Recent Fire Damage Posts

Fire Safety

11/21/2023 (Permalink)

Would you and your family know what to do if your home was affected by a fire.  Being prepared is the best way to ensure your safety.  Here are 7 tips that can help make sure your prepared if you are faced with this disaster.

The 7 Ways to Prepare for a Home Fire

1.Install the correct number of smoke detectors . Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.

2.Teach children what smoke detectors sound like and what to do when they hear one.

3.Ensure that all household members know a couple ways to get out of every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.

4.Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.

5.Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“ to alert everyone that they must get out.

6.Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.

7.Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

After the Fire

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

If you have experienced a fire at your place of business or in your home, many decisions exist after the fire has been extinguished. At SERVPRO we are happy to assist you and attempt to make some of these decisions easier with the services that we provide.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We 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: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

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

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the 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’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: 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.

Kitchen Fires Are More Dangerous Than You Think!

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

 

Did you know that the leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.

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.

For more tips please visit this safety tip sheet.

SERVPRO of South Louisville has the manpower, equipment and chemicals to handle any fire in your home or business.  

We've taken many calls over the years from homeowners who were able to get the grease fire under control but the smoke damage was already noticeable throughout the kitchen and adjoining rooms.  Our crews can find the smoke damage and mitigate it from all surfaces and fabrics.  

Don't hesitate to give us a call at 502-452-1298.

Commercial Fires Are A Growing Concern

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

 

Each year the National Fire Protection Association produces a National Survey to record data and statistics on reported fires throughout the United States. According to the 2005 survey data, 130,000 non-residential fires were reported last year resulting in approximately $2.5 billion in property damages and loss.

Commercial fires are a growing concern not only to employers and employees, but also to property managers and the insurance industry. Commercial fires generally result in a higher monetary loss amount than a typical house fire. According to reports entitled, "Topical Fire Research Series, Volume 3-Issue 10", non-residential structures are often more expensive because the buildings are generally larger than residential structures and the contents of the structure are of higher value. Commercial fires may affect a facility with a lot of square footage, equipment, products and technology, not to mention important data. contracts and customer records. 

SERVPRO of South Louisville Is Here For Any Residential Needs!

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

 

Mattress catches on fire and can cause severe damage. Following the fire the house was full of smoke damage and the residents were forced to move into a hotel since their home was not safe to stay in. Customers are always anxious to get back into their home and out of the hotel.

 Calling SERVPRO of South Louisville is the first step to getting back to normal.  The customer called us and explained that 9 rooms, 3 bathrooms, and the kitchen were all affected by smoke damage. SERVPRO was out the next day with a crew of 25 people pulling up hardwood floors from the water to put the fire out, chem spongeing the ceilings and walls to remove all of the smoke damage. 

Our crews were there from 9am and left at 6pm and the entire house was spotless! The customer let us know that our crews were quick, professional, clean, and precise with their work and that was the only way they were able to complete it so efficiently. Call SERVPRO of South Louisville for any of your restoration needs.

The Early Stages Of Fire Damages

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Truck If you are ever in a situation where you have a big loss in your home whether its with fire, water, or mold, just remember that SERVPRO of South Louis
 

SERVPRO of South Louisville heard about a house fire in the local area and showed up on the scene not long after the firefighters had put out the flames. Losing your home can be a very difficult thing to deal with, so SERVPRO wants to do what we can to provide customers with information on the steps to take during the early stages of the fire restoration process.  We are here to help. 

Our team of certified technicians and managers made sure that whenever the homeowners were ready to call their insurance company they would assist them with providing temporary housing situation until their home was inhabitable again. The next step is boarding up the home to ensure that the items remaining inside will not be stolen so the customer does not have to worry about losing the items that weren't damaged in the fire after the fact. Once the customer's insurance company approves our scope of work we will start the clean up and rebuild to get their home back to the way it was. 

Our hope is that you, or a family member, never has to deal with a loss of this magnitude.  However, if you are ever in a situation where you have a big loss in your home whether its with fire, water, or mold, just remember that SERVPRO of South Louisville is here to help. We want to make the whole process as easy and seamless as possible for the customer.

When It Comes To Fire, SERVPRO Always Tries To “Restore” First

1/29/2022 (Permalink)

In South Louisville homes, fire damage restoration potential to carpeting and area rugs depends on the extent of heat damage, which can result in charring, or in some cases the melting of synthetic fibers. Our certified professionals can perform tests to see if the different dyes, coatings, and materials used and select the most effective restorative applications. Floor coverings usually avoid the worst of the heat damage from a fire, they are usually soiled or scarred by falling hot debris and soot that can collect in the fibers.

Sometimes water damage happens from the firefighting efforts. We at SERVPRO understand the need for rapid water extraction to mitigate secondary damages. Testing is also an important step in the cleaning process, to reveal the best method to restore carpets and fine rugs.

Steam cleaning, when proven by testing, is often the best method. SERVPRO technicians use their state-of-the-art equipment, SERVPRO Professional Cleaning Products, and training to remove as much of the soils, stains, and odors as possible.

SERVPRO of South Louisville serves the community by providing fire damage restoration services. Don't hesitate to contact us to make it "Like it never even happened." 502-452-1298

Esporta Washing Systems is Espectacular!

1/29/2022 (Permalink)

Esporta Wash System iS4000 Did you know that SERVPRO of South Louisville has an Esporta Washing System?

Did you know that SERVPRO of South Louisville has an Esporta Washing System?

What does this mean for you? If you, or someone you know, suffers a fire loss at your home or office you can rest assured that SERVPRO of South Louisville has what it takes to restore even the most smoke damaged items back to like new condition.  Some items are just irreplaceable.  

Below is part of an article directly from Esporta regarding myths about content cleaning.

Myth #1: Homeowners would rather buy new contents than restore “old” contents.

While homeowners are happy to shop and add new items to what they already own, they don’t necessarily want to replace everything because that takes a lot of time and effort. Imagine the task of replacing all of the furniture, clothing, dishes, decorations; literally every item in your home. Just thinking about it is exhausting. In fact, studies show that customer service plummets when homeowners are inconvenienced.

Soft contents tend to hold more sentimental value than any other content category because they are often seasonal, purchased for a special occasion, gifted or hold a special meaning. A homeowner may have an outfit worn to a daughter’s wedding or other memorable event, a flag symbolizing military service, or a quilt that grandma hand-stitched. These sentimental items are often irreplaceable.

To read the full article visit - https://www.esporta.ca/blog/blog/post/35/THREE_MYTHS_ABOUT_CONTENTS_RESTORATION/

Even The Smallest Fires Can Cause Big Damages

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire Damage This Fire was controlled before it destroyed the Structure, but smoke covered everything in sight.

 A fire at your home or business is that of which nightmares are made of.  Each year thousands wake up or come home to find themselves picking up the piece from the ashes of completely burned home.  But what do you do if it is a smaller fire? Maybe a grease fire in the kitchen that you where able to get under control before too much damage was done, or a candle that got a little out of control.  In these situations smoke can be a bigger issue than the fire itself.  It can stain walls and make furniture and clothing carry and odor that always reminds you of a mishap you would like to forget.  At SERVPRO we can help no matter how big or small our trained techs can clean items affected by smoke.  Let us help you if you find yourself trying to put this situation behind you.

We care about you!

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Have you ever considered how it would feel to watch your home burn while waiting for the fire department to put out the flames?  Would you have any idea where to start once the fire department leaves? 

SERVPRO of South Louisville is Here to Help in the event of a fire disaster at your home.  Once the fire department puts out the fire what's left behind is soot, smoke, fire and water damage.  Our crews can be on site immediately to board up and secure the property so you don't have to worry about people entering the premises and disturbing any valuables that can be salvaged.

SERVPRO of South Louisville works directly with fire officials and once the property is safe to enter we can get to work trying to pack up contents that can be cleaned and restored.  We do inventory so you'll know what items can't be saved and need to be claimed under your insurance claim.  We work directly with your insurance company to assist with any questions or requirements they have to process your claim.

SERVPRO of South Louisville has the manpower and equipment to handle any disaster.   

Fire at local nonprofit center

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Louisville was ready to respond when a local nonprofit experienced a small fire in their physical therapy room at their convalescence center. This part of the building provides care for children who are in need of short-term, long-term, and respite care. Understanding the need of urgency to get the job started as quickly as possible, SERVPRO responded to the medical facility within the hour.  The fire was caused by a fluorescent light bulb that short circuited in the ballast. Luckily, one of the medical staff members was able to grab a fire extinguisher and put out the fire. Unfortunately, the room was filled with soot and carcinogens from the extinguisher. Knowing that most of the children at the facility have breathing difficulties, time was of the essence to get the room cleaned and sanitized.  A crew of 10 utilized Chem-Sponges, HEPA vacuums, SERVPRO oxide and much to clean and sanitize the area. The team cleaned all medical equipment and touch points on site and then utilized our Esporta machine offsite to clean all soft content items from the facility. We placed two Air Scrubbers with charcoal filters and one Hydroxyl Generator on site for 5 days to assist with the odors and pathogens.  Once the job was complete the facility was able to reopen and resume much needed physical therapy for the children in need. At SERVPRO we pride ourselves in the work we are able to provide and the people we are able to help.  "Like it never even happened." 

Steps to take in House Fire Prevention

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

It is all too often that we hear sad stories on the news of a house fire that has altered people's lives. SERVPRO of South Louisville does not want you to be a sobering statistic of house fires. That is why we are here for you. Below are a few good tips on how you can help prepare your family for the event of a fire. 

1. Practice your 2 minute drill as a family to plan your escape route!  Statistics show that if a fire starts in your house, you have 2 minutes to escape. Proper planning can save lives!

2.  Test your smoke alarms monthly!  This fast task can alert you if a fire would occur.

Always remember that SERVPRO of South Louisville wants to keep you safe!

Should you have any fire or smoke damage to your house, please contact us for any assistance! 

We are here for you!

We handle it all when it comes to fire damage

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Louisville recently received a call from a local fire department asking us to arrive on the scene to board up the home and make the home secure to protect the owners contents from being stolen. While on scene securing the home the owner had spoke with SERVPRO of South Louisville's crews and after conversing with the crews for a while the owner of the home had decided that she wanted SERVPRO of South Louisville to not only handle the board up of the home, but handle the cleaning of the structure and contents, but also the reconstruction that would be necessary to get her home back to normal.

As of now, SERVPRO of South Louisville is currently packing out all of the owners contents to the warehouse where they will be cleaned and stored until her home is back to normal. Once the owners contents are out of the home SERVPRO will start cleaning areas necessary and performing demolition in the areas that are too damaged to be cleaned.

After the crews are done with cleaning SERVPRO's reconstruction team will take over the job and make the home look like the fire "Like it never even happened."

What would you do if the unexpected happened?

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Picture this, you are out of town for the weekend and you get a call in the early morning hours. It’s your neighbor calling to tell you that the fire department is at your house.

What do you do? You can call SERVPRO of South Louisville and we can be there 24/7. It’s something we all fear and something you wish will never happen. A fire can be devastating to you and your family. Here at SERVPRO of South Louisville we understand how difficult and stressful this can be. Unfortunately, we see this happen more often than you think but the fortunate thing about this situation is that we know what to do no matter the size or situation. Our trained technicians can be there to help clean up and restore the mess left behind. We can save your most valuable items as well as remove any trace of smoke and soot from your home. Let us help make it "Like it never even happened."

The Chemistry Behind Fire

1/16/2020 (Permalink)

In order to understand fire damage we should understand the process of fire itself. Fire occurring is due to the oxidation of something during the exothermic chemical process. Essentially, that means that when oxygen fuels combustion, heat and light are produced, which is what you see and feel as a result.

While most of us aren’t chemists and haven’t been in a chemistry class in years, we can recall on some knowledge of elements and compounds to understand fire better. The flame itself occurs during the ignition point, which is a part of the combustion reaction. The flame, however, is only the visible part of the fire itself. The flames are a combination of not only oxygen, but also nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. A variety of temperatures and colors of the flames are produced dependent on the circumstances. Different materials can burn hotter, and some can create flames that may be blue in color.

Fire is a hazard to life, once the reaction creates spreadable flames. Of course, we understand that it burns and spreads, however there are other dangerous aspects of fire itself. For one, it can create pollution because certain things, when burned, can put chemicals into the air. Plastic, for example, isn’t something that can be burned safely. Forest fires can threaten the nutrition in the soil, which can prevent a forest from growing back easily. Fires cause permanent damage. Though fires are helpful, used to benefit the growth of society since the beginning of time, there are a lot of boundaries between it being helpful and destructive. For light and warmth we use it in many ways, but the moment we lose control of it, it threatens the well-being of our homes and belongings and lives.

Fire damage is important to take seriously, since the lingering effects of fire can harm our bodies, homes, and material possessions. In case of fire damage, immediately contact a restoration company such as SERVPRO of South Louisville to limit damaging after effects of the chemical process that we just learned about.

List of things NOT to do after a fire damage

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

When a disaster happens such a fire loss there are things you need to do in order to stay safe after the fire is put out and you're able to safely enter the property.

Below is a list of things to stay away from after a fire loss for your safety.  This is not a complete list and is only a helpful tool in the event something arrises you aren't sure if safe after a fire happens in your home.  

  • DON'T Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO franchise professional.
  • DON'T Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.
  • DON'T Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (including tv's, radios etc.)
  • DON'T Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to the fire, heat or water.
  • DON'T Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement could cause secondary damage.
  • DON'T Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

SERVPRO certified technicians know exactly what to do with smoke affected garments and household items.  We are capable of cleaning and restoring many items that might otherwise be tossed.  It's our goal to help you save as many items as we can and help you deal with the insurance company on the items that are not salvageable.  Contact SERVPRO of South Louisville if you have a fire at your home or commercial property.

What to do in the event of a fire?

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

After calling 911 it's important to do your research before hiring a restoration company to help you get your home back to normal.  SERVPRO has certified technicians and we are used to working directly with insurance agents and adjusters to make the process easier for you and your family.

Have you ever thought about what you would do if a fire happened at your home?  

These steps are things to think about so you understand the process in getting your home or business back to a clean and safe state.

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
  • Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
  • Place dry colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely to prop doors open to help prevent odor.
  • Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances, then protect thee surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
  • If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks, and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
  • Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
  • Change the HVAC filter, but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Fire Damage in Crestwood, Kentucky

11/24/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association there is an estimated 1,000 fires everyday in the United States.  Most home fires and fire casualties result from five causes: cooking, heating, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials. SERVPRO of South Louisville recently was called to a house in Crestwood, Kentucky that had experienced a fire that was caused by a defect in the lining of the chimney.  The fire had actually smoldered inside the chimney and under the hearth for days until it finally ignited.  Most of the damage to the house was from smoke and soot.

SERVPRO of South Louisville was called out to mitigate the damage, providing smoke damage cleanup and water restoration. Beyond the visible structural damage, many of the contents inside the structure were evaluated for recovery based on a number of factors including: Replacement Cost, Loss of Use, Loss of Value, Decreased Life Expectancy, and Sentimental Value. 

When the unexpected happens at your home or business trust the experts, call SERVPRO of South Louisville today.

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (502) 452-1298

Apartment Fire in Louisville

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Louisville was called to the scene of a fire of an apartment building in the South end of Louisville. When arriving on the scene the tenants of the apartment building were gathering their belongings together as best as they could and trying to figure out what their next move was going to be.

Fires can be very traumatic and leave people displaced from there homes for months on end. Fires are traumatic enough when they are accidental. In this case the fire was started purposefully, the arsonist put a mattress in the hallway of the apartment building and poured gasoline on it and lit it on fire causing the whole building to be engulfed in flames. 

Luckily no one was harmed in the fire but all of the tenants were left with smoke filled belongings and no where to go. One of the tenants is a veteran and was homeless two years ago. He feared he was going to be back on the streets again because of this fire. SERVPRO of South Louisville helped this man pack up most of his belongings, and helped him find temporary housing until his caseworker could find him something more permanent.

Our goal is to make it "Like it never even happened."

Fire safety this winter

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

When a fire strikes no one is ready for the emotion and fear they can instill.  In most cases families can be displaced for months on end, contents are destroyed,  and memories are lost.  Recently, SERVPRO of South Louisville was called to a home that had heavy smoke and soot damaged caused by a small appliance that had shorted out.  A television in the back bedroom of the home had caught fire causing extensive damage to the bedroom and bathroom.  Luckily no one was hurt in the fire, but now the process of cleaning up all the  soot and tearing out damaged materials throughout the home has begun.  SERVPRO of South Louisville understands the process of cleaning a home or business after a fire.  We also have the capabilities to do the reconstruction once the mitigation is complete.  We work hand-in-hand with the home owner making sure that we can transform the residence back into a home they can make new memories in for years to come.

With the Holiday season upon us statistics show that November-January are the months when fires are most prevalent. It's important to make sure that your family has a plan in place in case a fire of a fire.  Here are some tips to keep your family safe during the upcoming Holiday Season.

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
  • Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.
  • Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

Fire Safety in South Louisville

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

This month November 2018 SERVPRO of South Louisville tries to educate how to stay safe in case of a fire. Your local fire station provides lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires. See what programs your local fire station offers.

Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware, fire can happen anywhere, anytime.

LOOK - for possible fire starters. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

LISTEN - for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only minutes to leave your home safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.

LEARN - more than one way out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Dryer Fire Danger

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Clothes dryer fires cost millions each year. It is estimated that 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year, also causing 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property loss. Failure to clean the dryer (34%) is leading cause of home clothes dryer fires.  https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/clothes_dryers.html In May of 2018 SERVPRO South Louisville was called out to a home that had unfortunately experienced a dryer fire. SERVPRO arrived on site and started mitigating the water portion of the home damage, we also removed effected drywall and placed air movers and dehumidifiers where needed. Once removal of effected areas and the dryout is complete SERVPRO will be starting with the cleaning process. For this particular home we will start with structural cleaning such as removing all carpet, pad from second floor and steps leading up to second floor. Cutting out drywall from living room ceiling which was located directly under laundry room. Once all of ducts, surfaces and contents have been thoroughly cleaned we will begin the process of getting the customer back in their home. SERVPRO's repair division will replaced carpet and pad, replace and repair effected drywall, sealed and painted all areas upstairs, including the living room ceiling downstairs. The customer will know that our team of certified professionals are HERE TO HELP get them back to normal in their home as quickly and safely as possible.

Our most recent fire damage 4/27/17

4/27/2017 (Permalink)

Fire damages are definitely catastrophic to your home or commercial building. Luckily with the tools, knowledge, and man power of our SERVPRO staff, we can take care of you with no issues. We like to put as little stress on the homeowner as possible during these difficult times. We know that it is a devastating time in the customers life, so we try to treat them like family, comfort, and console them by letting them know everything will be okay, and SERVPRO will have them back to new in a timely fashion. "Like it never even happened."


Living by that quote and treating the customers property like its our own is very important to making them feel comfortable with our expertise in the field, rather we move out all of the homes contents, or clean everything on site.  Working with sub-contractors for their clothes and textiles to get them cleaned and ready to bring back once the job is completed is something else we explain to the customer, but we also try to deal with the sub-contractor one on one to take even more stress off of the customer. Fires are very tedious and take longer than most jobs to complete since there is so much involved, but here at SERVPRO we do it professionally, and in a timely fashion.