Special Fire Services

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians cleared fire debris from the yard of this historic home

Whether you encounter a fire, flood, mold or any other calamity, SERVPRO of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights typically restores in the inside of your structure. But when the City of Dearborn Property Maintenance and Development Services office reached out us about fire debris in a neighborhood yard, we took to the outdoors. 

When a fire destroyed a historic home in the Aviation Neighborhood, the homeowners were unsure of how they wanted to proceed. As such, nothing was done to the house or yard for weeks. Dearborn's PMDS Director asked us to clear the debris from the yard. Clearing debris and securing the property with fencing keeps the yard safe and mess contained. 

SERVPRO of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights is happy to accommodate unusual requests whenever possible... even it's outside our usual scope of work. 

What Are Contents?

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can affect the entire home

The damage caused by fire, smoke and soot affects not only the structure of your property, but also your belongings – “contents” is our industry vernacular. SERVPRO of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights understands your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes and other belongings are the very things that make your house your home. Our team takes great care with your contents.

SERVPRO specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire or mold. Our restore versus replace mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items can be restored to pre-fire condition. We'll use several methods to clean your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights
SERVPRO^® of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire and smoke, water, flood, wind, and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is always just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Small Fires Can Be a Mess

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Image courtesy of Double Deuce Fire Images

Even a small fire can be devastating. Here are the three most essential steps to take after a fire of any size.

1. Call Your Insurance Company
As soon as possible after the fire, contact your insurance company. The sooner you connect with your claim manager, the sooner the claim can be processed and restoration can begin. Your insurance carrier may want to send an adjuster out to your property. SERVPRO of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights SE has relationships with many insurance carriers; many times, we will be sent to inspect and report back to the adjuster.

2. Don’t Touch the Damage
It is critical to leave everything just as it is until the scene has been surveyed by a loss assessor. Removing or attempting to clean thing on your own could slow or stall the claims process. Instead, start making a list of items in your home including their brand, approximate age and initial cost. Remember, damaged areas may still be dangerous. Roofs, walls, and floors have the potential to collapse. In rare cases, fires have the potential to rekindle. Never enter a fire scene until the fire department says it is safe to do so.

3. Hire a Restoration Service
SERVPRO of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights SE has the expertise in cleaning and restoring properties after disasters like fires. Professional restoration companies can secure the building against additional damage, repair damage and help facilitate repair or replacement personal items such as electronics and artwork.

Workplace Fire Safety

9/24/2021 (Permalink)

Photo courtesy of Double Deuce Fire Images Fire in a Dearborn commercial building

Fires and explosions are fairly rare in the workplace, but they can be extremely dangerous and costly. Here are the most common causes of commercial property fires and steps to help prevent them.

1. Faulty electrical equipment
The most common cause of workplace fires is electrical issues. Overloaded plugs and loose wires can result in electrical fires. Be certain to minimize the number of devices drawing from one power source.

2. Flammable and combustible materials
Improper storage of some materials is a contributor to fires. Industrial workshops and garages are especially prone. Workplace fire loads vary depending on what is stored in your space. This risk can be lessened simply by ensuring all materials are properly stored away from any potential ignition sources.

3. Lack of staff training
Properly training staff to recognize hazards is critical for avoiding and handling emergency circumstances. Avoiding innocent mistakes like improper material storage or blocking cooling vents on electronics can prevent disasters. A top safety priority should be making sure everyone knows what do to in an emergency including evacuation routes and how to use a fire extinguisher.

4. Lack of resources and equipment
Prevention is key. That means investing in the tools designed to keep people safe - smoke detectors, fire alarms and suppression systems. Without these, a fire can quickly reach a dangerous stage. Smoke alarms are as important in the workplace as they are at home.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights Southeast
SERVPRO^® of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights SE provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire and smoke, water, flood, wind, and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is always just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Dryer Safety

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Proper appliance maintenance is helps extend its life and keeps you safe.

Dryer lint build up can be dangerous. Be sure to clean the dryer filter after each use. A reported 17,000 fires are related to home dryers each year. Here are a few simple tips to help prevent a clothes dryer fire:

-Clean the filter screen after each load to prevent lint buildup.
-Never leave home while the dryer is in use. A person capable of attending to an emergency should be at the ready while a dryer is running.
-Clean the outside vents twice a year to remove any accumulated dust and lint.
-Don't dry mop heads in the dryer. The dryer's heat can ignite the chemical residue on the heads.
-Keep the surrounding area clean. The dryer's heat may ignite anything left too close.

And as always… every home should have working smoke alarms.

Cleaning Up Smoke and Soot After a Kitchen Fire

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

The kitchen in this Detroit Boston-Edison home was damaged when the homeowner left this kitchen briefly to check on her child in the next room.

Careless cooking is the leading cause of house fires^*. Even a small fire can send smoke, soot and smell throughout your entire structure. Protein fires, common in kitchen fires, leave strong, stale smell. Smoke removal may seem like a straight-forward process, but it can be very challenging.

It is best to choose a certified fire restoration company, like SERVPRO of Dearborn And Dearborn Heights SE, to ensure your fire is addressed as quickly and professionally as possible. The company should have well-trained, IICRC-certified technicians as well as use the latest in fire restoration technology and equipment.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights Southeast
SERVPRO^® of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights SE provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire and smoke, water, flood, wind, and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is always just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

*https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Cooking

Fire & Water Damage Go Hand in Hand

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Dearborn Heights Fire Department spray a home with water from the aerial tower. Photo courtesy of Double Deuce Fireimages

Fire and water damage almost always go hand-in-hand. For this reason, SERVPRO of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights SE offers both fire restoration and water clean up services. Here are just a few ways fires can lead to water damage:

Fire Hose: High pressure fire hoses emit many gallons of water per minute. Even if it does not take long for firefighters to extinguish a blaze, your property may sustain considerable water damage.

Burst Pipes: Fires burn at different temperatures depending on the fuel source. They can become so hot they can melt certain metals. If the fire in your structure reaches the melting points of certain metals, it is possible to rupture pipes.

Suppression Systems: While more common in commercial buildings, some new houses are built with suppression systems. If your suppression system utilizes water, your building will likely sustain some degree of water damage.

Minimizing Fire and Water Damage
You can minimize fire and water damages by quickly contacting your local fire department as soon as you realize there is a fire. Quick reaction by all can potentially mitigate extensive fire damage by lessening burn time and the need for large amounts water.

Investing in a non-water based suppression system is another precaution. If your current system is water-based, consider programming it to only release water in the fire area or other specific conditions.

The professionally trained team at SERVPRO of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights SE is experienced in the proper techniques for restoring your property safely, quickly, and effectively.

Kitchen Fire Risks

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

A pizza box left on top of this stove caused a kitchen fire when the dog jumped up to steal some pizza!

The kitchen is the most likely place for home fires. Here are the top four kitchen fire risks, along with helpful safety tips to avoid fire damage at your Dearborn and Dearborn Heights area home:

1. Unattended Cooking
Most kitchen fires start when someone leaves cooking unattended. It is easy to get distracted while away from the stove. If you absolutely cannot stay in the kitchen, ask someone to keep an eye on the stove or set a timer to remind you to get back to it.

2. Grease Fires
The smoke point for most fats, like kitchen grease, is about 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease reaches its smoke point shortly before a fire ignites. Grease fires must always be extinguished by smothering the flames with baking soda or salt. A Class B or K extinguisher can be used with caution. Be certain to spray an extinguisher from a distance to avoid spreading grease and fire.

3. Combustible or Flammable Materials
Keep paper or plastic food packaging and other flammable materials away from open flames and hot burners. Do not store oven mitts or towels on or above the stove where they may fall on the hot surface. Be mindful of leaving things on top of the stove when not in use. On three separate occasions we have seen fires started by dogs inadvertently turning on gas stoves while trying to reach food containers on the stove top.

4. Microwave-Safe and Oven-Safe Materials
Be certain to check cookware is rated for use in microwaves or ovens. Some packaging is not intended for heating as poses a potential fire hazard. Make sure packaging and dishes are rated for the preparation methods used.

Should a fire occur, depend on the certified fire restoration specialists of SERVPRO of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights SE to clean your home in accordance with the highest standards.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights Southeast
SERVPRO^® of Dearborn & Dearborn Heights SE provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire and smoke, water, flood, wind, and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is always just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Holiday Candle Safety Tips

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Candles are beautiful but also pose risk

Adding candles to holiday décor can add beauty. It also adds to the risk of a house fire. According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), from 2012-2016, an estimated 8,200 house fires that were started by candles per year. These fires caused 770 injuries and $264 million in property damage. The top 3 days for home candle fires are Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.

To minimize your risks, the NFPA recommends using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look and smell like real candles. If you chose real candles, they recommend the following:

• Make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be knocked over.
• Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home.
• Completely extinguish all candles when you leave the room or go to bed.
• Never use of candles in the bedroom or other areas where people may fall asleep.
• Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn including hair and loose clothing.
• Don’t burn a candle down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.
• Have battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Decking the halls should be fun, but always remember to exercise more caution when using candles.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights Southeast
SERVPRO^® of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights SE provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire and smoke, water, flood, wind, and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is always just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Source: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Top-fire-causes/Candles

Fire Extinguisher Primer

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

Knowing how to properly use a fire extinguisher can help save property and lives.

How to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers can save lives and property, but many people do not know how to use them properly, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. To help ensure you’re better prepared for a fire emergency, the agency offers the following tips:

Choosing the Right Fire Extinguisher
There are five primary types of fire extinguishers, each designed to put out different kinds of fires:

• Class A. For use with ordinary materials like cloth, wood and paper. Often found in homes and businesses.
• Class B. For use with combustible and flammable liquids like grease, gasoline, oil and oil-based paints. Often found in homes and businesses.
• Class C. For use with electrical equipment like appliances, tools or other equipment that’s plugged in. Often found in homes and businesses.
• Class D. For use with flammable metals. Often found in factories.
• Class K. For use with vegetable oils, animal oils and fats in cooking appliances. Often found in commercial kitchens.

For the home, choose a multipurpose fire extinguisher that covers Class A through Class C for fighting all three types of common house fires. Most home improvement stores carry multipurpose A-B-C models. In addition to fire extinguishers, every household should have working fire alarms and a fire escape plan.

When to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are designed for small, confined fires, not large ones that are growing. Before using an extinguisher, make sure the fire is contained in a single object, such as a pan or wastebasket. Alert others in the building that there’s a fire, and have someone call the fire department. Before proceeding, make sure you are physically able to handle the fire extinguisher, safe from the fire’s toxic smoke and have a clear escape route.

To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the acronym PASS:

• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

If you’re unsure about whether it’s safe to use a fire extinguisher–and for all other fire situations–alert others, leave the building, and call 911 from a mobile or neighbor’s phone. Safety should be the top priority, and it’s essential to follow your instincts and know when to get out. As such, it’s not recommended that children use fire extinguishers.

The Importance of Maintenance
To ensure fire extinguishers are ready in case of an emergency, make sure to regularly check them for the following:

• Easy access in an emergency. Be sure nothing is blocking or limiting your ability to reach the extinguisher.
• The recommended pressure level. Many extinguishers have gauges that show when pressure is too high or too low.
• Working parts. Make sure the can, hoses and nozzles aren’t damaged, dented or rusted.
• Remove any dust, oil or grease that might be on the outside of the extinguisher.
• Guidelines and instructions. Some extinguishers need to be shaken monthly, while others need to be pressure tested every few years.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights Southeast
SERVPRO^® of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights Southeast provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire and smoke, water, flood, wind, and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is always just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Source: Rismedia.com

The Smell of a Fire

10/1/2019 (Permalink)

This box of new dishes had not been unpacked before a fire. Soot was able to get inside the still sealed box.

Besides the memory of a house fire, the thing that lasts the longest is the smell. If not professionally remediated, the odor can linger for a very long time.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Dearborn and Dearborn Heights SE can rid your home of this odor. Unlike the pleasant smell of campfires, house fires have a unique and offensive odor due to the combination of the natural and synthetic fibers of woods, plastics, building materials, electronics and furniture in homes. Our Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification trained technicians use a multi-step process to eliminate odors.

Removing 
The first step is removing the source of the odor. Depending on the specifics of the fire, SERVPRO technicians may remove cabinetry, flooring, construction materials, or any combination of these things. Our crews will safely and efficiently dispose of these materials giving us a better idea of how to address the remaining smells.

Cleaning  
Next is deodorizing. Smoke and soot will travel throughout your house during a fire depositing itself on every surface and in every space. As people enter and exit your house, soot continues to get stirred and travel. If your HVAC system is still running, it can send soot and smell into unaffected rooms. Soot is absorbed by dry wall on both the ceilings and walls. It can even penetrate sealed boxes as shown in the picture. The surface type and amount of soot determines how our SERVPRO technicians clean each thing.

Sealing 
The final step is drywall sealing. Sealing is not required in every case. It is typically only used if the damaged is extensive and/or removing it is too costly and impractical. After we clean the affected area, we seal it to prevent the stains and smells from seeping through.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights Southeast
SERVPRO^® of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights Southeast provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire and smoke, water, flood, wind, and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is always just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Fire Facts

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

Maritime Code has determined pistachios to be flammable and therefore dangerous to ship.

Discovery Magazine provided an interesting and informative list of fire facts. Whether you are enjoying an evening bonfire or experience and accidental fire, it is important to know your fire facts. 

1. Earth’s air is 21% oxygen and the only known planet where fire can burn. No other planet has enough oxygen to ignite or sustain fire.
2. Oxygen supply influences the color of the flame. Low oxygen fires still containing uncombusted fuel give off a yellow glow, while high-oxygen fires burn blue.
3. Although rare and only in very specific circumstances, spontaneous combustion is real. Some fuel sources can generate their own heat via decomposition or rotting. Pistachios have so much natural oil and are so prone to heat-generating fat decomposition that the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code regards them as dangerous.
4. Haystacks, compost heaps, and even piles of old newspapers and magazines can also burst into flame due to their decomposing.
5. America’s deadliest fire took place April 27, 1865, when the boilers on the steamship Sultana. Among other passengers were 1,500 recently released Union prisoners.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights Southeast
SERVPRO^® of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights Southeast provides 24-hour disaster mitigation service. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire and smoke, water, flood, wind, and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is always just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

After a Fire, SERVPRO of Dearborn/ Dearborn Heights SE Has a Plan

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights SE has a cleaning protocol for fires of all size.

After a fire you will have many questions. What can be saved? How do I clean this? Will this need to be replaced? You may feel very overwhelmed when your home and your possessions are affected by smoke, soot and water. SERVPRO of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights SE will help you navigate through this confusing event. Our proprietary restoration procedures are specifically developed for fire damage recovery. We test all your furniture and personal items to determine which things can be restored and which need to be replaced.

Regardless of its size, SERVPRO approaches your fire damage with a solid plan of action. The first step is a thorough evaluation of your specific situation. Our course of action will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Safety During the Winter

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

Half of all home heating fires happen in December, January and February. Source: NFPA

Fire safety is especially important in the winter. Winters in the metro Detroit area can be bitterly cold causing broken pipes, ice dams and house fires. The National Fire Protection Agency, a trade group dedicated to setting and promoting fire safety standards, offers some important tips to remain safe during the winter months:

1. Test smoke alarms every month.
2. Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home.
3. Plan two ways out of your home.
4. Keep driveways and front walk cleared for your and first responders' safety.
5. Be aware of weather. Listen to TV or radio for updates and changes.
6. Have flashlights on hand if power goes out. Never use candles.
7. Keep generators outdoors and away from windows or doors. Never run a generator in the garage even if the overhead door is open.
8. Keep space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn.
9. Turn off portable heaters when you leave room or go to sleep.

Your neighbors at SERVPRO of Dearborn/Dearborn Heights SE hope these simple tips with help you stay safe and warm all winter long.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn / Dearborn Heights SE
SERVPRO^® of Dearborn / Dearborn Heights SE provides 24-hour disaster mitigation and cleanup service to Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Melvindale and the greater Metro Detroit area. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire, water, soot, smoke, biohazard and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Cigarette Dangers in Home

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

Cigarette are a leading cause of house fires.

One of the most common causes of house fires is reportedly the improper handling of cigarettes.

Forgotten and smoldering cigarettes cause a hazard and can create significant fire damage. Here are various ways to prevent a cigarette fire from occurring in your residence.

• Smoke outdoors. If you have the option of smoking outdoors, this can be the best method for preventing fire and odor build up inside of your home. Keep any ashtrays away from the residence

• Teach your children to stay away from any cigarettes. Kids are naturally curious about fire. Be certain to store cigarettes, matches, and lighters out of their reach.

• Don’t smoke in area with highly flammable materials. Upholstered furniture, drapery, and mattresses are incredibly flammable. Avoiding smoking in these areas is an excellent preventative measure.

•Use stable ashtrays and fill them with sand. Never use an ashtray that is might tip over or fall easily. This can cause fire hazards. Make sure every butt is fully extinguished.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn
SERVPRO^® of Dearborn provides 24-hour disaster mitigation and cleanup service to Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Melvindale and the greater Metro Detroit area. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire, water, soot, smoke, biohazard and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Outdoor Grill Safety

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

Alarming statistics. Don't be a statistic.

Dearborn, Michigan offers a lot of great food. You can always smell someone grilling something delicious.

Keep your family safe while grilling by following these simple guidelines.

General grilling tips:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors and outside of the garage.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill.
• Keep grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and trays below grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.

Before you use your propane grill:

• Check the connection points between the propane tank hose, the regulator, cylinder, and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.
• Check the tank hose for the potential leaks. To do that:
• Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
• Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).
• If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
• If there are bubbles, turn off the tank then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak doesn’t stop, call the fire department immediately.

When the grill is on:

• As you are cooking, if you smell gas, turn off the gas tank and burners.
• If the leak stops immediately, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the smell continues, move away from the grill and call the fire department immediately. Do not move the grill.

Charcoal grills:

• Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

About SERVPRO of Dearborn
SERVPRO^® of Dearborn provides 24-hour disaster mitigation and cleanup service to Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Melvindale and the greater Metro Detroit area. We specialize in the restoration of homes and businesses suffering losses from fire, water, soot, smoke, biohazard and storm damage. Our locally owned and operated 24/7 response team is just a phone call away. 313-359-3457

Fireworks and House Fires

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Photo property and courtesy of Ian Kushnir, Doubledeuce Fireimages; Dearborn, MI

Dearborn, Michigan has strict firework regulations for good reason. In 2013, the most recent data available from National Fire Protection Association, fireworks caused an estimated 15,600 reported fires in the U.S., including 1,400 structure fires, 200 vehicle fires, and 14,000 outdoor and other fires. Nearly half (47%) of all reported fires on the Fourth of July are started by fireworks.

In Dearborn residents are allowed to use legal consumer fireworks only on the day of, day prior and day after certain recognized holidays. July 4, 2018 is a recognized holiday. Certain rules must be followed including:

• Minors may not use fireworks
• Fireworks may not be used on public property or private property of another person unless express permission is obtained.
• Individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol may not use fireworks.
• No person is permitted to use consumer fireworks on the day before, the day of or the day after a recognized holiday between the hours of 12 midnight and 8 AM.
• The right to discharge fireworks ends at the individual’s property line.

Please be considerate of your neighbors when using any fireworks. Always think safety first, take precautions to avoid injuries, fires or damage to property.

The Fire Cleanup Process

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Photo property and courtesy of Ian Kushnir, Doubledeuce Fireimages, Dearborn, MI

If you have a fire, you will have a flood – from the water firefighters use to put out the blaze. One of the many problems facing homeowners after a fire is dealing with the addition water damage. If you experience a house fire, consider the following tips from SERVPRO of Dearborn, your locally owned and operated fire cleanup and restoration team.

1. Contact Your Insurance Company
Immediately after a fire, contact your insurance provider to see what, if any, of the damage the company will cover. If your policy covers fire damage, your agent will guide you through the necessary forms and file your claim.

2. Call a Fire Restoration Team
Resist the urge to do your own clean up; it is extremely difficult and can be dangerous. Fire and water damage, combined with firefighter “overhaul” (opening walls, pulling out cabinetry, breaking ceiling, etc. while looking for embers and hot spots) likely made your home’s structure weak. Additionally, even objects which appear to have cooled may still be smoldering and pose a danger. It is best to have a team of fire restoration professionals handle the debris.

3. Clean Up Debris
Your fire restoration team will begin the cleanup process by removing debris and items that can not be saved. What can be saved is itemized and taken to our warehouse for cleaning and storage. Our team then cleans the structure using special chemicals and techniques. Once this is done, the team will deodorize and sanitize the home.

4. Restore Your Home
Once the home is clean and dry, your fire restoration team starts restoring your home to its pre-fire condition. This portion of the process takes a great deal of time and effort. However, when we do our job correctly, you won’t know we were there.

If your Dearborn area home experiences a fire, help is just a phone call away. 313-359-4357

Visit SERVPRO of Dearborn for more information on what to do in the event of a fire.

Fire Prevention Week October 8-14

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

Sparky the Fire Dog helps kids practice a safe escape!

Sunday, October 8, marks the start of the 2017 Fire Prevention Week. This year's National Fire Protection Association theme is "Every Second Counts:Plan 2 Ways Out!"

NFPA suggests families plan two ways to exit every  room in your house, especially kids' bedrooms. They suggest:

• Draw a map of your home marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

Click HERE for a link to the NFPA website for more valuable safety information.

The Importance of a Home Inventory List

9/5/2017 (Permalink)

Can you name every item in your house?

Imagine having your home and its contents lost to a fire. Could you recall every item in it? Could you remember each individual item, especially the stored away, rarely used ones? Most of us would have great difficulty doing this on any given day, let alone under the stress of a catastrophe.

In the event of a fire, your insurance company will ask you to provide a list of all your damaged personal property. Creating a comprehensive Home Contents Inventory assures all of your contents are documented. Including each item’s value, photograph and, when possible, receipt, helps your insurance company make an accurate assessment for replacement and/or restoration according to your insurance policy. Be sure to update this list annually as you add or get rid of items. The completed list should be stored in a fireproof box or in your safe deposit box. It is also a good idea to file the list with your insurance agent.

Contact our office at 313-359-4357 to get a blank Home Contents Inventory or to schedule an appointment to have our pros to do it for you.

Smoke alarms save lives

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

Checking and changing smoke alarm batteries regularly saves lives.

Fast facts about fire

House fires

• In 2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 367,500 house fires. These fires caused 2,745 deaths, 11,825 civilian injuries, and $6.8 billion in direct damage.
• On average, seven people die in U.S. house fires per day.
• One quarter of house fires that started in the bedroom caused deaths.
• Three out of five house fire deaths happen in houses with no working smoke alarms.
• Cooking equipment is the leading cause of house fire injuries, followed by heating equipment.
• Smoking materials are the leading cause of house fire deaths.
• During 2009-2013, roughly one of every 335 households had a reported house fire per year.

Smoke alarms

• Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in reported house fires in half.
• In fires large enough to activate the smoke alarm, hardwired alarms operated 94% of the time, while battery powered alarms operated 80% of the time.
• When smoke alarms fail to operate, it is usually because batteries are missing, disconnected, or dead.
• Ionization smoke alarms are generally more responsive to flaming fires and photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, or where extra time is needed to awaken or assist others, a combination of ionization and photoelectric alarms are recommended. 

Source:

http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/campaigns/fire-prevention-week/fast-facts-about-fire

Fire Restoration Process

5/9/2017 (Permalink)

Dearborn homes can be restored after a fire.

What exactly happens after you have a fire at your house or commercial property? SERVPRO of Dearborn’s Fire Restoration Process has a comprehensive plan to get you back in your home or business.

Step 1: Emergency Contact
Begin the process begins by calling SERVPRO of Dearborn at 313-359-4357. Disasters don’t keep regular business hours; neither do we. We are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Step 2: Inspection & Assessment
Our professionals carefully inspect your home or business to produce an accurate report of fire, smoke, and soot damage.

Step 3: Board-Up & Tarp Service(s)
Since fire and its suppression can compromise windows, walls and roofs, we offer board-up services to protect your home from the elements, theft and vandalism.

Step 4: Water Removal & Drying
It is very likely there will be water is present in your home or business after a fire. We remove any standing water with a combination of extraction, dehumidification and air moving.

Step 5: Remove Smoke & Soot from ALL Surfaces
SERVPRO of Dearborn’s processes remove soot and smoke from your home or business’ ceilings, floors and wall. We can even remove soot and smoke from restorable upholstery and textiles.

Step 6: Cleaning & Sanitizing
We clean and sanitize the entire structure to remove offensive odors.

Step 7: Complete Restoration
Our job is done when your house or business is back to its pre-fire condition.

If you experience fire, smoke or soot damage, SERVPRO of Dearborn is just a phone call away.

(313) 359-3457

Dearborn Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/25/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage can cause a pervasive odor in your Dearborn home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate any crevice or  cavity in your home causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures. This type of smoke rises.

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is different, each one requires a solution tailored for the specific conditions.  Using the wrong cleaning method can result in further damage. We have the expertise, experience and equipment to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 313-359-4357