Prom Dress Damaged by Smoke and Soot

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

A recent referral call to SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin and Perry Counties, had us responding to a fire that had started in the basement of a home. The fire structure damage was limited to the basement, however smoke and soot had spread throughout the entire basement as well as the main level of the home. 

Fortunately there were no injuries and the call to SERVPRO placed crews on site to board up areas of the exterior of the home so it was secure from the exterior elements. From there crews began the process of restoring the home. 

Our laundry department was there to grab emergency laundry to process back at the shop. One item, a dress for an upcoming dress was included in the emergency laundry. Utilizing our specialized laundry systems that can take smoke and soot odors and stains out of clothing we were able to save the dress so it can be ready for the special event. 

Our laundry systems are unlike any other and not available anywhere in our area. It's just one more reason why SERVPRO is there to help you through a disaster at your home or business. We’re available 24-7 at 618-435-8200.

Who To Call When Fire Damage Happens

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

When your home or business is affected by fire damage, the next call to make is to your local SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin and Perry Counties office.  Our crews are available around the clock to ensure that your fire damage is taken care of quickly.

A fire in your home or business can be extremely stressful no matter the size of the damage. Your local SERVPRO office is here to help in guiding you through the process until the completion of the project. 

The service advantage that SERVPRO offers is the ability to handle each project from start to finish. From a full restoration team to clean and take out what's damaged, to a construction team to build it back and a full service laundry department that can take soot and smoke odors out of clothing. 

At SERVPRO we focus on restoring, not replacing if and where its possible to help save on insurance claims to keep costs down.  For commercial and small business groups we offer our Emergency Ready Program to put in safety measures in case a disaster occurs. 

It's those details that makes SERVPRO the best in service and quality. Call us today for more details 618-435-8200.

Fire Disasters Can Strike at Any Time

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

If you haven’t changed or checked on your smoke/carbon detectors, it's always a great time to do so. Your local SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin and Perry Counties wants to always make sure you are safe, and also wants you to know that we are here in case of any disaster to your home or business.

It never hurts to do an annual or more frequent check on your home for safety and to fix any hazards. It is also a great time to inspect items in your home that could pose any danger or threat. From smoke/carbon detectors, water heaters, gutters, electrical and other areas, it's always good to check on items you may not normally look at daily.

For any disasters that may take place, you can rest assured that SERVPRO is ready and able to dispatch crews 24-7. With leading edge technology and continuous training we are always better able to serve your needs with the best in the restoration industry. 

Any questions? Call us today at 618-435-8200

How Matterport 3D Scans Help Review Fire Damages

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin and Perry Counties offers a full immersive three dimensional tour for structures following fire damage. We utilize the Matterport Camera system to help ensure the full structure is scanned and allows us to have a full walkthrough of the structure. 

This service allows us to create a full three-dimensional tour of the fire affected structure. With this technology we are able to fully scan the structure and all of its contents without disturbing anything inside. 

You are able to virtually walk through the entire building without having to walk over debris and it helps to get a complete inventory of items as you move through the building. 

We also offer this service for businesses that need layouts of their buildings and it is a great way to view all contents within the structure for insurance coverage reasons.  

For any questions regarding this service and to get a link to view some properties please contact Gary at 618-435-8200.

Residential Fire in Mt. Vernon, IL

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

What started out as a small kitchen fire turned out to be a larger problem for homeowners in Mt. Vernon, IL. SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin and Perry Counties was called in for their expertise in Fire Damage Claims. 

The fire started out small as food was left on and forgotten on the stove. The fire expanded up a wall and towards the ceiling before the homeowner noticed it. Large amounts of smoke filled up the kitchen and into an adjacent room before the homeowner was able to put it out with a fire extinguisher. 

SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin and Perry Counties came in and determined the extent of the damage and the best route to restore this home back to its original form. Upper cabinets would need to be replaced as well as sheetrock directly affected by the fire. Our team cleaned every square inch of the kitchen area ensuring the smoke damage was removed. Construction division came in to set new upper cabinets and trim work.

After any disaster, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin and Perry Counties to take care of it and get you back into your home at 618-435-8200.

Ways To Stay Safe From A House Fire In DuQuoin, I

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

Its essential to test smoke alarms monthly to make sure they work properly.

There are several ways to ensure your safety from a house fire. The American Red Cross has data listed on their website at www.redcross.org to help individuals be as prepared as they can be for a house fire.

• Installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are very important and can often be the first alert you can have when a fire starts.
• With any smoke and carbon monoxide detector it is essential to test them once a month to make sure they are operating. Even though sealed detectors are typically good for 10 years, you still need to test them monthly.
• Create a fire escape plan for your family. That way everyone knows where to meet or be found in the event of a fire. 
• Install fire extinguishers in rooms where heat sources are prevalent such as kitchens and garages

Continual training and in-home maintenance will help keep you safe from home fires. For any fire damage, trust in the experts at SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin and Perry Counties to help repair your home from damages.

Handling Smoke and Soot Damaged Clothing

2/19/2021 (Permalink)

One of the newest services that SERVPRO of Franklin, Jefferson and Perry Counties offers is a laundry service. That's right! Our laundry is the only one in the area that can take the smoke smell and soot damage from clothing! Where most restoration companies send off all of your soft contents out of state to be cleaned. SERVPRO is proud to be able to take care of it and keep it local. 

The state of the art laundry equipment is able to take all of the smoke smells out of your laundry without using harmful or abrasive chemicals. In addition to its ability to take smoke odors out, its ability to remove soot stains is remarkable in saving your clothing. 

By restoring and not replacing clothing it helps to save on insurance claims and get back to normal by getting your items back.

To find out more call SERVPRO of Franklin, Jefferson and Perry Counties at 618-435-8200

Fire Damage Cleanup

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

The importance of proper cleaning after a fire is critical to ensure smoke damage and smells don't come back. SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin and Perry Counties has all of the correct equipment and knowledgeable staff to ensure everything is cleaned thoroughly. 

Basic cleaning efforts are simply not enough to ensure that all soot and smoke odors are gone. SERVPRO  utilizes the best in industrial strength air scrubbers and foggers to ensure soot and odors are eliminated. In addition to cleaning equipment, technique and knowledge, SERVPRO can make fire damage, "Like it never even happened."

After any disaster, call the professionals at SERVPRO to help get things back to normal again. Our team is available 24-7-365 and ready to assist you during an emergency.

What To Do After A Fire

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

A fire is an event you never want to plan for, however it's always best to have an emergency plan ready in case of a fire. 

We get asked a lot of times how does one exactly prepare for a fire. The first part of the plan is the most important which is to designate a specific area to meet at to ensure everyone got out safely. Next make sure to call 911 to report the fire to emergency officials. 

Having a detailed post-fire plan is also essential to get back into your home as soon as possible. Don't forget to make calls to cancel certain services and to order replacement items such as credit or debit cards. 

Be sure to call the experts of fire damage restoration at SERVPRO to make sure they are on-site immediately to help get things rolling and get you back home as soon as possible. We work with every insurance group to offer a fast, efficient and hassle free restoration process. 

Making fire damage, "Like it never even happened." SERVPRO 618-435-8200

What to Do If the Oven Catches Fire

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Watch your Food as it Cooks

It is very important to always monitor the food as you cook. Unattended cooking food in the oven is more likely to cause an unwanted house fire. 

The Oven is on Fire. What do you do??

1. If you do not have a fire extinguisher, leave the oven door closed.
2. Turn off the oven and allow the fire to burn out on its own.
3. If it does not go out or worsens, open windows and call 911.
4. If it does go out, open your windows.
5. Carefully open the oven door and remove any items that are burned. It will be smoky so be careful.
6. Allow the smoke to clear before examining the area to determine the cause of the fire.

Be Aware of Oven Fire Risks

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

The most common source for house fires is in the kitchen. Oven fires are very scary, but with preparation and proper care, they are easily prevented and contained. 

There are several different reasons oven fires can occur.

• Food scraps or other items residing in the bottom of your oven can lead to a fire.
• Forgetting something in the oven can also lead to burned food, lots of smoke and in some instances, a fire.
• Grease can splatter and cause a flame
• The batter from food in the oven can overflow and cause a fire.
• Some people have reported fires starting when the self-cleaning feature is turned on.

Preventative Steps to Take

• Make sure the oven is clean before use
• Do not leave cooking food unattended
• When making cakes and pastries, place a slightly larger baking tray underneath your baking pan or cupcake tin
• Put a cover on food that might splatter. When roasting, carefully drain some of the hot grease by removing the pan from the oven every half-hour or so.
• Get your oven checked out by a professional to make sure it is working properly.

Thanksgiving Day

11/21/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that Thanksgiving is the busiest day of the year for fire departments when it comes to home fires involving cooking equipment? With more home cooks cooking larger meals than they are probably used to, the number of home fires involving cooking equipment spikes to nearly 4 times the daily average on Thanksgiving! Whether you plan to be in charge of the kitchen or are just helping out, be sure to follow these important safety tips when preparing this year's Thanksgiving feast!

• Start your Thanksgiving with a clean stove and oven! The weekend before Thanksgiving, remove any food or grease buildup from burners, stove tops, and the oven. 
• Always stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top. While items in the oven may not require as attentive an eye, food on the stove top should have constant monitoring in case of spillage or splatter. 
• Stay in the home while cooking the turkey. You don't need to set up camp and keep a constant eye on the turkey once it's in the oven, but you should stay inside and check on it frequently. The last thing you want is a burnt turkey that sets your kitchen on fire!
• Keep a flame-resistant oven mitt, potholder, or lid near your cooking space so that you can smother any flames before they get out of control.
• Should an oven fire occur, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. This should allow the fire to burn out on its own. Once the fire has gone out, open your windows before carefully opening the oven door to release the smoke.  
• Make sure your home has working smoke alarms and that your family knows the fire escape route in the event of a fire. Remember to always plan TWO WAYS OUT of every room. 
• Avoid using turkey fryers, but if you must, make sure to follow the fryer's instructions. Also be sure to completely thaw the turkey before frying and always fry outside at a safe distance from the home. 

Stay safe this holiday season! Should your home experience any fire damage, be sure to call SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin, & Perry Counties  to make that fire "Like it never even happened." 

Cold Weather is Almost here!

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin, & Perry Counties is "ready for any sized disaster."

As you go to turn on your furnace for the first time, don't just turn it on and leave the house with full trust in your furnace. It is important to ensure your home is safe. with a well-maintained furnace. It is best practice to take the following steps before you start running the heat: 1. Is there a smell? When turning on your furnace on for the first time since last winter, you may smell a burning smell. This is usually from dust that settled in over the summer. This is not uncommon, but if the smell lingers for over two hours, or a fire has resulted, calls for help immediately.  2. What is the current carbon monoxide detector reading? If you don’t have a carbon dioxide detector in your home or business already, it is important to get one and have it ready in your home. After turning on your furnace for the first time, if the alarm goes off, take protective measures by opening the windows and getting out of the house if they are too high. 3. Is the furnace making any unusual noises? If your furnace makes unusual noises when turning it on for the first time, find the root of the problem and get it fixed to help prevent a fire in your home or business. Be safe and stay warm!

October Means HALLOWEEN!

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

Halloween is for costumes, candy and fun! No one wants their fun to be spoiled by a fire! SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin, & Perry Counties wants everyone to have a fun and safe time this Halloween! We have a list of safety tips below provided by the National Fire Prevention Association.

• Candles - Refrain from having an open flame. Use battery-operated candles or glow-sticks in your jack-o-lanterns.
• Costumes - Choose the right costume. Stay away from long or flowing fabric, and skip extraneous costume pieces.
• Decorations - Avoid flammable decorations including dried flowers, cornstalks and crepe paper that are highly flammable. Keep decorations away from open flames and other heat sources, including light bulbs and heaters.
• Exits - Remember to keep all decorations away from doors so that they are not blocking any exits or escape routes.
• Smoke alarms - Make sure all your smoke alarms are working and up to date.
• Visibility - Provide flashlights to children or have them carry glow sticks as part of their costumes. Make sure if a child is wearing a mask that the eye holes are large enough to see out of them.

 SERVPRO of Jefferson, Franklin, & Perry Counties wishes everyone a fun and safe Halloween!

Fire Damage?

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

Have you had a fire damage recently? We are always busy with water emergencies, but fire damages have been happening in our area much more than they used to. We are often receiving phone calls from home owners who have recently had a fire.

Imagine experiencing a fire in your home. The thought alone is devastating. But when you imagine living it..it's not something you would wish on anyone. For us, we want to be that phone call of hope on the other line. "Yes, we can help you. We are sorry that you are experiencing this, but we are going to help you through this tragedy hand in hand." 

Our team is trained and ready to clean up whatever size fire you have. We are ready to serve you. We are ready to listen and communicate. We are ready to provide you, your family, your home, and your items with the utmost respect.