Tips for Space Heaters in The Home

10/28/2024 (Permalink)

Space heaters are involved in 1 of every 6 home fires.  Furthermore, 1 in every 5 home fire deaths and half of all fires caused by home heating occur between December and February.

Here are a few steps that can prevent home fires caused by a space heater. (via American Red Cross)

1. Make sure to always keep anything that gives off heat at least 3 feet away from flammable materials or items.
2. Never plug more than one heating appliance into an outlet.
3. Keep portable gas generators outside and away from windows to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. If you have a fireplace, make sure your chimney is checked and cleaned by a professional once a year. Use a metal or glass screen that is large enough to prevent escaping embers.
5. Never leave fires (or candles) burning, or heating appliances plugged in, while asleep, in another room, or when you leave your home.

Take note of the above and insure that your home has taken all of the necessary precautions.

Backyard Fire Pit Safety Tips for 2022

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Here in Huntsville, AL it's a tradition to enjoy the cooler nights outside around a homemade fire pit! Many of us are looking forward to spending time gathering around them to enjoy time with family and friends. Before you start dreaming of moonlit nights and toasted marshmallows, take a moment to check out some of these tips on fire pit safety: 

Backyard Fire Pit Safety Tips:

• Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.
• Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.
• Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
• Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
• To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning. 
• Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke. 
• Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.
• As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can. 

Keep these tips in mind during your s'mores night so that the only fire you have to put out is the one around the pit. 

Cleanup after a Fire Damage

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

The Smoke Cleanup Process

Few smells linger like the odor of smoke. Even if a fire in your home in Huntsville, AL only affects part of the structure, smoke damage can permeate the entire house. Fire remediation experts remove smoke and soot after they have secured the area and extracted anything damaged by the fire and the water used to put it out. They may use several techniques to do so.

Dry Cleaning

Regular washing may not get rid of the total smell left behind by smoke. Many of the items that need odor removal can be handled by dry cleaning:

• Draperies
• Clothes
• Furniture covers
• Linens

When you wash smoke-infused clothing in a washer, there is an extended period of time where the clothes are sitting in smoky water. The smell can also get trapped in the machine itself. Dry cleaners often have special oxidation processes for getting soot damage out of textiles.

Thermal Foggers

Many professionals use industrial foggers to rid homes of smoke damage after a fire. A fogger is helpful because it gets the smoke out of cracks and crevices in a similar way to the process it underwent during the fire. Chemicals are heated to produce fog that permeates porous surfaces, traps smoke particles and neutralizes them. Once the fogger has completed its job, the air is usually noticeably cleaner.

Ozone Treatments

Another smoke cleaning method is the use of ozone machines. These devices create a similar atmosphere to the outside air after a thunderstorm. By releasing ozone particles into the air, the area gets refreshed. Soon, the clean air replaces the sooty, stale air, making your home smell clean and normal again.

A fire in your home will likely cause extensive smoke damage not only to items within your home but to the structure itself. Professional technicians can clean the damaged area and employ various methods to get rid of the smoke odors.

Fire in your Kitchen?

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

Home fires are most likely to start in the kitchen than any room in the house.  The second leading cause of fires inside the home are from wood stoves and fireplaces.  Multitasking while cooking is the biggest reason fires start in the kitchen.  One third of fires are caused by not paying attention to food on the stove.  Cooking oil or grease can easily catch fire if it gets too hot.  Ranges and cook tops account for 58% of fires and ovens account for 16%.  Microwaves are the leading cause of scald burn injuries.  Hot pans and the hot stove with hot liquids or steam accounted for 55% of burns in children.  Trying to fight a kitchen fire yourself can lead to injury and making the matter worse.

Keep your family safe by providing safety tips to prevent fires and burns.  Have a kid free zone of at least 3 feet around the stove and hot objects.  Children need to be aware of the dangers of cooking and being too close to hot objects.  Keep hot objects away from the edges of tables and counters due to small children reaching for food. 

Keep a clutter free area when cooking to reduce the chance of flammable material setting a fire.  Items to keep away from the stove would include dish towels, potholders, and paper towels.  When distracted and having to leave the kitchen it is best to turn the stove off.  Two of every five home fires start in the kitchen and could have been prevented.

When you have experienced a kitchen fire from a food source you will have soot and odor through out the home.  To remove soot and smoke from walls, furniture, and floors, contact your local SERVPRO of the Quad Cities. Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure.  Listed below are tips on what not to do after a fire:

            What NOT To Do After a Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat, or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Leave the cleaning and restoration needs to SERVPRO. There is no substitute for training and experience. As fire and water damage specialists, our business is built upon fire and water restoration expertise. We have the knowledge and the specialized equipment to get your property back to pre-fire condition. 

Commercial Fire Cleanup

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

A fire takes over your business at 3 in the morning, what do you do? When the stress is the highest, you can call on SERVPRO to take care of the cleanup and restoration. Our team works in a timely manner to get business back to normal. We take care of everything from the first alarm call to the final inspection, and we are a company you can trust to get the job done right. We do not run from a job, SERVPRO is ready for any commercial fire that arises. We do smoke, soot, and fire cleanup no matter how big the fire is. We take care of the fire damage restoration, and we make sure that your buildings are commercial fire cleanup ready. We offer 24-hour service for any size job.
When a business is involved in a fire, we know how costly the damage can be. SERVPRO is always on hand to help you when you need us most. Our professional approach and our expertise take worry out of the equation so that you can focus on the important things like keeping your customers safe, employees present, and business running smoothly.

Huntsville, AL: Do's and Dont's for Fire and Smoke Damage

8/10/2021 (Permalink)

• Limit movement in the area to prevent further damage.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Clearly mark the area with caution signs and safety tape.
• If area is safe, list vital contents for emergency restoration/priority service. 
• Be sure your staff wears proper personal protection equipment. 
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. 
• Wash off both sides of leaves on indoor plants.
• Change HVAC filters and tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system. 
• Do not attempt to wash walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO of Madison County Professional at (256) 533-5335.
• Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first contacting your local SERVPRO Professional. 
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances, computers, television, radios, etc., that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first contacting an authorized repair service.

SERVPRO can help with Smoke Damage in your home.

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot can damage your belongings as much as the flames. SERVPRO can make your fire damaged home “Like it never even happened.”

Have you had a fire in your Madison, AL or Huntsville, AL home?

Fires can produce all kinds of damage in a residential property. We are a local service that can help with:

• Fire damage restoration
• Fire and smoke damage
• Fire damaged homes

By working closely together with insurance adjusters and customers, our technicians can ensure that your home returns to its preloss condition as quickly as possible. We also can produce a timely verbal estimate that can help you organize your schedule and minimize the inconvenience of a property fire and a consequent restoration project.

• We use dry sponges and light cleaning products to pre-test your home, producing a more accurate estimate.
• By sorting through salvageable and non-salvageable materials, we can reduce the timeframe of restoring the saveable items.
• Immersion cleaning machines and solvent cleaning are just some of the specialist services we offer to residents.

Get your home back to its normal condition after a fire. Contact SERVPRO of South Madison County for fire restoration at (256) 533-5335.

Common Causes of Preventable Fires in Your Home

4/11/2021 (Permalink)

Keep your home safe from preventable fires

A home can easily catch fire in many different ways. Here are some of the most common causes:

1. Cooking Equipment. Pots and pans can overheat and can easily cause a fire if the person cooking gets distracted.

2. Heating Appliances. Portable heaters should be kept at least one yard away from anything. Especially if it could easily catch fire.

3. Smoking. A cigarette butt that has not been put out properly can cause a small flame which could stay lit for a few hours.

4. Candles. Yes we all love our homes looking and smelling pretty, but never leave a room with a burning candle going. A candle flame doesn’t even have to come in contact with flammable materials to combust into flame. The wax from the candle can easily overheat and light up on its own. Keep candles away from anything flammable. Blow candles out before leaving your home, the room and even before going to bed.

5. Faulty Wiring. Inadequate wiring causes fires. If your lights dim when using other appliances, fuses blow the circuit frequently, or if an appliance only works by having to disconnect another- then you may have bad wiring. Contact a licensed electrician if you have any of these occurrences.

6. Barbecues. They’re great for outdoor cooking meals and promote quality family time spent together. Plus who doesn’t love the smoky grilled flavor of any food prepared on them? Just make sure to keep barbecues away from your home. Barbecuing underneath covered porches, next to tablecloths, any plants, tree branches, falling leaves or keeping your accelerants (lighter fluid / box of matches) close to your grill could cause the spread of a fire. If you are using propane, be sure to check the gas tank for any leaks before using it.

7. Lighting. Lamp shades build up heat if they are too close to the light bulbs. Keep lamps in areas where they can not be easily knocked over. Never use a scarf or other cloth to cover your lamps as heat build up can cause combustion.

8. Christmas Trees. Real Christmas trees tend to dry out over time, and usually by the end of the holiday season they’re done. They can cause a very serious flash fires if not disposed of in a timely manner. A hot light or a spark can set the tree aflame almost immediately and these fires to spread quickly due to the prickly leaves being so dry.

By paying attention to these few small details you can avoid the unfortunate losses and burdens that come with a preventable fire in your home.

If you have had a fire in your home, and you need help with the cleanup. Give SERVPRO of South Madison a call. We are here to help you restore your home to its former glory.

Smoke Detector Basics

3/6/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know your smoke alarm basics?

One of the biggest basics of fire safety is the importance of smoke alarms. Checking them regularly and having them in your home are vital to safety. But many people don’t understand exactly how and why these smoke detectors will make a difference.

Experts estimate that many deaths from house fires occur in homes where there aren’t smoke detectors or where there aren’t enough smoke detectors.

That adds up to about 1,450 deaths per year that might be preventable with proper smoke alarms.

Do You Have Enough Alarms in your Huntsville, AL or Madison, AL home?

So, how can you tell if you have enough smoke alarms in your home? Here’s where experts recommend placing smoke alarms:

• Outside every bedroom
• Outside each sleeping area
• On every level of the house
• Living rooms, dens and family rooms
• Near stairwells
• Ten feet from appliances

Avoid installing them near windows, doors or ducts.

Maintaining Your Smoke Alarms

The National Fire Protection Association offers this advice for maintaining your smoke alarms:

Don’t neglect to test your smoke alarms. You should check your smoke alarms every month to make sure they’re working properly.

Change your batteries. Once or twice a year is enough. Do it when you change your clocks to make it easier to remember.

Consider a system of interconnected smoke alarms. These can make your family safer because they alert the whole home to danger and are easier for everyone in your household to hear.

Replace your alarms on schedule. Most of the time, smoke alarms need to be replaced about every 10 years. That allows you to be sure they’re in good working order and will be ready if you ever need them.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help.

Putting Out Small Fires

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

Be sure your fire extinguisher is up to code.

Small house fires can be different depending on the type. For example; fires from cooking, electrical outlets or even some fireplace fires and camp fires can be put out by you but in different ways. Here is how you can manage a small fire in your home, office or anywhere while the fire department is on its way.

Cooking and Gas

Cooking or gas fires can be stopped by placing a lid over the pot or stove top to stop the oxygen from reaching the fire. If there is gas involved quickly turn off the gas supply to stop the spread of the fire. Having fire blankets is also a great way to smother the situation.

Electrical Fires

Misused or worn electrical outlets, electrical cords, and even heavily used appliances can cause electrical fires. Baking soda is great to put out an electrical fire. For example, a worn or frayed electrical cord that has sparked into a flame, pouring baking soda should smother out the fire. Be careful with this as the wire could still be live. Make sure to turn off the breaker as soon as possible. Additionally, fires caused by appliances like a stove or other large appliance should be put out with at least a class c extinguisher. It’s important that you never use water on an electrical fire. The result would be shocking! Since water is a conductor for electricity any water used on an electrical fire could backfire back to you.

Fireplace fires

A nice warm fire in the fireplace is usually something you love to cozy up to especially this winter! They’re usually contained and emit a wonderful glow, however, if you no longer need the fire make sure you put it out before leaving or going to bed. This goes for camp grounds and home fireplaces. Make sure you rake the coals or wood and sprinkle them with sand, flour or baking soda. This smothers the flames by taking away the oxygen.

If a small fire occurs in your home, office, or other building, call your local SERVPRO of South Madison County at (256) 533-5335. SERVPRO of South Madison County has certified professional who know how to remove smoke damage and make the area affected by the fire look “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Preparation for your Business

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

Up-to-date Fire Extinguisher at your business.

4 Lesser-Known Ways to Prepare Your Business for a Fire

The possibility that your Huntsville, AL, business building will experience a fire is likely a rare subject of your thoughts. However, the potential for a business fire to create disaster makes it essential to prioritize. While you may know the essential preventative measures, not all are widely acknowledged. So, here are four lesser-known ways to prepare your business for a fire.

1. Check the Lighting
If you should undergo a business fire, the first priority will be to exit the building. Unfortunately, this will be difficult if you can't find an exit. This is why lighting is so important. Make sure that employees will be able to clearly see where each escape route is. These are some areas to focus on:

• Hallways
• Doors
• Signage
  
  

If possible, try to acquire emergency lighting that won't be affected by power outages.

2. Teach Fire Extinguisher Usage
While most every business trains its employees in how to exit a building, fire extinguishers may be neglected. However, the ability to put a fire out is an essential skill during such a disaster. Hold training sessions for this purpose, particularly for those that express a lack of knowledge in the subject.

3. Lower Storage
When storing items, be sure that everything is at least 24 inches away from the ceiling. In one respect, this fire preparation stops the damage from spreading too far. In another, it helps firemen use water in buildings that don't have sprinklers.

4. Inspect Extension Cords
It can be tempting to leave extension cords perpetually plugged in, especially if you work in an office setting. However, this can be a hazard and cause fire damage. Try to implement a policy of unplugging the cords after use.
No business owner wants to experience a fire, but you may find yourself faced with one. If this occurs, you'll want to know that you are fully prepared for a business fire. Just be sure to take immediate action and contact fire restoration experts afterward.

If emergency services are needed, always call 9-1-1 or your local Huntsville, AL or Madison County, AL fire departement.

https://maps.huntsvilleal.gov/firestationdistricts/

Fall = Fire Pits

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year again. Summer has come and gone. Ah, Fall...you are our favorite. Colorful leaves, cooler weather, and pumpkin spice. Now that we can spend more time outside in the enjoyable weather, it’s time to break out the fire pit.

Some safety tips to keep in mind while using your fire pit...

• When using your fire pit, make sure it is a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures, trees, fences and power lines.

• Do not start a fire if it is very windy. Sparks can be blown onto nearby flammable materials, starting a fire you did not intend.

• Burn dry material. Damp/wet material causes excess smoke.

• When starting the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumbled pieces of paper covered with small sticks.

• Do not leave the fire unattended. Keep children and pets from getting too close.

• Be proactive. Keep some type of fire extinguishing equipment nearby. This could be a water hose or a bucket with sand.

• Ready to head in for the night? Make sure the fire is completely out. As it dies down, spread out the ashes to allow them to cool. Slowly pour water over them and make sure no burning embers remain.

• And of course...enjoy it!

If you ever have fire or smoke damage to your home, call us here at SERVPRO® of South Madison County, 256-533-5335. We are here for you 24/7.

Friendly Reminder: Test Your Smoke Alarms

9/3/2020 (Permalink)

In 2018, there were 379,600 residential building fires according to FEMA*. A house fire can happen to any of us. It can be a devastating loss, cost thousands of dollars and potentially very deadly. As a proactive measure, we install smoke alarms in our homes. But how many of us forget to test them to confirm they are working properly?

A few quick tips**:

• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps”, the battery is low and should be replaced right away.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

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

*Resource: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/statistics/res_bldg_fire_estimates.pdf

**Resource: The National Fire Protection Association

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have a fire extinguisher in your home? In order to help prevent a fire from spreading larger, it is important to know how to use it.

There is a simple acronym that may help you remember...PASS. This stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. Now, for a breakdown:

Pull the pin: this depends on your specific model. Some have a locking pin on the handle/lever, while other models may even have a button.

Aim low: direct the hose nozzle at the base of the fire. Aiming at the flames is ineffective.

Squeeze the lever: squeeze the lever above the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. Depending on your model, this may also be a button.

Sweep the nozzle: sweep the hose from side to side at the base of the fire. Repeat sweeping from side to side until the fire is completely out.

Once the fire is out and the situation has been assessed from your Fire Marshall, give SERVPRO® of South Madison County a call to begin the fire remediation process. 256-533-5335.

Commercial Business Fire Prevention

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

A great idea for any commercial business is to request an inspection from your local fire department. Why? These inspections help to point out safety violations and eliminate potential fire hazards. Madison Fire and Rescue will inspect buildings including: schools, daycare centers, businesses, restaurants and hotels.

There are a handful of common violations usually found during an inspection. These include: exit and emergency lights inoperable, blocked paths of egress, fire alarm systems not serviced and tested annually, automatic sprinkler systems not serviced and tested annually.

Requesting an inspection is easy. Visit https://www.madisonal.gov/473/Inspections for more information.

Sometimes, even with the best prevention measures, fires still happen. If your business experiences fire damage, SERVPRO® of South Madison County is here to help. Call us anytime at 256-533-5335.

Interesting Facts About House Fires

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

While the bulk of our calls are in regards to clients that have water damage, don’t forget that SERVPRO® of South Madison County serves those that have been impacted by fire damage as well.

We came across some interesting facts about house fires and thought we would share. All of the facts below are courtesy of http://www.plantation.org/psd/Fire/text/fire-dept/lsf/fire-escape.html.

1. Every day in the United States, 1,500 homes burn.

2. Each year, 6,500 people die and 280,000 are injured in home fires.

3. Home fire fatalities account for approximately 78% of all deaths by fire.

4. Smoke is a killer. 8 out of 10 fire fatalities are due to smoke inhalation.

5. During the lifetime of average household, chances are 2 to 1 that there will be an accidental fire.

While we never want to experience the devastation of a house fire, know that if you are in need SERVPRO® of South Madison County is here 24/7 365. Call us at 256-533-5335.

Smoke Damage

2/14/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage, Huntsville Alabama

Smoke Damage in Huntsville, Alabama

The homeowner thought this was a minor kitchen fire in Huntsville, AL. SERVPRO of South Madison County was called because the smell of the fire was persistent after several weeks. Our visual inspection didn't reveal the extent of the smoke damage but our testing told a different story.

The smoke had traveled throughout most of the house effecting the structure and contents. We took all the belongings back to our facility and had them cleaned and restored. The homeowners were very thankful for all the work that we did to get their home back and looking great once again.

SERVPRO of South Madison County has highly trained technicians with experience in smoke damage cleanup and restoration. Should you ever have even a small fire or smoke damage in your home or business, give us a call 256-533-5335.

Fire Prevention

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Check your alarms, testing the alarms regularly and adding reliable protection when replacing expired alarms, because a home emergency can happen at any time and we want you to be prepared.

Fire Prevention Month is the prefect time talk with your whole family about fire safety – include testing alarms. changing batteries or upgrading to 10-year sealed battery alarm for hassle-free protection, and escape planning.

• 3 of every 5 home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms
• Less than 50% of homeowners have an escape plan
• Carbon monoxide (CO) is the #1 cause of accidental death
• 60% of consumers do not test their smoke and CO alarms monthly*
• Only 47% of people report having CO alarms in their home
• Just 43% of homeowners have an escape plan*

Having functioning alarms installed throughout your home is the first line of defense for fire prevention. They work around the clock to give your family an early alert in the event of an emergency, allowing you time to safely escape. Alarms should be placed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as inside and outside each bedroom. Fire alarms should also be placed on every level of the home, especially in the kitchen and garage.

https://www.firstalert.com/community/safety-corner/fire-prevention-month/

First Responders

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

In our line of business we tend to work closely with First Responders such as police, EMTs, and firefighters. Sometimes they are still on the scene when we go cleanup after an event has occurred. 

In our Marketing Department we go visit them and see what we can do to make their jobs easier when we arrive. We never want to be in the way of doing their job. 

We have also taken them baskets full of goodies and even done events alongside them to show what we do after they have done their job. Fire Prevention Month is huge around SERVPRO. We never want anything to happen to you or your property but we want you to know we are available to help in case something does happen! 

Give us a call if you need us! 

Natural ways to fireproof your home!

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

Home on fire

Want to keep your family as safe as possible from fire? We have put together some safe and natural ways to help fireproof your home! 

First, let's start with the yard. You will need to remove any dry or dead plants/weeds in the yard, even if they cannot be fully removed be sure to keep your yard watered. Try to keep all your trees and bushes trimmed, be sure to remove any branches or dead leaves that may fall into your yard. Plant fire resistant plants around your home, remember, not every plant will grow in the conditions you live in. Be sure to do your research and keep the plants alive and well! 

Second, let's fireproof your home! If you see a fire close to your home, whether it be a wild fire or another property close to you, wet down your roof and any wood surfaces on the outside of your home. When remodeling, if you do not already have these on your home, consider using metal or tiles for your roof. Use fire retardant paints. For the outside of your home try to use stone or brick. 

Last but certainly not least! Test your smoke detectors at least once a month, make sure to change the batteries at least two times a year. Make sure to always have a fire extinguisher handy in all areas of your home. Keep all trash on the outside of the home. And if a fire occurs near your home be sure to move all vehicles and gas cans away from your home. Be careful where your smoke and try not to use grills or fire pits when the weather is dry. 

For insurance claim purposes, take pictures of the inside and outside of your home every year. 

Got Fire Damage?

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage to house

Did fire, smoke, or soot damage your home or business? Give us a call! (256) 533-5335. We have the  experts to help clean and restore your home or building! Our technicians are trained to eliminate the odor from smoke, clean the mess left behind from soot, and restore what fire has taken a toll on. While each fire damage situation is different from another, it requires a unique solution tailored to the specific condition(s).  When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage restoration.  

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

For more information visit our website at: https://www.SERVPROmadisoncountyal.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration and check under our fire tab! 

Like us on Facebook at SERVPRO of Madison County for tips/tricks/diys for your home or business! 

Fire safety tips!

7/31/2019 (Permalink)

Look. Listen. and Learn.

In 2014, there were 1,298,000 fires reported in the United States. These fires caused 3,275 civilian deaths, 15,775 civilian injuries, and $11.6 billion in property damage. A U.S. fire department responded to a fire every 24 seconds. One structure fire was reported every 64 seconds. 

• One home structure fire was reported every 86 seconds.
• One civilian fire injury was reported every 33 minutes.
• One civilian fire death occurred every 2 hours and 41 minutes.
• One outside and other fire was reported every 52 seconds.
• One highway vehicle fire was reported every 3 minutes 8 seconds.

Fire Safety Tips

• When cooking, always wear fitted clothing, and do not leave stoves unattended.
• Never smoke in bed, and keep lighters and matches away from kids.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from a flammable source, and do not leave fireplaces unattended.
• Do not use damaged electrical cords or overload outlets.

For more information go to http://alabamapublichealth.gov/injuryprevention/fire.html 

Candle Safety

1/31/2019 (Permalink)

While flashlights and battery-powered lamps are safe sources of light during lengthy power outages, candles are also reliable alternatives if used safely. It’s important to remember that a candle is an open flame, which always runs the potential risk of a fire-related accident. According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 20% of candle fires involving fatalities occur during a loss of power.

Here are some safety precautions to follow when the lights go out:

DO pay attention to proximity. It’s important to make sure that you’re not burning a candle on or near anything that could catch fire. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, or any other flammable objects. Place burning candles at least 3 inches apart from one another so they don’t melt one another or burn improperly.

DON’T leave burning candles unattended. Try to restrict people and candles to one room in the house so the location of family members can always be accounted for and you can keep an eye on open flames. Extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving a room.

DO place candles on a fire-resistant surface. Place a handle in its holder on a stable, nonflammable surface, such as a metal cookie sheet, frying pan or ceramic plate.

DON’T light a candle if you smell gas. If you smell gas inside or outside your home, immediately put out all open flames, shut off your gas supply, leave the area, get to a safe place, and call 911.

DO use pillar or container candles. Broader-based candles are a suitable option for power outages, as these are less likely to be accidentally knocked over. When possible, candles should be enclosed within glass hurricane holders or globes.

DON’T use candles as a search guide or night light. Avoid walking around with a candle. Dark rooms can increase the chance of tripping or brushing against a flammable item. Use a flashlight instead.

DO keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Place candles up high to avoid the risk of pets, children, or adults accidentally bumping candles over in the dark.

If you have any questions on candle safety or need any fire mitigation services, contact SERVPRO of South Madison County at 256-533-5335. We are available 24/7 to assist.

Every Second Counts During A Fire

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

Fire experts agree, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out.  In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place.

A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing the escape plan. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan.

Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.

Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at nighttime.

Fire Prevention Week 2018

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

This week is Fire Prevention Week!  Here's some information from the National Fire Protection Association on this year's campaign:

2018 Campaign

This year’s FPW campaign, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere,” works to educate people about three basic but essential steps to take to reduce the likelihood of having a fire––and how to escape safely in the event of one:

LOOK
Look for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

LISTEN
Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.

LEARN
Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Also, Sparky the Fire Dog® has a new friend, Simon, who is helping teach this year’s FPW messages – He’s a smart, resourceful character who will join Sparky in spreading fire-safety messages to adults and children alike.

What To Toss & What To Keep After A Fire

8/8/2018 (Permalink)

It’s impossible to accurately depict how devastating a fire can be when it affects a person’s home. If you’ve been the unfortunate victim of this tragedy, you know what a helpless feeling it can be. In the aftermath, you need to go through the cleanup process and decide what to keep and what to throw away. There are some things you can salvage, while others pose health hazards to hang onto. 

Food

You don’t automatically have to throw out all of your food following a fire. However, fire damage at your Huntsville, AL home can render some things unhealthy. Inspect your food supply carefully following a fire to determine what can say or go. You should toss the following:

• Opened containers or perishable foods.
• Food you stored in thin plastic bags or cardboard.
• Non-perishable food that was close to the heat. 

Medicine

High heat will wreak havoc with your medicine or cosmetics. You don’t want to risk ingesting anything that you know was either in or close to the fire. You definitely should throw away the items if they are charred or have other obvious defects or damage. 

Burned Clothing

Though you hate the thought of having to replace your wardrobe, much of it may be unsalvageable. You may be able to save some items by thoroughly cleaning it. But if there are obvious burn marks, you may be out of luck. Use caution when deciding whether to keep baby clothes.  SERVPRO can help you with any clothing items that were affected by smoke and could be saved by careful cleaning.  This applies to dry cleaning items as well.  

Bedding

If a fire affected mattresses, your best bet is to discard it. You don’t want to sleep on something that was exposed to smoke damage and harmful materials. 

It’s hard to throw away items, especially if they have intrinsic meaning and value. However, you’ll feel better knowing you’re providing a safer environment for your loved ones.

Yellowing And Discoloration After A Fire Damage

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

We specialize in fire and water damage restoration; it’s the cornerstone of our business.

Did You Know?

A house fire can be damaging even after the firefighters have distinguished the flames.  Don't make matters worse!  

According to the experts at IICRC, "To return your residential or commercial property to its preloss condition requires professional restoration. This is not the job for a do-it-yourself property owner."

Stated below are some timeframe constraints following a fire damage by the professionals at IICRC.

"Within Minutes: Acid soot residues cause plastics to yellow; small appliances located close to the source of combustion discolor; highly porous materials (marble, alabaster) discolor permanently.

Within Hours: Acid residues stain grout in bathrooms; fiberglass bath fixtures may yellow; uncoated metals tarnish, counter tops may yellow; finishes on appliances, particularly refrigerators, may yellow; furniture finishes may discolor.

Within Days: In time, acid residues cause painted walls to yellow permanently; metal corrodes, pits and rusts; wood furniture requires refinishing; vinyl flooring requires refinishing or replace­ment; clothing becomes soot stained; upholstery stains permanently.

Within Weeks: Restoration costs escalate tremendously. Synthetic carpet fibers may yellow or discolor permanently; silver plate is corroded permanently; glass, crystal, china may require replacement due to severe etching and pitting caused by prolonged exposure to acid soot residues."

We hope this information was helpful to you and remember to call the professionals at SERVPRO of South Madison County at 256-533-5335 to ensure proper restoration of your home or office following a fire damage here in Huntsville and surrounding areas.

http://www.IICRC.org/consumers/care/fire-smoke-restoration/

Common Causes of House Fires

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

A grease fire caused this damage to a Huntsville home.

If a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape. House fires can be devastating and the road to recovery is long and hard. Educating yourself on the leading causes for house fires and prevention is a step in the right direction to ensure that your family and home are safe.

Electrical Outlets

Many electrical fires in homes or businesses are caused by faulty electrical outlets, old wiring, outdated appliances or electrical cords that are frayed.

• If you live in an older home have an electrician complete an inspection. Standards and codes are constantly being revised and updated to ensure safety.
• Do not overload your circuits.
• Understand the difference between surge protectors and power strips. Both devices allow you to plug in multiple electronics, but only the surge protector will help protect your electronics from a power surge.

Kitchen Fires

Accidents in the kitchen can lead to devastating house fires. The leading cause of kitchen fires is due to unattended cooking. It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires.

• Never leave pots or pans unattended on your stove.
• Keeping your stove an oven clean will prevent buildup of food splatter and grease that could later ignite when the stove or oven is turned on for cooking.
• Keep any items that could ignite away from your stove top
• Ensure that you have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen in case of emergency.

Dryers

Dryer vents are becoming a much bigger and more common safety problem. Over time, your dryer vent fills with lint that sneaks by your dryers filter. Fires can occur when the excess lint builds up in the dryer or exhaust duct.

• Clean out the dryer vent regularly.
• Clean the lint filter after EACH load of laundry that is dried.
• Clean underneath and behind your dryer to eliminate any lint that collects.

Safety Tips for National Burn Awareness Week

2/1/2018 (Permalink)

The smell of cookies baking in the oven or tasty sauces simmering on the stovetop is hard to resist for adults and children alike. However, before you dip your finger into the pot to taste that delicious soup, know that the majority of children who are hospitalized for burn-related injuries suffer from scald burns (65 percent) or contact burns (20 percent).  Hot tap water scald burns cause more deaths and hospitalizations than any other hot liquid burns.

Scalds are the most common burn injury among young children and one of the leading causes of accidental death in the home for children under age four. U.S. hospitals treat an estimated 110,000 people under 19 for scalds every year.

While thousands of scald burns occur annually, increased awareness of the dangers can prevent injuries. To help people be mindful of scald burns, the American Burn Association has declared the first week of February National Burn Awareness Week.

Following a few simple precautions will help keep you and your little chef safe from potential burns:

1. Cool a burn under cold running water for 10-15 minutes and call 9-1-1 for serious burns.
2. Always supervise children in the kitchen and dining areas.
3. Create a “No Child Zone” while preparing and serving hot foods and beverages.
4. Don’t carry or hold a child while cooking on the stove. Instead, place the child into a high chair or other safe area while cooking.
5. Children love to reach, so to prevent hot food or liquid spills, simply use the back burner of your stove and turn pot handles away from its edge; also, keep hot foods away from the edge of your counters.
6. Keep clothing from coming in contact with flames or heating elements.
7. A small adjustment to your water heater can give you one less thing to worry about. To prevent accidental scalding, set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or the manufacturer’s recommended setting.
8. Make a habit of placing matches, gasoline, and lighters in a safe place out of children’s reach and avoid novelty lighters as they may look like toys in a child’s eyes.
9. When filling the bathtub, turn on cold water first then mix in warmer water carefully.

National Burn Awareness Week is the perfect time to share this information, develop a home fire drill, check your smoke alarms, and to make your kitchen safe for your little chef in training.

Facts About Home Fire Sprinklers

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

Make no mistake: smoke alarms are crucial and significantly cut the risk of dying in a home fire. But these devices do nothing to suppress a fire. Home fire sprinklers in coordination with smoke alarms have been proven to protect lives and property against fire. 

Home fire sprinklers

• If you have a reported fire in your home, the risk of dying decreases by about 80 percent when sprinklers are present.
• Sprinklers reduce direct property damage by about 70 percent per fire.
• Research shows that when sprinklers were present during a fire, the fire is kept to the room of origin 97 percent of the time.
• Roughly 85 percent of the time, just one sprinkler operates during a fire.
• Each individual sprinkler is designed and calibrated to go off only when it senses a significant heat change.
• Only the sprinkler closest to the fire will activate, spraying water directly on the fire.

Model safety codes now require the use of home fire sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes. These requirements offer the highest level of safety to protect the people of your community. To learn how to advocate for fire sprinklers in your community’s new homes, visit NFPA’s Fire Sprinkler Initiative site.

Fast Facts About Home Fires

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

Home fires

• Half of home fire deaths result from fires reported between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Only one in five home fires were reported during these hours.
• One-quarter of home fire deaths were caused by fires that started in the bedroom. Another quarter resulted from fires in the living room, family room or den.
• Three out of five home fire deaths happen from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
• In 2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 365,500 home structure fires. These fires caused 2,560 deaths, 11,075 civilian injuries, and $7 billion in direct damage.
• On average, seven people die in U.S. home fires per day.
• Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home fire injuries, followed by heating equipment.
• Smoking materials are the leading cause of home fire deaths.
• Most fatal fires kill one or two people.
• During 2010-2014, roughly, one of every 338 households reported a  home fire per year.

Furnace Puffbacks Leave a Sooty Mess

8/9/2017 (Permalink)

One of our technicians carefully cleans soot from a customer's ceiling.

A puffback is a messy furnace malfunction that occurs when an oil burner backfires, sending soot throughout the interior of a home. It can happen all at once, covering the interior in grimy soot, or it can leak soot more gradually.

Initially, many people mistake soot for dust and simply wipe it away. However, once cleaned, this “dust” often reappears and can sometimes be accompanied by a strong, oily odor. There are several steps you can take to prevent damage to their home. Remind them to:

• Have the oil-burning furnace professionally checked and cleaned annually.
• Keep an eye out for traces of soot around their home.
• Install a carbon monoxide monitor. Puffbacks (and the soot they create) will increase the carbon monoxide levels in their home. A carbon monoxide monitor can help to detect the puffback in its early stages.

If soot begins accumulating on objects or walls within their home, they should turn off the heating system immediately. Contact a heating professional to service the heater and restore it to proper working order.

Fortunately, if your home or business does experience a puffback, SERVPRO of South Madison County has the knowledge and experience to complete a thorough cleaning and removal of any soot and odors.  We have cleaned soot from puffbacks in many homes in Huntsville and Madison County in the 20 years we have been in business.   

Safety and Cleanup Steps after Fire Damage

8/7/2017 (Permalink)

A grease fire caused fire and smoke damage to several rooms of this home in Huntsville.

How do you clean up after fire damage?

First, consider your safety. Only stay in your fire damaged home if you know it’s safe. Remember that electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most common ways people get injured after a fire.

If putting the fire out has left lots of water on your property, avoid lifting wet materials. They could be much heavier than you think. When fire has damaged your property, some of the first steps you should take are:

What To Do After Fire Damage
•    Limit movement in your home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
•    Keep everyone’s hands clean so you don’t further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
•    Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
•    If your electricity is off, empty your freezer and refrigerator and prop the doors open.
•    Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
•    Wash your houseplants on both sides of leaves.
•    Change your HVAC filter.
•    Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After Fire Damage
•    Don't try to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo your carpet or upholstery without contacting a professional. You may do more damage. 
•    Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
•    Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat, or water.
•    Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
•    Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Remember, we’re here to help. We are fire restoration contractors. Many people in the Huntsville/Madison County region have used our professional fire restoration services. So call SERVPRO of South Madison County anytime, 24/7 at 256-533-5335.  

Repairing Your Home After a Fire

7/19/2017 (Permalink)

Most people who suffer fire damage want their lives and their homes to return to normal as soon as possible. Here's how.

Has your home recently been damaged by fire? If so, you’re probably eager to get started cleaning up and restoring your home and belongings. Most people who suffer fire damage want their lives and their homes to return to normal as soon as possible. But many don’t know the costs. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to repair smoke and fire damage is $8,571.

Fire damage can make areas of your home unusable until the fire damage has been repaired. More extensive fire damage may make your entire home unsafe. You may have to live elsewhere  until cleanup and repair work gets done.  No matter how minor or significant the fire damage restoration work is, you want to know how long it will take. The timeline depends on the restorative process and whether you take the opportunity to do remodeling at the same time.

Starting Fire Damage Repair Work 
It can be difficult to determine how and where to get started with fire damage repair work. The first step in the repair process is to remove water from the home if firefighters used water during the extinguishing process. Water extraction can be completed by the professionals from SERVPRO of South Madison County quickly and affordably. We arrive in our green vehicles stocked with equipment and supplies to surmount any cleaning and restoration need you have. 

Call SERVPRO of South Madison County at (256) 533-5335 Anytime

SERVPRO of South Madison County can also suggest to you and your adjuster what items and materials are salvageable. Keep in mind that smoke damage can also be a problem.  Some items, such as carpeting and your HVAC system may need to be professionally cleaned to remove the smoke odor from your home. 

Get Professional Help
Repairing your home after you have suffered fire damage is not something that you want to attempt on your own. A fire damage restoration project requires a considerable amount of time and energy to complete. But SERVPRO South Madison County can help you restore your property in minimal time with minimal costs. Our IICRC cleanup and restoration certified technicians have the skills and assets to do a quality job. We are a locally owned and operated fire damage repair franchise. 

Huntsville Smoke and Soot Cleanup

6/13/2017 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of South Madison County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 256-533-5335

What you can do until help arrives after a fire

6/17/2016 (Permalink)

DO:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.
• Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.

DO NOT:

• Wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Clean any electrical equipment.
• Send clothing to dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

10 Fire Safety Tips

6/17/2016 (Permalink)

1. Watch your cooking - Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2. Give space heaters space - Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

3. Smoke outside - If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach - Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

5. Inspect electrical cords - Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have bro- ken plugs or have loose connections.

6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

7. Have a fire escape plan - Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.

8. Install smoke alarms - Install alarms on every level of your office or home and inside bedrooms. Interconnect them so they all sound at once.

9. Test smoke alarms - Test alarms once per month. Replace batteries once per year or as needed.

10. Install sprinklers - Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving your local fire department a better chance of saving your property.

SERVPRO of Central Huntsville can now handle ALL your needs!

6/16/2016 (Permalink)

This kitchen was charred beyond recognition after a full house fire

Exciting Announcement:  SERVPRO of South Madison County now offers building/reconstruction services for both residential and commercial properties.

An example of our work:  A fire started in the kitchen and ravaged this home in Huntsville, ruining the hardwood floors, walls, ceiling, marble countertops, backsplash, custom cabinets, and many other stylish amenities that made this home special.  With quick work on the demo and restoration and patient, professional effort on the reconstruction, this home looks gorgeous again and its..."Like it never even happened."  

SERVPRO of South Madison County can truly live up to that slogan now that we are capable of construction as well as the demo and mitigation!  See the after photos in our before/after photos section to see how lovely this home looks after its "reconstructive surgery".