Monday, November 28, 2016

Christmas Tree Fires Can Turn Devastating and Deadly Within Seconds


A live Christmas tree burn conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows just how quickly a dried out Christmas tree fire burns, with flashover occurring in less than one minute, as compared to a well-watered tree, which burns at a much slower rate.

Friday, November 25, 2016

Fire Damage and Odor Control for Your Home


When a fire happens in your home, the results can be devastating. Whether your kitchen blaze began due to a cooking mishap or because a candle overturned and devoured your living room in smoke and fire damage, the results left behind can be a true disaster. Learn how you can get the affected areas of your home back to original condition so you can return to living comfortably and productively.

Talk to Your Insurance Company

Your homeowners or rental insurance company should be able to help you find a specialist who can take care of the fire damage in your home. This specialist will likely want to enter your dwelling to take pictures of all the spaces that have been affected. You will want to take inventory of the items that have been burned, such as your curtains, stove, counters, furniture, and flooring. This way, your agent can reimburse you for the things that will need to be replaced. Contact your insurance company immediately so they can help you find reputable experts who can get your house back to its original level of comfort.

Professional Cleaning

When you hire a company to restore your residence after fire damage, they will want to assess how badly burned your living space is before they get to work. They need to know how many people will be required to complete the job and what tools they will need to get rid of odors and reconstruct your dwelling. These experts use special air-cleansing filters and chemical supplies to remove all odors in the air that affect your living space. They also take out all destroyed wood, cabinetry, and other construction and replace them with new parts so your home looks new again. When they are finished, your residence should look as if it had never been disturbed.

Preparing for Restoration

You and your family will need to find another location to live while the destroyed areas of your residence are being cleaned. Specialists may need a few days to repair any fire damage, especially if large areas have been consumed in flames. Prepare to evacuate your home by packing several bags of clothing, toiletries, and other necessities. Your homeowners or rental insurance company can help you find temporary lodging in a hotel so your family can live comfortably while you wait for your house to be cleaned. Be aware that there is no set time for when you will be able to move back in, so pack enough of your belongings to stay away for several weeks, as you likely won't be able to enter your premises until the specialists have finished in your home.

When you've been affected by fire damage in your residence, there are many professional companies that can help make things right again. Trust experts to help get rid of odors and put your place back in order so you can live comfortably again. With the right care, you should be back in your dwelling in just a few days or weeks.

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Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Finding the Right Water Damage Restoration Company


When your home has been flooded due to pipes bursting, overflowing toilets, or a downpour of rain, you need to find someone to clean up the problem. You need to know what to look for in order to get the best service. It is not a simple task that can be done by anyone; in reality, it is something that should be left to the professionals with the correct equipment. However, finding the right water damage restoration company sometimes can be a bit tricky.

Insurance Knowledge

When you are doing your research, you should look for a company that is willing to help file with all types of insurance. Most of these businesses are adept at knowing who needs to be notified at the different agencies in the area. They will help you find the specialist you need who will go through the claims process with you. By working with them, you can get the money necessary to cover expenses.

Own Their Equipment

A professional water damage restoration company will not have to go rent equipment because they will already own everything they need. They should have truck-mounted and portable water extraction units, dehumidifiers, and blowers. These professionals also have gauges that will help them measure just how humid and moist the environment is to ensure that the right combination of equipment is being used.

Professional Knowledge

Of course, you expect a professional to be knowledgeable in what they are doing. The person you choose needs to have the technical expertise to complete the project effectively. Time is of the essence, and while it will take several hours to find the right company and have them complete the project, you do not want to waste time on someone who is unsure of what they are doing. The right company will be able to come out, do a quick survey of the situation, and set right to work. While they work, they can also point out any problems they see that could potentially turn into bigger issues.

24/7 Availability

Finally, a professional water damage restoration company should be available 24/7. It is important to start drying and decontaminating an area as soon as possible. It is the only way to reverse the destruction and get your home back to its former beauty. The longer you wait to get a professional into the house, the more loss you are going to suffer. You will also likely face higher repair costs and expenses.

Even though time is of the essence, thorough research should be done in order to restore your home. A professional water damage restoration company should be available to you whenever disaster strikes, own all their own equipment, and know how to help you work with your insurance company to get the expenses covered. Be sure to check the Better Business Bureau website to ensure the company is accredited. Don't be afraid to read the reviews of the company to see how past customers rated their service.

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Saturday, November 19, 2016

Thanksgiving Cooking Safety - Put a Freeze on Winter Fires


More than three times as many fires occur on Thanksgiving as any other average day of the year. NFPA and USFA’s cooking tips and recommendations can help ensure a fire-safe holiday.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Reasons It Is Wise To Hire A Water Damage Specialist


Are you considering hiring a water damage specialist, but can't decide if this is the wisest course of action to take for you? If this sounds like you, then you need to know why it is smart to hire a specialist to do the cleanup.

There are many reasons why it is smart and knowing what they are will make your decision much easier to make. Here are the main reasons you need to understand.

One: Get it done correctly - The specialist understand the problems that can occur from water. This means they will also know how to clean it up effectively. If you don't have knowledge of this already, then it will take you quite a bit of time to do it right, since you will have to learn how to do it first.

Two: Equipment - Water cleanup requires special equipment at times, which most people don't just have lying around their house. That would mean that you would have to find the equipment to get it done right. The professionals will already have this equipment, so it will mean faster cleanup, since they don't have to take time to find out where to get it. That will help you ensure that your home is still safe for your family to be living in. Mold and mildew are problems that will make it unsafe for your family, but getting clean up done right away will prevent these from growing.

Three: Time - The specialist has the time to clean up the water right. Time is something that many people lack, but it is vital to getting cleanup done correctly from the beginning. If you plan on doing the cleaning yourself, then be sure you have plenty of time. This is imperative so that water is not left behind that will lead to other problems that are not needed.

Four: Cost - The cost for cleaning yourself versus hiring a company to do it for you can be more expensive. The professionals will offer you a fair price, but it is still smart to do your homework. Take time to find out the costs for doing it yourself versus hiring a company. That way you will be able to compare them and decide on the one that is the most affordable for you.

Now that you know why it is smart to hire a water damage specialist, you need to make your final decision about how to get the water cleaned up right away. It doesn't matter if you do it yourself or decide to hire a company; the point is to get it taken care of right away so you can prevent other problems and so your family can live safely in their house again.

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Sunday, November 13, 2016

Facts About House Fire Damage You Need To Be Aware Of


Did you have house fire damage occur in the recent past? Then it is important that you understand some vital facts that the damage and cleaning it up, so your family will be able to put this bad experience into the past.

The first fact to know is that fires can be devastating to any family. Cleaning it up, may not be a good idea. Instead, you may want to hire a professional fire damage restoration company that can handle this for you.

That will help your family not have to deal with the emotional trauma of having to see the devastation that has been left behind. This is especially a good idea if there are kids in the home because a fire can be really hard on them to deal with.

Another fact to understand is that cleaning up fire damage right away is imperative. You can do the cleanup yourself if that is what you prefer, or you can hire a company.

The point is that you have to get the cleaning done right away since this is the only way your family will be able to live there safely again.

That leads into the next important fact that you need to be aware of. Being in a home that has had fire damage is not safe for anyone, but cleanup has to be done. If you don't know the dangers that you can face when you are cleaning, then you need to learn what they are, or you can hire professionals.

The professionals do understand the dangers because they are trained and educated about fires, the damage left behind by most and the proper way to clean up after them.

Smoke damage is going to be hard to clean up, which is a fact that many people don't think about. There will be soot on everything and cleaning it up can be difficult, especially if you don't have experience with it.

Again, You can hire a professional company so you know it is done right, or you can take time to educate yourself on how to remove soot and smoke damage from your home. Plus, they have the equipment needed to do the job right, which is something you would have to rent or buy, if you don't have it already.

Now that you understand these facts about house fire damage, you need to decide how you will get the cleanup done so you can get your family back into your home as soon as possible. Fires are not something you ever want to deal with, but if you have to, then this information will make it easier to help you put the experience behind you quickly.

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Thursday, November 10, 2016

Water Damage Restoration - In Fact, Water Damage is Downright Hazardous to Your Health!


When your home has water damage, be it from a burst pipe, overflowing sewer, leaking roof, or natural flood, it is in dire need of restoration. There's more to water damage restoration than simply mopping up and drying out the home. In fact, water damage is downright hazardous to your health!

First, if your home is flooded, the immediate danger is electrocution. In addition, structural damage to the building could cause injuries due to falling debris and unstable footings. The water itself may be carrying dangerous chemicals, raw sewage, or microorganisms that can make you sick.

Even when the home has been declared safe to enter, damage restoration isn't easy and is best left to a professional. Time is of the essence as well. The longer water soaks your home and belongings, the more damage occurs. Plus, mold starts to grow in moist environments making it essential to dry out the home ASAP. You can minimize losses and future damage by acting promptly.

What's involved in water damage restoration? Stabilizing the environment, cleaning, disinfecting, drying, and repairing.

Before you can begin cleaning up, you must stop the inflow of water. For example, if your damage is the result of a hole in the roof, you must secure the roof so that the water stops flowing inside. Likewise, if a burst pipe is shooting water into the house, turning off the water supply to the home is your first step followed by emergency repairs.

Other issues involve removing water-soaked insulation, determining if asbestos is present in water damaged walls or ceilings, and reinforcing damaged floors and ceilings. Opening windows and setting up a ventilation system such as fans is also an important step for stabilizing the environment. Depending on the nature of the flooding, this step may come after cleaning.

Next, standing water, mud, and debris must be removed. This cleaning step should be followed by disinfecting because rarely is water damage "clean." For example, floodwaters from swollen rivers carry fertilizer, sewage, chemicals, and other hazards. When the water recedes, not only is the residue left behind muddy and messy, it's dangerous. Disinfecting all surfaces is a must. Even if the damage is due to a broken washing machine hose, the clean water that spills soon mixes with the dirt and grime embedded deep within your carpet and carpet pad.

Once everything has been cleaned, dried, and disinfected, the water damage restoration job is not over. Now, it's time for repairs. You may need to replace or repair carpets, floorboards, baseboards, wallpaper, drywall, electrical systems, pipes, insulation, cabinets, and other building materials. In addition, the contents of your home may need to be repaired or replaced.

Cleaning up water damage is a major project requiring speed, expertise, safety precautions, equipment, cleaners, disinfectants, and reconstruction know-how. Don't do it on your own. Instead, water damage restoration companies are equipped to restore your home promptly and professionally. Let the experts handle the mess - they'll prevent further damage and dry out your home ASAP.

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Monday, November 7, 2016

Fire Damage - Professional Restoration And Remodeling Services


It can be a scary and stressful situation when you have just experienced a fire at your home. You can hire a professional restoration and remodeling company to come out and clean up the entire area for you. They can also provide you with restoration and remodeling service if you need them. You can call and schedule a time for these professionals to come to your home for an evaluation. They will make suggestions of the best way to restore your home to its original condition. You may even take this time to completely remodel your home from what it used to be so you can start afresh.

If you have experienced a fire at your home, cleaning the fire damage on your own may cause additional damage. The smoke and soot that results from a fire can cause structural damage and damage to your belongings. The odors from the fire can linger on for years. Through the 24/7 emergency services you can receive from a professional restoration and remodeling company that uses well trained and informed technicians, you get a quick response, thorough clean up, and excellent remodeling. These restoration experts will address the problem appropriately and do their best to get your life and property back to normal.

Cleaning up after a fire requires special skills, training, proper equipment and cleaning materials. When you hire the professionals at a restoration and remodeling company to help you after a fire, you can prevent further damage from occurring on your premises. You can also prevent the occupants of your home from becoming injured due to structural damage. When you have an experienced fire restoration company come to your home after a disaster, you can expect services such as:

Water Cleanup: Professional technicians will remove water from the home due to the fire emergency and assist in cleanup.

Smoke Cleanup: The professional fire restoration technicians will clean the smell of fumes, smoke, fire residue throughout you home.

Remodeling service: This a provided service that allows you to get your home back on track with a chance to make some new changes

For reliable fire damage restoration services, hire a restoration and remodeling company that has a proven record of providing customers with excellent service. Through a thorough assessment of your premises, the professional fire restoration experts will customize a cleanup plan that is best for you. They will also make restoration services that will fit your lifestyle and your budget.

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Friday, November 4, 2016

Simple and Massive Reconstruction for Water Damage


So, along with all of the other items on your to do list, you're facing water damage. With little to no time to take care of your normal routine -- let alone the mysterious leak that is slowly rotting away your ceiling, walls and/or flooring -- what do you do?

An insurance policy that covers the damage is the best case scenario for such an event because then all you have to do is file your claim, present evidence, have a professional inspection performed, receive an estimate for the amount of demolition and reconstruction that will be required, and make sure all of the permits and contracts are in place. The permits and contracts are important, because then you at least have it in writing that the work on your house is being completed safely and carefully. You may also want to make sure the contractors are only using materials that are renewable and reasonably biodegradable (if they need to be disposed of). Then all you have to do is be patient while the contractors work through the renovations. Then, sit back and enjoy the work. Kiss the prospect of any water damage in that area for quite some time goodbye.

Yes, homes can stand up fairly well to the elements for twenty or twenty-five years, at most, before significant remodels and renovations are needed to improve flooring, windows, plumbing, electrical wiring, insulation, or even quite possibly some of the supporting structures. Before water damage can even occur, it is wise to have a plan in place for the various stages of home renovating and remodeling. This will prevent damage to your home from spreading too far because you can track it down or begin to fix it.

If you are facing heavy leaks or flooding with rain coming through the ceiling, walls, window, or doors your first step is simply to stop the leak and catch the runoff. If the bathtub is overflowing, a pipe bursts, or the washing machine goes off the rails, the best idea, quite obviously, is to try to turn off the water supply first. Second, immediately moving to absorb moisture with towels or a wet vacuum will be extremely useful in trying to preserve your flooring or nearby furnishings.

If you are facing water damage after some time away from home, such as at the end of a long day or even after a trip, quick action is still important but it will be slightly different. The first step is to try to salvage any furniture by placing the damaged items outside in the sun. The second step is to open the home to try to speed up the drying process. A professional company will use water extraction devices and drying tools on carpets. Always, the final outcome is to get to a dry surface to determine the level of damage and then decide as a homeowner what you are willing to do to be rid of the result.

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Tuesday, November 1, 2016

What to Do When You Are a Victim of Fire Damage


Fire damage may be a one of a homeowner's worst nightmares. When this event occurs, you will often have other problems to resolve at the same time, including smoke and water issues. A restoration company can help you with repairs to make your house habitable again.

Assessment of Issues

Prior to any restoration work, experts will need to inspect a home to assess the issues. Potential sources of damage include smoke, soot, fire, heat, and water. These sources will not only cause harm to the structure itself, but also the possessions inside of the house. The entire structure will need careful inspection to identify potential health and safety issues. After inspection, a company can provide homeowners with a plan of action that will resolve the fire damage and other problems.

Protecting the Interior

As firefighters fight a blaze, they often need to break out doors and windows. The result of these tactics can leave a structure exposed to the elements through open windows and doors. A restoration company will clean up all glass that resulted from broken windows. The professionals will then place plywood boards over windows and doors to secure a house. The boards will prevent problems from trespassers, vandals, and inclement weather.

Resolving Smoke Damage

In a house fire, smoke can infiltrate every inch of a residence. You may not always see the results of smoke with your eyes, but you will be able to smell the odors left behind. Left unresolved, smoke issues can resurface later because it has penetrated building materials and insulation. Restoration includes the use of dry ice machines and thermal foggers, which help to clean the air and restore healthy air quality. Thermal foggers can find the source of odors because they travel to every inch of a dwelling. The fogger then applies a deodorizer that neutralizes the undesired smoke odors. After cleaning, the next restoration step may involve applying a special paint that prevents the smoke smell from permeating the paint.

Restoring Possessions

Many possessions may be lost in a fire. However, it's possible that you may be able to salvage some items. The first step in the process of restoring possessions involves removing everything out of the structure to inspect and assess condition. Anything that is actually burnt or charred will not be salvageable. You may find items, furniture, equipment, and even photos and papers with minimal damage, however. In these instances, professionals must clean items and keep them in a climate-controlled environment to await future use.

Initial Tips

If fire damage occurs, do not venture into the house until you have clearance from your local fire marshal.

* Open windows to create natural ventilation.

* Avoid damaged areas that could be unsafe.

* Make a list of all damaged items for insurance purposes.

* Avoid using electrical appliances due to potentially serious issues with wiring.

Get help from a professional restoration company as soon as possible to help you assess and resolve issues. These professional understand the correct protocol to minimize problems and work to resolve them.


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