Smoke Alarm Safety and Identifying Fire Hazards in Litchfield Homes?

10/29/2024 (Permalink)

We are fire damage restoration leaders in Georgetown County.

Our local Georgetown and Horry Counties teams are highly trained and certified to restore fire damage in Litchfield. Residential Fire Awareness Month is a campaign sponsored by the National Fire Protection Association to educate the public about smoke alarm safety and fire prevention in residential settings. The goal is to encourage individuals and families to take steps to reduce these fire risks and offers an excellent opportunity for homeowners to identify and address fire hazards.

Smoke alarms are a critical line of defense against house fires, providing early warnings that can save lives. Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home, especially near sleeping areas. Test the alarms monthly by pressing the test button and replace the batteries at least once a year. Smoke alarms also have a lifespan of about ten years, so plan on replacing them when they become outdated. Properly maintaining your smoke alarms can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related injuries and fatalities in your home.

Common hazards include faulty wiring, overloaded electrical outlets, and flammable materials stored near heat sources. Homeowners should inspect electrical cords for wear, avoid plugging too many devices into a single outlet, and ensure that flammable items, such as curtains or paper, are kept away from stoves and space heaters.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial property in Litchfield sustains fire damage, our local teams in Georgetown and Horry Counties are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 843-236-6278.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why You Need a Professional to Clean Your Home After a Fire

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know that a small fire in the home can cause a whole lot of damage? Believe it or not, it does.

Did you know that a small fire in the home can cause a whole lot of damage? Believe it or not, it does. From smoke, to soot, to damaged belongings, the cleanup process can be quite grueling for someone who is not a highly trained restoration technician.

Why Do You Need a Professional?

Restoration professionals immediately know where to look to find damage that an untrained person would not be familiar with. Knowing the extent of the fire damage is key to creating an action plan. In addition, restoration professionals restore belongings and your home rather than throwing out and buying new. Our “restore first” mentality reduces interruption and gets you back to your life.

What is the Difference Between Smoke and Soot?

Smoke and soot are commonly misunderstood. Soot comes from smoke, while smoke is a result of fire. “Smoke is a collection of tiny unburnt particles – very small carbon particles and tiny droplets of tar.” As a result, smoke is very dangerous to inhale, as it contains many things that we are not meant to inhale."

Soot, sometimes called lampblack or carbon black, is a fine black or brown powder that can be slightly sticky and is a product of incomplete combustion.” Since soot is a slightly sticky powder, it rests in all crevices of a home that has experienced fire damage. It sticks to the walls, the ceiling, anything that it can find.

To restore your home of soot and smoke damage takes professionals with an eye for detail. Learn more about Smoke and Soot.

To learn more about what SERVPRO of Horry & Georgetown County has to offer, give us a call at (843) 236-6278 or visit our Website!

How to Clean Up After a House Fire in South Carolina

2/6/2023 (Permalink)

There are many steps to go through before reaching recovery. These steps include everything all the way from cleanup to re-build.

Recovering after a house fire in Horry & Georgetown Counties and their surrounding areas is not always a quick process. There are many steps to go through before reaching recovery. These steps include everything all the way from cleanup to re-build. 

Tips for Recovering from Fire

The Red Cross suggests these tips below:

• Consult a professional about replacing drywall and insulation that has been soaked by water from fire hoses. It cannot be dried out and maintain structural integrity or resistance to mold and mildew.
• Pots, pans, flatware, etc., should be washed with soapy water, rinsed, and then polished.
• Stuff purses and shoes with newspapers to retain shape. Leave suitcases open.
• Wear protective clothing, including work gloves and heavy soled shoes.
• Learn more about how to clean up after a home fire, including the supplies you’ll need, how to deal with contaminated food and water, and how to repair smoke and water damage.
• Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and safe use of masks.
• Wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.

SERVPRO of Horry & Georgetown Counties are fire and water damage restoration specialists. We are always Here to Help, 24/7. If a fire does occur in your home, give us a call at (843)236-6278 for immediate assistance, or visit our Website!

Every second counts when you have a fire!!

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Every second matters!

During a fire, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out.

In a matter of minutes, a small fire can produce a major flame problem, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place.

A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families and businesses have developed and practiced a fire escape plan.

Once a family or employee plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home or office understands the plan. The best way to do this is to develop some muscle memory by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. This will increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing it.

The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan. (*Tips and statistics provided by the American Red Cross)

• Draw a map of each level of your home or business and show all the doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting area on your escape plan.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home or office, with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.
• Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at nighttime.

If you do suffer fire damage to your unit call SERVPRO when the coast is clear, we can help! 

843-236-6278 

Experienced a fire damage? Here's why hiring a highly trained professional makes all the difference in the world

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is 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 Georgetown & Horry County 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 and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 843.236.6278

Electrical Fires

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

Most electrical fires are caused by faulty electrical outlets and or old, outdated appliances. The following are the most common reasons why electrical fires happen:

1. Old electrical sockets and unsafe appliances

Appliances that are old and overused and those that fall short of modern safety standards are the worst culprits. Frayed electrical cords, self-jointed wires, and worn out sockets that are not properly grounded are major causes of fires. They become ready outlets for directing heat and fire to carpets, rugs, curtains and combustible plastic. Older appliances draw more power than the wall sockets can handle.

2. Using light fixtures that exceed the permissible wattage

A very common cause of fires is plugging lights, lighting appliances and bulbs into electrical sockets that cannot handle higher wattage levels. Antique lighting appliances may have defective wiring that makes the appliance unstable by overheating. Decorating lights with colored paper and cloth shades can increase the risk of fire when the material or fabric heats up.

3. Using multiple appliances plugged into an extension cord

Unrestricted use of extension cords is a major fire hazard. The risk of fire increases when your TV, home theatre, computer and other appliances are all plugged into a single extension cord. This creates excessive power load on a single socket which may not be designed to handle that load.  So, there is a social and economic cost to damaged wiring!

4. Locating portable heaters near combustible materials

Portable space heaters that use coils are potentially dangerous when they are positioned carelessly near curtains and rugs and adjacent to beds and cloth covered furniture. The chances of inflammable material coming into contact with the red-hot coils increase the risk of fire.

5. Wiring that becomes defective with the passage of time

Over a period of time you add more electrical appliances such as wide screen televisions, home theatre, microwave oven, refrigerator and air conditioners. The outdated home wiring cannot handle the increased power load. Older wiring tends to heat up quickly and catches fire. If the breaker boxes are themselves defective, they cannot prevent overheated electrical panels from catching fire.

If you become the unfortunate victim of an electrical fire call in the pro's here at..

SERVPRO of Georgetown & Horry County 843.236.6278

Cleaning Clothing Items after a Fire or Smoke Damage

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

Although flames from the fire may not have reached your clothing items, soot and/or smoke odor may have left visible signs on your wardrobe 

Closed drawers and closet doors provide marginal protection against residue and odor. Plastic coverings provide minimal protection from soot residue while actually increasing probability of odor.

Our trained crews collect ALL clothing for specialized deodorization and cleaning. Fine furs and leathers are carefully inspected and processed by the finest experts in the area. Everything in your family's wardrobe is thoroughly deodorized and expertly cleaned so that all garments are free of the lingering smell of smoke. Selected clothing items will be rushed to you for your immediate needs while the remaining clothing will be delivered within several days. 

Our guarantee to you means that our services for restoration will never exceed the value of a new item. These valuable dollars saved through restoration will be an asset for use in replacing non-restorable items. 

Cleaning Ceilings & Walls after a fire or smoke damage

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

"Will my ceilings and walls ever be the same?" We hear this question frequently after a smoke or fire damage. There are no shortcuts to doing the job right. Using SERVPRO's recommended steps and materials, your ceiling, walls, and woodwork will always be restored to your satisfaction. 

Your SERVPRO technician will pre-test to analyze the extent of the damage. SERVPRO will save you money by expertly cleaning lighter soot without the expense of repainting. When there are higher concentrations of soot, SERVPRO will clean the area with specific techniques to prepare the surface for smooth painting. 

We know you want the appearance of your home returned to the way it was before the damage occurred. We work to make sure the cleaning and painting can be done properly to ensure the value of your home. 

Cleaning Carpets & Oriental Rugs After a Fire or Smoke Damage

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Your carpeting and area rugs will need a deep-down thorough cleaning after a smoke or fire damage. Residue from smoke or soot will settle on the fibers and be ground in every time someone walks on them. You can rely on the countless years of expertise that your local SERVPRO of Horry & Georgetown County team has cleaning even the most expensive carpets. 

In most situations, SERVPRO will do a showcase cleaning method of cleaning to be sure your carpet is completely free of all smoke and residue. The showcase method consists of gently agitating the carpet fibers with a machine that applies a highly-effective detergent and then rinsing the carpet with a top-of-the-line water extraction unit. As an added benefit the carpet will also be deodorized, leaving a fresh scent. 

Whether it be wall-to-wall carpeting or the most expensive oriental rug on the market, SERVPRO is an expert at cleaning all types of carpet fibers. 

Cleaning Draperies & Upholstery After a Fire or Smoke Damage

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning fine fabrics such as drapery and upholstery materials after an unfortunate smoke or fire loss is where SERVPPRO of Horry and Georgetown counties excel. 

All fabrics are carefully inspected and tested to determine which one of our five cleaning methods is most appropriate. 

Our technicians are trained to use machines made specifically for cleaning fine fabrics. Wet or dry cleaning methods can be done as required by the fabric content and the manufacturer's recommendation. 

You can be confident in SERVPRO's abilities, knowing we invented the machine that cleans fabrics on location. SERVPRO leads the industry with the finest equipment and products available.

Call us today (843)236-6278 

Fire Safety: Space Heater Edition

3/5/2021 (Permalink)

Horry & Georgetown looks for ways to make chilly areas warm and comfortable in the colder months of the year. While space heaters can be useful to keep small areas warm, it's essential to use them with caution. Using a space heater can be safe if you follow these simple recommendations.

Heating

• Have a three-foot "kid-free zone" around open fires and space heaters.
• Supervise children when a fireplace, fire pit, or other space heater is being used. Use a sturdy, metal screen to prevent contact burns, which are even more common than flame burns.
• All heaters need space. Keep things that can burn, such as paper, bedding, or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
• Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
• Never use your oven for heating.
• According to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions, install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.

Portable electric space heaters

• Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
• Use and purchase portable space heaters with an automatic shut-off, so they will shut off if they're tipped over.
• A place space heater on a stable, flat surface.
• Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
• Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs, or lose connections. Replace before using.

Fuel-burning space heaters

• Always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer.
• When refueling, allow the appliance to cool and refuel outside or in a well-ventilated area.
• When using the heater, open a window to ensure proper ventilation.
• In portable kerosene or other liquid-fueled space heaters, always use the proper grade of the appropriate fuel.
• All new unvented gas-fired space heaters have an oxygen depletion sensor that detects a reduced level of oxygen in the area where the heater is operating and shuts off the heater before a hazardous carbon level monoxide accumulates. If you have an older heater without this feature, replace it.
• If your gas heater's pilot light goes out, allow 5 minutes or more for the gas to go away before trying again, do not allow gas to accumulate, and light the match before you turn on the gas to the pilot to avoid the risk of flashback.
• If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not attempt to light the appliance. Turn off all the controls and open doors and windows. 

SERVPRO of Horry & Georgetown County is here to help you recover from any fire. Our trained technicians will remove the smoke and soot from your home. Call us at 843-236-6278 for any fire restoration needs!

Tip for Cooks - Georgetown County 29440

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

I’m sure you wouldn’t be surprised if we told you that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires in the United States. 

If you ever cooked a meal, you can understand how easy it is to get distracted or carried away with other kitchen tasks. But even with the high probability of something catching on fire and spreading throughout the kitchen and the home, cooking is still something we do every day without hesitation. The truth is, we’ve gotten comfortable controlling the kitchen; fire, flames and all.

While it’s always nice to be a great cook, it’s often that comfort level that can lead to a laid-back approach in the kitchen. 

The next time you decide to “chef it up” in the kitchen, make sure to use the same level of care and caution as you did when it was your first time whipping up a meal. There’s no such thing as too much attention when a fire of any size is involved. In the way you give your meal extra care and attention, our technicians at SERVPRO of Horry & Georgetown County do the same with their work in providing our fire and smoke damage restoration services. 

If it gets too hot in the kitchen, you can be certain that our crews are familiar with the heat. If you find yourself cooking up more than a meal, give SERVPRO of Horry & Georgetown County a call. We’re Here to Help!

Tips to Prevent Dryer Fires in Your Horry County Home - 29526

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that dryer vent fires are the second leading cause of residential fires in the nation? If you’re not regularly servicing your dryer, you run the risk of falling victim to a dryer vent fire. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure that your dryer keeps the heat inside:

1. Use a professional installer 
2. Regularly service your equipment
3. Keep the surrounding area free of flammable materials 
4. Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry
5. Use only rigid or flexible metal venting material
6. Ensure air exhaust vent pipe is unrestricted
7. Do no overload
8. Inspect Gas Lines
9. Use the correct plug and outlet
10. Never run the dryer when you leave home or are sleeping. 

While these steps are simple and pretty easy to carry out, they are also crucial in preventing a dryer fire. If you find yourself dealing with the heat outside of the dryer, call SERVPRO Horry & Georgetown County (843) 236-6278 for our fire and smoke damage restoration services. We’d be glad to help!

Lighten the Mood Not Your Myrtle Beach Home - 29572

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

No matter what kind of mood you’re in, candles have a special power of turning a regular Tuesday into a relaxing night of self-care and aromatherapy. 

It’s no secret that candles are a great way to get us relaxed and even invite some romance in the air. But, if you’re not careful, candles can set a completely different mood if not handled properly. 

Candles are one of the top leading causes of home fires. As with any open fires, they are not on a “set it and forget it” schedule. Despite their small flame, a fire of any size poses a threat. It can quickly set a curtain on fire, or a mishap can cause it to fall and spread the flame. As a general rule of thumb, fires, candles included, should be closely monitored at all times. Make sure to keep it away from any flammable materials such as fabric, and keep it away from children and pets. If you are leaving the room, make sure to snuff out the fire.

Fires are traumatic disasters, and many times, it can be totally preventable. While the technicians at SERVPRO of Horry & Georgetown County are trained in fire and smoke damage restoration, they’re not known for setting a romantic mood when called into your home. But they will make you fall in love with the way we can make your disaster look “Like it never even happened.” 

Fire, Soot, and Water Damage in Horry & Georgetown County

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

The most versatile fire extinguisher type for home use is the dry chemical fire extinguisher is recommended for normal fires and grease fires, and electrical fires. Unfortunately, dry chemical extinguishers come with a downside. When used, a dry chemical extinguisher coats the surrounding area in a layer of chemicals that, while great for smothering flames, makes a huge mess and can damage electronic equipment. With these instructions, you can minimize the mess and efficiently clean the chemicals from this fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers are generally looked upon as being a safety device, so not many people think about the potential dangers they hold. As with anything you bring into a home or workplace, it's important to understand the devices used fully. While fire extinguisher powder is non-toxic, it is not entirely safe. The chemicals used are considered appropriate for home use, but you should take precautions to avoid touching or inhaling too much powder. After a fire, the residue left by a fire extinguisher needs to be cleaned up. Many areas do not permit phosphates or sulfates to be added to the water table. Since most fire extinguishers contain ammonium phosphate and/or ammonium sulfate, you need to be careful about cleaning up. The chemicals can irritate the skin, so use gloves and avoid inhaling by using a dust mask.

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 a 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 the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set a smoke odor.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (843) 236-6278

Fire Safety Tips For Your Horry & Georgetown County Home

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

As the cool fall weather starts to roll in, it is important to practice fire safety in the home to ensure your holiday season goes uninterrupted. Things like heating, holiday decorations, and candle burning can all leave room for disaster if not addressed properly.

Home Heating Safety Tips

Central Heating

If you heat your home centrally, it is important to have your system inspected and cleaned of any build-up before starting the fall season. A blocked air duct can be a potential fire hazard waiting to happen. Make sure to get your system routinely checked by a certified HVAC professional, and call SERVPRO of Horry & Georgetown County for any cleanings it may require.

Fireplace

It would help if you had your chimney inspected every year to ensure it's in safe, working condition. When necessary, utilize your local Chimney Sweeper and have any cracks within the foundation of the chimney filled if need be. It is also advised that a fireplace screen be used to keep sparks within the pit and unwanted debris out. Finally, you should never use gasoline or any other combustible substance to start a fire and, most importantly, never under any circumstances, leave a fire unattended!

Space Heater

Space heaters are a great resource for heating areas of the home that otherwise don't receive many airflows. There are many precautions to follow when relying on a space heater, though, which include making sure there is at least a 3-foot radius of space between your space heater and any other objects. You should also never place clothing or any other flammable articles on your space heater, and avoid putting it near furniture or curtains. Lastly, you must turn off and unplug your space heater when leaving the house or going to bed to avoid the possibility of fire. 

Does and Don'ts for Pediatric Scolds

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

Scold damage from burns

Here are a few tips from the American Burn Association's website regarding Pediatric Scalds:

DO:

Set water heater temperature to no higher than 120°F/48°C, or just below the medium setting ?

Create a “no kid zone” in the kitchen around stoves, ovens and hot items ?

Keep hot drinks away from the edge of tables and counters ? Use a travel mug with a tight-fitting lid for all hot drinks ?

Place pots and pans on the back burner with handles turned away from the edge of the stove

DONT:

Leave a child unattended in the bathtub; if you must leave, take the child(ren) with you ?    

Allow young children to adjust the water   temperature or sit near faucet handles ?

Set anything hot on tabletops within reach of young children who can pull them down ?

Allow appliance cords (slow-cookers, deep-  fryers, coffeemakers) to dangle over the counter edge

If a burn injury does happen to you or your child …

1)   Cool the burn with COOL (not cold) water to stop the burning process

2)   Remove all clothing and/or diaper from the injured area

3)   Cover the area with a clean dry sheet or bandages

4)   Seek medical attention

If you have fire damage call the professionals at SERVPRO 843-236-6278.

200 Fire Calls On Christmas Eve

12/28/2019 (Permalink)

Fire prevention is so much easier than fire restoration!

200 Fire Calls On Christmas Eve ... that is how many Horry County Firefighters received this year!

We wrote a few blog posts earlier this month concerning the heightened risks of fires during the holiday season one about candle safety, one about general fire hazards and one about holiday fire precautions.

Two hundred calls for help with fires is very high on one night that is why we here at SERVPRO stress fire prevention!

No one wants to deal with the danger and messy aftermath of fires, especially during the holidays. It is absolutely crucial that everyone in your family be aware of these elevated circumstantial risks and be vigilant about taking every measure to ensure safety for the whole household!

If you or someone you know has had fire damage this holiday season call SERVPRO we can help!

843-236-6278 | 843-436-2121

Holiday Fire Hazards

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Fire hazards increase during the holidays.

Holidays are supposed to be a time for fun and celebration, but fires can happen fast during the winter season.

Here are 3 areas to concentrate your safety efforts this holiday season to avoid extra fire causing hazards.

1. Candles: Candles are used a lot more during the holidays to provide a festive and fragrant decor all around homes and businesses. Use caution in the placement and lighting or burning of candles to avoid fire risk.
2. Dry Christmas Trees: If you are putting up a real Christmas tree please remember to water it frequently and at the very least check the levels of water daily! A dry tree will catch fire so quickly!
3. Overloaded Outlets: We tend to use a lot more things that need electricity during the holiday season. Everything from lights to heaters jam up every outlet around your dwelling. Please make sure you do not overload your outlets.

Using these tips and exercising common sense you should be just fine this holiday season! If you do have fire damage call SERVPRO!

Fire Facts For Winter Months

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Fires happen a lot more frequently in the winter.

When it comes to the winter months fires happen much more frequently.

Here are a few facts for you to consider to help you keep your home and family safe.

Info provided by the NFPA.

Winter holiday fire facts

Christmas trees

• Between 2013-2017, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 160 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year.
• These fires caused an average of three deaths, 15 injuries, and $10 million in direct property damage annually.
  
  

Candles

• On average, 22 home candle fires were reported each day between 2013-2017.
• Three of every five (60%) candle fires started when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations, was too close to the candle.

Holiday cooking

• Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
• Cooking equipment was involved in one of every five (19%) of home decoration fires. This can happen when a decoration is left on or too close to a stove or other cooking equipment.

If you have suffered a loss from fire damage call SERVPRO today, we can help!

Holiday Candle Fire Safety

12/1/2019 (Permalink)

Candles can cause massive fire damage!

Candles are an open flame that means that it can easily ignite anything that is flammable in its area if left unattended.

Lit candles that are positioned in close proximity to dry holiday trees are a HUGE danger and can cause massive fire damage to rooms in a matter of seconds!

Candle fire facts -
During the five-year period of 2012-2016:

• Candles caused 2% of reported home fires, 3% of home fire deaths, 7% of home fire injuries, and 4% of the direct property damage in home fires.
• Roughly one-third (37%) of home candle fires started in bedrooms. These fires caused 30% of the associated deaths and 50% of the associated injuries.
• Falling asleep was a factor in 11% percent of the home candle fires and 21% of the associated deaths.
• On average, 23 home candle fires were reported per day.
• Three of every five (60%) of home candle fires occurred when some form of combustible material was left or came too close to the candle.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 12% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% for the rest of the year.

Source: NFPA's Applied Research

If you suffer fire damage this holiday season call SERVPRO, we can help!

10 Thanksgiving Safety Tips

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

These 10 tips should keep you out of harm's way this Thanksgiving!

Extra family members are staying over and dinner time is closing in, it is easy to see how things can get overlooked and safety issues can arise at a moment's notice.

Here are 10 Thanksgiving Safety Tips from the National Fire Protection Association to mind during the next few days to help keep you and your family safe:

1. Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove so you can keep an eye on all of the food.
2. Stay in the house when cooking.
3. Keep small children away from the stove and out of the kitchen if possible. 
4. Also, make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids when they are served. The steam or splash from vegetables, and or gravy could cause serious burns.
5. Keep knives and sharp utensils out of the reach of children.
6. Be sure electric cords are not accessible to children or pets.
7. Keep your matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
8. Never leave children alone in the room with a lit candle.
9. Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, game consoles or bags.
10. Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button and replace batteries if necessary.

So basically watch the kids and pets when holiday cooking is being done!

Fall Weather Fire Safety On The Grand Strand

10/10/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure your campfires are out completely!

With cool fall weather comes the increased use of fires, which also leads to an increase in wildfire probability!

Here is a quick tip to make sure you extinguish your campfire completely.

There is just something about the cool crisp air that makes a bonfire or campfire or even just a small backyard fire seem so much more enjoyable.

While the idea of a fire can be appealing, the thought of putting the fire out does not really come into play for most people until the evening winding down. At this point you are tired and just want to be done with the fire so you half-heartedly pour some water on the fire and call it a night.

Do not do this!

To properly extinguish a campfire you need to plan ahead. You will need a shovel and a few gallons of water.

When it is time to wind things down, start the fire smothering process by adding enough water to make what is called camp soup (muddy water). Then use your shovel to mix the embers until they are safely extinguished.

You should be able to hold the back of your hand over the fire at about 4 inches above and not feel intense heat. If you can not do this keep adding water and mixing.

When the fire is out safely you can get a good night's sleep knowing that you have not inadvertently endangered anyone or anything in your area, and that is how to practice fire safety here on the Grand Strand (or wherever you build a fire)!

If you ever need restoration and or repair help due to fire damage, call the experts at SERVPRO!

843-236-6278 | 843-436-2121

With A Fire, Every Second Counts

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes you only have seconds.

Every second counts during a fire.

During a fire, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out.

In a matter of minutes, a small fire can produce a major flame problem, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place.

A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families and businesses have developed and practiced a fire escape plan.

Once a family or employee plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home or office understands the plan. The best way to do this is to develop some muscle memory by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. This will increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing it.

The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan. (*Tips and statistics provided by the American Red Cross)

• Draw a map of each level of your home or business and show all the doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.
• Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting area on your escape plan.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home or office, with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.
• Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at nighttime.

If you do suffer fire damage to your unit call SERVPRO when the coast is clear, we can help! 

843-236-6278 | 843-436-2121

Fire Prevention Week Is Here

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Fire prevention is better than fire cleanup!

Fire Prevention Week Is Here, Sunday, October 6th, 2019 until Saturday, October 12th, 2019 is officially Fire Prevention Week!

This year’s theme is “Not every hero wears a cape. Plan and Practice your escape!” Be a hero in your own home: Make a home fire escape plan with your family and practice it!

A few areas to also give some time discussing with family members are:

• Smoke alarms at home
• Home fire sprinklers
• Home safety for people with disability
• Smoke alarms for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Heating safety
• Cooking safety

There are some safety tip sheets that you can download by going here: NFPA.org

If you do end up having a fire in your home, call SERVPRO we can help restore your belongings and your home so you can move forward.

843-236-6278 | 843-436-2121

Why You Should Let SERVPRO Clean Your Fire Damage

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Even the smallest fire damage should be cleaned professionally!

Question: I had a fire at my home, can’t I just clean the smoke and soot myself?

Answer: Technically yes, you can clean the fire damage yourself, it may seem simple especially if there was no extensive damage. We suggest you call SERVPRO.

We would not suggest a home or business owner trying to clean even small fire damages by themselves. It might look or seem like an easy task on the surface to handle alone but we can assure you that in order to do it properly it definitely is not.

The residue that remains from the soot and the smoke smell can remain in your home without the proper chemicals and techniques for removal.

With our extensive fire damage, training and professional odor eliminating equipment SERVPRO can return your home to its preloss condition.

Give SERVPRO a call if you have even the slightest bit of fire damage, we can help! 843-236-6278 | 843-436-2121

What Exactly Is A Board Up?

8/16/2019 (Permalink)

We can secure your home and belongings!

After the fire is out and the crews have all left your home and belongings are still at risk!

Question: What is a board up?

Answer: Usually after a fire damage has occurred there is a possibility that windows have been broken, entrances to your home damaged, and openings in your property to allow the outside elements (and sometimes people) in.

SERVPRO's board up team can secure your home to ensure that your property and valuables are protected.

SERVPRO also has the ability to inventory each and every one of your personal items and furniture. Using state of the art software that enables us to accurately document each of your belongings and move them to a secured location.

These items can then be prepped for cleaning allowing us to remove any traces of smoke residue and smell.

We can also make sure your insurance company receives the necessary paperwork and documentation required with fire damage content restoration.

If you have been affected by a fire damage and need SERVPRO to help give us a call today! 843-236-6278 | 843-436-2121

Firework Damage Repair in Horry & Georgetown Counties

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

Fireworks are fun to watch but your house burning down is not, be careful!

SERVPRO of Georgetown, East and West Horry Counties has repaired our fair share of fire damage from fireworks.

Did you know:

"Fireworks have the ability to do some serious damage to your roof. Many types of fireworks are still burning as they rain back down from the sky, which can spell disaster for your home. Some people think that because their house has asphalt shingles (as opposed to the seemingly more flammable shake, or wood, shingles), their roof can “take it” without incident. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. If your (asphalt shingled) roof has any cracked, broken, or missing shingles, the material underneath them (namely roof felt paper and wood decking) is extremely combustible – making your roof very susceptible to catching fire." -GRC

Roof damage is not the only thing you need to worry about when considering blowing off fireworks.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, fireworks caused over 1,200 structural fires. Of every fire reported on Independence Day, about 2 of every 5 is a house fire that was the fault of consumer fireworks gone awry.

Here are just a few tips to help you stay safe when handling fireworks.

• Make sure you have an area that is clear of obstructions when lighting off fireworks.
• Read the directions carefully.
• Make sure children, anyone who cannot move quickly and pets are a safe distance before using fireworks.
• Have a fire extinguisher ready and nearby.

If your home or property does get damaged by fireworks, call SERVPRO we can help restore and or rebuild the damage caused by fireworks here on The Grand Strand!

Burn Bans In Horry & Georgetown Counties

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

If you have suffered fire damage call SERVPRO as soon as it is safe!

Burn Bans In Horry & Georgetown Counties are a necessity!

Due to Weather Conditions, Horry & Georgetown County Governments can initiate an outdoor burning ban effective whenever needed for the unincorporated areas of Horry and Georgetown Counties.

These bans can remain in place until conditions become stable enough to burn safely again.

The bans have been placed here in Horry and Georgetown Counties recently due to the extreme fire danger as a result of the low relative humidity and windy conditions.

Any and all outdoor burning, included permitted burns, are strictly prohibited during the bans, and those involved in any open burning would be in violation of the law.

For more information on the status of the burn ban, visit horrycounty.org in Horry County and georgetowncountysc.org in Georgetown County. Also if you plan on burning in your yard or on your property please call the county office you live in to notify them first, those numbers are Horry: 1-800-986-5404 | Georgetown: 1-800-986-5256.

Horry County's Highway 31 Fire ... 10 Years Later

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

Follow the proper burn procedures to reduce the risk of this happening again!

On April 22, 10 years ago, at 12:02 p.m., the first 911 call reporting a fire on Woodlawn Drive in Conway was made.

That enormous fire, dubbed the Highway 31 Fire, would become one of the largest and most destructive wildfires in South Carolina history - with more than 19,000 acres burned.

Located within the Buist Tract, a perfect mix of weather and flammable landscaping created a horrible scene for The Grand Strand and first responders.

Although we are grateful that no one was seriously injured or killed, the fire did destroy numerous structures and the damage costs reached into the tens of millions of dollars all over Horry County.

It is important to remember that Horry and Georgetown Counties do face wildfire risks, but that we can take measures to give ourselves and our property the best chance of survival during one.

If you have had fire damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO as soon as it is safe to do so, we can help!

Fire Damage In Pawley’s Island

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

Cleaning Up Fire Damage In Pawley's Island for Decades!

Fire Damage In Pawley’s Island, who fixes it and why you should hire a pro!

You may have read before in our blog post titled "Who Fixes Fire Damage In Georgetown County?" that we have been handling fire damage cleanup and restorations in Georgetown County for decades and we wanted to reiterate that includes Pawley's Island!

SERVPRO has helped many families and businesses up and down Pawley's Island when a fire had struck their properties.

We have repaired and restored buildings and homes of all sizes in Pawley's Island and want you to know that your fire damage will be in good hands once the fire department gives you the ok to move forward and you call SERVPRO to pick up the pieces!

If you have suffered fire damage in Georgetown County in particular Pawley's Island, call SERVPRO now we can help! 843-436-2121

Puff Back Cleanup In Horry & Georgetown Counties

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Puff Backs Can Be Hazardous!

Cleaning up Puff Backs!

A puff back can be a serious problem and should not be treated lightly! You may remember an article we wrote about soot damage last year titled "Who Cleans Soot Damage From Gas Fireplaces In Horry County", well this is a different event altogether.

A Puff Back happens when extra fuel builds up in the combustion chamber of your furnace.

The extra built up fuel then explodes the next time your furnace starts up, this explosion can severely damage your furnace and your home.  You may hear what seems to be a loud noise (the explosion) followed by noticing dust or soot all over your furniture and or walls. You will probably smell a strong smoke odor as well.

If you have damage relating to soot and or a puff back call SERVPRO right away.

Check Your Smoke Alarms Here In Horry & Georgetown Counties

3/15/2019 (Permalink)

Checking smoke alarms is easy and necessary!

Every month! That is how often you should check your home and or business smoke and or fire alarm.

Fire alarm maintenance can literally be lifesaving. To check to see if your smoke alarm or smoke detector as they are often referred to is working properly press the test button located on your alarm. If it does not beep, refer to your owners manual as there can be a number of issues causing it to malfunction.

You may need to check and change the batteries as well. Old or depleted batteries can render a smoke detector useless and can severely increase the danger element in any household or business.

You also may need to clean the smoke alarm as dust and dirt tend to settle in the nooks and can cause the alarm to malfunction as well.

If you do have fire damage to your home or business call SERVPRO as soon as possible.

Burn Season Is Upon Us In Horry & Georgetown Counties

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Fires can spark seemingly from nowhere!

As we approach spring, wildfire risk will increase. Stay alert and make a plan.

What is a wildfire?

A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, grassland, or prairie.

What do you do after the fire is over? Here are some important instructions straight from the Ready.gov website.

If you have survived the wildfire then please follow these directions:

• Listen to authorities to find out when it is safe to return, and whether water is safe to drink.
• Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire. Consider the danger to pets and livestock.
• Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often busy following a disaster. Make calls only in emergencies.

• Wear a NIOSH certified-respirator dust mask and wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.

• Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.

• Wildfires dramatically change landscape and ground conditions, which can lead to increased risk of flooding due to heavy rains, flash flooding and mud-flows. Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored—up to 5 years after a wildfire. Consider purchasing flood insurance to protect the life you've built and to assure financial protection from future flooding.

If you need your property restored due to fire damage here on the Grand Strand give SERVPRO a call today!

Burn Awareness Week Is Here In Horry County

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

Burns can happen fast!

Burn Awareness Week, is usually observed during the first full week in February, is a chance for organizations and families to become educated about burn, and fire prevention.

Burn Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity to kick off a year full of burn awareness education.

Here are 16 awesome tips and facts right from the American Burn Association's website:

1. Lack of safe play areas for children can increase the risk of scald burns. Establish a “No Kids Zone” in the kitchen. Safe play areas should be out of the traffic path between the stove and sink, where children can play and be supervised.
2. Did you know? Steam in popcorn bags is hotter than 180°F and burn you in less than a second! When opening microwave popcorn bags, allow the bag to sit for at least a minute before opening it away from your face.
3. Children grow fast and can reach new dangerous things every day that can burn them. Learn burn prevention tips at our Burn Prevention page.
4. Supervision is the single most important factor in preventing tap water scalds. If you must leave the bathroom while a bathing a child, take them with you.
5. It takes only 2 seconds of exposure to 148°F (64°C) water to cause a burn serious enough to require surgery! Coffee is often served at 175°F (79°C), making it high-risk for causing immediate severe scald burns.
6. Did you know? When microwaving food, steam inside covered containers can quickly reach over 200°F and burn your hands and face. Pro Tip: Puncture plastic wrap or use vented containers to allow steam to escape while cooking. Or, wait at least one minute before removing the cover. When removing covers, lift the corner farthest from you and away from your face and hands.
7. Don’t make hot coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in a mug that a child normally uses. Consider using mugs with tight-fitting lids, like travel mugs, when children are around instead. Got a kid? Get a lid!
8. Older adults and babies have thinner skin meaning they are at risk for deeper burns and lower temperatures and shorter exposure times.
9. Steam reaching temperatures greater than 200°F builds rapidly in covered containers. When removing lids from hot foods, lift the cover or lid away from your face and arms to avoid burns from steam contact.
10. Microwave ovens are thought to be safe than conventional ovens, but microwaves can still cause scald burns. Microwaves heat foods and liquids to very high temperatures and can cause scald burns from spills, steam, and splashes.
11. Microwaved foods and liquids may reach temperatures greater than boiling without the appearance of bubbling. Also, food heats unevenly in microwaves. Jelly fillings may be extremely hot, even if the outside of the food is warm.
12. Did you know? It takes less than a second to get a third-degree burn from hot coffee!
13. Unlike air temperatures maintained by thermostats, water temperatures can fluctuate a great deal. The temperature of hot water can depend on the distance the heater is from the tap.
14. It only less than a second to get a third-degree burn from 155°F (68°C) heated water.
15. Did you know? Water pressure may fluctuate due to running water in other parts of the home. Avoid flushing toilets, running water, or using the dishwasher or washing machine while someone is showering to prevent sudden surges of scalding water.
16. Test the temperature of the water in the bathtub with your elbow or hand with spread fingers. The water should feel warm, NOT hot to touch.

If you have suffered fire damage at your home or office, call SERVPRO today! 843-236-6278

Space Heaters Can Burn Homes Down In Horry County

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

Stay safe while staying warm this winter!

Space heaters can be extremely dangerous to your Horry County home!

As temperatures drop here along the Grand Strand more and more people turn to those tiny little space heaters to help provide some extra warmth around the house.

There are two main types of portable space heaters, electric, and gas. The gas heaters should not be used indoors because the can emit harmful carbon monoxide. Electric heaters are not toxic but still pose a serious fire risk if handled unsafely.

*** Here are a few tips to make sure you are staying warm and safe when the weather gets cold.

• Electric heaters should be plugged directly into the wall outlet. If an extension cord is necessary, use the shortest possible heavy-duty cord of 14-gauge wire or larger. Always check and follow any manufacturer’s instructions pertaining to the use of extension cords.
• Buy a unit with a tip-over safety switch, which automatically shuts off the heater if the unit is tipped over.

If you do suffer from fire damage this winter please call SERVPRO right away!

*** Source: Energy.gov

Trees Can Burn Fast If Left Unattended in Horry County

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

Do not forget the water!

Do not forget about your Christmas tree!

Now that the holidays are over chances are you still have your Christmas decorations up and if you bought a real Christmas tree you probably put watering it lower on the list now.

Please do not forget that these trees are extremely flammable when they get dried out and lead to over 13 million dollars of damage annually!

*** Here are some tips to help you when you have a real Christmas tree:

• Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire, so look for a tree with vibrant green needles that are hard to pluck and don’t break easily from its branches.
• The tree shouldn’t be shedding its needles readily.
• Always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry out.
• Make sure all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested in a lab by the UL or ETL/ITSNA for safety, and throw out any damaged lights.
• Any lights you use outdoors must be labeled suitable for exterior placement, and be sure to plug them into a ground-fault circuit interrupter protected receptacle.
• Keep all your holiday candles away from your Christmas tree, surrounding furniture and décor.
  Bedtime means lights off! ­ Don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night.

If you do have fire damage from a Christmas tree fire call SERVPRO right away!

*** Source: Christmas Tree Association

Lets Talk Turkey In Horry Co

11/9/2018 (Permalink)

Talking Turkey Fryer Safety

Turkey Fryer and Kitchen Safety for Thanksgiving

As we get ready to cook some turkeys this year, we have to remember that things can turn deadly very fast if we don't take the proper precautions while putting together our Thanksgiving meal.

Turkey fryers are a southern tradition when it comes to Thanksgiving Day, but they can also be very dangerous if not used properly.

Here are some turkey frying safety tips to remember this holiday season from our local Fire Department:

• Make sure that you don't overfill the pot by measuring the proper level with the turkey in water first and then add the oil after you've measured the level once the turkey has been removed.
• Once the oil has been heated to the proper level turn the burner off before adding the turkey so that if the oil does spill out it doesn't start a fire, and never put a frozen turkey into hot oil.
• Make sure that you are using oven mitts and safety glasses when handling the turkey, and after you're done cooking allow the oil to cool sufficiently before disposing of it.
• If you're working in the kitchen make sure that you are not wearing clothes with long sleeves, and that you are turning the pot handles in so that they don't get knocked over by accident.
• Also, it's a good idea to keep kids and pets out of the kitchen while things are being prepared.

SERVPRO of East Horry County hopes that everyone has a great and safe Thanksgiving this year and we are thankful to serve our Grand Strand community!

Who Cleans Soot Damage From Gas Fireplaces In Horry County

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

Gas Fireplaces Can Leave Soot Damage Too

Don't be confused. It's not a puff back.

A puff back is when you have an oil based heating system and when oil that is burning in the system builds up it pops back into the house. 

We handle a whole other kind of fireplace soot damage.

Sometimes, gas lines on the gas fireplace will produce soot damage when either of the logs was installed incorrectly or if they had been moved by a homeowner so they weren't sitting correctly or the unit had run out of gas then the soot in that gas tank will come out and land all over everything in the home.

So we have to go through the house and find all the areas where the soot had gotten to and more often than not, we find that it got to every corner of the home. In closets when we remove clothes you could see where the clothes are pushing against the wall because it was outlined with soot.

It leaves outlines around pictures too. We have to clean everything top to bottom all contents and all of the structure. Most clients had to have the clothes sent out for cleaning too.

If you have had this kind of gas fireplace soot damage, call SERVPRO today: 843-236-6278

Spring Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning in Horry County

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Is Your Unit Ready For Spring?

Pollen and dirt can wreak havoc on your HVAC!

Inspecting the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning unit (HVAC) is a service offered by SERVPRO here on the Grand Strand.

Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can extend the lifespan of the equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition and reduce the chances of a fire starting, which may save you money. SERVPRO uses a portable ventilation and air duct cleaning system to remove years of dust, pollen, and grime. 

We will inspect your HVAC system and ductwork and make recommendations about the best way to address any indoor air quality concerns. The inspection can save you money in the long run and provide peace of mind on the health of your HVAC system and ductwork. 

The SERVPRO system is the difference - we can help:

•      Remediate bacteria, fungi, and mold
•      Reduce potential for mold growth
•      Restore peak energy efficiency
•      Eliminate offensive odors

Call us today to schedule your Spring HVAC inspection: 843-236-6278

Burn Awareness Month In Horry County

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

Practice burn awareness every month.

From the desk of Community Risk Reduction Officer/ PIO Jonathan Evans, Myrtle Beach Fire Department.

We thought it was a good time to share some tips that could keep you and your family safe from getting burned.

Scalds are one of the leading causes of burns in children under the age of 9 in the United States.

• To prevent your children from being scalded by hot water make sure that you are checking the temperature of their bath water before placing them in the bathtub.

• To ensure that your water won't be too hot adjust your Hot Water Heater to no more than 120 degrees F so that the chance of having water hot enough to scald someone is drastically reduced.

• Before giving them a warm drink like Hot Chocolate, make sure that it is cool enough for them to drink or hold before handing it to them.

• When cooking, make sure you turn your pot handles in over the counters so that they don't get knocked over by you or your kids by accident.

If you do get burned the best thing you can do first is to place the burned area under cool (not cold) water for a few minutes to lessen the severity of the burn. If the burn is serious it is advised that you report to an emergency medical office to seek further treatment.

If any scalds are from the result of a fire and the damage is too much for you to clean yourself, call SERVPRO (843) 236-6278.

Guide to Fire Damage Recovery In Horry County

1/9/2018 (Permalink)

When fires strike, SERVPRO strikes back!

Your safety and that of your family are our primary concern, therefore do the suggested tips after you are out of danger and you’ve called 911. 

1. Contact Your Insurance Company. 
Your insurance company and SERVPRO of East Horry County have the same goal in mind --to get to work on repairing your fire damage as soon as possible. The sooner you contact your homeowners or renters insurance company, the faster your fire damage claim is processed.

2. Contact a Fire Damage Restoration Business. 
Fire damage restoration is a task that requires specialized equipment, advanced training, and the knowledge of safety protocols – not a job that even the most willing and helpful friends should be doing. You can count on SERVPRO. We proudly hold several certifications in home and commercial fire restoration.

3. Inventory Damaged Items. 
As best as you can, begin an itemized list of damaged and destroyed items. Give as much detail as you can as this will aid your insurance company process your claim. Also, keep a record of the items that are being professionally cleaned and restored. All of this can be a tedious process, and your locally owned Houston SERVPRO gladly assists with it all. From inventory to restoring your fire-damaged belongings, SERVPRO is here to help you recover quickly.

4. Seek Replacement of Important Documents. 
Depending on where the house fire is located, you may need to replace important documents. After receiving the “all-clear” from firefighters, cautiously look for documents such as medical records, financial records, deeds, passports, citizen documents, and the like. If these papers are destroyed or lost, don’t worry as they can be replaced. Call the appropriate agency to request a replacement as soon as possible. For those other hard to replace or critical items such as photos and computers, SERVPRO may be able to save them. We are known for our fire damage and water damage restoration abilities!

Call us today so we can start the healing and helping process now! 843-236-6278

Clearing Out Smoke Damage In Your Horry County Home

1/1/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke damage stinks!

You’re relieved that the fire damage was minimal but shocked to find that the smoke damage is extensive.

It is easy to forget about the destructive power of smoke but we are quickly reminded of it by the horrible odor that is filling your home. The smoky pollutant irritates your eyes and airways, while the sticky residue on scorched walls and the layer of ashes begin to corrode your personal possessions. 

The urgency to clear out the smoke sets in as you realize that although the flames did not reach far, the smoke did massive damage. Smoke and ashes travel through doors and vents, reaching your entire home, penetrating your carpet, drapes, and furniture with the odor of smoke.

Even the paint on the wall is not safe! Microscopic molecules of smoke embed deep into the pores and crevices of almost anything. 

As you can see, a simple opening of windows, a wipe down with a household cleaner, and the passage of time will not be enough to fix this sort of smoke damage.

So call SERVPRO to come and put your life back together quickly and professionally. 843-236-6278

7 Step Horry County Fire Restoration Process

1/1/2018 (Permalink)

We know its overwhelming when you have a fire damage.

Most people do not know what to expect when it comes to calling someone to help you pick up the pieces after a fire.

Here is the 7 step process we take to make you and your family feel safe and secure after a major disaster.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us.  

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying 

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. 

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call SERVPRO today 843-236-6278

Proper Myrtle Beach Turkey Frying Techniques

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Don't be a Turkey!

Every year deep fryer fires cause over $15 million in property damage!

Here are a few tips to ensure you maximize your chances of safely frying a turkey this Thanksgiving.

Keep Your Distance:

A good rule here is about 10 feet from any structure or tree.

Thaw and Dry The Turkey:

Make sure the turkey is not frozen and is free of any and all ice crystals and excess moisture.

Be Prepared:

Like any good Boy Scout have a fire extinguisher close at hand and make sure it works and you know how to use it properly.

Using these tips will give you a leg up on keeping fire risk at a minimum.

If you do have fire damage, call SERVPRO today! 843-236-6278

Fire Prevention Week starts October 8 – 14 In Myrtle Beach

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

You can help prevent fires all year long with these tips.

“Every second counts, Plan 2 ways out!”

Fire Prevention Week reinforces why everyone needs to have a fire escape plan in their home and/or business. Key escape measures and tactics include:

• Draw a map of your home and/or business (using this grid) and mark two exits from each room and a path outside from each exit.
• Practice your fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day. Practice using different ways out each time.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case an adult cannot help them.
• Make sure the number of your home and/or business is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside! Never go back inside a burning building.

If you have suffered Fire Damage to your Grand Strand home call SERVPRO today! 843-236-6278

Smoke Detectors Are So Important To Your Grand Strand Home

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke Detectors Save Lives In Horry Co!

SERVPRO is running a series of 6 Fire Safety Tips in preparation for both "Back To School" and Fire Prevention Week which is in October this year.

This is the final fire safety tip #6, make sure your smoke alarms are working properly! Smoke detectors are so important to your Grand Strand Home because they are often the first line of defense if a fire or heavy smoke is present.

The loud alarm generated by these life-saving machines can be heard throughout the house which signals to the people in every room that a potential emergency is present.

Please check your smoke detectors at least once per month to ensure they are working properly, this includes checking the batteries. They should also be changed out every 10 years to make sure the unit stays fresh and works to save your life when you need it the most.

If you have had a fire damage in your Grand Strand home call SERVPRO today, 843-236-6278!

Never Play With Fire In Your Conway Home

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

Don't Ever Play With Fire!

SERVPRO is running a series of 6 Fire Safety Tips in preparation for both "Back To School" and Fire Prevention Week which is in October this year.

It should go without saying that you should not play with fire but the following statistics from Nationwide Children's website tells a different story:

Children and Fireplay Facts

• Children playing with fire set more than 20,000 fires every year. That is an average of almost 400 fires each week.
• Fires started by children playing cause an average of 150 deaths and nearly 1,000 injuries every year.
• Children usually play with fire in a hidden place – such as a bedroom or closet. In these places, clothing, mattresses, and bedding can easily catch fire.

If you or your family's home has been destroyed from a fire call the experts at SERVPRO of Horry Co TODAY 843-236-6278!

Assign A Meeting Place During Your Grand Strand Fire

9/11/2017 (Permalink)

Assign A Meeting Place!

SERVPRO is running a series of 6 Fire Safety Tips in preparation for both "Back To School" and Fire Prevention Week which is in October this year.

This is tip #4 in our fire safety series, assign a place away from the danger and somewhere everyone can gather safely to meet up and be accounted.

The meeting place should be far enough away from the building that is on fire that there is no more immediate threat of danger should an explosion happen. However you also want it to be a place your younger children could locate alone if needed. Go over several options and pick the best one keeping everyone's limitations in mind.

If you have suffered fire damage to your Grand Strand home call SERVPRO of Horry Co now! 843-236-6278

Have An escape Plan, Myrtle Beach Fire Safety

9/4/2017 (Permalink)

Have an Escape Plan!

SERVPRO is running a series of 6 Fire Safety Tips in preparation for both "Back To School" and Fire Prevention Week which is in October this year.

Every home and building are different. If you are responsible for the safety in the dwelling you are at then you MUST have a fire escape plan in place to help usher everyone under your roof to safety.

Having an escape plan is as simple as knowing what routes to take to safely exit a room in the case of an emergency. Fires can be tricky so when designing your routes please account for the possibility of having multiple exits blocked. Should this happen you will have alternative ways to safely remove yourself and your family or others with you from harms way.

If you have suffered fire damage to your Myrtle Beach home call SERVPRO of Horry Co now! 843-236-6278

Get Out And Stay Out, Fire Safety In Carolina Forest

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

Get Out & Stay Out!

SERVPRO is running a series of 6 Fire Safety Tips in preparation for both "Back To School" and Fire Prevention Week which is in October this year.

We can not express the importance of once you have gotten out of a building on fire safely, DO NOT go back in for any reason!

So many parents and brave onlookers have been badly burned or even worse lost their lives due to the fact that they went back into a burning building to retrieve a loved one, a pet or even something like a family photo. Doing this puts you back in grave danger and should not be attempted at all.

Only once the fire fighters have deemed it safe for re entry should anyone not equipped to fight the fire step a foot back inside.

So remember, GET OUT AND STAY OUT!

If you have suffered fire damage to your Carolina Forest home call SERVPRO of Horry Co now! 843-236-6278

Get Low And Go, Preventing Smoke Inhalation In Myrtle Beach

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Get Low And Go!

SERVPRO is running a series of 6 Fire Safety Tips in preparation for both "Back To School" and Fire Prevention Week which is in October this year.

Our first tip in the series concentrates on when there is a fire or you see and or smell smoke what steps should you take?

The first step is to get low then locate where you are in your home or building and go. Find the nearest safe exit from the room you are in. Getting low will give you an extra advantage when trying to navigate through a smoke filled room because the smoke rises. So when you see or smell smoke, Get Low And Go!

If you have sustained fire damage to your Horry County home please call SERVPRO today, 843-236-6278.

Who is going board up my Grand Strand home?

5/7/2017 (Permalink)

Leave the boarding up to the pros at SERVPRO, its in our name.

After the fire is out and the firefighters are gone who is left to help you?

You home will be left wide open to show the entire world what is inside after the firefighters put out the fire. You will be at your most vulnerable stage in life, feeling empty and helpless but you still need to protect your home and your possessions.

SERVPRO understands this and will board your entrances and exits as well as your windows up for you safely, securely and professionally. Is this really the time you want to trust just any guy with a truck to board up your home with any personal items still left inside?

Let the professional fire damage restoration technicians at SERVPRO take your fears away, put your mind at ease and make you start to feel safe again. Call us today 843-236-6278

Who Fixes Fire Damage In Georgetown County?

4/17/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO fixes fire damage in Horry & Georgetown Counties.

When you have a large amount of damage from a fire on your property, who can you call?

SERVPRO has been handling fire damage cleanup in Georgetown County for decades. When all the smoke clears and the dust settles people are often left with the important decision of what happens next. Most times once the emergency services responders turn the house back over to you the mess is just completely overwhelming.

You do not have to go through this process alone. SERVPRO will help you from rebuild and restore your building, your household items and your normal lives. The process starts as soon as you pick up the phone.

SERVPRO specializes in fire, flood and mold damage. We have the manpower, technology and equipment to handle any size job. Call us today 843-236-6278!

Who Removes Drywall & Insulation In Conway?

3/7/2017 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO remove your insulation problems for good!

The damage and mess left behind from the aftermath of a fire damage can often leave you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed.

SERVPRO cleans up what is left behind from first responders and the equipment they use to extinguish fires.

Here is a short clip of a creative yet effective way to get that pesky insulation down and out of your ceilings and attics. Our production manager Sean almost looks like he is having fun while blowing the leftover insulation out of the overhead compartments of this fire damaged home in Conway South Carolina.

This method of using a machine to blow or vacuum the insulation is truly effective and very productive because it saves a ton of time.

Please give SERVPRO a call should you ever need our Insulation Removal Services for your home, 843-236-6278.

General Contractor Services Conway

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO if you need a General Contractor in Conway SC!

SERVPRO repairs larger buildings and homes too!

Here is a link to a quick video that showcases the ongoing work SERVPRO of East Horry County is completing in Conway SC.

The apartment building sustained severe fire damage a few months back and called on SERVPRO to handle the process from start to finish. This particular building completely lost 4 units and suffered smoke damage to the entire dwelling.

We came in and mitigated the fire and smoke damage and have now begun the process of putting the apartment building back together again.

This is a very large rebuild but having the building be part of an apartment community the design of the building is already set so we have the luxury of just putting the pieces back where they go.

If you have a construction project due to fire, water or mold damage call SERVPRO today 843-236-6278!

Who Cleans Up Fire Damage In Conway?

2/22/2017 (Permalink)

When your house has a fire call 911 first then call SERVPRO!

Who do you call when the fire department is gone and you are left with a huge mess to cleanup?

SERVPRO cleans up the fire damage left behind from brutal flames, smoke and that lifesaving firehose.

This quick clip is of a house that caught fire due to a fire pit out back that was left unattended for too long and ended up engulfing the whole back porch and all along the back of the house.

SERVPRO has been tasked with job of removing the debris, then demolishing the walls and removing that debris and then starting back over building the house from the inside out.

If you have suffered from a fire damage and do not know who to turn to, call SERVPRO today. 843-236-6278

We will walk you through the process every step of the way!

Fire Clean Up In Myrtle Beach

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Heat Rise, Stay Low and Go!

Get Low and Go - Crawl under the smoke to get out safely.

We asked the local Fire Department for some fire safety tips and ways to prevent extra harm from fires. The tip about getting low and crawling out of a home or building seems a little bit drastic or unnecessary until you start breathing in the smoke.

So many of the victims that deadly fires have consumed have passed out from smoke inhalation, getting low gives someone a fighting chance to exit the building because smoke rises.

So please if you are caught in a fire and you can make your way out, make sure you stay low and yes even crawl if you have to. It might be the difference between life and death.

If you have had fire damage in the Myrtle Beach area that needs to be cleaned up call SERVPRO to help put your life back together. 843-236-6278

Smoke Alarm Maintenance

1/20/2017 (Permalink)

CHANGE YOUR BATTERIES WHEN YOU CHANGE YOUR CLOCKS!!!

We often forget that we should change the batteries in our smoke detectors often and not wait for the battery to run out of power.

If your home was constructed after July 1, 1995 it is important to remember that your smoke alarms are hard-wired, battery-backup, interconnected alarms (as required by code).  This means that they, too, need to have the batteries changed.  If the batteries in these units haven’t been changed and one battery begins to fail, it will cause not only that unit, but every alarm to sound.

Other maintenance tips include:

• Monthly Testing of all Alarms
• Cleaning, Dusting, Vacuuming of the unit to prevent buildup which could cause it to become non-operational
• If you hear a chirping sound, IMMEDIATELY change the battery.
• If your hard-wire unit begins to chirp, the entire unit needs replacing.

• However, all smoke alarms have a 10-YEAR LIFE. This means that each unit, as it reaches 10 years old, must be replaced to be assured an adequate fire warning system. 

Along with having an operational smoke alarm, you MUST know how to exit your home in the event of a fire.  Practice home fire drills, sleep with bedroom doors closed tightly and be sure to have a designated meeting place.

If you have fire damage in Myrtle Beach call SERVPRO today, 843-236-6278

Is Your Myrtle Beach Home Fire Proof?

1/18/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Proofing Your Home Is The Smart Thing To Do!

We called in the help of the pros when dealing with fire safety and fire prevention in Myrtle Beach and here are just a few things you can do make sure you have the best odds of being fire proof in Myrtle Beach.

TIPS FOR FIRE-PROOFING YOUR HOME/YARD 

• Create a fire safe zone around your home. Remove flammable vegetation and leaves at least 20’ from the house and at least 75’ if you live in a pine forest.
• Inspect your home and yard asking: What can catch fire or carry it to your home?
• Having nothing flammable within 10’ of the house. Occasional trees should be at least 10’ from the house
• Evergreens catch fire easily and burn quickly. Prune lower limbs, thin out the trees or remove them from the safety zone.

For more information in Horry County South Carolina, contact Kathy Nieuwenhuis, Public Education Officer, Horry County Fire Rescue, 843-915-7061.

And as always if you have fire damage in your Myrtle Beach home call SERVPRO of East Horry County at 843-236-6278!

Drywall Install in Myrtle Beach

11/30/2016 (Permalink)

Keeping walls smooth in Myrtle Beach!

Drywall is the foundation of a great room.

SERVPRO is capable of fixing your fire damaged home all the way through building you a new home from the ground up. We can handle the project from start to finish which means we come in mitigate the damage, complete the demo and then finish the repairs. Most people call that a one stop shop, we call it an average workday!

When it comes to doing the reconstruction and home or business repairs drywall installation will happen at some point. Installing drywall correctly is what determines how good the finished room is going to be so it is a step we here at SERVPRO take very seriously!

Take a look at this quick video about a project we had repaired due to a major fire damage in Conway. 

CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

If you or someone you know needs a home or business repair, remodel or reconstruction call the professionals at SERVPRO 843-236-6278!

Home Reconstruction in Myrtle Beach

11/29/2016 (Permalink)

The taping and mudding means the process is almost complete!

SERVPRO specializes in fire damage restoration but not everyone knows exactly what that entails.

If a fire damage in Myrtle Beach gets passed along to SERVPRO we take measures to access the damage and see what actually needs to be done. If a home or business needs to be rebuilt somewhere down the line there will be new drywall installed.

This video is of a fire damage in the Myrtle Beach area that we are rebuilding from the ground up. This particular video is of the drywall gaps and seams being taped and mudded.

This is not a very glamorous process but usually gets everyone involved excited because it means the home is close to being finished. Take a look now at this quick video of SERVPRO's work in action. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

If you have experienced a fire damage in Myrtle Beach please give SERVPRO a call: 843-236-6278

Who Paints Homes In Myrtle Beach

10/20/2016 (Permalink)

Cutting in and taping off, SERVPRO can paint those walls!

Sometimes you just do not want to paint that living room again!

Most people probably assume that of course SERVPRO paints as part of their fire damage restoration. It would be super tacky to just leave the walls unfinished. 

Those same people would probably be completely shocked to find out SERVPRO of Horry Co will come in and paint your interior walls as a completely separate service whether or not you have had any damage whatsoever.

SERVPRO has the manpower to do all sorts of different sized jobs from one bedroom apartments to a 100 plus unit condo tower and everything in between.

So the next time you just do not feel like painting that nursery for the third time or slapping on another coat to the second floor bedrooms, give SERVPRO a call 843-236-6278!

Insulation Installation In Myrtle Beach

9/26/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Horry County can install your insulation today!

SERVPRO of Horry and Georgetown Co handles much more than just mitigation and repairs or fire damaged property in Myrtle Beach. They can rebuild your entire house from the ground up!

This is the link to a quick video on the installation of insulation in a house that is being rebuilt currently in the Myrtle Beach area. The house was subject to a fire due to an oxygen tank explosion and was damaged beyond repairs. So the owner decided to have SERVPRO of Horry County handle the entire process from removal of the existing structure to the complete rebuild of the new structure.

The insulation installation was extremely quick and efficient as seen in the video. So if you needed insulation installed in your Myrtle Beach home or office call SERVPRO of Horry County Today!

843-236-6278

Local High School Fire Damage

8/25/2016 (Permalink)

This was not a good way to start the season!

Sometimes SERVPRO saves the day and the game!

It was a Thursday night in a small town outside of Georgetown SC and the local high school's football locker room and fieldhouse caught on fire. They had a big game with their arch rival the next night and their facility was a mess from the smoke and fire damage not to mention the water damage from putting out the fire.

SERVPRO came in and went right to work containing the mess and the fire damage so that the team would have one less thing to worry about. 

The players fought like champions and beat the other team! The work is far from over but the fact that SERVPRO is there mitigating and repairing the smoke damage leaves everyone feeling a little better about the situation.

If you have a fire or smoke damage call SERVPRO today, 843-236-6278!

Fire Damage Repair in Myrtle Beach

7/27/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Horry Co can help you from start to finish with your fire damaged home reconstruction. Call us today 843-236-6278

Fire Damage Can Catch You Off Guard!

This is a total reconstruction project that SERVPRO of Horry Co is taking on after a freak accident caused this family's house to burn down beyond repair.

SERVPRO of Horry County handled all the demolition for this residence after the tragic fire had happened. The owner loved working with us so much that he decided to have SERVPRO take care of the entire reconstruction of the home as well.

So far the project has passed all inspections and looks to be a quick rebuild for the homeowner. This fire damage repair in Myrtle Beach is moving along at a great pace!

Here is a video of the early stages of reconstruction: Fire Damage Repair Video.

Call us today if you have had a fire damage! 843-236-6278

How Do You Get A Smoke Smell Out?

6/27/2016 (Permalink)

When the smoke smell is this bad you better just call SERVPRO!

 It happens to the best of us right. In the kitchen cooking your favorite dish, someone knocks on the door or the phone rings so you go answer it.  You walk back in the room and your stove is on fire! Smoke rolls through the house, the alarm is blaring but luckily you're a quick thinker. You reach for the fire extinguisher and put it out before there is too much damage.

Even if there is not much fire damage in a situation like this many times you have to deal with the smoke smell that lingers long after in your house.  This week on our SERVPRO news feed I am going to provide you with some quick tips on how to get the smell of smoke out of your house. 

Things You'll Need

·         Baking Soda

·         Vinegar and Water Solution

·         Heavy duty washing detergent

Instructions

1.      Throw open the windows and even a door or two as quickly as possible after the fire. The less time the smoke sits around the greater chance of getting rid of it quickly. Even if it is in the middle of winter, airing your house right away will disperse the smoke and prevent any more absorption. If the weather is nice, you might want to keep the windows open for a few days, at least during the daylight hours.

2.     Launder your drapes and table linens as soon as possible; they will absorb the smoke odor rapidly. Wash them in the hottest water that the fabric can endure and heavy duty washing detergent. If the fabrics cannot be washed at home, take them to a drycleaner, which will have solutions that will make the fabric smoke free.

3.      Clean your cabinets, walls, and floors with a one-part vinegar, one part warm water solution. Be sure to test this first but most surfaces are fine with this solution. Vinegar naturally absorbs odors so the smell of vinegar and smoke should go away in a few hours after using it.

4.      Place bowls of baking soda around your kitchen, and even put a few inside the cabinets, pantry, and any other room that has an odor.  This too will help to absorb the odor in a few days time. Sprinkle the rugs and carpeting with baking soda and vacuum. Sprinkle the baking soda again and this time let sit for a few days time before vacuuming.

5.      If the house still reeks of smoke or if you don’t want to mess with it in the first place, just call us here at SERVPRO and we’ll get it right out. 843-236-6278

Burn Awareness Week

2/1/2016 (Permalink)

The average annual cost of scald injuries is $44 million.

Burn Awareness Week is February 1-7. 

Burn Awareness Week, observed the first full week in February, is designed to provide an opportunity for burn, fire and life safety educators to unite in sharing a common burn awareness and prevention message in our communities. Burn Awareness Week, celebrated early in the year, is an excellent opportunity to “kick off” a year full of burn awareness education.

This year the focus is on scalds. Here are a few tips from the American Burn Association's website regarding Pediatric Scalds:

DO:

Set water heater temperature to no higher than 120°F/48°C, or just below the medium setting ?

Create a “no kid zone” in the kitchen around stoves, ovens and hot items ?

Keep hot drinks away from the edge of tables and counters ? Use a travel mug with a tight-fitting lid for all hot drinks ?

Place pots and pans on the back burner with handles turned away from the edge of the stove

DONT:

Leave a child unattended in the bathtub; if you must leave, take the child(ren) with you ?    

Allow young children to adjust the water   temperature or sit near faucet handles ?

Set anything hot on tabletops within reach of young children who can pull them down ?

Allow appliance cords (slow-cookers, deep-  fryers, coffeemakers) to dangle over the counter edge

Download the full PDF on their website here.

If a burn injury does happen to you or your child …

1)   Cool the burn with COOL (not cold) water to stop the burning process

2)   Remove all clothing and/or diaper from the injured area

3)   Cover the area with a clean dry sheet or bandages

4)   Seek medical attention

If you have fire damage call the professionals at SERVPRO 843-236-6278.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

1/22/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors save lives, don't get caught without one.

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.*

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance. For more on emergency preparedness, contact your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals.

1. Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
2. Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
3. Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
4. Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps,” the battery is low and should be replaced right away.
5. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Just The Facts: Smoke Alarms

• Three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or when the alarms are not working.
• Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing, disconnected, or dead batteries.
• More than one-third (37 percent) of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.
• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

*Statistics and tips provided by National Fire Prevention Association.

Keep Safe While You Are Keeping Warm This Winter

1/7/2016 (Permalink)

Burning wood in your fireplace causes soot build up, have your chimney checked every year!

The winter season is in full swing! The days are shorter and the temperatures are lower. No matter where you live, winter brings a change in the weather. In an effort to keep our homes and workplaces cozy, many people use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment is responsible for an estimated $893 million in property damage annually. Heating is the second leading cause of residential fire deaths, making it important to review ways to help reduce the risk of a heating-related fire.

50% of all residential heating-related fires are reported during the months of December, January & February

Here are 7 quick tips to make sure you keep safe while you keep warm this winter:

1.     Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

2.     Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

3.     Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.

4.     Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

5.     Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

6.     Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

7.     Test smoke alarms monthly.

8 Tips to Avoiding Holiday Hazards

12/3/2015 (Permalink)

Candles can be a holiday hazard, always use caution.

Candles, pretty lights and decorations are just a few of the items that add to the charm and cheer of the holiday season-however, if they are not used carefully your holidays may go from festive to frightening very quickly.

Review the following simple safety tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association, to greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season.

1. Two out of five home decoration fires are started by candles. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that burns.

2. Use sturdy candle holders that are not likely to tip over and place candles on clear, uncluttered surfaces. Consider using flameless candles instead of real candles.

3. Make sure your tree and decorations are at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents.

4. Make sure you have the correct type of lights for your desired decor. Some lights are designed for only indoor or outdoor use, but not both.

5. Carefully inspect light strands before placing them. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Connect no more than three strands of light sets.

6. Remember to turn off outside decorative lights and Christmas tree lights before leaving or going to bed.

7. Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program.

8. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals wish you a safe and happy holiday season! 

Make your holiday safe

11/12/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO wants you to be safe this Thanksgiving.

1) Never leave cooking food unattended.
Stay in the kitchen when frying,
grilling or broiling food. If someone
must leave the kitchen for even a
short period of time, they should
turn off the stove.

2) Keep the kids away from the cooking
area. Enforce a "kid-free zone" and
make them stay at least three feet
away from the stove.

3) Keep anything flammable-pot
holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils,
paper or plastic bags, food packaging,
and towels-away from the stove,
oven or any other appliance in the
kitchen that generates heat.

4) Do not wear loose clothing or
dangling sleeves while cooking.

5) Clean cooking surfaces on a regular
basis to prevent grease build-up.

6) Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen.

7) Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off .

8) Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level
of the home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside
bedrooms.

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

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, a
SERVPRO® Franchise Professional 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
regarding the various types of smoke.

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.

Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace Puff Backs) While "puff backs" can create havoc for homeowners, 

SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly.

Other Types (Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residue)
Special loss situations require special care. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business sustains fire or smoke damage, contact your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals to help make it "Like it never even happened."