Restoring Comfort and Safety: SERVPRO's Fire Restoration Services in East York and Western Lancaster Counties

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Restoring the Skies: SERVPRO's Expert Team Erases Fire's Mark, One Sooty Ceiling at a Time ????

Introduction

As the chill of autumn descends upon East York and Western Lancaster counties, residents eagerly anticipate the warmth and coziness provided by fireplaces and heaters. However, with the enjoyment of these amenities comes the responsibility of ensuring their safe usage. Accidents can happen, and in unfortunate situations where fire damage occurs, restoring your home to its pre-fire condition becomes a top priority. This is where SERVPRO, the trusted leader in fire restoration services, steps in to lend a helping hand.

1. Understanding the Impact of Fire Damage

A house fire can be a traumatic experience for any homeowner. Even a small fire can cause extensive damage, leaving behind smoke and soot residue that can penetrate deep into walls, furniture, and personal belongings. Fire can also weaken the structural integrity of a home, posing potential hazards to the safety of its occupants.

SERVPRO's fire restoration experts understand the devastating impact of fire damage and are equipped with the knowledge and experience to handle the most challenging situations. With their skilled team and state-of-the-art equipment, they are prepared to tackle any size fire restoration project with precision and efficiency.

2. Comprehensive Fire Restoration Services

SERVPRO offers a comprehensive range of fire restoration services tailored to meet the unique needs of East York and Western Lancaster residents. Their services include:

• Emergency Response: SERVPRO operates around the clock, providing a rapid response to fire damage emergencies. They understand that immediate action is crucial to prevent further damage to your property.

• Fire Damage Assessment: Thorough evaluation of the extent of the fire damage allows SERVPRO to create a detailed restoration plan, ensuring no aspect is overlooked.

• Smoke and Soot Removal: Smoke and soot particles can infiltrate various surfaces, leaving behind unpleasant odors and stains. SERVPRO utilizes advanced cleaning techniques to eliminate these residues, restoring your belongings to their pre-fire condition.

• Structural Repairs: Fire can weaken the structural integrity of your home. SERVPRO's skilled team of contractors can handle all necessary repairs, rebuilding damaged areas to make your home safe and sturdy once again.

• Odor Elimination: Lingering smoke odors can be particularly challenging to remove. SERVPRO employs professional-grade deodorization techniques to neutralize these odors, leaving your home smelling fresh and clean.

3. Certified and Trusted Professionals

Choosing SERVPRO for fire restoration services means entrusting your home to certified and trusted professionals. SERVPRO technicians undergo rigorous training and certification processes, ensuring they are equipped with the latest knowledge and techniques to handle fire damage restoration effectively. Moreover, their commitment to customer satisfaction means that they will guide you through the entire restoration process with empathy and care.

4. Emphasizing Prevention and Safety

While SERVPRO is your reliable partner in fire damage restoration, they also prioritize safety and emphasize the importance of prevention. As the fireplace and heater season approach, they encourage homeowners to take proactive measures such as regular chimney inspections, proper installation and maintenance of heaters, and having functional smoke detectors throughout the house.

Conclusion

SERVPRO stands ready to provide unmatched fire restoration services to the residents of East York and Western Lancaster counties. As fireplace and heater season approaches, it is essential to remember that safety comes first. In the unfortunate event of a fire, SERVPRO's certified technicians are just a phone call away, offering swift and reliable restoration services to help you recover and rebuild. With their expertise and commitment to excellence, SERVPRO ensures that your home will once again become a place of comfort and security.

Fire Damage Restoration & Repair near Me

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Where there’s smoke, there’s fire—and where there’s fire, there’s a need for fire damage restoration and repair. When the firefighting is done and the blaze is put out, the time is ripe to think about how you’ll restore your home or business to its normal condition—Like It Never Even Happened.

You can trust SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County after a fire. Emergencies can happen any time, so we’re available 24/7 to take your call. Day or night, contact us for immediate assistance.

How Do You Remediate Fire Damage?

To remediate fire damage, it’s best to work fast. That’s why we offer fast 24-hour service—and the clock starts ticking the second you pick up the phone and call us about your emergency.

From there, our response team jumps into action. We’ll arrive within 24 hours to carefully conduct a fire damage assessment. When we’ve determined the scope of the problem, we’ll be better prepared to develop a plan of action. That plan may include:

• Immediate board-up and roof-tarp service
• Water removal and drying (if water damage is present)
• Removal of smoke and soot from all surfaces
• Cleaning and sanitizing your property’s contents
• Repairs, restoration, and re-construction  

Meanwhile, SERVPRO will help you navigate the insurance claims process and coordinate the necessary paperwork. The result? A smoother repair and restoration experience for us and for you.

Our Fire Restoration Technicians

Our fire damage restoration technicians have a “restore first” mentality. We’ll work hard to salvage as much of your property and its contents as possible before we look at replacing and rebuilding.

We believe in this approach. It allows us to focus our resources where they’re needed most, so you can return to a more normal life, more quickly. Our highly trained technicians, certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), reflect our high standards of professionalism.

Your fire restoration and repair team will consist of the following specialists:

• Fire and smoke restoration technicians
• Odor control technicians
• Upholstery and fabric cleaning technicians
• Water damage restoration technicians

Where Can I Get Fire Damage Restoration near Me?

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County is a locally owned company with the national resources to respond in full force to your fire damage. With more than 50 years of experience, our restoration specialists have the know-how to make your property safe and livable again.

Contact us today for fire damage restoration and repair and get back to life quickly!

Give Winter Fires the Cold Shoulder

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Western Lancaster with you fire restoration needs.

Did you know that, statistically, fires occur more often throughout winter than during any other season? Electrical issues, heating sources, carbon monoxide, and portable generators are all contributing factors that lead to an increased risk of a home fire during winter months. Below are some of the leading causes of winter fires. The professionals at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster hope that you will be able to take the appropriate steps to protect your home and family once you know the risks that you are facing.

ELECTRICAL FIRES

Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of home fires throughout the United States. Approximately half of all residential electrical fires involve inadequate electrical distribution, or the use of lighting equipment. Other electrical fires occur from things like overloaded circuits, dryer fans, and portable space heaters. 

Electrical Safety Tips:

• Check electrical cords often. Replace cracked, damaged, and loose electrical or extension cords. Do NOT try to repair them.
• Home appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet. To reduce your risk of fire, unplug small appliances when they are not in use.
• Be aware that extension cords are for temporary use only. Have a licensed electrician determine if additional circuits or wall outlets are needed in your home.
• Only use surge protectors / power strips that have internal overload protection.
• Avoid putting cords under rugs / carpets, across doorways, or where they can be damaged or pinched by furniture,

Call a licensed electrician if any of the following apply:

• You see sparks from a wall outlet
• You experience flickering lights outside of a storm event.
• You have reoccurring issues with blown fuses or tripping circuit breakers.
• You experience a tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance.
• There is a burning odor coming from an appliance.
• You notice discolored wall outlets and/or switches.
• You have cracked or broken wall outlets

HEATING SOURCES

Heating sources are the second leading cause of residential fires in the United States. December, January, and February are the peak months for heating fires to occur, and space heaters are the most common heating source involved in heating-related fires. Space heaters account for approximately 44% (more than two out of every five) heating-related fired, and also account for the vast majority of deaths and injuries in home fires caused by heating equipment.

Space Heater Safety Tips:

• Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels.
• Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs and any loose connections before each use.
• Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you're leaving a room or going to sleep.
• Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing, and rugs.
• Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip.
• Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces.
• Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.

For other heating safety tips, read our Heating Safety Tips blog:

 https://www.SERVPROwesternlancastercounty.com/blog

CARBON MONOXIDE

Carbon monoxide is often referred to as the invisible killer. Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels like gasoline, wood, coal, propane, etc… do not burn completely. In the home, heating and cooking equipment that burn fuel are potential sources of Carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide incidents are more common during the winter months in residential properties.

Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips:

• Install carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas.
• If you need to warm a vehicle prior to driving, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Do not leave the engine running if the garage door is open.
• Ensure that vents are properly cleaned and free of debris.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

Portable generators are often used during power outages. Though handy, most homeowners are unaware that improper use of a portable generator can be risky. The most common dangers associated with portable generators are carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock, and fire hazards

Portable Generator Safety Tips:

• Portable generators should be used outside the home, away from windows and doors.
• Portable generators should be kept away from open flames or fuel burning appliances
• Do not overload cords; check for the generators maximum wattage listed on label.
• Do not refuel the generator while it's running or when hot; turn the generator off, let it cool before refueling.

CALL THE PROFESSIONALS

If you have experienced a fire, regardless of the cause, call SERVPRO of Western Lancaster at 717-665-1270. SERVPRO’s mission is to develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness, and mutual respect. When you call SERVPRO of Western Lancaster, you are calling a team of trained professionals that are looking to restore your home “Like it never even happened,” as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Heating Safety Tips

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Know the risks associated with heating your home this winter.

It’s no secret that we need heat to keep us warm throughout the winter months. Though heat is a necessity, many do not consider that heating their home doesn’t come without risk. Many studies show that fires occur more often in winter than in any other season. With that being said, SERVPRO of Western Lancaster would like you and your family to keep the following tips in mind:

Safety Tips for Fire Prevention This Winter:

Wood-Burning Appliances

• Have your chimney professionally inspected and cleaned before lighting your wood stove or fireplace each year.
• Keep flammable objects at least three feet from your wood stove or fireplace.
• Never use flammable liquids to start or accelerate a fire in your home.
• Keep a screen in front of fireplaces to prevent embers from flying out.
• Do not leave your fireplace unattended; It is best practice to ensure your fire is out before going to sleep each night.
• Before closing your fireplace damper, ensure the ashes are cool to the touch. Closing the damper could help the fire to heat up again and will  could force carbon monoxide into your home.
• Discard cooled ashes in a covered metal container. Store the container outside and away from the house.

Gas Furnaces

• Have your furnace inspected annually to ensure that it is safe to operate.
• Inspect the walls and ceiling near the furnace and along the chimney line. If the wall is hot or discolored, install additional pipe insulation.
• Check that the flue pipe and pipe seams are well supported and without holes or cracks. Soot along or around seams may signal a leak.
• Keep combustible items away from the heating system.

Other Fire Safety Tips

• Ensure that there is adequate smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
• To prevent carbon monoxide build-up, keep portable generators outside and away from doors and windows.
• Never use a stove or oven for heating. Not only is doing so a safety hazard, but it can also be a source of carbon monoxide.
• If you use electric heaters, plug only one heater into a wall outlet at a time to avoid overloading the circuit.
• Avoid using electric heaters in bathrooms or other areas where water is used.
• Never try to thaw frozen water pipes with a blow torch or other open flame.

Contact Your Local SERVPRO for Fire Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster provides fire and smoke damage remediation, in addition to water damage remediation, mold removal, and biohazard cleanup to commercial and residential customers. At SERVPRO of Western Lancaster, we are faster to any size disaster. If you need restoration services, call our office at 717-665-1270!

Key steps to take after house fire

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County knows exactly what steps to follow after a fire. Reach out to us if you experience any fire damage.

One of the worst situations that any homeowner can experience is having a fire in their house. In the event that this awful occurrence happens to you, you need to know how to respond. This article examines some of the key actions you need to take after a fire in your home.

Stay Safe

The top priority after a fire is ensuring that you and your family remain safe. After a serious fire, you almost always will need to vacate your property, so contact friends or relatives to see if they can provide you with shelter temporarily. If you have no close relatives or friends to turn to, contact local organizations, such as the Red Cross, which can give you the help and shelter you need. 

Another crucial safety issue is making certain that it's safe to go back into your damaged house. Never go back into a house with fire damage unless the fire department says that it's safe. Also, check with the fire department to see if you can safely use your utilities.

Insurance

Naturally, one of the first things you want to do after a fire, once you and your family are safe, is to contact your insurance agent. You want to make a claim as soon as possible so that you can start to restore your home to its previous condition.

Inventory

Make a list of all of your property that was damaged in the fire. Your insurer will want to know exactly what was lost or damaged before they will compensate you. Record the value of the items that were damaged or destroyed, as well as a description of the property and the approximate date that you purchased it. 

Avoid throwing away any damaged items before listing them in your inventory. If you throw out an item first, you may forget to note it in your inventory later.

Undamaged Items

It's a good idea to separate property wasn’t damaged from property that was damaged. You may need to transport your undamaged furniture and other intact property to a local storage unit to prevent thieves or looters from entering your home and stealing it.

Restoration

After you have dealt with the most immediate issues, then you can start dealing with the damage to your home. The most effective way to contend with fire damage is to engage the services of trained professionals.

Once you have consulted with the restoration firm, they will inspect your home and tell you exactly what needs to be done. The firm will also make certain that your home is as secure as possible by boarding up damaged windows and putting a protective tarp on damaged sections of the roof. This will help you avoid further damage from rain or break-ins.

A critical step in getting your home ready for structural repairs is dealing with any water damage that resulted from the fire department extinguishing the flames. Another key step is removing any soot and smoke odors from the walls, floors, and ceilings of the house or from your belongings. 

Fire restorations firms are experts at both of these tasks, so you need not worry about these jobs being handled properly. The technicians have specialized equipment that resolves smoke odor and soot problems efficiently and without harming your belongings or causing any further damage to your house.

You need to take all the proper steps after a house fire to resolve the situation effectively. Of course, one of the most critical steps is enjoying the services of an experienced fire restoration firm, such as SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County. Contact us for more information about restoring your home to its original condition after a fire.

SERVPRO Technicians Assist in Residential Fire Rebuild

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Front of home was burnt in a fire. SERVPRO of Western Lancaster removed damage and rebuilt the structure.

A customer had an unfortunate experience with a house fire destroying their home. SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County was called to mitigate the fire damage and rebuild the property, "Like it never even happened."

Smoke and soot are invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow 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.

We are proud to have 24-hour emergency services, so we can be there when you need us. We’re part of your community and want to see our community members get back on their feet after a fire.

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. Below, we’ve covered some common types of smoke and fire residue:

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. 

Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of East York 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.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation differs, each requires a unique solution tailored to the specific conditions. SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County 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. When we're finished, the damage will be gone, “Like it never even happened.” Contact us to begin restoring your home today.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 717-665-1270

Fire Tips and Safety

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

This is some of the customers contents after SERVPRO of West Lancaster was called on to mitigate and restore a shed after a fire.

Understand Fears

Fires are scary for anyone, especially a young child. It's completely normal for a child to worry that the fire will return, that their home won't go back to its normal (pre-fire) state or that another similar disaster will happen.

While it's tempting to shut down your child's fears with simple statements, you need to listen before speaking. Ask your child what they're afraid of and why they're scared. Help them to dig deep, and ask open-ended questions about why they think fires start and what they can do to prevent one.

Younger children won't always have the language skills to completely express what they're feeling inside. This can lead to tantrums or out-of-character behaviors. You can help your child to express their feelings (and help yourself to understand their feelings) in a nonverbal way, such as painting or drawing.

Provide the Facts

Along with the emotional or psychological trauma the fire itself causes comes fear of the unknown. Your child may wonder what will happen now. If your house sustained serious damage, your child’s questions may include wondering whether your family can move back in, whether your child's room will return to normal, or whether they'll have their favorite toys to play with.

As you create a recovery and restoration plan, fill your child in on the facts. Provide them with the steps you're taking to salvage the house and any belongings. It's likely that you'll already have a restoration timeline in place prior to talking to your child. Draw out the timeline for them and give them a concrete look at when they can expect to return home.

Find Temporary Housing

Depending on the extent of the damage, your child may clearly see that they can’t return home immediately. Stop fears before they start by reassuring your child the family has a safe place to stay. Book a hotel room, ask family if you can stay with them, or find a friend's house to live in temporarily.

Call a Restoration Professional

What do you need to create a restoration or recovery timeline? You need a professional contractor who can get the job done efficiently and effectively. Cleaning smoke and fire damage isn't a job for a novice. Not only does your home need to look like it did before the fire, but you also need to make sure that it's structurally and physically safe.

A restoration contractor can remove odors, stains, and other evidence of the fire. Eliminating these clear reminders of the disaster can reduce the lingering impact that memories of the fire may have on your child. Beyond that, it can help them get back to their life in an environment that looks almost like it did before.

Remediate Mold

The fire isn't the only potential cause of home damage. Extinguishing the flames may have left your home a charred, damp mess. If you have wet furniture, carpeting, or other home items, the restoration professional can also check for mold growth.

Locating and remediating the mold is a job for a professional restoration contractor. The expert can remove any growth, take steps to prevent future growth, and leave your home a cleaner place.

Do you need professional help restoring your home following a fire? Contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County for more information.

Fire damage? Don't Fret, We're Here to Help!

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Results of a fire in a customer home. SERVPRO staff were there quickly to restore the damages.

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating to ones personal property and structures. Here at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster we understand that quick action is necessary to limit the damage done to your property and belongings. 

After a fire, the structure of the home or business must be thoroughly examined to make sure it is safe to begin the clean up and restoration process.

Different types of smoke: 

Wet smoke- Rubber and/or plastic

-Low heat, sticky, and has a pungent odor. Smoke webs are also more difficult to clean.

Dry smoke- Wood and/or paper

-extremely fast burning, high temperatures. Heat rises causing smoke to rise.

With each fire being different, SERVPRO professionals at Western Lancaster know that each situation requires a specific solution for those conditions. With our experience and expertise we will restore your fire and smoke damages like they never even happened.

Contact SERVPRO of Western Lancaster today at (717)-665-1270

Autumn Fire Safety Tips

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster believes fall is more fun when everyone is safe!

As the temperatures get cooler and leaves begin to change color and drop, it is important to refresh your memory on fall fire safety tips. With proper precautions and fire safety awareness, you can enjoy that crisp autumn weather, while avoiding some of the dangers that come with the season. SERVPRO® of Western Lancaster is Here to Help™ prepare you and your family:

Safety Tip 1 – Check Your Smoke Detector Batteries

• It is best practice to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every Autumn and Spring, when you set your clocks forward/backward. It is also a good idea to make sure your household has at least one ABC fire extinguisher, and that it is properly charged and inspected each year.

Safety Tip 2 – Be Cautious When Heating Your Home

1. Central Heating

• Before using your central heating system each year, ensure that the system has been cleaned, inspected, and serviced by a certified HVAC technician.

2. Space Heaters

• Ensure that space heaters have at least three feet of empty space around them.
• NEVER place clothing, or any other objects, on a space heater to dry.
• Do NOT place space heaters near furniture, curtains, of blankets.
• ALWAYS turn space heaters off when you leave your house or go to bed.
• Avoid storing any combustible items near heaters.

3. Fireplace Safety Tips

• Have a professional inspect your chimney and fireplace each year.
• Have a professional clean out your chimney every fall.
• If needed, repair any cracks in fireplaces.
• Use fireplace screens to keep sparks and fire debris inside the fireplace.
• NEVER use gasoline to start a fire in the fireplace.
• NEVER leave a fire unattended.
• Make sure that combustible materials are not stored within three feet of your fireplace.

Safety Tip 3 – Educate Your Family

• Establish a fire escape plan with your family that includes a designated meeting area outside the home.
• It is recommended that every bedroom is equipped with a smoke detector.
• Test smoke detectors on a monthly basis. Change batteries twice a year.
• Ensure everyone in your family knows how to use a fire extinguisher.
• Do not place lit candles where they can be reached by pets or children.
• NEVER leave burning candles unattended.
• Do not leave food unattended while cooking on the stove.

Safety Tip 4 – Practice Outdoor Fire Safety

• Clear your roof and gutters of debris.
• Learn the outdoor burning regulations in your area, and do not engage in illegal burning of leaves and other outdoor debris.
• Never leave a bonfire unattended.
• Always ensure that fires are put out before going to bed.

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SERVPRO® of Western Lancaster believes there is nothing more important than the safety of you and your family. Everyone in your home needs to know how to behave responsibly to reduce the likelihood of a fire in your household. If your family has experience fire or smoke damage, call our Team of professionals at 717-665-1270. We make the effort to restore your home “Like it never even happened,” as soon as possible.

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Soot Clean From Stove

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 Western Lancaster County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 717-665-1270

What happens only minutes after the disaster?

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning soot from house fire.

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating to personal property and structures. Quick action is the only way to minimize the destruction.

Immediately after a fire, soot residue settles onto the property. Discoloration of porous materials is permanent, but other surfaces may be properly cleaned to remove the discoloration. Acidic soot begins staining other surfaces if not treated quickly. Within hours all surfaces begin to suffer from fire and smoke damage. Wooden furniture may require refinishing. Metal begins to rust, pit and corrode. Painted walls begin to yellow. Clothing  can become permanently stained. And finally, flooring may require refinishing or replacement. If left untreated, within weeks the restoration process will take longer and cost more.  Prolonged soot exposure permanently harms all surfaces and embeds in fibers. Replacement of property may be the best option at this point. The structure may continue deteriorating if not properly restored. IICRC suggests the following steps after the incident:

• Remember safety comes first. Do not enter the property without proper work gloves and appropriate respiratory protection. Exposure to soot residue causes respiratory distress and other medical emergencies.
• Bring along a few box fans. Upon entering the property open the windows and place the box fans in the windows to force out the contaminated air and dust. Proper ventilation helps to prevent further smoke damage and reduces potential injury to people.
• Remove loose smoke contamination with a professional dry cleaning soot sponge.
• Clean every surface with soap and water. Begin at the top and work down to the floor. Be sure to get inside cabinets and cupboards.
• Using a high efficiency vacuum cleaner with a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) Filter, vacuum upholstery and carpet. A good filtration system on a high efficiency vacuum prevents the soot from being blown back into the cleaned space. Clean or change the filter regularly.
• Launder bedding, clothes, curtains, and other washable materials. An alkaline cleaner neutralizes the acid found in the soot. Fine materials should be professionally dry-cleaned by a dry-cleaner who is experienced in smoke damaged articles.
• Clean the exterior walls and eaves using a water hose attached to the proper cleaner. Agitate and loosen stuck-on soot. The smoke damage to the outside of the property will continue until the soot is removed.

Though heavy residues require the assistance of professional restoration technicians, a certified SERVPRO technician may be contacted for any amount of smoke damage. Improper processes can further harm the property or belongings. Our IICRC certified SERVPRO technicians have training and experience in the techniques needed to restore the property. If structural distortion or warping has occurred, it may be necessary to consult a general contractor. Luckily, most insurance companies will cover the cost of the restoration, less your deductible, so get started today to get the property back into original condition.

Silver & Tin? We clean it too!

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

A little bit of elbow scrub and polish makes these pieces shine.

A home damage by Fire in Lancaster County. The customer a collector of silver and tins. We cleaned her silver tray and now you can clearly read the engravings.

We use supersonic cleaning and polish for deep & detailed cleaning of your items. It brings out the dirt in small crevices. It is the same technique used to clean jewelry. Everything is neatly packaged and labeled for easy cataloging for your insurance and/or your peace of mind.

If you're serious about restoring your property after fire damage, SERVPRO is the company to call. Our IICRC-certified technicians offer a full range of restoration services while simultaneously providing each client with 24/7 emergency services. Call us now to learn more about what we can do for you!

Dealing With the Aftermath of a Fire

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

After a fire, SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County knows exactly what steps to follow to restore your home. Let us help guide you through the process.

Damage to your home from even a small fire can be difficult to deal with. In many cases, the water and smoke damage cause more problems than the fire actually does. Dealing with the clean up after a fire can be a huge task and for many people, calling in a professional restoration service is the way to go. Learn more about how to recover from a fire below.

Insurance Coverage and Inspection

Before you begin to clean up after a fire, you need to have the insurance company come and assess the damage to your house. You need to know what is covered by your insurance and what is not. You should not move things in the house until after the adjuster has looked everything over and give you the okay to start working on cleaning up the mess.

Most insurance policies will cover smoke and water damage to the home as result of the fire, but if you want to hire a company to do the clean-up, check your policy to make sure the insurance coverage will cover the cost of that service. 

Structural Damage

Before any work can start inside the house, inspect the structure of the home. Hire a contractor to come to inspect the entire building to determine if it is safe to enter and begin cleaning up. If the structural integrity of your home is compromised in any way, stay out of it until a professional can handle repairs.

The contractor may need to shore up the building and replace some framing to support the structure properly. Whatever needs to be done to make your home safe to enter and work in, make sure it’s done safely and before anything else.  

Smoke Damage

Once the house is turned over to you after the fire, you need to look at the damage and figure out where to start. Smoke damage is one of the hardest parts of cleaning up after a fire because the odor gets into the fabric, wood, and other material in the home.

Washing the walls down with a mild detergent and water will clean soot and other chemicals off. Take the drapes down and get them out of the house. Remove all the furnishings as well and take a look at the carpeting.

If the carpets are not too wet, you could have a professional carpet cleaner come in and clean them. If there is damage to the carpets, you may have to remove them have them replaced.

Water Damage

Water damage in your home is more than likely a result of the extinguishment efforts, and it can be one of the most extensive problems you have. Inspect the home thoroughly for signs of water damage, which includes mold and mildew forming in nooks and crannies throughout the interior of the home. 

Water can seep through floorboards, into wall spaces, and get into fabrics and wreak havoc. If you are working with a restoration company, they will inspect all the areas where water can settle and will have the tools to remove the water.

Mold and mildew can start to grow pretty quickly, so once the water has been cleaned up, you need to check the house for mold. If you find mold, call a mold remediation company and have them come inspect the situation. Removing the mold yourself can be unhealthy, and there are rules about the disposal of the mold. Let the contractor handle it for you. 

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster County offers water, fire, and smoke restoration and cleanup services to help you recover from a disaster in your home. We have the knowledge and experience to get your home clean and ready to move back into quickly. Give us a call to have a member of our team come out and give you an estimate for repairs and restoration.

SERVPRO of Western Lancaster Helps Clean Up After Fire in Manheim

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

This fire was caused by a grease fire.

Nobody ever plans for a fire, but when one does happen, SERVPRO of Western Lancaster is here to help!

This loss was caused by a grease fire in a kitchen. Now, our natural instinct would be to use water for any fire, but avoid this practice with grease fires! This will just make matters worse.

Grease fires are caused when the cooking oil gets to hot and catches on fire. If you should find yourself in this predicament, turn off the heat and do the following:

• Cover with a metal lid, this will deprive the fire of oxygen it needs to burn. Do not use glass, it will shatter.
• For small fires, use baking soda. 
• If available, use a kitchen fire extinguisher.
• If it becomes too much or out of control, get out of the house and call 911 immediately!

Safety is of utmost important. For any help with clean-up after, be sure to call SERVPRO!

Smoke & Soot Facts

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

Fire in Attic Space

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 West Lancaster 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 at 717-665-1270

Dryer Clogs Lead to House Fires

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

A Look Inside a Culprit of Fires

This is a clogged dryer pipe that caused a huge house fire and affected other neighboring houses. It cause not only a total loss to the home, but created a bad lingering odor through out the independent carriage, style home community. We have been here for a few weeks tearing out the home's structure damage and gathering the customers' salvageable items, which were not many.

When is the last time you cleaned out your dryer vent? When is the last time you had a professional clean out your dryer vent?

One of the leading causes of house fires are dryer vents. Improper disposal of vent cleaning between loads of laundry and inconsistent pipe cleanings can lead to disaster.

We at SERVPRO of Western Lancaster can help you regularly clean your dryer vents. Ask about a maintenance plan. Call us at 717-665-1270

Save Money This Winter With These Simple Home Projects

1/5/2016 (Permalink)

http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2016/01/04/save-money-winter-home-projects/