The Art of Soot Damage Remediation

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes in the form of a fire, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Soot, the black residue that coats surfaces after a fire, not only mars the aesthetic appeal of your space but also poses health risks due to its toxic composition. Soot damage remediation is the art of restoring spaces to their former glory, erasing the unsightly effects of soot and ensuring a safe environment for inhabitants.

Soot particles are incredibly fine and can infiltrate even the tiniest crevices, making cleanup a complex task. Professional soot damage remediation specialists understand the science behind soot and its behavior, allowing them to employ the most effective techniques. The process typically involves a combination of thorough cleaning, specialized equipment, and restoration procedures.

Firstly, safety is paramount. Certified professionals assess the extent of the damage and identify potential hazards. They then proceed to remove loose soot using specialized vacuums and dry cleaning methods. Depending on the severity of the damage, surfaces may need to be scrubbed, and materials may require deep cleaning or replacement.

Soot damage often extends beyond what meets the eye. Air ducts, insulation, and hidden corners might harbor soot particles, leading to lingering odors and respiratory issues. Remediation experts meticulously clean and deodorize these areas, ensuring that every nook and cranny is addressed.

In cases of extensive damage, repainting and refinishing may be necessary. Skilled professionals match colors and textures to seamlessly restore walls, ceilings, and furniture. Additionally, air purification systems are often integrated to improve air quality and prevent future soot-related issues.

Soot damage remediation is not just about erasing the visible aftermath of a fire; it's about reclaiming a sense of normalcy and security. By entrusting this task to experienced professionals, you're not only restoring the aesthetics of your space but also safeguarding the health and well-being of those who inhabit it.

Contents Services After A Fire

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire in your home or business, it is rarely only the structure that is affected.  Almost always, items within the area will be affected by smoke and soot damage.  This can cause unsightly discoloration and/or obtrusive odors.  Some of the items will be beyond repair, but some will hopefully be salvageable.  

As part of our comprehensive fire damage remediation process, we will take inventory of all of the items in the area.  We will then assess all the pieces, and see which items can be salvaged and which items need to be discarded and replaced.  We will take all of the salvageable items and pack them up.  Then we will bring them to our secure facility, where we will perform deodorization and cleaning procedures.  Once all the pieces are restored to preloss condition, we will pack them back up and store them.  After our team is finished with the damage remediation at your property, we will bring your belongings back to you.

It is important to contact a damage restoration professional as soon as you notice any storm damage. SERVPRO of Greenwich has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had damage to their property.  If you have any type of damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Trash Chute Fire Leads To Massive Water Damage

3/15/2022 (Permalink)

Recently, a mid-size apartment building had an unusual fire occur that turned into a large-scale disaster.  

Somehow, a fire started on the sixth floor of the building inside the trash chute.  The heat and smoke tripped the smoke alarms and the building’s sprinkler system.  While the fire itself was not that large, the water used by the fire department and the water from the sprinkler system created thousands of gallons of water that needed to be removed.  Furthermore, the water began to descend from the sixth floor, and pour into at least the two floors below on that side of the building.  While the sprinklers may have saved the building from further fire damage, the water was an issue.

SERVPRO of Greenwich was called in to fix the issue, which had occurred around 10pm.  Our crew responded quickly with the appropriate equipment and materials.  We extracted the excess water first, so that proper drying equipment could be set up.  An array of dehumidifiers and air movers were strategically placed throughout the area with an hour to begin the process.  

It is important to contact a damage restoration professional as soon as you notice any storm damage. SERVPRO of Greenwich has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had damage to their property.  If you have any type of damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Sometimes Fire Damage Is Invisible

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs in a home or business, the fire puts out a couple byproducts. One such byproduct is soot, which can come in a few forms.  Another byproduct is smoke, which has an off-putting smell. Unlike the soot, which is dark in contrast to walls and objects, smoke odors can linger and hide.  

Removing smoke odors can be the most difficult part of the restoration process following a fire. There is no visible sign of the smoke odor, so it is hard to know where to clean.  Proper technique, tools, and thoroughness are all necessary when attempting to remove odors from a home.  This means odors must be properly removed from all surfaces, porous and nonporous alike.  It also means carefully removing odors from items like carpets and furniture.

The other hard part about smoke odor damage is the fact that it can spread anywhere that airflow takes it.  This means that to remediate the damage properly, cleaning must encompass the entire area, not just the source of the fire.  

It is important to contact a damage restoration professional as soon as you notice any fire or smoke damage. Greenwich has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had damage to their property.  If you have any type of damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

What Can Be Salvaged After Smoke Damage?

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

While house fires can be very destructive, there may be items and elements of your home that can be saved.  Although there are a variety of these items, most can be put into a couple categories.

Hard, Nonporous Items

Items in this category will fare relatively well after a fire, assuming they are not burned or melted.  This is because their nonporous characteristics allow them to not be penetrated by discoloration, foul odors, or water used in firefighting efforts.

Glass - windows, dinnerware, and other glass items stand up well in heat, and can be easily washed until clean. 

Metal - Metal will rarely melt in a normal house fire, so they can also be washed

Hardwood flooring - due to most floors having a finish on them, they can be cleaned and refinished after remediation is complete.

Washable Items

On the other hand, cloth items will probably be penetrated by smoke and soot, unlike hard materials.  But they can be more vigorously cleaned in the washing machine, where hard materials cannot.  Anything that can go in the washer can usually be saved, provided that they are not directly damaged by the fire.

Clothes, furniture covers, curtains, and other cloth items can easily be put into the washing machine to be cleaned.  It may take an extra wash or two to completely remove odors, but it should get the job done.

What most likely won’t be salvageable:

- Nonperishable foods

- Perishable foods left at room temperature

- Medicine, cosmetics, and hygiene products

- Damaged cloth items 

The usual rule of thumb is to discard anything that you are unsure of.  Contaminated items can always be replaced if they are not sentimental.  Contaminated items can also lead to lingering smoke odors in your home. It is important to contact a damage restoration professional as soon as you notice any fire or smoke damage. Greenwich has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had damage to their property.  If you have any type of damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Greenwich Fire Aftermath

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Recently, a townhouse complex in Greenwich had a fire that spread through multiple units. The fire started as a result of faulty and old wiring that had not been checked in many years.  The wire sparked after overheating and caught the wooden frame on fire.  Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of the fire itself.  Unfortunately, the fire consumed one of the units, so a complete rebuild of the townhouse was needed.  

While the homeowners were inspecting the damage, one of them actually fell through the floor, as the structure had become compromised due to the fire.  Thankfully they were not injured, and only suffered a few scrapes.  Structural damage is always a concern after a fire, which is why you should use caution.  You should also hire a certified professional remediation company to fix the damage.

SERVPRO of Greenwich was called in to restore the property to preloss condition.  We executed a full restoration, which consisted of damage remediation, and reconstruction of the unit. The customer was definitely satisfied by the results.

It is important to contact a certified fire and smoke damage remediation professional as soon as you are aware of damage. SERVPRO of Greenwich has over 30 years of experience working with people who need damage restoration at their business property.  If you have any type of commercial property damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Holiday Cooking Fires

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

With the winter holidays rapidly approaching, everyone will be starting their food preparations.  As we mention every year, this time period is the busiest time for home cooking fires of the year.  Not only do the number of fires increase, but the value of property that is damaged goes up, as well as the number of injuries.  There are simple ways to make sure you, your family, and your belongings stay safe this year.

• Make sure that all smoke alarms (especially those near the kitchen) are in working order.  Replace any and all batteries that need changing.
• Wear only clothes that will not dangle near open flame or heat sources.
• Stay in the kitchen. Temporarily turn off the oven or stove until you return.
• Set an alarm to turn off any heat-generating appliances.
• Keep children and animals a safe distance from the cooking area.
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.

It is important to contact a fire damage restoration professional as soon as the flames are extinguished to help limit and remediate the damage. SERVPRO of Greenwich has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had fire damage to their property.  If you have any type of fire or smoke damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

SERVPRO Removes Fire Damage Odors from Greenwich Properties

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire, there may be serious odors left behind. This is because soot and smoke particles do an excellent job of settling inside porous material around your home or business. Clothing, furniture, and carpeting are all very susceptible to this odor damage.  Beyond that, ductwork and central air systems can have these same particles inside, especially if they were running at the time of the fire.  SERVPRO of Greenwich has abundant experience in remediation of these odors.

We use tools that are safe and EPA rated to remove soot and odors. 

Deodorizers that are sprayed or fogged that eliminate fire odors.

Cleaning solutions that are safe and work well to abate odors.

Abrasive methods, like scrubbing and washing affected surfaces.

HEPA filter air scrubbers work like vacuums by pulling in affected air, and removing soot particles.

We can also seal in any lingering odors, so that they won’t return in the future.

SERVPRO of Greenwich is experienced and certified to administer fire remediation services, including  debris removal, odor removal, and structural restoration. Even a small fire can mean serious damage to your home or business.  After a fire in your home or business, SERVPRO of Greenwich has the skilled technicians and specialized equipment needed for your remediation needs.  That’s why we should be your first call. Contact us at 203.324.1642 for immediate assistance.

Which Fire Extinguisher Is Right For You?

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Hint: You should have the one that fits your environment.

Homeowners and business owners in Greenwich want to keep their property safe in the event of a fire.  The key to preventing damage is being prepared.  This means having a plan.  A crucial part of a fire safety plan is having a fire extinguisher, knowing where it is, and knowing how to use it.  Depending on what you will probably be using it for, there are a few options that you should look at.

Types of Extinguishers:

Class A: freely burning, combustible solid materials such as wood or paper

Class B: flammable liquid or gas

Class C: energized electrical fire (energized electrical source serves as the ignitor of a class A or B fire – if electrical source is removed, it is no longer a class C fire)

Class D: metallic fire (titanium, zirconium, magnesium, sodium)

Class K: cooking fires – animal or vegetable oils or fats

For most people, the best to have around the home are Class A or Class B. These types cover most of the fires that would occur in a home or business setting.  These are best for furniture, carpets, drapes, and other common items.  Class D and K are more specialized options.  For instance, Class K is common in commercial kitchens where cooking fires have a higher probability of occurring.  If you cook a lot at home, you can absolutely invest in one of these as well.

Even a small fire can mean serious damage to your home or business.  After a fire in your home or business, SERVPRO of Greenwich has the skilled technicians and specialized equipment needed for your commercial damage remediation needs.  That’s why we should be your first call. Contact us at 203.324.1642 for immediate assistance.

Electric Surge Fires

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Fire can happen suddenly in your Greenwich homes, and can be caused by many things.  One potential source of a fire that is not top of mind is through an electrical surge. A surge occurs when there is a sudden spike in the electrical current, which generally lasts only for a few seconds.  Even though the duration is not long, it is long enough to ruin electronics and appliances connected to an outlet.  In more severe cases, it can even start a fire. 

Fires resulting from surges in power can originate from a few different sources:

Bad Wiring - Old or faulty wiring may not be able to withstand the extra energy that a surge produces.  Whether from bad installation or age, this situation can lead to sparking or shorting that could ignite a fire. 

High-Powered Devices Turning On - The extra power that a major appliance draws when it starts up can cause a fire-starting surge.

Lightning - Beyond ruining your electronics, a lightning strike can cause enough surge to spark a fire. 

You can and should invest in a couple surge protectors for your home or business.  These can protect you and your belongings against electrical surges and fires caused by them. 

When your Greenwich home has fire damage, it is crucial to find a local company like SERVPRO to assist you.  We have the skilled technicians and specialized equipment needed for your residential or commercial water damage remediation needs.  That’s why SERVPRO of Greenwich should be your first call. Contact us at 203.324.1642 for assistance.

Electrical Charger Fires

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Practically everyone owns a cellphone by now.  In every Greenwich household, there is at least one phone, if not four or five.  So we all know the feeling of looking at your phone and being shocked that you have less than 20% battery left.  But sometimes, charging your phone can be the cause of some pretty serious fire damage.  

Phone chargers produce a lot of energy, and when not properly used, can cause a fire to start.  Here are the reasons why:

• People use third party chargers that may be of less quality, thus are more apt for shorts and other issues.  These chargers are prone to physical defects.  Only use high quality chargers in your home.
• People attempt to use a charger that is not designed for their phone.  The difference in connection can cause sparks or excess heat.
• People charge their devices in close proximity to flammable materials like drapes, sheets, or clothing.  These materials can quickly catch fire from heat that is put off by the charger.

Fire damage can strike your home or business without any notice.  SERVPRO of Greenwich is ready to respond at a moment's notice.  If you have any amount of fire damage, give us a call at 203.324.1642.

Hazards Of Soot Exposure

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Soot doesn't just look bad.

Health and safety hazards from a fire do not always end when the flames are extinguished. Subsequent to the occurrence of a fire, many Greenwich property owners may figure they can save money by cleaning up the mess themselves. Aside from soot being very hard to clean properly without the proper tools, exposure to soot particles can be harmful.

Soot is made up of fine carbon particles that are put into the air during a fire.  These particles derive their composition from the source of the fire, so they can be made up of coal, wood, plastic, and gasoline.  While soot is extremely evident when it adheres to surfaces, airborne particles are almost invisible.  This makes for easy ingestion and inhalation.  When these fine particles are introduced to the body, they can cause health effects.

SERVPRO of Greenwich has the knowledge and specialized tools to remove soot damage from your home or business properly.  We know how to ventilate the area adequately, and remove unsightly and harmful soot particles.  If you have any fire or soot damage, please call us to get the remediation started.  We are available 24/7 to help.

What To Do About Cigarette Smoke or Odor

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Eliminating the smell of tobacco smoke and nicotine can be a troublesome assignment. There are many mistakes that people think about how to clean smoke and odor from cigarettes. The final outcome is also contingent upon a wide assortment of elements. Numerous expert cleaning organizations will completely avoid cigarette smoke and odor jobs. But with our specialized tools and industry-leading knowledge, SERVPRO of Greenwich can make drastic changes in your home or business.

Everyone knows the odor that cigarettes leave. Once the tobacco has subsided, the scent that cigarettes are known for remains. Nicotine molecules are incredibly small, so they will penetrate almost any surface.  This can be anything from walls, ceilings, and furniture. Many people have an adverse reaction to this smell, and want it removed from their homes.  

Besides offending our sense of smell, cigarettes can leave visual stains, leaving otherwise clean surfaces with a yellow or brown color.  Again, due to the particle size, this coloring will adhere to every surface and is incredibly difficult to remove with household cleaners. Odors may also be lingering in vents that will need to be cleaned by a professional.

How does SERVPRO of Greenwich clean cigarette damage? 

With many of the jobs that we do, we are remediating damage based on one event such as a fire or water damage.  The first step is making sure that no additional nicotine molecules will be released in the area.  

Our team uses a few methods with this type of damage.  First, all structural surfaces must be washed with our safe, but industrial strength cleaning products.  Next, items like furniture and carpets must be removed.  We then have a few options based on the severity of the damage.  We can use a fogger or ozone machine to remove most of the odor.  These methods will also reach the vents and air ducts that traditional methods will not.  The last step is to apply a sealer that traps the odorous nicotine molecules in, where they cannot be smelled.

Fire Damage Deodorization by SERVPRO of Greenwich

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Subsequent to any type of fire damage inside your Greenwich home or business, there are a few conditions that will affect you. One issue that almost always requires professional intervention is odor from smoke damage.

The sort of smoke put out by a fire will coat all surrounding surfaces. Smokes can be a thin powder as well as a thick greasy layer. Either way, the soot permeates the porous surfaces in the area.  The resulting odor is extremely hard to eliminate using household cleaning agents. In the event that the burst burns for quite a while, overwhelming smoke scents result, which stems from incompletely consumed particles that don't fully combust.

SERVPRO of Greenwich professionals can implement aeration techniques that will get rid of the odors. To begin, we spray a scent eliminating solution on any surfaces that are influenced by soot deposits. We use the latest techniques and specialized equipment to deodorize your space.  Once the smell is reduced to an acceptable level, we seal the surface to trap any remaining odors in.

Even the smallest fire may require the assistance of a professional remediation company. On the off chance that you ever happen to experience the ill effects of smoke or soot damage, call SERVPRO of Greenwich.

Use A Surge Protector To Prevent Electrical Fires

3/10/2020 (Permalink)

Electrical fires are a real threat for both homes and businesses.  There are a number of causes that can turn your wires and extended electrical system into a fire hazard. One such cause is a power surge, which can easily start a fire.  A power surge is a spike in the electrical current which lasts a split second. It can damage appliances, and even cause a fire. Using a surge protector is a way to mitigate the risk of this happening to you.

A surge protector defends against possible voltage spikes that could damage your electronics, appliances, or equipment.  It does this by detecting a surge, and limiting the output of electrical current to your devices. It will keep the output below a safe threshold so your electronics are safe.  It will also keep the threat of an electrical fire due to a surge to a minimum.

If you have a fire due to an electrical power surge, call SERVPRO of Greenwich.  We are ready to respond to your home or business to begin the restoration process quickly.

Renter’s Insurance & Fire Damage

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

As a renter, you probably know that it is important to have a policy to protect yourself and your belongings.  While you are not the owner of the building, you do own your possessions, and being able to replace them in the event of damage is important.  But what does renter’s insurance actually cover if you have a fire?

Your Property

Renter’s insurance covers your things in the event of fire damage.  This pertains to fires that are a result of negligence by you or another party.  If you lose clothing, electronics, or anything else, the policy will cover the cost to replace these items.  Your landlord’s policy will cover the structure, which includes light fixtures, and other fixed items.

Your Temporary Housing Costs

If fire damage renders your apartment unlivable, you will need to live in a hotel until you can move back in.  Your renter’s insurance policy will cover those costs as well.

Your Medical And Legal Liability

If a fire occurs as a result of your own negligence, you may be liable for damages incurred by other tenants, whether it may be legal or medical.  Renter’s insurance will cover these costs up to a certain amount, based on the policy that you take out.

How To Handle The Fire Damage Claims Process

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Greenwich can make this process run smoothly.

Understanding the entirety of your homeowner policy may not be something that you have time to do.  In the event of a fire in your home, you are forced to turn to the policy for help. If you do not know the extent of your coverage, you may pay out of pocket for remediation services that are covered.  Remediation must be completed, but you may be fully or partially covered for these services.

After a fire, the first call you should make is to your insurance company. Amongst other things, they will want you to hire a certified restoration company like SERVPRO of Greenwich. They rely on that company to inspect the damage and determine the scope of work that needs to be done.  We provide our estimate directly to your insurance company to expedite and streamline the process.

Your insurance company will assign an adjuster to your claim.  We work directly with the adjuster to make sure that the restoration process begins as soon as possible.  This gets you back in your home in a speedy fashion. Throughout this process, we communicate with you to keep you in the loop with your claim.

As a certified remediation, restoration, and reconstruction company, SERVPRO of Greenwich brings a full-service attention to detail to your home.  We have highly trained technicians that are ready to respond 24/7 to any fire damage that you and your home may suffer. 

Dry Smoke vs. Wet Smoke

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage left after a fire is foul-smelling, unsightly, and, because it can penetrate areas that are not visible, is harder to eliminate.  When a fire hits your home or business, there are actually two types of smoke and soot that can affect you. They are referred to as wet smoke and dry smoke.  Depending on which one your home or business suffers, there are different resulting soot and residue types as well. The restoration process is different based on the type of smoke and soot damage present.

Dry smoke occurs when a fire burns at a high heat, and results from materials like wood and paper igniting.  This type of fire and smoke represents many fires that happen in homes and businesses alike. The visible soot left behind is thin and powdery. 

Wet smoke happens when materials such as plastic and rubber catching on fire.  The result is a fire that burns at low heat that smolders over time. This fire often has a much stronger odor and produces thicker and more voluminous smoke that coats rooms with a thick residue. This residue is much harder to clean than dry smoke residue.

As part of our inspection procedure, SERVPRO of Greenwich will test the soot to determine the type of smoke damage in your home or business.  Depending on what type of smoke damage you suffer, we will tailor the restoration process to your needs.

Christmas Tree Fires

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

The holiday season is a time that we get to spend time with loved ones, eat good food, and maybe open a present or two.  But there can be danger lurking in your own home during this joyous time. 

Over 150 fires stemming from Christmas trees igniting are reported each year. These fires cause injuries, fatalities, and cause over 10 million dollars in property damage annually. 40% of these fires start in the living room, which can easily spread to other rooms in the house, quickly causing massive damage to the home.  Almost all of the reported Christmas tree fires happened in a home, but they can occur in a corporate setting as well. And because people are not always around to notice, the fire can cause an exponential amount of damage.

Following a few simple tips can dramatically reduce the risk of a Christmas tree fire this season.

• DO NOT use candles to decorate your tree.  Furthermore, keep candles at least a few feet away from your tree.
• Use a freshly cut tree.  The fresher the tree, the more water content it still has.
• Water the tree daily. This will keep it saturated longer.  And as much as keeping your tree around is festive, the sooner you dispose of the tree the better.
• Refrain from using branches from your tree in your fireplace.  They are highly combustible, and can lead to airborne embers.

Hole In The Roof

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can dramatically affect your home.  One thing that people don’t realize is that in order to properly extinguish a fire, the fire department often has to damage the home in the process.  Two measures that cause damage to the home are sometimes taken.  First, a lot of water is often used to extinguish a fire, which causes water damage to the home.  The second measure is cutting a hole in the ceiling and roof so that heat and smoke can escape,  They do this so that cool air can flow into the house, allowing for easier and safer entry to put out the flames.  This picture shows one such hole.  As part of our rebuild process, we will fix this hole that was made by the firefighters.

SERVPRO of Greenwich provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Flash Fire Damage

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association a “flash fire” is defined as a type of short-duration fire that spreads rapidly through a fuel, such as dust, gas, or the vapors of an ignitible liquid, without the production of damaging pressure. This is what it looks like when a flash fire occurs as a result of improper use of propane tanks.  One unit in this multi-family building exploded due to rapid flame movement throughout.  Once the fire department had left, our crew got to work restoring the property.  Please use extreme caution when using and storing flammable substances.  If you suffer a fire or smoke damage at your home or business, please do not hesitate to call us.

SERVPRO of Greenwich provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Fire In The Garage

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Recently, a fire broke out in a home and adjoining garage structure.  Fortunately, none of the inhabitants, one of which was a small dog, were hurt during the ordeal.  The fire consumed most of the interior, and spread rapidly into the garage, pictured here.  You can see just how hot the fire was, based on the damage to the car that was parked away from the house.  We responded quickly by boarding up the structure, and are now in the process of cleaning and deodorizing the interior. Once that step is done, the rebuild can proceed.

SERVPRO of Greenwich provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Eliminating Secondary Fire Damage

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs, it is not only the building that has the fire that is affected. Often, the surrounding structures suffer secondary damage like a layer of soot and smoke odors. If not properly cleaned in a timely fashion, the issue can lead to more permanent damage that unfortunately cannot be reversed. Here we see Odir cleaning the floors of an affected apartment to remove a thin layer of soot that will also remove the resulting odors. Because we responded within hours of the fire being extinguished, this will ensure that no long-term damage will occur.

SERVPRO of Greenwich provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Attic Fire

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

This is a recent fire that started in a residential attic.  The fire started when some flammable material was left in front of a skylight, which ignited under extreme heat.  The fire started in the attic, and spread down to one side of the house.  SERVPRO of Greenwich was called in to remediate the damage.  We will be providing a few different services in this case.  First, we will be packing up contents and belongings to store while other work is being done.  We will also be cleaning the soot off the walls, as well as deodorizing the area from the smoke smell.  Then, reconstruction can begin on the actual frame of the house.

To avoid a similar disaster, remember to keep all flammable objects out of direct sunlight where they may get too hot.

Fire Education Class

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

One of the best ways to learn how to avoid a disaster occurring in your home is to be educated about the issues that can be prevented.  Getting that knowledge at an early age is even more valuable, so it becomes normal at a young age. 

That is why SERVPRO of Greenwich sponsored a local class for young kids to learn about disaster prevention and management.  The children learned about fire safety in the summer class.  They learned how to make an evacuation plan for the family in the event of a fire, or any other situation where they would need to leave the house.  In the photo, the class is learning about the fire trucks and how they work to put out fires.  Each child even got to spray the hose!

Fire Extinguisher Importance For Your Home or Business

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

Office buildings need specific fire safety equipment to keep both employees and clients safe. This includes smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire alarms, and extinguishers.  

The first step in fire damage restoration is to put out the fire using the proper tools.  A first responder may use an approved portable fire extinguisher to prevent a small fire from growing and causing further damage.  

The National Fire Protection Agency publishes a series of standards and requirements for portable fire extinguishers called NFPA 10, available here.

No matter what the size of the fire, your first priority should be to get everyone out safely and call 911.  Once the fire has been put out, you can call SERVPRO of Greenwich at (203) 324-1642 to assist.

Whether your Fairfield County home has emergency flood damage or you need your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best.  Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration

• Fire Damage Restoration

• Mold Remediation

• Storm Damage Restoration

• Cleaning Services

• Building/Reconstruction Services

Coping With A Fire

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

When we talk about a fire, or any other disruptive disaster to strike your home, we always refer to SERVPRO’s amazing service and expertise making it like it never happened.  We talk about drying and repairing, dehumidification and reconstruction.  What often gets looked over is the mental aspect of these events.

During and after a disaster it is natural to experience different and strong emotions.  Emotional reactions can often be strong, with young children at an increased risk of experiencing trauma from a disaster at home.

Talk with someone about your feelings - anger, sorrow and other emotions - even though it may be difficult.  You can also look for help from professionals who deal with post-disaster stress.

Whether your Fairfield County home has emergency flood damage or you need your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best.  Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration

• Fire Damage Restoration

• Mold Remediation

• Storm Damage Restoration

• Cleaning Services

• Building/Reconstruction Services

Fire Investigation Assistance

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

After a large fire loss many questions need to be answered such as:

• What was the source of the fire?

• Were there any fire accelerants present?

• Was there negligence or arson activity?

• Was it a mechanical/structural issue or human error?

Local fire departments, private insurance companies, gas and power company representatives and many others are called upon to investigate the scene of the fire and do their best to answer these and many other questions. This process can take from a few days to several weeks.

SERVPRO will set up a containment fence around the perimeter of the property and install any needed wind and/or erosion control barriers. We will bring on site portable restrooms and any heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes and skid steers that are requested by the investigation team.  We provide the investigators with a mobile office, generators for power, lights and computers, hard hats, gloves, respirators, eye protection, water, coffee and miscellaneous office supplies.

Providing the fire investigation team with all the resources necessary to accurately and quickly determine the cause of the fire, helps streamline the entire insurance claims process, ensuring the reconstruction is started sooner for the property owners, so they can get back to living Like It Never Even Happened.

SERVPRO of Greenwich is here to help with all fire damage and remediation issues. 

Avoiding a Dryer Fire

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

The fear of a dryer fire is one that is not commonly heard of, however, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries due to clothes dryer fires. Several hundred people a year are also subjected to carbon monoxide poisoning from improper dryer vent setups. The financial costs come to nearly $100,000,000 per year. In some cases faulty appliances are to blame, but many fires can be prevented with proper dryer venting.

Here are some small steps to take to Avoid a Dryer Fire:

1. Dryer's produce large amounts of lint. Be sure to clean the lint trap after EVERY use of the dryer.

2. Dryer Vents should ONLY be made of metal and be short and straight. Bends and curves result in lint buildup increasing the risk of a fire. 

3. Do not run the dryer when you are away from home or sleeping. 

Aftermath of a Home Fire

3/9/2017 (Permalink)

Recovering from a fire is not easy by any means. It is an emotionally draining process that turns your life upset down. The hardest part comes at the beginning, when you feel helpless and are completely unsure as to how to proceed. With that in mind, our goal is to present to you the fundamental steps you need to take immediately after the fire is extinguished.

Deal With Insurance

You should already be on the phone with your insurance agent before the firefighters even get done putting out the fire. Mind you, this is just the beginning. After a few days, you’ll need to get a copy of the official “fire report” from your local fire department. The insurance agency will likely send an adjustor out to survey the damage and help you get in touch with a restoration agency, such as the professionals at SERVPRO.

If you are renting, then you’ll obviously need to contact the owner of the home. If you own home but don’t have insurance, on the other hand, then you’ll want to speak with the Internal Revenue Service. You might be eligible for something known as casualty loss.

Settle in Somewhere

Most likely, your home is currently in an unlivable state, meaning you’re going to have to find somewhere else to stay. Your best bet is to stay with friends or family. However, if that’s not an option, check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers temporary living expenses. Otherwise, contact the American Red Cross.

Before you leave, try to rummage through your home for some essential items like the following: Identification Cards, Medications, Eye Glasses / Hearing Aids, Wallets, Credit Cards / Checkbooks, Money. **Only do this AFTERyou get permission from the firefighters to reenter your home.**

Turn Off Utilities

Make certain you get all of your primary utilities turned off.  Why waste money for services when you are not even living in your home? Plus, restoration cannot be performed on your home if there’s still electricity and such running through it. The risks of electrocution would be far too high.

Contact a Restoration Company

This is perhaps the most important step. You’ll need to contact a professional, full-service restoration company, such as SERVPRO. Our company is trained specifically to deal with post-tragedy damage. Below is a list of some of the things you can expect us to do:

• The company will start by removing all the water from your home. During a fire, a lot of water from the firefighters hoses usually collects all over the place. Plus, fires sometimes cause pipes to burst, thus leading to even more severe flooding. The point is that restoration cannot begin until the water is first removed.

• The company will then start with water restoration. Carpets, walls, ducts must be dried. Mold must be removed. Just this step itself can take a few days.

• Next is the actual fire restoration. First and foremost, the company will inspect the structural foundation of your home and fix any major problems. Obviously, if a ceiling is about to crash, then it must be attended to before any other restoration efforts can be completed.

• Once the structural foundation is secure, the specialists will start cleaning up soot/smoke damage, deodorizing everything (carpets, walls, furniture, etc.) and basically returning the home back to normal. If anything is so damaged that it cannot be repaired, it’ll be removed and thrown away. It’s your responsibility to let your insurance company know what items you lost.

• Last, but not least, the company will clean up the remaining mess (dust, debris, etc.) and rearrange everything back into place.

Move Back In

Finally, you get to move back into your home and resume life. Unfortunately, it can take quite a bit of time before you even get to this final step. We’re talking about several weeks. The truth is that restoring a home from a fire takes a lot of time, a lot of resources and a lot of money.

Just remember to keep in close contact with your insurance company through the whole process. If all goes well, you’ll get your home back in one piece, and you’ll get your lost possessions replaced.

When you have fire, water and mold restoration service needs, give the experienced professionals at SERVPRO a call.