What Are The Different Types of Fire Damage?

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with the damage from a fire can be a long process.  The fire could have been small, but the smoke from it did the majority of the damage.  On the other side, most of the damage could have been from the fire itself.  Lastly, there could have been another layer of damage caused when the fire was extinguished.  Here are the main types of fire damage that are commonly dealt with.

Flame Damage - This could be from an electrical outlet that caused damage, all the way to a full-blown kitchen fire.

Smoke Damage - Smoke is literally in the air and can (and will) get into everything.  Even after the rebuild is completed, there can still be a lingering smell of smoke to the property unless it is dealt with correctly.

3rd Party Damage - This type of damage comes from any in-house sprinkler system used to put the fire out or from the Fire Department themselves when they get to the scene.

Heat Damage - Even though a part of the structure might have not actually caught fire, it was probably severely heated up.  This can cause structural damage and possible swelling that you might not notice right away.

After a fire, you could be dealing with flame, smoke, water and heat damage at the same time.  FEMA has some great information on what to do after the fire.  The best way to make sure that this is taken care of promptly and properly is to contact the team at SERVPRO to get on the job!

Tips On How To Prevent Home/Office Fires

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Nobody wants to think about their home or office catching on fire.  Sometimes these things happen and they are totally out of our control, but there are a lot of things that we can do to help prevent them.

FEMA’s records show that just over half (50.2%) of residential fires are caused by cooking-related accidents.  The next three biggest reasons are Heating (9.3%), Electrical Malfunction (6.8%), and Intentional (4.5%). 

Here are a few things that you can do to help prevent a house fire and protect your family.

1.  Pay attention when cooking.  If you need to step out of the room, ask someone to watch the food until you get back, or turn off the stove and stop cooking.

2.  Test your smoke alarms regularly. 

3.  Check the dryers’ airflow.  Pull the lint trap and clean it every time you dry a load of clothes.

4.  Be careful with power cords and strips.  Attaching too many appliances to one power strip can draw more power than the cord is able to handle.  This can cause it to heat up and potentially catch on fire.

5.  Store flammable products away from heat sources.

6.  Place fire extinguishers in key locations around your house.  Make sure that everyone in the home knows how to properly use them.

Fire Safety Tips for Summer in Corpus Christi, TX

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Warm weather is here! It's time to switch from sweaters to shorts, deep fryers to grills, and indoor parties to backyard barbecues. Just because we're less inclined to switch on the heat does not mean that we shouldn't be vigilant when it comes to protecting ourselves and our property from fire hazards. See below for high-risk areas for fire damage and how to maintain them.

Summer Fire Safety Tips

Fire cannot be avoided when you're preparing a perfectly cooked steak or patty on the grill. From the get-go, you've got inherent risks. Before starting a grill, be sure to check all potential problematic points including the propane tank, the hose, and all connecting points. You can do this while your meat is marinating or while you're trimming your chicken!

When starting a charcoal grill, charcoal should only be soaked with charcoal starter fluid. Avoid using lighter fluid as that can create a burst of heat and flames can get out of control quickly!

Nearly 20% of all grill structure fires occur due to failure to clean the grill before and after use. Give your grill a nice scrape down while it's hot so it's ready to go for next time!

Safety first, safety first, safety first! Fill a bucket with water and set it next to your put before you even build a fire. Avoid throwing leaves, pine cones, pine needs, and paper into a fire pit as they catch fire quickly and can result in dangerous floating embers.

In any emergency situation, always call 9-1-1 before calling SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East. Once a fire has been properly handled by the fire department, give us a call at (361) 985-6444! We're always "Here to Help!"

How House Fires Start | SERVPRO® of Corpus Christi East

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

No one wants to see their home caught in a blazing, unpredictable fire. We all try every day to make wise decisions to help prevent this from happening.

However, despite an increased awareness of fire safety, more than a quarter of all reported fires still occur in the home.

Let’s work together in getting that number down by recognizing and staying aware of the top causes of house fires.

Cooking. Cooking is the leading cause of house fires and injuries, with unattended cooking primarily to blame. The best thing you can do to help prevent a fire is to stay in the kitchen while preparing food.

Heating equipment. Heating implements like portable space heaters are another main culprit in helping cause house fires. There can be a combination of things that can cause this, including mishaps and malfunctions. Placing heaters too close to something flammable is also a leading culprit in fires.

Electrical fires. Faulty wiring or a higher usage of electricity (especially in older homes) can also contribute to house fires. Something as simple as placing a higher wattage bulb into a lamp that requires low wattage or having frayed wiring can increase the risk of a house fire.

Intentional fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, arson is the leading cause of fire property damage in the United States.That means someone purposefully set a fire intent on destruction, rather than a fire set for other reasons that simply got out of hand.

Smoking materials. This particular risk is only responsible for 5% of house fire occurrences, but it’s the leading cause of civilian fire deaths. These fires are particularly deadly because they often occur when someone who is smoking falls asleep.

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East is here for you if your home is affected by fire. Contact your local team today to see how we can help.

How To Know Which Smoke Detector To Choose For Your Home

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

A house fire can be devastating to you and your family. It can rapidly destroy everything in your home. Having the right smoke alarm can save your life. Unfortunately, with so many types on the market, it can be difficult to choose the perfect one for you and your home. Here are a few things that you need to consider before purchasing one.

Types of Smoke Detector There are multiple types of fire alarms. Each type detects smoke in different ways. The types are:

• Air-sampling
• Photoelectric
• Ionization
• Dual sensor

Each works in a different way. For example, an ionization smoke detector uses small amounts of radioactive particles to sense smoke in the air around it. A photoelectric alarm uses light to detect smoke and a dual-sensor alarm does both.

The Size of Your House The size of your home will not only determine the amount of smoke alarms you need to install, it will also tell you where to place them.
The best rule of thumb is to have a smoke alarm in each room but this is not always practical. At the very minimum, a smoke alarm should be installed in each room that a fire is more likely to start and bedrooms. 

Batteries Vs Hardwiring Some fire detection devices are powered by batteries while others are wired into your home electrical system. Although it is more expensive to have it hardwired in, it is a good idea if you are bad at changing batteries. When a battery gets low your smoke detector may not work. 

SERPVPRO Tip: Reach out to your local firefighters, they often provide free smoke alarms and instillation. 

Smoke alarms may not save your home, but chances are they will save the lives inside. If your home is damaged by fire call a fire damage remediation company in Corpus Christi East.

Reasons Why it is Vital to use Fire Cleaning Professionals

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can happen unexpectedly at any time. Some people are unprepared on what to do for the clean up after the fire occurs, which is why it is vital to hire fire damage servicing company to help get it done correctly. 

• There are four main reasons on why it is vital to hire a fire damage service professional. 
• Unforeseen damages – With the unforeseen damages in the home, it is a possibility that it is no longer safe to live in. 
• Smoke and soot. – Soot can cover a lot of things in the home and it is very difficult to remove. Smoke has a bad tendency to linger for years and many people don’t realize it’s there. There are many places that smoke can get into besides the obvious like the carpet and furniture. It can be in the walls or air ducts. This sometimes makes the air in the home unhealthy to breathe, especially for children and elderly. 
• Right equipment – Many people may try to clean the damages themselves but don’t have the right equipment to do so. Hiring a cleanup service will allow the homeowners to save time and assurance that the home is well taken care of. 
• Structural damage – There can be structural damage from fire or the water used to put out the fire.  It can lead to big problems in the future if it is not taken care of immediately.

Don’t delay the cleanup process, the sooner the cleanup gets started, the less damage repair will need to be done.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East.

How To Create a Fire Escape Plan

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

We often think that disasters won't happen to us, even though disasters can happen to anyone! We will neglect planning because we have convinced ourselves we are safe from disaster. If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Ensuring your family has a plan reduces the risk of injury and death. If you need help coming up with a plan, contact your local fire department or fire remediation company. 

A fire escape plan is a crucial part of family safety. Follow the steps above to create and practice your ideal plan.

1. Multiple Exits 

You never know where a fire will start or how it will spread. If you only have two exits from your home, you up the chances you will become trapped.

An effective escape plan requires a minimum of two exits PER room. You do not have to get overly creative here. A window and a door are good escape routes; just make sure that every space in the home has a minimum of two ways out, including hallways.

2. Escape Routes Must Remain Clear

As you design your escape routes, remember the paths need to remain clear. Do not place bookshelves in front of windows or couches in the direct line to the front door.

3. Communication

When you come up with an escape plan, please do not shy away from talking about it. Quiz your kids on the routes out of their rooms and the house. Ask your spouse to explain to your children how to make quick choices during a fire. By having conversations, even repetitive ones, you ensure your escape strategy remains a priority in the minds of your family.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice! 

Similarly, the physical practice is crucial to developing muscle memory. In a genuine emergency, your brain can freeze, wasting the few precious moments you have to escape a fire. By practicing at least once per month, you ensure your family knows how to get out of the house.

Emergency Fire Damage Tips for Corpus Christi

9/4/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know every 90 seconds a residential fire occurs somewhere in the U.S.? If a fire strikes your home or business, know that SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East is here to help

Until a SERVPRO professional arrives, here are some DO’s and DON’Ts to help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration:

DO:

• Limit movement in the home and keep your hands clean. This helps prevent soot particles from being embedded into your carpet or upholstery.
• Place old, dry colorfast towels or linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty the freezer and refrigerator completely and prop the doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim, and appliances. Protect the surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• Change your HVAC filter.

DON’T:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces, or clean any carpet or upholstery, without first contacting a SERVPRO professional.
• Consume any food, beverages or medicines that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

For other emergency tips for your home, please contact SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East.

Don't Fall Victim to Fire Damage | SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

"A person who fails to plan, plans to fail."

Even when taking safety precautions, you can fall victim to a house fire at a moment's notice. In order to be prepared for a devastating event such as a house fire, it is important to have a plan in place and make sure all family members know what to do during a fire.

A fire damage cleanup plan for your Corpus Christi East home should include:

• Install the right number of smoke alarms. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
• Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
• Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.
• Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
• Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year.
• Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
• Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.
• Plans for where you and your family will stay after a fire.
• The details of your insurance company.
• A file of important information about your family and pets, including medical needs.
• Emergency contact details such as your doctor, vet, and a fire damage cleanup company.

Never enter your home until you have clearance from the fire department. Many homes are not structurally sound after a fire. The next step is to call SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East. We can take care of every aspect of fire damage cleanup, from removing soot stains and smells to overseeing redecorating and structural repairs.

If you need a fire damage cleanup company, you can trust, call SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East (361) 985-6444.

Candle Alternatives that Aren’t a Downgrade!

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Candles are a great way to light up, decorate, and make your home smell like fresh leaves, a beach vacation, or sitting by the campfire. However, According to the NFPA, from 2014-2018, there were an estimated 7,610 house fires that were started by candles per year that caused an annual average of 81 deaths, 677 injuries, and $278 million in property damage. Save your Metairie home, and use these candle alternatives instead!

Flame-less candles

For those who just want the aesthetic of a candle and no scent, flame-less candles are a great option! They are typically battery-operated and give the same flame-like feature as real candles. 

Wax warmer

Wax warmers are a great alternative because you can get that amazing scent that comes from real candles without the hazard. Warmers are typically either battery or outlet operated to melt the wax.

Diffuser

Calling all of our essential oil fans, this one is for you! With hundreds of combinations to try, diffusers are a great option for the whole house. 

Fairy lights 

Although they have no scent, fairy lights are a great way to light up and make a room feel cozy! Most fairy lights also come in with a standard plug or are battery operated. 

Stick diffusers

The most low maintenance option is a stick diffuser. Put your scent in the vase and let the sticks do the work. 

Room spray 

Another great option with endless scents is a room spray. You can buy pre-made ones, or make your own for that signature scent for your home!

If you still plan to opt for a candle, be sure to trim the wick before each use to minimize sparking, place the candle where it can’t fall or be knocked over, and always blow out the candle anytime you leave the room or plan to leave the home.

Christmas Tree Safety

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Happy Holiday's!

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East wants you to be fire smart this Christmas season. It’s important to follow some helpful safety tips in order to keep your home fire safe this holiday season. For more information please visit https://www.nfpa.org.

• Always choose a tree with fresh green needles.
• Cut 2 inches from the base of the tree trunk.
• Make sure the tree is 3 feet away from any heat sources.
• Read labels for Christmas lights.
• Never leave Christmas tree lights on when away from your home.

After the holiday season or when you notice your Christmas tree is dried out, you should contact your local recycling program to pick up the Christmas tree. SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East wants to wish your family a Merry Christmas. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to call us at 361-985-6444.

Are you deep frying a turkey this year?

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Did you know thanksgiving is a busy time of year for our firefighters? Deep frying a turkey put you at risk for a cooking fire. Keep in mind all the risk while doing so and consider these helpful tip this holiday season. 

- Only fry turkeys outdoors and keep kids and pets at least 3 feet away. 
-Don’t over fill cooking pot. Use water to determine how much oil you need.
-Make sure turkey is fully thawed before deep frying it.

-Check turkey regularly with thermometer.

-Always use cooking gloves to handle the pot lid. 

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East wishes you and your family a happy and safe Thanksgiving. Please feel free to contact the office with any questions (361)-985-6444.
For more information visit www.usfa.fema.gov.

Fire Safety

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East is thankful for your business. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and for the most part family will be gathering around your kitchen so try and keep fire safety in mind while enjoying this time of year. Unfortunately, the holidays are also the busiest time of year for our fire departments. Please consider these five helpful tips while in the kitchen this season. SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East wants you to have a Happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Top 5 safety tips

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.

For more information on tips http://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Thanksgiving

Faster to Any Disaster

9/6/2020 (Permalink)

This is a before photo shows the mess left behind after a house fire.

Unfortunately, fire damages are never scheduled and there’s not much we can do to prepare for it, but SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East has highly trained professionals to help you get back to normal. We offer several services listed below to help minimize vacancies help you move-in quickly.

• Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning
• Upholstery and Drapes: Wet or Dry Cleaning Methods
• Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning
• Deodorization
• Ceiling and Wall Cleaning

Trust SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East and we can help you manage the damage. We have over 20 years of experience and have detailed communication throughout the process to help keep you informed and in control. Don't hesitate and call us today at 361-985-6444. We are happy to answer any of your questions. 

Fire Damage

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Cabinet with soot damage.

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East understands a fire can be a traumatic experience.  Whether the damage is minor or major, there is still clean-up to be done. Smoke leaves soot residue, and depending on the surface, restoration may involve dry cleaning and/or wet cleaning of ceilings, walls, floors, and contents.  Methods of cleaning also depend on the type of smoke produced by the fire. Unfortunately, not all soot residues are the same, and depending on the materials that burned, the soot left behind may be powdery or leave particles that can be easily smeared. You might be able to see some of those particles in the form of "smoke webs", which look similar to spider webs but will easily smear if you wipe them off.  Different cleaning methods are used to remove the residues left behind, and our technicians are trained to recognize the procedures needed to clean up your home.  Please call us if you have a fire in your home regardless of the size we are always here to help. Call SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East at 361-985-6444 and let us help you through the clean-up process.

Christmas Tree Safety

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East

Let’s be fire smart as we enter the holiday season. Tis the Season to be jolly, but let’s also be cautious of the fire dangers with purchasing a real Christmas Tree. Did you know an average of 160 homes had house fires due to Christmas trees resulting in about $10 million dollars in property damage annually?  Please follow these helpful tips from NFPA about Christmas Tree Safety.

Picking the tree

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2” from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily

Lighting the tree

• Use lights that have the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

For more helpful information please visit the following website.

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Winter-holidays

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East wishes you a very safe and Happy Holiday!

Frying Fires

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East wants to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Let your Thanksgiving be full of family and giving thanks with lots of good fried turkey, rather than be a horror thanksgiving story. According to the NFPA frying, a turkey causes an average of 60 injuries and 5 deaths and nearly 15 million dollars of property damage each year. Please consider these tips provided by the United States Department of Agriculture to prevent any tragedy this Thanksgiving.

• Don’t buy your turkey too early
• If your turkey is fresh: keep in the refrigerator and make sure to cook within 1-2 days.
• If you buy your turkey frozen: it will take 4-5 lbs per day to thaw in the refrigerator; for 12 lbs it will take 2.5 to 3 days in the refrigerator to thaw, then cook the turkey within 1-2 days.
• Smaller turkeys are better for frying
• Don’t fry a turkey larger than 12 lbs
• If you don’t have time to thaw frozen turkey you can use a quick-thaw method of submerging the bagged turkey in COLD tap water.

Please remember that the turkey must be completely thawed to be safely fried. When working with large amounts of hot oil, select a cooking vessel large enough to completely submerge the turkey without it spilling over. The oil should cover the turkey by 1 to 2 inches. Select a safe location outdoors for deep fat frying a turkey. Heat the cooking oil to 350°F. Very slowly and carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil. Monitor the temperature of the oil with a thermometer during cooking. Never leave the hot oil unattended. Allow approximately 3 to 5 minutes of cook time per pound. When reaching approximate time needed, check to see if the turkey is safely cooked by removing the turkey from the oil, draining the oil from the cavity and with a food thermometer, check the internal temperature of the bird. DO NOT test the temperature while the turkey is submerged in oil. The turkey is safely cooked when the turkey reaches a minimum internal temperature of 165°F in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast. If the turkey has not reached 165°F in all three locations, then return it to the hot oil for additional cooking. After dinner, the safest way to keep your dinner fresh is to not leave out food for longer than 2 hours and refrigerate up to 3-4 days or freeze your food for longer keeping. SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East wants to wish you a happy and safe holiday.

For more helpful tips please visit:

https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2017/11/06/dont-make-turkey-frying-disastrous-situation-thanksgiving

Emergency Fire Damage Process

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

This kitchen was quickly caught in flames after a simple overlook while cooking dinner.

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East understands that a fire emergency can be a stressful situation. Our locally own and operated business is available 24/7 to help you through every step of the process.

• We want to minimize the damage. By having our highly trained technicians on-site quickly, we can help reduce damages.
• A trained technician will walk through the job process step-by-step and will help you understand the expected outcome.
• SERVPRO will begin a pretesting for restorability
• SERVPRO will work efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. They will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.
• After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be done with you to help ensure you are satisfied

Call SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East for any further questions. (361)985-6444.

Types of Smoke

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a home that caused soot in the bathroom.

Unfortunately, smoke damage isn’t as easy as 1,2,3… Most people don’t realize a fire loss can be very complex due to the different type of smoke behavior. SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East is knowledgeable about smoke damage and knows how to mitigate the situation. For more information about different types of smoke damage please read the following material below:

Types of smoke:

Wet smoke

• Plastic and Rubbers
• 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, the smoke rises.

If you find yourself in a smoke loss contact SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East at (361)985-6444, and we can help make it, “ Like it never even happened.”

Emergency Fire Damage Tips

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage above the stove.

Did you know every 90 seconds a residential fire occurs somewhere in the U.S.? If a fire strikes your home or business, know that SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East is here to help

Until a SERVPRO professional arrives, here are some DO’s and DON’Ts to help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration:

DO:

• Limit movement in the home and keep your hands clean. This helps prevent soot particles from being embedded into your carpet or upholstery.
• Place old, dry colorfast towels or linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop the doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances. Protect the surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• Change your HVAC filter.

DON’T:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces, or clean any carpet or upholstery, without first contacting a SERVPRO professional.
• Consume any food, beverages or medicines that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

For other emergency tips for your home, please contact SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East.

Fire Damage

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East

SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East understands these situations can take control of your life if no immediate action is taken. Please follow some of our helpful tips should you find yourself in a smoke damage emergency.

Do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave the system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.

Don’t:

• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.
• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.

Please consider following the DOs and DON’Ts in order to help reduce any further damage. Trust SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East with all of your fire & water-cleanup restoration needs. Our highly trained technicians are always ready to serve you. Don’t hesitate to call us at 361-985-6444 we are happy to assist you with any questions.

Handling Grease Fires

9/17/2018 (Permalink)

A grease fire can lead to a total loss in the kitchen.

A grease fire happens when the cooking oil becomes too hot. When the oil heats up, the oil starts to boil and then eventually it’ll start smoking then catch on fire. Animal fats will start to smoke around 375*F and vegetable oils have a smoking point of 450*F. Whenever you’re heating oil for any reason, make sure you stay in the kitchen. Always keep a lid and clip a thermometer to the side so you always know the temperature of the oil.

If the worst happens and a grease fire does form, make sure to do the following:

• Turn the Heat Off - Don't try to move the pot. You might accidentally splash yourself or your kitchen with burning oil. And that would be bad.
• Cover the Pot with a Metal Lid - Fire cannot exist in the absence of oxygen. With the lid on (and the heat off), the fire should quickly consume all the oxygen and put itself out. Use a metal lid since glass will shatter.
• Spray the Pot with a Fire Extinguisher - This is your last resort, as fire extinguishers will contaminate your kitchen. Still, it's better than the alternative if the fire is getting out of control.
• Get Out and Call 911 - If the fire does break out of control, don't try to be a hero. Get out and find a phone to call 911.

Now that we understand how grease fires start and what to do to prevent them, hopefully you’ll never be in a situation where you have to use this information. If it unfortunately happens, do the steps to ease the fire and call the cleaning experts at SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East right away! We will work nonstop to make sure it looks “Like it never even happened.”

Restoring Fire and Smoke Damage

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

For most homeowners, a fire can be a traumatic experience.  Whether the damage is minor or major, there is still clean-up to be done.  Smoke leaves soot residue, and depending on the surface, restoration may involve dry cleaning and/or wet cleaning of ceilings, walls, floors and contents.  Methods of cleaning also depend on the type of smoke produced by the fire.  Not all soot residues are the same.  Depending on the materials that burned, the soot left behind may be powdery, or leave particles that can be easily smeared.  You might be able to see some of those particles in the form of "smoke webs", which look similar to spider webs, but will easily smear if you wipe them off.  Different cleaning methods are used to remove the residues left behind, and our technicians are trained to recognize the procedures needed to clean up your home.  If you have a fire in your home - no matter the size - call SERVPRO of Corpus Christi East and let us help you through the clean-up process.