Fire Safety: Preparing Your Family Home for Emergencies | SERVPRO of East San Antonio

10/17/2024 (Permalink)

Protect your business with a safety plan! Contact SERVPRO® for expert guidance on fire prevention and ensure your employees and property stay safe.

When it comes to protecting your family and home, fire safety is paramount. While we often think of fires as distant possibilities, the truth is that they can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.

At SERVPRO of East San Antonio, we believe that preparation is your best defense against the devastating effects of fire. Here are some key steps to help you prepare your family home for a fire emergency.

Why SERVPRO in case of fire damages?

9/13/2023 (Permalink)

For a company or commercial facility, fire damage is especially disastrous. Significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may happen in addition to the fire and smoke damage.

Restoration of commercial fire damage has special difficulties. Every hour it takes to get your business back to normal after a fire is lost income and production. The SERVPRO® team is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to handle major commercial fire damage crises. We will act immediately to reduce damage and oversee the restoration project until it is finished, whether your fire emergency takes place in a restaurant, motel, or office building.

If your company suffers a fire loss, call SERVPRO®, the experts in fire and water damage repair, and we'll arrive right away to help you get back to work.

Advice on how to be safe from fire

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

With the arrival of warmer weather, there will be an increase in the number of outdoor fires, such as bonfires. While these can be entertaining for some, they can also be harmful and result in a larger fire.

Before you light the first match, make sure you follow these safety precautions.

• On a windy night, never start a campfire.
• If the fire starts to spread, have a bucket of water or a garden hose handy.
• Keep a tight eye on the campfire and everyone who is around it.
• Aerosols, canisters, and anything containing foam or paint should not be burned.
• Make sure the wood you're burning is dry and seasoned before you start.
• The pile should be no more than 5' x 5' in size.

After the bonfire is out, flip the materials over using metal shovels and irrigate the area. You avoid starting a fire, make sure to observe all fire and safety precautions.

what to do when your home is damaged due to a fire?

5/29/2022 (Permalink)

There aren't many things for which we have to wait any longer. We've really gotten to the heart of a lot of scenarios that necessitate a sit-and-wait approach at this point, short of teleportation. That's a fantastic thing!

As much as some may wear "I had to wait for it in my day" as a badge of honour, having rapid access to so much of what we need is certainly a blessing.

Take, for example, SERVPRO's support. (Did you think we wrote all of this only to talk about something else?) Waiting for assistance isn't an option when you have an overnight problem at home—not only as a matter of convenience, but also as a matter of urgency. 

Because there's more at stake than just the initial damage, SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day to handle your emergency cleanup and recovery.

Following a fire.

The first wave of a blazing fire causes visible harm, usually by leaving proof in the form of things you can no longer see. However, unfinished combustion leaves a permanent artefact in the form of thick, black soot, which coats your carpet and plasters your interior with ebony goo minutes after a fire.

Soon after, it becomes irreversible, leaving your home with soot stains and a lingering smoky odour that can't be easily removed, necessitating the complete replacement of your walls and carpets to restore that clean, fresh sensation. This catastrophe can be avoided as much as possible if quick action is taken.

Following water damage.

Once the containment barrier is breached, the race begins: You just have 48 hours to rid your property of intruding water and the excess moisture that results, or you'll have a mould problem on top of your water problem. You now run the risk of developing health problems as well as causing structural damage to your walls and other structures. It's already too late if you have to wait until the weekend to seek help for your home.

In addition to these possibilities, your home may be damaged by storms, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events that necessitate rapid attention. SERVPRO is always available—right now, we're on the other side of this screen, waiting for your call or click. We'll be on our way as soon as we get the alert, regardless of the day or hour.

Any Size in Less Time Disaster isn't just a slogan for us; it's a way of life.

When you need help after a disaster at your home or business, you need it immediately, and SERVPRO is the fastest and most equipped company around. Take advantage of our 24-hour emergency assistance by calling us at any moment.

what to do in case of a house fire damage?

5/28/2022 (Permalink)

Please contact fire damage restoration pros if your home has been harmed by a fire. This will assist to limit structural damage, prevent mould, and return your home to normal as soon as possible. SERVPRO is the company you call when you need fire damage repair services.

1. Emergency Preparedness. We will promptly react to your service request once we receive it. We'll ask the questions we need to make sure we can handle the problem you're having, and then we'll send the people and equipment you'll need to complete the job.

3. The removal of water If the fire was put out with water, we'll use specialist equipment including extractors, air movers, and dehumidifiers to remove the water as rapidly as possible. This process reduces the chance of further structural damage and mould growth.

5. Clean-up of soot and smoke Using sophisticated equipment and techniques, our employees are experts at removing soot and smoke.

6. Deodorizing and cleaning All objects that can be repaired will be cleaned and deodorised. Air scrubbers and foggers are commonly used to deodorise a space.

2. Inspection and Evaluation We'll inspect the damaged areas upon arrival to establish the extent of the damage and devise a strategy for adequately cleaning the fire and smoke damage from your property.

What can Lighting and fire Cause?

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

When it comes to lightning and house fires, there are three things to keep in mind.
Lightning strikes rapidly and can completely destroy your home. However, there are numerous misconceptions about these types of fires, and learning more about them might make you feel better equipped to respond in the event of a fire.

1. Property damage is more likely than personal injury.

When lightning strikes, it frequently causes a house fire; it is quite rare for a person to be struck. Strikes in the United States have wounded fewer than 60 persons in the last four years. 

However, fires that happened as a result of a strike caused severe damage to homes during that time period. Unplugging equipment in your home can assist to lessen the chances of being struck by lightning.

2. The Season and the Environment Play a Role

A lightning strike is more likely to occur during the summer, when storms are more common. Furthermore, certain areas are particularly vulnerable to lightning-caused fires. Drought-stricken areas are more likely to witness these types of fires, as dry grasses and bushes can easily ignite and spread, causing considerable damage to the area.

3. Education and preparation can be beneficial

If you're outside when a storm starts, there are several precautions you may take to keep yourself safe. Avoiding water and staying a safe distance from towering trees and powerlines can help you avoid being struck. If you're inside during a storm, staying away from windows is also a good idea. Knowing how to react in the event of a fire in your home can also help to keep you and others safe.

Average Time for Fire Damage Repair

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

If your home has been damaged by fire, you may be wondering how long it would take to repair it. While small damage can be repaired in a few days, serious damage can take weeks or months to fix. However, no fire damage restoration can commence until the fire service has cleared the area. Depending on the jurisdiction, this process can take many days or weeks. Here's all you need to know about repairing fire damage.

First and foremost, the property must be secured. This includes enclosing the area with fencing and cleaning up any debris left behind. To prevent cross-contamination, you should also seal off roofs and tarp them. After the initial cleanup, you should hire an expert to help you.

Fire damage restoration typically entails rebuilding the home's structural parts as well as repairing or replacing destroyed items. Painting and drywall installation are examples of additional services. Some fire damage restoration businesses provide complete reconstruction services, while others merely perform certain repairs. If you have a lot of drywall damage, you might want to hire a business that specialises in removing and storing smoke and soot stains. Jenkins Restoration can help you restore your house or apartment to its original condition, regardless of the type of fire damage restoration you require.

SPACE HEATER DANGERS

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

During the cold months, space heaters are a great way to warm a room in the absence of central heating. Portable heaters, however, can pose certain threats to your home. If left unattended, a space heater can easily cause a house fire or electrical overload. Remain safe and warm by remembering the following safety tips.

• Leave three feet of space around your heater to avoid igniting flammable material. Keep pets and children from disturbing the heater to avoid burns and injuries. Make sure to also remove any objects blocking air flow or covering cables or components.
• Avoid leaving a heater running throughout the day, especially unmonitored. It may overload a circuit, causing power failure or a fire. Any unusual sounds or malfunctions should be fixed right away.
• Don't use extension cords or power strips with a space heater. Plugging them directly into an outlet will help avoid a power overload.
• Avoid using a space heater in a humid environment such as a bathroom. Water in the air may cause complications with the machine, causing it to malfunction.

As you shop for a portable heater, look fora safety certification label from an independent testing organization and the following safety features to keep your homesafe from fire damage.

• Shut-off features: A smart sensor will automatically shut off the machine when it overheats, and a tip-over switch does the same if the heater is knocked over.
• Ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) plug: This plug helps prevent electric shock. If your heater does not come equipped with one, avoid using it around moist areas.
• Sturdy cord: Many heaters come with a cord around 6 feet long. Make sure it has a sturdy design and reaches the desired areas. Remember, extension cords or power strips can cause electrical issues.

Educating yourself about the safety hazards that come with the improper use of portable heaters will help you achieve better peace of mind as you keep your home warm and comfortable during this winter season.

CAN YOU GUESS THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF HOUSE FIRES?

5/5/2022 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking equipment is the number one cause for house fires. Pots and pans can quickly overheat when left unattended or mishandled. Be sure to turn handles towards the middle of the stove to avoid children from accidentally grabbing it from the burner. When leaving the house, remember to turn off stove-top burners and ovens.

Moreover, smoking in bedrooms should be avoided at all costs. A cigarette butt can stay lit for hours and cause a flame after coming into contact with clothes or furniture. Open flames such as candles also pose a danger for many residents. While they may have an attractive look and smell, candles should always be blown out before you leave a room.

Furthermore, older lampshades and light fittings may build up heat, and weak bases could pose a tipping hazard. Electrical equipment such as these should be checked for faulty cords, and the power point must not be overloaded with double adapter plugs. Also be mindful of flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, or methylated spirits around the house. These should be kept away from heat sources and stored properly according to their label.

If you experience a fire, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Examine you and your family for injuries and seek medical help
• If you can’t find a place to stay, your local Red Cross can help provide food and provisions
• Notify your insurance company about the fire
• Do not re-enter your home until instructed to do so. Talk to firefighters about what can be salvaged instead
• Once you are cleared to enter the building, check for important documents and keepsakes
• Make a list of your possessions and note damaged goods
• Keep track of receipts for expenses as a result of the fire

Nobody wants to come home to an irreparable damage. By knowing these common causes of house fires, you and your neighborhood can live a little bit safer. When accidents happen, SERVPRO is here to clean fire damage and restore your home quickly and professionally.

Your First 3 Steps After a Home Fire

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

A home fire can be an unsettling experience for you and your family. Once the fire has been extinguished, the inspection and fire restoration processes begin. It’s important to stay focused on getting the help you need and moving forward. Before you can survey your damage, an official will want to clear your home for safe entry.

Initial Safety Assessment

After the fire is extinguished, crews will assess the dwelling for safety. They will carefully inspect three aspects of the damage to determine whether you and cleanup teams can enter.

• Structural Integrity – The walls, stairwells, floors, and ceilings will be inspected for stability, and dangerous areas will likely be cordoned off.
• Electrical System – If the electrical is still live, it will likely be disconnected from power until water is removed from the building.
• Unstable Hazards – It may take a day or two for fire teams to identify hazards and remove them from the structure.
  
  

This phase of the process confirms your home is stable enough for you and cleanup crews to enter.

Damage Survey

With your home cleared for entry, you will likely go in for the first time with a crew chief or fire supervisor. The official will help you understand the extent of the fire and smoke damage and give you an overview of the fire restoration process. This important step can prepare you for initial conversations with your insurance agent and remediation professionals.

Professional Assistance

As soon as you have an overview of the damage, you can notify your insurance company and find out about your coverage. The fire specialist who toured the damage with you can recommend a damage cleaning service for your situation. Professionals will work quickly and safely to clean, dry, and restore your belongings and structure.

A fire in your home can cause you and your family significant stress. The emergency responders, your insurance agent, and your fire restoration crews are all trained to help guide you through the process. Step by step, they will work to restore your home and your belongings—and ultimately, your peace of mind.

Top 3 Causes of Home Fires and How To Prevent Them!

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire

Here Are The Top Residential Fires

Most people believe that house fires are rare catastrophes that could never happen to them. Unfortunately, the reality is that a simple mistake or oversight could cause a fire to break out in your home. The good news is that the most common causes of a home fire can be easily prevented through proper care and attention. Here are the top residential fire causes and what you can do to keep them from happening in your own home.

1. Cooking Fires
   As you might expect, cooking-related fires are one of the leading causes of house Fires. Fires that start in the kitchen are typically a result of the following:

• Frying with oil
• Using faulty appliances
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing
• Placing flammable items near an open flame
• Using an excessively high cooking temperature
• Leaving food unattended on the stove or in the oven
  

To stop these emergencies from taking place, make sure to always keep an eye on your food and use your stove and oven appropriately.

2. Electrical Fires
   Another major cause of a home fire is a faulty electrical system. Defective outlets, appliances, light fixtures, and wiring often lead to electrical fires in residential settings. To keep your home safe from an electrical fire, make sure your wiring is up to date, and be sure to use extension cords and space heaters responsibly. Never place a cord, or an appliance, too close to a flammable object or combustible surface.
3. Washing Machines and Dryers
   Washing machines and dryers prompt many homeowners to call for fire cleaning. By remembering to clean your dryer’s lint trap on a regular basis, you can dramatically reduce the risk of having a dryer fire in your home. Additionally, check that your washing machine has no faulty wiring or poor cable insulation.
   You can help prevent fires in your home by following a few simple precautions.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Dryer Lint Free

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Remove the lint screen and clean it

You might not be too surprised to experience a small grease fire on your stovetop or other minor, manageable blaze. One of the most unfortunate and avoidable home disasters, however, is a lint fire in your clothes dryer. You can avert this fire damage at your home, by performing routine maintenance on your dryer.

5 Steps to a Safer Dryer

Once you realize how important it is to clean and maintain your dryer filters on a regular basis, you need to learn how to go about it. Here are the five most important steps for keeping your dryer safe from a lint fire.

Remove the lint screen. Tap the screen over a garbage bin or gently pull the lint off. If the lint sticks to the screen, rinse it with a sprayer. Dry thoroughly before reinserting it in the dryer.
Vacuum the upper vent. Use a narrow-tipped nozzle to vacuum out the vent where the lint filter is inserted. Periodically remove the residual lint trapped inside this vent.
Clean the dryer exhaust. Unplug the dryer and remove the clamp that holds the expandable exhaust hose to the dryer. Use a cleaning rod to reach deep into the hose and remove lint buildup. Finish the cleanup by using the wand on your vacuum.
Check the exterior vent. Go outside and remove the cover from the exterior dryer vent. Clean off any lint buildup and replace the cover.
Tend to the back of the dryer. Make sure the dryer is unplugged and remove the panel from the back. Using a shop vacuum, clean out all of the vents and any other areas where you find lint. Replace the back panel before plugging the dryer back in.

If a blaze does break out. you may need assistance with fire damage cleanup. Call SERVPRO® of East San Antonio, to help with fire cleanup and smoke odor removal caused by the lint fire. Better yet, keep your filters clean and reduce your risk of a dryer fire.

Grilling Safety Tips to Prevent Fires | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is the fire restoration experts. To learn more give us a call or contact us online

Gathering your family together for a meal you grilled yourself is one of the most enjoyable things about summertime, but it is important that you do not accidentally cause an emergency in the process. Though many of us grill every week, it is important to remember that they are still open flames, and thus present the potential for a fire to start.

The reports from the U.S. Fire Administration show just what a problem this can be—nearly 6,000 fires annually are due to grills, which can total millions in damage for those impacted. Practicing fire safety every time you light up the grill can dramatically lower the likelihood that you will ever be part of this statistic.

Have a Plan in Place for Workplace Fire Drills | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

If your business experiences any fire damage, you can count on us. SERVPRO of East San Antonio specializes in commercial fire restoration.

When you own a business, you want to do everything you can to protect it and plan ahead for potential worries—but are you planning for the event of a fire? Commercial fires happen more frequently than many people realize, but by making sure you and your staff know what to do, you can reduce your liability and keep everyone much safer.

Planning out your evacuation routes and communicating them with staff is a great way to be sure you are all as prepared as possible for the event of a fire starting. From there, you should host regular fire drills to make sure the knowledge is solidified and everyone is ready.

A Guide to Hosting Regular Fire Drills for Your Business

Consult with your local fire officials. Fire officials are an amazing resource when it comes to planning out your fire safety efforts, so definitely get in touch with them and gain their insight into your fire drill strategy. They can often come by and help you identify evacuation routes and other special considerations that might impact your fire drills.

Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. Once the evacuation routes have been decided upon, make sure to put up signs that identify them clearly. Let your staff know about the pathways, and prepare them in advance for the first fire drill so they can familiarize themselves with the routes.

Have fire drills frequently. Most companies host fire drills once a quarter to make sure everyone is familiar with the ideal procedures. This will give everyone a chance to rehearse in a low-stress scenario, and then you can have a roundup to discuss any concerns or successes that arose as part of the process to refine the drill for next time.

Run different fire scenarios. While some places like the office kitchen are statistically where a fire might start, it is important to remember that they can begin anywhere. Make sure you take this into account as you plan your fire drills—run through different scenarios that involve various exits being blocked so that no matter what the reality of a situation is, your staff is prepared.

If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour—contact us today.

Helpful Tips for the Aftermath of a Fire | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of East San Antonio is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.

Dealing with a house fire is a devastating event. Not only is experiencing and escaping from it a frightening experience, but the recovery process is also a daunting one that can be difficult to navigate.

However, you can rest assured that we are here to help you through a house fire every step of the way—that’s why we have assembled some guidance for house fire recovery for your reference to help make the process go more smoothly.

Guidance for House Fire Recovery

Prepare yourself for what to expect. Seeing damage to your home and belongings will always be a difficult and emotional experience, but preparing yourself can help lessen the emotional impact it has. The fire that damage causes can be widespread, so prepare to see damage due to smoke, soot and moisture even in areas that were not directly impacted.

Wait to enter your home. Though it is normal to want to get the damage discovery process over with, it is important to listen to the guidance of officials before reentering your home. Fires can cause many hidden hazards and damage the structural integrity of a building, so even if things look safe, it is important to consult with the experts before you head inside.

Contact your insurance company. Every insurance handles fire damage claims in different ways, so it is important to check with yours regarding how to proceed as soon as you can. They can provide you with guidance on what you can do right away and what you should wait for in order to maximize your claim.

Document the damages. While documenting your damages is a disheartening process, it is a great way to ensure that nothing gets forgotten or overlooked. A detailed inventory list and thorough photographs will also come in handy when filing your insurance claim, so it is best to take note of everything in your home that has been impacted.

Contact your restoration company. Experiencing a house fire is a traumatic event for the whole family, which is why recovery is so important. Having a restoration company that you can count on is an important aspect of this—the company you work with should help you simplify the process instead of making it more complicated.

If your home is damaged in a house fire, you can count on us to help you. Get in touch at any hour for a quick response.

Preparing Your Business for the Risk of a Fire | SERVPRO® of East San Antonio

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

If your San Antonio business has experienced a fire, call SERVPRO of East San Antonio. We provide a full service from mitigation to restoration.

Business owners are wise to complete an honest assessment of their risk levels to protect themselves and their investment in the business.

While this does have to do with industry and market trends, it is also wise to understand the risks you face from disasters such as fires as well. A business can be rendered inoperable by a fire in a moment, and only the most prepared business owners find themselves able to reopen.

Adding fire safety standards to your business is a simple and effective way to make sure you are protected. Considering fire safety codes, helping your staff prepare and reducing your fire hazards will go a long way in preventing and preparing for a fire.

Protect Your San Antonio Home from Fire

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

San Antonio Home almost totally lost, An ounce of fire prevention is truly worth a pound of cure

As we head into the winter season in Bexar County, we can expect to see residential fires on the rise. Statistically, January is the month in which the U.S. sees the highest percentage of house fires.

More Deadly Fires

Fires in the home cause great concern because although only eight percent of total fires occur in the home, they cause 23 percent of the injuries and 30 percent of the deaths. Of the deaths, about 60 percent occurred in homes with smoke alarms missing or not working.

Kitchen Fires

Cooking is the number one cause of fires in the home. You can protect your family by

• Keeping combustible materials away from the stove and other cooking appliances
• And monitoring children when they are cooking.

Malfunctioning Appliances

Short circuits and other appliance malfunctions also cause many house fires. Again, keeping flammable items away from space heaters and other appliances that get hot will help protect your home and family.

Never leave a space heater on when sleeping or not in the room with the heater. Unplug electric appliances when not in use.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

Be sure to check your smoke detectors monthly and replace your batteries annually. You should also replace your detectors when they are ten years old or according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Fires happen, but many do not have to be fatal.

Call SERVPRO for Professional Fire Restoration

Should you have the misfortune to suffer a fire in your home, you can call SERVPRO of East San Antonio anytime day or night at 210-757-0275 to speak with a caring individual who will help you start taking back your home. Our fire restoration technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to provide professional restoration services according to industry standards.

We can dry wet materials, clean the soot and filter harmful particulates out of the air. We will even deal with your insurance company to help them understand the scope of your loss. We want to be your first choice to make fire “Like it never even happened.”

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

3 Stages of Fire Damage Remediation in San Antonio, TX

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Damage, Bexar County, San Antonio, TX

Three Important Stages of Fire Restoration

If your San Antonio, TX, home has been damaged in a fire, then you will likely need to have fire restoration done. What this entails can vary depending on the severity of the damage, but the general process remains the same. While your house is being worked on, you can expect the restoration company to carry out three important stages.

1. Inspection

Before fire restoration can begin, the house will need to be inspected. The workers will look at each area of your home to determine the extent of the damage. This allows them to determine the best way to move forward with their work and create a plan for repairs.

2. Mitigation

Once the inspection has been completed, the workers will move on to mitigation. This step is essential to preventing the damage from getting worse. If there are missing areas of walls and roofing or broken windows, these will need to be boarded up or covered with a tarp. Soot and smoke damage will be removed. If the fire department needed to put out the flames with a hose, this stage will also include removing excess water and drying the building. Unpleasant smoke odors will be removed as well.

3. Restoration

After damage cleaning, the final stage can begin. During restoration, workers will begin to return your home to its previous condition. In the case of severe damage, this can include rebuilding walls, roofing, or even whole rooms. Smaller tasks, such as replacing carpets and repainting walls, will be done as well. Once this has been finished, your house should look as good as it did before the fire occurred.
Whether the fire in your home was large or small, fire restoration is a necessary part of returning your home to normal. A fire damage remediation company has the equipment and training necessary to do this quickly and thoroughly. They will be able to repair your home and can salvage many of your damaged belongings as well.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

Space Heaters Can Burn Homes Down In Bexar County

11/13/2019 (Permalink)

Space heaters can be extremely dangerous to your San Antonio home!

As temperatures drop here along central Texas more and more people turn to those tiny little space heaters to help provide some extra warmth around the house.

There are two main types of portable space heaters, electric, and gas. The gas heaters should not be used indoors because they can emit harmful carbon monoxide. Electric heaters are not toxic but still pose a serious fire risk if handled unsafely.

*** Here are a few tips to make sure you are staying warm and safe when the weather gets cold.

• Electric heaters should be plugged directly into the wall outlet. If an extension cord is necessary, use the shortest possible heavy-duty cord of 14-gauge wire or larger. Always check and follow any manufacturer’s instructions pertaining to the use of extension cords.
• Buy a unit with a tip-over safety switch, which automatically shuts off the heater if the unit is tipped over.

If you do suffer from fire damage this winter please call SERVPRO right away! For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

Why You Need Emergency Board Up Services After a House Fire In San Antonio,TX

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage cleanup typically includes the removal of smoke and soot and the restoration of any charred items. Yet board up services are also an important part of the process.
Leaving your roof, windows and doors open following a blaze can leave the home vulnerable to further harm. However, tarping and boarding up your house can prevent additional damage from:

• Thieves
• Animals
• Wind
• Rain
  

Failing to obtain emergency board up services can also be costly. Your insurer may only cover the fire damage to your house if you promptly secure your home after the blaze. Without proper boarding up of your windows and doors, you also could be liable for any injuries suffered by visitors to your home.

More on Tarping Over and Boarding Up

So what exactly do tarp over and board up services entail? As its name implies, tarping over involves putting a tarp on the roof to prevent leaks and provide additional stability. Boarding up is a way to secure broken or cracked windows and doors.

Why You Need Professionals

You may think that you can just put a tarp on your roof or a piece of wood over your door on your own. Yet the process usually requires two people. Even if you can find someone to help you, you need to utilize the right materials. If you use the wrong items or fasten them improperly, you could sustain additional damage to your home.
Boarding up your house by yourself can also be dangerous. Even if the home appears safe after the fire, there may be hidden structural damages to the property.
You should instead contact emergency restoration professionals. They can help you with all aspects of fire clean up and secure your roof, doors and windows.
Fire damage alone can be devastating to a Bexar County home or building. You do not want to deal with further property loss once the blaze is put out. That is why you need tarp over and board up services as part of the repair process.

For more information or to set an appointment fell free to contact us at 210-757-0275 or at https://www.SERVPROeastsanantonio.com/

Faster to Any Size Disaster

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Time is of the essence when getting damage taken care of.

When your home or business requires mitigation, time is of the essence. The faster cleanup and restoration can begin, the better (and usually cheaper) the outcome. 

SERVPRO of East San Antonio can be on site quickly to begin whatever service is needed. Some services we offer are structural cleaning, contents cleaning, and deodorization. 

Following a fire loss, the interior of the affected structure will need to be cleaned. Walls, ceilings, carpeting, and floors will need to tested by SERVPRO of East San Antonio to determine the extent of the damage done. Once that is established, our team can begin to clean these areas with specialized equipment and products meant to clean and protect them from further damage.

Anything found in the property (like rugs, furniture, curtains, upholstery, etc.) that are able to be restored will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. Items that can't be cleaned in the same way (electronics, wall decor, furniture, etc.), but nevertheless need to be restored, will also be cleaned and deodorized.

Deodorization is a crucial service offered by SERVPRO of East San Antonio. In the aftermath of a fire, we are able to remove the smells caused by the damage. 

Home Fire Safety

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Fire preparedness is key in helping fire prevention.

SERVPRO of East San Antonio is equipped to respond any time of day or night for damage resulting from water damage, fire damage, mold damage, or storm damage. 

It's impossible to know when any of these types of damages could occur at your home. While we can't predict that, we can help you prepare for it.

An important part in preparing your household for the possibility of a fire is creating a home fire escape plan. Here is a link to resources on how to draw your own escape plan. Make sure that everyone in your house knows the plan in the event of an emergency. Practice the plan so that everyone in your household is familiar with it, and knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Replace your smoke alarm batteries at least once a year. You should replace your smoke alarms every decade or so.

Stay prepared, stay safe!