Dealing with the aftermath of a house fire can be extremely stressful especially when soot has completely covered your belongings. It should be known that fire damage cleanup is one of the most difficult aspects of a house fire.

In the event of a fire in your home, be sure to call your local fire department first. Your focus should always be safety first. Once you and your family are safe and secure reach out to your insurance agent to see if an insurance claim is necessary.

Each type of smoke damage restoration is different and requires specific expertise to clean. We are highly trained in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration and can assist in all aspects. Our team considers everything we need to clean and what our plan is moving forward.

Soot can be one of the hardest parts of fire restoration clean up and is developed through three different methods:

·      Wet soot residue—results from smoldering, low-heat fires. This residue is sticky, smeary, and has a very pungent odor.

·      Dry soot residue—results from fast-burning fires with high temperatures. This residue is typically dry, powdery, and non-smeary.

·      Protein residue—almost invisible but can discolor paints and varnishes in your home. This residue also has an extremely pungent odor.

Each type of soot is different and requires specific expertise to clean for such needs or concerns.

Our team is trained and licensed to give you an optimal experience as we care for your property. It should be known that soot restoration is one of the most difficult aspects of a house fire as it can be very damaging.

If rising waters threaten your home and you decide to move to a safer location, tell the police, your nearest State Emergency Service (SES) unit or your neighbors of your plans to move.

Relocating to safer ground:

• Monitor your local radio for warnings and advice
• Pack warm clothing, essential medication, valuables and personal papers in waterproof bags along with your emergency kits.
• Raise furniture, clothing and valuables onto beds, tables and into roof space place
• Empty freezers and refrigerators, leaving doors open to avoid damage or loss if they float.
• Turn off power, water and gas and take your mobile phone
• Whether you leave or stay, put sandbags in the toilet bowl and over all laundry/bathroom drain holes to prevent sewage backflow
• Lock your home and take recommended relocation routes for your area
• Do not drive into water of unknown depth and current

How to prepare for a storm or flood type event close to your home.

• Prepare a few emergency kits
• Prepare a household flood plan
• Keep a list of emergency telephone numbers
• Check your insurance policy to see if you are covered for flood damage

If flooding is predicted, make your safety a priority and if you have time try to prepare your property:

• Secure hazardous items
• Roll up rugs, move furniture, electrical items and valuables to a higher level
• Place important personal documents, valuables and vital medical supplies into a waterproof case in an accessible location
• If you are relocating, take your pets with you if it is safe to do so. If not provide adequate food and water and move them to a safer place

This hotel located in Austin, TX experienced water damage through multiple floors. SERVPRO was able to dry the area out and the hotel was able to reopen quickly. Call our office at (512) 796-7721 if you have commercial or residential water damage. We are always here to help!