SERVPRO Fire Damage: Awareness, Prevention, and Restoration

7/23/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade understands that fire damage can be very devastating to your homes and/or businesses.  

So, what are the common causes of fire damage? 

Typically, fire damage results from electrical hazards, unattended cooking and wildfires.  

What are the strategies to prevent fire damage from occurring? 

-Perform routine checks of electrical to prevent electrical fires.

-Be vigilant when cooking to prevent grease fires and install smoke alarms to alert at the first sign of potential danger.

-Maintain heating appliances.

-Accessible fire extinguisher. 

What is the fire restoration process at SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade?

Step 1 Perform a thorough evaluation and assessment of the damage.

Step 2 Assist with insurance claims process.

Step 3 Utilize advanced techniques to restore contents and cleaning to eliminate lingering smoke odors. 

Remember that awareness and prevention are key in fire safety. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade want to provide you with compassionate assistance throughout the process as we understand how difficult fire damage can be. Contact our office at 916-285-7257 if you need assistance with fire damage.

SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade - Protecting your Business from Fire Damage

5/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade help apartment complex with fire damage caused by a water heater burst.

An apartment complex had fire damage when a water heater burst and caught fire. The fire was confined to the water heater room but smoke damage traveled affecting the adjacent rooms of the complex. The property manager had called SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade to assist with the fire, requesting emergency clean up services to prevent relocating the majority of the residents. Typically, with fire damage, a fire investigation needs to happen prior to disposing and cleaning of materials.

Bringing in contractors and rebuilding may take some time, particularly for larger structures. In the meantime, you can ensure that your business is safe, secure and mitigation is underway. After reaching out to a restoration company, filing an insurance claim is the next step. Your insurance company and SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade will communicate to determine structural damage and coverage of the loss.

What are the benefits of SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade’s Fire Damage Restoration Service?

Businesses can benefit from our emergency commercial fire damage service here in Sacramento County. There are several vital services SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade can perform in the immediate aftermath of a fire that could help to save your business from unnecessary expenses. You can discuss with our staff throughout the restoration process to inform us of any potential valuables or outcomes you need.

Our first duty onsite is to inspect the building. Inspections can involve a pre-testing procedure to assess the extent of damage in your commercial building accurately. Our first concern is the security of your business, and our team can perform emergency board-ups of broken windows, doors, or ceilings to prevent unlawful entry and theft overnight. Followed by cleaning of flooring, contents, and structure to the property to protect you against secondary damages.

Restoring your business may take time, so contact SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden at 916-285-7257 to help manage your commercial fire restoration.

What to do after a fire happens?

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires are more common than you think. It can be oil spilling onto the burner or forgetting your cookies in the oven. What do you do after a fire happens? The immediate danger of the fire has passed, but what about the problems the damage of fire or smoke leaves behind? The issues that remain are the cleaning of the structure - walls and ceilings, and cleaning of the flooring will need to be handled by a professional like SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade. 

We can suggest several steps that can be taken to prevent further damages or minimize the damages until SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade arrives at your property. Here are a few tips:

-Keeping movement within the home to a minimum. It limits the particulates from the fire from traveling. For instance, repeated movement allows soot to become ingrained in carpet.Use towels to cover up high traffic carpeted areas.

-If you need to evacuate your home due to the fires, empty the fridge and freezer of all food contents and leave the door open to prevent unpleasant smells upon return.

A few small tips can be helpful when restoring your home and personal belongings prior to our arrival. SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade is there every step of the way during a fire loss, so call us at 916-285-7257. Our team of fire technicians have the experience and knowledge to minimize or restore your home from fire damage.

Dutch Oven Fire in Sacramento

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke damage can be severe as indicated with a wipe of a chemical sponge. Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade for smoke/fire damage.

Kitchen fires are quite common for many individuals. A Sacramento resident recently had a kitchen fire which was caused by a dutch oven. The majority of the fire damage was contained within the kitchen, but there was light smoke and soot damage throughout the home. 

Upon receiving the initial call, SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade responded and provided emergency services for both fire and smoke, placed controlled engineering and equipment within the kitchen area, documented the affected area by taking photos and putting together a scope of work for the insurance company. 

With fire and smoke damage, our franchise will often wet clean and/or dry clean of the affected areas. Personal belongings will often be sorted of what is considered salvageable versus non-salvageable. Furthermore, our team will also inspect the attic for any possible smoke damage and determine if the insulation needs to be removed and inspect the ducts to see if they need to be cleaned or replaced. 

Fire losses can be overwhelming, but SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade will be there for our customer every step of the way - from the initial visit and communicating with their insurance to the final walk through.

SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade is there for you! We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can be reached at 916-285-7257.

Fire Damage: Packing Out Contents and Electronic Cleanup

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade for all fire and smoke restoration needs at 916-285-7257!

Fire damage to your property can be overwhelming and will require extensive fire restoration or cleaning. This can include removal of affected materials or wet/dry cleaning of the structure. In some cases, a pack out of contents may be needed during fire damage. With fire damage, SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade can conduct an organized pack out of the affected area. Why do your personal belongings need packing out? 

The benefits of a pack out are:

-it helps for a faster remodeling process

-protecting personal belongings from possible damage and further damage from being on-site

Upon completion of the fire restoration, our franchise will coordinate with the customer a pack back of the contents. The services for pack out and pack back of contents may be dependent on your insurance coverage.

Additional services during fire damage include electronic restoration. Fire damage to electronics can present a hazard. Smoke damage that is contained within electronic devices can corrode metal surfaces. If smoke residuals are not removed properly, the corrosion can cause electronic usage failure. SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade can coordinate with customers the restoration of all electronics by qualified electronics technicians.

If you have recently been subject to fire damage to your property, give SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade a call at 916-285-7257. We are here to assist you during your time of need. We will assess the fire and smoke damage accordingly, while providing the structure cleaning services needed, as well as take care of any of your contents that are important to you.

Fire Damage: What You Can Do Versus What You Cannot Do After A Fire?

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade at 916-285-7257 for all fire damage, smoke damage, and soot damage!

The aftermath of fire damage - what can you do versus what you cannot do. Fire damage, smoke damage, or soot damage can be a hazard. Although direct fire damage can be contained in an area, the smoke and soot damage can travel throughout a home or commercial building. SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade have a team of highly trained professionals who have the experience in fire, smoke, and soot damage restoration. We use appropriate measures to safely clean and restore your property while keeping in mind to restore any personal belongings and structure.

What can you do after a fire?

-limit the movement in your property to prevent cross contamination of smoke and soot particles

What you cannot do after a fire?

-do not attempt to wash the walls or any painted surfaces without contacting SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade because using an inappropriate method could lead to additional or irreversible damage

-do not clean electrical appliances without consulting an authorized repair service

-do not touch soot covered iteds because it can cause staining to surfaces

Why should you trust SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade after a fire?

-we provide 24/7 emergency service

-we have highly trained fire and water mitigation specialists 

-we can navigate the insurance claims process and coordinate communicate for an easier experience

Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade at 916-285-7257 for all fire damage, smoke damage, and soot damage!

Steps for Fire Restoration

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The fire restoration process begins when SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade receives the call or the SERVPRO Corporate office receives the call and dispatches the information to our franchise. Both SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade and SERVPRO Corporate office are staffed 24 hours a day to answer any call you may have regarding fire damage. During the initial call, the representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us better understand the situation and provide the necessary services.

Step 2: Inspection and Assessment

Our technicians will be dispatched to carefully inspect and assess the affected areas as well as any adjoining rooms that may be affected from the fire, smoke, and soot damage. Assessment is important because it helps our team develop a plan of action. We also work alongside insurance companies and fire marshals to determine the extent of damages.

Step 3: Board Up and Roof Tarp Up

There are cases where fire damage can compromise the windows, walls, and roofs. In order to maintain security of your property and prevent break-ins, our franchise will coordinate board ups; however, a roofing company will need to provide a roof tarp up.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if needed)

Water is used to put out fires by the fire department. If water damage is present, our team of technicians will perform water extraction to remove the water and equipment to assist in the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot

SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade will use the appropriate cleaning technicians to remove smoke and soot damage from all surfaces like ceilings and walls

Step 6: Cleaning Content

Our team of technicians intend to minimize damage to unaffected or restorable goods. We will inventory the salvageable content and it will be returned upon job completion. For the unsalvageable content, our technicians will receive your approval to dispose of contents. 

Step 7: Repairs and Construction

After fire and smoke restoration, construction work will get your property back to its preloss state. Repairs can be minor or complete rebuild of the affected areas of your home. 

Give SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden Arcade a call at 916-285-7257 to get assistance for fire damage, smoke damage, or soot damage.

Fire Damage in Sacramento

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

This RC battery was the cause of the fire damage in this Sacramento home.

Fire damages is one of many of our restoration services. We provide water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, and biohazard clean-ups. 

For fires in residential homes or commercial buildings, they will suffer from fire, smoke, and soot damage. 

This is where hiring a professional will help reduce the damage and cost. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade will be able to assist you in your time of need. Our response time is quick! We want to limit further damages such as smoke odors embedding itself into your personal belongs and the structure. We begin by providing our customers with emergency services, which consists of fire damage assessment, and removal of smoke and soot from all surfaces.

For this customer in Sacramento, they fire damage when an RC battery was charging in the kitchen. Although one room was affected from the fire, there was soot and smoke damage throughout the house on the structure and the contents. 

When damages like this happen, we set up our equipment such as air scrubbers with charcoal filters.

If you or someone you know has experienced fire damage, soot damage, or smoke damage - call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade at 916-285-7257. We are faster to any disaster.

Smoke Damage in Carmichael Home

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Customer had a kitchen fire in Carmichael home. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade arrived, set up containment, and began emergency services

SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade recently had a call for a fire damage and smoke damage in their Carmichael home. 

Many fires start by unattended cooking. It happens. The customer walked away from the stovetop to do some work, and ended up forgetting that they were still cooking. Fire and smoke spread throughout the kitchen and the home. 

SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade was called to perform fire emergency services. We are faster to any disaster. Our team of technicians set up containment and equipment. There was a lot of smoke damage, and our team recommended deep cleaning of all the walls and flooring, duct cleaning for the HVAC system. 

Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade at 916-285-7257. We help with any fire damage to your home and provide full emergency services, along with mitigation and restoration services. 

Fire Damage in Orangevale

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

A customer call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade after having fire damage in Orangevale home! Call us for fire restoration damages!

Fire damage to a home can be devastating, from the damage to the structure to personal belongings. In addition to fire damage to your home, soot damage and smoke damage can be present, along with water damage from firefighting efforts. 

With SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade knowledge of fire damage, we can help restore your home to its preloss condition. 

We will guide you through every step of the process as we can understand this is a difficult time for you. From the initial call to our mitigation efforts, we are here for you.

If you have any questions regarding fire damage, soot damage, and smoke damage, call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade. We are available 24/7 at 916-285-7257.

Commercial Fire Damage in Midtown

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial building fire damages are on a large scale and present challenges, but no disaster is too big for SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade. 

We had a customer in Midtown who had fire damage to their commercial office building. The fire damage caused by faulty electrical wiring that affected the interior walls and flooring of the building. After the firefighting efforts had been completed, SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade stepped in to prevent further water damage, fire damage, soot damage, and smoke damage to the commercial office building in Midtown. 

When we arrive, we provide initial inspections to determine the source of the loss and proceed with odor control, cleaning services and more. Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade to find out what we can do to help your fire damage restoration needs! We are available 24/7 at 916-285-7257.

Kitchen Fire in Gold River Home

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Customer had a kitchen fire in Gold River home, and called SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade to help with the fire, smoke, and soot damages

Kitchen fires happen unexpectedly. A recent customer in Gold River had experienced a kitchen fire in their home. When cooking, you should never leave hot items unattended!

SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade suggest you plan ahead for any grease and/or oil fires that may happen! And always keep a careful eye on anything cooking in the oven, stovetop, or other cooking appliances.

Tips we suggest if you have a kitchen fire:

• Quickly placing a lid on top of a pan or pot, if possible
• Install smoke alarms
• Accessible fire extinguisher
• An exit plan

Remember that SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade can help you with any fire damage, smoke damage, or soot damage in your home. We are available 24/7 at 916-285-7257. We are here to mitigate and restoration your home to its preloss condition.

Fire Damage in East Sacramento

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

A customer from Sacramento had fire damage in their home and called SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade! 916-285-7257

You have called SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade for our fire mitigation and restoration services. An initial inspection of the home has been done, and you have approved our estimate and services. We understand how devastating it is to lose your home and all your personal mementos in that home. With all fire losses, we need to cover fire damage, smoke damage, soot damage, and potential water damage from putting out the fire. Each fire event is different, however the process is the same. Below is our step by step process for our fire jobs.

• Contact

When SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade receive that initial call we will ask a series of questions pertaining to the situation regarding the fire loss which helps us understand the situation and determine the equipment we need.

• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment 

Our estimator will carefully inspect the property to determine the extent of the fire damage, the smoke damage, and the soot damage.

• Immediate Board-p and Roof-Tarp Service

We provide professional board up since fire damage compromises the windows and walls, and tarp for damaged roof surface.

• Water Extraction and Drying

If water damage is present, we bring out our equipment to begin the water removal process. We use equipment like dehumidifiers and air scrubbers to remove water and dry moisture content.

• Removal of Smoke and Soot

Smoke and soot can be embedded into the surfaces of upholstery, furniture, walls, carpets and more. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade have the necessary equipment to remove smoke and soot from the surfaces.

• Clean and Sanitation

From the restorable items we have removed from the home, we use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your personal belongings to their preloss fire condition.

• Restoration

Minor and major repairs can be involved

Give us a call at 916-285-7257 to determine what work needs to be done on your fire damaged home! No disaster is too big for SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade.

Holiday Fire near Cal Expo

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Even our office dog Blaze wants to keep you safe from holiday fires. Remember our tips to prevent fires in your Sacramento home!

With each holiday, there are chances of a fire hazard. This winter season, it involves Christmas trees, holiday lights, and candles. This year we were alerted about a house fire near Cal Expo, Sacramento, CA caused by their Christmas tree. SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade have some suggestions to prevent fire damage in your home this year!

• Choose the freshest tree possible! Select a dry tree will have a higher chance of causing fires
• Set up tree at least 3 feet from any heat source, i.e. space heater, fireplace, or furnace
• Cut bottom of tree trunk and fill stand with water
• Install a smoke alarm to sense heat and smoke to alert you as soon as possible

Should you and your family need our fire damage restoration services this year, you know who to call! SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade are available all year round, 365/24/7, so give us a call at 916-285-7257!

Fire Damage in Elmhurst

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Customer called about a fire damage in Elmhurst. Available for fire damage services in Sac, Wilhaggin, Cal Expo, Tahoe Park, Carmichael, and more!

You have forgotten you left the stovetop on and there is fire damage and smoke damage in the kitchen. After the fire department has come to put out the fire, you realize you are surrounded by ash, soot, and debris. What do you do? You will search on Google ‘fire damage near me’. That is when SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade appears and you decide to give us a call at 916-285-7257. We get the initial call and dispatch our team out to handle the fire damage and smoke damage in your home. 

Throughout the mitigation process, we will explain how the odor penetrates material in your home and how we reduce the smoke odor in your home!

So, what factors help odors penetrate?

• Surface porosity
  For surface porosity, the more porous a material, the more likely it is to absorb odors i.e. carpet, carpet pad, insulation

• Heat
  Heat from fire causes materials to expand which allow odors to penetrate. Materials that cool down after the fire end up trapping odors within the material

So, how do we reduce smoke odor?

• Air scrubbers
  Air scrubbers capture airborne microorganisms and eliminate surface microorganism and effectively aid in the filtration and cleaning of the airspace

Here at SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade, we want to help you understand the process of fire damage, smoke damage, soot damage, and odor control, should you ever need our services. Call us at 916-285-7257, we are available 365/24/7!

Fire Damage in Wilhaggin

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Whether it is fire damage, smoke damage, or soot damage, SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade handle it all! Call us 916-285-7257!

A house fire is your worst nightmare. A customer recently experienced a house fire in Wilhaggin, and called us, SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade. 

Your first thought - what is salvageable from a house fire?

With the proper cleaning and disinfecting from SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade, the most salvageable items are clothes, bedding and other textiles.

If anything in the home is burnt, use your judgment and throw it away.

At SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade, we inspect and determine the extent of the fire damage, smoke damage, and soot damage in your home. Followed by cleaning and sanitizing restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. So, call us today at 916-285-7257!

Elk Grove Fire Cleanup

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage can cause absolute devastation, so we are there to help you when you need it most.

Fires. One of nature's most destructive processes. Fires are useful, they allow us to do things like cook food and drive cars when controlled. But if they are left for one second in an uncontrolled environment, fires cause immense devastation. So much devastation that there is a whole industry that revolves around the reparations from damage caused by fires. 

What do you see in a fire damage? 

• Dry smoke residue is caused by high heat, fast burning fires fueled by wood and paper. This is what you usually think of when you imagine ash and soot--powdery and dry. The fine powder is often simpler to clean since it is easy to wipe off. However, it can fall into cracks and porous surfaces, and while the soot may be hidden from view, the smell will remain.
• Wet smoke residue is caused by low-heat, slow-burning fires from burning plastic or rubber. This black smoke leaves behind an often thick and sticky residue with a strong odor. Wet smoke residue smears easily, which often makes cleanup more difficult. 
• Protein residue is left behind after the evaporation of organic material, usually food. The residue is almost invisible. However, it discolors varnishes, paints, and finishes. It also gives off a strong, offensive odor.
• Water damage can be caused by any relief efforts to put out the fires. The water can be introduced through firefighting or smoke detecting water sprinklers. It is so important to dry out the structure as well, because if it is left unattended mold will grow. 

It is so important to remediate as soon as possible in order to prevent secondary damage, whether that be mold damage or ash that set into the structure. 

Let SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade help you out. We have trained technicians that are available 24/7 for your restoration needs. Give us a call at 916-285-7257 for a free estimate today.

Fire Damage in Mobile Home, Rancho Cordova

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

This mobile home experienced a fire damage and called us to clean it up. Our technicians are trained to clean any type of fire loss.

This motor home had an electric fire that caused a lot of smoke damage on the inside. We cleaned this damage up just as we would any other fire damaged home.

Our skilled technicians here at SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade cleaned the soot off of the walls and floors. They then did a contents clean of all the items in the home to remove the soot and odors. Using equipment with HEPA filters also helps deodorize the mobile home of any smoke smells. 

Are you experiencing water or fire damage in your mobile home? 

Call SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade at 916-285-7257 and our technicians would be more than happy to come over and check it out for you. SERVPRO is the leading restoration company in Sacramento and the surrounding areas. We can make it "Like it never even happened."

Smoke Damage Restoration

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

We cleaned every item and book you see in this photo, one by one!

Contents Restoration

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

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

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

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

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

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

If You Have Questions or Need Help, Call Us Today – (916) 285-7257

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration, Elk Grove

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

This is a photo of a fire loss in Elk Grove. Notice the extensive amounts of soot on the walls.

In a home that has fire and smoke damage, recovery may seem like an insurmountable task. The damage could be extensive, affecting every part of your home. It is important to take these steps when faced with a fire loss to prevent secondary damage. Normal cleaning procedures can increase damage and cause the smoke smell and soot to set into your items. Let SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade take care of you. Our technicians are IICRC Certified in dealing with fire damages to help restore your home to its preloss condition. 

What to do if your home has fire and smoke damage:

• 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 our home.
• Place dry towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and high traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odors.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave 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 HVAC system.

What NOT to do if your home has fire and smoke damage:

• Attempt to wash walls or painted surfaces without first contacting a professional.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first contacting a professional.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water, as they may have been contaminated.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

If you have been affected by fire damage, let the pros take care of it for you. Give SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade a call at 916-285-7257 to get an estimate today. We are always here to help.

California Wildfire Cleanup

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

Firefighters battle a wind-driven wildfire in Sylmar, California, October 11, 2019.

As we move into the wildfire season once again, SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West-Arden Arcade wanted to take a moment to reflect on the fires that are affecting the State of California. Currently, the Saddleridge Brush fire is burning in Southern California, and 100,000 people have been evacuated. And while power has just been restored to hundreds of thousands of residents across California, the threat of wildfires across the state is still weighing heavy in our minds.

If you have been affected by the fires, here are some tips on what to do before help arrives: 

• Limit movement in 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.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a professional can check the system. 

What to NOT do when you have fire and smoke damage:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to ire, heat, or water.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored closed to fire, heat, or water. 
• Turn on ceiling fixtures.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning will set in the smoke odor. 

If you have fire damage, give us a call at 916-285-7257.

Arden-Arcade Fire Cleanup

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

In this photo, you can see the charred remnants of the kitchen fire that took place, as well as the soot covered wall behind it.

This home was heavily affected by a fire that started from a kitchen fire. This photo shows the kitchen where the fire started. The entire house smelled like smoke, and there was a lot of soot in the house. 

SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade was called in to clean up the aftermath! Our skilled technicians worked extra hard cleaning all of the surfaces and objects to make sure that this home would be back to normal soon. 

What to do when you have fire and smoke damage:

• Limit movement in 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.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a professional can check the system. 

What to NOT do when you have fire and smoke damage:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to ire, heat, or water.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored closed to fire, heat, or water. 
• Turn on ceiling fixtures.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning will set in the smoke odor. 

If you have fire or smoke damage, SERVPRO of East Sacramento and West Arden/Arcade is here to help. Please give us a call, 24/7, at 916-285-7257.

Sacramento House Fire Restoration

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

In a fire like this, the task of cleaning up may seem insurmountable. We are always here to help 24/7/365 to ensure quick response in emergencies.

Experiencing a house fire is a frightening, sickening, and very upsetting experience. In the aftermath of a fire, it is very important to know what to do to protect yourself and others from any possibility of further harm. This blog post will help you with key things to do and know after a fire.

If you need to reenter your home, you need to make sure that it is safe to do so.

You need to make sure that the fire is extinguished, that the authorities have established that it is safe to enter, and the severity of the fire. You need to recognize that there is a chance that you might not be able to reenter if the building is too badly damaged.

Know who to call.

• Contact family members that may not have been with you. Let them know what happened, let them know that everybody is okay (if so) and let them know the information that is necessary.
• Contacting your insurance is the number one thing that youneed to do. This will not only enable documentation of the event and set in train the insurance claim but your insurer will be able to talk you through emergency lodging and living expenses. Remember to retain all receipts to make a claim. The insurance company will also assist with clean up options.
• If you are a tenant, contact the owner/landlord and/or their insurance company.
• Anyone who you feel that could be helpful to you, not necessarily just an insurance company but even a restoration company. Restoration companies should work hand in hand with your insurance to take some of that weight off of your shoulders.

Secure the property. 

If you have not already being told to do so, it is important to secure your property to prevent possible looting. Talk to emergency services on how best to go about this. Most insurance policies require this.

Consider cleanup requirements

Depending on the severity of the fire, interior cleaning may be what is required. Damage to the property often goes beyond what you can see. Types of damage can include ash, charring, soot, smoke, odor, contents damage, and even water damage from fire fighters putting out the fire.  

If water was used to put out the fire, its best to call the professionals.

Water damage can lead to more damage or even mold if not dried properly. Insurance companies will often have approved restoration contractors that you can call for board up, structural drying, contents cleaning and structural cleaning and repair.

Seek counseling if needed and reassure your family. 

Having your house damaged or destroyed by fire is extremely traumatic and can have lasting impacts on each family member, depending on his or her ability to cope. Common feelings are helplessness, disorientation, pining for belongings, deep sadness, a sense of deprivation, despair and a loss of routine and structure. Reassure each other and let the emotions happen. Keep a close eye on children and be truthful with them about what has happened and if you do not know what is going to happen next, at least reassure them that you have one another, that things can all be replaced and that the only way is up from here on.

A house fire can be one of the most terrifying experiences you can go through. If you have experienced a fire in your home and need assistance with the cleanup, please give us a call at 916-285-7257, we are available 24/7 and are committed to bringing you the utmost care as quickly and professionally as possible. 

Immediate Fire Restoration

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

In this hallway of a Sacramento home, you can see the soot buildup from a fire on the sides of the walls. Everything in this home was cleaned.

When your home or business is affected by fire damage, the aftermath is overwhelming, but if the restoration is postponed, the destruction from smoke damage will worsen. Whenever a fire damage occurs, firefighting efforts may cause water damage on the site as well. The longer you wait to assess this damage, the more repairs you will need to fix – which may be reflected in your bill for damages when all is said and done. To avoid costly repairs and long-term issues, it is important to make fire damage restoration a priority in order to get your home back to normal as soon as possible.

Find a Quality Fire Damage Restoration Service

One of the most important steps to take when dealing with fire restoration is to find a quality fire restoration services that can help you assess the damage, give you an estimate on costs and start the clean up process. It is important to contact your home insurance company to make them aware of the fire and they may provide you with referrals for reliable restoration companies in your area. It is pivotal to enlist the help of a licensed and insured fire damage restoration company to prevent further damage to your home. Most restoration companies are trained extensively to handle this type of damage and many will perform some of the following steps to help you through the initial fire cleanup.

• Smoke and fire damage restoration services will try to save as many of your home and personal belongings (such as appliances, furniture and clothing) as they can.
• Document everything they remove from your home by taking pictures and/or keeping written records.
• Return any salvageable furniture and appliances back to your home, after the fire restoration is complete.
• Work quickly and carefully to get you back in your home as soon as possible, and stay in contact with you to make sure the repairs were done correctly and your home isn't experiencing any other problems.

Be sure to go through your home insurance company when hiring a fire damage restoration service, or do a thorough background check if you choose one on your own to make sure they are licensed and insured. Be wary of “fire chasing” contractors who target victims of house fires and pressure them into signing expensive repair contracts, perform extremely low-quality repair work and might not be licensed or insured.

Start Cleanup Now!

While it is so important to have a qualified restoration company to handle your smoke damage restoration, there are some things that you can do to minimize the initial damage before professionals arrive.  If it is possible to enter your house, make sure you’re wearing work gloves, long sleeves/pants, and proper respiratory protection, such as a N95+ mask because exposure to soot can cause respiratory problems and other medical issues.

• 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 our home.
• Place dry towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and high traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odors.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave 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 HVAC system.

If your home has been affected by fire or smoke damage, SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden-Arcade has licensed, background checked technicians with a wealth of knowledge ready to help you out. To get an estimate, give us a call at 916-285-7257.

Holiday Fire TIps

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Be fire safe this holiday season!

Last year in 2018, SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden-Arcade did an article on Holiday Kitchen Tips, which was very well loved and we highly recommend you to check it out. And while it was a comprehensive look on Holiday cooking, we decided to broaden our scope this year and offer some extra tips on candles and Christmas tree safety. Because while you might not know it, the top three days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These hallmarks of the holiday season with twinkling lights and brilliant evergreens that we love so much can quickly turn this festive time of year into a devastating one.

Holiday Cooking

Cooking fires are without a doubt the leading cause of US home fires and injuries year-round, Christmas Day is a particularly risky day for cooking with a 72% increase in the number of home cooking fires compared to a typical day. We already covered a good few tips you can check out here, but we just wanted to reiterate a couple for this holiday season.

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

Learn more about Cooking Safety in your home here.

Christmas Trees

While Christmas tree fires aren’t super common, they are far more deadly than the average house fire. Lets get a couple of our facts straight:

• One of every three home Christmas tree fires is caused by electrical problems.
• Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. On average, one out of every 32 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in a death, compared to an average of one death per 143 reported home fires.
• A heat source too close to the tree causes roughly one in every four (25%!) of the fires.

Christmas tree safety doesn’t need to be hard! It’s about being vigilant and careful while you celebrate the holidays. It is important to be fire smart. A small fire that spreads to a Christmas Tree can grow large very quickly.

1. Picking the tree: Choose a tree with fresh green needles that do not fall off when touched. This assures that the tree will last the longest and it is dry.
2. Placing the tree: Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
   1. Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
   2. Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
   3. Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
3. Lighting the tree: Use lights that have a label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
   1. Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
   2. Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
   3. Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.
4. After Christmas: Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry.
   1. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home, garage, or placed outside against the home.
   2. City of Sacramento residential yard waste customers can place trees in the street for pickup as part of the City’s Leaf Season service. Residents can find their estimated collection dates on the Sacramento Collection calendar.
   3. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Candles

December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. More than half (55 percent) of the December home decoration fires were started by candles, compared to one-third (32 percent) the remainder of the year.

Candle with Care

• Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 1 foot (30 centimetres) away from anything that can burn.

If you do burn candles, make sure that you...

• Use candle holders that are sturdy, and won’t tip over easily.
• Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface.
• Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame.
• Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Religious Candles

Lit candles are used in religious services, in places of worship, and in the home. Whether you are using one candle, or more than one on a candelabra, kinara, chanukiah or menorah, make sure you take a few moments to learn about using candles safely.

• Handheld candles should not be passed from one person to another at any time.
• When lighting candles at a candle lighting service, have the person with the unlit candle dip their candle into the flame of the lit candle.
• Lit candles should not be placed in windows where a blind or curtain could catch fire.
• Candles placed on, or near tables, altars, or shrines, must be watched by an adult.
• If a candle must burn continuously, be sure it is enclosed in a glass container and placed in a sink, on a metal tray, or in a deep basin filled with water.

Holiday Decorations

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But that also means a greater risk for fire. There are string lights, too many extension cords, and electrical hazards amok! Following a few simple tips will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

• Be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
• Keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn.
• Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.
• Keep decorations away from windows and doors.
• Blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed

Fire Damage Restorers

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

This is a photo of a fire damage situation in Sacramento, CA.

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

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden-Arcade will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 916-285-7257

Smoke Damage Clean Up

11/6/2018 (Permalink)

This Sacramento business had a lot of soot damage after a fire. Not all damage looks this way though, sometimes smoke damage can be invisible!

Choose the Best Fire Damage Restoration in Sacramento

If your home or business has recently experienced a fire disaster, you might be scrambling to figure out what to do next. You might even have people soliciting right at your front door before the fire is even put out, telling you they are the company you must use. Be wary of this. Review our steps below to help guide you. SERVPRO of East Sacramento / Arden-Arcade is proud to be the local's choice for emergency cleaning services, including fire damage, mold remediation, and water damage restoration.

First Steps After The Fire: 

The immediate moments following a disaster can be the most stressful. Do not feel pressured by solicitors. You have complete control over who you choose to help you through this disaster. Do some research online or find out who your insurance company has preferred relationships with. This will make life much easier on you in the long run. Remember most fires get put out with Water. You also need a Water Damage Professional! SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden-Arcade is an expert at Fire & Water restoration. We will will arrive at your home or business on the same day of the event, regardless of the size of the fire. NO job is too big, and NO job is too small. 

Look for Expert Knowledge: 

Each member of the team is well-versed in all aspects of residential and commercial fire restoration. Whether it's upholstery damage, odor control, or smoke/soot issues, they will quickly restore your property back to normal. Be wary of contractors telling you to tear your whole house apart that you spent years crafting and falling in love with. It makes life harder on you and drives up your claim costs. We are experts at restoring property and contents that appear to be doomed. We are always looking to restore before we replace. What good is a RESTORation company that can't RESTORE anything?

Restoration Method:

SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden-Arcade is a locally-owned company with national resources. Their policy is to perform fire restoration first, before replacing every damaged item which can quickly rack up costs.

Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

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

Personalized Service:

Every fire damage is different, and every customer will have different needs. That's how we prepare. Even if this means additional clean-up, managing insurance paperwork, walking your adjuster through the property, or even helping finding you a place to stay, SERVPRO will be there to help.

Fire Damage Restoration is about truly caring about the customer and the communities they live in. SERVPRO of East Sacramento / West Arden-Arcade is that company. Visit us online to find out more about their fire restoration and other emergency cleaning services, or give us a call at (916) 285-7257 to schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Fire Damage Restoration

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

Map of California Fires as of August 6, 2018

Our team here at SERVPRO of East Sacramento/West Arden Arcade wanted to take a minute to reflect on the multiple fires that are affecting the State of California. As of this last weekend, the Mendicino Complex Fire doubled in size and became the 2nd biggest fire in California's history. The Carr Fire, which has been burning since late July in Redding, has costed lives and thousands of homes, and still remains only 45% contained. 

Our team is currently standing on call waiting for approval to start the cleanup of these smoke and fire damaged homes. 

If you have been affected by the fires, here are some tips on what to do before help arrives: 

• Limit movement in 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.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a professional can check the system. 

What to NOT do when you have fire and smoke damage:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to ire, heat, or water.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored closed to fire, heat, or water. 
• Turn on ceiling fixtures.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning will set in the smoke odor. 

If you have fire damage, give us a call at 916-285-7257.

Holiday Kitchen Safety Tips

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

This is what your dinner table can look like if you make sure to follow important safety procedures when cooking!

If you're anything like us here at SERVPRO, the holidays can't come soon enough! With all this excitement, from gift giving to string lights and Christmas trees, it's important to remember to stay safe as you cook that holiday meal. With cooking being the number one cause of house fires, the American Red Cross provides a few tips on how to keep your home safe, so you can enjoy this wonderful time of year!

Ways to Stay Safe When You Cook Your Holiday Meal

1. When frying your holiday latkes, grilling, or broiling any food, don't leave it unattended! Make sure to stay in the kitchen or turn off the stove if you need to leave the room.
2. Use a timer to remind yourself of when to turn off the stove or oven. Sometimes it's too easy to get caught up in a big play while watching that Christmas Day football game and reminders are helpful!
3. Make sure to wear your hair up and don't wear loose sleeves or anything that can dangle when you're cooking. An ER visit is not the way to spend the holidays, for sure!
4. If you're simmering, baking, roasting, or broiling food, make sure to check it regularly. The only thing worse than burnt food is a house fire.
5. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease build up (and prevent your mother in law from nagging you about it).
6. Always, always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the house to make sure all your cooking appliances are turned off.
7. Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area! Its safer for them and less stressful for you!
8. Keep anything that can catch on fire (whether it be pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, etc.) far away from any cooking appliances.
9. Install smoke alarms near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and in bedrooms. Make sure to test the smoke alarms each month and replace your batteries in the alarms every 6 months.
10. Consider installing a fire extinguisher in your house, and contact the local fire department for training on the proper uses of fire extinguishers.

Even if you follow all these tips, disasters are never planned. If you experience a disaster, give our professionals a call at 916-285-7257 and we will be more than happy to help.