Fire Contingency Plan for Commercial Multi-Home Buildings

10/17/2024 (Permalink)

A fire emergency in a commercial multi-home building can be catastrophic, but with a well-structured contingency plan in place, property managers can significantly reduce the risks and ensure residents’ safety. Here's a guide on how to design a robust fire contingency plan that covers preparation, communication, evacuation, and recovery steps to keep both residents and property safe.

1. Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment

Every fire contingency plan begins with identifying and mitigating fire hazards throughout the building. Common high-risk areas include kitchens, mechanical rooms, and electrical closets. Addressing these risks with fire prevention measures is crucial.

2. Establish a Reliable Emergency Communication System

In the event of a fire, fast and effective communication can save lives. Fire alarms should be loud enough to alert all residents, and backup communication systems like text alerts or phone trees can ensure everyone is notified. 

3. Develop a Clear Evacuation Plan

A solid evacuation plan is essential for guiding residents safely out of the building. Start by ensuring all exits are well-marked and evacuation routes are clearly posted on every floor. It's important that all residents, particularly those who are elderly or disabled, know where to go in case of an emergency. 

4. Conduct Regular Fire Drills

To ensure everyone is prepared, schedule quarterly fire drills. You can alternate between drills with prior notice and spontaneous ones to keep residents ready for real-life situations. Much like fire drills in schools, regular practice helps adults respond quickly, safely, and with less panic during an actual emergency.

5. Maintain Updated Emergency Contacts

Having quick access to key emergency contacts is vital during and after a fire. Ensure that contact details for local fire departments, emergency services, and building management are up-to-date and accessible to both staff and residents. 

6. Implement a Post-Fire Recovery Plan

Recovering from a fire involves several critical steps, from assessing the damage to supporting displaced residents. Working with a fire restoration company, like SERVPRO, can help you quickly assess the extent of the damage, clean up, and restore the building. Additionally, be prepared to offer temporary housing solutions for residents who are displaced by the fire. Transparent communication about recovery efforts and timelines will help reassure residents during this difficult time.

Conclusion

A well-prepared fire contingency plan is essential for protecting both lives and property in commercial multi-home buildings. By regularly assessing risks, communicating clearly, conducting quarterly fire drills, and partnering with experts for recovery, you can ensure your building is ready to respond to fire emergencies.

By implementing these steps, property managers can foster a culture of safety and preparedness, ensuring that when disaster strikes, everyone knows exactly what to do.

5 Steps to Preventing Residential Fires

7/3/2024 (Permalink)

Home is where the heart is, and keeping it safe from fires is essential. Fire prevention not only protects your property but also ensures the safety of your loved ones. Here are five crucial steps you can take to prevent residential home fires:

1. Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms: Smoke alarms are your first line of defense against home fires. They provide early warnings, giving you and your family time to escape.

2. Practice Safe Cooking: Cooking is a leading cause of home fires. Unattended cooking can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. Never leave cooking food unattended. If you must leave, turn off the stove.

3. Use Electrical Appliances Safely: Electrical malfunctions can lead to fires. Overloaded circuits and faulty wiring are common culprits. Regularly check cords for fraying or damage and replace any damaged cords immediately!

4. Store and Use Flammable Materials Safely: Keep flammable materials like gasoline, paint thinners, and cleaning supplies in their original containers and away from heat sources.

5. Create and Practice an Escape Plan: In the event of a fire, having a well-practiced escape plan can save lives.

Fire prevention is all about being proactive and prepared. By following the steps above, you can significantly reduce the risk of a fire in your home.

If you need immediate water and fire damage clean up services, SERVPRO Team Paparone is Here to Help®, 24/7!

Fire, Smoke & Soot - OH MY!

10/2/2023 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.  SERVPRO Team Paparone can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.  SERVPRO of Langhorne/Bensalem provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke, and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration.  These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

What You Can Do Until Help Arrives

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Do not clean any electrical equipment.
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Call SERVPRO of Langhorne/Bensalem at 215-245-4855 as soon as damage is caused. The quicker our team can get to the damage, the quicker we can get your home restored "Like it never even happened." We are available 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays! 

Tips to Keeping Your Pets Safe From House Fires

7/6/2023 (Permalink)

Saturday, July 15th is National Pet Fire Safety Day! It is important to include your furry family members into your emergency plan should a fire ever occur. You want to make sure they know their way out of the house during an emergency.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in the United States, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected by house fires annually, with a significant number suffering injuries or losing their lives. Here are some tips to keeping your pets safe during a fire emergency:

1. Develop a clear and well-rehearsed evacuation plan that includes your pets. designate a meeting point outside where everyone, including your pets, can gather safely.
2. Display pet alert window stickers: 
3. Ensure that your pets wear collars with identification tags at all times.
4. Pets can accidentally knock over candles, lamps, or space heaters, causing fires.
5. Consider installing pet-specific fire alarms or detectors that can detect the unique frequencies of a pet's distress call.
6. Take steps to minimize the risk of fires in your home. Don't leave pets unattended near open flames or hot appliances.
7. Include essential supplies for your pets in an emergency kit, such as food, water, medications, and copies of vaccination records. Keep this kit easily accessible in case of an evacuation.
8. Inform neighbors or nearby friends: 
9. During a fire emergency, pets may become frightened and seek hiding spots. Be aware of their favorite hiding places and inform firefighters or rescue personnel about their likely locations. 

Show some love to your pets and make sure they are ready to escape during or following an emergency. Call SERVPRO Team Paparone immediately following any fire damage restoration services. We are HERE TO HELP® 24/7.

Check Your Smoke Alarms

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

Emergencies are going to happen; that’s life. Having a plan in place is super important, especially when owning a house or business.Checking your fire alarms frequently is important to preparation.Here are somethings to keep in mind when it comes to your fire alarms:

BATTERY LIFE: According to the NFPA, you may need to change your batteries every 6 months (that’s what that little beeping noise is) and the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.
SAFETY: The placement of smoke alarms is very important. Placing them in all sleeping areas and outside bedrooms/outside of doors.
FEATURES: The NFPA suggests checking your alarm systems every month by pushing the “test” button and making sure the sound works.
BRANDS: The evolution of technology has changed our world in so many ways & smoke alarms are no exception. Google has their own brand of smoke alarms and it is listed as the most popular and reliable smoke alarm.

Have you checked your smoke alarms lately? If you’re thinking to yourself, “when was the last time we checked our smoke alarms?” then it’s time to do it!

Different Types of Smoke

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know there are different types of fire smoke, which in return, decides how you clean the damage?

There are a lot of factorsto take into consideration whendeciding on how to approach fire damage with soap and a brush.

Here are the types of smoke that can occur in any property:

• WET SMOKE: slow burning, low temp fire, most troublesome to clean, turns into foam of thick and sticky residue that latches to surfaces
• DRY SMOKE: high temp blaze, comes in a fine powder-like form. since its a fine form, it can be easily cleaned, all-purpose spray
• PROTEIN SMOKE: when food is burned, generally light in color & appearance unless comes in contact with painted surfaces or wood - becomes permanent discoloration
• PETROLEUM SMOKE: when oils are burned, very dark in color and can stain any surface or material, cleaned with agent designed to cut grease

Looking for a quote on smoke damage? Get a free inspection with us today by calling 215-245-4855!

Importance of Hiring a Professional Fire Damage Restoration Company

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

When you encounter a fire at your home, the last thing on your mind should be about making repairs. First and foremost, get out of the house and leave everything to the professionals. There are too many risks involved when it comes to dealing with water damage issues after a fire has occurred. The most important reason for leaving a recently burned home in a hurry is that all sorts of toxic smoke particles can linger around in the air for days if not weeks which potentially makes breathing inside very unsafe for people without proper protection.

When faced with such a horrible tragedy, many homeowners tend to underestimate the seriousness of the situation only because they do not have prior experience in handling such problems. In reality though, restoring your burnt back to its original state requires years of knowledge and technical expertise. This is why it is always better to leave your burnt home in the hands of fire damage restoration experts rather than trying to fix things up on your own.

1- Safety hazards:

The moment a fire breaks out, the first thing you should be concerned about is your family's safety. Before anything else, make sure that every member of the household leaves the premises as quickly as possible. The agency which has come to remove hazardous smoke particles from your house should provide each individual present at the site with full face masks and clothing that covers every inch of skin before allowing them back inside for cleanup.

Trying to clean up an aftermath yourself without proper protection can lead to consequences like mold poisoning which may even spread into the blood. So it is always advisable to look for professional help when restoring a fire damaged house since it can be quite risky otherwise.

2- Time constraint:

With every passing minute, you are allowing more time for mold spores and other hazardous particles to settle down in your house. This causes the overall air quality within the premises to deteriorate with each passing moment thus making it hard for people to live in such conditions for prolonged periods of time. The longer you wait before getting rid of these smoke particles, the harder it becomes to keep breathing inside your house safe and healthy which is why hiring experts immediately after a fire occurs is crucial.

3- Cost effective process:

If you are thinking that dealing with water damage issues after a fire is cheaper on your own, you are severely mistaken. It takes years of experience to learn the tricks of this trade which is why most insurance companies will know if you have tried to restore damage on your own without any prior knowledge of restoration work. This could lead to refused insurance claims in some cases thus proving financially burdensome for you in the long run.

4- Hurry up with clean up:

Another reason why one should prefer hiring water damage experts after a fire has occurred at home is that they understand the importance of time when it comes this kind of work. If not dealt with appropriate urgency, chances are your once healthy home may never be restored back again to its original state by any other company but fire and water damage experts. There are several methods of restoring a burnt home which is why hiring the right people for this job is crucial.

5- Extensive and deep clean up:

Burnt homes require an extensive cleaning process which involves removing things like rubble, clothing, carpeting and even furniture if it has not survived the fire. All these items must be disposed of properly in order to clean up your house properly. This is where water damage restoration experts come into play since they are well aware of the process that is needed to restore a burnt home back to its original state.

Does Fire Restoration Actually Work?

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

It's a scary thought to have your home or office burn down. It is even scarier when you find out that the fire was caused by something as simple as an electrical wire being too close to combustible materials. The reality is, however, that it can be devastating for buildings and contents alike. But do not fear! There are ways to get things back up and running again after a fire has happened.

Can Fire Damage Restoration Companies Actually Restore Your Goods?

The reality is that there are many different degrees of fire damage. Everything from a scorch to an actual burn can make items unusable or even irreparable. The restoration company you work with should be able to give you an accurate estimate on the costs and time it will take for each individual piece after they have made their initial assessment. This way, if your things cannot be restored then at least you know up front rather than waiting weeks upon months only to find out that nothing can be done!

Does Restoration Work Change Depending On What Was Destroyed?

Yes, in fact it does change depending on what was destroyed by the fire. Different types of materials require different kinds of treatments because some elements may not react well together. For example, if your things are made of metal then you need to make sure that the restoration company has experience in dealing with this material. If they do not, then it can cause further damage and be more costly than it needs to be!

What to Do After a Fire?

If there is anything at all that was destroyed by fire or heat damages don't try cleaning up yourself no matter how much you may want too. You could actually end up doing worse harm when trying to clean something like a television screen because chemicals on your cloth might react even more aggressively than the flames did originally. This way you will know exactly what kind of treatment each individual damaged item requires which also means lower costs for every single one of them!

Is There Anything I Can Do To Help The Restoration Process?

No matter how much you may want to help in the restoration process, do not try and fix anything on your own. This is especially true when it comes to electrical wiring because this can be just as dangerous for someone attempting a repair than it was before the fire even happened! Let professionals handle all of that so that they know what needs done and also if there is any chance of danger involved with an item or room itself.

Can You Really Restore Things After A Fire Damage?

Yes, companies like ours specialize in making sure everything returns back to normal after such a disaster strikes. So whether you need new drywall put up or appliances restored we have got professional technicians who will take care of it all for you. All of our workers are fully insured and licensed so that we can ensure your safety as well as the quality of materials used in making sure everything looks just like new!

Eliminate Odor after a Fire: Why Hiring A Professional Service Is Important

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

If you have just experienced a fire in your home, then the last thing on your mind is what to do about the terrible odor that lingers. It's important to get professional services for odor removal after a fire because it can affect how much insurance will pay out after an incident like this. By using these steps below, you'll be able to quickly and easily eliminate odors from smoke or other smells left behind by fires without having to spend money for costly services.

Use a Scented Cleaning Solution

A scented cleaning solution will mask the smell of smoke or other smells left behind. The smoke can stick to almost all items in the house which will keep the odor lingering on. So in order to get completely get rid of the odor, you need to clean all things in your house with a scented solution. You can make this solution at home as well using soap, water and vinegar.

Give it Time to Air Out

Leaving windows open, using fans and opening up doors for thorough ventilation can help get rid of odors in a short amount of time? You want to avoid cooking or smoking during this process as these activities may only worsen the situation by adding new smells into your home that are even worse than what you're trying to eliminate!

Use Odor Eliminating Pouches

There's also an option available if you don't have enough time for ventilation - place odor eliminating pouches around rooms with lingering odors. These should be replaced every couple weeks so they working effectively at getting rid of the smell.

Use Air Freshener

There are also air fresheners available that can help get rid of the smell in a short amount of time. These come in many different

Five Steps to Fire Restoration the Best Practices

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fire restoration is a process that can take weeks or months to complete. That's why it's important to have the right fire restoration professionals on your side from the beginning of the process. Here are five steps for getting started with fire restoration

1. Assess any damages before moving anything, and then contact a professional team to help you remove debris and secure damaged materials.

 The first step is to assess the damage caused by the fire. You may be tempted to try and move or clean up damaged items yourself, but this can damage even more of your property. The right restoration professionals know how to move things safely, and they will have the proper equipment.

2. Remove smoke damage by cleaning walls, ceilings, furniture, carpets, drapes and other items using specialized products designed for this purpose.

 The second step in fire restoration is removing smoke damage. This can be done by using a water-based cleaner to remove soot from walls, ceilings and any other surrounding surfaces. You must also clean all fabrics thoroughly, including furniture, carpets and curtains.

3. Clean out all vents and ducts in your home or business as soon as possible after a fire has occurred

 The third step in fire restoration is to clean all vents and ducts. If you leave this for too long, it can cause more damage to your property. Cleaning out these areas will ensure that smoke does not continue to spread throughout the home or business.

4. Take care of any lingering odors with an air purification system or by opening windows daily to get fresh air

 Once you have addressed all smoke damage, the last step in fire restoration is to address any lingering odors. This can be done with an air purification system or by opening windows regularly so that fresh air flows through your home or business for at least a few months after the fire occurred.

5. Keep your home or business dry by using fans, dehumidifiers and other systems to reduce humidity

 The final step in fire restoration is to keep your home or business dry at all times. This can be done by using fans, dehumidifiers and other equipment that reduces humidity levels in the air. However, you should only use these when necessary since they may damage wood floors if used too often.

You need to hire a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO to help you with the restoration process. We are fully equipped to take care of your fire damage restoration need. A professional company like SERVPRO can assess the damage, remove smoke and other odors, clean vents/ducts, repair any fire or water damage to your home or business, take care of lingering odors with an air purification system or by opening windows for fresh air.

Avoiding Fires While Grilling

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Grills must be kept clean; remove all fats and grease to avoid a grill fire.

Keeping Fires At Bay While Grilling

People in Trevose, PA and all over the country enjoy a good barbecue, and frankly, what’s not to love? Besides the traditional hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, ribs and steak, veggies, fruits, and even pizza have found their way to flame cooking. By following some simple tips, you can stay safe and avoid the inconvenience of a grill fire.

Tips for Safe Charcoal Grilling

A bbq fire that gets out of control could cause damage to a home by engulfing flammable materials near the grill. In that case, there are professionals who stand ready to help with the remediation of bbq smoke damage to your home. However, grilling with charcoal or propane gas without drama is easy to do if you heed the following safety tips.

• All grills must be used only outdoors and be constantly attended.
• Place the grill away from the house, railings, or overhanging vegetation or structures.
• Keep children and pets away from hot grills.
• Grills must be kept clean; remove all fats and grease to avoid a grill fire.
• Neither charcoal lighter fluid nor matches should be kept near a grill in use.
• Wait until coals have completely cooled before disposing of them in a metal container.

Tips for Safe Gas Grilling

Inspecting the tank, hoses, connections and the grill itself for leaks should be routine. To check any of these areas for leaks, before grilling apply a light solution of soap and water to connections and check for bubbles. If bubbles are seen, tighten connections and recheck. If the bubbling persists, have the grill serviced by a professional. If a leak is detected while grilling, turn off the tank and burners. If the smell of gas persists, call the fire department without delay.

Cooking outdoors for friends and family is a special treat. Eliminating the risk of a grill fire will make your next barbecue safe and enjoyable.

3 Ways the Pros Get Rid of Smoke Smell

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

A thermal fogger is designed to condense smoke and soot into a form that’s easier to clean.

Smoke Odor Removal

Smoke odor removal typically isn’t one of those things that you can just do on your own with a little elbow grease. Smoke is an extremely pesky substance that can infuse itself into any even slightly porous surface, and it’s difficult to get rid of later on. Fortunately, smoke cleaning professionals in Feasterville, PA, have a number of ways to combat this issue:

• Air purifiers
  
• Ozone machines
  
• Thermal foggers
  
  

These machines are designed to not only deodorize a space but to remove the smoke itself to keep the area smelling and looking fresh.

Air Purifiers

These machines can be purchased in almost any hardware store and are already used by homeowners across the world to deodorize. However, when they’re used by professionals, they are often heavy-duty models that work alongside a number of other techniques to remove smoke damage from space.

Ozone Machines

These machines produce ozone, a gas that can eliminate dangerous or unwanted airborne particles in your home, including smoke. This smoke cleaning device uses ozone itself to push smoke out of its place, replacing it with a clean, aerosol-like scent over time. Of course, this method may not be the best option if you have pets or young children, as ozone is toxic in high doses.

Thermal Foggers

A thermal fogger is designed to condense smoke and soot into a form that’s easier to clean. The machines release a hot mist into space, which seeps into fabrics, porous counters, and more to soak up the smoke particles that have made themselves at home there. Because the smoke particles are contained in this way, they’re simpler to remove or wipe away.

Smoke cleaning can be a tough, lengthy process, but working with professionals can help you get the job done faster and more effectively. In the end, it’s worth it to get your home back to its old self.

Follow These Tips To Safely Use Your Space Heater

3/22/2021 (Permalink)

Avoid having a burned space heater.

Follow These Tips To Safely Use Your Space Heater

A burned space heater turns a convenient way to warm a single room into a major fire hazard. Not only can you lose money on the purchase of a new device, but the costs can pile up if the fire damages your Fox Chase, PA, home. You can avoid this danger by using the device properly and safely with the help of these tips.

Keep Combustible Materials Away
Any room has many potential combustible materials around. When positioning the space heater, keep it away from:

• Paper items (books, notebooks)
  
• Fabrics (blankets, curtains, bedding)
  
• Wooden furniture and items
  
• Gas cans
  
• Paint containers
  
• Matches
  
  

All these materials can either burn fast when they are exposed to heat or react violently to it. You can prevent these interactions by placing the heater flat on a flat floor with no objects near it.

Clean the Air Filters
Another common cause behind a burned space heater is filthy and overstuffed filters. A space heater is usually left idle for long periods of time and eventually gathers dust that can clog up the air filters, causing them to overheat and start a fire. You can stop this incident by cleaning the filters at least twice a year. Wear protective gear, turn off the device and carefully clean the filters and other internal components with compressed air, a vacuum or a duster.

Unplug Heater When Necessary
A space heater requires minimal operation when you use it to warm a single location. Its simple use and its effectiveness over time can tempt you to leave it on while you do to another room or go to sleep. However, it can overheat or malfunction, lighting a fire without your knowledge. Unplug the device before leaving the room or going to sleep. Alternatively, look for a heater that has advanced safety features like automatic shut-off.
Reliable emergency restoration services can help you with fire damage and smoke cleanup, but you can prevent this situation with enough prevention. Follow these safe use practices to avoid having a burned space heater.

How Do You Estimate Fire Damage to a Commercial Building?

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Oakford, PA

After a commercial fire in Oakford, PA, you’ll need to get an estimate for the repairs to your building. Depending on your insurance company and the policy, this will most likely be developed by the restoration company in conjunction with your insurance adjuster.
However, having some knowledge about what’s involved can help you understand the process and note anything that’s of concern. Some insurance companies can try to reduce the payout, so it’s best if you know your rights.

What Are the Basic Factors Impacting Your Estimate?

Your insurance policy may have limitations, exclusions and riders that will alter your payout. The deductible, or the portion of the damages you’re required to pay, will also vary. Overall, there are three causal factors that impact the cost to repair fire damage:

• How much of your building was damaged.
  
• The type and purpose of the building.
  
• The market value of your building.
  
  

How Bad Is Smoke Damage?
A major part of the appraisal is based on smoke damage. Smoke is insidious; it gets everywhere, finding tiny gaps and embedding itself into anything remotely porous.
Cleaning up the odor and toxic residue requires very specialized equipment and disinfectants in Oakford, PA. Always choose a local company with plenty of experience in deep cleaning and odor removal. They’ll have high-volume air scrubbers and heavy-duty odor absorbers that strip the oily residue away. Highly absorbent items such as carpet and drywall far removed from the flames still may have to be fully replaced.

Do New Repairs Have to Match Existing Areas?
When you receive the estimate, make sure the adjuster has allowed for repairs to appear uniform. The new portions must have a consistent appearance with new materials and paint matching what already exists. New construction shouldn’t be noticeable to the casual eye.
Some policies will also include lost possessions. Also, you can get a rider to cover your loss of normal business during repairs or other interrupting events. This type of insurance can be expensive, so talk with your agent to determine what’s best for you.

Is Fire a Covered Peril?

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Eddington, PA

Expenses associated with fire damage cleanup and restoration damage can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. Business or building owners who have commercial property insurance should be able to file a fire insurance claim to cover most expenses associated with restoring fire damage and replacing losses. Policy details including endorsements, exclusions, or limits determine the amount of coverage.

Commercial Property Coverage

Commercial property insurance policies cover most fire restoration costs. Fire damage may not be covered if this peril is excluded or any of the following factors apply:

• Arson or intentional fire
• No property insurance coverage
• Vacant property
  
  

As long as a property is covered by an insurance policy, some funding should be available to mitigate, clean, and restore fire damage. The amount of coverage available depends on policy limits, endorsements, and exclusions.

Exclusions and Limits
Some types of coverage may be cut out of commercial property insurance policies. Exclusions are more likely for issues such as mold, which tends to originate as secondary damage due to primary water damage that was not properly restored. An insurance policy may only provide a limited amount of coverage for smoke cleanup and other supplementary cleaning and restoration procedures.

Additional Fire Coverage
A business that uses combustible or flammable substances on a regular basis along with other risk factors such as heat may want to obtain additional fire insurance. Depending on the property insurance policy, this coverage may be available as an endorsement or rider. Additional policies may be necessary for specific risks.
All of these factors determine how much coverage is available for fire damage mitigation, cleanup, and restoration. It may be necessary to tear out damaged materials and rebuild portions of a commercial building in Eddington, PA. Assessing risks, prioritizing safety, and maintaining a sufficient level of fire insurance coverage gives building and business owners more peace of mind.

6 Tips to Avoid a Grill Fire

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Every time the grill is used the grates should be cleaned

Six Grilling Tips

For many people in Hulmeville, PA, warm weather creates the urge to fire up the grill. Enjoying good food and your backyard oasis with friends and family can quickly become a bad memory if a grill fire breaks out. In the right circumstances, even a small flare-up could lead to needing a fire and smoke damage restoration expert to get your home back to how it should be. To help keep the memories good ones, below are six grilling tips to keep in mind.

1. Only Outdoors
No matter if using charcoal or a gas grill, this method of cooking should only take place outdoors.

2. The Right Location
Ensure grills are located away from the home or other structures, including near covered porches, sheds, or garages. Verify that there is nothing above the grill, such as an overhang or branch. Keep flammable decorations away from the grilling area.

3. Trim the Fat
Grease is the main culprit in a grill fire. Although good marbling gives meat tenderness, ensure there isn’t any excess fat. Keep a spray bottle filled with water when cooking extra fatty meat.

4. Stay Alert
Grilling requires focus. Leaving a lit grill with food cooking on it can easily lead to a barbeque fire. From flare-ups to it accidentally getting knocked over, tending to your duties as the grillmaster should take the top priority.

5. Clean Counts
Every time the grill is used the grates should be cleaned. Deep cleaning should happen a couple of times a year. When grill time is over, let it cool. Placing a cover over it while it still hot could lead to a fire.

6. Inspect Before Using
If using a gas grill, inspect the tank, knobs, and hoses for any damage or potential leaks.
There is nothing quite like backyard fun, so make sure to keep safety on your mind when grilling to avoid a grill fire.

What Causes Natural Gas To Explode?

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

A gas leak can quickly reach unsafe levels of concentration in a residence

What To Do As Soon You Feel The Smell Of Natural Gas

A gas leak can quickly reach unsafe levels of concentration in a residence. Under these circumstances, any heat or sparks can ignite and cause a gas fire that has the potential to destroy a home and cause damage to surrounding structures in Cornwells Heights, PA. Learn more about the dangers posed by gas leaks and what to do as soon as you smell the methyl mercaptan added to indicate the presence of odorless natural gas.

High Concentrations of Gas
Whether an appliance or a gas connection is leaking, the concentration of gas particles in air make an explosion more likely. Any of the following actions may pose an elevated risk of combustion:

• Flipping switches
  
• Unplugging electronics
  
• Using devices
  
  

Average gas concentrations in the air of a home that has a gas range and oven hover between 5 to 15 parts per million. If this level passes 30 ppm, a residence is at elevated risk of a gas fire.

Ignition From High Heat or Sparks
Electrical plugs and the devices indicated above can release a spark that ignites gas. Any source of heat, fire, or electrical sparks is potentially dangerous in the event of a gas leak. For this reason, ventilation and evacuation are recommended.

Evacuate and Call Emergency Services
Place a call to emergency services from outside a residence with a suspected gas leak. Gas company employees can arrive on site, determine the leak location and complete a repair. The area where leaking gas was accumulating must be thoroughly ventilated before it is safe for occupants to return and use electricity.
The sulfurous odor associated with natural gas is not naturally occurring. This scent is added as a safety measure to make it possible to detect leaks prior to a gas fire or gas explosion. Homeowners should act quickly to report a leak, ventilate and evacuate a household in Cornwells Heights, PA.

Everything You Need To Know About Business Interruption Insurance

11/8/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in Woodburne, PA

Learn More About How This Plan Can Benefit You After A Business Fire

When fire affects your Woodbourne, PA, business, you will need comprehensive insurance coverage. Business interruption is one of the most common additions you might see. While it initially seems like commercial or incident-specific insurance, it has major differences that determine the recovery efforts.

Areas Covered by Insurance
Stopping operations after a fire causes a stop on profits until recovery and reopening. An interruption plan accounts for this loss. Additionally, it covers charges that emerge during this period, including:

• Lease or rent bills
  
• Moving costs
  
• Continuing utilities (electricity, water, etc.)
  
• Taxes
  
• Employee payroll
  
  

Notice that it only covers money potentially lost from business shutdown and regular monthly costs. Other factors such as fire damage repair are covered by traditional commercial insurance policy.

Coverage Length
Another feature that differentiates business interruption coverage is the time limit. This type of plan takes between 48 to 72 hours to go into effect after the claim. The length depends entirely on how long the recovery of your business takes. Once the fire cleaning and repairing process is complete, your business can resume operations and you will no longer need this insurance. The coverage can last for several days, weeks and even months depending on the severity and extent of the damage.

Interruption Preparation
Even though interruption protection ensures your organization survives this incident, you can always minimize both the overall damage and the pause length with the right preparations. Besides the addition of this protection to your insurance strategy, you can thoroughly inspect the property and fix any potential issues that can escalate after a business fire. Work with a remediation company to create an emergency plan that is specifically designed for your commercial building.
While regular commercial property insurance can help you cover the costs of repairing fire damage, it does not include other aspects like profit loss and regular expenses. Add business interruption to the existing plan to keep your establishment strong during this time.

5 Ways To Avoid a Cigarette Fire

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

A cigarette fire can quickly lead to disastrous results

Avoid a Cigarette Fire By Following These Tips

Cigarettes and other smoking-related materials are a leading cause of home fires in the United States. Unattended or improperly discarded smoking materials are particularly hazardous. Avoid a cigarette fire by following these tips for smoking safely around your home.

1. Always Smoke Outside
Smoking outside is generally a lot safer than inside. There are usually many items inside a residence that will easily catch fire by merely brushing against a lit cigarette.

2. Properly Extinguish Smoking Materials
Always fully extinguish burning cigarettes and matches. Even an ashtray fire can potentially lead to a disaster. Make sure your ashtray is deep enough to contain the debris. Smoking outside is much safer than inside, but it’s critical that you still take the proper precautions. Never throw a lit cigarette in the grass or on around any other flammable materials. A sand-filled bucket is a good option.

3. Don’t Smoke Sleepy
Whether in bed, on your sofa or reclining outside by the pool, never smoke while you’re sleepy. If there’s any chance that you might fall asleep, avoid lighting up until you’re fully awake.

4. Avoid Smoking in Bed
Smoking in bed is a poor decision whether you’re sleepy or not. A cigarette fire in bed can result in one of the more dangerous fire scenarios. Sheets and blankets can easily be set ablaze by brushing against a lit cigarette, or ash can fall off the cigarette into the bed. You might not realize it’s on fire until it’s out of control.

5. Never Smoke Near Medical Oxygen
NEVER smoke in the vicinity of a medical oxygen device. Even a tiny spark can set off a massive explosion. Shutting off the oxygen won’t guarantee that it’s safe to light up.
A cigarette fire can quickly lead to disastrous results. If your Feasterville, PA, home experiences fire damage of any kind, you can count on fire cleanup experts. They’ll return your home to its preloss condition as quickly as possible.

More than Meets the Eye

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

To the naked eye, the ceiling may seem unaffected by a fire, but upon closer inspection, you can see there is a layer of soot in need of remediation.

Sometimes a little smoke can do a lot of damage.  Sure, it's easy to identify when a fire causes major damage, but what about when a small fire leads to smoke all the way on the other end of the structure?  

If you unknowingly hire an inexperienced contractor or restoration company, you may end up with lingering smoke odors for weeks, months, or even years.  This is because you need the expertise of certified soot cleaners.  Technicians and project managers who know exactly where and what to look for that could lead to lingering odors.  For instance, a small hole in a ceiling or an exterior wall could be big enough to let soot particles in and affect insulation behind the walls.  Additionally, running a central air system could potentially lead to circulating the soot throughout the structure.  

These are just a couple of examples of small details that, if not properly identified & addressed, could lead to unnecessary lingering odors.  

Luckily we are here to help!  Call us any time and we will happily provide an inspection & estimate!

Soot Mess

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

This homeowner, understandably, couldn't believe the living room fireplace caused soot to reach their bedroom carpet!

Sometimes you don't realize how extensive a damage to your property is.  Often times, in the cases of puffbacks and chimney mishaps, it may seem like a just a little soot has landed on your walls, floors, or personal belongings.  However, after making an attempt(s) at cleaning the soot themselves, many customers will call us for an estimate days, or even weeks, later.  This is because they've discovered that the soot reached areas of the homes they thought unimaginable, and now need professional cleaning help.

Though we find a valiant effort has been made by the home or business owner to clean the soot themselves, often times they are not equipped with the proper cleaning tools & products for the long and tedious process.  Did you know, this type of damage is typically considered a "covered loss" by the majority of insurance providers?  Why struggle with the agony and hours of cleaning your property yourself when you can call SERVPRO for a professional cleaning today!

Residential Fire

2/3/2020 (Permalink)

Insulation can be a culprit in retaining smoke smell after a fire if not properly removed & replaced.

Cleaning up after a fire can be a daunting task.  Depending on the severity of the blaze, not only is there the physical task of performing demolition and inch by inch cleaning, but there is also the emotional toll of sorting through charred personal belongings and possibly heirlooms.  

SERVPRO is here to relieve that stress for you.  We have the knowledge and expertise to perform and properly document any and all necessary demolition, cleaning, contents inventorying/cleaning, and contents moving/storing.  This will allow you to focus on day to day priorities in the aftermath of a fire, like getting to work on time, taking the kids to school, etc... rather than focusing on the physical and emotional clean up of the fire damage itself. 

You've Had a Fire Damage - What Happens Next?

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Pictured is an air scrubbers we placed at a smoke-damaged property

Fire damages can be the worst type of losses a person or family can experience.  And while everyone is anxious to get their property and personal items restored, unfortunately, the process can be slow moving at first.  At SERVPRO of Langhorne/Bensalem, we recommend placing negative air fans (aka air scrubbers) at your property as soon as the fire department allows access.  Depending on the severity of the damage, these machines can help to limit cross-contamination, and limit the smoke odor. 

It is important to let the restoration professionals and insurance adjusters assess the situation before rushing to clean or replace damaged items & structural materials.  This will allow for proper restoration and end up saving you from future frustrations.  

There are also a few things that can be done before the full restoration process begins, such as:

• Place air scrubbers (as stated above)
• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and causing additional damage
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet
• Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces
• Do not clean any electrical equipment

Unfortunately, fire & smoke damage does happen.  Here at SERVPRO of Langhorne/Bensalem, we are happy to help you in your time of need, 24/7/365.

Keurig Mess in House

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage to Kitchen and Living Room

We were called in recently to tend to a kitchen fire that was caused by a keurig.  While we never figured out exactly what caused the fire, it was evident there was much damage.  Including the living room carpet as well.  Many people associate SERVPRO with just water and mold damage.  We like to make it known we not only tend to these issues, but cleaning up fires happens to be one of our most important jobs we get called in to take care of.  It means a lot to us to try our very best to salvage your prized items and save your memories.  If you or anyone you know experiences fire damage in their home--please don't hesitate to give SERVPRO a call.

Fire Throughout Entire House

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Keurig fire

We got called in to tend to a residential fire a few weeks ago nearby.  We had all hands on deck for this job.  A Keurig caught on fire and the entire house burnt because of it.  Luckily, no one was hurt and everyone got out in time safely.  Fires are one of the more severe jobs we tend to.  SERVPRO is partnered with many fire departments around the area and we pride ourselves on quick response.  If you happen to encounter a fire, please don't hesitate to give us a call to so we can help salvage anything we can.  Many of these incidents are a very painful and emotional time for the customer.  We want to make times like this as easy and least stressful for our clients as possible.

Basement Puffback

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Puff Back aftermath in basement

Here is an example of a puff back SERVPRO was called into assist with at a residential property.  Although our clients' basement was not finished, the soot from the puff back ended up affecting her entire home--which consisted of three floors in total.  It's important to note that when you notice things such like this that occur in your home that you immediately call for assistance.  Applying to this situation, soot can be extremely dangerous to your health when it is inhaled because it is so toxic.  Although puff backs may or may not only be a one time event it is also important to note that you should reach out to a heating specialist--just so you can prevent this from happening again.

Residential Fire Call

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

2nd Floor Fire

Here is a perfect example of a fire SERVPRO was called to tend to in a residential area.  Unfortunately, a candle caught on to a lit curtain and the family's entire second floor was ruined.  SERVPRO, along with the local fire department was called in immediately to the job as best we could.  As you can clearly see, via the "After" picture here, there is still work that needs to be done.  Our client was unbelievably thankful for what we had already done.  Many items and memories were destroyed in this fire, but our client was very grateful for how easy SERVPRO made everything.  As much as they were already dealing with, they still loved how reassuring and comforting our team made the entire process for them.

Chimney Fire

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

Living Room Chimney

Here is an example of a fire we tended to recently.  Our clients had just renovated their house and the chimney had a backup which caused the fire.  SERVPRO was the first this family thought to call and we're very glad they did.  As a team, we were able to save majority of the house that was damaged--some of which included the kitchen, wood floors, and wallpaper.  Our clients were incredibly relieved for the sole fact they thought they would need to renovate majority of the house all over again. 

Much of the time our clients envision their mishap to be more than it actually is.  Never be afraid to pick up your phone and call SERVPRO if you are unsure of something.  We are always here to help and answer any questions!

Fire, Smoke, and Soot Damage

9/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.  SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.  SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke, and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration.  These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

What You Can Do Until Help Arrives

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Do not clean any electrical equipment.
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Thanksgiving Holiday

11/21/2017 (Permalink)

It's hard to tell from the photo, but there once stood a deep fryer in this home. Unfortunately it caused extensive fire damage.

This time of year, everyone is gearing up for the holidays.  While we will all surely be eating turkey on Thanksgiving day, we may be preparing it differently.  

In the last few years, deep frying turkeys has become a wildly popular method to cook the food.  However, according to a "Home Fire Involving Cooking Equipment" report, home fires caused by cooking are nearly 4 times as likely on Thanksgiving as any other day of the year.  Deep frying turkeys, while delicious, is also very dangerous.  So before you get into some deep frying fun, here are 3 quick safety tips for you to protect your home:

1) Stay Away from The House – Set up the turkey fryer more than 10 feet away from your home and keep children and pets away. Never leave it unattended.

2) Use a Thawed and Dry Turkey – Make sure your Thanksgiving turkey is completely thawed and dry. Extra water will cause the oil to bubble furiously and spill over. If oil spills from the fryer onto the burner, it can cause a fire.

3) Be Prepared – Have a fire extinguisher (multipurpose, dry-powder) ready at all times in the event that the oil ignites.

From all of us here at SERVPRO of Langhorne/Bensalem, we want to wish you and your family a Happy (and safe) Thanksgiving!

Cleaning Up After a Fire

8/10/2017 (Permalink)

At a home in Glenside, PA, one of our technicians is wiping away soot above a window using a chemical sponge and extension pole.

For homeowners, putting out a fire can be worse than the fire itself.  A backdraft of emotions often sweeps over the homeowner after a fire ravages a home.  Fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of the property can overwhelm the homeowner long after the flames have been extinguished.  

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.  SERVPRO of Langhorne/Bensalem's professional staff and technicians provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents inventory and restoration.  These services help ensure your property, belongings, and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

SERVPRO of Langhorne/Bensalem professionals are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.  Call us at 215-600-1497 today!