Fires Caused by Household Appliances

7/3/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville has the expertise to restore properties following a fire.

Although convenient, many household appliances can often malfunction and lead to home or apartment fires. Whether it be a washer and dryer, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, or other cooking appliances, these items are used routinely and help our lives, but can also have detrimental effects if used carelessly, left unattended or malfunctioning. SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville can be there to restore a commercial or residential property following fire and smoke damage and is always Here to help. To prevent a possible fire due to a household appliance and protect your property, here are three things you can do.   

1. Never leave heated cookware on overnight such as crockpots. Use of these appliances should be supervised in case of a heating element or wiring malfunction. 
2. Never leave an appliance running while away. Coming home to clean dishes from the dishwasher may sound nice after being away, but electrical issues may stem from heating elements which can cause fire.  
3. Do not overload your washer or dryer, and always make sure to clean out the lint trap. 

Fall Fires

10/25/2022 (Permalink)

The colder months can mean more house fires. Be prepared and know SERVPRO is here to help.

When the cold weather comes around, more residential homeowners begin to use heating elements to warm their space. Incidents and mishaps with these elements can lead to fires that damage the property. The American Red Cross even notes that the amount of house fires increases in the fall and winter months. 

SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville knows how frequent fires occur, so we want you to know tips to stay safe this season. If a fire does occur in your residential or commercial space, know that SERVPRO has the professionals to restore the damage. Our teams use their expertise and experience to make a fire disaster “Like it never even happened” and provide 24-hour emergency services. To stay safe this fire season, make sure to test your smoke alarms. Also, check that space heaters are clear of surrounding objects and do not leave them unattended. If you will be using a fireplace, be sure to have it inspected and cleaned of debris. Additionally, replace furnace filters and keep the area clean.  

National Preparedness Month

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville at (319)338-8550 and ask to speak to marketing on getting an ERP set-up.

Hello Everyone, It’s Jacob, Digital Marketing Support Coordinator for SERVPRO Team Meyer! 

September is an exciting time not only for our team but for the industry as a whole as we enter National Preparedness Month. This is a brief personal story, a couple of months ago I was getting ready for a marketing golf tournament 45 minutes away from where I live. We loaded up the cars and headed off. 

During the event, we heard of a fire in the town where I kennel my dog. Then an image was posted on the app Nextdoor, which I recognized was in the area of my parent’s home, where I kennel my dog. Okay, I started to panic because of client stories I have heard. I was considering driving back home just to make sure but right as I was about to leave the address came through internal communication. The brick on my chest, that feeling is something I will never forget.

A flame can kindle and grow anywhere from 30 seconds to 7 hours, which is why I am so passionate about our Emergency Ready Profile Program. This is our way to help our clients before disaster strikes. This profile shaves time off from the disaster clock by storing shut-off locations, emergency contacts, and more. This helps because if a disaster struck your property at 3:00 am on a Tuesday mourning you would know where exactly the water shut-off is located if the fire sprinklers were set off. 

Let’s have those what-if conversations because it’s better now than after the fact.

The Fire. Stops. Here!

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

Call our SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville office anytime at (319)338-8550!

Hello Everyone! 

It’s Digital Marketing Coordinator, Jacob, and I was on Tik Tok when I came across a video discussing the current situation of wildfires causing significant issues for states like Alaska. Growing up I would never forget seeing the Smokey The Bear ads and I just thought all fires were started from an ignited cigarette or even a gender reveal gone wrong. 

We have experienced a very humid summer which causes the ground to dry out making it more capable of igniting. Although wildfires aren’t a common issue in the Iowa City area we wanted to make sure you all know how to prevent fires from spreading to your home.

1. Clear the home’s surroundings of any debris or combustible materials.
2. Maintain your lawn by trimming all trees and bushes.
3. Practice safety measures when having campfires. (Make sure you see if there is a fire ban, dryness of campfire area, etc.)
4. Create a Fire Safety Plan. 

Our SERVPRO Promise is that we will have someone there for you, whether that be Lisa our Marketing Representative, or one of our many amazing Project Managers.

Appliance Fires

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Although used daily for many, household appliances are a large cause for fires.

Most of us use household appliances on a daily basis. After all, these machines help to improve our lives with convenience and efficiency. Whether it be a washer and dryer, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, or other cooking appliances, these items are used routinely. Although convenient, these machines can often malfunction and lead to home or apartment fires. Even so, these fires often happen while a homeowner is away and leaves an appliance running or leaves a cooking appliance unattended. SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville can be there to restore a commercial or residential property following fire and smoke damage and is always Here to help. To prevent a possible fire due to a household appliance and protect your property, here are three things you can do.  

1. Never leave an appliance running while away. Coming home to clean dishes from the dishwasher may sound nice after being away, but electrical issues may stem from heating elements which can cause fire. 
2. Do not overload your washer or dryer, and always make sure to clean out the lint trap. 
3. Never leave heated cookware on overnight such as crockpots. Use of these appliances should be supervised in case of a heating element or wiring malfunction.  

P.A.S.S. the Fire Extinguisher

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

If you ever need fire restoration, please call SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville at 319-338-8550.

Hello Iowa City/Coralville!

Digital Marketing Support Coordinator Jacob is here to tell you about a simple way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher correctly. When I moved out of my parents, it was exciting but exhausting. I lived on the top floor of a 9-floor apartment building. Neighbors would set off the smoke alarm. 

When I started at SERVPRO, I quickly learned this simple acronym to make operating a fire extinguisher effective. Use the PASS method when you need to step into action at a moment's notice.

Pull the pin. When you pull the pin, it brakes the tamper seal.

Aim low; Fire spreads quickly because of how fast the temperature changes as the fire grows. Knowing where to aim the extinguisher will help extinguish the flames before they can grow. When directing the agent, you will want to aim at the source, which is the base of the fire. 

Squeeze the handle, which will send the extinguishing agent into the flames. What this does is deprive the fire of oxygen which helps it grow. 

Sweep from side to side; it is key not to release the handle when eliminating the spread. Only release the handle when the fire is visible put-out.

I hope this helps you as it has become easy to remember as Stop. Drop. And Roll. I hope you will only remember the acronym and not use it. If your home or apartment has an active fire, we want you to try and extinguish it, but if it grows out of control, please seek shelter. 

Preventing Cigarette Fires

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

Smoking inside your home increases your risk of starting a fire.

People frequently will do something even when they know they shouldn’t. One more significant problem is smoking cigarettes inside the home, which increases the risk of starting a fire. We aren’t going to tell you to stop smoking, but we hope you consider not smoking inside the home for the following reasons.

• Overloaded Ashtray
• Smokers commonly sit the ignited cigarette down while inhaling nicotine if they can’t finish it in one sitting. This becomes a potential fire waiting to happen as most ashtrays have some accumulated reminisce of last cigarettes. When you have an ignited cigarette sitting, it collects hot ash, which gets naturally ashed, creating the perfect conditions for a fire. We suggest that if you can’t finish a cigarette, you put it out by lightly pushing the ignited end against a quarter. 
• Catching Z’s with an Ignited Cigarette
• Believe it, or not more people have fallen asleep while smoking than you would think. One in twenty (5%) home fires are started when someone falls asleep with a cigarette still ignited. The scary part is that most of those fires were created at an unsafe distance which doesn’t leave the person with much time to react, causing severe burns and death in some cases. 
• Discarding Properly
• One of the most common fires starts when the person smoking doesn’t properly put out the fire. This includes smoking outside as an ignited cigarette butt can easily ignite a bush.

We understand that it is tempting to smoke inside your property due to winter. We don’t advise this as there are health concerns when smoking inside, but the risk of starting a fire also increases. Knowing the common ways cigarettes create home fires helps you understand how to prevent falling victim to a house fire.

How to ensure that frying a turkey doesn’t ruin your turkey day

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO we prioritize safety and we want you to do the same for this Thanksgiving. Make sure to enjoy the holiday season!

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville wants to help ensure that your turkey day doesn’t get ruined by an accidental fire. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, on average, frying turkeys have been the main cause of about 900 homes in the United States every year.

Preparations for the turkey before you start frying

It is critical that when you are cooking a turkey that you should NEVER fry a frozen turkey. In fact, you should start thawing it in the refrigerator a few days before the big day and make sure it is dry beforehand. You will want to set up the unit on a flat surface, preferably, on a cement driveway far from the home with nothing overhead. One of the most important aspects to keep in mind is to not overfill the turkey fryer with oil. Overfilling the unit can run the risk of having the oil spill out and which could cause the whole unit to engulf in flames.

READY…SET…FRY!

It is time to get that turkey cooking, when placing the turkey into the frying unit, you will want to SLOWLY drop it into the fryer. After the turkey is in the fryer, you shouldn’t leave it unattended because the oil will continue to rise in temperature until it reaches 450? which is the temperature that oil will start to smoke. At any time during the frying process, you see any smoke coming from the unit you then immediately TURN OFF THE GAS. The turkey is cooked all the way through when the dark meat is at an internal temperature of 175-180? and all the white meat is at an internal temperature of 165-170?. Finally, one should never try to touch the unit without any form of oven mitts due to the extreme temperature that the fryer can reach.

GOBBLE GOBBLE Time

From our family here at SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville to yours we hope that you have a fun and safe Thanksgiving.

Outdoor Grill Safety

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

As we wrap up the summer and head into fall,  our team wanted to provide a reminder about grill safety and how to prevent a house fire. Having your dinner on the grill and your family enjoying your backyard is exactly what summer calls for, but it is important to prioritize safety amidst all the fun. Grilling is a fantastic way to prepare a meal, but it is also one of the more hazardous cooking methods due to the presence of an open flame.

While we are all for a backyard barbecue, we do like to remind everyone of the safety considerations to take in order to prevent fires.

Many people do not realize that grill fires are a frequent issue, occurring around 5,700 times a year as reported by the U.S. Fire Administration. However, by being a safe grillmaster, you can significantly reduce the chances that one will occur.

Safety Considerations to Prevent Grill Fires

Create a safe zone around your grill. Placing your grill in a convenient spot may seem like the most important thing, but we like to urge people to keep safety in mind as well. At least three feet around your grill should be free of flammable materials so there is no chance of a flare-up spreading to nearby objects. It is important to try and place the grill away from the home.

Clean your grill grates often. With each use, your grill grates can become saturated with food and grease that have become stuck over time. Brushing down your grates after each use is always recommended.

Never leave the grill unattended. Catching a grill fire before it gets out of hand can be the difference between a small incident and a large emergency, so never walk away from the grill when it is lit. 

Inspect the grill regularly. As with anything, grills can wear down with age, especially those that are gas-powered. Doing a visual inspection before each use can help you locate any gas leaks safely so you can repair them before using your grill again.

If you have a grill fire that does damage to your home, we are here to help. You can call us anytime, day or night, to have a quick response from our restoration experts.

Commercial Fire Cleanup

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

A fire takes over your business at 3 in the morning, what do you do? When the stress is the highest, you can call on SERVPRO to take care of the cleanup and restoration. Our team works in a timely manner to get business back to normal. We take care of everything from the first alarm call to the final inspection, and we are a company you can trust to get the job done right. We do not run from a job, SERVPRO is ready for any commercial fire that arises. We do smoke, soot, and fire cleanup no matter how big the fire is. We take care of the fire damage restoration, and we make sure that your buildings are commercial fire cleanup ready. We offer 24-hour service for any size job.
When a business is involved in a fire, we know how costly the damage can be. SERVPRO is always on hand to help you when you need us most. Our professional approach and our expertise take worry out of the equation so that you can focus on the important things like keeping your customers safe, employees present, and business running smoothly.

Ultrasonic = Ultra Cool

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

An ultrasonic tank and dryer are paired together to help create a complete drying process. Contents are cleaned in our ultrasonic tank and then they are placed in the dryer to complete the system. This dual system allows for contents to be cleaned efficiently and thoroughly, expanding our range of restorable contents. Our ultrasonic tank and dryer work together to complete a complete process.

Applications:

• Washing of automobile parts and other delicate items.
• Cleaning of jewelry parts, backpacks, camping equipment, etc.

Our Ultrasonic Machine system is utilized to clean many different items including items damaged by mold or soot, mainly being used with fire damage. If you experience a disaster, then call our office. Our team offers 24 emergency services and can help you get back to normal!

Fire Damage Tips

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

If your home or business suffers a fire, you may be at loss on what steps to take next. The following tips may help reduce damage and increase your chances of a successful restoration.

Do:

• Limit movement in the property. It helps prevent soot particles from becoming embedded into your carpet and upholstery.
• Keep hands clean. It could further soil upholstery, walls, woodwork, etc.
• Cover upholstery, rugs, and carpet traffic areas by placing dry, colorfast towels or old linens on them.
• If electricity is off, empty refrigerator/freezer. Clean completely and prop open doors to help prevent odors.
• Change HVAC filters; leave system off until a trained professional can check them.
• Cover air registers with cheesecloth. Tape double layers to prevent soot particles from getting in or out of the HVAC system.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.

Smoke Webs

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke webs appeared in this apartment complex after a fire caught in the lower level. The fire damage caused smoke and soot damage in the complex.

In the case of a fire, there can be a situation called smoke webbing. Ionization refers to particles of smoke with opposite charges attracting to each other. The formations of these smoke chains are called "smoke webs" as stated previously. These smoke webs look similar cobwebs. They are usually found at room corners and other parts of the home. The presence of smoke webs indicates combustion of synthetic materials, not spiders or cobwebs as some believe. In every fire, some surfaces can be become deeply embedded with soot and smoke odors. Ionization is one of the factors that influences smoke behavior. And understanding these factors help our team of professionals remove any damage appropriately. If you experience a fire in your home or business, you can call on our team of professionals to properly take care of your fire damage, smoke, and soot.

Contents Claim Inventory

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

Our professional team can help you get back to normalcy by restoring the salvageable contents. We are HERE TO HELP.

Just imagine experiencing a total loss of your home due to a fire and having to recall every item that was damaged… would you be able to do it? Would you trust yourself to remember each individual item that was in your home, especially the rarely used ones? Without a photographic memory, most of us would struggle with this extensive task in an already stressful time. In the event of a fire, your insurance company will expect you to provide a list of all your personal property that was damaged. By having a pre-assembled Home Contents Inventory you can have piece-of-mind knowing that all of your contents are documented and can then be properly replaced according to your insurance policy. There are several methods to complete your Home Contents Inventory whether on paper or digitally (you can contact your local SERVPRO for a blank copy of either). You will want to make sure to list each item, its value, and include any receipts and photographs along with it. It is a good idea to update your Home Contents Inventory list annually to include any new items you have added to the home and remove items you no longer have. Make sure to keep a copy safe in a fireproof container or safe deposit box and you can always file a copy with your insurance agent as well.

The Steps of Deodorization

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

The smells after a fire can be persistent and overwhelming, so we are here to help deodorize the affected space.

There are four principles of deodorization that we follow when restoring an affected area after a fire:

1. The first step is to remove the source. The charred material all needs to be removed first to start the process. 

2. Our team then cleans contaminated surfaces to remove soot residue. This needs to happen as soon as we are able to get to it. This will help minimize damage.

3. After removing the residue, our franchise professionals then use different methods to remove odor. This principle is called "recreate the conditions of penetration."  We use many different methods to remove odor form objects.  We use ozone machines, hydroxyl machines as well as thermal foggers to remove odor. 

4. When necessary, our team members seal and encapsulate the odor using special sealing materials, so the odor does not penetrate the sealer and continue to produce an odor.

Our team is able to assist with any fire, smoke, and soot job to help get your life back on track.

The Impact of a Larger Fire

9/10/2020 (Permalink)

We have the equipment and vehicles for any water or fire loss.

SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville was on this large loss commercial fire earlier this year for about a week. 

This was a commercial fire in a nearly finished retirement community set to open just weeks after the fire. Our major focus was on the part not affected by the fire but all the water the fire department had to use to extinguish the fire. We mitigated all damaged materials and completed a structure dry utilizing a trailer mounted desiccant and other industry methods. We brought a semi trailer that was fully stocked for this job. We have the equipment and trained professionals to help with any size job. We are Here to Help at any time. We are prepared to assist any job with our team.

Soft and Hard Content Cleaning

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

All contents are itemized and can be taken to our shop to be cleaned and restored.

SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville provides content cleaning services when fire, water, sewage, or mold remediation occurs. When any of these disasters occur, we will be there to help. Not only do these situations leave the structure a mess, but it can damage your valuable contents as well. When fire affects lives they think the fire has stolen their contents. At SERVPRO, we have specifically trained content cleaning personnel that will help to restore your personal belongings back to preloss conditions. We start by taking a detailed inventory of your belongings and carefully packing them into boxes as to not damage anything. In the industry this process is called a "pack out". This would include any item that SERVPRO cleaning staff and you deem salvageable including:  clothing, shoes, rugs, drapes, linens, décor items, electronics, dishes, books, and other miscellaneous items around the home.  The items are then taken back to our facilities where SERVPRO uses different methods of restoration to carefully bring life back to your belongings as quickly as possible. This includes our ultrasonic machines.

After the cleaning process has taken place, your personal contents are stored in an environmentally controlled space for safe keeping until your home or business is ready.

The First 24 Hours After a Fire

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

We know how unexpected and stressful fire damage can be, so we will work efficiently to get your property back to pre-loos conditions.

The first 24 hours after fire damage make the difference between restoring versus replacing the property. SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville provides a timely response with mitigation services ranging from smoke and soot removal to contents claim inventory and document restoration. We offer a large amount of options in the case of fire damage. We can either utilize a dry or wet technique to completely remove soot off of surfaces like the walls and ceiling. Additionally, media blasting is used soot, mold, or paint removal. It is done by forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material to smooth the surface.  A containment area can be built to make the cleanup process easier to limit the product from spreading to unwanted areas. The containment is easily moved to reach different parts of the affected location. Lastly, thermal fogging recreates the act of penetrations and follows the same path of the smoke from a fire to deodorize. It is estimated that up to 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster, such as a fire, never reopen. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them have a preparedness plan in place. Whether it’s a home or business, SERVPRO is a lead in fire damage response and can help you quickly get the property back.

The Do's and Do Not's for Fire Damage

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

We offer several options for cleaning smoke and soot to help you get back to preloss conditions. We want you to know that we are "Here to help."

If you have fire and smoke damage to your property, home or business, it is hard to not start cleaning yourself. If this situation arises, please let our SERVPRO franchise professionals assist you. Here are some tips for those who experience fire and smoke damage in their home or business. The Do's are meant to help you minimize damage. Please keep movement in the building at a minimum.  Minimal movement helps keep particles from becoming embedded in carpet and fabrics. Make sure to wash your hands a lot and be cautious not to transfer or wipe soot onto something. It can make it damage the item more. If electricity is off, then empty fridges and freezers and prop doors open to prevent odors. It is beneficial to change your furnace/air conditioner filter, but don't let the system continue to run. Be certain to turn it off. The Don'ts that are stated should be left to professionals to help you get back to preloss conditions. Do not try washing anything yourself. You could further rub the soot into the item. Don't shampoo your carpet. We recommend that you take the time to talk to a professional first. Don't clean any electronics without contacting a professional. Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been affected by the fire, soot, or smoke. Additionally, do not use toiletries as they can also be affected by fire, soot, or smoke. Do not turn ceiling fans on, because this will stir up the soot residue. Our SERVPRO team is available for 24 hour emergency services.

We can make fire damage "Like it never even happened"

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fires are often unexpected, and we want to create peace of mind as we are able to help get the property back to preloss conditions.

The first 24 hours after fire damage make the difference between restoring versus replacing the property. SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville provides a timely response with mitigation services ranging from smoke and soot removal to contents claim inventory and document restoration. We offer a large amount of options in the case of fire damage. We can either utilize a dry or wet technique to completely remove soot off of surfaces like the walls and ceiling. Additionally, media blasting is used soot, mold, or paint removal. It is done by forcibly propelling a stream of abrasive material to smooth the surface. Lastly, thermal fogging recreates the act of penetrations and follows the same path of the smoke from a fire to deodorize. It is estimated that up to 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster, such as a fire, never reopen. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them have a preparedness plan in place. Whether it’s a home or business, SERVPRO is a lead in fire damage response and can help you quickly get the property back.

What ultrasonic cleaning can do for you!

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

This ultrasonic tank can be used on a wide variety of products.

Our Ultrasonic Machine system is utilized to clean many different items including items damaged by mold or soot, mainly being used with fire damage. An ultrasonic tank and dryer are paired together to help create a complete drying process. Contents are cleaned in our ultrasonic tank and then they are placed in the dryer to complete the system. This dual system allows for contents to be cleaned efficiently and thoroughly, expanding our range of restorable contents. We can clean some electronics, jewelry, guns, family heirlooms, light fixtures, porcelain dolls, etc. All this is done quickly and efficiently. We can clean a whole assortment of contents as it offers a deep and even clean for even the most delicate items. This system utilizes minimal chemicals and high speed and energy efficient cleaning. Ultrasonic works with high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations, along with the special cleaning solutions to create the effect of millions of tiny bubbles which break down contaminants off the target surface without the need for scrubbing. Even if you don't have fire and water damage in your home and you just need an item deep cleaned, feel free to bring it in and we will be happy to clean the item quickly and thoroughly for you. With our ultrasonic dryer, contents are cleaned in our ultrasonic tank and then placed in this dryer to complete the process.

Top 10 Causes for a House Fire

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

Once a fire starts, it can grow quickly as seen in this image of chair that caught fire only a minute prior.

Every home faces the potential for a numerous assortment of risks with the most dangerous of the array being a house fire. An accidental fire can occur from many household items and can easily decimate a house in minutes if it is not properly and quickly handled. While proper insurance can help mitigate financial loss, it is better to understand and work to prevent the situations that lead to house fires on any kind. Most homes are stocked full with combustible items. This list is meant to help homeowners not only identify potential issues but also lower the risk of a house fire. Whether it’s a candle accidentally burning throughout the night, faulty cooking equipment or any other scenario, homeowners should be aware of the most common causes of house fires and work to minimize and prevent accidents before they occur. With the Holidays right around the corner, be extra cautious when using candles and setting up a tree.

10.Barbeque

During the outdoor cooking season, grills left unattended on a wooden deck or next to a wall of a home can bring about a fire. A heated grill next to a wooden fence can easily cause fire, and grills have been known to ignite the exterior walls of a home or garage if placed too close.

9.Christmas Tree

Christmas trees are a holiday favorite for many as a staple to the holiday season, but they also come with many risks. Especially when the tree becomes dry, a quick spark can set the whole tree on fire. Make sure to keep the water reservoir full and to unplug the tree when you are not at home.

8.Inadequate Wiring

These fires erupt from overheating and to minimize this from occurring, make sure systems are installed properly with their protective features.

7.Children Playing with Fire

Children are very curious and will sometimes get access to flammable objects and put the property at risk. This includes matches, stove tops, candles and more. Make sure to keep lighters, candles, and matches out of reach from kids.

6.Candles

The lighters and matches utilized to light candles are just as dangerous as the candle itself. Fires can start from unsupervised candles and children getting ahold of them.

5.Electrical Equipment

These fires normally erupt from short circuiting which, in turn, causes sparking to ignite materials in the household. These are difficult to location, because they are often in hidden locations and a fire can build before the residents can acknowledge the situation.

4.Careless Smoking

Cigarette butts are a large perpetrator for house fires as cigarettes will sometimes be left unattended or dropped.

3.Flammable liquids

Chemical fires occur from spontaneous combustion: this is a reaction of chemicals combining with oxygen to produce enough heat to ignite. Be sure to store fuels and other chemicals in proper containers that are protected from heat.

2.Heating Equipment

When in the presence of fabrics or other combustibles, personal space heaters and baseboard heaters can create a house fire. It is recommended to never leave the house with a space heater running.

1.Cooking Equipment

Out of all the scenarios, the most common residential fires come from cooking, making up almost half of house fires. This can occur from grease and oil being overheated in the stove or oven, for grease and oil are highly flammable and combusts without needing direct flame contact. Many times, open flames and ovens are left unattended when in use and aren’t mitigated until it is too late. Another source to look out for are portable cooking appliances which includes electric griddles and toasters. These appliances must be cool to the touch before being stored away. You practice safety by making sure to clean pans to eliminate grease build-up along with removing crumbs and scraps from toasters and electric griddles.

Live Burn Event

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

This is a broken CSST flexible gas line that ignited gas and released a jet of fire.

Recently, the Ankeny Fire Department along with EFI Global and our SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville office presented a live burn for insurance adjusters and risk managers to have them gain knowledge to make informed decisions when processing claims. Several large boxes were built by our SERVPRO team with drywall to simulate an actual room complete with donated furniture. Before the live burns, adjustors were able to learn about the science behind how certain fires are started, analyzing the speed of separate fires. They also learn how different contents and structural materials are affected. One of the burns was simulated by a broken CSST flexible gas line which runs gas to appliances. A non-grounded line made a pin hole from an electricity arc. The gas then leaks out and catches fire from the arc of electricity, igniting the gas and creating a jet of fire. It’s important for adjustors to know the effects of soot and smoke throughout the environment.

Fire Safety Recommendations

9/11/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Safety

Take a moment to ask yourself the following questions regarding fire safety in your home to avoid the risk. SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville is here to help even before you need us.

• Do you have adequate smoke detectors in your home?

Every Home should have at least one working smoke alarm. It’s recommended to have approved smoke alarms on each level of the home, outside sleeping areas and inside bedrooms. Test your alarm monthly and replace batteries once a year even if the battery seems to be okay.

• How good are your electric connections?

Never overload electrical circuits or extension cords. Never place cords or wires under rugs in high traffic areas. If any electric cables are worn or taped, they should be replaced immediately. Shut off and unplug any appliances that sputter, spark or emit an unusual smell.

• Is your Stove clear of flammable objects?

Keep wires, cloths and oven gloves away from stove top. Also don’t let grease or other remains build up-they can go up in flames

• Has your chimney been swept?

              If you have a fireplace, you should have your chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year. Give yourself enough time in case repairs are needed before the cold weather sets in.

• Do you have several easy -to -use fire extinguishers in your home?

It’s a good ideal to have several. And make sure that all family members know where they are located and how to properly use them.

• Do you have an escape plan?

Practice an escape plan with your family. Stay low to the floor when escaping from the fire and never open doors that are hot. Have a set location where everyone can meet after escaping the house.

SERVPRO Provides Content Cleaning Services

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville provides content cleaning services when fire, water, sewage, or mold remediation occurs. When one of these events occur in your home or business, not only does it leave the structure a mess but your contents as well.  We provide the most content cleaning services during fire clean up projects. When fire affects lives they think the fire has stolen their contents.  At SERVPRO we have specifically trained content cleaning personnel that will help to restore your personal belongings back to pre-fire condition. Returning these precious items to their owner.

 We start by taking a detailed inventory of your belongings and carefully packing them into boxes. In the industry this process is called a pack out. This would include any item that SERVPRO cleaning staff and you deem salvageable including:  clothing, shoes, rugs, drapes, linens, décor items, electronics, dishes, books, and other miscellaneous items around the home.  The items are then taken back to our facilities where SERVPRO uses different methods of restoration to carefully bring life back to your belongings as quickly as possible.

After the cleaning process has taken place, your personal contents are stored in an environmentally controlled space for safe keeping until your home/ business is ready to be moved back into.  

SERVPRO's favorite day is when we get to help our clients move back into their home or business after an event with clean items.  

"Like it never even happened."

Testing For Lead After A Fire Damage

6/14/2019 (Permalink)

Lead paint is very uncommon in new construction these days, but before 1978 lead was very common. When necessary testing may need to be done before any removal of affected materials occurs. At SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville we typically find lead based paint after a fire and/or water loss has occurred. Used in more than 38 million homes lead is something we must be very careful about to keep you and your family safe. Lead dust is the most common way lead exposure occurs. In small children they have been found chewing on window sills that contain lead based paint. This is a major hazard that will affect a child’s development. At SERVPRO we invest in our technicians with the training and certifications to provide you with the safest mitigation project we can. We always work “lead-safe” and follow all laws and regulations. For more information on lead please visit https://www.epa.gov/lead

To Close or Not To Close The Bedroom Doors

5/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville is here to help provide structure and contents cleaning services when a fire affects your home or business. To help prevent damages it has been proven that closing doors helps to reduce the spread of the fire and smoke.  This is especially important while sleeping. The idea that you want to leave your door open when you sleep so you can smell the smoke is a dated and dangerous one. Studies have shown that during sleep, your senses become weak. Olfaction (sense of smell) is reduced the maximum, making it the weakest among all senses. Chances are that the smoke from a fire will reach your room long before the actual flames of the fire. Smoke contains many gasses such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide that reduce the oxygen in the air and cause disorientation. Assuming you have properly placed and working smoke detectors to alert you of the fire, closing the door to your bedroom will keep these harmful gasses at bay long enough for you to make life saving decisions. 

For more information:

https://www.tuck.com/sleeping-bedroom-door-open-or-closed/

Kitchen Fire Cleaning by SERVPRO

5/10/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know from 2012-2016 more than $6.5 billion dollars in direct property damage was caused by fire? The leading cause of a residential structure fire is cooking[1]. Hopefully for most people they will never have to experience a house fire and the related cleanup and restoration that follows. I want you to think for a second to a time where you were sitting at a campfire. Now, regardless of how long you sat there you will likely have an odor on you now and you can even smell it while you read this maybe. Some more than others know exactly what I mean. That absolutely unmistakable smell of wood smoke, burning leaves, or a grass fire. It’s not exactly pleasant the next day if you wear the same coat, hat, and your shoes. This is a simple fix, wash it.

Now what do you do if you have a fire inside the house? It may not look bad or maybe half the house is gone, no matter. Your next steps may be critical in saving irreplaceable personal items and salvaging the remaining structure. Unfortunately many people never make a plan for unexpected disasters such as this.

 At SERVPRO of Iowa City / Coralville we are always Ready for Whatever Happens and will be there for you in your time of the unexpected to help make it "Like it never even happened." We do this with training, certifications, and continuing education for our team. We use the newest technology that is exclusive to SERVPRO. We take our technical training, technology, experience, and willingness to help people and make an otherwise devastating disaster "Like it never even happened."

Like free stuff? Want to be Ready for Whatever Happens? You can build and manage your own Emergency Ready Profile completely free of charge. Do you own or manage commercial properties? A SERVPRO representative can build it for you today and we do that free of charge to keep you prepared. Check out https://ready.SERVPRO.com/ now!

[1] [1] https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/Home-Structure-Fires

Fire Structure Cleaning

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

When fire damage affects your home or business SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville is here to help.  We have IICRC trained technicians that specialize in structure and content cleaning. One of the first processes in structure cleaning is to remove soot residue. We use dry sponges to remove the soot from the affected materials. In order to reach the high areas in the home we will attach the dry sponge to an extendable pole to reach. Then the sponge can be used to wipe down ceilings and walls of any soot that might be on the structure.  Soot residue has to be removed in order for the structure seal coat to stick. You can depend on SERVPRO to have the right training and tools to get the job done.

Wet Washing After A Fire

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

When fire damage occurs there are different techniques of cleaning depending on the type of fire that occurred. You can depend on SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville to help your business or home after the fire has occurred.  We will scope the situation and determine the best plan of action. There are different techniques. One of those techniques and processes is wet washing. This process is not to be used for every fire as it can smear the soot verses remove it.  The picture shows our team wet washing a section of soot damaged area and the improvement it has made on this particular fire. We are here to help when you need us most. If you have had a fire in your home or business give our team of professionals a call.

Odor Removal After A Fire

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville does content cleaning.  After a fire contents can be affected by odor and soot.  Our trained professionals will come in and assess those contents and decide which ones are save able and which ones have to be disposed of.

Different contents absorb soot and odor differently based off of the materials they are made of.  The first step of removing odor is to remove the source of the odor which is the soot. We will clean the item using different methods based off of the material and amount of damage to the item. Then after the soot is removed we will tackle the odor.

To remove the odor we will put most items inside of our ozone room. The picture below shows half of our ozone room. Our ozone room contains wire racking as well as plenty of room for free standing larger items. The items will remain in the sealed room for several hours while the ozone machine runs. 

We work hard to return your items to you and make it "Like it never even happened."

Content Pack Out Services in Iowa City

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

When a fire happens in your home or business you can depend on SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville to help.  We provide a service while the clean up process occurs to pack out the contents in your home or business that might be either affected or be in the way why mitigation and clean up services occur. We will pack up those contents, clean them, and/or store them if needed.  We label the boxes and photo graph all items inside the boxes for easy identification and location if needed during the process.  The picture below shows how we keep the contents labeled and in a crate for easy identification and organization in our warehouse.  You can depend on SERVPRO to help during your clean up process.

Specialists in Fire Cleanup

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville is here to help when fire affects your home or business. We know that you don’t experience this everyday. We specialize in fire restoration cleaning and mitigation. We are here to help when a fire affects the structure and/or contents.  We are a full service restoration company. You can depend on us to help you make advised decisions as you work through the process. We clean structure and contents. We provide demolition services. We will media blast and seal structure. We work with dependable subcontractors to help in the rebuilding process. We work with and communicate all documentation with insurance programs and the insured to make sure all know the status and progress of the job. We are here to help when a fire occurs.

Using Dry Sponges to Clean After A Fire

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

When cleaning after a fire don’t use water initially. Soot should not be cleaned up with water first. Soot should initially be removed with dry sponges. Dry soot cleaning sponges are used to remove soot and dirt where you don’t want the surface to get wet. It is made of a natural rubber and is used like an eraser. Once the surface of the sponge is dirty it has to be thrown out. They can not be reused. The sponges hold a remarkable amount of soot in the pours of the sponge. After wiping the fine particles of soot off the surface the surface can be wet washed. This process needs to be done by a professional. If not done properly surface damage can occur. There is a science to fire cleaning and you should trust and hire a professional if you have fire clean up that needs to occur. We work hard and have trained professionals ready to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Estimating your fire loss in the Iowa City/Coralville area

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

Our estimator looking at a loss before writing an estimate for the client

Our skilled and knowledgeable estimators walk through the property looking at multiple variables such as WATER DAMAGE from extinguishing the fire, WALLS AND STRUCTURE DAMAGE checking the structural strength of your home or business, SOOT DAMAGE by removing the soot and deodorizing the smoke smell, CONTENT CLEANING so you get your possessions back without soot damage or smoke smell. All of these things are looked at and factored in when doing a complete and thorough estimate to perform restoration mitigation services after a fire or soot damage.

 To help make things easier for you it is always good to have a log of your insured contents so if a fire does occur you can easily tell what is accounted for and what you might need to throw away. Many insurance companies have a content inventory checklist so check and see if your insurance company has one. This helps you know what you have for contents and assign a value to your contents.

Our estimators also talk with your insurance and have an open line of communication to help make sure when we are done we make it “Like it never even happened.”

Estimating your fire loss in the Ottumwa/ Oskaloosa area

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

Our estimator looking at a loss before writing an estimate for the client

Our skilled and knowledgeable estimators walk through the property looking at multiple variables such as WATER DAMAGE from extinguishing the fire, WALLS AND STRUCTURE DAMAGE checking the structural strength of your home or business, SOOT DAMAGE by removing the soot and deodorizing the smoke smell, CONTENT CLEANING so you get your possessions back without soot damage or smoke smell. All of these things are looked at and factored in when doing a complete and thorough estimate to perform restoration mitigation services after a fire or soot damage.

 To help make things easier for you it is always good to have a log of your insured contents so if a fire does occur you can easily tell what is accounted for and what you might need to throw away. Many insurance companies have a content inventory checklist so check and see if your insurance company has one. This helps you know what you have for contents and assign a value to your contents.

Our estimators also talk with your insurance and have an open line of communication to help make sure when we are done we make it “Like it never even happened.”

Home Contents Inventory-Why it’s Needed in Case of a Fire

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

Imagine having a total loss of your home due to a fire and having to recall every item that was damaged… could you do it? Would you trust yourself to remember each individual item that was in your home, especially the rarely used ones? Without a photographic memory most of us would find some difficulty with this task in an already stressful time. In the event of a fire, your insurance company will expect you to provide a list of all your personal property that was damaged. By having a pre-assembled Home Contents Inventory you can have piece-of-mind knowing that all of your contents are documented and can then be properly replaced according to your insurance policy. There are several methods to complete your Home Contents Inventory whether on paper or digitally (you can contact your local SERVPRO for a blank copy of either). You will want to make sure to list each item, its value, and include any receipts and photographs along with it. It’s a good idea to update your Home Contents Inventory list annually to include any new items you have added to the home and remove items you no longer have. Make sure to keep a copy safe in a fireproof container or safe deposit box and you can always file a copy with your insurance agent as well.

Emergency Fire Tips

6/22/2017 (Permalink)

In 2015 there were 1,345,500 fires reported in the United States. A structure fire was reported every 63 seconds and caused an estimated $14.3 billion in property damage. In order to ensure you and your family’s safety make sure to have an escape route in place so if a fire is discovered, you can move quickly to evacuate to your designated meeting place. The aftermath of a fire can be just as devastating as the initial event. Your local SERVPRO is here to help minimize damage and save your contents. Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to a fire without consulting a repair service and make sure your restoration company is IICRC certified (all SERVPRO techs are!) There is a science behind effective cleaning. Proper methods and products must be used depending on the materials being cleaned to avoid further damage. When you choose SERVPRO, you can take comfort knowing your home and contents are in the hands of trained and caring professionals.

Smoke Alarms and Fire Emergency Plan

4/3/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms save lives. They are the tool most valuable in saving peoples lives.  Smoke alarms should be near every bedroom. It is very important to check them often and make sure the batteries are in good working condition.  Test the alarm beep every month.  Change the batteries every year and the unit may need replaced every 10 years.  If you need help with your smoke detectors, installing, servicing, or testing contact your local fire department. 

Be sure also that your home has a Fire Emergency Plan in place. Make sure everyone knows where to go and how to conduct themselves in the event of a fire.  Show children how to open windows and how to test doors to see if they are hot.  Make sure everyone knows where the safe place to meet outside the home is.  A practice fire drill with your family is always a good practice once a year.

Principles of Deodorization Following a Fire

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

There are four principles of deodorization that we follow when restoring an affected area after a fire.  The first step is to remove the source.  The charred material all needs to be removed first to start the process. 

We then clean contaminated surfaces to remove soot residue.  This needs to happen as soon as we are able to. This will help minimize damage.

After removing the residue we then use different methods to remove odor.  This principle is called recreate the conditions of penetration.  We use many different methods to remove odor form objects.  We use ozone machines, hydroxal machines as well as thermal foggers to remove odor. 

When necessary we seal and encapsulate the odor using special sealing materials so that the odor does not penetrate the sealer and continue to produce an odor.

List of Items to be maintained by the customer following a fire

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

In the event of a fire and it is decided by the customer, insurance adjuster, and SERVPRO that SERVPRO is going to do a content pack out of the affected belongings while the home/business is restored there are a few items that the customer should maintain.  These items SERVPRO prefers are sorted out of the belongings before we come to pack up the others for cleaning and storage. 

-insurance policies

-licenses, birth certificates, passports, tax documents

-school and medical records

-checkbooks, credit cards, ID cards

-irreplaceable videos, media, or pictures

-few special toys; baby items

-pet foods and inside pets

-cash

-prescription drugs

Our pack out process if very organized and recorded for easy access of any items that are needed while in our hands but these are a few items that are usually needed very quickly.

Fire and Smoke Do's and Don'ts

2/23/2017 (Permalink)

If you have fire and smoke damage to your property it is hard to not start cleaning yourself.  Please let the professionals help you. 

The Do's

-Keep movement in the building at a minimum.  This helps keep particles from being embedded in carpet and fabrics.

-Wash your hands a lot and be careful not to transfer or wipe soot onto something. It can make it damage the item more.

-If electricity is off empty fridges and freezers and prop doors open to prevent odors. 

-Change your furnace/air conditioner filter but don't let the system continue to run. Turn it off.

Don'ts

-Do not try washing any thing yourself.  You could further rub the soot into the item. 

-Don't shampoo your carpet. Talk to a professional first.

-Don't clean any electronics without contacting a professional.

-Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been effected by the fire, soot, or smoke.

-Do not turn ceiling fans on. This will stir up the soot residue. 

FSRT & OCT Certifications

6/1/2015 (Permalink)

Last week we had a new group of employees go through the FSRT and OCT (Fire, Smoke, and Odor) Certification Classes.  I cannot wait to announce that all of our employees passed and add their certifications to our resume.  We train to make sure you get the best service we can provide!