You've Had A House Fire - Now What?

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage is insidious and trying to handle your own fire damage repair in Connecticut will be overwhelming. Call us at 860-216-2785 !!!!!

If you have had a fire in your home, you may be feeling overwhelmed and more stressed than you’ve experienced before. After the fire department has gone, you may find yourself asking “What’s next?” The fire damage may be obvious, as well as the immediate water damage from the firemen’s hoses but the chemical agents and remnants can cause secondary damage well after the fire trucks have driven away.

At SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield we understand the instinct to want to start doing things, to rent a steam cleaner or buy a bottle of cleaning spray and start trying to handle the mess yourself. What you don’t realize is that you may be exacerbating the problem. Cleaners and chemical agents can react with residue and create toxic fumes that could permanently ruin your home, make you very sick, or worse.

So what do you do when you’ve had fire damage? Call us at 860-216-2785 & call your insurance company. Because of our dedication and commitment to making your home look and feel “like it never even happened” SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield is listed as a preferred vendor to most insurance companies in the Connecticut area.  Your insurance company will assign you an adjuster and reach out to us, or you can call us directly at 860-216-2785. Our emergency responders can be on site within an hour of your call. They will talk you through the process of what needs to be done, the general scope of work and give you a verbal estimate, all for no cost.

From there we can step in while you catch your breath. Our 24/7 crews are extensively trained in safe and efficient ways to return your home to as normal as possible. Our office staff is well versed in working with insurance companies and adjusters. Our project managers are there to answer your questions and make sure you are on the same page and comfortable with the process.

 SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield completely understands that a house fire was not a situation that you expected, wanted, or likely prepared for. From the initial demo until the last little piece of decoration is cleaned of soot, we will be with you every step of the way.  We have the equipment like air scrubbers which can remove the lingering smoke odors from rugs and couches. Our fire cleanup crews will blow your mind with how quick and thorough they are. Just read one of the reviews left by a recent customer:

“SERVPRO never let me down. They did an amazing job with my garage, it was caught up with some fire and the smell from it was horrible. And also everything was drenched from the firefighter’s efforts to put out the fire. SERVPRO crews really took the time to eliminate the odor and dry everything up. Incredible crews. I will definitely recommend your services to everyone I know.”

We are a locally owned company with national resources and we take great pride in all of the services we provide. We are proud to offer

• Water damage restoration services
• Fire damage restoration services
• Mold remediation
• Storm damage restoration
• Commercial Cleaning Services

SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield will be faster to your disaster and can take your fire emergency from “disaster” to “did that even happen?”

No Kitchen Fires!

7/21/2023 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires happen suddenly and can cause lots of damage to your house. Follow our tips to prevent a kitchen fire in your home.

Most home fires start in the kitchen, and most of those are related to cooking. Since the kitchen has sources of ready fuel, such as cooking oils, gas appliances, towels and more, a kitchen fire can rage out of control quickly and spread to the rest of your home. But if you follow just a few basic guidelines, you can really reduce the odds of a kitchen fire happening to you. Whether you’re cooking or not, follow our tips to prevent a fire from starting in your kitchen.

No Fires When You’re Cooking

Stay put.

The most important thing to do when you are cooking is to never leave your cooktop or range unattended. If cooking in the oven, be sure to be within earshot (to hear a timer go off, for instance) and no further than the next room. If cooking on the stovetop, do not leave the kitchen, period.

Keep it clean.

A fire needs fuel to burn, so keep your stovetop and cooking area free of combustibles. This means towels, oven mitts, paper towels, food wrappers and other items should not be near the stove. It also means that spattered grease should be cleaned up promptly, both on the stovetop and in the oven.

Dress for success.

When cooking, your clothes should be close-fitting to prevent them from touching a flame and catching fire. In particular, if your sleeves are long or loose, roll them up.

Cool it down.

Don’t toss hot grease into your kitchen trash. Let it cool down first, perhaps in an empty can, before disposing of it.

Keep it empty.

Don’t store food inside your oven—if you forget about it and preheat, you may start a fire.

No Fires When You’re Not Cooking

Don’t be plug ugly.

The key to a safe kitchen when you’re not cooking is to use electricity safely. That means all appliances should be plugged directly into a wall outlet, never an extension cord. And that outlet must be properly grounded and must match the appliance’s rating plate. Further, it’s a smart idea to unplug small appliances, like your toaster, when you’re not using them. Finally, check your cords to be sure they are all undamaged and replace any that are frayed or cracked.

Ovens are for eating, not heating.

Never use a gas oven to heat your home. You risk both a fire and carbon monoxide poisoning.

When you have suffered a fire or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration and cleanup, as well as natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage and mold remediation, water and mold damage, and chemical and biohazard cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) any time.

Other Helpful Blog Posts

SERVPRO publishes educational articles on how you can protect your home and business from fire, water, mold, sewage, storm, natural disaster and other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785 
24-hour emergency service

When you have suffered a fire or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Where There's Fire There's Smoke...Odor

5/10/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke damage can be insidious and difficult to treat alone.

Removing Smoke Odor From Clothing, Furniture, and Carpets

After a fire you’re eager to clean your home, but be careful! You may waste effort or even make things worse if you don’t use proper methods. Begin by contacting your insurance agent immediately after a fire. Then consult with a fire restoration expert like SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield. For dealing with the smell of smoke in clothing, upholstered furniture, carpets, and drapes, here are some tips.

Need Smoke Or Soot Removal Services?

Call (860) 216-2785
After a home fire, several factors can influence the severity of the odor:
• Size of the fire: The larger the fire, the more materials have been burned, and the more smoke you’ll have.
• Length of exposure: The longer an area is exposed to smoke, the more deeply embedded the smoke odor can be in all porous materials.
• Size of the room affected: The smaller the room, the more intense and concentrated the smoke odor can become.
• The material burned: Different materials leave behind different odors. A wood fire smells differently than a fire that burns mostly plastic materials, for example. The type of materials affected may influence the type of products you need to remove the smoke odor.

Deodorize Before You Clean
Before you have anything cleaned, properly deodorize the affected items. We recommend you use professionals. A dry cleaner or professional fire restorer will tell you about counteractants. Counteractants are chemicals or additives that break up smoke molecules and eliminate the smoke odor. You need different counteractants depending on the material burned in the fire. Counteractants may be professionally applied to furniture, carpets, and drapes. Fire restorers also may provide them for laundering clothes.

Some professional fire restorers and dry cleaners use an ozone treatment to remove smoke odors. If they do the work in your home, they’ll put your smoke odor affected items under a tent while an ozone generator runs.

Household Remedies Only Provide Temporary Relief
Yes, you may think about using a household deodorizing spray or disinfectant but they provide only temporary relief from smoke odor. And, deodorizing sprays may interact with smoke odor and create an additional odor.

If it’s impossible for you to have your smoke odor infested items restored by a professional fire restorer, you might try one of these methods:

1. Dissolve one cup of dishwashing detergent—the type used in an
automatic dishwasher—in one gallon of warm water. Completely submerge the items and let them soak all night in your washing machine or bathtub. Drain and launder as usual the next day.

2. For items that can be bleached, mix 4 to 6 tablespoons trisodium phosphate (available from your hardware store) with 1 cup Lysol or household chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of water. Add clothes, rinse with clear water, and dry.

We’re here to help. The team at SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized fire restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. We can remove virtually any pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.

We use a thorough fire damage restoration process:
Step1: Emergency Contact
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
Step 6: Cleaning and Repair
Step 7: Restoration

So call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Ellington, West Hartford, Avon, Springfield, Manchester, Hartford, Newington, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Enfield, Simsbury, Coventry, South Windsor, Agawam, and beyond!

Fire Damage? Lower Your Fire Clean Up Costs!

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home.

Fire damage is terrible as it is. Let’s not make things worse by spending more money than necessary to restore your fire damaged home. Many times you can save money and keep property damage to a minimum through what’s called emergency mitigation services.

Saving Fire Damaged Possessions 
Fire damaged property that may look like it needs to be replaced may actually be recoverable. A fire restoration company can save many a heirloom. But act quickly. Prompt fire cleanup and restoration is important because the items found in your home—furniture, carpet, walls, drapes, and even ceilings—can absorb smoke. If too much time elapses between when the fire damage occurs and when fire cleanup occurs, the effects of smoke damage can last for months. 

Time Can Cost You Many Possessions

The more time between the fire and restoration the more costs you incur and the fewer items you can restore. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to save clothing, leather, books, photographs, kitchen items, furniture, and more.

Restored To Pre-Loss Condition
SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield cleans and deodorizes restorable items, sometimes to preloss condition. So don’t throw anything out until you’re certain it must be replaced. Save your property and save money. Now that’s a win/win!

Call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield to discuss. We’re the fire restoration and clean up company that has saved property and saved money for the owners of fire damaged homes. Whether you're in East Hartford or Tolland; Bloomfield or Manchester; or anywhere in between, we can help.

SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield
IICRC Certified
Noemi Garcia
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785 
24 hour emergency service
Toll Free at 844.254.1480 

Cleaning Up and Repairing Enfield Fire Damage

9/3/2022 (Permalink)

Surprised by fire damage in your Enfield property? Call SERVPRO, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

We Seek Pre-Loss Condition After Fire Damage

With dozens of historical landmarks on the national registry and larger commercial properties in the area like Asnuntuck Community College, when disasters like fires occur, SERVPRO must act fast. A structure fire can leave your property contending with several layers of needed cleanup and recovery, with the largest hazard contributors being:

• Ruined Materials
• Debris
• Smoke
• Water Damage
• Odors

The city’s emergency responders first address Enfield fire damage. When extinguishing is completed, we can be ready to enter the building and work on the required mitigation and restoration services. Preparedness during the earliest stages and mobilization after the first notice of loss ensure that this cleanup starts as it should when the property is deemed safe to enter.

Working with Your Insurance Provider

Fire damage can be widespread and destructive, whether your home or business. In most cases, restoring these disasters is a process moved through your insurance provider to secure needed funding for the project. As a preferred local vendor for insurance work with national and regional brands, we understand the required documentation and evidence to secure a damage claim approval and work fast to get the process green-lit so mitigation and restoration can start.

Reaching Homes Fast for Fire Mitigation

Extinguishing a fire does not stop the damage it can do to your home. Experienced restoration professionals must move fast from our warehouse with products, tools, and equipment to mitigate loss and protect what matters most to our customers. Some of the focal points of mitigative effort include:

• Extraction – While you can appreciate the high volumes of water used to put out the fire in your home, this becomes another threat during the restoration process with standing water and pooling in several areas of the property. We have multiple extractors to manage these surface water threats to get other cleaning processes underway.
• Removing Fire Debris – Shoveling out ash, soot, and building remnants can benefit the property in several ways. Not only does this expose structural defects from the fire damage covered by the debris, but it can noticeably reduce soot and smoke odor concentrations.
• Managing Contents – Contents in your home can be the biggest priority for protection and preservation, as you cannot replace some items with a monetary value. We relocate some items, clean some on-site, and have technicians ready to transport harmed contents to our SERVPRO facility for more advanced cleaning.

How Damaging is Soot?

Soot is one of the more problematic byproducts of fire damage, and with the way it can spread to many exposed surfaces in the house, it creates a sizable concern for responding technicians. We must evaluate several factors to determine the needed cleaning products to help, including solvents and detergents. Dry smoke requires special products like chemical sponges to remove.

The Lingering Smoke Odors

Odors are another product of combustion that can overwhelm areas of your house. While surface cleaning and efforts like debris removal can help to reduce the severity of smells and malodors, the full deodorization and neutralization of these threats come with equipment from our inventory like HEPA products, hydroxyl machines, and oxidation units.

Who Does Post-Fire Repair?

Repairs and reconstruction are common after structure fires. Unlike other restoration companies, because we have a general contractor license (#0646584), we can complete the needed build-back services like demolition, patches, temporary construction, and full rebuilding of damaged areas in your house.

Enfield fire damage requires a fast and focused response from trained, certified professionals like our SERVPRO of Bloomfield / Enfield team. We can help when disaster strikes at (860) 216-2785.

Keeping Your Fire Damage Restoration Costs Down

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

Beginning fire damage restoration as soon as possible can make a big difference in cost and results. Don't hesitate!

A fire at your home or business is a real crisis. Once the fire is out, you need to deal with damage from the flames, the smoke and soot, and the water or chemicals used to extinguish the fire. This process can be time-consuming and costly.

The most important thing you can do to reduce fire damage restoration costs is to begin the process without delay by contacting a licensed, insured professional fire damage restoration services company. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield can restore your property, clean it up, and work with you to keep costs down while keeping the quality of the work high.

Act Quickly

The more time between your fire and the fire damage restoration, the more costs tend to increase. If you act quickly, some fire-damaged possessions can be saved, so you can avoid replacement costs. The longer you wait, however, the more likely it is that you won’t be able to restore valuable possessions. And certain kinds of damage—from water and soot, for instance—grow worse over time, so delaying can make the restoration more difficult and more expensive. Save your property and you save money!

What can be saved? It depends on the extent of the fire damage, but at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield we can often save clothing, books, photographs, kitchen items, furniture, leather goods, heirlooms and more. We begin every fire restoration job with a complete evaluation of the scope of the fire cleanup and a plan for restoring what is salvageable. Our documentation will also make filing your insurance claim quicker and simpler.

For Fire Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Address Water Damage ... Quickly

In addition to damage from the actual flames, many homes and businesses suffer additional damage from smoke, soot and the water and chemicals firefighters must use to put out the fire. Water, especially, can cause widespread damage—damage that can become much worse if you delay.

After the fire is out, make sure that your home or business is completely dried out. If you don’t, mold, mildew and other consequences will lead to further damage and loss—mold colonies can begin to grow just 48 hours after water damage occurs. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield Wethersfield uses industrial dehumidifiers and air movers to rapidly dry saturated carpets, padding, furniture and any other wet items. Quick and thorough drying will save you money by preventing further damage to your building and possessions.

Address Damage from Smoke and Soot ... Quickly

Again, you’ll minimize your fire damage restoration costs with prompt action. If too much time elapses between when the fire damage and the cleanup occur, the effects of smoke and soot damage can last for months.

While you’ll easily recognize water damage, you may not immediately see the extent and seriousness of smoke and soot damage. Soot is created when wood-, coal- or oil-based substances are burned. These carbon particles float into the air and can settle anywhere, staining and discoloring objects, and can even endanger your health.

Household items, including clothing, dishes and utensils, furniture, carpet and drapes, as well as walls, floors and ceilings, are especially affected by smoke and soot. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield cleans and deodorizes restorable items to preloss condition, if at all possible. After our restoration you may not be able to tell which items were affected by the fire and smoke and which were not.

For Fire Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Other Blog Posts You Might Find Helpful

Fire Damage Repairs

We're Here For You

We’re the fire restoration and clean-up company that saves property and saves money for the owners of fire-damaged homes and businesses. Whether you're in Bloomfield, Enfield or any of our served towns, we can help.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
Top 50 Franchise Nationally
We serve Bloomfield, East Granby, East Hartland, Enfield, Granby, North Granby, Riverton, Suffield, West Granby, West Hartland and West Suffield, Connecticut.

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

For Fire Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

The 5 Most Common Places a House Fire Starts

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

Taking basic precautions can help prevent fires at these five most common locations in your home.

A fire can start almost anywhere in your home, but some areas are more likely to catch fire than others. America’s 350,000 annual house fires happen for many reasons—faulty electrical wiring, overheated appliances, unattended candles and fireplaces—but taking simple precautions at these five locations may prevent a fire at your home.

Kitchen

Half of all residential fires start in the kitchen due to appliances that use heat/electricity, cooking-related incidents (such as an unattended oven or stovetop), or fabric and material (a dishcloth, for example) that's too close to heat or a flame. An oven/stovetop with baked-on grease and residue can easily cause grease fires. Never leave food cooking on a stovetop unattended.

For Fire Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Appliances

Appliances that operate with electricity, gas or heat are potential fire hazards requiring fire restoration. Appliances 15 years or older are particularly prone to fire damage, especially if they aren't regularly cleaned, inspected and maintained. It's a good idea to only run appliances when you're at home.

• Dryers: lint, fiber and dust buildup is a primary cause of a laundry room fire. Keep vents and filters clean by removing lint after each use, and at least once a year, clean the lint from the exhaust hose at the back of the dryer.
• Dishwashers: heating elements in the dishwasher can overheat and catch fire, especially in older models.
• Microwaves: although convenient, microwaves can be dangerous if you heat food or materials that are flammable, such as aluminum foil, Styrofoam or certain plastic containers.
• Toasters/Toaster Ovens: the electrical elements inside a toaster can become faulty over time and may not turn off, which could start a fire. Crumbs can accumulate and become stuck at the bottom of the toaster, so clean it regularly. Never leave these appliances unsupervised when in use.

Bedroom

There are many potential fire hazards in bedrooms: bedding, curtains, plush items, mattresses. Mattresses made after 2007 are flame-retardant and comply with higher safety standards, so if yours is older, consider purchasing a new one. Install smoke alarms in each bedroom and make a fire escape plan that includes two ways to exit the room (usually through the door and a window).

For Fire Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

Chimneys and Fireplaces

Chimneys and fireplaces can develop structural problems over time, which can cause temperatures to burn too high or chimney liners to loosen or detach, which can allow burning embers and ash to escape to combustible areas in walls, attics and roofs. Keep chimneys and fireplaces cleaned and maintained, and have them inspected and professionally cleaned at least once a year or when there is a quarter-inch buildup of creosote or soot. Keep rugs, tapestries and other fabrics away from the fireplace, and always keep a spark screen in front of the fireplace.

Living Room

Like bedrooms, living rooms contain many potentially flammable items: electronics, drapes/curtains, furniture. Candles are among the leading fire hazards in living rooms. Never leave a burning candle unattended and place it away from flammable/combustible objects.

Fire Cleanup

If you do experience a fire, professional fire damage restoration services like SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield can handle the entire fire cleanup process—from assessing the smoke and fire damage to rebuilding your home—"Like it never even happened."

For Fire Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

We're Here For You

We’re the fire restoration and clean up company that saves property and saves money for the owners of fire damaged homes and businesses. Whether you're in Bloomfield, Enfield or any of our served towns, we can help.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally
We serve Bloomfield, East Granby, East Hartland, Enfield, Granby, North Granby, Riverton, Suffield, West Granby, West Hartland and West Suffield, Connecticut.

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

For Fire Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

6 Top Fire Damage Restoration Tips

3/14/2018 (Permalink)

To restore your home after fire damage takes time and expertise.

We’re not going to kid you. Fire damage restoration is tough work. People call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield frequently to ask for advice on how to clean up after a fire.  Here are seven of the best tips we give people who ask about fire damage restoration.

Most people can put these tips into practice. But remember that fire damage restoration takes time, work, and skill. Realistically consider whether you want to try these ideas on your own or whether you’d be better off hiring highly trained restoration specialists who will guarantee their work.

1. Remove Smoke Damage

With any fire you’ll have a degree of smoke damage to your walls, wall paper, and paint. If the smoke damage is not too serious, you should be able to scrub it clean with detergents and bleach. Soot from smoke damage is greasy stuff, so always try to dust as much of it off from a surface before trying to scrub the surface clean. Often, you’ll want to repaint, but make sure all surfaces are clean and dry before you paint.

2. Limit Activity & Other Simple Fire Damage Restoration Steps

Until your house is restored, limit your activity and movement in the house. This helps prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets. Keep people’s hands clean so you don’t further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork. Protect your things by placing clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas. Before you clean know the best cleaning method for that particular cleaning job (one example: Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.) Wash both sides of the leaves on your houseplants. Change your HVAC filter and tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield for Cleanup and Restoration. Call (860) 216-2785.

3. Get Rid of Mold & Mildew

Firefighters are great. They save many a live and many a home. But they do introduce mold and mildew into houses when they must use water to extinguish the fire. SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield highly recommends you hire fire restoration professionals to deal with mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can cause serious health problems. It’s difficult for a nonprofessional to know for certain if he’s clean up all the areas affected by the mold and mildew. And mold and mildew can contaminate your furniture, carpets, clothing, mattresses, walls, and vents. The best thing you can do immediately is to air out every room and clean out all vents and filters.

4. Replace Carpets. Clean And Dry Your Floors

Your floors and carpets end up absorbing the worst of the damage from all the water used to put out a fire. In almost every case, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield recommends that you pull up any carpets that have water damage and replace them. Water can also seep underneath vinyl flooring and into the cracks in hardwood. You must address this. If you have experience with flooring, you can lift it up and clean under it. But you may want to call a professional fire damage restoration company to assist you.

5. Avoid Smearing Soot Into Clothing

Cleaning smoke damage from clothing is one of the biggest jobs you’ll have after a fire. Make sure you don’t smear the greasy soot into the clothing or just throw the smoky clothes into the wash. Often times dry cleaning is the best bet, and you should ask around local dry cleaners to see if any have experience with post-fire laundry. Removing smoke odor is another issue and we’ve covered it in another blog post.

Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield for Cleanup and Restoration. Call (860) 216-2785.

6. Scrub, Soak, And Cleaning Dishes

Dishes are also important items to clean thoroughly after a fire because they will be in contact with your food. Scrub all dishes well, let them soak in a solution of bleach and water (2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon) for at least 20 minutes and scrub some more for safety. When in doubt, if a dish, pot, or pan won’t come clean, cut your losses and throw it out – especially rubber or wooden dishes that absorb smoke.

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield also has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, chemical cleanup, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
Certified SERVPRO technician
Call 860.216.2785
24-hour emergency service

Space Heater Safety

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

Space heaters, when used properly, are safe and can cut your utility bill.

On January 17, 2018 a space heater caused a fire to break out at 4:30 a.m. at a home on Brooksdale Drive in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. While one of the two residents had to be hospitalized, the residents of that home were lucky. The local fire rescue department had installed smoke detectors in the home and those detectors alerted the residents and helped get them to safety.   Space heaters cause about one-third of all winter house fires and 80 percent of all winter heating fire deaths, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Having combustible materials too close to a space heater (or heating unit) accounts for more than half of all home heating fire deaths across the country.  But for us here in the Bloomfield/Enfield Connecticut region, here are three pieces of good news about space heaters and fire safety.  

1. Your local Connecticut fire department may offer free smoke alarms.
You may be able to call your local fire department and have them inspect your home and provide free smoke alarms. Programs like this one in Bridgeport, Connecticut happen frequently. In Meriden, Connecticut in 2018 a foundation bought hundreds of smoke detectors for the local fire department to give away.  

2. Today’s space heaters are safer.
Consumer Reports says that space heaters get a bad rap. Many of today’s space heaters are not just better-looking but also safer. In the past 10 years manufacturers have improved built-in safety features like a tip-over shut-off switch says Jill Notini, vice president of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.  

Space heater or other fire safety concerns? Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785 anytime  

3. Follow simple safety rules and you greatly reduce or eliminate any space heater concerns.
Here are some basic rules for using space heaters:  

A. Use newer space heaters, not older models.
B. Never buy a used space heater.
C. Only buy a space heater that has a safety certification from the Underwriters Laboratories or Intertek’s ETL Mark.
D. Don’t leave your space heater on when you’re not in the room.

Space heater or other fire safety concerns? Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785 anytime  

E. Plug your heater directly into an outlet.
Avoid using an extension cord or power strip because they could overheat.
F. Keep a three-foot perimeter around the space heater clear.
Never store clothing around or on the heater or place it too close to curtains or a bed.
G. Beware of children and pets around a space heater.
Either could knock over a space heater. And unplug the heater when you’re not using it.

Adding a portable space heater to your cold-weather arsenal can make bitter cold winter days much more bearable. When used with care, space heaters can provide safe supplemental heat in a small, targeted area.  

More Safety Information  
Every month on the SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield blog we publish educational articles on how to protect your home and business from fire disasters repair.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road
Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
Certified SERVPRO technician
Call 860-216-2785 anytime

Fire Damage Restoration For Businesses And Homes

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

After the fire in your business or home is put out, take precautionary measures to prevent injury and further losses.

A fire at your business or in your home can mean major losses. If a fire starts, remember to stay calm and act rationally. Having quick access to a written plan of the steps you need to take after fire damage can save precious time and keep your fire damage losses down.   

 After the fire in your business or home is put out, take precautionary measures to prevent injury and further losses. Your best bet is often to call a fire damage restoration company.  Or you may want to handle the fire damage restoration yourself. If so, here are some steps to consider:

1. Think long and hard before deciding not to use an emergency fire damage restoration service

Nearly every corner in the country now has 24/7 access to an experienced, professional fire damage service like SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield. Companies like ours help reduce the fire, smoke, and soot damage at businesses and in private residences. Involving the fire damage restoration professionals also reduces the risk of injury. The professionals have the right equipment and training to safely deal with the aftermath of a fire. Commercial fire damage usually results in a lot of smoke smell. Smoke smell can be a health hazard to anyone working in or near the premises. Commercial fire damage services can help to quickly get rid of the smoke damage.

2. Evaluate the extent of the fire damage

You’ll want a complete and accurate assessment of all damage so you can determine how much it will cost you to restore your business or home. An accurate fire damage assessment will quicken the process of restoration. Speeding the process allows you to get back to your daily activities in the shortest time possible. For businesses this means less business interruption, less revenue loss, and a greater chance of recovering the full extent of your business.

Understanding the level of fire damage will also help you determine what items you need to get rid of. This will help to reduce the smoke smell in your business or home. Your insurance company will also want a full and accurate assessment of  fire damage so they can pay your claim efficiently.

For professional fire, smoke, and soot restoration call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield at (860) 216-2785.

3. Prevent further damage
   
   Evaluate beyond the area that seems to be fire damaged. Take a good look at your entire property. Sometimes business owners or homeowners miss a burned window or a damaged roof. If you don’t find all the fire damage you risk leaving conditions that could lead to further fire damage. One example is holes in the roof. They are particularly dangerous and must be addressed before people move back into the business or home. Another example is missing a water pipe or water tap that’s suffered damage. Check all your utilities, including your water. If you notice any leaking taps or pipes, seal them to prevent further damage.
   
   4. Start fire damage restoration
   
   Sometimes a fire’s flames and heat do less damage than the smoke and soot the fire creates. Breathing in smoke can be hazardous. Soot can invade porous surfaces and damage furniture, carpets, drapes, and other valuable items. Commercial fire damage companies know how to clean up soot and smoke damage. The longer you wait to deal with soot and smoke the more damage they can do. 
   
   The smell caused by smoke damage is not very easy to get rid of, especially if you decide to handle the restoration process yourself. To do this, you might have to dispose of badly burned items. Soot damage will usually coat items such as curtains, and these might need to be washed thoroughly. Also, soot damage affects the solid surfaces of your home. These will need to be cleaned using a solution made up of vinegar, dish soap, and water. If the carpets and furniture are not badly burned, you should clean them using a HEPA vacuum. This is more effective in getting rid of the smoke damage since the particles are not blown back into your home environment. Finally, you should use an exhaust fan to remove the smoke smell in your building. For more see our post Removing Smoke Odor.
   
   For professional fire, smoke, and soot restoration call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield at (860) 216-2785.

And what about water? The fire cleanup process often involves getting rid of standing water. If any pipes or tanks were affected by the soot damage, you will need to purify the water before you use it. Don’t risk getting poisoned.

In the process of fire cleanup, you should be careful not to touch any wires that may have been affected by the fire, or water.

5. See if professionals can save valuable items that appear destroyed

After a fire some items will probably have to be thrown away. But sometimes what looks like an item that is not salvageable can be restored by professionals. Books, leather items, and other valuables might fit into this category.

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield

Top 50 Franchise Nationally

100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro
Certified SERVPRO technician
Call 860.216.2785
24 hour emergency service

Fire Damage Repairs

3/6/2017 (Permalink)

Most people who suffer fire damage want their lives and their homes to return to normal as soon as possible. Here's how.

Has your home recently been damaged by fire? If so, we bet you’re eager to get started improving your property. Most people who suffer fire damage want their lives and their homes to return to normal as soon as possible. But many don’t know the costs. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to repair smoke and fire damage is $5,844.

Fire damage can make areas of your home unusable until the fire damage has been repaired. More extensive fire damage may make your entire home unsafe. You may have to live elsewhere  until cleanup and repair work gets done. No matter how minor or significant the fire damage restoration work is, you want to know how long it will take. The timeline depends on the restorative process and whether you take the opportunity to do remodeling at the same time.

Starting Fire Damage Repair Work
It can be difficult to determine how and where to get started with fire damage repair work. The first step in the repair process is to remove water from the home if firefighters used water during the extinguishing process. Perhaps, a kitchen fire left chemical residue for cleanup. Water extraction can be completed by the professionals from SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield quickly and affordably. We arrive in our green vehicles stocked with equipment and supplies to surmount any cleaning and restoration need you have. Then, you can begin the repair process and decide which items you want to replace and which ones need repair.

Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785 Anytime

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield can also suggest to you and your adjuster what items and materials are salvageable. Keep in mind that smoke damage can also be a problem, and some items, such as carpeting and your HVAC system may need to be professionally cleaned to remove the smoke odor from your home.

Get Professional Help
Repairing your home after you have suffered fire damage is not something that you want to attempt on your own. A fire damage restoration project requires a considerable amount of time and energy to complete. But SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield can help you restore your property in minimal time with minimal costs. Our IICRC cleanup and restoration certified technicians have the skills and assets to do a quality job. We are a locally owned and operated fire damage repair franchise. We can also help with mold, storm, chemical, or water damaging events to your property.

More Fire Damage Information   
Every month on the SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield blog we publish educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, or other damage. 

You might also want to explore the educational information on our sister franchise’s blog, SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield.

For Cleanup Or Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785 Anytime

Here For You
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire restoration services, mold remediation, commercial services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860-216-2785) anytime, 24/7.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road
Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro, Nat Landon, Ron DeFeo
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860-216-2785 anytime

21 Tips on Preventing Electrical, Home Heating, And Candle Fires

2/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians at Commercial Building

According to Portland Fire and Rescue, roughly half of home electrical fires involve electrical wiring or lighting equipment; and roughly half of those involved equipment such as washers and dryers, fans, and space heaters. One big factor is overloading electrical outlets. Tip number one is to plug only one high-wattage appliance into each outlet at a time. Some other safety guidelines are:

2. Never use an extension cord with a major appliance or space heater – it can be easily over loaded. Plug appliances directly into a wall outlet.
3. If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips often, lights flicker or dim, or outlets or switches feel warm, have a qualified electrician inspect and fix the problem. These are often warning signs before a major disaster.
4. Use lamp bulbs that match the lamp's recommended wattage (there is usually a sticker on the lamp). Don’t put a 100 watt bulb into a fixture approved for only 75 watts.
5. Power strips with circuit breakers can be useful tools to temporarily plug several items into an electrical outlet, but if used incorrectly they can cause a fire. The use of power strips and multi-plug outlets increases the draw of electricity through your home's wiring. Before creating additional electrical demand, ensure that your wiring is in good repair and capable of carrying the additional load.
6. Make sure your home has ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) in the kitchen, bathroom(s), laundry, basement, and outdoor areas, to reduce the risk of electric shock.
7. Install arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) in your home to protect electrical outlets and prevent fires due to arcing.
8. Run extension cords around carpets, not under them. A cord under a carpet can heat up and cause a fire.
9. Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.

Fire Damage Restoration Questions? Call 860-216-2785 anytime

Home Heating Equipment
Home heating equipment cause a good percentage of winter fires and is a leading cause of home fire deaths. In a recent U.S. study, space heaters accounted for four out of five (80%) home heating fire deaths. Yet, some simple steps can prevent most heating-related fires:

10. Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment (e.g. fireplace, wood stove, baseboard or portable space heater).
11. Do not use extension cords with portable space heaters – plug them directly into outlets.
12. Use space heaters that have a switch that will shut off if the unit tips over.
13. Have your heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
14. Use a sturdy fireplace screen in front of your fireplace to stop sparks from flying into the room.
15. Throw out fire ashes in a covered, non-combustible container and douse the ashes with water.
16. Make sure all fuel-burning equipment (e.g. gas furnaces and ranges, wood stoves and fireplaces) are vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (C.O.) poisoning.

Home Heating Safety Questions? Call 860-216-2785 anytime

Candle Safety
Portland Fire and Rescue points out that candles, although appealing for the ambiance they can create, are a significant cause of home fires. In fact, candles are one of the leading causes of home fire deaths.  More than one-third of home candle fires start in the bedroom, and more than half of all candle fires start when things that can burn are too close to the candle. Remember that today you can use battery powered artificial candles so you avoid having any open flame. But if you do burn old-fashioned candles please observe these safety tips:

17.  Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily.
18. Keep candles at least 12” away from anything that can burn.
19. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to bed; avoid the use of candles in rooms where people may fall asleep.
20. Never burn a candle if medical oxygen is used in the home.

Candle Safety Questions? Call 860-216-2785 anytime

21. Anytime you have any concerns about how to make your home safer from fire, please contact
SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860.216.2785. In an emergency you can call us 24/7.
We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, East Longmeadow, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

More Safety Information   
Every month on the SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield blog we publish educational articles on how to protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water or other damage.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road
Bloomfield, Connecticut 06002
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro, Nat Landon, Ron DeFeo
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860-216-2785 anytime

Know Your Fire Types

10/31/2016 (Permalink)

Remember, safety first. Never try to fight a large fire by yourself.

Did you know that if you battle a fire with the wrong type of fire extinguisher you could make the fire worse? For example, use an extinguisher that contains only water on a flammable liquid fire and you’ll spread the fire and put yourself in further danger. But don’t worry. Fires are divided into five classes and fire extinguishers are specifically made to battle one or more of the fire classes. All this is easier than it may sound. Here are the basics.

1. Remember: safety first. Do not try to fight a large fire by yourself. You’re much better off letting professionals handle any fire. One general rule of thumb is that if the fire is bigger than you are it’s too big for you to put out safely.

2. Only use a fire extinguisher when: 1) the fire is confined to a small area, and is not growing; 2) the room is not filled with smoke; 3) everyone else has exited the building; and 4) the fire department has been called.

3. Most portable fire extinguishers are capable of putting out multiple types of fires. Commercial and residential extinguishers primarily suppress Class A, B, and C fires.

Call the fire experts. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785.

4. Below is a list of fire classes and the extinguishers that put them out. Always check the extinguisher you’re about to use to make sure it’s designed to fight the type of fire you have. The type of fire or fires that an extinguisher can put out should be clearly visible on the label. If you’re not sure, the safest thing to do is to evacuate the area.
 

Class of Fire: A (A in a green triangle)
Fires of ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cardboard, most plastics, and cloth
Extinguishers to Use: Water, Foam Spray, ABC Powder, or Wet Chemical

Class of Fire: B (B in a red square)    
Fires of flammable liquids like petroleum, kerosene, grease, and others (but not alcohol or cooking oil)
Extinguishers to Use: Foam Spray, ABC Powder, or Carbon Dioxide

Class of Fire: C (C in a blue circle)    
Fires of energized electrical equipment such as appliances, wiring, circuit breakers and outlets
Extinguisher to Use: ABC Powder

Class of Fire: D (D in a yellow star)    
Fires of combustible metals like magnesium, titanium, sodium (often found in chemical laboratories).
Extinguishers to Use: ABC Powder or Carbon Dioxide

Class of Fire: K (K in a black hexagon)    
Fires of cooking oils, trans fats (often used in restaurants).
Extinguisher to Use: Wet Chemical

5. The most common type of portable fire extinguishers are multipurpose, dry chemical, ABC extinguishers. They’re small, easy to operate, and can put out the majority of fires you may come across. Most have 10 to 20 seconds of discharge with a range of 8 to 12 feet.

6. Author and 20 year fire-fighting veteran Scott Finazzo says you should not use a fire extinguisher unless you can say yes to all of these questions:
    Are there two or more ways for you to escape from the fire?
    Do you have the correct extinguisher for the type of fire?
    Is the extinguisher capable of putting out the size of fire you are facing?
    Is the area free from other hazards?
    Can you put out the fire in 5 seconds or less?

A Wealth Of Natural Disaster Information For You
Every month on our blog we publish educational articles on how to prevent natural disasters and deal with them when they occur.

Help Is Here
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield also has specialized training and experience in water damage restoration services, fire damage services, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, East Longmeadow, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
100 Peters Road
Bloomfield, CT
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro, Nat Landon, Ron DeFeo
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785 anytime

11 Fire Safety Guidelines

8/24/2016 (Permalink)

Never fight a large fire. Call in the professionals.

No matter how safe we may feel, fire may strike at any time. Knowing these general guidelines can help keep your family, your business employees, and you safe in case a fire does occur.

1. Remain calm.

Pace yourself. You may be in charge of other people. Listen carefully to what people tell you and deal patiently with urgent situations first.

2. Check doors for heat.

In a fire before you go through a door feel it with the back of your hand. Feel it from the bottom to the top. Do not open a hot door. Doing so puts you at risk of being burned and adding fuel (oxygen) to the fire.

3. Stay low.

Smoke and heated gases rise. The lower you are the less likely you are to inhale smoke or dangerous gases.

4. Keep a safe distance.

If you decide to use a fire extinguisher to fight the fire remember that the extinguisher’s reach is probably 8 to 12 feet. Stay as far away from the fire as you can.

5. Use a fire extinguisher properly. Follow the PASS method.

P: Pull the pin and hold the fire extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you. 

A: Aim low. Point the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire.

S: Squeeze the level slowly and evenly.

S: Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

6. Only use a fire extinguisher if these four conditions are true.

Many times you’re much better off to let fire cleanup professionals handle any fire. Only use an extinguisher when: 1) the fire is confined to a small area, and is not growing; 2) the room is not filled with smoke; 3) everyone else has exited the building, and 4) the fire department has been called.

Concerned about a fire risk or fire damage? Call (860) 216-2785.

7. Never fight a large fire.

You’re always best off leaving the fighting of a large fire to professionals. One general rule of thumb is that if the fire is bigger than you are it’s too big for you to put out safely.

8. Face the fire.

Don’t turn your back on a fire. Conditions can quickly change. You need to be constantly aware of the fire’s size, condition, and position.

9. Observe the smoke.

More turbulent smoke means more dangerous fire conditions. Is smoke pushing out of the top of a door? Then do not enter. Does the area contain significant amounts of smoke? Then the fire probably exceeds your ability to handle it. Call the professionals.

10. Have a designated meeting place.

Your family or employees should have a specific place well away from your home or business that you will meet at in case of a fire. Knowing where to meet and having two or more ways to get there reduces the risk of leaving someone behind or not knowing where everyone is if you evacuate your home or building.

11. If you can’t escape the building stay in a fire-free, smoke-free room with the doors closed.

If smoke, heat, or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed. Place a wet towel under the door and call the fire department or 9-1-1. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight to signal for help.

12. Check for injuries and have them treated.

Immediately after the fire have any injuries treated by a medical professional. Wash small wounds with soap and water. To help prevent infection of small wounds, use bandages and replace them if they become soiled, damaged, or waterlogged.

Help With Fires Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, and natural disaster cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, East Longmeadow, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro, Nat Landon, Ron DeFeo
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24 hour emergency service

We’ve Moved: 100 Peters Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002

10 Key Fire & Fire Damage Facts

3/17/2016 (Permalink)

Never think that if you avoid the fire's flames you are safe.

While flames can cause the most visible damage to your property during a fire, smoke and soot are silent and sometimes invisible hazards that could cost lives.  Water is also a reason for damage after a fire. Even firefighters themselves may cause some damage before they can completely put out a fire. Here are 10 important things to know about fires.

1. In a fire, more people die from inhaling smoke than from the flames. Never think that if you avoid the flames you are safe. Always keep away from smoke.

2. Soot is a coating of fine, black dust created when wood, coal, or oil-based substances are burned.  These carbon particles float into the air and settle anywhere.  Inhaling soot can caused severe lung deficiencies or even death. 

3. If soot contaminates items in your home or business, a fire restoration service provider like SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield must assess the damage to see if restoration is possible.

Need Fire Restoration Advice Or Services? Call SERVPRO Of Bloomfield/Enfield At (860) 216-2785

4.  The worst possible effect of soot is its tendency to cause cancer and cause serious defects in  newborns. Soot produces polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons are responsible for gene mutation for particular groups of genes. They can cause birth defects and increase the chances of getting cancer.

Water’s Good And Bad
5. Water’s great at putting out most fires but the water itself can cause great damage. You must make sure, after the fire is out, that your home or business is completely dried. If you don’t, mold, mildew, and other consequences will lead to further damage and loss. This is why SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield provides industrial dehumidifiers and air movers to dry saturated carpets, padding, furniture, and any other wet items.

6. Mold colonies can begin to grow just 48 hours after water damage occurs.  The combination of fire, water, and mold damage to your commercial property or home could result in a complete loss if not handled properly. See our posts about mold,  mold myths, and how to clean up mold.

7. Use caution if you decide to do some of the fire damage cleanup after a fire. Never start your cleaning process until you’re properly attired. Wear heavy-duty gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask. Carefully cover your nose and make sure your safety glasses have no place for dust or soot to get into your eyes.

Why Firefighters Break Windows And Cut Holes In Roofs
8. Firefighters are true heroes. However, they often must break windows and cut holes in the roof of buildings on fire. As a fire burns, the fire moves up and down and across, growing very fast. Firefighters break windows and cut holes in roofs to provide ventilation that slows the fire’s growth. Ventilation also helps get rid of dark smoke that makes it hard for firefighters to see where they’re going. The holes and broken windows help firefighters fight the fire more quickly. The bottom line is that breaking windows and cutting holes in roofs help save lives and property.

9. Firefighters will also cut holes in walls at times. That’s not about ventilation. It’s done so the fire department is sure that the fire is completely out. Fire departments don’t want to risk leaving a fire that’s not visible but is still active inside the walls or in other hidden places.

10. If you have a fire, get a copy of the fire report. In most areas, a fire report is a public document. Ask for it at the fire department or fire marshal’s office. The fire report will help you with information that your insurance company and other official offices may request.

For more, see After The Fire: Returning to Normal from FEMA.

Here To Help
The team at SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services and natural disaster cleanup.

Call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, East Longmeadow, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro, Nat Landon, Ron DeFeo
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24 hour emergency service

We're Moving: At the end of March 2016 we will move to a much larger office and warehouse space at 100 Peters Road in Bloomfield. Please change your address for us. All phone numbers will stay the same. 

Wood-Burning Stove and Fireplace Safety

12/28/2015 (Permalink)

If you’re planning to burn wood, make sure your stove (or fireplace) and chimney have been thoroughly checked by a professional chimney sweep.

Ah! The warm pleasure of gathering around your fireplace or wood-burning stove on a cold winter’s night. Enjoy the warmth, but do be safe. Here are a few wood-burning stove and fireplace tips.

1. Have a professional annual inspection

If you’re planning to burn wood, make sure your stove (or fireplace) and chimney have been thoroughly checked by a professional chimney sweep. Stoves, fireplaces, and chimneys should be cleaned at least once a year. Wood-burning stoves should be inspected annually for ash and creosote buildup, cracks, and animal or bird nests.

Concerned About Your Wood Stove or Fireplace? Call Us Today – (860) 216-2785


2. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Make sure you have enough smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Are they in good working order? Important in all homes, these detectors are especially essential in homes with wood-burning stoves.

3. Check your wood-burning stove’s ventilation

Venting the stove is the most important part of the wood-burning system. According to Nationwide, 90% of all stove-related fires originate within the venting system. A venting system is not a chimney – it consists of lengths of 24-gauge or heavier stovepipe which connects the stove to an approved chimney.

4. Consider a moisture meter

If you stack wood outside in the weather, the Environmental Protection Agency advises you to consider purchasing a moisture meter. You can use one to make sure your timber is dry and safe to burn. Meters can be purchased online for a little as $20. Hardwoods—such as maple, beech, ash, hickory, or oak—are the best fuel for a wood-burning stove. Your wood should be cut, split, and air dried for at least a year before burning.

5. Keep flammables away

Keep furniture, drapes, rugs, and anything flammable away from your fireplace or wood-burning stove. Sometimes people move furniture closer to the fireplace or stove during warmer months. If you do that, move the furniture and any home decorations back a safe distance before lighting up your fireplace or stove.

6. Always have the right flooring

Never have carpet installed directly in front of your fireplace or wood-burning stove. A spark could land on it and start a fire. Good flooring to have near your fireplace or stove is linoleum or brick. You want a floor that’s not as combustible as carpeting.

7. Keep your insurance company informed

Tell your insurer you have installed a fireplace or a wood-burning stove. If a spark from the fireplace or the wood stove pops out and burns your couch and a large portion of a neighboring wall, you could be stuck paying the entire bill if the insurance company doesn’t know about that particular heat source.

8. Inspect the dampers

If your wood-burning stove has an automatic draft regulator controlled by a thermostat, carefully follow the manufacturer's installation instructions. A manually operated damper can be installed on the pipe near the stove. This damper should not obstruct more than 80 percent of the pipe area. A second damper higher up on the vertical section of the stovepipe is advisable to permit shutting down the stove in case of a chimney fire.
 
9. If you’re buying a wood stove, buy quality.

Be sure any stove you buy is made of sturdy, suitable material, such as cast iron or steel.  Look for the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label. If you purchase a used stove, check it carefully for cracks or other defects. The legs, hinges, grates, and draft louvers should also be checked carefully.

10. Never do these six things

Be careful with how you install, monitor, and maintain a fireplace or wood-burning stove. Five things you should never do are:
1.    Connect your wood stove to a fireplace chimney unless the fireplace has been sealed off
2.    Connect your wood stove to a chimney serving another appliance burning other fuels.
3.    Start a wood stove fire with flammable fluids, such as gasoline
4.    Extend the stovepipe through a wall or ceiling (unless there’s no alternative)
5.    Burn trash in a wood-burning stove. That may start a chimney fire.
6.    Let a wood fire burn unattended or overnight

Remember, SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield is here to help. We work on know about wood-burning stoves and fireplace safety. So call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7. At SERVPRO we’re trained in many restoration services.

We know the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to help you recover from damage to your home or business.  

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro, Nat Landon, Ron DeFeo
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24 hour emergency service

16 Ways To Prevent Cooking and Cigarette Fires

11/13/2015 (Permalink)

Never leave a stove, grill, oven, or other cooking source unattended.

Cooking fires and cigarette fires can be devastating. Just as difficult can be realizing you could have prevented a fire in your home or business. Here are sixteen ways you can prevent accidental fires.

Preventing Cooking Fires
1. Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires in many communities. Usually it’s because someone’s left the cooking unattended. Never leave a stove, grill, oven, or other cooking source unwatched.
2. Many cooking fire injuries happen when people respond to kitchen fires inappropriately. For example, if you pour water on a grease fire you could make the fire worse. Always use an appropriate way to fight a fire.

Need Fire Damage Repair Services? Call Us Today – (860) 216-2785

3. Keep the handles of all stovetop pots and pans turn in so small children or anything passing by the stove cannot grab or catch on the handles and cause a spill.
4. Examine the area around your stove. Move away anything (potholders, for example) that could catch fire if it fell on the stove. 
5. If you have a cooking fire in a pan smother the fire by sliding a lid over the pan. Then turn off the burner.
6. If the fire is in your oven, turn off the heat and keep the oven door closed.
7. If the fire is in a microwave, unplug the microwave or shut off the power and keep the microwave door closed.
8. Never discharge a portable extinguisher into a cooking pan. Doing so will only spread the fire.
9. Don’t carry a hot pot or pan of grease outside because it can lead to burns and scalding. Wait until the grease is no longer hot.

Preventing Cigarette Fires
10. Cigarettes are the leading cause of fire deaths on a national level.  Most cigarette fires are caused by improperly discarded smoking material (cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc). These fires often start outside, then move to a structure.
11. Never smoke in bed or anywhere you might fall asleep.
12. Don’t smoke in a home where medical oxygen is present.
13. Smoke outside only.
14. Don’t discard cigarettes in potted plants, landscaping vegetation, or bark dust. All these materials can easily catch fire.
15. Use a deep, sturdy ashtray or a non-combustible container that cannot be tipped over.
16. Before throwing away butts or ashes, douse them in water or sand.

Remember, we’re here to help. We're fire restoration experts. So call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7. At SERVPRO we’re trained in many restoration services. We know the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to help you recover from a commercial fire or a home fire.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has served clients in Avon, Agawam, Bloomfield, Coventry, East Hartford, Ellington, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Newington, Simsbury, South Windsor, Springfield, West Hartford, and beyond.

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro, Nat Landon, Ron DeFeo
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24 hour emergency service

Fire's Out. Now Prevent Further Damage.

9/11/2015 (Permalink)

The best way to prevent further fire damage to your home is to contact a professional restoration company that specializes in fire damage cleanup.

After a fire in your home you can minimize further damage by following some simple guidelines like these.

1. Be sure you have permission from your fire marshal to re-enter your home.
2. Get the air moving. Open windows to ventilate areas. Install a fan to circulate air. (But see #3)
3. If your home has substantial water damage and the weather is warm, you will probably need to keep the
windows shut and run a dehumidifier. In cold weather, your heating system is operating and the cold air will usually help
remove the moisture. In this case, change your furnace filter daily until it shows no soot.

Need Soot Removal Services? Call (860) 216-2785

4. Dry wet items as soon as you can. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry carpets and draperies. If not thoroughly dried, carpets and
floors underneath may be quickly damaged beyond repair by mold and mildew.
5. Don't attempt to clean any household textiles (like drapes and carpets) unless you know the proper procedure. You can cause additional damage.
6. Before carpets, draperies, upholstered furniture, and clothing can be deodorized or cleaned, the soot must be removed. Because soot is oily, it easily stains items. This is why these items should not be touched after a fire. We recommend you hire a professional fire restorer. They will remove soot with a heavy duty vacuum.
7. Remove brass and copper items and clean them using brass or copper cleaner. Smoke can etch brass or copper in 24 hours.
8. Place aluminum foil or plastic food wrap under furniture legs.
9. Remove oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting.
10. Cover your dry, clean items with plastic while the fire restoration process is in progress.
11. Remove any fabrics—including carpet, rugs, and draperies—that have sustained fire or water damage. This should clear some of the soot, ash, and moisture out of your home.
12. Remove any clothing from your home. Send clothing to a dry cleaner that specializes in fire and smoke removal. Proper restoration requires certain chemicals, so make sure the dry cleaner has the necessary materials to remove the smoke smell effectively.
13. The best way to prevent further fire damage to your home is to contact a professional restoration company that specializes in fire damage cleanup. They have special licensing, equipment, and expertise to clean your home effectively and safely return it to its former condition.
14. Before your hire a fire restoration company, secure some references from people the company has helped. Usually the professional fire restorer can provide helpful hints to prevent further damage, determine which of your items can be refurbished, and estimate the cost of deodorizing and cleaning your home.
15. When in doubt, check with a professional. We’ve seen too many people take soot removal, deodorizing, and cleaning into their own hands to save money. They end up losing money because they further harm or destroy the items they’re trying to save.

We’re here to help you. The team at SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized fire restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. We can remove virtually any pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet. We use a thorough fire damage restoration process:
Step1: Emergency Contact
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
Step 6: Cleaning and Repair
Step 7: Restoration

Call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Ellington, West Hartford, Avon, Springfield, Manchester, Hartford, Newington, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Enfield, Simsbury, Coventry, South Windsor, Agawam, and beyond.

SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro, Nat Landon, Ron DeFeo
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24 hour emergency service

Removing Smoke Odor

9/8/2015 (Permalink)

After a fire, don't try to clean away a smoke odor from textiles until you have deordorized them.

Removing Smoke Odor From Clothing, Furniture, and Carpets

After a fire you’re eager to clean your home, but be careful. You may waste effort or even make things worse if you don’t use proper methods. Begin by contacting your insurance agent immediately after a fire. Then consult with a fire restoration expert like SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield. For dealing with the smell of smoke in clothing, upholstered furniture, carpets, and drapes, here are some tips.

Need Smoke Or Soot Removal Services? Call (860) 216-2785

After a home fire, several factors can influence the severity of the odor:
• Size of the fire: The larger the fire, the more materials have been burned, and the more smoke you’ll have.
• Length of exposure: The longer an area is exposed to smoke, the more deeply embedded the smoke odor can be in all porous materials.
• Size of the room affected: The smaller the room, the more intense and concentrated the smoke odor can become.
• The material burned: Different materials leave behind different odors. A wood fire smells differently than a fire that burns mostly plastic materials, for example. The type of materials affected may influence the type of products you need to remove the smoke odor.

Deodorize Before You Clean
Before you have anything cleaned, properly deodorize the affected items. We recommend you use professionals. A dry cleaner or professional fire restorer will tell you about counteractants. Counteractants are chemicals or additives that break up smoke molecules and eliminate the smoke odor. You need different counteractants depending on the material burned in the fire. Counteractants may be professionally applied to furniture, carpets, and drapes. Fire restorers also may provide them for laundering clothes.

Some professional fire restorers and dry cleaners use an ozone treatment to remove smoke odors. If they do the work in your home, they’ll put your smoke odor affected items under a tent while an ozone generator runs.

Household Remedies Only Provide Temporary Relief
Yes, you may think about using a household deodorizing spray or disinfectant but they provide only temporary relief from smoke odor. And, deodorizing sprays may interact with smoke odor and create an additional odor.

If it’s impossible for you to have your smoke odor infested items restored by a professional fire restorer, you might try one of these methods:

1. Dissolve one cup of dishwashing detergent—the type used in an
automatic dishwasher—in one gallon of warm water. Completely submerge the items and let them soak all night in your washing machine or bathtub. Drain and launder as usual the next day.

2. For items that can be bleached, mix 4 to 6 tablespoons trisodium phosphate (available from your hardware store) with 1 cup Lysol or household chlorine bleach and 1 gallon of water. Add clothes, rinse with clear water, and dry.

We’re here to help. The team at SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield has specialized fire restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. We can remove virtually any pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.

We use a thorough fire damage restoration process:
Step1: Emergency Contact
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
Step 6: Cleaning and Repair
Step 7: Restoration

So call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Ellington, West Hartford, Avon, Springfield, Manchester, Hartford, Newington, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Enfield, Simsbury, Coventry, South Windsor, Agawam, and beyond.

SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro, Nat Landon, Ron DeFeo
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24 hour emergency service

Preventing A Home Fire: A Checklist

7/31/2015 (Permalink)

Home and business owners depend on SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield for fire damage repairs and fire restoration services.

More than 4,000 people die every year in fires according to U.S. government statistics. More than 25,000 are seriously injured. Most of these deaths and injuries could be prevented. Here’s a checklist of some ways you can help prevent a fire in your home and make your home safer:

•    Talk with your kids about the dangers of playing with matches, fire, lighters, and flammable liquids
•    Don’t leave the kitchen when you’re cooking (most home fires start on the kitchen stove)
•    Know and post your local fire department’s emergency phone number
•    Keep gasoline, kerosene, paint thinners, and other flammable liquids in appropriate containers and away from other flammable materials

Need Fire Restoration or Damage Repair? Call (860) 216-2785

•    Keep your garage and basement clear of trash, newspapers, and other combustibles
•    Don’t use flammable liquids like gasoline, kerosene, or benzene indoors
•    Make sure flammable liquids are stored in appropriate containers in a well-ventilated area
•    Safely discard cloths or paper towels used with flammable liquids, preferably outdoors in metal containers
•    Avoid plugging several appliances into one electrical outlet unless you use a UL-approved outlet with circuit breakers
•    Don’t use extension cords with heaters or air conditioners
•    Use smoke alarms throughout your home and test them regularly
•    Use caution with alternative heating sources like kerosene, wood, or pellet stoves
•    Use only the type of fuel that’s meant for these heating sources, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions  
•    If you must smoke, do so safely:
•    Never smoke in bed
•    Don’t leave the room with a cigarette burning in an ashtray 
•    Keep matches, cigarette lighters, and grill lighters in a locked cabinet
•    Never smoke when you’re drowsy, medicated, or reclining 
•    Make sure smokers have deep, sturdy ashtrays, and make sure cigarette and cigar butts are cold before you put them in the trash

If you do experience a fire in the Connecticut region, you can rely on the fire damage repair and restoration services of SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield. We have restored many fire-damaged homes and businesses. You can also rely on us for smoke damage cleanup.

Call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield
For any commercial or home cleanup and restoration questions you have, call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield anytime, 24/7 at 860.216.2785. At SERVPRO our fire damage restoration teams are trained in the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to help.  

SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro, Nat Landon, Ron DeFeo 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785 
24-hour emergency service 

Fire Damage Clean Up Tips

7/20/2015 (Permalink)

Act quickly but intelligently after fire damages your home.

How do you clean up after fire damage?

First, consider your safety. Only stay in your fire damaged home if you know it’s safe. Remember that electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most common ways people get injured after a fire.

If putting the fire out has left lots of water on your property, avoid lifting wet materials. They could be much heavier than you think. When fire has damaged your property, some of the first steps you should take are:

What To Do After Fire Damage
•    Limit movement in your home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
•    Keep everyone’s hands clean so you don’t further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
•    Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
•    If your electricity is off, empty your freezer and refrigerator and prop the doors open.
•    Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
•    Wash your houseplants on both sides of leaves.
•    Change your HVAC filter.
•    Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After Fire Damage
•    Don't try to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo your carpet or upholstery without contacting a professional. You may do more damage.
•    Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
•    Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat, or water.
•    Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
•    Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Remember, we’re here to help. We are fire restoration contractors. Many people in the Connecticut region have used our professional fire restoration services. So call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield (860.216.2785) anytime, 24/7.

At SERVPRO we’re trained in many emergency restoration services. We know the safest, most advanced, and quickest ways to help you recover from fire and smoke damage. We've served clients in Ellington, West Hartford, Avon, Springfield, Manchester, Hartford, Newington, Bloomfield, East Hartford, Enfield, Simsbury, Coventry, South Windsor, Agawam, and beyond.

SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro, Nat Landon, Ron DeFeo
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785
24 hour emergency service

Fire Damage? Lower Your Fire Clean Up Costs

5/22/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home.

Fire damage is terrible as it is. Let’s not make things worse by spending more money than necessary to restore your fire damaged home. Many times you can save money and keep property damage to a minimum through what’s called emergency mitigation services.

Saving Fire Damaged Possessions 
Fire damaged property that may look like it needs to be replaced may actually be recoverable. A fire restoration company can save many a heirloom. But act quickly. Prompt fire cleanup and restoration is important because the items found in your home—furniture, carpet, walls, drapes, and even ceilings—can absorb smoke. If too much time elapses between when the fire damage occurs and when fire cleanup occurs, the effects of smoke damage can last for months. 

Time Can Cost You Many Possessions
The more time between the fire and restoration the more costs you incur and the fewer items you can restore. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to save clothing, leather, books, photographs, kitchen items, furniture, and more.

Restored To Pre-Loss Condition
SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield cleans and deodorizes restorable items, sometimes to preloss condition. So don’t throw anything out until you’re certain it must be replaced. Save your property and save money. Now that’s a win/win!

Call SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield to discuss. We’re the fire restoration and clean up company that has saved property and saved money for the owners of fire damaged homes. Whether you're in East Hartford or Tolland; Bloomfield or Manchester; or anywhere in between, we can help.

SERVPRO Bloomfield/Enfield
IICRC Certified
Ralph DiCristofaro, Nat Landon, Ron DeFeo 
Certified SERVPRO technicians
Call 860.216.2785 
24 hour emergency service
Toll Free at 844.254.1480