Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts
How Can SERVPRO® help with your fire damaged contents?
10/8/2024 (Permalink)
The feeling of loss after having a fire in your home cannot be put into words.
SERVPRO of Antioch is here to support you and be here for you every step of the way.
Having a fire damage, no matter how large or small, can be extremely devastating especially if it affected your contents. You can be sure that by trusting SERVPRO to help you restore your home and your belongings that you will find that peace of mind again.
So what happens next?
After contacting your friends here at SERVPRO, we will complete an inspection of your home to determine what services may be needed for your specific damage to make sure you get the best service and best outcome possible. After this inspection has been completed, our staff get to work!
The contents in your home need special care and attention that only SERVPRO staff can provide. We determine what type of cleaning will be best suited for your contents based off the type of fire that was present. We follow the following guidelines for cleaning –
Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that cannot withstand wet cleaning.
Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
By following our cleaning systems, are staff can restore your contents back to their preloss state.
Do not feel lost after a fire. SERVPRO of Antioch is always here to help.
Give us a call today at (925)706-0106
SERVPRO Antioch can clean up your smoke damage
10/3/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Antioch cleans Smoke Damage
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Antioch 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 – 925-706-0106
We work with all major insurance carriers.
What to do if you have soot or smoke damage in your Antioch, Ca home.
9/2/2022 (Permalink)
bathroom ceiling soot, smoke damage. Antioch,Ca Contra Costa County
Smoke and soot are very 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.
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 Antioch 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? Antioch, East Bay, Contra Costa County
Call Us 24/7 at – 925-706-0106
A few helpful tips after you have a house fire, Antioch, Ca Contra Costa County
9/2/2022 (Permalink)
House fire in Antioch, Ca Contra Costa County
A house fire can be very scary and traumatizing to most people. A mixture of emotions wondering what to do next and how to get it done. First thing to do is to take a deep breath and know that there are services to help tackle the recovery process of your home and belongings. We have put together a list of some simple steps to do and be aware of after a fire.
- Review with authorities such as police and fire departments as to when it’s safe to enter the home after the fire. The fire should be completely extinguished, and precautionary measures taken to make sure the structure is deemed “safe” to enter.
- Know who to contact. First call your homeowners insurance carrier and advise them of the situation. A claim number will be provided to you along with contact information to a claim representative to assist you. Next contact a cleanup company such as SERVPRO of Antioch. We can efficiently and professionally assist you with the process from the cleaning to the reconstruction.
- Make sure your property is secure. On most occasions the fire department will contract with a company to board up any broken windows or unlockable doors. When a property is not secure its possible it could be robbed for remaining property or another individual becoming injured on the property.
- Begin the cleanup process. Interior and exterior damage will most likely occur and need to be addressed. You should always hire a professional company like SERVPRO of Antioch to do a thorough cleaning of the structure and personal property of all soot, smoke, and odor.
- SERVPRO of Antioch can be reached at 925-706-0106 24/7
With these few steps facing a house fire might be a little more manageable.
What to do if you have smoke damage in your Antioch, Ca home.
9/1/2022 (Permalink)
Heavy fire and soot damage in an Antioch, Ca home
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Antioch 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 – 925-706-0106
We work with all major insurance carriers.
Back yard Barbecue safety, contra cost county, Antioch bbq safety
6/22/2022 (Permalink)
back yard bbq, grilling food,
Antioch, contra costa county
it is fun also make it safe,
Hello Contra Costa residents,
Safety Tips
- Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and branches.
- Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
- Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot "safe zone" around the grill.
- Use long-handled grilling tools to have plenty of clearance from heat and flames.
- Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.
Charcoal Grills
- Use the proper starter fluid and store it out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.
- Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited.
- Never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid.
Propane Grills
- Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles.
- If you determined your grill has a gas leak by smell or the soapy bubble test and there is no flame:
- Turn off the propane tank and grill.
- If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
- If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.
- If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
- All propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD). OPDs shut off the flow of propane before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up. OPDs are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.
- Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory. Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
- Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside.
Remember
Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors. If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
The scare with Fire damage Contra costa bay area, Antioch
10/20/2021 (Permalink)
Kitchen Fire in Antioch, Ca home
Fires in your home or even in offices are always an unexpected scare that can destroy structures and damage your personal property as well. Depending on insurance policy purchased, policies will theoretically the insurance company will pay to rebuild or replace fire damaged structural materials. When structural materials or personal property is damaged by fire and can’t be restored to preexisting conditions that is called “total loss or non-salvageable items”.
SERVPRO of Antioch specializes in the process of fire damage evaluation, fire damage cleaning and deodorization. The insurance companies rely on restoration companies to help determine what can be cleaned or repaired and what cannot be salvaged. If its uncertain if an item can be restored the insurance company will direct the restoration company to attempt to clean the fire damage materials. SERVPRO is not just a cleaning company but are also trained to produce full detail inventory for the insured of their total loss. The total loss inventory usually contains photos with notes of makes, models and serial numbers in a full report provided to insurance carriers and insureds. With the full report provided by SERVPRO both parties can come to a final cost settlement for reimbursement.
If your property suffers the scare of fire damage, we are here to help 24/7 just give us a call at SERVPRO of Antioch 925-706-0106.
Help with a Fire safety plan, Antioch CA, Bay area, Contra Costa County
10/20/2021 (Permalink)
Fire damage in Antioch Ca, Bay area, Contra Costa county
Looking for a Great Holiday Gift Idea? Give Your Family a Fire Safety Plan
The holidays are approaching and many families are finalizing plans for elaborate meals, get-together with friends, and decorating with festive lights. Amidst all this planning, Michael Borders of SERVPRO® of Antioch reminds homeowners that they may be overlooking the most important plan they can make—a fire safety plan.
“Each year, statistics1 show the incidence of home cooking and candle fires peaks during the holiday season. This tends to focus homeowners on fire prevention precautions—and that’s a good thing,” said Borders. “But to truly protect your family from the dangers of a home fire, at the holidays and throughout the year, you need to start with a fire safety plan. Developing a fire safety plan and practicing it regularly with your family is the most important step you can take to help prevent a house fire from turning into a devastating tragedy.”
SERVPRO is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services, and their disaster response professionals know from experience how devastating a home fire can be. They also know that when fire causes a loss of life, there is no “remediation” possible. This is why SERVPRO has teamed up with the American Red Cross (ARC) by supporting the ARC Disaster Responder program, and in particular the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign3. As a Disaster Responder, SERVPRO pledges dollars and support in advance to help the ARC develop and distribute educational materials and respond immediately when they are needed.
Borders encourages all Antioch-area homeowners to follow these fire safety guidelines, developed by the ARC through their Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, to help minimize injury or loss of life due to a residential fire.
- Install the right number of smoke alarms4. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
- Teach children what smoke alarms sound like5 and what to do when they hear one.
- Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.
- Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
- Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire” to alert everyone they must get out.
- Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
- Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.
“Fire prevention and fire safety planning are two very different things,” said Borders. “Fire prevention planning helps control or eliminate the causes of a fire. Fire safety planning helps prevent injury and loss of life when a fire does break out. To protect your family and your property, you need both.”
Where to begin after a house fire, Antioch Ca, East Bay area
8/2/2021 (Permalink)
Fire damage, SERVPRO of Antioch called out to home to clean fire damage.
Where to begin after a house fire
Experiencing a house fire is a scary situation. After the feeling of unbelief, people are wondering what they can do to start the process of getting back into their beloved home. It’s important to take the necessary steps to ensure you and your family are safe.
Get Permission before entering your property, from your local Antioch fire department.
Depending on how extensive the fire damage is, make sure the Fire Marshall tells you that the structure is safe to enter. The fire should be completely extinguished, and precautionary measures taken to make sure the structure is deemed “safe” to enter. You also want to be careful no one in the household uses the electricity without permission from the authorities. Although you are anxious to find out if your favorite things survived the fire, waiting until it is safe prevents you from dealing with an injury that could delay cleaning up the fire damage.
Know who to contact
First call should be to your homeowners insurance. They will be able to help you file a claim and to get a representative out to you to assess the situation. If you are a tenant first call is to your property owner, and then to your rental insurance company.
Call A Professional Fire Damage Restoration Company, in your Antioch area.
Contacting a restoration company is the best way to handle fire damages. Companies such as SERVPRO of Antioch specialize in restoring what has been damaged, and getting it prepped for a contractor to get it put back together. If you need fire restoration services, contact the team at SERVPRO of Antioch 925-706-0106 24/7 We have the tools, expertise and experience handling fire damage.
Document the Damage
Along with providing fire restoration services that you and your family will need. We at SERVPRO of Antioch utilize a program called assured pack out that is recognized by insurance companies. With this program we are able to effectively document all salvageable and non salvageable items from your home. It is easily itemized in a list that can be sent directly to your insurance company so they can easily and quickly get your belongings taken care of .
We at SERVPRO hope you never have to endure a home fire but we are here when and if you do Please contact us at 925-706-0106 24/7 for all your restoration needs
The impact of fire damage. Why proper cleaning is important. Antioch, CA Easty Bay area
8/2/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Antioch cleaned fire damaged fire fireplace . now painting can be done.
Fire, is an awful beast, consuming everything in its wake and covering what it didn't destroy in thick black smoke. If you experience a Fire, it's important to remember that Life is the most important thing, the items that we lose can be replaced.
A Fire can become out of control in as little as 60 seconds. If you smell smoke, get out of the house and call 911 for help. Don't try and put it out yourself or you could get really hurt. The gases that come from the combustion and the heat that can be generated are often times enough to kill you before the flames ever can. Use extreme caution when exiting your home.
When there's a fire, the smoke that remains is a mixture of everything that combusted in the house which could be papers, plastics, chemicals, etc. This thick black smoke locks itself to every surface. When walls get affected, they most often need to be painted. But paint won't stick to smoke so then the smoke has to be removed. The removal process for smoke is specialized and extremely labor intensive. If the wrong product is used then the paint won't stick to the surface, yet again. It’s extremely important to not try to clean any surface yourself, you could cause permanent or secondary damage.
This is a photo of the before and after in a fire that ravaged a house leaving black smoke everywhere. It's amazing how much of the smoke can be removed when done correctly. It still needs to be painted, but the paint WILL stick to these walls.
Having the right restoration company in to do the work makes all the difference.
When you experience a Fire, make sure that the work is done right. Call SERVPRO of Antioch at 925-706-0106
summer grill fires can turn into a disaster. Antioch Ca East bay area
8/2/2021 (Permalink)
Grill fire.
Antioch, Ca
fire damage, water damage, mold damage, covid cleaning
Grill Fires Can Turn Dinner into Disaster
Local SERVPRO fire and water clean-up professional offers safety tips to help outdoor chefs prevent fires and burn injuries
As the summer season approaches, local fire and disaster remediation specialist Michael Borders of SERVPRO of Antioch knows that the number of grill fires will increase, peaking in July. "Charcoal and gas grills, barbeques and the like are involved in an average of more than 5,000 structure fires each year and almost 5,000 additional outdoor fires," said Borders. Beyond that, Borders adds, grilling accidents result in 19,700 trips to the hospital annually. Thermal burns account for 9,500 of those visits, and children under the age of five account for an average of 2,000, or 39 percent, of those burns.1
SERVPRO of Antioch knows that families can take steps to protect their home from damage and their family from injuries and still enjoy home-grilled, summer meals.
Before you grill:
- READY: Clean grill racks and grease trays. For gas grills, check the gas tank hose for leaks at the beginning of the season.
- SET: Choose a safe, firm, level spot for the grill away from coolers, running children and pets, and mingling guests. Grill outside, never in a garage or under the awning on a deck, the eaves of your home, or low-hanging branches.
- GO: Prepare the grill for cooking carefully. For charcoal grills, use a charcoal chimney with newspaper, a charcoal starter fluid, or an electric charcoal starter plugged into an outdoor-rated extension cord. For gas grills, open the lid before turning the grill on. If you smell gas after the grill is lit, do not try to move the grill. Get away from the grill and call the fire department.
While you grill
- SAFE ZONE: Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the hot grill, both while you are cooking and after you serve the food. Grill surfaces can remain hot for an hour or more.
- SAFE TOOLS: Use long-handled grill utensils in good condition; avoid loose, flowing clothing; and wear flame-retardant mitts to adjust vents to help prevent burns.
- SAFE COOKING: Keep the fire under control. Manage flareups by adjusting grill height, using grill controls, or spreading out the coal bed. Keep baking soda within reach to control grease fires. Watch for blowing embers and have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose, or a bucket of sand handy to extinguish spark-triggered fires. Never attempt to move a hot grill.
"Home fires can be devastating, both financially and emotionally, because smoke and water damage often amplify the destruction to both the structure and its contents," says Borders. "While our SERVPRO-trained professionals are here to help you recover "Like it never even happened," if you do experience a structure fire, we believe that prevention is better than a cure. Fires and burn injuries caused by grills are not strictly a summer phenomenon. Nearly half of home grillers use their grill year-round, so it's important to keep these safety guidelines in mind all year long."
SERVPRO of Antioch specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of Antioch, please contact SERVPRO of Antioch at (925) 706-0106 24/7 For more information on SERVPRO, please visit www.SERVPRO.com.
1 https://www.nfpa.org/grilling
2 https://www.hpba.org/Consumer-Information/Barbecue-Outdoor-Living/Grill-Safety
Soot damage in a home could have lasting effects.
7/1/2021 (Permalink)
Soot damage to painted walls and ceiling.
Fire, is an awful beast, consuming everything in its wake and covering what it didn't destroy in thick black smoke. If you experience a Fire, it's important to remember that Life is the most important thing, the items that we lose can be replaced.
A Fire can become out of control in as little as 60 seconds. If you smell smoke, get out of the house and call 911 for help. Don't try and put it out yourself or you could get really hurt. The gases that come from the combustion and the heat that can be generated are often times enough to kill you before the flames ever can. Use extreme caution when exiting your home.
When there's a fire, the smoke that remains is a mixture of everything that combusted in the house which could be papers, plastics, chemicals, etc. This thick black smoke locks itself to every surface. When walls get affected, they most often need to be painted. But paint won't stick to smoke so then the smoke has to be removed. The removal process for smoke is specialized and extremely labor intensive. If the wrong product is used then the paint won't stick to the surface, yet again. It’s extremely important to not try to clean any surface yourself, you could cause permanent or secondary damage.
This is a photo of the before and after in a fire that ravaged a house leaving black smoke everywhere. It's amazing how much of the smoke can be removed when done correctly. It still needs to be painted, but the paint WILL stick to these walls.
Having the right restoration company in to do the work makes all the difference.
When you experience a Fire, make sure that the work is done right. Call SERVPRO of Antioch at 925-706-0106
Holidays are peak fire danger season
10/19/2020 (Permalink)
Contra Costa Fire Department helping in a fire situation
Local SERVPRO® restoration specialist cites statistics on escalated cooking and candle fire risk that can turn festivities into a fire drill
As the holiday season approaches and families gear up for decorating their homes and hosting large gatherings of friends and family, Michael Borders of SERVPRO® of Antioch reminds homeowners to take note of some sobering statistics about home fire safety from the National Fire Prevention Association:
- Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires. The three peak days for home cooking fires are Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
- Candle fires peak in December. The top three days for candle fires are Christmas Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
“These statistics are a serious reminder of how the excitement of holiday entertaining can quickly turn into a life-altering fire or even a tragic injury or death,” says Borders. “While glowing candles and elaborate meals set the stage for a great holiday get-together, homeowners need to exercise extra care in controlling the dangerous potential for fires.”
According to the NFPA3, unattended cooking is by far the leading cause of home cooking fires, with frying posing the greatest fire risk and electric ranges posing a higher risk than gas ranges. Range top cooking in general started the majority of home cooking fires and caused 86 percent of related civilian deaths for the reporting period.
While incidents of candle fires peaked in 2001 and has been falling since, candles are still one of the top 10 causes of U.S. home fires, according to the NFPA. As with cooking fires, unattended or abandoned candles account for a large portion of candle fires–almost 20 percent–but the most frequent cause of candle fires is placing the candle too close to something that can burn, like curtains, decorations or furniture.
“It’s easy to see why cooking and candle fires both peak during the holiday season,” says Borders, “and it’s also easy to see why homeowners need to take extra care when decorating their homes or entertaining. A moment’s inattention at the stove or a guest re-positioning a candle on a tabletop may be all it takes to turn the festivities into a fight to save property and lives. While our business is fire and water damage restoration and we stand ready to help at a moment’s notice if disaster does strike, our sincere hope is that our friends and neighbors will enjoy a fire-free and festive holiday season.”
Please take all necessary precautions to help keep your family and home safe during these holiday seasons.
If you need any services, remember SERVPRO of Antioch is a 24/7 business 925-706-0106
Summertime fire safety tips
8/6/2020 (Permalink)
friends gathered around the summer bbq grill
Summer is a time for fun, but it is important to make sure you and your family are being cautious when using fireworks, grills, and other potentially dangerous materials. Here is everything you need to know about keeping your family and home safe this summer!
Summer Fire Statistics
- In 2014, 16,600 patients went to emergency rooms because of injuries involving grills
- July is the peak month for grill fires (17%), including both structure, outdoor or unclassified fires, followed by May, June and August
- Leaks or breaks were the factor in 11% of grill structure fires and 23% of outside and unclassified grill fires
- Gas grills contribute to a higher number of home fires overall than their charcoal counterparts
- A failure to clean the grill was the leading factor contributing to the fire in one –fifth of all grill structure fires (19%). In 17%, something that could catch fire was too close to the grill
Summertime Fire Safety- Helpful Hints
- Be safe. If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show.
- Do not use consumer fireworks.
- Keep a close eye on children at events with fireworks.
- Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should be used outdoors only.
- Keep children and pets at least three feet from the grill area.
- Keep your grill clean by removing grease buildup.
- Never leave your grill unattended.
- Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
Contact SERVPRO of Antioch 24/7 at 925-706-0106
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