Recent Fire Damage Posts

SERVPRO is the most trusted name for fire damage restoration

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

We can help

Any disaster can take a toll on a home or business but perhaps nothing is more devastating than the effects of a fire. Fires usually strike suddenly and cause a wide range of damage, which can leave you reeling and unsure of where to turn for help.

As desperate as you may feel, it’s important to know that you can turn to SERVPRO for the safest fire restoration services in the area.
As beautiful as our area is, it’s hard to think about something as awful as fire striking, but unfortunately it can occur at any time.


Understanding The Full Scope of Fire Damage
Of course the immediate picture most people have of fire damage is burned and broken belongings, scorched structures and melted plastics caused by the extreme heat of flames.

Sadly, in terms of fire damage that only begins to scratch the surface

There is much more to fire damage and all of it has to be taken into consideration when performing safe and thorough restoration services.
Flames bring along the added hazard of smoke and soot, both of which can permeate surfaces and cause health effects.

In order to thoroughly restore fire damaged property, a careful and exacting cleaning process is required, using professional quality equipment and specialized training.

Professionals will also need to assess each item to determine if it is capable of being restored or will need to be discarded.


Surprisingly, when it comes to fire damage the single most harmful factor is actually water. While water is essential for putting out fires, it can also compound the damage to homes, businesses and belongings from the fire itself and may lead to rotting of support systems as well as mold growth and infestation if it is not addressed quickly and thoroughly.


It’s usually impossible to avoid fire damage, which is why it is so important to make sure that the damage is addressed properly.

Because fire can affect every part of a residential or commercial property, right down to the interior support structure, it is essential to move quickly and safely when handling fire damage.

The sooner you begin the restoration process, the sooner you can get back on your feet again and the better your chances of reducing your expenses.

Smoke & Odor Removal Can Be Tricky

7/24/2022 (Permalink)

Many smaller fires thankfully lack major burn damage to the home, but can still create a mess through smoke, ash and fire extinguisher residue. Small fires, especially in the kitchen, can coat an entire room in smoke and ash even if they only burn for a few minutes. As a result, multiple treatment techniques and avenues must be considered and used.

SERVPRO of West Chester (SPWC) has a varied set of processes and equipment to uniquely assess the situation properly. We will professionally work with your insurance company, as a single restoration plan is developed. Here are a few different ways to deal with smoke damage for a small fire in your home or at your business. 
 
Heavy-Duty Cleaning Equipment 
Even “contained” fires in West Chester and Chester County can often require a sizable cleanup job. Ash and smoke tend to coat nearby surfaces thickly, and more common household cleaning supplies simply aren't strong enough to remove this smoke-caused material. SERVPRO of West Chester, the leading local fire and smoke restoration company has access to a variety of effective and specialized cleaning supplies that make short work of visible staining, streaking, and other non-burn damages that can be created by fire extinguishers being used. 
 
Deodorizing the Air
Once SPWC has cleaned up any visible damage, the scent of smoke can still linger in a room. Unfortunately particles become embedded in ceilings, walls, and objects, becoming extremely difficult for a homeowner to remove fully. It is virtually impossible to eliminate the smell of smoke without the right tools and solutions. Just cleaning the carpet is not enough. Typically by using an ozone machine monitored by a SPWC trained professional, the chemical makeup of the ambient air will do the trick. For stubborn situations, SPWC may use a thermal fogging machine to flush out the odors from a room, removing even the deepest smoke smells.
 
Carpet and Fabric Cleaning 
Objects and belongings usually also suffer fire damage. Carpets, rugs and other fabrics are some of the trickiest materials to deal with, as their small fibers are often both delicate and excellent traps for ash and smoke particles. Keep in mind documentation, electronics, furniture, frames and other valuables may need restoration, too. Count on SERVPRO of West Chester to lead the way on helping to bring your cherished items back to life. Our trained experts will assess the entire situation, property and contents so the repair and restoration efforts are professionally coordinated to the satisfaction of your insurance adjuster and yourself. Communication is the key on this front.

How can we help you? We promise to take the hassle out of getting your home or business back up and running. Call Danielle 610-506-8919. 

Do's & Don'ts Following a Fire in Your Home

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of West Chester help take some of the burden of dealing with a house fire...we are always here to help!

There are so many emotions and questions following a house fire that it is hard to know what you should and shouldn't do.  Here are a few basic tips to keep in mind.

Don’ts

*Do not enter your home until you've gotten permission that it is safe to do so

*Do not start or move your car if it has been damaged

*Do not try to clean any of the smoke or soot damage yourself

Do's

*contact family members/loved ones to inform them of the fire

*attend to frightened pets and ensure their safety and comfort

*call all utility providers (electric, gas, water) to inform them of the fire

*call homeowners insurance company to begin the claim process

*find somewhere to stay. 

Most homeowner’s policies will have coverage, which will pay for the food, clothing, and shelter that you and your family may need for a specified period of time

Smoke Detectors - Need to Know

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors save thousands of lives every year.

While conducting regular inspections in your home it is imperative to monitor and test all smoke detectors throughout. Having smoke detectors with dead batteries, that are not installed correctly or that need to be replaced is only putting you and, your family in harm’s way. Working smoke detectors should be a top priority in your home’s safety plan with batteries being tested at least once a month. Also, be sure to keep your smoke detectors clean and dust free for maximum efficiency.

It is important to have working smoke detectors on each floor of your property. Heat and smoke rise and will make its way up stairs and through openings. For this reason, the best place for smoke detectors to be installed is on ceilings. Smoke detectors should be installed in every room and hallway on the property to ensure maximum safety of all occupants.

There are two types of smoke detectors you can choose from when creating a safety plan for your property:

Photoelectric smoke detectors use a light sensor to detect smoke. Smoke enters the detection chamber and blocks the light beam which allows it to reflect light onto the sensor. This, in turn, trips the smoke alarm and warns occupants of a potential fire. Photoelectric smoke detectors are great for early detection of fires as many times there is smoke before there is an actual fire. It gives you time to assess the situation, notify your loved ones and, retreat to safety.

Ionization smoke detectors use ionized particles to detect the presence of smoke. The reaction between radioactive material and two electrically charged plates located in the smoke detector causes the ionization of air and a current between the two plates. Smoke enters the detector, disrupts the current and, triggers the alarm for the safety of the occupants. Ionization smoke detectors tend to perform more effectively with open flame fires as opposed to smoldering fires.

Neither smoke detector is better than the other and to ensure the highest safety for you and your loved ones your property should have both installed. It is also recommended to install both interconnected and hard-wired alarms throughout your property. Interconnected alarms are just that; connected together so if one alarm goes off, they all will go off. Hard wire alarms are connected to the main power supply.

Be sure to replace your alarms every 10 years and have a fire safety plan intact that each property occupant is aware of. No measure is too great in protecting your property and loved ones from an unexpected fire loss. 

If your property takes on smoke or fire damage, please reach out to your local SERVPRO...

Call Us Today

SERVPRO® of Southern Delaware County & West Chester wants residents and business owners to know that we have the training and state-of-the-art equipment to respond to any water, mold or, fire damage emergency. We will clean and restore your damage “Like it never even happened.”

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

What is a Puff Back?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Puff backs are dangerous and messy! Professional help is needed due the oil mixed in the with the soot creating difficult stains. We can help!

While turning on your heat this winter, it is important to be familiar with the risk of a puff back.

A puff back is a premature explosion inside of a furnace where smoke, fumes, chemicals, and oil are carried out through the heat ducts and pipes instead of the intended heat. Not only is this hazardous and linked with heart disease, cancer, chronic pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis, and more – but it can also cause quite the mess. The smoke, fumes, and oil running through the heating ducts during a puff back can cause rooms to become covered in soot and stains. Because the soot has oil in it, it can be extremely difficult to remove.

Reasons why a puff back would happen:

  • A gradual buildup of oil inside chambers of the furnace.
  • One of the components of the furnace is not working properly.

How to avoid a puff back:

  • Proper maintenance and regular attention to your heating system will substantially reduce this risk.

If you do experience a puff back, you will need professional help, and we are ready! Reach out to us at SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester. We can help clean and restore your home or property! Call Danielle 610-506-8919

Burning Leaves is Not the Answer

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Burning leaves is dangerous in many ways!

If you haven’t done it, you have smelled it – perhaps while taking a nice fall stroll. Every year, despite the fact that it is illegal in many states, some people choose to burn their leaves. It may be convenient, but it is a major fire hazard that you should not take part in.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), burning leaves can produce particles and hydrocarbons that contain toxic, irritant, and cancer-causing compounds. When you burn leaves, microscopic particles from the smoke can enter your lungs and cause respiratory damage. These particles can even reduce the amount of air your lungs are able to take in.

Burning leaves also releases carbon monoxide into the air, which is dangerous, especially to infants and the elderly.

And if those aren’t enough reasons to stop you – burning leaves is a major fire hazard! Any individual leaf could get caught in the wind and flutter away from the pile, carrying smoldering embers with it. If you live in a dry area, it only takes a tiny spark to start a fire that will spread extremely fast. It doesn’t just pose a risk for you and your own home, but can harm your whole community!

Instead of burning leaves, the EPA recommends composting leaves. It’s safe and environmentally friendly! Composting will allow leaves and other organic materials to break down naturally without them releasing dangerous particles and embers into the air.

However, if you have experienced a fire that damaged your home or business, you can give us a call at SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester. We can help you clean and restore! Call Danielle 610-506-8919

Preventing Electrical Fires

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Electrical fires can be extremely detrimental to your business. Damages can occur from both the fire and the water that is used during firefighting efforts.  As a business owner, it is important to know the steps to take to prevent electrical fires in your office.

Cords and Plugs:

Cords, plugs, and outlet damage are extremely common causes of electrical fires. If these items are tattered, frayed, worn out, or showing burn signs, they should immediately be replaced. Old cords that are in poor condition can overheat or spark which can lead to a fire. Replacing cords is a simple and non-expensive way to help prevent electrical fires. 

Outlets:

It is important to make sure your outlets are not overloaded, as this can be a huge risk factor for electrical fires. The United States Fire Administration recommends that power strips equipped with internal overload protection are purchased. These strips help ensure that a strip turns off when it becomes overloaded to help prevent fire damage.

Space Heaters:

Since space heaters are plugged in, they can be dangerous if not used carefully and correctly. Flammable materials such as paper, cardboard, coats, and rugs should be kept away from equipment that can become hot and overheat. 

Wiring:

Faulty wiring is a huge hazard and should be addressed immediately. If a lamp is flickering or an outlet is sparking, an electrician should be consulted to repair them as soon as possible. Appliances that are hot to touch and overheating should also be checked out by an electrician.

Inspection:

Your business should be inspected for hazardous situations that could potentially cause a fire. A licensed electrician can help keep your business and employees safe with a thorough assessment of the outlets, wiring, appliances, and other fire hazards.

Taking a few moments to ensure your business is safe from electrical fires is an easy, non-expensive way to keep you, your business, and employees safe. If you do experience a fire, SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester is here to restore any damages and get your business back to normal.

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

Recover from Fire Damage

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Reclaim Control of Your Life

When a fire strikes a home or business in Glen Mills, there is so much devastation in such a short time that the people may feel they have lost all control over their lives.

When fire and water take control of your life,

we help you take it back.

Call SERVPRO® of Southern Delaware County & West Chester at 610-506-8919. We have 24-hour emergency service 365 days of the year, so we can get technicians out to repair fire damage or water damage quickly.

Our technicians remove soot and smoke (both of which cause additional damage) and extract any water or moisture left from the fire-fighting efforts. SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester has technicians who are experts at restoring fire-damaged or water-damaged building materials and contents.

The emergency team members also document every object and part of the building, noting its current condition and keeping a record of the steps to restore it to the preloss condition. If restoration is not possible, they document the reasons. They make working with insurance companies less stressful than it would be alone. Even better, SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester works with most insurance companies, allowing people to attend to their families and employees or clients.

If there’s an emergency, we’re Faster to any size disaster.  Call us at 610-506-8919

SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County is Independently Owned and Operated.

Space Heaters are the Second-Leading Cause of Home Fires

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

Space Heaters are the Second-Leading Cause of Home Fires

Spring temperatures are cool at night, and many people use space heaters to reduce heating costs and to heat rooms with inadequate heat distribution. Although space heaters are commonly used for this purpose, a report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) identifies space heaters as being responsible for 53 percent of U.S. home fires, and the leading cause of home fire deaths. SERVPRO® of Southern Delaware County & West Chester offers residents these suggestions from the NFPA on how to use electric space heaters safely:

  • Keep children and pets away from space heaters at all times
  • Never leaved a space heater unattended
  • Turn your space heater off before going to bed
  • Place space heaters at a minimum of three feet away from combustible materials
  • Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are operating
  • Make sure the electrical cords are not damaged and avoid the use of extension cords   

We Are Fire Damage Specialists

When a fire causes damage to your home or business, we want to help. We offer many services to clean and restore furniture, documents, and keepsakes and can store items while repairs are underway.

Call Us Today

SERVPRO® of Southern Delaware County & West Chester wants residents and business owners to know that we have the training and state-of-the-art equipment to respond to any fire damage emergency. We will clean and restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

SERVPRO® of Southern Delaware County & West Chester is Independently Owned and Operated.

SERVPRO is Here to Help with Fire Damage

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

Here to Help®

Did you know that residential fires account 27 percent of reported fires and 70 percent of all fire injuries? According to the National Fire Protection Association, the top causes of residential fires in the home are cooking, heating, electrical, smoking, and candles. They suggest that residents should routinely check for hidden electrical hazards like damaged cords, discolored or warm wall outlets, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers. Any of these issues should be dealt with by a qualified electrician.

When Fires Happen, We Respond

No matter how vigilant we are regarding home fire safety, fires can still happen. When a fire causes damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester is Here to Help.® Fire, smoke, and water damage from firefighting efforts can cause damage to your home that can be costly if not repaired quickly. Fortunately, our team of professionals have the specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment to restore your home to pre-fire condition. We can also help with the insurance paperwork and process.

Call Us Today

SERVPRO® of Southern Delaware County & West Chester is ready to respond to any residential or commercial fire damage emergency.  From your initial call we can be onsite within four hours, and we are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We will clean and restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

SERVPRO® of Southern Delaware County & West Chester is Independently Owned and Operated

We Restore Your Keepsakes

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

The firefighters have just left you are standing in the midst of your home that has been ravaged by fire. Not only is there damage to your home, but there is also damage to your furniture and other home contents caused by soot, smoke, ash and water used by the firefighters to put out the flames. SERVPRO® of Southern Delaware County & West Chester wants home and business owners to know that we provide content restoration services and approach every fire damage emergency with a “restore” versus “replace” mentality to help you save money and to help you preserve as many of your precious and irreplaceable family heirlooms that we can. We can’t always clean and restore all of your belongings back to pre-fire condition, but we can clean and restore many of your damaged contents using techniques like:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
     

We are on call to respond to any fire damage emergency 24 hours a day. SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester provides quality contents restoration services to business owners and residents. Call Danielle today at 610-506-8919.

SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester is Independently Owned and Operated.

Here to Help with Fire Damage

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

According the National Fire Protection Agency, cooking fires have remained the major cause of fires in homes and commercial businesses in the U.S. since 2013. Fires can break out at any time. Lightning, faulty wiring, defective kitchen or other household appliances are just some of the other ways fire can damage your home or business. SERVPRO® of Southern Delaware County & West Chester wants businesses and homeowners to know that we are equipped to respond to any size fire damage emergency and have the specialty equipment and training required to clean and restore fire damage to preloss condition. Here are some fire prevention safety tips from the American Red Cross:

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 
  • Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries
  • Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year
  • If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone

If you experience fire damage to your home or business SERVPRO® of Southern Delaware County & West Chester wants to help. Our team of highly trained professionals are on call 24 hours. Call us today at 484-841-6669. We’ll take care of your fire damage “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester is independently owned and operated.

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

Call SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester for Fire Damage

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

Call us for any fire damage emergency. Our fire damage professionals are ready 24/7 to respond to your call. Our swift response will limit further damage and reduce your restoration costs.

Our team will start the restoration process right away. Our restoration process includes inspection and fire damage assessment, immediate board-up and roof tarp service (if needed), water removal and drying (if water damage is present), removal of smoke and soot from all surfaces, cleaning and repair, and restoration.

We're certified by the IICRC in fire restoration, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

SERVPRO of Southern Delaware County & West Chester has the training and specialized equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

Winter Fire Awareness

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Heating, holiday decorations, winter storms and candles all contribute to an increased risk of fire during the winter months.

Heating

Heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries. December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires. Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires, figuring in two of every five fires (40%).

Carbon Monoxide

Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc. do not burn completely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of CO. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months, and in residential properties.

Winter storms

Most of the U.S. is at risk for winter storms, which can cause dangerous and sometimes life-threatening conditions. Blinding wind-driven snow, extreme cold, icy road conditions, downed trees and power lines can all wreak havoc on our daily schedules. Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season, and heating equipment is involved in one of every six reported home fires, and one in every five home fire deaths.

Generators

Portable generators are useful during power outages; however, many homeowners are unaware that the improper use of portable generators can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. According to a 2013 Consumer Product Safety Commission report, half of the generator-related deaths happened in the four coldest months of the year, November through February, and portable generators were involved in the majority of carbon monoxide deaths involving engine-driven tools. 

Candles

December is the peak time of year for home candle fires; the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and New Year’s Eve. Each year between 2012 and 2016, an average of 8,200 home candle fires were reported each year.

Electrical

Electrical home fires are a leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Roughly half of all home electrical fires involved electrical distribution or lighting equipment, while nearly another half involved other known types of equipment like washer or dryer fans, and portable or stationary space heaters.

As you stay cozy and warm this winter season, be fire smart.

If you experience any fire, water, or mold damage, call Danielle at 610-506-8919.

Do's and Don'ts of a House Fire

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

There are so many emotions and questions following a house fire that it is hard to know what you should and shouldn't do.  Here are a few basic tips to keep in mind.

Don’ts

  • Do not enter your home until you've gotten permission that it is safe to do so
  • Do not start or move your car if it has been damaged
  • Do not try to clean any of the smoke or soot damage yourself

Do's

  • Contact family members/loved ones to inform them of the fire
  • Attend to frightened pets and ensure their safety and comfort
  • Call all utility providers (electric, gas, water) to inform them of the fire
  • Call homeowners insurance company to begin the claim process
  • Find somewhere to stay. 

Most homeowner’s policies will have coverage, which will pay for the food, clothing, and shelter that you and your family may need for a specified period of time.

Call SERVPRO of West Chester if you experience fire damage at 610-506-8919

What to do in Case of a Fire

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Chester is here to share tips about what to do in case of a fire.

  • Have an escape plan and practice it.  Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of a fire.  Your plan should identify all available exits from each room and routes that lead from the room to a safe, open air space.  Designate a meeting place away from your house, such as a neighbor's yard.  Practice your plan every few months, including at night, which is when fires are most deadly since it's more difficult to find a safe exit.
  • Stay low and crawl to an exit to avoid smoke inhalation. Feel doorknobs to see if they're hot.  Never open a door if the doorknob feels hot.  That means there's most likely a fire behind it, and opening the door will put you in danger and fuel the fire with oxygen.
  • Don't hide.  Even if you're scared, it's important to never hide under a bed, in a closet, or anywhere else that emergency responders wouldn't be able to find you. Try not to panic, and do your best to remain calm and make your way to the nearest way out of your house.

If you experience a fire, call Danielle at 610-506-8919

Here to Help with Fire Damage!

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Fires come in many sizes, just as homes range from small to extravagantly large. Large homes might have the luxury of spaciousness, but that can also cause homeowners to have a more difficult time detecting problems early. Fire is one such problem.

When a home in West Chester burns, homeowners often worry about the amount of fire damage their home suffers. However, the smoke and particles in soot pose just as much of a hazard to residents. These particles can carry carcinogens and irritants that make breathing difficult. SERVPRO of West Chester removes all the damage, making your home, no matter how large or small, “Like it never even happened,” again, ready for your family to live in comfortable and familiar surroundings once more.

Removing charred building materials that once made up your home's interior can make your home seem bare, but it is part of the process we implement to prepare for new materials. Smoke-free, these materials pose no risk to your family's health.

Fire damage can impact any area of your home, from floors to ceiling, and we do our best to match new sections to undamaged areas. We know that continuity in your home, from one area of a wall to the next, is one of those small aspects that mean a great deal aesthetically. We want a clean, polished look for your home, just as we know your family appreciated before the fire.

Cleaning up the contents of your home is a job we perform by hand. Some items, such as knick-knack collections, clean up well on-site, in large tubs that we bring specifically for that purpose. Our team gathers together and transports other items, including large draperies and window blinds, for cleaning at our facility. Once completed, all steps, from the restoration of your home to cleaning and removal of soot and grime of your personal belongings and household furnishings, bring together your house, fully restored and waiting for your return home.

If you experience a fire, call Danielle at 610-506-8919

Different Types of Smoke Alarms

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Every year in the United States, about 2000 people die in residential fires.  A smoke alarm stands guard around the clock, and when it first senses smoke, it sounds a shrill alarm.  This often allows a family the precious, but limited, time to escape.  About 2/3 of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working alarms.

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.  In general, alarms should be placed in the center of a ceiling or, if you place them on a wall, they should be near the ceiling.

There are 2 types of smoke alarms:

Ionization - these alarms are more responsive to flaming fires.  They use "ions" or electrically charged particles, to help detect smoke in the air.

Photoelectric - these alarms are more responsive to smoke or smoldering fires.  They use a light beam to help detect the presence of smoke.

Whichever type of smoke alarm that you choose, it's imperative that you change the batteries twice a year and test them every month.

If you experience fire damage, call Danielle at 610-506-8919. 

Fire Prevention

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that a small flame can turn into a major fire in just 30 seconds. Flames and smoke can fill the house in just a few minutes. SERVPRO of West Chester will help you recover from fire damage. We hope you never need that kind of help.

The best fire control is fire prevention.

SERVPRO of West Chester offers these Tips for Fire Prevention: 

  • Items that can catch fire include: dish towels, oven mitts, paper, curtains, wooden spoons, decorations.
  • Heat sources include: light bulbs, fireplaces, stove tops, furnaces, candles, or electric heaters.
  • Keep items that can catch fire at least 3 feet away from heat sources.
  • Keep kids at least 3 feet away from heat sources.
  • Turn off heat sources when you leave the home or go to bed.
  • Never use the oven as a heater.
  • Have the fireplace chimney inspected & cleaned once a year.

SERVPRO of West Chester suggests you keep one or more fire extinguishers available.

Remember fire is fast. If there is a fire, leave and bring everyone with you. Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.

If you experience fire damage, call Danielle at 610-506-8919

Candle Safety

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

It’s that pumpkin latte time of year again, and SERVPRO of West Chester wants you to be safe from fire damage and smoke damage. Although fires from candles happen more often around the holidays, many people use candles all year round. It is important to be careful any time you have an open flame in your home.

Prevention is the best way to fight against fire damage or injuries.

SERVPRO of West Chester offers these Tips for Fire Prevention from Candles:

  • Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can catch fire
  • Do not let children near candles
  • Put out candles when leaving the room or going to bed
  • Keep trees and other plants away from candles
  • Make sure candles are not near window curtains or blinds that could catch fire
  • Keep lit candles in safe candle holders
  • If the flame has to burn until the candles are out, keep the candles in holders that keep the flames behind glass
  • If the flame has to burn until the candles are out, keep the candle holders in a sink or a metal container of water
  • Do not leave children alone in a room with lit candles
  • Do not light candles in the bedroom. You might fall asleep. One third of all candle fires start in the bedroom. 
  • If the power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles
  • If someone in the home uses oxygen, do not use candles
  • Fire damage from candles happens 35 times a day in the U.S.

A little caution goes a long way to protect you and your loved ones. If you have to deal with damage caused by smoke or fire from a candle in your home, your friends at SERVPRO of West Chester are just a phone call away.

If you experience fire damage, call Danielle at 610-506-8919.

Fire Extinguishers

10/15/2020 (Permalink)

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

Smoke and fire damage is something all of us at SERVPRO of West Chester would like to see you avoid. In the event the worst happens and you are faced with this kind of disaster, you can count on us to lend a helping hand. We have a team of highly trained professionals to walk with you each step of the way when repairing the damage from smoke, water, and fire in your home.

Just to be safe, SERVPRO of West Chester recommends you keep at least one fire extinguisher and know how to use it (them).

A fire-extinguisher may prevent fire damage and smoke damage from spreading throughout the home.

If you see a small fire that you take care of yourself, use the following tips.  If you have any worries, you and everyone should leave the house and call 9-1-1 when you are outside.

SERVPRO of West Chester wants you to know that you can try to fight a small fire only if:

  • You can get to the fire extinguisher quickly. Fire is fast. Fire damage and smoke damage are less painful than personal injuries
  • You know how to use the fire extinguisher

SERVPRO of West Chester explains the Types of Home Fire Extinguishers:

Classes A, B, and C fire extinguishers are found in both homes and businesses

  • Class A is for cloth, wood, and paper
  • Class B is for liquids that can burst into flame or explode, such as grease, gasoline, oil, or oil-based paints
  • Class C is for electrical equipment like computers, tools, or anything else that is plugged in
  • Most home-improvement stores sell multi-purpose fire extinguishers: Classes A:B:C

If you experience fire damage, call Danielle at 610-506-8919

Fire Damage

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

Homes can have issues from fire or smoke damage for various reasons. In the Holiday season home fires often occur from unattended candles and cooking accidents. In winter months they often occur due to fireplaces and wood stoves or from space heaters. In the spring and summer months fires often occur from issues related to barbecues and grills.

Fires from barbecues and grills typically cause the most damage to the outside of a home or building but damage can also occur inside due from fire or smoke but also from water damage from firefighting efforts.

Fires can be devastating to your home and life. It is important to be mindful of these reasons that fires can start so that they can be prevented.

If you experience a fire in your home, SERVPRO of West Chester  is the restoration company to call. We are leaders in fire, water, and mold damage restoration. We care about you, your family, and your home and will do anything to get your life back to normal. Call Danielle, 610-506-8919

Fire Safety in Your Home

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

Fires can be very frightening – they are scary, spread quickly and can cause devastating losses.  While we cannot completely fire-proof our homes, there are a few safety steps you can take to help protect your family in the event of a fire.

  • Install and regularly test smoke detectors. Statistics show that working smoke detectors reduce the risk of death in a house fire almost in half! Fires spread quickly, and once that alarm sounds, you may only have a minute or two to escape.
  • Practice Fire Drills at home. Since time is of the utmost importance during a fire, it is best to KNOW what do in the event of a fire.  What is the best escape route? Where does the family meet up outside?  In order to respond quickly, it is best to have a rehearsed plan ahead of time.
  • Have fire extinguishers handy & know how to use them. Keep them in an easy access location near a likely source of fire – in the kitchen, the laundry room, etc.  And maybe buy a few extra and have your children practice using them (probably best to do OUTSIDE).
  • Childproof your kitchen. To keep small children from accidentally turning on the stove, which may having something on it that could burn.
  • Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children. Make sure to teach your children they are not toys.

While no one wants to imagine what they would do in the event of a fire, it is better to be prepared, and have a plan to help keep your family as safe as possible.  And if you do experience a fire, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of West Chester. We are here to help you and your family in any fire, water, or mold emergency. 610-506-8919

Main Causes of Cooking Fires

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Call Danielle 610-506-8919

Cooking fires are one of the most common fires that occur in a home. It is important to know the causes so that you can be mindful in preventing them.

The top main cause of a cooking fire are:

  1. Towels or potholder left on the stove too close to the burner.
  2. Cooking with hot oils.
  3. Cooking on too high of heat.
  4. Food that burns in the oven or on the stove top.
  5. Microwaves 

The damage that cooking fires cause can be devastating to your home and family. It is important to implement safe cooking practices in your home at all time.

If you do experience a fire while cooking in your kitchen, be sure to call SERVPRO of West Chester right away. We know accidents happen and are here to restore your home or kitchen to make them look brand new. Here at SERVPRO of West Chester, we are here to help 24/7/365. Give us a call for any fire, water, or mold damage to your home. 610-506-8919

Firework Fire in West Goshen?

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage from fireworks happens in Chester.

Legal Fireworks

Pennsylvanians are lucky. Under House Bill 542, passed in 2017, state residents are permitted to buy many pyrotechnics including Roman candles, bottle rockets, and other aerial types. The fireworks that remain illegal are M-80s, M-100s, and cherry bombs. Some fireworks, such as display-grade fireworks require permits. SERVPRO® of West Chester wants everyone in West Goshen to have a safe and fun Fourth of July holiday this year and offers these fireworks safety tips from the National Safety Council:

  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks
  • Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
  • Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
  • Never light them indoors
  • Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person
  • Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
  • Never ignite devices in a container
  • Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
  • Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire

Call Us

If you experience fire damage in West Goshen,  SERVPRO® of West Chester has a team of highly trained technicians ready to respond 24 hours a day to assist with the cleanup, restoration, and reconstruction process. Call us today at 610-692-8884.

SERVPRO of West Chester is Independently Owned and Operated.

We Clean and Restore Your Family Keepsakes in Chester

4/7/2020 (Permalink)

We’re on call to clean and restore fire damage in Downingtown.

The firefighters have just left you are standing in the midst of your home that has been ravaged by fire. Not only is there damage to your home, but there is also damage to your furniture and other home contents caused by soot, smoke, ash and water used by the firefighters to put out the flames. SERVPRO® of West Chester wants home and business owners in Downingtown to know that we provide content restoration services and approach every fire damage emergency with a “restore” versus “replace” mentality to help you save money and to help you preserve as many of your precious and irreplaceable family heirlooms that we can. We can’t always clean and restore all of your belongings back to pre-fire condition, but we can clean and restore many of your damaged contents using techniques like:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
     

We are on call to respond to any fire damage emergency 24 hours a day. SERVPRO of West Chester provides quality contents restoration services to Downingtown business owners and residents. Call us today at 610-692-8884.

SERVPRO of West Chester is Independently Owned and Operated.

Cooking Safety Tips for Chester

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

We’re on call to clean and restore fire damage in Westtown.

Did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. SERVPRO® of West Chester wants home and business owners in Westtown to know when a fire breaks out in the kitchen in addition to fire, smoke and soot, water damage may also occur from the use of water by the firefighters to put out the flames. Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association for cooking safely:

  • Do not use the stovetop when you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling or broiling food
  • If you have to leave the kitchen, turn off the stove
  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking
  • Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop
  • In the event of a grease fire, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turn off the burner
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed

We are highly trained specialists who will respond to any fire damage emergency 24 hours a day. SERVPRO of West Chester provides fire cleanup and restoration services to Westtown business owners and residents “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 610-692-8884.

SERVPRO of West Chester is independently owned and operated.

Commercial Fire in Sharon Hill

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Before & After Photos of a commercial fire we did in Sharon Hill. We can handle the process from start to finish from mitigation to reconstruction.

When you have fire damage and restoration is needed give us a call. Our fire damage professionals are ready 24/7. Our timely response will limit further damage and reduce the cost of your restoration. Our team will start the restoration process as soon as we arrive on site. Our restoration procedure includes inspection and fire damage assessment, immediate board-up and roof tarp service (when necessary), water removal and drying (when water damage is visible), removal of smoke and soot from all surfaces, cleaning and repair, and restoration. We're certified by the IICRC in fire/water restoration, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses. SERVPRO of West Chester has the training and specialized equipment to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of West Chester Is Here to Restore Your Home After Fire Damage

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of West Chester 24 hours a day/7 days a week...we are always here to help

Fires come in many sizes, just as homes range from small to extravagantly large. Large homes might have the luxury of spaciousness, but that can also cause homeowners to have a more difficult time detecting problems early. Fire is one such problem.

When a home in West Chester burns, homeowners often worry about the amount of fire damage their home suffers. However, the smoke and particles in soot pose just as much of a hazard to residents. These particles can carry carcinogens and irritants that make breathing difficult. SERVPRO of West Chester removes all the damage, making your home, no matter how large or small, “Like it never even happened” again, ready for your family to live in comfortable and familiar surroundings once more.

Removing charred building materials that once made up your home's interior can make your home seem bare, but it is part of the process we implement to prepare for new materials. Smoke-free, these materials pose no risk to your family's health.

Fire damage can impact any area of your home, from floors to ceiling, and we do our best to match new sections to undamaged areas. We know that continuity in your home, from one area of a wall to the next, is one of those small aspects that mean a great deal aesthetically. We want a clean, polished look for your home, just as we know your family appreciated before the fire.

Cleaning up the contents of your home is a job we perform by hand. Some items, such as knick-knack collections, clean up well on-site, in large tubs that we bring specifically for that purpose. Our team gathers together and transports other items, including large draperies and window blinds, for cleaning at our facility. Once completed, all steps, from the restoration of your home to cleaning and removal of soot and grime of your personal belongings and household furnishings, bring together your house, fully restored and waiting for your return home.

How to Escape From a House Fire

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

*Have an escape plan and practice it.  Make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of a fire.  Your plan should identify all available exits from each room and routes that lead from the room to a safe, open air space.  Designate a meeting place away from your house, such as a neighbor's yard.  Practice your plan every few months, including at night, which is when fires are most deadly since it's more difficult to find a safe exit.

*Stay low and crawl to an exit to avoid smoke inhalation.

*Feel doorknobs to see if they're hot.  Never open a door if the doorknob feels hot.  That means there's most likely a fire behind it, and opening the door will put you in danger and fuel the fire with oxygen.

*Don't hide.  Even if you're scared, it's important to never hide under a bed, in a closet, or anywhere else that emergency responders wouldn't be able to find you. Try not to panic, and do your best to remain calm and make your way to the nearest way out of your house.

Fire Prevention in West Chester

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

The U.S. Fire Administration reports that a small flame can turn into a major fire in just 30 seconds. Flames and smoke can fill the house in just a few minutes. SERVPRO of West Chester will help you recover from fire damage. We hope you never need that kind of help.

The best fire control is fire prevention.

  • SERVPRO of West Chester offers these Tips for Fire Prevention: 
    Items that can catch fire include: dish towels, oven mitts, paper, curtains, wooden spoons, decorations
    Heat sources include: light bulbs, fireplaces, stove tops, furnaces, candles, or electric heaters.
    Keep items that can catch fire at least 3 feet away from heat sources
    Keep kids at least 3 feet away from heat sources
    Turn off heat sources when you leave the home or go to bed
    Never use the oven as a heater
    Have the fireplace chimney inspected & cleaned once a year

SERVPRO of West Chester suggests you keep one or more fire extinguishers available.

Remember fire is fast. If there is a fire, leave and bring everyone with you. Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.

Links:
https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/

Smoke Alarms – Why, Where, Which?

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

Every year in the United States, about 2000 people die in residential fires.  A smoke alarm stands guard around the clock, and when it first senses smoke, it sounds a shrill alarm.  This often allows a family the precious, but limited, time to escape.  About 2/3 of home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working alarms.

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, outside sleeping areas, and inside bedrooms.  In general, alarms should be placed in the center of a ceiling or, if you place them on a wall, they should be near the ceiling.

There are 2 types of smoke alarms:

Ionization - these alarms are more responsive to flaming fires.  They use "ions" or electrically charged particles, to help detect smoke in the air.

Photoelectric - these alarms are more responsive to smoke or smoldering fires.  They use a light beam to help detect the presence of smoke.

Whichever type of smoke alarm that you choose, it's imperative that you change the batteries twice a year and test them every month.

Using a Certified Restoration Company

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

The US estimates that there were 1,319,500 fires in 2017. In the event you unfortunately experience a house fire, the next steps can be utterly overwhelming. The financial loss is the biggest factor, as well as losing a lot of sentimental items, which can never be replaced. SERVPRO believes in contacting a professional restoration company to restore your home immediately after a fire.  Doing so will help you get back into your home, and back to your day to day life sooner. Hiring a restoration company that is properly equipped to handle fire damage is extremely important. 

The saying goes "where there is smoke, there is fire." People don’t realize that far after the fire is gone, the smoke smell and damage lingers. The smell of smoke may not cause bodily damage, but the stench of smoke can linger long after the flames have been put out. Without professional help from a reputable fire restoration company, you and your family could inhale smoke for years, which at the very least, is very unpleasant.

 When the conditions are just right, mold can grow following a fire. In most cases, hidden water puddles behind walls or in closets are just enough to promote a colony of mold in your home. Unfortunately, the untrained eye may not know what to look out for when it comes to preventing mold. By hiring a professional fire restoration team, you reduce the chances that your home will be invaded with mold months or years after your fire.

 Another aftermath of fire damage is soot. Soot is the result of combustion. It is the black film that remains on your belongings after the fire has been extinguished. If you don’t hire a professional to clean your home, an untrained company could miss cleaning some areas that are coated with soot. If this happens, and you overlook it too, then the soot could permanently stain some of your belongings.

 With this all said, it is important to use a properly trained and certified restoration company after fire damages your home. Call SERVPRO of West Chester with any restoration needs.

Fire Prevention Month in West Chester

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we are very passionate about Fire Safety Month. Fire Safety Month for 2019 is in October. This year the Fire Prevention campaign is, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!” works to educate everyone about the small but important actions they can take to keep themselves and those around them safe. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Making a plan with your family to practice and plan an escape during a fire will be critical if you ever need to use that plan. Making a plan with your family is very important. It can literally be the difference between preventing a horrible tragedy. Protecting your family is obviously everyone’s top priority, and making sure you have a plan in place to do so is an important thing to do. Hopefully you will never have to utilize that plan, but being able to have it in place, and practice it is key.

               Fire prevention week started in 1922. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. This does not just include schools, and children. It is important to educate all walks of life. Senior citizens, and disabled people can also be at risk, as sometimes they are limited in their motility. Making sure you have proper and working smoke alarms is key.  Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This awful fire killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

               At SERVPRO of West Chester, we are passionate about helping the community, and making sure we are taking all necessary steps to inform the community about ways to prevent disasters.

Look. Listen. Learn

10/18/2018 (Permalink)

While fire prevention week may be over, practicing fire safety should always be an important part of everyday living. The theme for 2018's Fire Prevention Week is Look.Listen.Learn. This theme aims to raise awareness of “three basic but essential steps to take to reduce the likelihood of having a fire.” Those steps are:
LOOK for possible fire hazards in your home and eliminate them.
LISTEN for your home’s smoke alarms. Know that you may have only minutes to get out if a fire breaks out.
LEARN two ways out of each room of your home. Exits should be easy to access and free of clutter. After leaving the home, go to your family’s designated meeting spot, established when you set up a home fire escape plan.

The National Fire Protection Association provides resources, including community posters, for the public to use to educate others about home fire safety. For kids, the campaign has activity pages and Simon, a character who shares messages about fire safety.

October Is National Fire Prevention Month

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Month (and week) raises awareness about fire safety and home safety to help ensure your home and family are prepared in the case of an emergency. This is a perfect time to discuss fire safety with your family. Every family's safety plans will differ from the next - that is why it is important to sit down with your whole family and plan your home's fire safety plans.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)'s 2018 campaign for Fire Prevention Week is "Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. A fire can be anywhere."

According to the NFPA*, in 2016 there were 352,000 home fires, and 3 out of 5 fire deaths occurred in homes without smoke alarms.
Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan.
Carbon monoxide is the #1 cause of accidental death.

These facts and statistics are reasons why your home needs to be equipped with the proper amount of fire safety equipment and alarms. Fire Prevention Month is a great time to kick start your families commitment to fire safety!

Why is fire prevention week in October?

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

National Fire Prevention Week is observed in the United States and Canada, during the week (from Sunday to Saturday) in which October 9 falls.

The Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire. On the 40th anniversary (1911) of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (FMANA), the oldest membership section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), sponsored the first National Fire Prevention Day, deciding to observe the anniversary as a way to keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. In May 1919, when the NFPA held its 23rd annual meeting in Ottawa at the invitation of the Dominion Fire Prevention Association (DFPA), the NFPA and DFPA both passed resolutions urging governments in the United States and Canada to support the campaign for a common Fire Prevention Day. This was expanded to Fire Prevention Week in 1922. The non-profit NFPA, which has officially sponsored Fire Prevention Week since its inception, selects the annual theme for Fire Prevention Week.

In the United States, the first national Fire Prevention Day proclamation was issued by President Woodrow Wilson in 1920. When President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed the first National Fire Prevention Week on October 4–10, 1925, he noted that in the previous year some 15,000 lives were lost to fire in the United States. Calling the loss "startling", Coolidge's proclamation stated: "This waste results from the conditions which justify a sense of shame and horror; for the greater part of it could and ought to be prevented... It is highly desirable that every effort be made to reform the conditions which have made possible so vast a destruction of the national wealth".

Office Fires

7/20/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Chester wants you to beware of office fire hazards. Fires can happen to anyone. Please be mindful of computer wires getting tangled and over heated. Power cords can also be overloaded. Resulting in an electrical fire. Possibly causing a dangerous office fire.

Remember to call SERVPRO of West Chester as soon as possible. 

610-692-8884

contact SERVPRO of West Chester for a quick response and effective remediation.

SERVPRO's technicians are always on call, no matter when you need us and our services. We arrive Faster to Any Size Disaster and start as soon as our initial assessment finishes. We know keeping your business going strong relies on a fast response.

Please be safe and smart about possible hidden fire dangers.