The Do's and Don'ts after Experiencing Fire Damage

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

When your Savannah home or business suffers fire damage, it can be devastating. After the fire has been put out, you may be wondering what you can and cannot do until help arrives to being restoring your home. Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts that can help you get started:  

What To Do After A Fire 

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets. 
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork. 

• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. 
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open. 
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil. 
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves. 
• Change HVAC filter. 

• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers. 

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. 

At SERVPRO of Savannah, we focus on helping you restore your home back to the pre-fire condition you know and love. If you have questions about our restoration process for fire damage, give us a call at (912)-234-9690.  

The Process of Fire Damage Restoration

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire, the smoke and fire damage are often paired with extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. Since every fire damage is a little different, at SERVPRO of Savannah, we create unique solutions with a process that relatively stays the same. Check out the steps below to understand our process during a typical fire emergency:  

Step 1: Emergency Contact 

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources.  

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment 

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.  

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service 

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.  

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present) 

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.  

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces 

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.  

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing 

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. 

Step 7: Restoration 

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

Although our process stays mostly the same, we are prepared to restore your home or business with unique solutions, specific to your needs. If you have fire damage, give us a call at (912)-234-9690. SERVPRO of Savannah will restore your home “Like it never even happened.” 

Call SERVPRO of Savannah Immediately After a Fire

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

What to do immediately after your home or business suffers from a fire or smoke damage? Call SERVPRO of Savannah!  

The first 48 hours (about 2 days) after a fire can make the difference between restoring vs. replacing your property and personal belongings.  

Allow SERVPRO of Savannah to respond and help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. We provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to content claims inventory and document restoration. These services help ensure your property is restored to preloss condition when possible. We are happy to work with insurance companies to relieve some of the stress.  

Contact SERVPRO of Savannah to arrange service. Our trained professionals will be on-site quickly to start mitigation services. SERVPRO of Savannah will communicate with the appropriate person to provide a verbal briefing of the scope.   

Contact SERVPRO of Savannah with any fire, smoke, or soot damage at (912)234-9690. We are here to help.  

Cooking Fires Are the Number One Cause of Home Fires

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips, you can prevent these fires.  

“Cook with Caution” 

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol do not use the stove or stove top. 
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a brief period, turn off the stove. 
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking. 

• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains — away from your stove top. 

IF YOU HAVE A COOKING FIRE... 

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. 
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave. 
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. 

• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. 
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed. 

Thanks to the National Fire Protection Agency for sharing these tips. 

If you have a fire in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Savannah at 912-234-9690. 

Until SERVPRO of Savannah Arrives to Assist in a Fire

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Helpful tips until SERVPRO of Savannah arrives to assist in the fire damage: 

• 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, trip 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. 

• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery. 
• Do not clean any electrical equipment. 
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.  
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and carpets.  
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open. 

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? 

Call SERVPRO of Savannah Today – (912) 234-9690 

Grilling Tips for Fire Safety

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

There is nothing better than grilling out in the summertime. When you see fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, it is a welcome sight at any outdoor party or family cookout. But if a grill is not managed properly, an unwelcome fire can turn your cookout into a catastrophe. Here are some tips for keeping everyone at the party safe while grilling: 

General Grilling Tips 

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors. 
• The grill should be placed far away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. 

• Keep children and pets away from the grill area. 
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. 
• Never leave your grill unattended 

For more information and grilling safety tips, please visit http://www.nfpa.org/. 

SERVPRO of Savannah is a pro at cleaning after a fire damage

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

If you have a fire in your home or business, allow SERVPRO of Savannah to help.  Smoke and soot can damage the structure and the contents of your space.  Our technicians are trained to assess the structure and contents and use their training to create a scope of work to get your home or business cleaned and back to preloss condition.

When it comes to cleaning smoked-damaged contents after a residential or commercial fire, the variety of contents in a typical job requires restorers to utilize a variety of cleaning methods.

Here is a quick description of each method of content cleaning:

• Dry Cleaning - Removes light to medium nongrease-based soils.
• Wet Cleaning - Removes moderate to heavy residues. The process involves cleaning using water, with or without a cleaning agent.
• Spray and Wipe - Apply a cleaning product using a spray bottle. After spraying, wipe the surface with a clean white towel. This method is effective for materials possibly damaged if saturated with cleaning product.
• Foam Cleaning - Effective for light residues or delicate materials. Clean with the foam of a cleaning agent rather than the liquid
• Abrasive Cleaning - Agitates the surface being cleaned. Apply a cleaning product containing abrasive ingredients
• Immersion Cleaning - Dipping contents items into a bath of cleaning product. This bath is an ultrasonic tank filled with water and cleaning solution. High-frequency sound waves then create high temperatures and microscopic jet streams of fluid to agitate and scrub contents.

SERVPRO recommends that you DO NOT attempt to clean smoke-damaged surfaces or contents yourself, and call the professionals at 912-234-9690.

Kitchen cooking safety tips from SERVPRO of Savannah

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Cooking in the kitchen is something we do often, but it is important to be smart and safe when cooking. Kitchen fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.  Follow these safety tips to prevent kitchen fires: 

“Cook with Caution”

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stove top.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire (such as oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains) away from your stove top.

IF YOU HAVE A COOKING FIRE...

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Thanks to the National Fire Protection Agency for sharing these tips.

If you have a fire in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Savannah at 912-234-9690.  We can help get you back to preloss condition.

Fire Damage can affect the whole house

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

According to redcross.org, home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home. The second leading cause of home fires are heating sources like wood stoves, and fireplaces. 

A fire in one room can damage belongings and surfaces throughout your entire home and leave odors that could last for years.  Our technicians are trained to determine the extend of damage and work with your insurance company to get a scope of work and plan to take care of it.  

Trained, uniformed technicians can be on-site of a fire damage in Savannah within hours to begin assessing he area and begin emergency mitigation services.  By responding quickly with a full line of fire cleanup and restoration service, SERVPRO of Savannah can help you regain control quickly and help you protect your home and belongings. 

We understands how a fire can affect your life.  Our office offers emergency response and is trained in caring for both the home and homeowner.

SERVPRO of Savannah's professional fire crew have the ability to help, should the need arise. Call 912-234-9690

Until SERVPRO of Savannah arrives to assist in a fire

7/31/2020 (Permalink)

If you have a fire at your home or business in Savannah, Pooler, Port Wentworth, Tybee Island, or anywhere in between, call SERVPRO of Savannah and follow these helpful tips until help arrives.  

Helpful tips until SERVPRO of Savannah arrives to assist in the fire damage:

• 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, trip 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.
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Do not clean any electrical equipment.
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor. 
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and carpets. 
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open.

If you have any questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage, we can help.  Our trained, professional technicians will respond with the expertise needed to take care of you and your home or business.

Call SERVPRO of Savannah Today – (912) 234-9690

Smoke and Soot Cleanup after a fire

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Savannah is trained to clean smoke and soot after a fire in your home or business

Have you experienced a fire at your Savannah home or business?  SERVPRO of Savannah can help. 

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 Savannah 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.  SERVPRO of Savannah has 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 SERVPRO of Savannah Today – 912-234-9690

Call SERVPRO of Savannah immediately after a fire

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

What to do immediately after your home or business suffers from a fire or smoke damage?  Call SERVPRO of Savannah!   

The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring vs. replacing your property and personal belongings.  

Allow SERVPRO of Savannah to respond and help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.  We provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to content claims inventory and document restoration.  These services help ensure your property is restored to preloss condition when possible.  We are happy to work with insurance companies to relieve some of the stress. 

Contact SERVPRO of Savannah to arrange service.  Our trained professionals will be on-site quickly to start mitigation services.  SERVPRO of Savannah will communicate with the appropriate person to provide a verbal briefing of the scope.      

Contact SERVPRO of Savannah with any fire, smoke or soot damage.  We are here to help.  912-234-9690

Not All Smoke Damage Can Be Cleaned With Soap

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

When it comes to cleaning smoked-damaged contents after a residential or commercial fire, the variety of contents in a typical job requires restorers to utilize a variety of cleaning methods.

Here is a quick description of each method of content cleaning:

• Dry Cleaning - Removes light to medium nongrease-based soils.
• Wet Cleaning - Removes moderate to heavy residues. The process involves cleaning using water, with or without a cleaning agent.
• Spray and Wipe - Apply a cleaning product using a spray bottle. After spraying, wipe the surface with a clean white towel. This method is effective for materials possibly damaged if saturated with cleaning product.
• Foam Cleaning - Effective for light residues or delicate materials. Clean with the foam of a cleaning agent rather than the liquid
• Abrasive Cleaning - Agitates the surface being cleaned. Apply a cleaning product containing abrasive ingredients
• Immersion Cleaning - Dipping contents items into a bath of cleaning product. This bath is an ultrasonic tank filled with water and cleaning solution. High-frequency sound waves then create high temperatures and microscopic jet streams of fluid to agitate and scrub contents.

SERVPRO recommends that you DO NOT attempt to clean smoke-damaged surfaces or contents yourself, and call the professionals!

Cooking Fires Are The Number One Cause Of Home Fires

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

Cooking brings family and friends together, provides an outlet for creativity and can be relaxing. But did you know that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries? By following a few safety tips you can prevent these fires. 

“Cook with Caution”

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stove top.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, roasting, or boiling food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stove top.

IF YOU HAVE A COOKING FIRE...

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Thanks to the National Fire Protection Agency for sharing these tips.

If you have a fire in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Savannah at 912-234-9690.

Smoke and Soot cleanup

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage?

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 Savannah 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 SERVPRO of Savannah Today – 912-234-9690

SERVPRO of Savannah responds to fire damage

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring vs. replacing your property and personal belongings. 

Allow SERVPRO of Savannah to respond and help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.  We provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to content claims inventory and document restoration.  These services help ensure your property is restored to preloss condition when possible.  

Contact SERVPRO of Savannah to arrange service.  Our trained professionals will be on-site quickly to start mitigation services.  SERVPRO of Savannah will communicate with the appropriate person to provide a verbal briefing of the scope.  We are happy to work with insurance companies to relieve some of the stress.     

Contact SERVPRO of Savannah with any fire, smoke or soot damage.  912-234-9690

Fire Damage Can Affect the Whole House

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

According to redcross.org, home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in the home. The second leading cause of home fires are heating sources like wood stoves, and fireplaces. 

A fire in one room can damage belongings and surfaces throughout you entire home or odors that could last for years. 

SERVPRO of Savannah understands how a fire can affect your life.  Our office consist of a 24 hour emergency response team, trained in caring for both the home and homeowner.  

Trained, uniformed technicians are on-site of a fire damage within hours to begin emergency mitigation services.  By responding quickly with a full line of fire cleanup and restoration service, SERVPRO of Savannah can help you regain control quickly and help you protect your home and belongings. 

SERVPRO of Savannah's professional fire crew have the ability to help, should the need arise. Call 912-234-9690

Until SERVPRO of Savannah arrives to assist in a fire

8/19/2019 (Permalink)

Helpful tips until SERVPRO of Savannah arrives to assist in the fire damage:

• 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, trip 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.
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Do not clean any electrical equipment.
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor. 
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and carpets. 
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call SERVPRO of Savannah Today – (912) 234-9690

Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out”. Fire Prevention Week is designed to teach people the importance of home escape planning and practice.

A home escape plan should include:
• Working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom and near all sleeping areas
• 2 ways out of every room
• A clear path to an outside meeting location

Here are 6 tips for coming up with your home fire escape plan:
1. Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, making sure to show two exits from each room and a path to the outside for each exit
2. Have a practice fire drill twice a year, practicing both ways out each time
3. Teach children how to escape
4. Make sure that the number of your home is clearly shown so that the fire department can easily find you
5. Close doors behind you as you leave to help slow down the spread of smoke, heat and fire
6. Once you get outside, stay outside

Having a fire escape plan ready and keeping these tips in mind will truly help in the event of a fire. And remember, “Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out”.

Not All Smoke Damage Can Be Cleaned With Soap!

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to cleaning smoked-damaged contents after a residential or commercial fire, the variety of contents in a typical job requires restorers to utilize a variety of cleaning methods.

Here is a quick description of each method of content cleaning:

• Dry Cleaning - Removes light to medium nongrease-based soils.
• Wet Cleaning - Removes moderate to heavy residues. The process involves cleaning using water, with or without a cleaning agent.
• Spray and Wipe - Apply a cleaning product using a spray bottle. After spraying, wipe the surface with a clean white towel. This method is effective for materials possibly damaged if saturated with cleaning product.
• Foam Cleaning - Effective for light residues or delicate materials. Clean with the foam of a cleaning agent rather than the liquid
• Abrasive Cleaning - Agitates the surface being cleaned. Apply a cleaning product containing abrasive ingredients
• Immersion Cleaning - Dipping contents items into a bath of cleaning product. This bath is an ultrasonic tank filled with water and cleaning solution. High-frequency sound waves then create high temperatures and microscopic jet streams of fluid to agitate and scrub contents.

SERVPRO recommends that you DO NOT attempt to clean smoke-damaged surfaces or contents yourself, and call the professionals!

Savannah Fire Mitigation Services

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

Residential fire occurs about every 90 seconds in the United States according to national fire statistics.*

A fire in one room can damage belongings and surfaces throughout you entire home or odors that could last for years. 

SERVPRO of Savannah understands how a fire can affect your life.  Our office consist of a 24 hour emergency response team, trained in caring for both the home and homeowner.  

Trained, uniformed technicians are on-site of a fire damage within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services.  By responding quickly with a full line of fire cleanup and restoration service, SERVPRO of Savannah can help you regain control quickly and help you protect your home and belongings. 

SERVPRO of Savannah's professional fire crew have the ability to help, should the need arise. 912-234-9690

*Source - U.S. Fire Administration

SERVPRO of Savannah: Fire Service Response Guidelines

8/27/2018 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring vs. replacing your property and personal belongings. 

SERVPRO's 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.  We provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to content claims inventory and document restoration.  These services help ensure your property is restored to preloss condition when possible.  

Within 1 hour - SERVPRO of Savannah will contact you to arrange service.

Within 4 hours of the loss notification - SERVPRO of Savannah professional will be on-site to start mitigation services if necessary. 

Within 8 business hours of the on-site arrival - SERVPRO of Savannah will communicate with the appropriate person to provide a verbal briefing of the scope.

Contact SERVPRO of Savannah with any fire, smoke or soot damage.  912-234-9690

Smoke and Soot cleanup

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage

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 Savannah 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 – 912-234-9690

Tips for grilling safely

8/24/2018 (Permalink)

Grilling fire at house

There's nothing better than grilling out in the summertime. When you see fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, it is a welcome sight at any outdoor party or family cookout. But if a grill is not managed properly, an unwelcome fire can turn your cookout into a catastrophe. Here are some tips for keeping everyone at the party safe while grilling:

General Grilling Tips

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended

For more information and grilling safety tips, please visit http://www.nfpa.org/.

Until SERVPRO of Savannah arrives to assist in a fire

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Helpful tips until SERVPRO of Savannah arrives to assist in the fire damage.

• 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, trip 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.
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Do not clean any electrical equipment.
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor. 
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and carpets. 
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – (912) 234-9690

Heating Hazards - Savannah Fire Safety Tips

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

The winter season is here.  Even though Savannah usually has mild winters, there is still a need for heating homes or businesses at some point during the winter months.  

Remember these tips when heating your Savannah home or business:

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater.  Have a three foot "kid-free" zone around open fires and space heaters. 
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be completely cooled before putting them in a metal container.  Keep the container a safe distance away from the home.  
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed. 
• Always us the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters. 
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional. 
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer's instructions. 
• Test smoke alarms monthly. 

Should you suffer fire damage, contact SERVPRO at 912-234-9690!  Let us help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Christmas Safety in Savannah

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Christmas tree fires are very dangerous.  Per the U.S. Fire Administration, on average, one of every 31 reported home Christmas tree fires results in death.  This compared to an average of one death per 144 total reported home fires. Christmas trees too close to a heat source account for one in every four fires.  

Below are just a few important tips for fire safety during the Holiday season:

• Water your Christmas tree.
• Keep decorations away from heat sources. 
• Inspect decoration electrical cords and follow the manufacturer's instruction. 
• Always unplug your tree and lighted decorations prior to leaving or going to bed.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
• Make sure your tree stand is sturdy and your tree is fitted in the stand properly. 

If you or someone you know has experienced a fire, SERVPRO is here to help. Call 912-234-9690.

*Source: U.S. Fire Administration

Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

The theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out”. Fire Prevention Week is designed to teach people the importance of home escape planning and practice.

A home escape plan should include:
• Working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom and near all sleeping areas
• 2 ways out of every room
• A clear path to an outside meeting location

Here are 6 tips for coming up with your home fire escape plan:
1. Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, making sure to show two exits from each room and a path to the outside for each exit
2. Have a practice fire drill twice a year, practicing both ways out each time
3. Teach children how to escape
4. Make sure that the number of your home is clearly shown so that the fire department can easily find you
5. Close doors behind you as you leave to help slow down the spread of smoke, heat and fire
6. Once you get outside, stay outside

Having a fire escape plan ready and keeping these tips in mind will truly help in the event of a fire. And remember, “Every Second Counts: Plan Two Ways Out”.

Source

Not All Smoke Damage Can Be Cleaned With Soap!

9/18/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to cleaning smoked-damaged contents after a residential or commercial fire, the variety of contents in a typical job requires restorers to utilize a variety of cleaning methods.

Here is a quick description of each method of content cleaning:

• Dry Cleaning - Removes light to medium nongrease-based soils.
• Wet Cleaning - Removes moderate to heavy residues. The process involves cleaning using water, with or without a cleaning agent.
• Spray and Wipe - Apply a cleaning product using a spray bottle. After spraying, wipe the surface with a clean white towel. This method is effective for materials possibly damaged if saturated with cleaning product.
• Foam Cleaning - Effective for light residues or delicate materials. Clean with the foam of a cleaning agent rather than the liquid
• Abrasive Cleaning - Agitates the surface being cleaned. Apply a cleaning product containing abrasive ingredients
• Immersion Cleaning - Dipping contents items into a bath of cleaning product. This bath is an ultrasonic tank filled with water and cleaning solution. High-frequency sound waves then create high temperatures and microscopic jet streams of fluid to agitate and scrub contents.

SERVPRO recommends that you DO NOT attempt to clean smoke-damaged surfaces or contents yourself, and call the professionals!

Cookout Catastrophe: Tips for grilling safely

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

There's nothing better than grilling out in the summertime. When you see fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, it is a welcome sight at any outdoor party or family cookout. But if a grill is not managed properly, an unwelcome fire can turn your cookout into a catastrophe. Here are some tips for keeping everyone at the party safe while grilling:

General Grilling Tips

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended

For more information and grilling safety tips, please visit http://www.nfpa.org/.

Savannah Fire Mitigation Services

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

Residential fire occurs about every 90 seconds in the United States according to national fire statistics.*

A fire in one room can damage belongings and surfaces throughout you entire home or odors that could last for years. 

SERVPRO of Savannah understands how a fire can affect your life.  Our office consist of a 24 hour emergency response team, trained in caring for both the home and homeowner.  

Trained, uniformed technicians are on-site of a fire damage within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services.  By responding quickly with a full line of fire cleanup and restoration service, SERVPRO of Savannah can help you regain control quickly and help you protect your home and belongings. 

SERVPRO of Savannah's professional fire crew have the ability to help, should the need arise. 912-234-9690

*Source - U.S. Fire Administration

SERVPRO of Savannah: Fire Service Response Guidelines

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring vs. replacing your property and personal belongings. 

SERVPRO's 1-4-8 Service Response Guidelines can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.  We provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to content claims inventory and document restoration.  These services help ensure your property is restored to preloss condition when possible.  

Within 1 hour - SERVPRO of Savannah will contact you to arrange service.

Within 4 hours of the loss notification - SERVPRO of Savannah professional will be on-site to start mitigation services if necessary. 

Within 8 business hours of the on-site arrival - SERVPRO of Savannah will communicate with the appropriate person to provide a verbal briefing of the scope.

Contact SERVPRO of Savannah with any fire, smoke or soot damage.  912-234-9690

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/25/2017 (Permalink)

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 Savannah 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 – 912-234-9690

Until SERVPRO of Savannah arrives to assist in a fire

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Helpful tips until SERVPRO of Savannah arrives to assist in the fire damage.

• 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, trip 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.
• Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Do not clean any electrical equipment.
• Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor. 
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and carpets. 
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – (912) 234-9690

SERVPRO restores your contents from fire damage too!

1/3/2017 (Permalink)

Your home of commercial facility contains many of your most valuable possessions. SERVPRO of Savannah understands the trauma that follows a loss. When fire damage takes control of your life, we help you take it back.

Some of our Contents services include:

Inventory – One of the first priorities in fire restoration is to complete an accurate inventory to help ensure you can properly account for all your belongings. Your SERVPRO of Savannah technician can provide a detailed room-by-room inventory of contents, including digital photographs and bar codes for each item, suitable for filing insurance claims forms and relieving you of this often stressful and time consuming process.

Move Outs – When the structure has suffered extensive damage, the cleanup and restoration process may need to be facilitated by relocating the contents for cleaning, deodorization and storage while structural repairs are being completed. A supervised moving crew can carefully pack and move the entire contents of your home or office.

Contents Cleaning – All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery. SERVPRO of Savannah technicians begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. SERVPRO of Savannah can provide wet or dry cleaning. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to as near as preloss condition as possible. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, bric-a-brac and much more.

Call SERVPRO of Savannah today! (912) 234-9690

Turkey Fryer Fire Safety Tips for Savannah

11/22/2016 (Permalink)

Turkey Fryer