What’s better than a summertime smore? Keeping your bonfire contained and safe!

6/28/2024 (Permalink)

Make sure that marshmallows are the only thing getting toasty warm this summer!

Practice Fire-Safety This Summer

Summertime is known for fun with family, friends, food and laughter! Whether you are barbequing, grilling out or toasting up some yummy smores- make sure you keep your summer festivities safe! Here are some tips to make sure that your marsh mellow is the only thing getting crispy: 

• Keep your fire small 

• Check the forecast – if you live in a region that is prone to droughts and dry summers, avoid building fires 

• Never leave the fire unattended, always make sure an adult is present 

• Make sure you are at least 50ft away from your home. Avoid areas with low hanging branches, dry leaves, and dry grass 

• Build fire in a fire pit – never build a fire on flat ground, surround area with rocks 

• Keep plenty of water and a shovel on hand to be able to douse fire if needed 

• Do not burn waste, it’s bad for the environment and your health 
• Make sure the fire is properly and completely put out when finished, a small gust of wind could reignite a fire that was thought to be put out if not done properly 

Has your summer fun caught a spark and gone up in flames? Give SERVPRO of Aiken a call at 803-648-3936 to schedule a consultation.   

What to Know About Fire Damage in Your Aiken Home

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

The most extensive part of fire damage to a facility is not usually the fire itself. Most commercial structures and many private homes now have fire suppression systems in place. It is the hidden damage from that which can wind up costing more than actual flames.

Fire damage in Aiken homes and businesses caused by flame and heat is readily visible and for the most part, quickly demolished and removed. Soot damage is also easy to see and either remove or clean depending on how extensive it is and how long it has been left in place. SERVPRO knows that smoke damage has to be sought out and found the same way an inspector examines a home or facility before it goes into escrow.

Every room and closet have to be checked. Ceiling tiles have to be examined and removed so crawl spaces can be examined. HVAC systems must be inspected and cleaned before they are reactivated. If not, then the damage can be blown into areas that previously had no damage from the fire. All of this, especially the crawl spaces, must be accomplished in appropriate safety gear which can range from a basic mask and gloves to a protective suit and breathing apparatus.

This is why fire suppression is so important. Flame and heat damage can be stopped quickly with the right setup, and water damage can be ameliorated if caught quickly enough. Smoke and soot damage, once it occurs, usually requires extensive cleaning and repainting at best or removal and replacement at worst.

SERVPRO of Aiken has been in the business of restoring the effects of fire damage to commercial facilities and private residences for many years. We are proud to serve our South Carolina communities with some of the best trained and experienced inspectors and restoration crews in the industry. If you have need of our expertise or wish to schedule an inspection to determine a preventive plan, contact us at 803-648-3936 today.

Firework Safety

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Each 4th of July, thousands of people, often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks which includes sparklers and firecrackers. 

Sparklers burn hot enough to cause third degree burns. Sparklers account for roughly one quarter of the emergency room firework injuries.

Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries and an average of $43 million in direct property damage as per the NFPA's Research, Data & Analytics Division.

Be careful and be safe by not using consumer fireworks. If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show put on by experts in your town and keep a close eye on children at events where fireworks are being used.

Let's keep the spark in our patriotism and not on our homes, friends and family members.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Air Fryer Safety

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association, deep fryer fires cause an average of five deaths, 60 injuries, and more than $15 million in property damage each year. Deep fryers are great for cooking up some delicious food for gatherings, etc. But frying is more dangerous than any other types of cooking because it involves cooking oil and grease. Not to mention, deep fryers involve larger quantities of hot cooking oil, so it creates a higher risk of injury and loss. 

To avoid a fire, please follow these safety tips provided by The National Fire Protection Association: 

• Always use cooking equipment tested and approved by a recognized testing facility. 
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions and code requirements when installing and operating cooking equipment. 
• Plug cooking appliances directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord for a cooking appliance as it can overload the circuit and cause a fire. Watch what you heat! 
• The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the deep fryer. 
• Do not use too much deep-frying oil. Having too much will result in excessive spillage. 
• Stay alert! To prevent cooking fires, you must be alert. 
• Keep the deep fryer clean and change cooking oil regularly. 
• Keep pets away to prevent them from knocking over the deep fryer or knocking something onto or into the deep fryer. 
• Keep anything that can catch fire – potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, boxes, food packaging, towels, or curtains – away from your deep fryer. 

If you happen to have damage from a fryer fire, we have specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications that allow us to restore your home to pre-fire condition "Like it never even happened." 

Fire Prevention in Aiken

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

The last thing anyone wants to have happen is their home catch on fire.  Along with the obvious safety concerns, residential fires can cause extensive property and contents damage, stress for the homeowner and residents, and create a large financial burden.  To reduce the risk of all these things, there are quite a few prevention steps that can be taken:

1. Periodically check the power cords of all appliances (Refrigerator, Clothes Dryer, Dishwasher, etc.) – Damaged or frayed cords are a prime place for fires to start. Making sure the cords are in correct working order reduces this likelihood.
2. Clean and Maintain your Clothes Dryer and Vents – Clogged dryer filters and dryer vents not only trap heat from your machine but provide the perfect ignition source for fires. It is recommended to clean out the dryer filter after every load, and occasionally clean out vent hoses.
3. NEVER leave unattended items on the stove or range top – Something as simple as a towel too close to a burner, coupled with an accidental bump of a knob, can lead to a massive fire situation. While cooking, be mindful of the stove and surrounding area.
4. Consider electric candles instead of traditional – Candles are a common fire starter within a home. Using electric, battery-operated candles, instead of traditional flame candles eliminates this risk.
5. Children in the home? Talk about and teach fire safety – Playing with matches or improperly using appliances can lead to a fire disaster. Make sure your children understand some of the possible causes of accidental fire, and ways to prevent this from happening.

While prevention can go a very long way, sometimes residential fires do still happen.  If your home has suffered fire, smoke, or soot damages, SERVPRO of Aiken can help.  Our team of highly trained professionals has numerous years of experience in cleanup and restoration and takes great pride in being of service to Aiken, North Augusta, and surrounding areas.  If your home needs fire damage remediation services, give us a call at 803-648-3936, We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

What To Do in the Event of a Fire

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

• Know how to safely operate a fire extinguisher. 
• Remember to GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL 9-1-1 or your local emergency phone number.
• Yell "Fire!" several times and go outside right away. If you live in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Leave all your things where they are and save yourself.
• If closed doors or handles are warm or smoke blocks your primary escape route, use your second way out. Never open doors that are warm to the touch.
• If you must escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke to your exit. Close doors behind you.
• If smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes, stay in the room with doors closed. Place a wet towel if possible 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.
• Once you are outside, go to your meeting place and then send one person to call the fire department. If you cannot get to your meeting place, follow your family emergency communication plan.

Restoring a Fire Damage

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Fire engulfs an automotive supply shop, destroying inventory consisting of mainly shocks, struts, starters, alternators, and batteries. The fire ignited due to a chemical container failure affecting surrounding items. 
 
You may think that fire damage like this would put them out of business, but you'd be wrong. Replacing inventory is relatively easy, the hard decision here is locating a quality company to perform the services you need to restore the structure of your building. There are several unique challenges faced during different fire situations, and we have experience dealing with all of them.
 
SERVPRO technicians overcome various cleaning challenges, daily. A burning building consists of several complex reactions between different elements. We learn that fire damage presents different cleaning and restoration situations that depend greatly on how these different elements interact during the progress of a fire. When dealing with the removal of smoke residues, we consider several factors. 
 
Type - More porous surfaces allow particles and odors to penetrate further and are harder to clean. Non-porous surfaces such as those covered in enamel paint are easier to clean than a flat latex paint would be. While synthetic fibers attract more residue than natural fibers, synthetics are easier to clean. 
 
Age - As time progresses, old paint, fabrics, and carpeting become more porous, and adhesion to surfaces become weaker, making old surfaces harder to clean. 
 
Heat - Generally, hotter fires make surfaces expand, allowing residue and odors to penetrate more efficiently. While heat also chars materials or melts the finish on a surface, making refinishing required to restore the surface properly. 
 
Moisture - The right conditions help residues set faster and permanently stain surfaces. Fire suppression systems and Firefighting efforts, along with damp weather and normal condensation on various surfaces combine with smoke residues, causing surfaces to become discolored. 
 
Material - Different materials produce different kinds of residues. Synthetic materials such as plastics and rubber create a wet, smeary residue that stains surfaces. Wood and other natural materials leave behind a dry residue that is easier to clean. 
 
Air Pressure - As the temperature of fire increases, air expands, creating pressure systems that force smoke and soot into cracks and crevices. 
 
Impingement - During a fire, the surrounding air becomes hotter, causing increased movement. This fast-moving air collides with surfaces throughout the structure, causing residues to collide with vertical surfaces, leaving behind more difficult stains. 
 
With knowledge of these different factors that cause changes during a fire event, SERVPRO technicians work hard to deliver the services you need to restore your business to a quality preloss condition. 
 
Contact SERVPRO of Aiken at (803)648-3936 today!

Smoke, Soot, and Fire Damage Cleanup In Aiken

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow 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 Aiken 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.

Fire Damage

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Fire can cause more damage than meets the eye. Of course, the fire itself causes much of the damage to a home or business. Did you know that smoke can cause just as much damage too? Smoke and soot can permeate through walls, ceilings, upholstery, and air conditioning vents. Many of these spots are very hard to clean when not properly educated on the issues associated with fire damage.

Not only is there visible damage to the structure, but also damage that can be unnoticed. Structural damage can occur to support beams, weight-bearing walls, studs, etc. and these are places that you would not check unless you know how to properly restore a structure after this type of loss.

SERVPRO uses our advanced cleanup methods and detection tools to check from closet to closet, room to room, and floor to ceiling, to detect all fire and post-fire damages. We know where to check to make sure your HVAC system will not spread smoke and toxins after a fire. We will make sure that your insulation is intact and that the structure of your home is safe. If we detect any need for replacement and restoration, we provide a range of services, including building services, that can take care of any fire and water damage and debris.

Because secondary fire damage, such as water use from firefighting efforts can also be an issue, our specialists pay much attention to a full, detailed analysis of your home’s damage before making a plan of action and beginning cleanup and restoration.
 
Contamination is not always seen by the untrained eye. It can be hidden in places such as your HVAC (air conditioning and heating) systems. SERVPRO inspects the home from attic to basement, to ensure that all vents and air circulating systems are completely clean. If you were to neglect this part of fire damage cleanup, there is always the possibility of blowing toxic dust, ash, and soot, even on the microscopic level, into your cleaned home, effectively re-contaminating it and exposing residents to its dangers.

Our 24/7 Emergency Service line is at your disposal. Contact SERVPRO of Aiken anytime at (803)648-3936 for a quick response to your fire emergency, or to ask questions.

Steps to Prevent a Dryer Fire

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

While the kitchen is the most common room for house fires, dryer fires are another common problem. The heating of the dryer combined with lint build-up can cause your dryer to burst into flames. A lint fire is scary, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent it.

Safety First

It's important to realize that even when the lint is properly cleaned from your dryer, there is still a chance of a dryer fire. For this reason, you should never run your dryer:

• When you are sleeping
• When you are not home
• When you are going to be outside

Leaving your dryer unattended can cause the fire to spread further, which can cause extensive damage.

Vacuum Out the Lint Screen and Dryer

Your probably already clean out your lint screen every time you start a new load, however lint can get past the screen and eventually lead to a lint fire. Take your vacuum attachment and clean underneath and around the lint screen the best you can. Refer to your owner's manual to see how to safely vacuum out the inside of your dryer.

Cleaning the Hose

Pull out any lint you can reach after removing the hose from the back of your dryer and the wall. If you can't reach it all, use a dryer vent snake to push it all the way through. In addition, check the pathway from the hole in the wall to the outside of your home. Use the snake to ensure that all of the lint is out of the vent.

These steps can help to reduce your chances of a dryer fire. You should do this at least every six months, and more often if you do a lot of laundry. If you do experience a dryer fire, call SERVPRO of Aiken at 803-648-3936 and let our experts do what needs to be done to cleanup the mess.

Aiken Smoke and Soot Cleanup

5/26/2021 (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 Aiken 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 – 803-648-3936

How to Prevent a Dryer Fire

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

This dryer vent hose has a buildup of lint that needs to be removed to help prevent a dryer fire.

Steps to Prevent a Dryer Fire

While the kitchen is the most common room for house fires, dryer fires are another common problem. The heating of the dryer combined with lint build-up can cause your dryer to burst into flames. A lint fire is scary, but there are steps that can be taken to prevent it.

Safety First

It's important to realize that even when the lint is properly cleaned from your dryer, there is still a chance of a dryer fire. For this reason, you should never run your dryer:

• When you are sleeping
• When you are not home
• When you are going to be outside

Leaving your dryer unattended can cause the fire to spread further, which can cause extensive damage.

Vacuum Out the Lint Screen and Dryer

Your probably already clean out your lint screen every time you start a new load, however lint can get past the screen and eventually lead to a lint fire. Take your vacuum attachment and clean underneath and around the lint screen the best you can. Refer to your owner's manual to see how to safely vacuum out the inside of your dryer.

Cleaning the Hose

Pull out any lint you can reach after removing the hose from the back of your dryer and the wall. If you can't reach it all, use a dryer vent snake to push it all the way through. In addition, check the pathway from the hole in the wall to the outside of your home. Use the snake to ensure that all of the lint is out of the vent.

These steps can help to reduce your chances of a dryer fire. You should do this at least every six months, and more often if you do a lot of laundry. If you do experience a dryer fire, call SERVPRO of Aiken at 803-648-3936 and let our experts do what needs to be done to cleanup the mess.

Aiken County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

This Aiken County home experienced fire and soot damage from a faulty chimney.

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 Aiken 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 – 803-648-3936

The Importance of Smoke Alarms

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Remember to test your smoke alarms monthly and replace the batteries at least once a year.

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house.  Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan.  A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation. 

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance. Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.

• Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms.  Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year.  We have found it useful to change the batteries when daylight savings time either begins or ends.  If an alarm "chirps," the battery is low and should be replaced right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Just the Facts: Smoke Alarms

• Three out of five fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or when the alarms are not working
• Smoke alarm failures usually result from missing, disconnected, or dead batteries.
• More than one-third (37 percent) of home fire deaths result in faulty alarms. Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half.
• The risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half in homes with working smoke alarms.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Aiken Today – 803-648-3969

Top 5 Reason for a Home Fire

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

A fire, for the most part, can be avoided.  No one wants a fire, and yet they happen every day.  Here is a list of the top 5 reasons why a fire starts in a home.

1.  Unattended cooking.  It only takes a minute or two for burning pots and food to start a fire, and if you're away from the stove or oven, you may not know until too late that your kitchen is on fire.  If you must walk away, be certain to ask someone else to watch the food, or turn off the burners until you return.

2.  Heating.  Space heaters - wonderful source of heat or supplemental heat, but they can become a danger when placed near flammable items, such as window treatments.  If you have one that does not have auto shut-off when it is tipped over, be extra careful when placing the heater on a surface in your home.

3.  Smoking in Bedrooms.  Oh wow, did you know that 73% of all fatalities from a house fire comes from someone smoking in their bedroom?  The burning can smolder unnoticed by someone who is asleep.  The smolder can suddenly turn into a fire.  When it comes to smoking in the bedroom - don't do it.  It's hard to break a habit, but you can start a "new normal" and make a point of smoking in your kitchen, or better yet, outside. 

4.  Electrical Equipment.  Check all of your appliances to ensure that none has a frayed cord.  A frayed cord can start an electrical fire.  The next most common reason for an electrical fire comes from overloading power outlets.  Especially do not overload outlets with double adapter plugs.  It's very risky and unsafe.

5.  Candles.  Candles are so nice to have - they smell wonderful, and give off a subtle ambience.  As nice as they are, we sometimes leaves them burning unattended.  It happens.  We forget.  Always blow a candle out when leaving a room or leaving the house.  Ensure that you are not locating candles anywhere near flammable items, such as books, papers, curtains.

Be safe now and always.  Think twice before doing something that could result in a fire.

SERVPRO of Aiken - Smoke and Soot Cleanup

3/2/2017 (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 Aiken 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 – 803-648-3936