Fire Damage Restoration in Scottsdale, AZ - The Do's & Dont's

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Restoration, Phoenix, AZ

If you have experienced a fire, what should you do? What are the next steps?

Hopefully you never have to experience this, but if you do, read on for some basic knowledge on what to expect and how to react.

It is not recommended to remediate your property on your own after a fire. A fire damage restoration professional, like SERVPRO of Paradise Valley, has the experience, knowledge and expertise needed to observe the proper fire restoration process to make your home is safe to occupy again.

Here are a few basic steps/processes to follow when restoring a house after a fire:

1. CONFIRM THE PROPERTY IS STABILIZED AND IS SAFE TO ENTER

The first step of a remediation professional is to confirm that the property is safe to enter. They’ll check for signs of structural damage that compromises the home and carefully inspect the property from the outside before opening the door.

If you are concerned, in doubt or unsure, you should wait for an inspector to deem the property safe before you enter.

2. MINIMIZE & MITIGATE DAMAGE

Smoke and soot can cause damage even after the fire has been extinguished. You and the professionals (SERVPRO of Paradise Valley) working in your home should be cautious of soot staining, mold and mildew, rust and corrosion and the air quality in the home.

Soot staining occurs when the soot in the air adheres to surfaces and causes discoloration.  Depending on the surface material and the time elapsed, the soot staining may still be completely removable. In other cases, it will leave behind a permanent discoloration. Some sensitive materials include metals, plastics, grout, carpeting, textiles and wood.

Professionals will look at these materials in the home and properly clean them to reduce damage.

Mold and mildew become a problem after a fire because of the fire extinguishing process. Mold and mildew can form quickly, so you should look for any signs of water damage even if you don’t see mold or mildew present yet. If water damage is suspected, the proper restoration and mold and mildew removal processes should begin as soon as possible to minimize further damage.

Rust and corrosion is a risk for any metals that become oxidized. Water interacting with metal can cause the metal to corrode or rust. This is true for any metal, but it’s especially important to be aware of for small electronics that contain metal. If the components and conductors in the electronics corrode, the item is often irreparable, and the risk of electrical shock is increased.

Air quality is a major concern after a fire and should be one of the areas a professional should focus on if you detect any lingering odors. Cleaning up smoke damage begins by using air scrubber and air mover to clean the air. Smoke-damage cleaning products should be used on any surfaces that have absorbed the smoke. If there is any smoke-damaged furniture that might be saved or you hope to save, professionals should begin the smoke-damage restoration process on them immediately to increase the chance for a complete restoration.

3. REMOVE SOOT AND DEBRIS

Before any water damage or fire damage restoration processes can begin, all debris and soot must be removed from the home. The soot can cause more damage the longer it remains on a surface, while the debris is only going to get in the way the restoration process.

Removing the soot and debris will also improve air quality and reduce airborne odors. A vacuum can remove some of the remaining soot — it can be swept up or wiped down.

4. REMOVE PERSONAL POSSESSIONS TOO DAMAGED TO RESTORE

Any items that are too damaged to repair should be removed from the home. Take extra caution in touching electrical machines or appliances  because they can store electricity even after they’re unplugged.

It may be necessary to remove items that don’t appear to be damaged by the fire from the home as well. This will prevent the items from being contaminated any further. A professional can clean these items and prepare them for re-entry once the home is restored.

5. ELIMINATE EXCESS WATER AND DRY WET SURFACES

Professionals should clean up any standing water as soon as possible before running other water restoration equipment. Since water can soak into walls, flooring and even subflooring, they will need air movers and commercial dehumidifiers to dry everything out properly.

6. BEGIN DEODORIZING, DEEP CLEANING AND REMOVING STAINS

It’s important to consider what items should be deep cleaned and restored and what items are too damaged and should be replaced instead. Professionals may use specific cleaning products depending on the product being cleaned or deodorized. They’ll consider the type of material and how much mold, mildew or smoke has penetrated the surface when determining which cleaning product to use. They should consult you to determine any priority items.

Carpets, curtains and other fabrics usually need special attention because they are easily ruined. In some cases, carpets can be shampooed and restored, while fabrics can be washed or cleaned. You should be able to tell if an item is far too damaged with a quick inspection.

Throughout the process, you should be updated by the professionals as they determine what is salvageable.

For more information, consider visiting: 

https://aerindustries.com/guide-to-wildfire-damage-recovery/

Fire Facts - Information You Didn't Think You Needed To Know

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage, Fun Facts, Scottsdale, AZ

Interested in learning about weird Fire Facts? Read on and enjoy 20 facts you probably never knew!

1. Fire is an event, not a thing. Heating wood or other fuel releases volatile vapors that can rapidly combust with oxygen in the air; the resulting incandescent bloom of gas further heats the fuel, releasing more vapors and perpetuating the cycle.

2. Most of the fuels we use derive their energy from trapped solar rays. In photosynthesis, sunlight and heat make chemical energy (in the form of wood or fossil fuel); fire uses chemical energy to produce light and heat.

3. So a bonfire is basically a tree running in reverse.

 4. Assuming stable fuel, heat, and oxygen levels, a typical house fire will double in size every minute.

5. Earth is the only known planet where fire can burn. Everywhere else: Not enough oxygen.

6. Conversely, the more oxygen, the hotter the fire. Air is 21 percent oxygen; combine pure oxygen with acetylene, a chemical relative of methane, and you get an oxyacetylene welding torch that burns at over 5,500 degrees Fahrenheit — the hottest fire you are likely to encounter.

7. Oxygen supply influences the color of the flame. A low-oxygen fire contains lots of uncombusted fuel particles and will give off a yellow glow. A high-oxygen fire burns blue.

8. So candle flames are blue at the bottom because that’s where they take up fresh air, and yellow at the top because the rising fumes from below partly suffocate the upper part of the flame.

 9. Fire makes water? It’s true. Place a cold spoon over a candle and you will observe the water vapor condense on the metal ...

10. ...because wax — like most organic materials, including wood and gasoline — contains hydrogen, which bonds with oxygen to make H2O when it burns. Water comes out your car’s tailpipe, too.

11. We’ve been at this a long time: Charred bones and wood ash indicate that early hominids were tending the first intentional fires more than 400,000 years ago.

12. Nature’s been at it awhile, too. A coal seam about 140 miles north of Sydney, Australia, has been burning by some estimates for 500,000 years.

13. The ancient Greeks started fire with concentrated sunlight. A parabolic mirror that focuses solar rays is still used to ignite the Olympic torch.

 14. Every 52 years, when their calendar completed a cycle, the Aztecs would extinguish every flame in the empire. The high priest would start a new fire on the ripped-open chest of a sacrificial victim. Fires fed from this flame would be distributed throughout the land.

15. Good burn: The 1666 Great Fire of London destroyed 80 percent of the city but also ended an outbreak of bubonic plague that had killed more than 65,000 people the previous year. The fire fried the rats and fleas that carried Yersinia pestis, the plague-causing bacterium.

16. The Peshtigo Fire in Wisconsin was the second deadliest blaze in United States history, taking 1,200 lives — four times as many as the Great Chicago Fire. Both conflagrations broke out on the same day: October 8, 1871.

17. America’s deadliest fire took place April 27, 1865, aboard the steamship Sultana. Among other passengers were 1,500 recently released Union prisoners traveling home up the Mississippi when the boilers exploded. The ship was six times over capacity, which helps explain the death toll of 1,547.

18. The Black Dragon Fire of 1987, the largest wildfire in modern times, burned some 20 million acres across China and the Soviet Union, an area about the size of South Carolina.

 19. Spontaneous combustion is real. Some fuel sources can generate their own heat — by rotting, for instance. Pistachios have so much natural oil and are so prone to heat-generating fat decomposition that the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code regards them as dangerous.

20. Haystacks, compost heaps, and even piles of old newspapers and magazines can also burst into flame. A good reason to recycle!

Fire Fact Credit:  https://www.discovermagazine.com

Wildfire Safety Tips – How To Protect Yourself From Smoke Damage In Paradise Valley, AZ

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Wild Fire & Smoke Damage, Paradise Valley, AZ.

Did you know that Smoke can travel for miles beyond its source? In 2020, smoke from wildfires in the western United States drifted for nearly 5,000 miles, eventually being detected in Europe.

With the recent wildfires Arizona has been experiencing in both the northern & southern regions, we wanted to share some tips to protect yourself, family and loved ones:

• Keep the air clean in your home. Keep windows and doors closed and seal off any openings to the outside, including vents, to help prevent outdoor smoke from getting in. When using an air conditioner, be sure to set it to re-circulate and close the fresh-air intake. Filter the air when ventilating the space. An air purifier for wildfire smoke, will help remove smoke particles of all sizes down to 0.003 microns from the indoor air and help control ozone levels. This is critical if you live in an urban area downwind (even remotely) from wildfires.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. This tactic is most useful in buildings that effectively stop outdoor air from getting inside. If you need to travel by car to leave or evacuate an area affected by wildfire smoke, use a car air purifier to help keep your vehicle interior air clean as you pass through smoky or polluted areas. You can also use a portable, personal air purifier to access clean air where other air filtration systems are not available.
• Wear a mask outdoors. Only use an air pollution mask with an N95, KN95, N100, or FFP2 rating to help.
• Avoid activities that further pollute the indoor air. Avoid burning candles, using the fireplace, or even vacuuming unless you own a high-performance HEPA vacuum cleaner. All of these activities can otherwise become additional sources of indoor air pollutants. 
• Monitor your indoor air quality. Use an air quality monitor to track levels of indoor pollutants like PM2.5 and CO₂ from smoke and other indoor pollution sources. Take action if indoor air pollutants rise to dangerous levels by running an air purifier, circulating fresh air through your HVAC system, or leaving your home temporarily if indoor air becomes unsafe to breathe or your home is threatened by wildfire.

Wildfires are increasing in frequency and intensity. Wildfire smoke can negatively affect your health, even if you’re far away from the actual fire. Learn to protect the health of yourself and your family, and rest assured that you’ve taken the necessary precautions.

If your property has been affected by smoke damage, help is one call or click away!

Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Paradise Valley for all your Fire & Smoke Restoration needs. Schedule your appointment today:

(602) 341-6737 OR office@SERVPROparadisevalley.com / www.SERVPROparadisevalleyaz.com.

Source Credit: https://www.iqair.com/

Hear That Chirp? Do Not Ignore it! SERVPRO of Paradise Valley’s Fire Safety Tips.

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fire & Smoke Alarm, Fire Damage & Safety, Phoenix, AZ

Recently, many of us have been asked to work from home… Some of us have even had the pleasure of having to “self-quarantine”. On the surface, that is not much fun and could be very boring… But looking at the bright side of things, this could be the perfect time to perform some of those often overlooked “tasks” we always say we will get to eventually.

One commonly overlooked task is to inspect and test your fire/smoke alarms. That annoying “beep” or “chirp” your smoke detector emits is not a good thing and should not be ignored. Typically, that noise is letting you know the battery is dangerously low and needs to be changed soon. Being proactive in fire safety is a must and here is a simple exercise to perform to make sure you are ready if there is ever an emergency.

First, close your eyes and try to imagine any room in your house that you know the best. Is it the kitchen? Bedroom? Living Room? Think about the placement of each item in that room. How many steps between that room and the closest exit? Are there usually objects left by family members that might make it difficult to evacuate the room in a hurry?

When learning to drive a racecar, one of the first lessons is to harness yourself into the seat wearing full race gear, close your eyes and hold your breath and try to climb out in under 10 seconds. (This is because racing suits can hold fire off your body for approximately that amount of time.)

Now, do you think that you could escape your favorite room in your house in less time than that and be able to make it outside to a safe place, while holding your breath and not being able to see?

If you are thinking that is not enough time, especially if you consider that you need to make sure animals or other family members get out as well, you are probably right.

How do you buy more time? Easy, one of the most overlooked items in your favorite room but one of the most important, the fire alarm. Having a working fire alarm can be the difference between catastrophe and an unfortunate loss of property.

Here are some tips to maintaining and testing your fire alarm:

1. The U.S. Fire Administration & FEMA recommends testing your fire alarm monthly, try to do it on the same day every month so you don’t forget. A good idea is to check the fire alarms when you already have your ladder out to change air filters.
2. The U.S. Fire Administration also recommends changing the batteries in your fire alarms twice a year. Opening day of the MLB and NFL are great days to remember to add that task to your calendar.
3. Remember if the device goes off frequently due to kitchen smoke or emits short quiet beeps it might need to be replaced.

Sources: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/media/pictographs/smoke_alarms.html

If you have any additional questions about fire safety for your home or business, please call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley at 602-341-6737

SERVPRO Tips On Electrical Fire Prevention in Scottsdale

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Paradise Valley wants you to remember these tips to prevent electric fires: Do not overload wall outlets. Insert plugs fully into sockets.

The following information was reported by the U.S. Fire Administration.

Between 2014-2016 an estimated 24,000 residential building electrical fires were reported by the U.S. fire departments annually. Electrical fires have the potential to spread farther and cause more damage and injuries. In addition, electrical fires can be particularly problematic to extinguish. Using water to put out the fire can cause electrocution unless power is reliably disconnected.

Electrical Fire Safety

To help keep your home fire safe, make sure all electrical work in your home is done by a qualified electrician and follow these electrical safety tips:

Appliances:

Always plug appliances, such as refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers, directly into a wall outlet.

Never use an extension cord with a major appliance — it can easily overheat and start a fire.

Always plug small appliances directly into a wall outlet.

Unplug small appliances when you are not using them.

Keep lamps, light fixtures and light bulbs away from anything that can burn.

Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture.

Check electrical cords on appliances often. Replace cracked, damaged and loose electrical cords. Do not try to repair them.

Outlets:

Do not overload wall outlets.

Insert plugs fully into sockets.

Never force a three-prong cord into a two-slot outlet.

Install tamper-resistant electrical outlets if you have young children.

Extension cords, power strips and surge protectors:

Replace worn, old or damaged extension cords right away.

Use extension cords for temporary purposes only.  

Avoid putting cords where they can be damaged or pinched, like under a carpet or rug.

Do not overload power strips.

Use power strips that have internal overload protection.

For additional electrical home fire prevention tips and information, please visit the USFA’s electrical fire safety outreach materials webpage at https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/electrical.html

You can also find information on home electrical safety and workplace electrical safety, as well as resources to educate communities, at the Electrical Safety Foundation International, www.esfi.org.

SERVPRO of Paradise Valley wants everyone to stay as safe as possible. If you experience any fire damage, our team can help restore your home. Give us a call at (602) 341-6737

SERVPRO Holiday Fire Safety Tips For Your Phoenix Home

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

Here's to a safe and happy holiday season from SERVPRO of Paradise Valley! Home fire damage can be prevented by using caution / acting responsibly.

The holiday season is a great time to create beautiful memories with family and friends. SERVPRO of Paradise Valley wants to ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe, healthy, and happy. Here are some ways to avoid accidents and disasters in your home this time of year.

Fires: 

• Check that all fire alarms are working properly.
• Check the date on you fire extinguishers. 
• Water Christmas Trees daily.
• Make sure your stovetop and oven are clean.
• Check that ovens and broilers are clear of any stored items before preheating.
• Wear short or rolled sleeves and close-fitting clothing while cooking.
• Be sure to stay home and preferably in the kitchen when you have food cooking.
• Set timers to ensure food is checked regularly.
• Stay alert! It is extremely easy to get distracted when you have multiple dishes to prepare and family to visit with. Avoid drinking too much alcohol or taking medications that cause drowsiness.
• Avoid using extension cords for cooking appliances. Plug them directly into an outlet.
• Make sure to turn off stoves and ovens when no longer in use.
• Do not set flammable items on or near hot surfaces.
• Grease fires should never be put out with water. For small grease fires, turn off the stove and cover the fire with a pot lid until cool.
• Be careful not to let oil overheat.
• Turkey fryers can be extremely dangerous. If you choose to use one, make sure to find a quality brand and follow ALL of the manufacturers’ instructions. Only use outdoors and away from decks, buildings, trees, and any other flammable objects. Wear safety goggles and gloves. Make sure turkey is completely thawed. Do not overfill with cooking oil. 

Children:

• Young children should always be supervised.
• Watch children around water to prevent drowning.
• Keep matches, lighters, knives, candles, alcoholic beverages, and other dangerous items out of children's reach.
• Watch children around electrical outlets.
• Keep hot foods and liquids away from children.

Pets:

• Keep pets out of the kitchen.
• Make sure candles are carefully placed out of paws reach.
• Securely anchor you Christmas Tree.
• Keep wires, batteries, glass, or plastic ornaments out of pets reach.
• Place alcoholic beverages away from where your pets can get them.
• Give pets their own quiet space to retreat to.
• Keep people food out of paws reach and ask your guests to do the same.
• Skip the table scraps snacks. Many foods can be dangerous to pets (e.g., bones, chocolate, artificial sweeteners, citrus, fruit pits and seeds, coffee grounds and beans, raw eggs, grapes and raisins, vegetable leaves and stems, nuts, onions, and salt.
• Keep holiday plants (especially mistletoe, holly, and lilies) out of pets reach.
• Make sure all trash is kept in a secure trash can or bin.

Please take these proper precautions to keep you and those dearest to you safe. Happy Holidays from SERVPRO of Paradise Valley.  Remember, “we are always here to help”. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Arizona Fire Season is here - SERVPRO Fire Repair in Scottsdale

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Regardless of if your home or business is affected by flames, it might have secondary damage from wildfire. SERVPRO Fire Repair helps in Scottsdale.

Arizona had a bit more rain than normal through the winter this year, while it made the desert and forest up north beautiful with green trees and plants, it also is helping fuel the fire season this summer. 

While we here at SERVPRO of Paradise Valley hope that the fire season comes and goes without any more damage to the flora, fauna, and property, know that we are always here to help. 

Driving around the valley right now you can see the Bush fire from almost any freeway overpass, burning just outside of the metro area, it is now in the top 5 largest wildfires in Arizona and is still only 75% contained. 

Even if your home or business doesn't get damaged by the flames, we are here to help clean after soot and ash makes its way into your property. If you need assistance please call 602-341-6737

How does the fire repair process work? Ask SERVPRO for help in Paradise Valley NOW!

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Call the pro's at SERVPRO of Paradise Valley for any size fire. SERVPRO can also do fire repairs in Phoenix and Scottsdale.

Leave Fire Damage Restoration To The Paradise Valley Pros For Best Results

What Happens During A Fire Damage Restoration?

 Once you realize that your home has been subjected to a fire in Paradise Valley, you may be inclined to start the cleanup process on your own. However, this is never the ideal course of action to take. In fact, fire damage restoration professionals will be able to do a much more thorough, effective job than most residential property owners. Learn more about how a team of professionals can expedite and optimize the fire damage restoration process by reviewing the outline that appears below:

 The Assessment

 When a team of Paradise Valley fire damage restoration contractors come to your home, they will complete a thorough assessment of your property. The assessment is designed to give the professionals a clear understanding of how much damage has transpired on your property. To attain this information, the contractors will examine both the interior and exterior of your living space. After the assessment is complete, the contractors will be able to devise a clear, concise strategic plan that outlines how the restoration process will be exacted.

 Water Removal

 In many cases, Paradise Valley fire damage results in excess standing water on your property as a result of the extinguishing work completed by the fire department. As such, the remediation specialists will work with skill and speed to remove this excess water. To accomplish the objective quickly and correctly, contractors will utilize specialized equipment like power pumps and vacuums. This process is imperative for several reasons, one of them being that water removal prevents the onset of a mold invasion.

 Drying And Dehumidifying

 After removing excess water from your property, the remediation specialists will complete the drying and dehumidifying work. This step is important because the floors and walls of your property will typically retain excess water. This excess water will result in warping, swelling, and even the complete breakdown of the property. This is why contractors will utilize advanced methodologies and specialized equipment to ensure that all remaining moisture is removed from your household structures.

 Cleaning

 The last step of the restoration process is cleaning. The remediation crew will typically offer a wide range of cleaning services, some of which include antimicrobial, antibacterial, and disinfectant treatments.

Although dealing with fire damage can be difficult, hiring a team of professional contractors can make the restoration process simple and seamless. The team to call for precise, detail-oriented services that work is SERVPRO. Our IICRC-certified technicians will work with diligence and determination to get your property back in excellent condition.

If you need assistance please call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley at 602-341-6737, we'll be "faster to any disaster"

Fire Repair Happens Thanks to SERVPRO of Paradise Valley!

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

A garage fire caused by a battery charger in Ahwatukee. SERVPRO of Paradise Valley also responds to fire repair in Scottsdale and Phoenix AZ.

A charger for a drill battery caused this fire in Ahwatukee. While the majority of the burnt materials were limited to the garage, the entire home was damaged due to smoke and soot spreading. 

SERVPRO of Paradise Valley responded after hours within 2 hours to make sure that the customers felt at ease and were able to salvage heirloom items from the garage and removed valuables from inside the house to clean them as soon as possible to minimize secondary damage. Quick response is the most important action to save heirloom items.

If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley at 602-341-6737 so our trained professionals can get not only your possessions back to pre fire conditions but also your life. SERVPRO of Paradise Valley

Fire Alarm Safety in Scottsdale From SERVPRO of Paradise Valley.

4/10/2020 (Permalink)

If a fire repair is needed call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley for pro services in Phoenix and Scottsdale.

With everyone inside the house for the time being, there are some simple projects that can be performed to ensure the safety of your home and most importantly your family. First, close your eyes and try to imagine the room in your house that you know the best. Is it the kitchen? Bedroom? Living Room? Think about the placement of each item in that room. How many steps between that room and the closest exit? Are there usually objects left by family members that might make it difficult to evacuate the room in a hurry? When learning to drive a racecar, one of the first lessons is to harness yourself into the seat wearing full race gear, close your eyes and hold your breath and try to climb out in under 10 seconds. Because racing suits can hold fire off your body for approximately that amount of time.

Now, do you think that you could escape your favorite room in your house in less time than that and be able to make it outside to a safe place, while holding your breath and not being able to see?

If you are thinking that isn’t enough time, especially if you consider that you need to make sure animals or other family members get out as well, you’re probably right.

How do you buy more time? Easy, one of the most overlooked items in your favorite room but one of the most important, the fire alarm. Having a working fire alarm can be the difference between catastrophe and an unfortunate loss of property.

Here are some tips to maintaining and testing your fire alarm:

1. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends testing your fire alarm each month, try to do it on the same day so you don’t forget. A good idea is to check the fire alarms when you already have your ladder out to change air filters.
2. The U.S. Fire Administration also recommends changing the batteries in your fire alarms twice a year. Opening day of the MLB and NFL are great days to remember to add that task to your calendar.
3. Remember if the device goes off frequently due to kitchen smoke or emits short quiet beeps it might need to be replaced.

If you have any additional questions about fire safety for your home or business please call SERVPRO of Paradise Valley at 602-341-6737

Where To Begin After a Fire

2/13/2020 (Permalink)

Knowing Where To Begin After A Fire

A fire in your business or in your  home can lead to serious damage. The damage is due to flames, heat, smoke as well as water. The things that were not impacted by fire damage may get ruined by smoke or water that was used to put out the flames.  Therefore anything that you wish to save or reuse after a fire will have to be cleaned after the fire.

Fires may require the firefighters to cut holes in the walls of the premises. This is done to ensure there are no flames or hot spots that can erupt later and lead to additional fire damage. To minimize smoke and soot damage, holes may have been cut in the roof to let the heat out. Fire cleanup requires time and patience as the fire loss gets assessed. It is best to take the advice of the fire department before touching any object that has been damaged by fire.

 A fire cleanup requires understanding the risks to safety and health even after the fire has been put out. There can be soot and smoke damage that can affect your health. The air quality can make a person sick and aggravate fire damage. Proper restoration ensures there will not be any health risks in the future due to air quality or mold.

A professional restoration company should be consulted before doing any fire cleanup.  SERVPRO of Paradise Valley has certified technicians who will ensure the mitigation and restoration is completed properly and quickly. 

Before the fire cleanup, the fire report is required to provide information to the insurance company. Your insurance agent or adjuster can help you select a reputable restoration company.  The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is another great resource to find an ethical restoration company. 

Call SERVPRO of Paraidse Valley at 602-341-6737 for more information on fire damage.

FIRE PREVENTION AND CANDLES

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Who doesn't love the aroma of a candle in their Paradise Valley AZ home.  There’s a special beauty to candles, but a lighted candle is also an open flame, and a potential fire hazard if not carefully monitored.

The majority of candle fires can be avoided if you follow basic safety rules:

1. Never leave a burning candle unattended.

2. Never burn a candle on or near anything that might catch fire.

3. Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets.

How to Burn a Candle Safely

Before Lighting:

1. Before burning, always trim the wick to ¼ inch. You can use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or scissors. 

2. Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. It should be heat resistant, sturdy, and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.

3. Burn candles in a well-ventilated room:  Avoid drafts, vents or air currents. 

4. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on burn time and proper use. In general, it is recommended that candles do not burn for longer than four hours and cool for at least two hours before relighting.

While Burning:

1. Never leave a candle unattended.

2.Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire.

3. Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.

4. Do not place lighted candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else.

Always contact emergency personnel in the event of a fire.  Once the fire is extinguished contact a professional restoration company to take care of smoke, fire or water damage. 

How Can We Help With Wildfires?

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know about 84% of wildfires are human caused? There are many ways humans can cause fires including arson, improper camping techniques, vehicles (trailer chains, flat tire sparks, oil drips etc.), fireworks, and more. How can we help prevent these fires? Pay attention to posted signs about fire hazard when going to light fireworks, target shooting, off-roading, camping or other potential fire causing activities. When you are leaving your campsite you should be able to grab the coals without being burned; The coals should be cool to the touch. If you smoke cigarettes/cigars/other smokable substances be sure to not liter and to be 100% positive that it is put out. This may have been information you have heard a 100x times before but it really can prevent fires.

How do you help first responders/those affected by the fire during and after a fire? There are many "go-fund me" pages to help not only the first responders who lost their homes but also the civilians who lost their home. If you do not feel comfortable with go-fund me there are many foundations including the Red Cross that accept donations. You can also go to a fire station and donate blankets, food, water, clothing, toiletries, etc. for not only the firefighters but the families displaced by the fires. If you ever have questions about how to help during a wildfire give local fire departments a call and ask them what they need or what the best way to help them is!

Are you Prepared for a Fire?

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

No one wants to think a fire could happen to their home/family. The shocking reality is a fire can happen to everyone especially during monsoon season! In fact last monsoon season my fathers home was struck by lightning. Thankfully the lightning did not spark a fire but it did leave burn marks on the roofing tiles. If the lightning caused a fire would my dad and the kids have been ready? The answer is YES! In every room of the house their is a smoke detector (aside from the kitchen of course) and the kids are constantly being asked "If there is a fire what do you do?" This clearly annoys them after the 100th day in a row of asking but the more you talk about it the more confident you can feel that your children know what to do.

Some quick tips :

1. Always provide your children with a Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, and even a Plan D. You never know where I fire could originate so depending on the source of the fire you may have to take another route out of the home. Our Plan A is to exit the home through the garage door (if the fire is happening in the kitchen or living room areas). The garage door is the closest door to all the bed rooms and will also allow us to safely get our animals out as well. If the fire originates in the garage either the front door or their windows is the next option.

2. Always feel door knobs with the back of your hand! You do not want to burn the palm of your hand while trying to escape from a fire.

3. If you have animals in your home try to give them at least one way to escape. Whether that be an open door, open window, doggy door, etc.

4. It may seem repetitive to go over the fire plan at least once a week but in a real situation you wont have to stop and think about what to do. Every second counts when getting out of your home during a fire!

If you have anymore questions about fire safety give us a call at 602-341-6737

Document deodorization in Paradise Valley

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know SERVPRO does document drying? Did you also know we do document deodorization? We have not been doing it long but SERVPRO corporate has built a state-of-the-art drying chamber. It is massive and uses gamma radiation to freeze dry the documents. Where else have you heard gamma radiation, think comics. Hint: He is an avenger whom throws gods around like they are pillows. If you have not guessed it yet the super hero we are talking about is The Incredible Hulk. Do not worry though the gamma radiation we do prevents your documents from further damage instead of turning them green and mean. Within this chamber we can also do document deodorization. If documents were damaged by smoke in a fire we can completely take the smell out of them. In turn we can also sanitize the documents after the drying process and/or deodorization process. If your home or business important documents are damaged know SERVPRO can help!

Power Strip Fire in Glendale Arizona

4/11/2019 (Permalink)

Power strips are one of the best things you can have in your home. They also can be potential hazards. A home in Glendale fell victim to a power strip fire. Thankfully the homeowner was home and was able to put out the small fire on their own (fire extinguishers are amazing for small fires). The homeowner then turned the power off to that side of the home. Eventually, the power strip was unplugged to discover why the fire started in the first place. When the homeowner was doing a water change for their fish tank, they did not realize some water spilled and made its way towards the power strip (that was some distance away). The homeowner stated that they have had that fish tank in that exact spot for close to 5 years and never had an issue until now. Sometimes freak accidents happen, are you prepared? If you do not feel you are prepared, we can help!

Fire Damage Restoration in Paradise Valley

2/12/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Paradise Valley is equipped with the tools and skills to help you successfully recover from fire damage to your home or business. We understand the amount of stress any loss (water damage, mold mitigation, fire damage, etc.) can have. That is why we are more than willing to answer any of your questions you may have about our services. Pictured is a residential home garage fire. Unfortunately, this loss happened as a result of a single firework that wasn't fully put out. This caused the bucket it was sitting in to catch fire. Thankfully no one was injured in this fire and it was contained to the garage only. With that being said there were a lot of items being stored in the garage that were impossible to restore. Some examples are childhood pictures, children's clothes, old electronics, and important documents. Although a lot was destroyed a lot was also saved like pictures, clothing and important documents. We removed everything affected like the drywall, insulation, and contents as you can see in the picture. If your home or commercial property is affected by fire damage we are here for you 24/7/365

Apartment Fire in Paradise Valley 85253

10/26/2018 (Permalink)

To start this blog off I will say that no one was seriously injured in this fire. The only damage done was to this single apartment which everyone one involved is lucky and thankful.

Now let us get into what happened and how we helped with the cleanup of the apartment. The source was believed to be from an electrical wire that sparked for on reason or another causing the fire. The first responders did an amazing job (as usual) of putting the fire out and making sure no one was injured. How did we help? We removed all the effected content and sorted it between salvageable or unsalvageable. Unfortunately, almost everything in the apartment was unsalvageable but thankfully the tenant had insurance to cover their belongings. By no means does that mean it is easier going through any loss, but it can give you a slight relief knowing you are covered. With the contents that were salvageable we will be cleaning them and getting them back to preloss conditions.

Importance of Smoke Detectors

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

Have you ever had a smoke detector go off when you have been cooking, or randomly in the middle of the night causing everyone to wake up? A smoke detector that is not functionally properly can be extremely annoying. This can cause someone to take the battery out, not have a smoke detector to begin with, or (hopefully) replace the battery. If the smoke detector randomly goes off without being prompted by smoke, it is probably time to replace the batteries. With a working smoke detector, it not only can save lives, but it can also reduce the damage done to a home/business. The faster you catch a fire, the faster it can be put out.

To find more information about the importance of a smoke detector you can visit:

https://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/smoke-alarms

            The link provided gives eye opening facts about fire related deaths, injuries, and smoke detector neglect.

In addition to a working smoke detector, be sure you have an escape plan that everyone in the household knows. For tips on making an escape plan please visit the National Fire Protection Association with the link listed below.

http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/safety-in-the-home/escape-planning/basic-fire-escape-planning

Whether the damage is big or small SERVPRO of Paradise Valley can help!

Peak 16 Fire

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

Having a fire is something you always hope and pray will never happen to you or anyone you love. We hope and pray whenever we go to a fire loss everyone is okay. Thankfully out of all our fire loses no one has been hurt aside from being slightly stressed about the situation they are now in. The loss pictured was at an apartment complex and that room was currently being remodeled. There were plumbers there to fix the plumbing issues which caused them to be using a torch. I am sure you can guess what happened next. The wood caught fire and damaged the outer drywall, the support, and smoked spread throughout the apartment. Accidents happen, we witness car accidents daily, send a text to the wrong person, pipes break and so on. Although we can not help with every accident in the world we can help you with the ones with your home.

Always remember Fire Safety

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

If you have been keeping up with up-to-date news you probably already know the newest information about the "Tinder Fire." If you have not seen the most up-to-date news the fire was caused by an illegal campfire. The fire so far has burnt through over 11,000 acres. Whenever you are camping or having a fire in your backyard always make sure you are as safe as you possibly can be. How can you be safe? Keeping a fire at the very least 4 feet away (this is for a very small fire that you would roast marshmallows with), having a hose or fire extinguisher near by as a just in case, if there are high wind speeds either bury or do not have the fire at all, and the last major point I will discuss is making sure it is not a no burn day. Having a fire can mean survival if you are stranded but it can also mean a catastrophe if you are careless and do not take necessary steps to prevent danger. With the recent weather we sure hope our firefighters can control this fire sooner rather than later.

Car fire in Scottsdale 85253

4/11/2018 (Permalink)

Who wants to make bets on how hot the fire had to be to burn through the steal/aluminum? My guess is 1,221 degrees Fahrenheit…. Okay it wasn’t much of a guess since I cheated and looked up the answer. Now who can guess the average temperature of a house fire? Surprisingly it is not too much of a difference, an average house fire is 1,100 degrees according to the Livesafe Foundation. Thankfully everyone in the home was okay! The fire could have very easily gone uncontrollable causing more damage to the home and/or occupants. It is still unknown why the fire started in the car to begin with but as you can see it totaled the car and damaged the garage, other car, and part of the home.

Fire extinguisher and Soy Sauce

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

If you are on any of our social media platforms you probably have seen this picture before. Now ill explain the background of the picture. We were called early in the morning by a Sushi restaurant in Scottsdale Arizona and they had said a fire extinguisher went off in the kitchen. We quickly hurried over and discovered it went EVERYWHERE! A delivery man had accidently bumped the fire extinguisher which damaged it causing it to spew everywhere. We began cleaning what we could (floor, shelves, dishwasher, enclosed food, etc.) and in turn removing/throwing away items/food that could not be clean. One of those items was a soy sauce bucket. As we went to remove it the bucket snapped and then the soy sauce went everywhere! Which brought us back to square one, recleaning the floors, shelves, dishwasher. In then end, we still were able to have the restaurant up and running before opening at 11. If your commercial business has an emergency, we are here to help!

Volunteering for a Cause

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

Saturday October 14th, I planned to install smoke detectors. What I didn't plan for is how many people truly needed them and wanted them. Almost every door we knocked on they needed one or they wanted us to check if theirs worked because they didn't know how. A major issue that we noticed was a household that had the smoke detector, but it did not have the battery. Which makes it a wall decoration rather than something that could save your life. When we saw this, we tried to really explain why that should never be done again. We have all been awoken by the false alarm that it gives when the battery is dying. I think we can all say that we left the battery out for the night, maybe even nights until a new detector was purchased or a replacement battery. I have been guilty of this before. To this day I tell myself how lucky I was that nothing happened because you never know. The smoke detectors we installed had a non-removable battery and is claimed to last 10 years. I highly recommend everyone to any “Sound the Alarm Campaign.” The volunteers were genuine, the people were thankful, and the Firefighters, Red Cross, and Arizona Burn were educational.

Red Cross

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

In a previous blog I have stressed the importance of smoke detectors. Well now instead of just speaking about it we can act on it. The Red Cross has launched the "Home Fire Campaign." The goal for this campaign is to reduce home fire death/injury by 25%! How can you help? Or do you need help? If you visit http://www.redcross.org/local/az-nm-el-paso/home-fire-safety you can volunteer to help install smoke detectors, request a detector be installed in your home, or you can donate. Instead of just "talking" let us all do something about it! "Actions speak louder than words" in almost all cases (that is what I believe at least). SERVPRO of Paradise Valley is acting on October 14th to help those in need. If you can/want to volunteer please do not hesitate.

Sweet Candle Smell

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Who can resist relaxing, reading a book, and having your favorite candle lit? I know its hard resisting the temptation to drive home right now and do that myself. Have you ever caught yourself falling asleep or leaving the house when you never blew out that candle? I have done this myself and nothing happened. This was not the case for this house. The daughter accidently left a candle in her room lit while she went to school. It didn't take long for a fire to start and even though it wasn't lit for long it damaged the whole house. Obviously, the house didn't get burnt down in flames but the smoke traveled throughout leaving its burning smell and residue on the walls. When we talked to the family members they were obviously upset but were thankful that everyone was safe and only material "things" were damaged. In the end, always be safe around fires and appreciate life! We are here for you 24/7, always trying to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Electrical Fire in Paradise Valley

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

Electrical fire at a Paradise Valley home

Electrical fires are the leading cause of house fires in the United States. Often, we are forgetful when it comes to unplugging cords or we are simply too lazy to. I am guilty of this with both being forgetful and lazy. But, how do we know which cords to unplug? The saying “Better safe than sorry” would be a great one to use in the situation of unplugging something or not. There are many reasons why you should unplug an electric cord. Whether that be because of saving money, flooding/any water damage, wires are exposed, or because you no longer need to use what was being plugged in. Also, be sure to know the correct wattage that appliances need so you can plug them in to appropriate outlets. Although you cannot control what is behind the wall you can control what is in front of the wall. With cords plugged in you are at a higher chance of inadvertently starting an electrical fire. For more information please visit firerecruit.com or NFPA.org

Paradise Valley Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/26/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Paradise Valley Home.

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 Paradise Valley 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 Any Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (602) 341-6737