Falmouth Residents Trust SERVPRO with Fire Damage Restoration

3/3/2024 (Permalink)

Tragic kitchen fires in Falmouth leading to devastation like this photo can be restored by our terrific SERVPRO team. "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO® Offers Premier Fire Damage Restoration in Falmouth

Dealing with the aftermath of fire damage to your Falmouth home can be overwhelming. However, if you are proactive and seek professional help, you can limit the extent of the damage and recover your property to preloss condition quickly.

SERVPRO offers comprehensive fire damage restoration services in Falmouth. Our IICRC-certified techs have years of experience dealing with any fire size and use state-of-the-art equipment to restore your property as quickly as possible.  

Using Multiple Approaches to Clean Smoke and Soot Damage  

SERVPRO technicians employ a multifaceted approach to fire damage restoration, ensuring comprehensive recovery of affected properties. We use a combination of specialized techniques tailored to address the unique challenges of fire and smoke damage. Integrating these methods to efficiently clean, repair, and restore properties is critical to successful restoration.

• Soot and smoke removal: Technicians meticulously remove soot and smoke residue from all surfaces using advanced equipment such as HEPA vacuums and dry sponges.
• Odor elimination: Through thermal foggers and ozone generators, persistent odors caused by smoke and fire are neutralized, restoring the property's air quality.
• Sanitization and cleaning: SERVPRO’s techs ensure that all areas are sanitized, addressing potential health risks from the fire.
• Contents restoration: Specialized techniques are applied to clean and restore personal belongings affected by fire damage, from furniture to individual items.

By leveraging these techniques, SERVPRO technicians can restore properties to their pre-fire condition, making the aftermath of a fire "Like it never even happened.”

Cleaning Tough Smoke and Soot Damage  

SERVPRO technicians utilize enzymatic cleaners as a crucial part of fire damage restoration. These biodegradable, non-toxic solutions break down soot and smoke residues at the molecular level, effectively removing stubborn stains and odors from fabrics and surfaces without causing further damage, ensuring a thorough and safe cleaning process.

Call SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985 for a top-class service.

Simple Approaches Used in Falmouth to Ease Fire Damage Repair

4/10/2023 (Permalink)

We have state-of-the-art equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your Falmouth home after fire damage.

SERVPROs Simple Tactics Ease Falmouth Fire Restoration

Problems in Falmouth property can vary significantly after fire incidents. Hazardous structural areas, heavy soiling, and odors are some typical issues. Resolving the problems can be time-consuming, costly, and generally inconveniencing, so most people opt to hire a professional to handle fire damage. 

Although the Falmouth professional delivering fire damage restoration services may be popular for using advanced techniques or sophisticated equipment, simple actions also form a significant portion of the restorative actions taken. When done correctly, the process can be easier or faster. SERVPRO has developed various strategies over the years.

Simple strategies that ease cleaning

• Doing a thorough inspection
• Changing cleaning water frequently
• Using products at the proper pH levels

Clearing heavy soiling from surfaces or materials can take longer if unnecessarily repetitive. The proper preparation processes and execution strategies can cut down the time involved. Our SERVPRO crews prioritize inspection before most of the other remediation steps. Assessment helps reveal the soil type or how stubbornly it is embedded on surfaces. Fire residues vary from fine dry soot to wet or smeary smoke residues. Wet residues are considerably challenging to wipe off from surfaces. Dry soot, on the hand, might penetrate beyond the surface since the intense heat of combustion opens up pores in materials.

The inspection done during fire restoration can be a simple or elaborate process. For example, rubbing a brightly colored cleaning sponge over surfaces to track residue spread patterns is a form of inspection. Other inspection approaches include doing chemical tests to establish the properties of residues or the affected materials. Chemical tests are beneficial when preparing to clean fabrics since they help reveal issues like propensity to stretch or dye bleeding.

Cleaning is more successful when applying unique approaches rather than standard techniques. Under most circumstances, that means using elaborate cleaning methods. However, it can also include simple techniques that you could easily dismiss while completing diverse tasks. Changing cleaning water constantly and maintaining the pH of the cleaning solution are two simple techniques that help improve the outcomes of fire cleanup exercises. Our SERVPRO FSRT-certified technicians manage pH levels by choosing products in the correct pH range which can be acidic or alkaline depending on the cleaning task. For example, heavy-duty cleaners that strip away greasy fire residues are highly alkaline, with a pH of around 10 to 14. Maintaining the pH level is also essential. Our technicians add a buffering agent in the cleaning solution to keep that range throughout the cleaning, thus maintaining its effectiveness.

Other Fire Damage Restoration Strategies 

Since most blazes are usually limited to a specific house area, the location or position of damage influences the ease of restoration. Heavy smoke deposits or charring on elevated house sections such as ceilings or wall sections are particularly challenging to address because of the difficulty reach. Also, when cleaning, it is easy to soil contents and materials lying below the affected area creating unnecessary damage.

Simple solutions include:

• Doing move-outs
• Elevated access resources
• Special cleaning equipment

Manipulating contents or moving them from the property ensures they do not stand in the way or incur damages from debris and cleaning solutions. Our SERVPRO teams efficiently manage the contents that need to move out of the way since we have enough workforce and handy tools such as handcarts. For elevated reach, extension poles and ladders come in handy.

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands helps simplify fire damage restoration. You can reach us at (508) 888-5985. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

What Falmouth Residents Should Know About Fire Damage

4/9/2023 (Permalink)

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be quite stressful. Contact SERVPRO for trained technicians using trusted tools for the remediation tasks.

Fire Damage Restoration with SERVPRO Gets Results

With how frightening the fire statistics are across the United States, it is more essential than ever that home and business owners safeguard their properties from damage. However, fires are an awful reality and come without notice, so SERVPRO is here to help ensure Falmouth property owners know about the fallout of fire and how to proceed when picking up the pieces.

Housefire statistics in the United States

The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and other agents have released multiple statistics regarding fires across the country:

• It takes 30 seconds for a minor flame to morph into a major blaze. 
• Roughly 358,000 homes will have a structure fire each year.
• Throughout a five-year span, home fires cause several thousand fatalities and billions in property damage.

Did you know?

Along with the statistics listed above, there are many other facts about housefires that property owners may not be aware of. For example, the top causes are electrical malfunctions, heating equipment, and cooking-related incidents. Throughout the fall months, roughly 45% of fires are caused in homes using fireplaces as a heating source.

SERVPRO is always here to help

Once you have a fire in your home, it helps to know you have a trusted restoration team you can turn to for cleanup and reconstruction. We handle everything from start to finish, ensuring we leave no stone unturned to make it “Like it never even happened.” From debris removal and contents cleaning, we carefully handle every aspect of your property to help you return your home to pre-fire condition. – General Contractor License #: CS-108357

Whether you had a fire break out in your kitchen or faulty electrical work that caused a great deal of smoke damage, we can be at your Falmouth property within hours to get started. Call us at (508) 888-5985, and our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands team will mobilize and head to your location.

SERVPRO Provides Fire Damage Restoration in Falmouth

11/3/2022 (Permalink)

Having an issue with fire damage on your property. Call SERVPRO for the help you need.

Need Fire Damage Restoration in Falmouth After a Fire – Call SERVPRO

Fire damage restoration in Falmouth involves removing contents and structures damaged by the fire, smoke deodorizing, cleaning, and repairing to return your home to its original condition "Like it Never Even Happened." After a fire has damaged your home or business, many factors must be considered.

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration in Falmouth and surrounding areas to homeowners and business clients. We respond in less than four hours from your call and are available 24/7 to respond to emergencies. We provide board-up services to cover broken windows and doors and tarps to cover compromised roofs.

Our team assesses the home's condition once the firefighters give the green light for us to enter. 

Our initial objective is to confirm that it is safe to enter, avoiding live electrical circuits, slips and falls, and any structure that may be in danger of collapsing. Most fires are contained in one room, often the kitchen; however, smoke residues and odors may have penetrated the entire home.

SEREVPRO follows industry-approved processes during our fire damage restoration activities. 

These steps include:

• Review the restoration plan with the client and the insurance adjuster
• Remove contents damaged by the fire
• Perform controlled demolition as required
• Cleaning and deodorization of contents and structure
• Reconstruction, repair, and restoration as needed

We customize smoke residue cleaning and deodorization to the type of residues produced by the fire. Grease fires have an oily residue, while hot fires tend to have fluffy nongreasy residues. We consider the types of chemicals made from burning plastics. Our SERVPRO team is fully trained to deal with all these variables while cleaning and restoring your home.

Call SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands for fire damage restoration services. We provide service to Falmouth and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (508) 888-5985.

I Have Fire Damage in My Falmouth Property After a Kitchen Fire, How Do I Restore it?

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will get your house back to feeling like home again. Call on our professionals for help after a fire in your home.

Talk to SERVPRO Technicians in Falmouth to Handle the Fire Damage on Your Property.

Dealing with fire damage can be overwhelming to property owners. However, no matter how far the damage has spread, professional restorers can help you bring your property back to its original state. SERVPRO professionals in Falmouth can handle fire damage using approved techniques and advanced equipment to restore your home safely.

How Can I Help with the Restoration Process?

Most property owners want to begin restoration and do everything they can to make it more efficient. However, using household cleaning agents can worsen fire damage in your Falmouth property. The cleaning agents and unprofessional restoration techniques can cause the soot and smoke residues to smear and seep deeper into the affected materials.

It is best to let SERVPRO technicians handle the restoration process since we have the proper equipment, advanced products, and resources to restore the structures and contents of your house. However, you can help set aside contents that must be restored. That helps our restorers to be more efficient during recovery.

Which Items Should I Carry With Me?

We advise our customers to keep items with a high monetary value close to them at all times. They include content such as:

•   Credit cards, checkbooks, and cash
•   Personal documents
•   Medications
•   Artwork

Can You Remove the Ash-like Odor?

The ash-like odor can last for an extended period if not handled by professionals. Odors can linger in confined areas as well as other surfaces such as furniture. We can combine several deodorization techniques and products to eliminate the odor. Some of the products and devices we use to remove odors after fire damage include:

•   Deodorant pellets or granules
•   Odor counteracting beads
•   Water-based odor counteracts
•   Thermal foggers
•   Hydroxyl machines

Is it Okay to Turn on my Air Conditioner?

We highly recommend our customers leave the HVAC unit off until our technicians inspect and clean the system. Fire damage may affect the unit, and turning it on can spread smoke residues throughout the property. Our technicians can use augers, brushes, and air whips to agitate and remove soils from all parts of the ventilation.

Handling fire damage without proper skills and equipment can be challenging. Contact SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985 for fast restoration services. We can make the fire loss seem “Like it never even happened.”

Our Professionals Discuss How Important Esporta Washing Is After A Fire In Your Falmouth Home

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Give our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands professionals a call today at (508) 888-5985.

How Esporta Washing Can Help Protect Fire-Damaged Falmouth Homes

The landscape of fire recovery is continuously changing, and that means that Falmouth homeowners do not have to wade through overwhelming circumstances and prolonged restoration periods to see their property and its contents restored fully. The commitment to having the latest equipment and approaches for on-site and off-site content management is a trademark of our SERVPRO fire recovery team. The more we can advance this aspect of our service, the less loss that our customers ultimately experience.

Because we seek out the most practical and efficient strategies and equipment to overcome Falmouth fire damage. We have become pioneers of innovative machines and products infiltrating the restoration market. The Esporta Wash System is a patented design that makes soft content recovery after a fire loss incident easier to manage and much more successful. There are many ways that this equipment has helped change the way we help our customers, and it can benefit you to know a little more about this effective system.

How Does it Work?

The system uses hydraulics to simulate a less aggressive washing method similar to waves impacting a shoreline. This force can remove contaminants, dirt, and sediment from affected soft materials. This device is a mobile machine, meaning that this work can get performed on-site to prevent the removal of your belongings when possible.

What Are “Soft Contents?”

Soft contents refer to items and belongings in your home that can get easily damaged or marred by aggressive cleaning methods. These possessions can include clothing, shoes, bedding materials, and other fabric-based items within the property. These objects get set aside and earmarked by our SERVPRO team during the inspection of your home.

Are There Other Content Management Solutions?

Much of the content management options that our professionals can offer happen off-site at our warehouse. We have submersion techniques with ultrasonic tanks that can work to remove soot from hard surfaces. We have ozone chambers that can neutralize odors in entire lots of removed possessions from your home. No matter what your belongings need, we have a way to help.

Fire recovery is a niche of the restoration industry where our team has considerable experience. When combined with our advanced equipment like the Esporta Wash System, we can genuinely make losses “Like it never even happened.” Give our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands professionals a call today at (508) 888-5985.

How Does SERVPRO's Falmouth Fire Damage Restoration Inspect for Cleanability?

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

Each job is unique. Call SERVPRO today to help return your property like new.

SERVPRO Techs Bring Years of Experience to Falmouth Fire Cleanup

Before the heart of the fire cleanup begins in a Falmouth property, the technicians perform various inspections on articles within the home to ascertain their cleaning potential. This helps technicians to:

• Target areas where smoke residues are within the structure
• Determine if the article can undergo restorative cleaning
• See if the damage or stains occurred due to the fire or were pre-existing

SERVPRO techs inspect before the Falmouth fire damage restoration services begin to gather the information about the unique aspects of the house fire to create an accurate estimate for the property owner. The assessment made during this process includes the list of actions needed to restore the damaged areas within the home to their pre-fire condition, including the option to allow SERVPRO to handle any required reinstallation, rebuilding, or cosmetic touches needed. This location holds a general contractor license #CS-108357 and can work with homeowners from start to finish.

One of the first questions the techs cover with homeowners is to learn if any cleanup has been attempted and, if so, actions taken by the homeowner. During the initial inspection phase of the mitigation service, it is not unusual for the technicians to use this time frame to set up cleaning stations outside the worksite and organize the items from within the structure based on the type of cleaning needed. For example, one area set up by SERVPRO may handle abrasive cleaning while another handles immersive removal of smoke damage from items. 

Depending on the construction materials for the item getting evaluated for cleanings, different kinds of inspection may occur, such as carpet fiber examination for color-fastness and shrinkage. Another would be on countertops to choose cleaners specially formulated for granite or Formica in older properties.

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985 has the experience and tools to repair fire damage within Falmouth properties. SERVPRO's trained and certified techs are available 24/7.

Soot Removal Obstacles in Sandwich Homes After Fires

1/23/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with fire damage after an event can be quite overwhelming. Contact SERVPRO right away for effective fire damage remediation services.

Overcoming fire damage in Sandwich homes means addressing specific conditions immediately

Fires are foundational elements and chemical processes recognized as a definitive element of civilized life. However, when fires occur in your home, they are destructive and ruinous. Our professionals respond fast with mitigation tools and products to resolve concerns like smoke and soot residues that impact comfortable living. 

How Does Soot Form? 

One of the most challenging forms of fire damage in Sandwich homes and businesses is soot. Soot particles are a product of combustion, which is a chemical process converting a solid into a gas through heat. Partial combustion can create microscopic, carcinogenic particles that become aerosolized in the environment.

Where Do Smoke and Soot Particles Go During a Fire? 

Appreciating the behavior of smoke and soot during a fire can help homeowners understand the prioritization of certain areas during restoration and recovery. During the decomposition of burning materials, solids and aerosols are present in the air as smoke. The changing of temperatures can cause considerable turbidity in the airflow during a fire, coating many surfaces with loose soot and debris that must be cleaned.

Different Types of Soot Residues 

The composition and subsequent ease or difficulty of soot removal change dramatically based on the type of fire and materials involved. High heat fires produce less and more manageable smoke particles, while smoldering fires create thick and formidable soils that require wet cleaning solutions and mechanical action to resolve. Some of the types of fires producing soot damage include:

• Dry Smoke
• Wet Smoke
• Fuel Oil
• Proteins

Fire cleanup in homes and businesses requires immediate mitigation and emergency services. Our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands team moves fast to create a safe work environment against the hazards and threats of soot. Call now at (508) 888-5985.

Does a Falmouth Dryer Fire Need Professional Fire Damage Restoration?

12/16/2021 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to cleanup up after a clothes dryer fire in your Falmouth home

SERVPRO Technicians are Experts in Handling Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup in Falmouth Properties

The fire and smoke damage left behind by a dryer fire in a Falmouth property can look overwhelming as to where to begin to clean it up. Many homeowners are surprised at the number of things that have the potential to get cleaned for reuse despite being covered in soot.

Using their training and experience, SERVPRO technicians bring professional fire damage restoration services to Falmouth properties intending to save homeowners from needing to replace items. The techs do an initial sweep and determine the items in the laundry room that require disposal due to charring or heat damage and things that can get cleaned through their professional cleansing applications. While the dryer that caused the fire most certainly will need disposal, the washing next to it can get cleaned and inspected by an industry expert to confirm it is ready for reuse by the homeowner.  But—we check the exhaust vent for obstructions that may have overheated the dryer. Perhaps, it can be salvaged after all. And, of course, we also clean out the venting system.

Smoke Damage Removal Methods

While a dryer fire is generally a high heat fire that does a large amount of damage quickly, fires burn at different temperatures as they move through a structure. As this occurs, different types of soot get created and deposited on surfaces. SERVPRO technicians know how to test to determine the smoke damage they are dealing with, so the appropriate removal methods are used. Some examples of this might be:

• Wet smoke can be caustic and damaging to some surfaces, such as chrome. It usually needs a solvent-based cleaning agent to remove its grip on surfaces
• Dry smoke should always be removed through dry methods
• Chrome and metal fixtures should be cleaned and wrapped to avoid damage from soot

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985 stands ready to assist Falmouth property owners with all types and sizes of fire damage restoration needed.

Need Help with Fire Damage Restoration in Falmouth – Call SERVPRO

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot residue can be very messy. Let SERVPROs team of experts handle all the fire damage mitigation your home needs.

SERVPRO Provides Fire Damage Restoration and Cleanup in Falmouth

Fires produce copious amounts of smoke residues in homes and businesses in Falmouth. The amount of smoke produced depends on how hot the fire burned and the materials consumed in the fire, along with how long the fire was allowed to smolder. After the fire department leaves, the water and chemicals used to quell the fire, debris, ash from the fire, and smoke residue cover everything. Where do you start, and what cleaning agents work best to remove residues?

SERVPRO has provided fire damage restoration in Falmouth for the past 14 years. Coupled with 25 years of construction experience, we have the expertise to help with controlled demolition if needed, debris removal, house fire cleanup, and smoke residue removal.

The cleaning agents used to remove smoke residues while cleaning after a fire depend on the fire and the materials burned. Using the incorrect cleaning agent could cause greasy residue to smear and penetrate further into the fabric, especially if it is very porous. Our fire & smoke restoration experts examine the residues (Residues can vary throughout the building) and employ cleaning agents as required. In addition to soap and water, they use enzyme digestion, bleaching, oxidizing or strong acids for various cleaning tasks.

Enzymes, for example, digest proteins in soils such as blood, starch, dairy products, and other proteins commonly found in homes. They change the condition of the residues from insoluble to soluble. Water and detergents can usually remove these materials once they become soluble.

SERVPRO can help with all your needs related to fire damage restoration:

• Controlled demolition and rebuild of the damaged structure
• Fire and smoke damage cleanup
• Fore restoration and repairs

Call SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands for fire damage restoration in Falmouth and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (508) 888-5985.

Addressing All Fire Damage Carefully in Your Sandwich Property

7/20/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire happens on your property, you may not know who to turn to for remediation services. Team SERVPRO is fast to the scene to assess and help.

Fire Damage Services are Multi-Faceted – Call SERVPRO to Your Sandwich Home for Superior Results!

A lot is going on around your property once you have any fire. Not only is there chaos from first responders on the scene to extinguish the flames, but you also have to think about house fire clean up. Having a team like SERVPRO to handle fire restoration efforts gets results faster while even saving you money. We are available 24/7 to tackle the fire and smoke damage so that you can get your life back in order.

Fire damage in Sandwich is never a one-size-fits-all type of project. Instead, our crew chief sets a plan in motion based on the initial assessment of your fire damage. From there, the process gets adjusted accordingly so that the SERVPRO team can better achieve our goals.

Our emergency service fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup generally include:

• Handling charred building materials and debris removal
• Picking up standing water as well as leftover moisture and chemicals used to extinguish the blaze
• Taking precautions with indoor air quality (IAQ)
• Pack up, move out services to relocate contents for safekeeping or off-site cleaning and restoration
• Odor removal with the help of air scrubbers, foggers, and hydroxyl generators

With any fire event, soot and smoke residue can be an issue. Our trained technicians know the best placement and settings for our HEPA filtration equipment to get results. Stubborn smoke residue and soot particles become a formidable threat to any contents and materials, so we take the time to inspect every surface to ensure nothing gets left behind carefully.

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands is available to address your needs when you have fire damage within your home. Call our office at (508) 888-5985, and we can send a team out as soon as possible.

What Immediate Mitigation Actions Are Needed for Falmouth House Fire Clean Up?

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

Our certified technicians come prepared with state of the art equipment your property needs after a fire incident occurs.

After a Fire, Several Cleaning Actions are Vital in Reducing Reconstruction Needs. 

As leading fire restoration professionals for the area, we have the experience to address many of the pressing concerns in a home after a structure fire. Mitigation and emergency services our SERVPRO team provides can help to address immediate obstacles such as:

• Air quality
• Debris
• Soot
• Standing water

How Do Fire Restoration Costs Get Determined?

Thorough and complete estimations are part of our 1-4-8 promise to customers needing fire restoration in Falmouth. We can respond within an hour to a call or click, have technicians to the property in four, and have a detailed estimate in the hands of your insurance provider within eight. This is vital with fire recovery as the situation can worsen the longer mitigation and house fire clean up is not happening.

While you cannot always prevent disasters like house fires, we are a trusted team to help you make it “Like it never even happened.” Give our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands team a call anytime you need us at (508) 888-5985.

Falmouth Property Owners: Reduce Your Fire Damage Restoration Costs

4/16/2021 (Permalink)

Recent fire in your home? Team SERVPRO is ready to help with the fire damage. Contact us 24/7 with your emergency situation.

Water & fire damage restorations handled by SERVPRO ensure your Falmouth home gets back to normal with less secondary damage

House fire clean up is different from one situation to the next. Falmouth residents never expect a fire to break out, but fire damage homes need prompt attention so that you can get back to your routine faster. SERVPRO features skilled fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) to get the job done in a fraction of the time. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

When you need fire damage restoration in Falmouth, we arrive within hours of your call. Our crew can start the initial assessment as soon as first responders deem your structure safe for entry.

• We begin carefully removing all unsalvageable charred debris to dispose of it safely
• We determine smoke residues by scoping the impacted area to identify all types to match the proper cleaning methods
• We use dry or wet cleaning methods for capturing and removing harsh smoke and soot residues bonded with surfaces
• Controlled demolition gets performed, as needed, to replace all materials damaged beyond repair – General Contractor License #: CS-108357
• Thorough deodorizing and sanitizing ensure no lingering foul odors

For the best fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup you can trust, our team at SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands is here for 24/7 emergency service. Call us at (508) 888-5985, and we can send our crew out as soon as possible.

The Best Fire Damage Restoration Company Near Me?

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO says to always check your chimney and hearth each cold season before fire damage results in your Falmouth home

Trust SERVPRO to Remediate the Fire Damage in Your Falmouth Home!

There are many ways your home could experience fire damage. Furthermore, a significant portion of those events is not as explosive as you might imagine. Something as small as a candle or as big as a stove could have equal impacts on your home.

Should your Falmouth home experience fire damage, call SERVPRO immediately. Our technicians are expertly trained and can handle fire cleanup and smoke removal of any measure, big disasters or small. SERVPRO can:

• Promptly come to your residence after your call
• Bring advanced technological devices designed for fire remediation
• Work whenever you need us, day or night

Our crew can get to work straight away once an agreement is signed and authorized. For the sake of an example, let's say that a faulty electrical socket caused a fire. The wall around it is covered in soot, as well as the carpet. Our technicians could do the following during remediation:

• Remove greasy soot stains from your wall with scrapers
• Remove any carpet that is beyond remediation and use our General Contractor License #: CS-108357 for new installation
• Set up odor-reducing equipment, such as hydroxyl generators

Don't wait when fire damage strikes! Dial (774) 252-7376 to speak with SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands. Our technicians are always ready to help you.

What to Do After a Fire in Your Falmouth Home

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the tools and training to restore any fire damage you may experience. Call us today.

What Happens When You Call SERVPRO After a Fire Emergency? 

Experiencing a fire in your home can be traumatic and often overwhelming. Our trained professionals at SERVPRO are ready to answer your call anytime, day or night, to get the restoration process begun as quickly as possible.

In Falmouth, fire restoration begins with a phone call to our emergency response team. After contacting them, expect the initial appointment shortly.

What you can expect when you contact our emergency response team:

• Our trained dispatchers ask questions about the loss, while you respond, they fill out the "First Notice of Loss" form to get a comprehensive picture of the overall damage following the fire.
• After the response team fills out the form, a restoration team member contacts you after about 30 minutes to set up the initial appointment to inspect the loss site.
• The appointment is within four hours of the initial call.
• Team members arrive at your home to inspect the damage and create a repair plan.

For 24/7 assistance, Contact SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985.

Is It Realistic to Anticipate Comprehensive Restoration After Fire Damage in Falmouth?

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is no laughing matter. Call the professionals at SERVPRO with their IICRC trained technicians, and latest equipment and technology.

Successful Outcomes Result Because of SERVPRO's Wrap-Around Approach in Falmouth -- Managing Fire Damage Restoration from Hazard and Harm Assessment Through Rebuilding

Cities, towns, and villages like Falmouth today rely upon well-equipped and staffed fire departments in case of a household or commercial fire. Advancements in technology and methodology mean your property has more than a fighting chance of surviving a fire, particularly when the first responders are followed by crews schooled in fire damage best practices developed by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Communities like Falmouth with histories going back several centuries hear stories of tragedies where nonexistent or inadequate fire prevention and management did not protect buildings, timber, grasslands, and human life.

What Happened When Communities Did Not Have an Organized Fire-Fighting Response?

The consequences in towns and hamlets on Cape Cod and the Islands just after colonization were grim when fires occurred. Settlements were scattered, making it difficult to scale up a robust rescue response. No pressurized water supplies were available. The typical weapon used to fight a fire was a bucket and any source of water that could be found, including:

• Ponds
• Wells
• Streams
• Rain barrels

How Was the Community Involved in Early Firefighting Efforts?

If you were lucky, neighbors or other townspeople pitched in and formed a bucket brigade. Individuals lined up from the nearest water source to the edge of the fire, passing buckets or other containers made of wood, leather, gourds, or metal along to quell the blaze. Although roofs of nearby buildings and crude ladders could elevate the brigade members for better aim, nothing like the extendable ladders, cranes, or cherry pickers used today was in the firefighting inventory. If fire jumped from building to building, even those makeshift supports swiftly disappeared.

Did Falmouth Fare Well or Poorly Before the Establishment of a Dedicated Fire Department?

Falmouth marked its first colonists in 1660 and was incorporated in 1686. During the early part of the town's history, many daily realities exposed the settlers to substantial fire risks:

• Open hearth fireplaces
• Beehive ovens 
• Open outdoor fires
•  Clearing brush
•  Rendering oils
•  Roasting large pieces of meat
•  Evaporating seawater for salt
• Chimney flues fires 
• Inadequate disposal of live coals
• Negligent use of candles, lamps, and lanterns
• Smoking meats 
• Burning of tobacco
• Lightning strikes
• Spontaneous combustion in haymows or granaries 

High winds and the lack of a reliable firefighting force meant a small fire could rapidly get out of hand, spreading to other buildings, including those owned by others in town.

Are There Records of Significant Fires in Falmouth?

The Barnstable County Courthouse burned to the ground on October 22, 1827, destroying land records and the structure. In the 1830s, guests sleeping after a wedding awoke to fire and panicked horses below. The house and guests survived; the animals did not. Many other anecdotes tell of fires bringing property damage and often the loss of animals in the 19th century. Eventually, the obvious risks impelled the building of water towers and holding ponds by landowners of means. 

When Did the First Truly Municipal Firefighting Efforts Arise in Falmouth?

Cooperative efforts with horse-drawn water tanks with hoses and crews laid the foundation, and Falmouth's first fire department arose in 1897. The town allocated $700 for a basic firefighter unit. In 1899, the fledgling department rented sheds in different locations in town. Competition among the villagers within and near Falmouth encouraged recruitment.

How Did the Growth of Insurance Affect Falmouth's Fire Department?

The year 1919 marked an assessment by the New England Insurance Exchange of both the town's fire and water departments. Upgrades in equipment and management were recommended. The first Falmouth Fire Chief, Ray Wells, took on the challenge to modernize the department.

What Were Major Changes in the Falmouth Fire Department During the Mid-20th Century?

New firehouses replaced the rented sheds. Inventories of mechanical equipment permitted better oversight and routine upgrades. Firefighters were made more accountable. Response times of fire department units decreased as technicians installed call boxes equipped with telegraph devices enabling reliable and town-wide fire alarms.

Did Improvements to the Falmouth Fire Department Include Institution of Rescue Personnel?

Modern fire departments nearly always act as first responders for medical and other emergencies and fire extinguishing. During Chief Wells' 35 year tenure, he added a fire rescue squad. Initially, the interventions available were minimal, consisting of a firefighter piloting a station wagon with first aid equipment to emergencies. The nearest hospital was 30 minutes away; thus, patient outcomes improved with the Falmouth Hospital building in 1963. Fire department personnel began completing EMT training in 1967, another benefit for victims in the community.

How Do Fire Damage Restoration Experts Partner with the Falmouth Fire Department?

After the fire department's first responders stabilize your Falmouth home, fire damage restoration commences, returning structural components and contents to preloss condition. Our IICRC-trained managers complete a safety assessment and then direct our certified technicians to begin emergency services to restore your home:

• Firefighting water removal, containment, and lawful disposal
• Evaluation of fire residues and matching with effective removal products and methodologies
• Control of air quality throughout the fire restoration project, using negative pressure air scrubbing equipment if indicated
• Cleanup and disinfection implementation
• Deodorization

What Sets SERVPRO Apart from Other Fire Damage Restoration Companies in Falmouth?

Besides the advanced training our crews obtain, SERVPRO also earned and maintains a general contractor's license. Our construction division's skills and experience permits streamlined demolition, repairs, and build backs in response to fire damage without the homeowner needing to hire another contractor. We save our customers time and money by offering a wrap-around approach to fire damage restoration. 

The multiple specialties and certifications offered by the team at SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands make a recovery from fire loss as stress-free as possible. Call us day or night at (508) 888-5985 after the fire department releases your property, so we get a jump on making it "Like it never even happened."

Contractor Licenses:

General: CS-108357

What Type of Cleaning is Necessary After Fire Losses in My Falmouth Home?

7/12/2020 (Permalink)

There are many strategies for cleaning up after a fire loss in your home, and our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands team can help.

Structure fires can leave your residence worse for wear, but our cleaning technicians can help to overcome many fire loss obstacles after a disaster in Falmouth!

Fires can have a lasting effect on your Falmouth home in a way that is impossible for homeowners to address on their own. As challenging and overwhelming as the result of structure fires can often appear, it is the fast response and reliability of our SERVPRO professionals that can help to limit the spread and severity of these loss effects. Phases of restoration, such as the cleaning, do not happen all at once. With so many actions under the general heading of cleaning, our technicians work on this portion of restoration from the earliest mitigation points through the final touches on a finished product.

Fire damage cleanup for Falmouth homes and businesses must begin as soon as our technicians arrive at the address. We have multiple tools and technologies that can overcome many of the obstacles that exist after a structure fire. From lingering odors to smoke damage on surfaces, our professionals must continually seek the most efficient approach to get your property back to preloss condition as soon as possible. Often, this means various types of premier cleaning services ranging from emergency actions to improving the aesthetic appeal of the property when restoration nears its conclusion.

Is There Cleaning that Should Happen Immediately?

Emergency services are a critical element of our fast response amid a disaster. Fires can be particularly problematic in that, even after extinguishment completes, the home can continue to get damaged by migrating effects. The solution to this situation is a prompt response where emergency services limit the spread and severity of loss effects after a structure fire. Some of these actions can lower the concentration of damaging effects, while others are meant to improve the efficiency of recovery solutions and deodorization. Some of these emergency services include:

    •    Debris Removal – Removing sediment, ash, and remnants of burned materials from the flooring throughout the house is vital to reducing the concentration of odors and soot.
    •    Soot Removal – Soot can be one of the most significant hazards for our technicians and the occupants of the house after a fire. We can clean it up with air scrubbers and agitative cleaning techniques.
    •    Controlled Demolition – Removing damaged portions of wall systems and other construction materials are beneficial for efficient reinstallation and reconstruction.

What Makes Debris Removal Valuable for Restoration?

Removing debris from damaged areas of your home requires multiple techniques. While many of these situations begin with shoveling out heaps of ash and material remnants, there often several other approaches at work to finalize the phase. Debris removal is a valuable approach for many reasons, and these include:

    •    Reduces odor strength
    •    Reduces the presence of soot and smoke residues
    •    Helps structural elements get cleaned on-site

How Can Soot Get Removed from Surfaces and Contents?

Soot it is often one of the most challenging aspects of cleaning up after a fire. These particles get generated from incomplete combustion of fuels. As much as this effect can be challenging to clean and compromise the aesthetics of affected materials, it is also a health hazard for those exposed. We take great care and consideration in ensuring that our responding technicians have the appropriate personal protective equipment to keep safe from migrating effects that could harm them like microscopic soot particles.

There are many incredible methods of removing soot from surfaces, contents, and the environment. Each of these approaches gets selected based on the severity of the situation, the materials affected, the area where soot exists, and other factors. The most conventional of these cleaning tactics include:

    •    Soda Blasting – Using various media such as baking soda or walnuts, we can harness pressurized glass to remove surface residues like soot and smoke.
    •    Emulsification – Oily soils can also be challenging to remove without the appropriate chemical solvents. In our inventory, water-based products can encircle oily particles and pull them from the surface to get rinsed away.
    •    Agitative Cleaning – Agitative cleaning practices often involve removing thicker residues from surfaces to make later cleaning simpler. Strategies for this approach include dry vacuuming, brushing, and steel wool.
    •    Controlled Demolition – When residues are more challenging to remove than initially projected, often, the only remaining solution is to remove these materials via controlled demolition.
    •    Pack-Out Restoration – Contents in the house impacted by soot and smoke residues can benefit from direct cleaning and recovery in the care of our professionals at our SERVPRO facility.

There are many strategies for cleaning up after a fire loss in your home, and our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands team can help. Give us a call anytime that you need us at (508) 888-5985.

What is the Difference Between Wet and Dry Smoke in Falmouth?

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

No matter what type of fire loss that your home experiences, our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands team can help.

Fire And Smoke Damage In Falmouth

Fires in Falmouth homes can vary substantially, which requires our experienced SERVPRO team to adapt to changing conditions from one site to the next.

All fires in Falmouth do not burn at the same temperatures and speed, meaning that the damage to homes varies substantially from one emergency to another. But between the varying loss effects that can threaten your property, our experienced technicians can help with practical strategies for removing debris, cleaning residues, and deodorizing the house.

One of the primary separating factors for fire damage in Falmouth homes is the type of smoke damage. As materials burn, smoke and combustion residues come to rest on surfaces and contents throughout the house. This damage might be wet or dry smoke, and these conditions vary based on the temperature of the fire and its blistering pace. This variance often has much to do with atmospheric conditions and the combustible materials involved.

How Does Wet Smoke Residue Get Removed?

Wet smoke gets produced by smoldering, lower-temperature fires. It can leave a thick residue on surfaces that are challenging to clean and remove without the expertise of our restoration professionals combined with effective strategies such as:

    •    Abrasive Cleaning
    •    Soda Blasting
    •    Water-Based Solvents
    •    Controlled Demolition

Is Dry Smoke Damage Easier to Restore?

Instead of a thick and challenging residue on surfaces, dry smoke damage leaves a chalky film that can often get wiped clean. While the after-effects of dry smoke, higher-temperature fires might be easier to clean, these conditions also can cause more widespread and total destruction. Dry smoke fires spread quickly throughout the property, producing a more pressing need for reconstruction and rebuilding services.

No matter what type of fire loss that your home experiences, our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands team can help. We have experienced professionals ready to mobilize whenever disaster strikes by calling (508) 888-5985.

What Should I Prepare For After An Attic Fire In My Falmouth Home?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands can help you resolve any challenging situation after fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Dealing with Attic Fire Damage in Falmouth Homes Presents Many Challenges, but SERVPRO Can Help You Address Them Conveniently

Fire damage can be localized to a small section of your Falmouth property if it is controlled in time. If the damage is restricted to the attic, you might face a significant challenge of cleaning up and restoring the damaged materials.

What factors make restoring attic fire damage in Falmouth homes challenging?

    •    Attic fires go unnoticed longer
    •    Most of the building materials in the area have unfinished surfaces
    •    Presence of junk or other items stored there
    •    Presence of utility lines such as power cables or air ducts

If a fire breaks out in your Falmouth attic, it might take a few extra seconds or minutes before anyone realizes something is wrong. In most cases, such fires become apparent only when smoke or flames are visible are under the eaves or inside the house. That delay gives the fire a chance to consume more materials and residues to settle deeper into materials, thus adding another layer of challenge for the restorers to handle.

Most of the construction materials in the attic, including trusses and frames, have unfinished surfaces. Such surfaces are porous, which leads to profound residue deposits. Although the materials are out of sight, leaving traces of residues can cause several problems, including persistent odor in the house. Our SERVPRO technicians help clean residues and remove the odor using a wide range of techniques including:
    •    Soda blasting to remove residues
    •    Sanding to remove charring and stubborn residues
    •    Sealing structural timber, with deodorizing pre-sealer

Does smoke leave the attic naturally?

Since attics have minimal openings, ventilating the smoke produced during the fire can be a challenge. Before applying regular ventilation techniques such as forcing the residue-filled air out with box fans, an opening is required. Our SERVPRO technicians can help by opening up the roof or removing the louvers to create the space necessary for proper ventilation.

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands can help you resolve any challenging situation after fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (508) 888-5985 to help.

What is the Best Way to Cleanup Smoke and Fire Damage in a Nantucket Garage?

4/16/2020 (Permalink)

The technicians arrive quickly and bring your property to its pre-fire loss condition.

SERVPRO has been helping Nantucket homeowners for decades with fire loss restoration

Garage fires can get out of control quickly, particularly when flammable substances get stored incorrectly. However, the number one cause of most fires in this area of the home happens due to the overloading of electrical outlets and malfunctions. Because of the lack of monitoring in many garages, the fire tends to burn longer and have more opportunity to spread. It is vital to bring in a professional mitigation company to ensure that soot and smoke residues get eradicated.

Can Fire Damage Spread to From the Garage to Other Areas of the Home?
When this attached garage in Nantucket had fire damage, SERVPRO techs found extensive charring and smoke damage on the walls and ceiling. Containment through the use of heavy plastic over doorways leading to the home is a beneficial method to halt the spread of soot and odors to the rest of the house.

Cleanup and Controlled Demo
Charred items that have no potential for restoration through cleaning get removed for disposal. Technicians needed to remove the plywood and sheetrock around the area of the fire epicenter, exposing the framework. Specific cleaning agents get used for removing the remaining smoke residues to ready the garage for repairs.

Odor Control is a Must
The techs have a diverse selection of scent neutralizing applications depending on the level of odor control needed.

Finding Reconstruction Services After Restoration Efforts Complete
With their general construction license #CS-108357, SERVPRO techs make it easy to go from restoration to rebuilding as soon as the cleanup completes. This enables life to get back to normal even faster.

When you need help with a garage with fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands at (508) 888-5985. The technicians arrive quickly and bring your property to its pre-fire loss condition.

For more about Nantucket click here.

We Put The Flames Of Worry Out In Falmouth After A Fire

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

We have state of the art equipment, expertise and experience to restore your home right away to prevent further damage.

The Smoke Smell is Driving Me Crazy!

Home fires are more commonplace than one would imagine. Among the traditional culprits, you find cooking mishaps, flammable liquids, candles, and smoking. However, many homeowners fail to realize that the use of portable heaters can also increase the risk of fire damage in your home. We usually operate under the assumption that our space heater is just a small appliance designed with safety in mind, unknowingly exposing our home and family to a potential catastrophe. Even when the ensuing fire is a small one, the effects of the flames can be long-lasting and a constant reminder of our vulnerability.

If your home in Falmouth falls victim to fire damage, your top priority should be to enlist the help of a professional service of our technicians at SERVPRO. The accident in your home can leave a wide array of consequences, including smoke and soot, as well as soaking wet items as the result of the extinguishing agents and sprinkler system. Luckily, our team is ready to apply the latest techniques to restore your home and make the fire a thing of the past. Our business acumen prepares us to tailor our solutions to your needs, regardless of the scope of the fire damage.

Very often, our SERVPRO team hears our clients complaining about the smell the fire left behind. Most people are unaware that the path of the fire, as well as the chemical composition of what burned, dictates the characteristics of its remnants. The variability in fire damage is a crucial consideration when we determine which techniques to apply in your home. For example, as we deodorize your house, we may choose to remove particles in the air by scrubbing it with filtering equipment capable of capturing small particles. Alternatively, we may choose to use a thermal fogger that deploys molecules to interact with the smell particles and counteract their strength.

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands keeps up with the latest in restoration practices, so you don’t have to. When you call us at (508) 888-5985 after a fire, you access a team of experts working in your best interest. Like you, we want all traces of fire and smoke out of your home, so you can go on with life “Like it never even happened.”

See more about Falmouth.

Bourne Burned Contents Can Benefit from SERVPRO Cleanup and Restoration Skills

11/11/2019 (Permalink)

Fire, Dirty Ducts, Sooty Contents in Your Bourne Home? Don't Fret!! Call SERVPRO for Skillful Restoration--"Like it never even happened."

Basics For Cleaning Fire Damage On Your Property In Bourne

Cleaning and restoration after a fire in your Bourne home, typically cost less than disposal and outright replacement. Resurfacing is another costly option, where you hire someone to re-paint surfaces, re-cover upholstered items, or re-finish wood contents. Restoration technicians apply the basic principles and elements of cleaning to restore materials to a quality preloss condition.

We help limit any losses you might experience when restoring fire damage in your Bourne area home. The goal is to clean and remove any trace of the fire incident from your property, “Like it never even happened.” Giving you access to restorers with years of experience, training, advanced equipment, as well as local resources that you can count on to complete the task.

SERVPRO technicians can inspect the area near the source of the fire and trace to see how far smoke traveled. We use our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to identify different types of residue. Our technicians help determine which cleaning method and products serve as the most effective solution on an existing surface.

SERVPRO restoration teams capture and remove residues smoke leaves behind, removing the bond using both wet and dry cleaning processes. However, some materials are not restorable because they cannot withstand the cleaning process. We help you communicate losses to your insurance company and use local, state, and federal guidelines for proper disposal of debris and cleaning waste.

Basic Principles of Cleaning:

•    Inspect the affected area.
•    Identify the type of residue.
•    Identify the surface material.
•    Capture and remove residues.
•    Dispose of residues.

At SERVPRO, we combine these principles with the four elements of cleaning to perform quality cleaning and restoration services throughout the area. We understand your situation and use every weapon in our arsenal to suspend and remove residues after a fire.
Four Elements of Cleaning:

1.    Temperature – Heat increases the speed of chemical reactions in cleaning products.
2.    Agitation – We use towels, brushes, air and water pressure, and sonic vibrations in ultrasonic machines to agitate surfaces, dislodge residues, and distribute cleaning products.
3.    Chemical Action – Your restorer selects the proper cleaning product depending on the desired action, such as dissolving, emulsifying, bleaching, oxidizing, changing pH, or digesting.
4.    Time – There is often a dwell time involved in the use of professional cleaning and deodorization products that can vary, depending on the product and the type of residue.

Contact the team at SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands for access to full-service cleanup and restoration services today. (508) 888-5985

Our Swift Response Will Save Your Fire Damaged Home In Falmouth

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Give us a call today at (508) 888-5985.

Immediate Fire Damage Assessment For Falmouth Homes

We understand that sometimes the restoration and recovery of your Falmouth home after a fire might be out of your control. In many cases, homeowners undoubtedly seek the expertise and wisdom of their insurance adjusters and providers who have helped to navigate similar disasters in the past. This experience amid a crisis can be a welcomed diversion from the stress and trauma of the fire loss incident, but it also relinquishes much of the control that you have in choosing the professionals you want working on restoring your property.
 
While you may not put too much thought into which professional outfit addresses your Falmouth home’s fire damage, there is more to the recovery and restoration process than you might believe. Even with the insistence of your insurance provider to choose a restoration team that they have worked closely with over the years, which we can appreciate having standing relationships with nearly all of the insurance companies serving the Greater Cape Cod area, our SERVPRO team can still help.
 
Damage assessment is often the responsibility of a homeowner, and you might not always be ready for how weighty of a decision this can become. Over the years, many have chosen our SERVPRO professionals for this task because we can work quickly to scope the entire household for all potential threats and existing effects following the extinguishment of a fire.
 
While it might be tempting to perform an inspection on your own, there are two primary reasons why property owners should exercise caution with this approach. The first of these is that it can often be challenging to navigate a fire-damaged home, and you might not have the experience to identify potential structural threats that could lead to injury. Additionally, our SERVPRO team is specially trained to catalog damages that can get easily seen throughout a house as well as those that are more difficult to see.
 
We know that we might not always be the choice of every homeowner suffering the effects of a fire loss incident, but we are always willing to help; however, we can. Our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands team has years of experience and highly trained professionals that can arrive quickly whenever you need us. Give us a call today at (508) 888-5985.

For more about Falmouth click here.

Our Specialists Discuss The Dangers Of Inadequate Fire Cleanup And Recovery In Your Falmouth Home

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

You can reach us anytime by calling (508) 888-5985!

Risks Of Inadequate Fire Restoration For Falmouth Homes

As much as our professionals work to provide Falmouth property owners with all of the facts to help restore fire loss effects after a disaster, these same homeowners must also learn about the risks and dangers of inadequate fire cleanup and recovery. We strive to equip residents in our area with the practices and skills to begin addressing the mitigation their property requires after an emergency, knowing that we are close by to help should that be necessary.

For the multitude of effects that make up the comprehensive fire damage that Falmouth homes could experience, we have SERVPRO professionals that are well-trained and experienced in these fields. We have education and endorsements from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) in Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT) and Odor Control (OCT.) We cannot expect our potential customers also to have the same accreditations, and because of this, many leave their properties at substantial risk with inadequate restoration solutions.

One of the immediate risks of inadequate damage assessment and recovery for homes is the threat of structural failure. Often homeowners do not have the discovery devices to inspect all potentially damaged areas of the house thoroughly, and as such, specific materials and inaccessible areas get overlooked. With prolonged stress on these compromised regions, it can be a literal matter of time before collapse occurs.

Another pressing concern that our SERVPRO professionals would stress to DIY enthusiasts is airborne particulates and air quality threats. Often our technicians can address these concerns with filtering devices like hydroxyl generators and ozone machines, and these same pieces of equipment should get used through cleaning, demolition, and reconstruction efforts overseen by the homeowner as well.

The push for DIY restoration can help to get projects completed on your schedule and within your own set budgetary confinements, but it does not come without risks and threats as well. If this restoration becomes too much to handle or you need the professional inspection and assessment of our qualified SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands technicians, you can reach us anytime by calling (508) 888-5985.

For more about Falmouth click here.

The Hidden Mystery Behind Fire Damage Remediation in Falmouth

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

After the devastating effects of fire damage, count on SERVPRO.

Lessening the Effect of Fire Damage in Falmouth Homes 

As much as many Falmouth homeowners might like to, it is impossible to continually protect and care for your property as you might like. When disasters like fire damage occur, you have many effects that require your attention and a skilled response before they continually worsen. There are ways that even unskilled and unprepared homeowners can help to improve the condition of their property in the time it takes for our professionals to arrive on the scene. 

Understand foremost that the safety of your family is paramount and that if fire damage in your Falmouth home is too excessive or hazardous, that you should not attempt these listed objectives. Damage assessment and preliminary mitigation efforts are not worth risking your health or wellbeing for, but if first responders and firefighters have deemed the house safe to re-enter for a brief period, there are some ways that you can help our SERVPRO professionals in route to your damaged address. 

One of the primary objectives for every homeowner when contending with any level of fire damage to their property is protecting their possessions and personal belongings. As much of an investment as you have made in specific items, furniture, and electronics, these can all become part of a damage claim and replaced with coverage through your insurance. What cannot get replaced, are photographs, keepsakes, heirlooms, and other treasures. 

While you can do nothing to prevent the presence of soot, smoke, and odors in the house, you can have an active role in how they can move from the ignition point to unaffected points of the property. By shutting down the air circulation at the thermostat, you can reduce the movement of these airborne effects to unsullied points of the house. 

These are two quick tips that do not require you to be in a damaged house long in the span between when you call our SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands professionals and when we arrive a short time later. To make fire losses “Like it never even happened.” give our rapid response team a call 24/7 at  (508) 888-5985.

Click here to see more about Falmouth. 

Getting Rid of Cigarette Smoke Odor

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

Getting Rid of Cigarette Smoke Odor

It's obvious to a non-smoker when a home smells like cigarettes.  The smell of tobacco and/or cigarette smoke and tar is stubborn because it "sticks" to all surfaces in your home as it spreads through the air. So, how do you get rid of the cigarette odor?  The short answer is that it's very difficult.  ALL surfaces in the home need to be scrubbed and deodorized, including the: flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, knick-knacks, and clothing. Even the air in the home needs to be deodorized during the process.  It's not an easy task, but the experts at SERVPRO® of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands have done it many times and are more than willing to help you.  Give us a call today and start breathing fresh smelling air!

Things To Be Done Before and After Fire Damage

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands is the best option for residential or commercial mold, water and fire restoration that is quick and detailed.

When Fire Strikes

Did you know that more Americans die from fires each year than all of the natural disasters combined? Therefore, if you have a fire and it’s too large to use a fire extinguisher, then please immediately vacate the premises and dial 911. Regardless of the size of the ordeal, you need to get in touch with a company that provides fire damage repair in Cape Cod.

If you must flee the scene of a fire, always make sure to follow these important points:

• Call the Authorities, make them aware that you plan to vacate, so they know that nobody is trapped inside.

• If you are in an old or historic building, tell the authorities and restoration technicians in case they have special methods for handling it.

• Close the door behind you, whenever you exit a room to prevent the smoke and fire from spreading.

• Don’t use any elevators.

• If you encounter smoke, drop down just a few inches above the ground and crawl to the nearest exit. Be aware that toxic smoke may also be found on the floor as well as in the air.

Moments After the Disaster

It only takes about five minutes for the fire to be hot enough to burn through steel. So, imagine what it can do to the framework of a building. This is why you’ll need clearance from the fire department before your allowed to re-enter a place after a fire.

In the meantime, stay with a friend or relative. You can also call a disaster relief service to find temporary accommodations. Your very next step should be to call your insurance company. Depending on your policy you may receive reimbursements for damages or help paying for fire damage restoration services offered from reputable companies like SERVPRO.

Before The Restoration Company Arrives

If you are allowed back in you home and you can try these tips before the restoration process happens

• Determine whether a water damage removal service in Cape Cod is also needed.

• Decide if hiring a contractor is necessary.

• Spread coffee grounds throughout the house to absorb the smell.

• Recover valuables and important documents.

• Use videos or pictures to document the damages for insurance purposes.

• Don’t turn on any HVAC systems to prevent circulation of soot.

What To Expect From Restoration companies

If you hire professionals to handle the restoration companies, here is what you can expect.

Special Equipment like negative air fans and air scrubbers will be used for air decontamination and ventilation. They may also use a HEPA vacuum on surfaces to get rid of dangerous particles. Once the air is clean and evacuated, they’ll run the ozone machine for at least 24 hours to clear any odors.

Remove all items so that they are not being further damaged from the soot and smoke that is still in the air. And put them in a safe space to be cleaned later.

Disinfecting and scrubbing areas with alkaline cleaners and counteractant chemicals. These are much better at cutting through soot and dulling down the strong fire odor.

Stay Safe

Conducting a fire restoration process is unsafe without a help from professionals. SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and The Islands is the best company for this job. We have expert knowledge and can determine if damages have reached beneath the surface. Furthermore, we offer other services like mold remediation in Cape Cod, which is often needed in cases of fire damage. Regardless, let us handle the situation so your life can get back to normal.

Cooking is the Number One Cause of House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

Cooking is the Number One Cause of House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association

 The number one source of house fires is cooking – usually leaving pots or pans unattended on the stove while you run away to do something for “just a minute.” The NFPA says that 40% of all house fires, or an average of 156,600 per year, start this way, causing approximately $853 million in property damage. Two-thirds of the fires started because the food or other materials caught fire.

Fires are more likely to start on a range (57%) as compared to the oven (16%), mainly due to frying. Most injuries occur when the cook tried to put out the fire.

Safety tips for avoiding Kitchen Fires:

• Be alert when cooking and don’t leave food unattended.
• Don’t throw water on a grease fire, put a lid on the pan to smother the fire.

• Keep clothing, pot holders, paper towels and other flammable items away from the stove.
• Have working smoke detectors in the house and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

Sources: http://www.propertycasualty360.com and National Fire Prevention Association

Home Fires Caused by Dryers and Washing Machines

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

Home Fires Caused by Dryers and Washing Machines

 Clothes dryer fires happen more often than one might think, accounting for 16,800 home structure fires in 2010 and doing more than $236 million in property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association. The most frequent causes of fires in dryers are lint/dust (29%) and clothing (28%). In washers, they are wire or cable insulation (26%), the appliance housing (21%) or the drive belt (15%).

Dryers were involved in 92% of the Washer/Dryer fires; the risk of fire was basically the same for both gas and electric-powered dryers.

Safety tips:

• Clean the lint screen frequently and don’t run the dryer without it.
• For gas and propane dryers, make sure there aren’t any leaks in the lines.
• Vent the dryer to the outside of the house and ensure nothing blocks the vent pipe.
• Clean the vent pipe and the area where the screen is housed.
• Keep the area around the dryer free of combustible materials.

Source: National Fire Protection Association and http://www.propertycasualty360.com

Here to Help You Recover from Fire Damage| SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands, the best professional fire and smoke damage restoration on Cape Cod. We are always here to help!

Recently we were called to help someone recover from a fire damage at their home in Bourne, MA. Typically, the crew would secure the building by boarding up the windows and doors, however this property’s fire took place nine months earlier. However, it is important to note the importance of securing your property immediately after a fire damage to protect your personal belongings and limit liability.

Fire damage is caused by the direct contact of both the heat and flame of the fire. Demolishing of the parts of the dwelling not structural sound happens immediately and we also haul way the debris from the property too!  And with our own construction division it gives us the ability to manage the entire project with no surprises getting you back in your home quickly. Then the crew goes to work on the inside where they clean the content and structure only damaged by the soot and or smoke and are salvageable. Contents are transferred to a secured storage facility. We organize and coordinate all the content cleaning such as clothing and the storage of your furnishings. We can even dry documents, restore your photos, and electronics. And of course, all while working with your insurance carrier to help make the claims process smoother.

As the days turned into weeks we cleaned the entire structure including ceilings, walls, floors, and cabinets.  The smoke can drift through household ducts, where it becomes trapped. We don't cover the smell, we remove it by using special equipment that can remove the smoke odor from your structure. If not properly removed, smoke odor will reoccur, especially during the months with high humidity. The "Thermal Fogging" process takes approximately three days. All work as to come to a halt and the site shut down. Signs are placed on all entrances to the property to warn people that there is thermal fogging in progress. Thermal fogging is the most crucial part of the cleanup process making it like the fire damage never even happened!

After the equipment is pulled, the property gets re-insulated, the walls are sheet rocked and painted, the kitchen and bathrooms are all installed, and the plumbing and electric are finished.  The final touches are all fixtures which are installed and finally the floors get put in.

If you are in need of a restoration company with experience in making fire damage "Like it never even happened." call SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands.

Tasks You Can Safely Do Before Fire Restoration Help Arrives | SERVPRO® of Upper Cape Cod and Islands

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands is a leading name in commercial cleanup and restoration on Cape Cod & the Islands.

Learning you’ve been affected by a home fire is a devastating feeling. While the damage fires cause can often be mitigated with restoration, it’s important to hire a professional to ensure the cleanup is done properly.

Working with a professional has several benefits, including working with the homeowner’s insurance company on your behalf and helping the restoration happen more quickly. However, as you’re waiting for help to arrive, it’s natural to want to do what you can to get started.

While some things should always be left to the professionals, there are a few tasks you can start to get your life back to normal even faster. If you find yourself needing to start on fire restoration ASAP, here are three things you can safely do:

Laundry

As most items will need to be washed several times, if your washer and dryer have not been affected by the fire, starting laundry right away is a great way to help the cleanup process. Begin by washing any clothing, bedding or other machine washable materials with an alkaline cleaner or vinegar solution—but leave delicate fabrics, upholstery and curtains to professional care.

Increased Ventilation

Weather permitting, let outside air into the house as much as possible. Open windows and doors to dissipate the smoke smell, and let them remain open as long as you are able. While the restoration team will bring industrial-grade equipment to aid this process once they arrive, this is a small step you can take toward helping the process along.

Preliminary Cleaning

Non-porous surfaces such as countertops and tile can withstand a preliminary scrub with soap and water to cut through the initial layer of grime. Use a mild dish soap or alkaline cleaner to begin, and let the professionals handle the usage of anything more heavy-duty. If you’re unsure, it’s best to wait for the professionals, as cleaning improperly can result in more severe and even permanent damage to your surfaces.

If your home has been affected by a fire, SERVPRO®’s team of professionals is trained and ready to help.

Yarmouth Fire Damage Restored by SERVPRO

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO, the best professional fire and smoke damage restoration in Cape Cod. We are always here to help!

Yarmouth Fire Damage Remediated by SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands is a leader in fire damage restoration and it is also a competent, professional mold remediation in Cape Cod. When an unfortunate incident of fire broke out in an apartment complex in Yarmouth, our services were employed for efficient cleanup and restoration. The accidental fire was later determined to be caused by misplacement of a cardboard box near the cooktop which caught fire and spread all over instantly. Yarmouth Fire Department was quick to respond and overcome the fire incident with SERVPRO swooping in the later stage to restore the property. Here’s a short overview of the incident and how we helped. On the afternoon of 25^th of April, 2017, a fire broke out in the Unit of a building which is a large multi-building apartment complex. The concerned building has a total of 12 units. One building, in particular, was the first one to call in 911 and report that smoke was being seen from another unit along with fire alarms sounding loud. The Fire Inspectors and Deputy Chief were the first to arrive on the scene. After a small mishap with the supply of water, the firefighters and ambulance were able to stop the fire incident and help the people who lived there. After evacuation, extinguishment, and ventilation, the residents of all units excluding those of Unit burnt in the fire were instructed to go back to their homes.

Heavy Fire and Smoke Damage

Finally, it was reported that the unit was struck by damaged caused by heavy fire and smoke damage. Once the Yarmouth Fire Department was done with their part, SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands was called in for the restoration of the property. Because of the heavy fire and smoke, the premises were considerably damaged. The residue of smoke, fire, soot, and water was everywhere and it had to be cleaned up and the property restored back to its original state. Since SERVPRO is a leading fire restoration service in Cape Cod, we ensured that the restoration left the house in a state where it seemed ‘like it never even happened’.

 Restoration for Fire Damage

There are many things to consider when a professional cleanup and restoration company such as SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands is handling a property damaged by fire. Fire is more than often an unstoppable force and if it is not stopped in time, it devours every nook and cranny of the property. But due to the courage and tireless efforts of our brave fire departments, SERVPRO rarely has to handle a property that has been damaged beyond conventional repair. When conducting fire damage repair in Cape Cod, we have to consider spaces, rooms, furniture, books, electronics, drapery and other textiles that might have been damaged. Soot, ash and other residue is the biggest challenge that SERVPRO faces during the restoration procedure.

SERVPRO, Always There to Help

After the Yarmouth fire incident was handled by the Yarmouth Fire Department, SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and the Islands was called in to remediate Unit 1218 of the building apartment complex. With the latest technology, machinery, and skilled professionals, we set to work immediately to restore the damaged unit. Our crew is capable of remediating residential as well as commercial property of any size which has faced damage due to natural calamities or accidents. Within a short duration, SERVPRO managed to complete the cleanup and restoration process to handover the property to its owners. Our quick cleanup ensured that residents returned to their homes as soon as possible.

 For inquiries and questions about Fire Smoke Damage Restoration in Cape Cod, contact us round the clock at (508) 888-5985.

Cape Cod Family Suffers Devastating Fire Damage

8/10/2017 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage destroys the personal content of a Sandwich family.

Family in Sandwich, MA Rebuilds Home After Devastating House Fire

Fire damage to your property, either commercial or residential, can be very distressing both financially as well as emotionally. Not only do you lose the things in which you have invested in, but family heirlooms can be damaged or lost forever in a fire. At such crucial times, a family in Sandwich, MA, made one call to us which put them on the road to recovering and rebuilding their home and peace of mind.

Contacting us was the least they could do and the rest of it was up to us. Not only did we restore their house but we also updated the property making the damage “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Damage Repair, Not an Easy Task

We, at SERVPRO, have built our company on the foundations of reliability, trust, convenience, and efficiency. We are trustworthy people who can fix any damage done to your property that troubles you. The range of damage caused by the fire is always extensive. It is not only the fire that causes damage, but also the water from the fire brigade too. Your property gets covered in soot. Fire damage repair requires proper, well trained and knowledgeable technicians.

SERVPRO has the best team of technicians who know their jobs well. They first inspect and identify the damages to your property, and then take steps accordingly.

Fire Restoration Service, Cape Cod

Our services include 24/7 availability and every kind of emergency scenarios are tackled as well. We have a team which is ready to help provide the best fire restoration service, Cape Cod area. Our fire restoration process comprises of six to seven steps in which we clean, repair and restores your property with as little disruption and inconvenience to you as possible.

Smoke and Soot – All Damages Restored!

Soot and smoke can be very tricky when it comes to removing these two completely and restoring and repairing the property that has been damaged because of a fire accident. Our specialists of fire smoke restoration, Cape Cod focus on restoring your property so that you can get back to your routine as soon as possible. We use special cleaning techniques which make the job easier, quicker and more effective.

Why Trust SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and Islands?

Our quality services and quick response have earned us a valuable name in the town, people have always put their faith in SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and Islands because of professionalism and desired results delivered. We are always there whenever a client calls us for help which has earned us a reputation like no other. With least disruption and best quality of material used in the restoration processes, we have always won the trust of our clients.

Restoration Available Round the Clock

We tackle emergencies 24/7 which makes us approachable and available to our clients at any given time. With the best team of specialists a company could have; we make your decision to hire us worthwhile. Our company’s motto is to provide you with the best results and meet your expectations from the beginning to the end. For us, your health and your home, matter the most and this has helped us garner the rightful recognition we hold today.

Plymouth, MA Family Rebuilds Home After Devastating Kitchen Grease Fire

7/6/2017 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire damages Plymouth, MA home.

Contacting us was the first thing that they did!We took care of the rest of the process from the board up all the way through to the rebuilding of their property. Not only did we restore their house we updated the property making the damage “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Damage Repair not a Child’s Play:

We, at SERVPRO, have constructed our company on the foundation of reliability. We are the trustworthy people who can fix whatever it is that troubles you. The range of damage caused by fire is always very vast. It is not only the fire that causes damage, but the water from the fire brigade also does. Your property gets covered in soot. Fire Damage Repair requires proper, well trained and knowledgeable technicians.

SERVPRO, have the best team of technicians who know their jobs well. They would first inspect and identify the damages to your property and then take steps accordingly.

Fire Restoration Service, Cape Cod:

Our services include 24/7 availability and every kind of emergency scenarios are tackled as well. We have a team who ready to help Fire Restoration Service, Cape Cod. Our fire restoration process comprises of six to seven steps in which we clean, repair and restore your property with as little disruption, as possible.

Smoke and Soot- All damages restored!

Soot and smoke can be very tricky when it comes to removing these two completely and restoring and repairing the property that has been damaged because of a fire accident. Our specialists for Fire Smoke Restoration, Cape Codfocus on restoring your property so that you can be brought back to your routine as soon as possible. They use special cleaning techniques which makes the job easier.

Why trust SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and Islands?

Our quality services and quick response have earned us a valuable name in the town, people have always put their faith in- SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod and Islands because of our results and professionalism. We have vowed to be always there whenever anyone calls for help, we have a reputation like no other. With the least disruption, yet the best quality of material used in the restoration process, we have won the trust of our clients.

We tackle emergencies with 24/7 availability which makes us approachable and helpful. Having the best team of specialists, you could have; we make your decision to hire us worthwhile. Giving the best results, and meeting your expectations from the beginning to the end is our company’s motto, we have gained today’s rightful recognition. For us your health and home both matter the most to us.

Water heater recall: Rheem, American Standard

5/31/2016 (Permalink)

Recall: Rheem Water Heater, American Standard. If you need assistance cleaning up call us at 508-888-5985

We recently came across this recall from Rheem who issued a recall May 26 on its Rheem Performance Platinum brand of electric water heaters in 40-, 50- and 80-gal. capacities due to fire and burn hazards caused by the overheating of control panels. If you have experienced a fire damage due to your Rheem water heater and need help cleaning up contact SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands.  Water Heating Technologies Corp. issued a recall May 24 on its American Standard brand of gas water heaters in 30-, 40- and 50-gal. capacities due to a fire or explosion hazard caused by a space between the burner flange and the combustion chamber.

Rheem Performance Platinum recall
The Rheem recall is for 54,000 of its Performance Platinum brand of electric water heaters (40-, 50- and 80-gal.) sold exclusively at Home Depot locations nationwide and online from January 2014 through April 2016 for between $450 and $720. The control panel on the water heaters can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards. The firm has received 296 reports of control panels overheating, including one report of a fire which resulted in $5,800 in property damage. No injuries have been reported.  

Consumers should immediately turn off and stop using the recalled water heaters, and contact Rheem to request a free repair by a Rheem field technician. Call toll-free at 866/369-4786 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CT on Sunday, or visit www.rheem.com/recalls.

The Risks of Fire Damage Increases During the Holiday Season on Cape Cod and Islands

11/5/2015 (Permalink)

This photo shows the damage done by a fire which started twelve units away from it.

Every day we take certain measures to keep ourselves safe from accidents, fires, and other perils. We use our seat belts when we are driving and we insist that our passengers do the same. We place our children in their car seats to keep them safe. Hopefully, we refrain from texting while driving and never drink and drive, keeping ourselves and other travelers safe.

We also take precautions at home. We lock our doors and never leave valuables in our cars so that we are not the victims of a break-in. We keep our properties well lit to deter criminals. But even with the greatest of intentions and precautions on the minds of property owners, they sometimes forget that the greatest risk of all could be unintentionally caused by them. And what could that be, you ask.  House fires can be the most devastating accidents of all and  here are the top causes of fire damage to homes or housing complexes that you may or may not be aware of.

• There are a number of sources for house fires and at the top of the list is cooking. Grease splatter or a pan overheating can quickly start a fire. Never leave a pot or pan, especially if you are using oil, unattended. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. Instead, cover it with a lid, to starve the fire of oxygen. Tip: As Thanksgiving Day approaches and you are tempted to fry the turkey instead of roasting it, make sure the fryer is a good distance from the house on a patch of dirt or sand.
• Another source of home fires is the furnace or other heating elements, such as wood stoves and fireplaces. Remember to have your furnace checked annually. This not only reduces the potential for a fire or a puff back but helps the appliance operate efficiently. Be sure to have your chimney cleaned and remember to open the flue before starting a fire. Keep pets and children away from the fireplace when having a fire. Be careful when cleaning and disposing of ashes in the fireplace. Place discarded ashes in a barrel far away from the house.
• Candles are lovely and certainly add to the ambiance in the room but they are also a major cause in many house fires.  When lighting candles, make sure that they are away from any loose fabrics, such as curtains. And NEVER leave a lit candle unattended.
• Though smoking is all but taboo these days, people are still lighting up. Another big cause of home fires is poorly extinguished smoking materials. Make sure that smoking is off limits in bedrooms and that ash trays are deep and large. If at all possible, ask that smoking be done outside rather than in the house.
• All too often, fires start because of an electrical malfunction. Be sure that electrical cords are not frayed and that you are not overloading extension cords. Though I applaud homeowners who can handle do it yourself projects, anything involving electricity might be better left to a licensed electrician. Tip: If you have to disconnect one appliance so that you can use another or if fuses blow and circuit breakers trip frequently or if the lights dim when you use another appliance, you may have a wiring problem and should call an electrician.
• Take special care when storing flammable items such solvents, cleaning agents, thinners, or paint. Since the vapors can easily ignite from a high temperatures or small spark, be sure to store these items in a cool, ventilated area.
• With Christmas just around the corner, make sure that the Christmas tree is positioned far enough away from heat sources, such as radiators, wood stoves, or heating systems. Check all lights and leave out any strings with frayed cords.

The old adage, It's better to be safe than sorry really holds true in these cases and we at SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands want you to know we are here when you need us most!

Fire damage goes beyond material loss in Woonsocket, RI

11/4/2015 (Permalink)

A fire at a 36-unit apartment complex in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

A fire at a 36-unit apartment complex in Woonsocket, Rhode Island last month is a stunning example of the kind of disaster that you know can happen but hope never does. While loss of life is certainly the worst loss that can ever occur in a tragedy such as this, loss of personal belongings and the home you have come to call your own, is the second worst thing that can happen. We feel blessed to say that no one was seriously injured in this blaze.

Typically, when my crew arrives on the scene of a fire damage, they often deal with much more than just the loss caused by the flames, themselves. There is also soot and smoke damage as well as damage caused by the water that was poured on the flames. The loss can and often is extensive. Oftentimes, my crew is not only assessing the extent of the loss and evaluating what needs to be done to make it “Like it never even happened” they are reassuring the homeowners or tenants, offering emotional support and comfort to those affected by the catastrophe. It’s one of those skills that is innate, that cannot be taught in a training class and I’m fortunate that it seems to come natural to the members of my team. I feel lucky to have employees with this type of characteristic working for me.

In the recent Woonsocket fire damage, the structural damage was extensive. The fire started because an outdoor electrical source malfunctioned. As you would expect, the 12 units directly affected by the flames incurred the greatest amount of damage and were determined to be a total loss….condemned.

As the fire moved through the building, firefighters sprayed down the next 12 units with water to prevent the fire from traveling into them. While these units were not burned, they did incur extensive soot and water damage. In these units, my team came in—removed the sheet rock, insulation, the trim and flooring, drying everything out—preparing the structure to be repaired at a later date.

Though the last 12 units were unaffected by the flames or water, they still incurred soot damage. When firefighters enter a building one of the first things that they do is to knock down doors to ensure nobody is in the unit. With no doors on the apartments, the smell of the smoke and accompanying soot from the fire travels inside, imbedding itself into everything from the furniture to the carpets to clothes hanging in closets. Removing the soot and the smoky smell requires professional cleaning beyond a dry cleaner. Hint: Renter's Insurance is relatively inexpensive and covers the damage done to the tenant’s personal property. 

Most people do what they can to prevent a tragedy like a fire from happening. We take precautions but even with the best preventative measures, these disasters do happen. And when they do, companies like SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands can step in and restore things back to the way they were.

Hiring A Restoration Firm To Clean Up After a Fire Damage in Plymouth, MA 02360

10/15/2015 (Permalink)

Before and after photos of a kitchen fire that we provided service for in Plymouth, MA 02360

Time is critical in the aftermath of a fire damage and, ideally, restoration efforts begin right away. Aside from destruction caused by flames and heat, the acid contained in soot is a primary cause for ongoing damage to a home or commercial building.  SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands has the experience, training and resources to help you after a fire.

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your property but also your belongings. For this reason, quick action is imperative and removal of the soot is urgent. If left to accumulate, the acid soot can form a thick layer that is extremely difficult to remove and may irreversibly destroy textiles, furnishings, carpeting, walls, appliances, and fixtures. Unless the problem is contained without delay, soot accumulation can increase the cost of restoring a building to pre-loss condition exponentially.

Property owners may feel compelled to start the cleanup but sometimes that can cause more damage. Using the wrong product can actually cause more damage to surfaces affected by smoke damage. Walking around can grind soot into the floor making areas not salvageable. And let's not forget that it is with certain that anyone working on a fire damage should be wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to protect themselves from breathing in possibly harmful chemicals that are a byproduct released from items that burned in the fire such as plastic. The cleaning experts can do intricate and detailed restoration services that are best suited for each situation to make the outcome, "Like it never even happened."

This is what our customers had to say about us when we helped them recover from a fire damage.

Heating Things Up on Our Wedding Anniversary at Home in Sandwich, MA

10/6/2015 (Permalink)

A romantic fire can turn into a soot mess in a matter of minutes.

 As the cooler days of autumn arrive, I cannot help thinking about my upcoming anniversary. It is without doubt one of my favorite “holidays” to celebrate and I genuinely enjoy coming up with new ways to surprise my husband on our special day. And I have to admit that last year I truly outdid myself in terms of shocking Billy…and me.

I had gotten home before Billy and started preparing for our celebration. I turned on the soft music, made myself a Cosmo, lit some candles around the room and then lit the fireplace. I was just about to change into “something a little more comfortable” when I noticed the room becoming smoky. I quickly determined that the flue in our chimney was broken and didn’t fully open. As the smoke continued backing up and pouring into the house, I considered different ways to douse the flames and decided that the fire extinguisher would be the best and safest method. Once the fire was out, I looked around and noticed all the soot covering my freshly painted walls. As the owner of a restoration company dealing with fire and soot damage on a daily basis, I knew the best way to clean the walls was with SERVPRO’s Wall & All cleaner. So I immediately got my rubber gloves, the cleaner, a bucket, and went to work. It was at that moment that my husband walked through the front door. Instead of finding me dressed in “something a little more comfortable” holding a drink in my hand…ready to celebrate, he saw me kneeling on the floor, wearing my sexiest rubber gloves, cleaning the walls. Yup, unfortunate surprises even happen to the owners of a restoration company. 

HINT: Every home should have a fire extinguisher. Try to keep it near the kitchen, where most fires start.

The Do’s of Fireplace Safety

The Don’ts of Fireplace Safety

Fire Happens In a Blink of an Eye in Buzzards Bay, MA

9/26/2015 (Permalink)

Fire Damage at Eastern Inn, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532

Fire Damage can occur in a blink of an eye.

In 2014, there were 1,298,000 fires reported in the United States causing $11.6 Billion in property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association. The same site quotes, “a fire is reported in the U.S. every 64 seconds.” Many agree that the kitchen and more specifically, cooking is the #1 culprit. You may call your unclean stovetop messy, but safety experts would call it dangerous! Not cleaning your stovetop can result in grease buildup, which is flammable.  Tip # 1: If a grease or oil fire does occur, do not try to stop it with water. Water on a grease or oil fire will only make the fire bigger. Instead, smother the fire with a nearby pan lid or cookie sheet. There are two types of destructive fires that can occur at a residential or commercial property. One variety is a small-centralized fire in a kitchen mentioned above that damages only a few items while the other type is a large fire that destroys numerous important materials such as drywall and insulation of a building. Not only is a fire destructive due to hot flames, but there are additional problems from poisonous smoke and greasy soot that make it difficult to restore a property and the water or extinguisher that is used to put out the flames.

The Role of Fire Restoration Technicians

SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands’ fire restoration technicians are trained to restore a property as quickly as possible to prevent additional damage from soot, smoke and water. One of the first things that require repair are roofs and walls to prevent exposure to rain, snow and cold air. And the boarding up of any damaged doors and windows to reduce the chance of theft and personal liability. These repairs permit workers to enter a building to complete essential restoration to other fire damage materials. At the same time, SERVPRO technicians begin the process of removing water prevent moisture damage.

Improving Air Circulation

After a fire occurs, buildings often become humid from the water used to douse flames. Unfortunately, power in the building is frequently turned off, leading to poor air circulation. Lack of air circulation causes secondary problems from smoke odor and humidity. Our fire damage technicians install the fan systems to circulate air and reduce humidity levels. With an improvement in air quality and removal of moisture, it is possible to restore power to a building to complete other restorations.

Cleaning and Sanitizing Surfaces Affected by Fire

After major repairs are completed; our trained experts begin cleaning and sanitizing surfaces damaged by smoke and soot. Removing filthy soot is a specialized process to avoid contaminating other items. Industrial-strength equipment scrubs the surface while vacuuming debris that is isolated for disposal. Our technicians use sump pumps and extraction machines to remove moisture from water-soaked areas.

Why hire a Fire Damage Remediation Expert

After a fire, hiring a professional fire remediation company like SERVPRO of Upper Cape Cod & The Islands helps the property owner be able to begin the cleanup immediately upon the approval from the fire inspector after determining the cause and origin of the fire and that the building is safe to work in.  Hiring us means that you have someone taking care of your needs 24/7. We work directly with your insurance company and adjuster to help the process go as smooth as possible. Our goal is to ensure that you and your family will be back in your home or business as soon as possible making this terrible tragedy “Like it never even happened.”

More information see: Fire Damage can occur in a blink of an eye