Recent Fire Damage Posts
Helping East Brunswick Residents Recover from Fire Damage
3/22/2023 (Permalink)
East Brunswick customers' fire damaged homes get an assist from SERVPRO. We can even streamline the insurance process.
Fire Cleanup Services from SERVPRO for East Brunswick Residents
Fires can be damaging to your personal property and your home. Taking extra care to stub out cigarettes, blow out candles, and maintain appliances can reduce the risk of a sudden outbreak. However, if your property does set ablaze, we can help. SERVPRO is a locally licensed restoration service that operates twenty-four hours a day in your area.
Tackling fire damage in East Brunswick can seem overwhelming. Our service helps to reduce that stress. By using technicians with state-of-the-art equipment and training, we can minimize potential losses in the property and, in some cases, reverse damages to homes or belongings. The procedure for restoring your home begins with a phone call where we take your notification of loss. From here, we can guarantee to arrive at the property within four hours for an expert assessment. We only need the authorization to begin services at your home to start mitigating losses. Mitigation can involve drying property or belongings to prevent mold outbreaks, clearing potential debris, and, if necessary, providing humidity controls. Our team can give a verbal estimate to share with you and your insurance adjuster detailing any essential repairs within eight hours.
Burnt properties present unique challenges to technicians. No two work sites are the same, which means we have to be flexible to suit the needs of different situations. If it is safe for you to remain on the property during restoration, our team can prioritize high-usage rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. If you need to vacate the home temporarily, our team can pack your belongings, arrange transport and store them safely on your behalf. Packing out the house is usually reserved for severe damages that may require rewiring electronics and performing controlled demolition and reconstructive work to save the structure of your home. In most restoration scenarios, the lion's share of work is cleaning away smoke residues, tackling odor issues, and disposing debris, soot, and ash.
Enlisting Professional Fire Damage Restoration Services
- SERVPRO uses a two-four-eight procedure. We process the first notification of loss (FNOL) in two hours, arrive on-site within four, and can provide a verbal estimate in the first eight hours.
- Our technicians are experienced practitioners that have experience working in homes and with insurance adjusters in the local area.
- We can assist with special restoration services such as artwork recovery or arrange for subcontractors to work on HVAC repair or Electrical circuitry tasks.
Removing smoke residues is complex without a deep understanding of the composition and properties of the smoke. Generally, synthetic materials produce greasy odors, whereas natural materials leave a dry, powdery residue. Since homes and personal belongings typically include synthetic and natural materials, it is vital to pre-test smoke residues to determine the most effective cleaning action. Pre-testing equipment includes dry sponges, sensors, and white balancers to assess how far smoke has traveled from the ignition source through the house. Sometimes, pre-testing can incorporate testing cleaning products on small discrete areas. Testing cleaning products can be beneficial on wet smokes and furnishings, which may suffer adverse effects with conventional cleaning methods.
Cleaning Smoke and Fire Damage from Upholstery and Furnishings
- Introducing water to soft furnishings can cause shrink, color fade, or watermarking. Often using a solvent-based cleaning agent can achieve the best results.
- High-value materials such as leather or satin may require specific cleaning products such as Leather butter or dry-cleaning equipment to remove soot.
- Blocking furniture or placing protective covers beneath furnishings can prevent dye from bleeding into surrounding textiles or flooring.
To restore your fire damaged home emergency, contact SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows at (732) 307-9665.
How To Safely Clean Your Fire-Damaged Property in East Brunswick
3/21/2023 (Permalink)
For any type of fire damage in your property you can count on SERVPRO to help.
SERVPRO Uses Industry-Proven Methods During Fire Damage Cleanup in East Brunswick
Fire damage restoration services are there to address the unpredictability presented by fire incidents. Imagine a situation where you are busy at work only to receive a call of a fire back at home. During such a time, you need a helping hand from professional restoration experts to return your property to its preloss state within the shortest time possible.
Our SERVPRO technicians can clean your East Brunswick property during fire damage restoration. We understand that smoke particles can move around the building and land on different surfaces. If they mix with moisture, there are chances of developing corrosive properties and causing further damage.
Before we start the fire damage cleanup process, we observe the following safety procedures:
A cleaning solution can be effective on one surface and fail to achieve the needed results when used on a different one. Our SERVPRO team knows that and pretests cleaning solutions before the work starts. Through that, we can avoid any possible adverse effects that may occur from using the wrong cleaning solution.
Another challenge is removing the soot particles that land on decorative surfaces such as chandeliers. In a situation where the smoke particles are light or moderate, we use hand cleaning. Methods such as ultrasonic and low-pressure steam cleaning can also be an option. If it is necessary to disassemble lighting fixtures and chandeliers during the cleaning process, we do it and document everything.
SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows pays close attention to detail and knows all the procedures required for successful fire damage restoration. You can call (732) 432-9800 to work with skilled professionals and make your property look "Like it never even happened" after a fire.
How Do I Clean My Soiled Wooden Cabinets After a Fire in East Brunswick?
9/20/2022 (Permalink)
If your kitchen cabinets in your house in Dayton or Milltown get soiled after you have a cooking fire, call SERVPRO!
For Fire Damage Cleanup in Your East Brunswick Kitchen, Call SERVPRO
The most common room in your East Brunswick home to suffer from some type of blaze is your kitchen. Cooking is the number one cause of structure fires on residential properties, as it makes up for nearly half of all structural burns caused in the United States each year.
How can you restore cabinets and other soiled wooden items?
During fire damage restoration in East Brunswick, our SERVPRO technicians can use several different techniques depending on how thick the residues are and what surface is being restored. If items like your cabinets got burned or charred severely, they might have to be removed and replaced. If the charring is just on the surface, then it is possible to sand or soda blast off the charring. Most cabinets and other wooden items inside your house either have unfinished, finished, or simulated wood grain surfaces.
How can you clean unfinished wood surfaces?
Since unfinished wood is porous wet cleaning methods could cause the soot to soak deeper into the wood. For light residues, dry cleaning methods such as vacuuming, brushing, or sponge cleaning can be effective. When cleaning medium to heavy soot residues, denatured alcohol can help break the soil down.
How can you clean finished or simulated grain wood surfaces?
- Pre-clean: We brush and vacuum off the excess soot before applying chemical products to your wooden surfaces.
- Wet Clean Residues: Light residues can often be cleaned using a general surface cleaner or a low alkaline solution such as concentrated wood oil soap.
- Wood Creme Cleaners: For heavier soils, a more aggressive product, such as a wood creme paste, can be applied to affected surfaces using steel wool.
- Polish After Cleaning: After the soot gets removed from your affected surfaces, we can use a lemon oil polish to replenish the oils in your wood.
If your kitchen cabinets in your house in Dayton or Milltown get soiled after you have a cooking fire, call SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows at (732) 432-9800 24/7.
Is Pre-Restoration Cleaning Beneficial for Fire-Damaged Home?
8/18/2022 (Permalink)
Do you know how to approach the situation of eliminating soot damage in your home? Call the pros of SERVPRO in your local East Brunswick area.
Our SERVPRO Team Can Reach Your East Brunswick Property Quickly to Encourage you to Maintain a Safe Distance From the Damage and Potential Hazards.
Many homeowners consider taking care of whatever cleaning and restoration work they feel they can handle in their East Brunswick homes before contacting professional restorers. Not only can this allow specific fire loss effects to worsen, but it can irreparably stain and destroy surfaces cleaned improperly.
Regarding professional fire cleanup in East Brunswick homes, our SERVPRO professionals have trusted tactics to reduce the severity and spread of destructive loss effects like smoke and soot.
What are Cleaning Approaches for Soot?
Soot is an acidic layer of particulates created from incomplete combustion of fuels like wood and coal. Because most homes have wood framing at a minimum, soot is a common threat to surfaces requiring a delicate removal approach. Depending on the material affected and the thickness of the residue, removing soot could require:
- Abrasive cleaning
- Vacuuming
- Soda blasting
- Water-based chemical agents
- Controlled demolition
With soot residues on surfaces, cleaning and restoring your home can be a complicated procedure for homeowners. Let our SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows team make it “Like it never even happened” by calling (732) 432-9800.
What Can East Brunswick Homeowners Do After a Fire Caused by A Faulty Appliance Leaves them With Fire Damage?
7/20/2022 (Permalink)
Fire damage can cause long-term effects and reduce your property’s value if action is delayed.
SERVPRO Technicians in East Brunswick Can Handle the Fire Damage in a Home Competently.
The secondary damages of fire can lead to costly repairs. The smoke and soot residues can cause discoloration on various surfaces, and the charcoal-like odor can last for an extended period. SERVPRO technicians in East Brunswick have thorough training in handling fire damage of any size or scope.
How Long Does The Restoration Process Take?
Various variables and services are involved in restoring East Brunswick homes with fire damage. Thus, it is challenging to predict how long it can take to complete the restoration process. However, once you contact our technicians, we can inspect your property to determine the damage’s intensity. With that, we can predict how long it can take us to restore your property to its pre-fire damage condition.
Can I Clean The Affected Area Myself?
It is essential not to attempt cleaning any affected surface if you do not have the necessary skills. Handling the task yourself can cause more damage and lead to massive losses. Also, cleaning affected surfaces involves a few steps that can challenge property owners without the right skills and experience. It involves:
- Pretesting using the right cleaning products for a specific surface or item.
- Mixing cleaning solutions with deodorizing agents.
- Using the correct dilution rates of fire restoration products.
Our cleaning systems and approved products can clean the affected surfaces better than home remedies and cleaning agents.
Should I involve a general contractor instead of a professional restorer?
General contractors do not have restoration expertise and the right equipment to restore properties after fire damage. Fire damage restoration is technical and requires thorough training and experience since a tiny oversight can lead to severe damage.
Can You Clean My Carpet?
With decades of experience, we have perfected various techniques for cleaning different surfaces. We understand that soot and smoke residues can settle on your carpet, and when mixed with water, the solution can stain the carpet. Our technicians can use a natural fabric brightener, a reducing bleach agent mixed with shampoo super concentrate, to clean oxidized stains from your carpet.
How Do You Clean Appliances?
Appliances are often made of nonabsorbent materials such as metal, plastic, glass, Formica, and composite materials. Therefore, our SERVPRO team can use water-based detergent solutions to clean the surfaces. We can use the wall and all surface cleaners to clean the residues from your appliances. For appliances with wood finishing, we can use wood crème paste to clean the yellowing caused by heat. These products can remove smoke residues without damaging the appliances.
Fire damage can cause long-term effects and reduce your property’s value if action is delayed. Contact SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows at (732) 432-9800 for help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.
Types of Fire Damage Cleaning for East Brunswick Properties
4/16/2022 (Permalink)
Fire Damage Demolition and Boardup in an East Brunswick house by SERVPRO
Overcoming Fire Damage in East Brunswick Homes
Multiple layers of fire damage impact homes, so the response by experienced restoration professionals must address each of these possible issues. Soot deposits on the surfaces are among the most challenging fire effects to overcome, and this is typically achieved using several wet cleaning products within our inventory.
Wet Cleaning with Solvents
There are multiple actions necessary to overcome fire damage in East Brunswick homes, and this process often begins with applying wet cleaning products from our inventory. Solvents can dissolve stubborn soils without penetrating the finish of the impacted surface where the smoke solids have come to rest. To ensure the effectiveness of these products, some type of mechanical action and agitation will be necessary.
Light Mechanical Action
When using specific cleaning products on surfaces impacted by soot and smoke damage, soils must be treated with products to emulsify or dissolve the residues without damaging the surface underneath. Light mechanical action can help provide the level of contact and exposure necessary to achieve these results. Agitation practices can include:
- Brushing
- Dusting
- Dry Vacuuming
Heavier Mechanical Actions
There are times when more direct and aggressive mechanical actions will be necessary to agitate chemical solvent and detergents and remove soot and smoke residues. While this could describe multiple types of action, abrasive media blasting can be impactful. Heavy agitation and mechanical effort can also include direct measures with coarse tools like steel wool pads and sanding tools, depending on the affected surface.
Multiple cleaning practices are necessary to address the acute effects of fire loss throughout your home or business. Careful considerations are made to choose the most appropriate mechanical action and chemical solution to lift soils and protect the underlying substrate where possible. Our SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows team is ready to help mitigate fire loss when you call (732) 432-9800.
Is It Possible To Remove Burnt Odors From my East Brunswick Home Quickly?
3/24/2022 (Permalink)
Malodors can have a massive impact on your home after a fire.
SERVPRO Restorers in East Brunswick Can Remove All Traces of Fire Damage from your Home, Including Odor.
What Causes Smoke Odors?
When materials combust, they release chemicals into the atmosphere. Some of these chemicals include odor particles that are volatile and can bond with surfaces or enter fabrics and upholstery. Without professional odor control technicians (OCT), smoke odors can remain in your East Brunswick home for several weeks or months. To combat these odors, we need to use a combination of cleaning methods to remove the odor-causing soils and deodorization. Different types of soils and surfaces require different treatments, which can make the removal of soils an arduous process. SERVPRO technicians stock a full range of chemical cleaning equipment and deodorants to assist homeowners with minor, moderate, and severe fire restoration.
Why is it Tough to Remove Smoke Odors?
Smoke odors are invisible to the naked eye. Restoring fire damage in your East Brunswick home involves a combination of getting rid of the visible and invisible remains of a fire. It can be tough to identify the source of an odor, which is why we use several odor control techniques in a property. Sometimes, removing a smell can be as simple as cleaning and drying property. At other times, we may need to use a combination of deodorant sprays, mists, and pellets to bring an unpleasant odor under control. Our first method is to perform a meticulous inspection of the property to understand where malodors are occurring and the best ways for removing them.
How do I Know the Extent of an Odor Situation?
- Minor smoke odors are when light smoke residues affect a small area of the property, and there is little to no structural damage
- Moderate smoke odors occur when there is soiling on horizontal and vertical surfaces. There is visible charring on materials in the affected area, and signs of smoke traveling beyond the source
- Dominant smoke odors cover severely damaged structures and may take significantly longer to remove because the material build of the property has become charred, and smoke has spread throughout the home
How Can I Remove Minor Smoke Odors From my Property?
The first step toward controlling odor is to ventilate the space thoroughly. Opening windows can help to encourage a natural air exchange, which can remove odor particles from the structure altogether. Using a detergent, SERVPRO technicians can clean walls, ceilings, and surfaces to clear away any odor-causing smoke residues. Once the cleaning process is complete, our technicians use venting box fans to ventilate the affected area once again. If the odor remains, we can inspect crawlspaces, cavities as well as your heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. We may not need to introduce solvents for minor smoke issues, which can decrease restoration time.
What Happens to a Burnt Structure During Fire Restoration?
Charring of materials or structure can be the cause of moderate to significant smoke odors. It is frequently necessary to thoroughly remove these items and replace them to bring an odor issue under control. We use an ultra-low volume (ULV) mister to saturate the remaining materials with deodorant to mask odors until they disperse naturally. Usually, moderate smoke damage requires a thorough inspection and cleaning of your HVAC system. We may need to seal ducts to prevent odors from being redistributed through your home while the restoration is underway. Any charred items can often be repainted using an odor sealing primer to lock in odors and prevent them from affecting your indoor air quality.
How Can I Clean an HVAC System from Smoke Residues?
- Remove ventilation duct and replace, including the return side mesh and filters
- Feed air whips into the pipe to loosen soils
- Apply negative air pressure to the pipe to remove loosened soils
- Seal the HVAC system to prevent the spread of odor
Do Smoke Odors Affect Indoor Air Quality?
Smoke is harmful to inhale because it contains monoxide and other lethal gases. However, in most situations, these gases depart within the first hour of extinguishing a fire. Smoke odors can remain in the air causing an unpleasant reminder of the fire for several weeks without professional intervention. To remove both odors and microscopic soots from your indoor air, SERVPRO can use air scrubbers. This equipment utilizes a potassium and carbon permanganate filter to remove particles from the sky and replace it with clean indoor air. Usually, these filters are only necessary for severe fire restoration projects.
Malodors can have a massive impact on your home after a fire. Contact SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows at (732) 432-9800.
Does Fire Damage Necessitate Rebuilding of Monmouth Junction Homes?
3/4/2022 (Permalink)
Call us today!; Call SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows today at (732) 432-9800 if you need help with professional fire damage restoration.
With Assistance from SERVPRO, Fire Restoration Can Save Monmouth Homes from Rebuilds
In the aftermath of your property going up in flames, it is hard to tell what you can salvage. Of all the outcomes, the worst is having to rebuild everything or vast sections of your Monmouth home. If the fire was not extreme, it is possible to avoid a rebuild.
The need for a rebuild after fire damage in Monmouth Junction homes can arise because of the direct effects of the fire or how the mitigation process is taken after the fire incident because secondary damages develop after the fire is put out. SERVPRO helps ensure that you respond appropriately to counter any additional damages that might force a rebuild.
Actions That Help Limit the Need for a Rebuild Include:
- Structure protection
- Moisture management
- Containment
If you do not protect the fire-damaged structure, you may end up rebuilding vast areas when other issues like moisture damage set in. Moisture is a more significant problem in the aftermath of fire than most people realize. For instance, the water remnants from firefighting efforts continue percolating into semi-porous materials like wood. If the fire damages exterior walls, rainwater can also find a way in. Our SERVPRO technicians manage the situation by establishing containment with plastic sheets separating affected areas from the rest of the house, thus keeping moisture and residues from spreading.
How Moisture Management Correlates to Rebuilds
- Residues set
- Structural materials warp
- Rot and rust set in
When residues set, they form strong stains that cleaning might not remove. Moisture also causes swelling, which leads to warping and other changes. Rot and rust compromise the integrity of materials necessitating demolition and replacement. A simple action by our SERVPRO technicians, such as setting up dehumidifiers immediately on arrival at the property, forestalls many of these problems.
SERVPRO of SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows can help you take preventive or restorative action after fire damage making it "Like it never even happened." You can reach us at (732) 432-9800.
How Do Cabinets Get Damaged by East Brunswick Kitchen Fires?
10/18/2021 (Permalink)
Fire damage to your kitchen isn't a DIY project. SERVPRO technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of fire damage mitigation.
The Damage that Structural Elements in East Brunswick Homes Endure After a Fire can be Challenging to Clean.
As the second-most common callout for our restoration professionals, fire damage recovery can sometimes focus on the damage grease, and appliance fires can do to a kitchen. Initially, emergency services can help regulate the loss from these situations with actions like:
With these processes complete or underway, it is important to consider the impact of a kitchen fire on fixtures like the cabinets.
Blistering and Burn Damage
Physical damage is often easy to spot on cabinets in a kitchen after fire damage to East Brunswick homes. Exposure to high heat conditions common with grease fires can scorch and blister nearby cabinet surfaces, especially hanging units near the stove.
Soot and Protein Residue Deposits
Protein residues are a common soil deposit after kitchen fires, and these can be highly threatening to surface finishes and lacquers of well-constructed cabinetry. Our professionals must choose several cleaning approaches to remove the soil without damaging the cabinet finish under it. Wood créme pastes are a common choice for restoring wood cabinets.
Smoke Odor Concerns
Harsh smells are created during kitchen flare-ups, whether it is the scorched food on the stove or the immediate materials that were burned and charred in the ignition of the blaze. Cabinets, especially those made from cheaper materials like particleboard, have a high porosity rating to rapidly and thoroughly absorb these harsh smells and keep them trapped.
Kitchen fires can leave structural elements like the cabinets overwhelmed by smoke and burning damage. Our responding SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows team works to preserve these fixtures wherever possible with effective surface cleaning and deodorization. We can help you determine the best choice between restoration or replacement. Give us a call today at (732) 641-6954.
How Can Plainsboro Homeowners Eliminate Fire Damage Odors Safely?
9/29/2021 (Permalink)
Kitchen fire restoration is a job for SERVPRO. We will be on-site within 4 hours of the initial call.
SERVPRO Odor Control Technicians Mitigate Plainsboro Fire Damage Malodors
Cooking fires in kitchens account for a staggering number of home structure fires in the United States each year, including most unreported fire damage cases. However, these damages, whether they come from a microwave mishap, an electrical fire, or a stovetop flare-up, can impart unpleasant odors that are difficult to remove from a Plainsboro home without professional-grade tools and knowledge.
SERVPRO odor control tools are designed to control Plainsboro kitchen fire damage odors and return the affected property to a clean, pre-disaster condition free from stains and odors. This firm’s suite of odor control tools is available for cleanup 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
SERVPRO Odor Control Tools for Fire Damage
Malodor removal tools have a broad array of properties so that SERVPRO technicians can tailor solutions to the situation at hand.
- Odor-neutralizing counteractants, which chemically bind with odor-causing particles. Rather than masking smells or weighing down particles for easy removal, counteractant solutions alter or destroy bacteria and soils at the particle level. Thermal fogging, which is a common, solvent-based fire damage odor removal method used by SERVPRO, relies on this principle
- Filtration agents for odor control rely on one of two methods for their effectiveness: absorption and adsorption
- Absorption collects moisture into itself, which can capture many different types of odor-causing particles. Baking soda operates on the principle of absorption for odor control
- Adsorption collects and holds gaseous particles on its surface, which prevents them from traveling through the air. Activated charcoal filters are a common example of adsorption that loses its effectiveness when the filter is full
Homeowners seeking out “Like it never even happened,” service can call SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows at (732) 432-9800.
How Do Professionals Clean Appliances After Plainsboro Fire Damage?
9/6/2021 (Permalink)
When a kitchen fire strikes have no worries. SERVPRO will handle all the fire damage restoration from start to finish. Call now for the help you need.
SERVPRO technicians using proprietary cleaners and careful techniques remove even protein-based residues after a kitchen fire in Plainsboro
The residues remaining after fire damage in your Plainsboro kitchen are incredibly tricky to remove. Protein-based soot is a tremendously adhesive substance consisting of dehydrated oils, fats, and other foodstuffs. It is transparent and highly malodorous because of the rancid fats. It is tough to get past the memory of your kitchen fire without deep cleaning your appliances, so professionals like SERVPRO work hard to find a solution.
Can Homeowners Successfully Clean Up Kitchen Fire Damaged Surfaces?
Many of the materials used to craft today’s appliances are durable, impervious to damage from most water-based detergents cleaners. Unfortunately, the protein-based soot does not readily dissolve or dislodge water-based products, complicating the cleaning routine.
How Do SERVPRO Technicians Overcome the Challenge of Water-Resistant Kitchen Fire Soot?
An option to strip protein-based residues from appliances is to increase the pH of the cleaning solution. A more alkaline product can help break the bond between the residue and the appliance. Care must be taken to avoid skin or eye contact during the process. It is also possible to harm surrounding surfaces:
- The technician cleaning must wear gloves and goggles.
- Be discrete when spraying the solution to minimize spread to porous or delicate surfaces.
- Some appliance finishes (aluminum and chrome) can be pit if the cleaner exceeds the appropriate dwell time.
- Shiny or polished surfaces can scratch when using abrasives.
- Brief use of wood cream paste (used for wood refinishing) is an alternative to other abrasives, reducing yellowing caused by heat.
- Rinsing the cleaning products and polishing them with lint-free towels is the final step.
Trust the experts at SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows when your gourmet kitchen appliances need careful yet persistent cleaning to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Call (732) 307-9665 to learn how we can return your damaged kitchen to the heart of your house.
Fire Damage Restoration in Your East Brunswick Home.
5/27/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO has your home covered from top to bottom when it comes to fire damage mitigation services. Call now!
SERVPRO Can Prevent Additional Water And Fire Damage After Firefighters Leave Your East Brunswick Home
If you live in East Brunswick and your property happens to experience a fire damage incident, your first option is to call the fire department. But, the damage never stops when the authorities extinguish the fire, water damage from the extinguishing liquids also sets in, and mold might start to grow after some time. You need to contact a certified restoration company like SERVPRO to restore your property and prevent additional damage after the disaster.
How SERVPRO Restores Smoke and Water Damaged Properties in East Brunswick
When our SERVPRO technicians arrive at your East Brunswick home to offers smoke and soot cleanup services, we board up the house as a security measure. We can then remove restorable contents from the house, take them to a storage area, and clean and ozone them. To stay protected from health and environmental hazards as we remove wet debris from the structure, our technicians were appropriate Personal Protective Equipment such as gloves, overalls, helmets, and safety boots.
If your home is severely damaged, expect us to do the following at the site:
- We remove damaged drywall and clean and deodorize the frames
- We remove damaged ducts from the crawlspace and replace them with new ones
- We take out and replace the insulation which might be holding heavy smoke odors
SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows adheres to the decontamination and cleaning standards set by the local authorities. Call (732) 641-4023 when you need urgent residential or commercial restoration services.
When You Have a Fire in Monmouth Junction, House Cleanup Should Happen ASAP
5/7/2021 (Permalink)
You can count on our professionals with state of the art equipment to quickly restore your property so you can return safely after a fire incident.
Rapid House Fire Cleanup Cuts Costs and Saves Time – Call SERVPRO to your Monmouth Junction property!
Not only does any-size fire bring smoke odors, but soot and smoke residue are also corrosive. Rather than waiting to have skilled technicians handle the house fire clean up, SERVPRO can be there to get to work right away. Once the first responders on the scene in Monmouth Junction give the green light, we can have our crew inside, assessing the damage and putting a plan in action to address all fire and smoke damage – both visible and not visible to the naked eye.
After a fire, house cleanup in Monmouth Junction must include detailed odor control. You never want lingering smells reminding you of the fire emergency that took place. SERVPRO uses proven methods for odor control and deodorization, which include:
- Containment – Putting up barriers during smoke remediation to trap odors, making them easier for our technicians to clean and remove.
- Vapor Odor Control – Our team will apply various products to counteract odorous particulates, including odor counteracting beads to freshen and deodorize.
- Thermal Fogging – This option puts out a fine, solvent-based mist that encapsulates particles and makes them easier to remove.
When we get done with fire restoration and house cleanup, your interior will be “Like it never even happened.” Call SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows at (732) 432-9800 to have a team dispatched to your property.
Monmouth Junction Residents Require Skilled Fire Damage Restoration
4/21/2021 (Permalink)
We understand the need for rapid response and restoration to minimize the loss of your property. Call us right away we are available 24/7.
SERVPRO Follows Best Practices for Fire Restoration and Smoke Damage – Call us First in Monmouth Junction!
There is a lot to love about Monmouth Junction, New Jersey – All you have to do is ask some of the residents who have called this place home. Monmouth is both a census-designated place (CDP) and an unincorporated community nestled within South Brunswick Township. Known as an area with small-town charm, people love living in the area due to the convenient proximity to countless shows, restaurants, and shops within the nearby cities of Newark, NJ, downtown NYC, and Manhattan, NY.
Monmouth Junction is Becoming a Top Option for Families Looking to Relocate
You will find many great things about the beautiful Monmouth Junction area. Many families looking to get out of the busy city life are starting to consider the many reasons why the Monmouth Junction area is so livable and enticing. Top takeaways for those looking to relocate here include:
- Looking to rent before buying? Monmouth Junction features rental pricing that is 100% lower than the average across New Jersey state.
- Looking to avoid crime? The crime rates within Monmouth Junction come in at 59% lower than the average in the state.
- Looking for an exceptional livability score? Monmouth Junction boasts a livability score that is 77 out of 100.
There is No Shortage of Natural Sites and Hiking Trails to Enjoy in Monmouth Junction
If you are an adventurer, hiker, cyclist, or nature lover, you will find plenty of cool places to experience in and around Monmouth Junction, including:
- Merchantville Bike Path – This is a bike path that spans over a mile and features a nice asphalt surface, including a route loaded with shade trees and tall pines.
- High Line Trail – If you are a trail-lover, you will find easy-to-navigate concrete pathways that meander over 30 feet above the bustling city streets below. This area is just perfect for sightseeing and snapping pictures.
- Smithville Park Trails – This park is open beginning at 8 am up until 30 minutes after the sun goes down. In this historical park, you will find bike trails, walking paths, and lots of places to stop and enjoy the natural scenery.
Handling Tough Smoke Residue for Monmouth Junction Residents is Critical to Fire Damage Restoration
Fire and smoke damage undoubtedly leave any home in disarray and in need of prompt attention. When SERVPRO gets called to fire damaged homes in Monmouth Junction, we take it one step at a time, ensuring nothing gets missed, and everything is back to its pre-fire condition – “Like it never even happened.”
We have fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) with training through the IICRC to help with your need for fire damage restoration in Monmouth Junction. A sampling of the equipment and products we bring to each fire-related project include:
- A full selection of cleaning chemicals to dissolve and rinse away stubborn soot and smoke residue from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.
- Smoke damage removal using ultra-low volume (ULV) thermal foggers to put out a fine mist that traps odorous particles for removal.
- Diligent OSHA training to ensure careful, meticulous procedures for the repair and restoration of your home.
SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows is here when you need prompt fire damage restoration. Call us at (732) 432-9800 for house fire cleanup and smoke remediation.
Enjoy Free Live Jazz On The Rooftop
11/24/2020 (Permalink)
Plainsboro residents can relax and enjoy JAZZ at the rooftop Empire Hotel while SERVPRO mitigates the fire damage to your home
Relax and Listen at the Empire Hotel
Take in a relaxing, fun evening of live jazz in Plainsboro on the Empire Hotel's rooftop by Stephane Wrembel, who has composed soundtrack music for numerous movies, including Woody Allen films, and has collected accolades from multiple publications. The rooftop serves both food and drinks during live music. This event observes current health protocols, including social distancing between attendees, sanitized chairs and tables between seatings, and digital or disposable menus provided for drinks and food. The waitstaff wears masks at all times, and diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking.
- This event is free
- Guests must be 21+ with a valid ID
- 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
- December 7, 2020
SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows at (732) 432-9800 stands available for any size fire cleaning Plainsboro properties need. The certified technicians have both the training and experience so they can make the damage, "Like it never even happened."
Support Your Local East Brunswick Community by Visiting the Cook’s Market
11/3/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows enjoys supporting their community of Cook's Market at Rutger Gardens.
Cook’s Market is a Short Drive from East Brunswick, but it Offers Fresh Produce From Our Community.
With the holiday season upon us, you may be thinking of entertaining close friends in your East Brunswick home or just cooking up a special treat for your family. If you want to get a taste of what local vendors have to offer, you may venture into Cook’s Market at Rutger Gardens. Students started the Market with a handful of vendors, but donors made it possible to create a more permanent structure to house many vendors over a decade later. One of the most salient vendors is the Student Farm at Rutgers Gardens, which focuses on being good stewards of our land while practicing sustainable farming. In November and December, you can visit the Market every Friday and observe the following-
- Maintain social distancing
- Limit your household’s shopper to one person
- Wear appropriate face coverings
Since information is changing quickly, it is best to subscribe to the Market’s newsletter and to check out their social media posts for updates.
SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows is also a local resource for your family. When you have fire damage and need restoration services, you can call us at (732) 432- 9800 for help. Our goal is to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”
How Can a Home Fire Start?
5/19/2020 (Permalink)
Don't know the facts about how a fire can start in your Plainsboro home? Call SERVPRO for preventive fire facts.
Home Fires in Plainsboro can Start by Leaving a Flame Unattended or due to Electrical Issues
It is natural to focus on finding the culprit behind the flames in your Plainsboro home. However, there's a need to focus on a timely restoration before time makes matters worse. Soot and extinguishing agents can settle upon your furniture and belongings, and it is up to a professional team to return your home to its original condition.
Residents of Plainsboro with fire damage can count on SERVPRO to lead the effort to restore their homes. Understanding how fire behaves and travels through your home is essential to making decisions that preserve your valuable possessions. Our team is trained and certified on the theory of fire and can lend its expertise for your benefit.
Can I clean my wood items after a fire?
Wood is a natural element, but its finishing may alter the way our SERVPRO technicians clean it. Choosing an abrasive cleaner may destroy its natural beauty, which is why our team uses EPA-approved products matching the specific needs of each surface. The most common types of situations we encounter are-
- Unfinished wood, which is porous and easily absorbs dust
- Finished wood, protected by its varnish or other finish
- Simulated wood, best suited for dry cleaning techniques
SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows is an expert, so you don't have to be. Call us at (732) 432-9800 and let our team leave your home "Like it never even happened."
Who Should I Call to Clean After a Fire?
5/19/2020 (Permalink)
Let SERVPRO mitigate all your fire aftermath issues in your Plainsboro home.
Cleaning After a Fire in Your Home in Plainsboro is a Job for SERVPRO
A fire may burn in your home in Plainsboro for just a little bit, but its effects are present for days and weeks. Acting quickly and enlisting the help of reputable fire restoration is the first step towards bringing your home back to par. Please do not rely solely on household cleaners to eliminate all traces of the fire as you may cause further damage due to their abrasive nature.
For fire odor removal in Plainsboro, call our SERVPRO team for guidance. We are available 24/7 to begin the restoration process as soon as possible. Our expert crew assesses the damage and configures an action plan focusing on your home's needs and the specifics.
Can I get rid of the smell of smoke?
When the fire is a recent memory, it may feel like the smell of smoke is here to stay. However, our SERVPRO technicians are the first to confirm that with the proper treatment, we can leave your home smelling as fresh as ever. The key to our success is understanding the path of the smoke and its reach. Once we are ready, we can use several deodorizing techniques such as-
- Ozone generators
- Thermal fogging
- Deodorizing pellets
Regardless of how overwhelming the smell seems, our SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows is here to help. Call us at (732) 432-9800 and let us leave your home, "Like it never even happened."
We Can Help Save Your Fire Damaged Home In East Brunswick
5/5/2020 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO fire damage services, including odor elimination, electrical reconstruction, and restoration.
How Keeping Your East Brunswick, Residence Warm can Result in Fire Damaged Areas
Using the furnace in your East Brunswick home tends to heat the entire home. At different times, however, you might want only certain areas to feel warmer than other places. This desire might come from a lack of use in certain rooms, an infant or elderly family member who requires additional warmth, or cold spots in the structure.
SERVPRO can assist your family with restoration of your house in East Brunswick after fire damage occurs, but preventing such disasters is preferable. Space heaters are generally safe to use when the unit is in good working order, but even new ones can have faulty parts and construction. Inspecting each unit before every use can keep worn cords, bent wires, or other conditions from causing overheating and fires.
Some families run a burner on the stove to keep the kitchen warm for anyone needing a late-night snack. This might seem harmless, especially if doing so is a long-time habit. A family pet or other accident can cause a fire to spread to other areas of the kitchen, and even throughout your house.
Fire damage also includes puff back from a dying furnace. Not only does this leave your family home with a fine layer of soot on all surfaces, it can leave you with decreased heating efficiency, increasing your monthly bills. Soot from a heating fuel source can end up on fingers and hands from handling things, as well as remain in the air, possibly leading to unwanted health effects.
Fire damage can range from slight to severe, including:
• Fine soot
• Heavy smoke odors
• Remnant chemical traces from incomplete combustion
• Blistered paint and charred materials
• Water from extinguishing flaming materials.
SERVPRO can help your family prevent fire damage, mitigate and restore areas of your home with charred and burned materials, or clean up existing soot deposits, making your home safe and clean for your family’s health and comfort.
Call SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows at (732) 432-9800 for these and other fire damage services, including odor elimination, electrical reconstruction, and restoration of your Plainsboro, NJ, Monmouth Junction, NJ, or Princeton Meadows, NJ dwelling.
For more about East Brunswick click here.
SERVPRO Fire Safety Tips this Holiday Season
11/24/2019 (Permalink)
Kitchen Fire Cleanup and Restoration.
Avoid Fire Damage this Holiday Season
As the holiday season approaches and you find yourself in the kitchen making preparations for a delicious Thanksgiving feast, fire safety precautions should be taken. According to the NEPA, cooking is the main cause of home fires and injuries. Review the following safety tips to ensure a safe, enjoyable holiday.
- Never leave the kitchen while cooking. Leaving cooking unattended even for a short period while frying, grilling or broiling could lead to a kitchen fire disaster.
- Set a timer while cooking to ensure you do not forget something on the stove or in the oven. Never leave the home while using any kitchen equipment or appliance.
- It’s best to keep children away from the cooking area.
- Be mindful of where you’re placing oven mitts, wooden utensils, plastic bags or paper, towels etc. Keep anything flammable away from the stove, oven or other kitchen appliances that generate heat.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in the kitchen year round and know how to use it.
SERVPRO of East Brunswick Princeton Meadows hopes that these tips will be a reminder to our local East Brunswick residents and those throughout New Jersey to make fire prevention a priority during this holiday season.
Fire, Smoke and Soot Damage Restoration
11/23/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows understands the stress of dealing with a fire and will take control of your residential or commercial loss
Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup Process
The damage to your property after a fire is not only devastating but can be extremely confusing and overwhelming. SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows understands the stress of dealing with a fire and will take control of your residential or commercial loss. We understand that the quicker our professionals arrive on site, the better the results are including lower insurance claim costs.
After a fire SERVPRO follows 3 steps. Structural cleaning, contents cleaning and deodorization.
Structural Cleaning consists of thoroughly cleaning ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and flooring. Our experts will determine the extent of the damage and provide the necessary equipment and cleaning products required to properly clean depending on the surface type.
Contents Cleaning includes all the restorable contents to be cleaned and deodorized. These items include furniture, area rugs, draperies and upholstery. Other restorable contents to be cleaned and restored to preloss condition include art work, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, electronics, bedding and much more. SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows provides a complete inventory of all contents salvageable and non-salvageable.
Deodorization is an important part of the cleanup process after a fire. Getting rid of offensive odors left after fire or smoke damage is not merely covering it with fragrance, SERVPRO works to remove the odor by the source. Our professionals are trained to seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.
Our technicians are dedicated to restoring both your property and your life. Give SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows a call at 732-432-9800 and let our trusted professionals handle the rest.
South Brunswick, New Jersey Fire Affects Numerous Units
4/1/2019 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot can spread throughout various areas of a structure causing hidden damage and odor.
A recent fire in a condominium complex in South Brunswick, spread and affected other units in the complex. When fire or water damage occurs, most people are not prepared for the extent of damage it causes. SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows professionals are thoroughly trained in dealing with these types of losses. Our technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) to provide specialized services in order to rid your home or business of offensive odors and soot left by fire and smoke damage.
Our team of technicians were on site immediately after the fire loss to help remediate the cleanup process and help the homeowners through the course of a tough situation. Without the proper cleanup and deodorization, even a small fire could cause odors for years to come.
The Mystery of Smoke - Understanding Fire Damage
7/25/2018 (Permalink)
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (732) 432-9800
How Smoke Behaves
Fire damage can often be a complicated problem to tackle due to the unique behavior of smoke. The different types of smoke formation, wet smoke and dry smoke-- results in different type of soot residue after a fire. The professionals at SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows are thoroughly trained in their ability to identify different types of smokes as this knowledge is essential for proper restoration. As a part of our restoration process, SERVPRO professionals will begin by surveying the damage and assess its impact including the fire damage, soot build up, odor and any other potential concerns. Understanding the type of smoke you are dealing with prior to beginning the actual restoration process allows our professionals to determine the best cleaning method for the situation.
Smoke travels and penetrates various cavities within the structure of your home, allowing for the buildup of hidden damage and odors. Since our professionals experience a variety of disasters, they understand building systems and the potential distance and locations that smoke can and will travel. In general, hot smoke travels to cooler areas and smoke can travel through plumbing systems affecting multiple floors.
SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows specializes in commercial and residential fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. Call us at 732-432-9800 for immediate service.
SERVPRO - Summer Fire Safety Tips
6/29/2018 (Permalink)
Tips for Summer Fire Safety from your local SERVPRO.
Avoid Fire Damage this Summer
Summer nights are some of the best nights of the year--with the smells of grilled food and the laughter of family ringing across the backyard, creating a season of memories. Unfortunately, the plethora of outdoor events and entertainment of the numerous guests sometimes eclipses a very prevalent risk: fire damage. With an average of 8,800 house fires starting from barbeque grills, fire pits and outdoor fireplaces, SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows is here to provide some simple fire safety tips to keep your family and guests happy and safe!
- All propane and charcoal grills must only be operated outdoors.
- Keep the grill at a safe distance away from the home, deck railings and overhanging branches.
- Keep children and pets, as well as anything that can burn, at least three feet away from fires.
- Keep your grills clean of grease build-up.
- Make sure an adult is always present whenever operating outdoor fire pits and grills.
With July being one of the peak months for grill fires and barbeque mishaps, keep safety at the front of your mind, and ensure a disaster-free summer!
For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, contact SERVPRO® of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows at (732) 432-9800 or SERVPRO9885@gmail.com.
Other sources of information can be found at https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Seasonal-fires/Outdoor-entertaining
SERVPRO - Fire Safety Tips for July 4th Celebration
6/28/2018 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows reminds you to practice safety this July 4th.
How to Keep July 4th Disaster-free
Fire Safety 101
July 4th is one of the most anticipated and enjoyed holiday throughout the country. With families--adults and children--celebrating their independence through various means of fun, there is one event we all anticipate: fireworks! Bursts of colors lighting up the sky, the sparkle and dazzle keeping users and onlookers entranced and, unfortunately, distracted from safety. With approximately 18,000 fires started as a result of fireworks, the risk of fire damage and injury grows during the beloved holiday. SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows is here to provide 24/7 emergency services for your unpredictable accidents.
Follow these proactive tips to keep your holiday worry-free.
- Use protective gear when operating or standing near fireworks or fireworks displays.
- Do not re-light malfunctioning fireworks.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby as a precaution for potential accidents.
- Never pick up leftover fireworks, since they could potentially still be active--especially children.
- Stay safe and trust trained professionals when viewing fireworks displays.
Keep July 4th one of your family’s favorite holidays by following safety protocol. SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows wishes you and your family a very happy fourth of July.
Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup Process
5/3/2018 (Permalink)
Fire, Smoke and Soot Cleanup Process
The damage to your property after a fire is not only devastating but can be extremely confusing and overwhelming. SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows understands the stress of dealing with a fire and will take control of your residential or commercial loss. We understand that the quicker our professionals arrive on site, the better the results are including lower insurance claim costs.
After a fire SERVPRO follows 3 steps. Structural cleaning, contents cleaning and deodorization.
Structural Cleaning consists of thoroughly cleaning ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and flooring. Our experts will determine the extent of the damage and provide the necessary equipment and cleaning products required to properly clean depending on the surface type.
Contents Cleaning includes all the restorable contents to be cleaned and deodorized. These items include furniture, area rugs, draperies and upholstery. Other restorable contents to be cleaned and restored to preloss condition include art work, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, electronics, bedding and much more. SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows provides a complete inventory of all contents salvageable and non-salvageable.
Deodorization is an important part of the cleanup process after a fire. Getting rid of offensive odors left after fire or smoke damage is not merely covering it with fragrance, SERVPRO works to remove the odor by the source. Our professionals are trained to seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.
Our technicians are dedicated to restoring both your property and your life. Give SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows a call at 732-432-9800 and let our trusted professionals handle the rest.
Neighbors Affected by Fire Damage in Matawan, New Jersey
4/18/2018 (Permalink)
Fire damage caused by neighbor spreads to other units in complex in Matawan.
A recent fire in a condominium complex in Matawan, spread and affected other units in the complex. When fire or water damage occurs, most people are not prepared for the extent of damage it causes. SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows professionals are thoroughly trained in dealing with these types of losses. We work with your insurance company to expedite the restoration process and help you through the claims process. SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows know that there are different types of smoke and that smoke can spread throughout various areas of a structure causing hidden damage and odor. Our technicians were on site immediately after the fire loss to help remediate the cleanup process and help the homeowners through the course of a tough situation. Our Technicians are here to work with the homeowner or property manager to give you back control after the devastating effects of fire or water damage.
SERVPRO Fire Restoration and Water Damage Cleanup Service
4/18/2017 (Permalink)
Water Extraction after Water Damage
Restoring your home after a flood or fire can feel like an overwhelming task. When your walls are covered in soot or your home is ankle-deep in water, you need a solution - and you need it fast.
SERVPRO of East Brunswick / Princeton Meadows can be that solution. Not all fires are the same so cleanup differs depending on the type of fire. Fires differ depending on the materials that burn. The soot they create are different requiring specific cleaning procedures. We have the expertise, training and equipment to help save you in your time of disaster. 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, the first step to restoring your home is just a telephone call (732) 432-9800, or a click away.
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SERVPRO fire board up and restoration, South River, New Jersey
3/31/2017 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of East Brunswick recently provided emergency board up services after a fire at a home in South Brunswick, NJ.
Leave the Board Up to the SERVPRO Professionals
Restoring your home after a flood or fire can feel like an overwhelming task. When your walls are covered in soot or your home is ankle-deep in water, don't panic.
Boarding up your property after damage from fire or storm should not be taken lightly. Incorrect board up can result in added damages resulting from moisture or animal intrusion. The actual process of boarding up can also be as dangerous and the damage itself when not properly done.
SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows has the expertise, training and equipment to help save you in your time of disaster. The first step to restoring your home is just a telephone call (732) 432-9800, or a click away.
SERVPRO Fire Restoration and Water Cleanup Service
10/28/2014 (Permalink)
Restoring your home after a flood or fire can feel like an overwhelming task. When your walls are covered in soot or your home is ankle-deep in water, you need a solution - and you need it fast.
SERVPRO of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows can be that solution. Not all fires are the same so cleanup differs depending on the type of fire. Fires differ depending on the materials that burn. The soot they create are different requiring specific cleaning procedures. We have the expertise, training and equipment to help save you in your time of disaster. 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, the first step to restoring your home is just a telephone call (732) 432-9800, or a click away.
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SERVPRO Provides Commercial Fire and Water Damage Cleanup in Princeton, NJ
8/18/2014 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold mitigation. Find out more about our commercial restoration specialists.
Statistics Highlight the Need for Preparation and Caution in Holiday Decorating and Entertaining
11/22/2013 (Permalink)
December is the peak month for holiday candle fires.
Local SERVPRO® restoration specialist offers tips for preventing holiday fires
South River, NJ (Grassroots Newswire) November 18, 2013 -- Lights, candles, action – it’s the holiday season again. Brightly lighted decorations, elaborate meals and large gatherings are all part of traditional holiday celebrations. Unfortunately, these seasonal traditions also cause an average of 230 home fires each year, with an average of 4 deaths, 21 injuries and $17.3 million in property damage.
“Christmas tree lights and candles are just two of the holiday traditions that increase the likelihood of a fire starting in your home,” says Salvatore Marinello of SERVPRO® of East Brunswick/PrincetonMeadows. “There are about three times as many cooking-related fires on Thanksgiving Day and almost twice as many on Christmas Day as there are on non-holidays. It only takes a single distracted or careless action to turn a family get-together into a tragedy.”
Marinello says that homeowners can help keep their homes and their families safe during the holiday season by understanding the dangers and taking some simple, commonsense precautions.
Holiday Cooking Fire Facts
Thanksgiving Day has three times the average number of reported home structure fires involving cooking equipment.
The two other peak days for cooking-related fires are Christmas Day and Christmas Eve.
Holiday Cooking Safety Tips
Supervise items on the stovetop. Fifty-eight percent of kitchen fires involve ranges; homes with electric cooktops have a higher risk of fire than homes with gas cooktops.
Keep flammable items – potholders, packaging, wrapping, wooden utensils, loose clothing – away from the stovetop.
Don’t let lack of sleep or alcohol consumption affect your ability to concentrate on preparing the meal.
Holiday Decorating Fire Facts
Half of all holiday decoration fires start because the decoration is too close to a heat source.
On average, 32 candle fires are reported each day. December is the peak month for candle fires.
Holiday Decorating Safety Tips:
Keep all decorations away from heat sources like radiators, portable heaters, and fireplaces.
Use flameless candles.
If you do use traditional candles, burn them in sturdy candleholders, well away from drapes and other flammable materials. Never leave them unattended and never allow them to burn down to less than one inch in length.
Christmas Tree Fire Facts:
50% of live tree fires occur between December 22 and January 5.
31% of tree fires are caused by electrical problems.
14% involve decorative lights.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips:
Keep live trees well watered to reduce the chance of a fire.
Check wiring on lights for breaks and wear, replace worn strings and don’t exceed manufacturer guidelines for connecting multiple strands of lights.
Don’t leave tree lights plugged in when you are away from home or asleep.
“We hope these tips will be a reminder to South River area families to make fire prevention a priority in their holiday preparations,” said Marinello, “so they can spend the season enjoying family and friends, not dealing with the aftermath of a fire.”
For more fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, contact Salvatore Marinello with SERVPRO® of East Brunswick/Princeton Meadows at (732) 432-9800 or SERVPRO9885@gmail.com. For more information about SERVPRO®, please visit http://www.SERVPROeastbrunswickprincetonmeadows.com/.
Statistics used in this release are based on National Fire Protection Association data (http://www.nfpa.org/).
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