What to Do Before, During & After a Wildfire

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Wildfires can be a devastating disaster for homes and businesses across L.A. Stay safe, and call SERVPRO NoHo for fast cleanup & restoration service!

Hundreds of wildfires burn millions of acres across California every year. If you own a home or business in Los Angeles, they’re a fact of life, especially during the dry summer months. But although wildfires are unpredictable and dangerous, that doesn’t make property damage from the fire, smoke, and soot inevitable. A wildfire can spark without warning, so it is important that you know what to do before, during, and after one to protect your property and loved ones.

What should you do BEFORE a wildfire?

• Know your fire risk. The closer you are to campgrounds, parks, and heavily wooded areas like the Hollywood Hills or the Verdugo Mountains, the higher your risk.
• Have an evacuation plan. Local fire departments may require you to evacuate your home or business to assist them in containing the flames. Store important documents like passports, birth, and marriage records in easily portable or fire-resistant containers. Have a “go” bag ready with first aid supplies, water, non-perishable food, and clothing. Know how you will contact and where you will meet up with family members.
• Clear brush and other flammable materials. Create a defensible space around your property by clearing dead vegetation off your roof, deck, and patio. Consider planting fire-resistant plants, replacing mulch with stone or gravel, and storing flammable materials like paints, firewood, and furniture away from inhabited buildings. Remember: it takes just seconds for dry grass and trees to ignite and threaten nearby structures!

What should you do DURING a wildfire?

If you are at home or work during a wildfire, stay alert to changing conditions and heed advisories. If the fire is moving towards your community, follow evacuation orders and leave quickly enough to stay safe.

If you are not under an evacuation order:

• Stay indoors and close all windows and doors.
• While not ideal if it’s hot outside, turn off air conditioning units so they don’t blow smoke and ash into your home.
• Keep a list of emergency contact numbers handy in case of a power outage or loss of cellular service due to damaged power lines and towers.
• Most importantly, stay away from fire-affected areas! First responders don’t need to be worried about your safety or delayed from getting where they need to go by civilian onlookers.

What should you do AFTER a wildfire?

First and foremost, heed the instructions of your local fire department and DO NOT reenter your property until they deem it safe to do so.

If your property was damaged by the flames, you have soot and ash covering your structure or inside it, or the smell of smoke is permeating the building, call SERVPRO of North Hollywood. The sooner our fire damage restoration team is able to get on-site to inspect and mitigate the damage, the better our chances of restoring your property to its preloss condition. We can also provide board-up services to protect your property and prevent further damage from graffiti, theft, or squatters.

Wildfires can be one of Los Angeles’ most devastating natural disasters. Being prepared can help protect you, your family, and your property from fire damage. But in the event of a fire damage emergency, remember the name SERVPRO NoHo. Call us 24/7 for an immediate response and let us help you restore your property “Like it never even happened.”

Why It's Hard to Completely Get Rid of Smoke Smell in Your House

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke is more than visible clouds of ash and soot. Invisible particles get absorbed by porous surfaces and make it hard to get rid of smoke smells.

Maybe you live near a recent wildfire. Or had a fire on your property. Either way, you know it's hard to get rid of smoke smell. The pervasive odors may make it hard to move on following a fire disaster. But why?

It's because smoke is more than the visible, black or white clouds of ash and soot. These invisible particles are microscopic, smaller than 2.5 micrometers, known as PM2.5. For reference, a single human hair is 60-80 micrometers, while a red blood cell is 6-8 micrometers. That's tiny!

Smoke particles stick to non-porous surfaces. You can wipe down this residue using natural deodorizers like vinegar and baking soda. But a porous surface, including curtains, fabric, carpet, walls, furniture and upholstery, can absorb these fine particles. Some of these materials can be laundered to help wash away the lingering odors. But others need specialized technology and treatments to remove the smoke particles.

Tiny smoke particles, like those from a wildfire, can also linger in the air for weeks, even after the flames are out. While you may not smell them, you could inhale them. To remove smoke particles like these may require professional air scrubbers, fans, thermal foggers and deodorization agents.

Last, but not least, modern ventilation systems, like a central HVAC unit, can suck up these smoke particles. When the heat or air conditioning kicks on, it blows them out and all over your home. You should routinely have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned, but more so following a fire.

For these reasons, over-the-counter smoke eliminators do little more than mask smoke odors. Without a proper deep cleaning and restoration service, the acrid smoke smell may stick around.

Get Rid of Smoke Smell by Calling SERVPRO of North Hollywood

The scent of smoke odors won't dissipate, no matter how often you open windows, scrub surfaces or vacuum? SERVPRO of North Hollywood is your solution. We're smoke removal specialists with the training and technology to eliminate smoke, soot and ash to make fire damage "Like it never even happened."

After a Fire: The Benefits of Boarding Up Your Property

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most important first steps to restore your home after a fire is to board up your property. Call SERVPRO of North Hollywood for help 24/7.

The aftermath of a fire is a confusing and stressful time for any property owner. With luck, you won't have to deal with fire damage in your lifetime. But if a fire does strike your home or business, knowing who to call and what to do is crucial to effective disaster recovery.

One of the most important, but overlooked, first steps is to board up your property. Damage to windows, doors and walls, whether by the fire or the first responders fighting the flames, is common. If your property isn't secure, it can become vulnerable to animals, thieves and weather. Dealing with fire damage is stressful enough. Having to clean up vandalism or animal waste only adds more time, expense and stress to the restoration process.

Plus, after any disaster, it can take insurance companies time to assess the damage and determine what they will, and won't, cover. Properly securing your property with boards and tarps protects your valuables before and during the inspection, clean up and repair process. It may even be required, so be sure to consult with your insurance carrier soon following a fire.

And because disasters happen at all hours, SERVPRO of North Hollywood is here to help, 24/7. For example, these photos are from a 1,600 square foot home damaged by an electrical fire. The homeowner wisely called us to board up and secure their property at 10 p.m. at night.

To ensure the best possible fire restoration service in Los Angeles, call SERVPRO of North Hollywood day or night. We'll make fire, smoke and soot damage "Like it never even happened."

Ask These Questions Before Hiring a Fire Restoration Company

8/29/2021 (Permalink)

Dealing with fire damage to your property is stressful. Let us clean and restore your property "Like it never even happened."

A fire disaster is one of the most devastating things that could happen to your home or business. In an emergency, things move quickly, and you may find yourself with unanswered questions. Whether you need fire restoration services, or are preparing yourself for the worst case scenario, you've come to the right place.

Before you hire a fire damage restoration company, here are five questions you'll want answered before anyone sets foot on your property.

1: Do I have to hire whatever restoration service my insurance recommends?

In short: no. While your insurance company may recommend a service provider, you are under no obligation to hire them. Some service providers, including SERVPRO of North Hollywood, work closely with insurance companies to streamline the cleanup process. But ultimately you should be comfortable with your restoration provider. Choosing an experienced, professional team helps to ensure your peace of mind in a difficult time.

2: Do I have to file an insurance claim?

In most cases, we recommend filing a claim and working with your insurance company throughout the restoration process. Fire damage restoration can be costly, after all. But we will work with a property owner if they choose to pay for the cleanup and restoration services out of their own pocket. That said, it is impossible for us to estimate the cost of our service over the phone. A technician will need to inspect the damaged area to understand the full extent of equipment, manpower and time necessary to do the job.

3: How long will the restoration process take?

Like estimating the cost, it can be tough to determine how long the fire damage restoration process will take. It depends on the extent of the damage. But here are some of the factors that can affect the length of the cleanup and restoration process:

1. Is there water damage? If first responders used water or fire suppression chemicals to put the fire out, you'll need water damage restoration services. We'll need to dry out your carpet, floors and furniture to reduce the risk of mold growth.
2. How big is the affected area? Cleaning smoke and soot off walls, ceilings, floors and furniture takes time. The bigger the affected area, the longer it takes.
3. Are there lingering smoke odors? We'll need to deploy air scrubbers, ozone generators and other tools to remove it.
4. Are construction services required? If the fire damage is serious, we may need to tear out, repair and restore walls and other structural elements.

4. Can you give me some references?

Every professional damage restoration company should be able to provide you with references. SERVPRO of North Hollywood proudly displays testimonials on both our website and Google. But if you'd like to speak with a former customer about their satisfaction with our damage restoration service, we'd be happy to arrange it.

5: Can I enter or occupy my property during the restoration process?

Sometimes. It depends on the extent of the fire damage. Our first priority is your safety. There could be any number of hazardous places in your home or business as we clean and restore it to it's preloss condition. So it may be possible, but we would evaluate it on a case-by-case basis.

Need Fire Restoration? Call SERVPRO of North Hollywood!

Dealing with fire damage to your property is stressful enough without feeling left in the dark. Since 2007, SERVPRO of North Hollywood has been the local damage restoration provider of choice for thousands of home or business owners across Los Angeles. We're here to help with an emergency response, 24/7. Let us clean and restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Understanding the Factors Affecting Fire Damage Restoration

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Putting out the flames are only the first step in recovering from a fire. SERVPRO of North Hollywood is here to help with the rest, 24/7.

House fires happen unexpectedly, burn rapidly and can cause a lot of damage to your home. Hopefully your local fire department responds quickly and can prevent a total loss. But once the flames are out and your family is safe, you may have questions about the recovery process.

For example, how long does the fire damage restoration process take to return your home to its preloss condition? And what factors affect the fire damage restoration process? Understanding these factors will help us set reasonable expectations for the work that needs doing and the time it might take.

Time is of the Essence

Timing is crucial when dealing with fire damage. A matter of hours or minutes may mean all the difference. 

The first thing we need to clean up is the smoke and soot damage. As smoke and soot lingers in the area, they can discolor the walls, floors, appliances and other household items. Over time, the discoloration can become permanent if left unaddressed. The acid in soot can corrode metal, wood, drywall and other materials. Smoke can also affect the air quality. And there are potentially serious health effects associated with prolonged soot exposure.

Smoke and soot can travel, including inside your HVAC system and duct work. So it's important to have a highly-trained fire damage restoration professional thoroughly inspect your property. That ways there is less risk of an unseen problem in the future.

Water Used to Put Out Fire

In the event of a fire, many residential and commercial buildings have sprinkler systems to prevent the fire from spreading. Firefighters may also need to dowse the home with water or other fire suppressants to extinguish the flames. Stopping the spread of a fire may mean flooding your property with gallons and gallons of water. And this means water damage cleanup is also a part of the fire damage restoration process.

Of course, you may not be thinking about water damage following a fire. But heat and water are two factors that can help mold and mildew thrive on your property. And areas of your home may degrade and rot because the water used to put out the fire wasn't removed and dried out properly!

What Happens During Fire Damage Restoration?

Fire damage restoration is the process of cleaning, reconstructing and restoring a property damaged by fire. It includes assessment, cleaning, deodorizing and a restoration process to return your home to it's preloss condition. And what you do following the fire matters too. Depending on what caused the fire, its duration and spread, there may be different steps involved in your specific fire restoration process.

Conclusion

Recovering from a fire in your home is difficult for anyone. With luck, your family gets out of harms way and your most cherished mementos are saved. What remains can be assessed, cleaned, restored or replaced, if necessary. And trained professionals are here to help with the recovery process to ensure your home life returns as close to normal as possible.

SERVPRO of North Hollywood is a cleanup and restoration company in Los Angeles. We take care of both residential and commercial properties affected by fire, water or mold. And as a member of the community, and your neighbors, we understand the stress and worry you feel following a disaster. Please don’t hesitate to call us at (818) 754-0050! We're here for you, 24/7 to help you recover from a fire damage disaster "Like it never even happened."

You Can Choose Any Fire Restoration Company. Why Choose SERVPRO?

12/24/2020 (Permalink)

When fire damage strikes your property, it's natural to feel stressed and overwhelmed. We'll take good care of you throughout the restoration process.

It is an emotional and stressful time when your home or business suffers fire damage. Remember, your safety is the most important thing. Be sure to listen to the fire department or other first responders helping to protect your property.

Once you can safely return to review the damage, you may start thinking about the cleanup and restoration process. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a fire restoration company who can help you recover following a fire damage disaster.

First, don't make any hasty decisions. Following a fire, companies may approach you trying to get your business. Believe it or not, there are services that monitor scanners for fire emergencies and sell that information to fire restoration companies. Some companies may go so far as to show up on your property, trying to get you to choose their service. Don't agree to anything without doing your own research and consulting with your insurance policy provider.

Second, your insurance carrier may recommend a preferred fire restoration company. By streamlining the claims process, this could be more convenient and less stressful for you. But since it's your property and your possessions, you have the right to choose a company that will do the best possible job. Properly cleaning and restoring your property from fire, smoke and soot damage is a difficult process, requiring specialized training and equipment.

Last, but not least, choose a company that is as recognized for our customer service as our certified technicians and proprietary technology. SERVPRO of North Hollywood's reputation in our community is second to none. So much so that when fire recently struck a Los Angeles home, the owner's neighbor called us on her behalf. They saw their friend was overwhelmed by restoration companies vying for her business. She knew we take pride in our care and compassion during your time of need.

As Chris in Santa Clarita said, “it is not easy to turn over your house and all the contents to someone. But these people know what they are doing and are very trustworthy.”

Reagan in Los Angeles “had a great experience with the team at SERVPRO. They were very caring and ensured we would have nothing to worry about.”

In short, you can choose any fire restoration company. Choose SERVPRO of North Hollywood and feel confident that we'll take the utmost care of you and your property. We'll help you recover from fire, smoke and soot damage “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Damage Restoration: 3 Key Steps to a Fast Recovery

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

Do not reenter a fire damaged home until you have assurance from the fire department that it is structurally sound and safe to do so.

First things first: if your home or business catches fire and you cannot safely put it out, evacuate and call the fire department. You can replace possessions; you cannot replace a life. The fire damage restoration process takes a backseat to the health and safety of you, your family or your employees.

Your attention can turn to cleaning up and restoring your property to its preloss condition after extinguishing the flames. Here are three key steps to ensuring a fast recovery from residential or commercial fire damage.

1. Call Your Insurance Company

Before you do anything to clean or repair your fire damaged property, call your insurance company. Many homeowner insurance policies cover cleaning up, repairing and replacing fire damaged property, but there are often conditions or exclusions. Fortunately, the state of California currently prohibits insurers from dropping policyholders who experience wildfire damage.

Regardless, you don't want any action taken following a disaster to void your coverage. Talk to your insurance provider before beginning any fire restoration work. Knowing what your policy will, and will not, cover can help you prioritize what steps you take next.

In fact, many of the best restoration companies, including SERVPRO of North Hollywood, work with insurers to streamline the damage claim and recovery process. Tedious but important chores, like documenting itemized details of your loss into an electronic database, can expedite your claims process.

2. Secure The Building

Depending upon the extent of the damage, you may need to take steps to secure your property following a fire. Board up broken windows and doors to restrict entry and deter vandalism or looting. Roof tarps prevent further damage to your property from rain and wind.

SERVPRO of North Hollywood offers a variety of building and reconstruction services to mitigate damage and ensure an efficient clean up and restoration process.

Important: do not reenter the property until you have permission from the fire department. Even if the flames are out, firefighters need to ensure the building is structurally safe for reentry before you go inside.

3. Assess The Damage

If the damage is mild or confined to a small area, you may decide to handle some cleanup yourself. But remember that some forms of fire damage won't be obvious to an untrained eye. There may be water damage to electrical systems or sub flooring. Cleaning up residue from fire extinguishers, smoke odors, ash and soot may require specialized equipment and techniques to recover from the damage.

It is important that fire damage be properly and thoroughly cleaned up. If not, the damage can worsen over time. For example, if water isn't fully removed and dried it can foster mold growth in drywall, carpeting, upholstery or hardwood flooring. Ash and soot are acidic, so any leftover residue can degrade wood and metal surfaces.

It is also important to use the right cleaning products on the appropriate surfaces. Some products are too abrasive for certain surfaces and may do more harm than good. Other products simply aren't effective for the type or material damaged. To determine if the affected can be restored or replaced, pretesting is vital.

To be certain of a comprehensive clean up and restoration process, call SERVPRO of North Hollywood. Our experienced and certified fire restoration technicians can inspect the damage to your property. We'll then determine the best approach to clean, repair and restore your property from any size fire damage disaster.

Trust the Fire Damage Restoration Leader

SERVPRO of North Hollywood is a trusted leader in restoration services. We have helped hundreds of property owners and managers across Los Angeles clean up and restore their homes and businesses since 2007.

Recovering from a fire can feel overwhelming and emotionally exhausting. We understand the amount of stress and worry that comes with a fire damage disaster of any size, and we're here to help.

Our team of highly-trained and certified fire damage restoration specialists uses advanced cleanup technology and responds to your call 24/7. More importantly, we take pride in our teamwork, communication and professionalism. So you can feel confident that your property is good hands every step of the way!

How to Prepare for a Wildfire Evacuation Order

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

One thing you can do to prepare for wildfire evacuation orders is to pack a "go bag" with first aid supplies, water, food, clothing and more.

Wildfire season arrived with a vengeance and the state of California is under siege. Millions of acres are burning. The fires have damaged or destroyed over 2,000 structure and seven people have lost their lives according to Cal Fire. Wildfire evacuation orders are in force in several counties. Though Los Angeles County isn't yet one of them, it is only a matter of time.

All property owners across Los Angeles should prepare now for future wildfire evacuation orders. But if you own property near wooded areas like the Angeles National Forest, Hollywood Hills or Griffith Park, be extra diligent with these steps.

Pack a “Go Bag”

Your “go bag” should include copies of important documents like insurance policies, passports and property titles or deeds. Pack non-perishable food, water and clothing to last at least three days for each family member, including pets. Don't forget a first aid kit, spare toiletries and a flashlight with extra batteries.

If there are things you can't pack in advance, make a checklist of things to grab as you leave. Your list might include electronics like phones and chargers, prescriptions and other personal care items and irreplaceable mementos.

Draw Up a Wildfire Evacuation Plan

Unless you live or work by yourself, you'll need to coordinate your wildfire evacuation plan with others. If you own a larger property, you may have multiple evacuation routes. Establish a meeting place or check in method with family members or coworkers to ensure everyone makes it out safe and sound.

You should also create a list of things to do if nearby wildfires prompt an evacuation order. These tasks include:

• Turn off the gas at the main shutoff valve
• Shut windows and remove flammable coverings (curtains, shades etc.)
• Turn on lights to help firefighters with visibility
• Gather flammable items (lawn furniture, umbrellas, welcome mats etc.) and store inside

You can find additional pre-evacuation suggestions on Cal Fire's “Ready For Wildfire” page.

Save Key Contacts or Information Sources

“Hey Siri. Call Mom.”

Many of us don't know phone numbers by heart because we store them as contacts on our phones and seldom need to dial them. Your spouse, parents, children and other family members are likely stored already. But what about your doctor, pediatrician or vet? Do you live in multiunit housing, like an apartment or condo? It may be useful to have your property manager or HOA on speed dial.

It's also important to stay informed during an emergency. Bookmark links to news sources and follow local officials like the LA County Fire Department on Twitter (@LACoFDPIO). You can sign up for wildfire text alerts through Cal Fire or emergency alerts through Notify LA.

If you own or manage property, make the fire cleanup process more efficient by creating a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile. You can store key information in the app to send to SERVPRO in the event of fire, smoke or soot damage to your property.

Wildfire Damage? Call SERVPRO!

When wildfires force you to evacuate, the most important thing is the safety of you and your family. But your home is also important. By preparing your property for wildfires in advance of evacuation orders, you lower, but not eliminate, your risk for fire damage.

You may return home to find a soot covered roof, smoke odor permeating your furniture, flame scorched walls or water damaged carpets. If so, call SERVPRO of North Hollywood. We're faster to any size wildfire disaster.

Our team of highly-trained and experienced fire cleanup specialists can be on-site within hours. We are a trusted industry leader with the advanced restoration technology and techniques to make wildfire damage “Like it never even happened.”

In the event of a wildfire emergency, stay safe. Then call SERVPRO of North Hollywood to clean up any damage the wildfires leave behind.

Most Common Causes of House Fires (and How to Prevent Them)

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Candles look and smell great. They're also the fifth leading cause of house fires. Call SERVPRO right away to mitigate damage from fire, smoke & soot.

The County of Los Angeles Fire Department responds to thousands of house fires annually, causing around $100 million in fire damage losses each year.

Suffice it to say, homeowners should try to prevent fire damage to their own home (or business). Here are the five most common causes of house fires, and tips for preventing a serious fire damage loss to your property.

Candles

Candles look and smell great. They're also a serious risk, the fifth leading cause of house fires nationwide. Avoid a fire damage disaster by following these candle safety tips:

• Keep candles at least a foot from anything flammable
• Use proper candle holders and place them on a flat, sturdy surface
• Blow out candles before they burn out or before you go to sleep

Smoking

Though per capita cigarette consumption is lower than it's been in over a hundred years, over 35 million Americans still smoke. Cigarettes, cigars and pipes ignited over 17 thousand home fires nationwide in 2014.

Best way to prevent home fire damage from smoking? Quit. Otherwise, smoke outside, ensure butts and ashes are fully doused and keep lighters and matches away from children.

Electrical Fires

While only the third leading cause of house fires, electrical fires are the most costly in terms of property damage. At an annual cost of $1.4 billion, avoiding electrical fires saves both lives and money.

Always call a qualified, licensed electrician to install or repair wiring, outlets or electrical appliances. Some signs of a potential electrical problem in your home include:

• Frequent blown fuses or tripped circuit breakers
• Outlets that are discolored or warm to the touch
• Flickering or dimming lights

And remember, water and electricity do not mix! If you discover water damage near an outlet or electrical appliance, call SERVPRO of North Hollywood right away. We'll help clean up the water to ensure it doesn't create a mold problem or fire risk in the future.

Space Heaters

Obviously our dry heat makes the use of space heaters infrequent here in Los Angeles. Given that space heaters are a leading cause of house fire deaths nationwide, that's a good thing!

Still, our winter nights do get cold, so you may be supplementing your source of warmth with a space heater.

If so, be sure to keep anything flammable, like blankets or clothing, at least three feet away from the unit. And turn off the heater before you turn in for the night.

Yes, it may get a little cold in your bedroom. But that's better than waking up to a blaring smoke alarm and a house fire sparked by your space heater.

Cooking

We're cooking at home more often right now, which is great way to save money. But cooking is also the leading cause of home fires. We even wrote a separate post with tips for preventing kitchen fire damage.

But the most important thing is to be vigilant and focus your attention on the oven and stove. Keep flammable materials like dish towels and pot holders away from open flames. And don't stray to far from the kitchen while you're cooking.

What to Do if You Have a House Fire

If you have a fire extinguisher handy, you could try to put out the blaze yourself. Just be sure the type of extinguisher is appropriate for the type of fire. Different fuel sources require different methods of suppression.

If you're unable to contain the flames, get to safety and call 911 right away. House fires are no joke. Your safety, and the safety of your loved ones, is the most important thing.

Once it's out, call SERVPRO of North Hollywood as soon as possible. Our fire damage restoration specialists work quickly to mitigate property damage from fire, smoke, soot and water. The sooner we're called, the sooner we can help clean up from house fires "Like it never even happened."

Preventing Kitchen Fire Damage

3/30/2020 (Permalink)

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Prevent kitchen fire damage with these tips. And call SERVPRO if you need fire damage restoration service!

In the midst of a global pandemic caused by the coronavirus known as COVID-19, we're all staying home at much as possible. Social distancing mandates require restaurants to shut down their dining rooms. And while we want to support local businesses, we can only afford so much takeout (#GreatAmericanTakeout).

So we're also cooking at home a lot more. And the more we use our kitchens, the greater the risk for sparking a kitchen fire. In fact, cooking is the leading cause of home fires according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

So here are a few tips to ensure you don't compound the challenges of a quarantine with a fire damaged kitchen!

Pay Attention

The most obvious and important thing we can do to prevent kitchen fire damage is to pay attention to our cooking.

That can be easier said than done. We live in a multitasking world. While we're cooking, we're probably wrangling children, cleaning up messes and dealing with the constant draw of TV and smartphone screens.

And a lot can go wrong when our attention is divided. We might leave a burner on too long. A pot can boil over. We can accidentally bump a misplaced pan handle. Oven contents can burn.

According to the NFPA, two-thirds (66%) of cooking fires begin with food or other cooking materials igniting. Unattended cooking is a contributing factor in 31% of home cooking fires.

And don't forget to take care that flammable materials stay clear of the burners. Bathrobes, long hair or pot holders can all catch fire if they get to close to the heat.

So stay close and stay focused to minimize accidents and give yourself a chance to quickly recover from those that do happen.

Know Your Fire ABCs

Water and fire extinguishers are both vital tools for mitigating fire damage. But which one you should use depends on the fire's fuel, and using the wrong one can spark bigger problems.

For example, you should never use water to put out a grease or electrical fire. Splashing water can actually spread the grease and ignite other surfaces. And water is a conduit, so pouring water on an electrical fire can conduct the electricity to other surfaces or even yourself.

Best bet to put out a small grease fire is to smother it. You can use the lid of a pan, a baking sheet or baking soda. Baking soda also works for electrical fires. And if you can safely unplug the source, do so to cut off the current.

Keeping a fire extinguisher on had is also a good idea, especially for larger fires. You'll want a multipurpose extinguisher labeled ABC to cover a variety of types, including paper, cloth, grease and electrical fires.

Test Smoke Detectors

While the flames themselves consume and destroy, fire damage isn't confined to the fire itself. Smoke and soot from the chemicals expelled by a fire can also cause significant property damage.

To prevent smoke damage, test and ensure your home's smoke detectors are in good working order. At least one smoke detector should be positioned near, but outside, your kitchen. Consider it a sort of early warning system for preventing more extensive kitchen fire damage.

It's important to have smoke odors and soot damage quickly and properly cleaned. Soot is acidic and corrosive and can result in far worse damage if left unaddressed.

Fine particulates from smoke can be sucked into HVAC systems and spread throughout your property. Those particulates can cause mild to severe breathing difficulties if they're not properly cleaned.

Kitchen Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO!

If the worst happens and your property suffers damage from a kitchen fire, call SERVPRO of North Hollywood right away. We're here to help, 24/7. Our highly-trained and certified fire damage restoration technicians clean up, deodorize and restore your property "Like it never even happened."

P.S. Rest assured our technicians are following the CDC's guidelines. We use personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect ourselves and you while working on your property. Learn more about our proactive cleaning and disinfection services here.

How Wildfires Affect Air Quality

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

To mitigate smoke and soot damage to your home (and the people in it), call SERVPRO of North Hollywood. We're faster to any size disaster.

With wildfires burning across California, now is a good time to explain how such fires affect Los Angeles property owners even when their home or business is not directly threatened by the flames.

Besides heat, wildfires spew all sorts of stuff into the atmosphere. What those chemicals are, and how harmful they can be, depends on the fuel being burned as well as the duration of the fire.

Carbon Monoxide

Every fire, no matter the cause, releases carbon monoxide (CO) into the air. While we often associate the chemicals from a fire with the smell of the smoke, carbon monoxide is actually odorless. Indeed, it doesn't necessarily require an open flame to produce CO, as even contained fires, such as those in our ovens, cars and heaters, also release the chemical.

Carbon monoxide is toxic to humans and animals and exposure symptoms include headaches and dizziness, nausea and vomiting and weakness and disorientation. Anyone exhibiting such symptoms should move away from the source immediately to fresh air and be examined and treated by a medical professional.

To avoid CO poisoning, be sure to have carbon monoxide detectors installed in your home or commercial property. Test and install new batteries regularly and replace older units with newer models every five years or so. You should also have your heating system, water heater and any gas or oil burning appliances serviced annually.

Smoke

As mentioned, we most often first notice a fire by smelling smoke. But the smoke released by a fire can include a wide array of chemicals depending upon what's burning. The smoke from trees, brush and untreated wood includes a mix of benzene, formaldehyde and acrolein, among others. Smoke from painted or stained wood will also release chemicals from the coating, potentially including neurotoxins like lead or mercury.

But the biggest health concern comes from fine particulate matter, a form of air pollution that is often visible during a wildfire as haze. When air quality warnings are in effect, fine particulates are often the culprit as they can cause mild to severe breathing difficulties, even with just short-term exposure.

When the air quality is poor due to a fire, stay indoors and limit the use of HVAC systems, such as air conditioners, which can draw fine particulates indoors through the ventilation ducts.

Soot

While often paired together, smoke and soot are actually two separate but related fire outputs. Smoke is comprised of the visible gases released by the fuel burned in a fire, while soot is comprised of solid carbon particles that have escaped the fire itself, resulting in black, brown or grey colored dust. However, soot is light enough to float in the air and can also be inhaled, causing respiratory distress and illnesses.

Long-term, if not properly cleaned, soot can also damage solid objects, including walls, ceilings and floors, roofing, window and door frames, decks and patios. Soot is acidic and can therefore also be corrosive, meaning that over time it can "eat away" at a surface, causing discoloration and pock marks.

The Importance of Professional Fire Cleanup

Ultimately, wildfires present a number of dangers to property owners across Los Angeles, even when the flames are miles away. Following a fire, for the safety of everyone entering the space, it is important to have the fire restoration specialists at SERVPRO of North Hollywood help you thoroughly clean your property.

Whether you own a home, apartment, office, store, hotel or restaurant, we have the highly-trained restoration team and advanced cleaning technology to completely and properly cleanse your location of smoke, soot and other chemicals to protect both your property and the people in it.

Smoke Alarms & Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Change the batteries in your smoke alarm when you hear a low battery warning, or at least once a year.

Wildfires are becoming a year-round concern across California, including Los Angeles and the surrounding valleys. To reduce the risk of home fire damage, be prepared with these two important fire safety tips.

Smoke Alarms: Test, Change, Replace

Smoke alarms can save lives… but only if they're working properly. According to National Fire Protection Association, nearly three of every five home fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no working smoke alarms.

To ensure your smoke alarms are always in good functioning order:

• Test every smoke alarm in your home at least once a month

• Change the batteries when you hear a low battery warning, or at least once a year

• Replace old smoke alarms every 10 years

Smoke alarm technology has changed and improved rapidly over the past few years. The best new smoke alarms have dual sensors to detect smoke from both slow-smoldering and fast-flaming fires. Some units can also detect carbon monoxide as well as smoke. And others can be interconnected, to each other or through a hub like Google Nest, so that when one alarms detects smoke, all of the alarms sound.

Most importantly, be sure you and your family have a fire evacuation plan, including fire exits and a meeting place to make sure all of your loved ones are safe and accounted for in the event of a fire emergency.

Fire Extinguishers: Know Your ABCs from Your PASS

Another important first defense against fire damage is fire extinguishers. But as with smoke alarms, fire extinguishers are only helpful if they work.

When you test your smoke alarms each month, you should also visually inspect your fire extinguishers for damage. Make sure the pressure gauge reads in the green or at a pressure level of at least 185 psi. If below, replace the fire extinguisher or have it recharged at your local fire station.

Of course, even a working fire extinguisher is only effective if you know how to use it. Follow the PASS method:

• Pull the pin

• Aim low at the base of the fire

• Squeeze the handle to discharge

• Sweep from side to side to extinguish the fire

Also, be sure your home fire extinguishers is classified as multipurpose and suitable for the following three types of materials:

• A is for ordinary combustible material, like paper, wood or cloth

• B is for flammable liquids such as gas, oil or paint

• C is for electrical equipment

Other fire extinguishers are suitable for flammable metals (Class D) and cooking fats and oils (Class K) like those used in restaurants. You may want to have one of these specialized fire extinguishers on hand if you work with such materials in your home.

There are other things you can do to prepare your home for wildfires, but having working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are two important first steps.

And if you find your home damaged by fire, smoke and soot from wildfires, call SERVPRO of North Hollywood, 24/7, and let our fire restoration specialists cleanup and recover your property "like it never even happened."

Handling the Heat Wave: Coping With High Temps in Los Angeles

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

There are many ways to beat the heat here in LA. Keep these tips in mind to stay cool safely and prevent property damage from water or fire disasters.

It took its sweet time getting here, but there's no doubt that the summer heat arrived in Los Angeles with a bang. Of course, Southland residents, particularly those living in North Hollywood and the surrounding valley, are used to triple digit temperatures during these dog days of summer.

That said, though we're seldom phased by heat advisories, keep in mind these tips for coping with extreme heat and staying safe during these hottest months of the year.

Avoid Sunburns & Heat Stroke

How quickly can you get a sunburn? It depends on the person, but it can happen in less than 15 minutes of sun exposure. So whether you're headed to the beach, a BBQ or just working around the house, wear sunscreen. Be sure to choose one with at least 30 SPF protection and reapply as directed.

While sunburns can be painful and, over time, lead to serious illnesses such as skin cancer, extreme temperatures can also present a more immediate danger. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are a risk, particularly if you're engaged in physical activity such as playing sports or hard labor like yard work or construction. Be sure to hydrate well, take frequent breaks and seek out shade. Learn to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and how to treat and prevent it from escalating into a heat emergency.

And if you're looking for a cool place to cool off, check out this list of free air conditioned spots around Los Angeles.

Manage AC & Irrigation Systems

Speaking of air conditioning, summer heat waves always give HVAC systems a serious workout. To prevent your AC unit from going on the fritz when you need it most, adjust it to a higher temperature during the day when you're at work or otherwise away from home. Be sure to check your unit's vents and clean or replace clogged our worn out filters. Or if you have a larger, central air conditioning system, have SERVPRO of North Hollywood inspect and clean your HVAC ducts to keep it running at peak efficiency.

Another thing that may be working overtime during the heat is your irrigation system. While California is no longer technically in a drought, it's always smart to be water wise. Run sprinklers during the coolest part of the day, in the early morning or late at night, to maximize absorption. And keep an eye on your water bill. If you notice any unusual spikes, have your irrigation system inspected for leaks. Such uncontrolled sprinkler leaks can cause flooding damage to your property or sticky, slimy lawn mold.

Prepare for Storms and Flooding

Summer in Los Angeles is usually a very dry heat. However, thanks to El Nino, there's more moisture in the air than normal, and that means the potential for thunderstorms.

LA storms tend to be quick and intense, dumping lots of water on dry surfaces that are ill equipped to soak it up. Valley areas, particularly those recovering from wildfires, are at risk for flooding, which can happen very fast once the rain starts to fall. So be proactive and to prepare your home for rainstorms now while it's dry.

Of course, if you find yourself the victim of property damage from a summer storm, give SERVPRO of North Hollywood a call right away. The sooner we can begin the process of clean up and recovery from flooding damage, the more likely we'll be able to preserve or restore your valued possessions "like it never even happened."

Wildfires

It wouldn't be summer in So Cal without a warning about wildfires. Dry conditions are a fact of life here in Los Angeles, but our wet winter and spring may have even increased the risk for wildfires this summer. Already brush fires forced mandatory evacuations and snarled traffic near the Grapevine.

Don't wait. Take steps now to protect your home or business now and help mitigate the potential for fire, smoke and soot damage to your property.

However, should disaster strike, SERVPRO of North Hollywood is just a call away, 24/7, with a fast response to any size disaster. Our team of restoration specialists is highly-trained and ready to assist you in recovering from a water damage or fire damage emergency.

We also offer mold remediation and other specialty cleaning services and are happy to come out and inspect your property if you even suspect you have need of our restoration services.

Spring Rain Could Increase California Wildfire Risk

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Soot and ash is highly acidic. If left unaddressed, it can corrode and discolor surfaces. Call SERVPRO to clean up wildfire damage right away.

Los Angeles and, indeed, all of Southern California has enjoyed - well, experienced anyway - a particularly heavy rainy season. While mudslides and storm flooding cause problems for many homeowners, particularly those living in the burn area of recent wildfires, there's no doubt that this rain should still be considered a good thing.

For one, most of the Los Angeles area is no longer experiencing drought conditions. So while water conservation is still important, we may not need to feel quite so guilty while we tend to our greener lawns or bask in a long, hot shower.

One drawback to all of this precipitation, however, is that it brings with it an increase in wildfire risk. That probably sounds counter-intuitive. After all, rain makes things wet and wet things don't burn. That's true. But water also helps make things grow. And if those things - trees, bushes, shrubs etc - grow well and then dry out over a long, hot summer, the result is a lot of prime fuel just waiting for a stray spark.

Which means now is as good a time as any to review your wildfire action plan. Or prepare your home for wildfire season by trimming back all of that newly lush vegetation. And if you're planning home improvement projects this year, consider using eco-friendly, and fire resistant, materials.

Preparation and prevention are the key to avoiding wildfire damage. But should the worst happen, SERVPRO of North Hollywood is here to help. Call us anytime, 24/7, if your home or business experiences fire or water damage. We're highly trained and certified restoration specialists and we're faster to any size disaster, so don't hesitate to call on us to repair and restore your property "Like it never even happened."

Fire Pit Safety Tips

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

It's fun to roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Just be sure to properly extinguish your fire to mitigate the risk of fire damage to nearby property.

Even though Los Angeles is well known for its sun and surf, it can get chilly at night, particularly during the winter months. Whether you are camping or just hanging out in your backyard, it's nice to keep warm by a cozy fire, perhaps while roasting marshmallows for s'mores.

But wildfires are becoming a year-round concern across California. With the devastating Camp, Hill and Woolsey fires so fresh in our memories, please keep these tips in mind to safely enjoy your next outdoor fire.

Use Hardwoods

Softer woods, such as pine or birch, tend to crackle and release more sparks than hardwoods. Oak and hickory are better choices, particularly "seasoned" firewood, which has been left out to dry for a period of time. Avoid burning wet wood or composite woods like plywood as they produce more smoke, which may contain toxic chemicals, than dry hardwood.

Keep Fire Suppression Tools Handy

In addition to a fire extinguisher with a Class A classification (which is most effective on wood and wood products), keep other fire suppression materials nearby. A bucket of sand or a fire blanket can help quickly douse wayward sparks.

Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

Planning ahead is often the best way to prevent problems from flaring up. Make sure your fire pit is at least 10 to 20 feet away from combustible objects, both natural (trees, bushes) and man-made (houses, sheds). Enjoy the fire from chairs positioned on stable ground and keep an eye on children.

Most importantly, when it's time for the evening's fun to end, be sure to properly extinguish your fire. Most fire pit manufacturers specify a preferred method to avoid cracking or damaging the pit itself.

Of course, should you become the victim of fire damage, don't hesitate to call on SERVPRO of North Hollywood. We're dedicated to responding immediately and specialize in water and fire damage restoration. We have the experience, training and advanced technology to restore your property quickly, thoroughly and safely.

California Wildfires: Cleanup & Recovery Tips

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

Soot tracks are the last thing you want to worry about when evacuating a home from a wildfire. SERVPRO of North Hollywood took care of the clean up.

Hopefully the recent California wildfires spared you from the most devastating fire damage, though obviously many were not so fortunate.

We at SERVPRO of North Hollywood express our deepest condolences to those who suffered serious property damage or worse and support the American Red Cross in their recovery efforts.

However, even if your property escaped the wildfires' flames, there are still several things you should do to effectively clean up following a wildfire.

Here are a few wildfire cleanup and recovery tips to help ensure you and your home or business do not experience any lasting damage from the smoke, ash and debris generated by a wildfire. 

Purify The Air

While air purifiers and other ventilation systems can help with improving the air quality inside of buildings that are close to burning wildfires, the sources of smoke damage odors need to be properly cleaned to prevent air quality problems from lingering. A thorough inspection and cleaning of carpets & upholstered furniture, drapes, bedding and other porous materials should be handled by a certified and experienced fire restoration company to keep air quality issues from sticking around. HVAC systems and duct work should also be inspected and cleansed of ash, soot and other fire residue and debris.

Further, some smoke odor issues require more intense treatment. Ozone generators and HEPA vacuums, for example, may be recommended for persistent air quality issues, but they should only be operated by a qualified professional. 

Cleanse Surfaces

The soot and ash that spews from wildfires is highly acidic. If left unaddressed, it can corrode metallic surfaces and electronics or discolor and stain painted surfaces such as walls, ceilings and furniture.

Therefore the sooner that soot and ash damaged property is cleaned and restored, the better.

Clear Your Mind

With any major disaster, you are likely to have too many worries at once to focus on any one effectively. Putting the cleanup tasks in the hands of a team of certified and highly trained fire restoration specialists can relieve you of many of the stresses and associated with wildfire recovery. We'll work to restore your property and possessions to their previous condition so you can focus on your family or business during this most difficult time.

In the event of a wildfire, the most important thing is your safety and the safety of your loved ones. Once the flames are extinguished, the clean up and recovery process can begin and the pros at SERVPRO of North Hollywood stand ready to assist you whenever and wherever you need us.

What Do Fire Restoration Companies Do?

9/27/2018 (Permalink)

When your home suffers damage after a fire, SERVPRO of North Hollywood can clean and restore your property to its pre-fire condition.

When fire threatens your property, the first and most important thing is to ensure you and your family are safe. The second most important thing is to alert the local fire department so they can respond quickly and minimize the damage to your home and belongings.

Once the flames are out and the smoke clears, however, many homeowners are left with more questions than answers. Is it safe to re-enter your property? Which of your possessions can be recovered and restored? Will my insurance company cover the costs of repairing the damage?

To answer these questions, we recommend calling a professional fire restoration company such as SERVPRO of North Hollywood right away. Here's why.

We Inspect the Damage and Can Protect Your Property

Before you return to your home, an experienced team of technicians should carefully assess the damage caused by the water, fire, smoke and soot. Besides evaluating the extent of the damage for insurance purposes, it is important to also assess the risks for additional harm to the property.

Since fire damage can compromise windows, walls and roofs, our team will board up openings and place tarps to help protect your property from further loss.

We Remove and Dry Out Fire Hose Water

Sometimes the worst fire damage isn't caused by the flames themselves but from the large amount of water necessary to douse them.

Fire restoration companies such as SERVPRO of North Hollywood can also work to quickly mitigate water damage by extracting any standing water and drying and dehumidifying the remaining moisture in flooring, walls and furniture.

We Properly Clean up Smoke and Soot Damage

Even when a structure escapes the wrath of a fire's flames (such as with nearby wildfires), it can still bear the brunt of damage from smoke and soot. While less frightening then the fire itself, the damage caused by smoke and soot can still be extensive, especially if left untreated.

Porous surfaces, such as stone tile or countertops can become discolored from the acidic chemicals found in soot. Smoke, of course, can contain toxic gases which can then be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. In short, it is just as important for your health and safety to properly clean smoke and soot damage as it is to address damage cause by actual flames.

We Restore Your Property

Ultimately your goal is to return your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Because SERVPRO of North Hollywood is licensed in the state of California as a general building contractor, we can go beyond mitigation and clean up from water and fire damage to replace drywall, install new carpet or other construction services and restore your property "like it never even happened."

How to Prepare Your Home for Wildfire Season

6/21/2018 (Permalink)

Wildfires are coming. Call us 24/7/365 if you experience fire, smoke or soot damage at your home or business.

Contrary to popular belief, Los Angeles is not actually a desert. But given we Angelinos enjoy roughly 15 inches of rain each year, and that most of it falls during the winter months, it is fair to say LA is a pretty dry place to call home. While that has its benefits (hey, Dodgers games are seldom at risk of a rain out), it also means we find ourselves at risk for property damage caused by wildfires, particularly during the dry summer months.

Like the Boy Scouts, however, Los Angeles area homeowners can "be prepared" for wildfire season and protect their homes from fire, smoke, soot and even damage caused by the water to put out fires. 

Create a "defensible space" around your home

Cal Fire recommends two zones that together would slow or even stop the spread of a wildfire while protecting the firefighters defending your property.

Zone 1 is roughly a 30 foot radius around all structures where you should clear any and all dead vegetation while keeping other plants and trees well trimmed and separated from flammable objects such as furniture, play structures or wood piles.

Zone 2 extends to 100 feet out and likewise requires the regular maintenance of grass, shrubs and trees in an effort to mitigate the rapid advance of flames and reduce the fuel available to stray sparks floating on the wind. 

Have an evacuation plan

Once fire threatens your home, you may have the option or even be mandated to evacuate the area. Having a wildfire evacuation plan can help ensure you and your family stay safe. In advance of wildfire season, create or review your plan by establishing an emergency meeting location, assembling a supply kit and learning how to shut off gas, electric and water mains. 

Use fire resistant materials for home improvement projects

From insulation made with eco-friendly materials such as cellulose to decks built with composite or pressure-treated wood, there are many ways to improve your home that enhance both its value and its resistance to fire damage.

When facing the threat of wildfires, your safety and the safety of your family is paramount. But remember, should wildfires cause damage to your home, whether from the fire itself, the soot and smoke or even water damage from fighting the flames, SERVPRO of North Hollywood has highly-trained and certified technicians who can respond quickly, 24/7/365, to emergencies around the communities of North Hollywood, Universal City, Toluca Lake and Los Angeles.

Safety Tips for a More Enjoyable BBQ

5/7/2018 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO a call if you experience fire damage from grilling.

While many people in Hollywood, CA enjoy grilling out, a grill fire can make an afternoon cookout much less pleasant. By following some general safety tips, you can keep your family and your home safe from harm.

1. Keep the Grill Clean and Well-Maintained

Before using the grill, check that all stationary parts are secure and all moving parts, such as the lid or wheels, move freely. Remove any flammable material or excess grease that might have gotten near the burner. For propane grills, check for gas leaks and other flaws. To keep the grill properly maintained and functioning optimally, take it to be serviced by a professional.

2. Keep the Grill Away From Flammable Surfaces

Always use the grill outside to avoid BBQ smoke damage on the inside of buildings. Choose a level place for the grill at least 10 feet away from buildings where it won’t tip or roll. Make sure it is not leaning against anything such as chairs or deck railings. Avoid overhanging branches and keep flammable liquids away from hot surfaces.

3. Supervise the Grill at All Times

Do not leave the grill unattended while it is still hot or has hot coals in it. Be especially mindful of children and pets who might unwittingly start a BBQ fire or might try to play with potentially hazardous supplies, such as hot tools or lighter fuel. Don’t forget that the grill might still be hot long after you’ve stopped cooking, especially a charcoal grill.

4. Be Prepared and Use Recommended Equipment

Always use the recommended fuel in propane grills and the correct starter for charcoal grills. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand whenever the grill is in use. If a grill fire starts, you may be able to limit the damage by lowering the grill cover or turning off the fuel if it is safe to approach. Immediately contact emergency services if the fire gets out of hand.

By following general safety tips to prevent a grill fire, outdoor cooking will be a much more relaxing activity. Visit http://www.SERVPROofnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire damage. 

Why You Should Get Water Damage Remediation After a Fire

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

After a fire, most homeowners focus on repairing the damage caused by the flames, smoke and soot. However, there is another pressing matter following fire damage in North Hollywood, CA. You also need to handle any water damage that may have occurred from the fire or from the firefighters’ efforts to contain the flames. A lot of water may come out of the fire hose to eliminate the fire, and you need to make sure you can restore your valuables from the water, too.

1. Prevent Mold

As with a flood in your basement, your biggest concern should be related to mold buildup. It only takes about 24 hours for mold to start to grow. Whether there are spots of flooding in your home from the relief efforts or from a burst pipe, you need to get rid of the moisture posthaste. You should always leave this work to the fire damage remediation professionals because it is dangerous to attempt to remove mold when you do not know what you are doing.

2. Eliminate Water Contamination

Even if everything seems to be all right on the surface, there could be contamination in your water supply. You need to have experts check the water in your pipes to ensure it is not filled with soot. You may need to check with your local and state environmental agencies to make sure the water is safe for consumption. Either way, you should avoid consuming the water or letting it come into contact with your skin until someone tells you it is safe.

It is always preferable to let professionals handle fire damage remediation so that you do not put yourself in harm’s way. Experts know how to look through an entire house to make sure every inch is secure. Professionals are also knowledgeable and know how to locate small problems that could escalate out of control if not handled properly. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire damage.

3 Things To Absolutely Replace After a Fire

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

3 Things To Absolutely Replace After a Fire

Whether the fire you experienced in your home was a big one or a relatively small one, the odds are good that you still have quite a bit of cleanup to do. On top of dealing with the general stress of the situation, cleanup of items affected by fire damage can be a huge chore, especially if you don’t know what can be salvaged and what should simply be replaced. While this debate is perfect for belongings such as clothes, pillows and some furniture, there are three things you should always throw away in the aftermath of a high heat fire:

1. Cosmetics

If you have any experience with cosmetics, you know well that they should be kept at room temperature to prevent them from melting and becoming unusable. However, in some instances, using cosmetics that have been exposed to unusually high heat can even be dangerous. The compounds contained in cosmetics of all sorts may begin to undergo chemical reactions when exposed to heat, transforming them and making them unsafe for use on skin later on.

2. Medicine

Like makeup, medicine is made up of a number of chemical compounds, and they are likely to alter when exposed to heat. In the best-case scenario, this could make the medicine ineffective, and in the worst case, it could make anyone who ingests it extremely ill. Throw away all medicine that’s been exposed to fire damage and replace it rather than taking this risk.

3. Food

Food that’s been exposed to high temperatures has the potential to be harmful in a number of different ways, such as:

Spoilage – meats that have been exposed to higher temperatures may have become spoiled
Foods may absorb harmful carcinogens from smoke and other burning materials
Plastic may have become partially melted to food

Even if you think your food looks undamaged, it’s worth your time to replace it.

The professionals in North Hollywood, California can help you to get your home smoke-free and back in livable condition, but in the end, it’s up to you to ensure you’re not keeping any potentially harmful belongings around by making the decision to throw away goods like these. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire damage.

The Aftermath of Residential Fire Damage

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

The Aftermath of Residential Fire Damage

Residential fire damage has many effects, and the problems you can see may just be the tip of the iceberg. Here are some of the factors that you need to think about when restoring a smoke damaged home to its former habitability.

Smoke Sticks Around

Lingering smoke odors don't magically disappear just because you've replaced the worst bits of damage. Many of the surfaces in your home are porous, so they can trap particles that emit foul stenches for months. In addition to cleaning soot from walls, people often end up having to replace clothing, wooden and upholstered furniture, carpets, wallpaper and even paint.

It's Hard to Cope Without a Fire Damage Strategy

Although there are many ways to mitigate the side effects you'll face in a smoke damaged home, it's essential to adopt a comprehensive approach. Restoration professionals can use specialized machines to filter the particles from the air you breathe and attack odor-producing molecules with tools like ozone generators.

Smoke odors and soot can spread, so these forms of damage demand more than a mere spot cleaning or extra elbow grease. For instance, suppose you empty your home out and clean the walls thoroughly. If you bring back items that have lingering smoke odors, then you'll erase all of the hard work you did. Make sure you talk to a restoration professional before diving into jobs like cleaning soot from walls or replacing furniture.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire damage.

Tips on What to Do After Fire Damage

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

Tips on What to Do After Fire Damage

Home and business owners can be very traumatized after fire damage. Fire can cause huge losses that will eventually leave the premises in worse conditions. Some conditions like smoke damage and soot damage can be costly and beyond individuals ability. For these reasons, it is advisable that we live it to a firefighter. It is estimated that nearly 80 % of people do not know on how to tackle fire incidents. With these cases, it is clear that they have never encountered such devastating moments in their lives. The case can be worse with an electrical fire, and people are always confused on what to do during such moments. The best step one can take at this time, if there is no utility room fire and fire sprinkler system, is to consult the fire restoration company. They are qualified and with efficient equipment such as the fire truck and fire hose. So, it does not matter whether it is mere smoke damage, soot damage, or electrical fire, but the services of firefighter/commercial fire damage restoration team are commendable.

1. Your Safety Matters

In case of fire damage, it is advisable that one should exercise extreme caution. Do not try to be a hero to try to conduct fire suppression during the commercial fire damage. This is especially with the electrical fire, which can be very dangerous to handle. We do not have sufficient equipment such as the fire truck and fire hose to control fire. For safety, one can seek refuge in the utility room fire or facilitate the fire sprinkler system if available. Call the restoration company to handle it. In some instances, one can board up the place while waiting for the firefighter or restoration team to conduct the fire suppression. Fire suppression process can be exhausting and at some point, it is required that the restoration team can cut holes through the premises for easy access of the fire hose all the way from the fire truck. In such cases, the business owner should not worry. The restoration team is always responsible for the repair of whole commercial fire damage. In addition, they can also install the fire sprinkler system and the utility room fire.

2. Inform the Insurance Company

This is for an assurance on the fire loss process. For instance, it is easier to work with professionals than it is with individual services. In this case, the insurance company will ensure ease on the best and avoidable restoration company one can work with in case of commercial fire damage. Besides, the insurance company can offer great advice to individuals on how to manage the destroyed properties. They can be responsible for all sorts of fire including electrical fire. In addition, one can easily keep track on his expenses during the whole process of fire suppression. It is recommended that in case of fire in business or fire at home, it should be a routine that one should keep records or their accounting in order.

3. Include the Authorities.

After fire damage, one can decide to board up the premises and leave. This is usually between the period where one notices the fire restoration team and the time they arrive. On the other hand, this means to abandon your home. The process usually is that one is advised by the restoration team to board up his home and leave for fire cleanup process. What you should know is that the fire damage team will not protect your property. It is therefore important to include the services of the authorities. The authorities, on consultation, will then keep an eye on your property to avoid any form of looting until the whole process is complete.

4. Work Closely With Your Fire Damage Restoration Company

Removing Soot damage and smoke damage can be very stubborn. Besides, the smoke smell can take longer to clear thus can be very irritating. On the contrary, this process is much easier when you procure the services of professionals. With great expertise and equipment such as fire truck and a fire hose with fire restoration companies, you are guaranteed of a well-done process. Above all, one should not panic, as this will lead to overreaction. Instead, leave it all to the firefighter company or fire restoration team to do their work. In such cases of fire in the home or fire in the business, a professional restoration team will ensure great services. In addition, they will let you know on when is the appropriate time to return. This is mostly after they are sure to have completed the whole process especially with soot damage and smoke damage and it is safe. On completion, professional restoration company can install fire sprinkler system and utility room fire for future safety.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire damage.

What to Do After a Fire in Your Residence or Commercial Property

8/16/2017 (Permalink)

What to Do After a Fire in Your Residence or Commercial Property

It doesn't matter if you have been victim of a fire in the home or a fire in the business. You are going to need a serious fire cleanup job if you ever hope to see fire damage restoration. You're going to be looking at fire damage as you see the path of destruction that has been left behind. You're grateful that no one was harmed during the fire. It is still traumatizing to board up your property. You feel like things will never be the same again after residential and commercial fire damage. The smoke smell is everywhere. Soot damage has left its mark on your furniture. Smoke damage can be seen on your walls. You don't know how you can reverse the damage, but your restoration company does. Enlist the aid of professionals when it is time for your fire clean up and fire damage restoration.

Dealing Effectively and Efficiently with Fire Damage

You've experienced a fire in a home or a fire in a business. You need a fire cleanup that will get rid of the smoke smell in your furniture, not to mention the smoke damage and soot damage. After residential or commercial fire damage, the firt thing you should do is call in the professionals to figure out the best plan of action for your property. If there is a need, they will board up any windows that have been destroyed after a fire. There may be a need to board up interior walls that are unstable. When you board up your home, it is not to make it look like your property has been abandoned. Your fire damage restoration professionals will board up your property to ensure that it has the best possible protection. Your restoration company does not want to open up the risk of vandalism or water damage caused by rain. Fire damage is more than enough to deal with at one time. Your restoration company will begin the fire cleanup process. Fire cleanup involves the use of industrial-strength chemicals and equipment that will take care of the marks left behind from soot damage and smoke damage. It will also eliminate the smoke smell that gets into everything after a fire in the home or a fire in the business. Your restoration company has had extensive training to deal with residential or commercial fire damage. You'll take those first steps toward fire damage restoration when everything has been cleaned and sanitized.

Experience the Benefits of Fire Damage Restoration

Your restoration company will get down to the basic structure of your property once smoke damage, soot damage, and the smoke smell has been taken care of effectively. The next step is the fire damage restoration process. You have to go beyond getting rid of smoke damage. Soot damage can be erased and you can clear the air of the smoke smell, but your restoration company needs to rebuild after residential or commercial fire damage. Your restoration professionals will make it look like there was never a fire in the home or a fire in the business. They'll help you to forget about fire damage by putting in new floors if needed. They will clean your carpeting until it looks like new or bring in a new carpet if necessary. You can get new drywall and the construction of new walls as needed. If you need new windows and roofing, your restoration professionals will take care of every part of the process. When they pack of their equipment and leave, your home or business will be restored to its former condition. You need to move on with your life. Your restoration experts will be your partners in picking up the pieces when fire damage has thrown you for a tailspin. You can get back to business as usual and normal life when your restoration team takes care of every phase of the fire cleanup and the process.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire damage.

Responding Rapidly: A Critical Benefit Gained Through Professional Fire Damage Restoration

7/21/2017 (Permalink)

Responding Rapidly: A Critical Benefit Gained Through Professional Fire Damage Restoration

The Time Factor

Initiating restoration measures quickly remains one major reason to consider hiring a professional restoration company. Why? You'll address fire damage following a fire in home settings more effectively.

When people consider the impacts of time and fire in business properties, fore example, media attention typically focuses upon the speed of the fire department's response. Yet did you know, in both situations the timeliness of fire damage restoration matters too! During every fire cleanup, passing hours, days and weeks change the condition of assets significantly. Timely restoration ultimately helps determine whether experts can save some valuable property.

Important Work

Fire damage restoration professionals accomplish far more than simply helping board up sections of a fire damaged home. Their work enables homeowners to eliminate the soot damage, the smoke damage, and the lingering smoke smell which may pervade the premises in the aftermath of a blaze. (The value of launching restoration measures as quickly as possible remains one reason why so many large companies call upon trained restoration consultants for commercial fire damage assistance, for instance.)

A restoration company typically addresses fire damage restoration in three broad phases. First, fire cleanup companies will carefully inspect the premises after a conflagration. They also request input from the property owner about the use of each room. During the second phase, they create a detailed, customized plan for systematically restoring every part of the residence after a fire in home environments, just as they do following a fire in business settings. In the third phase, these companies utilize specialized fire cleanup equipment to remove water and perform the grueling, labor-intensive fire damage restoration and repair process.

A Ticking Clock

Why does time matter so much during this process? Most people appreciate a raging fire sometimes spreads in a matter of moments to engulf an entire structure. Yet even after fire hoses quench the flames, some items of charred property continue undergoing long term physical changes unless responding fire cleanup teams act rapidly to protect certain assets from further harm.

Fire damage experts appreciate the importance of timely intervention to help property owners clean and restore vulnerable assets. By calling upon the services of a restoration company after a fire in home or commercial settings, you can sometimes salvage cherished items of personal property and minimize long term real estate losses, too.

The Best Strategy For Home Owners

Don't board up a room with obvious fire damage and then let the area sit for months of years before taking action. The smoke smell will persist long after the fire ends! Just as you would address a fire in business environments promptly by consulting with a commercial fire damage firm, make sure you call upon a qualified residential fire damage expert to help eliminate signs of soot damage, smoke damage and the noxious smoke smell.

A "board up and forget it" strategy won't help your household recover from a fire. Relying on trained restoration company expertise will prove invaluable. Commercial fire damage experts today have gained widespread acceptance because their services often help save and renew important assets in the aftermath of a fire in business settings. By contacting a residential fire restoration firm, you'll improve your chances of optimizing the condition of your dwelling and personal property in the wake of a fire in home settings. Your consultant will work with you to eliminate smoke damage and soot damage, while striving to restore your real estate's value as fully as possible.

Optimizing Outcomes

Today, a growing number of real estate industry professionals appreciate the useful nature of services offered by commercial fire damage and residential fire damage restoration companies. Far more than "board up" firms, these businesses help some property owners save substantial sums. By helping permanently remove smoke damage, soot damage and that lingering smoke smell, they benefit property owners!
Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire damage.

Fire Damage Restoration Tips

6/30/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Restoration Tips

Fire damage can be a very costly and traumatic experience. When a fire disaster strikes, homeowners have a great deal of problems with which they have to contend with. Depending on the severity of the fire, families will need a temporary place to stay, they have to deal with insurance companies and find a dependable company of professionals to take care of fire cleanup.

After the fire trucks leave, the cleanup begins. The property will have widespread damage that only a highly-trained fire damage restoration team can fix. These professionals will restore the property to its pre-fire condition. The deep-cleaning methods they employ will rid the home or business of smoke damage, soot damage and other odors that can linger in carpet, walls and upholstery.

Fire damage in the home needs a fast response. Companies that specialize in fire cleanup can tackle any problem, big or small. So even if there's fire in a business or commercial fire damage, fire damage restoration specialists will safely restore the property with as little disruption as possible.

Before help arrives, the property owner should do everything within reason to protect the home. Safely removing belongings that have soot damage or smoke damage is the first step after a fire in a home has taken place. Restoration professionals will then perform a fire damage assessment to determine the severity. During the fire cleanup, the roof will receive tarp and windows boarded if necessary. Fire in a home is generally on a smaller scale than fire in a business. However, the same steps will be utilized to eliminate the smoke smell and smoke damage, so that the property will be restored back to its pristine condition.

The removal of soot and the heavy smoke smell is an important step in restoring a home. After a fire in a home, soot and smoke smells can be embedded deep inside the structure, furniture, flooring and upholstery. Professionals will use a number of specialized cleaning methods to extract water and clean and deodorize areas of the home. Water damage can take place after fire damage due when firemen put the fire out. It is imperative that water be extracted during fire damage restoration to prevent the set up of mold.

Fire in a business or commercial fire damage can be far more costly. In most cases, the job is bigger and a business owner stands to lose a great deal of money while waiting for the completion of the fire cleanup. Smoke damage and soot damage in a business can be dangerous for customers to inhale. The complete remediation of odors and anything that can pose a threat to customers must be taken care of.

Commercial fire damage to hospitals, retail stores, food services and educational facilities is available 24/7. A fire damage restoration team can quickly provide services to help dry documents, restore and clean electronics and removal of the smoke smells and soot damage that can linger. When commercial fire damage happens, professionals will get your office space cleaned and deodorized in no time.

Fire in a business can be devastating to the owner's bottom line. Time is of the essence. Unlike a fire in a home, a business needs to be up and running as soon as possible. There may be a need for other repairs such as replacing carpeting, celings, drywall and furniture. A service professional will walk the homeowner through the entire process and answer all of their questions.

Anyone who has lost their home or business through a fire should contact a fire damage restoration specialist as soon as possible to help restore it to its pre-fire condition.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire damage.

What Does Effective Fire Damage Restoration Entail?

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

What Does Effective Fire Damage Restoration Entail?

A fire in home or commercial fire damage poses the most severe setbacks a homeowner or entrepreneur can face in life. When such damage occurs, regardless of the source, it is only appropriate for you to immediately start thinking about the fire damage restoration process that not only grants you the peace of mind but also prevents other natural forces from taking a toll on your ruined property.

For your information, a comprehensive fire damage restoration process includes smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell eradication as well as fire cleanup. Here is an outline of what the standard fire damage restoration should entail.

1. Fire cleanup
Depending on the extent of the fire in business or home, several parts of the household or office furniture may be burnt beyond repair. Fire cleanup, therefore, involves a deep analysis of the extent of the fire in business or home as well as the initiation of the reconstruction process. This includes identifying irreparable equipment, furniture and fittings and disposing them off. Such an analysis is also bound to reveal possible loopholes caused by the fire damage such as gaping ceiling holes or burnt water pipes that may result in further property damage.

2. Sealing services
After identifying possible causes of aggravated property damage arising from the fire in home, the fire damage expert should immediately begin sealing off these loopholes. This includes embarking on urgent repairs to torn roofs and ceilings to prevent rain penetration into the building as well as sealing of burst water and sewerage pipes to prevent flooding. The drains should also be cleared to prevent clogging.

3. Smoke damage, smoke smell, and soot damage cleanup
A fire in home or commercial fire damage is usually characterized by a heavy smoke damage as well as soot damage that also leaves a heavy smoke smell in the rooms and ventilation ducts. After ridding the home of the irreparable fittings, the next big step in the restoration process should be the smoke damage cleanup. This chapter involves the examination of the extent of soot damage as well as its cleanup.

The fire control expert ensures that all the dark, stained, and charred spots left by the fire in business are addressed. They also take the necessary steps to clear off the smoke smell in the ducts resulting from the commercial fire damage.

4. Structural repairs
Once done with the assessment, fire cleanup, and soot damage control as well as the deodorization of the smoke smell, your fire damage restoration expert should now commence the reconstruction process.

Just like an insurance cover, the fire in home restoration process involves reconstruction of the home or commercial property to its original state before the occurrence of the fire damage.

At this juncture, points of forced entry used by the firemen and rescue teams need to be reconstructed. Wooden surfaces such as ceilings and furniture that are the most affected by the fire in home should either be repaired where possible or replaced. For instance, if the internal wall linings are completely destroyed, fire damage reconstruction should involve replacing them with new ones. However, this shouldn’t be taken as a renovation opportunity though most restoration companies are taking the opportunity to advice clients on possible renovations that they then execute.

A fire damage restoration process should involve a thorough fire cleanup and reconstruction process regardless of whether it is a fire in home or business. This comprehensiveness primarily ranges from fire and soot damage assessment to smoke smell eradication. Remember, however, that a commercial fire damage or fire in business restoration shouldn’t be mistaken for renovation as it is supposed to only return the fire damaged home or office to its original state before the occurrence of the fire. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire damage.

Fire Damage in North Hollywood

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Hollywood, CA

Fire Damage in North Hollywood

As a property owner in Hollywood California, preserving its condition is one of the top priorities. If you maintain your property well in Hollywood California, you will likely be able to maximize its value as well as your ability to live comfortably or conduct business. While maintaining a property is quite common, there are times when accidents occur. One of these accidents is in the form of a fire. This can cause significant damage to any property and must therefore be taken very seriously. One of the most hazardous effects of a fire is water damage from fire. This is a situation where the water supply gets overheated and full of particles. As a result, water damage from fire will likely result in the property structures getting destroyed.

Another effect of fires is poor air quality. When a fire occurs, a number of hazardous particles and flames will get into the air and cause the air quality to go in decline. Therefore it will be important to put out a fire and work towards cleaning up a Hollywood California property immediately.

Along with damage caused by water, smoke damage and soot damage are also quite common whenever a fire occurs. Smoke damage consists of the various particles in the air making contact with the property and deteriorating its structures. An excess of smoke will likely have considerable effects on any property as a result. With soot damage, a number of particles will get in the air and make contact with the property. Soot will also contribute to a property’s decay and eventual breakdown. As a property owner in North Hollywood CA, you will want to first contact the fire department in order to put out the fire. Then it will be necessary for North Hollywood CA property owners to hire a home restoration company to eliminate soot and smoke from the property.

Property owners who have their properties catch fire will also experience fire damage. This is one of the most devastating forms of damage for any property. Whenever fire damage occurs, the flames will break down the property and cause it to eventually fall apart. Whenever there is damage caused by a fire, a property owner will need to get the fire department involved for assistance. They will put out the fire immediately. Individuals who are in a property that is on fire will also want to evacuate the property and wait until it is safe to reenter.

The next thing property owners will need to do when handling a fire is to contact a home restoration company. This kind of company will provide assistance in evaluating the property damage caused by a fire as well as cleaning it up. Home restoration professionals will come to the property to inspect the damage and then work towards restoring it. They will use their equipment to get rid of excess debris and odors caused by the fire. This will restore the air quality as well as the property’s physical structures. A home restoration professional will also provide advice on how to continue restoring the property and preventing fires in the future. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire damage.

Fire Loss Restoration in Hollywood, CA

3/24/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Loss with SERVPRO of North Hollywood

Fire Loss Restoration in Hollywood, CA

If you are a homeowner living in Hollywood and North Hollywood, California (CA), treating the consequences of a fire are often not easy. However, once the homeowner and their family have made it to safety, it is important to have the fire damage examined by a professional who can begin the necessary actions to clean the residence, rebuild damaged structures and replace the property items in your residence. After the fire services have extinguished the fire completely, it is important to get in touch with the insurance agency. They will inspect the fire damage, any potential smoke damage, if there is soot damage and the water damage from fire, that is often a result of the fire services, to understand if the residence can be restored. Locate an agency to properly clean the residence and bring it back to its former state.

The insurance agency can help find provisions for temporary housing and provide living costs during the time that the clean-up crew labors to restore the residence. Once the fire's extinguished and the homeowner is given permission for returning to the property, locate the items that can be saved and determine what cannot be reclaimed. It is important to not remain in a fire damaged structure for very long since the air quality could be unsafe. The homeowner will need to work in conjunction with the fire services to make a fire report that explains any damages as well as the property that was damaged. The fire services can also explain how to protect the residence from looters. The main thing is to contact a cleanup crew to begin.

The clean-up process can involve the act of tossing away any property items that are too damaged to be restored. The clean-up services can then start to focus on their job and the areas of the residence that underwent smoke damage, potential soot damage, the fire damage and the water damage from fire. Locate a quality agency serving the Hollywood and North Hollywood, California (CA) location to begin the work. It is necessary for the agency to ensure that the air quality present within the fire damaged residence is safe. If it is not, individuals coming into the residence could experience an array of allergies, bad respiratory conditions and other avoidable health ailments caused from smoke and soot.

Keep in contact with the insurance services and any fire cleanup agency to stay updated on what needs be accomplished and the steps that the clean-up crew will be doing. The insurance agent will need to examine the residence. They’ll assist with deciding what is salvageable. This can include property such as the carpets, any rugs and also the curtains. The service professionals will understand how to prevent mold or mildew and to repair the residence to its prior condition, free of smoke and soot. The insurance agency as well as the Better Business Bureau can be of assistance to locate licensed, qualified California restoration crews to perform the task. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire loss.

Recovering After Fire Loss in Hollywood CA

3/9/2017 (Permalink)

Recovering After Fire Loss in Hollywood CA

Preserving the air quality in Hollywood California is a top priority of the government and many residents. With good air quality, a number of people in Hollywood California will be able to maintain a good quality of life. However, there are times when things such as a fire occur. When a fire takes place, there can be a lot of damage as well as pollution. As a result, it will be very important to get fire restoration services immediately. The use of fire restoration services will allow property owners in North Hollywood CA efficiently complete tasks such fire cleanup. Engaging in fire cleanup is one of the most effective ways to deal with fire damage. By using fire restoration services, property owners in North Hollywood CA will be sure to limit fire damage and keep the environment intact.

After a fire is put out and eliminated, there will be some more effects caused by it. One of these effects is smoke damage. This occurs when there is a high accumulation of smoke which causes a variety of structures to decay and fall apart. As a result, smoke damage can be quite troublesome for property owners. Fortunately, the use of restoration services can minimize the damage by eliminating smoke before it begins to further ruin building structures. Another effect of fires is a buildup of soot which will also cause considerable damage. Restoration services can help eliminate soot and thus minimize soot damage. By following a certain protocol, property owners will be able to limit the effects of soot damage by using the services of a restoration company.

Another type of damage that occurs from fires is water damage from fire. When this occurs water will accumulate in certain areas of a building and start to erode it. At times this can be caused by a fire when certain structures begin to fall apart and release water. Due to the potential effects of water damage from fire, property owners will benefit by using the services of a restoration company. A restoration company will help get rid of the fire as well as clean up all of the water. After this is done, they will help repair any areas that were damaged by water and the fire.

Once the fire is put out and soot, smoke and water damage is eliminated, it will be important to take certain measures to prevent this from happening again. Property owners will want to make sure that any flammable substances are kept in a safe place where they cannot cause a fire. It will also be important for property owners to make sure that they keep appliances such as stoves off when not in use. They will also want to put out fire in a fireplace so that there is no chance of a fire spreading in the home. Owners of property will need to keep their properties sanitary and cleaned on a regular basis in order to eliminate a buildup of hazardous particles in the property. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire loss.

Steps to Take After Fire Loss in Hollywood, CA

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

Steps to Take After Fire Loss in Hollywood, CA

Fire damage is certainly one of the most unexpected events that can occur to a business or home owner. Water damage from fire that occurs from the same incident can be caused from flooding, soaking of carpeting, leaking of ceilings, and much more. Smoke damage may result in smoke lingering around in the area where the household's residents may live, or where employees work within a business, or clients/customers shop for the products and/or services that are offered by the business that may require efforts of fire cleanup. The air quality may have gone bad due to lingering smoke, but this does not mean that one cannot acquire services for fire restoration. Fire cleanup is a task that will need to be called upon immediately whether one wants to or not. Hollywood of California offers fire restoration services for very low and competitive prices. If your insurance covers a certain percentage of the costs that have been incurred from soot damage, then you may be able to receive the services in Hollywood CA for very low and competitive prices.

The air quality of a home or business may have become badly affected in any home or business of North Hollywood of California. If you are a home or business owner in North Hollywood of CA and you would like to acquire services to remove soot, then it is highly recommended for you to contact a company that has received positive reviews and feedback for restoring properties after soot damage has occurred. Soot is a substance that often occurs after fire damage and can be very difficult to remove and clean. Water damage from fire should be tended as soon as possible so that business or homeowners can save the value of their properties. Smoke damage that is caused by fires can be tended to for the bettering of the property's air quality. By reacting to the issues quickly, a home or business owner will be able to save the values of their property without losing anything that they may have been able to have saved from damage in the unfortunate and unexpected scenario. One should not attempt to resolve the issues on their own as the damages that have occurred may require one to contact a group of professionals who specialize in treating certain things after fire damage has occurred. If one does not have any experience or training in tending to fire damaged properties then it is highly likely that they will end up making mistakes if they attempt to do so. If you hire a group of professionals to conduct restoration efforts after a fire has damaged your property, then you may be able to benefit from an opportunity that will potentially enable you to save the value of your property. You will definitely be lucky if you had insurance prior to the damage occurring. Regardless of if you had insurance or not, you will want to hire a group of proficient professionals so that they can do the job of restoration correctly. Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on fire damage.

How to Handle A Fire Loss in Hollywood, CA

10/20/2016 (Permalink)

How To Handle A Fire Loss In Hollywood CA

Fire is a dangerous and destructive element when it is uncontained and uncontrollable. Every year thousands of people face the disastrous consequence of fire damage to their homes and businesses. In the event that a fire loss occurs the damage that the flames do to the property are only the beginning. These disasters usually mean that smoke damage, soot damage, and water damage from the fire are present as well.

Fires can start for a variety of reasons including natural causes - like weather conditions that produce wildfires - as well as man made sources. Accidents, failing electrical or gas systems, arson, and human negligence and error are some examples of how fires can be caused by man made sources. Whatever the cause of a fire loss the aftermath can be a stressful and confusing time for home or business owners.

The following is a list of the steps that property owners in Hollywood California can take in the immediate of a fire. -Contact the Insurance Company It's imperative for all property owners to have fire insurance on their property, but this is especially true for Hollywood and North Hollywood CA residents because of the climate in the area. This area of southern California is susceptible to wildfires that cause thousands of acres of fire loss in the region.

After a property is damaged or destroyed by fire it's imperative that the property owner contact their insurance company to make a timely and detailed claim. -Listen To The Advice Of Emergency Response Personnel The firefighters and other emergency personnel in and around North Hollywood CA are trained to deal with fires and the structural damage caused by them. It is important for property owners to heed their advice and warnings and to make sure their loved ones, other residents of the property, and pets listen to their instructions as well.

Emergency personnel will be able to assess when and if it is safe to renter the property. They are trained to determine structural damage and rate air quality by monitoring the levels of smoke and soot in the air of the property. -Prepare To Deal With Different Types of Damage Water damage from fire and other types of damage should be assessed when making a claim in a fire loss.

Fire produces flames that burn and in turn help produce smoke. When smoke and the debris of burned materials settles it produces soot, which is harmful to breathe and difficult to remove from structures, fabrics and objects. This means that once a fire is put out there will be several types of damage to the property in addition to the fire damage and including water damage from the methods used to extinguish the wire as well as smoke damage, soot damage that also diminish the air quality of the site. Property owners in Hollywood CA can use this information as a simple guide for what to expect when dealing with fire loss. 

Handling A Fire Loss In Hollywood, CA

10/5/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in North Hollywood, CA

Handling A Fire Loss In Hollywood, CA

It’s not all fun and games in Hollywood, particularly during fire season. California is home to some of the country’s deadliest wildfires and home fires. The fire damage incurred by scores of residents who are the unfortunate victims of these fires can run well into the millions. Handling a fire loss is never an easy thing for residents of CA but it is a necessary step to rebuilding their lives. The Reality of Fire Loss Or Water Damage From Fire It’s a well-known fact that the North Hollywood, CA area is prone to fires. The fire report published on the California government website for January 1, 2016, to September 10, 2016, already shows that there have been 4,636 fires in California which have burned over 200,601 acres. Spark plug fires, out of control barbecue fires, power lines that aren’t working properly, and kitchen fires are all culprits that have led to a massive loss for the residents of North Hollywood.

The ABCs of Handling a Fire Loss • Call in expert technicians to assess the situation • Sit down with your insurers • Have a support system around you (a) Call in the Experts Expert technicians will be able to fully assess the fire damage done. It’s not just damage done by the fire that needs to be assessed but sometimes there might be water damage from fire, smoke damage and soot damage which all need to be checked for. If water pipes were damaged during the fire and water leaked into the house, then there is a need to ensure that the areas where water seeped into are properly cleaned.

No moisture can be left as moisture will lead to molds and fungi growth. The level of water damage will need a thorough and professional assessment. Smoke and soot can do a whole lot of damage on their own. Smoke can lead to corrosion and discoloration of any remaining walls and household items. Smoke damage needs to be assessed and then cleaned and cleared by licensed technicians. Soot is the black powdery substance that is a by-product of fires. It can cling to the remaining walls of your house. Professionals capable of identifying between dry and oily soot will understand just how best to remove it and keep the soot damage to a minimum. The air quality in your house will also need to be tested. This is especially true if only part of your house was burned.

Air quality tests are carried out easily and can tell you how soon you can move back in. (b) Sit down with your insurers One of the first things you might want to do, although very hard, is to assess the damage. Once you have had a look at what is left, it will give you a rough idea of exactly what was lost. In some cases, only part of the house was damaged. In other cases, the entire house was gutted in the fire. Your Hollywood insurance company will also come in and assess the situation and will be able to let you know how much you can claim in damages. This will let you know how much you will receive in order to start trying to get your life back together again. In most cases, the situation between insurers and clients can get difficult because clients are either not covered by the right type of insurance, or didn’t have much house insurance, to begin with. Always try to check at least once a year that you have the right type of insurance for your house in case of emergencies like this. (c) Have a support system around you It doesn’t matter if its family, friends, colleagues or church mates.

You will need a support system in your life at this moment in time. You will need a place to stay and people to look out for you as you try to get your life back together. For some people, the shock and realization of the loss they encountered doesn’t hit them until they see just how much it’s going to cost them to get back onto their feet.