Soot Damage from Fire

12/2/2024 (Permalink)

Soot Damage on Trophy Mounts

An accidental fire can occur from many household items and can easily smoke up a house in minutes if it is not properly and quickly handled. While proper insurance can help mitigate financial loss, it is better to understand and work to prevent the situations that lead to house fires on any kind. Most homes are stocked full with combustible items. This list is meant to help homeowners not only identify potential issues but also lower the risk of a house fire. This particular instance was a home owner was using the self-cleaning attachment for his electric stove. The sensors on the stove malfunctioned and it didn’t shut off. The smoke was all throughout the house and his collection of trophy mounts were all affected. Whether it’s a candle accidentally burning throughout the night, faulty cooking equipment or any other scenario, homeowners should be aware of the most common causes of house fires and work to minimize and prevent accidents before they occur. When using the self-clean on your stove, it would be a good idea not to leave and be aware of what could happen. It would also be a good idea to always have a fire extinguisher ready just in case one is needed.

Where did the fire start

9/5/2024 (Permalink)

Bathroom exhaust fan fire

Bathroom exhaust fans can present a fire hazard if not cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. Over time a build up of lint can occur which can cause the motor to over heat and ignite the lint. Although you might not think about it, but a bathroom exhaust fan is like any other electrical appliance and can pose a risk. Stay safe and reduce this risk by keeping them clean and free of lint build up. Here are some additional tips to consider:

1. Replace older fans

2. Liston to the fan when running for sounds of scraping.

3. Pay close attention to the smell of the fan when it starts to run.  Does it smell like "smoke"?

4. Cleaning the exhaust vents and fan ducts regularly to prevent fires.

SERVPRO Responds

8/8/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Vehicles park during a fire cleanup

The first thing you should do is assess how much of your home might have smoke or fire damage. How deep did the fire penetrate the structure of the home? How much smoke and soot covered your surfaces? Do your walls, furniture and fixtures show signs of heat damage? Hiring a professional fire damage restoration company Like SERVPRO of Lake County Florida will allow a complete and comprehensive assessment of the damage. Everything should be recorded and documented for insurance purposes. Smoke can linger and embeds itself into fibers long after the fire. Call SERVPRO of Lake County for all your restoration needs at 352-735-3311

Lightning Strike

8/6/2024 (Permalink)

Lightning Strike

Lightning struck this Florida home directly through the roof traveling through the home and damaging the driveway and street. The home had some fire damage to the attic crawl space. The customer was quick to call SERVPRO of Lake County to mitigate the damage. Our certified technicians responded promptly to begin the cleanup. First they removed the falling roof and drywall to prevent anyone from getting hurt. The customer was very happy with SERVPRO's response time.

 SERVPRO of Lake County will always make your disaster "Like it never even happened."

Responding to a house Fire

8/6/2024 (Permalink)

Electrical Fire

When the alarm sounds, emergency responders and fire departments answer the call for help with quick and decisive action. When the smoke clears, SERVPRO's fire restoration services team stands ready to help with the same rapid response – 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

The acidic soot and smoke damage that is often produced when fires are extinguished accelerates the deterioration and corrosion of building components and vital assets. Plus, the toxic smoke odor left behind must be neutralized. The fire damage restoration process includes mitigating damage, providing smoke damage cleanup and water restoration as quickly as possible after the damage first occurs.

SERVPRO's fire restoration services can include: emergency board-up, demolition, soot removal film application, thermal deodorization to mitigate smoke damage, and complete reconstruction. Count on SERVPRO's fire damage restoration services to answer your call at 352-735-3311

Kitchen Fire

7/16/2024 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

Electrical fires can happen at any moment. Customer called in a panic as there stove caught fire while cooking. They called us to help with the damage and we were happy to be of service. We started by washing the walls and ceilings, cleaning the floors, and running a hydroxyl generator to help with the residual odor. In addition, the HVAC system was also cleaned as part of the process. This service will help with soot and odor removal in the home and should always be recommended with fire damage.

What started out as a huge mess was quickly rectified by our highly trained and certified crew. 

Fire Damage

7/2/2024 (Permalink)

House Fire

A fire can be an emotional and traumatic experience for any property owner. We at SERVPRO® of Lake County want to help restore order and get you back to your daily life and business as fast as possible!

Wherever there is a house full of water or an office full of smoke, there is also a van full of clean decontaminated equipment ready to place into your home or business. When fire and water damage take control of your life, remember that SERVPRO of Lake County is here to help you take it back.

Give us a call today (352) 735-3311. 

Multiple SERVPRO Vehicles

4/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Vehicles Responding to a house fire

Damage caused by a fire is devastating for your family and your home. It’s a stressful and confusing time, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. Our professionals will always treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with great care.

SERVPRO of Lake County Florida has the water and fire damage training and expertise to help you through this tough time. Once the fire department leaves, your Lake County home may suffer from water damage caused by firefighting efforts. We have the specialized fire and water damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment to handle fire and water damage and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. Please give SERVPRO of Lake county a call at 352-735-3311

Fire Damage

3/12/2024 (Permalink)

Countertop damaged by fire

When a fire starts in the kitchen, you need to act fast to keep the fire from getting out of control. But how you act depends on what kind of fire you have and where it is. Follow these instructions for putting out kitchen fires: getting out of control. But how you act depends on what kind of fire you have and where it is. Follow these instructions for putting out kitchen fires:

• If you have a fire in a cooking pan, use an oven mitt to clap on the lid, then move the pan off the burner, and turn off the stove. The lack of oxygen will stop the flames in a pot.
• If you can’t safely put the lid on a flaming pan or you don’t have a lid for the pan, use your fire extinguisher. Aim at the base of the fire — not the flames.
• Never use water to put out grease fires! Water repels grease and can spread the fire by splattering the grease.

Garage Fire

3/12/2024 (Permalink)

Air Scrubber in garage

An accidental fire can occur in your garage from many household items and can easily smoke up a garage in minutes if it is not properly and quickly extinguish . While proper insurance can help mitigate financial loss, it is better to understand and work to prevent the situations that lead to garage fires. Most homes are stocked full with combustible items. This list is meant to help homeowners not only identify potential issues but also lower the risk of a fire. This particular instance the home owner wasn't sure what started it. The smoke was all throughout the garage and much of his tools and equipment needed cleaning. Whether it’s a candle accidentally burning throughout the night, faulty equipment, combustibles or any other scenario, homeowners should be aware of the most common causes of house /garage fires and work to minimize and prevent accidents before they occur. It would be a good idea to not leave a lot of items laying around on the floor and good housekeeping practices would be a great idea too. It would also be a good idea to always have a fire extinguisher ready just in case one is needed.

Summer Barbeque

3/12/2024 (Permalink)

10 Tips for Safe Summer Barbecues:

Do's and Don'ts That Will Keep You From Becoming a Statistic

Do:

1. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. Farther is even better. This includes portions attached to your house like carports, garages and porches. Grills should not be used underneath wooden overhangs either, as the fire could flare up into the structure above. This applies to both charcoal and gas grills.
2. Clean your grill regularly. If you allow grease and fat to build up on your grill, they provide more fuel for a fire. Grease is a major source of flare ups.
3. Check for gas leaks. You can make sure no gas is leaking from your gas grill by making a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rubbing it on the hoses and connections. Then, turn the gas on (with the grill lid open.) If the soap forms large bubbles, that's a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough.
4. Keep decorations away from your grill. Decorations like hanging baskets, pillows and umbrellas look pretty AND provide fuel for a fire. To make matters worse, today's decor is mostly made of artificial fibers that burn fast and hot, making this tip even more important.
5. Keep a spray bottle of water handy. That way, if you have a minor flare-up you can spray it with the water to instantly calm it. The bonus of this tip is that water won't harm your food, so dinner won't be ruined!
6. Keep a fire extinguisher within a couple steps of your grill. And KNOW HOW TO USE IT. If you are unsure how to use the extinguisher, don't waste time fiddling with it before calling 911. Firefighters say many fire deaths occur when people try to fight a fire themselves instead of calling for expert help and letting the fire department do its job.

Don't:

7. Turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed. NEVER do this. It causes gas to build up inside your grill, and when you do light it and open it, a fireball can explode in your face.
8. Leave a grill unattended. Fires double in size every minute. Plan ahead so that all of your other food prep chores are done and you can focus on grilling.
9. Overload your grill with food. This applies especially fatty meats. The basic reason for this tip is that if too much fat drips on the flames at once, it can cause a large flare-up that could light nearby things on fire.
10. Use a grill indoors. People often think it will be safe to use a grill, especially a small one, indoors. NOT TRUE. In addition to the fire hazard, grills release carbon monoxide, the deadly colorless, odorless gas. That gas needs to vent in fresh air or it can kill you, your family and pets.

If you do experience a house fire this summer be sure to call SERVPRO of Lake County at (352)735-3311 to help with all your fire damage and smoke damage needs. We are always here to help!

House Fire

3/12/2024 (Permalink)

Fire Destroyed Kitchen

House fires can be devastating, especially a total loss. SERVPRO of Lake County was contacted by the home owner to access her fire damage in her home and to see if there was anything we could possibly salvage. After doing a walk through, we found some furniture and some family heirlooms in her lanai that could be restored to her satisfaction. She thought SERVPRO picking up her belongings cleaning and storing them for her was just awesome. The home owner was very grateful for SERVPRO to walk through her home in spite of all the devastation that took place do to her fire. There is never a job that's to big or to small for us to do. Please call SERVPRO of Lake County Florida all your needs. Ph. 352-735-3311

Fire Damage

2/6/2024 (Permalink)

Fire was caused from faulty wires

Have your home electrical system thoroughly inspected by qualified electricians to ensure that all electrical work in the home meets the safety provisions in the NEC.
Install smoke detectors on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
This will had to the safety of your family should an electrical fire happen. It is a good idea to not overload outlets, and if necessary having additional circuits or outlets added to your home by a qualified electrician is recommended.

Summer is for BBQ

1/4/2024 (Permalink)

10 Tips for Safe Summer Barbecues:

Dos and Don'ts That Will Keep You From Becoming a Statistic

Do:

1. Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house. Farther is even better. This includes portions attached to your house like carports, garages and porches. Grills should not be used underneath wooden overhangs either, as the fire could flare up into the structure above. This applies to both charcoal and gas grills.
2. Clean your grill regularly. If you allow grease and fat to build up on your grill, they provide more fuel for a fire. Grease is a major source of flare ups.
3. Check for gas leaks. You can make sure no gas is leaking from your gas grill by making a solution of half liquid dish soap and half water and rubbing it on the hoses and connections. Then, turn the gas on (with the grill lid open.) If the soap forms large bubbles, that's a sign that the hoses have tiny holes or that the connections are not tight enough.
4. Keep decorations away from your grill. Decorations like hanging baskets, pillows and umbrellas look pretty AND provide fuel for a fire. To make matters worse, today's decor is mostly made of artificial fibers that burn fast and hot, making this tip even more important.
5. Keep a spray bottle of water handy. That way, if you have a minor flare-up you can spray it with the water to instantly calm it. The bonus of this tip is that water won't harm your food, so dinner won't be ruined!
6. Keep a fire extinguisher within a couple steps of your grill. And KNOW HOW TO USE IT. If you are unsure how to use the extinguisher, don't waste time fiddling with it before calling 911. Firefighters say many fire deaths occur when people try to fight a fire themselves instead of calling for expert help and letting the fire department do its job.

Don't:

7. Turn on the gas while your grill lid is closed. NEVER do this. It causes gas to build up inside your grill, and when you do light it and open it, a fireball can explode in your face.
8. Leave a grill unattended. Fires double in size every minute. Plan ahead so that all of your other food prep chores are done and you can focus on grilling.
9. Overload your grill with food. This applies especially fatty meats. The basic reason for this tip is that if too much fat drips on the flames at once, it can cause a large flare-up that could light nearby things on fire.
10. Use a grill indoors. People often think it will be safe to use a grill, especially a small one, indoors. NOT TRUE. In addition to the fire hazard, grills release carbon monoxide, the deadly colorless, odorless gas. That gas needs to vent in fresh air or it can kill you, your family and pets.

If you do experience a house fire this summer be sure to call SERVPRO of Lake County at (352)735-3311 to help with all your fire damage and smoke damage needs. We are always here to help!

Electrical Fire

1/4/2024 (Permalink)

Fire caused from faulty wires

SERVPRO of Lake County Florida was recently call out to an emergency. The home owners stated then had a fire. They stated the fire started in the laundry room area. The fire marshal was on site when we arrived and they had the area all quarantined off. We could not work in that area until it was cleared, which took a week or so.    Have your home electrical system thoroughly inspected by qualified electricians to ensure that all electrical work in the home meets the safety provisions in the NEC.
Install smoke detectors on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside each sleeping area.
This will had to the safety of your family should an electrical fire happen. It is a good idea to not overload outlets, and if necessary having additional circuits or outlets added to your home by a qualified electrician is recommended.