Recent Fire Damage Posts

Hemet!Property Suffering from Fire Damage and Smoky Odors? Don't Hesitate--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration!

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Why Call SERVPRO for Professional Fire Damage Mitigation in Hemet?

Nobody thinks that a fire can ravage their Hemet property until it happens. When it comes to disasters like fire and subsequent water damage from dousing the flames, working with highly-trained professionals is the only way to ensure you have the best possible outcome.

For help with fire damage in Hemet, your local SERVPRO team is the number one answer. You can contact us at any time, 24/7, and we can schedule a team to come to your property as soon as possible to perform a full assessment.

Time is of the Essence
Fires happen in a flash, which means they need a prompt response from first responders to the scene. Once the fire is fully extinguished and fire personnel has given approval, SERVPRO technicians assess the situation so that the insurance process and mitigation can get underway. We take pictures and hold them for you and your insurance adjuster to establish a firm understanding of the task ahead.

Professional Cleanup
Water saturation present after extinguishing the blaze must be addressed with specialized techniques. We remove standing water using pumps and vacuums, and then any materials damaged beyond the point of saving. SERVPRO technicians use thermal imaging equipment to locate any lingering moisture to ensure that before any rebuilding of fire-damaged materials occurs, there is a small chance of microbial growth.

Cleaning after fire damage means taking care of visible remnants of the fire as well as addressing lingering odors by purifying the air. Homeowners are quite often shocked at the amount of residue and odors that even the smallest fire can leave behind. These offending smells cling to drapes, upholstery, and other materials that allow the odors to hang on well after the cleanup process is underway. SERVPRO technicians utilize deodorizing pellets or employ the use of thermal foggers as well as hydroxyl generators, as needed, to work on even the toughest odors.

Do you still need help with professional fire damage mitigation? SERVPRO of HEMET is available to start on your restoration project so that we can make it look “Like it never even happened.” All you have to do is give us a call at (951)305-0629, and we can be there to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Wild Fire Season Approaching

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

The active wildfires here in Southern California that has happened in 2019 had an impact as growing Santa Ana winds add fuel to the devastating blazes thatwere in thearea. According to the New York Times, new fires broke out in Malibu on December 7, with at least 96,000 acres already burned in the Ventura area and 116,000 acres in Los Angeles County. Evacuations have closed hundreds of schools and forced 200,000 of our neighbors to seek safety. The “Thomas Fire” in the Ventura area continues to burn with the aid of strong winds. This fire has caused the closure of the 101 freeway and a boil-water advisory was issued for Ventura County. Santa Ana winds The Santa Ana winds that are enabling the fires to rapidly increase their reach can have speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. The National Weather Service has warned of “very rapid fire growth” in that area. SERVPRO Meteorologist Lela Davis said that the Santa Ana winds were already very dry when they reached the Southern California valley, allowing them to quickly pull moisture out of vegetation, increasing the risk for wildfires. For the first time ever, a purple wind warning was issued for under the color-coded system used to advise about high winds. This purple warning pushed wind expectations from the “high” category to “extreme”. Ready to help Here at SERVPRO ofHemetwe are monitoring this wildfire season closely. Our thoughts are with those neighbors who may be put in harms’ way during theevent that has passed. In many cases, a wildfire can result in a total loss for a home or business, but in others it may be a partial loss, or can result in mild smoke damage. If your home or business is affected by a wildfire, SERVPRO ofHemetis Here to Help®.

About SERVPRO ofHEMET

SERVPRO ofHemetspecializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Fire Safety Prevention Tips

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Prevention Tips

  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home,inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas.
  • Test smoke alarms every month, if not operable change the batteries
  • Plan a fire escape plan 
  • If a fire occurs in your property GET OUT as fast as you can and call 911. Do NOT go back inside for anything or anyone.

Cooking Fire Safety

  •  Be on alert!
  • Stay in the kitchen or have someone watch what you are baking or cooking. If you leave the kitchen make sure it's for a short period of time.
  • Whatever you have in the oven or the stove make sure to check regularly and remain home in the home while your food is cooking. Set a timer to remind you when your food is ready.
  • Keep anything that can catch on fire - oven mitts,wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains away from your stove top.

Candle Fire Safety

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

Photo is depicting four red candles that are all lit Candle Safety

FACT: one-third of homes catch on fire due to candles

IF YOU DO BURN CANDLES, here are a few helpful tips.....

  • Use candle holders that are sturdy and will not tip over
  • light candles away from you hair or anything that can easily ignite.
  • Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home
  • Use flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage, never use candles.
  • Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.
  • Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
  • Never leave candles unattended. 

Fire Department issues warning of extension cords

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Photo is showing an extension cord burned and damaged. Burned and Damaged Extension Cord.

Extension cords are super handy to have around when you have something that can't reach the wall socket. But, you should be wary of plugging in too many things at once. In fact, this winter fire departments across the country are warning people about the hidden dangers of extension cords.

Power strips and extension cords are words that are often used interchangeably to describe a long electrical cord with multiple plugs, but many people don't realize they are not necessarily the same thing as a surge protectors. Surge protectors will automatically cut off the power when it gets overloaded.

Power strips may have a lot of extra sockets, but that doesn't mean it can actually handle everything you throw at it. There's a limit to how much juice those things can take! If you plug the wrong thing into a power strip, that one mistake can turn very costly - or even worse, it may take a precious life.

When it gets freezing cold outside, the first thing most people do is turn up the heat. But, if you don't have a fireplace or central heating, the next best thing is a space heater. It's compact, portable, and warms up a small room in a minimal amount of time.

But, another thing that it heats up is - you guessed it - extension cords. Even if a space heater is the only thing plugged into the power strip, it can end up making your house much hotter than you originally anticipated.

According to the National Safety Fire Administration, half of all heating home fires occur during December, January, and February. And from 2009 to 2013, heating equipment accounted for 56,000 home fires. Don't become one of those statistics!

If you're thinking of getting a space heater this winter, make sure it's been third-party tested by an independent lab, like UL. If you don't see a UL rating on the box, skip it.

Don't forget to make sure your smoke detector is working, and regularly check your space heater's cords to make sure it's not frayed or damaged. This way, you'll keep both toasty warm and safe this winter.

Federal Emergency Management App (FEMA)

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

This app will help fire victims for weather alerts, what to & how to prepare, and disaster resources

Wildfires have quickly erupted in Southern California. Tune in to your local officials and evacuate as instructed. Download the FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency app or text SHELTER and your zip code to 43362 to find an open shelter near you. https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app

5 Wildfire Safety Tips

7/5/2017 (Permalink)

Photo is showing a huge fire and flames on a hillside off of a road. Riverside County wildfire

Hundreds of homes across Riverside County are near woodlands and could someday be in the path of a wildfire. Keeping your home ready for wildfires and help stop the spreading of the fires or even prevent them from the beginning.

  • Keep your gutters and roofs clean. Remove dead vegetation and shrubbery from your yard that is too close to the home. Keep your lawn hydrated and cut short.
  • Select building materials and plants that resist fire. Desert plants need less water and raise the property value of your home.
  • Make sure driveway and your house address are clearly marked. This helps the first response teams get you faster.   
  • Set aside items that can be used as fire tools. A rake, axe, hand or chain saw, bucket and shovel.
  • Identify and maintain a good water source outside your home. Examples include a small pond, well or swimming pool if a fire hydrant is not available.