Steps to take after a Fire

2/2/2023 (Permalink)

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call 660-240-5105

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to wash with general detergent. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

If you have further questions please reach out to SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond and we will try to help in any way possible 660-240-5105.

Post fire cleaning is important

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Clean-up

As soon as a smoke or fire loss occurs, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. You can reach out to your local experienced SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond professional will pretest to determine the extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your structure. Depending on the amount of soot, your local SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professional may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits found on some surfaces, eliminating the expense incurred with repainting or refinishing.  In other cases, SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond will clean to, “prepare for painting." This process deodorizes and ensures the new paint will adhere properly to the surface. Part of Fire restoration cleaning is handled through contents cleaning.  All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes: area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery. SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professionals begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professionals can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, bric-a-brac and much more. Finally, SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond can provide an inventory list of all, “to be claimed” items if requested.

Odor and Smoke Damage

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke damage caused by a home fire

Smoke and soot can be very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Chillicothe, Cameron, and Richmond will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today at our office: SERVPRO of Chillicothe, Cameron and Richmond is here for you 24/7 at 660-240-5105.

Safety first after a fire loss has occurred

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire loss has occurred and the fire department has extinguished the fire, here are a few important things to remember while on site.  SAFETY FIRST! 

1. Determine if the site is safe to continue to reside in. Is it safe and still protected from the elements?  In some cases this is an option. It may be best to find a safe place for your family/pets to stay during the repair/remediation process. Speak with your insurance regarding displacement assistance and see if it is available under your policy.
2. Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards need to be addressed immediately. It is not simply fire damage that occurred - water from the fire department can cause almost as much damage as the fire did. Expect large puddles of water, soot, and debris.
3. Determine what your immediate needs are and only do activities that are safe.  Don’t trust furniture/structures to be stable. Use caution! Wet materials can be very heavy, do not attempt to move anything without testing its weight.
4. Be very careful walking on any flooring that received fire/water damage. DO NOT walk on affected floor joist and/or beams.
5. Do not attempt to eat/drink anything from an open food container. Especially if it was near the source of the fire and water damage. Keep in mind heated plastic containers can release deadly toxins into water/soda under the right conditions.
6. Don't attempt to wash the interior walls or clean carpet/upholstery without speaking to one of our cleaning specialists first. You may set the soot/smoke damage and limit the ability our ability to repair.
7. Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire without consulting an authorized repair service. Check with a specialist before assuming it is safe.
8. Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged. Better safe than sorry!
9. Make sure and notify your electrical, gas, and water company of the loss.

 Last but most important try to stay calm and call SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond at 660-240-5105, to evaluate and assist you further.  As scary as a fire can be, you should not face the situation alone. We are here as a resource for you!

Fire Pit Safety for your Missouri Home

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Fire pit safety with family and friends

Outdoor fire pits are a fun pastime when the weather is cool.  It’s a great place to create lasting memories with family and friends. Make sure your fire pit time is the good type of memorable by following these safety tips.

• Check the weather.  If winds greater than 15 MPH are in the forecast, do not ignite the fire pit at your gathering.

• With weather permitting, make a fire pit and clear all brush from the area.  No structures within 25 feet of the fire pit should be present.

• The safest way to start a fire is with small kindling.  If you must use charcoal lighter fluid, make sure to seal the container and keep it far away from the fire.  Never use lighter fluid once the fire has started.

• The size of a recreational fire should be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.

• Keep a bucket of water and garden hose nearby.

• Never use an accelerant such as gasoline, diesel fuel, or kerosene.

• Do not spray aerosols or toss canisters or fireworks into the fire.

• Keep a safe distance from the fire, and do not mess around the flame.

• Avoid consuming alcohol near the fire pit or placing empty beverages in the pit when it is lit.

• Make sure to put the fire out completely.  Stir the ashes and douse it thoroughly with water.

Most cities and townships do not allow open burning of garbage, automobile tires, papers, trash, leaves, foliage, clippings, brush, and trees and grass clippings.  Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are permitted only when firewood is used for recreational purposes in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

In the event that you sustain damage from a fire pit mishap, please don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond  for help at 660-240-5105.

Deodorization and odor removal

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond is trained to help identify and then eliminate offensive odors once they are detected. These odors can come from a number of sources both inside and outside of a structure.

SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond teaches continuing education classes in the proper removal of odors. Masking and other shortcuts do not work long term when your odor problem is serious or persistent.

 We have the training and equipment to identify and eliminate these offensive odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions where it contacts surfaces, the odor can often be removed over time without a trace. Our technicians have access to several odor removal products capable of penetrating surfaces to neutralize an unpleasant odor thoroughly.

The science of eliminating odors after they have been properly identified can be a tricky thing, give our office a call and will assist in answering your questions. You can contact SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond at 660-240-5105.

Restoring your home after a fire

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring your home or business after a fire damage to its pre-fire condition is SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond's main goal. As a leading fire damage restoration company, we specialize in: fire and water damage restoration, removal of smoke odors, and deep-cleaning soot from walls, carpets and upholstery.

Beyond just the fire damage, smoke and soot cause health effects, creating an uncomfortable odor ridden situation. Even if a fire is contained in one area, smoke and soot can travel throughout a structure. Our professionals are highly-trained, with the experience, tools and knowledge to clean up fire and smoke damage. In keeping with our goal to restore your home and cherished possessions to their pre-fire condition; we use appropriate personal protective measures to safely clean, deodorize and restore your property. If you have any questions about the services offered by SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond please contact us at 660-240-5105.

Temporary Protective Measures

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help with board up as well as temporary tarping.

When your home or business has been damaged by fire, water, or storm damage, the immediate concern should be temporary protective measures such as placing roof tarps to prevent additional damage, and boarding up to secure the building and remove water and debris.

After protecting and securing the structure, professionals at SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond, MO can begin the restoration process. Your home or business may need reconstruction work to get your property back to its preloss condition.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond, can simplify the restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keeps costs low.

SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond, can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

• Board Up
• Carpet Repair and Installation
• Document Drying
• Dry Cleaning
• Drywall Installation
• Drywall Removal
• Electrical
• Electronics Restoration
• Fine Art Restoration
• Furniture Restoration
• General Contracting
• Hardwood Floor Repair
• HVAC Services
• Linoleum Floor Repair
• Marble Floor Repair
• Move Out
• Painting
• Plumbing
• Portable Power
• Roof Tarp
• Scalable Resources
• Temporary Fencing
• Temporary Warehouse Space
• Tile Floor Repair

If you have additional questions please reach out to our office at 660-240-5105.

Vandalism and Graffiti Cleaning

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.

Need Vandalism and Graffiti Cleanup Services?
Call Us Today 660-240-5105

SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond Professionals will act quickly to remove vandalism and graffiti from home and commercial spaces. In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, they can also clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metals, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry. Their highly trained technicians can offer the following services:

• General cleaning and graffiti removal
• Brick, stone, and concrete cleaning
• Odor removal and deodorization
• Debris removal
• Water damage restoration
• Fire damage restoration
• Mold damage restoration
• Contents cleaning

If you have additional questions about any of these services please don't hesitate to reach out to your local SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond franchise today at 660-240-5105. 

Cooking equipment is the leading cause for residential fires.

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know cooking equipment is the leading cause of residential fires? As the holiday wraps up and we roll into Summer you may find yourself in the kitchen more often while hosting friends and family. Fire precautions should be top of mind. A property owner experiences a flood of emotions when a fire ravages their business or home. Fear, uncertainty, stress, and doubt about the future of the property and their livelihood can be overwhelming to the property owner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared. After the first wave of heroes have rescued the property, let your local SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond franchise professionals help you restore it to its preloss condition. Combining rapid response, the utmost professionalism, and open communication throughout the entire job process, we strive to restore not only the home or business structure, but the customer’s peace of mind. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers the following eye-opening statistics on structure fires: more than one-quarter (27%) of reported fires occurred in homes within the last year. Even worse, 79% of fire-related deaths were caused by home fires. On average, U.S. fire departments respond to an estimated average of 354,400 home structure fires per year resulting in $6.9 billion in direct property damage. Most home fires and fire casualties result from five causes: cooking, heating, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials. If the unthinkable happens and a fire strikes your home or business, give the experts at your local SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond franchise a call. We will help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Steps to take after a Fire Loss

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire loss occurs and the local fire department has extinguished the fire, here are a few important things to remember.  KEEP SAFETY FIRST! 

1. We need to determine if the site is safe to continue to reside in. Is it safe and still protected from the elements?  Very rarely is that and option. It may be best to find a safe place for your family/pets to stay during the repair/remediation process. Speak with your insurance regarding displacement assistance and see if it is available under your policy.
2. Check Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards need to be addressed immediately. It is not simply a fire damage that occurred - water from the fire department can cause almost as much damage as the fire did. Large puddles of water, soot, and debris are expected.
3. It is important to determine what your immediate needs are and only do activities that are safe.  Don’t trust furniture/structures to be stable. Use caution! Wet materials can be very heavy, do not attempt to move anything without testing its weight.
4. Be very careful walking on any flooring that received fire/water damage. DO NOT walk on affected floor joist and/or beams.
5. Do not attempt to eat/drink anything from an open food container. Especially if it was near the source of the fire and water damage. Keep in mind heated plastic containers can release deadly toxins into water/soda under the right conditions.
6. Don't attempt to wash the interior walls or clean carpet/upholstery without speaking to one of our cleaning specialists first. You may set the soot/smoke damage and limit the ability our ability to repair.
7. Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire without consulting an authorized repair service. Check with a specialist before assuming it is safe.
8. Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged. It's always safe than sorry!
9. Make sure and notify your electrical, gas, and water company of the loss.
10. Try to stay calm and call SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond (660) 240-5105 to evaluate and assist your damage further.  As scary as a fire can be, you don't have to face the situation alone. We are here to help!

How Critical are the first 24 hours

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Fire or water losses, even smaller incidents, can result in costly claims over time. The longer smoke, soot, or moisture have to permeate contents and structural components, the more secondary damage you can expect to encounter. SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond professionals have been performing fire and water cleanup and restoration services for nearly 50 years. Experience has shown that fast, appropriate action delivered within the first 24 hours can dramatically reduce secondary damage. Smoke and soot have less time to chemically interact and damage or destroy contents, and moisture is prevented from spreading and breaking down structural components or promoting the growth of mold and mildew. Offering 24-hour emergency services, SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond professionals are committed to responding to fire and water claims during the most critical time period following a loss. Usually onsite in less than four hours, SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond arrives prepared to begin emergency mitigation services to help prevent secondary damage to the structure and contents. SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond utilizes specific industry technology designed for the collection and reporting of claims information for the insurance industry. SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond professionals can quickly gather the necessary information an adjuster will need to authorize the cleanup and restoration process. The end result is a better, more informed decision-making process, which can speed up the cleanup and restoration of the policyholder's property. The objective of critical response is to help return homeowners and business owners' properties back to its preloss condition while also controlling claims costs. Your local SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond franchise can provide the emergency service, mitigation, cleanup and restoration experience and industry-specific technology to help you accomplish these goals. When you or someone you know as a policyholder experiences a fire or water loss, even one that falls under the deductible limit or is excluded under the policy, reach out to your local SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond team to help protect your property and contents now and in the future.

"Jackfrost nipping at your nose"

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety tips this Holiday Season

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire!”

It’s important to keep yourself and your family safe by practicing fire safety. It’s the holiday season, and nothing compares to relaxing in front of a fireplace with a cup of cocoa and a Christmas movie playing in the background. 

To do this it is crucial to remember that for fireplaces and woodstoves you should always:

• Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed.
• Inspect and clean wood stove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions.
• Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks.­

There are precautions you can take for portable space heaters as well, including:

• Never use an extension cord for portable space heaters.
• Keep combustible objects at least three feet away from portable heating devices.
• Buy only heaters evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory.
• Check to make the portable heater has a thermostat control mechanism, and will switch off automatically if the heater falls over.
• Only use crystal clear K-1 kerosene in kerosene heaters. Never overfill it. Use the heater in a well-ventilated room.

These simple actions can help keep this Christmas Merry and Bright. Let’s leave the roasting to the chestnuts!

SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season and a very Happy New Year!

(Tips received from: https://www.ready.gov/home-fires)

If you do experience fire damage in North Missouri in one of the Counties we service this Christmas please call SERVPRO as soon as possible! 

You can contact us @:
SERVPRO® of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond -

(660)240-5105 

EMERGENCY FIRE DAMAGE TIPS

8/28/2020 (Permalink)

These emergency tips will assist you
in taking proper action until your local
SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond franchise professionals arrive. Follow these DOS and DON’TS to help reduce damage and increase
the chances of a successful restoration.

DO:

Limit movement in the home to prevent soot
particles from being embedded into carpet and avoid tracking. Keep your hands clean. Soot on your hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork. If electricity is off, empty the freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor. Wipe soot from metal kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances. If heat is off during winter months, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks, and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures. Remove soot particles from plants with a damp cloth. Change HVAC filter, but leave it off until a trained professional can check the system. 

DON’T:

Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted
surfaces without first contacting your local
SERVPRO Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond franchise professional.

Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet, rugs, or
upholstered furniture without first consulting your
SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond franchise professional.

Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.

Don’t consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. (They may be contaminated.)

Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock and air movement may create secondary damage.

Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper
cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Safety Tips to help prevent a Fire Loss this Holiday Season

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

The holiday season is just around the corner. Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without a large family dinner.  It is very easy to put safety on the "back burner" when we are busy visiting, we just wish to share a few friendly reminders to stay safe.

Safety Reminders:

1. Turn all lights off when unattended.

2. Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.

3. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect. 

4. Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

5. Keep decorations away from windows and doors.

6. Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop.

7. Don't overfill pots and pans with grease and oil.

8. Test your smoke alarms and tell guests about your home fire escape plan.

9. Don't use metal in the microwave.

10. Remember to UNTHAW your turkey prior to deep-frying it.

Here at SERVPRO of Chillicothe/Cameron/Richmond we know how devastating a fire can be to your home and family and we truly care about your wellbeing. Should the need arise we are only a phone call away at (660) 240-5105.