Spider web or soot web?

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Is this a spider web or soot web?

If you guessed soot web, you are correct! This web looks very similar to a spider web, however, they are created as the fire consumes oxygen and airborne soot particles begin to bond together. The floating smoke strands will rise sticking together and hanging on to the corners of the walls, ceiling fixtures, inside HVAC systems, etc. Smoke damage contains carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and chemicals such as acid gases, sulfur dioxide, etc.

Fire restoration can be a very comprehensive type of loss, depending on the extent of damage, you need an experienced restoration provider to assist with getting everything back together again. Our team is always here to help with fire restoration, soot damage, and content restoration. Another important thing to know is that we can help you through the insurance claim process, including requesting supplements if needed.

If you are going through a fire disaster and need expert help give us a call, your local SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensingtonis always here to help!

Things to know in case of a house fire

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Your fire restoration experts are always here to help!

This past week we were called by a homeowner who recently had a fire disaster strike their family home. From this experience and many others, we would like to share a few suggestions on what you should have put together just in case this type of disaster happens to you.

First and foremost important, have an emergency escape plan that everyone in your household is aware of and knows how to execute. It is very important that every family member has an exit route out of every room in your house, including the children and elderly. Everyone must be aware of where the meeting point is once evacuated. Finally, once you are out, stay out!

Another important tip, have your important personal documentation in a safe place. Consider purchasing a fire and waterproof safe, this will keep your documents safe in case of a fire or water damage disaster. Items to keep in your safe are personal identification documents and items of high value such as social security cards, passports, jewelry, etc.

Finally, always have a plan in place in case a fire disaster occurs in your home. Have your insurance agent’s information at hand in case you need to start an insurance claim. Know what your deductible is, this helps you determine whether or not you should place an insurance claim. Have our information handy, we are an experienced restoration provider with the experience and know-how to get you back to your prior to loss state efficiently.

We hope that you have found these tips helpful. Remember that your local SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington is here to help and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Kitchen fire safety tips from your local SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Fire prevention tips

Did you know that kitchen fires are the most common cause for house fires? With the Thanksgiving holiday season so quickly approaching, here are a few tips to help keep your family safe from a kitchen fire.

 - Never leave the stove unattended while cooking

 - Use a timer to remind you when your meal is ready

 - Do not leave anything flammable close to the stove while it's turned on

 - Keep children away from the stove while cooking

 - Do not use water to cool down hot oil

 - Keep a fire extinguisher nearby

At SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington we want to wish you a safe Thanksgiving holiday celebration. Always remember that we are here to help!

Soot damage? Call your local SERVPRO!

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Soot damage? We've got you covered!

After an unfortunate event like a fire you are left with terrible damage. In some cases you are left with soot and other damage. If soot goes unattended or is not cleaned properly tiny soot particles can be inhaled deeply in into the lungs. These tiny particles can cause severe respiratory illnesses such as asthma or bronchitis. As professionals in the restoration industry you can trust that we will clean and restore your home and make it “Like it never even happened.”

October is fire preparedness month at SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington!

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Are you prepared for a fire?

Do you know what to do in case there is a fire in your home or business? If not, your SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington has you covered! Below are tips to help you prepare for a disaster like a fire courtesy of The American Red Cross.

1. Install the right number of smoke alarms. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. 
2. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. 
3. Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.
4. Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
5. Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“ to alert everyone that they must get out.
6. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1
7. Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire. 

Being prepared is a detrimental aspect when it comes to making sure that your family and employees are safe in case of a fire event. Always remember that your SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington is always here to help and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fire safety tips from SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington.

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

See fire? Get out, and stay out!

Did you know that according to The National Fire Protection Association, Firefighters respond to a fire every 79 seconds? Sounds terrifying, we know! Here are a few precautionary steps that may help you reduce the risk of a fire.

• A working smoke alarm in each room can definitely make the difference in your home. The batteries on the smoke alarms should be inspected monthly, just to make certain that the batteries are still intact.
• Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher in each level of your home; Also that every member of the household knows how to use them properly.
• Reduce the risk of a fire outside of your home. You can do this by removing dead trees, shrubs, and debris at least 30 feet away from your home; also by maintaining your gutters, roof, and eaves clear from debris.
• Be sure to keep candles away from curtains, furniture, and out of the reach of children.

Keep your home safe this 4^th of July, and remember “We’re here to help” should you need your local SERVPRO!

Careful with that Grill!

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Be Grill cautious.

After all the spring showers and flash floods this year it is refreshing to know that summer has begun. Along with hot summer nights come delicious barbecues with a grill. While it may seem like something ordinary, a grill is actually cooking equipment which we should be cautious with. Did you know that 9,600 home fires are started by grills each year! You may ask yourself, what can I do to avoid a grill involved incident? According to The NFPA, “five out of six (or 82%) grills involved in home fires were fueled by gas, while 14% used charcoal or other solid fuel”.  Simply changing your methods can drastically reduce the possibility of a grill caused home fire. For more tips and suggestions check out www.nfpa.org . Remember that SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington is always here to help and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Schools out!

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Get out, and stay out!

A kid’s favorite thing to hear is that Schools out. Summer time brings so much joy to children. After a long school year they finally get to relax and unwind. To parents however it brings worry, and stress. Will my children be safe at home? If something happens, will they know what to do? SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington has a few tips for you on having your children prepared in case of a fire.

• Teach your children what smoke alarms sound like, and what to do when they hear one.
• Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from each room, and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.
• Establish a family emergency communications plan, and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
• Practice escaping from your house at least twice a year.
• Make sure everyone knows how to dial 9-1-1.
• Teach household members how to stop, drop, and roll in case their clothes were to catch on fire.

For more tips and recommendation’s contact SERVPRO of Wheaton/Kensington at (301)933-2425. Remember we’re always here to help, and make it "Like it never even happened.”