The Importance of a House Fire Evacuation Plan for Your Family | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

8/8/2023 (Permalink)

Be prepared with a Family Fire Escape Plan

We can all say that we would like never to experience the traumatic event of a house fire. Not only can they damage your property due to how quickly they can tear through a home, but they can also put your family in harm’s way and cause injuries and fatalities.

You can help mitigate the damage a house fire causes to your family by ensuring you have a solid house fire evacuation plan in place that everyone in the household is educated on. Simply getting out of the house and to safety can dramatically reduce the fire-related injuries your family may endure. Here are some tips as you plan:

Planning Your House Fire Evacuation as a Family

Make sure every room has two exits. First and foremost, ensuring your family members have a way to get out of the house if a fire starts is key. Every room should be equipped with at least two exits so that no matter where a fire starts, someone will be able to get out. If you have rooms upstairs, consider purchasing an emergency ladder for each one and storing it in the closet, just in case.

Get out in under two minutes. Executing your fire evacuation plan should take two minutes or less to avoid the dangers of smoke inhalation. This is why it is important to rehearse the drill regularly—in a real fire, there will be no time to hesitate, so ensuring everyone knows what to do is vital.

Install smoke alarms. As soon as your smoke alarm sounds, that is when your fire evacuation plan should kick into gear. Make sure you have an adequate number of smoke alarms in your home and that you are testing them every month to ensure they are still operational. Your manufacturer will have instructions based on how often they should be replaced, but generally, every ten years is what is recommended.

SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews are the experts when it comes to fire restoration. If a house fire damages your home, our restoration technicians are always "Here to help." You can get in touch with us 24/7 to report your damages, and we will always respond quickly.

Tips for Backyard Fire Pit Safety | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

Remember to take safety precautions while enjoying your backyard fire pit

Having a fire pit in your yard is a fantastic asset and a great way to make the most of your outdoor space in the evenings. While they are quite enjoyable, fire pits introduce a hazard to the backyard space, as with anything with an open flame.

The good news is that there are simple precautions that you can take to make good use of your fire pit while still prioritizing safety. Many things that cause fires to get out of hand are entirely preventable, so knowing the proper safety tips is critical.

Safety Tips for Your Backyard Fire Pit

Make sure it is not too windy

The main danger with a backyard fire pit is that the fire will grow and spread to other, non-contained parts of the yard. One way to prevent this is by ensuring you do not have a fire on extra windy days. The wind can whip flames and move them to anything flammable in your yard, which can quickly get out of hand.

Keep a fire extinguisher nearby

An appropriately classified fire extinguisher is advised every time you have an open flame present, and a backyard fire pit is no exception. Ensure you can extinguish the fire quickly if it grows out of control to avoid having a disaster on your hands.

Keep a safe distance

While absorbing the warmth of a fire is great on chilly nights, be sure you have a setup that allows you to do so from a safe distance. Chairs, clothing and hair are all flammable, so avoid allowing anyone to inch too close to the flames.

Heed no-burn warnings

Depending on weather conditions, rainfall levels and other factors, it is common for areas to issue no-burn warnings when it is hazardous to have a fire, and it is a must to heed these. Not only can it be quite dangerous to burn on these restricted days, but it may also subject you to fines and fees from the city or county.

If your home is damaged due to a fire, SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is here to help. You can get in touch with us at any hour to report your damage and receive a rapid response. Contact us to learn more.

Fire Damage In Your Matthews Home

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

House with fire damage

Experiencing fire-damage in your Matthews, NC home can be quite traumatic. Once you come to terms with the loss of valuable possessions, you also need to think about cleaning up and restoring your house. Here are some steps to follow when dealing with a fire. 

Do Not Enter a Home Damaged by Fire 

After a house fire, a professional need to inspect the home and make sure it is safe. The structure could be damaged or there may be dangerous chemicals in the air that could cause respiratory problems. The electrical systems in the home could also be affected and cause electrocution. Although you may be tempted to go back into your home to access the damage, you need to wait until a professional gives you approval 

Contact an Insurance Agent 

Your insurance agent will assess the damage and determine what type of coverage should be included in your claim. An adjuster will come out to your home to provide an estimate of the damage and can recommend a fire restoration company. SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews can clean, repair damage, and restore your home as quickly as possible. 

Call a Fire Restoration Company 

Professional fire restoration companies have technicians who are trained to identify problem areas and determine what can be saved, what can be cleaned, and what should be disposed of. An experienced company will also inspect your home to determine if mold is an issue, and if so, begin working to remove it from the home.

Although dealing with a fire can be emotionally draining, working with a fire damage restoration experts can make the process easier. SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is locally owned and operated. We are already nearby and ready to help make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Are There Different Types of Fire Extinguishers?

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know there are multiple types of fire extinguishers?

You probably have a fire extinguisher in your home, but do you have the right kind? There are five classes of fire extinguishers and they each put out a different type of fire.

The five types:

• A: These are used on things like cloth, wood and paper and are most commonly in homes and businesses.

• B: This class is used on combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gas and oil. These are also common in homes and businesses.

• C: Electrical equipment such as appliances and tool fires are best put out with a C fire extinguisher. C class is common in homes and businesses.

• D: Class D is for use on flammable metals and is found in factories. 

• K: Commercial kitchens such as restaurants use K extinguishers as they are best used on vegetable oils, animal oils and fats used for cooking. 

While these are the most common types of extinguishers there are also multipurpose fire extinguishers that can be labeled as “B-C” or “A-B-C.” Class A through C are commonly carried at home improvement stores.

When a fire is burning through your home is not the time to learn how to use a extinguisher. If a fire in your Matthews, NC, home caused damage before you could put it out, be sure to call SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews.

For more fire extinguisher safety visit the FEMA website.

Planning Your Household’s Fire Escape Route | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is Here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.

A house fire is a frightening and traumatic thing for anyone to experience. Fires can start and spread rapidly, resulting in a panicked state that can disarm even the most level-headed family member—this is why it is so important to create a fire escape route in advance that everyone in your household is familiar with.

While we all hope we never have to experience a house fire, having an escape route in place and practicing your evacuation drills often can ensure that if a fire does occur in your home, everyone will know exactly what to do.

Here are our top tips for getting your plan together and keeping everyone safer:

Identify all of your home’s exits. Every area of your home should have at least two exits to account for all possibilities for where a fire could start and how it could spread. If you have rooms upstairs that are too high to jump from, consider purchasing emergency ladders to ensure someone could climb down to safety if the door to these rooms becomes blocked by smoke or flames. It is also good to be sure that doorways and windows are not ever blocked, as this could hinder an escape.

Have a plan that works for everyone. If you have young children, elderly adults or someone in the home whose mobility levels may make it difficult for them to escape quickly, make sure they are accounted for in your fire escape plan. Using the buddy system is a great way to ensure that everyone can watch out for one another and make sure all members of the household are rushed to safety. If you have pets in the home, be sure you assign them a buddy as well.

Designate a meeting area. Designating a meeting area for your household members will ensure that everyone can check in after they get to safety—a neighbor’s mailbox is often a good choice. Make sure everyone knows where to head after they escape from the home so you can be sure everyone is accounted for.

If you have damage to your home due to a fire, we are here to help. Get in touch today to learn more about our fire restoration services.

Simple Ways to Help You Plan and Prepare for Fires | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Having a team on your side after a disaster can help relieve stress. SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is here to help when a fire strikes.

The amount of home fires that we see in our country continues to rise year after year. Even though wildfires are becoming increasingly common in new regions, houses are being built with materials that are more flammable than ever before. Things like carpet, fabric furniture and insulation all add fuel to the fire.

As mentioned before, wildfires continue to expand their reach around the country, but the highest risks in North Carolina are actually in our homes. Cooking is the most common cause, but other appliances like dryers and water heaters can also spark flames when you least expect it.

Fires also spread the damage faster than most other disasters, with the ability to double in size every 60 seconds, so you may only have two minutes to escape when your home is ablaze.

How You Can Be Ready

Understanding that some areas of your home are more at risk than others can give you a good place to begin your preparations. Any room with heating elements or major appliances should be kept clear, allowing for proper airflow for when things heat up.

Additionally, make sure that you never leave the oven, stove or any candles/incense lit or turned on, as these cause nearly one-fifth of home fires.

Fire Detection

As is the case with all disasters, recognizing when and where they’re taking place can help you stop them in their tracks or escape if needed. With the average cost of home repairs after a fire being over $17,000, it’s important to act fast when they happen.

By utilizing fire detection devices, you can have an early warning before the problems escalate.

Smoke alarms are proven to prevent further damage and loss of life from fires, so having proper coverage in your home is crucial. Make sure there are detectors on every floor, including the attic, and in every bedroom and kitchen to have complete home coverage.

Fires can also release carbon monoxide, which is an invisible and odorless gas that can be extremely dangerous for humans and animals. Installing carbon monoxide alarms in various parts of your home can alert you when you may be in danger.

Escaping a House Fire

When fires do sprout, leaving your home and calling the fire department is the only safe option. We often find ourselves panicking during a fire, so it’s important to establish a fire escape plan for you and your family

The first step in developing an emergency plan is to gather the members of your household and draw the layout of your home on a piece of paper. Then decide on the best and most easily accessible exits, looking at all of the potential fire hazards in your home.

If you have a multi-story home, investing in fire escape ladders for the upstairs bedrooms can be a real lifesaver if people were unable to use the stairs.

The best exits will be on the ground level, either through a window or door that isn’t close to a major fire risk, as these can be blocked during an emergency. The plan should account for everyone that may need assistance escaping, and have everyone outside within two minutes.

Once your plan is ready for action, run through a few tests with your family members to ensure that things flow smoothly. Taking these steps and following the right safety precautions can help you reduce your home’s risk, and know the next move for when fires break out.

If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, ²⁴⁄₇.

The Types of Damage a Fire Can Cause | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

If you have any smoke/fire damage as a result of a house fire, SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg is here to help.

When you think about a fire occurring in the home, you probably think about damage caused by the actual flames. That’s totally logical—those bright red/orange flames are a visible indicator of fire and quite scary to see.

But in many cases, the damage incurred by houses due to a fire is multifaceted. What do we mean by that? Read on as our team at SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews offers an explainer.

Not All Fire Damage Is Directly Flame-Related

When a fire occurs, the flames can quickly eat up surrounding materials. After all, nearly everything in the home is flammable. When a fire sparks due to a combustion of high temperature, oxygen and a fuel source (like plastic or wood), it keeps burning until one of those factors is missing.

That means it can use many of the materials in your house, including things like curtains, wallpaper, clothing, blankets and even the structure of your walls, as fuel. That fire damage to a home is quite obvious.

But there are other types of fire-related damage, too. They can be equally destructive and require prompt restoration.

If a fire occurs in your home, your home may also be damaged by:

- Smoke. Anytime a fire occurs, smoke is a byproduct. When fire sparks inside your home, smoke can pervade all areas of the house, leaving behind a strong and persistent odor. It can also stick to surfaces in the home, causing certain materials to discolor.

- Soot. When a fire is extinguished, soot is a natural byproduct. If you’ve ever built a campfire or used your fireplace, you’re familiar with this substance. It’s a fine black powder that seemingly sticks to everything. After a fire, soot can bind to your walls and other structures in your home, as well as your possessions.

- Water. Why on earth would there be water damage after a fire? Well, just think about it! When a fire is extinguished, large amounts of water are usually involved. After a fire, especially a major fire, standing water may be left all around your home. Water has to be cleaned up quickly, because standing water can cultivate mold within 48 hours.

- Chemicals. Extinguishing a fire may also involve some type of chemical, especially if a fire extinguisher is used. These chemicals can cling to the surfaces in your home and cause resulting damage.

When fire strikes, the SERVPRO team has all the bases covered. Get in touch today to get help from a team of experts for all types of fire-related damage.

What to Do After a Fire | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

If you have fire damage in your home, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Contact SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews to learn more.

When a fire strikes, it can quickly feel overwhelming. Whether your fire was small—affecting only the stove, for example—or large, you may have many thoughts going through your head and concerns in your mind.

That’s why it’s a good idea to brush up ahead of time on what to do if a fire ever occurs. Knowing the steps to take after a fire help you take quick action in a calmer manner than you might otherwise.

Here’s a checklist of what to do if a fire occurs in your home:

1. Get out and stay out. This might seem self-explanatory, but it’s so important. When a fire sparks and can’t be quickly extinguished with a fire extinguisher or other mechanism, you need to escape from the building. Once you’re outside, don’t go back inside until the fire has been put out by professionals and it’s deemed safe to do so.

2. Don’t turn the power on. The electrical system can be easily damaged during a fire, so it’s important to have it assessed by an electrician or other expert before using it again. The same goes for gas if any appliances are gas-powered.

3. Get in touch with your insurance provider. In your initial contact, you’ll simply alert them that a fire has occurred and they can outline next steps for you. This will likely include carefully documenting fire damage.

4. Photograph and make notes about damage. As noted above, this will be important for insurance purposes. Carefully document all damage related to the fire, including damage due to the actual flames, as well as damage related to other factors, such as soot, smoke or even the water used to extinguish the fire.

5. Find a safe place to stay. In many cases, your home may be uninhabitable after a fire. You’ll want to find a place to stay for a few days or even longer. Consider the needs of all your family members, including your pets.

6. Get in touch with a restoration provider. It’s a good idea to establish a relationship with a restoration provider, like SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews, before disaster strikes. When a fire occurs, you can reach out to us immediately—we’re available 24/7 to get your restoration project started. We can help you out with many of the items listed above, including assessing your home, documenting damage and even working with your insurance provider.

Dealing with the after-effects of a fire in your house? We’ve got you covered! Get in touch today to get help from a team of experts.

Fire Extinguisher Basics | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

If fire breaks out, SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews has the tools and experience to repair, restore and recover your property.

Most of us are familiar with the look and concept of a fire extinguisher. We know the image of the big red canister with the black hose, with a metallic grip and handle on top. We saw them at school behind the near-sacred glass, and now we see them at work or in hospitals.

We’re well-acquainted with the idea—but how many of us have ever held one or discharged one? If a fire started right now, would you know what to do with a fire extinguisher?

Let’s look at some basics you need to know as it regards our little red flame-retardant friends.

Preventing Kitchen Fires at Work | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire should get out of hand and cause damage to your business, SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is here to help

Offices in Matthews and Mint Hill are full of hungry people, just like anywhere else. When lunch or break time comes, the office kitchen gets busy—food gets reheated or cooked, leftovers and Lunchables are served and somebody always pretends they didn’t know you’re not supposed to microwave fish.

But kitchens in the workplace are a leading cause of commercial fires. In fact, the average number of office, hotel and restaurant fires started in the kitchen is a whopping 47%.

So aside from educating your team on workplace kitchen fire safety by showing them that one episode of The Office, what can you do and encourage to keep your workplace kitchen from becoming part of that unfortunate statistic?

Know your risks. This can vary from one workplace to another, but you should always be aware of environmental factors or specific things about your building that could come into play. Older buildings almost always have things like older wiring or less reliable sprinkler systems, which may need updating or regulation.

Check appliance cords. Faulty power cables are an easy cause of kitchen fires. Cables can fray or break down over time, exposing wire that can instantly cause a fire if an electrical short occurs. Don’t bother with electrical tape—if wire is exposed or cables are bent at sharp angles, replace them and prevent disaster.

Pay attention in the kitchen. Food should never be left alone while it’s cooking. Stovetops, microwaves and even toasters carry inherent fire risks and should always be used with caution in the workplace. And with any sign at all of burning, enact emergency measures.

Ensure proper cleaning. This isn’t fun by anyone’s definition, but it’s vital in keeping fires under control. Bits of food left behind in the microwave or grease on the stove can start blazes that can quickly grow into something devastating. So put regular cleanings on the calendar, and make sure any spillovers in ovens, stovetops or microwaves are dealt with in between.

Have regular fire extinguisher training. They seem simple, but many people may not know how to properly use handheld fire extinguishers. Teach employees the PASS method: Pull the pin; Aim low, at the base of the fire; Squeeze the lever firmly; and Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Kitchen fires don’t have to be a danger. The old saying holds true: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. So make sure you’re following the recommended guidelines to minimize fire accidents in your building’s kitchen.

If a fire should get out of hand and cause damage to your business, SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is here to help. Call or click today to get in touch with your local technicians.

Why Does My Smoke Alarm Go Off at Random Times? | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire safety is of utmost importance, especially in the home. You know this, of course—nobody wants to see their home damaged or destroyed by a destructive blaze.

That’s why the proliferation of smoke detectors and home fire alarms in the last  a game changer. alarms are getting smarter,And whihalf-century has been suchle yes, smoke alarms are getting smarter, and we have more ways to interact with them, they may still periodically produce a false alarm in the night, waking you from that dream you love so much—you know the one.

So what causes these false, “nuisance” alarms?

Traditional alarms have several causes of false triggers, from the organic to the electrical.

Several of these involve the sensor being covered by one thing or another. Dust from drywall, construction or seasonal use of the furnace can cover the sensor and trigger an alarm—even insects can get into the sensor chamber and cause an alert.

Power interruptions or loose electrical connections can also send your smoke alarm into temporary emergency mode, as can applying a large electrical load to the circuit in which the alarm resides (that’s why the alarm goes off while you vacuum or dry your hair).

Finally, poor location can trigger alarms—if your alarm is too near a bathroom, a cold air return or heat-producing appliances like ovens and furnaces, it may occasionally cry wolf because of humidity or combustion particles.

The bottom line of all this is that, while you may occasionally experience a false or nuisance alarm at your home, the benefit of knowing you have a singularly focused technology working for you at all times to prevent fire loss far outweighs the annoyance of an infrequent beep in the night.

Maintain your fire and smoke alarms, upgrade to newer technology, keep the batteries fresh and rest easy at night—most nights, anyway.

At SERVPRO, we know not every disaster can be avoided, even with the best preparation or technology. Call or click whenever you need us.

Odor Removal after Fire Damage | SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage can leave behind an awful smell that affects your belongings. Click here to learn the best practices to avoid fire damage.

One of the most troubling side effects of fire damage is the smoky odor it leaves behind. Why does smoke seem to stick to everything it touches? Smoke particles are tiny and can easily embed into porous materials like carpets, furniture, fabrics, books, and even paint which are, unfortunately, very common to our homes. Furthermore, certain materials, like plastics, that burned in the fire can make removing the smell even tougher. With that said, it’s best to leave fire, smoke, and soot restoration to the professionals!

After you’ve called us and before you leave the home, please be aware of how much you’re moving around the house. Try to limit your movements because with each step or touch you can further embed soot particles into upholstery and carpets. This means that even though it might be instinctive to throw sooty towels into the washer or start washing your walls, you shouldn’t!

At SERVPRO® of Mecklenburg/Matthews, we have technicians who have the training, equipment, and several odor removal products to identify and efficiently eliminate these odors. Our technicians can identify not only the cause of the odor, but the conditions when smoke or a fire touched the surfaces of your belongings. This knowledge enables them to often remove the odor over time without a trace.

Successfully removing offensive odors can be a challenging task, so give us a call, and leave the job to us! We’ll take care of you.

If your home or business needs fire, smoke, or soot restoration or any of our services, we are here to help. You can contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damages. Get in touch today to speak with our team regarding our services.

We're Here to Help Matthews Homeowners With Kitchen Fire Restoration l SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

If you have fire damage in your home due to a heating malfunction or other issue, count on SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews to help.

Kitchen fires are a common problem for homeowners—especially around the holiday season. Home chefs spend more time cooking up dishes and preparing for parties. Those larger meals can include elaborate dishes that require roasting, broiling or baking.

So it’s essential this time of year (and all year round) to think about the primary ways you can make your kitchen a safer place. Many of them are simple. Experts recommend being at home, near the kitchen while you’re using the oven and remaining close to the stove when you’re using it. Also, avoid wearing long, loose layers while you’re simmering dishes.

Timers can be helpful, too. They can help you remember to check on what you’re cooking.

Even careful chefs sometimes deal with kitchen fires and the damage they can cause. If it happens in your home, there’s a team of local experts in your community who can ensure your home is restored to its original shape.

Count on Our Team

Matthews homeowners know they can trust us when they need help with fire damage remediation. Here’s why.

We Prioritize Restoration

Our team helps families recover from fire damage in a way that’s both logical and economical. By working with you to meet your needs, we can help you find ways to save money on repairs.

We Work Outside Business Hours

Getting started early on restoration efforts can make a difference. That’s why our team is here to help you when you need our services. All you have to do is call us, and someone will be there to help.

We Understand All Aspects of Restoration

House fires can do more than simply destroy property and belongings. When a fire occurs, soot and smoke can linger, causing damage of their own. In addition, water used to fight the fire can lead to water damage and even mold. You need a company that can handle all the different types of potential damage.

We’re Local…and National

Because we’re a SERVPRO location, we have access to a full set of resources, training and best practices from a reputable, national company. But we combine that access with the unique knowledge gained by being actual members of our community.

If you have fire damage in your home due to a kitchen fire, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Our team is always ready to meet your needs and help you restore your home. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.

Cut Your Risk for Electrical Fires This Winter l SERVPRO® of East Mecklenburg/Matthews

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Fires peak during the winter more than any other season. SERVPRO of East Mecklenburg/Matthews is available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

If you’re a business owner, having a disaster plan in place before you need it is smart, especially when dealing with the aftermath of a fire.

In fact, fire damage claims are the most common type of claims small business owners file. They’re ahead of other common issues, like problems with customers and water damage claims.

Fire damage claims can bring up issues around your business’ security and future. Restoration can be involved and may need to include steps from cleanup to rebuilding. If your business is ever damaged by fire, then you need to know what steps to take to ensure your business is secure and the restoration process is started quickly.

Here’s how you can handle fire damage at your business:

Reach out to your insurance company. They’ll be able to guide you in getting the process of restoring your business started.

Take pictures and document your losses. If you don’t have an inventory of everything already, then you’ll need to make a list of everything that has been destroyed or damaged in the fire.

Secure the site. Your business is vulnerable after a disaster, so secure the site and take steps to protect any other valuables you have there.

Ensure you don’t have utilities on. You can make your business site safer by turning off the utilities at your site. That will include water, gas and electricity.

Communicate effectively. Be sure you’re regularly communicating updates about your business restoration with your employees and any stakeholders who are involved with your company. Also, keep an open line of communication with your restoration service and the insurance company.

If your business or home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help.