After the Flames: The Crucial Role of Fire Mitigation in Minimizing Damage

Name: SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties
Address: 2 Truman Court, Union, MO, 63084
Telephone: (636) 456-3422

3/26/2024 (Permalink)

Fire mitigation goes beyond what you see.

The aftermath of a fire can be devastating, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. However, the journey towards recovery begins the moment the flames are extinguished.

One of the most critical steps in the restoration process is fire mitigation – the immediate actions taken to minimize further damage to the property.

Here's why fire mitigation is essential and why SERVPRO's fire restoration experts should begin as soon as the flames are put out:

Preventing Secondary Damage

While the flames may be put out, the damage left in their wake continues to escalate if left unaddressed. Smoke, soot, and ash can quickly spread throughout the property, staining surfaces, corroding materials, and causing further deterioration. Additionally, the water used to extinguish the fire can lead to water damage and mold growth if not adequately mitigated. Fire mitigation efforts such as prompt cleanup, drying, and dehumidification help prevent secondary damage and preserve the integrity of the property.

Preserving Belongings and Valuables

Fire damage extends beyond structural damage – it can also destroy or severely damage personal belongings, furniture, and sentimental items. Acting quickly with fire mitigation efforts can help salvage and preserve belongings that may otherwise be lost to smoke, heat, or water damage. Professional mitigation techniques such as content cleaning, pack-out services, and restoration treatments can help restore items to their pre-fire condition, providing property owners comfort and peace of mind.

Addressing Health Hazards

Fire's aftermath presents numerous health hazards, from toxic smoke and soot particles to airborne contaminants and microbial growth. These hazards can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems. Fire mitigation efforts such as air purification, thorough cleaning, and disinfection help remove harmful contaminants from the indoor environment, creating a safer and healthier space for occupants.

Preventing Lingering Odors

One of the most persistent challenges after a fire is the lingering odor of smoke and soot. These odors can permeate porous materials and linger long after the flames are extinguished, affecting indoor air quality and making the space uninhabitable. Fire mitigation techniques such as odor removal, air filtration, and thermal fogging help neutralize odors at the source, eliminating lingering smells and restoring a fresh, clean environment.

Restoring Peace of Mind

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire can be overwhelming and emotionally draining, but taking swift action with fire mitigation efforts can help restore peace of mind. Property owners can focus on the path to recovery by entrusting the mitigation process to professionals, knowing that their property is in capable hands.

With swift and effective mitigation efforts, you can take the first step towards rebuilding and restoring your property to its pre-fire condition.

Fall Fire Safety

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Autumn is the favorite time of year for many people- the temperatures are cooler, the scenery is beautiful and colorful, and there are plenty of events and activities to keep us all busy. But, there are also some unique fire hazards, and it is to your advantage to plan to ensure your fall season is safe and fire-free.

Keep these tips in mind:

Be careful where you put your fall decorations; many are highly flammable so don't place them near open flames or heat sources
Don't block escape routes with decorations
Teach children to stay away from open flames avoid billowing fabric when choosing Halloween costumes
Try to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in jack-o-lanterns
Use extreme caution if using a real candle.
Be aware of the dangers of an excess of carbon monoxide.

CO poisoning can occur from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or idling cars left in enclosed spaces. Be sure that you have fuel-burning appliances inspected yearly, that your fireplace and fuel-burning equipment is properly vented, and only use BBQ grills outside.

New Time New Batteries

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors play a vital role in saving lives and can help reduce fire damage to your home by reducing the reaction time of the fire department. It is best practice to check the batteries in your smoke alarms when we set our clocks back for Daylight Savings.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters, and on every house level. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to meet specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees, or client to escape quickly and safely in an emergency.

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance.

-Install smoke alarms on every level of the home including the basement.

- Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.

-Test smoke alarms at least once a month using a test button.

-Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps" the battery is low and should be replaced immediately.

-Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old.

"3...2...1 Happy New Year"

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Everyone screams as the ball drop before the fireworks go off as pure excitement fills the air. With so many people wanting to be around their loved ones during this particular time, a fire would be the hiccup in that plan.

Please be Responsible!

It's midnight, and you just got done kissing your special someone as the clocks strike midnight and as the fireworks start exploding in the air. Your SERVPRO professionals are here to remind you of the supervisor's responsibilities.

Be Cautious About Smoke From Fireworks

When people shoot off many fireworks, the ground can collect a large amount of smoke. People with preexisting conditions can feel the effects of this, so when finding the launchpad site, you should think about where you want these people to sit. The perfect location would be upwind, where the smoke won't travel because the fine particles and gases left behind are hard on the lungs.

Storing Unused Fireworks

Often, people will save some of their fireworks, and that's okay when it's in a controlled environment. The problem arises when they aren't properly stored, and the fireworks ignite inside the home. Finding the perfect location can ensure that your home is safe all year around.

From your SERVPRO, we want to wish you a Happy New Year!

How quickly can you get out?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Fire experts agree, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. In a matter of moments a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26% of families have developed a fire escape plan. Once a plan is in place it is critical that everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and practicing the escape plan. The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan.

Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they have escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the planned meeting space on your map.

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Make sure everyone in your home can escape, with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals.

Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at the nighttime.

Help getting your fire damage under control

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Experiencing a fire in your home or business is something that can disrupt your entire life. Not only do you have to deal with damage to your home or business, but there are also the lingering traumatization of the experience. That's why we are hear, to take all the agonizing decisions of putting your home or business back to it's original condition before the event. We build it back while you heal from what you just went through.

We understand just how difficult experiencing a house or business fire can be, which is why we have invested plenty of resources, equipment and training into making sure we are ready to handle any fire damage you experience. We can handle the damage quickly and comprehensively, so you can have a home and business that is restored to its pre-damage condition as quickly as possible.

You Can Trust SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties

We Can Handle All Aspects of the Damage

Most folks don't understand how damage from fires in one area of a home or business can effect a completely different part of the building far from the point of origin. It's not about being just where the actual flames were, it's where the secondary damage travels to. Smoke and soot can spread through all areas of your home and business, impacting areas that were nowhere near the initial fire and causing smoke related damage to penetrate the structure and the contents. However, with our extensive cleaning techniques and procedures that SERVPRO utilizes, we can purify the air and remove odors from your contents non porous contents, keepsakes, etc.

We Have a Rapid Response

When a catastrophic fire event strikes, the last thing you want is to wait on a restoration company’s business hours to respond to your needs. That is why we are here 24/7 and always dispatch a team to you as quickly as possible, so we can get the restoration started right away once we arrive.

We are a Full Service Restoration Provider

After a fire, cleaning up the damage is one thing, but restoring your home to its preloss condition is another. We can take care of all aspects of the restoration process including all phases of reconstruction. Whatever is needed we can provide it. One call to us and we handle all the required services to put your home or business back together.

Call us at 636-456-3422 for all your restoration and reconstruction needs.

Fall Fire Safety

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Autumn is the favorite time of year for many people- the temperatures are cooler, the scenery is beautiful and colorful, and there are plenty of events and activities to keep us all busy. But, there are also some unique fire hazards, and it is to your advantage to plan ahead to ensure your fall season is safe and fire-free. Keep these tips in mind: be careful where you put your fall decorations, many are highly flammable so don't place them near open flames or heat sources; don't block escape routes with decorations; teach children to stay away from open flames; avoid billowing fabric when choosing Halloween costumes; try to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in jack-o-lanterns, and use extreme caution if using a real candle. Furthermore, be aware of the dangers of an excess of carbon monoxide. CO poisoning can occur from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or idling cars left running in enclosed spaces. Be sure that you have fuel-burning appliances inspected every year, that your fireplace and fuel-burning equipment is properly vented, and only use BBQ grills outside.

Fire damage repair

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Heavily soot damaged wood trunk before and after restoration

When your home fills up with smoke and your family sees their belongings immersed in smoke and soot damage, it is hard to imagine that these items could ever look like they once did. However many times your furniture and valued family heirlooms can be restored as good as new with our SERVPRO deep cleaning process. We can transform items that were once blackened with thick soot back to its original condition. We take pride in treating your valued items as if they were our own. With attention to detail and great care we transform your items back to there original condition. Many times we have transported your belongings to our cleaning and storage facility where they get cleaned and storage facility until your home has been repaired and is ready for their return. Then everything is wrapped and padded for the return trip and placement in your restored home.

Smoke detectors work

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors play a vital role in saving lives, and can help reduce the fire damage to your home by reducing the reaction time of the fire department.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be install in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detectors requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or client to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance.

-Install smoke alarms on every level of the home including the basement.

- Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.

-Test smoke alarms at least once a month using a test button.

-Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps" the battery is low and should be replaced right away.

-Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Stay Safe This Christmas

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

For many families, lights and Christmas trees are an essential part of the holidays, but they can also cause dangerous fires. A dried-out tree, an unattended candle, or a frayed wire can spark a blaze, resulting in considerable fire damage restoration bills and serious injuries. Below are a few ways to keep your family safe this holiday season.

How to Avoid Fires During the Holidays

1. Service Your Furnace

While your furnace sits unused through most of the year, dust accumulates on the burners and coils, increasing the risk of a fire. Before you start running the heater full-time, have a professional examine the system, clean the components, and make any necessary repairs to keep your system safe.

2. Be Careful With Holiday Lights

Many fire damage restoration projects start because the homeowner plugged too many strands of lights together, overloading the outlet. Before plugging in your holiday lights, be sure the outlet can handle the voltage, and always turn them when you go to bed.

3. Water the Tree

Every year, fire departments across the country respond to hundreds of fires caused by Christmas trees, which can ignite in a matter of minutes. Keeping your tree watered throughout the season will make it less flammable, potentially preventing a life-threatening fire.

4. Stay With Cooking Food

Many holiday fires also start in the kitchen, so be especially careful when preparing meals. Don’t leave cooking food unattended on the stove or in the oven, and keep small children out of the area when you’re working.

If your home has a fire this holiday season, trust the experts at SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties to restore your house and possessions. Their fire damage restoration professionals use the most advanced equipment on the market and apply proven techniques to eliminate all traces of the unfortunate incident. Visit their website for more on their fire damage restoration services, get more tips and updates on Facebook, or call (636) 456-3422 for prompt, effective service.

Have a Safe Christmas

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

For many families, lights and Christmas trees are an essential part of the holidays, but they can also cause dangerous fires. A dried-out tree, an unattended candle, or a frayed wire can spark a blaze, resulting in considerable fire damage restoration bills and serious injuries. Below are a few ways to keep your family safe this holiday season.

How to Avoid Fires During the Holidays

1. Service Your Furnace

While your furnace sits unused through most of the year, dust accumulates on the burners and coils, increasing the risk of a fire. Before you start running the heater full-time, have a professional examine the system, clean the components, and make any necessary repairs to keep your system safe.

2. Be Careful With Holiday Lights

Many fire damage restoration projects start because the homeowner plugged too many strands of lights together, overloading the outlet. Before plugging in your holiday lights, be sure the outlet can handle the voltage, and always turn them when you go to bed.

3. Water the Tree

Every year, fire departments across the country respond to hundreds of fires caused by Christmas trees, which can ignite in a matter of minutes. Keeping your tree watered throughout the season will make it less flammable, potentially preventing a life-threatening fire.

4. Stay With Cooking Food

Many holiday fires also start in the kitchen, so be especially careful when preparing meals. Don’t leave cooking food unattended on the stove or in the oven, and keep small children out of the area when you’re working.

If your home has a fire this holiday season, trust the experts at SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties to restore your house and possessions. Their fire damage restoration professionals use the most advanced equipment on the market and apply proven techniques to eliminate all traces of the unfortunate incident. Visit their website for more on their fire damage restoration services, get more tips and updates on Facebook, or call (636) 456-3422 for prompt, effective service.

Your Fire Damage Restoration Company

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage to home in Lincoln county. We can help if this happens to you.

There’s a fire at your home or business. You realize everything you’ve worked so hard for, everything you’ve saved for, everything you’ve built there may be damaged. You’re overwhelmed and trying to process everything. It leaves you contemplating your next action step. Who do you call? You call SERVPRO® of Lincoln & Warren Counties. We are Here to Help you and your family throughout the entire journey. We are your professional and experienced fire restoration company. This is what we do. We help put lives back together.

Whether you have residential fire damage or commercial fire damage, you need a company that will be able to respond quickly. And the team at SERVPRO® of Lincoln & Warren Counties do just that -- and more. With this type of damage, quick response time is vital. You can have confidence knowing that we have the capacity to handle any size job -- residential or commercial. We are faster to any size disaster.

Commercial restoration presents unique challenges, but the team at SERVPRO® of Lincoln & Warren Counties know how to effectively and efficiently tackle it. We have proven processes in place. We have the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

We understand emergencies do not occur at regular business hours. That’s why we are available to respond 24/7 for those emergencies that may happen at 3:07 a.m. or noon or, perhaps, while you’re on vacation. We are here for you.

SERVPRO® of Lincoln & Warren Counties is your local fire restoration company. We can restore your home or business to pre-fire condition. If you find yourself in need of fire mitigation and restoration services we are here to help. Simply call us at 636-456-3422

Stay Safe on Thanksgiving

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your happy holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the main cause for home fires and injuries, with Thanksgiving being the peak day for cooking-related fires. Review the following safety tips to help ensure you can enjoy a safe holiday.

--Never leave cooking food unattended–stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they should turn off the stove.

--Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.

--Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.

--Keep anything flammable–pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.

--Do not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. n Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.

--If using the deep frying method of cooking your turkey be sure to do this outside, not in your garage, and away from anything that could catch fire. Be very sure your turkey is fully thawed before placing it into the hot oil.

--Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen. Contact the local fire department for training on the proper use of extinguishers.

--Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.

--Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. SERVPRO of Lincoln and Warren Counties wishes you a happy and safe holiday!

Can You Get Out Fast Enough

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

Fire experts agree, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. In a matter of moments a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26% of families have developed a fire escape plan. Once a plan is in place it is critical that everyone in the home understands the plan. The best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place. There should be a smoke detector in each bedroom and at least 1 on each floor. Practice your escape plan keeping in mind where, in your home, fires would most likely occur.

The following are a few suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan.

Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily, and can provide exit to the ground.

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used.

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they have escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the planned meeting space on your map.

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Make special considerations for everyone in your home with special needs such as the elderly or disabled individuals.

Practice your fire escape plan during the day and when it is dark and the power is off.

Stay Safe this Holiday Season

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Each November, families gather to celebrate Thanksgiving by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your happy holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the main cause for home fires and injuries, with Thanksgiving being the peak day for cooking-related fires. Review the following safety tips to help ensure you can enjoy a safe holiday.

--Never leave cooking food unattended–stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If someone must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, they should turn off the stove.

--Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.

--Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.

--Keep anything flammable–pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from the stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.

--Do not wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.

--Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen. Contact the local fire department for training on the proper use of extinguishers.

--Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.

--Install a smoke alarm near the kitchen, on each level of the home, near sleeping areas and inside and outside bedrooms. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

SERVPRO of Lincoln and Warren Counties is here to help should something happen and we wish you a happy and safe holiday!

Reversing the effects of fire damage

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

This home in Montgomery County had substantial fire damage and heavy soot damage.

After a family sees their belongings immersed in smoke damage, it is hard to imagine that these items could ever look like they once did. In many cases your belongings can be returned to preloss condition using our SERVPRO deep cleaning process we can make items that were once blackened with thick soot be restored back to its original state. Part of our fire cleaning process is to test clean and evaluate your belongings to determine what can be cleaned and what should be replaced. We will review our findings with you and work with your insurance adjuster to establish the proper course of action.

If you experience a fire in your home or business give us a call. We are prepared to come out and go over the mitigation process with you. Our technicians have the experience you will want in a mitigation professional.

Fire: What you need to know

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

When it comes to fires, what you need to know is how it can affect your home or business and its contents. One thing you need to know is the importance of timing. Two minutes may not seem like a long time, but, as it relates to a fire, it can feel like an eternity and cause significant fire damage. In just 120 seconds, a fire can become life-threatening. Something else you need to know is the team at SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties are experts in the fire damage repair and restoration industry. We come to your rescue to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Do you know the amount of time it takes for a residence to become engulfed in flames? Five minutes. According to Ready.gov, heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.

Some may be under the impression that the actual flames of a fire kill people. However, it’s the smoke and toxic gases that kill more people. Another thing you need to know, according to this resource, is fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties’ “restore first” mentality reduces interruption and gets you back to your life. We have specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment. We can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. When it comes to a fire, there’s so much more you need to know. Download your personal fire brochure to learn more.

When it comes to fires, what you need to know is that SERVPRO of Lincoln & Warren Counties is your leading local professional fire damage repair and restoration company. Our experienced and qualified team can get your residential or commercial property back to preloss condition “Like it never even happened.” If fire damage strikes your home or business, you can call us at 636-456-3422.

Thanksgiving Cooking Fire Safety

11/23/2018 (Permalink)