Recent Fire Damage Posts

Fire Mitigation: Protecting Lives and Property from Wildfires

10/12/2023 (Permalink)

flame Fire Mitigation: Protecting Lives and Property from Wildfires

Wildfires have become an increasingly pressing issue in recent years, with devastating consequences for both the environment and communities. As climate change and urban sprawl continue to exacerbate the threat of wildfires, it's imperative that we focus on fire mitigation strategies to protect lives, property, and natural landscapes. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of fire mitigation and the various measures individuals and communities can take to reduce the risk of wildfires.

Understanding the Importance of Fire Mitigation

  1. Protecting Lives: The primary objective of fire mitigation is to safeguard human lives. Wildfires can spread rapidly and unpredictably, posing a significant danger to residents in fire-prone areas. By implementing mitigation measures, we can reduce the likelihood of tragic outcomes and save lives.

  2. Preserving Property: Wildfires can cause substantial damage to homes, infrastructure, and businesses. Fire mitigation measures such as creating defensible spaces and using fire-resistant building materials can significantly decrease the risk of property loss.

  3. Conserving Natural Habitats: Wildfires have devastating effects on ecosystems and wildlife. Fire mitigation efforts help protect these natural areas by reducing the frequency and severity of wildfires.

Fire Mitigation Strategies

  1. Defensible Space: Creating a defensible space around your property is a critical step in fire mitigation. This involves clearing away flammable vegetation, trees, and debris to create a buffer zone that can slow down or stop the spread of a wildfire.

  2. Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Opt for fire-resistant plants and landscaping materials. These choices can help prevent wildfires from spreading to your home and make it easier for firefighters to defend your property.

  3. Building Design: Constructing or retrofitting your home with fire-resistant building materials can significantly increase its chances of surviving a wildfire. This includes using non-combustible roofing, siding, and tempered glass windows.

  4. Community Preparedness: Collaborate with your neighbors and local authorities to develop a community-wide fire mitigation plan. This might include regular fire drills, communication strategies, and the establishment of a local Firewise Community.

  5. Education and Awareness: It's vital to educate yourself and your community about the risks of wildfires and the necessary preventive measures. Stay informed about fire weather forecasts and evacuation procedures.

  6. Equipment and Tools: Ensure that your property is equipped with fire hoses, sprinklers, and other firefighting tools. Proper maintenance and training on the use of these tools are essential.

Conclusion

The threat of wildfires is real and growing, but through proactive fire mitigation strategies, individuals and communities can significantly reduce the risks associated with these destructive events. Protecting lives, property, and our natural environment should be a collective effort. By implementing these strategies and raising awareness about fire mitigation, we can work toward a safer, more resilient future in the face of wildfires.

 

Smoke and Soot cleaning

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Call us Call us!

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (978) 256-4225

Smoke and Soot and How to Clean It Up

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Safety How to maintain smoke and soot

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (978) 256-4225

Dryer Vent Cleaning - Why is It Important?

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Dryer vent safety Dryer Vent Safety

Add this to your spring cleaning list: DRYER VENT CLEANING

A few reasons to remove the lint from your dryer vents and screens:
1. Lint left or caught in vents could cause a fire 
2. Mold could get trapped in the vent 
3. By leaving the lint it could lower your machines efficiently. By cleaning the vent you could save up to $20 on your utility bill. 
4. Longer life to the dryer 

Check this link out on how to clean your vent today! https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bob-vila-radio-cleaning-your-dryer-vents/

Dryers with lint left in it can cause fires. This is a leading cause of some fires in ones home. If you had a dryer fire call us we specialize in soot and smoke damage.

Call SERVPRO of Chelmsford Westford today 978-256-4225

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fireman Smoke alarm

Do you know how many people die every day from a home fire? Seven

How many people suffer injuries as a result of home fires? Thirty-six

How much money in property damage occurs each year? $7 Billion

To help prevent your family from possibly becoming one of these statistics, the following should be considered:

  • In homes, there should be a smoke detector outside of every bedroom, at least one on each level, and in larger homes, more may be needed. 
  • Test smoke alarms monthly to make sure they are working
  • Batteries should be replaced every year
  • Units with or without batteries (hard-wired) need to be replaced every ten years. 
  • Never disable the unit, because almost half of the fires reported had smoke detectors in the home, but had batteries missing or the units were disabled. 

When a home is affected by a fire, SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford cares about helping you make it "Like it never even happened." Returning your home back to preloss condition by the company that is faster to any disaster to help you reduce some stress and worry.

Staying safe after a fire damage event

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

Crew cleaning up after fire damage Fire clean up professionals

SERVPRO tips for after a fire: Fire Damage Tips

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

-Is it safe to stay in the house?
-Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
-Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
-Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What to Do After A Fire

-Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
-Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
-Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
-If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
-Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
-Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
-Change HVAC filter.
-Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.


What NOT to Do After A Fire
-Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford or SERVPRO of Billerica/Tewksbury- Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
-Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
-Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
-Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency?”
Call us right away at 978-256-4225. 

Count on us to clean Smoke, Soot, Dust and just about everything.

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

We can help with all your fire damage needs Cleaning soot off of a residential ceiling

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (978) 256-4225 or 

Where are the batteries?

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Smoke Alarms

With the new year around the corner it's a good time to review your homes safety.

Are all your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms working properly?

When is the last time you changed them? (Tip: take a sharpie and write the date on back of alarm when installing).

When did you replace the batteries and test them?

Do you have alarms in all the right places?

For minimum coverage, have at least one smoke detector or alarm on every level of your home and in every sleeping area.

You can also add alarms to hallways outside every bedroom, the top and bottom of all stairways, and often-forgotten places such as basements, attics, utility rooms, and garages.

Do you have an escape plan?

Doing over the attic or upper floor as an extra bedroom? Do you have a proper fire escape prepared?

Simple tips and reminders can go a long way. 

Let's make 2021 a great year! 

Fire Safety- Smoke Soot and More

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Safety - image of technicians doing various jobs Fire Soot Smoke Damage Restoration

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (978) 256-4225

Fall Fire Damage

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Finished Exterior Finished and back to normal

This beautiful center entrance colonial had unexpected fire damage. Homeowners called the trusted trained & certified experts at SERVPRO. We show up when called and are happy to work with your insurance company representatives. SERVPRO not only responds for fire, water & mold damage, we have a full service crew of trained craftsman to rebuild and bring your home back to normal even better than it was before. Always remember to have a safe and secure fire plan, always check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. This is also the season for fireplaces- it's best to have a certified professional inspect and clean chimneys every season before use. For more information and recomendations, call your local trusted SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford at (978) 256-4225. For more fire safety tips click the link below.

SERVPRO Chelmsford/Westford Fire Safety

Wrapping up Chimney Safety Month

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Chimney Safety and Fireplace tips Chimney Safety Tips from SERVPRO

October is now behind us as... we also fell back with daylight savings time this past weekend. It's now time for holiday planning, dinners & family gatherings at home by the fireplace. Your local friends at SERVPRO want you to be safe and take precaution when getting the fire, chimney or other burning apparatuses ready for the winter. Have your chimney professionally cleaned and maintained yearly. Have them check for loose brick, mortar, open or loose valves. Does your chimney have a liner? Is it properly vented? Check these items as well as your carbon monoxide & fire detectors- when is the last time you replaced the batteries?  Make sure whomever you decide to go to service your chimney is licensed, trained and insured like your team at SERVPRO. Check the link below for The Chimney Safety Institute of America for more information about chimney liners and fireplace resources.

Chimney Institute of America

Fire Prevention Month with SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

basement with a heating system that could cause a fire damage Creating, implementing, and practicing a fire escape plan for your home or business may be the difference between safety and tragedy.

October is Fire Prevention Month and an excellent time to examine the emergency preparedness plans for your home and business, including your fire escape plan.

  • Do you have a fire escape plan?
  • Have you changed your smoke alarm batteries within the last year?
  • Are you prepared if a disaster strikes?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) sets aside a designated week each October to focus on fire prevention. The 2019 theme is "Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice your Escape!"

According to the NFPA, once the fire alarm goes off, "you could have less than one to two minutes to escape safely," yet only 8 percent of people surveyed said getting out was their first thought after hearing a fire alarm. Creating, implementing, and practicing a fire escape plan for your home or business may be the difference between safety and tragedy. Make a plan today! Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have, giving everyone in your home or business enough time to get out.

How do you define a hero?

Is it a person who is courageous and performs good deeds? Someone who comes to the aid of others, even at their own personal risk? A hero can be all of those things! A hero can also be someone who takes small but important actions to keep themselves and those around them safe from fire. When it comes to fire safety, be a hero in your household or community. 

When a fire does strike, remember that SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford is here to help!

A few steps to restore your business from a fire!

6/28/2019 (Permalink)

When a project sits in from of you, have you ever wished you could deal with just one person, and let them deal with everyone else?

When a project sits in from of you, have you ever wished you could deal with just one person, and let them deal with everyone else?

Well, SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford can help you do just that!

Starting with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) to help you prepare before a disaster, it can leave our your plan should a disaster happens. From who to call, where shut off valves are, or even where Remediation companies should park!

Taking care of the fire damage after you call us in the next step. Determining how far the damage has gone, removing any materials that cannot be cleaned, and using programs based on science to dry the area that was affected by firefighter's efforts to reduce the fire, is only a small portion of what we can do. 

Lastly, when materials such as drywall, flooring, or ceilings are damaged, we can replace and restore it back to preloss condition. Rebuilding your business as quickly as possible restores more than a building. It also helps bring profits and employees back to your company.

When you are concerned for what could happen, or you are in the midst of the "what ifs" contact SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford.

What to do after a fire!

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency?

SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford tips for after a fire: 

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

  • Is it safe to stay in the house?
  • Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
  • Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After A Fire

  • Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
  • Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
  • Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
  • If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

Call SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford at 978-256-4225

What Not to Do in a Fire!

6/27/2019 (Permalink)

Work in progress to rectify water damage Our goal is always to make your home “Like it never even happened.”

This family’s Pepperell home suffered from a devastating fire loss. It’s always upsetting when a family experiences a house fire, but SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford worked hard to recover the structure and contents.

We not only clean but we can also help with restoring your space back to original condition. We work with your insurance agency to make sure the job runs smooth and safely.  Our goal is always to make your home “Like it never even happened.”

What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting SERVPRO of Chelmsford Westford.
  • Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
  • Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
  • Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

If you have suffered a fire loss please call SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford or Billerica/Tewksbury at 978-256-4225

Don't Be Overcome When Your Grilling Causes a Fire!

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Grill fire got you down? We got you covered. Give SERVPRO Chelmsford Westford a call today! 978-256-4225

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. As in this case a faulty grill caused a large fire on our clients porch. No matter what caused the fire or how large or small it is, we have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. Working to get the job done quickly and correctly so that your family can be back to their daily routines with no interruptions.  Call SERVPRO of Chelmsford Westford we can help! 

The Behavior of Smoke in Your Townsend Home

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Soot can sometimes present as webs in the corners of rooms that look otherwise clean.

SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford has the smoke damage expertise and experience that allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  Below is more information that can help you understand the behavior of smoke. 

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (978) 256-4225

Smoke Alarms Truly Save Lives!

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

Restoring your home to preloss condition is our number priority!

Do you know how many people die every day from a home fire? Seven

How many people suffer injuries as a result of home fires? Thirty-six

How much money in property damage occurs each year? $7 Billion

To help prevent your family from possibly becoming one of these statistics, the following should be considered:

  • In homes, there should be a smoke detector outside of every bedroom, at least one on each level, and in larger homes, more may be needed. 
  • Test smoke alarms monthly to make sure they are working
  • Batteries should be replaced every year
  • Units with or without batteries (hard-wired) need to be replaced every ten years. 
  • Never disable the unit, because almost half of the fires reported had smoke detectors in the home, but had batteries missing or the units were disabled. 

When a home is affected by a fire, SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford cares about helping you make it "Like it never even happened." Returning your home back to preloss condition by the company that is faster to any disaster to help you reduce some stress and worry.

Soot clean up AND Smoke clean up

6/3/2018 (Permalink)

Before photos of soot and smoke damage before cleaning

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (978) 256-4225

Fire at your home? We do residential clean up!

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Had a fire loss?

This family’s Pepperell garage and apartment suffered from a fire devistaing fore loss. It’s always upsetting when a family experiences a house fire, but SERVPRO of Chelmsford Westford worked hard to recover the structure and contents. In this instance the fire was only in the second floor apartment. Because the garage was build well with fire proofing between the floors, the Pepperell fire department was able to contain the fire to the second floor. The garage below suffered minor damage from water and soot. We are now in the process of cleaning the salvaged contents in the garage, boxing and storing them, so that the remodeling of the second floor can begin. We not only clean but we can also help with restoring your space back to original condition. We work with your insurance agency to make sure the job runs smooth and safely.  Our goal is always to make your home “Like it never even happened.”

If you have suffered a fire loss please call SERVPRO of Chelmsford Westford at 978-256-4225

Safety tips for after a fire

5/25/2018 (Permalink)

Fire clean up professionals

SERVPRO tips for after a fire:https://www.SERVPRO.com/fire-damage-tips

“After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

-Is it safe to stay in the house?
-Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
-Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
-Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After A Fire

-Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
-Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
-Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
-If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
-Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
-Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
-Change HVAC filter.
-Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.


What NOT To Do After A Fire
-Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting SERVPRO of Chelmsford Westford.
-Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
-Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
-Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
-Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency?”
Call SERVPRO of Chelmsford Westford at 978-256-4225

Smoke and soot cleaning

5/20/2018 (Permalink)

Call us!

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:

Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (978) 256-4225

Add this to your spring checklist: Dryer vent cleaning

4/16/2018 (Permalink)

Clean your dryer vents. This could save your life!

Add this to your spring cleaning list: DRYER VENT CLEANING

A few reasons to remove the lint from your dryer vents and screens:
1. Lint left or caught in vents could cause a fire 
2. Mold could get trapped in the vent 
3. By leaving the lint it could lower your machines efficiently. By cleaning the vent you could save up to $20 on your utility bill. 
4. Longer life to the dryer 

Check this link out on how to clean your vent today! https://www.bobvila.com/articles/bob-vila-radio-cleaning-your-dryer-vents/

Dryers with lint left in it can cause fires. This is a leading cause of some fires in ones home. If you had a dryer fire call us we specialize in soot and smoke damage. Call SERVPRO of Chelmsford Westford today 978-256-4225

Grill fire

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Grill fire before and after restoration

Grill fire got you down? We got you covered. Give SERVPRO Chelmsford Westford a call today! 978-256-4225

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. As in this case a faulty grill caused a large fire on our clients porch. No matter what caused the fire or how large or small it is, we have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. Working to get the job done quickly and correctly so that your family can be back to their daily routines with no interruptions.  Call SERVPRO of Chelmsford Westford we can help! 

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

3/10/2017 (Permalink)

Cleaning soot off a ceiling

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Chelmsford/Westford will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (978) 256-4225