Recent Fire Damage Posts

Winter Fire Safety for Commercial Properties

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

commercial fire damage during the winter Stay safe, warm, and call us for any of your restoration needs!

As temperatures drop and the winter season unfolds, commercial property owners face unique challenges in ensuring the safety and security of their premises. With heating systems running at full capacity and holiday decorations adorning the surroundings, the risk of fire becomes a significant concern. To safeguard your commercial property and its occupants during the winter months, here are three essential strategies to implement:

  1. Regular Maintenance of Heating Systems: The heart of any commercial property during winter is its heating systems. Regular maintenance and inspection of boilers, furnaces, and HVAC units are paramount to prevent potential fire hazards. Schedule professional inspections to ensure that heating equipment is operating efficiently and without defects. Clear any debris or flammable materials from around heating units and ensure proper ventilation to prevent the buildup of combustible gases. By prioritizing the maintenance of heating systems, you can mitigate the risk of fires caused by faulty equipment or improper operation.

  2. Implement Stringent Electrical Safety Measures: Electrical malfunctions are a common cause of commercial fires, especially during the winter when electrical usage spikes. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your property's electrical infrastructure to identify and address any potential hazards. Inspect wiring, outlets, and electrical appliances for signs of wear, damage, or overloading. Implement overload protection devices and surge suppressors to safeguard against power surges and prevent electrical fires. Educate employees about safe electrical practices, such as avoiding the use of space heaters with extension cords and unplugging non-essential devices when not in use. By prioritizing electrical safety, you can reduce the risk of fire and ensure uninterrupted business operations.

  3. Establish Clear Fire Safety Protocols: Effective fire safety protocols are essential for commercial properties to minimize the impact of potential fires and ensure the swift and orderly evacuation of occupants. Develop and communicate clear emergency evacuation procedures, including designated exit routes, assembly points, and emergency contact information. Install and regularly test fire detection and alarm systems to provide early warning of potential fire incidents. Equip your property with appropriate fire suppression equipment, such as fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and emergency lighting, and ensure that employees are trained in their proper use. Conduct regular fire drills to familiarize occupants with evacuation procedures and reinforce the importance of fire safety awareness. By establishing robust fire safety protocols, you can enhance the preparedness and resilience of your commercial property against the threat of winter fires.

In conclusion, proactive measures are crucial for keeping commercial properties safe from fires during the winter season. By prioritizing the maintenance of heating systems, implementing stringent electrical safety measures, and establishing clear fire safety protocols, property owners can mitigate risks and protect their assets, occupants, and livelihoods. Stay vigilant, stay prepared, and prioritize fire safety to ensure a secure and productive winter season for your commercial property.

What You Should Know About Water Damage After Fires

8/28/2023 (Permalink)

Interior of a building damaged by fire and water, water dripping from the ceiling, broken window. Fire and water damage in a building in Georgetown, TX.

Protect Your Business From Fire

As a business owner, you want to do everything you can to protect your business. After a business in Georgetown, TX, sustains fire damage, it is not uncommon for water damage to occur after the fire. There are various reasons floods often occur after fires.

1. Environmental Devastation Can Make Flooding Likely

When fires are not contained within a building, plant life can be destroyed. In addition to providing curb appeal to your business, trees, shrubs and other plants around your building can help to absorb rainwater. However, if a fire destroys the majority of plant life in an area, excess water will not be absorbed, and floods are more likely to occur quickly.

2. Structural Issues Can Result in Flooding

Fire damage can often affect the structure of a building, which can in turn cause pipes to crack or burst. If a pipe bursts or cracks as a result of a fire, different areas of a building may be impacted by water. Though it is not always possible to avoid pipes breaking during fires, regular maintenance can help to spot cracks that may otherwise remain unnoticed until after a building has been damaged.

3. Hoses Can Cause Flooding

The process of putting out a fire can also be a cause of flooding. When a fire is being extinguished, the combination of a fire hose and a sprinkler system can cause a business to become flooded. Since sprinklers and hoses can result in destruction in various areas in the home, including higher locations that may not be impacted by flooding that occurs naturally, it’s often wise to protect important documents by placing them in water-proof, fire-proof containers.

Knowing that flooding often happens after fire damage can help you to prepare your business for disaster. If your business has been impacted by fires and floods, you may consider it helpful to work with fire and flood damage restoration professionals to help restore your business.

Five Things To Do To Prevent a Gas Fire From a Leak

8/21/2023 (Permalink)

Natural gas burning on kitchen gas stove in the dark Make sure the stove is off.

Whether it is after a storm or even on a normal day, smelling gas in your home is an unsettling feeling. A gas fire is a common type of house fire, but the good news is you can easily prevent fires caused by natural gas leaks. By following these simple steps, you can protect your home and family.

What To Do When You Smell Gas

1. Remain Calm. You have a better chance of preventing a gas fire when you can think clearly.

2. Ventilate the House. When you open windows, it allows the gas to escape, lessening the chance of a gas explosion.

3. Avoid Making Sparks or Using a Flame. A spark can trigger a gas explosion. Light switches can create sparks, so you don’t want to turn any lights on or off. You also don’t want to use candles or lighters for this same reason. Use a flashlight instead.

4. Make Sure the Stove Is Off. In most instances, the natural gas is coming from the stove. Check to see that all the dials have been shut off properly. You can hear a hiss coming from the burner in this case.

5. Move the Family Outside and Shut Off the Gas. Being outside is the safest place for your family. Once you are outside, go to the meter and shut off the gas. Every meter has an emergency shut-off valve. Find it and turn it to the off position. Then, call the appropriate authorities from a neighbor’s home or your cellphone.

Following these steps can help you when you smell natural gas. Know where your meter and shut-off valve are located, so you can easily find them in an emergency. If you have had the unfortunate event of a gas fire in Serenada, TX, you can find the help you need by calling a restoration professional to help you get your home back to normal.

How to Clean Your Electronics After a Fire

6/23/2023 (Permalink)

Flames around a computer. It is deeply frustrating when possessions get destroyed, but computerized equipment can sometimes be saved.

Between tossing everything that has become damaged and hiring a fire restoration service to handle the most difficult aspects of the task, any fire cleanup job is deeply stressful. Often getting lost during the process is the recovery of precious electronics. Never trash them until you have confirmed they are impossible to repair.

Smoke Damage and Electronics
When smoke infects our digital gadgets, it impacts them in three ways:
1. Magnetization, leading to short-circuiting.
2. Corrosion, dramatically shortening their lifespans.
3. Overheating, caused by a thick layer of soot.
Any items displaying evidence of the above conditions should be disposed of, but those that do not may be rehabilitated. Should a fire strike your home in Serenada, TX, remember that inspecting your beloved digital toys should automatically be included as part of the fire cleanup.

Cleansing Electronics of Smoke Damage
First, disconnect the device you wish to salvage and remove the batteries or any other existing power source. With a soft, dry towel, wipe your gizmo’s exterior of any residue, then use an air compressor or blow dryer to clear out any outlets or vents. Once this has been done, you can test your device by switching it on. Never do this, however, until the cleaning stage has been completed.


Sadly, your beloved item will likely never operate the way it once did, as ash is virtually guaranteed to compromise proper functioning. Should you detect unusual behavior from your device, have it inspected by a product specialist. You may have taken out warranties on your most prized pieces, but also note that many home insurance policies cover electronics-related losses, so check your provisions.


It is deeply frustrating when possessions get destroyed, but computerized equipment can sometimes be saved. Never let the hectic nature of a fire cleanup undertaking prevent you from granting your favorite gadgets one last shot at life.

Ways to Prepare Your Family for a House Fire

2/12/2023 (Permalink)

Text that says "Hope for the best, plan for the worst." If a fire breaks out in your home, it's important that you know what to do and how to handle the situation.

The best way to prepare your family for a house fire is to prevent one from occurring. However, if a fire does happen in your home, it's important that you know what to do and how to handle the situation. Here are some tips on how you can be prepared:

Install Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are the most important safety device in your home, and they're required by law in every state. They offer vital protection because they can alert you to a fire's presence before it can do any damage or harm anyone inside your home. To maximize their effectiveness, it's best to install them in bedrooms and hallways (including stairwells) as well as sleeping areas outside of bedrooms. It's also advisable to ensure that there are smoke alarms on each level of your home, including the basement and attic spaces. Additionally, you should place an extra one within 15 feet of any kitchen appliances—such as ovens or ranges—and another near any fireplace where burning wood may be present at night; this includes those located within living rooms as well as dens or family rooms.

Test Alarms and Change Batteries

You should test your alarms every month to make sure they’re working. You can do this by pushing the button on top of your smoke detector, or by shaking it (gently!) in case the battery is loose. Check and replace your batteries at least twice a year – even more often if you get frequent false alarms.

Talk about Fire Safety

If a fire breaks out in your home, you should know the best way to make sure everyone gets out safely. It's important to discuss what steps each member of your family should take and how they will do so. For example, if a fire breaks out in the kitchen and you are able to safely get out of that part of the house, but not reach them through another exit because the smoke has blocked it off completely or is blocking it from view (i.e., when there are no windows or doors). Teach each person about how to call 911. In addition, teach children how to use a fire extinguisher so they can put out small fires themselves before help arrives.

Store and Use a Fire Extinguisher

The type of fire extinguisher you use will depend on what kind of fire you're dealing with. If you believe it's a grease or electrical fire, call 911 and wait for the professionals to arrive before using a fire extinguisher. Dispose of the used fire extinguisher in accordance with your local regulations. If possible, take it outside and let it cool down before disposing of it so that no one can be injured at that moment.

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand how to prepare your family for a house fire. We know that it’s scary, but don’t worry. Just remember to follow these steps and be prepared before fire erupts. If you do have a fire in your home, SERVPRO of Georgetown, Florence, Sun City is here to help. We will get your Broken Arrow home back to normal as soon as possible.

Your Beeping Fire Alarm Needs Attention

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Changing the batteries of a smoke alarm A fire alarm is one of the easiest ways to prevent a devastating fire emergency.

Attention Required: Your Beeping Fire Alarm

It is easy to forget about the fire alarm in your home or office in Serenada, TX. As innocuous as it is, it serves an extremely important function. Pay attention to maintenance signals, such as beeping, to keep your alarm in working order and everyone in the building safe from a fire.

Stop the Beeping
When your alarm emits a loud chirping noise, it is communicating to you that there is an issue that needs to be resolved. Most often, the issue is that the batteries are low, and you need to replace them. Follow the steps below:

  • Remove the cover and old batteries; take note of the battery type.
  • Put in fresh batteries.
  • Replace the cover and perform a test.

If your alarm is hardwired, you may need to reset it. You can reset it by shutting the power off and on in your breaker box.

Practice Routine Fire Alarm Maintenance
Rather than waiting for your alarm to alert you to an issue, the best practice is to perform routine maintenance. Batteries should be replaced twice per year. You should perform tests about once a month. In tandem, keep your fire plan updated and make sure everyone in the building is aware of it. Have a list of fire damage services and protocols ready to go.

Invest in a Better Alarm
Although almost any alarm will get the job done, some are built better than others. Long-life alarms have a sealed lithium battery and will not chirp or need to be reset for 10 years. There is an end-of-life warning that will let you know when to replace the alarm. Some states now require this type of alarm due to its increased reliability.
A fire alarm is one of the easiest ways to prevent a devastating fire emergency. Alarm maintenance typically does not require a lot of effort or time. Make it a habit to check on your alarm and avoid smoke damage from a fire.

How to Deodorize After a Fire

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Ozone generator Ozone generators can remove smoke odor from your home.

How Do You Get Rid Of The Smell After a Fire

Smoke particles do not just disappear after a fire. Instead, they can infiltrate everything you own. Your carpet, furniture, clothing and even walls may smell like smoke for months after the fire. Without a professional restoration firm, it may be difficult to fully remove the noxious odor of smoke from your home. Keep in mind that deodorizers, incense and the like are only temporary fixes.

Clean the Air

Primarily, your restoration professional may use the following equipment to clean the air:

  • Air filters
  • Thermal foggers
  • Ozone machines

This equipment will not only fight the odor but remove the source of the odor as well. They can rid your home of the smoke particles responsible for the smell. In addition, these machines will usually help your property receive optimal airflow during and after restoration.

Clean the Source

If you do not get rid of the source of the problem, you will not get rid of the odor. The first thing you should do during a smoke cleaning is to see which of your belongings are scorched. The best course of action is to remove anything that is unsalvageable. As long as there is visible fire damage in the home, you may not be able to get rid of the smell entirely.

Clean the Surface

Next, it is time to look at all the exposed surfaces in your home. A thorough smoke cleaning involves cleaning walls, ceilings, floors, countertops and any appliances left in the home. This will help restorers take care of all the remaining smoke damage. Keep in mind that it does not matter if a room was untouched by fire, smoke and other particles can still stick to surfaces.

If you want to get rid of smoke odor, you do not have to do it alone. Professional services that specialize in smoke cleaning in Florence, TX can remedy the damage caused by fire and smoke.

4 Reasons To Board Up Your Home After a Disaster

6/19/2022 (Permalink)

Board up window Board up your house after a fire or other catastrophe.

Four Reasons To Board Up Your Home

After a fire, storm or other disaster strikes your Georgetown, TX  home, your instinct may be to flee to a hotel or a friend's house immediately. Before you go, consider protecting your ailing home. It may seem like yet another thing to add to your already-crowded "to-do" list, but it could save you from further drama. Here are four reasons to board up your home until your fire and storm damage restoration company finishes undoing the damage.

1. To Stop Secondary Storm or Fire Damage
The potential for damage doesn't stop once the flames are extinguished or the wind subsides. Gaps, cracks and holes in your home can create more problems by letting in wind, water, debris and pests. These unwanted guests are problematic enough on their own, but they can also worsen damage originating from the initial event.

2. To Prevent Theft and Vandalism
Insects and animals aren't the only home invaders you need to worry about if you leave your home vulnerable. Missing windows and broken doors allow would-be criminals of all shapes and sizes access to your home.
There's likely more inside to steal than you realize, too. More and more, thieves are less interested in your big-screen TV than they are in nabbing personal information, appliances and even building materials.

3. To Keep Your Insurance Coverage
Your insurer may require that you board up your home after a fire or weather event in order to maintain your coverage. This is rooted in the same reasons listed above: the sooner you board things up, the smaller the window for additional damage or theft.

4. To Protect Yourself From Lawsuits
Did you know that if somebody enters your fire-ravaged kitchen and injures himself or herself, you could be forced to pay damages? Stop that possibility in its tracks when you halt unwanted visitors with an emergency board-up.
Board up your house after a fire or other catastrophe, and you can remove a variety of stressors from your family's agenda. That's time better spent looking forward to your restored home and taking a well-deserved break.

4 Tips on How To Eliminate the Smell of Cigarettes From Your Home

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Ozone generator Ozone machines are extremely effective at home deodorization.

4 Tips for Getting Rid of the Cigarette Smell in Your Home

While candles and air fresheners can help mask the smell of cigarettes for a short while, this especially potent type of odor often requires extensive home deodorization to eliminate the smell completely. While an odor removal specialist might be necessary if your home in Florence, TX, has been exposed to cigarette smoke for a long period of time, here are a few tips on how you can try to rid of the smell on your own.


1. Clean Hard Surfaces Using Vinegar

While it may appear that smoke floats around the room until it dissolves, it actually settles on the first surface it comes into contact with. Often, this surface is your ceiling or the top of your walls. However, furniture, floors and other surfaces will likely be hit over time. Take time to thoroughly clean every hard surface in your home using a half vinegar and half water solution.

2. Create Airflow

Use ceiling fans, floor fans and open windows to let out foul smelling odors that are in the air of your home. While this action alone won’t help much for intense, lingering smoke, it is important to not trap the smoke smell in your house while you work on a total home deodorization.

3. Deep Clean Fabrics

Fabrics like your clothes, the carpet, linens and upholstered furniture will absorb the cigarette smell until you take the time to deep clean them. Machine wash all clothing and fabrics that can be washed and add a cup of vinegar to the load. Use a steam cleaner to wash carpet and other fabrics.

4. Ozone Machine

Ozone machines are extremely effective at home deodorization. This is the tool of choice of many restoration companies. These machines use the process of oxidation to change the structure of odors in your home chemically.

No one likes the smell of cigarette smoke in their home. Try out these four tips or call in the professionals for a fresh smelling, smoke-free home!

How To Deal With Business Interruption After a Fire

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Visible damage to a commercial building following a structure fire Commercial fire damage in Andice, TX.

How to Handle Business Disruption Following a Fire

Fires can leave destruction in their wake and often devastate businesses of all sizes and shapes. Whether your Andice, TX, business operates as a corporation with many investors or it is a mom-and-pop shop in a quiet corner, the business interruption that takes place in the days following a business fire can lead to heavy financial losses.

Remediation Professionals Care for Your Property

The key to surviving often begins with how you handle the situation. Even if your structures remain unharmed, you may have to contend with smoke or water damage. As quickly as possible, contact fire cleaning and repair professionals. They can offer a variety of crucial services.

  • Roof tarping
  • Restoration for carpets, woodwork, and electronics
  • Decontamination for HVAC and ductwork systems
  • Cleaning and repair of fixtures, furniture, and documents
  • Building reconstruction
  • Safety inspections and education

For the best results, get in touch with these professionals right away to prevent further damage or losses.

Continue To Focus on Day-to-Day Operations

While fire and smoke remediation technicians are taking care of your property, you can focus on the operation of your company. You may have the choice of operating out of a temporary location, or you may have to put things on hold until you can move back into your building. Either way, you're likely to see less revenue during this time. Business interruption coverage can help alleviate your concerns.

Insurance Coverage Keeps Things Moving Forward

This type of insurance coverage often provides a way for you to continue paying rent and making payroll. It may also give you the financial means to move to a temporary location. In many cases, the policies cover your costs throughout the entire restoration period. Discuss these details with your insurance representative.

Fires and other emergencies tend to strike when you least expect them. Whether your Andice, TX, business is large or small, whether you own the building or not, it's best to have business interruption insurance in place. Give yourself the peace of mind that comes with adequate insurance coverage.

What You Should Know About Water Damage After Fires

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

Interior of a building damaged by fire and water, water dripping from the ceiling, broken window. Fire and water damage in a building in Georgetown, TX.

Protect Your Business From Fire

As a business owner, you want to do everything you can to protect your business. After a business in Georgetown, TX, sustains fire damage, it is not uncommon for water damage to occur after the fire. There are various reasons floods often occur after fires.

1. Environmental Devastation Can Make Flooding Likely

When fires are not contained within a building, plant life can be destroyed. In addition to providing curb appeal to your business, trees, shrubs and other plants around your building can help to absorb rainwater. However, if a fire destroys the majority of plant life in an area, excess water will not be absorbed, and floods are more likely to occur quickly.

2. Structural Issues Can Result in Flooding

Fire damage can often affect the structure of a building, which can in turn cause pipes to crack or burst. If a pipe bursts or cracks as a result of a fire, different areas of a building may be impacted by water. Though it is not always possible to avoid pipes breaking during fires, regular maintenance can help to spot cracks that may otherwise remain unnoticed until after a building has been damaged.

3. Hoses Can Cause Flooding

The process of putting out a fire can also be a cause of flooding. When a fire is being extinguished, the combination of a fire hose and a sprinkler system can cause a business to become flooded. Since sprinklers and hoses can result in destruction in various areas in the home, including higher locations that may not be impacted by flooding that occurs naturally, it’s often wise to protect important documents by placing them in water-proof, fire-proof containers.

Knowing that flooding often happens after fire damage can help you to prepare your business for disaster. If your business has been impacted by fires and floods, you may consider it helpful to work with fire and flood damage restoration professionals to help restore your business.

How To Avoid Space Heater Fires

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Space Heater If you are not using your space heater, make sure to turn it off and unplug it.

How To Avoid Space Heater Fires

As a homeowner in Florence, TX, the last thing you want to worry about during chilly seasons is a burned space heater. It can be hard to remember to carefully operate and maintain such a device when you are just focused on staying warm. Here are three safety tips that can help you be better prepared to keep the unit and your home free from fires.

1. Avoid Overheating

Do not plug multiple devices or an extension cord into the same outlet where the heater is plugged in. This could cause the devices, cords or outlet to overheat, creating a fire risk. It is a good idea to plug the unit into an otherwise empty power outlet to avoid a burned space heater.

2. Turn It Off

If you are not using your space heater, make sure to turn it off and unplug it. Consider doing this anytime you leave the room or go to sleep for the night. Pull the plug straight out of the socket and check it for any damage. If damage is found, dispose of the unit and purchase a new one.

3. Leave Ample Space

Leave a space of three or more feet around the heater to account for pets, children and combustible materials found in the room. It is also important to never use a space heater in a child’s room. Often, kids may not understand the fire danger involved and may not be able to properly inspect a unit for damage or other issues. This could potentially lead to a fire in your Florence, TX, home.

Take these three safety tips seriously and try to remember them to have a greater chance of avoiding a burned space heater and the smoke cleanup that could result from it. Then you can focus on staying warm and cozy through the cold fall and winter months.

Five Things To Do To Prevent a Gas Fire From a Leak

10/29/2021 (Permalink)

Natural gas burning on kitchen gas stove in the dark Make sure the stove is off.

Whether it is after a storm or even on a normal day, smelling gas in your home is an unsettling feeling. A gas fire is a common type of house fire, but the good news is you can easily prevent fires caused by natural gas leaks. By following these simple steps, you can protect your home and family.

What To Do When You Smell Gas

1. Remain Calm. You have a better chance of preventing a gas fire when you can think clearly.

2. Ventilate the House. When you open windows, it allows the gas to escape, lessening the chance of a gas explosion.

3. Avoid Making Sparks or Using a Flame. A spark can trigger a gas explosion. Light switches can create sparks, so you don’t want to turn any lights on or off. You also don’t want to use candles or lighters for this same reason. Use a flashlight instead.

4. Make Sure the Stove Is Off. In most instances, the natural gas is coming from the stove. Check to see that all the dials have been shut off properly. You can hear a hiss coming from the burner in this case.

5. Move the Family Outside and Shut Off the Gas. Being outside is the safest place for your family. Once you are outside, go to the meter and shut off the gas. Every meter has an emergency shut-off valve. Find it and turn it to the off position. Then, call the appropriate authorities from a neighbor’s home or your cellphone.

Following these steps can help you when you smell natural gas. Know where your meter and shut-off valve are located, so you can easily find them in an emergency. If you have had the unfortunate event of a gas fire in Serenada, TX, you can find the help you need by calling a restoration professional to help you get your home back to normal.

Effective Ways To Get Smoke Odor out of Your House

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

Ozone machine Ozone machines are one of the best smoke cleaning tools.

Ways To Get Rid Of Smoke Odors In Your Home

Of all the disasters that could occur in your home, fire is among the worst. The worst fires can completely destroy your home and everything inside. Even minor blazes can damage valuables. Another effect fires leave behind is the smell of smoke that remains. You may find yourself doing some smoke cleaning weeks or even months after the event. Fortunately, there are some effective methods of removing the awful stench of smoke and the damage it can cause.

Do it Quickly

Even the slightest amount of smoke in your home can causes problems. You don’t want to waste any time before you work on eliminating the smoke odor. The longer the smoke sits in your Andice, TX home, the greater chance it has of seeping into walls, carpet, furniture and other parts of your home. It’s important to immediately open windows and ventilate the house. Then, you should get right to work.

What Materials Are Best?

Luckily, it’s not hard to get your hands on the right equipment and supplies to combat smoke damage. Some of the best smoke cleaning tools are the following:

  • Air filtration devices
  • Ozone machines
  • Thermal foggers

Why Choose Professional-Grade Supplies

Air filtration, ozone machines and thermal foggers are designed especially for some of the worst smoke odors and damages from smoke. Professional restoration companies use these devices to help ensure a home is as close to its original state as possible.

Take Caution

If you decide to use this equipment and these materials yourself, take proper precautions before cleaning. Make sure you wear gloves, eye protection and a mask on your face. This will keep harmful particles from getting into your lungs and off your skin.

Smoke cleaning isn’t something you want to do, but you’re grateful there are solutions to overcome these terrible effects. Consult an expert today on how to use this equipment and which will work best in your situation.