Getting rid of smoke smell after a fire

9/18/2024 (Permalink)

Your stuff matters. Let us take care of it for you.

It’s important to address smoke and soot damage quickly. While unpleasant, the lingering effects of long-term exposure to smoke and soot particles can pose health risks to your family or staff, and possible additional damage to the affected property.

There are some things you can do after contacting a professional restoration company that specializes in fire damage and smoke odor restoration, like SERVPRO of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, and Lincoln Counties, to reduce the smell and begin the cleaning process:

• Ventilation: Circulate fresh air throughout the property by opening doors and windows to remove the smoke and soot particles and soften the smell.

• Surface Cleaning: Use soot sponges to remove soot particles from hard surfaces like flooring, walls, ceiling, and objects like picture frames, dressers, etc.
  • A high-efficiency vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter can also be used to remove these particles. Our team of technicians are certified to ensure equipment like this is used properly.

• Soft Contents Cleaning: Fabric materials like clothing, curtains, and linens can be stained from smoke and soot damage after a fire. These items require specialty cleaning to be restored to best condition.
  • An experienced dry cleaner may be able to help, or, SERVPRO®’s ESPORTA machines can make it “like it never even happened”!

Fire damage cleanup is a complex process. When handling the effects of fire, such as soot and smoke removal, it’s recommended to contact a restoration professional.

SERVPRO of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, and Lincoln Counties is Here to Help™ restore your Richmond home or business!

Why should you keep your smoke alarms updated in your Richmond home?

9/18/2023 (Permalink)

Change the batteries in your smoke alarm!

Smoke Detector Updates for your Richmond Home

Smoke alarms are vital because they provide an early warning in the event of a fire. Here are a few reasons why smoke alarms are essential:

Early detection: Smoke alarms can detect smoke and fire in its early stages, even before you may smell or see it. This early warning gives you and your family more time to safely evacuate the premises or take necessary precautions.

Life-saving: Smoke inhalation is a major cause of fire-related deaths. By alerting you to the presence of smoke, smoke alarms give you a better chance to escape before the smoke becomes overwhelming.

Property protection: Fire can cause significant damage to your property. With early detection from smoke alarms, firefighters can be notified sooner, increasing the chance of minimizing damage to your home or other buildings.

Peace of mind: Knowing that you have functioning smoke alarms installed in your home provides peace of mind for you and your family. It adds an extra layer of safety and protection, reducing the risk of injury or loss of life in the event of a fire.

Smoke alarms are indeed essential for ensuring the safety of your home. It's recommended to replace the batteries in your smoke alarms at least once a year. Additionally, smoke alarms themselves should be replaced every 10 years, as their sensors can become less effective over time. Regularly testing your smoke alarms and keeping them clean from dust or debris is also important.

Deodorize your home after Fire Damage

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot can impact even more of your home than just structure damage after a fire.

When smoke or soot damage enters your home, it is important to address the issue quickly to minimize the damage and prevent long-term health effects caused by exposure to smoke and soot particles. Soot and smoke can produce an unpleasant odor inside your home. The following are some steps you can take to deodorize your home after smoke or soot damage:

Contact a professional home restoration company: SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties is here to help. We are professional restorers that use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot stains, neutralize odors, and restore your home to its pre-damaged condition.

Ventilate your home: Open doors and windows to create airflow and allow fresh air to circulate throughout your home. This removes smoke and soot particles in the air and helps reduce the unpleasant smell.

Clean all surfaces: Use a high-efficiency vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove soot and smoke particles from surfaces including walls, ceilings, furniture, and floors. You can also use soot sponges to remove soot particles from the surfaces. You can call our team to help as our technicians are certified to use this type of equipment properly and efficiently. 

Wash fabrics and clothing: Smoke and soot can stain and damage fabrics and clothing. Contact a dry cleaner that has experience in cleaning soot and smoke damage or launder all fabrics including curtains, rugs, and clothing affected by the fire.

It is important to understand that deodorizing your home after smoke or soot damage is a complex process. Therefore, it is recommended to contact a professional home restoration company, like SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties for effective and safe cleaning.

Has your house been exposed to the elements after fire damage?

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

Residents of Richmond, Berea, Waco, and other areas: Our prompt response and professional services can help minimize further damage.

SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties knows that disasters such as storms, fires, or other events cause significant damage to a property's roof or structure. Here is an overview of roof tarping and board-up services provided by SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties:

1. Roof Tarping: When a roof is damaged or compromised, it is essential to protect the structure from further water damage. Our team can quickly respond to such situations and install roof tarps to cover the damaged areas. Roof tarps are heavy-duty, waterproof materials that are secured over the damaged sections, preventing rainwater or debris from entering the property. This temporary measure helps minimize further damage until permanent repairs can be made.

2. Board Up Services: After a fire, storm, or other disasters, the property may have broken windows, damaged doors, or compromised walls. Our team offers professional board-up services to secure the property and prevent unauthorized entry, vandalism, theft, or further damage. Skilled technicians will board up windows, doors, and other openings using sturdy materials such as plywood, ensuring that the property is protected until repairs or reconstruction can be done.

Our roof tarping and board-up services provide immediate protection and security, safeguarding your property from additional harm in the aftermath of a disaster. 

In addition to roof tarping and board-up services, we also offer comprehensive restoration services to handle water damage, fire damage, mold remediation, and other restoration needs. 

If you find yourself in a situation where roof tarping or board-up services are needed, contact our office so we can provide you with the expertise and peace of mind knowing that your property is in capable hands during the restoration process. Our prompt response and professional services can help minimize further damage and expedite the recovery process.

Prepare your Business for Fire Damage

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have a fire plan for your business?

Fires can be damaging to not only your employee's health but to your business. There are a few ways to prepare your employees and customers in case of a fire. Follow these tips: 

1. Have Enough Fire Extinguishers

Depending on the size of your office or retail space, you need more than one fire extinguisher. There should be one per floor in a multi-level building at the absolute minimum. Fire extinguishers come in various sizes and should be placed in key areas of your business, such as the kitchen area, central office, and near tools or electrical panels.

2. Be Organization

One way to prevent fire damage is to stay organized. The more dust and clutter, the easier it is for a spark to become a major fire as flames spread over boxes, papers, and other office debris. 

3. Conduct Regular Fire Drills

To keep your staff safe, make fire preparation drills a regular event. Plan them during quarterly meetings to keep everyone refreshed on them. It's important for everyone to confidently be able to exit the building from any and all exit points.

4. Maintain Exit Routes Regularly

All exit points must be maintained regularly. Ensure that any automatic fire doors work correctly. Keep exit doors unlocked. Make sure everyone knows where they can exit so routes do not become crowded.

5. Inspect Wiring on a Schedule

Make sure to have routine checks to make sure your wiring is safe. Older buildings can be forgotten over time when people are used to being in them. These are some of the most important ones to check.

Keeping your Insurance Company Up-To-Date

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Insurance and Fire Damage

When it comes to fire damage, prevention is key. If the fire does break out, receiving timely support is crucial for you or your customers. Our team of professionals is ready to help clear your home of smoke damage, but you can do some things ahead of time that will make cleanup easier and faster. 

• Know your insurance company
• Know how to get in contact with your insurance company
• What is your deductible? 

With fire damage, the earlier we can get started, the better. We do not want smoke and soot to settle into your belongings and home any faster than they already will. If you are prepared with your insurance information, and how to utilize your information --the faster we can get to work!

Fire Damage Clean-up in Richmond

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage is heartbreaking and overwhelming. We know that it is an emotionally draining process. SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties can be called in to clean up the aftermath to take off the pressure. We are here to help, and here is how the process could be started after the fire is put out:

• Hire a Professional 
• Throw out items that cannot be restored (that aren't sentimental)
• Get rid of Clothing and Linens that cannot be restored (because they will hold smoke and soot smell). 
• Let a Professional Clean Walls, Floors, and High Touch Areas
• Removing carpet ruined by water damage of water used to put out the fire or smoke/soot/char from fire 
• Let us clean contents and soft contents that can be restored

Knowing what to do after a fire can be difficult, but there are many ways for the professionals at SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, and Lincoln Counties can help.

Fire Safety in your Richmond Home

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damages are one of the most common emergency damages. Fire damage not only creates damage to the structure of your home but to the contents as well. We want you to keep your home and family safe. There are steps you can take to create a plan for your family in case of a fire emergency. 

Some fire safety tips:

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home and in every sleeping area.
• Teach kids to never play with matches or lighters and store these up and away from children.
• Create and practice a home fire escape plan with two ways out of your house. Make sure your family practices this plan at least twice a year to keep it top of mind. 
• Teach your children to get low and get out when they hear the smoke alarm.

Keep your family safe by following these tips. 

What is cooking?

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Be prepared, because emergencies do not wait on anyone.

Grease Fires in your Home 

Have you ever wondered how to extinguish a grease fire? 

Cooking a homemade meal is a great way to enjoy time with your family. Unfortunately, this timeless tradition can be dangerous. Fires can occur no matter how careful you are while cooking. The best way to ensure your home and family are safe from kitchen fires is to know how to battle one. Here are a few steps you can take to stay prepared for a fire in your kitchen. 

Eliminate the Heat Source: Once you see smoke or a flame, you want to take the heat away. Unplug the stove or remove a pot from a burner and turn it off if you can safely reach the knobs. Oven mitts are a great way to protect yourself when trying to get the oven off. 

Smother the Flames: If you have a lid nearby, this can help greatly with putting out the flames. Another way is to put baking soda on the fire. A fire extinguisher is the best option, but not everyone has them at all times. NEVER use water on a grease fire. This can cause dangerous damage and put your safety at risk. 

Call 911 and Emergency Team: If the fire is out of hand, do not try to eliminate it yourself. Call 911 as soon as you can to help. You want to evacuate you and your family, and leave it to the professionals to safely put the fire out.

Following these tips can keep you and your family safe while cooking. Accidents happen, be prepared! 

Microwave Safety in your Richmond / Berea Home

5/21/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your microwave squeaky clean to prevent smoke or other fire damage.

Microwave Cleaning

Microwaves are a handy invention that keeps your home running. When time is short, the microwave really steps up to help on those busy days. Microwaves are a great modern invention, but they can pose a risk. Microwaves can often leave a smoke smell that drifts throughout your home. Here are a few ways to keep your microwave clean and safe for your family to use: 

Clean the Inside

You want to make sure the inside is clean. You want to put a bowl of water and vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl to remove the outermost layer of grime. After you do this, take a wet cloth to clean off any leftover food. If you have a glass turntable, make sure to wash that too.

Clean the Door 

The inside and outside of the door catch a lot of dirt and grime. This stuck-on food can give off horrible odors and not be appetizing for future meals. Use an acidic solution and do not get it on the gaskets. 

Clean the Outside

Wipe down the outside and around the vent grill. This can have trapped oil, odors, and dust. You want to again, use an acidic solution to clean this portion too. 

Keep your microwave clean to keep off smelly, leftover food. This is the best way to keep odors at bay!

Do you know how to use your fire extinguisher?

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Extinguisher Safety 101

Fire Extinguisher Safety in your Richmond Home

When you have a fire extinguisher in your home, it is best to know how to use it. It will not help you during an emergency if you do not know how to use it. Fires can go from zero to one hundred in seconds. You want to make sure your extinguisher is in a reasonable spot for a quick grab (i.e. kitchen, backdoor, front door). 

Once you know where to store it, create an emergency evacuation plan. When the fire has reached too far in your Richmond home, you need to evacuate. After you know where you want to store the fire extinguisher in case of fire and have a safety plan, know how to operate it. 

PULL the pin.

AIM the nozzle at the base of the fire.

SQUEEZE the handle to release the fire extinguishing agent.

SWEEP the nozzle from side to side until the fire appears to be out.

Fire extinguishers can help with fires that are small and under control. Keep yours handy and know how to use it to help prevent fire damage to your home. 

Have you ever had a kitchen fire?

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Cooking Safety 101

Cooking Safety 101 

Kitchen fires are one of the most instant fires that can occur in your home. Kitchen fires happen without warning and can get out of control fast. 

The best way to combat a kitchen fire that is fast-acting, is to have some tips on hand before you experience this type of emergency. 

1. If a fire is in the oven, just close the door. You want to leave the door closed so that it will cut off the oxygen and suffocate the flames to die down. 

2. When there is a fire in a pot or pan that is on the stove, you want to get it off the burner safely. Grab an oven mitt or heat safe material to get it off, and then turn the stove off. 

3. Please remember to never use water on a grease fire. the water will not help, so remember to try to put a lid on the pot or pan and turn the burner off. Or you can put baking soda on it or smother it with a wet towel. 

Another great tip to have in the kitchen to keep fires at bay. You can want keep a fire extinguisher nearby. They even have smaller ones to keep closer and nearby when you are cooking. 

Fire Damaged Contents: SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties are here to help!

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning Contents AFTER the Fire Damage

When fire damage occurs most customers may not know that smoke will create a lot of damage. Not only will it need things like reconstruction and new paint, carpet, light fixtures, and possible drywall. The smoke will most likely leave a layer of smoke over your clothes, shoes, home decor, children's toys, dishes, and more. 

Our team knows that this is a hard time and will treat your home contents like their own. Our team has specialized cleaning machines and protocols to make your items smoke-free again. Our clean machine, ESPORTA, is a specialized machine for your soft contents after a fire. Along with our team who will hand-clean the other items that cannot be washed. 

Our team is here to help! 

Fire Triggers in your Richmond Home

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Triggers

What are the most common possible fire triggers in your home? 

When you are a homeowner possible fires in your home is a horrifying thought. Some fires are impossible to prepare for, but there are some causes of fires that can be prevented or at least lower the chances of in your home. Here are a few tips to help lower the risk of fire in your home: 

• Forgetting to turn off cooking appliances and electric devices like clothes irons
• Grease fires 
• Overheating lamps and other light sources that start fires
• Children playing with appliances, electrical devices or lighters
• Exposed wiring in your home
• Leaving a lit cigarette around 

We do not want you to have to call us, but if you have fire damage call our offices. We are here to help 24/7, and we will help you during fire emergencies. 

Keep your Richmond Home Safe from Dryer Vent Fires

4/12/2022 (Permalink)

Dryer Vent Safety is Key: What's hiding in your laundry room?

A dryer is something that most homeowners use every single day. Dryers are a great technology to have, but they can also create a less than desirable situation in your laundry room. 

Dryer vents need to be cleaned after every single use. Not only do the vents need to be cleaned but the vent leading outside needs to be cleaned out quarterly, if not more. 

Keeping these two vents clean can drastically lower the statistic of your dryer catching fire. But, do not just take it from us, look at this huge statistic: 

The facts do not lie,  FEMA reports: "2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss." 

Remember these facts and tips to keep your Richmond home safe from fire damage.

Why do you need a board-up after a fire?

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

Call us today for more information!

Board-up after a Fire Damage

Residential and Commercial board-up is a good way to help keep your home safe after fire damages. Most people think that fire departments do the boarding-up but typically a third party helps with that after the fire has been put out and the building is safe. 

If you are still not convinced, here are a few reasons why your home or business may need boarding up after a fire: 

1. Keep your building safe! When there are open entrances to buildings, it can draw an unwanted crowd. 

2. You do not want to get secondary damages. When a structure fire has occurred and there are holes and open windows, it can create water damage from the elements. 

3.  You want to keep your contents protected in case you have to leave your home during the clean-up/rebuild process. 

It is always best to have professional help with your board-up so you know it is done safely and effectively. Call our offices today to find out how we can help with board-ups after a fire or even water damages. 

Fire Safety Tips when you Travel

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Tips

Is your home protected when you go on vacation? 

When you leave your home for an extended period of time, it is best to protect your home in the most efficient ways. There are several tips you can utilize to avoid a house fire while you are on vacation or away from your home. Here are a few we recommend: 

1. Blow out any candles or anything burning 
2. Unplug as much as you can, especially electronics 
3. Keep anything combustible stored in a safe manner 
4. Make sure your smoke detectors are working 
5. Maintain your furnace

 These tips can save you from costly fire damages later. One final tip: have someone look in on your home from time to time while you are gone. It can never hurt to have a second set of eyes on your home. 

For more home and fire safety tips, visit our other blogs for more information. We hope you do not need us, but if you do, we are here to help with fire damage cleanup. 

Space Heater Safety in your Richmond Home

9/18/2021 (Permalink)

Space Heater Safety in your Richmond Home

Preventing Richmond Fire

The weather is starting to turn colder. We know when your home starts to get chilly, and you do not want to crank up the heat, a space heater is the best alternative. Space heaters do create a cozy home environment. Their biggest problem is that they also create a home environment that can be the perfect setting to create a fire. 

Before you fire up that space heater consider these tips to stay safe. 

1. NEVER crowd the heater: Space heaters can be easily flammable. The best way to prevent this is to keep drapey materials away from them. This includes actual drapers, towels, clothes, rugs, and other linens. We have had several house fires that we have cleaned where someone accidentally threw a towel on a space heater when getting out of the shower or bath. Space heaters cannot handle fabrics crowding them. Making sure your heater has heat flow is the best way to reduce the risk of fire. 

2. NEVER use an extension cord: Always use a wall outlet to plug in your space heater. This grounds the plug and can reduce the risk of overheating a power strip or multi cord. 

3. NEVER place one on uneven ground: Earlier we discussed keeping heaters away from rugs, make sure to never place them on a rug that is tufted or will make the heater uneven or shaky. This could cause it to tip over and come in contact with something flammable. 

We love a space heater to create a snug place this winter, but follow these tips to keep your home or business safe from fire damage from a space heater.

National Preparedness Month- Fire in your Richmond Home

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Safety for September

September is National Preparedness Month, one thing you can be prepared for is fire safety. 

When you have a home or business, always make sure you have a plan with your family to stay prepared. The best way is to create a plan that everyone in your family knows and can remember. Then, make sure your family practices this plan every six months. 

The best steps to take are to: 

1. Get out, first and foremost, 
2. Have a meeting spot
3. Have a designated person call 911 
4. Have someone be responsible for counting that everyone is out of the house 
5. Be able to tell the fire department how many people, pets, and other emergency info for the house 
6. If you have elderly people in the home or special needs, have a plan for how they will be able to exit from the home or business 

During National Preparedness Month, we want your Richmond home to stay safe, but we also have ideas for business fire safety. 

If your business needs an Emergency Readiness Plan, please call our offices. We want to make sure your Richmond office stays safe during fire emergencies. 

Emergency Preparedness Month - September is on its way in

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Prepare for Preparedness Month: Fire Edition

How long have you lived in your home?

Now, ask yourself the question --how long did the people before you live in your home?

When it comes to home safety from fire hazards and fire damages, the best way is to check for inadequate or old wiring. Inadequate wiring cause fires to break out in older homes or newer homes if it was not installed correctly.

Here are a few signs that indicate you may need a professional to check your home:

• Lights dim if you use another appliance
• For an appliance to work, you have to disconnect another
• Fuses blow or trip the circuit frequently.

Have a licensed electrician come and inspect your house, or contact your landlord if you have any of the above occurrences.

What to know about cleaning up fire damage in your Richmond home?

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

In your Richmond home, fire damages can be detrimental to the structure and contents; however, there are ways to help keep the damage minimal in the clean-up process. 

• Purification of the HVAC: Make sure to get new filers to begin the air purification process. This gets out initial debris and soot in the HVAC system. It can be a small way to slow the spread of the soot and smoke smell.
• Reducing damage with Soot Clean-up: Hiring a professional restoration company with certified team members is the best way to handle this step.
• Limiting entrance and exit of the area: Once the initial sweep of the area has begun, try to limit in and out happenings of the area as to not track soot into other unaffected areas of the home. It can also be dangerous depending on the areas impacted to have heavy foot traffic in and around the source areas.

There are several ways to help clean up your fire damage, but consider hiring a professional to complete it. We can make sure it is done in the safest and efficient way possible. Call our offices today to find out more information at 859-623-0000. 

Grilling Season: Keep those hamburgers safe!

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Be on the lookout for more tips on fire and grilling safety!

Summer is here in Kentucky!

When summer arrives that means grilling is here too. Everyone loves to invite friends and family over to throw on some hamburgers and hotdogs. But, you want to keep those hamburgers safe from causing damage to your home or anyone else. There are a few tips to keep in mind before firing up that grill:

• Make sure the grill is not placed up against any siding or walls of the back of the house. 
• Do NOT grill with long sleeves or draped clothing that could catch fire. 
• Make sure to keep the fire contained and do not let the flames get too high. 
• Keep children and pets away from the grill long after it is turned off because it will typically stay hot for several hours after.

Fire damages can break out outside and still cause home damages. The best way to keep that from happening is to follow the grilling rules above. For more information on fire damages, call our office today at 859-623-0000.

Richmond Fire Damage Cleanup and Reconstruction

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Kentucky Cleanup

Fire damage in a home can happen from several different outlets. It can range from anything, like small smoke fires to structure fires in your home. Hiring a professional contractor is key to getting your home to "Like it never even happened." 

One way to make sure you are securing a professional is to get SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties to review your fire damages. A Richmond fire damage repair specialist is the best way to have the best tools and knowledge for your home repair. 

Residents of Richmond, KY when you need a fire damage cleanup make sure you are securing professionals who utilize equipment that can efficiently restore your home. 

Another factor that can get the best fire damage cleanup and restoration is to consult an insurance agent. They are professionals who know the business and can send you to someone they trust, and who you can trust as your contracting company.

Call our offices today if you need more information or questions regarding fire, smoke, or soot damage. 

859-623-0000

Renters Insurance

5/21/2021 (Permalink)

Call us today for more information on our fire cleaning services. 859-623-0000

Residents of Richmond, Berea, Irvine, Waco, and other surrounding areas: Do you have renter's insurance?

Recently, we have had several apartment fires. When a fire occurs in someone else's apartment, or yours, even if the structure is not damaged, --the smoke can flow through to several surrounding units. 

This is why renter's insurance is important. The owners of the property should have insurance on the structure, but the contents inside will not cover your belongings. Everything from your television, laptop, clothing and other personal items need protection in the case of an emergency.

This way if you have items that damaged from a fire or water damage, you will be covered. You will not be forced to start over because you will have a safety net. Get with your local agent and find out how much coverage you can get for renter's insurance. 

Candle Safety with SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

Candle Safety 

When it comes to your home, there are a variety of ways that fire damages can happen inside. When of those that impact several thousand homes a year, are candle fires. We all love candles and having them to light in our home; however, they do cause a potential risk for causing a fire. Here are a few tips to keep your home smelling good while also enjoying candles in a safe way: 

• Keep children away from candles and anything with an open flame 
• Try to keep anything that hangs low (especially fabric) away from the candle
• Keep lit candles in safe candle holders
• Do not light candles in the bedroom. You might fall asleep. 
• If someone in the home uses oxygen, do not use candles
• Put out candles when leaving any room in your home

Candles are great for a home when it comes to decor and style, but try to keep them away from the triggers above. Safety is key!

What Damages Smoking Can Cause in your Residential Home

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

During this time, the housing market is booming. Everyone is looking to get their home on the market or buy one. But, there are a few factors that can keep your home from selling well or selling at all. One of those is smoking. Smoking causes, well, smoke to infiltrate your home at every turn, and it is hard to penetrate those vapors to get them removed forever. Another reason smoking can be bad for your home is the fire damages it poses. Not only can the smoke damage your home, but the cigarette or cigar can actually pose harm to your home by a fire. 

Here is a little more in-depth on how fire damages and smoke damages can be the result of in-home smoking:

Fire Danger

Smoking can cause fire damage because they are literally 'on fire.' When a cigarette or cigar is left unaccounted for there are items that can be flammable that can create a disaster. When an open flame (such as a lit cigarette) touches in-home items like blankets, carpet, and couch fibers -- a fire is likely to occur when exposed. 

Resale Value

One of the hardest things to sell is a home that has been occupied by a smoker. The smell has been proven to be one of the toughest odors to fully remove from a home or business. Smoke smells can stay in cupboards, vents, ceilings, and other areas that are not simple fabric for years to come.

How to Clean

Smoke can be hard to get rid of once it is in your home. The best way to clean smoke is to make sure you are doing regular deep cleans. Another option is to call in a professional cleaning company to help rid your home of the smoke smell. SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties specializes in cleaning and has for many years. 

For more information on how deodorization works when it comes to cleaning your home of unwanted odors, call our office today at 859-623-0000.

Have a Plan

4/17/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Emergencies require a Plan 

When a fire breaks out in your home, it can be scary and hard to navigate. The best way to get out safely and create a plan for your family is to be prepared. Here are a few ways to keep your or your family safe: 

• Escape Plan- Make an escape plan, and keep your family in the know of where, when, why, and how. Also, remind them of fire safety tips. Examples: Do not open a hot door, and keep your mouth closed and covered to stop yourself from breathing smoke directly.
• Rope Ladders: With many homes that are multiple stories, the best way to exit a home that an active fire may prevent regular exits is through a rope ladder. 
• Fire Extinguishers: For a fire that could be extinguished from an at-home extinguisher. Keep one in the kitchen and other areas that could break out in smaller fires. 
• Stove Fire: Use pans to suffocate it, or use baking soda or fire extinguishers to put out these fires. 

When fires damage your home, please call us at 859-623-0000. We have technicians on standby to help with fire damage cleanup. Certified and trained, we are here to help!

Residents of Richmond, Berea, Waco, Irvine, and other surrounding areas: The How and Why of Fire Damage Odors

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties and Odor Removal

Fire damages in your home can cause a lot of damages. They can even create a lasting impact on your home for months and years if the odors are not handled correctly.

What impacts an odor?

There are a variety of factors that causes odors to linger in your home after fire damages. Depending on the type of fire, the materials that were impacted, and the length of time that the fire lasted-- are all factors that illustrate how odors need to be removed.

How do odors get removed?

One method often falls to portable machines like thermal foggers. The machines can produce a gaseous compound that can penetrate services to reach trapped odor molecules and eliminate them from your home.

How do we remove odors in your home? 

There are a few different ways SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties might address odor removal in the most efficient method: 

• ULV and Thermal Foggers 

• Hydroxyl Machine 

• Ozone Machine

Call our offices today to find out more information on how we can help get your odor removed.

Deodorization for residents of Richmond, Berea, Irvine, Waco, and Mt. Vernon

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

When fire, mold, or any other damages occur in your home-- typically, the first question is "Will we will ever be able to get this odor to go away?" The answer is yes, and we can help!

The highly trained staff at SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties have many tools and techniques at their disposal.  While the first step to any odor elimination process is to remove the source, the smoke odor may linger much longer after that step is completed.  Whether it’s from a fire damage, burnt items in the kitchen or even just years of cigarette smoke – eliminating that odor is one of our specialties! 

We have experience in odor elimination:

• Rental units
• vehicles
• RVs
• Businesses
• Commercial buildings
• and of course with any fire or smoke damage. 

Let the odor elimination experts at SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties help you today with any smoke odor issues you may be facing in your home or commercial facility.

Fire Damage: SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties are here to help!

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damaged Contents

After severely charred objects get taken out and discarded, our SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties technicians work towards cleaning off soot residue.  Since smoke can penetrate deeply into substances, unpleasant aromas could still exist after removing the items that have been impacted by smoke odor. When foul smells are still present, we take further steps to deodorize your building materials and contents.

The deodorization process includes several different techniques that work in various ways to provide more pleasant aromas. 

Fire Damage Structure Restoration

Along with your contents you need the structure of your home back to "Like it never even happened." 

Our reconstruction division is here to help. Our reconstruction manager has over 25 years of experience in this industry. He has been with us for over a year, and he is always ready for whatever his customers need. He has received multiple amazing reviews from customers, and they trust him with their homes reconstruction needs and even renovations. 

From contents to reconstruction --our team is ready to help you when emergency damages strike.
 

Fire Safety Plan

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Create your fire safety plan today!

Keep your family/ customers/ employees safe in the upcoming months when fires occur the most!

Why should you have a fire safety plan? 

When a fire occurs, the first reaction can be to panic! The best reason is have a plan in place is to take the panic out of the situation. If you know exactly what to do and how to handle it --there is a better outcome for the people and place the fire has occurred. 

Here are a few tips from the Fire Safety Protection Association on the best way to create that plan for you: 

Escape planning tips

• Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.  Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm.
• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm Code® requires interconnected smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor's house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. 
• Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
• Have everyone memorize the emergency phone number of the fire department. 
• If there are infants, older adults, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. 

Put your plan to the test

• Practice your home fire escape plan twice a year, making the drill as realistic as possible.
• Make arrangements in your plan for anyone in your home who has a disability.
• Allow children to master fire escape planning and practice before holding a fire drill at night when they are sleeping. The objective is to practice, not to frighten, so telling children.
• It's important to determine during the drill whether children and others can readily waken to the sound of the smoke alarm. If they fail to awaken, make sure that someone is assigned to wake them up as part of the drill and in a real emergency situation.

If you follow these tips, your chance during a fire is much more likely going to be a positive one. It is always better to have a plan in place, then to not have one and wish you had when an emergency happens. We never think an emergency or disaster will happen until it happens to us! We want you to keep your home or business safe. Follow these tips and keep up to date on current fire safety information from your local fire departments!

What's that smell? Deodorization with SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

Call us to help today at 859-623-0000.

Do you know the odor that is lurking in your home?

When a fire occurs the smell can linger even after the flames are put out. Did you know that smoke can stick to your walls and upholstery? 

Here are some smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke travels to cooler areas and upper levels of a building.
• 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.

Two types of Smoke Damage

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Here is some additional information:

• Wet Smoke: Plastic and Rubber

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

• Dry Smoke: Paper and Wood

1. Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
2. Protein Fire Residue– Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
3. Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

When an odor occurs in your home or business, call us today. You can reach us at anytime at 859-623-0000. We are the fire damage restoration experts, and we are here to help!

Lightening strikes in Richmond, Kentucky home, causing Fire Damage

8/29/2020 (Permalink)

When lightening strikes your home that can mean a fire. Most people do not realize that many of the worst residential fires are started by lightening strikes. 

Lightening strikes are so powerful and even the smallest one can take out your electricity, give you unknown roof damage, and many more obstacles. Fire damages in your home by a lightening strike can make for smoke damage on your walls, upholstery and many other areas of soft contents. 

When fire damages your home, you can want to be protected. You want to have an emergency plan in place, so you can get out and quickly. 

SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties would like to encourage all homeowners to invest in smoke detectors. No one wants a fire to occur in their homes, but it is better to prepared if this should happen to you and your family. 

Call us today for help with any fire damages needs at 859-623-0000.

Lint Buildup Causes Fire Damage

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Have you cleaned your dryer lately?

Fire damages occur for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is the dryer. The dryer becomes a handy tool when providing us a quick way to dry our clothes. But, hidden inside is a lint trap that if not cleaned correctly, can cause a lot of damage. 

We are providing a few tips to keep your dryer clean and home friendly: 

• Removing lint from filter after every load
• Cleaning vent pipe once a quarter
• Scrubbing the lint filter at least twice a year to remove excess buildup

Keeping up with these small practices can keep your dryer safety in tip top shape. Another way to prevent lint fires in your dryer is by keeping an eye out if you dryer times become longer. If they do, it may be time to call in a professional, just to take a look. 

Maintenance

Keeping the dryer itself clean is only half the process of fire safety. Regular maintenance involves ensuring that the ventilation system is unhindered and working properly. If any restrictions exist, the dryer will not be able to vent well, and lint will inevitably build up everywhere. 

Dryer Safety

Dryers are a huge part of the American home lifestyle. Keep your dryer clean and your home safe by following these tips and keeping maintenance your top priority. 

Fire Safety: Summer and Grilling Edition

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

It's summer, which means it's also grilling season! Grilling can cook up some tasty treats for your family and friends! But, grilling can also come with harmful emergencies if not handled safely. 

Did you know, July is the peak month for grill fires? Your local SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties wants you to have a fun and safe summer. Consider the following tips to ensure your summer celebrations are disaster-free:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors
• The grill should be placed away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• When using a charcoal grill, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Tips and information provided by the National Fire Protection Association.

We want you and your family to stay safe this summer. Grilling can make a fun summer day even better, but consider those tips to keep your fun day, safe! For more tips and safety habits, visit the National Fire Protection Association. 

How long have you lived in your home?

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Now, ask yourself the question --how long did the people before you live in your home?

When it comes to home safety from fire hazards and fire damages, the best way is to check for inadequate or old wiring. Inadequate wiring cause fires to break out in older homes or newer homes, if it was not installed correctly.

Some signs to see if you’ve bad or faulty wiring are:

• Lights dim if you use another appliance
• For an appliance to work, you have to disconnect another
• Fuses blow or trip the circuit frequently.

Have a licensed electrician come and inspect you house, or contact your landlord if you have any of the above occurrences.

SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties know fire damage, but we do not want to see it happen to you and your family. Call us today at 859-623-0000.

Handle With Care: Fire Damages

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Call us with your fire damages restoration needs today.

The extent of damage that occurs during a residential fire can vary greatly, but SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties brings the same restoration expertise into every individual case. Whether your home experienced a small fire which got put out quickly and caused mainly smoke damage, or a large fire that charred multiple rooms there to help with damage mitigation and restoration every step of the way.

Our technicians will perform a complete pack-out of all the items in your home, so that every single salvageable item can be cleaned and inventoried, and so that the entire structure can under-go air purification and deep cleaning. We have an ESPORTA machine that takes care of your soft contents as well. Our ESPORTA Production Manager has over 20 years of experience taking care of your dry goods. We take care of items such as hats, children's toys, shoes, purses, etc. Our machine and trained technicians treat your items with the utmost of care.

Though the fire restoration can be a long process, our project managers will give you daily updates on job progress and answer any questions or concerns your may have along the way. And when you move all of your cleaned and inventoried belongings back into your newly smoke- and fire-damage-free home.

Trust SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties with your fire damage. 

How to Handle a Grease Fire

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Do's and Don't's of Home Grease Fires 

Home fires can occur in a variety of ways. In the kitchen, one of the most common, is a grease fire. When a grease fire occurs, it can quickly spread and cause other damages. The smoke can create a ton of damage on it's own. The best way to stay safe is to follow these safety tips. 

We have the Do's and Don't's of grease fires, and always remember SAFETY FIRST: 

Do

• Do: Turn off the stove or heat source
• Smother the fire with the pot lid. Without oxygen, the fire cannot survive.
• Use baking soda to douse the flames. 
• call 911

Don't

• Do NOT pour water on it. It will splash the grease, causing the fire to spread.
• Do NOT move the thing that is on fire. This could burn you.
• Do NOT use anything other than baking soda.

Fire Safety Protocols

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke Alarm Tips 

No one can know when a fire or smoke damage can surprise you in your home or business. The best way to protect your home, family, or employees is to have a smoke alarm that is ready at all times.

Not only do you need to keep the batteries updated in a smoke alarm, but to have am emergency plan in place. Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or client 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 a test button. 
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps" the battery is low and should be replaced right away. 
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

What could it look like when your home has fire damage?

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

You just had a fire in your home.  Are you running out of time to salvage important items? Below is a timeline of how quickly certain types of items must have the restoration process started.

The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification), a globally recognized leader in all types of remediation, identifies these time windows:

• Within minutes
  Porous materials and synthetics must be immediately addressed to prevent permanent discoloration.

Porous Materials Any material that has a void of space within its makeup can be considered porous. This void is a hole in the space otherwise taken up by the main structure of atoms that make up the rest of the material. A good example would be a sponge!

• Within hours to days
  Wooden furniture, flooring, painted walls, and clothing can become permanently stained if not addressed within hours to days of damage, and metal surfaces will at this point begin to rust, pit, and corrode, requiring refinishing or replacement.
• Within weeks
  Prolonged soot exposure will embed itself in the fibers and surfaces, resulting in a longer, more costly restoration with a higher likelihood of replacement.

Act fast to prevent the disastrous effects of smoke damage in your home. Contact SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties today at (859) 623-0000!  

Get your Soft Contents on the right track

3/22/2020 (Permalink)

ESPORTA: SOFT CONTENTS DIVISION

Have you ever wondered what happens when your beloved items have fire, smoke, or soot damage? Who do you call? How can you trust them with your child’s favorite stuffed toy, or the upholstery on a pillow your grandmother made for you?

SERVPRO of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties Esporta system. The Esporta is a soft contents machine that helps clean your soft contents when they are damaged by soot and smoke. We take damaged goods and make them “Like it never even happened.”

The Production Manager of our soft contents department, Kenny Davis, has been in the restoration industry for over twenty years. He has been with SERVPRO of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties for over 6 years. He handles your items as he would his own. He trains his team rigorously on the Esporta, and he has even trained other Esporta teams from all over the U.S.

We know it is hard to trust your beloved items with just anyone. Our team is highly trained, and trust Kenny will get your damaged items back to "Like it never even happened." We are here to help! 

Call us today at (859) 623-0000.

Fire Damage Cleaning and Beyond

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Trust us with your Before/Afters!

Most know that we cleanup fire damage. We even cleanup soot and smoke damage that is created from fire damage in homes and commercial buildings. 

Not only do we floor to ceiling cleans on a fire damage, but we also take care of the contents within the home that was impacted by the soot or smoke. 

These basketballs were brought in by a customer who had a small smoke damage in his home. These priceless personal possessions needed some SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties TLC. Our contents cleaning technicians worked on these basketballs for several days. Not only did they come clean, but our customer said they were like new. Our customer was impressed enough to recommend us to another friend. 

Trust us with your contents cleaning, because we can make it "Like it never even happened." 

7 Reasons Why SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties is the Restoration vendor for you-Problem Resolution Assistance

9/25/2019 (Permalink)

We are here to help 24/7 and 365 days a year.

Another one of the reason that SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties is the right restoration vendor choice is Problem Resolution Assistance.

Problems happen!

They’re part of loss management. The key to problem resolution is to react quickly and solve the problem. SERVPRO® Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties provides highly trained customer service representatives that
understand your needs. Problems do happen, but
we help solve the issues as quickly as they arise. We’ll work toward a solution.

We have effective vendor training, file documentation audits, field supervision, and corporate supervision. 

Residents of Berea, Richmond, Waco, Lancaster, and more: trust us to be the primary restoration company to come to your needs for fire, smoke, and water restoration. We are here to help 24/7 and 365 days a year.

7 Reasons Why SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties is the Restoration vendor for you- Fire Damages

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Reduce smoke and fire damage loss by calling the professionals at SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties today.

There are many reasons why SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties is the restoration company for your family. 

Reduce Smoke Damage Loss Expense

It's a fact that restoring property is less expensive that replacing property. Especially, property that has fire or smoke damage. As a claims professional, the rule is: “Restore whenever possible, replace only when necessary.”

A way to do this is pretesting. It is a standard procedure to see what can be saved and make the loss less. 

Pre-testing can be made on: 

• Items that are unaffected by the fire
• Items that can be restored
• Items that cannot be restored
• Items that need adjuster review

Fire damage occurs when you least expect and can be quite damaging to a home and emotionally draining. Let the professionals handle your fire and smoke damage so we can get it done right the first time. 

Top Five for Fire Safety

9/6/2019 (Permalink)

It's always better to have a plan in place when it comes to fire safety.

When it comes to fires, you can never be too safe. 

It's fire season. The colder the weather becomes the more heater, stove, and other fires we see more and more of in this area. It's always better to have a plan and never need it, than to wish you had one in place. We are bringing you safety tips to keep your family safe when a fire could occur in your home: 

1. Think safety first.
2. Have a pre-planned escape route.
3. Talk to your insurance agent to ensure proper coverage.
4.  Take inventory of your personal belongings using your smart phone or video camera and back it up to the cloud.
5. Plan a meeting destination.

Keep your local SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties in mind for your fire damages. 

Soft Contents for Fire Damage

7/26/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage occurs at anytime day or night. When fire damage occurs, it doesn't just ruin the structural parts of your home. The contents of your home can be one of the main aspects ruined. 

Fire damage can occur from a microwave to a overheated space heater, but the real damage occurs because of the smoke damage. 

Richmond, Berea, Irvine, Waco, McKee, and surrounding areas: when fire damage occurs and ruins your contents know your local company to call. 

SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties has the tools available to help clean up your contents. We have machines and trained technicians to clean your soft contents damages. 

We take clothes, shoes, hats, children's toys, memorabilia, and much more to our warehouse where a team of certified soft contents technicians take special care of your beloved items. 

All is not lost in a fire if we can help it!

Fire Safety --It's Time to Check on Your Wiring

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

How long have you lived in your home?

Now, ask yourself the question --how long did the people before you live in your home?

When it comes to home safety from fire hazards and fire damages, the best way is to check for inadequate or old wiring. Inadequate wiring cause fires to break out in older homes or newer homes, if it was not installed correctly.

Some signs to see if you’ve bad or faulty wiring are:

• Lights dim if you use another appliance
• For an appliance to work, you have to disconnect another
• Fuses blow or trip the circuit frequently.

Have a licensed electrician come and inspect you house, or contact your landlord if you have any of the above occurrences.

SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties know fire damage, but we do not want to see it happen to you and your family.

Cooking Equipment Fire Damage

5/22/2019 (Permalink)

Do NOT leave pots and pan unattended when you are cooking on a stove.

Have you ever walked away from something cooking on the stove? 

We are here to tell you, PLEASE, do not do that. 

When cooking on a stove there are a variety of factors that can go wrong. We do not realize how distracted we can get with day to day tasks, children, pets, spouses, that we walk away from a pot or pan that is actively cooking.

Pots and pans can overheat and cause a fire  if the person cooking gets distracted and leaves cooking unattended. Always stay in the room, or ask someone to watch your food, or just turn it off. 

If you think you are going to be distracted when you are cooking, just do not cook. Wait until later, when you have more time and you will not be distracted by life's other tasks. 

This is a common occurrence we see here at SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties. We want you to keep your home and family safe.

Fire Damage Document Restoration

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damages do not just occur in homes. According to Encore Fire Protection, fires are more likely to occur on days when people are not in the office. Fire damages occur mainly when people have certain appliances and equipment in use. 

You want to be prepared for when a fire damage occurs in your business. What do you do next? 

SERVPRO has a document restoration division. 

When your office has important documents or even money that needs restored, we are here to help. 

We have entire teams that can help dry, clean, and disinfect your documents, money, or books. 

We even have a program that can digitize your documents. We restore what was old and make it new. Do not let fire damage ruin your business. We want it back open "Like it never even happened."

Do not let your Dryer Vent Ruin your Home

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

Make a List

One of the most common causes of fire damage is a dirty dryer vent. It's hidden away, so sometimes it is hard to think about it. The problem is that dryer vents are not the only issue. When securing your home against water or fire damage one of the best solutions you can do is to make a list. 

Create a list of all of the possible damages that can occur from water or fire mishaps that are preventable. 

Put that list somewhere that everyone in the family can see it. Put someone in charge of marking that list off and checking it twice. 

Always decide if something needs to be checked weekly, monthly, yearly, and even daily when necessary. You do not want to miss a vital part of house care that could prevent major damages from occurring to your home and family. 

Dryer vents are just one of the major issues, but check other parts of your home too. Dryer vents may not seem like a huge issue, but when not cleaned properly and timely they can cause irreversible damages. 

Fire Damage-- The Issues Facing Homes Today

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

This is the middle of the cleaning process after a smoke and fire damage occurred in this residential home.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)

• In 2011-2015, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 170,200 home structure fires that involved cooking equipment per year. Almost half (47%) of reported home structure fires were caused by cooking.
• Ranges or cooktops, with or without ovens, accounted for the majority (62%) of home cooking fire incidents and even larger shares of civilian deaths (87%).Unattended cooking was by far the leading contributing factor in these fires and fire deaths.
• More than half (55%) of reported non-fatal home cooking fire injuries occurred when the victims tried to fight the fire themselves.

If you have questions about fire, smoke, or soot damage --call SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties at 859-623-0000.

October is Fire Safety Month

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

Are there fire hazards in your home? 

SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties: make sure your home is safe by following these tips. 

• Check for curtains, towel racks, or even paper towels sitting too close to burners. 
• If your microwave isn't built in, make sure it's clear of surrounding clutter and its vents aren't obstructed. 
• If you don't already have one, buy a fire extinguisher for cooking. 
• Remember, don't toss water on a grease fire. If a fire starts in a pan - and many do - put a lid on it to suffocate the flames. 

We hope you don't have fire damage in your home or business, but if you do call SERVPRO today. We are here to help 24/7 - 365.

Fire Prevention Month: Let's Make a Plan

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

Now is the time of year when it's important to check your home for safety features to prevent fires. It's during these fall and winter seasons that everyone is inside cooking, blasting space heaters, and getting busier than ever. 

In order to get a head of the fires that could be lurking in your home, get a plan started today. 

• Talk to your family about fires 
• Let your family know about carbon monoxide safety 
• Have a safety evacuation plan that is practiced regularly

If you have all of those steps, everyone will know what to do when a real emergency occurs. 

Fire damage can put a damper on any time of the year, but especially a holiday. Schedule these plans today and you will already be a few steps a head if disaster strikes your home.

Did you know there was more than one type of smoke?

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

We have calls daily for fire, smoke, and soot damage. If you need a clean-up in your home, call SERVPRO today.

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Here are the different types to know when you have smoke damage in your home or business:

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. 

Fire damage is not easy to cleanup on your own. Let us take care of the damage. If you have smoke, soot, or fire damage --call SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Linconln Counties today at 859-623-0000.

Fire Damage in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

This residential fire loss occurred in the home of an elderly woman. The fire took place in the bathroom after a space heater was left on and towel accidentally thrown near it caught fire. 

The majority of the upstairs of the house was covered in fire, soot, and smoke damage. The contents of the house was taken to SERVPRO's Esporta machine. The soft contents revolution that takes clothes, shoes, and valuable items that need to be cleaned in a high powered machine. 

The house was cleaned by SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties to get smoke and soot damage out of the home. 

The customers were extremely pleased. They were thankful to SERVPRO for restoring their beloved items back to "Like it never even happened." status. 

We do Commercial Fire Cleaning Too

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

In downtown Richmond, Kentucky, one commercial building had severe fire loss from one bad spark. 

The structure of the building remained intact, so SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties could clean. 

We cleaned heavy smoke and soot damage. The walls needed to be wiped down, the contents, and the flooring for the building. 

SERVPRO is a certified firm to clean fire damage. Our crews take tests and get rigorous training to clean for our customers. 

Most people know us for cleaning residential fire damage homes, but we clean commercial too. Over 50% of businesses never reopen after a disaster --SERVPRO does all we can to make sure that does not happen. We want your business back and thriving in the community. We'll make that damage "Like it never even happened." 

Fire Damages- Ranging from Soot Filled Documents to Art

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO® of SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties --we don't just recover fire damaged goods like stuffed animals, clothes, or shoes. Our team of trained technicians can restore fire damaged documents, art, and other priceless items. 

We have various stages of cleaning for your documents. We will separate them page by page and remove excess dirt, soot, or other contaminants caused by the fire. 

Often times, these documents or items could have been impacted by other smells or contaminants that need to be cleaned and deodorized before being returned to you. Deodorization is a top service for SERVPRO, because if you don't have the smell removed from your items, they will re-contaminant your home once returned. A home that has already been cleaned and deodorized of all contaminants. 

We want to make your fire damaged items like new again, and we work hard for our customers.

Have a fire damaged item? Call SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties today! 

Dryer Vent Safety

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

We all know about the kitchen fires, the cigarette fires, and the electrical fires that cause severe damage in homes. There is another kind of fire that causes over 34% of home fires each year: Dryer Vents. Failure to clean these drying vents are causing more and more fire damage in homes each year. 

According to our friends at FEMA, during the peak months of fall and winter they are even more likely to occur in your home. 

The facts do not lie,  FEMA reports: "2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss." That's a staggering statistic. 

Keep your home safe during the winter season and year around by keeping those dryer vents nice and clean! 

Soft contents are our niche!

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

This jacket was engulfed in smoke and soot damage. Our Esporta got this jacket back to "Like it never even happened."

Have you ever wondered what happens when your beloved items have fire, smoke, or soot damage? Who do you call? How can you trust them with your child’s favorite stuffed toy, or the upholstery on a pillow your grandmother made for you?

The answer: SERVPRO’s Esporta system. The Esporta is a soft contents revolution. We take damaged goods and make them “Like it never even happened.” The Production Manager of our soft contents department, Kenny Davis, has been in the restoration industry for over twenty years. He handles your items as he would his own. He trains his team rigorously on the Esporta, and he has even trained other SERVPRO teams from all over the U.S.

Don’t trust just anyone with your most prized possessions. Trust Kenny and the SERVPRO team! We are here to help!  Call us today at (859) 623-0000.

See the video for more information on our soft contents system.

Summer went by in a flash, before you can blink Thanksgiving will be knocking on your door!

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

Residents of Richmond, Berea, and Mt. Vernon: call us today at (859) 623-0000.

Thanksgiving is a time for giving, but also a time to stay safe. With the turkey roasting, children laughing, and family members gathered close: SERVPRO and the American Red Cross are here to keep your family safe! Here are some cooking safety tips for your Thanksgiving holiday:

• keeps fire alarm batteries up to date
• keep potholders and containers at least three feet from heat sources
• avoid loose clothing and long sleeves while cooking

We hope you don’t have to call us, but if you do, remember SERVPRO cleans fire, smoke, and soot damages. We even have special equipment to clean your soft contents that are impacted by fire damages. Residents of Richmond, Berea, and Mt. Vernon: SERVPRO is here to help with your restoration needs!

Fire damages – let SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties take it from here!

8/8/2017 (Permalink)

Central Kentucky, we strive to make your fire damages "Like it never even happened."

Any fire in your home can leave lasting damages. All fires, even the smallest ones, can leave odors that resurface for years. Did you know that when various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout your home or commercial property? It is a common concern after smoke, fire, or soot damage to think of how to clean items and get rid of odor in your home. SERVPRO has trained professionals who can professionally clean and deodorize items to preloss condition. Instead of trying to remove the odor or clean the items yourself --call SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties. Any disaster in your home can take a toll, let us take care of the damages, so you don’t have to. We can make your fire damage and fire-damaged items, “Like it never even happened” in Central Kentucky.  Call us at (859) 623-0000 today!

Having the right equipment during a fire can save your home –and your life!

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

P.A.S.S. graphic for fire safety before the fire damage occurs.

Fires and fire damage are common tragedies among homeowners. But, there are ways to lessen the damage. SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties is Here to Help so fires don’t ruin your summer. One is having a proper fire extinguisher --especially, during grilling season. Make sure you follow these rules from our friends at the American Red Cross when it comes to having a good extinguisher:

• Always have more than one working extinguisher in your home.
• Install extinguishers high on the wall and away from any heat sources.
• If an extinguisher doesn’t work on a fire immediately, drop it and get out. Most portable extinguishers empty in 8 seconds.
• Make sure the gauge on your extinguisher is properly charged.

Once you have the right fire extinguisher, always remember PASS:

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

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

S- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly

S- Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

We hope these tips keep fires and fire damage from your homes. But, if you have fire damage and need SERVPRO, we are always Here to Help. Call SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties at (859) 623-0000.

It’s not time to change the clocks back, but it is time to change your smoke alarms!

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

It's always that time of year to check your smoke alarms to keep your family safe from a fire and your home from fire damage!

Smoke alarms can improve the safety of your home a significant amount when it comes to fires. A fire can happen at any time, and you will want to make sure you and your family are safe. Here are a few tips from the American Red Cross on how to update your smoke alarms to keep your family and home safe before a fire ignites: 

• Have a smoke alarm on every level of your home and in every bedroom.
• Keep smoke alarms away from windows, doors, walls, or ducts that can stop your alarms from working properly.
• Check your smoke alarm monthly.
• Replace smoke alarm batteries every year, or more if needed.

Keeping your family safe is the main priority to having a properly working smoke alarm; but fires can also cause hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars’ worth of damage every year. There is soot, smoke, and even water damage when it comes to a bad fire. The faster you know there is a fire, the faster you can get it put out. Visit: www.redcross.org to learn more tips on how to keep your home safe in case of a fire.

Experienced Contents Restoration Services

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

Often times when we think of fire damage, the images that first come to mind are of burning roofs, buildings, or the remnants of a house left behind.  But what about the contents inside?  Those sentimental items passed down from generation to generation or even the everyday items in our homes we take for granted.  At SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard & Lincoln Counties , contents restoration is something we pride ourselves on.  We are able to provide inventory services, packing services, temporary storage in a climate controlled building with insurance coverage, as well as cleaning and deodorizing. SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard & Lincoln Counties is also able to provide in-house laundry and soft contents restoration.  If you need an item while it’s in storage, no problem!  Stop by our facility any time and allow us to prepare those items for you.  We are able to work with our clients to restore wood items, electronics, appliances, art, documents and books and can even assist with saving old home videos.  If you are affected by fire or soot, call us at SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard & Lincoln Counties for all of your content needs.

Smoke Odor Elimination – No Problem!

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

Often time the first question SERVPRO gets on a fire or smoke loss is – can you ever get this odor out? Yes we can!  The highly trained staff at SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties have many tools and techniques at their disposal.  While the first step to any odor elimination process is to remove the source, the smoke odor may linger much longer after that step is completed.  Whether it’s from a fire damage, burnt items in the kitchen or even just years of cigarette smoke – eliminating that odor is one of our specialties!  We have experience in odor elimination in rental units, vehicles, RVs, businesses, commercial buildings and of course with any fire or smoke damage.  Let the odor elimination experts at SERVPRO® of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties help you today with any smoke odor issues you may be facing.

Home Fire Danger Peaks During Holiday Season

11/23/2015 (Permalink)

As the holiday season approaches and families gear up for decorating their homes and hosting large gatherings of friends and family, Anthony Roberts of SERVPRO of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties reminds homeowners to take note of some sobering statistics about home fire safety from the National Fire Prevention Association:

“These statistics are a serious reminder of how the excitement of holiday entertaining can quickly turn into a life-altering fire or even a tragic injury or death,” says Roberts. “While glowing candles and elaborate meals set the stage for a great holiday get-together, homeowners need to exercise extra care in controlling the dangerous potential for fires.” 

According to the NFPA³, unattended cooking is by far the leading cause of home cooking fires, with frying posing the greatest fire risk and electric ranges posing a higher risk than gas ranges. Range top cooking in general started the majority of home cooking fires and caused 86 percent of related civilian deaths for the reporting period. 

While incidents of candle fires peaked in 2001 and have been falling since, candles are still one of the top 10 causes of U.S. home fires, according to the NFPA. As with cooking fires, unattended or abandoned candles account for a large portion of candle fires–almost 20 percent–but the most frequent cause of candle fires is placing the candle too close to something that can burn, like curtains, decorations or furniture. 

“It’s easy to see why cooking and candle fires both peak during the holiday season,” says Roberts, “and it’s also easy to see why homeowners need to take extra care when decorating their homes or entertaining. A moment’s inattention at the stove or a guest repositioning a candle on a tabletop may be all it takes to turn the festivities into a fight to save property and lives. While our business is fire and water damage restoration and we stand ready to help at a moment’s notice if disaster does strike, our sincere hope is that our friends and neighbors will enjoy a fire-free and festive holiday season.” 

For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit www.SERVPRO.com. For more information on SERVPRO of Madison, Rockcastle, Garrard, & Lincoln Counties, please contact Anthony Roberts at (859)623-0000 or marketing@SERVPROofmrgl.com. 

¹ http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/causes/cooking 

² http://www.nfpa.org/research/reports-and-statistics/fire-causes/candles 

³ http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/put-a-freeze-on-winter-fires 

About SERVPRO

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO Franchise System is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of nearly 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar losses. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.