Fire Damage Cleanup & Restoration Experts in Canton, Ohio

10/16/2023 (Permalink)

A fire caused major damage to this home in Canton, Ohio. Our crews were able to cleanup, restore and rebuild the home.

Fire damage in a home can be a devastating experience, leaving behind a trail of destruction and emotional turmoil. The aftermath often demands swift and comprehensive cleanup efforts to restore the property and provide a sense of normalcy to the affected residents.

Understanding the Extent of Fire Damage:

The first step in the cleanup process is assessing the extent of the fire damage. From charred walls to smoke-stained ceilings, each affected area requires careful evaluation. Professional restoration teams often conduct a thorough inspection to identify the severity of the damage and create a detailed plan for cleanup and restoration.

Safety First:

Before diving into the cleanup process, safety is paramount. The property must be deemed structurally sound before anyone enters. Protective gear, including masks and gloves, is essential to shield individuals from potential health hazards, such as lingering smoke particles and soot.

Smoke and Soot Removal:

Smoke and soot residues are pervasive and can infiltrate every nook and cranny of a home. Cleanup involves the meticulous removal of these residues from surfaces, furniture, and personal belongings. Specialized cleaning agents and techniques are employed to eliminate stubborn stains and odors left behind by the fire.

Water Damage Mitigation:

In many cases, firefighting efforts result in water damage to the property. The cleanup process addresses this issue by drying out the affected areas and preventing mold growth. Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers are often utilized to expedite the drying process.

Content Restoration:

Fire damage doesn't only affect the structure of a home; it can also wreak havoc on personal belongings. Professional restoration services often include content cleaning and restoration. This involves carefully packing, cleaning, and restoring items that may otherwise seem beyond repair, such as furniture, clothing, and sentimental possessions.

Structural Repairs:

Once the initial cleanup is complete, structural repairs commence. This phase may involve rebuilding damaged walls, replacing charred woodwork, and restoring the overall integrity of the home. The goal is not just to erase the visible signs of damage but to ensure the property is safe and habitable.

Odor Elimination:

Smoke odors can linger long after visible damage is addressed. Professional restoration teams employ advanced techniques, such as ozone treatments and thermal fogging, to neutralize and eliminate stubborn odors. This step is crucial in ensuring that the home is not only visually restored but also free from any lingering reminders of the fire.

Preventive Measures:

In the aftermath of a fire, homeowners may choose to implement preventive measures to avoid future disasters. This could include installing fire-resistant materials, updating smoke detectors, and creating a comprehensive evacuation plan.


Fire damage cleanup is a complex and multifaceted process that requires expertise and precision. From the initial assessment to the finishing touches of restoration, each step plays a vital role in bringing a sense of normalcy back to the lives of those affected. While the scars of a fire may be lasting, with professional help, a home can rise from the ashes and become a symbol of resilience and renewal. Call the professional team at SERVPRO of South & East Stark County to restore and rebuild your home or business in Canton, Louisville, Alliance, Minerva and surrounding cities. 

3 Things to Do After a Home Fire in Alliance, Ohio

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

A fire in Alliance, Ohio caused severe damage to this home. The SERVPRO team cleaned and restored the home to preloss condition.

A home fire can be an emotionally and financially devastating event. There are many things to accomplish after disaster strikes. If you're unsure where to begin, consider these three crucial fire restoration tasks. Completing these steps can get you started on recovering your livelihood and peace of mind.

1. Call Your Insurance Company

If you have homeowners insurance, your plan might cover some of the costs involved in getting your home back to livable condition. Fire insurance on top of a general policy can be even more beneficial. Before attempting any repairs, call your insurance company to let your agent know about the fire and inquire about potential financial assistance.

2. Consult With the Experts

Enter your home alone and you might encounter heavy fumes and unsanitary debris. Recruiting professional fire restoration experts in Jackson Township, Ohio is a great way to stay safe and ensure the repair of your home is in good hands. Professionals can work on homes after all types of fires, accurately assess the damage and utilize advanced methods to get your residence back to pre-fire condition.

3. Board Up Windows

During the smoke cleaning process, you probably won't be staying at your residence. This leaves it vulnerable to threats, especially theft. Troublemakers might see a fire as an opportunity to loot your property, and they might look for ways to enter other than your front door. Boarding up your windows is a quick and effective way to keep them out.

Professionals can use plywood and clamps to cover your windows. Intruders won't be able to unscrew the material to enter your home. If you are still worried after getting your windows boarded, you might also consider temporarily removing all valuables from your home.

Following these three tips can eliminate stress resulting from a home fire. Proper fire restoration can get you on the road to living comfortably again in Alliance, Ohio in a short amount of time. Visit www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com for more information on fire damage.

Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips from SERVPRO of South & East Stark County

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

Remember the acronym pass when using a fire extinguisher: Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.

All households should have at least one fire extinguisher in their home. It is important to know how to use it before the stressful situation of a fire arises. 

Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips from SERVPRO of South & East Stark County

There are five different types of fire extinguishers for putting out different kinds of fires. Most household mainly deal with class A, B and C fire extinguishers while businesses with large equipment and machinery deal with D and K fire extinguishers.

Class A: Materials like cloth, word, and paper

Class B: Flammable liquids like oil, gasoline, and grease

Class C: Electrical equipment and appliances: stoves, televisions, and computers

Class D: Flammable Metals

Class K: Cooking and vegetable oils

The most commonly used are multi-purpose fire extinguishers that cover class A, B and C fires. You can purchase these types of extinguishers at any home-improvement store.

When using a fire extinguisher remember the acronym PASS.

P: Pull the pin – Hold the extinguisher with a nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

A: Aim low - point extinguisher at the base of the fire

S: Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly

S: Sweep the nozzle from side to side on the flame

Fire extinguisher maintenance

• Easy access in an emergency- be sure nothing is blocking or limiting your ability to reach it.
• Recommended pressure level - many extinguishers have gauged the show when pressure is too high or too low
• Working parts - make sure the can hoses and nozzles aren't damage dented or rusted
• Cleanliness - remove any dust oil or grease that might be on the outside of the extinguisher
• Guidelines and instructions - some extinguishers need to be shaken monthly others need to be pressure tested every few years

If you experience a fire, soot or smoke damage to your home or business, call the highly trained and knowledgeable staff at SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088 or visit our website www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com to check out our fire damage services.

Soot & Smoke Damage Facts

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience a soot, smoke or fire damage, call the crews at SERVPRO of South & East Stark County to restore your home to preloss condition.

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO technicians understand your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are the very things that make a house a home in Canton, Ohio.

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 South & East Stark County will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088.

Fireplace Safety Tips Equals a Warm and Safe Home in Alliance Ohio

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire damage from your fireplace call our team to restore your home to preloss condition.

Do you worry about having a wood burning fireplace? Here are some tips to avoid fireplace mishaps so you and your family can safely enjoy the comfort of a fire this winter.

Chimney: Install a mesh screen cap over the top of the chimney. Call a certified chimney specialist to inspect and clean your chimney or woodstove annually.

Flu: Use a stove pipe thermometer to monitor flue temperature.

Air Inlets: Air inlets should always be kept open

Mesh Gates: When the fireplace glass doors are open, close the mesh screen. It will help keep embers from escaping.

Hearth: The hearth should be completely clear of any debris, decorations, or clutter.

Ashes: Let ashes cool completely before moving them. If your fireplace doesn’t have an ash pick connected to the heart, keep ashes in a metal container a safe distance from your home, at least 10 feet. Pour water over the ashes before throwing them away.

Should you keep your glass fireplace doors OPEN or CLOSED?

OPEN: Starting a fire open the doors- air will help start the fire

CLOSED & OPEN During The Fire: Closed keeps fire contained and allows fan to heat your home. Open you can better enjoy the fireplace experience, but it requires more supervision.

CLOSED: When you are finished with the fire closed doors will keep air in the chimney from entering your home.

It is important to call a restoration company during the first 48 hours after fire damages your home. It makes the difference between restoring your personal items or having to replace your items. If you experience a fire from your fireplace, call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088 or visit our website at www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com to see our services

Fire Damage to Your Canton, Ohio Home

12/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire damage to your Canton, Ohio home, call the Fire Restoration Experts at SERVPRO of South & East Stark County.

A property fire can leave behind substantial amounts of debris, soot, smoke, and horrible odors. SERVPRO of South & East Stark County has an impressive reputation in restoring indoor air quality and removing debris and residue that is left after a  fire damage in Canton, Ohio. Fire restoration cleaning combines different techniques, equipment, and expertise intending to return the structure of your home to a preloss condition. Restoration services consider structuring any permanently attached items in the home, such as doors, window frames, pillars, banisters, stairs, walls, and ceiling. 

A SERVPRO estimator will discuss with your insurance adjuster to determine the scope of work that will be done. During this step they will separately address the damage to the structure and the contents. Depending on the severity of the fire it will determine if the contents are removed to a cleanroom or sometimes to an offsite facility for cleaning while the structural restoration is underway. Wet cleaning methods tend to be the most efficient and active, so, where possible, SERVPRO technicians aim to clean walls, ceilings, and flooring using solvent-based SERVPRO cleaning products.

Some materials in the home may become damaged further by introducing water from the fire department. Our crews will use equipment such as dehumidifiers to remove the moisture. You may also find that parts of your Akron home that is severely damaged that they are beyond repair. SERVPRO can remove these items, demo any walls or floors and our construction division can replace these items and rebuild your home to preloss condition.

Call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County if you experience any fire damage to your Canton, Ohio home at 330-823-4088 or visit our website at www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com.

5 Fire Safety Tips for Homeowners in Canton, Ohio

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Educate and practice fire safety tips in case you experience a fire in your home in Canton, Ohio.

Fire Prevention Safety Month is held every October, and commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, and destroyed more than 17,400 buildings. There are many ways that you can PREVENT unsafe conditions that lead to fire, but you should also always know what to do if there is a fire BEFORE THE FIRE HAPPENS!

Stay safe this month and every month by following these 5 safety tips:

1. Make Sure Street Numbers Are Visible 

In the event of an emergency, firefighters and other first responders need to find your home quickly. It is imperative to make sure that house numbers are at least four inches tall, visible from the street (even at night), and completely unobstructed from all angles. Place numbers near the front door of the house. Use bold numbers, don’t use script letters and reflective works best!

2. Practice Fire Drills Regularly

Practice, Practice, Practice your fire drills with your family. Talk to your kids about emergency exits in your home and make an escape plan. Everyone should practice crawling low on hands and knees through the emergency exits and should then proceed to an assigned meeting place outside. Practice at night with the lights off along with doing it during the day.

3. Inspect Extension Cords

Over time, extension cords can take a beating, and damaged ones pose a fire and electric shock hazard. Inspect all your cords and discard any that get hot with use, or that have a cord or outlet strip that looks damaged. Make sure cords aren’t being pinched behind or beneath furniture and that the cords you're using are properly rated for the job.

4. Help Prevent False Alarms with Your Home Alarm System

You should always call the fire department in the case of an emergency, but false alarms can cost firefighters valuable time and money. Make sure your fire alarm system is installed by a licensed professional, test it monthly, and keep it clean. If you have a fire alarm monitoring service, let them know in advance of any testing or repairs.

5. Give Space Heaters Some Space

Space heaters can warm up a room on a cold night, but they pose some serious risks if you’re not careful. Give space heaters at least three feet of clearance on all sides. Never leave a space heater unattended, and always keep children and pets at a safe distance. ?

These safety measures will help your household be prepared in case there is an emergency. If you experience a fire damage, the crews at SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088 or visit our website: www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com.

Grilling Safety Tips for for Homeowners in Louisville, Ohio

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Grilling safety tips for homeowners in Louisville, Ohio. If you experience a fire damage, please call SERVPRO at 330-823-4088.

As the Fall season approaches, the weather is still suitable to enjoy outside grilling.

Did you know?

• Charcoal and gas grills are involved in an average of more than 5,000 structure fires each year and almost 5,000 additional outdoor fires.
• Grilling accidents result in 19,700 trips to the hospital annually.
• Thermal burns account for 9,500 of those visits, and children under the age of five account for an average of 2,000, or 39 percent, of those burns.

Families can take steps to protect their home from damage and their family from injuries and still enjoy home-grilled, fall meals.

Here are a few grilling safety tips before you grill:

1. Clean grill racks and grease trays. For gas grills, check the gas tank hose for leaks at the beginning of the season.
2. Choose a safe, firm, level spot for the grill away from coolers, running children and pets, and mingling guests. Grill outside, never in a garage or under the awning on a deck, the eaves of your home, or low-hanging branches.
3. Prepare the grill for cooking carefully. For charcoal grills, use a charcoal chimney with newspaper, a charcoal starter fluid, or an electric charcoal starter plugged into an outdoor-rated extension cord. For gas grills, open the lid before turning the grill on. If you smell gas after the grill is lit, do not try to move the grill. Get away from the grill and call the fire department.
4. While you grill, keep children and pets at least three feet away from the hot grill, both while you are cooking and after you serve the food. Grill surfaces can remain hot for an hour or more. Use long-handled grill utensils in good condition; avoid loose, flowing clothing; and wear flame-retardant mitts to adjust vents to help prevent burns.
5. Keep the fire under control. Manage flareups by adjusting grill height, using grill controls, or spreading out the coal bed. Keep baking soda within reach to control grease fires. Watch for blowing embers and have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose, or a bucket of sand handy to extinguish any spark triggered fires. Never attempt to move a hot grill.

SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for both commercial and residential customers. For more information about SERVPRO® of South and East Stark County, please contact us at 330-823-4088 or visit our website at www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com.

Home Dryer Fire Safety Tips in Alliance, Ohio

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Clean our your lint traps in your dryer to prevent fires in Alliance, Ohio.

Did you know that over 17,000 fires are related to home dryers each year? To some people laundry may be a daily event. If you do not clean your dryer filter after each use can be dangerous. 

Here are a few simple tips to follow to help prevent a clothes dryer fire.

• Clean the filter screen after each load to prevent lint buildup.
• An adult should be at home whenever the dryer is in use and the home should have working smoke alarms.
• Clean the vents outside twice a year to clean out any accumulated dust and lint.
• Commercial dryers should be cleaned out regularly because of their frequent use and shared venting system.
• Do not dry mop heads in the dryer. The dryer's heat can ignite the chemical residue on mop heads.
• Keep the surrounding area clean. The dryer's heat may ignite anything left too close to the dryer.
• The safety of your family is important to us and we hope that you do not encounter such a fire. Be sure you follow these steps to avoid a fire in your home.

After a laundry dryer fire has caused damaged to your home in the Akron, Ohio area, SERVPRO of South & East Stark County, has the crews and knowledge to restore the contents and structures affected areas. 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. Call us 24-hours a day at 330-823-4088 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Smoke Damage Restoration Experts in Alliance, Ohio

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience smoke damage from a fire in Alliance, Ohio, call the experts at SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088.

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.

Soot & Smoke Damage Facts:

Soot damage is quite common after a fire. Soot is a black powdery or flaky substance that forms through incomplete combustion. Fine soot particles can cling to surfaces such as walls and ceilings, as well as building contents. Soot can be difficult, sometimes impossible to remove.

• 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 South & East Stark County 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. 

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088.

Ozone Machines Remove Smoke Odors

2/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South & East Stark County uses an ozone machine to remove smoke and other foul odors in Louisville, Ohio.

Smoke and soot leave behind particles that not only continue to damage your property; they leave odors that normal cleaning procedures do not eliminate. SERVPRO of South & East Stark County uses an ozone machine to remove odors. According to Ozone Solutions, “An ozone machine is a device that converts oxygen from various sources such as ambient air, dry air, or concentrated oxygen into ozone. Ozone generators produce ozone (O3) by adding energy to oxygen molecules (O₂), which causes the oxygen atoms to part ways and temporarily recombine with other oxygen molecules. Ozoning mimics what happens in thunderstorms. The electrical current converts oxygen to ozone, leaving the air smelling fresher than before the storm. Using Ozone is safe for any materials that can be exposed to oxygen.”

These machines have a wide range of uses and be used in one room of a house or the entire floor of a building.  The crews use them often after a fire. The ozone machine allows us to clean a room that smells of smoke without using any chemicals.  These machines are not limited to just smoke odor cleaning, but can also be used for pet and food odors. 

If you have suffered a fire damage in Louisville, Ohio please call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County. It is essential to call a preferred and reputable restoration company that your insurance company works with. We can help restore your home or business to preloss condition call us 24 hours a day at 330-823-4088 or visit www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com.

Who Do You Call for Fire Damage Restoration in Canton, Ohio? SERVPRO of South and East Stark County, That’s Who!

12/5/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire damage in your home, call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County to clean up and restore your Canton, Ohio home.

When you experience a fire, water, storm or mold damage in your Canton home or business you want a restoration company that is quick, professional and has a highly qualified cleanup and restoration team. SERVPRO of South & East Stark County crews are Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained and hold certifications in multiple specialties and have hands-on experience working on a range of disaster scenarios. Our customers benefit from our full-service one stop shop.  If you want to read our water damage blog, click here, or stay tuned for our storm and mold blog.

Fire Damage

Experiencing a fire is always challenging. SERVPRO of South & East Stark County has helped many families and businesses restore their property after such a devastating tragedy. Smoke and soot can affect the structure, but also your belongings inside. The sooner you start the cleanup and restoration process the quicker you will get back in your home or back to business. Our crews have the knowledge and experience to determine what to do with your salvageable and unsalvageable materials after a fire.

When we arrive, tarping and boarding up services are likely needed, and our crew accomplishes the tasks fast. Our project manager assesses the damage inside and out, which usually includes at least some water loss from the fire department’s hoses. Our technicians are qualified in water and fire clean up and restoration. This flexibility in response to both damages is why SERVPRO can offer a full-spectrum approach to the damage.

After the water has been extracted and the structure dried then the fire cleanup begins. Smoke and soot are largely protein-based, requiring abrasive tools and cleaning products to loosen the thin, tightly adhered film. Our technicians work swiftly yet carefully, knowing that inappropriate cleaning methods can make the damage worse. Odors linger, so our final efforts include a multi-step protocol that uses deep cleaning followed by advanced technologies such as thermal fogging or hydroxyl generation to rid your home of the smells inside and out.

Once, the soot and smoke has been cleaned then the rebuild restoration begins. Our construction division of highly qualified estimators, production managers, carpenters, painters, carpenters, and contractors will finish restoring your fire damaged structure to preloss condition.

If you experience a fire damage, please call the professional team of SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088. Stay tuned to our Mold Damage Restoration Blog.

Fire Safety Tips for Homeowners in Louisville, Ohio

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

A working smoke alarm increases your chance to survive a deadly home fire in Louisville, Ohio.

Every second counts during a fire. It is essential to be prepared before a fire strikes your home!

Some tips to help prepare for this include:

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

• Have two ways of getting out of your home in the event your primary way out is blocked by fire or smoke.
• A secondary route may include exiting your window onto a neighboring roof, tree or store a fire ladder under your bed.
• Check your windows and screens twice a year to insure they are not stuck and can be removed easily.
• Practice feeling your way out of your home with your eyes closed in case your house is full of black smoke during a fire.
• Teach your children not to hide or be afraid of firefighters.

A Working Smoke Alarm Significantly Increases You Surviving a Home Fire

• Test Batteries Often
• Install a battery and hard-wired smoke alarm
• Replace batteries once a year unless it is a non-replaceable 10-year lithium battery
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including basements, both inside and outside bedrooms
• Replace entire smoke alarm every 8-10 years or according to manufacturer instructions
• Never disable a smoke alarm

According to www.ready.gov it is Always Important to Do the Following Before a Fire

1. make digital copies of valuable documents and records like birth certificates.
2. Sleep with the door open.
3. Contact your local fire department for information on training on the proper use and maintenance of fire extinguishers.
4. Consider installing an automatic fire sprinkler in your home.

If you have suffered a fire damage in Louisville, Ohio please call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County. It is essential to call a preferred and reputable restoration company that your insurance company works with. We can help restore your home or business to preloss condition call us 24 hours a day at 330-823-4088 or visit www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com.

Stay tuned for What to do During a Fire!

Home Fires in Alliance, Ohio

9/8/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience a home fire, call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088 to clean up and restore your home in Alliance, Ohio.

A fire can destroy your home in 2-5 minutes. It is important to be prepared before a fire strikes your life, your belongings, and your structure. Remember it only takes 30 seconds for a small flame to become a major fire and fill your home with black smoke making it hard to see. The heat of a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and 600 degrees at eye level. If ever in a fire always stay low and go! Did you know that according to www.ready.gov asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by 3-to-1 ratio?

Our next blogs will discuss: 

• What to do before a fire?
• What to do during a fire?
• What to do after a fire?
• How to prevent a fire?

If you have suffered a fire damage in Alliance, Ohio located in Stark County, please call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County. It is essential to call a preferred and reputable restoration company that your insurance company works with. We can help restore your home or business to preloss condition call us 24 hours a day at 330-823-4088 or visit www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com.

Stay tuned for What to do Before a Fire!

Be Fire Safe During the 4th of July

6/30/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience a fire caused from fireworks, grilling or campfires please call SERVPRO of S&E Stark County to cleanup and restore your home.

With the Fourth of July coming up, it is a good time to learn about fire damage caused by fireworks and grilling. They both can pose risks to property, so following the below tips will ensure a safe holiday and a Happy 4^th of July in Canton, Ohio:

Fireworks safety:

• Always read directions first
• Always have an adult present
• Use fireworks outdoors only
• Light one at a time and keep a safe distance
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Have a bucket of water and a hose handy
• Never carry fireworks in your pockets.

Safe grilling:

• Use gas and charcoal barbecue grills outside only
• Position grills far from siding, branches, and house eaves
• Keep children and pets a least three feet away
• Never added charcoal starter fluid when coals are ignited
• Always follow the instructions when using grills
• Supervise a barbecue grill when in use

Following the above tips will make for a safe celebration, however, if you do experience a fire disaster, SERVPRO of South and East Stark County is here to help. Just remember that fire damage can lead to many more problems where our SERVPRO services may be needed. If the fire department was called to put out the flames, then not only will you have fire, soot, and smoke damage, but you will need water cleanup and restoration services.

If you have fire damage to your home or business, please call the professionals at SERVPRO of Stark County at 330-823-4088. Our professional crews are available 24 hours a day – 7 days a week, even on holidays! Your property and belongings will be restored with care! SERVPRO of We wish everyone a very safe and Happy 4th of July!

Hotel/Motel Fire Safety in Canton Ohio

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

Hotel/motel fires can happen anywhere in the world. SERVPRO of South & East Stark County can help restore your property to preloss condition.

Hotel/Motel Fire Safety

When traveling the last thing you want to think about is the possibility of a fire at the hotel you’re staying. Hotel fires can be very deadly, often taking the lives of travelers that are unaware of the danger and are unprepared for it. Many of the lives lost away from home, especially in hotel fires, could have been saved. In fact, it is unlikely that you will ever be involved in a hotel/motel fire emergency. Hotel guests are more likely to die from smoke and panic then from the fire itself. Below are a few fire and smoke safety tips:

Fire Safety Tips

1. Keep your room key close to your bed and in the same place to eliminate hunting for it.
2. Consider packing a flashlight and duct tape to seal out smoke.
3. Recognize the sound of the fire alarm. If you are awake and by telephone call, siren, alarm, yelling, or pounding on your door, act! Don’t write it off to pranks. Never go to investigate. Leave the building immediately.
4. Know how to activate the alarm. Sound the alarm no matter how small the fire. Only fight small fires. Report it first. Use a fire extinguisher and keep your back to an exit.
5. Always stay out of the way and follow directions of all emergency personnel.
   
   

Smoke Safety Tips

Smoke flows quickly through a building and can blind and suffocate you. Deadly gases can overcome you in seconds.

• If you have to exit through smoke, roll off your bed and crawl low on your hands and knees. Smoke rises, so cleaner air will be near the floor. Keep your head 12 to 24 inches above the floor.
• Smoke is warmer than air and accumulates near the ceiling, blocking your view of exit signs.
• Smoke irritate your eyes. No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to keep your eyes open.

When disaster strikes at a hotel/motel, the help of a specialized team is critical in assuring that normal operations resume as quickly and safely as possible. If you experience a fire to your hotel/motel property, the SERVPRO of South & East Stark County crews are highly trained to clean up and restore your property. No job is too big for us! www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com

Alliance Homeowners: We specialize in Fire Damage Cleanup & Restoration

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Fire, soot and smoke damage to a kitchen in Alliance, Ohio. SERVPRO crews will clean up and restore to preloss condition.

You wake up in the middle of the night to a smell of smoke, would you know what to do? Your ability to get yourself and your family out depends on the advance warning of your fire alarm and planning your fire escape plan of action.

Once a fire has begun it can spread rapidly throughout your home in a matter of minutes. Practice a walk-through of your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, finding two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Practicing fire safety is one of the best methods that individuals can use to keep themselves and their household protected against a disaster. Fires can start by many reasons, but knowing a few prevention tips can reduce them from happening.

Here are some home fire escape tips:

• Install smoke detector on each level of your home and inside of each bedroom.
• Check your smoke detector monthly to make sure it’s working properly. Change the batteries at least once a year.
• Plan to assist family members who are an able to escape on their own.
• Practice both your primary and alternative escape routes.
• Check to make sure all windows open easily.
• Yell or pound on walls to notify other family members of the fire.
• Never waste time getting dressed or gathering valuables.
• Always test doors for heat before opening.
• Crawl on the floor stoop low to avoid smoke.
• Exit quickly and calmly. Get out and stay out.
• Go to the designated meeting place outside.
• Make sure everyone is out of the house.
• Call for help from a neighbor’s home.

If you have a fire what would you lose; your possessions, your home, your memories? You could save a life by being prepared with working smoke alarms a having a practice plan in place.  

After a fire, who would you call to come and clean up and restore your home? SERVPRO of South & East Stark County have the crews that are IICRC certified in fire clean up and restoration.  Call us today at 330-823-4088. Our professional crews are available 24 hours a day – 7 days a week, even on holidays! Your property and belongings will be restored with care! Visit our website at: https://www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

Fire, Water & Vandalism Home Insurance Claims

2/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South & East Stark County can restore a home after fire, soot and smoke damage in Louisville, Ohio.

There are many different areas in your home that could cause water, fire or vandalism damage. Most homeowners carry insurance that will cover the cost to restore and rebuild a home after such a devastating event. Although, most water and fire damage can and should be avoided through proper maintenance.

Below is a list of hot-spots in each area of your home for insurance claims:

• Roof- water can seep in for months, creating mold.
• Laundry room- clean the dryer lint trap and air ducks to prevent fires.
• Bathroom Plumbing- check your plumbing regularly for leaks.
• Fireplace- have your chimney or wood stove cleaned annually.
• Kitchen- Take care to avoid cooking fires.
• Doors and windows- secured them to keep intruders out.
• Garage- too much clutter can increase the chance of a fire.
• Basement- inspect oil furnace yearly to avoid puff bags.
• Outdoors- make sure tree limbs are trimmed so they can’t damage your home.

If you experience a water, fire or vandalism damage to your home, the SERVPRO of South & East Stark County team follows industry standards to restore your property and peace of mind through timely mitigation and following the insurance standards.  Our crews are highly trained to clean up and restore your home or building after a fire, water, vandalism damage. No job is to big for us! www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com

Halloween Fire Safety Tips

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

Fires to houses can happen during the Halloween holiday in Canton, Ohio.

Boo! Are you ready for Halloween?

Here's are 7 prevention fire hazard safety tips to keep you safe during trick-or-treating!

1. Use decorative lights instead of candles.
2. If you use candles, never leave them unattended.
3. Keep indoor candle decorations far away from curtains and other ignitable items.
4. Keep outdoor candles and jack-o’-lanterns away from the path of trick or treaters. Costumes can be flammable.
5. Check your costumes to ensure they are “flame-resistant.” Especially children’s costumes.
6. If you have a party, check for cigarettes under furniture cushions and in areas where people were smoking before you go to sleep.
7. Remove materials from your property, like garbage or leaves, which someone could purposely use to start a fire.

Halloween is a fun holiday and can be spooky time for kids. Please make sure it is a safe time for children to enjoy getting treats.

If you experience a fire damage to your home, please call the professional fire restoration company at SERVPRO of South & East Stark County to restore your home at 330-823-4088.

How to Prevent A Fire Dryer in Canton, Ohio

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County if you experience a dryer fire in Canton, Ohio.

Dryer fires can cause thousands of dollars in damage to your home. The best defense against dryer fires is simply cleaning your lint trap and dryer hose. Make sure you clean your lint trap every time you use the dryer and clean your dryer hose monthly. You can use items that you already own in your home such as your vacuum cleaner with an attachment, a leaf blower or a shop vacuum.

If you can’t see daylight through your dryer vent hose, then you may need to call a professional cleaning company. For example, if your dryer hose is from one floor down to your basement or if there is bend in the dryer hose you could do more harm than good. If you don’t properly suck out or push out the lint you could possibly clog the hose causing a buildup of lint that could catch on fire. If you do clean it on your own, make sure your dryer hose is properly reattached to your dryer making sure that there are no gaps. If you have any gaps the lint could escape and accumulate behind the dryer causing a fire.

One thing you should never do is dry your clothes when you aren’t going to be home.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, there are nearly 3,000 clothes dryer fires reported each year, with an estimated 5 deaths and 100 injuries reported annually. If you experience a dryer fire and need the help of a fire restoration company to clean up and restore your home then call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088.

Fire Safety Tips for the Fourth of July in Canton Ohio

7/2/2019 (Permalink)

Fireworks Safety for Stark County Ohio Residents!

Did you know that fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damage. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's 2015 Fireworks Annual Report, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 12,900 people for fireworks related injuries; 54% of those injuries were to the extremities and 36% were to the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2017 injuries.
Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.

Below are 10 fireworks safety tips you should use and teach to your kids.

1. Fireworks packaged in brown paper are made for professional displays – avoid buying.
2. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, especially with sparklers.
3. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
4. Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
5. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire and to douse used fireworks before discarding in trash.
6. Never allow young children to play or ignite fireworks.
7. Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
8. Never try to re-light or pickup fireworks that have not ignited fully.
9. Never place a part of your body directly over a firework device when lighting.
10. Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

SERVPRO of South & East Stark County wishes everyone a very safe and happy 4th of July!

SERVPRO of South & East Stark County the Fire Restoration Company to Call

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

Fire, Smoke and Soot Damage to an upstairs room in a home in Canton, Ohio.

After a fire to a property a restoration company comes in to clean the smoke and soot residue. After burning materials decompose, they release solid particles, gases and aerosols that become suspended in the air which is smoke. Smoke particles can be very small, and these extremely small particles are potentially very harmful to someone’s respiratory system. It is vital to remove yourself from a smoke-filled room. Therefore, it is important to call a restoration company to come in and clean a home or business that has been damaged by smoke. Restoration companies have the proper gear of respiratory masks and protective clothing to withstand long periods of time in fire damaged properties. Once smoke settles on surfaces as residues, it is often referred to as soot. Soot residues can contain different types of acids since chlorides and sulfides in smoke mix with the humidity in the air or with moisture to form acids. Acidic soot residues will cause discoloration and corrosion if they remain on materials over time. The sooner a soot damaged home can be restored the better the chances that items can be restored instead of having to be replaced. Restoring items can save homeowners money, plus being able to have cherished keepsake items returned to preloss condition. There are several types of smoke residues such as dry, wet, protein and fuel oil. There is a proper technique in cleaning each of these types of residues. Stay tuned to our next blog on cleaning different types of residues www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com.

If you have fire damage to your home or business, please call the professionals at SERVPRO of Stark County at 330-823-4088. Our professional crews are available 24 hours a day – 7 days a week, even on holidays! Your property and belongings will be restored with care!

Customer Service is Important in Fire Damage Restoration

2/19/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage to a home in Minerva, Ohio.

After a fire has destroyed your home in the Minerva, Ohio area the next step is to call in a professional mitigation company to start the cleanup and restoration process. When choosing a company, it is important to find one with a reliable and certified team. SERVPRO of South & East Stark County believes in the importance of customer service to our customers.

• Our crews arrive on site the day that our office has been called. We scope the work with the customer and explain the restoration process to them.
• Our crews will perform any emergency services to limit secondary damages to property.
• We will Identify what can be restored. We will determine what items must be replaced, what items can be cleaned, and what items are questionable, as well as what items do not need cleaning.
• We will contact the adjuster to go over scope of work.
• Our crews are properly dressed in our SERVPRO hero uniform and are IICRC certified to preform the job duties that have been determined.
• Satisfying our customers is a priority from the initial inspection of the loss site to a final walk through of the restored site.

Call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088 to clean up and restore your fire damage.

Common Causes of House Fires

2/13/2019 (Permalink)

A candle that was left unattended caused this house fire in New Philadelphia, Ohio.

5 most common causes of house fires

House Fires can be detrimental to your home and your family in New Philadelphia, Ohio. They can be caused by anything ranging from cooking to candles and you never know when they are going to happen. In order to ensure that your house does not catch fire below are a list of the five most common causes of house fires and how to prevent them.  

1. Cooking: Cooking is the number one cause of house fires. This is mainly due to individuals leaving a hot stove or oven unattended.  To prevent a house fire always stay in the same room which you are cooking and if you need to leave have someone watch the stove.
2. Heating: As the second leading cause of house fires unmaintained heating and space heaters caused 54,030 house fires from 2011-2015. To prevent a fire in your house have an inspector look and clean your heating equipment yearly. In regards to space heaters, keep them 3 feet from anything that can easily catch fire such as clothes, blankets, curtains or furniture. When you are not home make sure to turn the space heaters off.
3. Smoking in bedrooms: Smoking is the number one leading cause of fire related deaths in the US. To prevent house fires and fatalities do not smoke in bedroom areas and reduce smoking in common house areas. Smoking outside will ensure most safety. Check to make sure the butt of a cigarette is completely out before leaving. If a smoker seems unimpaired or tired watch them to guarantee safety.
4. Electrical Equipment: Electrical Equipment causes on average $1 billion in property loss each year. It can be caused by a variety of electrical aspects including appliances, frayed wires, and light bulbs. To prevent a fire in your house and property loss have an electrician handle all electrical projects. Make sure appliances are correctly taken care of along with frayed and damaged cords are removed and thrown away to refrain from overloading outlets and use bulbs with proper wattages.
5. Candles: Candles are a great way of decorating your home, but if not taken care of properly can cause on average 35 house fires a day and can lead to death. In order to prevent your house from catching on fire do not leave candles unattended and put them out before you go to bed or leave your house. Make sure when placing candles to keep them away from flammable surfaces.

If you do have a house fire call SERVPRO of South & East Stark County at 330-823-4088 and we will restore and clean your property. It will be “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Restoration Procedures

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

Soot damage tiles in a home in Louisville, Ohio.

Calling a professional restoration company is important after having a devastating fire in your home. Cleaning and restoration services will normally reduce the costs of a fire damage claim. An adjuster along with the restoration company will determine the scope of work and deciding to restore or replace your items. The most expensive option for the insurance adjuster is replacement, since the damaged item is disposed of and replaced with a new item. Another costly option is having to repaint, reupholstering furniture, or refinishing wood contents. Cleaning and restoration services are usually only a fraction of the cost of replacing. Our SERVPRO of S&E Stark County crews often can apply the principles and elements of cleaning to restore materials to preloss condition and lessen the loss expense of the fire claim.

Following are the basic principles of cleaning contents and structures to preloss condition.

• Locate smoke residues by carefully inspecting the affected area. The inspection will start near the source of the fire and trace how far smoke moved through the structure.
• Identify the type of residues. Different types of smoke residues can exist in the same loss environment. SERVPRO will select a cleaning method that will effectively remove the type of smoke residues present.
• Identify the type of surface. The type of surface determines which cleaning methods and products are safe to use on that surface. SERVPRO must be careful to preserve the material or surface being cleaned, and some materials may be unrestorable because they cannot withstand the cleaning process.
• Capture and remove residues. Smoke residues bond with surfaces they contact. SERVPRO uses dry and wet cleaning processes to release and carry residue particles away from the affected surface.
• Dispose of residues. SERVPRO will properly dispose of debris and cleaning waste.

To find out more about the techniques, chemicals and procedures that SERVPRO of S&E Stark County uses visit our website at www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com. If you have had a fire and need a restoration company, call us today at 330-823-4088.

Soot and Smoke Damage? Call SERVPRO of S&E Stark County

1/17/2019 (Permalink)

Soot Damage to a Bathroom in Canton, Ohio

Soot and Smoke Damage?

If you have experienced a fire damage in your home or place of business, it is important to take the proper steps to clean your environment properly before returning to it. You may feel that you have lost value in your property as well as your personal belongings. Most likely feeling very overwhelmed during a fire disaster and there is no way of recovering from what has just occurred. It is important to call a restoration company quickly to restore and rebuild your home or business before further damage happens.

Not only does fire burn your structure and your belongings and leaves behind soot damage, but smoke damage can be just as destructive. It is important to remove all smoke damage for the health of you, your family or coworkers. Smoke Damage usually consists of our crews purifying the air using an air scrubber that is designed to draw in the smoke from the surrounding environment and pass it through the filters, effectively scrubbing the air and removing any contaminants.  

Soot damage is going to cause you problems if it is not tended to with urgency and removed by professionals so that further damage will not arise. Our team of professionals are trained and certified to clean up and restore residential home and commercial properties from fire, soot and smoke damage. It may sound like a tough job, but that is what the crews of SERVPRO of S&E Stark County professionals are here to do. If you happen to be live in Canton, Alliance, Louisville or other cities in Stark County, then know that you will find peace in knowing that the living areas of your home or the workplace will be tended to by a group of professionals who constantly strive to be the best in our field.

SERVPRO of S&E Stark County has some great tips on what to do if you have a fire loss. Click here to read about our safety tips.  

Visit www.SERVPROsoutheaststarkcounty.com for more information on fire loss or call 330-823-4088.

Kitchen Fire Prevention Tips for your Stark County Home

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Soot damage from a kitchen fire.

SERVPRO of S&E Stark County was called out to do a fire cleanup in Alliance Ohio over the holiday season. The homeowner had left grease on the stove and left the room. Did you know that most fires occur in the kitchen than any part of the home and cooking is the number one cause of home fires. 

Kitchen Fire Safety Tips:

• Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking dinner.
• Be aware of all flammable items around your stove top that could catch on fire.
• Watch your clothing to make sure it doesn't get caught in a flame.
• Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen.
• Never throw hot grease into your garbage.
• When you are finished cooking, blow out any candles.
• Be prepared to put out a fire.
• Change batteries in your smoke detector.
• Have a fire escape plan in case fire gets to big to handle.
• If caught on fire: Stop, Drop and Roll.

It is important to call a restoration company during the firs 48 hours after a fire damages your home. It makes the difference between restoring your personal items or having to replace your items. SERVPRO of S&E offers smoke & soot removal and deodorization to restore your home to preloss condition.

Call SERVPRO of S&E Stark County at 330-823-4088.

Lightning Strikes Safety Tips in Stark County, Ohio

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Lightning hit this tree and fell on this home and broke the window during a rain storm last summer.

During the summer months in Ohio the chance of lightning increases during rain storms. If a lightning strike hits your home it can cause it to catch on fire. Lightning presents three main hazards to a house that is hit directly according to Stormhighway.com:

• Fire danger: The biggest danger lightning poses to a house is fire. Wood and other flammable building materials can easily be ignited anywhere an exposed lightning channel comes in contact with (or passes through) them. It is most common for lightning to start a fire in the attic or roof of a house, as the channel usually has to pass through some of the structural material in the roof before it can reach a more conductive path such as wiring or pipes. When lightning current travels through wires, it will commonly burn them up - presenting a fire ingition hazard anywhere along the affected circuits.
   
• Power surge damage: If lightning chooses any of the home's electrical wiring as its primary or secondary path, the explosive surge can damage even non-electronic appliances that are connected. Even if most of the lightning current takes other paths to ground, the home's electrical system will experience enough of a surge to cause potentially significant damage to anything connected to it, electronics in particular.
   
• Shock wave damage: Another major source of damage from lightning is produced from the explosive shock wave. The shock waves that lightning create is what produces the thunder that we hear, and at close range, these waves can be destructive. Lightning can easily fracture concrete, brick, cinderblock and stone. Brick and stone chimneys are commonly damaged severely by lightning. Lightning's shock waves can blow out plaster walls, shatter glass, create trenches in soil and crack foundations. Shrapnel is a common secondary damage effect, with objects sometimes found embedded in walls!

If you are in need of fire cleanup and restoration, please contact SERVPRO of S&E Stark County at 330-823-4088.

SERVPRO of S&E Stark County has these three basic tips to keep you safe during the next rain storm:

1. Have a lightning safety plan and cancel/postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are expected.
2. If you do get caught outside, avoid high ground, open spaces and all metal objects including  electric wires, fences, etc. Seek shelter in a substantial building or a fully enclosed metal vehicle.
3. If you are indoors, stay away from doors and windows. Do not use the telephone. Consider in[lugging computers, power tools, & TV sets. Lightning may strike exterior/phone lines, including shocks to inside equipment.

Smoke & Soot Damage Facts

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

Soot Damage to a home in Alliance, Ohio

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can enter various nooks within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows our crews 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 S&E Stark County 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.  SERVPRO of S&E Stark County crews 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 – 330-823-4088

Tips of Staying Safe from Home Dryer Fires in Stark County

2/14/2018 (Permalink)

Aftermath of a Dryer Fire

Did you know that Home Dryer Fires Cause $35 million in property loss?

According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers cause 34% of home dryer fires. To reduce the risk of fires happening in your home or business you should clean your dryer vents and ducts that may have lint build up. Other tips for keeping your home safe from dryer fires include:

• Make sure your clothes dryer is installed by a professional.
• Make sure the correct electrical plug and outlet are used and that the dryer is connected properly.
• Read manufacturers' instructions and warnings in use and care manuals that come with new dryers.
• Clean the lint filter before and after each load of laundry. Don’t forget to clean the back of the dryer where lint can build up. In addition, clean the lint filter with a nylon brush at least every six months or more often if it becomes clogged.
• Clean lint out of the vent pipe every three months.
• Have your dryer cleaned regularly by a professional, especially if it is taking longer than normal for clothes to dry.
• Inspect the venting system behind the dryer to ensure it is not damaged or restricted.
• Put a covering on outside wall dampers to keep out rain, snow and dirt.
• Make sure the outdoor vent covering opens when the dryer is on.
• Replace coiled-wire foil or plastic venting with rigid, non-ribbed metal duct.
• Have gas-powered dryers inspected every year by a professional to ensure that the gas line and connection are together and free of leaks.
• Check regularly to make sure nests of small animals and insects are not blocking the outside vent.
• Keep the area around the clothes dryer free of items that can burn.
• If you will be away from home for an extended time, unplug or disconnect the dryer.
• Don’t use a clothes dryer without a lint filter or with a lint filter that is loose, damaged or clogged.
• Don’t overload the dryer.
• Don’t use a wire screen or cloth to cover the wall damper. They can collect lint and clog the dryer vent.
• Don’t dry anything containing foam, rubber or plastic. An example of an item not to place in a dryer is a bathroom rug with a rubber backing.
• Don’t dry any item for which manufacturers' instructions state “dry away from heat.”
• Don’t dry glass fiber materials (unless manufacturers' instructions allow).
• Don’t dry items that have come into contact with anything flammable like alcohol, cooking oils or gasoline. Dry them outdoors or in a well-ventilated room, away from heat.
• Don’t leave a clothes dryer running if you leave home or when you go to bed.

When fire damage puts the things that matter most on the line, you need the very best help on the line as well. Please call SERVPRO of S&E Stark County to get the team that is faster in any size disaster 330-823-4088.

Deodorization of a home in Carrollton Ohio

1/23/2018 (Permalink)

Soot on a banister that left an odor from a fire.

Destroy Odors with Deodorization in Stark County Ohio

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

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

The SERVPRO of S&E Stark County team was called out to do a fire clean up at this home in Carrollton Ohio. Our team of technicians are IICRC in in fire cleanup and restoration. We spent hours finding the fire and smoke damage and then cleaning up the soot and smoke residue using specialized SERVPRO chemicals which will treat and prevent the odor from returning. 

If you experience a fire damage or some other damage that requires deodorization, please contact SERVPRO of S&E Stark County at 330-823-4088.

What you need to know about Soot and Smoke Damage in Stark County Ohio

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

Soot & Smoke Damage to a home in Alliance Ohio

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 S&E StarkCounty will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – SERVPRO of S&E Stark County 330-823-4088

Soot Damaged SERVPRO Cleaning Techniques

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

This picture shows the cleaning that SERVPRO can do for soot damaged items.

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

If You Have Questions or Need Help,  Call SERVPRO of S&E Stark County at 330-823-4088 today!

Contents Restoration

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

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