SERVPRO Offers Premier Fire Restoration in Fort Lauderdale

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

If your Ft. Lauderdale home has fire damage, call SERVPRO. We'll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fort Lauderdale Residents Trust SERVPRO with Fire Restoration

Apart from causing cosmetic damage to your home, the smoke and soot particles also wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your home. SERVPRO® techs prioritize removing these residues during the fire restoration of your Fort Lauderdale home. We use state-of-the-art cleaning agents and equipment to restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO techs adapt the basic cleaning concepts during fire restoration of Fort Lauderdale homes based on the situation. We use multiple ways to agitate surfaces and various products to produce chemical reactions to remove residues.  

Using Elements of Cleaning During House Fire Cleanup 

SERVPRO technicians utilize a comprehensive approach known as TACT for effective fire restoration. The methodology incorporates Temperature, Agitation, Chemical action, and Time, each playing a pivotal role in suspending soils and residues in a cleaning product.

• Temperature: Heat accelerates the movement of molecules, thereby enhancing the chemical reaction between cleaning solutions and soils. However, excessive heat can be detrimental, unsafe, or damaging to the cleaned materials. So, SERVPRO technicians adhere to the optimal temperature guidelines for each cleaning product, ensuring safety and efficacy.
• Agitation: This process involves using friction to break the bond between soil and surface. Techniques like water pressure, air pressure, rotating brushes, scrubbing, wiping, and sand-blasting are employed. 
• Chemical Action: SERVPRO's approach includes using detergents, acidic and alkaline solutions, and bleaches to break the bond between smoke residues and surfaces. The selection of the chemical agent is crucial and is determined based on the nature of the soil and the surface being cleaned.
• Time: Referred to as dwell time in the restoration industry, it represents the duration required for soils to dissolve and for the chemical action to take effect. This period varies depending on the material, soil type, agitation method, and the temperature of the cleaning solution. 

SERVPRO's fire damage restoration emphasizes the balanced interplay of these elements to ensure that your Fort Lauderdale home is restored to preloss conditions as quickly as possible. 

Call SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North at (954) 733-1006 if you need help restoring fire damage. 

Fire Damage Restoration Process in Fort Lauderdale Homes

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot residue can be difficult to remove. Our team is trained and equipped to handle all of your fire damage.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Damage Restoration Including Damage Mitigation?

Fires in Fort Lauderdale homes cause significant damage to the house and contents. Much of the damage is caused by fire, smoke, and residues. In addition, extensive water damage is caused by the fire department dousing the flames to extinguish the fire. The damage can be mitigated after the fire department approves accessing the home.

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration and mitigation services to Fort Lauderdale homeowners. We can be on-site within four hours after your call and respond to emergencies 24/7. The fire damage restoration process involves six significant steps and can only proceed once the fire department and emergency officials provide clearance. The process steps include the following:

• Damage assessment
• Property security
• Debris removal
• Demolition, water, and moisture removal
• Smoke removal and cleanup
• Reconstruction and Restoration

Damage assessment – confirm the building is safe to enter and assess the damage from fire, smoke, and water. Verify the full scope of work and inform our client and their insurance adjuster.

Property security – install fencing around the property if needed, board up windows and doors, and tarps on the roof to minimize additional environmental damage.

Debris removal – begin removing debris, including contents damaged beyond repair.

Demolition, water, and moisture removal – remove the damaged structure, including drywall, insulation, and flooring materials. Complete water extraction and dry the structure.

Smoke removal and cleanup – remove soot and smoke residue from all interior and exterior surfaces, do duct and furnace cleaning, and clean all contents.

Reconstruction and restoration – rebuild fire-damaged areas, including structure, cabinets, walls, and flooring materials. This step may also require duct, electrical systems, fixtures replacement, etc.

SERVPRO can help restore, reconstruct, and repair small and extensive fire damage situations.

Call SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North for fire damage restoration services. We provide service to Fort Lauderdale and nearby areas. We can help 24/7. Call (954) 417-7074.

Fort Lauderdale Fire Damage Threats Require Fast Action

4/17/2023 (Permalink)

For a "Like it never even happened," house fire damage recovery for your Fort Lauderdale residence--Just Call SERVPRO

SERVPRO FSRT Technicians Restore Fire Damage

Ft. Lauderdale and its surrounding area are home to hundreds of thousands of people, and many small shops, businesses, offices, and other commercial properties. With such an assortment of structures, it is crucial to have experienced professionals to help when situations like fires occur.

Fort Lauderdale fire damage can appear in many forms, from overloaded circuits in a condominium to a kitchen flare-up in a single-family home. We understand the urgency of these situations, making it a conscious effort to show We're Faster To Any Size Disaster with our SERVPRO Green Fleet, often arriving within hours of the first notice of loss.

Creating a Safe Work Environment

Safety must be the focus of SERVPRO professionals. There are many hazards associated with post-fire cleanup and recovery services, and the earliest efforts of experienced technicians from our roster are meant to address these possible hazards. The most pressing concerns are often airborne contaminants and structural weakness, which SERVPRO fire restorers can resolve with HEPA filtration products and controlled demolition services.

Addressing Pressing Concerns Early in Restoration

Mitigation can be one of the most productive priorities for responding SERVPRO professionals. Fire damage can be traumatic and stressful for homeowners to witness in these stages, so many early efforts are intended to keep this situation from worsening. This phase can include removing debris, cleaning up standing water, relocating contents, and conducting a thorough inspection of the property to determine how restoration should proceed.

Removing Soot Soils from Surfaces

Fire damage is often most visualized as the black, soot-laden surfaces of a home after a blaze gets extinguished. This situation can worsen until steps are taken to filter out spreading soot particles and clean surfaces impacted by this soiling. We make decisions based on the type of smoke damage present, determining the ideal restoration and removal approach. Types of soil deposits include:

• Dry Smoke
• Wet Smoke
• Grease Residues

Removing Strong Malodors from the Property

After fire damage gets cleaned up in homes, there are still additional loss effects to deal with for professionals. Lingering malodors present the most direct issues for comfortable living, and we must use a combination of cleaning efforts to overcome them:

• Fogging – Mobile fogging units can help spread neutralizing agents throughout the property. Because of the vaporous emission of the machine, these are ideal for clearing trapped odors from building materials.
• UV Cleaning – UV breaks down molecular structures circulating in the environment. Exposure to UV prevents these compounds from replicating and can even destroy these particles in some cases.
• Ozone – Oxidation units in our supply create an unstable molecular compound of O3, which can seek out odor molecules in the environment and bond. When this union occurs, the smell is neutralized. In its unstable form, ozone can be hazardous to those exposed, so it gets used cautiously.

SERVPRO Can Help with Post-Fire Repairs

Few structure fires do such minimal damage to residences that no replacement materials or repairs are needed. Because this is a standard part of the recovery process, it is beneficial that our SERVPRO team has a general contractor license. With this license, we are permitted to complete several build-back services your home or business might need, starting with controlled demolition and material removal through utility repairs, roof repairs, and new construction.

When you contend with Fort Lauderdale fire damage, you need experienced restoration professionals to help. As leading fire recovery specialists for Broward County, SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North is ready to help with the restoration and recovery services you need most. Call now at (954) 734-1006.

Reasons Expert Fire Restoration is Best in Fort Lauderdale

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration services are not an easy task. Call SERVPRO, who are IICRC certified.

Call SERVPRO 24/7 in Fort Lauderdale for Pro Fire Restoration

Some Fort Lauderdale property owners understand that the quicker you act after a fire to begin cleanup, the better. But why? The IICRC-certified team at SERVPRO wants all area businesses and homeowners to know why prompt mitigation is the only way to save time, money, and belongings. When you call us for fire restoration and cleanup, we mitigate the damage quickly to restore versus replace whenever possible. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster. 

Response times matter in all occurrences 

Rapid response is imperative after a fire as it limits loss and helps reduce secondary damage. Charred debris and pungent odors are just a few aspects SERVPRO addresses once called to help with fire restoration in Fort Lauderdale. Never wait to contact our team for professional cleanup, nor try handling your fire damage as a DIY project alone.

These are some of the reasons to call the trained fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT):

• Faster response and expert services – We arrive within hours of your initial call, and our IICRC-certified technicians know proper practices for handling all fire and water-related emergencies. You can count on us for efficient soot and smoke residue cleaning, removal of charred building materials, and odor control.
• Careful inspections and accurate evaluations – Initial assessment of your property help us to determine all levels of damage and the right equipment and methods to use for cleanup. We have a dedicated crew chief that looks at the damage to formulate a plan for fire mitigation, restoration, drying, and reconstruction/repair.
• Deep cleaning you can count on – You want to re-enter your home or business without hazards, odors, or reminders of the fire. We have EPA-registered antimicrobials, odor control technology, and everything else necessary to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North strives to provide exemplary fire restoration for commercial and residential customers. Call us at (954) 734-1006 to speak with our customer care team about dispatching our Green Fleet to your door.

Factors of Fire Damage Cleanup in Wilton Manors Properties

8/13/2022 (Permalink)

Microwave fire damage with dry smoke in a Wilton Manors kitchen. SERVPRO can make it "Like it never even happened."

Certain Conditions Impact Fire Damage Recovery

As leading fire damage professionals in the state, SERVPRO works quickly to reach homes and businesses impacted by fires and subsequent smoke effects. When these effects exist, the cleaning of the house can be influenced by several factors. Soot and soiling can target many areas of the property, including:

? Ceilings

? Walls

? Contents

? Floors

What Type of Smoke Damage

When SERVPRO professionals first assess fire damage in Wilton Manors properties, we must determine the nature of the damage.

What Type of Smoke Damage?

When SERVPRO professionals first assess fire damage in Wilton Manors properties, we must determine the type of smoke damage impacting the structure. A considerable difference exists between wet and dry smoke damage, but the cleaning can become even more challenging with added obstacles of grease and proteins.

Workspace Temperature

Your home can often be warm after a fire for a lengthy period, but when surfaces cool, they become more challenging to clean and restore. Maintaining warmth in the workspace allows chemical processes to occur faster, with molecules moving more quickly than in colder temperatures.

Contact Period with Cleaning Products

Contact time measures the exposure period with cleaning products on soiled surfaces. In some situations, contact time must be lengthy to allow solvents or pairing chemicals to have the desired effects. Other potent cleaning agents can mar or ruin underlying substrates with too long contact time. SERVPRO professionals must continually monitor conditions to avoid unpleasant outcomes.

Environmental Moisture Levels

Humidity is an important factor in the salvageability of materials after a fire and how readily SERVPRO can clean specific surfaces. Reducing high moisture content can positively affect the overall cleaning, reducing the probability of soils staining surfaces or being unnecessarily challenging to lift and remove from affected materials.

Many factors can influence the ease of cleaning up after structure fires. Our professionals understand how to utilize these factors to provide a positive and swift result for your home. Give our SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North team a call to help at (954) 734-1006.

Here’s Why To Hire Professionals To Handle Fire Damage

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage is not only devastating in the moment but can ruin your property and belongings after the blaze.

Here’s Why To Hire Professionals To Handle Fire Damage

A fire can be a devastating experience and cleaning up and restoring your home to its previous condition will certainly be your primary concern in the aftermath. It can be a stressful and emotional time for you and your family and it’s understandable if you just want everything handled and repaired as quickly as possible, but when fire strikes you need to proceed with caution.

Repairing fire damage can be a complicated process, as there is more involved than just soot and dirt. The firefighting efforts can also cause their share of destruction, including broken glass and water damage. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you rely on the services of trained remediation professionals to help restore your home after a fire.

What Can The Pros Do For You?

Fire can strike for any number of reasons, including after one of the many tropical storms that regularly hit the Fort Lauderdale area. Homes, commercial properties and even boats in one of the area’s many marinas can all be at risk and may require the services of a professional remediation company like SERVPRO of Fort Lauderdale North.

While it may be tempting to roll up your sleeves and begin the clean-up process yourself, there are some specific reasons why hiring a professional service is a better idea:

• They’re trained to handle the danger – Fire cleanup can be a very dangerous process. Not only can there be hazards like broken glass and weakened support structures, there may also be toxic chemicals and mold present. A professional remediation company is trained to identify these kinds of hazards and take the proper steps to both avoid and address them.
• They understand the regulations involved – There are specific fire regulations in place in Broward County and as a professional remediation company in the Ft. Lauderdale North area, SERVPRO is up to date on those regulations and knows exactly what steps to take to ensure that your property is adhering to them.
• They are trained to restore a wide range of items – Fire damage can affect any number of surfaces in your home, from walls and floors to fabrics and fibers. A study by the University of Missouri outlines some of the delicate handling required for fire damaged fabrics. With our comprehensive training in fire damage remediation, we know what it takes to address damage to your home and belongings and have the necessary equipment and techniques to properly address it.

We’re Ready To Handle Your Restoration

At SERVPRO, our technicians have been certified in fire and smoke restoration by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and we are prepared to handle every step of the restoration process. We’ll inspect for structural issues, address the removal of fire debris, soot and smoke, take steps to ensure air purification and the removal of odors, fully address any water damage to prevent mold buildup and take steps to protect the contents of your home as well.

Though every fire damage situation is unique, there is a general process we follow for fire damage restoration, which includes:

• Emergency Contact – We’ll ask all of the pertinent questions when you make your initial call so we’ll be prepared to handle your specific situation once we arrive on site.
• Inspection and Assessment –The on-site process begins with a thorough inspection of your home and property, including rooms adjoining the damaged area to identify any issues and help us prepare a plan of attack.
• Board up and Roof Tarping – Windows, walls and roofs can be compromised by fire damage. We’ll board up any missing windows or walls and put a tarp on your roof to prevent any further problems.
• Water Removal and Drying – Mold can develop quickly after water damage, so we’ll move fast to remove any excess water and ensure that the area is completely dry to avoid mold issues.
• Removal of Soot and Smoke – We use specialized equipment to remove soot and smoke from ceilings, walls and other surfaces.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing – Once the water and soot is addressed, we use a variety of techniques to thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces and any items that were damaged by the fire. We’ll also use industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment to help remove odors.
• Restoration – Our end goal is to restore your home to its pre-fire condition and we’ll take any necessary steps to repair the damage, whether that means replacing drywall and carpeting, painting or undertaking the entire reconstruction of a room.

We’re Part of Your Community

We live here in the Ft. Lauderdale North area ourselves, so we have a vested interest in helping this community. At SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North, we are committed to responding faster to any disaster, but our service doesn’t stop there. We’ll also go the extra mile to ensure that your home is treated with the same loving care you would give it yourself. That means returning your home to its pre-fire condition and making sure it’s safe for you and your family.

As traumatic as fire damage can be, you can rest easier when you put your home in the trained hands of the SERVPRO of Fort Lauderdale North restoration professionals.

About the Author

Tyrone Po

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We understand the challenges that can happen 1st hand (I have experienced them myself) and how we can help you get things back to normal.

Affiliations: We are affiliated with Professional Golfers' Association of America, American Red Cross, Better Business Bureau, BOMA, Community Association Institute, Ft Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, Independent Agents of Broward County, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, Lauderdale by the Sea Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Broward, Plantation Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Claims Association, Wilton Manors Business Association

Certifications: AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician, ASD -Applied Structural Drying Technician, CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician, ECTP -Employee Certification Training Program, FSRT -Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician, UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician, OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program, HST -Health and safety Technician, OCT - Odor Control Technician, RRRP -Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation, WRT -Water Damage Restoration Technician, IICRC -Certified Firm

Awards: Better Business Bureau - A Rated, Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Small Business Award Recipient

Check out our previous blog!

Can Smoke and Fire Damage Be Cleaned?

Can Smoke and Fire Damage Be Cleaned?

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Can Smoke and Fire Damage Be Cleaned?

Fire can strike at any moment and it can be devastating, whether it hits a home or commercial property.

Facing the aftermath of a fire can be daunting, since the damage left behind may be extensive.

Not only can the flames and smoke themselves leave their mark, the water used by firemen can compound the damage even more

While this type of situation may seem overwhelming, it actually is possible to clean and restore a property that experiences smoke and fire damage provided you go about it correctly.

In cases like these, your best option is to rely on the services of a professional company like SERVPRO of Fort Lauderdale North.

Our professionals are trained to handle the specific dangers that can come with cleaning up after a fire such as broken glass, weakened support beams, toxic materials or mold infestations.

We take all the necessary safety precautions and have heavy duty, state-of-the-art equipment designed to handle this kind of damage.

We’re also up to date on the fire regulations in Broward County and will ensure that the cleanup of your property is following them at every step of the process. 

With our extensive training in fire damage remediation, we can thoroughly clean and restore any number of surfaces, including walls, floors, fabrics and fibers. 

At SERVPRO, we have a vested interest in helping to rebuild the community because it’s our home too

That’s why we are committed to responding faster to any disaster and prepared to go the extra mile to ensure that your home or property is treated with the utmost respect.

How Do You Remove Soot?

12/25/2020 (Permalink)

Soot problems happen in Sunny Florida, not just up north in the cold and snow :-)

Soot is one of the most dangerous of all hazards that you can face in the aftermath of a fire. Because it can contain any number of toxins, breathing in even the smallest amount of soot can cause serious health effects.

It can build up on all sorts of surfaces and create noxious odors, which can make it a challenge to clean.

Removing soot is a delicate process that requires proper safety precautions, specialized equipment and professional training.

That’s why it’s recommended that you leave this job to the professionals at SERVPRO of Fort Lauderdale North

The longer soot is allowed to remain on a surface the more dangerous it is, so it needs to be addressed as quickly as possible.

It’s also important to ensure that it is cleaned properly so that it doesn’t make the damage any worse.

If you'd like to see our reviews on Google My Business... have a look 

At SERVPRO we have specialized equipment, including industrial vacuums with HEPA filters that can remove soot particles from the air and from various surfaces, as well as air scrubbers to trap any soot particles released into the air by vacuuming. 

We can then clean walls, carpets, floors, furniture and other items using the proper products to ensure that the soot is removed without damaging the item or surface itself.

We understand how devastating a fire can be and we’re prepared to respond immediately, 24 hours a day, to help you begin the cleanup process as quickly as possible so that you can put the trauma behind you for good. SERVPRO Ft Lauderdale, we are here for you.

Can Smoke and Fire Damage Be Cleaned?

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke from a fire or from cigarettes, we can make it like it never happened

Fire can strike at any moment and it can be devastating, whether it hits a home or commercial property

Facing the aftermath of a fire can be daunting, since the damage left behind may be extensive. Not only can the flames and smoke themselves leave their mark, the water used by firemen can compound the damage even more.

While this type of situation may seem overwhelming, it actually is possible to clean and restore a property that experiences smoke and fire damage provided you go about it correctly.

In cases like these, your best option is to rely on the services of a professional company like SERVPRO of Fort Lauderdale North.

Our professionals are trained to handle the specific dangers that can come with cleaning up after a fire such as broken glass, weakened support beams, toxic materials or mold infestations.

We take all the necessary safety precautions and have heavy duty, state-of-the-art equipment designed to handle this kind of damage.

We’re also up to date on the fire regulations in Broward County and will ensure that the cleanup of your property is following them at every step of the process. 

With our extensive training in fire damage remediation, we can thoroughly clean and restore any number of surfaces, including walls, floors, fabrics and fibers. 

At SERVPRO, we have a vested interest in helping to rebuild the community because it’s our home too

That’s why we are committed to responding faster to any disaster and prepared to go the extra mile to ensure that your home or property is treated with the utmost respect. Make sure to check our Google reviews here.

Here’s Why To Hire Professionals To Handle Fire Damage

11/26/2020 (Permalink)

Faster to any disaster and ready to help

A fire can be a devastating experience and cleaning up and restoring your home to its previous condition will certainly be your primary concern in the aftermath.

It can be a stressful and emotional time for you and your family and it’s understandable if you just want everything handled and repaired as quickly as possible, but when fire strikes you need to proceed with caution.

Repairing fire damage can be a complicated process, as there is more involved than just soot and dirt

The firefighting efforts can also cause their share of destruction, including broken glass and water damage.

For this reason, it is highly recommended that you rely on the services of trained remediation professionals to help restore your home after a fire.

What Can The Pros Do For You?

Fire can strike for any number of reasons, including after one of the many tropical storms that regularly hit the Fort Lauderdale area.

Homes, commercial properties and even boats in one of the area’s many marinas can all be at risk and may require the services of a professional remediation company like SERVPRO of Fort Lauderdale North.

While it may be tempting to roll up your sleeves and begin the clean-up process yourself, there are some specific reasons why hiring a professional service is a better idea:

• They’re trained to handle the danger – Fire cleanup can be a very dangerous process. Not only can there be hazards like broken glass and weakened support structures, there may also be toxic chemicals and mold present. A professional remediation company is trained to identify these kinds of hazards and take the proper steps to both avoid and address them.
  
  
• They understand the regulations involved – There are specific fire regulations in place in Broward County (https://www.broward.org/CodeAppeals/Documents/fireamend2009.pdf) and as a professional remediation company in the Ft. Lauderdale North area, SERVPRO is up to date on those regulations and knows exactly what steps to take to ensure that your property is adhering to them.
  
  
• They are trained to restore a wide range of items – Fire damage can affect any number of surfaces in your home, from walls and floors to fabrics and fibers. A study by the University of Missouri outlines some of the delicate handling required for fire damaged fabrics (https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/gh145). With our comprehensive training in fire damage remediation, we know what it takes to address damage to your home and belongings and have the necessary equipment and techniques to properly address it.

We’re Ready To Handle Your Restoration

At SERVPRO, our technicians have been certified in fire and smoke restoration by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and we are prepared to handle every step of the restoration process.

We’ll inspect for structural issues, address the removal of fire debris, soot and smoke, take steps to ensure air purification and the removal of odors, fully address any water damage to prevent mold buildup and take steps to protect the contents of your home as well.

Though every fire damage situation is unique, there is a general process we follow for fire damage restoration, which includes:

• Emergency Contact – We’ll ask all of the pertinent questions when you make your initial call so we’ll be prepared to handle your specific situation once we arrive on site.
• Inspection and Assessment –The on-site process begins with a thorough inspection of your home and property, including rooms adjoining the damaged area to identify any issues and help us prepare a plan of attack.
• Board up and Roof Tarping – Windows, walls and roofs can be compromised by fire damage. We’ll board up any missing windows or walls and put a tarp on your roof to prevent any further problems.
• Water Removal and Drying – Mold can develop quickly after water damage, so we’ll move fast to remove any excess water and ensure that the area is completely dry to avoid mold issues.
• Removal of Soot and Smoke – We use specialized equipment to remove soot and smoke from ceilings, walls and other surfaces.
• Cleaning and Sanitizing – Once the water and soot is addressed, we use a variety of techniques to thoroughly clean and sanitize all surfaces and any items that were damaged by the fire. We’ll also use industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment to help remove odors.
• Restoration – Our end goal is to restore your home to its pre-fire condition and we’ll take any necessary steps to repair the damage, whether that means replacing drywall and carpeting, painting or undertaking the entire reconstruction of a room.

We’re Part of Your Community

We live here in the Ft. Lauderdale North area ourselves, so we have a vested interest in helping this community. At SERVPRO, we are committed to responding faster to any disaster, but our service doesn’t stop there. We’ll also go the extra mile to ensure that your home is treated with the same loving care you would give it yourself. That means returning your home to its pre-fire condition and making sure it’s safe for you and your family.

As traumatic as fire damage can be, you can rest easier when you put your home in the trained hands of the SERVPRO restoration professionals.

After A Fire - Call The Ft. Lauderdale Professionals

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fort Lauderdale Florida Fire Damage on the side of wall

Protect Your Property After the Fire

One of the most terrible experiences a family can have is dealing with the aftermath of a fire.  The destructive force of a fire is life threatening.  Besides dealing with the safety aspects of surviving a fire catastrophe, many families face the harsh reality even more after the flames are put out. 

Fires don’t just damage homes and property, they leave damage within each and every one of us.

After the Fire Fighters, We Respond Fast

SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North is here to help you and your family do as much as possible to prevent further damage after the fire.  Many involved in property fire incidents don’t realize that your home or business may still be in danger after the fire because of potential damage to the infrastructure of the building, so keeping safety in mind as you proceed is a major key.

As for the damage within the building, the first two days after the damage has occurred are the most sensitive to managing how much restoration can really help or not.  Because of this and the safety issue we mentioned prior, it is very important that you contact a professional immediately!  Our team at SERVPRO of Fort Lauderdale North is here to support you in your time of need.  After you call us, practice these tips to prevent further damage to your property:

1. Don’t go in and out of the space, limit the movement to reduce the spread of soot particles
2. If you must move through the structure, put clean towels or used linens on the high traffic areas or the furniture
3. Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces
4. Do not touch any electrical equipment
5. Do not attempt to shampoo any carpet or upholstery
6. You may coat chrome fixtures, trim and appliances of with petroleum jelly or oil
7. If you have something like wood blocks or aluminum foil, you can place it between the legs of furniture and wet flooring or carpet to prevent more damage to the furniture
8. Do not send clothing to the dry cleaners, improper cleaning can further damage the item

You have to get your life back to normal after a disaster, but if you attempt to clean up the damage yourself, you may cause more damage. We hope you never have to call us, but unfortunately, accidents and emergencies happen and when they do, we work hard for you to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Learn more about our team at SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North here: http://ow.ly/LYpy50CcDIG

To learn more about what we are doing to protect you, your family, your employees and our team click here: http://ow.ly/uZ9k50CcDOV

You've got the support, always here to help.

We've supported hundreds of families and businesses like yours before. You are not alone. Whether reactive or preventative, our team can jump into action to make sure things are a success.

Give SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North a call at (954) 733-1006 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROftlauderdalenorth.com/

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Tips for Escaping a Structure in the Event of a Fire in Ft. Lauderdale

1/1/2020 (Permalink)

An escape plan is critical for successfully exiting a burning home.

SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North knows a small flame can turn into a large fire in a matter of minutes.  Sometimes, a portable fire extinguisher is not enough to save your Fort Lauderdale North home or business and the only thing you can do is escape. 

Lives are more important than objects, so get yourself and others out of danger.

SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North Offers these Tips for Escape: 

• Make an escape plan ahead of time. Make sure everyone knows the plan
• Make sure that all doors and windows open easily
• Plan at least two different ways of escaping every room
• When you leave, close the doors and windows to shut in the flames
• Practice the plan
• Do not stop to pick up valuables. You can replace objects
• Make sure your plan includes a place to meet that is a safe distance from the home
• Do not turn off smoke alarms when you cook.  You may need the warning
• If you have to go through smoke, crawl under it

SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North reminds you to call the fire department once you are outside the home.

SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North is independently owned and operated.

Links:

https://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/fire-and-life-safety-equipment/fire-extinguishers 

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/Public-Education/Resources/Safety-tip-sheets/EscapePlanningTips.ashx?la=en

Safety Tips when using Candles in Ft. Lauderdale North

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

The threat of fire damage increases during the Holidays. Be careful.

Although fires from candles happen more often around the holidays, many people use candles all year round. SERVPRO® of Ft. Lauderdale North wants you to be safe from fire and smoke damage. It is important to be careful any time you have an open flame in your Ft. Lauderdale home. 

Fire Prevention is the best way to fight against fire damage or injuries.

SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North offers these Tips for Fire Prevention from Candles:

• Do not let children near candles
• Keep trees and other plants away from candles
• Make sure candles are not near window curtains or blinds that could catch fire
• Keep lit candles in safe candle holders
• Do not leave children alone in a room with lit candles
• Do not light candles in the bedroom. You might fall asleep. One-third of all candle fires start in the bedroom. 
• If the power goes out, use flashlights instead of candles
• If someone in the home uses oxygen, do not use candles
• Fire damage from candles happens 35 times a day in the U.S.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can catch fire
• Put out candles when leaving the room or going to bed

A little caution goes a long way to protect you and your loved ones. If you have to deal with damage caused by smoke or fire from a candle in your Ft. Lauderdale home, your friends at SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North are just a phone call away. 

SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North is independently owned and operated. 

Links:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/ 

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Candles

https://www.nfpa.org/~/media/files/public-education/resources/safety-tip-sheets/religious_candles_safety_tips.pdf

Tips to Prevent Kitchen Fire in Ft. Lauderdale North

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Cooking fires cause damage in Ft. Lauderdale North.

SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North understands that cooking equipment is a leading cause of fire damage and fire injuries in your Ft. Lauderdale home.

To help prevent fire damage, SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North shares these tips. They make more sense than not cooking at home.

• Many kitchen items can catch fire, including: dish towels, oven mitts, recipes, wooden tools, and loose clothing
• Never operate the stove or oven when you are tired or have been drinking alcohol
• If you are frying, broiling, grilling, or boiling food, stay in the kitchen. If you leave, even for a short time, turn off the heat
• Keep flammable items at least three feet from the stove top
• Do not allow children within two to four feet of the stove or oven
• If you must leave the house while cooking of any kind, turn off the heat sources

Remember that fire is fast. If you cannot contain a fire immediately, leave and bring everyone with you. Call 9-1-1 from outside your City or County home.

SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North reminds you that fire prevention is the best strategy against fire damage. 

SERVPRO of Franchise is independently owned and operated. 

Links:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/

Commercial Fire Damage Prevention for Wilton Manors

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Wilton Manors businesses can stay safe from fire damage by taking a few prevention precautions.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one of the most common causes of commercial fires is electrical and lighting equipment. This type of fire is not easily predicted, as the lighting equipment can look totally fine on the outside in your Wilton Manors home or business. SERVPRO® of Ft. Lauderdale North wants to share the following information about commercial fires and how safety equipment helps to lessen the possibility of fire damage or smoke damage to your property. More importantly proper precautions can also assist in preventing any bodily injury:

• Wet pipe sprinklers installed in the ceilings of commercial buildings are very effective in helping to fight the fire(s)
• Building sprinklers should be examined and tested every 5 years 
• There should always be a fire extinguisher in reach inside of a commercial building and they must be checked annually to ensure they are in working order
•  If an office building is on fire, exit the building immediately and do not try to fight the fire yourself 
• If there is a lot of smoke inside the building, cover your mouth and nose and do your best to not inhale any of it

In the unfortunate event that a commercial building in Wilton Manors does catch fire, rest assured that SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North is prepared to help clean up any fire damage the building/area has sustained. Fort Lauderdale businesses should always practice fire damage prevention to keep our community safe.

SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North is independently owned and operated.

Link: https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/US-Structure-in-Office-Properties

In-home Fire Safety for the Wilton Manors Area

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Don’t let smoke damage or fire damage from a candle ruin your Wilton Manors home.

Fall is quickly approaching! That means all of the fall activities are about to begin in Wilton Manors, if they haven’t already. One popular item associated with the fall season is the candle. If a house smells like fall, it feels like home. SERVPRO® of Ft. Lauderdale North knows that candle fires happen and even though candles are small, the damage of a residential fire by a candle can turn out to be larger than expected.

Here are some candle fire safety tips to prevent fire damage in the Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors areas: 

• When lighting a candle in the home, keep the candle at least twelve inches away from anything that can burn
• Try to avoid keeping a lit candle in bedrooms, bathrooms or sleeping areas
• Do not leave a lit candle where a child or family pet can access or reach it

One more important candle safety tip to consider about leaving a lit candle in the bathroom. It’s common to use aerosol chemicals when cleaning, but this becomes extremely dangerous if there is a lit candle nearby. Aerosols are highly flammable and this can cause an explosion of sorts – please practice safety first and share this tip with friends and family (especially young people) who may not be aware of it. Prevent bathroom fires and kitchen fires by applying the tips listed above.

If your Wilton Manors home suffers from fire damage or smoke damage as a result of a candle fire candle, please call the trained professionals at SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North so we can help clean up the fire mess and damage.

SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North is independently owned and operated.

Link: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/media/pictographs/candles.html

Wilton Manors Fire Loss Water Damage?

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Aftermath of a Fire Loss Water Damage in Wilton Manors

Fire Loss Water Damage?

When a fire occurs in Wilton Manors, fire loss water damage is peering right around the corner.  Unfortunately, fire loss water damage can follow a fire because water plays a heavy roll in taking a raging house or business fire down.  Here are a couple of ideas you might not have considered.

Water damage follows fire damage

Since water is usually the main combatant to put out fires, whatever is on fire or near the fire is bound to get wet.  Burnt and wet isn’t ever a good combination, but one you should be expecting and be ready for in the unfortunate case of a fire loss water damage.

• Fires can lead to damaged or burst pipes which can cause flooding at a rapid rate. Especially if the fire is still going on, it would be incredibly hard to get to and fix the water leak fast enough to prevent further damage.
• Sprinkler systems react to the fires and help to put them out but can also lead to gallons of water all over your home or business. These systems never discriminate, so EVERYTHING in the surrounding area usually gets a downpour.  Even worse, sometimes these systems aren’t cleaned regularly, so the first parts of water than shoot out can be very discolored or dirty.
• Fire fighters do just that, they fight fires! Water is their primary ammunition, so everything in, around or near your home or business that is engulfed in flames will be drowned out by water shot out at what can be up to 24 gallons per minute.

Although nobody is truly ever ready for a disaster like a fire or like a flood, it doesn’t hurt to have the knowledge and prepared mindset to what one would face during a fire.  All three of these mentioned aspects could definitely work together to leave your home or business soaked, but it is there for your structures well being.

Water or Fire isn't the main priority...

The safety of your Wilton Manors family or your employees are most important, and the typical person handles water a lot better than fire. On a good note, many professionals like SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North are ready with the equipment, experience and expertise to handle both the fire damage aftermath and that of the fire loss water damage caused by the fight against the fire.

You've got the support, always here to help.

We've supported hundreds of families and businesses like yours before. You are not alone. Whether reactive or preventative, our team can jump into action to make sure things are a success.

Give SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North a call at (954) 733-1006 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROftlauderdalenorth.com/

Follow our Social media for exclusive tips on dealing with mold, fires, water damage and more: SERVPRO of Ft. Lauderdale North

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Preventing Fireworks Fires for the New Year 

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

Preventing Fireworks Fires for the New Year 

Here are some general tips to prevent injury or fire damage during the New Year fireworks fun.

• Fireworks most likely to cause fires are not large displays that go high in the air but the smaller items that go up less than ten feet.  Larger cake style displays go high enough in the air for any sparks to extinguish long before they could hit the ground but smaller items geared towards kids that spin and shoot sparks close to the ground need to be handled with caution.
• The best place to stage your show is away from tall, dry grasses or trees on a level, cement surface.  If you have to light your display on grass or gravel we recommend using a piece of plywood to create a level surface.
• Wet the ground in and around the area where you will be setting off your display and always have a fire extinguisher or hose and adequate water supply on hand.
• NEVER take fireworks to national forests or park areas!  Even in wet years, fireworks are never legal or appropriate in these areas.
• NEVER put spent fireworks or "duds" in a fire.  Soak spent fireworks with water and dispose of them only when completely cooled.
• Don't attempt to pick up or relight "duds".  Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak in a bucket of water before disposal. Buying from a reputable distributor will minimize your chance of purchasing "duds".
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Have a designated sober shooter.  There is no substitute for good judgment.

Give us a call at (954) 733-1006 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROftlauderdalenorth.com/

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Prevent Fire Damage 2018 New Years Resolution! Ft. Lauderdale & Plantation

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

New Years Resolution: Prevent Fire Damage

New Years' resolutions are a staple of many Americans' holiday seasons when decisions are made to fundamentally change the lives of those making them for the better. While we often struggle to maintain and meet up to our expectations, these resolutions can be very beneficial if we really followed them... Of course some more than others (Like to prevent fire damage).

Happens to Everyone...

Have you ever caught yourself almost causing a fire?  Leaving the stove running, or forgetting a pot of cooking food on the stove?  Maybe over microwaving something or accidentally forgetting to blow out a candle?  It happens to everyone, but for some, these small instances turn into major life changing fires..  

Let's make a new years resolution to prevent fire damage chances in all of those little moments, so we don't have experience one of those BIG moments!

Being Careful With Flame

Open flames of all sizes can directly lead to significant fire damage in your  home. Anything in your home that produces an open flame could represent an enormous fire hazard. In general, we recommend keeping the use of these devices to a minimum, but instead of giving up your habits entirely, consider making them more safe and well-contained. Never let candles and kitchen appliances run without your presence in the room. Little changes like these can make a big difference in the future.

Cleaning Up Around The Home

Keeping your home neat and clean not only makes it look better and more livable but also reduces your risk of fire damage. Many fires start because of excess dirt and clutter in a home, and can easily be averted with a reduction to these factors.

Perform Monthly Maintenance

Every month or two, inspect essential safety devices such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and any relevant escape routes to make sure they are ready and able to react to disaster. Just thirty minutes per year could avert a disaster that might otherwise cost thousands to clean up.

Learn how we handle these fixes once it happens by clicking here!

Give us a call at (954) 733-1006 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROftlauderdalenorth.com/

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Handling a Fire Loss in Sunny South Florida: Pembroke Pines and Weston

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

Emergency services make it possible for a family to handle a fire loss and get the house back into working order in just a couple days instead of weeks or months depending on the damage.

Handling a fire loss things have to move as quickly as possible, and you need to have someone you can trust to handle the job.  Smoke damage, soot damage and air quality need to be checked and restored to normal, so the best thing that can be done is to have someone come inspect and get a plan going of the next immediate steps.

The preparation for something like this is much more robust with a focus on not leaving lingering problems that could make a family sick or unhealthy in the future. Locations are much easier to care for when a local company is on the scene, so reach out to SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North as we offer services to handle a fire loss in many cities for example: Pembroke Pines, Hialeah, Deerfield Beach or even Dania Beach!

Handling a Fire Loss - leave it to the Pros!  Call SERVPRO

The work may be complex, and it must be scheduled for several days or weeks to ensure completion, but the specific type of work has complexities here and there that you're going to want the pro's to handle rather than handling it yourself.  The safety or staying in the building and the air quality will begin to improve when the building has been cleaned, and there will be regular tests until we are pleased with the results. To learn about some of our tools and methods, check out our other blog here!

Give us a call at (954) 733-1006 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROftlauderdalenorth.com/

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Campfire Safety: Staying Safe this Season 2018

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Let's Warm Up - But Not Too Warm!

Halloween candy is flooding into the stores, pumpkin spiced everything is approaching, and in South Florida, campfire season is upon us! In the colder months when people have fun around outdoor fires with friends and loved ones, campfire safety is the most important to ensure everyone has a good time and stays out of harm's way.

Simple campfire safety-

Teach both your children and pets that fire is dangerous and not to be played around. Always keep an eye on little ones and four-legged friends to be sure they don't get careless and end up hurt. If you feel you need a little extra protection you can

• tie up or anchor pets at a safe distance
• put a mesh lid on the pit
• set up a baby gate around the fire 

If you plan on having a fire on your own property, consider investing in a good quality fire pit. Most pits come with a stand and a protective mesh top and are made out of non-toxic metal with no dyes or finishes. Having a self-contained pit (like the one pictured) will help assure the safety of everyone around, as well as protecting your property.

What NOT to burn-

As satisfying as it might be to throw your greasy burger plate on the fire and watch it burst and sizzle, resist the urge to put anything in the fire besides firewood. Styrofoam and plastic can create toxic smoke, and paper products cause large amounts of hot ash and smoke to billow around the pit area.

Some plants that grow here, like mango trees and black olive can be toxic if burned. Try staying away from burning plants found on your property, as the smoke of toxic plants not only burn the eyes and throat, but poison any food prepared over the fire. 

More than anything, campfires are meant to be a fun, warm gathering place for friends and family as the nights grow colder. We wish everyone a safe, fun season. 

Give us a call at (954) 733-1006 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROftlauderdalenorth.com/

Follow us on Social media: SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North

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Fire Restoration using Ozone Generators

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Disclaimer!

We at SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North use machines known as ozone generators to produce the gas. Remember to not use any ozone generators on your own and call in only qualified professionals like our team at SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North to deal with smoke odors.

(954) 733-1006 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROftlauderdalenorth.com/

How it Works:

The machine uses a high voltage corona mechanism to emulate the same conditions that would allow ozone to form in nature (such as lightning).  Regular oxygen from the air goes in, ozone comes out and can then be directed wherever it is needed.

Ozone is triatomic oxygen or enriched oxygen. Rather than having two atoms like in the oxygen we breathe, ozone has three bonded oxygen atoms. It is a strong oxidizing agent as well as a sterilizing agent most commonly used in fire restoration to eliminate smoke odors. 

Some examples of what can be deodorized with ozone are odors associated with:

• cooking
• decay
• biohazards
• fire
• tobacco

However, ozone is less effective on inorganic odors (meaning odors not derived from living matter) such as:

• chlorides
• sulfates
• nitrates
• ammonia
• phosphates

The reason for this is because the third oxygen molecule bonds with the organic odor compound and oxidizes it. The ozone then turns into regular oxygen and eliminates the smell by breaking it down at a vastly accelerated rate compared to standard oxygen. Oxygen molecules have trouble bonding with and oxidizing inorganic compounds, making it less effective on them.

There are very little drawbacks to using ozone generators in fire restoration jobs, if used correctly and as mandated by OSHA. Ozone is converted back to oxygen in a matter of minutes, so rooms or buildings only need to be evacuated for a short period of time.

Give us a call at (954) 733-1006 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROftlauderdalenorth.com/

Follow us on Social media: SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROFtLauderdale/

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2018 Dos and Do Nots: Fire Damage

10/3/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage dos:

1. For water and fire damage restoration, DO call SERVPRO of Ft Lauderdale North!
2. Limit the amount of movement through the affected area to prevent the spread of soot and other particles which may cause additional damages. If the affected area is too large to avoid, evacuate while repairs are being done.
3. Placing large clean rags, or old linens on rugs and upholstery in your home can also help prevent the spread of soot.
4. Coating chrome fixtures like your faucets, or other parts of appliances with petroleum jelly.
5. If there is water in your home and on your floors, protect your furniture by putting a barrier like foil or wooden blocks where the furniture touches the floor.

Fire damage do nots:

1. Do not try to clean or shampoo any carpets, rugs, or upholstery. Trying to clean up fire damage yourself is extremely hazardous to your personal health. Always call a professional.
2. Do not wash any walls or other painted surfaces yourself- improper cleaning can stain the walls.
3. Do not clean any electrical equipment as this is dangerous, have a professional look at it, or replace it.
4. Do not send clothes to a dry cleaner as improper cleaning can set smoke odors and stains.

After a fire takes place, there's a million things on your mind. Hopefully you had a plan in place to protect your loved ones and important property. To help protect your home and belongings from further damage, here are a few tips for what you should and should not do after fire damage takes place.

Give us a call at (954) 733-1006 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROftlauderdalenorth.com/

Follow us on Social media: SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROFtLauderdale/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SERVPROheroftlnorth/

New Year's Safety 2018

12/28/2017 (Permalink)

Happy New Year from all your friends at SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North!

Countdown to the new year! And with that, drinking, partying, and celebrating. We all enjoy bonfires, sparklers, and fireworks to start off the new year with a bang! Fire and fireworks can be fun, but they can also be dangerous if used carelessly. in fact, fireworks alone were responsible for some 11,000 injuries in 2016 alone. So, let one of your resolutions this year be New Year's safety with these firework safety tips.

New Year's Safety: before lighting fireworks:

• Make sure there are no overhead obstructions such as trees.
• Stay away from dry grass or other flammable materials.
• Know the law in your area for fireworks.
• Never allow fire from a match, cigar/cigarette, or other fireworks to get anywhere near where you are storing the rest of the fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water or hose withing reach.

New Year's Safety: while lighting fireworks:

• Wear safety glasses, and make sure young children have ear protection when lighting larger fireworks.
• Only give age-appropriate fireworks to children (such as sparklers) and only under direct supervision.
• Keep pets safely indoors. Fireworks tend to spook animals and they can get hurt!
• Never try to light damaged fireworks- wet them down and throw them out.
• Never let someone under the influence light fireworks! 

New Year's Safety: after lighting fireworks:

• After the fireworks burn out, wet them down as you go. Wet them down again before throwing out.
• Any "duds" should be thoroughly wet when they don't go off.
• Pick up debris from any sparklers, bottle rockets, etc.
• Store any unused fireworks in a cool, dry place away from all potential fire starters or fire hazards.

For more information on firework safety, click here. And for all of your fire and water damage needs, call SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North for 24/7 emergency service every day of the year.

Holiday Fire Safety Tips 2017

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

Make sure your decorations are flame-retardant this holiday season.

During this time of year, we cannot stress enough how important fire safety is. Almost every wintertime holiday celebration involves candles, bonfires, or other potential fire hazards. In 2016 alone, 3,390 civilians died in fire-related incidents- the majority of which occur around the holidays. Stay safe this holiday season by following these holiday fire safety tips:

• Keep decorations away from space-heaters, stoves, and other heat sources in your home.

• If you have a tree, make sure it has enough water every day to reduce the risk of it catching.
• Check all string light decorations before you put them up, and then check again every day to be sure no pets or pests have chewed through the wires.
• Don't overload an outlet by trying to have too many things plugged in and running at once.
• Never use a turkey fryer, meat smoker, or grill (gas or charcoal) in or near a structure such as your garage, shed, or workshop.

Of course, every home should have working smoke alarms in every room, as well as a fire extinguisher in the kitchen or garage. All adults in the home should learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher, and what types of fires they can be used on. For more information on holiday fire safety, visit our friends at the American Red Cross here.

We here at SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North hope you won't be in need of our emergency services over the holidays, but if you do, we are ready 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help with your emergency water and fire cleanup needs.

Your Fire Safety Plan and You

11/30/2017 (Permalink)

Know your building's fire escape routes!

Home fires have been in a steady decline for the last 30 years, but they still account for over 2,000 deaths and 10,000 injuries every year. Unfortunately, some disasters you can't predict, but there are a few steps you can take to ensure your safety in the event of a fire in your home. The most important step you can take is having a fire safety plan. Here are some key tips to keep in mind.

Before a fire:

• Ensure your home has a smoke alarm in every room, and test them every month to make sure they are working. If they don't work, change the batteries, or upgrade.
• Draw out a floor plan and map out at least two possible escape routes from each room. Take into consideration the needs of small children, pets, or people in your home with mobility issues while making an escape plan. Go through your plan with everyone in your home twice a year to make sure it'll work (windows open, etc.).
• If you live in a condo or apartment, ask your landlord what the best course of action is in the event of a fire.

During a fire:

• Touch the body of a door (do not touch the doorknob!) before opening to check for heat. If the door is hot to the touch, do not open it and find another way out.
• As you move through doors, close them behind you to hinder the spread of the fire.
• In the presence of smoke, stay low to the ground because smoke rises.
• A wet towel or blanket put over your head and face can help prevent injury from flames or smoke inhalation.

After a fire:

• Once you have made it safely away from the fire, call for emergency help.
• Do a headcount of everyone that made it out. If someone is missing do not go back for them, tell the fire department so they can rescue them. They are prepared to battle a blaze- you aren't.
• After a fire, if the structure of the building is still in tact, call SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North 24/7 for emergency service 365 days a year.

For more information on building a fire safety plan, visit the National Fire Protection Association. We here at SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North hope you'll never be in a fire situation, but if you are, you won't regret having a solid plan in place. Our teams are always ready to help and make it "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage: Dos and Do Nots

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

For water and fire damage cleanup and restoration, call SERVPRO!

After a fire takes place, there's a million things on your mind. Hopefully you had a plan in place to protect your loved ones and important property. To help protect your home and belongings from further damage, here are a few tips for what you should and should not do after fire damage takes place.

Fire damage dos:

1. Limit the amount of movement through the affected area to prevent the spread of soot and other particles which may cause additional damages. If the affected area is too large to avoid, evacuate while repairs are being done.
2. Placing large clean rags, or old linens on rugs and upholstery in your home can also help prevent the spread of soot.
3. Coating chrome fixtures like your faucets, or other parts of appliances with petroleum jelly.
4.  If there is water in your home and on your floors, protect your furniture by putting a barrier like foil or wooden blocks where the furniture touches the floor.

Fire damage do nots:

1. Do not wash any walls or other painted surfaces yourself- improper cleaning can stain the walls.
2. Do not try to clean or shampoo any carpets, rugs, or upholstery. Trying to clean up fire damage yourself is extremely hazardous to your personal health. Always call a professional.
3. Do not clean any electrical equipment as this is dangerous, have a professional look at it, or replace it.
4. Do not send clothes to a dry cleaner as improper cleaning can set smoke odors and stains.

For more information on our fire damage restoration services, visit our page or give us a call. With 24-hour emergency service, SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North will arrive faster to your disaster, and make it "like it never even happened."

Bonfire Safety: Keeping Your Family Safe This Season

9/29/2017 (Permalink)

Set up seating at a safe distance from your pit.

Halloween candy is flooding into the stores, pumping spiced everything is approaching, and in South Florida, bonfire season is upon us! In the colder months when people have fun around outdoor fires with friends and loved ones, bonfire safety is the most important to ensure everyone has a good time and stays out of harm's way.

Basic bonfire safety-

Teach both your children and pets that fire is dangerous and not to be played around. Always keep an eye on little ones and four-legged friends to be sure they don't get careless and end up hurt. If you feel you need a little extra protection you can

• put a mesh lid on the pit
• set up a baby gate around the fire
• tie up or anchor pets at a safe distance

If you plan on having a fire on your own property, consider investing in a good quality fire pit. Most pits come with a stand and a protective mesh top and are made out of non-toxic metal with no dyes or finishes. Having a self-contained pit (like the one pictured) will help assure the safety of everyone around, as well as protecting your property.

What to burn-

As satisfying as it might be to throw your greasy burger plate on the fire and watch it burst and sizzle, resist the urge to put anything in the fire besides firewood. Styrofoam and plastic can create toxic smoke, and paper products cause large amounts of hot ash and smoke to billow around the pit area.

Some plants that grow here, like mango trees and black olive can be toxic if burned. Try staying away from burning plants found on your property, as the smoke of toxic plants not only burn the eyes and throat, but poison any food prepared over the fire. 

More than anything, bonfires are meant to be a fun, warm gathering place for friends and family as the nights grow colder. SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North wishes everyone a safe, fun season. 

Ozone Generators and Fire Restoration

9/29/2017 (Permalink)

Here is a simplified graphic of how ozone generators work.

Ozone is triatomic oxygen or enriched oxygen. Rather than having two atoms like in the oxygen we breathe, ozone has three bonded oxygen atoms. It is a strong oxidizing agent as well as a sterilizing agent most commonly used in fire restoration to eliminate smoke odors. We at SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North use machines known as ozone generators to produce the gas.

The machine uses a high voltage corona mechanism to emulate the same conditions that would allow ozone to form in nature (such as lightning).  Regular oxygen from the air goes in, ozone comes out and can then be directed wherever it is needed.

Some examples of what can be deodorized with ozone are odors associated with:

• fire
• tobacco
• cooking
• decay
• biohazards

However, ozone is less effective on inorganic odors (meaning odors not derived from living matter) such as:

• ammonia
• phosphates
• chlorides
• sulfates
• nitrates

The reason for this is because the third oxygen molecule bonds with the organic odor compound and oxidizes it. The ozone then turns into regular oxygen and eliminates the smell by breaking it down at a vastly accelerated rate compared to standard oxygen. Oxygen molecules have trouble bonding with and oxidizing inorganic compounds, making it less effective on them.

There are very little drawbacks to using ozone generators in fire restoration jobs, if used correctly and as mandated by OSHA. Ozone is converted back to oxygen in a matter of minutes, so rooms or buildings only need to be evacuated for a short period of time.

Remember to not use any ozone generators on your own and call in only qualified professionals like our team at SERVPRO Ft. Lauderdale North to deal with smoke odors.

9 Holiday Fire Safety Tips From the American Red Cross

12/6/2016 (Permalink)

Using candles safely is one of the Red Cross' holiday fire safety tips.

Holiday Fire Safety Tips

The holidays are a time for decoration, celebration and family. But with our secor and festivities comes a creater risk of fire. Candles, festive lights, decor and large scale cooking all come with the season, but can lead to some dangerous scenarios. In fact, The American Red reports that nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays claiming more than 500 lives, causing more than 2,200 injuries, and costing $554 million in property damage! Listed below are some holiday fire safety tips to make your holiday season safe and wonderful.

Preparedness Tips

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
• Purchase flame retardant metallic or artificial trees. If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren’t easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.
• Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed. 9 Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
• Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top.
• Designate one person to walk around your home to make sure that all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.
•  Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Source: http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340080_FireHolidayFactSheet.pdf

After the Blaze: How to Protect your Property from damage AFTER a Fire

9/30/2016 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire are the most critical to protecting your home or business from further damage.

A fire is a truly destructive force of nature. With all the devastation a fire can cause while burning, it's easy to forget that your home or business may still be in danger after the fire is extinguished.

The first 48 hours after a fire are the most critical to protecting your property from any residual dangers, and can often make the difference between restoration or full on replacement of your valuables. The first step is to contact a professional restoration service, like SERVPRO of Fort Lauderdale North. However, there are other steps you can take to protect your home or business, such as:

• Limiting the amount of movement through the affected area to prevent the spread of soot particles which may cause additional damage
• Placing clean towels or used linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery
• Coating chrome fixtures, such as faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil
• Placing aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet
• Not washing any walls or painted surfaces
• Not shampooing any carpet or upholstery
• Not cleaning any electrical equipment
• Not sending clothing to a dry cleaner (improper cleaning can set smoke odor)

At SERVPRO, we understand the need to get your life back to normal after a disaster, but before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, call the fire damage restoration and cleanup experts at SERVPRO Fort Lauderdale North to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Post Flame Recovery

7/26/2016 (Permalink)

Fires cause unnecessary havoc in people’s lives. Half the battle is getting rid of the flames. After the flames are gone, there is a lot more to be done and that’s where we come in. Your home definitely suffered smoke and fire damage as well as possible water damage and the professionals at SERVPRO have the skills and equipment necessary to restore your house to the way it was before the fire. We follow these steps to make sure your home is back to the way it was before the fire.  For an easy and hassle-free experience, trust SERVPRO to help manage everything for you, including the insurance claims process.

Whether its water damage, fire damage, mold damage or even bio-hazard remediation, small scale or a large loss, you can rely on SERVPRO of Fort Lauderdale North's qualified Mold,  Fire and water damage specialists to give you peace of mind knowing we'll arrive faster to your disaster and make it "Like it never even happened". Call us anytime at 954-733-1006

Breathing Concerns After a Fire

7/12/2015 (Permalink)

Soot is potentially very dangerous and can cause severe respiratory issues. Never enter a home without facemasks or other forms of respiratory filters, since breathing in soot can be very hazardous. If it has been some time since the fire, you may also be at risk of breathing mold spores or other biological matter. If it is not within 24 hours after the fire, mold, spores, and other potentially deadly contagions may be present, so you should hire a professional to help you clean up the areas with house fire damage. Even though smoke may not be visible, it may still be present in your home and cause subtle respiratory issues. Respirators or facemasks are always mandatory after a house fire. Let your professional restoration company’s contractors decide whether or not they are necessary. Call us at SERVPRO of Fort Lauderdale North & Plantation for a professional assessment.