Recent Fire Damage Posts

Fire Damage

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home or business, causing hidden damage and odor. SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann has the expertise and experience that allows us to inspect and accurately access the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Different types of smoke

There are two different types of smoke, wet and dry, as a result of the different types of soot residue after a fire, before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann will test the soot to determine which type of smoke  damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on that. Here are some examples.

Wet Smoke/ Plastic or Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean on your own, But SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann will make it "Like it never even happened." 

Dry Smoke/ Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high Temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann is Here to Help® call us today 24/7 978-927-8665

Fire Damage

2/14/2024 (Permalink)

1. Despite overall progress reducing in home fires, Fire safety facts show cooking fires have remained steady.

Here are some factors.

  • Not keeping an eye on the stovetop, ovens, and other cooking equipment.
  • Placing flammable materials too close to heat
  • Improperly throwing out or disposing of hot material
  • Leaving heat generating appliances on after cooking- or turning them on accidentally. 

2. Heating takes second place among the top fire Hazards in the home- with electric heaters and fire places bearing much of the blame.

No surprise that winter months see a disproportionately large share of space-heater and fireplace-related fires in December, January, and February as there are in the other nine months of the year combined.

3. Fire safety facts- electrical fires are single-most damage source of Ignition.

Some Common causes of home electrical fires include.

  • Faulty outlets and old appliances.
  • Bulbs with wattages that are too high for the fixture.
  • Misuse of extension cords.
  • Wiring that cant handle the demands of modern electrical devices. 

4. Smoking Fires join the top fire Hazards in the home as less common but extremely lethal events

 5. Only 1 in 5 home fires with candles, but they cause their fair share of harm. 

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann 978-927-8665

Let us Help after a Fire

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann understands your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure; they make it home. Our team wants to help clean, protect and restore those special items after such a catastrophic event.

Content Restoration

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that cannot withstand wet cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out will provide several benefits, including:

  • Quicker remodeling
  • Protection of items from potential damage
  • Preservation from potential future damage

When the restoration process is completed, we will collaborate with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs and depending on your insurance coverage.

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that will corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device rendering it useless. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

  • Televisions
  • DVD players
  • Computers

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage, they will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Document / Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water or fire, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the fire damage does not destroy them totally. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. 

Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, there are five options for the restoration of documents:

  • Air Drying
  • Dehumidification
  • Freezer Drying
  • Vacuum Freeze Drying
  • Vacuum Thermal Drying

Contents Claim Inventory Service

When a fire emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including photographing, and in some instances, bar coding.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service includes:

  • Pre loss listing and value of contents.
  • Detailed and accurate reports
  • Better information to settle claims quicker.
  • Assistance with burden of proof for claims

Call SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann at (978) 927-8665 for peace of mind when you need it most!

Smoke Damage

10/9/2023 (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 Beverly/Cape Ann 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 – SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann 978.927.8665

We Do it Right the First Time!

10/5/2023 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann can provide specialized services that rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. Any restorable item in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including: furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more.

SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann does not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Ask your SERVPRO® representative to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services please visit our website or contact SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann at 978-927-8665. Whether it's fire, water or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

About SERVPRO® Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO® Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO® System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

FIRE TIPS

9/6/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. the SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann Professionals understand your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are the very things that make a house a home.

If You Have Questions or Need Help,
Call Us Today 978-927-8665

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann Professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your belongings to determine what items they can restore to pre-fire condition. They use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann Professionals can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out has several benefits, including:

  • A quicker remodeling process
  • Protecting items from potential damage
  • Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, they will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage. 

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. A SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

  • Television sets
  • DVD players
  • Computers
  • And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Fire Damage Cleanup

7/6/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. the SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann Professionals understand your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are the very things that make a house a home.

If You Have Questions or Need Help,
Call Us Today 978-927-8665

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann Professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your belongings to determine what items they can restore to pre-fire condition. They use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann Professionals can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out has several benefits, including:

  • A quicker remodeling process
  • Protecting items from potential damage
  • Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, they will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage. 

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. A SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

  • Television sets
  • DVD players
  • Computers
  • And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Cape Ann Fire Damage Restoration Process

3/9/2023 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today 1-978-927-8665

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call  SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann, which is available 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch our crew with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 4: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

SERVPRO Beverly/Cape Ann will use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 6: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

FIRE DAMAGE IS NO PROBLEM FOR SERVPRO OF BEVERLY/ CAPE ANN

2/2/2023 (Permalink)

If you are unlucky enough to have to deal with a house fire in the unpredictable weather of New England in February, there are many things that must be accomplished after the fire trucks and emergency personnel leave. Your home will most likely suffer from fire, smoke, and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. Here are some prioritized steps that need to be performed in the aftermath:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann, which is available 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch our crew with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes most of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 4: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

SERVPRO Beverly/Cape Ann will use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 6: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann (978)-927-8665

Easy Fire Prevention Tips

1/5/2023 (Permalink)

The Winter Months are the most active months for house fires , so here are a few tips to help lessen the chances for a fire. 

  • Wiring and Outlets
    • Electrical cords should be checked throughtout your home for signs of fraying and make sure all frayed wires are replaced.
    • Do not cover cords with items such as rugs or blankets
    • Be aware of the capacity that your home can handle in it's electrical system. If possible have a generator on hand
    • Make sure to understand the difference between surge protectors and power strips. A surge protector helps to protect electronic devices.
  • Kitchen's
    • Make sure there is a fire extinguisher readily available and that everyone knows how to use it.
    • Keep the stove top and oven clean. A build up of grease on the stove or in the oven can lead to a house fire next time it is used if not cleaned properly.
    • Do not leave the stove top unattended - even for a minute.
  • Dryer's
    • Installing a dryer improperly could lead to a house fire when it is used for the first time. Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly to prevent a fire from happening through the vent.
    • Cleaning the dryer's lint filter every time the dryer is used and cleaning the vent itself every three months will help in fire prevention. 
  • Chimneys
    • If there is a chimney that is located in your house make sure it is inspected annually and repair as needed. Have a professional chimney sweep clean the chimney annually.
    • Make sure to only burn wood.
  • Other Sources of Heating
    • Space heaters are known for starting house fires when left on for too long, or when nobody is in the house. Always turn off if unattended.
    • Make sure your space heater is far enough away from all furniture or anything else that can catch fire. 

When a storm hits SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann is Ready!

Holiday Cooking Fire Damage

11/18/2022 (Permalink)

As the Holiday season is quickly approaching SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann would like to help keep your celebrating free of a hot smokey disaster. Emergencies do happen and we can have your back if anything goes awry.

According to National Fire Protection Association the average number of reported residential building fires on Thanksgiving Day was more than double (2.3 times more) the average number of fires in residential buildings on all other days. The average losses for these fires, however, were less than the same measures for non-Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings. What causes such an uptick in these residential fires? Cooking.

Cooking was, by far, the leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings at 74% followed by heating at 8%. By comparison, cooking was the cause of 51% of residential building fires that occurred on all days of the year other than Thanksgiving. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cookingHere are some tips to help avoid and incident while cooking for your feast:

“Cook with Caution”

  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains — away from your stovetop.

If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

  • On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
  • When in any doubt of fighting a small fire: Call 911 and proceed to leave the house.

For 24/7 assistance with fire or smoke damage restoration, be sure to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann (978)927-8665.

Over half (54%) of Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occurred from 10 a.m. throughout the evening. This stands in contrast to the rest of the year when residential building fires peaked during “normal” dinnertime hours of 5 to 8 p.m. (Source: NFIRS 5.0). A common way that these fires are also happening are from deep frying a turkey. Deep frying a turkey might seem like a great way to change up your cooking game, but before you invest in that Cadillac of a turkey fryer, check out some of the hazards:

  • Turkey fryers can tip easily and spilling hot oil across a large area.
  • An overfilled cooking pot will cause cooking oil to spill when the turkey is put in.
  • A partially frozen turkey will cause cooking oil to splatter when you put it in the cooking pot.
  • Without thermostat controls, deep fryers can overheat oil to the point of starting a fire.
  • The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles can get dangerously hot.

If you do decide to deep fry your poultry remember that you increase the risk of a coking fire. Keep in mind the potential dangers of deep frying a turkey:

  • Use your turkey fryer only outside on a sturdy, level surface well away from things that can burn.
  • Determine the right amount of cooking oil needed by first placing the turkey in the pot with water.
  • Make sure your turkey is COMPLETELY thawed before you fry it.
  • Check the temperature often with an appropriate thermometer frequently so the oil won’t overheat.
  • Use long cooking gloves that protect hands and arms when you handle the pot, lid and handles of the turkey fryer.

Thanksgiving is about coming together with family and friends and celebrating, don’t let a little thing like a house fire ruin the rest of the Holiday season! Play it safe and for 24/7 assistance with fire or smoke damage restoration, be sure to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann (978)927-8665. Making fire and smoke damage "Like it never even happened."

Fire and Smoke Odor in Your Essex County Home or Business?

11/10/2022 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann can provide specialized services that rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. Any restorable item in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including: furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more.

SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann does not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Ask your SERVPRO® representative to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services please visit our website or contact SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann at 978-927-8665. Whether it's fire, water or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

About SERVPRO® Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO® Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO® System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Common Causes of Household Fires

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

Experiencing a fire in your home or commercial property can be a significantly traumatic event. As a local provider of fire & smoke restoration services, we at SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann have assisted in the cleanup of fire damage resulting from a variety of different causes. Here are a few of the leading causes of house fires according to the National Fire Protection Association:

  1. Cooking Fires-Specifically, unattended cooking. Be sure to check the items you're cooking regularly, keep any items that could catch fire away from the stove top or open flame, and stay alert: if you're sleep or have consumed alcohol, do not use stove or stove top.
  2. Heating Related Fires- Be sure to check out our other blogs regarding home heating safety. Half of home heating fires take place during December, January, and February.
  3. Electrical Fires- May is National Electrical Safety Month which is meant to raise awareness of potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety as well as the safety of electrical workers.
  4. Smoking Related Fires- In 2014, it was reported that smoking materials such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes caused over 17,000 structure fires in the United States.
  5. Candle Related Fires- There were reportedly over 7,600 home related structure fires in the U.S. between 2014-2018. On average, 21 home candle fires are reported each day.

For more information regarding causes and prevention of home structure fires, be sure to visit the website of the National Fire Prevention Association

For 24/7 assistance with fire or smoke damage restoration, be sure to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann (978)927-8665. Making fire and smoke damage "Like it never even happened."

Related Fire Services

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, effects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann understands your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure; they make it home. Our team wants to help clean, protect and restore those special items after such a catastrophic event.

Content Restoration

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that cannot withstand wet cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product. 

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out will provide several benefits, including:

  • Quicker remodeling
  • Protection of items from potential damage
  • Preservation from potential future damage

When the restoration process is completed, we collaborate with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs and depending on your insurance coverage.

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that will corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device rendering it useless. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

  • Televisions
  • DVD players
  • Computers

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage, they will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Document / Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water or fire, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the fire damage does not destroy them totally. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. 

Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, there are five options for the restoration of documents:

  • Air Drying
  • Dehumidification
  • Freezer Drying
  • Vacuum Freeze Drying
  • Vacuum Thermal Drying

Contents Claim Inventory Service

When a fire emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including photographing, and in some instances, bar coding.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service includes:

  • Pre loss listing and value of contents
  • Detailed and accurate reports
  • Better information to settle claims quicker
  • Assistance with burden of proof for claims

Call SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann at (978) 927-8665 for peace of mind when you need it most!

Why Call SERVPRO of Beverly Cape Ann After a Fire?

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial properties after fire, smoke, or water damage events. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration, from the initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training to regular IICRC-industry certifications, our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property in almost any state. SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann always cares for our client's property like it was our own. We are faster to any size disaster and can be at your property within one hour of receiving the call. We assure you the most reliable and quality services because dealing with fire damage to your home and/or business can be the most devastating incident you could ever have to experience.

Due to this being a stressful time, the best solution is to contact us at (978) 927-8665 not only because we are a professional restoration company but our goal is to help you every step of the way and are here for you no matter what time disaster happens. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year!!

Four Steps to Cleaning Your Home After A Fire

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

  • Step One: Emergency Contact
    • SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann (978-927-8665) offers a 24/7 emergency service number that can be contacted when a fire occurs in your home. This is a very important feature when trying to find a company to clean after something tragic like a fire or flood happens.  Why do you need to start a fire damage restoration damage right away? You want to be able to prevent any more damage from happening to your property.
  • Step Two: Assessment
    • The next step in the fire damage restoration is where the company will assess the extent of the damage that has happened to your property.  This is important because it gives the company a plan of action and the company will then be able to give you and accurate quote for the cost. Most importantly, to make sure your home looks “Like it never even happened.”
  • Step Three: Clean Up
    • The main step is where a SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann (978)927-8665 fire damage restoration service will being the cleanup process of the damage. They will clean away smoke, dust, and soot from your surfaces and any underlying issues that come about. After a fire often you will find that your property looks dark, stained and charred. The first job your fire damage restoration company will do is clean up all the damage and get your property looking “Like it never even happened.”  During this fire damage restoration process, SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann (978)927-8665will also ensure to remove any odors that can linger after the smoke has been in the room. This might involve carpet cleaning and will often need to address adjacent rooms as well as those directly affected by fire damage.
  • Step Four: Restore and Renovation
    • After everything is cleaned up next begins the last and final step, getting your property back to the way it was.

Don't Let Smoke and Soot Get in the Way!

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

gloved hand washing away soot damage with sponge Soot and Smoke Damage can seriously cut into your weekend plans...

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

How High Heat Smoke Works

  • 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.
  • This 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 Beverly/Cape Ann will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage has occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here are some different types of smoke and soot:

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.  SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann has the right equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We treat your property and family like we would our own: with the delicacy and sympathy that is warranted in such situations.

Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann (978) 927-8665

Fire Damage is No Problem for SERVPRO Beverly/Cape Ann

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

firefighters fighting a house fire What are you supposed to do in the aftermath of a house fire?

If you are unlucky enough to have to deal with a house fire in the unpredictable weather of New England in February, there are many things that must be accomplished after the fire trucks and emergency personnel leave. Your home will most likely suffer from fire, smoke, and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. Here are some prioritized steps that need to be performed in the aftermath:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann, which is available 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch our crew with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes most of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 4: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

SERVPRO Beverly/Cape Ann will use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 6: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann (978)-927-8665

Fire Check List

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Fighters Fighting a Massive Blaze Fire Fighters may save your property during a fire but what happens after they leave?

Fires can happen quickly and ferociously and leave a devastating wake of damage to your home or business. Of course, always call 911 and emergency services if you suspect a fire but call SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann after to help with the aftermath.

After a fire this following checklist serves as a quick reference and guide for what to do next:

  • Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the red cross, if you need temporary housing, food, sundries and medicine. 
  • If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting the property. Create an inventory and contact "Fire Restoration Services." If you are not insured, try contacting private organizations for aid and assistance (United Way www.unitedway.org) 
  • Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage caused by the fire.
  • The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. Do not attempt to reconnect the utilities yourself, call the gas and or electric company to do so. 
  • Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made and try to take pictures of everything. Try to locate valuable documents and records. Refer to information on contacts and the replacement. 
  • If you leave your home, contact your local police department to let them know your home will be unoccupied.
  • Begin saving receipts for any money spend related to the fire/loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on the income tax.
  • Notify your mortgage company about the fire. 

When you are ready to restore what once was and try to get back to normal: SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 978-927-8665. We specialize in these types of restoration services and want to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Winter House Fire Preparedness

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

House on Fire in Winter This house fire could have been prevented...

There are so many ways that a house fire can be started during the winter months January and February. Most of these instances are usually preventable if proper precautions are met. SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann (978)927-8665 wants to always remind you to be wary of certain instances that can unfortunately lead to a housefire in the dead of winter.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), heating is the second leading cause of home fires following cooking. Taking simple steps can prevent a fire from happening in your home. 

The National Fire Protection Association and USFA offer these heating safety tips, including:

  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from a fireplace, wood stove, or space heater.
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters
  • Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

The US Fire Administration suggests:

  • Replace all your smoke alarm batteries with new batteries yearly and test your alarms monthly.
  • Clean your pipes and chimneys if you have not done so for this season
  • If you heat with wood, "burn clean, not green": using properly seasoned wood is safer, producing less creosote, and provides more heat.

Home fires are now caused most frequently by candle use, and by placing combustible materials too close to heat sources. Be mindful of this! Never leave a room with a burning candle - always make sure it is out first. And always provide sufficient clearance around any heat source.

Of course, not everything can be prevented and when these things happen look for SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann (978)927-8665 to help clean up afterwards. We can help put everything back right “Like it never even happened.”

What’s Your Extinguisher Type?

In an emergency, a portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property when used to put out a small fire. However, when it comes to extinguishers, one type does not fit all. Did you know there are several types of fire extinguishers? Each one is designed to extinguish different kinds of fires:

  • A: For use with materials like cloth, wood, and paper.
  • A-B-C or B-C: Multi-purpose fire extinguishers best suited for home use. Most home improvement stores carry fire extinguishers that cover class A through class C.
  • B: For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil, and oil-based paints.
  • C: For use with electrical equipment like appliances, tools, or other equipment that is plugged in.
  • D: For use with flammable metals like aluminum, magnesium, and titanium; and
  • K: For use with vegetable oils, animal oils, and fats in cooking appliances.

Before using an extinguisher, please keep in mind that the U. S. Fire Administration recommends that only people trained in the proper use and maintenance of fire extinguishers consider using them when appropriate. Contact your local fire department for training information.

Remember that SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann (978)927-8665 will always be there to help with our 24/7 Emergency Service!

Holiday Cooking Fire Hazards

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Turkey Fryer When deep frying a turkey goes wrong...

As the Holiday season is quickly approaching SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann would like to help keep your celebrating free of a hot smokey disaster. Emergencies do happen and we can have your back if anything goes awry.

According to National Fire Protection Association the average number of reported residential building fires on Thanksgiving Day was more than double (2.3 times more) the average number of fires in residential buildings on all other days. The average losses for these fires, however, were less than the same measures for non-Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings. What causes such an uptick in these residential fires? Cooking.

Cooking was, by far, the leading cause of all Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings at 74% followed by heating at 8%. By comparison, cooking was the cause of 51% of residential building fires that occurred on all days of the year other than Thanksgiving. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Here are some tips to help avoid and incident while cooking for your feast:

“Cook with Caution”

  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
  • Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains — away from your stovetop.

If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

  • On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
  • When in any doubt of fighting a small fire: Call 911 and proceed to leave the house.

For 24/7 assistance with fire or smoke damage restoration, be sure to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann (978)927-8665.

Over half (54%) of Thanksgiving Day fires in residential buildings occurred from 10 a.m. throughout the evening. This stands in contrast to the rest of the year when residential building fires peaked during “normal” dinnertime hours of 5 to 8 p.m. (Source: NFIRS 5.0). A common way that these fires are also happening are from deep frying a turkey. Deep frying a turkey might seem like a great way to change up your cooking game, but before you invest in that Cadillac of a turkey fryer, check out some of the hazards:

  • Turkey fryers can tip easily and spilling hot oil across a large area.
  • An overfilled cooking pot will cause cooking oil to spill when the turkey is put in.
  • A partially frozen turkey will cause cooking oil to splatter when you put it in the cooking pot.
  • Without thermostat controls, deep fryers can overheat oil to the point of starting a fire.
  • The sides of the cooking pot, lid and pot handles can get dangerously hot.

If you do decide to deep fry your poultry remember that you increase the risk of a coking fire. Keep in mind the potential dangers of deep frying a turkey:

  • Use your turkey fryer only outside on a sturdy, level surface well away from things that can burn.
  • Determine the right amount of cooking oil needed by first placing the turkey in the pot with water.
  • Make sure your turkey is COMPLETELY thawed before you fry it.
  • Check the temperature often with an appropriate thermometer frequently so the oil won’t overheat.
  • Use long cooking gloves that protect hands and arms when you handle the pot, lid and handles of the turkey fryer.

Thanksgiving is about coming together with family and friends and celebrating, don’t let a little thing like a house fire ruin the rest of the Holiday season! Play it safe and for 24/7 assistance with fire or smoke damage restoration, be sure to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann (978)927-8665. Making fire and smoke damage "Like it never even happened."

Fire Odor In Your Essex County Home or Business?

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann can provide specialized services that rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. Any restorable item in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including: furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more.

SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann does not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Ask your SERVPRO® representative to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services please visit our website or contact SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann at 978-927-8665. Whether it's fire, water or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

About SERVPRO® Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO® Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO® System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Common Causes of Household Fires

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

Experiencing a fire in your home or commercial property can be a significantly traumatic event. As a local provider of fire & smoke restoration services, we at SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann have assisted in the cleanup of fire damage resulting from a variety of different causes. Here are a few of the leading causes of house fires according to the National Fire Protection Association:

1. Cooking Fires-Specifically, unattended cooking. Be sure to check the items you're cooking regularly, keep any items that could catch fire away from the stove top or open flame, and stay alert: if you're sleep or have consumed alcohol, do not use stove or stove top.

2. Heating Related Fires- Be sure to check out our other blogs regarding home heating safety. Half of home heating fires take place during December, January, and February.

3. Electrical Fires- May is National Electrical Safety Month which is meant to raise awareness of potential home electrical hazards and the importance of electrical safety as well as the safety of electrical workers.

4. Smoking Related Fires- In 2014, it was reported that smoking materials such as cigarettes, cigars, and pipes caused over 17,000 home structure fires in the United States.

5. Candle Related Fires- There were reportedly over 7,600 home related structure fires in the U.S. between 2014-2018. On average, 21 home candle fires are reported each day.

For more information regarding causes and prevention of home structure fires, be sure to visit the website of the National Fire Prevention Association

For 24/7 assistance with fire or smoke damage restoration, be sure to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann (978)927-8665. Making fire and smoke damage "Like it never even happened."

Your Belongings and Fire Damage

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Related Fire Services

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann understands your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure; they make it home.

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Call Us Today (978) 927-8665

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.
     

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO Beverly/ Cape Ann can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

  • A quicker remodeling process
  • Protecting items from potential damage
  • Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

  • Television sets
  • DVD players
  • Computers
  • And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Document / Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water or fire, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the fire damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. 

Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, they have five options for the restoration of documents:

  • Air Drying
  • Dehumidification
  • Freezer Drying
  • Vacuum Freeze Drying
  • Vacuum Thermal Drying

Contents Claim Inventory Service

When a fire emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, bar coding.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:

  • Preloss list and value of contents
  • Detailed and accurate report
  • Better information to settle claims quicker
  • Assistance with burden of proof for claims

Call SERVPRO Of Beverly/ Cape Ann at (978) 927-8665 for a Peace of mind when you need it most!

Why Call SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann After A Fire?

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property! SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann always care for our client's property like our own, We act quick to any disaster and are to your property within one hour receiving the call, We are equipped to deal with any size of fire damage, and We are specialized in fire and water-related damages; therefore we assure you the most reliable and quality services. Dealing with fire damage to your home and/or property could be the most devastating incident you can ever have to experience.

Being a stressful time for you, we believe that all you need is to contact us here at SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann at (978) 927-8665 not only because we are a professional restoration company but our goal is to help you every step of the way but we are here for you no matter what time disaster happens. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year!!

Four Steps to Cleaning Your Home After a Fire

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

  • Step One: Emergency Contact
    • SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann (978-927-8665)offers a 24/7 emergency service number that can be contacted when a fire occurs in your home. This is a very important feature when trying to find a company to clean after something tragic like a fire or flood happens.  Why do you need to start a fire damage restoration damage right away? You want to be able to prevent anymore damage from happening to your property.
  • Step Two: Assessment
    • The next step in the fire damage restoration is where the company will assess the extent of the damage that has happened to your property.  This is important because it gives the company a plan of action and the company will then be able to give you and accurate quote for the cost. Most importantly, to make sure your home looks “Like it never even happened.”
  • Step Three: Clean Up
    • The main step, is where a SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann 978-927-8665 fire damage restoration service will being the cleanup process of the damage. They will clean away smoke, dust, and soot from your surfaces and any underlying issues that come about. After a fire often you will find that your property looks dark, stained and charred. The first job your fire damage restoration company will do is clean up all the damage and get your property looking “Like it never even happened.”  During this fire damage restoration process, SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann 978-927-8665will also ensure to remove any odors that can linger after the smoke has been in the room. This might involve carpet cleaning and will often need to address adjacent rooms as well as those directly affected by fire damage.
  • Step Four: Restore and Renovation
    • After all is cleaned up next begins the next and final step, finally getting your property back to the way it was.

Fire Damage's no Problem.

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today 1-978-927-8665

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call  SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann, which is available 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch our crew with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 4: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

SERVPRO Beverly/Cape Ann will use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 6: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call us Today 978-927-8665

Don't Let Smoke and Soot get in the Way!

3/2/2021 (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 Beverly/Cape Ann 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 – SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann 978.927.8665

Fire Check List.

3/1/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire checklist, the following checklist serves as a quick reference and guide for you and your family after a fire strikes.

  • Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the red cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines. 
  • If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting the property. Conducting inventory and contacting "Fire Restoration Services." If you are not insured, try contacting private organizations for Aid and assistance. 
  • Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter, Be sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage caused by the fire.
  • The fire department should see that utilities   are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. Do not attempt to reconnect  utilities yourself. 
  • Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made. Try to locate valuable documents and records. Refer to information on contacts and the replacement. 
  • If you leave your home, contact your local police department to let them know your home will be unoccupied.
  • Begin saving receipts for any money spend related to the fire/loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on the income tax.
  • Notify your mortgage company about the fire. 

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 978-927-8665. 

WILL YOU BE READY?

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

It is important to prepare before a disaster occurs. Consider the following steps to help you better prepare for an emergency situation.

  • Sign up for local alerts and warnings, download apps and/ or check access for wireless emergency alerts.
  • Develop and test emergency communication plans.
  • Assemble or update emergency supplies.
  • Learn about local hazards and conduct a drill to practice emergency response actions.
  • Participate in a preparedness discussion, training or class.
  • Collect and safeguard critical documents.
  • Plan with neighbors to help each other and share resources.
  • Document property and obtain appropriate insurance for relevant hazards.
  • Make property improvements to reduce potential injury and property damage.

Emergencies can happen anytime to anyone. Take action now to protect yourself and your property. SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann is ready to respond any time of day or night.

Call SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann to help make it "Like it never even happened," at 1-978-927-8665.

5 most common reasons for house fires

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

1. Despite overall progress reducing in home fires, Fire safety facts show cooking fires have remained steady.

Here are some factors.

  • Not keeping an eye on the stovetop, ovens, and other cooking equipment.
  • Placing flammable materials too close to heat
  • Improperly throwing out or disposing of hot material
  • Leaving heat generating appliances on after cooking- or turning them on accidentally. 

2. Heating takes second place among the top fire Hazards in the home- with electric heaters and fire places bearing much of the blame.

No surprise that winter months see a disproportionately large share of space-heater and fireplace-related fires in December, January, and February as there are in the other nine months of the year combined.

3. Fire safety facts- electrical fires are single-most damage source of Ignition.

Some Common causes of home electrical fires include.

  • Faulty outlets and old appliances.
  • Bulbs with wattages that are too high for the fixture.
  • Misuse of extension cords.
  • Wiring that cant handle the demands of modern electrical devices. 

4. Smoking Fires join the top fire Hazards in the home as less common but extremely lethal events

 5. Only 1 in 5 home fires with candles, but they cause their fair share of harm. 

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann 978-927-8665

THANKSGIVING FIRE TIPS

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations.

So keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.

Thanksgiving by the numbers
  • Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
  • Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
  • Cooking equipment was involved in almost half (48%) of all reported home fires and civilian and tied with heating equipment for the second leading cause of home fire deaths
Safety tips
  • 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, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
  • 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.
More NFPA Thanksgiving-related information

If you do have a kitchen fire SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann is here to get your family back to cooking!!  Our professional and experienced teams will remove the smoke, soot and fire damage from your home.  Even a small kitchen fire can leave a residue and odor.  Call SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann at 978-927-8665 to get your home back in it's best condition for the holidays!!

Home Space Heater

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

In the colder months of the year, homeowners look for ways to make chilly areas warm and comfortable. While space heaters can be useful to keep small areas warm, it’s very important to use them with caution. In a 2010 study, it was found that space heaters caused 32 percent of all home heating fires but were involved in 79 percent of all home-heating related fire deaths. Fortunately, using a space heater can be safe if you follow these simple recommendations.

NFPA offers the following safety tips.  

Heating

  • Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
  • Supervise children when a fireplace, fire pit, or other space heater is being used. Use a sturdy, metal screen to prevent contact burns, which are even more common than flame burns.
  • All heaters need space. Keep things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
  • Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
  • Never use your oven for heating.
  • Install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment, according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Have a qualified professional install the equipment.
    • Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is created when fuels burn incompletely. CO poisoning can cause illness and even death. Make sure the venting for exhaust is kept clear and unobstructed. This includes removal of snow and ice around the outlet to the outside.
  • Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.

Portable electric space heaters

  • Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
  • Use and purchase portable space heaters with an automatic shut off so if they’re tipped over they will shut off.
  • Place space heater on solid, flat surface.
  • Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
  • Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections. Replace before using.

Fuel burning space heaters

  • Always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer.
  • When refueling, allow the appliance to cool and refuel outside or in a well-ventilated area.
  • When using the heater, open a window to ensure proper ventilation.
  • In portable kerosene or other liquid-fueled space heaters, always use the proper grade of the proper fuel.
  • All new unvented gas-fired space heaters have an oxygen depletion sensor that detects a reduced level of oxygen in the area where the heater is operating and shuts off the heater before a hazardous level of carbon monoxide accumulates. If you have an older heater without this feature, replace it.
  • If the pilot light of your gas heater goes out, allow 5 minutes or more for the gas to go away before trying again, do not allow gas to accumulate, and light the match before you turn on the gas to the pilot to avoid risk of flashback.
  • If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not attempt to light the appliance. Turn off all the controls and open doors and window. Call a gas service person.

Wood burning stoves

  • Install the stove, chimney connectors and chimneys following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation.
  • Wood stoves should bear the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
  • In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.
  • Start the fire with newspaper or kindling, never with a flammable liquid, such as lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline.
  • Keep the doors of your wood stove closed unless loading or stoking the live fire.
  • Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from the home and any other nearby buildings. Douse and saturate with water.
  • Chimneys and vents need to be cleaned and inspected at least once a year.

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann is here to help you recover from any fire.  Our trained technicians will remove the smoke and soot from your home.  Saving your belongings and memories.  Call your neighbors when you need us 978-927-8665

Let SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann Help

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann Understands your concerns after a fire happens in your home or business, After the fire trucks leave your home or business likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from the firefighters efforts putting it out. SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann has the specialized fire restoration training needed in restoring your home or business to its pre-fire conditions.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann, Which is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. One of our representative's will ask you a series of questions regarding the Fire damage event that will help us to dispatch our crew with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage 

Our professionals will carefully inspect and test rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Water Removal and Drying ( if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann will then use dehumidifiers and air scrubbers to remove the remaining water and complete the air drying. 

Step 4: Removal of Smoke and Soot From All Surfaces.

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann uses a specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls and other surfaces.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing: 

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann will clean all your restorable  items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We are trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers ad fogging equipment.

Step 6: Restoration:

 Restoration is the final step- getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing Drywall, Painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as reconstruction of various areas.

Call SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann Today 978-927-8665

What you need to know about Fire and Soot Damage

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home or business, causing hidden damage and odor. SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann has the expertise and experience that allows us to inspect and accurately access the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Different types of smoke

There are two different types of smoke, wet and dry, as a result of the different types of soot residue after a fire, before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann will test the soot to determine which type of smoke  damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on that. Here are some examples.

Wet Smoke/ Plastic or Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean on your own, But SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann will make it "Like it never even happened." 

Dry Smoke/ Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high Temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann is here to help call us today 24/7 978-927-8665

FIRE ODOR IN YOUR HOME! LET US HELP

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potential permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors. 

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann can provide specialized services that rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. Any restorable item in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including: furniture, draperies, and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more.

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann does not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out and remove the source of the odor. Ask your SERVPRO representative to explain the various deodorization method's available and which will work best for you.

If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services give us a call 978-927-8665

FIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire conditions. 

Step 1: Emergency Contact 

The restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann, which is available 24 Hours a day and 7 Days a Week. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch our crew with the appropriate equipment.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damages. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 4: Removal of Smoke and Soot From All Surfaces

SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann will use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belonging to pre-fire condition. They're also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. 

Step 6: Restoration

Restoration is the final step getting your home or business to it's pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call SERVPRO of Beverly/ Cape Ann 978-927-8665 We are open 24 hours 7 days a week including Holidays and weekends.

5 Different sources of House Fires and how to prevent a Fire in your home

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Wall on fire House fire

Wiring and outlets

  • Electrical cords should be checked throughout your home for signs of fraying and make sure All frayed wires are replaced.
  • Do not cover cords with item such as rugs or blankets.
  • Be aware of the capacity that your home can handle in it's electrical system, If possible have a generator on hand.
  • Make sure to understand the difference between surge protectors and power stripes. A surge protectors help protect electronic devices.

Kitchen's 

  • Make sure there is a Fire extinguishers readily available and make sure one knows to use it in case of emergencies. 
  • Keeping your stove clean is another way to prevent a house fire. Grease on a stove or in an oven can lead to a house fire the next time it is used, if not cleaned properly.
  • Do not leave the stove top unattended- even for a minute. 

Dryer's 

  • Installing a dryer improperly could lead to a house fire when its used for the first time. Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly to prevent a fire from happening through the vent.
  • Make sure your dryer is cleaned regularly- including the vent.

Other sources of Heating 

  • Space heaters are known for starting house fires when left on for too long, or when nobody is in your home- make sure to turn it off if unattended.
  • Make sure your space heater is far enough away from all furniture or anything else that can get too hot to catch fire. 

Chimneys 

  • If there is a chimney that is located in your house make sure it is inspected annually. Have a professional clean or repair your chimney as needed. 
  • Make sure to use wood only.

Did a Fire Cause Smoke and Soot Damage to Your North Shore Home?

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

. Smoke travels. Even small fires can cause a lot of damage. We have the equipment to remove the smoke from your home.

How to Remove Smoke Odor After a Fire Damages your North Shore Home

After a home has sustained fire damage, it is easy to detect the smoke odor. The telltale scent makes its way or lingers in walls, drapes, carpets, clothes, and furniture, among other items. The smell may even sicken you, and you may not tolerate it. Regardless of the size of the fire and how quickly you extinguished it, the smoke it emits can permeate your entire home.

When your North Shore home has fire damage, you need to begin the restoration process promptly. You may have tried to eliminate the smoke odor yourself but failed. Cleaning the smoke residues and removing the scent can be difficult, tedious, and futile. SERVPRO restoration experts can help you in cleaning up your home and eliminating the smoky smell before it worsens.

Insurers classify fire and smoke damage into two categories; primary and secondary. We can help you determine the severity of fire damage in your property.

  • Primary fire damage – This refers to the destruction which happens because of the flames. It includes damage to the structures and contents of a home. 
  • Secondary fire damage – It refers to the damage caused by soot, smoke, and other corrosive substances, which are a direct by-product of the fire. Secondary fire damage usually accounts for most destruction that happens in a building.

Our Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRTs) can take several steps to remove the smoke odors while treating your home and possessions with care. We can assess the affected rooms to determine the full extent of the destruction and take the right steps to deal with it.

We can identify and list the smoke-damaged items that need removing from your home. The smoke odors can decrease after we remove the affected materials. Our team can also remove the contents that cannot be repaired and dispose of them appropriately. We can also take some items to our facilities for meticulous cleaning and restoration.

Our SERVPRO restorers can clean surfaces like walls, floors, woodwork, ceilings, mirrors, windows, light fixtures, and ceiling fans using specialized equipment and cleaning products. We can also spray affected surfaces with odor counteractants. Smoke particles can get into many areas of your property. Therefore, we can clean the exterior structures of your property, such as decks, siding, and windows. We can also remove smoke odors from your vehicle if it was in the vicinity when the fire happened. Our restorers can also close off the area inside your home to treat it using fogging equipment to neutralize the malodors.

Fire is terrible enough, but secondary damage from smoke and soot adds to the problem. Call SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann at (978) 927-8665 to address the issue. We serve the residents of the North Shore and Cape Ann

Thanksgiving Safety

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

Stove Top Fire Thanksgiving Fire Safety

For most, the kitchen is the heart of the home, especially during the holidays. From testing family recipes to decorating cakes and cookies, everyone enjoys being part of the preparations.

So keeping fire safety top of mind in the kitchen during this joyous but hectic time is important, especially when there’s a lot of activity and people at home. As you start preparing your holiday schedule and organizing that large family feast, remember, by following a few simple safety tips you can enjoy time with your loved ones and keep yourself and your family safer from fire.

Thanksgiving by the numbers
  • Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
  • Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in cooking fires and fire deaths.
  • Cooking equipment was involved in almost half (48%) of all reported home fires and civilian and tied with heating equipment for the second leading cause of home fire deaths
Safety tips
  • 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, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
  • 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.
More NFPA Thanksgiving-related information

If you do have a kitchen fire SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann is here to get your family back to cooking!!  Our professional and experienced teams will remove the smoke, soot and fire damage from your home.  Even a small kitchen fire can leave a residue and odor.  Call SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann at 978-927-8665 to get your home back in it's best condition for the holidays!!

Space Heater Safety

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Space Heater Space Heater Safety

In the colder months of the year, homeowners look for ways to make chilly areas warm and comfortable. While space heaters can be useful to keep small areas warm, it’s very important to use them with caution. In a 2010 study, it was found that space heaters caused 32 percent of all home heating fires but were involved in 79 percent of all home-heating related fire deaths. Fortunately, using a space heater can be safe if you follow these simple recommendations.

NFPA offers the following safety tips.  

Heating

  • Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
  • Supervise children when a fireplace, fire pit, or other space heater is being used. Use a sturdy, metal screen to prevent contact burns, which are even more common than flame burns.
  • All heaters need space. Keep things that can burn, such as paper, bedding or furniture, at least 3 feet away from heating equipment.
  • Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
  • Never use your oven for heating.
  • Install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment, according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Have a qualified professional install the equipment.
    • Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. CO is created when fuels burn incompletely. CO poisoning can cause illness and even death. Make sure the venting for exhaust is kept clear and unobstructed. This includes removal of snow and ice around the outlet to the outside.
  • Install and maintain carbon monoxide alarms to avoid risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.

Portable electric space heaters

  • Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.
  • Use and purchase portable space heaters with an automatic shut off so if they’re tipped over they will shut off.
  • Place space heater on solid, flat surface.
  • Plug power cords directly into outlets and never into an extension cord.
  • Inspect for cracked or damaged, broken plugs or loose connections. Replace before using.

Fuel burning space heaters

  • Always use the proper fuel as specified by the manufacturer.
  • When refueling, allow the appliance to cool and refuel outside or in a well-ventilated area.
  • When using the heater, open a window to ensure proper ventilation.
  • In portable kerosene or other liquid-fueled space heaters, always use the proper grade of the proper fuel.
  • All new unvented gas-fired space heaters have an oxygen depletion sensor that detects a reduced level of oxygen in the area where the heater is operating and shuts off the heater before a hazardous level of carbon monoxide accumulates. If you have an older heater without this feature, replace it.
  • If the pilot light of your gas heater goes out, allow 5 minutes or more for the gas to go away before trying again, do not allow gas to accumulate, and light the match before you turn on the gas to the pilot to avoid risk of flashback.
  • If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not attempt to light the appliance. Turn off all the controls and open doors and window. Call a gas service person.

Wood burning stoves

  • Install the stove, chimney connectors and chimneys following manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation.
  • Wood stoves should bear the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
  • In wood stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood. In pellet stoves, burn only dry, seasoned wood pellets.
  • Start the fire with newspaper or kindling, never with a flammable liquid, such as lighter fluid, kerosene or gasoline.
  • Keep the doors of your wood stove closed unless loading or stoking the live fire.
  • Allow ashes to cool before disposing. Dispose of ashes in a tightly covered metal container and keep the ash container at least 10 feet away from the home and any other nearby buildings. Douse and saturate with water.
  • Chimneys and vents need to be cleaned and inspected at least once a year.

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann is here to help you recover from any fire.  Our trained technicians will remove the smoke and soot from your home.  Saving your belongings and memories.  Call your neighbors when you need us 978-927-8665.

5 Different Sources of House Fires and How to Prevent A Fire in Your Home

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

A Home Fire That Began In A Wall

Wiring and Outlets

  • Make sure all electrical cords are checked throughout your home for signs of fraying and make sure all frayed wires are replaced.
  • Do not cover cords with item such as rugs or blankets.
  • Be aware of the capacity that your home can handle in its electrical system.
  • Make sure to understand the difference between surge protectors and power strips.  Surge protectors help protect electronic devices.

Kitchens

  • Make sure there is a fire extinguishers readily available and make sure one knows how to use it in case of emergencies.
  • Keeping your stove clean is another way to prevent a house fire. Grease on a stove or in an oven can lead to a fire the next time it is used, if not cleaned properly.  

Dryers

  • Installing a dryer not properly could lead to a house fire when it is used for the first time.  Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly to prevent a fire from happening though the vent.
  • Make sure your dryer is cleaned regularly
  • After each load of laundry is done make sure the lint is taken out from the previous load.

Other Sources of Heating

  • Space heaters are known for starting house fires when left on too long, or on when nobody is in your home.
  • Make sure your space heater is far enough away from all furniture or anything else that can get too warm and catch on fire.

Chimneys

  • If there in a chimney that is located in your house make sure it is inspected annually. Have a professional clean or repair your chimney as needed.  
  • Make sure to use wood only.

Four Steps to Cleaning Your Home After a Fire

12/10/2018 (Permalink)

  • Step One: Emergency Contact
    • SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann (978-927-8665) offers a 24/7 emergency service number that can be contacted when a fire occurs in your home. This is a very important feature when trying to find a company to clean after something tragic like a fire or flood happens.  Why do you need to start a fire damage restoration damage right away? You want to be able to prevent anymore damage from happening to your property.
  • Step Two: Assessment
    • The next step in the fire damage restoration is where the company will assess the extent of the damage that has happened to your property.  This is important because it gives the company a plan of action and the company will then be able to give you and accurate quote for the cost. Most importantly, to make sure your home looks “like it never happened”.
  • Step Three: Clean Up
    • The main step, is where a SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann 978-927-8665 fire damage restoration service will being the clean up process of the damage. They will clean away smoke, dust, and soot from your surfaces and any underlying issues that come about. After a fire often you will find that your property looks dark, stained and charred. The first job your fire damage restoration company will do is clean up all the damage and get your property looking “like it never happened”.  During this fire damage restoration process, SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann 978-927-8665 will also ensure to remove any odors that can linger after the smoke has been in the room. This might involve carpet cleaning and will often need to address adjacent rooms as well as those directly affected by fire damage.
  • Step Four: Restore and Renovation
    • After all is cleaned up next begins the next and final step, finally getting your property back to the way it was.

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann: Fire Damage Restoration Specialist Offers Beverly/Cape Ann Families Tips on Cooking Up a Safe Holiday Season

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

Startling statistics underscore the need for caution in the kitchen

Beverly, MA (Grassroots Newswire) Holiday party planning begins now for many families, and Antonio LaGrassa of SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann offers some important reminders to Beverly residents to help ensure this season glows with the warmth of good food and good friends, and not with the glare of a devastating home fire.

“The holiday season is a time when many families plan big and elaborate meals for large groups of people,” says LaGrassa. “But all that cooking creates an extraordinary risk of fire. For a safe and festive holiday season, it’s important to understand that risk and take steps to minimize it.”

Cooking Fire Safety

Research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reveals that in 2017, on average, U.S. fire departments responded to a home fire every 88 seconds.1 Cooking equipment was the leading cause2 of home fires and fire injuries, causing 47 percent of home fires. These fires resulted in 20 percent of the home fire deaths and 45 percent of the injuries.

“Beverly area families should keep these statistics in mind as the holidays approach. According to the NFPA, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by the day before Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and Christmas Eve2,” says LaGrassa. “Families should also be aware that frying poses the greatest risk of fire, in fact, the NFPA discourages the use of outdoor gas-fueled turkey fryers that immerse the turkey in hot oil.3 This video graphically illustrates the danger these devices can pose.” https://youtu.be/j3rF8F0JQRQ.

LaGrassa offers these additional cooking safety tips from FEMA’s U.S. Fire Administration.4

  1. Keep an eye on what you fry: If you see any smoke or the oil starts to boil, turn the burner off.
  2. Stand by your pan: If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner off.
  3. Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove so that no one can bump them or pull them over.
  4. Wear short sleeves or pull sleeves up: 18 percent of cooking fire fatalities in 2016 were caused by ignited clothing.2
  5. Keep a pot lid or cookie sheet nearby to cover a pan if it catches on fire.

“Taking common sense precautions like these and keeping kids and pets out of the kitchen during meal prep can help keep your holiday celebrations safe,” says LaGrassa. “The precautions you take could help prevent a devastating home fire, a tragic injury, or even the loss of life. While SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann are disaster response professionals and fire damage restoration specialists, they know how important it is to keep the focus on fire prevention, because for some types of loss, there is no remediation.”

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann is an industry leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services. For more fire prevention and fire safety tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit www.SERVPRObeverlycapeann.com. For more information on SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann, please contact Antonio LaGrassa at (978)927-8665 or office@SERVPRObeverly.com.

Citations

1 https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/Fire-statistics/Fires-in-the-US

2 https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/Fact-sheets/CookingFactSheet.ashx?la=en

3 https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Cooking/Turkey-fryers

4 https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/cooking.html

About SERVPRO®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Furnace Puff Back: A Difficult Mess

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Despite the increasing number of viable alternative heating methods available on the market, a large number of people in Massachusetts and New England still rely on oil furnaces to heat their homes and businesses. Modern heating systems are very reliable and dependable; most issues can be readily addressed by a qualified professional. Unfortunately, the malfunction commonly known as the "puff back" is not so easily dealt with.

A puffback is an explosion inside the burner chamber of the furnace, similar to the backfiring of a car. While there are a number of causes - such as excessive debris or a buildup of oil fumes prior to burner ignition - the resulting explosion can shoot soot and debris through the furnace's exhaust system...and into your home.

This soot is not just a powder-like substance; instead, it is black, sticky and will include a mixture of oil that is difficult to clean. Walls, ceilings, carpets, furniture and curtains are coated with a fine film of soot and smoky streaks. Typically, the damage is worse with a forced-air -heating system or central air-conditioning, because the duct work provides a path through the house, even into closets. In addition to the soot, a puff back causes a foul odor to permeate your home. Oil-based soot is extremely difficult to remove and needs to be cleaned as soon as possible.

Fortunately, SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann has the knowledge and experience to take care of difficult problems such as this. Since each puffback 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 home or business, while also treating your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

In the event of a puffback - or any fire, smoke or water emergency - SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann is just a phone call away.

Call us today at 978-927-8665!

Smoke and Soot Information

11/5/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Damage?

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 Beverly/Cape Ann 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 – 978 -927- 8655

Fire Damage To Your Business

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann has the training, experience, and equipment to handle commercial fire damage emergencies.

A fire can strike an office, a floor, or a whole building. The damage caused by fire, water, and smoke damage can be devastating and have a tremendous impact on the business and tenants. It is important to get help as soon as possible to clean-up the damage. SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann can properly and safely dispose of damaged materials, safeguard and clean your belongings, and clean and deodorize your property. Our team will use a combination of cleaning solutions, equipment, and products to properly clean the facility and eliminate any odors from the fire. 

  • 24 Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any Size Disaster
  • A Trusted Leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
  • Highly Trained Fire and Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Have Commercial Fire Damage?

Give us a call at:978-927-8665

https://www.SERVPRObeverlycapeann.com/commercial-fire-damage

Fire Odor in your Beverly,Gloucester and Rockport Home or Business

1/25/2018 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann can provide specialized services that rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. Any restorable item in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized, including: furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air ducts, and more.

SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann does not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out and remove the sources of the odor. Ask your SERVPRO® representative to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.

If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services please visit our website or contact SERVPRO® of Beverly/Cape Ann at 978-927-8665. Whether it's fire, water or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

About SERVPRO® Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO® Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO® System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Gloucester. Rockport. Manchester by the Sea Homeowners: Your Belongings and Fire Damage

12/23/2017 (Permalink)

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. the SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann Professionals understand your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are the very things that make a house a home.

If You Have Questions or Need Help,
Call Us Today 978-927-8665

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann Professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your belongings to determine what items they can restore to pre-fire condition. They use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

  • Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
  • Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
  • Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
  • Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
  • Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
  • Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann Professionals can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. A move-out has several benefits, including:

  • A quicker remodeling process
  • Protecting items from potential damage
  • Protecting contents from further on-site damage

When restoration is completed, they will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage. 

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. A SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

  • Television sets
  • DVD players
  • Computers
  • And more

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Beverly Area, Wenham and Hamilton: Fire Damage Restoration Process

12/23/2017 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today 1-978-927-8665

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call  SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann, which is available 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch our crew with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 4: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

SERVPRO Beverly/Cape Ann will use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 5: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 6: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Importance of Chimney Cleaning For Beverly/Cape Ann residents

12/23/2017 (Permalink)

Keeping a clean chimney can eliminate the possibility of chimney fires. The issue that can lead to fires is the creosote can build up when the firewood is not burned completely.

A smoky fire without enough oxygen emits lots of unburned tar vapors that can condense inside the flue and stick to it, possibly leading to a chimney fire. You can reduce creosote buildup in your fireplace by providing adequate combustion air, which will encourage a hot, clean-burning fire.

To check for creosote, shine the light near the top of the firebox, in the smoke chamber and around the damper. And check the flue, too, especially on exterior chimneys, where creosote builds faster than on interior chimneys because of lower outside temperatures

For more information check out:

https://www.familyhandyman.com/

Should you need help after a chimney fire, "We are always here to help!" 

Call SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann:  978-927-8665

Smoke And Soot Cleanup

9/30/2016 (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 [[Franchise Name]] 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 – SERVPRO of Beverly/Cape Ann 978.927.8665