Fire Safety Concerns

12/10/2024 (Permalink)

Damage fire in home.

The immediate life-safety concerns about fire are obvious and frightening. What many people don’t realize is that returning to a fire-damaged home or building is also hazardous.

Cleaning after the fire is part of recovery, but if it is done wrong this activity may do more harm. If you’re returning to a fire-damaged community follow these fire restoration tips.

After you have dealt with the initial raw emotions of fire loss after you have contacted your insurance company and relatives and emergency personnel that are worried about you, it is time to clean up and rebuild.

Immediate Threats When Cleaning After Fire

These basic measures may save your life when you return to clean up after a fire.

• Do not re-enter a fire-stricken area or building unless a professional has verified it is safe to enter. Fires may reappear and you do not want to be stuck in the danger zone. Do not go around police/fire barricades or ignore evacuation orders.
• Do not approach downed power lines or attempt to work around electrical wires.
• If the structure has been significantly impacted and there are any concerns about the structural integrity of the building, do not enter until an expert or structural engineer okays the building.
• Do not enter areas with standing water. There may be hidden dangers in the water.
• Hire a professional fire restoration company.

SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park is Here to Help® 

Call us 24/7 

Time to Call a Professional

11/19/2024 (Permalink)

Soot in warehouse.

Grease fires can spread very quickly and the damage can be very intense, so it is always imperative to call a professional.  The damage of a grease fire can most often leave a heavy scent of smoke throughout your home.  It can also leave soot covering your kitchen, including the ceiling, cabinets, and much more. No matter what, there’s going to be grease residue and soot everywhere, grease is notoriously difficult to clean.

Calling a professional company like SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park that has the knowledge and experience to quickly and effectively repair damage from a grease fire, as well as the tools and solutions to get the job done, is always the best decision.  In addition, Our Team at SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park will know the proper techniques for taking care of grease fire residue on different materials. It is in your best interest to only let a professional do this. 

Residue can often find its way onto paper, wood, plastic, natural substances, etc., there’s a proven process for cleaning each.  Each process is different. A professional has the knowledge to take care of these different materials in the best way possible for each.

Be Proactive While You Wait.

If you have experienced a grease fire in your home or in your restaurant, it’s important to be proactive. Here’s a few pointers of what you can and should do immediately:

• Find a Professional: It’s likely you’ll need fire damage restoration professional like SERVPRO® to help. 
• Remove Pets and Children: Smoke and soot can cause health effects in both people and animals. So until the environment has been cleaned and repaired, children and pets should be taken out of the home. 
• Replace Your Filters: Because of the smoke and soot’s ability to travel throughout your house, it’s important that you change out your air filter. Replace the filters on your refrigerator also. 
• Toss Out Food: Discard any food substances that were out when the fire struck. Soot and smoke particles most likely have contaminated your food.
• Clean Cabinets: It is most likely your cabinets are covered with soot inside and out. Wipe them down. While initially cleaning them is important, you may need a professional to sand, reseal and repaint the cabinets to fully remove the odor.
• Check Appliances: If your microwave is located close to the fire it may need to be discarded.  The smoke scent is very difficult to be removed from the plastic. Check the gasket seals on your refrigerator for damage as well. If they are impaired, it may be time to get a new refrigerator. This is another area where professional guidance can be helpful.

Never enter a structure that has been affected by any kind of fire until it has been declared safe to do so by the fire department or other public authority. If you have any doubt about the structure’s soundness, wait until a professional can assess it.

There can be Hidden Damage caused by Kitchen Grease Fires.

You can see soot when it is clinging to your kitchen ceiling and cabinets. But a restaurant kitchen fire or a home kitchen fire can leave damage that’s not as easy to see.

If not addressed, flames from a grease fire can find their way into the ductwork and cause damage there that will only get worse.  Smoky odors leftover from a grease fire can also linger if they aren’t dealt with in a professional manner.

Hidden damage is yet another reason why it’s often a good idea to call in professionals for help cleaning up after a grease fire. If left to take care of the damage on your own, you may get your kitchen and home looking great, but the hidden damage can cause problems down the road.  This can also hurt your home’s resale value. A professional will know all the places to look. They will also know how to repair that damage.

 Call SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park at 631-661-3802 for any emergencies, questions, concerns, and estimates. Here to Help®

Fire Prevention Tips

7/29/2024 (Permalink)

We all know that fire damage is an extremely horrible occurrence and so it is extremely important to know how to properly prevent fires. Here are some important fire prevention tips:

1) Install smoke alarms. When smoke is detected the smoke alarms will alert the people in the house and the local fire department in your area.

2) Test your smoke alarms in your home or business every month to ensure they work properly.

3) If there is fire in your home GET OUT immediately, do not linger around in the home/building or grab anything. Your safety is more important then any object.

4) Have an emergency plan with your family to make sure everyone in the house knows where to go and what to do in case of fire.

If you unfortunately have fire damage in your home, SERVPRO of Babylon/ Deer Park is here for you and all your emergency situations.

SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park is always Here to Help® "Like it never even happened." 

Please call us at 631-661-3802. We are open 24/7.  

Fire Damage in your Home

6/18/2024 (Permalink)

Fire Damage on Floor of Basement

One of our customers from SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park had fire damage in their home. Our crew was there to help and take care of the situation. Obviously, fire damage in your home is very devastating.

Before the professionals start your fire damage restoration project, here are some things to do after a fire:

• Limit activity and foot traffic in your home. Staying off of carpet, furniture, and upholstery is key to preventing soot, dirt, and other particles from getting trapped all around your home.
• If you do need to get around your home, put down clean towels or sheets on the floor and furniture.
• If possible, change filters in your home to keep dirt and soot from circulating.
• Don’t try to wash the walls or carpet — leave that for the professionals to avoid permanent damage.
• Don’t try to clean kitchen appliances yourself. After a fire, electrical connections and wiring may be damaged and could cause further problems if not cleaned carefully and correctly. Leave it to professionals to take care of that 

SERVPRO of Babylon/ Deer Park is always Here to Help®. Issues of fire, mold, water at your home and/or your business. Please give us a call at 631-661-3802. 24/7

Oil Burner Fire Damage

4/3/2024 (Permalink)

You may have the unfortunate experience of an oil burner fire or puff back.  When the smoke clears out and the firefighters leave, it can seem like the worst is over and your home is safe from further damage. Please be aware that without a professional emergency response team, acidic soot, smoke, and lingering odor will continue to deteriorate your property. Whether you have experienced a small fire or a complete burndown, you need a team of experts to assess the situation. Our team at SERVPRO® of Babylon/Deer Park will stop the immediate damage, secure your property and make sure the damage is all cleaned. From simple boarding to temporary protection, we at SERVPRO have the equipment and expertise necessary to help you through the restoration process. We're Here to Help®! Our expert staff will monitor the damage, provide the necessary fire damage repairs, and assist in settling the property loss claim on your behalf.

We thrive for your complete satisfaction with our fire damage and restoration services. Please call SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park at 631-661-3802 for any water/fire damage/mold remediation. We are here 24/7 when you need us.

Fire Damage Cleanup and Repair

9/5/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Parkis the only business you will need to contact for the cleanup and repair of your fire damages caused to your home or business. We are available 24/7 and will answer your call when you need us most!

Fast and efficient fire damage cleanup can make your worst catastrophe a thing of the past. No one expects or plans for a fire, but once it occurs it feels like it is your worst nightmare. Not only do the flames tear through anything they can touch, but the damage caused by the smoke, ash, and soot cause major damage and problems.  This is all before the fire department arrives and douses your home with water as well. Smoke, ash, soot, and water….all specialties of SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park. 

Professional fire damage professionals will work quickly to get your home back up and running. The main reason you call a professional to clean up after this type of mess is that ash is acidic and will destroy materials if it sits for too long by deteriorating them. The smoke damage will cause an irritating smell and could be potentially harmful.

The average scope for fire damage includes;

-Setting up containment areas to avoid further damage from soot spreading around the home.

-Bag up and clear out fire-damaged materials.

-Begin cleaning/wiping down all floors, walls, carpets, ceilings, furniture, countertops, etc. Anywhere the smoke could have reached will need to be cleaned and that is what we’re there for.

-Lastly, we need to clean out the home’s HVAC system because the smoke will cause a harsh and irritating odor if not correctly cleaned.

After cleaning all ash, soot, and smoke damage the home will be free of any odors that will be irritating or harmful.

Call SERVPRO of Babylon/Deer Park for all your fire  and smoke damage cleanup needs- 631-661-3802. We are always here to help 24/7 for emergency services.

"Like it never even happened."

Understanding The Fire Restoration Process

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

An electrical outlet caused significant damage to this home in North Babylon New York in November 2017

It is imperative that IICRC-approved fire restoration should be implemented as soon as possible after a house fire is out. The longer the delay in contacting a restoration company, the more opportunity there is for damage from water and smoke to intensify. A homeowner’s insurance company should be able to refer an approved and experienced restoration firm. It is surprising just how well restoration works in light of how destructive a fire can be. Depending on the damage, a home can often be restored to its before-fire state. A restoration team has a difficult task to perform, and a great deal of responsibility, but IICRC-approved technicians are well-equipped to return a home to its original condition.

The fire restoration process involves the repair of any structures damaged by smoke, fire, or water. Carpets undergo a chemical process to remove smoke odor. Sub-floor materials undergo inspection for damage and may need to be replaced. Upholstery and curtains are subject to a similar process. Furnishings are taken to a separate location and restored to pre-fire condition. The home is aired out for as long as needed to diminish the effects of odor and mildew, and deodorization efforts continue throughout the process. Through the cooperation of the insurance company, the restoration team, and the homeowner, a home can be restored and made safe to live in once again.

Fire Damage Repair Should Be Done With Professionals

12/12/2017 (Permalink)

Homeowner was smoking in bed and fell asleep in Babylon, New York

Fire Damage Repair Should Be Done With Professionals

With responsive and precise fire damage repair, even the worst disasters can be put in the past. Roaring flames have been one of man’s greatest enemies since the dawn of history, and though it’s easier to handle these days, it can still cause havoc if it gets out of control. Not only can the flames cause enormous damage, the ash, soot and smoke residue that remains will make the home almost noxious to live in. Both can create irritating odors, discolor walls or ceilings and cause breathing issues if there is a high concentration of ash left over.

Professional fire damage repair will remove the ash and smoke residue left behind. This has to be done quickly because ash is acidic and will cause materials to deteriorate if allowed to sit for long. Restoration professionals work hard to provide a thorough cleanup.  This will include treatment of every surface that is affected by ash and soot. This includes cleaning down walls, ceilings, furniture and countertops. Ash and smoke will almost always be present in the vents and ducts as well, as they are quickly taken up by the HVAC system. Professionals will access the home’s ducts to clean them out as well, preventing either from entering the home once again.

Upon eliminating all of the ash, soot and smoke, the home will quickly be free of any lingering odor

Importance of Fire Sprinklers

11/15/2017 (Permalink)

Building in Deer Park, N.Y.

A journal had recently published a very interesting article about the impact of fire sprinklers on industrial facilities. We’ve known for years how important a working fire sprinkler system is for keeping your building safe in the event of a fire, but now the conclusion of a 14-year study.

The study analyzed 946 serious fires between 2000 and 2013 across 11 different occupancy types, with a threshold of $100,000 in damage and up. Of the fires studied, 322 were industrial fires: 269 in manufacturing centers and 53 in warehouses. The industrial fires made up just over a third of the fires included in the study, but were responsible for nearly half of the total estimated $1.2 billion in damages.

The results of the study support the theory that fires tend to be more damaging the “heavier” the building occupancy. For example, while residential fires accounted for 8 percent of the number of serious fires in the study, they made up just 4 percent of the total estimated damage of those fires. Even within the manufacturing subset, heavier occupancies such as a foundry compared to a watch manufacturer tended to produce the more damaging and costly fires.

Overall, the study showed fires in non-sprinklered facilities averaged an estimated $1.9 million in damage compared to $638,000 in sprinklered facilities, or a ratio of about 3:1.

What to do after a fire

7/18/2017 (Permalink)

We all think that it will not be me, be prepared and know what to do if it does happen.

After suffering a house fire, it might be difficult to determine what to do next. These steps will help you get back on your feet.

1. Find a safe place to stay. No matter the amount of damage, you likely can't stay in your own home. If staying with friends or family isn't an option, talk to your local disaster relief agency, such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army. These organizations will help you find a safe place to stay temporarily.
2. Contact your insurance agent. You'll need to start a claim and address your immediate needs. 'Loss of use' funds from your insurance policy will cover living and other daily expenses. If you receive these funds or an advance on your claim, save all receipts and keep a detailed record of all purchases. Your insurance agent should also be able to help you secure your property and offer recommendations for cleaning up or restoring salvageable items.
3. Address your finances. You'll still need to make mortgage payments — even if your home is destroyed. Your insurance policy, which should cover your home's value and mortgage, will make payments to you and your mortgage lender. Remember: Pay the bank first and put leftover funds toward rebuilding or purchasing a new home. You'll also need to continue any car payments and replace any credit or debit cards that may have been destroyed in the house fire.
4. Recover your possessions. Items destroyed in a house fire are usually covered by insurance. Typically, the homeowners policy is a replacement cost policy. When a loss occurs, you will receive the actual cash value of your damaged items at the time of settlement and may recover the replacement cost once the items have been replaced. To help ensure everything is accounted for, keep an inventory of your possessions. This inventory should include the date of purchase, cost at purchase and description of each item, wherever possible.
5. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Babylon / Deer Park 631 661-3802

Proper Fire Clean up

7/17/2017 (Permalink)

Electrical fire in Bedroom closet

If a house sustains fire damage, proper cleanup is crucial as the ash, soot and water will wreak havoc on what remains.  It’s bad enough there was a fire, but the water and chemicals used to extinguish it can cause secondary damage.  The remnants will continue to do damage long after the flames are extinguished.

The average person will attempt conventional cleaning methods like renting a steam cleaner and using common cleaning agents available at the store.  Unfortunately, this will barely make an impact on the problem and could cause bigger issues.  Chemical agents could react with the residue and cause permanent damage, and in some cases, they may cause toxic fumes.  Fire damage cleanup is one of the most difficult jobs out there, and it should be left to a professional like SERVPRO of Babylon / Deer Park for the best results.

When selecting a firm that does the restoration, consider what type of training they have. Do they have health and safety certifications? Are they experienced in a wide range of repair? Do they have proof of proper insurance and licenses?  The company that has the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) fire and smoke restoration Certified Firm meets all of these expectations and conditions. An IICRC-certified firm understands the need for a quick response.  Immediate action is necessary because the longer the delay, the harder and more costly the job will be as reactions within the damaged material can continue to occur. The fire may be gone, but the ash, soot and smoke odors that remain can continue to do harm.  Certified firms will use their knowledge of fire restoration to accurately test the damage and apply the proper repair techniques to bring the items back to preloss condition when possible. SERVPRO OF Babylon / Deer Park has all of these.

Also, when hiring an IICRC certified firm you can be sure that they are up to date with the latest technologies and techniques. In order for these firms to keep their certification, they are required to take continuing education programs.  So when confronted with fire damage cleanup, choose an IICRC-certified professional.

SRVPRO OF Babylon / Deer Park, 24 Hr. Emergency service 631 661-3802

Use a professional when it comes to fire clean up

7/17/2017 (Permalink)

Portable heater fire

A fire can cause extreme and permanent destruction, and can still cause problems once it is put out, so trained, certified professionals should be hired to clean smoke damage and deal with the ash residue that is left behind by the inferno. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) provides oversight for the industry, and certifies technicians who have had the proper training in this area. The standards set by the IICRC will allow the technician to learn the proper techniques of this detailed task so they can do the job effectively. Because fire restoration is an involved process, only trained certified professionals should be hired for the job.

Ash residue gathers as soon as the fire starts, and within hours, it will discolor plastic, appliances, fiberglass, and even tarnish metals. Within days, it will permanently yellow walls, and permanently discolor clothing and upholstery. It will also begin corroding metal and will cause enough damage to wood and vinyl to require replacement or refinishing. If several weeks pass before professionals are allowed to clean the smoke damage, metals may corrode to uselessness, carpet will discolor permanently and glass may be too etched to be salvaged.

Once the experts are on the scene, they can halt the progression of destruction in the home. They will identify what needs to be disposed of and what can be restored, and will begin working to remove all ash from the home and clean any smoke damage. This is an involved process, and will require several people to accomplish promptly. Once this is done, the professionals will locate any source of odor, and treat it with detergents designed to counteract the smell. They will then seal off the material to keep it from emitting any further odors in the future. This is an intricate process and should only be done by a professional with plenty of experience. Call your professional restoration company, SERVPRO of Babylon/ Deer Park 631 661-3802

Smoke & Soot Cleanup

9/23/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Long Island Home

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 631 661-3802

SERVPRO Babylon/Deer Park Smoke and Soot Cleanup

6/13/2016 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –631-661-3802