wake to the sound of a familiar voice. Have someone designated to locate and lead small children out of the house.

Have everyone practice opening and exiting each door and window you’ve outlined in your plan. Remind them to feel doors for heat before they open them, and go over best practices to avoid smoke inhalation (example: get down low and crawl out of the home).

The final drill involves everyone meeting at the rendezvous point. This should be easy for you all to locate in the dark, but not too close to the home. Across the street may be best. Once everyone is at the right spot, remind them to never re-enter the house. Belongings can be replaced, lives cannot.

Call SERVPRO After a Fire

Once everyone is safe and you’ve called your insurance company, you will need a professional North Dallas fire damage restoration company to help you recover. Keep our number handy: (972) 690-1414. We’re faster to any size disaster.

Fire Damage Restoration Services in North Dallas

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Richardson for thorough and efficient fire damage restoration services in the North Dallas area.

Professional Fire Damage Restoration Service in Richardson, TX

So much we take for granted perishes in mere minutes during a structure fire. Those who experience fire damage are faced with the difficulty of having to accept that some things are gone for good. 

Adapting to these circumstances is the only way forward, and with the right Richardson fire damage restoration service at your side, you have all the help you need to recover and move on with life.

SERVPRO of Richardson has been helping North Dallas property owners recover from devastating fires for decades. We understand that the aftermath of a fire is a difficult time for you. We understand that you just want to get back to life as usual.

Our Richardson fire damage restoration team is faster to any size disaster, and we have mastered efficiency. Working with your insurance company, we work hard to minimize the time it takes to complete the recovery.

We understand that choosing a fire damage restoration service is a huge decision. We’re here to take your call 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Call us at (972) 690-1414 with any questions you have about fire damage recovery or for free pricing information.

SERVPRO Fire Damage Restoration Process

When placing your property in the hands of Richardson fire damage restoration services, you’d naturally want to know what to expect. We aim to keep our customers in the loop about the entire process. We assign you a single point of contact who provides you with updates and answers any questions you have about the fire remediation process.

In the following sections, we’ll outline the fire and smoke damage restoration process so you’ll know what to expect.

Phase 1: Fire Damage Inspection and Assessment

With Richardson fire damage restoration, where do you start? Before we do any damage repairs, we do a complete assessment of fire and smoke damage so everything is taken into account. 

Because secondary damage is so common, we go beyond the obvious signs of fire damage to examine the spaces surrounding the affected area. Fire restoration means bringing the property back to preloss condition, so we are meticulous about locating all the damage.

Phase 2: Board-Up and Roof-Tarp

While our fire damage recovery teams are eager to get started on the work right away, oftentimes we must wait. For example, the insurance needs time to authorize the repairs. In the meantime, we board up and tarp the areas that are vulnerable to additional damage.

Fire destruction takes down walls, obliterates windows, and eats away at the roof. This leaves your property vulnerable to vandalism, theft, and water damage from the elements. Fire damage restoration companies put temporary protection in place until we can address these areas.

Insurance companies will want to know if measures were taken to prevent more damage to the property. Board up and tarping is a proactive way to keep the natural and criminal elements from getting inside.

Phase 3: Water and Smoke Removal

Smoke is a given with fire damage, but why would there be water damage too? Water is the usual weapon to snuff out the flames. Gallons of water from interior sprinkler systems or fire department hoses used to put out the fire creates water damage.

Water damage remediation is a high priority. We use extractors, dehumidifiers, and air circulation to remove all water and moisture from the affected area. Water damage easily turns into toxic mold colonization, so we keep at it until all moisture is eliminated.

Next, we remove all traces of fire damage to all interior surfaces by employing special equipment, advanced techniques, and industrial-strength cleaners. Soot and smoke odors will be eradicated during this phase.

Phase 4: Fire Damage Restoration

With Richardson fire damage restoration, SERVPRO’s priority is to recover property rather than replace it. All the personal and miscellaneous contents of your property will be cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized. 

For contaminated soft goods like clothing, stuffed animals, and heirloom quilts, we have the Esporta Wash System. This state of the art industrial laundry machine restores your items to food-grade cleanliness.

As hard as we try, not everything can be recovered. When necessary, we replace the carpet, drywall, wooden construction, match the original trim and paint. Our goal is to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Fire Damage Restoration in North Dallas?

Generally speaking, your property insurance should cover fire damage. This may include funds for living elsewhere while the restoration is underway. Save all your receipts for expenses related to the evacuation hotel stays, clothing purchases, etc.

For many property owners, it’s been years since you initiated a policy. You may not remember what coverage you signed up for. It’s a good idea to reach out to your insurance agent and go over your coverage. You may find that you need additional coverage or that the deductible is higher than you remember. This is your chance to make adjustments where needed or seek an insurance carrier that offers better benefits. 

SERVPRO is a pro at working with insurance companies. We work on your behalf so that the process is more efficient. We are also a preferred restoration company among the major insurance providers.

Other Restoration Services We Provide in Richardson, TX

SERVPRO is a full-service industrial cleanup and restoration company. This means our teams can address all kinds of property damage at the same time. You hire just one company to do the restoration and clean up work rather than have several overlapping. This makes the process more efficient, cost-effective, and convenient.

Dallas area residents have seen their fair share of severe weather. Imagine a property battered by an electrical storm. The house endures wind damage, a bolt of lightning causes a fire, and a fallen tree allows water to enter via roof damage. Working with your insurance company, SERVPRO of Richardson is equipped to manage the recovery for all damage.

When you hire a comprehensive restoration service, you won’t have to juggle several different services at once. Since we’re so experienced in working with insurance companies, we work with them directly on your behalf. You’ll have only one phone call to make during this process - to a single SERVPRO point of contact.

SERVPRO is the master of efficient Richardson fire damage restoration and cleanup. We’re here to take your call 24/7 any day of the year. Call us any time at (972) 690-1414 for emergency contact.

Dealing With A Small Kitchen Fire - What You Need to Know

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO in Richardson after a kitchen fire for professional fire damage restoration.

The leading origin of house fire damage is from kitchen mishaps. When you see a kitchen fire start, the fight or flight response is immediate. What actions you take in those precious seconds will determine how much damage occurs.

Putting out a kitchen fire doesn’t take a superhero, but it does take preparedness. SERVPRO of Richardson is prepared to come to the rescue of property owners who are recovering from a house fire, but it’s best when we can stop a fire before it spreads.

Since a kitchen fire is where house fires are more likely to get started, this guide helps you to be prepared and know how to put out an oven fire or stovetop fire.

How to Put Out a Small Kitchen Fire in Your Home

The consequences of a small kitchen fire range from ruining your favorite pan to destroying the whole kitchen. Being well-versed in the right solutions as well as using your best judgment is your best defense.

However, it’s important to remember that a kitchen fire is most manageable when it’s still small, and we have a better shot at putting out a fire in the kitchen when we catch it immediately. We do this by not leaving cooking unattended.

Knowing how to put out a kitchen fire means understanding that not all are alike. We’ll go over each scenario so you’ll know how to respond appropriately.

Microwave or Oven Fire

You’ve made popcorn a thousand times, but this time you pushed the wrong button or added an extra digit to the cooking time. Accidentally cooking something to the point where it burns is the usual cause of microwave fire.

Oven fires can also be started when the baking is well overdone, or if flammable material drips down to the heating element. Oven fires can also happen when an oven gets to be too dirty from food particle buildup.

You may have a reflex to open the oven door, but do not open the door. Instead, how to put out an oven fire is to allow it to suffocate. Leaving the door closed, you’ll turn off the oven or microwave oven to stop the cooking (unplug when possible).

Eventually, the flames will consume all of the oxygen, and oxygen is what the fire needs to sustain itself. The flames should eventually snuff out, but if they persist, call the fire department.

Fire on a Stove

A stray uncooked noodle rolls underneath the burner. If it gets too close to the gas flame or the electric coils, it will catch on fire. Stove fires happen when oils or bits of food make contact with the heating element. 

As you would with an oven fire, it’s best to put out a stovetop fire with something that can cover the flames and deprive it of oxygen. A large or pan lid would be best for this. Cover the flames and let them die off.

Salt and baking soda are also effective with putting out stove fires. Douse the flames with either of these items (but not flour as it may make it worse).

The big lid approach is a lot less messy than pouring out salt or baking soda. Next, we’ll explain why we avoid using water to put out a kitchen fire.

Grease Fires

Fats are a part of the American diet, so when we prepare foods we may have grease from animal fat or use oils for cooking. Say you wanted to try adding olive oil to the water when boiling pasta. If the water starts to boil over, the oil mixed with it makes contact with the burner and a fire starts. The same thing could also happen with oil spills or grease splatters from a pan. Grease fires are more precarious to put out compared to other kinds of fire.

• Don’t use water to put out grease fires. Water won’t put out the fire, it will just divert the grease and thus spread the fire. 
• For a small fire, use the big lid trick as mentioned earlier. Turn off the burner and cover the burning pan or the burner itself with the lid tightly so it’s deprived of oxygen.
• Pour baking soda or salt on the flames until it’s snuffed out (again, do not use flour).
• Use a water-soaked towel to smother the flames. This is different from pouring water on the flame.
• Use a fire extinguisher, pointing it at the base of the flames.

General Safety Tips For Dealing With a Small Kitchen Fire

Kitchen fires can happen unexpectedly. Below are some steps you can take to be proactive and prepared for a kitchen fire.

• Have smoke detectors installed in key areas around the kitchen.
• Have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and ready for use. Don’t discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire. This might move burning grease around the kitchen and cause the fire to spread.
• Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles. Immediately clean up oil spills and grease spatters. Keep cloth materials and cardboard packaging away from the cooktop.
• To avoid fires from boiling over or grease splatters, make sure your pot or pan is the right size for what you are cooking.
• Try to keep pets and children at least three feet from cooking and baking stations. Keep pot handles turned inward so they won’t be accidentally bumped or grabbed by tiny hands.
• Don’t wear loose clothing while cooking because dangling sleeves can catch on fire when near the stove.
• Stay in the kitchen while cooking. Never leave a stovetop or oven unattended when in use.
• Keep a potholder, oven mitt, and lid nearby. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, turn off the burner, put on an oven mitt, and slide the lid over the pan to smother the fire.
• As mentioned earlier, never pour water on a grease fire
• If a fire starts in the microwave, unplug it and do not open the door.

If you are unable to get the fire under control, it’s good to have backup on the way. Call 911, or better yet, have someone else call as you keep the situation under control. Have an escape plan for everyone in the household should you need to evacuate.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher for Small Kitchen Fire

Fire extinguishers are a convenient way to stop a kitchen fire from spreading. You can purchase one from your local hardware store.

When it’s time to use the fire extinguisher:

1. Pull the pin to break the tamper seal.
2. Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames.
3. Avoid touching the plastic discharge on a CO2 extinguisher as it gets extremely cold and could injure your skin.
4. Squeeze the handle to release the fire extinguishing content.
5. Oscillate from side to side at the base of the fire until it’s entirely put out. Once it’s extinguished, watch to see if the flame comes back. If the fire starts up again, repeat the process.

Once the fire extinguisher has been used, it will need to be recharged before it can be used again. A recharge can be done by a professional fire extinguisher servicing company.

Reach Out to SERVPRO Richardson for Fire Damage Restoration

Remember, kitchen fires are a common cause of what leads to a house fire. Some basic kitchen safety measures go a long way toward preventing disaster.

SERVPRO of Richardson sincerely hopes that you can minimize the damage of a kitchen fire or prevent them altogether. But sometimes despite our best efforts, things can and will go wrong.

Our fire damage restoration team is prepared to help property owners in Richardson, Texas recover from kitchen fires from a burnt exhaust vent to those with extensive damage. Call us anytime 24/7 for immediate response to your kitchen fire problem, (but remember to dial 911 first to get the fire under control).

What to Know When Buying a Home with Fire Damage in Richardson

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

If you're buying a house with fire damage, trust the fire damage restoration experts at SERVPRO to help you get the property back to normal.

When buying a home with fire damage, it’s important to be cautious and ensure that the property is safe. Buying a fire-damaged house in Richardson requires an inspection from a certified home inspector, an electrician, and sometimes a structural engineer. Here’s what else you need to know about buying and repairing fire damaged homes. 

Pros of Buying a House with Fire Damage

The housing market in Richardson is extremely competitive. For some house hunters, they may be feeling brave enough to put an offer on any home — even a house with previous fire damage. The biggest pro to buying fire damaged houses? The lower price tag. But there are a few things you should know first:

• When did the fire happen? Fires from many months or even years ago usually mean some repairs have already been made. So, repairing a fire-damaged house will cost less once you close if this is the case.
• Is the property undervalued? Buying an undervalued house means a higher return-on-investment, especially if you can make repairs quickly and affordably. 

What to Know During the Buying Process

You won’t get a good idea of when the fire happened, what repairs have been made or need to be made without an inspection. Get the house inspected by a certified home inspector and bring in an electrician to examine the wiring for fire damage. If the damage is significant, a structural engineer may need to inspect the house. 

Repairing Fire Damaged Homes

Fire damaged homes often need a complete gut before renovation can start. This is where you can make a healthy ROI if you do your homework. Changing the floor plan and adding modern amenities can make the home attractive to buyers and increase its value. 

• Make sure the home is examined for structural damage before tackling cosmetic issues.
• Hire a professional to clean the entire home of debris.
• Start at the bottom, rebuilding from the foundation up to the attic trusses.

Buying Fire Damaged Homes in Richardson: A Takeaway

A professional fire damage restoration company can help you during this process. You can build the home of your family’s dreams, or get an excellent investment in real estate. 

At SERVPRO of Richardson, we clean debris and help during the restoration process. Contact us today for an estimate for our professional fire damage restoration services in Richardson.

How Much Does it Cost to Clean Smoke Damage in North Dallas?

8/24/2020 (Permalink)

The cost of smoke damage cleanup depends on many factors and requires an inspection. Call a fire damage cleanup company at (972) 690-1414.

Smoke Remediation Cost

The cost to clean smoke damage depends on the severity of the smoke and the size of the area that needs to be cleaned.  Small smoke damage cleanup projects can be a few hundred dollars while larger projects can range in the thousands of dollars.  

How Much Does it Cost to Fix a Burned House?

Smoke damage cleanup is almost always involved after a fire.  Accidents that result in a home burning happen on a daily basis in North Texas.  We see a peak in fire damage restoration requests around the holidays, especially Thanksgiving.  

When our clients call us out to inspect their homes for a smoke damage cleanup estimate, we take several factors into consideration:

• What caused the smoke.  Different burning items cause different types of smoke and soot, and they each have different cleaning needs. 
• Where the smoke damage is.  Kitchens involve a different type of cleaning procedure than bedrooms.  We take into account the items in the room because they will also need to be cleaned. 
• If the smoke got into the air duct system.  This is very common, and we inspect your air ducts to check if they need to also be cleaned.
• If there is water damage, which is very common after firefighting efforts. 

Free Estimate for Smoke Damage Clean Up Cost

We’ve restored thousands of homes in our 30+ year history serving North Dallas.  We can help you, too. 

Call us anytime at (972) 690-1414 or contact us online to schedule a fire damage expert to visit your property. 

Smoke Damage Repair

Smoke damage repair involves getting the smoke and soot particles off the surfaces of each item.  For non-porous surfaces, this task is usually simple.  Items are either cleaned and sanitized by hand or in an ultrasonic machine.  

Porous surfaces present a bit more of a challenge because the smoke particles can easily embed themselves into fabrics.  Although you may not be able to see the soot with the naked eye, you can certainly smell the particles--and that is a potential health risk if the smoke particles contain carcinogens.  

The most successful way to rid fabrics of smoke and soot particles is with the Esporta Wash System.  Our franchise is one of the few Esporta Certified Wash Operators in North Texas, and we routinely clean and sanitize clothing and other textiles after fire damage smoke.  The Esporta is a wet-wash system that uses hydraulic pressure and a combination of up to six detergents to literally push the smoke and soot out of the fabrics.  The result is a fabric that is food-grade safe. 

We can clean smoke and soot from:

• Clothing
• Stuffed Animals
• Leathers
• Shoes
• Linens and Sheets
• Drapes
• Blankets and Comforters
• Sports Equipment
• And much more

Typical Fire Damage Repair for a Fire Damaged House

Every restoration project is unique, but almost all of them involve the same steps.  The typical restoration process for a fire damaged house includes:

• Inspection - we inspect the property to understand the full extent of the restoration needs
• Estimate - we present the estimate to you or your insurance company if you are filing a claim
• Moving Services - we may need to move out your property’s items to be able to restore your property safely.  Your items are also cleaned and sanitized in our cleaning facility. 
• Demolition and Trash Hauling - anything in your home that was damaged will be demolished and thrown away.  
• Cleanup - your entire property is cleaned, including air ducts. 
• Deodorization - the air in your property is scrubbed with HEPA filters and cleaned. 
• Reconstruction - any part of the property that was damaged is rebuilt. 
• Move Back - after your property is safe, your items are moved back in. 

Professional fire damage cleanup companies will accept all insurance claims, and many of them will have agreements with major insurance companies.  

We’re Full-Service Restoration Company in the North Dallas Area

We are a SERVPRO in North Dallas on the border of Richardson and Plano, Texas.  We have decades of experience in the damage restoration industry, and we know how to restore properties of any size safely and correctly.  

Call us anytime for fire damage restoration help.  We are available 24-hours a day, every day of the year.  

How Much Does Smoke Damage Restoration Cost in Richardson?

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

The experienced team at SERVPRO of Richardson provides professional fire and smoke damage restoration services.

Smoke damage can be tough to clean, but it’s not impossible. In general, smoke damage restoration costs in the range of $200 to over $1000. In Richardson, many factors go into determining the final costs of smoke and fire damage. 

Two Ways to Clean and Restore Fire Damaged Buildings

The acrid smell of smoke seeps into porous and soft materials. Even hard surfaces aren’t immune to the stench of smoke damage. So, how much does it cost to clean smoke damage? There are two primary ways to restore a smoke damaged building that contribute to the final costs. 

Furniture and Textile Deodorizing

Fabrics are notorious for holding in smoke smells. Deodorizing furniture and textiles is one way to get a building smelling fresh again. The only way to completely eliminate smoke from furniture and fabrics is with a professional deodorizing service. This service will get rid of the smoke smell from carpets, upholstery, and other cloth materials. 

The size of the building is also a major factor in determining the cost of the service. Usually, furniture and textile deodorizing services are performed via thermal fogging. Costs typically range from a low of $200 to a high of $600.

Ozone Smoke Removal

Thermal fogging isn’t the only way to remove smoke damage. You can also opt for ozone smoke removal services. With this method, you can remove the smell of the smoke even if the interior of the building is still wet and drying from putting out the fire. It’s a quicker way to eliminate smoke damage, and the costs reflect that. 

For this method, costs can run upwards of $500 or more. But if the damage isn’t severe, you may end up paying less. Ozone removal requires either hiring a professional smoke damage restorer or purchasing the chemicals and equipment yourself. 

With ozone removal, smoke molecules are broken down, which eliminates the smell. Hiring a professional can give you peace of mind that the removal process is being carried out effectively and completely. 

Smoke Damage Restoration Costs: A Takeaway

Experiencing a house or commercial property fire can be a harrowing experience. Dealing with the cleanup process can also be challenging. Not only are you dealing with water damage issues from putting out the fire, but smoke smells can also damage the building. 

Our team of experts at SERVPRO of Richardson is here to help with professional fire damage restoration services. We’ll clean up any fire damage and also eliminate pervasive and stubborn smoke smells. We also offer water damage services so your building can be restored fully. Contact us online today or call us anytime 24/7 at (972) 690-1414 to learn more.

How to Get Cigarette Smoke Smell Out of the House - Richardson Odor Removal

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

If you are struggling with the stubborn smell of cigarette smoke in your property, contact the experts at SERVPRO of Richardson.

Most Americans don’t smoke cigarettes. The CDC reports that in 2018 only 13.7% of the population were found to be smokers. With smoking becoming less common over the years, when we do encounter cigarette smoke it’s more noticeable and often offensive.

While it’s become a common practice for people to smoke outside, some will still smoke indoors. Someone might side-step the rules and smoke inside an Airbnb property or a leased apartment. When this happens, smoke odor elimination is needed in preparation for non-smoking occupant accommodation. 

SERVPRO is committed to promoting a healthy and comfortable environment for Richardson, Texas properties. We’ve put together our top tips to help you get rid of the cigarette smoke smell from your property below. If you’re still having trouble with particularly stubborn odors, we offer professional odor removal services to get the smoke smell out of the house and make any space neutral again.

5 Steps to Get Cigarette Smoke Out of the House

The longer someone smokes within a confined space, the more the odor is absorbed by its contents. Daily smoking penetrates surfaces and leaves layer upon layer of ash deposits behind. So a space that has been exposed to just a weekend of smoking would be much simpler to rehabilitate than a space that has been smoked in for a year or more. 

No matter how long an area has been smoked in, these following steps can make the air fresh again. Here’s how to get the smoke smell out of the house.

1. Air Out the House

A lack of ventilation is what causes air to be trapped in a space. Trapped air also traps odor. You can undo this by letting in fresh air to cycle out the old stale air.

Open up the windows and set up fans in spots that will get the most air moving. A day may be sufficient for the air to completely cycle out. It depends on the size of the property.

2. Clean Surfaces

Porous surfaces like walls, furniture, electronics, and other fixtures also trap cigarette smoke odor. Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent that neutralizes odors. Use ammonia or vinegar solutions to wipe down surfaces that have been affected by cigarette smoke. (Don’t forget the ceiling fans and light fixtures!)

3. Fresh Fruit

Citrus fruits (especially lemons) are also excellent for neutralizing odors. You can cut up fruit and let it absorb odors or add lemon juice to a cleaning mixture (lemon and vinegar work nicely together).

Tip: Use baking soda as another natural odor neutralizer.

4. Air Purifying Plants

Plants beautify any space, but did you know that some plants also purify the air? NASA did a Clean Air Study to find out which plants are effective at cleaning the air. They did this by testing plants aboard the International Space Station. Here’s a list of the winners.

• Dwarf Date Palm
• Boston Fern
• Kimberly Queen Fern
• Spider Plant
• Chinese Evergreen
• Bamboo Palm
• Weeping Fig
• Devil’s Ivy
• Flaming Lily
• Lilyturf
• Broadleaf Lady Palm
• Barberton Daisy
• Cornstalk Dracaena
• English Ivy
• Variegated Snake Plant
• Red-Edged Dracaena
• Peace Lily
• Chrysanthemum

If you expect that smokers may return at some point, you might invest in plants that filter the air. For example, a short term rental owner might find that tenants frequently disregard non-smoking policies. Indoor plants would help mitigate the remaining cigarette smell.

5. Clean Air Ducts

Again, the longer someone has been smoking in an enclosed area, the more smoke odor will have settled throughout the space. In this case, air duct cleaning is needed. This will both clear out the odor and allow better air circulation for keeping the air fresh. 

For those who have air filters as part of their HVAC system, you’ll want to replace the filter (perhaps with an odor-fighting brand like Arm & Hammer).

Odor Removal for Clothing and Furniture

If you’ve ever been to a smoky bar or inside a car with a smoker, you’ll notice how fast clothing absorbs cigarette smoke odor. It gets in your hair, on your skin and is locked into clothing until it’s laundered. Even tossing a smoky shirt into a hamper makes it rub off onto other clothes. Thankfully a tumble in the washer and dryer usually takes care of it.

Since you can’t throw furniture and carpet into a washing machine, how do you get smoke odor out of these fibers? Again, odor-fighting cleaners like vinegar and lemon blends do a good job of neutralizing odors. For real wood furniture, use lemon-scented furniture cleaner or polish.

Cleaning can be a bit tricky when smoke penetrates deep into furniture, upholstery, and drapes. SERVPRO of Richardson uses our professional cleaning equipment to carefully yet effectively clean furniture and porous fibers. We offer professional carpet and upholstery cleaning, plus we have the Esporta Wash System for complete textile cleaning.

How Much Does Professional Cigarette Odor Removal Cost?

SERVPRO is committed to providing the best solutions on a case-by-case basis, so we encourage you to reach out to us for an estimate so you’ll have the most accurate figures. The information below is not necessarily reflective of what we charge.

Property owners will typically spend between $2,300-$6,300 on professional smoke odor elimination services. 

Cost Breakdown:

• Carpet removal & replacement: $700 - $2500
• Indoor painting: $900 - $2700
• Duct cleaning: $200 - $500
• Furniture cleaning: $100-$200

Not all of the above remedies are necessary for a given situation. Our priority is to restore rather than replace which may save on expenses in some cases. For example, when it comes to carpet absorption of cigarette odor, we’re in favor of cleaning over replacement whenever possible.

Reach Out to SERVPRO Richardson for Odor Removal

If you’ve done everything you can to get rid of cigarette smoke and it still lingers, or if the space is too big and pungent to handle on your own, SERVPRO can help. We know how to get the smoke smell out of a house or property. We have the advanced cleaning and odor removal solutions to make it like it never happened. 

Our professional services in Richardson include:

• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
• Air Duct Cleaning
• Odor Removal (HEPA vacuums and air scrubbing)
• Esporta Wash System

Non-smoking occupants shouldn’t have to live with the smell of cigarettes. SERVPRO of Richardson has the right solutions to rid the space of cigarette smoke odors so the air is fresh and neutralized. 

If you have a cigarette odor problem on your hands, we’ll come out to the property and put together a complimentary estimate of the expected costs. We’ll determine the primary sources of the odor and let you know what treatments we have available to address each factor.

Call (972) 690-1414 to set up an evaluation or with any questions you have about odor removal.

Our 2020 Home Heating Safety Tips for Your Family

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

Home heating safety picture

Being cold is a hard experience to forget. Fortunately, most U.S. homes in today’s modern era are fitted with gas and electric heating and air conditioning. We never have to experience being too hot or too cold inside our houses. The development of ways to keep ourselves warm or cool has been vital to the survival of the human race. But where there's fire or heat, there's always a danger, however minimal. 

Sophisticated home heating always carries a risk of malfunctioning or user-error. 

Home heating in its various forms can lead to five main types of danger:

• Electrical shocks
• Burns
• Fires 
• Carbon Monoxide poisoning
• Natural gas explosions and poisoning

While home heating mechanisms are very safe these days, they’re only safe when used carefully and as intended. Below are our top fire prevention tips to keep you and your family protected and comfortable during winter. 

Heating Safety Tips to Avoid Electrical Shocks

With many heating appliances running on electricity, shocks from careless use can be fatal. Make sure you stay safe by following these heating safety tips: 

• Replace any electrical cord that is cracked or frayed.
• Only use electrical heating appliances that have been approved and certified for use. 
• Ensure that your circuit breakers and fuses are the correct sizes and the proper current rating for their circuit.
• Don't overload extension cords or outlets.
• Never use a portable heater in the bathroom. 

How to Avoid Burns

Home heaters get hot. But, nevertheless are reasonably safe. The majority of burns in the home happen when people are cooking or using an iron. While a gas fire may become hot enough to burn fingers, most burns from heaters come from portable heaters. 

If you've warned the kids to stay away from certain areas such as the stove or fireplace, a portable heater is not in the rulebook, typically. And a portable heater may very well be in the way of tiny, curious hands.  

• Put heaters out of the way of curious fingers and warn children they aren’t allowed to touch or play with the heater. 
• Remember that coal and wood can be hot for many hours, and even the day after a fire is extinguished.
• Use radiator covers to protect kids from burns.
• Never leave kids unattended in a room with a heater.
• Set hot water heaters no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Protect your fireplace with a well-fitted screen to prevent sparks and embers from escaping.

Tips to Avoid Fires

By far, the most significant danger home heating poses are house fires. There are so many ways that home heating can cause a fire in your home, so here are a few heating safety tips to prevent this tragedy from striking: 

• When using an open hearth coal fire, make sure you always use a fireguard. It's so easy for a log to spit and throw out a small ember that can set a carpet on fire in minutes. 
• Never connect more than two extension cords.
• When using any portable heater, make sure it is sufficiently far enough away (at least three feet) from furniture and fabrics. 
• Never put clothes to dry on a fire. 
• Never run electrical cords under rugs.
• Don't use an extension cord or power strip for portable heaters.
• Don't tamper with the fuse box or use the wrong sized fuses.
• Unplug all electrical appliances when not in use. 

Heating Safety Tips to Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a tasteless, odorless, colorless poison gas. It’s produced when any type of fuel is burned. Every home should have at least one carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide poisoning symptoms include dizziness, weakness, chest pain, headache, upset stomach, vomiting, and confusion. Here are some heating safety tips to help you avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Get a carbon monoxide detector and make sure it has fresh batteries installed. 
• Only use certified and approved heating appliances and have them checked regularly. 
• Test your carbon monoxide detector regularly.
• Vacuum CO detectors to keep them dust-free and in working order.
• Replace CO sensors that are past their lifespan.
• Never remove or borrow batteries from detectors.
• If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, open a window to improve ventilation and get to an ER as fast as possible. If left untreated, CO poisoning is deadly. 

How to Avoid Natural Gas Poisoning and Explosions

Natural gas poisoning and explosions are rare, thankfully. Natural gas is an odorless gas that will easily blow up a whole house if given the wrong (or right) conditions. For this reason, natural gas has been tainted with an unmistakable odor so people can recognize when this potentially dangerous gas is on the loose. If you smell a natural gas leak, get out of the building and fast. 

• If you suspect gas, leave the doors and windows open, but not if that means you need to use an electrical switch as the slightest spark could ignite the gas and cause an explosion. 
• Make sure a qualified professional tests your gas appliances each year.
• Never use a gas oven with an open door to heat a room. 
• Only use certified and approved gas heating appliances. 
• Inspect the vents, flues, and chimneys of all gas water heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces to ensure proper ventilation of exhaust.

The Bottom Line on Home Heating Safety Tips

Preventable house fires kill thousands of pets and dozens of people each year. They also cause billions of dollars in damage. Home heating devices are major culprits in starting house fires. But in most cases, regular maintenance, service, and a bit of common sense will go a long way to preventing and stopping house fires. 

At SERVPRO of Richardson, we hope you have a safe and happy winter. Sadly, should you be a victim of a house fire, then we’re trained professionals here to help. Our technicians are the fastest on the scene when it comes to smoke damage remediation. Contact us, and we’ll find you a cost-effective way to restore your smoke-damaged home back to its former glory. We’re also happy to work with almost all insurance companies. It's good to know that should the worst happen, SERVPRO of Richardson is here when you need us.

How to Get Rid of Smoke Smell in A House

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson is a full-service disaster restoration company. They have been restoring homes after fire and smoke damage for over 30 years.

Got Smoke Damage?

If you were able to put out the cause of the smoke damage quickly, then light smoke damage at home can be taken care of without needing to hire a professional -- just be warned, it’ll still take some elbow grease!

Most smoke damage is caused by a small mistake, usually when cooking something.  If the incident is small, the smell may be left in the room where the accident happened.  In larger cases, it may linger to other rooms of the house or the entire home itself. 

These tips are only for very light smoke damage.  If you’ve experienced a fire or are experiencing symptoms like headaches and nausea, leave the area with the smoke and grab some fresh air.  If it’s too much, call a fire damage restoration company.   Inhaling fire smoke can be hazardous to your health.    

Light Smoke Damage Cleanup 

First, get rid of the source of the smell.

Throw away whatever it is that smoked your home in the first place.  Put it into a plastic bag, close it, and throw it away in an outdoor trash can or dumpster.  Getting rid of the responsible item will go a long way to clearing the smell out of your house. 

Next, ventilate. 

Do this to help dissipate the smoke. Open your doors and windows.

Then, deep clean. 

Clean the room where the incident happened.  Start at the top and work your way down -- this helps any small soot particles fall and be cleaned up later.  Deep cleaning includes washing windows, all surfaces, and even your walls. Use mild soap to avoid peeling any paint. 

Have cabinets and drawers in the room, too?  Open them up, take everything out, and clean them on the inside.  All the items that you just took out also need to be cleaned before being put back inside. 

Finally,  if your floors are made of a hard surface, give them a scrub.  If you have carpet, you may want to rent a carpet cleaning machine or hire a local carpet cleaning company.

What about candles and aerosols?  Save your money! Candles and aerosols mask smoke odor for a little while.  The smoke smell won’t be gone until all the smoke particles have been removed from your home. 

Still Smelly? Time for Pro Smoke Damage Cleaner

If your hard work still wasn’t enough, it’s time to take a step further.  This will likely be true if you have harder-to-clean items like carpet, upholstery, and clothes.  

What you’re really looking for is a fire damage restoration company.  When you call, be prepared to let them know:

• What caused the smoke damage.  Smoke is actually particles of that time item that did not fully combust and is now in the air.  Different items create different types of smoke, and different types of smoke need different cleaning techniques.  They’ll know what to do!
• Where it occurred. 
• Where you smell the smoke. 
• What types of items are affected. They will bring the right tools and equipment to clean whatever was affected. 

A fire damage cleanup company will visit your home and inspect the damage.  They may bring special sponges to test surfaces of your home to see if soot has fallen there.  

After their inspection, they should give you an estimate and a general timeline of how long the cleanup process will take. 

If the damage is extensive and you need to file an insurance claim, the damage restoration company should be able to work with your insurance adjuster to help process your claim. Ask them if they have experience with insurance claims before you hire them. 

Fire Smoke Damage Cleanup

Fire smoke damage cleanup needs different tools, techniques, and an eye for fine detail to be done correctly.  Since smoke can get anywhere, the cleanup process can be time and work-intensive. These are some techniques you may see used:

Removing Smoke Odor From Clothing

We wish getting rid of smoke odor could be as easy as throwing them in the gentle cycle at home, but this may just makes things worse.  In fact, home washing your clothes may just smell worse as the soot particles embed themselves deeper into the fibers.  

The most effective way to get the smoke particles (and thus the smoke smell) out of your clothes is to get them washed in a machine called the Esporta Wash System.  

Sophisticated fire damage restoration providers have these state-of-the-art machines. Esporta uses water, hydraulic pressure, and a mixture of detergents to make your clothing and other textiles food-grade safe. 

Ask your smoke damage restoration company what method they use to clean clothes. 

Ozone Generators

If you’ve searched for smoke damage cleanup, chances are that you’ve seen pictures of ozone generators.  Some companies will even let you buy one! Ozone can effectively eliminate smoke odor, but should only be used carefully.  For best results, hire a professional. 

Deep Wash Carpet Cleaning

Your carpet may be able to be saved.  Ask for a deep wash carpet cleaning. Professional fire damage restoration providers use truck-mounted carpet cleaners to push detergent-laden hot water into the fibers of your carpet and extractors to get the soot out. 

Upholstery and Drapery Cleaning

Upholstery and drape cleaning tools are designed to wash the fibers of your drapes and upholstery gently.  If your carpet cleaning company has a truck mount extractor, ask them if they also have the upholstery cleaning attachments. 

Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning

Smoke rises into the air and can settle inside of your air ducts.  The last thing you want is to clean your entire home only to turn on your AC and have smoke and soot rain down on you!  You need a specialized machine to clean ducts, so make sure to call a pro for this step. 

Ultrasonic Cleaning

If an item is covered in smoke, how do you get the particles out of every nook?  The answer is to use an ultrasonic cleaning machine. Some professional fire damage companies have one of these machines -- ask to make sure.  They are the best in the industry for careful cleaning. 

Move-Out, Storage, and Move-Back

When fire and smoke damage has some serious damage to your home, some or all of your home’s contents may have to be temporarily moved out to be able to correctly clean your home.  A full-service fire damage cleanup company will be able to do all this for you. 

Full-Service Fire Damage Restoration Service

Need some help?  We’re here for you.  We have been doing this work for over 30 years in Dallas and Forth, and we have restored thousands of properties after damage.  We know situations like these can be overwhelming, which is why we guide our clients through every step of the process -- from beginning to end. 

Give us a call or leave us a message and let us know what’s happened.  We’ll meet you and give you a free consultation and estimate. 

Fire Safety Tips for Your Thanksgiving Dinner Cooking

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that fall and winter are the prime times for house fires? It’s these times of the year when people are blasting their furnace, constantly using their fireplace, and cooking large, elaborate meals. Thanksgiving dinner should be a time for bonding over a delicious holiday spread. No one wants to spend the holidays on fire damage clean up duty. Keep these fire safety tips in mind for your Thanksgiving dinner cooking. 

Be Proactive, not Reactive

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, especially when it comes to house fires. In preparation for your Thanksgiving meal, be sure to inspect the following items to prevent a house fire:

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

First, check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure they are working correctly and change the batteries, so they are ready to work alongside you as you cook for the holidays. 

Stoves, Ovens, and Cooking Equipment

A greasy, dusty, or otherwise dirty oven or stovetop can increase the chances of grease fires and other cooking hazards. Before you start meal prep, clean the appliances you’ll be using to cook. 

In the Kitchen? Pay Attention

U.S. fire departments respond to approximately 1,700 cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day alone. The most common cause of Thanksgiving fires? Unattended cooking and cooking equipment mishaps. Don’t become a statistic. While cooking Thanksgiving dinner, stay in the kitchen. Some people will run the risk of starting a house fire by leaving home while the turkey is in the oven. Don’t do this. Make sure someone is in the house if you need to run an errand while the turkey is roasting. 

It’s easy to get distracted by guests during Thanksgiving dinner cooking. Set a timer if you’ll be stepping away from the kitchen, or set an alarm on your phone. A crowded kitchen where children, pets, and guests will be congregating can create numerous fire hazards, but there are a few steps you can take to mitigate the risks. 

Turn handles inward

Pots and pans simmering on the stove can create a fire or burn hazard if the handles are pointing outward where guests can walk into them. Be careful to turn the handles inward, both to keep people safe from burns and to keep your culinary hard work safe from spills. 

Set rules

Communicate to parents and children that kids need to keep away from the stove. Food can bubble and splatter, creating a burn hazard if the kids are nearby. 

Be mindful of nearby items

Any items that can easily burn, such as oven mitts or wooden cooking utensils, should be kept away from the stovetop while cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Also, electrical cords should be kept far back on the counter, so they don’t dangle in the reach of curious children or mischievous pets. 

Be Careful with Open Flames

Candle fires result in an average of 150 deaths per year and over 500 million dollars in property damage. Candles can add to the ambiance of the home and make it smell like the holidays, but you must be careful when it comes to open flames, no matter how small they may be. 

• Make sure children don’t have access to lighters and matches. It’s a good idea to secure these items up on a high shelf or to lock them away. 
• Never leave children unattended in rooms where candles are lit. 

Sometimes, candles come with more risk than they are worth when guests and children will be in the house. If you are busy cooking or entertaining your relatives, you can’t always keep an eye on things. Consider using electronic candles instead if you’re going for a certain ambiance. Air fresheners that plug into the wall can be used if you want the house to smell like the holidays, and they are safer than candles, too. 

Deep-frying the Turkey? Maybe Not.

Fried food is comfort food, and deep-fried Thanksgiving turkey could (in theory) bring even more joy to your holiday festivities. However, it might not be worth the fire risk, and here’s why:

• The NFPA discourages deep-frying a turkey due to the dangers
• Hot grease can easily overflow when you submerge an entire bird into a vat of oil
• Even a small amount of cooking oil making contact with a burner can cause a massive and dangerous grease fire 
• Deep fryers without temperature controls can overheat the oil to the point that the deep fryer can combust
• Since 2002, deep-fried turkeys have been the cause of more than 8 million dollars in property damage

Insist on Deep-frying the Turkey? Be Extra Cautious

With all that said, you might think the deliciousness of a deep-fried turkey this Thanksgiving will be worth the risk. All right, that’s fair - but keep these tips in mind to ensure your holiday is a great-tasting and safe one, too.

• Turkeys must be completely thawed and dried before going into the deep fryer. De-thaw the turkey in the fridge, not on the counter. You’ll need about 24 hours of thawing time for every 5 pounds of turkey you want to cook. 
• Do not use the deep fryer on a wooden deck, under a patio cover, or inside the house or garage. Deep fry the turkey outside in an open area and on a sturdy, level surface clear from anything that could catch fire.
• Keep pets and people away from the deep fryer at a 3 foot radius.
• Wear long, insulated gloves when deep frying the turkey or interacting with the deep fryer in any capacity. Handles, lids, and the pot itself will all be very hot. 
• Protect your eyes. Wear safety goggles when you deep fry a turkey.
• Be prepared. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and never pour water on a grease fire. 

The holidays are hectic and stressful enough without worrying about fires and grease burns. If you’re hosting the holidays this year, keep these fire safety tips in mind for Thanksgiving dinner cooking. 

Has fire damaged your home? We can help. Contact the experienced fire damage cleanup and restoration pros at SERVPRO of Richardson today. Representatives are standing by to answer your questions about fire damage restoration to your property to pristine condition.

Fire Damage Restoration Equipment

1/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration. We have serviced our home of Dallas Fort Worth since 1986.

Board Ups

Boards up are needed on an emergency basis and are usually one of the first things that happen in fire damage.  After the fire department leaves, a property is sometimes left with damaged doors and windows. These open spaces create two problems.  

First, damaged entryways allow the weather to enter the property.  If rain, snow, or just natural moisture enter the property and wet items, the property is setting itself up for both water damage and mold growth.  This type of damage is considered secondary damage, which an insurance company will not typically cover if it can prove that a property owner could have taken steps to prevent it but didn’t.  It’s important to seal entryways with weatherproof barriers to prevent both secondary damages to your property and to help your fire damage insurance claim be wholly covered.

Secondary, damaged entryways make it easier for thieves to enter your property.  It’s unfortunate but common for robberies to occur in fire damaged properties. Even though many items inside have been damaged, thieves typically ransack the home looking for anything valuable.  Boarding up doors and windows both make it harder for thieves to enter, and the barriers send a clear message that the property is being taken care of.

When the weather prevents our office from immediately boarding up a property, we will hire a live security offer to monitor your property.  

To learn more about our emergency board up services, please read our article.

Roof Tarping

Another part of a property that typically needs immediate attention is the roof.  We will install a temporary roof tarp to all damaged portions of your roof to prevent any precipitation from entering the property and causing secondary damage.  Secondary damage to your property from a leaking roof can include water damage which then leads to mold growth.

The roof tarp is meant to be a temporary security and safety measure.  After the tarp has been secured, our office will send your insurance company an estimate to permanently fix or replace your damaged roof.  See our pictures of previous roof tarping jobs.  

Thermal Foggers

An ultra low volume fogger is specialized equipment that we use when deodorizing a home or business after fire damage.  The fogger vaporizes solvent-based deodorizers and creates what looks like smoke. This “smoke” is made up of very small particles that will reach the tiny crevices that a person cannot otherwise clean with traditional methods.  The use of ULV foggers has risks and should only be used by professionals with training and experience.

Ozone

Ozone is used for fire damage deodorization.  Items that have been wiped of soot but still retain smoke odor are typically sent to our specialized ozone room.  Items that are being treated with ozone remain in the ozone room until the smoke odor has been eliminated. Just like ULV foggers, ozone should only be used by a trained professional.

Commercial Air Duct Cleaner

Our office uses commercial air duct cleaners to clear residential and commercial air duct vents of all soot.  Smoke contains very small particles of the substance that was just burnt. When a fire occurs, the properties of smoke say that the smoke will first travel to places in a property where the temperature is cooler.  Oftentimes, this means that the air ducts in that property will become full of smoke. When the smoke cools, it settles into the air ducts and becomes soot.

When we inspect a property for fire damage, one of the first places we will inspect is the air duct system.  If it needs to be cleaned, it’ll be one of the first things that is taken care of in our fire damage restoration process.  The last thing a homeowner needs is to have their entire home cleaned only to turn on their air conditioner and have fresh soot blow throughout their home!

Our air duct cleaners are commercial grade and clean air ducts of all sizes.  Visit our air duct cleaning page to learn more.

Truck Mount Carpet Cleaner

A typical carpet cleaner will just not be powerful enough to get a smoke and soot affected carpet clean again.  A typical carpet cleaner that you can purchase at an electronics store or rent from a grocery store do a decent job with day to day wear, but smoke and soot permeate the fibers of a carpet and require a deeper clean.  

In our SERVPRO production vehicles, we have specialized and commercial truck mounts that help us extract water after flooding.  These truck mounts also have the ability to deep clean carpets. SERVPRO has developed a carpet cleaning method for fire and smoke that involves hot water extraction and specialized shampoos.  Our cleaning has been refined after decades of research and is an effective cleaning method for fire damaged carpets.

Fire Damage Sponges

Fire damage cleanup is rarely as straightforward as many people think.  Our technicians use specialized sponges that are specifically made to capture the fine soot particles that embed themselves into walls and furniture.  Before applying any chemicals to clean surfaces, we will first wipe the entire surface with fire damage cleaning sponge to remove as much soot as possible.  

Ultrasonic Wash System

An ultrasonic machine is a sophisticated piece of equipment that we often use in fire damage clean up.  An ultrasonic machine looks like a very large tub that is filled with water and proprietary chemicals made to remove soot from items.

Items that need to be cleaned are loaded into the machine and dipped into the water.  The water itself looks like billions of tiny bubbles are swimming inside of it. The bubbles are caused by high frequency, low amplitude vibrations.  Items remain in the ultrasonic bath until all the smoke and soot particles are removed from the item. This process usually takes no more than a few minutes.  

After the items have been cleaned, they are removed from the ultrasonic machine and transferred into a specialized drying chamber.  After items are dry, they are packed and stored for the homeowner.

Esporta Wash System

The Esporta Wash System is the most effective way to sanitize clothing and other textiles after fire damage.  Soot is acidic, which makes it damaging to clothing once it touches it. The longer soot is allowed to remain on a piece of clothing, the higher the chance that is will permanently stain it.  Clothing is also a necessity for everyone, and one of the first things a family needs after fire damage is fresh clothing to wear. For these reasons, we work to quickly pack up all clothing and textiles from a home and take it back to our fire damage cleaning facility for processing.

An Esporta machine looks like a large front loading washing machine, but inside of it are chambers where we load clothing.  Once the machine is running, the chambers of clothing spin rapidly inside the machine which forces the detergent-laden water to push all smoke and soot particles out of the clothing.  A typical Esporta wash lasts well over an hour with a variety of six different detergents used. Esporta proprietary chemicals are environmentally friendly and result in clothing having a near neutral pH after a wash.

We introduce different cleaning agents to each load we wash until the item of clothing is food grade clean, meaning it is safe to wear again.  

The Esporta Wash System is safe for almost every type of clothing and textile, including shoes, stuffed animals, and leather.  After a wash, the clothing is transported to a specialized drying chamber.

We are one of the few businesses in Texas licensed by the Esporta Wash System.  We have successfully restored thousands of pieces of clothing and textiles. Our restoration rate is over 85% -- one of the highest in the industry.

Learn more about the Esporta Wash System in our article Esporta Cleaning for Clothing and Textiles.

SERVPRO Proprietary Chemicals and Detergents

SERVPRO has developed many chemicals that help us properly clean after fire damage.  We have perfected the use of our own proprietary chemicals after decades of research of experience.

Trusted Leader in Fire Damage: Dallas, TX

SERVPRO of Richardson is locally owned and operated leader in the restoration industry.  We have the expertise to handle any size smoke and fire damage restoration in Dallas, TX. We have performed residential and commercial restoration work in Dallas, Plano, Garland, McKinney, Allen, and other North Texas communities for over 30 years.  We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

Follow us:

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We are locally owned and operated.  Learn more about us. 

Fire Damage Restoration Articles:

Fire Insurance Claim Process

Fire Restoration Process

Fire Damage Restoration Terms

How to Get Fire Smoke Out of Clothes

Fire Insurance Claim Process

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration. We have restored thousands of homes and businesses since 1986.

When you experience a fire damage in your home, one of the first questions that is likely to pop into your mind is, “Will my home insurance pay for this?”

We have helped thousands of families navigate the fire insurance claims process, and we can help you, too.  Our office routinely works with every insurance company. We also work hand in hand with insurance adjusters on a daily basis to help process claims.

Every fire damage is different.  This is what you can you generally expect one happens.

Evacuate and Call 911

When a fire occurs, the most important thing is always the safety of every occupant on the property.  Evacuate your home immediately and call 911.

When Fire Damage Restoration Companies Approach You

It’s only when the fire department has cleared the scene that it is appropriate for any company to begin the fire damage restoration process.  If you remain on your property while the firefighters are working, you may notice various disaster restoration companies approach you.  These representatives are there to sell you their fire damage cleanup services.  Often, they can only help with a portion of your claim. For example, one company may be there only to board up your windows.  Another only to tarp your roof.  And another only to take your affected clothing and textiles to clean them.  

You may also be approached by construction companies.  They will try to sell you on the idea of demolishing your property and having them rebuild it from scratch.  Unfortunately, choosing this alternative often ends up with a bill that is higher than if restoration procedures were first implemented.

You Have the Right to Choose Your Disaster Restoration Company

It is your right to either hire any of these companies or ask them to leave your property.  Ultimately, who works on your property is your choice.  By law, no one, including your insurance provider and adjuster, can make this decision on your behalf.

Full Service Fire Damage Restoration Service

You don’t have to piecemeal your fire restoration damage process.  Hiring multiple companies that can handle only portions of your claim results in you managing different points of contacts, a load of documentation, and schedules.  Hiring multiple companies usually ends up in a more expensive insurance claim.

Less stress often results from hiring one company to take care of your fire damage restoration from start to end.  We are one of the businesses in Dallas Fort Worth with the capability and expertise to handle your restoration completely.  When you hire our franchise, you will work with one point of contact who will guide you the entire way. From an insurance perspective, costs are also lowered.  

We have helped many families and businesses rebuild their properties over the last 30 years of our service to DFW.  We can help you, too.

Choosing SERVPRO of Richardson for Fire Damage in Dallas

While every insurance company is different, you can generally expect the following when you choose us to handle your fire damage insurance claim.

1. Call us for emergency roof tarping and board up.

Our office is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  We will travel to your property and begin emergency fire damage services.  We will install a weatherproof roof tarping and board up damaged windows, doors, and exterior walls.  These services are important to prevent secondary damage to your property and to deter theft. If the weather prevents our technicians from performing this work, we will send a live security guard to monitor your property.

2. Call your home insurance company.

Tell them you have experienced fire damage on your property, and you have chosen SERVPRO of Richardson as your fire clean up company.  Advice them that our office will be:

• Installing emergency fire damage services such as board up and roof tarping
• Handling the water damage clean up
• Handling the property clean up
• Handling the contents cleaning including textile and electronic
• Handling reconstruction

By law, your insurance provider and adjuster must honor your choice of fire damage repair company.  Your insurance adjuster may advise you to choose another company, but the choice is ultimately up to you.  You cannot be penalized for choosing a company different than the one they initially suggest.

3. Receive an insurance claim number

When you receive an insurance claim number, call our office and let us know.  Our office will assign an administrative manager that will personally guide through the restoration process from start to end.  They will get in touch with your insurance adjuster and begin the claims process immediately.

4. Fire and smoke damage restoration begins

Our fire damage restoration process has been refined over 30 years of service.  

5. Working with your insurance adjuster

You’ll be assigned an administrative manager from our office.  They will guide you through the fire damage restoration process and the insurance claim from start to end.  They will also communicate with your insurance adjuster on a regular basis, most times every day. We will forward all documentation our technicians have gathered such as photographs and the inventory of your contents.  We will ask for approval for various portions of your claim as we progress through the fire damage restoration process.

6. Insurance documentation

Documentation is a vital part of an insurance claim, especially in a fire damage.  Our technicians will document every step of the fire damage process. We do this to validate your claim for your adjuster and help every portion of it be approved.  Documentation includes photographs, sketches, and inventory of your contents.

A home inventory is essential.  Our technicians will inspect your property to identify everything they can, from clothing to appliances.  We will take pictures of items and record in what room or area they were found.

The items that are salvageable are packed and taken back to our cleaning facility to be restored.  

The items that are not salvageable are reported to your insurance adjuster and disposed of when we receive permission.  Our office also provides a suggested cost replacement estimate for each item that cannot be saved.

Home Inventory

What happens if some contents in the property are so badly burnt that they are no longer identifiable?  This is where your home inventory becomes necessary.  A home inventory is a list of contents, with pictures, that you had in your property before the fire occurred.  When items are burnt, this list will provide proof to your insurance adjuster of what was destroyed in the fire.  Without proof, it is very difficult for an adjuster to agree to replace items.

To prepare a home inventory, please read our article How to Build a Home Inventory.

7. Fire Damage Insurance Payout

We will work with your adjuster to get every portion of your claim approved.  Once your project has been completed, the invoice will be sent directly to your insurance provider.  Most times, your insurance company will send us payment directly to close your claim.

While the majority of an insurance claim will be covered by the insurance company, homeowners are still responsible for their deductible.  A deductible is the part of a claim that a homeowner is directly responsible for and has to pay directly to the restoration vendor.  Our office will work with your insurance agent to determine your deductible. This can be paid to us at any time.

Do you have questions we haven’t talked about in this article?  Contact us and we’ll be glad to answer. 

Trusted Leader in Fire Restoration in Dallas, TX

SERVPRO of Richardson is locally owned and operated leader in the restoration industry.  We have the expertise to handle any size smoke and fire damage restoration in Dallas, TX.  We have performed residential and commercial restoration work in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Garland, Grapevine, Corsicana, and other North Texas communities for over 30 years.  We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

Follow us:

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin   YouTube

We are family owned and operated. Learn more about us. 

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

Fire Emergency Roof Tarp and Board Up

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson responds 24 hours a day to fire emergency restoration needs. We've been a trusted leader since 1986.

When fire damage occurs, the most important thing is to get everyone out of the affected property and call 911.  Fires are devastating and very emotional with good reason. Our home or business property is usually the biggest investment in our life.  Our memories and well being are tied to everything inside of it. Whether your home, apartment, or business has been affected, many people ask themselves how they can possibly get their property and life back.  

It’s important to act quickly after fire damage.  Acting quickly will help prevent secondary damage to your property and help your claim get started.  

Secondary Damage

Secondary damage is damage caused after the primary damage -- in this case, the primary damage would be a fire.  For example, secondary damage after a fire can be water damage from a rainstorm that entered the property from a damaged roof.  Oftentimes, secondary damage can even be theft if the property was left without being boarded up or supervised.

Your insurance provider will want to know you prevented secondary damage from happening to your property.  If it finds that you did not do enough, your claim may be partially denied.

The best way to prevent secondary damage from happening is by hiring a fire damage restoration company to start emergency fire damage services.  

File a Fire Insurance Claim

Call your insurance provider as soon as possible and begin to file your claim.  By law, your insurance company must honor the disaster restoration company of your choice.  Choose a reputable company that is experienced in fire damage restoration and can dispatch a crew immediately to start work.

Emergency fire damage services are a cornerstone of our franchise.  These include:

Board Up

This service includes boarding up damaged doors, windows, and damaged outer walls.  Board up services are important for two reasons:

1 - Prevent the weather from getting into the property.  Any form of precipitation that enters the property can cause secondary water and mold damage.  Our board up services will prevent this from happening.

2 - Deter possible theft.  It’s an unfortunate fact that fire damaged properties are sometimes vandalized, adding insult to injury.  Boarding up your property will tell would-be thieves that the property is being taken care of and monitored.  

Emergency Roof Tarping

When a fire occurs, the roof is often damaged.  To prevent precipitation from entering the property, our crews will install a temporary, heavy duty and weatherproof tarp on the roof.  The tarp will remain in place until a permanent roof is approved by your insurance carrier and can be installed by our reconstruction team.  

24 Hour Live Surveillance

When the weather does not allow our crews to immediately start board up services, we will send a security guard.  Our security will watch over your property and make sure it is not vandalized.

Water Damage Repair

After firefighting efforts, properties can experience water damage on top of the fire damage.  When this water is left standing on the property, it can lead to mold in less than 48 hours. For this reason, our crews will work to extract the water as soon as possible.  

Additional steps our franchise can immediately take are:

Inspection

Once your property has been secured, our team will visit your property and conduct a thorough inspection.  We will begin documenting the extent of the fire damage and prepare an estimate for your insurance adjuster.  Our team of specialists will work with all insurance companies to get your claim approved as quickly as possible.

After your insurance adjuster has approved your claim, other fire damage services can begin.  These include:

Smoke and Soot Cleanup from Clothing

This portion of the fire damage restoration is one of the first to happen.  Our technicians will inventory all clothing and textiles they find on your property.  The salvageable textiles are packed and moved to our cleaning facilities where they will be washed in a specialized machine called the Esporta Wash System.  Our Esporta wash will remove up to 99% of all smoke and soot particles from your textiles.  After they’re washed, they will be safe to wear again.

Our franchise is one of the few businesses in Dallas Fort Worth certified to use the Esporta Wash System.  We have one of the highest success rates in fire and mold damaged clothing and textile restoration, and we are able to process everything in-house.  To learn more about our cleaning process, please read How to Get Fire Smoke Out of Clothes.

Moving Services and Storage

We will inventory everything identifiable on your property.  The contents that we can clean and restore will be packed and moved back to our cleaning facility.  After they have been sanitized, they will be placed in long-term storage until you are able to receive them again.

Contents Cleaning

Soot is acidic, which means that the longer your contents sit without being cleaned, the less chance they will be able to be restored successfully.  We understand smoke and soot, and we will work to quickly clean the contents we find in your house.

Contents are divided into two categories: salvageable and unsalvageable.  

Salvageable contents are those we know we can restore.  These items we pack and move to our cleaning facility for processing and long-term storage.  

Unsalvageable contents are those that have been permanently damaged by the fire.  We inventory these items and prepare a report of them to your adjuster, complete with suggested replacement costs.  These items are then thrown away after we receive your permission.

What about items that were so badly damaged that they cannot be identified?  Please read our article How to Build a Home Inventory of Household Items to understand the importance of a home inventory.

Demolition

When parts of your property are permanently damaged, they have to be taken out of the property and disposed of.  Demolition is always the last resort for our company; our goal is to save as much of your home or business as possible.  Restoration is a faster and less expensive process, which is why many insurance adjusters prefer restoration over construction.  Nevertheless, when restoration is not possible, our crews will demolition what is necessary and prepare it to be rebuilt by our reconstruction team.  

Property Clean Up

We will clean every affected surface of your property to make sure it is safe once again.  This will also include air duct and HVAC cleaning when necessary. Our technicians are trained and qualified to identify the many different types of smoke and soot present.  They will use the appropriate methods and chemicals to clean your property correctly.

Smoke Removal and Deodorization

To help the cleaning efforts, we will also deodorize and remove all airborne smoke particles.  This process is done through one or a combination of HEPA vacuuming, fogging, or the use of an ozone machine.

Reconstruction

Besides fire damage cleanup, our franchise is also uniquely qualified to rebuild any portion of your property that suffered permanent damage.  Our reconstruction team will work with your insurance adjuster to add rebuild services to your claim.

We Are A Full Service Restoration Company

There are many Dallas fire damage restoration companies but not many are full service and can restore your property from beginning to end.  Insurance companies and adjusters prefer to work with us because we can completely handle your restoration. We make the fire damage claims process easy and less expensive than our competitors by taking care of the entire process.  Our franchise is a trusted leader, and we are qualified to:

• Perform emergency roof tarping and board up
• Clean all your contents
• Clean and deodorize your entire property
• Clean your air ducts and HVAC system
• Move out all contents.
• Provide long-term storage
• Clean your clothing and textiles
• Reconstruct your property

When you hire our franchise, SERVPRO of Richardson, you will be guided by our team step by step.

Call SERVPRO of Richardson for Fire Damage in Dallas, TX

SERVPRO of Richardson is locally owned and operated leader in the restoration industry.  We have the expertise to handle any size smoke and fire damage restoration in Dallas, TX.  We have performed residential and commercial restoration work in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Garland, Grapevine, Corsicana, and other North Texas communities for over 30 years.  We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

Follow us:

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We are a family owned and operated business. Learn more about us. 

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

Process for Fire Restoration in Dallas

12/20/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson is a trusted restorer for fire damage in Dallas, TX. We've restored thousands of properties since 1986.

Experiencing fire damage can be an overwhelming and emotional experience.  Even in cases of small fires that are contained quickly, the smoke produced can cause residual damage throughout an entire household.  In more serious and unfortunate cases, most or all of a property and its contents are damaged or destroyed.

SERVPRO of Richardson has restored thousands of properties in the 30+ years we’ve been servicing North Texas.  We are a full service fire restoration company ready to handle your restoration’s every need from emergency board ups to reconstruction.

While every fire damage is different, you can generally expect the following when you hire us as your fire damage restoration company:

Emergency Board Up and Roof Tarping

Did you know that some insurance companies deny at least part of a fire insurance claim if it finds that a property owner did not try to protect their property from secondary damage?  This can be avoided by hiring a contractor to do emergency board up and roof tarping.  

After fire damage, many properties experience damaged roofs, windows, doors, and even damaged outer walls.  This type of damage makes a building susceptible to secondary damage. Weather can come in and cause water damage and mold.  Easy access also makes it easy for theft to occur.

For these reasons, we recommend emergency fire damage services as soon as the fire department has left.  We can:

• Attach a weatherproof roof tarp.
• Board up damaged doors, windows, and outer walls.
• Send a security guard to protect your property 24 hours a day.

After your property is secure, we can inspect your property and begin fire damage cleanup and remediation services.

Water Damage Restoration

Water damage and fire damage usually go hand in hand when larger fires occur.  This is because the fire department is called, and their services require the use of water to put out the fire.  When the fire is put out, properties have experienced the catastrophe of smoke and fire, and they are also flooded.  

In order to prevent secondary damage such as mold, our crews will extract all standing water.

Fire Damage Inspection

If you are filing a homeowners insurance claim, your insurance company will want an estimate to put your property back to a preloss state.  To provide them with this information, we will inspect your property and take into account the following:

• The cost to clean salvageable clothing, textiles, and contents.
• The cost to replace permanently damaged clothing and contents.
• The cost to clean and deodorize all affected areas of the home including the air duct and HVAC system.
• The cost to rebuild any portion of the home that was permanently damaged.
• The cost of moving services and long-term storage, if needed.

Your insurance company may also provide you with a temporary living location while your property and its contents are being cleaned.  

Textile Cleaning: How to Clean Clothes After a House Fire

We are one of the few businesses in North Texas that is certified to clean and restore smoke and fire damaged clothing.  We are a certified Esporta Wash System operator.  Our office has the ability to pick up clothing and other items at your property at the time of inspection and transport them back to our cleaning facility for immediate processing.  Cleaning smoke and soot affected textiles quickly increase the probability of them being able to be fully deodorized and sanitized.

To read more about our clothing and textile cleaning process, please read How to Get Fire Smoke Out of Clothes.

Demolition

When fire damage permanently damages a portion of a property, our team will demolition the areas that cannot be cleaned and restored.  The demolition process is an essential first step to the cleanup process. All demolition items will be removed from the property and disposed of properly.

Moving and Storage Services

To salvage contents inside a property, we will pack all salvageable items and transport them to our cleaning facilities.  Before moving any contents, our technicians will inventory all items that are identifiable.

At our facility, all items are restored and then packaged for long-term storage.  Items are returned at either a temporary residence or once the property has been rebuilt.  

Items that are not able to be restored are documented and inventoried for your insurance adjuster.  Our office will provide a replacement cost estimate for each item for your insurance adjuster’s consideration.  

In the case of a devastating fire, many items are burnt beyond recognition.  We will do our best to identify all items, but this is not always possible. In this case, our technicians will not be able to provide documentation for your insurance adjuster for replacement.  We understand the frustration and, at times, heartbreak this can cause.

We recommend having a digital home inventory to make sure your insurance adjuster knows what items were in your property and cannot be recuperated.  This is the only way to provide proof of your belongings in the case of a devastating fire. If a homeowner cannot provide proof of an item existing in their home, it will usually not be replaced by insurance.  

Please read our article for instructions to prepare a home inventory: How to Build a Home Inventory of your Household Items.

House Fire Clean Up

After demolition, our technicians will begin cleaning the entire structure.  The structure includes anything in the property that is physically attached, such as walls, floors, and cabinets.  There are different types of smoke and soot that all need unique cleaning techniques. Our team of technicians is trained to use the appropriate SERVPRO proprietary chemicals to clean all types of smoke and soot that are present.  

The first step to structural cleaning is to check the air ducts and HVAC system.  If soot has settled in the air ducts, it's important to remove it all before turning the air back on.  After the air duct system has been cleaned, then the rest of the property’s structure can be cleaned.

Removing all smoke particles is essential to deodorization.

Smoke Odor Deodorization

The most important part of deodorization is to clean the entire structure and all contents inside.  When odor-causing particles continue to linger, our team will place a series of HEPA vacuums on the property.  When necessary, we may also fog the property or temporarily install an ozone machine.

Cleaning Items

The contents in your home are everything we can physically take such as clothing, textiles, appliances, electronics, furniture, toys, beds, etcetera.

Clothing and textiles are cleaned using the Esporta Wash System.  All other contents are cleaned according to the type of smoke and soot they have been affected by.  

Just like textiles, time is of the essence when cleaning contents.  Since soot is acidic, the longer an item sits in it, the less of a chance it has of being cleaned and restored.  This is why our technicians will move contents of a property as quickly as possible.

Reconstruction / Rebuild

After your property has been cleaned and deodorized, our reconstruction team gets to work.  They will determine what is needed to restore your property back to preloss condition.  Then, they work with your insurance adjuster to get this portion of your fire damage claim approved.  

Our office is able to restore any part of a home or business, no matter the size.

Fire Insurance Claim Process

We’ll do the majority of the heavy lifting to make sure your Dallas fire damage insurance claim is processed.  When you experience a fire damage, give your insurance company a call and receive a claim number. Tell them you have chosen SERVPRO of Richardson as your fire damage restoration company.  By law, your insurance company must honor your choice of disaster restoration company, regardless of what they or an adjuster suggest.

Then, give us your claim number and our office will contact your insurance provider to begin the claims process.  Throughout the project, the documentation our technicians obtain will be forwarded to your adjuster. By the end, our invoice will be sent to your adjuster, and we will work with them to collect payment.  

Our office works with all insurance companies.  If you have more insurance claim questions, see our About Insurance Claims FAQ article.

Do you have other questions?  We’re here for you! Contact us.

Trusted Leader in Fire Damage, Dallas TX

SERVPRO of Richardson is locally owned and operated leader in the restoration industry.  We have the expertise to handle any size fire and smoke damage restoration in Dallas Texas.  We have performed residential and commercial restoration work in Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington, Garland, Corsicana, Midlothian, Ennis, and other North Texas communities for over 30 years.  We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

Follow us:

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin   YouTube

We are family owned and operated.  Learn more about us. 

“Like it never even happened.” only happens here.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

1/18/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson has been helping commercial properties open their doors after disasters for over 30 years.

Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

When your business suffers from fire damage, you need the fire clean up and restoration process to start as soon as possible.  

We understand that business interruptions are expensive.  SERVPRO of Richardson has been helping commercial properties open their doors after disasters for over 30 years.  

As soon as you call us, we will have a manager and a team of technicians on their way!

We offer the following fire water damage restoration services:

Emergency Roof Tarp

A thick, weatherproof piece of plastic tarping will be attached to the roof of your commercial property to prevent precipitation from entering the building and causing secondary damage.

Board Up

We install pieces of board over damaged windows and doors to prevent precipitation from entering the building.  This also signals to possible intruders that the property is being cared for and watched.

Temporary Fencing

We install a temporary fence around the perimeter of the property.  If an entire fence isn’t needed, we’ll only install it around highly damaged areas.  A temporary fence helps prevent possible theft and keeps the general public away from sensitive areas.

Security Guard

When a structure cannot be immediately stabilized (for example, it’s raining and it’s not safe to tarp the roof), a 24 hour security guard will be hired to protect the property.

Structural Stability / Stabilizing the Structure

This refers to the need to make a structure safe enough for our technicians to begin fire clean up and restoration work.  The fire must be completely put out and we must have authorization from the homeowner to begin with. If the fire department was called, our teams must also wait for their approval to approach the property.  Fire board up services may include roof tarping, board up, temporary fencing, and a 24 hour live security guard.

Water Damage Restoration

A water damage occurs at most fires due to firefighting efforts or commercial water alarm systems.  Standing water can cause secondary damage to your structure. We will extract all standing water as soon as the structural integrity of your commercial building is established.

Structural Cleaning

After the building is secure, we will begin the process of cleaning the smoke fire out of your property.  Debris will be removed.

Smoke Damage Restoration

Smoke damage restoration is when we remove smoke particles have embedded themselves in a material, like a wall, clothing, or piece of furniture.  Smoke damage cannot usually be seen, but it can be smelled. Smoke damage cleanup and odor removal should take place.

Contents Cleaning

Contents are things that are not part of the structure, like furniture, appliances, and toys.  When affected, contents can either be cleaned on site or taken back to our cleaning facility.

Moving Services / Pack Out and Pack Back

When the structure isn’t safe, contents and textiles are moved out of the property and taken to our facilities for cleaning and storage.  They are returned when the property is clean, reconstructed, and safe for inhabitants. Items may also be delivered to a second location if the owner would like them returned sooner.

Storage

Items that have been packed-out are stored in our facilities until they can be returned.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction refers to any portion of your structure that is rebuilt.  Any portion that was permanently damaged during the fire damage is rebuild to pre loss condition.

Pre Loss Condition

Pre loss condition is a common insurance term.  It means to put the property back together the way it was before the fire damage.  

3 Expert Contact Team

You will be assigned 3 different managers that will be your main points of contact throughout the fire damage restoration process.  These individuals are each responsible for a major portion of your claim, including communication and coordination with your insurance company, cleaning and remediation, and reconstruction.

SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan is pre plans the fire clean up and restoration of your business before a disaster even happens.  We understand that business disruptions are expensive, and nearly half of U.S. businesses close due to a disaster. Every minute counts.  

A READY plan helps makes the clean up and restoration process faster by letting us know things like the size of your rooms, type of flooring, etcetera.  This way, our managers and technicians have a restoration plan in case before they step foot on your property.

We recommend completing a READY plan as soon as possible.  Give us a call and we’ll schedule a team member to visit your property and prepare a plan for you at no cost.  Or, you can fill out a plan yourself at SERVPRO’s Ready Plan website.  

Make sure to list SERVPRO of Richardson as your preferred franchise!

Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration and Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas

SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas.  We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years.  We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

Follow us:

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www.SERVPROrichardson.com

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

What to Do If You Have A Fire in Dallas Today

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson's crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.

What to Do If You Have A Fire in Dallas Today

A fire can be devastating.  While a homeowner is dealing with the shock of their home and items being damaged, there are also many more strong emotions and important questions in mind.  Where will we live now? Do I have to start over again?

It’s easy to be overwhelmed when a fire damage happens, regardless of its size.  We’ve worked to restore many homes and businesses, and we can help you, too. Our priority is to help you navigate this difficult time and get your home back together as quickly as possible.  There’s no time to waste.

After the fire department’s job ends, our work begins.

Fire Cleanup Companies: How to Choose

There are many fire cleanup companies in Dallas Fort Worth, but few of them are full service.  We have been handling Dallas fire damage for over 30 years, and we have grown our business to respond to the needs and wants of our customers.  

Their voice is clear: they want a fire damage restoration company that can help them with every aspect of their restoration.  They want one phone call to fix it all.

Fire Cleanup Service

24 Hour Emergency Response

We have a 24 hour emergency line to respond to any disaster.  Our technicians are dispatched 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  If we cannot perform emergency fire damage repair services due to poor lighting, we will call for 24 hour live security to make sure your home is safe until we can begin work in the morning.

Emergency Roof Tarp

A thick, weatherproof roof tarp will be attached to the roof of your property to prevent weather from entering and causing secondary damage.

Board Up

We board up damaged windows and doors to prevent precipitation and unauthorized persons from entering the building.  This also signals to possible intruders that the property is being cared for and watched.

Temporary Fencing

We install a temporary fence around the perimeter of the property.  If an entire fence isn’t needed, we’ll only install it around highly damaged areas.  A temporary fence helps prevent possible theft and keeps the general public away from sensitive areas.

Security Guard

When a structure cannot be immediately stabilized (for example, it’s raining and it’s not safe to tarp the roof), a 24 hour security guard will be hired to protect the property.

Structural Stability / Stabilizing the Structure

This refers to the need to make a structure safe enough for our technicians to begin fire clean up and restoration work.  The fire must be completely put out and we must have authorization from the homeowner to begin work. If the fire department was called, our teams must also wait for their approval to approach the property.  

Water Damage Restoration

Fire and water damage often go hand in hand.  A water damage occurs at most fires due to firefighting efforts.  Standing water can cause secondary damage to your structure. We will perform water removal services and other water damage restoration services as soon as the structural integrity of your home is established.

Structural Cleaning

After the building is secure, we will begin the process of cleaning the smoke fire out of your property.  Debris will be removed.

Smoke Damage Restoration

Smoke damage restoration is when we remove smoke particles have embedded themselves in a material, like a wall, clothing, or piece of furniture.  Smoke damage cannot usually be seen, but it can be smelled. Smoke damage cleanup and odor removal should take place.

Contents Cleaning

Contents are things that are not part of the structure, like furniture, appliances, and toys.  When affected, contents can either be cleaned on site or taken back to our cleaning facility.

Moving Services / Pack Out and Pack Back

When the structure isn’t safe, contents and textiles are moved out of the property and taken to our facilities for cleaning and storage.  They are returned when the property is clean, reconstructed, and safe for inhabitants. Items may also be delivered to a second location if the owner would like them returned sooner.

Storage

Items that have been packed-out are stored in our facilities until they can be returned.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction refers to any portion of your structure that is rebuilt.  Any portion that was permanently damaged during the fire damage is rebuilt to pre fire condition.

House Fire and Insurance Claims

Each one of our customers is assigned a Project File Coordinator.  This person will contact your insurance company and communicate with your insurance adjuster on a daily basis.  If your fire damage insurance claim is not covered, we will quickly find out and let you know what next steps you can take.  If your insurance claim is approved, we will work closely with your insurance company to process your claim.

Moving Services to Temporary Housing

During the fire damage restoration process, many families are temporarily housed in an apartment or hotel.  Some may choose to live with a parent or family member. While you are in temporary housing, it’s important to continue normal life functions as much as possible, like going to work and school.  

This is why we ask you for any important items you, your children, or pets may need.  Examples can include a week’s worth of clothing or a favorite blanket.

We will prioritize the cleaning and sanitization of these items and get them back to you quickly, usually in less than 3 days.

We understand the interruption and stress this may cause you, so we’ll do all we can to make sure you have the items you need to feel as normal as possible.  As we do this, the rest of our technicians and managers will work on all others aspects of your fire damage restoration.

Trusted Leader in Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas

SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas.  We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years.  With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.  You can trust us to restore your home or business.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

Follow us:

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin  YouTube

www.SERVPROrichardson.com

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

How to Get Fire Smoke Out of Clothes

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson is one of the few Esporta certified firms in Texas. We have an 85%+ cleaning success rate of fire smoke affected clothing.

The Danger of Smoke and Fire

When a fire happens, there is almost always visible smoke.  Smoke is the result of incomplete combustion, which means that the material that was burning doesn’t burn completely.  Smoke is what the unburned particles is made up of. It is mostly made up of soot, oils, and ash. Depending on the material the burning object was made up of determines the type of smoke that gets embedded into clothing.  

For the sake of your health, do not inhale smoke.  Also, do not wear smoke affected clothing as embedded smoke particles may have carcinogens.

Getting smoke particles and soot out of clothing is not as easy as throwing your clothing in laundry machines or sending it for dry cleaning.  Laundry machines, even industrial ones, don’t usually have enough power to force the particles out of clothing. Sending your clothing to a dry cleaner may also result in them permanently embedding the smoke into the clothing.  

Fire Smoke Odor Removal is Possible in Clothing!

The highest rate of success for removing fire smoke out of clothes is with a specialized machine called Esporta.  Our business is one of the few Esporta certified firms in Texas. We specialize in fire damage restoration and are uniquely trained and qualified to take your smoke affected clothing and eliminate all smoke particles.

One of the first items we take out of a fire damaged home are textiles--clothing, shoes, teddy bears, bedding, towels, etcetera.  Sometimes these items smell like smoke, but no visible soot is on them. Other times, the soot is so heavy, you can hardly tell the original color of the item beneath.

Usually, homeowners are quick to throw away these items, thinking they are unsalvageable.  But they can be!

85%+ Cleaning Success Rate with Esporta

The Esporta Wash System is a specialized machine that we use to sanitize and deodorize clothing and other textiles.  Our machine can also clean items after a Category 2 or Category 3 Water Damage and Mold Damage.

Our system is a wet wash and uses six environmentally friendly detergents to remove all smoke particles and soot from a textile.

Esporta uses hydraulic pressure to gently clean all fabrics.  The inside of the machine has different compartments in it that look like metal cages.  We place your clothing in one of the cages, tell the machine what kind of contaminants your clothing has, and the wash begins.  

Water fills up from the bottom to the machine and the cages begin to turn rapidly.  This means that the detergent laden water is literally pushed through each layer of fabric forcefully enough to push 99% of contaminants out of your clothing.  No other machine can do that.

Because your clothing stays in place throughout the entire wash, the cycle is gentle enough to be compared to a hand washing.  

The result is clothing that is near pH neutral and clean enough to be considered food grade clean!

Choosing the Right Fire Cleanup Company

Many fire clean up companies are available in Dallas Fort Worth, but only a few of them are full service and can handle every portion of your claim.  As you make your selection, ask your fire damage restoration company how many fire cleanup services they offer in house versus hiring specialty subcontractors.  While subcontractors can also get the job done, your bill will very likely reflect a higher cost of remediation.

Clothing Fire and Smoke Remediation Process

While every fire damage is different and our process changes according to the needs of each of our customers, you can expect the clothing fire restoration process to closely resemble the following:

• Our technicians will inventory and remove all affected clothing and textiles from your home and take them back to our Esporta cleaning facility.
• If anything is wet, we set it aside to begin the drying process and prevent mold.
• We double check our inventory and create an estimate for your insurance company.
• Once your insurance adjuster approves cleaning, your clothing is washed.
• To dr your clothing, it is placed in a humidity controlled drying chamber.
• All items are professionally finished by being pressed, hung, bagged, and boxed.  Leather items are also conditioned.
• If storage is required, we place your items in air conditioned storage.
• When you are ready, your items are delivered back to you.
• Any items that were not salvageable are reported to you and your insurance adjuster.  We even provide your adjuster with a replacement cost report.

Rush Items Delivered Within 3 Days

We understand that while a fire damage claim is being processed, our customers still need clothing to be able to continue going to work and school.  Restoring any sense of normalcy while your home is being restored is important.

For this reason, we ask our clients which items they’d like us to rush clean.  We will prioritize those items and can often have them delivered back to you within 3 days.  

ATP Testing to Prove Cleanliness

We use ATP testing to prove contamination levels.  ATP -- adenosine triphosphate -- is found in all living cells.  Anything alive has ATP. The greater the ATP level, the greater the microbial contamination.  

We take an ATP sample of different surfaces before and after they are cleaned, and this is how we prove:

1) if your clothing is dirty enough to warrant professional cleaning, and

2) that our team has successfully sanitized your clothing after cleanup

Our primary purpose in testing for ATP is to prove our results and ensure the safety of our customers.  If any item fails to receive a passing ATP score, the clothing is cleaned again at no added cost to you.  Our process is thorough and gives our customers peace of mind.

Trusted Leader in Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas

SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas.  We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years.  With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.  You can trust us to restore your home or business.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

Follow us:

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin  YouTube

www.SERVPROrichardson.com

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

What Should Renters Do After A Dallas Apartment Fire?

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson handles fire damages in Dallas. We are a trusted fire damage restoration company with over 30 years of experience.

What Should Renters Do After A Dallas Apartment Fire?

Fire damages can be devastating.  Even when your home isn’t completely affected, fire damage victims still have to handle significant losses.  When you’re a renter at an apartment complex, many questions may enter your mind:

• Is the apartment complex responsible for fire damage costs or am I?

• Does my insurance cover my fire damage?

• Where will I go?

• How will I get all my stuff back?

• How long will it take to get my apartment back?

Handling a fire damage can easily become overwhelming.

We’ve helped many renters that have experienced a fire in their apartment in all of Dallas Fort Worth.  Our team knows how to work with apartment complexes, landlords, and insurance providers to help restore your life.  We can help you, too.

Apartment Fires and Insurance Claims

When you call us to handle your fire damage restoration, you will be assigned a Project Fire Coordinator from our office.  Their responsibility is to establish a relationship with your insurance adjuster. They will communicate with them day to day about the status of your claim.  We’ll work with them to:

• Establish your fire damage restoration coverage.

• Ask for approval to clean and restore any contents that could be saved from the fire.

• Ask for approval to clean your smoke and fire damaged clothing.

• Ask for approval to store your contents as your apartment is being cleaned and restored.

• Process and close your fire damage claim.

Content Cleaning (Household Items)

Content is what we call everything that is inside your apartment.  They are all the belongings you and your family have inside.

The first step when content cleaning is to identify all the items inside your apartment.  We separate them into two categories:

• Salvageable.  These are items that can be cleaned, deodorized, and sanitized.  They are inventories and moved to our cleaning facility. Once they’re cleaned, we store them until you’re ready to receive them again.

• Unsalvageable.  These are items that are permanently damaged and cannot be cleaned.  We do our best to identify these items and report them to your insurance company so they can determine the replacement cost.  Sometimes, the contents are so badly burnt that we cannot identify them. After we have identified everything we and send the inventory to your insurance company, we ask for your permission to dispose of them.

Smoke and Fire Damaged Clothing

Many fire damage restoration companies will offer to take your clothing and clean them after smoke and soot have affected them.  If they offer this service, make sure they can perform the work in house, which means they have their own machines and trained technicians to do the job.  If they can’t, these fire damage restoration companies will usually hire another company to complete this specialized work, which makes the process more expensive.  

SERVPRO of Richardson will not hire anyone else to clean your clothing.  We are one of the few Esporta Wash System certified firms in Dallas Fort Worth.  Our Esporta trained technicians will take all your clothing and textiles from your apartment and take them back to our cleaning facility for sanitation and smoke removal.  When your clothes are cleaned, we will return them to you at your convenience. Our technicians have one of the highest rates of textile cleaning success at over 85% -- even better than traditional dry cleaners.

Moving Services & Storage

Our technicians will pack out everything in our apartment so it can be cleaned.  They will take them back to our cleaning facility where your items will be deodorized and sanitized.  When you can receive your items back again, we’ll be ready to deliver them to you.

Rush Item Cleaning and Delivery

We understand that while the fire damage restoration is taking place, you will need to resume normal activities like going to work and school.  For this reason, we offer a rush item service, where our customers can request items they need, such as clothing, cleaned and delivered to them as soon as possible.  We prioritize these items for cleaning and delivery them quickly, usually around 3 days.

Other Fire Cleanup Companies

We are trained and able to handle every part of your claim.  From fire clean up, to smoke removal, to contents and textile cleaning, to moving services, storage, and reconstruction, we’ll be there.  Not many other fire cleanup companies are able to do the same.

We are a full service fire cleanup company.  With us, you won’t have to worry about coordinating handfuls of different people and companies to handle your claim.  We know this will be a stressful time, so our promise to you is to simplify the process by assigning you a 3 Expert Team.  Each of these team members will take care of all aspects of your project from beginning to end. Rest assured that if you ever have a question, they’ll have the answer.

• Project File Coordinator:  they will work with your insurance company to process your claim.

• Restoration Manager:  they will do the majority of the fire damage restoration process.  They will clean all your contents, your apartment, and manage your move and storage.

• Reconstruction Manager:  if they are needed, they will rebuild any damages to your apartment.

Trusted Leader in Fire Damage Restoration in Collin County, North Texas

SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas.  We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years.  With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

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www.SERVPROrichardson.com

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

Fire Safety: Portable Heaters

12/17/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas.

Portable heaters are popular during the winter, especially when a temporary cold spell falls and you need just a little bit more heat to be comfortable.  Most are inexpensive, which makes them attractive purchases every year.

Yet, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that more than 25,000 home fires are associated with the use of space heaters.

Our office works with fire damaged homes on a daily basis, and we know that safe practices at home can’t be undervalued.  Fire safety practices with space heaters are important to keep families and homes safe during the winter months.

How to Choose a Space Heater

• Purchase a heater with the latest safety technology.
• Buy a space heater that’s meant for the size of the room you’re heating and not larger.
• Choose a heater that has a thermostat so it can know when to turn itself off.

Electric Space Heater Fire Safety

Electric space heaters are the only safe heaters to use indoors because they don’t need ventilation.  

• Plug it in directly into a wall outlet or a short, heavy-duty extension cord.
• Put the heater on a safe and steady platform away from pets, children, and foot traffic.
• Purchase a unit with a tip over safety function.  This will cause the heater to turn itself off if it notices it’s not standing upright.
• Understand the electrical needs of the heater(s) you purchase, and be mindful not to plug so many in that you overload your home.
• Give the heater 3 feet of space on every side.

Smoke and Fire Effects: Is it Bad to Breathe in Fire Smoke?

In case of an emergency, do not hesitate to act.  Inhaling smoke from a fire is very unhealthy and can cause serious health problems.  

When a fire happens, there is almost always visible smoke.  Smoke is the result of incomplete combustion, which means that the material that was burning doesn’t burn completely.  Smoke is what the unburned particles is made up of. It is mostly made up of soot, oils, and ash. Depending on the material the burning object was made up of determines the type of smoke that gets into the air and also embedded into clothing.  

For the sake of your health, do not inhale fire smoke.  Also, do not wear smoke affected clothing as embedded smoke particles may have carcinogens.

Dallas Fire Damage

Should the worst happen and you have a fire at home, know that we can help.  A fire can be devastating. While a homeowner is dealing with the shock of their home and items being damaged, there are also many more strong emotions and important questions in mind.  

It’s easy to be overwhelmed when a fire damage happens, regardless of its size.  We’ve worked to restore many homes and businesses, and we can help you, too. Our priority is to help you navigate this difficult time and get your home back together as quickly as possible.  There’s no time to waste.

Fire Extinguisher Clean Up

One of the best case scenarios in fire damage restoration is when a homeowner was able to stop the fire themselves.  While fire extinguisher clean up isn’t fun, it’s a lot more manageable than rebuild an entire home.

If you need fire extinguisher clean up, give us a call.  We will inspect your home for affected areas and get to work on the fire damage restoration process immediately.  Many times, there is a need for fire smoke odor removal. If the fire happened near an air duct, the smoke may have spread throughout the home.  Our technicians will carefully inspect your property and advice you on the necessary steps to take to make the air in your safe and clean again. Our reconstruction team will also replace anything that was permanently damaged.  

Full Service Fire Cleanup Service

There are many fire cleanup companies in Dallas Fort Worth, but few of them are full service.  We have been handling Dallas fire damage for over 30 years, and we have grown our business to respond to the needs and wants of our customers.  

Their voice is clear: they want a fire damage restoration company that can help them with every aspect of their restoration.  They want one phone call to fix it all.

24 Hour Emergency Response

We have a 24 hour emergency line to respond to any disaster.  Our technicians are dispatched 24 hours a day, every day of the year.  If we cannot perform emergency fire damage repair services due to poor lighting, we will call for 24 hour live security to make sure your home is safe until we can begin work in the morning.

Emergency Roof Tarp

A thick, weatherproof roof tarp will be attached to the roof of your property to prevent weather from entering and causing secondary damage.

Board Up

We board up damaged windows and doors to prevent precipitation and unauthorized persons from entering the building.  This also signals to possible intruders that the property is being cared for and watched.

Structural Cleaning

After the building is secure, we will begin the process of cleaning the smoke fire out of your property.  Debris will be removed.

Smoke Damage Restoration

Smoke damage restoration is when we remove smoke particles have embedded themselves in a material, like a wall, clothing, or piece of furniture.  Smoke damage cannot usually be seen, but it can be smelled. Smoke damage cleanup and odor removal should take place.

Contents Cleaning

Contents are things that are not part of the structure, like furniture, appliances, and toys.  When affected, contents can either be cleaned on site or taken back to our cleaning facility.

Moving Services / Pack Out and Pack Back

When the structure isn’t safe, contents and textiles are moved out of the property and taken to our facilities for cleaning and storage.  They are returned when the property is clean, reconstructed, and safe for inhabitants. Items may also be delivered to a second location if the owner would like them returned sooner.

Storage

Items that have been packed-out are stored in our facilities until they can be returned.

Reconstruction

Reconstruction refers to any portion of your structure that is rebuilt.  Any portion that was permanently damaged during the fire damage is rebuilt to pre fire condition.

House Fire and Insurance Claims

Each one of our customers is assigned a Project File Coordinator.  This person will contact your insurance company and communicate with your insurance adjuster on a daily basis.  If your fire damage insurance claim is not covered, we will quickly find out and let you know what next steps you can take.  If your insurance claim is approved, we will work closely with your insurance company to process your claim.

Trusted Leader in Fire Remediation, North Texas

SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas.  We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years.  With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.  You can trust us to restore your home or business.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

Follow us:

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin  YouTube

www.SERVPROrichardson.com

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

11/1/2016 (Permalink)

Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance away from buildings or other flammable materials.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

Most home fires occur on Thanksgiving.

It’s not surprising why.  This is one of the few days of the year when we come together and meet in the kitchen.  It’s not really Thanksgiving until you have two types of potato dishes and three desserts!  (We can’t be the only ones who think that way, can we?)

With so much activity happening in the kitchen, accidents are bound to happen.  

The three most common causes of home fires for Thanksgiving are:

Oven Fires

Oven fires tend to happen because of a burning piece of food.  Keep these safety tips in mind if this happens to you.

• Don’t overfill dishes.  When cooking foods that expand in the oven, like a cake, be careful not to fill the dish to the bin with batter.  It may run over and catch fire.

• Clean your oven of scraps.  Scraps from other meals can also catch fire or create an unpleasant smoke.

• Turn on a timer on your phone.  The holidays are busy times and there are plenty of ways to distract ourselves these days.  Put on a timer and let that remind you to come back for your delicious meal.

• We won’t advise you to not use your oven’s self cleaning feature, but we will warn you that many oven fires we’ve been called out to have been a result of this feature being turned on.

How to Put Out an Oven Fire

• Leave the door closed.  Opening the door and allowing more oxygen in will just fuel the fire.

• Turn off the oven.  You may choose to make sure the fire goes out on its own, but if there’s any doubt, just call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

Candle Fires

Candles set a great ambiance and many have the added benefit of smelling great.  We mostly see fire damages caused by candles when people leave them unsupervised and the candle catches something small on fire.  The damage to the room may not be significant, but the resulting fire smoke odor tends to reach everywhere in the house.

• Burn candles in a well ventilated room.  The ventilation lets the billowed smoke spread.  Under ventilated rooms tend to smoke up, which makes it hard to see and get some fresh air.  

• Stay in the room and keep an eye on the candle.  If anything happens, you want to be there to put an immediate stop to it.

• Keep candles away from flammable objects.  This includes things like paper and drapes.  Keep the candle at least 3 feet away.

• Keep burning candles away from children and pets.

• Use a candle holder.  A candle holder will catch any melting wax and prevent it from spilling onto other surfaces.  Since many people use a cloth tablecloth to line their tables, this is especially important so the cloth doesn’t have a chance to catch fire.

• Put the candle holder on a stable platform.  This will help the candle from tipping and dripping wax away from its holder.

• Keep candles away from each other.

Turkey Fryer Fire

Frying a turkey is fast, easy, and most importantly--delicious.  The oil creates a crispy exterior while keeping the meat moist.

Whichever way you like your turkey cooked, please keep safety as your top priority.  We often see one of these rules violated when we get called to clean up after garage fires or other outdoor portions of the home affected after a grass fire spread.

• Reduce the chance of it tipping over.  Turkey fryers can easily tip over. Use them on a flat surface.

• Don’t overfill the fryer.  An overfilled cooking pot will cause cooking oil to spill when the turkey is put in.  Read your fryer’s safety manual to learn exactly how big a turkey can fit inside. Also look for different colored marks on the fryer itself that tells you where to fill up the oil to.

• Make sure the entire turkey is defrosted.  Have you ever put a bit of oil into a pan on a stove and accidentally got a drop of water in it?  Then you know that the hot oil jumps back at you. Water and oil do not mix! The same thing happens when water and the hot oil in a turkey fryer mix.  A partially frozen turkey (partially frozen = ice) will cause cooking oil to splatter when put in the pot. These splatters of hot oil jump out and can land on something that will burn, like grass.  Make sure your turkey is completely thawed and patted dry before inserting it into the oil.

• Clean up oil spills.  Even a small amount of cooking oil spilling on a hot burner can cause a large fire.

• How hot is the oil?  Use a fryer with temperature controls to prevent overheating the oil.  If one isn’t available, many retail stores readily sell oil temperature gauges.

• Use the fryer outdoors.  Turkey fryers should always be used outdoors a safe distance away from buildings or other flammable materials.

Every year, SERVPRO of Richardson responds to calls from customers whose homes have suffered smoke damage, many related to Thanksgiving related fire incidents.  This holiday season, keep the following safety tips in mind to keep your family and home safe from fire:

From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Trusted Leader in Fire Damage Restoration Collin County, North Texas

SERVPRO of Richardson is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company on the border of Richardson and Plano Texas.  We have performed work in Dallas, Plano, Grapevine, McKinney, Frisco, Allen, and other North Texas communities in Collin County for over 30 years.  With our crews responding immediately to jobs, we are faster to any size disaster. We also have a Texas Mold Remediation Contractor License and offer free mold inspections.  You can trust us to restore your home or business.

Our crews are available dispatch for 24 hour emergencies every day of the year.  We can be reached 24/7 at (972) 690-1414.  Call us any time!

Follow us:

Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Linkedin   YouTube

www.SERVPROrichardson.com

“Like it never even happened,” only happens here.

Source: U.S. Fire Administration