Recent Fire Damage Posts

Preventing soot damage in your house | Attleboro, MA

9/28/2023 (Permalink)

Soot stains can be an eyesore for some people, and large amounts of soot can cause health problems. Soot comes from many things including; gas fireplaces, wood fireplaces/stoves, and candles.

How to Prevent Soot Stains:

  • Get your chimney inspected.
  • Provide proper airflow.
  • Only burn seasonal wood.

When a fire happens, SERVPRO® of The Attleboros will arrive and be ready to start the process of any fire and soot damage emergency.  

If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 223-0505

  • We are fast to any size of disaster

We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works faster and is always ready for fire damage or soot damage emergencies.

  • We are fire damage restoration specialists

Our teams have advanced training and expertise.

Easy things to prevent a fire in your MA home.

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

Anyone knows that a fire can be scary to imagine your home stuffed from the disaster as fires can cause little or large damage. Although you can’t control everything, there are some easy things you can do to reduce the risk of a fire.

  • Check your smoke alarms regularly

If you don’t have smoke alarms, be sure to get them installed. If you have fire alarms check the batteries to make sure they are working.

  • Inspect your heating sources

Whether that be cleaning your air filters, or unplugging your space headers after use. Not leaving your indoor fireplace unattended.

  • Check your dryer.

Be sure to always empty out the lint basket before putting a new load in.

  • Maintain your cord

Keep your wires/cords well kept, and clean. Make sure the hot cords are not touching anything that could cause a spark.

Fire safety tips for using an air fryer in Seekonk, MA.

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

If you know, lately air fryers have been trending on the internet. It is now the new thing everyone and people love the new craze of quick cooking food. Like any electronic machine, they can cause a fire. Follow these tips to ensure fire safety when cooking.

Don't:

  1. Use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical-based non-stick sprays.
  2. Don’t leave your air fryer plugged in when not in use.
  3. Don’t use perforated parchment paper at high heat without having food over it
  4. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket

Do:

  1. Coat your food in a bit of oil before cooking your food.

Do use accessories and inserts that are made for your air fryer.

If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 223- 0505

4 Types of Smoke Damage

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

The 4 types of smoke damage

Smoke and soot residue is one of the toughest challenges of restoration after fire damage. We will determine how to restore your property by first determining what type of residue was left behind. Some types are easier to clean than others.

At SERVPRO of the Attleboros, we use a variety of techniques to eliminate the different types of smoke damage/ residue from your Berkley home or business.

The four categories that smoke and soot residue can fall into are:

  1. Dry residue – dry and powdery residue. Easier to clean if on the surface. Can fall into cracks or get into upholstery and other porous materials.
  2. Wet residue – thick, black smoke. Leaves a thick sticky residue with a strong-smelling odor.
  3. Protein residuealmost invisible residue, will discolor paints, and produces a very strong, unpleasant odor.
  4. Fuel oil residuethick smoke, usually takes more time to clean, the residue will be greasy

Dry and wet smoke residue

Every fire generates some type of wet and dry residue. Some may produce more of one than the other. If the fire is fast and has an abundance of oxygen supply, it deposits dry residue. Fires that burn slower and have less oxygen produce a mostly wet residue.

Wood, cork, and paper produce a dry smoke. Synthetic materials such as plastic and fabrics will produce wet smoke.

Protein residue

When meat, beans, etc., catch on fire it will leave a grease-looking residue. This usually takes a bit longer to clean than dry or wet residues due to its greasy nature.

Fuel oil residue

This is usually seen less often, it is produced from a furnace puff-back. This produces a thick smoke due to the fuel oil not fully burning. This residue can also be very greasy and time-consuming to clean.

Ways to prevent a fire in your Seekonk, MA home

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Anyone knows that a fire can be scary to imagine your home stuffing from the disaster as fires can cause little or large damage. Although you can’t control everything, there are some easy things you can do to reduce the risk of a fire.

  • Check your smoke alarms regularly

If you don’t have smoke alarms, be sure to get them installed. If you have fire alarms check the batteries to make sure they are working.

  • Inspect your heating sources

Whether that be cleaning your air filters, unplugging your space headers after use. Not leaving your indoor fireplace unattended.

  • Check your dryer.

Be sure to always empty out the lint basket before putting a new load in.

  • Maintain your cord

Keep your wires/cords well kept, and clean. Make sure the hot cords are not touching anything that could cause a spark.

If you suffer a fire, smoke, soot disaster call us right away and we will help you.

Need Office fire restoration in Attleboro, MA

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

If your office, retail space, or other commercial property, unfortunately, suffers from a fire, you can count on SERVPRO of The Attleboros to be there to help! 

After the fire:

Immediately contact your insurance provider/ insurance agent and report the fire. 

  • Shut off any utilities

Shutting off all the utilities can prevent any possible secondary damage. Gas and electricity can be shut off right at the meter, and you can shut the water off using the main shutoff valve. 

If you have a SERVPRO ERP, it will outline every location of any important shutoff switches or valves, making it much easier for you! 

SERVPRO of The Attleboros will arrive and are ready to start the process of any fire and soot damage emergency.  

If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 223-0505

  • We are fast to any size disaster

We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works faster and is always ready for fire damage or soot damage emergencies.

  • We are fire damage restoration specialists

Our teams have advanced training and expertise.

5 Tips to prevent a house fire.

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Anyone knows that a fire can be a scary thing that can happen to your home. To help prevent a fire that can easily happen, here are 5 tips you should do regularly.

  • Check your smoke alarms regularly

If you don’t have smoke alarms, be sure to get them installed. If you have fire alarms check the batteries to make sure they are working.

  • Inspect your heating sources

Whether that be cleaning your air filters, unplugging your space headers after use. Not leaving your indoor fireplace unattended.

  • Check your dryer.

Be sure to always empty out the lint basket before putting a new load in.

  • Maintain your cord

Keep your wires/cords well kept, and clean. Make sure the hot cords are not touching anything that could cause a spark. 

Summer Bonfire Safety Tips

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

When the summer comes around it is very common to see or have lots of bonfires. Although these fires can just be a small backyard fire some can be a larger fire at a campground. When having a bonfire it is best to know some safety tips.

  1. Only burn dry materials.
  2. Check for cables or wire lines overhead.
  3. Keep a water source nearby.
  4. Make sure the fire is at a minimum distance of 5x its height from any structure.

If fire damage has caused damage to your property, call SERVPRO of the Attleboros and we will be ready to help restore your property and needs like they never happened.

If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 223-0505

  • We are fast to any size disaster

We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works faster and is always ready for fire damage emergencies.

  • We are fire damage restoration specialists

Our teams have advanced training and expertise.

Different types of smoke damage in your property.

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

When fire damage affects your commercial or reddientail property, a large amount of smoke damage is leftover by charred flames, causing a lingering effect of smoke. There are four different types of smoke damage that can be caused by fire damage. Fueling materials and different locations.

  • Dry Smoke

Dry smoke is created by fast-burning, high-temperature fires that are typically fueled by paper or wood.

  • Protein Residue

Protein residue is created when organic material evaporates during a low-heat fire. This is common when a cooking mishap causes a blaze in the kitchen.

  • Fuel/Oil residue

When a furnace has a “puff back” where it doesn’t ignite properly and ultimately releases smoke and soot into the surrounding space in the form of a small leak or even minor explosion.

  • Wet Smoke

Wet smoke damage comes from low-heat, smoldering fires, commonly when burning plastic and rubber.

If smoke damage has caused damage to your property, call SERVPRO of the Attleboros and we will be ready to help restore your property and needs "Like it never even happened."

If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 223-0505

Commercial Office Buildings

Commercial Warehouse

Apartment Buildings

Commercial Condos

City or Town Facilities

Hospitals

Office complexes

We are here for you!

Preventing soot damage in your house | Attleboro, MA.

5/10/2021 (Permalink)

Soot stains can be an eyesore for some people, and large amounts of soot can cause health effects. Soot comes from many things including; gas fireplaces, wood fireplaces/stoves, and candles.

How to Prevent Soot Stains:

  • Get your chimney inspected.
  • Provide proper airflow.
  • Only burn seasonal wood.

When a fire happens, SERVPRO of The Attleboros will arrive and are ready to start the process of any fire and soot damage emergency.  

If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 223-0505

  • We are fast to any size disaster

We are available 24/7 just for you, and our team works faster and is always ready for fire damage or soot damage emergencies.

  • We are fire damage restoration specialists

Our teams have advanced training and expertise.

We direct bill your insurance company:

  • Chubb
  • Preferred Mutual
  • USAA
  • Catholic Mutual 
  • AMICA
  • Safety Insurance
  • Arabella Insurance
  • Bunker Hill Insurance Company
  • Peerless Insurance Company
  • Foremost Insurance Company
  • Safeco
  • New London Insurance
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Philadelphia Insurance
  • Modern Home
  • EMC Insurance Companies
  • Narragansett Bay Insurance Company
  • The Hartford
  • Pure Insurance Company  

Fire safety tips for using an air fryer in Berkley, MA.

4/8/2021 (Permalink)

If you know, lately air fryers have been trending on the internet. It is now the new thing everyone and people love the new craze of quick-cooking food. Like any electronic machine, they can cause a fire. Follow these tips to ensure fire safety when cooking.

Don't:

  1. Use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical-based non-stick sprays.
  2. Don’t leave your air fryer plugged in when not in use.
  3. Don’t use perforated parchment paper at high heat without having food over it
  4. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket

Do:

  1. Coat your food in a bit of oil before cooking your food.
  2. Do use accessories and inserts that are made for your air fryer.

If you need emergency service, Call us 24/7 - (508) 223-0505

We want you safe, check your fire alarms | North Attleboro, MA

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Fires can be scary, and no one likes a fire starting in their house. Especially to imagine your home stuffing from the disaster as fires can cause little or large damage. Although you can’t control everything, SERVPRO of The Attleboros wants to make sure you're safe.

  • Check your smoke alarms regularly

If you don’t have smoke alarms, be sure to get them installed. If you have fire alarms check the batteries to make sure they are working.

Commercial fire damage restoration | Mansfield, MA

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

When your North Attleboro business suffers from a fire, every minute that your business is closed is lost money and lost clients. 

At SERVPRO of the Attleboros, we understand the urgency to get your business back up and running, that's why we're here 24/7. We will work after hours and throughout the night  if it means we can help you get back to business! 

Even if the fire didn't cause major structural damage, smoke and soot damage can be extreme, even if you can't see it. 

AT SERVPRO, we're experts in cleaning smoke damage as well as fire damage restoration.

Your commercial facility will be inspected and cleaned, as well as restored! We use a variety of different methods to clean and deodorize everything!

Fire damage is more than what has been burned 

  • Ash and smoke can cause corrosion and damage to other materials 
  • Smoke odors can be very unpleasant if left untreated 
  • Smoke causes etching in glass, as well as discoloration to walls, equipment and other surfaces 

Although each fire is not the same, the restoration process is typically the same because it is proven to help us as well as you!

  • Inspecting the damage
  • Identify the source of the fire
  • Identify any additional water damage that was caused by firefighting efforts
  • Remediate the water damage
  • Remove contents from the area or building

 These steps among others will help us help you get back to business!! Let Brian come out and make your day and let us be your master of service.

Call SERVPRO of the Attleboros at 508-223-0505, we're here to help!

we direct invoice your insurance for pour work:

  • Chubb
  • Preferred Mutual
  • USAA
  • Catholic Mutual 
  • AMICA
  • Safety Insurance
  • MAPFRE Insurance
  • Arabella Insurance
  • Bunker Hill Insurance Company
  • Peerless Insurance Company
  • Foremost Insurance Company
  • Safeco
  • MAPFRE insurance
  • New London Insurance
  • Liberty Mutual
  • Philadelphia Insurance
  • Modern Home
  • EMC Insurance Companies
  • Narragansett Bay Insurance Company
  • The Hartford
  • Pure Insurance Company  
  • Pawtucket Mutual

Bathroom exhaust fan preventative maintenance | Rehboth, MA

8/14/2020 (Permalink)

Preventing fire damage from your bathroom exhaust fan You should clean your bathroom exhaust fan at least twice a year to remove any build up.

While your bathroom exhaust fan is great to prevent foggy mirrors and windows, reduce odors, and prevent a muggy room, they can be a major fire hazard!

Just like a regular fan, the exhaust fan can get clogged with dust and debris, causing lint. This lint can block  the fans ignition, causing a fire. Just how a dryer fire starts. Lint is a great fire starter, but not one you will want to use in your house.

To prevent bathroom exhaust fan fires you can

  • Clean and inspect the fan/s regularly
  • Turn the fan off when you don’t need it (showering, airing the room out…)

If you notice your fan has any visible damage, do not turn it on, it must be replaced before you use it again.

Inspecting your exhaust fan

Typically, you will just automatically be able to see or hear if there is a problem. You can see discoloration, dust, weird sounds, slow start up of the fan.

If you notice odd sounds when you flip the fan switch, such as scraping, this could mean the motor is in need of replacement. If you continue to operate the fan with an old motor, this can lead to overheating and eventually a fire. Which you do not want!

Due to a fans nature, you won’t really be able to smell a problem. If you have a feeling or see other signs of possible damage, it’s best to inspect or hire a professional, licensed electrician to take a look.

 Cleaning your bathroom exhaust fan 

Cleaning your bathroom exhaust fan regularly can prevent and help you recognize any damage before it’s too late.

Twice a year,  remove the cover for your fan, wash it with warm soapy water and let dry. You can use bleach to clean it, but soap and water will do just fine, too!

Check the ductwork behind the exhaust fan, this may require you to take the fan off, but removing the fan once a month is a heck of a lot better than having to deal with a fire, we think!

Install LED lightbulbs. This can save you on energy costs, and decrease the heat being thrown off by the bulb

If you have any concerns about your exhaust fan, it would be best to call a licensed electrician to come check it out!

If you experience a fire due to your bathroom exhaust fan, or any other reason, give SERVPRO of the Attleboros a call, we’re here to help!

508-223-0505

Electrical Fires | North Attleboro, MA

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

Home fires involving electrical failure or malfunction are responsible for an average of 440 deaths and 1,250 injuries in the years 2012-2016. 

Home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment were responsible for 490 deaths and 1,200 injuries in the years 2012-2016.

How do home electrical fires start?

Most home electrical fires start with faulty wiring or other electrical equipment. This is the leading cause of home fires in the United States. 

According to the NFPA, most home electrical fires are caused by arcing. 

Arc faults are caused by damaged wires or connectors. Over time, the damaged electrical elements generate heat that breaks down the wiring insulation and can cause a fire. 

Another leading cause of electrical home fires are faulty outlets or worn out sockets. 

Electrical fire facts 

Electrical fires are less likely to occur between midnight at 8am, but the fires that occur during these hours are accountable for 60% of deaths. 

It is important that you have smoke detectors installed in your home so, in the case of a fire in the middle of the night, you are more likely to wake up and evacuate your family. 

According to this article, 1/5 home electrical fires originated in a kitchen, and 12% in a bedroom. 

Preventing electrical fires 

Most often, causes of electrical fires are hidden in your walls. But if you know the signs and what to look for, they CAN be prevented! 

Look for old wiring, or if you know the wiring and receptacles are old, it's best to call a licensed electrician to make sure your home is up to code. 

As we stated above, arcing is a leading cause of home fires. Most new homes have arc-fault-circuit interrupters that sense arcs and will shut off the breaker before any damage can occur. 

If the worst happens while you are home and awake, you can use your ABC fire extinguisher (effective against electrical equipment) if the fire is manageable enough. After any fire damage, give us a call at 508-223-0505, we're highly trained in fire damage restoration.

Fire cleanup go to: https://www.SERVPROtheattleboros.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

SERVPRO of the Attleboros Fire Restoration Process

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

When you experience fire damage to your home or business, no matter how big or small, there are probably a million things racing through your mind, one of those things is probably "what happens now??" 

No matter how big or small the fire, you are going to need at least some fire damage restoration to return your home back to its preloss condition. We are here to let you know the process of the restoration, so you can rest easy knowing how it'll be taken care of! 

Step 1: Secure the property

When it comes to a large fire, the property should be secured, fencing, plywood to board up, and tarps covering any openings in the roof. Boarding up and securing the property will prevent any further damage from the weather, and even vandals. 

Step 2: Removals

After the property is secured/boarded up, the crew will begin to remove/sort through any debris inside the home. Saving anything that is salvageable and getting rid of anything that is not. 

Oftentimes, there is also water damage with fire damage, due to the fire fighting. The crew will begin to extract the water from the property. 

Step 3: Cleaning

Once the excess water is removed and the property is deemed safe to enter, the smoke/soot reside will be cleaned from all surfaces, our crews will even deodorize the property, so you will NOT smell that smoky-ness after we're done! 

Step 4: Restoration!!

Once all plans are approved by the homeowner and restoration specialist, the restoration can begin!! 

Not all fire damage is the same! Every situation is unique, your fire may have only affected a small area and only needed a bit of cleaning and restoration in a spare room, but your cousin may have experienced a full home fire. At SERVPRO of the Attleboros, we can handle any size disaster! We'll make it "Like it never even happened."

Any where in Massachusetts - Seekonk Swansea Norton Mansfield Wrentham we can help you.

(508) 223-0505

Why is my smoke alarm going off so frequently???

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Placement

Smoke damage in Norton, Wrentham, Attleboro, Seekonk, Swansea, Mansfield let us help you

If your smoke alarm is too close to your kitchen or appliances such as a stove or toaster, it could set off your alarm more frequently than you'd like. 

If your alarm is too close to a window, this can cause it to go off as well. The frequent drafts can cause the sensors to believe it's smoke. 

Another place you do not want to place your smoke detector is right outside your bathroom. The steam from the shower may cause it to believe it's smoke. 

Bugs... yuck!!

The little vents on the sides and tops of your smoke alarms are meant to allow smoke to enter to reach the sensors. 

Sometimes, little bugs can crawl inside and interfere with the sensors. 

Dust 

Dust building up on the inside or outside of your smoke detectors can cause them to be either MORE or LESS sensitive. When they are less sensitive, this can be very dangerous, as they won't be as effective in letting you know when there is smoke or a fire! 

Batteries

If your smoke alarm is beeping, that means your batteries need to be changed. It's important that you change the batteries at least once a year to ensure it's in proper working order! 

If your South Attleboro or Attleboro home or business suffers from any fire damage, give us a call at (508) 223-0505, we're highly trained and experienced in fire damage restoration. 

Swansea Mass do you know what is soot?

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

What is soot?

Soot is what is left behind when organic material such as wood, coal, and oil haven’t completely burned. Soot contains chemicals, metals, dust, acid and other particles. Leaving sticky black marks on any surface it comes in contact with. 

During a fire, soot spreads through the entire building or home attaching itself to anything and everything.

If your chimney isn’t properly cleaned, creosote can build up inside and cause soot when you light a fire.

Getting rid of soot: 

Most often you will be able to physically see the soot deposits on walls and ceilings. They are large black marks left after a fire. But there are individual soot particles floating around in the air that you can’t see, you can smell them though. Soot produces a smoky odor, which is another way you can tell if an area has been affected.

It is important to get soot taken care of right away because it can cause some health concerns if you're exposed to it for too long. 

Even if the fire to your home or business was small, soot particles can take over your entire property through the ventilation and air systems. 

Trying to clean it up yourself is not your best bet. Cleaning up soot requires professional equipment, knowledge and experience. 

Let up help clean up your disaster and try to make your day better.

At SERVPRO of the Attleboros, we are properly trained to make it "Like it never even happened." Give us a call at (508) 223-0505. We'll clean your home with care! 

To learn more about our fire damage repair and restoration services click here.

Soot Tags After a Fire in Your Berkley Home

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Soot tags formed in the corner of a room Don't just use a "spray and wipe" method to get rid of these webs

What are Soot Tags?

After you've experienced a fire in your Berkley, MA home or business, you might notice some unusual looking damage. 

This might look like black cobwebs, but they shouldn't be treated as such, they can cause more damage if you try to just wipe them away. These are called Soot Tags. 

Soot Tags are formed when a synthetic or petroleum based material burn in a fire. The smoke and soot will circulate, moving towards cooler air (up) then these webs are formed. 

Do NOT try to use water or another spray and wipe method. This will cause the soot to smear and leave an awful stain on your walls and ceilings. 

After you experience a fire to your Berkley home or business, call SERVPRO of the Attleboros, we'll get rid of those soot tags, clean your home, and restore it! Call (508) 223-0505 for emergency services 24/7/365 

Deodorizing your Swansea apartment

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Apartments around the Attleboro area are quite common. With this being said, that means our restoration services need to be able to handle smaller sized housing, but with the same level of efficiency and care as they would use for a large commercial building.

After a fire happens in your Swansea apartment, there can be many things damaged that need to be fixed as soon as possible. One of the most challenging concerns can be the smell of smoke that can just linger throughout the entire apartment. Smoke is capable of getting into wall cavities and effect the neighbors if the fire itself didn’t get into their apartment.

We have several choice for an effective deodorization after a fire in your Swansea apartment. When it comes to the smaller size of an apartment, we need to choose more direct routes for neutralizing odors, such as foggers.

Foggers play a huge role in reducing odors following a fire in your apartment. The odors from a fire are usually the strongest at the origin point of the fire. The foggers heat deodorization agents into a vapor and disperse it through the space surrounding the fogger. Since it is vaporized, it can penetrate materials such as clothing, carpets, and upholstery better.

Typically, our teams will demo the room/s of your apartment first before any actual deodorization. This is because materials that are charred just staying there are also players in producing the strong odor. Removing the damaged materials can help limit the strong smoke odors.

Deodorization is a standard procedure following each apartment fire loss. Call SERVPRO of the Attleboros and we’ll make it “Like it never even happened." (508) 223-0505. For more information about our fire restoration services click here

4 Types of Smoke Damage - Berkley, MA

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

The 4 types of smoke damage

Smoke and soot residue is one of the toughest challenges of restoration after a fire damage. We will determine how to restore your property by first determining what type of residue was left behind. Some types are easier to clean than others.

At SERVPRO of the Attleboros, we use a variety of techniques to eliminate the different types of smoke damage/ residue from your Berkley home or business.

The four categories that smoke and soot residue can fall into are:

  1. Dry residue – dry and powdery residue. Easier to clean if on the surface. Can fall into cracks or get into upholstery and other porous materials.
  2. Wet residue – thick, black smoke. Leaves a thick sticky residue with a strong smelling odor.
  3. Protein residue- almost invisible residue, will discolor paints, produces a very strong, unpleasant odor.
  4. Fuel oil residue- thick smoke, usually takes more time to clean, the residue will be greasy

Dry and wet smoke residue

Every fire generates some type of wet and dry residue. Some may produce more of one than the other. If the fire is fast and has an abundance of oxygen supply, it deposits dry residue. Fires that burn slower and have less oxygen produce mostly wet residue.

Wood, cork, and paper produce a dry smoke. Synthetic materials such as plastic and  fabrics will produce wet smoke.

Protein residue

When meat, beans etc., catches on fire it will leave a grease- looking residue. This usually takes a bit longer to clean than dry or wet residues due to its greasy nature.

Fuel oil residue

This is usually seen less often, it is produced from a furnace puff-back. This produces a thick smoke due to the fuel oil not fully burning. This residue can also be very greasy and time consuming to clean.

Call SERVPRO of the Attleboros if you have recently experienced a fire to your home or business, we will clean and restore your property and make it “Like it never even happened.” (508) 223-0505 and visit our https://www.SERVPROtheattleboros.com/fire-repair-process website for more fire damage restoration info!

We always want you and your families and businesses to be as safe as possible! ??

Keeping your children safe during a fire - Dighton

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Nobody ever expects a disaster to happen, but we're here to help whenever you need us! At SERVPRO of the Attleboro's, we have the tools and crews to help clean and restore your home after a fire happens. Many home fires are started by children getting ahold of and playing with dangerous items such as lighters and matches.

Preventing your child from starting fires1 :

According to the American Red Cross, the US fire administration estimates that 300 people are killed each year as the result of a child playing with fire. 

  • Keep matches and lighters along with other ignitable substances out of reach of children. 
  • If you have candles, consider to switching to flame less candles that have a light bulb instead of a flame. 
  • it is a risk that a child will bump into and knock over the candle, causing a fire. 

Installing smoke alarms on every level of your home is crucial for your child's safety, as well as your own. 

  • Check each alarm every month to be sure they are working properly.
  • Replace batteries in each alarm once a year. 
    • If there is a chirping sound coming from any alarm, this means you need to replace the batteries.  

Teach children what the alarms sound like, and what to do when they hear one. 

  • "Get out, stay out"
    • Teach your child that if the house is on fire, get out as quickly as possible, and DO NOT go back inside. Only firefighters should enter or re-enter a burning building. 
  • "STOP, DROP, ROLL" 
    • Teach your child this method in case their clothing was on fire, 

Be sure that every member of the household knows 2 ways to escape from each room in the house. 

  • If any doors are closed during a fire, the handles will be warm from the fire, or smoke may be blocking you from exiting. 
    • This is why it's important to have 2 ways out of each room. 

There should also be a fire escape plan for your family. You should practice this twice a year. 

Make sure everyone knows when and how to dial 9-1-1. 

  • If there is a fire, children should exit the house before calling 9-1-1
  • Children should only call 9-1-1 if an adult is not able to.

Here at SERVPRO of the Attleboro's, we want you and your family to always stay safe, in the event of an emergency, give us a call at (508) 223-3399 or visit our website for more information on fire/ smoke clean up and restoration. 

Seekonk Fire Safety

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

rubber duck with caption "Keep your ducks in a row with SERVPRO" 508-223-0505

Fall is here which means we want to remind you of basic fire damage safety rules. With Autumn comes warmer weather, Fall activities, savory comfort recipes and fire places, but with this comes potential threats for fire damage. We get fire damage calls all the time, and we understand the stress and uncertainty that comes along with losing your belongings.

Tips and Recommendations

  • Make sure there is space between your space heater and other furniture
  • Monitor your air-ducts and HVAC systems and call SERVPRO of The Attleboros 508-223-0505 if you need professional cleaning 
  • Hire a team to clean out your chimney at least once a year
  • Do not leave a fire unattended 
  • When there is a fire, do NOT attempt to clean up, since it can cause the smoke to "set" in the area
  • Turn all appliances off when you leave your home or office
  • Use flashlights inside of Jack-O-Lanterns instead of candles to prevent possible fire
  • Do not use gasoline to start a fire

Hey Seekonk & Swansea let us help you when you suffer a residential or commercial disaster and need clean up. We will try to make your  day better and have Brian come and clean it up with care. Seekonk Swansea and Fall River & Taunton we are here for you

Call SERVPRO of The Attleboros  508-223-0505

For more tips visit https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Teaching-tools/Safety-tip-sheets

6 IMPORTANT Post-Fire Cleaning Rules for Your Seekonk Home/Business

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

6 Important Post-Fire Damage Cleaning Facts for your Seekonk Home + Why You Should Call SERVPRO of The Attleboros.

We hope you had a great July 4th with your loved ones. We hope you all were safe with your Seekonk or North Attleboro home/business is always susceptible to fires should something go awry. 

  1. Porous surfaces allow odors to penetrate further and are much more difficult to clean than nonporous surfaces like vinyl.
  2. Synthetic fibers can attract greater concentrations of residue than natural fibers, but usually synthetics clean better than natural fabrics.
  3. The hotter the fire was, the harder it will be to clean surfaces.
  4. Hot air pressure drives particles and soot to surfaces.
  5. Moisture and damp surfaces are harder to clean and deodorize because water sets the odor.

Visit our official website for more information on SERVPRO Fire Damage Restoration.

Call us any time at 508-223-0505 for water, storm, mold, or fire damage.

We offer 24/7 Emergency Services for your home or commercial property. it is always wise to call the professionals in fire restoration than take the risk of doing it yourself and making the damage even worse.

DID YOU KNOW...

SERVPRO of The Attleboros has quite the social media presence. Make sure you stay connected with us on all our online platforms! We post interesting interior design and home restoration articles daily!

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Don't Set Yourself on Fire this Independence Day - Attleboro, MA

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Safety should always be a priority on Fourth of July.

Fourth of July is a time to remember how far this county has come in such a relatively short time. July 4th marks America’s anniversary of Independence. Festivities usually include, food, crafty cupcakes you'd find on Pinterest, music, friends, and fireworks. Fireworks/sparklers can be very entertaining if you know how to use them in safety. 

 There are 280 emergency room visits during July alone. Why? Fireworks. 

If you've been to a Massachusetts ER it can be very time-consuming an expensive, so use these safety tips to avoid all that money and time.

  • Quickly move at least 10 feet away from the fireworks 
  • Keep toddlers and children a safe distance from the fireworks - they can have fun watching them, just don't go near them!
  • Do not use fireworks if you are under the influence of drugs, tired, or thinking irrationally.
  • Have backup water preferably in a bucket or hose in case of an unexpected fire
  • If you’ve experienced fire, smoke, and soot damage please call SERVPRO of The Attleboros at 508-234-3399 to repair your home or commercial property/business
  • Visit https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks for more information about fire and fireworks safety. 

May is National Wildfire Awareness Month & 6 Facts

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

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MAY is National Wildfire Awareness Month, and it can be represented by the hashtag #NationalWildfireAwarenessMonth in case you wanted to post about it on social media. Wildfires are pretty common in the highly wooded areas of California and other places. Don't you remember the 2018 California wildfires? It was devastating and allover the news. Statistics say that the 2018 Wildfires were the #1 deadliest and most destructive fire in California history. Maybe you were directly affected by it, or had friends or family residing on the west coast. Everyone has their own stories and experiences,  but it's the perfect time to reflect on the importance of fire safety. Stay informed and ready. Fire's don't just happen across the country - they're in the Attleboros, too!

By the way, check out what's happening now - Florida Wildfires Shut Down Section of I-95

6 Noteworthy Facts:

  1. Plants and animals actually need fire to survive. After a fire, there's more space for a plant to grow and germinate.There's less competition for plant essentials - sunlight, H2O, and nutrients. More plants = more food for herbivores and a better environment.
  2. Most home fires are caused in the kitchen, which makes sense due to the stove, ovens, microwaves, and other heated appliances. Make sure you regularly monitor the functionality of all heated appliances in use, and shut them off when done. Use caution when grilling for your Memorial Day cookout!
  3. The "fire trifecta" includes oxygen, heat, and fuel. It's important to know that trying to put out a fire with oxygen will NOT make the situation better.
  4. Smoke inhalation and lack of oxygen is the primary cause of fire-related deaths - don't breathe that in and get yourself safely OUT!
  5. Look - we all love to have our room smelling like lilacs & lavender, but candles are one of the primary causes of home fires - do not leave it lit if you're leaving the area.
  6. Fire takes about 1-2 minutes to spread rapidly and substantially. Don't waste time and HURRY out of there!

You can also visit the National Fire Protection Association for more information, upcoming events, and fire statistics. 

We at SERVPRO of The Attleboros (508-223-0505) wish you a fantastic and safe Memorial Day Weekend. We are indebted to those who died protecting our country. 

SERVPRO of the Attleboros Has Some Smoke Alarm Tips

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

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We all had classes on fire safety. Growing up in Attleboro, parents, guardians, and teachers told us to stay away from fire and to use caution so as not to cause a fire in your home or school. Fire spreads quickly and substantially, so it is imperative to know exactly what to do when faced with it. With the warm summer months upon us, it's time for many to get their aprons on and grille for the family! Keep these reminders in mind at your next North Attleboro July 4th rendezvous! 

The key tips to practice total fire safety:

  1. Install smoke alarms on every level of your home where there are children, adults, and pets.
  2. It only takes less than 3 minutes for fire to spread and grow, so get out while you can!
  3. Remember if you have battery powered smoke alarms to replace the battery each year or when it is advised by the manufacturer. 
  4. Check the condition of your smoke alarm periodically, and change after a few years (10 at most).
  5. Remember to TEST YOUR SMOKE ALARMS periodically throughout the year.
  6. To prevent "false alarms" (pun intended) dust around your smoke alarm regularly to remove any lingering particles.
  7. If you have a new fire alarm, be sure it abides by the National Fire Alarm Code standards.
  8. Fire sprinklers in your home might be a good idea, so that's a safety measure worth considering.

More more information on fire, smoke, and soot damage, please view our official website!

Experiencing fire. smoke, and soot damage? Call SERVPRO of the Attleboros right now at 508-223-0505! It'll be, "Like it never even happened." 

Fire Isn't Fun - Tips For Attleboro Residents & Beyond

5/17/2019 (Permalink)

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FIRE - that word alone can bring anyone fear, except if you're stranded on a desert island - then you'd get full of hope. Flames from a fire is always unexpected and traumatic. Nobody ever said fire was fun (accept for somebody accused of arson, maybe?). In the wooded areas of Attleboro, fires can especially become a problem and even after that, water damage may ensue in your residence or building.

Remember to do these things in case of a fire:

  • Limit moving/touching affected areas to prevent tiny soot particles from getting into furniture & carpets
  • Use clean towels/old linens on areas where people might be walking
  • Wash houseplants thoroughly but carefully 
  • Change HVAC (Heating & air-conditioning) filter 

If you're like me, you like your home or office to be clean (cars are sometimes an exception). If I see my items damaged in any way, my first inclination is to fix the damaged furniture, clothing, and electronics - after all, those items are so important to me. My mom once uttered the phrase to me, "A washer and dryer are your best friends."

Now this might be the case for usual circumstances, however with smoke, fire, and soot you SHOULD NOT attempt to clean anything. Doing this can also cause the smoke odor to set in the clothing, making it even harder to deodorize them.

SERVPRO of the Attleboros is dedicated to providing exceptional support during your stressful time. Call us now at 508-223-0505 now! 

FIRE DAMAGE TIPS 

Commercial Fire Cleanup in Fall River, MA

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be very devastating for a commercial property. In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, water damage caused by firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may leave your building flooded. Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity.

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, experience, and equipment to manage your commercial fire damage emergency. They will respond quickly and manage the fire restoration project through to its completion—getting your property business-ready.

  • Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians
  • Odor Control Technician
  • Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
  • Water Damage Restoration Technician

Here at SERVPRO of the Attleboros, we work to get your life back on track as quickly as possible. For more information, please give us a call at (508) 223-0505 or visit our website.

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What to do After a Fire

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

After a fire, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Any decision that has not been critically and professionally evaluated, can further exacerbate the damage to your home. To avoid this, here are some tips about what to do before the professionals from SERVPRO of the Attleboro’s arrive:

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
  • Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

Your personal safety is our number one concern. If you sense any other dangers to your home, don’t risk it, be sure to get out IMMEDIATELY! 

To learn more, give us a call @ 508-223-0505 or visit our website at http://www.SERVPROtheattleboros.com/fire-damage-tips

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Fire Damage - Can it be Cleaned?

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damages can present different cleaning and restoration situations depending on how elements interact as the fire progresses. Here are some factors you should consider to determine how difficult it will be to remove smoke residues.

Type of Surface: Porous surfaces allow particles and odor to penetrate further and are much more difficult to clean. Nonporous surfaces such as vinyl wall coverings and glossy, enamel paint are easier to clean than flat latex paint or paper wall coverings. Synthetic fibers can attract greater concentrations of residue than natural fibers, but usually synthetics clean better than natural fabrics.

Age of Surface: Generally, the older the surface, the harder it is to clean. This holds true whether the surface is paint, fabric, or carpet. For example, as older paint deteriorates, it becomes more porous and its adhesion to the surface is weakened.

Amount of Heat: The hotter the fire, the harder it will be to clean surfaces. Heat causes surfaces to expand and become more porous. Residue and odors can penetrate all surfaces more effectively. Heat can also char materials or melt and bubble finishes. In these cases, cleaning alone will not restore the surfaces. Refinishing will be required.

Amount of Moisture: Moisture sets residues and makes them more likely to stain surfaces permanently. In fires where sprinklers were activated or surfaces were saturated as firefighters were fighting the fire, residues will be much more difficult to clean. Damp weather and walls that are damp from condensation also help set residues. Moisture and heat can combine with smoke residues to cause surfaces to become yellowed.

Type of Material Burned: Burned synthetic materials produce residues much more difficult to remove than burned natural materials. Plastics and rubber create wet, smeary residues that can stain surfaces. Wood and other natural materials leave a drier residue that is easier to clean.

Air Pressure: Hot air expands. As the temperature of air increases, the volume of air increases. Expanding air creates pressure that can drive soot into cracks and crevices, making cleaning difficult.

Impingement: As the temperature of air becomes hotter, the air movement becomes more turbulent. This turbulent air moves with greater velocity through a structure and collides with surfaces. The sharp collisions of smoke residues splattering on vertical surfaces is called "impingement," and may leave residues that are more difficult to remove. 

Temperature Change: Smoke residues may cause some types of damage due to heat changes. If residues contain hot oils and are cooled quickly due to temperature change, the residues may form a film on a surface that is difficult to clean.

Attleboro, MA - Fire Restoration Process

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

Have you ever wondered about the SERVPRO Fire Restoration Process?

Step 1: Emergency Contact

After the fire has been suppressed, the restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Northern Rhode Island. We are open on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Disasters don’t wait for regular business hours, so why should we?

Step 2: Inspection & Assessment

Our professionals will come into your home or property and carefully inspect each and every square inch to produce an accurate report of fire, smoke, and soot damage.

Step 3: Board-Up & Tarp Service(s)

Since fire damage has the potential to compromise windows, walls, and roofs, we offer board-up services to protect your home’s from outside elements.

Step 4: Water Removal & Drying

If water damage is present in your home, we will work to remove ALL of the water. This will by done using dehumidifiers and air movers.

Step 5: Remove Smoke & Soot from ALL Surfaces

Step 6: Cleaning & Sanitizing

We will clean all of the restorable items, as well as structures that were impacted by the fire damage. If necessary, our Professionals will even remove offensive odors!

Step 7: Complete Restoration

Once your house is back to its pre-fire condition, our job is done!

If you experience a fire damage and live in South Eastern Massachusetts, please give us a call at (508) 223-0505!

Fire Damage Tips - Dighton, MA

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

What you can do until help arrives

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

  • Is it safe to stay in the house?
  • Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
  • Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After A Fire

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
  • Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to the fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

If you suffer from fire, smoke or soot damage we can help clean up the disaster and clean with care. Call SERVPRO of The Attleboros at (508) 223-0505!

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Fire Damage Restoration - Attleboro, MA

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Related Fire Services

SERVPRO of The Attleboros Franchise Professionals

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Fire Prevention Week

10/12/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week

October 8th-14th is Fire Prevention week and when it comes to fires, SERVPRO of The Attleboros wants you to be safe and prepared. Here are some tips on fire safety provided by the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) so that you can be SERVPRO READY:

Test Your Smoke Alarms – According to NFPA 60% of reported home fire deaths from 2007 to 2011 were homes that had either zero smoke alarms or homes that had smoke alarms, but they were defective. Usually, smoke alarms fail to operate if the batteries are dead or if they are connected incorrectly. Checking to make sure your smoke alarm(s) work could save you and your family’s life.

Plan an Escape Route - Only about one-third of Americans have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Having an escape plan during a fire is essential. If the fire blocks the main escape route, be sure to have a secondary route in place.

Cooking - Two out of every five home fires start in the kitchen. Unattended cooking is the main factor in these situations and they can be extremely dangerous. Make sure your stove is supervised at all times!

Electrical Fires - These types of fires are caused by various electrical equipment such as washers, dryers, fans, portable or stationary space heaters, air conditioning equipment, and water heaters. These types of equipment should be monitored frequently to optimal safety. ALWAYS remember to turn off electrical equipment such as space heaters when leaving your home.

Candles- Burning scented candles during fall may bring the spirit of the season to your home, but they can also be dangerous if left unattended. On average, there are 32 home candle fires reported per day. Blow out your candles before going to bed and do not leave them in areas where they can easily spread.

SERVPRO of The Attleboros wants to ensure that you take fire safety precautions during this week as well as throughout the rest of the year. If your home faces damage due to a fire, call SERVPRO of The Attleboros at (508) 223-0505. We will clean up any fire damage in your home and make it, "Like it never even happened."

Safety Precautions for Ozone

3/6/2017 (Permalink)

Ozone (also called activated oxygen) is a toxic gas and must be used carefully. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established a permissible exposure level (PEL) for ozone at 0.1 ppm, meaning a safe level of ozone exposure is 0.1 parts per million (ppm) of air volume. ozone generators produce concentrations from 0.3 t 1.5 ppm, so ozone deodorization procedures could potentially produce levels of ozone that would be hazardous in prolonged exposure situations. 

Like most "chemical" products, ozone can be hazardous, but if used properly this method of deodorization is as safe as other available methods. Observe safety precautions when deodorizing with ozone. Use activated oxygen only in unoccupied areas. Ozone is toxic when high concentrations are inhaled, so remove all people and pets from the areas to be ozoned. Place "Ozone Warning" signs at all entries prior to performing activated oxygen procedures. 

Avoid overexposure to ozone concentrations of .05 ppm and greater. Recommended personal protective equipment for working with ozone includes safety glasses or goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, and NIOSH-approved respirator with an organic vapor cartridge. High concentrations may cause respiratory ailments, dry throats, and severe eye irritation. If you experience any reactions, move to fresh air immediately and seek medical help. 

Ventilating the treated area is recommended. Ozone dissipates completely within minutes and leaves no residue, strong fragrances, or chemicals to which people may be allergic or sensitive. Wait 15 to 45 minutes after ozone generation has stopped to safely enter an ozoned room. Ventilate the treated area at least 30 minutes prior to reentry.