Fire Risks at Your West El Paso Business!

10/27/2022 (Permalink)

Offices across the United States suffer from fires more often than you think. A fire in the workplace is devastating to not only employees but also the business owner. Depending on how large the fire is, if you are not prepared, the likelihood of recovering can be lower. Educating your West El Paso employees on common fire risks and ensuring they follow protocol can help minimize fires.

Damaged Power Cords

Because offices are jampacked with computers, phones, printers, kitchen appliances, and more, over time the electrical system can become overwhelmed. This can cause electrical shock which can result in a spark or fire starting. To avoid this from happening, check on your electrical panels regularly and make sure no wires are corroded. 

Dust

If your office is not regularly being cleaned, dust is accumulating. When dust builds up on wood, metal, and plastic it can become a fire hazard. Items that heat up such as computers, microwaves, and wires should always be kept dust-free.

Combustible Materials

Offices often have many papers, boxes, furnishing, and packaging lying around. All of these items can cause a fire to spread quicker than normal. Although many items are important to the daily functions of the office, try to keep it as tidy and minimal as possible. Fireproof furniture and desks should also be considered for the purposes of limiting what gets damaged and how fast the fire spreads.

Computers

Most offices have one computer per employee. Depending on how many employees you have, those can all be fire hazards. Employees should ensure they are not letting their computers overheat, or leaving laptops on materials that can catch fire if the laptop heats up too much. All employees should shut down their computers daily, and especially on the weekend.

After learning of all the fire hazards present in offices, it is important to have a plan. SERVPRO of West El Paso offers an Emergency Ready Profile which allows us to start mitigation sooner to get you back into your building quicker. Call us today to get one up!

The Different Types of Fire Damage!

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does Your House Smell Like Campfire After a Fire Loss?

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

When you experience a house fire, the damage can be devastating. Beyond the charred materials from flames is the lingering smell of smoke. Smoke damage can often be one of the most widespread effects to contend within your home after a fire. While there are other concerns to address after a fire that often take precedent for restorations and mitigation, restoring damage to your property should include addressing the smoke to get your home back to normal.

Much of the cleanup and restoration after a fire in your El Paso home focuses on cleaning and smoke odor removal. Indoor air quality is also a primary focus for our SERVPRO® professionals once the first responders have left. We work quickly to establish our purification equipment such as air scrubbers and hydroxyl generators to run the available air through HEPA filters overtime to begin pulling smoke particles and soot from the environment and reducing hazards or risks of exposure without respirators.

How we address smoke damage

Smoke damage often depends on the type of smoke that impacted your home during the fire. Dry smoke results from high heat but is also a residue that is much easier for technicians to clean with dry and wet sponges on the coated surfaces. Wet smoke leaves a thick residue on surfaces and contents, which often requires specialized equipment to clean and deodorize fully. This kind of smoke damage is definitely best left to the experts! The heat generated by a fire impacts the actual penetration of soot particles into porous materials like drywall and fabrics.

Getting rid of the lingering smell of smoke

Improving the odors in your home after a fire is also a concern for our team, but these steps often follow reconstruction and other restoration efforts. Waiting for deodorization allows our technicians to leave your home completely cleaned and odor-free. Our thermal foggers can often do the greatest amount of deodorization, as these machines are suitable to use in open areas, fabrics, soft materials, and work to remove odors from surfaces as well. 

If you experience a fire, our team can arrive quickly to help lessen the damage and prolonged impact of a fire emergency, and work to eliminate the presence of smoke damage. Give us a call!

Dealing With a Grease Fire in El Paso

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

No one plans to have a grease fire in the kitchen, but it can happen in an instant and you should always be prepared. If a fire breaks out on the stove in your home in El Paso, TX here are some steps to help minimize the damage.

1. Contain the Flames.

A metal lid or cookie sheet is a great tool for suffocating a fire. Covering the fire with cut-off oxygen that is fueling the fire. 

2. Turn off Heat.

The faster you can get the burner cool, the better. If you can safely get to the knob on the stove to turn it off, do it!

3. Smother the Fire.

If the fire is small, use baking soda or salt to put out the flames. If you take one thing from this, you should NEVER pour water onto a grease fire, it will make it worse!

4. Recognize Limits.

If the fire is still going strong after the first three steps, call emergency services as you start your emergency exit plan.

5. Repair Damage.

No matter how small the fire is, it likely left some damage behind. Fire restoration specialists can assess the damage and restore your kitchen and any affected surrounding area to be like new again. Let them take the lead on the fire cleanup.

Fire Safety Means Accident Prevention | SERVPRO of West El Paso

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association 

• More than one-quarter (26%) of reported fires in 2015-2019 occurred in homes. 
• During this five-year period, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 346,800 home structure fires per year. 
• Most home fires and fire casualties result from five causes: cooking, heating, electrical distribution and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials.

With that being said, fortunately, there are things you can do to protect your home, and your loved ones, from the danger of fire. It’s important to educate everyone in the home about fire safety.

Here are some tips to keep everyone in your home safe:

1. Educate Children

Always keep matches, lighters and flammable objects away from children and teach them about the dangers of “playing” with such items. Talking about fire safety is crucial to prevention.

2. Check Your HVAC

Any type of heating within the home needs to be checked regularly, whether it’s a gas-fueled furnace or a kerosene heater. Fireplaces should be cleaned often, including the chimney. Electric floor heaters should have cords in perfect condition and should be kept away from curtains and thick carpeting. Never leave a kerosene heater or gas lamp going during the night.

3. Outlets

Don’t neglect electrical outlets or allow them to become overloaded. If your home is older than ten years, it’s a good idea to have the electric wiring checked by a professional. Never place cords or surge protectors under rugs or furniture.

4. Smoke Alarms

Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors every six months to ensure the batteries are in good working order. Make sure there is an alarm in every bedroom and in the kitchen and any garage space, along with fire extinguishers.

5. Cooking

Never leave stovetop items unattended, especially if you have a gas range with an open flame. Turn the handles of pots and pans away from the walkway so that they can’t be accidentally knocked off the stove. Keep the stove clean at all times and de-grease often.

6. Plan Accordingly

It’s crucial to have a plan on what to do in case of emergency and share it with your family, making sure everyone knows the safest way to escape in the event of a fire, where to meet if the family is separated, and who to call. 

Remember, even small fires can leave large messes behind. If you are dealing with smoke, fire, or soot damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of West El Paso!

How Fire Damage Can Cause Water Damage | SERVPRO of West El Paso

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs, many are concerned with the potential of catastrophic fire damage. But did you know that water damage can occur as a result of fire damage?

• Fire damages the integrity of a building's electrical system, resulting in leaks or ruptured pipes. 
• A fire will remove most or all insulation from walls which in turn causes condensation on interior surfaces like windows and ceilings. Condensation on windows and ceilings may drip down onto furniture and floors.
• Firefighting efforts can cause water damage to a structure during the firefighting process. Even if fire sprinkler systems are working correctly, they are designed to extinguish a fire - not to prevent water from entering your home.

At SERVPRO of West El Paso, we work diligently to help prevent water damage and to respond quickly when it occurs. We offer premier water damage fire cleanup and fire restoration services in the region. Contact SERVPRO of West El Paso today to learn more. Servicing all of West El Paso!

How to Create an Effective Fire Escape Plan

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

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

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

1. Multiple Exits 

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

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

2. Escape Routes Must Remain Clear

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

3. Communication

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

4. Practice, Practice, Practice! 

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

3 Ways to Avoid Cigarette Fires in Your West El Paso Home

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Cigarettes are a common cause of fire even though these fires are easily preventable. Here are three ways to prevent a cigarette fire.

1. Smoke outside. Most cigarette fires start when a smoker falls asleep. Bedrooms and couches are the most common places for cigarette fires to break out. Keep in mind that the same risks apply to smoking on a screened-in porch or a deck with furniture. It is best to smoke away from the house in an outdoor chair. You may be less likely to get comfortable enough to fall asleep outside with a lit cigarette.

2. Use stable, enclosed ashtrays. An ashtray fire is a common type of cigarette fire. This type of blaze can occur if a pet knocks over an ashtray that contains smoldering butts or if burning butts get blown out of the ashtray onto combustible materials outdoors. Choose an ashtray that is hard to knock over, and that is enclosed.

3. Completely extinguish cigarettes. If you do not put out the burning end of a cigarette, you will greatly increase a fire risk inside or outside of your home. Take an extra moment to make sure that your cigarette is completely extinguished before leaving the area. Some ashtrays feature sand or other materials that can help to ensure that the ends of cigarettes are no longer burning. This is the most important step in preventing fires whether you choose to smoke indoors or outdoors.

These are three simple and effective ways to prevent fires caused by cigarettes in or around your home. If a cigarette fire does break out, and your home sustains damage, contact West El Paso's premier fire damage, experts! 

Spring Cleaning and Fire Safety in Your El Paso Home

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Spring is in full swing and if you haven’t started your spring cleaning, now is the time! Not only will it get your house in tip-top shape, but you can also look for any areas that can cause fire damage in your El Paso home.

Replace batteries in your home.

Batteries can die in items even if you aren't using them often. Start with replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and flashlights. Other batteries that may need to be changed are security cameras, alarm systems, and smart locks on your home.

Dryer Vents

Other than routinely cleaning your lint filter out before and after loads, you should also be making sure that the outdoor dryer flaps are not blocked by build-up or animal nests. This can be a DIY project or you can hire a professional. 

Check on any extension cords.

Check to make sure that extension cords are not overloaded, frayed, or cracked. Replace where needed and try to move electronics if too many are in one extension. 

Propane/charcoal grills should remain outside.

Your propane/charcoal grill should be stored and used outside only. Make sure that the grill is routinely cleaned and someone is always tending to the grill when in use. 

Clean outside debris

Make sure to clean up dead leaves and trash from around your house. These items may be dangerous if exposed to heat, and in the event, there is a fire it will exacerbate it. 

SERVPRO of West El Paso is here to help with any preventative cleaning needs or fire needs. If emergency services are needed due to a fire or any other disaster give us a call 24 hours a day at (915) 234-2614.

Did You Experience a Fire? Call SERVPRO of West El Paso

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to restoring or replacing your home’s contents after a fire, the first 48 hours are extremely crucial. SERVPRO® of West El Paso understands this timeframe is important and will show up to help with fire, smoke, soot, and any contents remediation your home may need.

The restoration process cannot begin until you call us. Our representatives will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Once on the scene, our technicians will inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. Because so much water is used to put out the fire, we must begin to dry the property with our dehumidifiers and air movers. We then can use our equipment to remove smoke and soot from all areas of the home. We are also able to remove the contents of your home and keep it safe at our facility while the mitigation is in process. To maintain security and protect against further damage, our team will board up any missing windows and place tarps over damaged roofs. 

Once the home is free of debris, water, and smoke we can start to clean up and sanitize the property. For items that can be restored, we can remove odor and bring it back to pre-fire condition. After these steps, the restoration process can begin and you can get your home and life back to normal. We will walk through your home to make sure everything is up to your standards and you are completely satisfied. 

Your Portable Induction Cooktop Can Cause a Fire in Your West El Paso Home

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help with any type of fire damage

You may be tempted to buy a portable induction cooktop if the stovetop in your apartment doesn't have enough burners, but it is important never to leave these devices unattended as they get extremely hot and can cause fire damage. While these tools may be useful, any device meant for cooking can cause a fire in your home if they are not carefully observed. However, accidents can happen, even if you keep safety in mind, and it is reassuring to know that qualified help is close by when these situations get out of hand.

It is essential to call for help to come to your home in El Paso to deal with the fire damage as swiftly as possible. When fire damage is left for long periods of time without remediation, it only allows it to become more permanent. Melted plastics on your kitchen counter, adhered soot, and the ash left behind only grow harder to clean up as they cool. Plastic containers, which have been exposed to soot, change color and become more yellow just moments after the soot adheres to their surfaces. Getting a restoration team to your home as quickly as you can is the best way to ensure that a lot of the damage that occurred in your home is reversible.

SERVPRO can send a team of specialists to your home to inspect the damage. Different materials melt at different temperatures, and only trained professionals can determine the best method to remediate them successfully. SERVPRO techs can use trade tools to tackle the different kinds of damage that the fire left in your home. For example, a hydroxyl generator can be used to neutralize odors. Lubricative cleaners can be used to remove soot stains from the surfaces of your kitchen equipment. SERVPRO strives to find a solution to every type of damage that your home sustains during the fire.

If your home should suffer from fire damage, do not hesitate or try to consider your options. The sooner you dial 915.234.2614 to contact SERVPRO of West El Paso, the quicker we can get to your home to remediate the damage.

SERVPRO Can Help Speed the Process of Fire Damage Recovery in Your West El Paso Home

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Restoring Normalcy after Fire Damage in Metairie

Even a small fire can leave your property looking like a warzone with partially burnt items strewn all over, and smoke residues or other forms of soiling on different surfaces. Luckily most fires are put out before gutting the entire structure. However, this leads to significant cleanup and restoration work before normalcy returns.

 
Most homeowners dealing with fire damage in West El Paso are first timers, so they have very little information on what to do. It is not unusual to think that every blackened item or surface needs to be thrown out after the incident. Our SERVPRO team includes a project manager who oversees the entire process. Apart from managing the rest of the crew, the project manager advises the property owner on crucial steps to take such as boarding up the property to present additional damages and also liaises with the insurance adjuster to ensure every aspect of the damage is fixed “Like it never even happened.”
 
Salvaging some materials and contents of the house can help reduce the total restoration cost. Proper inspection of items and using advanced restoration techniques help in the salvage process. Our SERVPRO team separates items into groups of salvageable, unsalvageable and questionable items. We clean salvageable items on site and move the questionable ones offsite for in-depth inspection and cleaning. We use electronic CCIS, Content Claim Inventory Service, which helps keep better track on contents and return them to their original location in the house after restoration.
 
Water-related problems such as mold infestation can develop soon after a fire incident because of the water used to put out the fire and in the cleanup processes. Drying off excess moisture helps prevent these problems. Our SERVPRO technicians use different moisture detection tools to determine which drying processes are necessary. Thermo-hygrometers help establish the levels of relative humidity in affected and unaffected areas. We also use moisture sensors to probe materials and determine the level of moisture they hold. We then use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry them to preloss state.
 
In case of fire damage, call SERVPRO of West El Paso  to help restore normalcy. You can reach us at (504) 496-0193 any time.

Candle Alternatives That Are Just as Great as the Real Thing!

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

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

Flame-less candles

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

Wax warmer

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

Diffuser

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

Fairy lights 

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

Stick diffusers

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

Room spray 

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

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

After a Fire, Call SERVPRO® of West El Paso

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to restoring or replacing your home’s contents after a fire, the first 48 hours are extremely crucial. SERVPRO® of West El Paso understands this timeframe is important and will show up to help with fire, smoke, soot, and any contents remediation your home may need.

The restoration process cannot begin until you call us. Our representatives will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Once on the scene, our technicians will inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. Because so much water is used to put out the fire, we must begin to dry the property with our dehumidifiers and air movers. We then can use our equipment to remove smoke and soot from all areas of the home. We are also able to remove the contents of your home and keep it safe at our facility while the mitigation is in process. To maintain security and protect against further damage, our team will board up any missing windows and place tarps over damaged roofs. 

Once the home is free of debris, water, and smoke we can start to clean up and sanitize the property. For items that can be restored, we can remove odor and bring it back to pre-fire condition. After these steps, the restoration process can begin and you can get your home and life back to normal. We will walk through your home to make sure everything is up to your standards and you are completely satisfied. 

Cooking Safety with SERVPRO® of West El Paso

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of West El Paso wants to share our top cooking tips to prevent household fires and injury. Cooking can be a way to come together as a family, but did you know most house fires are caused in the kitchen from the stovetop?

Stovetop fires are normally caused when food is left unattended. Always be sure to pay attention to what you are cooking, especially if cooking with oil or at high temperatures. Be sure to remove food packaging, dish towels, paper towels, wooden utensils, and oven mitts away from the stovetop so these items don’t get burned or catch onto an open flame.

Make sure all appliances are in working order and unplugged when not in use. Crumb trays should be emptied, and fallen food should be cleaned from the oven and microwave when cooled. Be sure to never use metal in the microwave as it can easily spark and cause a fire. 

When cooking, it is best to wear tight-fitting clothing and tie long hair back. Baggy clothes, long hair, and dangling sleeves can easily catch the hot burner or open flame. If your clothes or hair catches on fire, be sure to STOP - DROP -  and ROLL to smother the flame. It is also best to keep your cooking zone “child-free” so children do not touch hot appliances, or get burned by hot liquids or flames. 

If you’d like to learn more about protecting yourself from a house fire and how our restoration services can help you recover, get in touch today.

Make Sure You Are Prepared for the Aftermath of a Fire | SERVPRO® of West El Paso

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Southeast West El Paso is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.

Making sure that you are prepared for a fire (and its aftermath) is a great way to gain peace of mind and keep your household safer. First, you should prioritize a plan for evacuating to safety in case a fire breaks out.

After this is settled, move on to planning for the aftermath of a house fire—assessing the damage, filing an insurance claim and getting a restoration company are all much easier when you know exactly what to expect from the process.

Planning for the Aftermath of a House Fire

Prepare yourself for what to expect. There is no way to predict the damage your home will contain after a fire, but knowing general fire damage patterns can help you prepare. You will generally see spots of charring around where the flames broke out and anywhere they traveled to, but it is also important to note that smoke and soot can travel much farther throughout the home.

Wait to enter your home. Always listen to officials regarding when it is safe to re-enter your home. Ceiling supports, walls and floors can all be damaged by fires and cause structural concerns, so going back in prematurely can cause unnecessary damage both to you and to your home.

Contact your insurance company. Starting the claims process quickly is recommended, and your insurance company will work with you on what this looks like. Every claims process is different based on your provider, so conferring with them directly will help you know what to expect.

Document the damages. Having thorough documentation of the damages is a great way to stay organized and on top of everything as you work to recover. A list is a helpful way to itemize your belongings, and pictures of the damages can come in handy both for you and for your insurance claim.

Contact your restoration company. Prioritizing your emotional and mental well-being after a house fire is important to the healing process, and when you do not have to worry about restoration, that is much easier to do. Work with a company that you can put your faith into so you can gain peace of mind that your home is being restored well.

If your home is damaged in a house fire, you can count on us to help you. Get in touch at any hour for a quick response.