Fall House Cleaning Tips

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

Shower covered in fire soot

Fall House Cleanup

As the leaves start to change colors and the air becomes crisp, it’s time to start thinking about fall house cleaning. The end of summer is the perfect time to give your home a deep clean before the winter months of sitting inside are here. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Declutter

The first step in any fall house cleaning is to declutter. Go through each room in your home and get rid of anything that you no longer need or use. This will not only make your home look neater, but it will also make it easier to clean.

Clean the Gutters

Cleaning the gutters is an important part of fall house cleaning. Leaves and debris can accumulate in your gutters over the summer months, which can cause water damage to your home. Make sure to clean your gutters thoroughly to prevent any damage.

Deep Clean the Carpets

Fall is the perfect time to deep clean your carpets. Over the summer months, dirt and dust can accumulate in your carpets. Hire a professional carpet cleaner to deep clean your carpets and remove any dirt and dust.

Clean the Windows

Cleaning the windows is another important part of fall house cleaning. Over the summer months, dirt and dust can accumulate on your windows, which can make them look dirty and dull. Use a window cleaner to clean your windows and make them look like new.

Clean the Fireplace

Fall is the perfect time to start using your fireplace again. Before you start using it, make sure to clean it thoroughly. Remove any ash and debris from the fireplace and clean the chimney to prevent any fire hazards. If something does happen, call a professional fire mitigation company.

Clean the Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home, and it’s important to keep it clean. Clean your kitchen thoroughly, including the countertops, cabinets, and appliances. Make sure to remove any food that has expired or gone bad.

Clean the Bathroom

The bathroom is another important room in your home, and it’s important to keep it clean. Clean your bathroom thoroughly, including the sink, toilet, and shower. Make sure to remove any mold or mildew that has accumulated.

Conclusion

Fall house cleaning is an important part of maintaining your home. By following these tips, you can ensure that your home is clean and ready for the winter months. Remember to declutter, clean the gutters, deep clean the carpets, clean the windows, clean the fireplace, clean the kitchen, and clean the bathroom. Happy cleaning!

What Causes the Most Damage in a Fire?

6/20/2023 (Permalink)

Soot Damage to Furniture in a Dallas apartment fire

When a fire occurs in a building or home, we naturally think of items getting burned up and the structure being charred and compromised.  Fire response times are usually very good these days for a variety of reasons namely technology.  Most fires are able to be put out in a reasonable amount of time before serious structural damage has occurred.  Most often, the fire damage is due to water and soot.  

Water can first enter the fray from sprinkler systems, drowning whole room or rooms in water.  However, the main source of water stems from Fire Fighters spraying down many rooms while punching holes in the ceiling.

Once the fire is put out, the entirety of the damage can be observed.  The heat of the fire causes soot particles to rise and float around the structure.  In most fires, you will find the most blackened areas to be at the source and on the ceiling.  The soot will eventually settle on items all around the building with the assistance of the HVAC system.  Which brings into play another issue, the HVAC system can be thoroughly covered and will need cleaned if not replaced.

Depending on the fire, soot can be greasy and hard to clean.  When it comes to fire damage restoration of contents, they can typically be divided into 2 groups, porous and non-porous.  Non-porous are more hard surface items like glass, metal and wood.  These can usually be cleaned with specific soot solutions.  Porous items like clothes and fabric on furniture is more challenging to clean.  With special chemicals and processes, there can be a pretty good success rate but there still will be some unsalvageable items.

If you need assistance getting back to normal after a fire, please give us a call, we are here to help!

What are Some Winter Home Heating Safety Tips

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas offer these heating safety tips to DFW residents from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Never use your oven to heat your home
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Install wood-burning stoves following the manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
• Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.

Call Us!

When you have a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas has highly trained technicians can help. We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in DFW, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 214-463-5880.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Avoid Tobacco Fires by using these 3 Suggestions

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

House fire in DFW

Consider The Following Tips

If you or one of the residents in your home currently smokes, it's important to be informed on how to prevent a cigarette fire. After first checking with your local fire department in DFW, for any pointers they might have, consider other tips, as well.

1. Don't Smoke Indoors
There are a surprising number of flammable materials in your home. Any type of fabric will burn easily, so, if an ashtray gets knocked over, a stray cinder could easily start an ashtray fire and severely damage your home. In addition to the risk of fires, smoke from cigarettes can also damage the fabrics in your home and cause them to smell bad. This smell is difficult to remove with conventional laundry detergent.

2. Wear Removeable Clothing
If you or a family member smokes, make sure to wear clothing that can be removed easily after smoking and before entering the home. A jacket or a hoodie would be a good choice. This way, any odors are likely to soak into the removable item, rather than being tracked in and soaking into your furniture or drapes. It's also wise to wash this removable clothing often, as the odor will build up in these garments.

3. Consider Professional Odor Removal
If someone has smoked in your home for a while, or if there has been a cigarette fire, it's time to consider calling in odor removal and fire damage specialist specialist. Hiring a professional will ensure that your home is cleaned from top to bottom with the best equipment suited for the job. This thorough home cleaning can include your carpet, drapes, air ducts, upholstery, and more. There is equipment meant for every job, whether you need full fire cleanup or an odor removal detail.
With a conscientious mind and some knowledge, it is possible to prevent a cigarette fire before it happens.

You Have Fire, Soot and Smoke Damage Restoration Questions, We Have Answers!

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

SMOKE AND SOOT CONCERNS FOR YOUR PROPERTY

When office spaces and apartments are closely packed together, like inside a DFW high-rise building, even a minor property fire can cause or contribute to significant smoke or soot damage to your Dallas property’s interiors and exteriors, including your HVAC unit. Our SERVPRO restoration specialists know a lot about the secondary damages from soot and smoke that happen as the result of a blaze. Fire creates smoke and soot, and the tiny particles float in the air and will become trapped in drapes, carpets, and furniture, or collect on surfaces and inside your HVAC system. When these issues arise and you see soot residue or smell smoke odors. Calling our Southwest Dallas SERVPRO Fire Cleanup and Restoration Professionals will provide top quality services, experience, knowledge, and trust that our SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas crews will quickly restore your home or business, “Like it never even happened.”

Smoke and soot can permeate your walls, surfaces and air ducts leaving unseen odors throughout your property. Consulting a full-service cleanup, restoration and repair company is your top-priority to keeping restoration costs lower and salvaging as much of your property and possessions as possible. SERVPRO has a long history in the restoration industry, and we focus on salvaging and restoring your contents and structure whenever feasible. SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas provides exceptional fire, smoke and soot damage restoration services and experience, balanced with efficiency and cost-effective techniques in response to your property damage disaster.

Want to know more about how SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas can help with smoke odors and soot damage in your home following seasonal outdoor fire property damage?

Call us at 214-463-5880, and one of our specialists with be able to explain the whole process to you...  "Like it never even happened."

What Does Restore vs Replace Mean in Fire Damage Restoration?

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas is always ready and well-equipped to handle any disaster. If your home or commercial property suffers any fire, smoke, or secondary water damage, we are here for you. Our highly qualified team is dedicated to responding immediately to your fire damage emergency, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And remember, the quicker our response time is, the less chance there is for additional damage to be done to your property.

Our team is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), along with Employee Certification Training, SERVPRO Corporate Training, e-Learnings, and Continuing Education Classes to ensure that you are receiving the best care for your property damage.

We have a “Restore vs. Replace” mentality at SERVPRO. We would rather restore your damaged areas rather than replace them, if possible, because it is less costly for you. Our goal is to get your property back to its pre-fire damaged condition as quick as possible.  Although every fire damage situation is unique, here is our “typical” fire damage restoration process:

            -Emergency Contact

            -Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

            -Immediate Board-Up

            -Water Removal and Drying (if water                     damage is present)

            -Removal of Smoke and Soot from All                   Surfaces

            -Cleaning and Repair

            -Restoration

For more information on recovering from fire and water damage, contact the professionals at SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas by giving us a jingle at (214)463-5880 today.

Why Trusting a Restoration Professional After a Fire is So Important

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

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 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 Southwest Dallas 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 SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas (214) 463-5880

Halloween Safety Tips for our Local Dallas Community

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Dallas apartments

We restore fire damage in all of DFW.

The National Fire Protection Agency is urging everyone to consider fire safety during Halloween celebrations. SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas responds to fire damage emergencies in Southwest Dallas during the year and offer these safety tips:

• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns

• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.

• When using electrical lighting to decorate your home, make sure it is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.

• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged

• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.

For families still planning to attend Halloween parties or go trick-or-treating:

• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric that could come in contact with open flames or other heat sources

• Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them

• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costumes

Call Us Today!

When your DFW home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 214-463-5880. We’ll clean and restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Space Heater Safety Tips

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Preparing for the winter:

Freezing air outside in Dallas Texas makes you long for a warm, toasty atmosphere inside of your home. Warming yourself near a space heater feels good, but is it a smart choice? A burned space heater is one of the top causes of residential fires, particularly during the winter months. Learn how to safely use a space heater by following the three tips below.

1. What Kind To Buy

Space heaters come with options for safety features, such as an automatic shutoff if the unit overheats or tips over. Look for an independent safety certification label, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Ensure the appliance has a sturdy cord that is at least 6 feet in length.

2. Where To Place It

Place the heater on a hard surface, such as the floor. Do not place it in a child’s bedroom or play area or in a garage where incendiary materials are stored. Use the 3-foot distance rule for children, pets, walls, bedding, curtains and furniture. Allow this distance from flammable fabrics to prevent a burned space heater from setting fire to your home.

3. How To Care for It

Plug the heating unit into its own outlet to avoid overheating. Never use an extension cord or place the appliance near water. When you retire to bed for the evening or leave the room, even for a few minutes, turn off the space heater. Remove it from the outlet by holding the plug, never the cord. If the cord is damaged, discontinue use. If the unit has filters, change them regularly.

Follow the above safety tips at your home in Dallas Texas, to avoid a burned space heater. Always remember to practice general fire safety as well. Install and maintain at least one functioning smoke detector at every level of your house, especially near the bedrooms and kitchen. Have an escape plan in case of a fire. If a fire occurs, execute your plan to get your family to safety. For soot and smoke cleanup, call us at 214-463-5880

 https://www.SERVPROsouthwestdallas.com/

The Complexities of Fire Remediation

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

Soot & Melting Coating on a Window

When a fire occurs in a building, structural charring is only one issue.  On occasion, a structural engineer will need to be called to determine if the building is safe to be in based on how weak the structure may have become.  Aside from the structural aspect, lots of demolition may need to be performed because materials are beyond being cleanable. 

Smoke is very intrusive and not only will it affect the immediate area of the source but it will flow through the entire structure including the air ducts.  Often soot webs or tags will form due to materials like petroleum.  These can smudge easily and will need to be handled carefully.  How to clean depends on the type of materials that burned, the source, temperature to name a few.  Protein fires are different than dry material fires like wood and paper. 

Another issue to be concerned with is odor.  Higher temperature fires will open pores in materials and allow soot particles to invade.  These pores will need to be opened up again in order to clean and deodorize.  Aside from the structure, another items to contend with is the contents in the structure like clothing, furniture, dishes, etc.  The type of material will determine how it is to be cleaned and deodorized.

Remediating a fire can be a very complex process, make sure you find a great fire remediation company like SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas that has the expertise, tools and equipment to get the job done correctly.

Residential Fire Odor Elimination

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire - Soot on cabinets & ceiling

Unlike the massive blazes that make the local news, most Dallas home fires are small and usually contained to one area of the home, usually the kitchen. Even a small fire can leave behind some very troublesome soot residues and smoke odors.

Any fire odor in a home can make it very challenging to continue to reside in. At SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas, we understand that no amount of scented potpourri can eliminate a weak odor, let alone the pungent odors present after a house fire. That is why we use a multiple-stage process to remove, clean, and eliminate the source of the unpleasant odors.

Before cleaning any surface, one of our technicians will determine if an item is salvageable. We remove and dispose of any unsalvageable property caused by the fire. This first action eliminates most of the strong odors and helps our restoration crews determine the source of remaining odors and also provide a healthier environment for our employees, homeowners, and anyone else who may need to be onsite like insurance adjusters.

Next, SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas technicians use rubber sponges and a 2 step-chemical solution application to remove residual soot and odor from structural material items such the walls and ceiling.

The following step is to use Thermal Fogging & Ozone. The process uses a fogging device with a heating element to vaporize and dispense a liquid deodorant into the home. The deodorant particles bind to the odors, neutralizing them. The fog evaporates within a few hours and does not stain carpets or upholstered furniture.  The last step is to release O3 or ozone into the affected areas. Ozone is an unstable molecule and will break apart odor particles to recombine as a more stable particle which eliminates the odor.

If you have any lingering odors from a recent fire, they do not go away on their own. Our goal at SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas is to eliminate every unpleasant odor in area homes, so the owners can put the fire behind them and move forward. Call us at (214) 463-5880 today to schedule a service call and see what we can do for you.

Texas Fire Statistics to Be Aware Of

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Ceiling and Walls After a Kitchen Fire in Oak Cliff

In Texas, a fire occurs almost every 7 minutes. 

More than 40% of residential structure fires will have a cause that is unknown.

For every 1,000 residential structure fires, there are around 25 injuries and 6 fatalities.

Of the fatal residential, structure fires, around 25% did not have a smoke/fire detector system present.

People 65 years or older accounted for roughly 30% of these residential, structure fires.

We are thankful to have some brave individuals to help battle these traumatic events and take care of EMS/Life Support Services when they happen.  In Texas, more than 70% of our firefighters are volunteers.

At SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas, we can't compete with the job that our brave firefighters do. Our role is to be the essential next step in getting your life back in-order and back to normal.  Whether that is cleaning and/or tearing out affecting material or contents restoration, we are there to help anyway we can anywhere in the DFW area!

The Holiday Time of Year - And Time to be Careful

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Burned area of candle left unattended in Oak Cliff area of Dallas

We are approaching the time of year where family and friends get together for holidays.  This year may be a little different due to everything going on in the world.  Wintertime brings on lots of time inside which means finding ways to stay warm. Here are some fire prevention tips to think about this holiday season:

• Be conscious of leaving heaters plugged in when you leave a room, your home or go to sleep.  Consider buying heaters that have an automatic shut off for time or if tipped over.
• Keep flammable items several feet away from heaters.
• Make sure that the heater you are using is meant for inside.  Gas powered heaters need ventilation and generally are meant for the outside.
• Do not use your oven or stove to heat your home.
• Make sure your fireplace has a sturdy metal mesh or tempered glass shield....and that it is in place anytime there is a fire or even smoldering embers.
• Try to refrain from using candles that have very little life left in them.  
• Each night during the winter, do a walk through of your home before bed to check on any potential fire hazards like the heaters, fireplaces and candles mentioned above.

No matter how careful we are, fires do happen.  SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas is here to help with your fire clean-up needs.

Fire Damage to Commercial Property

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage to DFW Warehouse

SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas was called out to a large commercial distribution property in the Coppell area of North Dallas due to a fire caused by flammable canisters put in the compacter.  Our trained team was on site quickly to help mitigate the damages, keep the soot and contaminated materials from spreading to the offices and warehouse, and keep the employees safe.  It is always important to treat the remnants of a fire as a hazardous material, since they can contain harmful contaminants and release hazardous gases.  The SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas team uses the proper personal protective equipment (PPE), the necessary equipment like air scrubbers, hydroxyl machines, and ozone generators, and the proper alkaline cleaners and neutralizers, in order to make the area safe for employees to reenter the area.  Call us today to discuss how we can restore your fire damaged property.  

Fire Damage to Your Contents

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Apartment Fire in Uptown Dallas - SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas took care of the salvageable content cleaning.

When there is a fire in your home, not just the area where the source of the fire occurred, such as the kitchen or living room, is affected.  Smoke and soot will distribute throughout the entire area, affected clothes in closets, furniture in other rooms, and even carpet far away from the actual fire.  SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas has technicians trained in fire and smoke restoration, and they use the proper equipment, techniques, and chemicals to get the job done.  Ozone machines and hydroxyl generators can help dissipate the odors left behind after a fire by changing their molecular structure.  Hot water extraction methods are used for cleaning porous surfaces, such as furniture and carpets.  Special detergents are used for cleaning clothing that was affected.  Dry sponging and specialized alkaline cleaners are used for miscellaneous items, such as lamps and televisions, in order to remove soot that has collected.  If you have had a fire and need help, call us today.

Fire Damage - What to do?

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Damage to a Kitchen in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas

When a fire happens at your home or business, most people do not know what needs to be done to help make the area safe, odorless, and "Like it never even happened."  The first step is to make sure the area is even safe to enter, whether it be a structural issue or a breathing hazard, even small kitchen fires can cause a lot of damage and be a danger to occupants.  If no structural damage is apparent, it is still important to thoroughly clean the affected areas before spending a great amount of time within the structure in order to mitigate any potential health issues.  The SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas team is certified in fire and smoke restoration, and they use the latest techniques and equipment to make the area safe and odorless for occupants.  It is important to note that soot and smoke odors can migrate to areas and contents far away from the source of the fire, and the professionals at SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas are trained to use the necessary alkaline cleaners, HEPA air scrubbers, ozone machines, hydroxyl generators, etc., and make the area ready for reoccupation.  Call us today at 214-463-5880.

Keep Your Family And Friends Safe During The Holidays

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Holiday Treasures Can Be Holiday Hazards!

With the holidays all a glow memories of holidays past and present come to mind. At SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas, we want to make sure that your holidays are safe and merry. One of the ways to do that is to make sure that your home is safe during this holiday season.

Holiday Safety Tips:

• Make sure that Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.
• Holiday decorations should be in good condition.  Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving your home or going to bed.
• Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or before going to bed.
• Make sure that your tree stand is sturdy.
• Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
• Keep anything that can catch on fire--like potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels away from your stovetop.
• At the end of the day, walk around your property to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished.

At SERVPRO of Southwest, we wish you, your family and friends a safe and happy holiday season.

Have A Wonderful And Safe Thanksgiving!

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

Have A Safe Holiday Season!

In November, we begin to celebrate the holiday season with the Thanksgiving holiday.  The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers us kitchen safety tips.  The top ten safety tips are:

• “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 three 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 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 a room with a lit candle.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.”

 At SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas, we wish you the safest and best holiday season!

Have A Fire-Free Fall

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Keep Your Family Free-Free And Safe During Fall Activities

One of the most beautiful seasons of the year is fall. The cool and crisp temperatures, outdoor activities and beautiful fall colors can be seen no matter where you are or where you live. Gives way to the excitement of the upcoming holiday season According to the National Fire Protection Association, NFPA, it is also the time where fire dangers can present themselves. SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas wants all families in our communities to stay safe. Consider following the following safety tips provided by NFPA.

• “Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns
• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric
• Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costumes. 
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.” (Halloween/NFPA)

At SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas, we want everyone to have a safe and fire-free fall season. Should you have a fire clean-up emergency, we are here to help your family or business 24/7. Please call us (214) 463-5880

Keep Your Home Safe From A Candle Fire

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

Candle Safety!

Candles can add to the ambiance of your home; however, they one of the primary causes of house fires. It is important to remember that a candle is an open flame that can easily ignite flammable items that are near. Keep your home a sanctuary from everyday life and safe from a candle fire. Many candle alternatives can bring your home the same warm feeling.

Some safe options are:

• Battery Operated Candles
• Oil Warmers
• LED String lights in a clear vase
• Wine Bottle with LED Lights

If the scent is what you are missing, consider:

• Oil or Wax Warmers
• Reed or Stick Diffusers
• Air Freshener Sprays
• Potpourri

If you do use candles in your home, remember to follow a few simple safety tips:

• Never leave a candle unattended.
• Keep candles should be kept out of the reach of children and pets.
• Never burn a candle on or near something flammable.

If a candle fire does happen, SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas can help. We are a loss recovery team, and our Smoke Restoration Technicians can quickly identify the full scope of the damage to your home. We work to provide effective mitigation and restoration that can save you time and money.

Call us (214) 463-5880 you encounter a fire emergency

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher Properly!

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Residential Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers cannot only save lives, but it can protect your home as well.  First, you must store your home fire extinguisher where children cannot reach them.  Next, do not place them near stoves, heating appliances, or behind draperies. An optimal location is near one of your doors going to the outside of your home.

Make sure that you are using the proper technique established by OSHA.  It is called the P.A.S.S. method.

1. “PULL... Pull the pin. This will also break the tamper seal.
2. AIM... Aim low, pointing the extinguisher nozzle (or its horn or hose) at the base of the fire.

NOTE: Do not touch the plastic discharge horn on CO2 extinguishers, it gets very cold and may damage your skin.

3. SQUEEZE... Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
4. SWEEP... Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire until it appears to be out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, repeat steps 2 - 4.

If you have the slightest doubt about your ability to fight a fire, EVACUATE IMMEDIATELY!"

If you have a fire restoration, emergency SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas is ready to help.   We provide emergency fire services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – including holidays.  You can expect an immediate response, day or night.  Call us (214) 463-5880

Source:   https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/evacuation/portable_use.html

Dryer Fire Danger!

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Dryers Can Cause Fires!

Whether you own or rent your home, keeping your home safe is of the utmost importance to having a happy, healthy family. This is why it is crucial to understand the risks if a clothes dryer is not taken care of properly. Too often neglected areas of clothes dryer cleaning are the dryer vents and the lint filter adding to the risk of a home or business fire.

It is essential to follow these simple safety tips that can prevent a fire in your dryer.

• Make sure that your dryer is installed and maintained by a certified professional.
• Never use your dryer without a lint filter.  It is important to clean the filter screen before each cycle.  Use a dryer link brush to clean the inside of the link trap.  Lint can build up in the trap as well.
• Clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up over time.
• Check the venting system in the back of the dryer to make sure that it is not damaged, crushed, or restricted in any way.
• Look outside to make sure the outdoor vent is clear, and there is no lint or obstructions.
• It is also a great idea every so often to clean your dryer tub.  Simply take a clean cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol.  Let it dry completely.

Keeping your family and customer safe is vital to us at SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas.  In the event of a fire at your home or business, we are here to help you through this disaster.  Our team of trained professionals will help restore any water or fire damage emergency.  Quickly and professionally, we bring your home or business back to its original state.  "Like it never even happened."  Call SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas (214) 463-5880; we are available for 24/7 for emergency services.

You Can Trust Our Fire Damage Experts To Solve Any Issues In Your Dallas Home

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas at (214) 463-5880, and we can help you deal with the complicated restoration process.

Professional Assistance Calms Nerves After Fire Damage In Dallas

Dealing with the aftermath of a fire incident can be a nerve-wracking experience. In addition to the financial or sentimental loss, one faces, several tasks must also be carried out to restore the property to its preloss state. Some of the common ones include removing the debris left over from the fire, rebuilding damaged areas and refinishing surfaces affected by flames or smoke. We offer professional restoration of fire damage in Dallas to help reduce the stress you face.

When everything is covered in soot, it is easy to assume the incident leading to fire damage in Dallas is more severe than it is. There is a need to separate items based on the extent of damages to get a clearer picture of the damage level. Our SERVPRO technicians separate the affected contents into salvageable, unsalvageable, and questionable categories. Such categorization not only helps establish the level of damage but also eases restoration.

Soot and other smoke residues can penetrate beyond the surface of a material. Such materials may seem damaged beyond repair, but with proper cleaning, it might be possible to save the materials. Cleaning helps reduce costs compared to replacing or refinishing. Our SERVPRO technicians rely on sophisticated equipment and cleaning methods to deal with stubborn areas. For example, we use soda blasting which helps clean damage such as slight scorching of surfaces or heavy residue deposit “Like it never even happened.”

Sometimes fire may breach the roof or walls of the affected house, creating a chance for further damage to the contents and materials inside the home. Repairing the breached areas immediately might not be possible, and moving items might be too tedious. Our SERVPRO technicians help by boarding up the property and installing roof tarps to keep out weather elements and rodents. Alternatively, we can also move out contents for storage in safe warehouses. We keep proper records and note the location of every item so that we can return them to the same spot after restoration.

You should not lose hope when fire ruins your property. Call SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas at (214) 463-5880, and we can help you deal with the complicated restoration process. We are available 24/7.

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Where Do You Start With Fire Damage Remediation in Your Dallas Home?

5/5/2019 (Permalink)

One small fire damage mishap can take over your whole home. Contact SERVPRO for your fire damage remediation assistance.

SERVPRO - Eliminating Fire Odors In Dallas Homes

Unlike the massive blazes that make the six o’clock news, most Dallas home fires are small and usually contained to one area of the home. Residential extinguishers are easy to operate, and our fire department performs great work to protect area homes every day. Even a small fire can leave behind some very unpleasant smoke residues and odors, however.

Any fire odor in a Dallas home can make it unpleasant enough for occupation. At SERVPRO, we understand that no amount of scented potpourri or a roomful of fans can eliminate a weak odor, let alone the multiple odors present after a house fire. That is why we use multiple-phase odor control to remove, clean, and eliminate the source of the unpleasant odors.

Before cleaning any surface, one of our inspectors determines if an item is salvageable. We remove any property scorched or otherwise physically damaged by the fire for disposal. This first action eliminates many odors and helps our restoration crews determine the source of remaining odors and also provide a healthier environment for our employees, homeowners, and anyone else who may need to be there like insurance adjusters.

Now, SERVPRO technicians use Chemical Containment to stop odor molecules from evaporating off affected surfaces and into the air. They accomplish this phase by spraying a deodorizer directly onto a surface with smoke residues. The spray serves as a counteragent that forms a barrier to slow or eliminate evaporation.

Next, they use Vapor Odor Control to eliminate odors already in the surrounding air. Technicians use counteractant pellets to release deodorizing vapors into the home which counteract the odors, eliminating them.

If these actions do not eliminate the odors, our personnel use Thermal Fogging. The process uses a fogging device with a heating element to vaporize and dispense a liquid deodorant into the home. The deodorizing particles are the same size as the original odors so that they can penetrate as deeply. That allows them to bond with the odors, neutralizing them completely. The fog evaporates within a few hours and does not stain carpets or upholstered furniture.

If you have any lingering odors from a recent fire, they do not go away on their own. Our goal at SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas is to eliminate every unpleasant odor in area homes, so the owners can put the fire behind them and move forward. Call us at (214) 463-5880 today to schedule a service call and see what we can do for you.

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SERVPRO Eliminates All Issues Involving Fire Damage and Your Dallas Home

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let a fire take over your dream home. Call SERVPRO to remediate any fire damage quickly.

Restoring your Dallas Home after Minor Fire Damage

A housefire usually burns two distinctive types of material. Natural materials like woods as well as synthetic ones like plastic. Both materials release smoke and can leave soot behind throughout the home, even when the fire itself is contained in a single room. Firefighting procedures often incorporate shutting off electricity and using water to control flames. The presence of excess moisture can set soots or residues into porous surfaces making them difficult to clean.

A homeowner with fire damage in Dallas should seek professional help to return their property and possessions to preloss conditions. During a fire, toxic gases like monoxide are released forcing inhabitants to evacuate the property. These usually dissipate within an hour of putting the flames out posing no threat to your health. However, the thick odors and soot deposits can be an irritant, particularly if you suffer from respiratory problems like asthma.

Local SERVPRO technicians can be with you within four hours of notification of loss. They immediately set to work restoring power to the property and conducting a visual inspection of the site. Using their training, technicians can pre-test fabrics to see which types of material have burnt in the fire- either synthetic or natural. Doing so helps to establish an effective plan of action that can save time.

Charring occurs when dense materials are exposed to naked flames. The removal and safe disposal of these items is an immediate task for your technician to do. In high-temperature fires, structural components can show signs of charring. Using sandblasting techniques, SERVPRO can remove these elements leaving behind smooth surfaces ready for repainting.

At the end of service, SERVPRO conducts a walkthrough as standard. This procedure is to communicate outcomes with you, as well as the work completed onsite. Any non-salvageable items can be added to an inventory for passing on to your insurance adjuster. We can also contact third-party general contractors on your behalf to conduct remodeling or repainting work.

Getting your property back to preloss conditions is what we do, contact SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas at (214) 463-5880 today.

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How Our Experts Control Foul Odors In Your Dallas Home After A Fire

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

If you ever need help with eliminating unpleasant aromas after a fire takes place at your residence, call SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas.

Fire Damage Professionals In Dallas Discuss Different Types Of Odor Control Equipment

Whenever something burns inside your Dallas home, the smoke created can cause soot residues and burnt aromas to exist. After the blaze gets extinguished, it is wise to call in a professional fire damage restoration company such as SERVPRO. When things burn, only some of the fuel used gets fully combusted or turned from a solid state to a gas when heat is applied. Many items only get partially consumed and get put into your indoor airflow in the form of smoke. Once these particles start circulating throughout your house, they begin to solidify onto cooler surfaces and cause soot removal as a part of your fire damage situation.

These partially combusted particles can also penetrate deep into porous materials like carpet and fabrics. Even after all soot is removed during your fire damage situation in Dallas, eliminating unpleasant odors is often the last step. Sometimes foul smells can exist inside your contents as well as your building materials. When this is the case, we usually pack out your contents and deodorize them in a separate, clean and disinfected location. Our SERVPRO technicians separate your contents from your structure at times so that our deodorization techniques can work more efficiently to eliminate odors out of both your possessions and building materials.

One way to eliminate smoke related odors is to utilize equipment that dispenses deodorant chemicals in the same manner as the smoke travels through your home. To do this, we can use fogging systems that break deodorants down to microscopic particles. A wet or cold tri-jet fogger can break compounds down to 20-50 micron size droplets. An ultra-low volume or ULV fogger can dispense chemical droplets down even smaller to 8-15 microns in size. For more severe situations a hot thermal fogger can be implemented to distribute particles as little as .5 to 2 microns in size and is used to penetrate chemicals deeply into materials.

If you ever need help with eliminating unpleasant aromas after a fire takes place at your residence, call SERVPRO of Southwest Dallas at (214) 463-5880 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

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