Tips for Preventing Fires in the House

8/29/2022 (Permalink)

Restoring your home or business after fire damage to its pre-fire condition is our main goal.

Tips for Preventing Fires in the House

When your home and personal things are damaged or destroyed in a house fire, the experience may be painful and stressful. However, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of an uncontrollable house fire by following the most common fire safety prevention tips daily.

INSPECT SMOKE DETECTORS MONTHLY

Homeowners should check their smoke detectors every month to ensure that their batteries are in good condition and operating correctly. On the other hand, if you don't check your smoke detectors for an extended time, you might end up with malfunctioning equipment that can't detect smoke or fire.

CHECK THE OUTLETS IN YOUR HOME.

It would help if you had a licensed electrician or home inspector examine all of the outlets in your house to look for any problems with the wires. If you are unsure where the problem with your home's wiring lies, an outlet fire may occur suddenly and without warning.

AFTER EACH USE, REMOVE ALL ELECTRONICS FROM THE SOCKET.

It's best not to overload a surge protector with too many devices, particularly those you don't use very often. When you're going for the day or on vacation, unplug any devices or kitchen appliances you aren't presently using.

WHEN IN THE KITCHEN, BE CAREFUL.

When using your stove, oven, or any other kitchen device, remember to always keep an eye on yourself. When baking or cooking, never leave your oven unattended. If an unplanned grease or oven fire occurs, have a small kitchen fire extinguisher on hand.

Are you searching for a fire damage restoration service near me in Oakland, CA? SERVPRO of West Oakland  is here to assist. Give us a call today at (510) 599-9300 .

Causes Of Fire Damages.

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Our professionals are highly-trained, with the experience, tools, and knowledge to clean up fire damage and remove the smell of smoke.

Causes Of Fire Damages.

Fire is the most destructive natural catastrophe. It may disrupt daily life and cost considerable cash, accompanied by several issues. When it comes to restoring your property, it is in your best interest to get started as soon as you possibly can. Not only will this help you save money, but it will also avoid more damage to your home.

Let's take a look at some of the most common sorts of harm that fire may inflict.

Burning

Burning will cause a lot of delamination, such as a charred stairway or a hole in your wall or ceiling, and prioritize these repairs.

Disgusting smells and filth

Smoke and soot damage may permeate a room for days or weeks, and many surfaces become permanently stained. Smoke can discolor the walls and carpets of your home. Even in regions not directly damaged by the fire, it may leave a trail of ash, ash residue, and soot everywhere. So, getting rid of it will be a top priority for any fire damage repair company that comes into your house or place of business.

Water Damage

Damage from both fire and water is quite common. This is because fire damage may create a broken pipe or tank, allowing water to flood over your building, or fire damage can produce holes in your property, which can lead to leaks during poor weather. In addition, firefighters will use water to put out the fire, resulting in water damage to your property.

Hiring a team of restoration experts is the most effective action after fire damage. They know how to remove smoke and soot from your possessions and fix structural damage and restore your home to its pre-incident state. Trust SERVPRO of West Oakland  to handle all fire damage effectively. Give us a call today at (510) 599-9300.

Actions to Take in the Event of Fire Damage

7/16/2022 (Permalink)

Our professionals are highly-trained, with the experience, tools and knowledge to clean up fire and smoke damage.

Actions to Take in the Event of Fire Damage

Fire damage can be a terrifying experience. However, after a moment of disbelief, homeowners often ask how they might begin the cleaning procedure. Thus, taking the required precautions to protect yourself and your loved ones is essential.

Ask First whether You're Allowed to Enter Your Property

Make sure that the Fire Marshall has given the go-ahead for you to enter the building. In that case, you should be aware of potential hazards in your house, such as hot spots and unstable beams. Waiting until it is safe to see whether your treasured possessions have been spared the fire's ravages is preferable to dealing with an injury that might prolong the process of clearing up the fire damage.

Take Pictures of the Fire Damage.

It's also a good idea to take photographs of the damage to show them to the insurance companies and other possible service providers while you're getting bids. Some damage may not be apparent, such as removing the smoky smell from clothing and furnishings.

Call a Fire Damage Restoration Company for Help

However, there are certain things that you can handle on your own, such as removing clothes and linens that may be laundered or brought to the dry cleaners. Items that have been severely damaged by fire, smoke, or water should not be handled. A restoration firm should be contacted immediately after a fire. These businesses are dedicated to restoring and repairing damaged property.

SERVPRO of West Oakland  is here to help if you require fire damage restoration services. There is no job too big or too little for us to handle. Give us a call today at (510) 599-9300.

SERVPRO Training House

6/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Headquarters has a fire cleanup training building.

SERVPRO Training House

SERVPRO Industries, Inc., one of America's largest franchise systems provides training for 1,700 independently owned and operated franchise locations.

SERVPRO of Belmont/San Carlos owners learned how to perform fire cleanup at the SERVPRO training house at corporate headquarters.

The two story home is "smoked up" with a variety of different types of smoke. (There are at least four basic types of smoke and each is cleaned with slightly different cleaning agents.) Certain materials when ignited produced different gases and soot. Each major type of soot presents cleaning challenges.

Participants in the training classes perform hands on cleaning. They use the techniques and cleaning agents innovated by SERVPRO. This assures better results when a SERVPRO franchises and their technicians respond to a local and "real" fire.

Contact SERVPRO of West Oakland at (510) 599-9300.

What happens when fire damages contents?

6/4/2022 (Permalink)

Contents, even important documents are often damaged during a property disaster.

Fires in homes and offices may completely destroy some structural materials and personal items (contents) too.  Depending upon the insurance coverage purchased, policies will customarily pay to rebuild or replace structural materials, including personal contents that are destroyed. Insurance jargon refers to these as: total loss, or non-salvageable items. Adjusters request that restoration companies make an honest evaluation of what can be cleaned or repaired and what cannot be salvaged. If there is uncertainty, they direct the restoration provider to make a test by attempting to salvage. If the results are not satisfactory we are to stop cleaning. SERVPRO will provide an inventory of items that are deemed to be total loss/non-salvageable. The “total loss” inventory is usually supported by photographic evidence and job notes/reports. Sometimes, the adjuster or property manager/agent may want to personally inspect damaged items. It is the adjuster who makes the final determination concerning the total loss items based upon the terms of the insurance policy. Final cost settlement (reimbursement) is between the policyholder and the insurance company (not us).

Please Note: the term is “total loss” is not total lost. At all times, non-salvageable items are in a chain of custody. They are not lost. In fact items are disposed of only after we receive an “Authorization to Dispose” form from you (the policyholder) or at times your adjuster who has gained your approval.

If your property suffers a damage, we are here to help. If you need content cleaning or advice, please call us at: SERVPRO of West Oakland (510) 599-9300.

What Tools are Needed for Fire Damage Restoration in West Oakland Properties?

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage can become very complicated. Call SERVPRO of West Oakland to ensure your fire is appropriately handled.

SERVPRO Technicians Have the Training and Equipment to Perform Post-Fire Cleanup in West Oakland Homes

There are different types of fire and smoke damage left behind in West Oakland properties. All the scenarios have in common that they have the potential for the best outcome when homeowners hand off the fire cleanup to a professional company. 

A large part of West Oakland fire damage restoration services is the removal of soot and smoke damage. When a fire burns, the temperature it burns at, along with the types of articles consumed by the flames, contributes to the kind of soot and residues left by the fire. SERVPRO technicians typically encounter different types of residues in a single room, such as: 

• Smoke webs 
• Dry smoke
• Wet smoke

Soot Removal Done Right

There are a couple of different actions the technicians can do for walls and ceilings with soot covering. Homeowners should avoid trying to get soot off walls on their own. The act of adding moisture to dry smoke can drive the soot particles into the sheetrock and ruin the chances of restoration. SERVPRO techs have specific tools for the removal of this type of smoke damage. 

The other most common type of smoke residue is wet smoke. This type strongly adheres to whatever surface it is on and often requires a solvent-based agent to release the grip. Because solvents can damage some surfaces, the area needs to be tested so the best cleaning method can be chosen. SERVPRO technicians perform detailed testing before they begin the restoration services to ensure they only use the correct cleaner for each situation.

SERVPRO of West Oakland at (510) 599-9300 stands ready to support West Oakland residents with any fire damage restoration needed.

What Can Be Done About Strong Odors After an Oakland Fire?

7/9/2021 (Permalink)

If you need professional assistance with fire damage, Call in the experts at (510) 599-9300. We are always available to help you!

SERVPRO Technicians Use Powerful Deodorization Methods as Part of Fire Damage Restoration in Oakland

A fire causes serious problems, and the pungent odors that occur can make your home unlivable. This can happen even when the fire is small and quickly contained. Deodorizing is a vital part of SERVPRO’s fire restoration services.

What Steps Are Taken to Mitigate Odors from a Fire?

Any residence that requires fire damage restoration in Oakland is going to have lingering odors. SERVPRO’s fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) quickly take action to clean your home. They get to the source of the foul smells and begin clearing the noxious odors from your home. If the odors remain, they can cause issues such as:

• Health problems
• Compromised air quality
• Ruined content
• Making the house uninhabitable

Getting Your Home Smelling Sweet Again

The smells in a home after a fire are a result of chemical and natural odors blending. Our IICRC techs know how to treat these and other issues. When we arrive, we start by removing the source of the odor. Charred wood and burnt carpeting are examples. Smoke residue on surfaces can lead to strong smells, so cleaning and sanitizing all impacted surfaces comes next. We employ actions such as:

• Chemical containment
• Vapor odor control
• Thermal foggers
• Applying sealants

No homeowner should have to endure a lingering reminder of a fire. That is why our technicians strive to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”  For professional house fire clean up, smoke remediation, and fire damage restoration, contact SERVPRO of West Oakland at (510) 599-9300.

Can Professional Restorers Handle a Small Fire and Smoke Cleanup in West Oakland Properties?

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has more advanced equipment than this photo for water and fire damage drying after a fire-damaging incident in West Oakland

West Oakland Homeowners Rely on SERVPRO for Fire Damage Restoration

The consequences of a fire on your West Oakland property can be devastating. Working to restore family routines and protect your investment is a top priority for SERVPRO. Our team of highly trained experts can help you get through the fire and smoke restoration process as quickly as possible.

Can SERVPRO restorers help with the insurance claim?

SERVPRO restorers always aim to make fire and smoke cleanup in West Oakland as simple as possible. To reduce the stress on our clients, we assist them in documenting the damage and providing the necessary information to their insurance provider. We also collaborate closely with our customers' insurance agents to keep you informed at all times.

How do restorers clean important documents and books?

We can clean your books and other important documents using specialized skills and products. However, the success of the recovery is determined by the severity of the damage. During the inspection and scoping, our SERVPRO technicians look at several items, including:

• Water damage
• Preexisting damage
• Smoke and soot residues
• Heat Damage

We can use advanced cleaning methods for papers, documents, and books with our lyophilization process—pressurized freeze drying in a special chamber. We typically cannot restore these fragile products to their original condition, but enough to preserve the appearance, especially important for keepsakes and photographs.

Secondary damages of fire begin to take effect immediately after the flames are out. Contact SERVPRO of West Oakland at (510) 599-9300 to avoid more damage. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Professional Fire Restoration Technicians Guide Homeowners in West Oakland and Protect their Belongings

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Oakland knows how powerful a fire can be to your property, let us help restore the damage.

SERVPRO Inspects Fire Damaged Homes in West Oakland and Performs Advanced Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration and Cleanup

When a home in West Oakland experiences a fire of any size, there is a need for water and fire damage restoration to bring it back to mint condition. Experts at SERVPRO look at the home's structural requirements and the restoration of personal belongings. Fire and smoke damage only worsen with time so reaching out to our team immediately is pivotal in the fire restoration process.

In West Oakland, a fire cleanup process begins as soon as you call our round-the-clock hotline and invite us into your home. Upon ensuring the home is safe, we proceed to inspect the damage and make a plan of action. As we remove any water left behind by firefighters, we also apply cleaning and deodorizing techniques to help us erase all residue. Some of those techniques include-

• Dry cleaning helps remove light soiling and debris without saturating the object with water and cleaning solutions.

• Abrasive cleaning involves agitation to help loosen residue and make its removal easier. This method is pre-tested and cannot be applied to all surfaces, as it can cause scratching and further damage.

• Immersive cleaning is used for things that can be completely immersed in a cleaning solution with no damage. Brushes and sponges help remove soil in items soaking in this type of cleaner.

When you contact SERVPRO of West Oakland, you unlock a personalized fire restoration plan for the contents of your home. Call us at (510) 599-9300 and let us provide comprehensive services for your fire-damaged home.

What Are Fire Damage Emergency Services for Emeryville Homes?

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Oakland is here for all your fire damage needs in Emeryville.

Initial mitigation steps can improve restoration time and reduce costs for Emeryville homeowners.

Because damage does not stop spreading after a fire gets extinguished, our Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) must react quickly to help compromised homes and businesses. As overwhelming as fire and smoke damage can be, we have unique strategies to lessen the widespread losses with swift mitigation.

What Are the Common Emergency Services After Fire Extinguishment? 

Overcoming fire damage in Emeryville homes starts with the immediate services we provide after first responders clear the property for re-entry. Among the most common of these emergency services offered by our SERVPRO restorers is fire debris removal, which can reduce soot and odors' severity. Additionally, we can provide other actions like:

• Water extraction
• Air filtration
• Controlled demolition
• Content relocation

After a fire, the needs of your home require multiple types of recovery actions to overcome, which can begin with the arrival of our experienced fire restoration technicians. Call our SERVPRO of West Oakland team today to help at (510) 599-9300.

Why do Residents Use Fire Damage Restoration Services?

3/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Oakland cares deeply for their city, call us for your fire damage.

SERVPRO Can Help Repair Smoke Damage in your Oakland Home after a Fire

Oakland is one of California's larger cities and among the most prominent ports along the West Coast of the United States. Situated nearby to San Francisco, the Oakland and Bay Area are essential contributors to California and the country's economy. As a port city, the region has diverse ethnic demographics, including a bustling Chinatown, Latin and Irish quarters. The historic downtown region offers stunning period architecture from the Victorian nineteenth century while its modern reputation as a cultural and technology center carries global prestige. Oakland remains a center in the US for import and export trading, with its port accounting for 99% of containers passing through northern California.

In recent years Oakland has seen a population growth as many residents from neighboring San Francisco seek out the city to the East. Among the popular attractions for residents are Oakland's signature block parties, which can close off several miles of the town at a time, as well as its fantastic cuisine, outdoor activities, and wineries. One example of Oakland's bustling culture is the First Fridays event every month on Telegraph Avenue. The event brings together live entertainment, street entertainment, barbecues, drinks, and immersive art experiences. Entry is free and provides an excellent introduction to the city's bohemian culture. 

• Temescal Alley is a small independent retail district in Oakland, CA. The shops lining the street here are unique, including Crimson Horticultural Rarities, which stocks weird and wonderful plant life, and the Marisa Mason store that specializes in jewelry and accessories.
• The Fox and the Paramount Theatre are both shining examples of the city's famous art deco architecture. Initially built in 1928, the venues host a range of contemporary and classic theatre throughout the year. The Fox doubles up as a concert venue and has a rotating weekly list of live music acts to enjoy.
• The Redwood Regional Park is a 1,830-acre expanse that features trees up to 150-feet high. Fishing and hunting are both permitted at the park, while the various camping grounds and facilities are snapped up on weekends by visitors to the area. The state park also has a ten-million-year-old volcano with one of the highest peaks in Oakland. 

SERVPRO are Experts at Identifying and Correcting Smoke Damage in your Oakland Residence

Fire releases smoke, which can be detrimental to the indoor air quality and cleanliness of your home. We provide:

• Smoke remediation
• Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup

These smoke residues frequently bond with the surfaces they contact, requiring an expert technician to assess and remove the residues without causing excessive damage. SERVPRO is a local restoration service that can assist you with the cleaning and removal of smoke residues. 

• Our technicians can use high alkaline cleaners to remove smoke residue from appliance surfaces and countertops. 
• By dissolving greasy smoke deposits in a solvent solution, we can often rinse walls or furniture to remove potentially expensive smoke damages. 
• SERVPRO technicians rely on environmental protection agency (EPA) registered products to ensure cleanup remains safe in the home and the local environment. 

If you need assistance dealing with smokes, contact SERVPRO of West Oakland for fire damage restoration at (510) 599-9300.

Can Soot Be Harmful to Your Health?

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and soot damage can be hard to take on. Call SERVPRO of West Oakland today.

Fire Damage Restoration in Oakland Can Restore the Indoor Air-Quality in your Home.

One of the primary side-effects of a property fire is the impact on indoor air quality. When materials combust, they can release microscopic soot, chemical, or odor into an indoor environment. Lack of proper ventilation, such as in a stairwell, can cause consistent indoor air quality problems and health effects.

Comprehensive fire damage restoration in your Oakland home includes returning your indoor air quality to a pre-incident condition. We have a range of equipment at SERVPRO specifically designed to remove soot, dust particles, odor, and chemicals from indoor air. Following a careful assessment of your home by either a crew chief or indoor environmental specialist, we can set to work returning the property to its preloss condition. 

• Industrial centrifugal or axial fans can provide a consistent air-flow in the property and ensure that harmful toxins are exchanged with clean, indoor air.
• The placing of box-fans follows our use of fumigation equipment to ensure that odor removal is successful and solvents are reduced to a safe level.
• Air filtration devices (AFDs) are specifically designed to filter out microscopic dust and soots, making your indoor air safe.

Returning property to a preloss condition includes air-quality restoration. Contact SERVPRO of West Oakland for fire damage restoration at (510) 599-9300.

Can I Get Rid of The Smoke Smell After a Kitchen Fire?

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Even the smallest of fires can cause problems. Let SERVPRO of West Oakland give you a hand.

SERVPRO Technicians Remove Odors After Even the Smallest Fire

Although the lingering smell of smoke after a fire can be tough to remove, our technicians use a variety of techniques and products to get rid of the strong smell. Even your clothing may retain the smell of smoke after a kitchen fire a few rooms away. It has a way of traveling throughout your home and penetrating every surface. 

How Do Technicians Rid the Home of Smoke Odor?

Our SERVPRO Technicians Use a Variety of Techniques to Deodorize Your Home

We understand that one of the worst parts of the fire damage in your Oakland home is the persistent smell of smoke. Our technicians remove the odor from the structure of your home, appliances, and your belongings by finding and removing the source of the odor and then deodorizing. 

What Makes Smoke Odor So Difficult to Remove?

• Size: Smoke odor particles are very tiny, about the diameter of a human hair, and can travel into even the smallest nooks and crannies.
• Heat: The hotter the fire, the more the particles expand, in turn causing a stronger scent. 
• Time and Amount of Residue: The longer the particles remain on a surface, the deeper the scent. Likewise, the more residue present on a surface, the harder it is to remove both the residue and odor. 
• Porosity: If the surface is porous, more odor particles can get in and then expand.

Following even a small kitchen fire, it can be surprising how the smoke travels and permeates into surfaces and your belongings. Our technicians get rid of the smell by cleaning surfaces, removing the source of the smell, and recreating the smoke by fogging small 1-4 micron-sized deodorant particles throughout the impacted area to attack the odor. 

For assistance after a fire, Contact SERVPRO of West Oakland at (510) 599-9300. We make it, "Like it never even happened."

How Can Fire and Smoke Damage Get Cleaned in Oakland Homes?

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

When fire damage disrupts your Oakland home, rely on SERVPRO for cleanup and IAQ indoor air quality restoration

Cleaning soot and smoke residues can be an intricate process during fire restoration.

Because of how devastating fires can be to Oakland homes, many have sought the thorough and experienced fire restoration technicians of our SERVPRO team. From the earliest stages of mitigation and emergency services to general contracting completed by our group of building trade professionals, we have a broad spectrum of restorative action we can take to protect and recover your home after a loss.

Removing Soot and Smoke Residues in Oakland Properties

When contending with fire and smoke damage in Oakland homes and businesses, soot and smoke residues are among the most challenging obstacles our restorers face. There are many potential solutions for soils on surfaces, but these options vary on the residue's composition and the underlying material. Soot removal often involves a combination of:

• Abrasive cleaning
• Soda blasting
• Surface wiping
• Agitative cleaning
• Controlled demolition

Our experienced professionals can help remove malodorous threats after a fire with varied cleaning practices. Give our SERVPRO of West Oakland team a call whenever disaster strikes at (510) 599-9300.