What Is Your Plan? | SERVPRO® of Lake Geneva

1/9/2024 (Permalink)

a home with fire damage to the roof

House fires can be a devastating event. Even a small fire can leave a portion of your home scorched and unusable, and it can be terribly scary to live through. Many house fires are preventable, but even when they are not, when you have a plan, you can avoid a total disaster. 

Your house is your sanctuary, and you deserve to always feel at ease when you are home. You and your family need to know that no matter what happens you will all be OK. So, what is your plan? 

Map It Out

The best way to be prepared is to sit down with your family and talk about emergency situations. This isn’t only a good practice to do for fires, but for any time something scary or otherwise out of the ordinary arises. Preparing even the youngest of your children can help them react appropriately and even save a life. 

When it comes to planning for a fire emergency, start by sketching out a map of your home. Make sure you include a map for each level of your home, as well as all the sleeping spaces. Have your kids compete with one another to see who can safely exit each area of your home the fastest. Once you have established the best route out from across your house, write it down. A plan is easier to remember and practice when it is on paper. 

Along with mapping out your exit routes, be sure to include a safe meeting location outside of your home. It should be somewhere that everyone can get to, even when it is dark. Use this location in regular play time with your kids—base for tag, a pretend clubhouse, something to make them completely comfortable with that space. 

Practice Makes Perfect

Once you have mapped out exit routes and written your emergency plan down together as family, plan a practice run. This is something you should do monthly, and at least once a year, you should practice exiting your home at night. Fires don’t keep a schedule, so it is best to practice as many different scenarios as possible. 

Combine checking your smoke detectors with your exit plan practice runs. That way everyone in your home can hear the alarm and will know what it means—plus, you know that your smoke detectors are in good working order. You should have working smoke detectors on every level of your home and outside of every sleeping space. 

Talk to your nearest emergency contact when you are going to have a fire drill, and let them know you or one of your family members is going to call them to let them know everyone is OK. This is an ideal way to make sure your children can reach out to a neighbor or other trusted adult if something happens and you are unable to be with them. Spend time teaching your children how to call 911 if they are old enough, and make sure they can give basic information about where you live. 

When it comes to keeping your family safe, you need to know that you have done everything you can. Remember to keep things light in order to 

not introduce too much fear, but ensure that everyone calmly understands what to do. With a well-rehearsed plan, you can rest easy. 

Have you experienced a fire disaster in your home? Call us for fast restoration.  

Home Fire Alarms

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

No home should be without at least one fire alarm to alert all occupants of a potential fire. In recent years, these essential tools have undergone advances in technology that make them more reliable than ever. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association states that homes without working fire alarms are twice as likely to suffer deaths in a fire than homes with working alarm systems. While the choice of installing an alarm in your home in Lake Geneva, WI is a simple one, it helps to know a little about your choices.

1. A Large Selection. You will find an assortment of fire alarms in stores, most of which will use the latest technology. All are designed to sound off in the case of an incipient fire, to save lives and to prevent fire damage. It is important to look at cost, area of coverage and ease of installation

2. Area of Coverage. A fire alarm system should be the right size for your home. Experts recommend coverage for each bedroom and each floor in the home. If you do not have an integrated alarm system, this means multiple alarms throughout the home. Most homes should have at least five fire alarms.

3. Ease of Operation. New smoke alarms are simpler to operate than in the past and require less maintenance. Most last in the range of 10 years, and there is no need to change batteries, making them effective in preventing smoke damage.

4. Ease of Installation. You should be able to install the units yourself in a matter of minutes. If you do opt for a more complicated system, it is best to hire a professional electrician.

A fire alarm provides essential protection for your home. In the case of property damage caused by fire, be sure to call a local fire restoration franchise to clean your home of the many effects of a home fire.

What to do After a Fire

8/19/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with fire damage is devastating and costly. You want to save everything you can, but some items you should throw away immediately because they’re not worth the health risk. Be wary of:

• Food
• Cosmetics
• Medications
• Clothing/Bedding
  
  

For the least risk, it is recommended to discard all the above, but there are some things you can look for to see if any are salvageable.

Food and Beverages

All food and drink sitting out or in permeable containers should be discarded. Even if the items were not in direct contact with the fire or smoke, exposure to high heat and the hazardous chemicals that heat triggers can make anything exposed dangerous. Even food in sealed containers can be affected by the chemicals on those jars and cans reacting to the high heat. The only foods with a shot at being safe are the items in the refrigerator, but before trying to save them, make sure the following is true:

• The food is still cold, and food in the freezer still has ice crystals
• There is no smell of smoke inside
• No soot is visible anywhere inside
• The food has no visible damage or weird odors
  
  

Cosmetics and Medications

Since these are in direct contact with skin or are ingested, it is equally important to make sure they do not show any signs of damage. You should throw away any exposed cosmetics or medications immediately. Anything warped or covered in soot or fire extinguisher dust should be tossed as well.

Clothes and Bedding

Clothes and bedding are probably the most salvageable of all these items. Anything that is not burnt can often be saved after professional cleaning, but remember these come in direct contact with your skin and the skin of your loved ones. Take proper care to get them disinfected and be especially wary of any clothing or blankets for babies or young children.

Always make safety the priority. If you are ever in doubt about any items, it is better to throw away than test your luck. While they may be expensive to replace initially, preventing health concerns will save both heartache and money later.

Dryer Fires

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Clogged vents, ducts, and filters are the primary causes of dryer fires. Usually, this is a result of a buildup of lint, but can certainly be caused by an accumulation of dirt, grass, or anything else that remains after the washing process. 

In addition to the lint filter, the outside vent can also become clogged, which prevents airflow and potentially leads to hazardous conditions. Again, this could be a result of lint making its way through the duct and collecting on the screen. However, it can also become obstructed by pesky birds, insect nests, or rodent nests. 

How to prevent dryer fires:

1. Make sure it's properly installed

2. Clean lint screen after each use

3. Clean the vent and duct

4. Replace ducts

5. Have your dryer routinely inspected

6. Make sure you are using your dryer correctly

Kitchen is the Most Common Spot for a Fire

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

The heart of the home, kitchens are also the most common spot in the house for fires to start. Specifically, unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires and fire-related injuries.

These man-made fires are also easily preventable: Keep an eye on the stove, oven, and other appliances like toaster ovens, and move combustible items away from the stove. Never leave the kitchen when you’re working with high heat during preparations like frying, boiling, or broiling—fires need only seconds to go from a small flame to an out-of-control blaze.

A few more tips for safe cooking:

• If someone else can’t watch things while you step away for a bathroom break or to help the kids, turn off the cooking appliance while you’re in the other room.
• Turn off the stove and all appliances once you’re done cooking.
• Keep everything off hot surfaces. Pay close attention to where you set dish towels or hot pads. Designate a spot, like a hook, to practice putting them back between each use.
• Careful with what you are wearing to prevent singeing you clothing.
• Do not heat your home with your oven.
• Keep a  Fire extinguisher handy in case of fire. Water will only spread oil or grease and feed the flames.

Wildfires

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Wisconsin is most known as “America’s Dairyland” and is particularly famous for its beer and cheese. One of the scarier things that can occur in Wisconsin are wildfires. As far back as the late1700s, large fires – Not particularly hot or destructive, but spacious ones- moved across Wisconsin every few years.  Some of the more notable ones were German Road, Cottonville, Crystal Lake and the most largest known one in Wisconsin the Peshtigo Fire. 

Sometimes these fires make their way into suburban areas. Houses are burned to the ground, businesses are scorched and production comes to a halt, and (worst of all) lives are put on hold or sometimes lost altogether.

Fire damage is easily the worst type of loss a person can endure. Water may leave marks, mold requires cutting walls, but fire can destroy property entirely. When this happens, more than just belongings are lost. Memories, time, and a sense of safety also go up in flames.
If your home or business is affected by a fire, give SERVPRO of Lake Geneva a call. With our experience and attention to detail, we can help ease the pain that comes from a fire. We carefully inventory your belongings to assist insurance companies, we haul away wreckage, and we deodorize and reconstruct homes and businesses.

While it may be a long time before things get back to normal, rest assured: If SERVPRO is on the job, you are in good hands.

The Importance of Smoke Detectors

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Smoking materials, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, are the cause of starting more than 17,000 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments every year! Fires from cigarettes and smoking materials cause nearly 1,000 deaths and 3,000 injuries each year in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. Find out what you need to know about keeping your home and family safe from smoking hazards in your home.

Smoking Hazards

Smoke is a mixture of heated particles and gases, and it’s impossible to predict its exact make up. The items burned, the temperatures reached, and the amount of oxygen available all play a part in determining the type of smoke produced. While smoke may seem to dissipate quickly, the quick cooling of the particles leave a film and odor able to penetrate the contents of a building, and its structure.

The Importance of Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors allow people to get up see what’s going on. Most the time when we have a fatal fire, there is not a working smoke detector. It’s important to have a safety plan that prepares you to think about where that fire is and how you’re going to get away from it, or get out of the house.

As the seasons change over into the next one, make sure to take the time to change out the batteries in your smoke detectors and test them as well. You don’t want to be in the position where you’re not able to detect massive amounts of smoke in your home until it’s too late.

Smoke Damage

Smoke damage is the physical damage caused by smoke that’s generated by a fire, not the damage caused by the fire itself. Smoke doesn’t destroy items like fire does, it just coats them with soot and a foul smelling odor.

Smoke damage is also a major health risk, whether it’s the result of a full on house fire or a localized fire that was contained to one room. During smoke inhalation, you have more carbon monoxide in your lungs which prohibits oxygen into your body.

Getting your Home Back After a Fire

No matter how a home fire occurs, it can be devastating for a homeowner to shoulder. If you are a smoker or live with a smoker, make sure to practice safe smoking habits to deter the onset of a home fire. If a home fire still arises, make sure to call SERVPRO Lake Geneva at (262) 248-7588 for a complete fire restoration consultation that helps get your home back into pre-fire condition.

Kitchen Grease Fire

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is a universal meeting point to converse while rummaging for a snack and is an essential part of any household. So it should be no wonder to know that nearly 41 percent of fires originate in the kitchen area. Multiple factors can play into the dangers of in home fires, many of which we overlook. We will be going through a list of steps to take when confronted with a grease fire and how to practice the proper techniques to either get the fire under control, or remove yourself from the home and to seek help.

Once a fire ignites:

• The most immediate approach you can take is to smother the flames with a cooking lid or cookie sheet. Leave on flame until it has been extinguished and the surface has cooled.
• Immediately turn off the heat source
• Baking Soda or Salt are the only two kitchen ingredients to be used when putting out a grease fire. Never use flour or any other substance to extinguish flames as they can make the fire worse.
• If all else has failed and the fire is still manageable, use a fire extinguisher to control situation.

NEVER USE WATER TO PUT OUT GREASE FIRE FLAMES. Do not attempt to move burning items outside.

If all else fails:

• If you cannot get the flames smothered it is imperative to immediately vacate the home and seek help. Kitchen fires can spread very quickly leaving you vulnerable and reduces your points of exit.
• Close all doors behind you as you leave as it can help contain the spread of the flames.
• Call 911 immediately from a safe distance.
• Never under any circumstances reenter your home while fire is in progress.
• Always have a current evacuation plan composed for your family to know which route is best to safely leave in the case of an emergency.

Home fire loss makes for a long process of recovery as well as the possibility of losing precious items that cannot be replaced. These simple steps and help you prevent disaster from striking and keep your family safe.

Fire Damage

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Fire can have a lasting and devastating effect on your home or business. Not only are your personal belonging damaged, you may also need to relocate until repairs can be made. Our team at SERVPRO know how difficult and stressful the situation can be and go to extra lengths to ensure you and your property are taken care of. Fire damage doesn't stop where the fire was located. The potential of smoke damages throughout the entirety of the space is very likely and will require professional cleaning and repair. When materials in your home burn, toxics chemicals are released within the smoke itself, creating a dangerous health risk to anyone located in the damaged space. SERVPRO quickly mitigates the damages and begins repairs swiftly, saving you time and money. Give us a call today if you find yourself facing fire repairs alone. We are here to help. 262-248-7588

Fire Tips - Why to close your doors!

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know by closing your door at night could save your life if your house started on fire.  If the unfortunate occurrence of a home fire, happens by having your doors closed the damage will be lessened with the addition of a fire alarm in the hallway and an exit plan out of your bedroom you can help eliminate some of the toxic fumes and suffocating smoke.  Within minutes of a fire located on a lower level, toxic fumes and suffocating smoke will have already made their way to the upper most rooms, stealing precious lifesaving minutes. A closed door acts as a shield between you and the damage raging outside. It also allows you time to formulate an escape plan, or if trapped, for rescue efforts to reach your location. A basic house fire can reach upwards of 1,100 degrees but by having your door remain closed prevents the atmospheric temperate of rising above 110 degrees. Hot, but survivable. By choosing this one simple step for your daily routine could be a lifesaving method that’s as simple as shutting the door.

SERVPRO of Lake Geneva is here to give you tips to keep safe and will always be there when things go wrong.  262-248-7588

Smoke and Soot Damage- Lake Geneva

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (262)248-7588

Smoke and Soot Damage

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can force it's way into various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  Our team will take the time to go over the plan of action with each client, and answer any questions that may arise.

Here is some additional information:

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (262) 248-7588

Toxic Effects of Fire Damages

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is commonly summed up as items burned or singed from the elevated temperatures and heat from the flames themselves. Unfortunately the issues do not stop there. In any home or business, many of the items we have around can create toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures from a fire. Smoke and toxic air quality can become deadly if inhaled and can poison all other items within its reach. It is of extreme importance to have these items removed with professional assistance to avoid possible exposure or cross contamination to prevent to spread of toxic materials. SERVPRO is a locally owned and operated restoration company with over 30 years of experience in disaster remediation. Call us today, we can help you through whatever disasters may effect your property. 

Smoke Damaged Electronics

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know your electronics in your home or business can be harmed by smoke damages? When a fire occurs in your space, smoke can be one of the leading causes of damages to your property, even in rooms the fire did not reach. Smoke infiltrates the circuit boards of electronics causing overheating and early on device failure. It is important to have your electronics properly cleaned after smoke exposure to lessen the risk of malfunction and to prolong the devices life. SERVPRO has the ability to clean your smoke damaged devices. With a team of skilled professionals and state of the art equipment we are able to safely remediate the situation and repair the items that were effected by smoke. If you are facing smoke damages, give SERVPRO a call today!

Holiday Decoration Fire Hazards

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Now that we have all arrived in a new year, its time to remove those holiday decorations before they become a potential fire hazard. Christmas trees that have lost moisture and have not been properly watered are the highest risk and should be removed as quickly as possible. when hot lights or any type of ignition source come into contact with the dried tree branches a fire can erupt in a matter of seconds and your home could potentially be engulfed in a matter of minutes. By removing holiday decorations such as twinkling lights and candles also lowers the potential risk of fire in your home. SERVPRO is always available to answer your call and any questions you may have. Don't hesitate to give us a call today.

Up in Smoke: After Fire Damage

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs in your home or business toxic fumes are released into the air, affecting almost all items inside your space. Even relatively small fires that are extinguished quickly have the potential to leave behind harmful chemicals. It is important to get the smoke and soot residue removed quickly to prevent any lasting health issues and to salvage the structure of your home. Our crew at SERVPRO have the equipment needed to properly sanitize and restore your belongings and will always help you through understanding the restoration process. Using state of the art equipment we are able to ensure your property will be handled with care. Boarding up your home is another service we provide, which keeps the elements and animals outside where they belong as your restoration in is progress. Give us a call today to set up an estimate. We are available 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have. 

After The Smoke Clears

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damages can be devastating to your home or business. Not only are you faced with the after effects of the fire itself such as ash and soot, you might also be facing water damages from rescue efforts such as the fire department using hoses to put the flames out, or a sprinkler system that detected the smoke during the fire. Every hour spent restoring the damages your facility or home sustained is lost revenue and missed time with your family. SERVPRO works closely with most insurance companies to mitigate the situation and begin repairs to fully restore your space. 

•  24 Hour Emergency Services
•  Faster to Any Size Disaster
•  A Trusted Leader in the Fire and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises

Give us a call today to set up an estimate and get back on your feet, faster.

When Ashes Remain, Repair and Rebuild Again

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Residential fires can disrupt every aspect of normalcy in life. It takes away not only physical possessions, but also peace of mind. It can be easy to become overwhelmed with the grief of loss but also the steps that need to be taken to contact your insurance company to begin rebuilding again. SERVPRO and our team of expertly trained individuals understand the emotional toll a fire can have. We work directly with most insurance companies to get the work started. We have the ability to began damage control the moment the scene is considered safe and can provide the work necessary to rebuild your home in its entirety. Estimating the cost of repairs is an essential step to take in the process of fire damage rebuild. We provide the ability to gage repair cost before work begins, giving you an accurate range of cost for our services. With our state of the art equipment and years of experience, there's nothing we haven't seen and nothing we cant repair or replace. Taking into consideration your input every step of the way, we can transform the ruins of your former home, into a vision you see accommodating your family and your future. Restoring your home and your peace of mind are two of our main objectives. We are always available to take your call 24 hours a day to answer any questions you may have and can help talk you through the beginning steps of home repair. Give us a call today!

Top Causes of In Home Fire

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

It is always recommended to be aware of your surroundings and what can potentially cause harm in your home. Fires are one of the leading causes of property and business damages. Listed below are the most common causes for fire ignition in your personal space. 

1) Cooking Equipment: Never leave food that is being heated unattended. It is easy to become distracted which can lead to severe consequences.

2) Heating: Portable heaters should always be kept away from furniture and any other flammable materials.

3) Smoking: It is best practice to not smoke in or near your home or business. 

4) Electrical: Always be sure to check that any electric items in use are maintained properly and have no frayed cords.

5) Candles: Never leave a candle burning unattended. Always have a fire safe dish under every candle in use

Prevention is the first step in fire safety. Be sure to call SERVPRO if you need help in the restoration of your home and business after fire damages occur. 

Ash and Dust: After Fire Cleanup

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damages can create issue far outside of the flames. Smoke can infiltrated every item and every space in your home or business. Toxins released from damaged property can he highly volatile if not properly cleaned or removed. Even by touching contaminated items you are putting your health at risk. It is important to seek assistance for these types of cleanups to avoid endangering yourself or family members. SERVPRO has the equipment needed to properly contain and remove all harmful materials. We have the ability to begin the restoration process immediately, saving time and future costs that may accumulate by a building sitting vacant. We are skilled at boarding up damaged locations which prevents infestations from forming. By ensuring these steps are taken and performed well, allows the clean up and repair to be completed quickly and thoroughly.

After Effects: Smoke Damage

1/2/2020 (Permalink)

After results of an unexpected electrical malfunction in a local commercial building

When dealing with damages as a result of fire loss, multiple steps must be taken and addressed. Destruction to property can be caused by more than the heat alone. Smoke damages contribute equally when considering the extend of monetary loss. When a local business experienced an unexpected electrical fire, extensive damages were done. Not only was equipment lost, but smoke had infiltrated the surrounding areas. Deep cleaning with professional equipment was necessary. When considering smoke, one must remember the toxins that can be contained within. Residue left after the disaster poses threats of its own. It is imperative to wear proper body protection equipment when handling any and all items left behind as a result of a fire. Our team at SERVPRO have the training, experience and equipment to see the restoration process completed from beginning to end. 

Below the smoke

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

When we think of a home or business fire, we may have a huge misconception on time. Fires are extremely fast, elevating from minor to catastrophic in minutes. It is important to know the basic steps to take when you find yourself with seconds to spare. Most home and business fires originate in one of four situations, the first being cooking. Without knowing how to properly distinguish flames, they can quickly spread. The second, Heating. Improperly used heating items can cause disaster. The third cause being electrical, such as over used extension cords. Finally and the most avoidable of all fires are cigarettes and candles that are not extinguished or being monitored. The most important step to take when a fire erupts is to GET OUT! Get as far away from the flames as possible and keep low to the ground. Shut doors behind you to stop the spread of the fire. Be sure everyone is out safely and never go back inside. Fires are swift and volatile. SERVPRO has the skill and experience to get you back on your feet, faster.

Ahead of the Flame

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Home and business fires can be a difficult and life changing event to deal with. Irreplaceable items may be lost forever within a matter of minutes. The first and most important step to avoid these situations is to prevent them from happening at all. Not all fires are foreseeable but there are a few helpful steps to take to avoid disaster. Always test your smoke detectors and have them placed in a pathway that leads to an exit. Inspect your source of heat and be sure it is up to code. Keep laundry lint traps cleared and have your ducts cleaned periodically to prevent dryer fires. Never leave a candle burning without a proper base beneath it and never leave it unattended. Maintain your cords and never over use an outlet. These simple and effective steps can help keep your family safe. 

Ashes to Ashes

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

The after effects of a home or office fire can be traumatic and lasting. Personal items and family heirlooms can be lost forever, along with the feeling of safety in your home. It is imperative to know the steps to take after the fire has been extinguished in order to prevent further problems.

Step One: Entering your home after a fire can be devastating. Be sure you have contacted Fire Department Officials to have validation the scene is safe.

Step Two: Contact your utility providers and let them know there has been a fire at your residence and to cease operations until further notice 

Step Three: Contact your Homeowners insurance to begin the process of filing your claim. The sooner the better!

Step Four: Obtain a copy of the 'Fire Report' which should be made available form the responding Fire Department.

Step Five: Document losses. Take photo evidence that can be used for your insurance claim.

Step Six: Remove all valuable items and documentation. Contact your local Police department and let them know your location will be vacant pending repairs.

Step Seven: Contact SERVPRO. We will be there from start to finish to ensure your home is handled with care and brought back to its former glory.

Freeze Fire in Its Tracks: Fire Prevention During Winter

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

There’s nothing like staying warm through a bitter cold evening in Wisconsin. The whipping wind is notorious for its ability to steal your breath away in a matter of moments. Heat is essential and our only defense during the coldest months of the year. December, January and February bring the harshest wrath. As we are in the grips of a record cold forecast ahead of us, listed below are preventative measures and tips to keep in mind to prevent your home from going up in smoke.

Side effects of heating sources: Carbon Monoxide is a silent and invisible threat to every member of your home. It is an odorless and colorless gas that is commonly omitted from cooking equipment and heating appliances. Be sure to have proper ventilation and to have your equipment up to date to prevent the possibility of exposure to the poison. Having a CO reader in your home is an essential tool as well, as it detects the threat immediately.

Mood lighting: Candles are a common threat statistically in the winter months. Never leave a candle lit for more than 4 hours at a time. Supervision of any lit candle is advised at all times.

It’s electric: Electrical units are a leading cause of home fires in the United States. Lighting equipment, washer/dryer fans and space heaters are typically the culprit in these incidents. Following instructions and turning units off when unused is a preventative measure to take to avoid disaster. Never use any heating source unsupervised.

To avoid disaster this winter use these helpful tips to remain safe and cozy during the cold dark days.

Grease Lightning: Fires in the kitchen

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It is a universal meeting point to converse while rummaging for a snack and is an essential part of any household. So it should be no wonder to know that nearly 41 percent of fires originate in the kitchen area. Multiple factors can play into the dangers of in home fires, many of which we overlook. We will be going through a list of steps to take when confronted with a grease fire and how to practice the proper techniques to either get the fire under control, or remove yourself to seek help.

Once a fire ignites:

• The most immediate approach you can take is to smother the flames with a cooking lid or cookie sheet. Leave on flame until it has been extinguished and the surface has cooled.
• Immediately turn off the heat source
• Baking Soda or Salt are the only two kitchen ingredients to be used when putting out a grease fire. Never use flour or any other substance to extinguish flames as they can make the fire worse.
• If all else has failed and the fire is still manageable, use a fire extinguisher to control situation.

NEVER USE WATER TO PUT OUT GREASE FIRE FLAMES. Do not attempt to move burning items outside.

If all else fails:

• If you cannot get the flames smothered it is imperative to immediately vacate the home and seek help. Kitchen fires can spread very quickly leaving you vulnerable and reduces your points of exit.
• Close all doors behind you as you leave as it can help contain the spread of the flames.
• Call 911 immediately from a safe distance.
• Never under any circumstances reenter your home while fire is in progress.
• Always have a current evacuation plan composed for your family to know which route is best to safely leave in the case of an emergency.

Home fire loss makes for a long process of recovery as well as the possibility of losing precious items that cannot be replaced. These simple steps and help you prevent disaster from striking and keep your family safe.

Shut the Door!

9/20/2018 (Permalink)

A recent study has discovered that a closed door can save your life. In the unfortunate occurrence of a home fire, it has now been proven that, other than fire alarms, a closed door is essential. Within minutes of a fire located on a lower level, toxic fumes and suffocating smoke will have already made their way to the upper most rooms, stealing precious lifesaving minutes. A closed door acts as a shield between you and the damage raging outside. It also allows you time to formulate an escape plan, or if trapped, for rescue efforts to reach your location. A basic house fire can reach upwards of 1,100 degrees but by having your door remain closed prevents the atmospheric temperate of rising above 110 degrees. Hot, but survivable. By choosing this one simple step for your daily routine could be a lifesaving method that’s as simple as shutting the door.

As always, SERVPRO of Lake Geneva is here to give you tips to keep safe and will always be there when things go wrong.

Lake Geneva Smoke and Soot Cleanup

5/30/2018 (Permalink)

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

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (262) 248-7588