Recent Fire Damage Posts
Fire Damage Restoration: Your Guide to Post-Fire Cleanup
5/1/2024 (Permalink)
House fire damage and soot
Fires can be devastating, causing significant property damage and emotional distress. According to the National Fire Protection Association's latest data (https://www.nfpa.org/en), property fires resulted in an estimated $14.3 billion in losses in 2021. No two fires are alike, and the appropriate restoration plan depends on the cause and type of fire.
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North understands the unique challenges of fire damage restoration. Our certified technicians are highly trained and experienced in handling various fire scenarios, ensuring a complete return to your property's pre-fire condition.
Understanding Different Fire Types and Their Cleaning Methods
Here's a breakdown of common fire types and the most effective cleaning methods for each:
High-Oxygen Fires: These fires, fueled by oxygen-rich environments, produce a dry, powdery soot residue. Dry-cleaning techniques using specialized sponges are crucial for initial cleaning. Introducing moisture can worsen the situation by embedding soot deeper into surfaces. After dry cleaning, a low-pH detergent and rinsing are used for a thorough clean.
Low-Oxygen Fires: These fires, often caused by smoldering materials, create a wet, sticky soot. Wet-cleaning methods are necessary here. Our technicians utilize high-pH detergents to remove soot effectively from walls and structural components.
Kitchen/Grease Fires: Kitchen fires are notorious for their stubborn, greasy soot residue that's often difficult to detect. These fires require the most meticulous cleaning. Cabinets, appliances, and drawers may need removal for complete access and proper residue elimination to prevent lingering odors.
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North: Your Trusted Fire Damage Restoration Partner
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is available 24/7/365 to assist you with fire damage restoration. Our team of highly trained and experienced professionals will handle the entire restoration process, minimizing your stress during this difficult time.
Contact SERVPRO of Milwaukee North Today!
We understand the urgency of fire damage restoration. Call us today at (414) 354-7566 for prompt and professional service. Let us help you get your life back on track.
Grilling Safety Tips
6/22/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is your trusted fire damage restoration company!
Grilling season is in full swing here in the Midwest! Here are some helpful tips to keep your family safe this summer:
1.) Only use grills outdoors and away from the home. Grills that are used to close to the home or even indoors (yikes!), can heat up adjacent building materials and could start a fire.
2.) Make sure your grill is placed on a flat, level surface. A grill that is on uneven ground could easily tip over and start a fire.
3.) Check your propane grills for leaks. Check the gas lines to make sure that they are free of leaks before using your grill, and always open the lid of your barbecue before lighting.
4.) Clean your grill after every use. It is important to clean with frequent BBQing. Not cleaning your grill will allow grease to build up and over time will act as a fuel that will start a fire.
These are just a few tips to help keep you, your family, and home safe while enjoying grilling all summer long!
Should disaster strike and you find yourself facing fire damage, trust the professionals of SERVPRO of Milwaukee North to make it "Like it never even happened."
Milwaukee Fire Restoration 101: Reconstruction Services
4/3/2023 (Permalink)
Property fires are devastating events. At SERVPRO of Milwaukee North, we guide our customers through the complete process of restoring their property
Once the process of cleaning and restoring the structure and contents of your home or business that are salvageable has begun, it is time to plan the final phase of fire restoration which is the reconstruction and refinishing of structural elements that were not cleanable. Depending on the damage sustained, there may be a little or a lot of work to accomplish.
Some common items that may need attention are:
Drywall, Sealing, and Painting
Flooring
Hardwood flooring and/or trim refinishing
Cabinetry repair or replacement
Exterior refinishing such as siding or roofing
Driveway repair (damaged from fire trucks)
Plumbing
Electrical
And more! Every project is unique.
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is uniquely positioned to work with our customers until the final completion of their fire reconstruction. Our team has decades of experience in construction and understands what it takes to bring you home back to its preloss condition. Only licensed professionals or direct employees are allowed into your home to perform work, and our standards are high.
If you are in need of reconstruction after fire or other damage, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North at 847-838-2954. We are here to truly make it "Like it never even happened."
Milwaukee Fire Restoration 101: Methods of Content Cleaning
2/1/2023 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North uses Ultrasonic technology to clean soot from delicate items such as this porcelain figurine.
When a home or business sustains damage from a fire, much of its contents can often be saved and restored. The experienced professionals at SERVPRO of Milwaukee North are trained in multiple methods and technologies which can be used to restore your belongings. The following are specific systems and methods available at our facility.
ULTRASONIC CLEANING
Ultrasonic technology uses a spectrum of sound frequencies, water, and cleaning solutions to remove debris and soot from non-porous items. These frequencies range from 20,000-100,000 cycles per second, with various frequencies performing separate applications. Lower frequencies can be used on sturdier items with heavy soil, and higher frequencies are safer for more delicate items.
ESPORTA WASH SYSTEM
The Esporta Wash System uses hydraulic action to force organic and inorganic contaminants out of items to be cleaned. Commonly, these items are clothing, linens, and shoes. The force applied is comparable to the force of waves crashing against a beach. Esporta restores 90% of soft contents damaged by odor, soot, grime, mold, and mildew to food-grade clean using sustainable, phosphate-free detergents.
OZONE CHAMBER
Ozone generation is a process that removes smoke odor molecules by releasing additional oxygen into the air. While ozone is often used in open air to deodorize a home, there are some safety concerns. Ozone is most effective when utilized in a controlled environment such as an ozone chamber. Contents and furniture that cannot fit into either the Ultrasonic system or Esporta are first cleaned by hand and then often placed into an ozone chamber to remove any lingering odors of smoke by eliminating the microorganisms that cause them. Our dedicated ozone chamber is utilized for items with stubborn embedded odors that would otherwise be impossible to remove.
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is an industry leader in fire restoration. We have the technology needed to restore your home and belongings to their original state, reducing the amount of personal or sentimental items that would otherwise be unsalvageable. We are here to help and here to answer your questions 24/7/365. Give us a call at 414-354-7566!
Milwaukee Fire Restoration 101: Structure Cleaning Methods
12/5/2022 (Permalink)
Our trained professionals use specialized methods to ensure that your home is restored completely from soot residue and odors.
In a study of 2018 fire activity published by the National Fire Protection Association, it is estimated that property owners experienced over $11 billion in fire losses across nearly half a million structures. All of these events are unique in circumstance and severity. Before a structure cleaning can begin, it is important to understand the cause and type of the fire as well as the materials affected. The professionals at SERVPRO of Milwaukee North are experienced in these scenarios and have the training necessary to restore your property fully to its pre-fire condition.
Here are some types of fires and subsequent methods of cleaning:
High Oxygen
High oxygen fires create a dry soot residue, so they are cleaned by first using a dry chemical sponge method. Introducing moisture to a dry soot environment can further lodge the soot into building materials, so removing as much soot as possible before wet cleaning with a low-alkaline detergent and rinsing is crucial.
Low Oxygen
Due to the wet soot this type of fire causes, it must be cleaned with a wet method. We use a high-alkaline detergent to wash walls and structural components.
Kitchen/Grease
Often the most difficult and intricate fire to clean, kitchen fires present a soot residue that is often harder to detect. Cabinets, drawers, appliances, etc. must often be removed for full access to all residue so that it may be properly removed to eliminate lingering odors.
Remember that SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is available 24/7/365 to restore your home or business after damage from fire. Our professionals are highly trained and experienced in this type of cleaning, and will work hard to take the worry out of your restoration process. Call us today at 414-354-7566!
Milwaukee Fire Restoration 101: Structure Cleaning
10/3/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is here to help with any fire, soot, or smoke damage that may occur in your home or business.
Navigating the destruction of a fire in your home or business can be stressful, but SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is IICRC certified, experienced, and ready to bring your property back to its preloss condition. Fires, large or small, can cause a great deal of smoke and odor damage. The heat generated by a fire and air currents can carry soot, smoke and odor throughout your entire property.
Before reconstruction can begin, structural cleaning is necessary so new materials will not be contaminated from previous damage. Utilizing the most up to date equipment, products and technology, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North thoroughly cleans damaged areas of your structure.
Our process will ensure that odor causing materials and potentially hazardous conditions are removed and treated before reconstruction takes place.
We focus on removing smoke residues from the building’s structural components and neutralizing odors given off by the residues. Following basic principles of cleaning allows us to accomplish this task:
- Locate the smoke residues by carefully inspecting the affected area
- Identify the type of residues
- Capture and remove residues
When fire damage takes control of your life, we help you take it back. SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is ready and waiting for your call 24/7/365. Contact us for more information at 414-354-7566.
Milwaukee Fire Restoration 101: Levels of Fire Damage
8/5/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is here to help answer your questions and restore your home to its preloss condition.
Levels of Fire Damage
Not all fires end with the same amount or level of damage. Fire damage is categorized into three different levels: minor, moderate, and major. The trained professionals at SERVPRO of Milwaukee North will assess your damage and provide a plan of action to restore each unique fire loss.
Minor Fire Damage
- Smoke residue is light and contained to certain rooms or areas.
- Restoration may involve dry cleaning and/or wet cleaning of ceilings, walls, floors and contents.
- Areas may need to be repainted, and minimal items may need to be replaced.
Moderate Fire Damage
- Smoke residue is moderate, and more materials require wet cleaning.
- Multiple areas require repainting, and the number of items requiring replacement multiplies.
- Floors may require refinishing.
- Heat damage requires more materials to be replaced.
- Smoke orders are noticeable and the structure may require additional deodorization.
Major Fire Damage
- Smoke residue is present through a large portion of the structure.
- Smoke odor is much stronger, even overwhelming.
- Heat damage is severe.
- Structural framing and finishes may be charred, requiring structural repairs.
- Emergency services are needed. These include boarding up, establishing a source of electricity, winterizing the building in cold weather, and removing smoke-filled and charred debris.
- Restoration will require extensive cleaning of the structure.
- Contents that are salvageable will be moved off-site for cleaning.
- Multiple methods of deodorization are needed to remove smoke odors.
A fire of any size is one of the most devastating events a home or business owner can encounter. Each smoke and fire damage situation is different, and each requires a unique solution. SERVPRO of Milwaukee North has the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore fire and smoke damage. It is our number one priority to treat your family with respect and your property with care. Call us today at 414-354-7566 for a no cost assessment.
Milwaukee Fire Restoration 101: Types of Soot
6/6/2022 (Permalink)
Soot webs were caused by wet soot formed during a house fire.
There are two different types of soot: wet and dry. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North will test the soot to determine which type of damage occurred. The cleaning procedure we use will then be based on the information identified during pretesting.
Wet Soot - Plastic and Rubber
- Low Heat,
smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Creates smoke webs that are more difficult to clean. - Example: plastics, synthetics, household fires
Dry Soot - Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
- Example: organic materials, wildfires
Protein Soot - Food products
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
- Example: grease or food, kitchen fires
A fire is one of the most devastating events a home or business owner can encounter. Each smoke and fire damage situation is different, and each requires a unique solution for the specific situation. SERVPRO of Milwaukee North has the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore fire and smoke damage. It is our number one priority to treat your family with respect and your property with care.
Call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North today at 414-354-7566 for a free inspection to assess your unique situation.
Milwaukee Fire Restoration 101: Pretesting
4/1/2022 (Permalink)
After a fire why is pretesting so important?
At SERVPRO of Milwaukee North, fire damage professionals use pretesting to determine the scope of the loss, type of fire loss, and the method of cleaning for areas that have been affected. This process also helps determine what items are restorable or repairable vs. those items that will need to be replaced.
Factors determined by pretesting:
- Method of Cleaning
- Condition of Surface
- Level of Soil
- Type of Soil
- Pre-Existing Conditions
Pretesting helps to ensure our customers are back into their homes as soon as possible, within a realistically accurate time estimate. For help 24/7/365, don't hesitate to call on the professionals at SERVPRO of Milwaukee North today at 414-354-7566. We are here to help.
Milwaukee Fire Restoration 101: Safety First
2/1/2022 (Permalink)
House fires have many sources. This one was caused in a kitchen by a dishwasher malfunction.
After your fire has been put out you may be left with the question, “What should I do next?” SERVPRO of Milwaukee North can help. We will walk you through your next steps. Safety is our number one concern until help arrives, so here are some basic do’s and don'ts:
Do:
- Hire a reputable, insured company to board up your home or business to secure it from the elements, animals, and vandals.
- Limit the movement of damaged areas
- Keep your hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork
- If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
Don't:
- Touch contaminated surfaces
- Attempt to clean walls, carpet, contents, or other contaminated surfaces
- Use food, cosmetics or mediations exposed to soot.
- Send clothing to ordinary cleaner; improper cleaning may set odors
No one wants to experience a fire in their home or business. If you experience this and need help, please give us a call at 414-354-7566. SERVPRO of Milwaukee North has the expertise and experience to assist you in the cleanup and restoration of your property. We are here to help 24/7/365 with the board up and securing of your property.
Fireplace Safety Tips for Milwaukee Area Homeowners
12/22/2021 (Permalink)
According to the latest statistics available, there are over 25,000 Chimney Fires per year in the US that are responsible for over 125 million dollars
It’s getting to be that time of year again where the nights are getting colder and people will begin to use their fireplaces to help heat their homes. Fireplaces are fun and safe, but if not used or maintained properly, they could cause a fire. By following some basic safety tips, you can enjoy your fireplace all season long.
Make sure you have all the proper equipment in place. This should include a fireplace screen, fireplace tools such as a poker, shovel, tongs, and possibly heat resistant gloves. There should be a metal bucket or container nearby for ash removal.
To enjoy an evening by the fire, follow these simple operating instructions: Open the chimney damper all the way. Place the fire starter or kindling under the grate and place two to three dry logs on the grate. After lighting the fire, make sure that the smoke rises up the chimney flue. If you are using a natural gas log starter, make sure you only leave it on to start the fire then shut off the gas.
Finally, here are some basic safety tips for all fireplace users: At the beginning of each year, make sure to have your chimney cleaned and inspected by a professional chimney sweep. When burning wood, it should be dry seasoned wood. Burning wet, unseasoned wood will cause more creosote build-up in the chimney which could increase your chance for a chimney fire. Never use flammable liquids or an excessive amount of paper to start a fire in your fireplace. When using a manufactured log, burn only one log at a time and never add regular firewood to the fire. These logs burn as hot as eight pieces of normal wood, and adding anything to them will increase the chance of a chimney fire. Never close a damper with hot ashes in the fireplace. This can cause a heat buildup which can cause a fire to flare up. Hot coals can be located in ashes for up to 72 hours after a fire. All of the coals and ashes should be cool prior to removing them. Once you remove them, place them in a sealed metal container; never dispose of them in a trash can.
In the event you sustain damage from a fireplace mishap, please don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North at 414-354-7566 for help.
Fire Pit Safety for your Milwaukee Home or Business
12/22/2021 (Permalink)
According to the United States Fire Administration, it takes less than 30 seconds for a small flame to get completely out of control.
Surrounding oneself with family and friends around an outdoor fire pit is a fun pastime as the weather begins to cool. While these gatherings are forever memorable, please ensure they are the good type of memorable by following these safety tips.
- Check the weather. If winds greater than 15 MPH are in the forecast, do not ignite the fire pit at your gathering.
- With weather permitting, make a fire pit and clear all brush from the area. No structures within 25 feet of the fire pit should be present.
- The safest way to start a fire is with small kindling. If you must use charcoal lighter fluid, make sure to seal the container and keep it far away from the fire. Never use lighter fluid once the fire has started.
- The size of a recreational fire should be no more than 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet high.
- Keep a bucket of water and garden hose nearby.
- Never use an accelerant such as gasoline, diesel fuel, or kerosene.
- Do not spray aerosols or toss canisters or fireworks into the fire.
- Keep a safe distance from the fire, and don’t horse around.
- Avoid consuming alcohol near the fire pit.
- Make sure to put the fire out completely. Stir the ashes and dou7se thoroughly with water.
Most villages and townships do not allow open burn of garbage, automobile tires, papers, trash, leaves, foliage, clippings, brush, and trees and grass clippings. Outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are permitted only when firewood is used for recreational purposes in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
In the event you sustain damage from a fire pit mishap, please don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North at 414-354-7566 for help.
Christmas Tree Safety in Waukesha County Homes
11/29/2021 (Permalink)
U.S. firefighters respond to roughly 200 Christmas tree fires per year. Follow these tips to stay safe this holiday season.
Don’t let a house fire disrupt your holidays. The most common sources of winter holiday fires are live Christmas trees and holiday decorations that are too close to a heat source, candles, and cooking fires. Although these fires are rare, they do occur, and they can be destructive and deadly. The following are a few tips to help make your Holidays safe from fire.
When purchasing a live Christmas tree, safety starts before you even head to the tree lot. If you live in a condo or apartment, there is likely a restriction against live Christmas trees. Be sure to check with your HOA or management company for any rules or restrictions before choosing a tree. At the tree lot, look for a fresh, green tree!
Checking Your Tree
- Bend the needles. If they break, the tree has probably already dried out.
- Grip a branch and slide your fist down it. Most of the needles should stay on the tree.
- Check the trunk, especially at the bottom where it’s cut. It should be covered in sap and sticky to the touch.
- Shake the tree. If green needles fall everywhere, it’s too dry.
Before bringing the tree inside, shake it to dislodge loose needles or other debris. Prior to placing it in the tree holder, make a fresh cut off the bottom of the trunk. A freshly cut trunk will absorb water more effectively. Use a tree holder that’s wide and strong enough to keep the tree stable.
It is also very important to take care of your tree once it is inside. Fill the holder with water as soon as you set your tree up. Then, check it every day. It needs to stay full!
Additional Tips
- Place your tree away from heat sources, especially open flame heat sources.
- Don’t block exit routes with your tree.
- Use only lighting approved by a nationally recognized laboratory such as UL.
- Check all lighting for frayed wires.
- Don’t leave the lights on when the tree is unattended.
- When the tree dries out, discard it immediately.
With these safety tips, your holiday can be fun and enjoyable for your family and your guests. Please contact your local fire department for questions about fire safety and make sure you have a working fire and carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home.
In the event you sustain fire or smoke damage from a decor mishap, please contact SERVPRO of Milwaukee North at 414-354-7566 for help.
Fall Fire Safety for Milwaukee Area Homes and Businesses
11/24/2021 (Permalink)
For more information on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, contact your local Fire Department or go to NFPA.org.
With the fall time change, remember to change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This is an easy way to remember this task and to keep your detectors in working order, however this is not the only attention you need to give to these life saving devices. The following are important facts regarding the use and installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
Smoke Detectors
- Make sure smoke detectors are installed in every bedroom, outside sleeping area, and at least every floor of your home.
- Test your smoke detector every month.
- Have a plan when your smoke detector sounds to get out, account for everyone, and call 911.
- Replace smoke detectors every 10 years. Many new smoke detectors have a 10 year sealed battery. Make sure you test your detector to make sure it is working; if it is not, replace it.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed outside each sleeping area and have at least one on every floor level. The law requires a carbon monoxide detector to be installed within 15 feet of every room used for sleeping purposes.
- Test your carbon monoxide detector every month.
- Contact your local fire department when your carbon monoxide detector activates, move to fresh air outside, and make sure everyone in the home is accounted for.
- Replace carbon monoxide detectors every 10 years.
Furnaces
- Heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths.
- Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
- The leading factor contributing to home heating fires (25%) is failure to clean, principally from solid-fueled heating equipment, primarily chimneys.
When purchasing smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, make sure they have been rated by an approved agency such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Homes built within the last 20 years will have hard-wired smoke detectors located on each floor of the home. When replacing these smoke detectors, make sure you use a licensed electrician to assure the work is performed according to applicable codes.
In the event you sustain damage in your home or business from smoke or fire, please contact SERVPRO of Milwaukee North at 414-354-7566 for a no-cost assessment. We are always here to help.
Fire Sprinkler Systems: Myths and Facts
9/7/2021 (Permalink)
A home fire sprinkler can control or put out a fire with a fraction of the water that would be used by fire department hoses.
Automatic sprinkler systems have a proven track record of protecting life and property for over 100 years. However, there are still some common misconceptions about the operation and effectiveness of automatic fire sprinkler systems. Source: American Fire Sprinkler Association
Myth: “A smoke detector provides enough protection.”
Fact: Smoke detectors save lives by providing an early warning to a smoke or fire incident, but can do nothing to extinguish a growing fire or protect those physically unable to escape on their own, such as the elderly or small children. Too often, battery operated smoke detectors fail to function because the batteries are dead or have been removed. As the percent of homes in America that were “protected” with smoke detectors increased from zero to more than 70%, the number of fire deaths in homes did not significantly decrease.
Myth: “Water damage from a sprinkler system will be more extensive than fire damage.”
Fact: Water damage from a building sprinkler system will be much less severe than the damage caused by water from fire fighting hose lines or smoke and fire damage if the fire is allowed to spread. Quick response sprinklers release 8-24 gallons of water per minute compared to 80-125 gallons per minute discharged by a fire hose.
Myth: “When a fire occurs, every sprinkler head goes off.”
Fact: Sprinkler heads are individually activated by fire temperatures in excess of 155°. Residential fires are usually controlled with one sprinkler head. 90% of all fires are controlled with six or fewer heads and a study conducted during 80 years of automatic sprinkler use found that 82% of the fires that have occurred were controlled by two or fewer sprinkler heads.
Myth: “Sprinklers are designed to protect property, but are not effective for life safety.”
Fact: Sprinklers provide a high level of life safety. Statistics reveal that there has never been any multiple loss of life in a fully sprinklered building. Property losses are 85% less in residences with fire sprinklers compared to those without sprinklers. The combination of automatic sprinklers and early warning systems in all buildings could reduce overall injuries, loss of life and property damage by at least 50%.
In the event that you do sustain fire or water damage, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is Here to Help. Call us today for a no-cost assessment of your property damage. We are always available for your call at 414-354-7566.
Simple Tips for Cooking Fire Prevention in Your Milwaukee Area Home
7/12/2021 (Permalink)
Cooking is the #1 cause of fires in homes.
Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and fire related injury. Here are a few steps from FEMA and the US Fire Administration to help keep your family safe while cooking:
Stand by your pan
If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off
Watch what you are cooking
Fires start when the heat is too high. If there are signs of smoke or boiling grease, turn off the burner
Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove
This way, no one can bump them or pull them over accidentally
Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby
Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This should help smother the fire.
In the event your home does sustain damage from fire or smoke, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is here to help. Our experienced technicians are standing by to restore your home. Call us today at 414-354-7566 for a free assessment of your property damage.
Why SERVPRO Fire Damage Specialists Rely On Hydroxyl Generators When Restoring Homes In Milwaukee
12/27/2020 (Permalink)
During a house fire, firefighters douse the interior of the home with thousands of gallons of water. This water soaks into walls, floors, and your belongings. After they put the fire out and no signs of hot areas pose additional threats to reignite the fire, the fire department’s personnel return to the station. Their job never includes removing the water or foam soaking into your residence.
The presence of so much water is why SERVPRO uses specific machinery to mitigate fire damage from homes in Milwaukee & Waukesha Co. One of these choices involves our options regarding deodorizing equipment. Initial efforts to help make the air safer to breathe while we work on your home have the potential to bring about unexpected effects.
Ozone can cause permanent changes in the color of damp carpets, furniture, and other furnishings. Plants can also suffer drastically when ozone generators fill an area. We must wait until after one of our employees turns off the machine and then a bit longer to clear the air of ozone before we can enter the home. However, we do have a safer alternative with very few drawbacks.
We can safely use hydroxyl generators while we work, as well as in damp conditions. If you see us wearing masks or respirators as part of our personal protective equipment (PPE) while we work on mitigating the fire damage in your dwelling, this is because of the soot hanging in the air. Hydroxyl generators push hydrogen peroxide molecules into the air where they can interact with odor-causing particles at the molecular level.
The extra oxygen molecule turning plain water into hydrogen peroxide has a fragile bond with the water molecule, allowing the oxygen to form bonds with other substances. Our desiccant machines pull the water molecules produced by the breakdown of H2O2 as we remove the water hosed in during the fire. Ozone does not give us the flexibility to work as efficiently as hydroxyl generators provide.
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North wants to assure our customers that we always use the most efficient methods when mitigating fire damage. Call us at (262)250-1101, so we can restore your property, “Like it never even happened.”
Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips
12/22/2020 (Permalink)
Christmas is around the corner, and you know what that means: fire safety. Each year, fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Carefully decorating Christmas trees will make the holidays safer.
Here are some great Fire Prevention tips:
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand daily.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both make sure you choose the right ones.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
There are so many other ways to prevent fire, around Christmas time, but these are a few of the common mistakes. We hope that you do not ever experience a fire.
We know how devastating fire damage can be, but we are here to help! Call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North (262)250-1101 to help get your home restored efficiently.
Smoke Detectors Save Lives!
12/22/2020 (Permalink)
Smoke alarms save lives and provide you and your family time to leave the home and get to safety or alert you to potential fires in the home like a cooking fire or an unattended candle. In the event of a home fire, soot and smoke damage can cause damage throughout your home and require repairs and restoration.
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North has the technicians, expertise, and experience to clean and restore your home to preloss condition. After a fire, our crew's inventory and pack out the contents in your home. Contents are then brought back to our secure, climate-controlled warehouse where items are recleaned and packed into new clean boxes. While contents are being cleaned, crews work to clean and restore your home. Once your home has been restored, all contents are packed back and your home is ready to be put back together as it was before the fire.
Milwaukee Area Smoke and Soot Cleanup
11/23/2020 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (262)250-1101
Thanksgiving Day Tips for Emergency Prevention
11/19/2020 (Permalink)
Did you know that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas, and Christmas Eve? We want you to enjoy these days with your loved ones, so here are a few safety tips for when you are cooking that scrumptious meal.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids or toys.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
Be especially aware when Deep Frying a turkey, people tend to put too much oil in which causes overflow and spreads to the open flame causing a mass fireball. Also putting in a frozen or very wet bird can cause major problems which they call B.L.E.V.E which stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.
- Always use fryer outside away from any structure
- Keep oil under 350 degrees, the hotter the oil the more combustible it is
- Don’t overfill the pot with oil
- Thoroughly defrost turkey(24 hours for every 10 pounds the turkey weighs)
- Turn off flame before putting turkey in
- Keep grease fire approved extinguisher on hand
- Lower turkey into pot slowly
If by unfortunate event you have an emergency this Holiday Season please know your SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even on Holidays. Contact us if need be at (262)250-1101 and we will be there to help. Happy Holidays!
Thanksgiving Day Tips for Emergency Prevention
10/22/2020 (Permalink)
Did you know that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas, and Christmas Eve? We want you to enjoy these days with your loved ones, so here are a few safety tips for when you are cooking that scrumptious meal.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids or toys.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
Be especially aware when Deep Frying a turkey, people tend to put too much oil in which causes overflow and spreads to the open flame causing a mass fireball. Also putting in a frozen or very wet bird can cause major problems which they call B.L.E.V.E which stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.
- Always use fryer outside away from any structure
- Keep oil under 350 degrees, the hotter the oil the more combustible it is
- Don’t overfill the pot with oil
- Thoroughly defrost turkey(24 hours for every 10 pounds the turkey weighs)
- Turn off flame before putting turkey in
- Keep grease fire approved extinguisher on hand
- Lower turkey into pot slowly
If by unfortunate event you have an emergency this Holiday Season please know your SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even on Holidays. Contact us if need be at (262)250-1101 and we will be there to help. Happy Holidays!
Milwaukee Area Smoke and Soot Cleanup
10/22/2020 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (262)250-1101
Thanksgiving Day Tips for Emergency Prevention
10/8/2020 (Permalink)
Did you know that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas, and Christmas Eve? We want you to enjoy these days with your loved ones, so here are a few safety tips for when you are cooking that scrumptious meal.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids or toys.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
Be especially aware when Deep Frying a turkey, people tend to put too much oil in which causes overflow and spreads to the open flame causing a mass fireball. Also putting in a frozen or very wet bird can cause major problems which they call B.L.E.V.E which stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.
- Always use fryer outside away from any structure
- Keep oil under 350 degrees, the hotter the oil the more combustible it is
- Don’t overfill the pot with oil
- Thoroughly defrost turkey(24 hours for every 10 pounds the turkey weighs)
- Turn off flame before putting turkey in
- Keep grease fire approved extinguisher on hand
- Lower turkey into pot slowly
If by unfortunate event you have an emergency this Holiday Season please know your SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even on Holidays. Contact us if need be at (262)250-1101 and we will be there to help. Happy Holidays!
Milwaukee Area Smoke and Soot Cleanup
10/8/2020 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (262)250-1101
Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips
12/18/2019 (Permalink)
Christmas is around the corner, and you know what that means: fire safety. Each year, fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Carefully decorating Christmas trees will make the holidays safer.
Here are some great Fire Prevention tips:
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand daily.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both make sure you choose the right ones.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
There are so many other ways to prevent fire, around Christmas time, but these are a few of the common mistakes. We hope that you do not ever experience a fire.
We know how devastating fire damage can be, but we are here to help! Call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North (262)250-1101 to help get your home restored efficiently.
Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips
12/18/2019 (Permalink)
Christmas is around the corner, and you know what that means: fire safety. Each year, fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Carefully decorating Christmas trees will make the holidays safer.
Here are some great Fire Prevention tips:
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand daily.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both make sure you choose the right ones.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
There are so many other ways to prevent fire, around Christmas time, but these are a few of the common mistakes. We hope that you do not ever experience a fire.
We know how devastating fire damage can be, but we are here to help! Call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North (262)250-1101 to help get your home restored efficiently.
Christmas Tree Fire Safety Tips
12/18/2019 (Permalink)
Christmas is around the corner, and you know what that means: fire safety. Each year, fire departments respond to an average of 210 structure fires caused by Christmas trees. Carefully decorating Christmas trees will make the holidays safer.
Here are some great Fire Prevention tips:
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
- Add water to the tree stand daily.
- Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both make sure you choose the right ones.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
- Get rid of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home.
There are so many other ways to prevent fire, around Christmas time, but these are a few of the common mistakes. We hope that you do not ever experience a fire.
We know how devastating fire damage can be, but we are here to help! Call SERVPRO of Milwaukee North (262)250-1101 to help get your home restored efficiently.
Smoke Detectors Save Lives!
11/26/2019 (Permalink)
Smoke alarms save lives and provide you and your family time to leave the home and get to safety or alert you to potential fires in the home like a cooking fire or an unattended candle. In the event of a home fire soot and smoke damage can cause damage throughout your home and require repairs and restoration.
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North has the technicians, expertise, and experience to clean and restore your home to preloss condition. After a fire, our crew's inventory and pack out the contents in your home. Contents are then brought back to our secure, climate-controlled warehouse where items are recleaned and packed into new clean boxes. While contents are being cleaned, crews work to clean and restore your home. Once your home has been restored, all contents are packed back and your home is ready to be put back together as it was before the fire.
Why SERVPRO Fire Damage Specialists Rely On Hydroxyl Generators When Restoring Homes In Milwaukee
11/26/2019 (Permalink)
During a house fire, firefighters douse the interior of the home with thousands of gallons of water. This water soaks into walls, floors, and your belongings. After they put the fire out and no signs of hot areas pose additional threats to reignite the fire, the fire department’s personnel return to the station. Their job never includes removing the water or foam soaking into your residence.
The presence of so much water is why SERVPRO uses specific machinery to mitigate fire damage from homes in Milwaukee & Waukesha Co. One of these choices involves our options regarding deodorizing equipment. Initial efforts to help make the air safer to breathe while we work on your home have the potential to bring about unexpected effects.
Ozone can cause permanent changes in the color of damp carpets, furniture, and other furnishings. Plants can also suffer drastically when ozone generators fill an area. We must wait until after one of our employees turns off the machine and then a bit longer to clear the air of ozone before we can enter the home. However, we do have a safer alternative with very few drawbacks.
We can safely use hydroxyl generators while we work, as well as in damp conditions. If you see us wearing masks or respirators as part of our personal protective equipment (PPE) while we work on mitigating the fire damage in your dwelling, this is because of the soot hanging in the air. Hydroxyl generators push hydrogen peroxide molecules into the air where they can interact with odor-causing particles at the molecular level.
The extra oxygen molecule turning plain water into hydrogen peroxide has a fragile bond with the water molecule, allowing the oxygen to form bonds with other substances. Our desiccant machines pull the water molecules produced by the breakdown of H2O2 as we remove the water hosed in during the fire. Ozone does not give us the flexibility to work as efficiently as hydroxyl generators provide.
SERVPRO of Milwaukee North wants to assure our customers that we always use the most efficient methods when mitigating fire damage. Call us at (262)250-1101, so we can restore your property, “Like it never even happened.”
Milwaukee Area Smoke and Soot Cleanup
10/8/2019 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.
Smoke and soot facts:
- Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
- Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
- The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Milwaukee North will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (414) 354-7566
Thanksgiving Day Tips for Emergency Prevention
10/8/2019 (Permalink)
Did you know that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas, and Christmas Eve? We want you to enjoy these days with your loved ones, so here are a few safety tips for when you are cooking that scrumptious meal.
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids or toys.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
Be especially aware when Deep Frying a turkey, people tend to put too much oil in which causes overflow and spreads to the open flame causing a mass fireball. Also putting in a frozen or very wet bird can cause major problems which they call B.L.E.V.E which stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.
- Always use fryer outside away from any structure
- Keep oil under 350 degrees, the hotter the oil the more combustible it is
- Don’t overfill the pot with oil
- Thoroughly defrost turkey(24 hours for every 10 pounds the turkey weighs)
- Turn off flame before putting turkey in
- Keep grease fire approved extinguisher on hand
- Lower turkey into pot slowly
If by unfortunate event you have an emergency this Holiday Season please know your SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even on Holidays. Contact us if need be at (414)354-7566 and we will be there to help. Happy Holidays!
In-Home Fire Safety for the Milwaukee Area
10/4/2019 (Permalink)
Fall is quickly approaching! That means all of the fall activities are about to begin in Milwaukee, if they haven’t already! One popular item associated with the fall season is the candle. If a house smells like fall, it feels like home. SERVPRO of Milwaukee North knows that candle fires happen and even though candles are small, the damage of a residential fire by a candle can turn out to be larger than expected.
Here are some candle fire safety tips for the Milwaukee area:
- When lighting a candle in the home, keep the candle at least twelve inches away from anything that can burn
- Try to avoid keeping a lit candle in bedrooms, bathrooms or sleeping areas
- Do not leave a lit candle where a child or family pet can access or reach it
One more important candle safety tip will tie to one of the above tips about not leaving a lit candle in the bathroom. When cleaning a bathroom using aerosol chemicals, this becomes extremely dangerous if there is a lit candle nearby. Aerosols are highly flammable and this can cause an explosion of sorts – please practice safety first and share this tip with friends and family who may not be aware of it.
If a Milwaukee home catches fire for any reason, including a candle, please call the trained professionals at SERVPRO of Milwaukee North so we can help clean up the fire mess and damage.
Link: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/media/pictographs/candles.html
Fire And Smoke Damage Restoration In WI
4/24/2019 (Permalink)
Grease Fire Damage in Milwaukee, WI
Fire And Smoke Damage
A fire disaster in Wisconsin can cause serious damage to your house. The resultant flames, smoke, heat, and even water can have permanent repercussions on the structure and many of your items. The contents that survive fire damage may sustain extensive smoke damage in exchange. The firefighters may also cut holes in the walls or roof when putting out the flames, leaving you with a massive cleanup job.
Time and patience are crucial when dealing with any form of fire damage in Milwaukee. Once the fire fighting crew leaves, SERVPRO can come in and initiate the restoration process. We have highly skilled, IICRC-trained technicians that are on standby in case of an emergency. Using special smoke cleanup and restoration techniques, we can restore your property to preloss conditions, "Like it never even happened."
When the fire calms down, the resultant smoke damage appears in the form of discolored walls, charred items, or soot and ash on the floor. In some cases, other side effects such as smells can remain behind, presenting health risks to the occupants. It is important to keep in mind that some signs of smoke damage can show almost immediately while others take several hours (sometimes days) after the event to manifest.
Within a few days of smoke and fire damage, walls and flooring may turn yellow (although this yellowing effect does not show right away). Warping and discoloration can also occur on wood and plastic surfaces/appliances. Metal hardware tends to rust and corrode away several hours after a fire. If you have tiles, counter tops, or any other surface with porous stone such as travertine, granite, or marble, the acidic residue in soot can cause them to discolor permanently.
Certain surfaces, especially fabric items, may show both visible signs of fire damage and smoke odor. Smoke releases tiny carbon particles into the air that, when deposited, are known as soot. The first step SERVPRO takes to reduce the smell of a fire is getting rid of this smoke deposit or soot.
In addition to these tiny particles, smoke also contains various components that contribute to the unbearable smell that lingers after fire damage. These include toxic gases and vapors. Vapors are misty droplets that can be poisonous upon absorption or inhalation. Toxic gases come in different forms. Carbon monoxide is the most common toxic gas in a fire disaster. Household products such as plastics, vinyl, and other materials containing chlorine produce phosgene during combustion. Carpets, synthetics, clothing, and carpets release hydrogen cyanide when burning.
The smell that follows smoke damage penetrates different materials after some time. Unless a professional fire damage restoration company cleans up and deodorizes these items properly, the smoky smell may remain for a long time. SERVPRO technicians can pinpoint the source of the odor and neutralize it accordingly.
Do not leave your property to fate when a fire disaster comes knocking. SERVPRO of Milwaukee North is a part of your community and can arrive promptly to reverse the fire damage. Call us anytime at (414) 354-7566!
Cigarette Fires
2/9/2018 (Permalink)
As a fire restoration company we have seen our share of fires and reasons for fires. So lets talk about cigarettes...
Cigarette fires cause close to 1,000 deaths and 3,000 injuries each year in the united states, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). That records just the death and injuries but what about loss of property...not just property but also nature as wildfires can be caused by cigarettes not disposed of properly especially during a drought.
In the cold of winter many smokers go to their garage instead of outside. How many chemicals do you store in your garage? If you smoke just outside your garage where do you put the cigarette?
We know from experience the damage cigarettes can do, if you choose to do it, use caution as we would rather not have to come clean up your house from destruction contributed to a cigarette!
Smoke Alarm Safety
12/27/2017 (Permalink)
Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.* The National Fire Protection Association
Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshal to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.
SMOKE ALARM SAFETY TIPS:
-Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement according to alarm instructions. Larger homes may need more smoke alarms.
-Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen and at least 10 feet away from a cooking appliance to prevent false alarms.
-Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the 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.
*Tips and statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association.
Fire Protection
12/27/2017 (Permalink)
In order for a fire to start it needs three things - Oxygen, Heat & Fuel. If one is missing a fire cannot start! In order to protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire.
• Fire is FAST. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.
• Fire is DARK. Fire produces gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three- to- one ratio.
• Fire is HOT. Heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames. Inhaling the superhot air can sear your lungs.
How do you protect yourself from fire?
• Plan 2 minute escape plan and practice it!
• Make sure smoke detectors work!!
• Avoid overloading extension cords.
• Have open and clearly marked exits.
Grilling Safety
7/3/2017 (Permalink)
Now that summer is in full swing, so is grilling season! In order to prevent a trip to the emergency room, or a visit from SERVPRO of Milwaukee North for fire damage, please follow these helpful tips.
- All grills should be used outdoors away from the house, eaves, railings and overhanging branches.
- Keep the grill free of grease buildup and never leave it unattended.
- Kids and pets should be at least 3 feet away from the grill at all times.
- For gas grills check for leaks before it is used for the first time every year.
- If you smell gas when using a gas grill, immediately get away from the grill and call fire department.
- Use only charcoal starter fluid to start a charcoal grill.
- Let charcoal cool completely before disposing in a metal container. When disposing make sure the area is inaccessible for children and pets.
Make sure all grilling memories are great memories, use caution when grilling!
24/7 Emergency Service
