Safe and Sound: Enjoying Fall Bonfires and BBQs Without the Fire Hazards | SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties

10/17/2024 (Permalink)

Enjoy fall gatherings safely! Follow our fire safety tips for bonfires and BBQs, and contact SERVPRO® for help with any fire damage.

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, fall is the perfect season for outdoor gatherings. Whether you're hosting a cozy bonfire or firing up the grill for a BBQ, it’s essential to prioritize safety to prevent accidental house fires.

At SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties, we want you to enjoy the beauty of fall while ensuring that your gatherings remain safe and worry-free. Here are some essential tips to help you enjoy your bonfire or BBQ without the risk of starting a house fire.

Choosing the Right Location for Your Bonfire

The first step in ensuring a safe bonfire is selecting the appropriate location. Always position your fire pit or bonfire at least 10 to 20 feet away from any structures, including your home, fences, and overhanging branches. This distance helps to minimize the risk of flames spreading. Opt for a flat, clear area devoid of dry grass, leaves, and other combustible materials. If possible, use a designated fire pit or bowl, which is designed to contain the fire safely.

Before starting your bonfire, check local regulations and burn bans. Certain areas may have restrictions during dry seasons or high fire risk days. By adhering to local guidelines, you not only promote safety but also contribute to the wellbeing of your community. Always keep a bucket of water, a fire extinguisher, or a hose nearby, ready to tackle any unexpected flare-ups.

Properly Preparing Your BBQ

When it comes to grilling, preparation is key. Ensure your grill is clean and free from grease buildup, which can ignite and cause dangerous flare-ups. Check all connections if you’re using a gas grill to ensure there are no leaks. If you smell gas while grilling, turn off the grill immediately and do not light it until you have addressed the issue.

Choose a safe, level surface for your grill, away from flammable materials such as wooden decks, overhangs, or patio furniture. When lighting your grill, use long matches or a lighter designed for grilling to keep your hands at a safe distance from the flames. Never use flammable liquids like gasoline or lighter fluid to ignite a fire, as this can lead to uncontrollable flames.

Maintaining Vigilance and Practicing Safe Enjoyment

Once your bonfire or BBQ is underway, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Assign someone to supervise the fire at all times and avoid leaving it unattended, especially if children or pets are nearby. Establish a safe zone around the fire where guests can enjoy the warmth without getting too close. When it’s time to extinguish the fire, do so completely by dousing it with water and stirring the ashes until they are cool to the touch.

If you’re roasting marshmallows or making s'mores, keep a close eye on your cooking materials and avoid overextending yourself toward the flames. It's easy to get caught up in the fun, but safety should always come first. Be prepared for the unexpected by having a first aid kit on hand in case of minor burns or injuries.

In conclusion, enjoying a fall bonfire or BBQ can be a delightful experience, filled with warmth and good company. By taking proactive safety measures, you can create lasting memories without the fear of starting a fire. If you ever find yourself dealing with fire damage or any other disaster, SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is Here to Help®. Our expert team is ready to assist you with restoration services, ensuring your home is safe and sound.

Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can support you in protecting your home while you enjoy the beauty of fall.

Fall Fire Safety: Common House Fire Risks and Prevention Tips | SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties

10/17/2024 (Permalink)

Stay safe this fall by preventing fire hazards at home! Contact SERVPRO® for expert fire damage restoration and ensure your cozy season is worry-free.

As the vibrant colors of fall set in and the temperatures begin to drop, many homeowners start preparing for cozy nights by the fire and festive gatherings. However, with these seasonal changes come specific fire risks that require attention.

At SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties, we believe that prevention is the key to safeguarding your home. Understanding the common fire hazards that arise in the fall and taking proactive measures can help ensure your family stays safe during this beautiful season.

Heating Equipment: A Leading Cause of Fall Fires

As temperatures drop, heating systems become essential for keeping homes warm and comfortable. However, improper use and maintenance of heating equipment can lead to dangerous fire situations. Space heaters, in particular, are a common source of household fires during the fall and winter months. Many homeowners may place space heaters too close to flammable materials like curtains, furniture, or bedding, significantly increasing fire risk.

To prevent heating-related fires, it’s crucial to maintain a safe distance between space heaters and combustible materials. Make sure to turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed. Additionally, consider having your central heating system inspected by a professional before the colder months set in. Regular maintenance can help identify any potential hazards, ensuring that your home stays warm and safe.

Kitchen Hazards: Cooking and Candles

Fall often brings family gatherings, holiday meals, and festive treats, leading to increased kitchen activity. While cooking is a joyful part of the season, it also presents unique fire risks. Unattended cooking is one of the leading causes of kitchen fires, especially during busy holiday preparations. Additionally, the use of candles during fall festivities can also pose a fire hazard if not monitored properly.

To mitigate kitchen fire risks, always stay in the kitchen while cooking, especially when using oil or frying foods. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure you know how to use it. When it comes to candles, opt for flameless versions if possible. If you do use traditional candles, place them on stable surfaces away from flammable materials, and never leave them unattended.

Outdoor Fire Risks: Bonfires and Decorations

As the weather turns cooler, many families enjoy outdoor activities like bonfires, pumpkin carving, and decorative lighting. While these activities add to the seasonal charm, they can also introduce fire hazards. Bonfires can easily spread if not properly contained, and dried leaves and grass can ignite quickly. Additionally, decorative lights can pose electrical hazards if not installed correctly or if they are damaged.

To enjoy outdoor activities safely, choose designated fire pits for bonfires and always keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby. Be mindful of wind conditions and never leave a fire unattended. When it comes to decorations, inspect your lights for frayed wires or damage before use. Use outdoor-rated lighting and avoid overloading electrical outlets to prevent fires.

In conclusion, while the fall season brings warmth and joy, it also comes with unique fire risks that homeowners must address. By understanding these common hazards and implementing preventative measures, you can enjoy the beauty of fall without worry. If your home experiences fire damage this season, SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is here to help.

Our experienced team offers comprehensive fire damage restoration services to get your life back to normal quickly and efficiently. Don't hesitate to reach out for assistance and ensure your home remains a safe haven this fall.

Renter's Insurance Can Help After A Fire

7/2/2024 (Permalink)

Having a renter's insurance policy in place can help you in case of fire damage.

A fire at your Crossville, TN rental home can be a major hassle. Having a good renter's insurance policy can help you.

Insurance Coverage

There are many different expenses that can result from a fire. Your insurance policy may cover most or all of them. Insurance policies often cover the following:

• Liability and medical payments
• Contents
• Temporary living expenses
  
  

If you are found to be responsible for the fire, you may be held liable for the damage. In some cases, you may be financially responsible for small medical expenses to third parties. Insurance will cover the cost without establishing liability. Additionally, insurance policies generally cover fire damage to the renter’s personal property, which is sometimes referred to as contents. Some policies will pay what the contents were worth just before the fire, and other policies will cover the cost to replace or repair the items. Although damage to the structure itself is covered by the landlord’s policy, a renter's policy will often pay for temporary living expenses during the fire restoration process. Make sure to go through your policy thoroughly and present any questions that you may have to your insurance agent so that you are aware of the coverage limits and know exactly what is and is not covered.

Home Inventory
To get the most out of your renter's insurance, it is important to create a document called a home inventory. This is a list of everything you would want to replace should it be damaged, the purchase price and purchase date. Take pictures or video of all the items, including serial numbers if present. Add receipts and appraisal documentation if you have them. Be sure to update the inventory regularly, especially after you have made a big purchase. Store the inventory in a safe place, such as cloud storage or an off-site location.
Renters insurance can serve as a big financial relief after a fire at your home. If you need assistance with the restoration of your personal belongings, enlisting an experienced restoration team may be a good idea.

Getting Your Home Or Business Prepped For A Fire

9/20/2023 (Permalink)

Make a plan and practice for a fire emergency in your home or business

It is very important to prepare for an emergency in your home or business in Crossville, TN. Having a fire escape plan can help keep you, your family, and your coworkers safe. There are many ways in which you can prepare for a fire in your home or business.

1. Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Having tools in place that can alert you to a fire quickly can be a key part of preparing for a fire. It is helpful to test your fire alarm to make sure you and others in your home or business know what the alarm sounds like. Also, you should make sure to replace the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year and replace your alarm once every ten years.

2. How To Prepare for an Emergency

A main part of emergency preparation involves creating a plan to escape your home or business. Hopefully you will never have to use your fire escape plan, but having a plan in place saves you the time of having to decide how to escape. It’s best to have more than one route of escape in case you are unable to enter a certain area. Practicing your emergency escape plan will make it quicker and easier to escape if the need arises.

3. Know Where To Meet 

On top of knowing how to get out of the structure quickly if needed, it’s also often wise to plan a place for you and your family or coworkers to meet once you are all out of harms way. It can be helpful to choose a place that is a safe distance from your home, such as a neighbor’s driveway, to meet. With everyone agreeing to meet at one place, you will easily be able to see who is out of the house, and you will be able to provide emergency responders with accurate information.

Having a fire escape plan can help you and others in your home or business feel prepared in the event of a fire. If your home has been damaged by a fire, you might find it helpful to work with the fire restoration experts at SERVPRO. 

SERVPRO can take care of multiple Smoke odors inside your Home or Business

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke restoration requires trained Professionals

Tobacco and Smoke Smell Removal In Your Sparta Home or Business

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is asked on a regular basis as to whether we can expel cigarette or tobacco smoke scents. For example, a home should be aerated when it is being sold; a flat may require the administration between inhabitants; a car may require scent evacuation; and so forth.

According to the EPA, Natural Tobacco Smoke (ETS) is the smoke that originates from the cigarette, pipe, or stogie, in addition to the smoke breathed out by the smoker. It is an unpredictable blend of more than 4,000 mixes, more than 40 of which are known to cause malignancy in people or creatures, and a significant number of which are solid aggravations. ETS is regularly alluded to as "used smoke," and presentation to ETS is frequently called "aloof smoking."

The smoke from tobacco spreads through the air and attaches itself to each surface of the area. This is what causes people to observe, smell, and feel a yellowish-darker, sticky substance that is left on all surfaces and furniture in areas where smoking has occurred. This is an amazingly difficult-to-evacuate deposit that can stain painted surfaces and plastics. It can completely alter the appearance of backdrops, blinds, paint, and numerous different things in the zone. The smoke can enter furniture, floor coverings, dividers, windows, and every other nook and crevice in the area it touches. Also, the building's HVAC framework will carry the smoke smell and the deposits all through the structure. The contaminants are unattractive as well as can off-gas scents that many individuals essentially find excruciating.

The final product of long-haul smoking in enclosed areas is much the same as that of a genuine fire. One distinction is that the smoke from a fire is sometimes simpler to expel from walls or different surfaces than tobacco smoke. Expelling tobacco buildup can be a genuine test. It is extremely tedious, as buildups happen throughout the home or business.

Rebuilding professionals, protection experts and property proprietors ought to know, toward the start of a tobacco-smoke cleanup venture, that there is no magic spell that just whisks away deposits and smells. It just doesn’t exist. The main approach to expel tobacco buildup and smell is through extremely careful cleaning and afterward fixing every single surface. Even though buildups may seem to be gathered in just a single zone, once cleaning begins it will typically be discovered that all regions are affected, and cleaning all surfaces will be important to expel contaminants and scents. The exceptionally little particles of tobacco smoke discover their way into all zones. The cleaning procedure will incorporate aerating operators to help with that procedure. Indeed, even after careful and fruitful cleaning, it is generally important to seal surfaces with a sealant intended to secure in the remainder of the stains and scents. Recognize that typical groundwork isn't adequate, and an item intended to seal smoke buildups is required. At long last, the surfaces will be prepared to paint, resurface, or to apply new covers.

The "delicate" things in a home, for example, upholstery, bedding, window covers, garments, and so forth will require unique consideration. Since they assimilate smells so well, and are frequently effectively harmed, they will be extremely hard to effectively reestablish and may require outside pros. Testing ought to be directed to assess the accomplishment of such endeavors. Much of the time, the choice is made to just supplant these materials and things.

After the professional from SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties has completed the cleaning, it might be important to utilize proficient hardware to help evacuate the remainder of the smells, frequently in territories that can't be cleaned (inside joints, inside walls, and so on.) This will regularly include hydroxyl generators or ozone generators. Both are proficient hardware that makes atoms which can take after the smoke into little spaces, and the two procedures successfully decimate the rotten particles.

Similarly, as with each property misfortune, SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties rebuilding experts cause take property back to a pre-misfortune condition. SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties restoration experts are exceptionally prepared and talented in strategies to cure tobacco smoke smells, as well as to return property proprietors to their reestablished property cost-adequately and in the most limited time conceivable. Call us today at 931-250-5333.

Soot Remediation in Your Sparta Home or Business

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can take care of Soot in your Sparta Home or Business

A fire in your home or business is devastating in itself. The mess that it leaves behind is a nightmare. One of the most annoying and troublesome products of a fire is soot. If there is anything left of your home or business after a fire then there is a very good chance that it has soot on it.

Soot is the black residue left behind on fireplace walls and charcoal grills after the flames go out. A house fire creates a great deal of it because wood, plaster, natural fibers, synthetics, foams and plastics all create soot when they burn and most homes are full of these materials. Soot sticks to any surface that’s cooler than the fire itself, usually walls, ceilings and other hard surfaces.

Different Fires Produce Different Soot

Different types of fires produce different types of soot, which in turn requires different cleaning methods, so it’s best to leave it to the professionals at SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties. High oxygen fires produce soot that is best cleaned with a dry-cleaning sponge or dry chemical sponge.  Low oxygen fires can be cleaned with a wet sponge. However, if soot from fire high in oxygen is cleaned with a wet sponge, it can smear and cause even more damage. If you do decide to vacuum up soot before the professionals arrive, DO NOT use an ordinary household vacuum cleaner, which is not designed for that type of cleaning. Use a shop vac, or other type of heavy-duty vacuum cleaner. Always hold the nozzle about a half inch away from the surface that’s being cleaned. Making contact with the soot can smear it and make an even bigger mess.

While waiting for experts to arrive, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Never touch anything during your initial inspection, to avoid spreading the soot.
• Wear gloves, a mask and long sleeves and pants when working in soot covered room to protect your skin and lungs.
• Keep the room ventilated to minimize breathing in soot particles and allow smoky smells to dissipate.
• Remove as much debris as possible to allow for easy cleanup.

If you’ve just experienced a fire at your home or business in Cumberland, Morgan, White, Fentress, Bledsoe, Van Buren, Rhea, or Overton Counties call SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties at 931-250-5333.

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is trained and ready to help you get rid of soot and all other damage after a fire.

Restoring Your Sparta Home or Business After a Fire

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties can help you in more ways than one after a Fire in Sparta Home or Business

What can SERVPRO do for Sparta Residents after a Fire

A fire in your home or business can be one of the most devastating events of your entire life. So many things that you cherish and have worked for can be gone in an instant. If the fire is able to be put out, you have water damage on top of the fire damage. This is where we step in and take some of the stress off of an already stressful situation.

Structural Damage Restoration

After a fire, SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties offers many services to restore your home/office/building back to its pre-fire damage state. One of which is Structural Cleaning. This includes cleaning of the ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors as well as paint preparation cleaning. Our technicians are trained in the latest methods of removing all of the staining and damage a fire can cause.

Content Cleaning After a Fire

We also offer Content Cleaning. Content cleaning is the cleaning of the items that were affected by the fire, which includes electronics, wood furniture, artwork, kitchen items, bedding, clothing, and much more. If your content is salvageable, we will try everything in our power to restore it to pre-fire conditions. This includes cleaning and deodorization.  

Deodorization After a Fire

The odor that a fire leaves behind is unmistakable, but it can be taken care of. After our main Structural Cleaning, SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties offers Deodorization, which is conducted using our leading technology that attacks the source of smell rather than just covering it up. You can rest assured that not only will your home or business look like it did before the fire, but the smell from the fire will also be gone.

Additional Services After a Fire

Beyond these services offered when our customers endure a fire, we also offer other related services. These services include Board-ups, Inventory, Content Pack-Outs, and cleaning of Duct Work. As a full-service restoration company, SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties can address the actual charring, smoke, and soot issues along with the remnants of the water and chemical extinguishing agents used to knock down the flames. Water removal and damage recovery precede the fire debris cleanup because moisture leads to secondary damage like mold growth and porous material decomposition so quickly. Once the water damage is under control, we begin cleaning surfaces with effective methods matched to the type of sooty residue. Odor removal is the last step and is the key to making your now-restored house feel like home again.

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties can respond to all the tasks necessary to restore your home after the fire. Call (931) 250-5333 for our speedy dispatch service. "Like it never even happened".

Fire Extinguisher Check List for Crossville, TN

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Making sure your fire extinguisher is in working order is a great line of defense for your home

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is here to assist with all fire mitigation and restoration needs. That being said, keeping a functional fire extinguisher in your home or business is one of the best measures against fire damage and towards safety. Checking fire extinguishers routinely is a must.

Know Where to Locate the Apparatus

The location of the fire extinguisher should be known to all occupants in the structure. This can be achieved vocally or visually through either verbally telling someone or by displaying a map of the location.

Inspecting Fire Extinguishers

Once you locate the portable extinguishers, the next step is learning the process of visual inspection. Visual inspections should include the following steps:

• Access to the extinguisher is key. Make sure that it is not obstructed by storage bins, file cabinets, or similar items
• Make sure the extinguisher is mounted in a location where it is visible and easy to locate during an emergency
• Check the tamper-seal to verify it is not broken or missing
• Ensure the pull-pin is not missing
• Check the pressure gauge to make sure the indicator is in the operating range (the needle should be located in the green portion of the gauge)
• Check the extinguisher for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or a clogged nozzle, and report any problems with campus extinguishers to Fire Prevention Services so we can make corrective measures
• Keep track of when the last professional inspection was. This information is likely written on a paper inspection tag.

After using an extinguisher be sure to have it professionally refilled and inspected.

Check out all we can help you with at https://www.SERVPROcumberlandmorganwhitecounties.com/

Sparta, Tennessee Smoke and Soot Cleanup

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Sparta Home.

Smoke and soot are 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 Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties 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 – 931-250-5333

What Difference Can Professional Fire Damage Restoration Make in Sparta Properties?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage can occur at any time. SERVPRO is always on call for fire damage restoration.

SERVPRO Techs Have the Expertise and Experience to Handle Post-Fire Issues and Smoke Damage in Sparta Homes

While damage from water tends to happen most around areas with plumbing or appliances that use water unless flood damage brought on by storms causes it, fire damage in a Sparta property can occur anywhere. Unfortunately, the damage left behind by a house fire can also include water damage cleanup needs from the actions of the first responders. 

A Sparta property in need of professional fire damage restoration will have a variety of tasks that need completing, such as: 

• Removal of non-restorable items too charred for reuse
• Professional smoke damage cleaning
• Eradicating fire odors in the property and contents
• Water removal services and drying of the structure

DIY Methods for Fire Cleanup May Not Work as Intended

There are endless posts online that show various household cleaning products used against smoke damage on surfaces. The truth is, they might appear to remove the darkened mess, but soot particles can exist smaller than is visible to the human eye, and it is vital to use equipment that can capture this type of particulate matter too. Otherwise, anywhere they float in the home, they will emit pungent odors. 

The Benefits of Professional Fire Damage Restoration

Homeowners who hand off the fire damage cleanup to SERVPRO find a much better outcome in most cases. The technicians can quickly inspect the structure and contents to ascertain restoration value. The articles that require disposal due to charring or other types of damage from the fire get cataloged. This action creates a thorough written report that includes a detailed description and photos for use in insurance claims. The technicians perform precise odor control in the home to ensure that no smoke odors remain, including the ductwork in the house.

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties at (931) 250-5333 helps local Sparta homeowners with small and large-scale professional fire damage restoration services available 24/7.

Why Call SERVPRO after a Fire in Crossville?

10/10/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage cleanup includes dealing with any remaining odors. Contact SERVPRO to discuss the custom fire damage restoration plan for your home.

Fire damage in Crossville and the SERVPRO solution

After a fire in Crossville, there can be a great deal of damage from the blaze and water used to quell the blaze. In addition, smoke particles can be acidic and carcinogenic, which can cause potential health effects to occupants. Removing soot particles from a variety of surfaces found in the home presents another challenging task. Careful attention to details such as thickness, composition, and material type must be considered during the cleaning process.

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration service in Crossville and surrounding areas. We respond the fastest, maintain the highest standards of professionalism and quality work. Within four hours of your call, we are on-site and assessing the situation, the type of fire, debris from the fire, and the degree of damage. We develop a fire cleanup and restoration strategy, review our approach with the client and insurance adjuster, and get to work.

Wherever possible, we restore your contents vs. replacing them. Our customers appreciate that we make every attempt to save treasured family heirlooms and personal items that the family is attached to. In addition, restoring your contents can be accomplished faster, at a lower cost, and gets you back to your home more quickly. Restored items are held in a clean and safe staging area until they are returned.

Managing fire cleanup, soot removal, and smoke odor removal may require the following services from our highly skilled technical team:

• Controlled demolition
• Removal of debris and accumulated soot
• Application of cleaning and solvents
• Complete house fire cleanup and restoration

Call SERVPRO of Cumberland / Morgan & White Counties for fire damage restoration service in Crossville and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (931) 250-5333.

Why Do Crossville Fire Damage Restoration Professionals Start with a Safety Hazard Review?

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is your one stop for fire damage restoration services- from debris removal to remodeling.

Because Every Crossville Fire Damage Recovery Project is Different, SERVPRO Evaluates all Circumstances Before Instituting a House Fire Cleanup Plan

Homeowners suffering fire damage in Crossville yearn for a straightforward restoration. SERVPRO professionals taking time to review safety considerations individualized for your home might seem like an unnecessary delay. However, each fire scene is unique, thus missing specific vulnerabilities in your home’s systems and structures can have permanent negative consequences.

What Kinds of Hazards Do SERVPRO Fire Damage Restorers Seek Out and Control?

SERVPRO’s identification of the following fire damage hazards in your Crossville home starts with checking for danger posed by the effects of the fire and its extinguishing. Some professional remediation strategies present additional risks if individuals breathe or touch certain substances: 

• Overhead concerns like partially burned ceilings or structures full of firefighting water ready to collapse
• Electric shock possibilities related to firefighting water intrusion or charring or heat damage to wiring
• Slip, trip, and fall fears because of wet, debris-littered, or fire-weakened floors
• Poorly lit, confined spaces
• Non-workers entering or walking through damaged areas
• Damaged systems, including HVAC ductwork and utility lines
• Hazardous materials ranging from toxic soot residues to asbestos or lead to mold 
• Airborne smoke residues 
• Deodorization treatments such as thermal fogging and ozone

How Does SERVPRO Control for the Above Hazards?

First and foremost, SERVPRO managers and technicians receive and regularly update employee safety training. In addition to learning how to recognize threats to customer and worker safety, the training stresses:

• The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers
• Containment strategies including 1.6 mill polypropylene area wraps and air scrubbers that prevent occupants of a fire-damaged home from encountering water hazards and toxic materials and residues
• Evacuation of treated areas for appropriate times when ozone and foggers operate

Put your trust in the professionals at SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties for safe fire damage restoration. Call us at (931) 250-5333 for a response 24/7.

Effective Methods of Removing Soot and Smoke Damage from Sparta Homes

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot can reach the remote areas of your home. We can remove the odors. Call SERVPRO today!

Soot and Smoke Damage Requires Thorough Cleaning Methods in Sparta Properties. 

Soot and smoke residues can mar and stain affected surfaces. Circulating particles can rest on building materials and contents to pose a challenge for cleaning technicians of our team.

How Does Smoke Damage Spread Through the Home?

One of the most challenging aspects of fire damage restoration for Sparta homes is the widespread threat of soot and smoke damage. Beyond harsh odors, microscopic soot particulates from partially combusted fuels can become aerosolized during the burning to circulate in the environment.

What Methods Work Best for Soot Removal? 

Choosing the best approach for removing smoke and soot damage often depends mostly on the affected materials and their current conditions. Evaluating the efficacy of specific cleaning practices allows our SERVPRO team to choose among:

• Chem Sponges – These rubbery sponges trap loose soot and soil particles to clear mostly dry surfaces.

• Media Blasting – Using high pressured air and various media, these machines can eliminate thick residues.

• Wet Cleaning – Several solvents and detergents are available to technicians to loosen and wipe away residues.

Soot damage can cling to surfaces and pose significant threats to the occupants of the house. Our SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties team has multiple options for cleaning up after these residues and soils. Call us today at (931) 250-5333.

Getting You Back Into Your Sparta Home After Fire Is Top Priority

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Call our experts after you experience a fire disaster, we have the training your home needs after a fire occurs.

Restoration for your Home After Fire Damage

Sparta residents have the same fear of house fires as individuals throughout the rest of the country. Perhaps the most disturbing part of suffering from a home fire is the confusion and anxiety felt when you think you may have to evacuate. Finding a fire restoration company with strategies to keep you in your home during recovery can be a real plus.

House Fire Clean Up

Immediately after authorities give you the all-clear for your Sparta home, call a reputable fire damage restoration company. It's imperative that you work with an experienced company that understands the need for fast and thorough assessment and remediation. Suppose soot and smoke damage are left without cleaning and other appropriate treatment. In that case, it can warp, etch, and discolor building materials and contents permanently, beginning immediately and worsening throughout the hours, days, and weeks post-fire. We have technicians with the training and the experience to ensure every step is done correctly and fast, bringing your devastated home back to its cozy and comfortable state.

SERVPRO carefully assesses the situation at your home before crafting a plan and getting work crews moving. Our project managers check for safety issues and help determine if areas of your house offer a healthy environment in which your loved ones can live and sleep during our work. We collaborate closely with your insurance company throughout the process and help provide the evidence needed if you do need a few nights in temporary housing for your health and welfare. Our crews are familiar with a wide range of approaches that keep the soot, smoke, and other debris contained during restoration, including state-of-the-art air scrubbers and professional-grade barriers.

Water & Fire Damage Restorations

As a full-service restoration company, SERVPRO can address the actual charring, smoke, and soot issues and the water and chemical extinguishing agents used to knock down the flames. Water removal and damage recovery precede the fire debris cleanup because moisture leads to secondary damage like mold growth and porous material decomposition so quickly. Once the water damage is under control, we begin cleaning surfaces with effective methods matched to the type of sooty residue. Odor removal is the last step and is the key to making your now-restored house feel like home again.

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties can respond to all the tasks necessary to restore your home after the fire. Call (931) 250-5333 for our speedy dispatch service.

What Is The Best Way To Handle Crossville Fire Damage?

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

You can count on our professionals with state of the art equipment to quickly restore your property so you can return safely after a fire incident.

Dealing With Crossville Fire Damage Restoration Without Smears or Stains

Crossville is a compact city of just over 10,000 residents located in Tennessee. Around 1800, a settler named Samuel Lambeth set up a store at the junction of two well-known trading routes: The Great Stage Road, connecting Knoxville and Nashville, and the Kennedy Stock Road, connecting middle Tennessee with Kentucky. The Lambeth Stores, which later became a tavern, were a central point of the growing community of Crossville. 

Today, you can still see the site where the stores stood. It is at the junction of the crossroads between Stanley Street and Main Street.

Crossville suffered looting and pillaging throughout the Civil War, thanks to standing on the paths used by soldiers on both sides. The town itself was divided in the war – it sent roughly equal numbers of soldiers to both sides of the conflict. 

These days Crossville is an exciting town with a great community spirit and easy access to gorgeous outdoor spaces. Crossville was also the proud site of a free-speech zone, located on the County Courthouse lawn. The zone was home to some fascinating displays, including:

• Chainsaw carvings of a nativity scene
• A miniature Statue of Liberty
• A statue of the flying spaghetti monster

Unfortunately, the flying spaghetti monster proved a bit too controversial, and the area is no longer a free speech zone!

Come and see the Site of a Model Community

One of the most interesting sites in Crossville is the Cumberland Homesteads. In the 1930s, federal planners envisioned the Cumberland Homesteads as a cooperative community model that would help the local area survive the Great Depression. The site had suffered from poor farming practices, and there were many unemployed farmers, miners, and laborers in need of work.

Unfortunately, the site ran into several problems:

• The community store and cannery did not thrive because there were no experienced managers to look after them.
• Local traders did not set up shop in the community as initially planned.
• Efforts to start a mill failed.

The community lacked clear direction, and the Government put an end to the project in the 1940s. However, it is not all bad news! Although the project ended, the community survived, with many original homesteaders staying there until the 1950s.

Today, you can visit the Cumberland Homesteads site and see the impressive Homestead Tower and the original farm buildings, which are made from local crab orchard stone. This stone is known for its lovely reddish glow in the sunlight.

Dealing With the Danger of Smears and Stains After Crossville Smoke Damage

One of our clients' biggest worries during house fire cleanup is the risk of soot stains and smears. Soot is made of very tiny particles, which get everywhere. They settle on surfaces and bond to burned materials and can leave behind stains.

SERVPRO is here to help you get your home back "Like it never even happened." That means no more soot stains. We reduce the risk of smears and marks by:

Assessing the kind of soot, so we know the best cleaning method to deal with it.

Using powerful HEPA vacuums to deal with loose, soft soot and get it out of your home.

Using industry-standard cleaners on stubborn wet or protein soot residues.

For fire damage cleanup that will leave your home free of soot damage, call SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties at (931) 250-5333.

Local Residents Rely on SERVPRO for Fire Restoration in Sparta Properties

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO volunteers to follow the firefighters to a Sparta property for damage cleanup and restoration

SERVPRO Techs Bring Experience and Comprehensive Training for Fire Damage Cleanup in Sparta

Sparta is a unique place in the State of Tennessee. It was once in the running to be the state capital but lost out to Nashville by a single vote. Although the town has under 5,000 residents, it boasts seven sites that have a listing in the National Register of Historic Places. One of the most notable is a small, unassuming structure known as the Rock House, constructed 1835. Originally it was a stop along the stagecoach line. Several famous names stayed at this location, including former Presidents Andrew Jackson and James K. Polk.

Blue Spring Cave

The longest mapped cave in Tennessee is located just outside Sparta and named the Blue Spring Cave. Researchers recorded a total of 38 miles of passages within the cave's network, and the scientists also discovered footprints left behind by now-extinct Pleistocene (Ice Age) jaguars. Specific paths in the cave are flooded, and links to air-filled passages have not yet gotten identified.

Founding of Bluegrass

The city of Sparta is the home of the bluegrass sound that Tennessee is known for. The difference between country music and bluegrass is the bluegrass style relies mostly on stringed instruments. This style of music has some specific techniques:

• Higher pitches
• Close-knit harmonies
• Heavy reliance on guitars, banjos, and violins to drive the sound

Notable People Who Called Sparta Home

Sparta has spawned a large selection of notable people for a small town, including many bluegrass musicians such as Lester Flatt, Benny Martin, inventor of the eight-string fiddle, and Earl Scruggs.

Why is Professional Fire Restoration Better in Sparta Homes?

Fire restoration services in Sparta do not have a single solution. There are different types of residues and an infinite number of surfaces they can upon, and that is just two of the factors that determine the cleaning methods the SERVPRO technicians choose. The techs have to be diligent in determining the construction materials as selecting an incorrect restoration method can cause issues such as:

• Marring of surfaces
• Driving soot into objects
• Causing dyes to bleed
• Wet cleaning leading to shrinkage of textiles

SERVPRO technicians have multiple types of testing, so they do not rely on a single result to ascertain the best cleaning method for soot and smoke damage removal. Another consideration is the type of smoke damage left behind. Dry and wet smoke have specific needs, and intensely pungent protein residues require special handling. They are nearly invisible and can spread rapidly, landing on everything in the vicinity from floor to ceiling.

After removing charred items, cleaning of restorable articles, odor control treatments usually are needed to neutralize any remaining smoke odors. SERVPRO technicians have multiple applications. Some require the evacuation of the home, and others, such as the hydroxyl generator, get rid of airborne odors and are safe for use around people, plants, and pets.

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties at (931) 250-5333 performs fire restoration for local Sparta residents and makes the fire damage, "Like it never even happened."

Restoring Fire Damage in the Quaint Little City of Sparta

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Our crew at SERVPRO can restore your damaged property!

Residents of Culturally Rich Sparta Often Face Fire Threats 

Although relatively small, with a total population of just under 5,000, the quaint city of Sparta is a veritable gold mine of Southern culture and recreation. Located in central Eastern Tennessee, the community boasts a rich musical legacy, offers numerous regional food and drink options, and is a gateway to breathtaking natural environments. Sparta, like Tennessee in general, has long been associated with country music, and the city has developed into a hub for one of its subgenres, bluegrass. Southern gastronomic delights, ranging from Creole cuisine to Memphis style barbecue, can be enjoyed at several establishments in and around town. The naturally beautiful area surrounding Sparta, popularly known as the “Land of Falling Water,” features multiple scenic overlooks, gorges, and waterfalls.

Sparta’s Unique Musical Heritage

Situated in both the American South and Appalachia, Sparta inevitably developed musical styles fostered by those regions. Bluegrass music, a melding of country music with folk, blues, and jazz elements, is the most famous of these musical developments. Since it is generally accepted that Bill Monroe created the bluegrass subgenre in the 1940s, its name is derived from that of his “Bluegrass Boys” band. One of the members of this band, Sparta native Lester Flatt, later became famous as the singer of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett,” the theme song for the popular TV sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. Another hometown boy, Benny Martin, was also instrumental in the subgenre’s advancement. He performed with the Bluegrass Boys and other notable bands and invented the eight-string fiddle often used in bluegrass music.             

Bluegrass-Related Events Held In and Around Town

As a city famous for bluegrass music, it is no surprise that Sparta plays host to a number of bluegrass-related events throughout the year. These are mostly held between May and October and feature live performances from genre artists. The most notable event is the Lester Flatt Memorial Bluegrass Day Celebration held on the second Saturday of October in the city’s Liberty Square. It entertains attendees with multiple attractions, including:

Performances by nationally recognized bluegrass artists

Regional culinary selections

Arts & crafts showcases and offerings

Antique shows

Various exciting games and rides

A massive end-of-program fireworks display

In addition to this celebration, the city also holds a “Bluegrass on the Square” concert, which hosts local bluegrass bands, the third Friday night of every month between May and October. Area establishments, like the Happy Trails Brewing Company, further contribute to the calendar with their live music nights.   

The Delicious Regional Food to be Had in Sparta

Spartan cuisine is essentially Southern in nature, and you can find dishes representative of each part of the region on the area’s various restaurant menus. Some of the better restaurants offering this fare in the city and its environs are:

The Foglight Foodhouse, located just to the southwest of Sparta at 275 Powerhouse Road in Walling

Jack’s Top BBQ and Home Cooking at 22 Mayberry Street, near the city’s center

Tavern Grill at 1 East Maple Street

Templeton Barbecue on the outskirts of town at 999 Smithville Highway

At the local barbecue establishments, you can enjoy beef and pork barbecued using various southern methods. Other restaurants, like the Foglight Foodhouse, offer a combination of traditional southern fare and Cajun dishes. These eateries serve such things as pecan-crusted catfish, crawfish etouffee, and jambalaya with red beans and rice. Before or after meals, diners can also drop by the Happy Trails Brewing Company or the Northfield Vineyard for an adult beverage.

Nearby Natural Wonders to Behold

Sparta is situated in a heavily rural area on the edge of an Appalachian plateau overlooking the basin containing Nashville and its surrounding communities. This geography means that the town is surrounded by nature and is close to numerous gorges, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Locals and visitors can experience such natural wonders in the area’s various state and national parks/forests. Some of the particular wonders they can behold are:

The remarkable 136 feet high waterfalls at Burgess Falls State Park

Rock Island State Park’s “Twin Falls,” which resulted after three local rivers were dammed

The picturesque falls at Lost Creek State Natural Area featured in Disney’s 1994 movie “The Jungle Book”

Scenic overlooks like Welch’s Point and Yellow Bluff that give you a bird’s-eye view of the region’s rugged natural beauty  

As you can imagine, Sparta’s proximity to wilderness environments makes it more prone to suffering wildfires. While these risks are much more pronounced in neighboring Cumberland and Morgan Counties, your helpful SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties, would like to remind you to remain ever-vigilant against this potential threat and to always be mindful of possible kitchen hazards. Also, if you ever need fire damage restoration service, call us anytime at (931) 250-5333.

What Can SERVPRO Do if a Fire Damages My Sparta Home?

Sparta area homeowners can rest assured that, if they ever experience the effects of a house fire, the experts at SERVPRO know the most effective methods of completing fire damage restoration work on their home. A few of the measures our highly trained professionals employ in their efforts are:

Using high-velocity box fans and cutting edge air movers to force odorous smoky air from residences

Employing highly effective air scrubbers to extract smoke particles from interior air and surfaces

Removing soot residues from ventilation networks with HVAC cleaning systems

Eliminating smelly airborne particles with ozone generators and Vaportek systems

Using abrasive, dry, or wet methods to clean acidic residues off of impacted surfaces

Injecting carpeting and upholstery with EPA-approved deodorants

Deodorizing impacted materials and spaces with high-tech, smell-counteracting foggers  

Through all of these innovative efforts, our technicians are often able to return fire-damaged homes to their pre-fire condition more quickly than other area remediators can. 

So, whenever your home is damaged by a wildfire or an unfortunate accident like a kitchen mishap, remember that there is a local service that can help you recover quickly. Call SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties for assistance at (931) 250-5333.

Are Smoke and Soot Damages in Sparta Restorable With Cleaning?

10/11/2020 (Permalink)

Did your home suffer recent fire damage? Contact SERVPRO for effective fire damage remediation services.

The Result of Fire Damage Can Be Extensive Soiling, Soots, and Staining. SERVPRO Can Arrest the Development of Permanent Soils in your Sparta Home.

Does bleach work on soot and smoke residues?

Getting rid of spots and stains in your Sparta home after a fire event can be challenging. Bleaches are widely available household products that seek to reverse the coloration of stains rather than remove them. Color stains occur because soils chemically bond with the surfaces they contact. These chemical reactions can occur under the higher temperatures of a fire. When using bleaches, it is crucial to avoid application on dyed materials as bleach can remove dye and soils. Reducing bleaches are useful when cleaning soots or smokes from hardwoods. These bleaches can strip the surface of the wood. It can then be refinished to ensure a uniform end product. While bleaching products can be practical in fire restoration, especially for protein fires, they are rarely the primary cleaning method SERVPRO uses to clean properties with soot and smoke soils.

Why are soot and smoke residues challenging to eliminate?

A property with fire damage in Sparta is likely to have a mix of soils and soots. Some of these soils may be easier to remove using dry cleaning or vacuuming. Other soots may bond to surfaces becoming tough to separate. SERVPRO technicians need to be ready to choose the right cleaning method to separate soots from the surface. The correct technique depends mostly on the type of soots as well as the type of surface. In some situations, a quick solution is to lubricate the surface, which can break the bond. A typical example of lubrication could be using detergent, which both lubricates and emulsifies the soils on the surface. Our technicians only opt for detergents in situations where a pre-test result shows water-based stain composition. Using a detergent on a wet or oily smoke can make matters worse.

What are the best methods for separating bonded soots from surfaces?

• Chemical actions which can alter the composition of soots or stains
• Suspension and dispersion are among the most common, which dissolve soots from a surface.
• Mechanical cleaning avoids using chemicals in favor of friction that can break the bond between soot and surface through repetitive agitation.

Can materials suffer damage from cleaning agents?

A vital role of a restoration technician is to understand how cleaning methods affect surface materials. Aggressive action, whether chemical or mechanical, generally gets the fastest results; however, certain materials can become damaged using an overly aggressive approach. There is a careful balancing act that fire and smoke damage restoration technicians (FSRT) apply when cleaning a surface. These materials may include items like marble, fabrics, textiles, and other porous or semi-porous materials. Many materials in your home are restorable by applying proper chemical action, so SERVPRO operates with a restore over replace mentality.

What techniques are useful for surface cleaning?

• Spray and wiping is a non-aggressive, quick-drying technique applicable to most surfaces.
• Foam Cleaning may take longer but is useful for materials that could become damaged by excess water or temperature.
• Shampooing is useful for upholstery and textiles to remove both stains and odors from the furniture.

What cleaning products clear away soot from fragile surfaces?

There are likely to be many fragile materials in your Sparta home. These surfaces require extra care and attention to avoid causing secondary harm during the cleaning process. Absorption is a method that we use for materials that are too fragile for solvents or excessive moisture. To clean a delicate surface, SERVPRO technicians apply an absorbent powder. These draw water and soils and residues into the powder, which can then be extracted using vacuum techniques. We commonly use absorbent powders on semi-porous materials like concrete, brickwork, marble, and textiles as these materials typically respond poorly to high volume wet washing. Absorbent powders are combinable with solvents, which produce a thick paste that can dry on the material before being vacuumed.

What consideration is there for applying chemical cleaning agents?

• The type of surface or material, including dye, fabric composition, and porosity which can affect the impact of a chemical cleaning agent
• The aggressiveness of the cleaning action being applied or the pH balance of the solvent/cleaning agent
• Results of a pre-test on a discrete area of the fabric or material which can reveal whether a solvent causes any unnecessary damage
• Always consult the manufacturer guidance for both the cleaning product being used, correct dilution, and the material's recommended products.

Getting rid of soils, soots, and smoke residues can be a challenge and, without effective administration, could cause further harm to the materials you are cleaning. For expert advice, contact SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties at (931) 250-5333.

How Can I Get the Fire Damage Odors Out of My Belongings in Crossville?

9/6/2020 (Permalink)

Getting the smells of a fire out of your home is a tricky job. Contact SERVPRO 24/7 for assistance and professional remediation services.

SERVPRO Technicians Perform Fire and Smoke Odor Restoration Services for Crossville Homeowners Restoration

Crossville residents may think that the worst is over after a home fire is successfully suppressed. However, soot and smoke odors can have lingering effects on surfaces in your home. Not only are fire damage odors unpleasant, but they can also indicate areas in the home that can be vulnerable to stains and corrosion if soot makes contact with moisture.

SERVPRO offers emergency response services for Crosville homeowners in need of fire and smoke odor restoration. This firm’s Odor Control Technicians (OCTs) are trained to meet restoration industry benchmarks determined by such organizations as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).

What Causes Fire Damage Odors?

Some fires, regardless of the size, can leave lingering odors and stains that last for weeks, or even months on end. Here is what Crossville homeowners need to know about the science behind fire damage odors:

• Particles of incomplete combustion (PICs). These microscopic odor-causing particles are as small as ten microns in diameter, or one percent of the thickness of a dime.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The compounds, along with PICs, can infiltrate a variety of surfaces through porous materials or nooks and crannies in nonporous items. These residues can even hide behind walls and underneath your flooring. Without professional treatment, these odors can linger for months after a fire.
• Components found in soot and smoke. When a fire burns, the odors can aid in determining what materials are burning. Wood fixtures and framing, for example, can give off a smell akin to a campfire. The gases that create this odor include:

• Carbon monoxide (CO)
• Benzene and formaldehyde
• Acetic and formic acid
• Various heavy metals and phenols
• Nitrogen oxides (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2)

Burnt plastics and fabrics can also leave behind unpleasant odors and soils that can indicate what chemicals are released into the air along with carbon particles. SERVPRO’s commercial-grade sanitation solutions are designed to handle tough odors and soils that consumer cleaning products cannot restore successfully.

How Do Smoke Odors Affect Porous Materials?

SERVPRO takes on odor control solutions for a variety of porous items affected by smoke odors and soot particles. Fire damage residues penetrate and settle on all types of surfaces, even ones that Crossville homeowners might not immediately expect. Commonly affected porous items include:

• Curtains, drapes, and upholstery. Cleaning these items with a home vacuum cleaner can inadvertently push soot and soils deeper into wood and fabrics. SERVPRO professionals handle these items with care during the restoration process. If your belongings require specialized cleaning, this team can refer you to a licensed professional who can perform the necessary services.
• Hardwood flooring. Hardwood can be challenging due to the likelihood of soot penetrating planks. Depending on the extent of the damage, hardwood can often be preserved with proactive refinishing if cleaning does not provide the necessary results. In cases where extensive damage has occurred, replacement may be required.
• Wood furniture. Cleaning the soot residues from wood furniture requires a careful balance of being sufficient enough to remove damage while affecting wood stains and finishes as little as possible. SERVPRO technicians can use proprietary mitigation solutions such as Wood Creme Paste or abrasion cleaning to address heavy soot stains and surface charring.
• Clothes and bedding. Even clothes and linens kept in closets or drawers can suffer from fire damage residues and odors. While a regular wash can remove light odors, a commercial-grade solution may be needed to prevent accidental corrosion of appliances through exposure to soot and moisture.

How Can SERVPRO OCTs Mitigate Fire and Smoke Odors?

Odor control professionals at SERVPRO can use a variety of deodorizing solutions to address fire damage in your home, depending on the extent of damage present on your Crossville property.

• Light smoke odors are typically defined as being confined to a small area with no structural damage and minimal visible residues. Technicians can remove any discernible sources of odors before increasing ventilation and cleaning with an EPA-registered deodorizing detergent solution.
• Moderate smoke odors are characterized as being on both horizontal and vertical surfaces with some structural damage that affects a larger area of your home. The steps taken for light cleaning are pursued first before moving on to using ultra-low volume (ULV) fogging for odor control. Your HVAC system may need to be fully cleaned and sealed.
• Heavy fire damage odors require comprehensive solutions. Structural materials are first sprayed with an odor counteractant, and exposed timber is sealed during the deodorization process. Hardwood furniture with severe smoke odors can be treated with dry solvent deodorizers. Deodorization with activated oxygen may be necessary.

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties serves the community with mitigation and restoration services that are Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (931) 250-5333 to start cleanup within hours of your initial contact.

How Can Restorers Work Without Harm or Injury in My Fire-Damaged Crossville Home?

8/9/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage can create hazardous situations for you and your family in your own home. Call SERVPRO for professional fire damage restoration.

Even in the Chaotic Mess Created by the Flames, Smoke, and Soot, SERVPRO Delivers Premier Fire Restoration Results Safely in Crossville

When a home suffers fire damage, a long list of dangerous circumstances can confront workers arriving to set matters to rights. Homeowners in Crossville are sensible to be concerned about both their own and our team's safety during the restoration process. Safety hazards require identification, evaluation, and control. Fire damage restoration always includes hazards and dangerous conditions. With adherence to the industry's best practices, the effects of a fire disaster can resolve without injury or undesired health effects for either occupants or restorers.

Why Do Restoration Professionals Inspect Every Fire Damage Site with an Open Mind?

Probably the most dangerous attitude a fire damage restoration worker at your Crossville residence can hold is to think they know what dangers exist without an inspection. Although many general safety concerns are the same across sites, each house's attributes impact how the safety risk plays out. Our project managers take the pre-planning safety inspection very seriously. They look for safety risks such as:

• The configuration of the electrical and other utility lines/systems
• The presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint
• The category of the water used for firefighting still standing inside the house or absorbed into structures or contents
• The air quality in space that needs fire mitigation, remediation, and restoration services
• The weakening of supporting structures because of charring, corrosive residues, or water damage, including overhead risks
• The growth of mold or other pathogens because of fire-related water damage

Does the Fire Restoration Work Stop Because of the Safety Risks?

SERVPRO managers and technicians do not shy away from hazardous conditions. Instead, they educate themselves about how the safety risk can be controlled so that we can restore the fire damage, returning your Crossville home to preloss condition. Homeowners can foster a safe environment by sharing pertinent information with the restorers and learning about the proposed project plan. We work closely with you to establish a secure worksite, communicating clearly and completely expectations for our work crew and you and your family.

What Are Some Examples of Actions that Promote Safety During Fire Restoration?

Organizing the work site

• Clear delineation of equipment, tool, and product storage areas (equipment and products can harm you if misused)
• Using signs or barriers to create a perimeter around the workspace (preventing the chance of injury to your loved ones)
• Consistent clean up of work area after work sessions (minimizing avoidable safety lapses like slipping, tripping, spilling)
• Sort debris from restorable materials, but get homeowner and insurance carrier acquiescence before disposal)

Identifying Hazards Occupants Should Avoid

Your loved ones and you are not adequately protected from contaminated air, water, and toxic residues, and should stay out of active work areas. Ask about the reasons partial evacuation is recommended if you are confused or concerned.

Implementation of Controls

Fire damage restoration is most successful when performed immediately and completed quickly. Our technicians thus must control the environment to get the needed tasks done. Here are some ways our restoration team manipulates the surroundings to stay safely on task. Here are some considerations:

• Elimination or Substitution—Can we sidestep the safety hazard or use a safer way to achieve the desired result?

Example: shut down the electricity if wiring is damaged or in the way near where work needs completion

• Engineering—Can we alter the conditions to reduce the hazard?

Example: use a negative pressure air scrubber to reduce airborne particulates in the work area 

• Proactive and Administrative Efforts—Can we prepare and train workers to take safety precautions?  Will scheduling work at certain times help?

Example: enroll managers and technicians in the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) before sending them out on fire damage restoration jobs

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)—Can we shield workers from exposure to the hazards through the use of head-to-toe PPE?

Do My Family, and I Need to Evacuate Our Home During Fire Restoration?

The answer to this question varies with the situation. We pledge to do everything possible to create an area within your home where your family can thrive while we restore surfaces and clean up debris. Sometimes it is simply too dangerous to remain in your fire-damaged home. Our commitment is to work closely with you and your insurance company to make the safest decision. Compromised air quality, exposure to the elements when exterior building materials suffered damage, and weakened structural integrity are all part of the equation.

Strict adherence to safety best practices keeps your loved ones, you, and our workers from harm while SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties completes fire damage restoration. Line up our services by calling (931) 250-5333 even before the firefighters wrap up their tasks.

Can I Salvage Burnt Contents from a Housefire?

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

If you have an electrical fire in your Fairfield Glade home, call the professionals of SERVPRO to mitigate your problem.

Many Contents with Fire Damage Are Restorable. Call SERVPRO For Fire Restoration Assistance.

Do I need to replace home appliances after a fire?

Your Fairfield Glade home is likely full of appliances that could sustain smoke or soot stains in a fire. Refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, and dishwashers are just a few items that are expensive to replace after a home fire. Equally, they are impossible to keep with odor-causing soot or soiling. Finishes on appliances can melt or bubble, which may cause synthetic odors like the smell of burning plastic to pervade your home. We operate with a restore over replace mentality. Our technicians can remove appliances, inspect their connections to your plumbing or electrics as well as surface soiling on the appliance itself. Hard surfaces, like those on appliances, are usually resistant to temperature and soot, which gives them a strong chance of successful restoration.

How do I remove soots from appliances?

The approach for removing fire damage from appliances in your Fairfield home is similar to our approach for hard surfaces. The material construction of these contents is usually nonabsorbent, like metals, plastics, glass, and Formica. Non-porous materials are easy to clean because soot do not penetrate the material itself but can, in some cases, bond with the surface. Our technicians rely on wet-cleaning methods which involve water-based cleaning solutions. Introducing water to a hard surface is safe because there is little chance of pushing soot further into the surface. The advantage of avoiding solvents it is not chemically dangerous and requires less application time when removing soot.

What are the top tips for cleaning appliances?

• Use a dry sponge, cloth or feather duster to remove excess soiling from the surface of the appliance
• Apply a surface cleaner directly onto the surface then apply a rinsing agent to remove any streaks
• Finish cleaning the surface using a polish to return the appliance to its preloss condition

Why do some soot residues remain on appliances after cleaning?

The composition of this un-combusted soiling is influential in the effectiveness of the cleaning method. Some house fires burn synthetic materials or protein and grease like kitchen fires. These deposits are classifiable as wet smoke and may require further attention because they repel water. Wet smokes are easy to spread around without the correct cleaning method. It is often necessary to apply a strong alkaline, oil-based solvent that can bond with the grease-based soiling. Once the soiling bonds with the solvent, it becomes suspended and can be washed away using an alkaline rinsing agent. Measuring the type of soot you are dealing with is essential if you want to avoid causing further damage to your home. SERVPRO pre-test materials for the type of smoke can help us decide the most effective restoration method.

What can I do to remove stubborn burned spills in ovens and stoves?

• Apply a full-strength industrial cleaner onto the surface and allow it to soak
• Pull out removable fittings to get greater access to the surface
• Once deposits are dissolved in the industrial cleaning liquid, scrub the surface using steel wool or stiff brush
• Scrub greasy residues and check ventilation hoods, ducts along with both interior and exterior of the stove

How can I remove yellowing from wooden surfaces?

At high temperatures, some types of wood surface finish can discolor. Usually, this discoloration manifests as yellowing on parts of the surface. SERVPRO technicians can restore light wood damage by applying wood creme to the affected surface. Using light steel-wool we can gently clean the surface to restore it to its original condition. If woods have direct exposure, there is a chance that the finish burns away entirely and can char parts of the naked surface on the wood. When there are visible signs of wood damage, technicians can use soda blasting to abraid surface levels of the wood gently before refinishing it to a good condition.

Do I need a specialist for electrical repair after a fire?

Items in the home that have complex construction or electricity running through them need assessment and repair from a qualified electrician. Restorers can perform initial cleaning of the electronic device without causing damage before bringing in a specialist for service and repair. As part of our stress-free claim, SERVPRO can enlist trusted third-parties on your behalf so that you only have to deal with one point of contact from start to finish. At the end of service, we can pass on paperwork to an insurance adjuster.

If your appliances become coated in, soot or smoke residues use a professional restoration service to return it to its preloss condition. Contact SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties at (931) 250-5333.

Fire Damage In Your Crossville Home

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

You can call (931) 250-5333 for rapid disaster cleanup that starts within hours of your initial contact.s

Eliminating Bathroom Fire Damage from a Crossville Home

Something that Tennessee homeowners may not expect to catch fire in their home is the bathroom exhaust fan. However, the buildup of dust and lint over time can create a hidden fire hazard that can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damages if left unchecked. No matter what time of the day or night this occurs, there is a team available to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you have fire damage in your Crossville residence's bathroom, IICRC-certified SERVPRO technicians are just a phone call away from removing debris and restoring your home to A preloss condition. Not only do these professionals receive extensive training in disaster mitigation standards and techniques, but they also undergo additional self-paced education. These learning opportunities are designed to expand their knowledge so they can better assist homeowners when disasters occur.

Maintaining Your Bathroom Exhaust Fan
    •    Remove dust buildup. You can wipe away the dust with a wet cloth and rinse it with warm, soapy water. Submerging the faceplate in warm water also helps remove debris. In between cleanings, use a few bursts of compressed air to remove buildup. A thorough cleaning should take place twice a year.
    •    Swap incandescent bulbs for LEDs. Not only are LEDs long-lasting energy-saving solutions for your bathroom lighting, but they emit less heat and decrease the electrical load on both the circuit and exhaust fan in your bathroom.
    •    Implement a timer switch. A timer can lessen the load on your exhaust fans and minimize fire risk.
    •    Keep the ducts clean. You can use a flexible duct-cleaning extension kit to get into hard-to-reach spots. If you prefer to have a professional do it, contact a licensed electrician.

How SERVPRO Removes Damage
SERVPRO technicians can quickly evaluate the source of the issue and clean your bathroom thoroughly. For mild soot deposits on walls and ceilings, dry cleaning sponges may be used. Technicians work from ceiling to floor to minimize the spread of soils and debris after cleaning. Wet cleaning with EPA-registered antimicrobials can also help eliminate certain odors.

Technicians can also check your bathroom vents, as well as those in adjacent rooms, for debris. They can also replace filters that have been contaminated by such damage. Odor Control Technicians (OCTs) can deodorize the interior with a UL V fogger, which uses water solvent-based materials to remove odors.

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is a name you can count on for service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. You can call (931) 250-5333 for rapid disaster cleanup that starts within hours of your initial contact.

For more about Crossville click here.

Our Technicians Can Restore Your Fire Damaged Home In Crossville

12/21/2019 (Permalink)

A call to us is an invitation to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

Don’t Face the Heat Alone In Crossville

The colder months are ideal for families and friends in Crossville to get together and cozy up at home.  Nothing beats the feeling of bundling up by the fireplace while enjoying a pleasant evening with your loved ones.  As we set up for these gatherings, we may light our fireplace and aromatic candles while we turn on the heat.  All of these activities can pose a risk to our home and cause an accidental fire, which is why we need to be cautious.  Electrical issues and open flames are among the top causes of home fires nationwide.

SERVPRO technicians work every day in Crossville to restore homes victim of fire damage.  The cleanup process may appear simple, but it is not as clear-cut as some may imagine.  Whenever there are soot and smoke remains on your walls and furniture, you require a specialized team to help you get rid of it.  The training our crew receives helps them identify the composition of the residue in your home and remedy it accordingly.  Generally speaking, organic materials such as wood leave fine dust behind, while plastics and manmade materials leave a stickier residue on your property.

Fire damage cleanup goes above and beyond, cleaning the visible evidence of the fire.  It also entails purifying your air and removing any lingering odors.  Many owners are surprised to find that even the smallest flames can leave behind an offending smell that clings to fabrics and drapes even in unaffected areas of the home.  When you reach out to SERVPRO, we offer an array of solutions to eliminate the problem.  If you think a deodorizing pellet is enough to do the job, you will soon discover that most damage requires industry-grade techniques.  Our crew applies its knowledge to neutralize and eliminate the smell, which may include air scrubbing, fogging, and the use of ozone generators.  As a homeowner, you can rely on our expertise and make the smell be a thing of the past.

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is here to help keep your home in tip-top shape during the winter months.  Even if a small fire threatens to derail your plans, we are available at (931) 250-5333.  A call to us is an invitation to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Crossville click here.

Crossville Fire Loss in Your Home? Call SERVPRO for Full-Service Cleanup, Restoration, and Build Back!

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Don't Duck Rapid Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Crossville--Call SERVPRO

Fire Damage Gurus In Crossville Tell Us About Hazard Assessments and Controls

One day you could find yourself in a situation where you notice the smell of smoke inside your Crossville residence. Once you can smell these partially combusted particles entering your nasal system, fire damage has occurred in your home. When a blaze happens inside your house, building materials and contents can get ruined, and burnt materials can also cause several safety hazards. An excellent choice for fire damage mitigation is to call in the professionals at SERVPRO.

For example, fire damage occurring inside your Crossville building can cause things like drywall falling from your ceiling. This burnt drywall could land on one of the occupants in your house. The torched building materials could also cause you to breathe in charred particles. All of this is why our team of SERVPRO experts first works on making your structure safe for you and our technicians.

As soon as we show up on your property, we immediately begin assessing the situation for safety hazards. As a routine, our SERVPRO team that is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification or IICRC program always removes any potential safety issues before any work begins. During the initial inspection, we also figure out the extent of your damage and scope out the plan of action for cleanup and restoration.

Whenever contents or structural components get burnt inside your home, there is more than one safety hazard that can exist. If water interfered with the electrical wiring or building materials got burnt around it and caused a short, we can shut off your electricity and then eventually repair the problem.

Other safety hazards that can exist during a fire include incidents such as slip, trip, and fall hazards due to water used to put out the fire or fallen debris. We can also help mitigate inadequate lighting hazards created by burnt or otherwise malfunctioning light fixtures by adding work lights to the affected area. Since we are a full-service restoration company, we can also complete the necessary repair work, "Like it never even happened."

When a fire burns, our technicians are here to help. Anytime you need assistance from a professional restoration company, call SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan, and White Counties at (931) 250-5333.

Advantages of Professional Fire Damage Remediation in Fairfield Glade

10/19/2019 (Permalink)

We know what it takes to get your Fairfield Glade home back on the top from fire damage.

SERVPRO will show you the advantages of our help with your Fairfield Glade home.

When a Fairfield Glade residence suffers a fire loss, a determined homeowner might try to clean up smoke and soot damage as a do-it-yourself project. A decision to try to clear away the residues caused by the combustion of structural components and the contents of your home is understandable.  The specialized nature of smoke and soot cleanup makes the goal difficult to achieve. Work with us to ensure mitigation and remediation efforts occur in a timely fashion, following the restoration industry's best practices.

Safety Issues Require Professional Attention

When fire damages your Fairfield Glade home safety concerns during cleaning are a high priority. Water used in extinguishing the flames needs evacuation to avoid slips and falls and secondary water damage. As a blaze moves from room to room, no items are spared. Synthetic materials common in home construction and decor create toxic residues that can be harmful to breathe and cause irritation when they touch your skin. Because of these concerns, we follow a protocol that requires our technicians to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing cleaning tasks and activities. 

Containment and Air-Filtering Strategies

Often SERVPRO sets up a containment area, isolating the affected space during work phases. Negative pressure air scrubbers ensure airborne contaminants pass through HEPA filters, capturing them for safe and lawful disposal. The use of air scrubbers can permit clean areas of your home to remain available as living spaces during a project. Remaining in your home during cleanup limits disruption and is cost-effective.

Matching Soils to Appropriate Products and Techniques

Smoke created by fire contains solids that deposit on surfaces as soot. Depending on the temperature of the blaze, the amount of oxygen available, and the materials burned, the sooty residue consistencies vary. SERVPRO technicians receive training targeted at selecting appropriate methods and products to loosen and lift different types of soot from structural components and contents. Completion of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) coursework plus on the job mentoring from more experienced crew members lead to successful results.

Count on the crews from SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties to deliver consistently high-quality fire damage remediation services. Call (931) 250-5333 any time, 24/7, to arrange an assessment and preliminary mitigation and remediation plan.

To learn more about Fairfield Glade, click here.

The Different Cleaning Actions We Use To Restore Your Fire Damaged Home In Crossville

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Any time something burns on your Crossville property, soot removal can become a large part of the restoration process.

Fire Damage Experts In Crossville Describe The Different Cleaning Actions

Any time something burns on your Crossville property, soot removal can become a large part of the restoration process. Smoke can add to your overall fire damage situation when it solidifies in the form of soot residues and soils. These soils can adhere to the various surfaces in your home and can sometimes be difficult to remove. When cleaning soot residues, our SERVPRO technicians utilize a variety of techniques.

When cleaning soot created by fire damage in your Crossville home, the idea is to break the link between the surface and the soil it is covering. For this to happen, one of these four cleaning actions must be implemented.

1. Mechanical Action
Known by some as "elbow grease," scrubbing and physical agitation can help dislodge soil particles. Even if our SERVPRO technicians know they need to use another method, we still often use mechanical action first. Loosening up the dirt can allow the other cleaning actions to work more effectively.

2. Lubrication
When surfaces get lubricated, they get slippery. Lubrication can help break the bond between the surface and the soil. The idea is that soils will get washed away by water or other chemicals if the surface is slippery enough.

3. Chemical Action
Chemical action occurs when one substance chemically changes or alters another molecule. Chemical action gets used in cleaning to alter the chemical composition of the soot residue. Once the soil molecules change, they no longer adhere to surfaces making them easily wiped or washed away.

4. Suspension and Dispersion
The most commonly used cleaning action is to suspend and disperse particles once their bond to the surface has loosened up. Suspension can take place when soil dissolves into a cleaning product. It can also occur when a soil emulsifies into a product.

Many cleaning operations use all of these cleaning actions. For example, when cleaning your car, you use water pressure to agitate the dirt, then soap to lubricate and chemically loosen up the soils. Suspension and dispersion then take place when the dirt combines with the soapy water and runs down into the ground.

If you ever notice soot residue inside your Fairfield Glade, Crab Orchard, or Sunbright home, call SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties at (931) 250-5333 any day of the week because We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Crossville click here.

Our Crew Can Remove Soot From Your Crossville Apartment

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

You can count on the fast response and expertise of our SERVPRO team to make fire loss effects “Like it never even happened.”

Soot Removal In Damaged Crossville Apartments

Many widespread effects can result from a fire loss incident in your Crossville apartment. Some of these concerns must get addressed first as they can work to prevent damages from affecting other units, but more localized threats can also become a hazard to your residence if they are not removed and restored quickly and confidently. Soot residue can often be a troublesome effect to deal with as cleaning it without the appropriate equipment, and cleaning agents can result in staining the surface where it rests.

As a carcinogen, soot can also be a hazard to the breathing air in your apartment, making it a priority on the fire cleanup list for restoration specialists. Our SERVPRO team has extensive training in all facets of fire restoration in Crossville, including the use of specialized, high-powered vacuums, scrubbers, and brushes ideal for removing soot residue without damaging the material underneath.

In addition to the widespread effects of soot and smoke residues on surfaces and contents throughout your unit, our SERVPRO team must also address the airborne particulates. We have a unique array of air purification equipment that can help us to lower debris, soot, smoke, and dust content in the environment. A single air scrubber or hydroxyl generator can address a broad area of your damaged property, and we bring multiple machines to a recovery job to make it as efficient and thorough as possible.

It is always advisable to trust in the experience and equipment of our team when removing potentially hazardous or damaging effects from your apartment. Once a surface becomes stained, it is often impossible to restore it to its original condition. Even with our advanced equipment and extensive training in fire recovery, we cannot always overcome the damages of human error.

Soot is a common effect after a fire loss incident and one that can spread quickly throughout a smaller residence like an apartment. You can count on the fast response and expertise of our SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties team to make fire loss effects “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (931) 250-5333.

Click here for more about Crossville.

When Odors Linger In Your Crossville Property, Our Crew Is Here To Help!

4/8/2019 (Permalink)

Call us at (931) 250-5333 for an assessment and fast response to this serious and nagging problem.

Help From SERVPRO Professionals When Fire Damage Odor Lingers In Crossville

During the time elapsed since fire roared through your Crossville home, we are proud to report a 180-degree turnaround on your property. The firefighting water and chemicals are gone, structures and fixtures are dry, all surfaces are clean, and necessary repairs are complete. Your house looks “Like it never even happened,” but a considerable concern remains. Smoky smells and an unpleasant stench of melted plastics and laminates and smoldering fabrics remains. Our job is not done until the odors are eliminated as thoroughly as the soot and charring.

Fire damage includes odor in your Crossville abode, and it is impossible for you and your family to push the terror and worry of a household fire behind if the smell lingers. Our technicians train in advanced odor elimination, focusing on the noxious smells that the combustion of a broad range of materials leaves airborne and settled on surfaces. We follow a step by step protocol to eliminate the odors permanently, not content to use distracting cover-ups that fade away with time and frequently cause an even more distressing aroma when mixed with the fire-related odors.

SERVPRO deodorization technicians first comb through the entire fire scene to make sure no burned materials remain, including behind walls, under floors, or above ceilings. If fixtures like woodwork, cabinets, and flooring retain odor-bearing particles on the surface or absorbed into the cells of the material targeted cleaning with specialized products might dislodge the smell. Sometimes sealing surfaces works to block the odors from vaporizing. This technique is sometimes used when indicated to seal off sections of HVAC and air duct systems that retain fire odors after cleaning.

Odors that remain pose challenges overcome by sophisticated methods and cutting edge equipment. SERVPRO employs tools like thermal foggers that recreate the conditions during the fire. Deodorizers are combusted in heated chambers and, the fog spread to find, combine with, and neutralize odor particles. We also consider ozone machines and hydroxyl generators that change the odor-bearing airborne and settled residues at the molecular level, rendering them scentless.

Rely on SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties to clear the fire damage odors from your home permanently. Call us at (931) 250-5333 for an assessment and fast response to this serious and nagging problem.

Click here for more about Crossville.

Our Fire Damage Specialists Explain Our Restoration Process After A Fire In Your Fairfield Glade Home

3/5/2019 (Permalink)

We can work with you to get your property back to its best after extensive damages, contact SERVPRO at (931) 250-5333 twenty-four hours a day.

Major Fire Damage Restoration Procedure In Fairfield Glade

A major fire in your home can be an extremely emotional situation. Having to relocate to a safe temporary accommodation is hard enough, not to mention anxiety relating to your possessions. We are a service you can trust to provide professional remediation and to go the extra mile in restoring your contents. Extensive damages can often require general contractors, remodeling work and contents cleaning; we are here to help you every step of the way.

Excessive fire damage in Fairfield Glade can get expensive quickly. SERVPRO promise to operate with a restore over replace mentality. That means using the latest equipment and industry-leading training to salvage materials. We achieve this primarily by performing a pack out service. That involves creating an inventory of your possessions and moving them to a specialized cleaning facility. The itemized list can include any materials that are considered non-salvageable can be noted for passing on to your insurance adjuster.

At a cleaning facility, SERVPRO can use mechanical cleaning methods for expensive fabrics, upholstery, and clothing. We use Esporta washing machines which use hydraulic power to clean up to 90% of soiling on fabrics. For dense materials, our ultrasonic cleaning tanks can restore precious metals or valuables. Not all items can be salvaged after significant property damage, but you can trust us to do everything we can to restore your possessions to preloss conditions.

Usually, a major scale fire can damage structural components. A pack out procedure can help to clear space for general contractors to move in and begin repair work on the structure. SERVPRO technicians can make the property safe for contractors to do their work, restore property power and remove potential hazards. We liaise with third-parties on your behalf, so you only have to deal with one company throughout the process.

We can work with you to get your property back to its best after extensive damages, contact SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties at (931) 250-5333 twenty-four hours a day.

Click here for more about Fairfield Glade.

Our Trained Experts Are Prepared To Restore Your Crossville Home

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

Our experts can handle removing soot and smoke from your home call them today so you can safely return.

Top Priorities in Restoring your Crossville Home after Fire Damage

Promptly recovering your home after a natural disaster is always a top priority, but the need for speed is probably most felt when there is fire damage to your home. Aside from the effects of the flames, the water and chemicals used to put out the fire can also add to the damage of your home, which is why homeowners must seek the most competent advice in short order. Reaching out to a professionally trained team can make the difference between a long drawn out, cumbersome restoration process and a more efficient one 

At SERVPRO our technicians have been trained specifically to address fire damage to your home in Crossville. Because we recognize that acting quickly is extremely important in the restoration process, we have designed our services to be available 24/7 and are standing by ready to act upon receiving your call. Many people do not realize that even though the fire is gone your home continues to be vulnerable until the restoration process begins, which is why enlisting our help rapidly is very important. 

Our SERVPRO Green Fleet has been trained to assess the damage upon arriving to your property. Keeping safety in mind, we are prepared to board up windows and openings caused by the fire to avoid the intrusion of outdoor elements into your home. Using personal protective equipment (PPE), we will conduct a thorough evaluation of the most immediate needs as well as damages not yet apparent but still attributed to the fire. By documenting this whole process, we become your resource when contacting your insurer to file a claim and can even offer insight into the extent of the remediation process. At the same time, we will attempt to save as much of your home’s structure and personal belongings as possible. 

The restoration of your home after fire damage is not a one-step endeavor. Our SERVPRO team is equipped and trained to handle the removal of smoke and soot from different kinds of surfaces and follow it with deodorizing and disinfecting techniques. Assuming that there is also extensive water damage caused by efforts to quell the fire, we will make sure that your home’s moisture levels are back to normal and that there are no hidden areas of concern that might result in a problem later on. The use of infrared technology, air movers, and other techniques all contribute to returning your home’s atmosphere to its natural balance. 

We hope your home is never the victim of fire, but if it is please know that SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties is available at (931) 250-5333 whenever you need us. It is always our goal to make your home look like nothing ever happened. 

Check out The Historic Palace Theatre click here for more information.

3 Risk Prevention Strategies To Protect Your Home In Crossville From Fire Damage

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

While candles may be a nice addition to your home's atmosphere, they are also a frequent cause of house fires across the country.

Risk Prevention Strategies For Fire Damage In Crossville

Although SERVPRO can help you take care of fire damage in your Crossville home quickly, you would doubtless be better off without having to deal with the problem in the first place. Prevention is the most critical factor influencing long-term costs associated with fire and smoke damage to American homes, and with a few small lifestyle changes, you can avoid many of the unfortunate fires that result from these high-risk habits.

Smoke Outside
We frequently get calls to help take care of fire damage in Crossville homes caused by the smoking of tobacco products. Most tobacco products can fill your home with hard-to-remove smoke odors just as quickly as a fire can, and can also start fires when improperly snuffed out. Smoking outdoors, preferably on a stone patio or away from the home, maybe an easy change to make that decreases your risk of accidentally starting a fire.

Artificial Candles
Many people enjoy the soothing scents and sights of a candle in one or several rooms of their homes, but while candles may be a nice addition to your home's atmosphere, they are also a frequent cause of house fires across the country. Replacing traditional candles with air fresheners and electric imitations can keep the same ambiance in your home without a significant risk of starting a fire.

Keep The Fireplace Empty
When the weather grows colder, homes across America light up their hearths to save on heating bills and give their living rooms a nice, warm glow. However, overuse of a fireplace can commonly result in a large house fire igniting very rapidly. While fireplaces are not very dangerous when being tended and watched, you should avoid letting them burn to save on heating costs.

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties can help to mitigate and reverse damage caused by fire in your home. Call us at (931) 250-5333.

Click here for more about Crossville.

Dealing with Fire Damage From An Unexpected Firework Show? SERVPRO Can Help!

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

Our team is here to protect your home and shed from fire damage.

Leftover Fireworks can Cause Fire Damage in Garages and Sheds in Wartburg

While many residents in Wartburg rarely have fireworks leftover after Independence Day, setting off any that you find during other times can result in problems with neighbors and possibly law enforcement. When people come across forgotten explosive items, storing them in the relative safety of the backyard shed or the garage seems like the most logical option, as New Year's Day also provides an outlet for these items.

However, if heat builds up where you stored these on your property in Wartburg, it can sustain severe fire damage. Even though these areas of your property do not affect your family's living space directly, such damage can create unsafe conditions that your children, as well as their friends, might become interested in and decide to explore.

Many members of the SERVPRO team have children of their own and understand that keeping our youth safe from harm is a vital part of family life. We want to help you protect your family from further trauma by cleaning up such damage and making things safe again, quite “Like it never even happened.”

Our IICRC-certified team members go in and wipe everything down that became covered in residue. Smoke residue can stain clothing and transfers easily. Removing this from machines, tools, and other solid, non-porous items must happen quickly to reduce the corrosion soot causes. When belongings stored in boxes need new containers, we re-box everything for you and make things look neat again.

Charred wood, structural framework, and other parts of your outbuilding can lose their strength and become too weak to perform as they once did after a fire. These sections need restoration to once again provide you with the security you want.

We discuss your options in restoring the structure to a sound condition again. Where a window's frame and the surrounding portion of wall burned, you may decide that you want a wall without a window or, instead, a larger one. These possibilities can help you recover in a way that benefits you instead of causing more frustration. We work with you in as many ways possible to help get your property back to normal again.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties can help mitigate the damage caused by unscheduled post-4th of July accidental celebrations and restore your garage or shed. If you have a similar situation involving fire damage in Fairfield Glade, Doyle, or Sunbright, call us at (931) 250-5333, so we can help get things back to normal.

For more on Wartburg, click here. 

Why Consider A Pack Out After Fire Damage In Sparta?

7/18/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Returns Boxed Possessions Nice and Clean after a House Fire in Your Sparta Home

SERVPRO Strives to Preserve and Restore Sparta Homeowners' Possessions after a Fire

The damage done by a fire in your Sparta home is rarely confined to the area where it began. Even if the blaze is brought under control quickly, smoke and soot can spread throughout your home. The magnitude of the damage done to your home’s structural components, of course, captures your attention, but hundreds of individual items in your house are subject to harm. We can help restore both real property and possessions.
 
Fire damage in your Sparta dwelling is not limited to charring and smoke in the room where the fire started. Fire creates many compounds as it burns, depending on the fuel and the temperature. The vapor and materials not wholly consumed disperse in the air as smoke, and the particles within smoke deposit on surfaces as soot. The soot and smoky odor also contaminate furnishings, books, papers, dishes, linens, clothing -- an unlimited list of items that surround you in your home. Packing out the personal possessions is a strategy we might suggest because we have resources at our production center that can restore many of the items thoroughly away from the turbulence of the house restoration.
 
SERVPRO crew members inventory the objects we pack out, preserving a chain of custody for the articles. Off-site we review the possessions, taking note of their condition and what protocols are necessary to return them to preloss condition. We work together with you and your insurance company as we sort, helping you make informed decisions about which items are restorable with a reasonable amount of time and effort and what things are best discarded.
 
Our production staff takes the time to match the soot soiled items with appropriate cleaning products and techniques. We evaluate the damage the highly acidic soot inflicted piece by piece, determining if abrasives are needed to remove and smooth corroded areas. Ultrasonic cleaning equipment makes all the difference when soot-covered and tarnished items have intricate parts, using sound waves to dislodge residues from decorative goods like window blinds. Textiles receive washing or dry cleaning in industrial grade equipment.
 
Some items with high emotional value can be included in the “to restore” column even if 100 percent success cannot be assured. For example, pictures and documents can be freeze-dried if the water used to extinguish the fire saturated them. They might not come out of this dehydration process completely returned to the condition they exhibited before the fire, worth the attempt because they are irreplaceable and part of your family’s history and culture.
 
SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties can treat your movable possessions to custom fire damage recovery off-site while other crew members restore your home’s structural components. Call us at (931) 250-5333 immediately after the fire department leaves so we can personalize a restoration plan just for your scenario.

Here are your first responders, then SERVPRO

The Advantage Of Professional Fire Restoration For Your Sparta Home

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damages can present themselves in several different ways in your residence.

The Advantage Of Professional Fire Restoration

When you experience a fire in your Sparta home, the last thing that you need is to wait on restoration teams to arrive days later to start determining the nature of the problems that you face. You want a restoration company with an established track record of responding quickly and having the knowledge and expertise to restore a home.

Fire damages can present themselves in several different ways in your Sparta residence. Once you initially see the damage after a fire has gotten extinguished, it could feel overwhelming to understand what must get done to bring your house back to preloss conditions. Our SERVPRO professionals have training in all facets of fire damage restoration and can help you overcome any of the obstacles standing between your home’s current conditions and where it needs to be.

Our project manager and estimator can walk around with you and explain some of what needs to happen in order to restore your home while we assess the full scope of the damage to your residence. This process is critical to map out the equipment and personnel necessary to complete the job in the most efficient way possible.

Often substantial fire losses require reconstruction efforts before restoration can begin, especially when there are several points that allow external element exposure. Small areas can get boarded up or tarped over by our technicians, but more substantial damages require rebuilding before we can begin our restoration efforts in your home.

Once this task gets completed, our SERVPRO professionals can work to eliminate the lingering elements from the recent fire in your house. We can clean up the soot damage, remove the harsh odor often left behind, and prepare interior areas of your home for remodeling or replacement by a residential contractor.

A fire in your home is rarely something that a homeowner can deal with on their own. Our SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties fire restoration specialists is standing by to help you overcome any of the effects fire has on your home. Give SERVPRO a call 24/7 at (931) 250-5333.

Click here for more about Sparta.

Addressing Minor Symptoms of Fire Damage In Your Harriman Home

4/6/2018 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO team can help clean and restore fire damage "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO is Here to Help When Fire Damage Strikes Your Home in Harriman

Fires in your Harriman home might not always be the variety that forces you to relocate until an extensive reconstruction project completes. While you might be grateful that the damage was not too severe, there are still going to be lingering effects that make comfortable living challenging to manage. Instead of trying to work around these effects, or clean them up on your own, trust in the experience and efficiency of professional restoration services.

While the fire damage to your Harriman home might primarily be superficial, this is still something that you are going to want to address to move forward from the traumatic event. SERVPRO technicians get uniquely trained to deal with all facets of fire damage and the best approaches to restoring the damage to your home. This training makes our team qualified to handle any symptom that you might face in your house following a fire of any size.

Most typically, homeowners worry about the soot and smoke damages to their home along with a smell that overpowers the affected areas. For the soot and smoke, our technicians utilize several different strategies to clean up the damaged areas and prepare them for resurfacing and repainting. Often this process merely involves concentrated cleaning efforts on the walls, ceilings, and floors. Debris in the air can get addressed with an air scrubber fitted with a HEPA filter.

Combatting the noxious odor that exists in the affected areas involves another set of equipment and practices. Our SERVPRO professionals use our thermal foggers to introduce an odorless chemical solution into the environment in these regions. This chemical interacts with the harsh smell, neutralizing it at a molecular level to leave behind no scent at all.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

These are just a several of ways that our experienced team can help you through what might initially seem like minor symptoms of a recent fire. Trust that our SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties team of experienced restoration specialists can help you through any lingering effect that makes it difficult to live comfortably in your home. Give us a call anytime you need us at (931) 250-5333.

For more on Harriman, click here. 

Restoration is Possible After Severe Fire Damage Happens to Your Crab Orchard Home

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

When you are facing damage after a fire at your home, SERVPRO is the restoration company to call for best results.

SERVPRO Technicians Follow a Plan to Restore Your Home After Fire Damage

Crab Orchard residences offer those in our community a sense of peace and safety from the rest of the world. Disasters that keep a home unlivable can happen without any warning to the occupants, even though individuals remained diligent in taking various precautions to prevent such events from taking place.
 
Even if homeowners took all possible hazards into account, fire damage in Crab Orchard could still happen. Lightning strikes can cause a fire to happen, quickly destroying a home. Furnaces and other heating equipment can malfunction and start fires. Cooking fires quickly get out of control because of their surprisingly fierce moment of initial combustion that steals precious moments of reaction time.
 
Many times, homes sustain only a bit of damage that restoration crews can quickly mitigate. When a house fire guts a home, destroying a majority of its interior or ripping a section of exterior wall out, only an experienced restoration company can sufficiently perform the complicated work required. The highly trained technicians at SERVPRO hold IICRC certificates in Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT) and other areas of restoration science, making them capable of performing the work required.
 
When a fire causes so much damage that the home's interior surfaces need replacing in their entirety, some of the interior frameworks might also require some minor controlled demolition. When we encounter such situations, detailed discussion with the homeowners takes place. Although this may seem like a horrific situation on top of an already terrible one, it also opens up opportunities for new floor plans.
 
A new floor plan may involve the entire home or only certain parts. The extra work involved typically does not cost much more than it does to restore using the original floor plans but can increase the worth of your home significantly. The result can also make recovering from the fire much more comfortable for your family members.
 
As we prepare everything in your home for the reconstruction work, we eliminate all safety risks. Removing all charred materials, we also pull out and remove the carpet tack strips, remaining fasteners from sections of the desired framework, and any glass on the floors. We cover over sections of flooring that became damaged during the fire to provide a temporary floor. We always keep worker safety in mind as we work, both for our own employees and for those that follow us.
 
After the completion of all reconstruction work and your family returns home again, odors can begin manifesting, especially whenever humidity or heat spike. Our Odor Control Technician (OCT) understands how this can affect your family. Using thermal fogging can often remove such bothersome odors, as can machinery that produces odor-eliminating gases. Other deodorizing techniques can help in especially problematic areas.
 
SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties serves the local inhabitants around the area, from Sparta to Fairfield Glade, helping ensure that homeowners can provide a safe and beautiful home for their families. When fire damage threatens your home, call us at (931) 250-5333. We answer our phone 24/7, every day of the year.

Click here for more information regarding the Crab Orchard area.

Cleaning Fire Damage from an Oven Fire in Your Sparta Home

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

Sparta Kitchen FIre and Smoke Damage? No Problem, Call SERVPRO for Help

SERVPRO Can Cleanup and Restore Smoke and Oil Fire Damage in Kitchens

Kitchens are the focal point of most homes in Sparta. It is where family meals are made, and conversations are had. While it is an essential location in every home when a fire erupts what happens next? Besides stoves or microwave oven fires, your regular oven can burst into flames as well. It often results from leaving it unattended for a long time, an overflow of foods, food scraps burning on the bottom of the oven, or splattering grease or fat. It is essential to clean the coils and oven routinely, monitor food while cooking and use a lid or tin foil to contain items which can boil over.
 
If your oven has caused a fire in your Sparta home, you need to attend to the fire damage as soon as possible after the fire is out. Damage such as this is best left to professionals, like our team at SERVPRO. We have the training and proper tools to assist you in getting your home clean and make any necessary repairs and also suggest others for large reconstruction needs so you can return to a safe home again.
 
After a fire, the first 24 to 48 hours are essential when it comes to recovery. Our fast emergency response quickly stabilizes your home and ensures that we can recover as much of your property as possible. The smoke and acidic smoke damage which is many times made when fires are extinguished accelerate the corrosion and deterioration of components of your structure. Besides this, fires are frequently put out with water or even dry chemicals.
 
SERVPRO's restoration process includes mitigating the damage and providing water restoration and smoke damage cleanup as fast as possible after the original damage happened. Contents in your home also need to be evaluated for recovery based on things such as the effect of heat and smoke, replacement vs. restoration, loss of use, sentimental value and decreased life expectancy.
 
Our restoration services can include demolition, soot removal, emergency board up, and thermal deodorization for smoke damage mitigation. For large remodeling and rehabilitation services, we can call in other professionals to help us.
 
SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties works fast to restore your home in Wartburg, Sunbright, or Crab Orchard after a fire, as we understand that the longer your home sits, the more damage is done. Give us a call at (931) 250-5333 as soon as the fire is out so we can help you.

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