Different Types of Home Fire Extinguishers

7/10/2024 (Permalink)

Smoke and fire damage is something all of us at SERVPRO of a would like to see you avoid. In the event that the worst happens and you're faced with this kind of disaster, you can count on us to lend a helping hand.

We have a team of highly trained professionals to walk with you each step of the way when repairing the damage from smoke, water, and fire in your home or office.

SERVPRO recommends you have at least one fire extinguisher and know how to use it in case of a fire. 

Types of Home Fire Extinguishers: 

Classes A, B, and C fire extinguishers are found in both homes and businesses

• Class A is for cloth, wood, and paper
• Class B is for liquids that can burst into flame or explode, such as grease, gasoline, oil, or oil-based paints
• Class C is for electrical equipment like computers, tools, or anything else that is plugged in
• Most home-improvement stores sell multi-purpose fire extinguishers: Classes A:B:C

A fire-extinguisher may prevent fire damage and smoke damage from spreading throughout the home.

If you are faced with a small fire, use the following tips. Remember: If you aren't sure you can put it out yourself, everyone should exit the building and call 9-1-1 when you are outside.

SERVPRO wants you to know that you should try to fight a small fire only if:

• You can get to the fire extinguisher quickly. Fire is fast. Fire damage and smoke damage are less painful than personal injuries
• You know how to use the fire extinguisher
• You have the correct class of fire extinguisher

Actions to Avoid Following a House Fire

12/13/2023 (Permalink)

Once a home fire has been extinguished, it’s a natural impulse to try and clean up as quickly as possible but doing so may cause more damage than good. Below is a list of actions to avoid following a house fire to help you recover quickly and safely.

Avoid using electronics

After a fire, it’s best to wait until a professional arrives on the scene to ensure electronics are safe to use. This includes TVs, computers, and DVD players. Even the A/C needs to stay off until you get the all-clear. Turning on electronics can create greater damage.

Don’t try to clean possessions on your own

While it’s tempting to grab a bucket of water and get to work, it's best if you do not clean walls, ceilings, and other similar surfaces, and wait to clean your clothing and similar garments. A professional should examine them first and provide advice. In some cases, different types of approaches to cleaning are necessary for different items to avoid causing further damage, so it’s best to wait for a fire remediation professional to give you advice before trying to clean on your own.

Toss all food in your home

Never eat anything that was in the home during the fire. Smoke, soot, and chemicals can get into everything and it’s better to be safe than sorry. It is most likely not safe to consume due to contamination from smoke, soot, or contaminants introduced to the environment when the fire was being extinguished. That includes canned goods. Heat damage may not be seen on the outside of canned goods, but the heat can re-cook the ingredients in the can causing harm.

Refrain from cleaning up after firefighters

Unfortunately, extinguishing a fire can cause a mess on its own as fire retardants and other foams or powders may have been used to stop the flames. Forgo trying to clean up any staining from the powder discharged by a fire extinguisher. It is best to let professionals guide the cleanup of these areas as they have the equipment to handle different types of chemical cleanup on a variety of surfaces.

It’s always tempting to start the cleanup process immediately and do as much as possible. The best course of action is to hire a certified professional to provide expert knowledge and service. The situation requires specialized tools and knowledge that only a professional can provide. A trusted professional will offer an after-fire checklist that will help speed along the fire and smoke damage cleanup process. Consulting a professional will help you restore your property back to like-new condition as quickly as possible.

Smoke Damage Tips

8/10/2023 (Permalink)

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

Do:

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

What To Do Immediately After A Home Fire

6/17/2023 (Permalink)

In the scary aftermath of a housefire, it's hard to know what to do first. While waiting for help to arrive, safety should be your number one concern. 

• Assess whether it’s safe to stay in the house.
• Look out for electrical and “slip and fall” hazards.
• Only attempt activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
• If safe to enter, and weather permits; open windows and doors to “air out” structure and reduce smoke odors.

We understand you have many questions about what to do next. The restoration professionals at SERVPRO has the experience and training needed to assess your situation and help you through the process of returning your property to its preloss condition. Call us anytime day or night at 630-369-9710.

Appliance Fires

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

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

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

Fire and Smoke Damage Do's and Don'ts

2/15/2023 (Permalink)

While fire damage restoration is better left in the hands of professionals, there are some things you can do on your own. Take note, however, that DIY fire restoration is something you want to do only when the severity of the fire and smoke damage is small.

Fire damage can be a devastating experience both for home and business owners. Fire damage is difficult to overcome and repair, but there are simple things you can do to motivate the process. When you’re wondering what to do after a fire, here’s a look at things to do (and things not to do) during the fire restoration process.

DOS FOR FIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION

Your checklist for after a fire should contain certain non-negotiable tasks, including:

• DO contact a certified restoration specialist: Make sure you immediately contact a certified fire and smoke restoration professional for remediation services.
• DO turn off utilities: Turn of water, electricity, gas, and any other utilities until a professional can evaluate if any of these systems were damaged during the fire.
• DO break out the vacuum: A professional should provide service, but you can enhance the professional’s chances of success by doing the first pass on your own. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment and go over your upholstered furniture. Your furniture will look better as soon as the soot is removed. Also, cover your furniture with a sheet if you need to sit on it while waiting for professional help. This will prevent the soot and ash from grinding into your upholstery.
• DO address your carpets, floors, and countertops: Give similar treatment to your carpets. Vacuum them for an immediate and superficial improvement over the damaged state. It will help prevent soot from grinding deeper into the carpet’s roots. Countertops and hardwood floors should be wiped clean to prevent the soot from deeply staining and clinging to the surfaces.
• DO check your appliances: Your utilities should be off. Make sure to empty your freezer and refrigerator, and leave the doors open to prevent mold and mildew. Likewise, winterize your plumbing and drain your hot water heater and boiler. In the absence of heat during the fire damage restoration process, fluids can freeze and cause burst pipes and other damage.
• DO take care of pets: Remove pets from your fire-damaged home. Lingering soot and smoke can be harmful to them.

DON’TS FOR FIRE DAMAGE RESTORATION

Your checklist should also include several things to avoid at all times, including:

• DON’T use your AC, heater or electronics: Wait until a professional arrives on the scene — same with electronics like the television, computers and DVD players. Turning on electronics can create greater damage.
• DON’T clean walls or clothing: Also, do not clean walls, ceilings and other similar surfaces, and wait to clean your clothing and similar garments. A professional should examine them first and provide advice.
• DON’T eat leftover food: Never eat anything that was in the home during the fire. It is most likely not safe to consume due to contamination from smoke, soot, or contaminants introduced to the environment when the fire was being extinguished.
• DON’T wipe away powder from extinguishers: Forgo trying to clean up any staining from the powder discharged by a fire extinguisher. It is best to let professionals guide the cleanup of these areas.

ALWAYS CALL AN EXPERT

If you’re wondering what to do after a fire, it’s always tempting to start the cleanup process immediately, and do as much as possible. The best course of action is to hire a certified professional, like those at SERVPRO, to provide expert knowledge and service. The situation requires specialized tools and knowledge that only a professional can provide. A trusted professional will offer an after-fire checklist that will help speed along the fire and smoke damage cleanup process. Consulting a professional will help you restore your property back to like-new condition as quickly as possible.

Emergency Fire Damage Tips

1/5/2023 (Permalink)

Emergency DOs AND DON'Ts

These emergency tips will assist you in taking proper action until a  SERVPRO of Plainfield, Shorewood and SERVPRO of Naperville South Professional arrives. Follow these DOs and DON'Ts to help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration.

• Limit movement in the home to prevent spot particles from being embedded into carpet and avoid tracking
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and artwook.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop door open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from metal kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances.

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first consulting your SERVPRO of Plainfield, Shorewood and SERVPRO of Naperville South Professional.
• Don't attempt to shampoo carpet, rugs or upholstered furniture without consultation.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting with an authorized repair service. 

If your home or business has been affected by fire, call SERVPRO of Plainfield, Shorewood and SERVPRO of Naperville South.

Appliance Fires

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

PROTECTING YOUR HOME FROM FIRE

10/20/2022 (Permalink)

Your home is a special place, full of happy family memories and history. You have spent both time and money on your home over the years to make it truly yours, so it’s a significant investment, too. Losing any part of your home from a house fire would be costly and devastating. 

Being aware of the most significant hazards will help to keep your home safe from the damages of a house fire and help you avoid the costs associated with its recovery. Here are three ways to protect your Joliet home from a fire: 

How Can I Protect My Plainfield, Shorewood and Naperville South Home From An Electrical Fire?

Electrical fires are all too common. An equipment malfunction can cause an electrical fire due to:

• An overloaded circuit
• A bad extension cord
• An overheated light bulb
• Various other types of electrical home appliances

Taking the proper safety precautions when it comes to electrical systems will help you to avoid a fire. 

Some tips to help avoid a fire includes:

• Overload outlets or electrical cords
• Leave halogen, holiday, or outdoor lights on overnight or when away from your home

You can also schedule an electrician to come and perform an annual checkup of your home’s wiring.

How Can I Avoid Fires in My Plainfield, Shorewood and Naperville South Kitchen?

Another way to protect your home from a fire is to be safe in the kitchen. Ensure you have the proper tools to use for all cooking projects, such as:

• Pans and pots in good condition
• Hot pads that don’t have holes in them
• Afire extinguisher, and someone who knows how to use it properly.

There may be some people in your household that need special help when working in the kitchen, such as young children or people with physical disabilities; be sure they have a helper with them to avoid accidents that could result in a fire. 

How Do I Prevent Fires From Open Flames In Plainfield, Shorewood and Naperville South?

Any type of open flame needs to be handled correctly, such as:

• A fire in your fireplace
• Candles
• Matches

A fire in your fireplace needs to be extinguished before everyone goes to bed. Matches should be stored out of the reach of children. Candles are a lovely way to add pleasant scent and ambiance to your home, but they also become a fire hazard if left alone. Always ensure that candles are not left to burn when the household is asleep or away from the house.

These three fire hazards prevention practices are just a few of the ways you can protect your Plainfield, Shorewood and Naperville South. Here at SERVPRO of Plainfield, Shorewood and SERVPRO of Naperville South, we are proud to serve the local community. We restore homes and businesses after fire damage, as well as flooding, accidents, vandalism, biohazards, and more. We can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, too. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Highly Trained Fire Restoration Technicians

9/8/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day.

After the fire has been extinguished, we are often the next team to arrive on the scene. SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South has a team of highly trained fire restoration technicians ready to help.

• Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

Using the right tools and cleaning methods are key to quickly and efficiently restoring fire damage. Our professionals are trained to know the different types of smoke and their behavior patterns.

• Wet Smoke – Plastics and Synthetics; Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary.
• Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood; Fast burning, high temperatures, dry, powdery, non-smeary residues.
• Protein – Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
• Fuel Oil Soot – Furnace Puff Backs.
• Other Types – Tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue

We examine all items prior to cleaning to determine the appropriate cleaning method, and we work quickly and methodically from the source of the fire out to the other parts of the structure.

Call Us!

When your home or business needs fire cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South can help. Our fire restoration technicians are on-call 24-hours a day to mitigate and remediate fire damage. Call us today at 630-369-9710. We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

How Will My Fire Damage Be Restored in Plainfield?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Will and Kendall Counties.

Have you ever wondered what is involved with restoring fire damage? Our local team in Plainfield and Naperville South approaches every fire loss using the same process:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Assessment

We inspect and provide you with an assessment of the damage.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

We will board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes most of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, or it may require major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Call Us!

When your Plainfield home or business has fire damage, our local team in Plainfield and Naperville South is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 630-369-9710.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Are the Leading Causes of Home Structure Fires in Plainfield?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage in Will and Kendall Counties, “Like it never even happened.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are five leading causes of home fires, injuries, and fatalities in the United States. Our local team in Plainfield and Naperville South safely restores fire, smoke, and soot damage. Here are the top causes of fire damage from the NFPA:

Leading Causes of Home Structure Fires: 2015 to 2019

• Most home fires and fire casualties result from five causes: cooking, heating, electrical distribution, and lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials
• Over the five-year period of 2015–2019 as a whole, cooking was the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, while smoking was the leading cause of home fire deaths.
• During this five-year period, US fire departments responded to an estimated average of 346,800 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,620 civilian deaths, 11,070 civilian fire injuries, and $7.3 billion in direct property damage.

SERVPRO Fire Damage Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Step 7: Restoration

Call Us Today!

Fires can happen no matter how vigilant you are. When your Plainfield home or commercial business has fire damage and needs restoration services, our local team in Plainfield and Naperville South is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 630-369-9710.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Safety During Winter Storms in Plainfield?

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Will and Kendall counties.

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South offers these tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep you fire-free in the event of a winter storm:

• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month
• Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home
• Plan two ways out of the home in case of an emergency. Clear driveway and front walk of ice and snow.
• Make sure your house number can be seen from the street
• Be ready in case the power goes out. Have flashlights on hand. Also, have battery-powered lighting and fresh batteries. Never use candles.
• Stay aware of winter weather. Listen to the television or radio for updates. Watch for bulletins online.
• Check on neighbors. Check on others who may need help.
• Generators should be used outdoors. Keep them away from windows and doors. Do not run a generator inside your garage, even if the door is open.
• Stay away from downed wires. Report any downed wires to authorities.
• Be ready if the heat stops working. Use extra layers of clothes and blankets to stay warm. If you use an emergency heat source, keep anything that can burn at least three feet away.
• Turn portable heaters off when you leave the room. Turn them off when you go to bed.

Call Us Today!

If you have fire damage in your Plainfield home or business, SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians ready to assist you 24-hours a day. Call us today at 630-369-9710.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fireplace and Woodstove Safety Tips for Plainfield?

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in Will and Kendall counties.

It’s nice to curl up in front of the fireplace when it’s freezing outside. SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South offers these tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for preventing chimney fires:

Limited air supply and unseasoned wood encourage the buildup of creosote. To avoid that buildup, do not restrict the air supply by:

• Closing the glass doors
• Not opening the damper wide enough
• The longer the smoke is in the flue, the more likely it is that creosote will form
• By closing down the stove damper or air inlets on a wood stove too soon or too much
• Do not burn unseasoned wood
• In the case of wood stoves, overloading the firebox with wood in an attempt to get a longer burn time also contributes to creosote buildup

 Fireplace and Woodstove Safety

• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out
• Do not burn paper in your fireplace or woodstove
• Put ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside, at least three feet from your home
• Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians ready to assist you 24-hours a day with fire damage emergencies. Call us today at 630-369-9710.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Safety Tips for Bolingbrook?

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Will and DuPage Counties.

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South responds to fire damage emergencies often during the winter months and offer these fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Watch your cooking
  Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food
• Give space heaters space
  Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach
• Inspect electrical cords
  Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections
• Be careful when using candles
  Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have a home fire escape plan
  Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
• Install smoke alarms
  Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the house. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Test smoke alarms
  Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than ten years old.

Call Us Today!

When your Bolingbrook home or commercial business has a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians ready to assist you 24-hours a day. Call us today at 630-369-9710.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Outdoor Lighting Safety Tips for Shorewood?

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Will County.

Shorewood residents and business owners love to use outdoor lighting. However, electrical fires are common in the United States, so SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South offers these tips from the National Fire Protection Association for outdoor electrical work and equipment safety:

Outside Electrical Work

• Have a qualified electrician do all electrical work
• To prevent an electrical shock, make sure all your outside electrical receptacles are ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected
• Have a professional tree cutting service trim any branches that might fall into electric wiring

Equipment Safety

• Use lighting and power tools that are listed by a qualified test laboratory and make sure they are made for outdoor use
• Store your electrical tools indoors
• Keep electric tools away from children
• Keep the area around your electric meter and other electrical equipment clean
• Check lighting and extension cords for damage before using. Replace any damaged cords right away
• Use extension cords that are listed by a qualified test laboratory and are marked for outdoor use.
• Extension cords are not meant for long-term use

Call Us Today!

When your Shorewood home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians ready to assist you. Call us today at 630-369-9710.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Space Heater Fire in Shorewood?

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Will County.

It gets cold in Shorewood, and many residents use space heaters during the winter. SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South offers these heating safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters
• Never use your oven to heat your home
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month

Call Us!

When your Plainfield home or business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians ready to assist you. Call us today at 630-369-9710.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Home Sprinklers Protect Shorewood Home From Fire?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

We clean and restore fire damage in Will County.

Are you considering installing a home fire sprinkler system? According to a study published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), home sprinklers reduce the amount of water run-off and pollution, reduce fire damage by up to 71 percent, and reduce water used to put out a fire by as much as 91 percent!.

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South responds to fire damage emergencies every year in the Shorewood area, and we see the difference home fire sprinklers make in reducing fire damage. Here are some interesting facts about home fire sprinklers from the NFPA:

• Home fire sprinklers save lives and property. In many situations, a family who has survived a fire will also have their “home” to live in and enough of the items and space in their home to continue living their lives as they did before.
• A home fire sprinkler system can reduce the homeowner’s insurance premium
• Cigar smoke or burnt toast will not activate a fire sprinkler. Only the high temperature of a fire will activate the sprinkler.
• A home fire sprinkler system is easy to maintain. Just inspect your home to make sure the sprinklers are not blocked by something that would prevent the water from coming out.

Call Us!

When your Shorewood home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians on-call 24-hours a day to assist you 24-hours a day. Call us today at 630-369-9710.  

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips for Downtown Chicago?

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Cook county!

Smoke alarms are a critical part of a home fire escape plan, as these alarms play an important role in reducing fire deaths and injuries in the United States. Working smoke alarms give early warnings so you can get outside quickly. SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year in Downtown Chicago, and offer these smoke alarm safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Smoke Alarm Safety

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions yet mitigate false alarms
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years

Call Us Today!

When your Downtown Chicago home or commercial business has fire damage, SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians on-call 24-hours a day to assist you. Call us today at 630-369-9710.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Clothes Dryer Fire in Bolingbrook?

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Cook county!

Do you know that cleaning your clothes dryer should be part of your home safety plan? SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South offers these clothes dryer safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional
• Do not use the dryer without a lint filter
• Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry
• Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper airflow and drying time
• Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
• Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a qualified professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
• Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly
• Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer
• Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed

Call Us!

When your Bolingbrook home or commercial business has fire damage, SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians on-call 24-hours a day to assist you. Call us today at 630-369-9710.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire Evacuation Plan Facts for Naperville?

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in DuPage County.

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has been responding to fire damage emergencies for years in the Naperville area, and know that having an evacuation plan in place can keep you and your family safe when a fire happens.  Here are some escape plan facts from the National Fire Protection Association:

Safety Tips

• Draw a home escape plan that shows all the doors and windows and discuss it with everyone in your home
• If possible, know at least two ways out of every room
• Have a designated meeting place outside the home
• Practice your drill at night and during the day with everyone, twice a year
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them

Facts

• A closed-door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms inside every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area.
• Install alarms on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
• While 71 percent of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 47 percent of those who have practiced it
• One-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least six minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians on-call to assist you with fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Naperville. Call us today at 630-369-9710.

SERVPRO of Plainfield/Naperville South is Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire Restoration Services for Naperville?

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Will and Kendall counties.

Fire Damage Restoration Services for Naperville

After my home was damaged by fire my insurance adjuster told me to call SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South and I’m thankful that he did. The SERVPRO team arrived quickly, assessed the damage, and tarped up the broken windows and door. They provided a full range of restoration services to return my home to preloss condition, including:

·      Water Removal and Drying

They used dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

·      Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

They used specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

·      Cleaning and Sanitizing

They cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected all of the restorable items and structures damaged by the fire. They also removed the smoke odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

·      Restoration

They repaired windows, the door, and the drywall. After that, they painted and installed new carpet. After the job was completed, you couldn’t tell I ever had fire damage in my home!

Call Us!

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians on-call to assist you with fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day. Call us today at 630-369-9710. We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in Naperville, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Plainfield/Naperville South is Independently Owned and Operated.

Home Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips for Plainfield?

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Naperville.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests using fire extinguishers in-home settings when the fire is limited to a small area, like a wastebasket and the fire is not growing, and after everyone has exited the building. At SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South, we respond to fire damage emergencies day and night in the Plainfield area and know that fire extinguishers are an effective way of putting out small, contained fires in the home. Here are some safety tips from the NFPA for the proper method to operate a fire extinguisher:

• Remember the word, PASS:

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

The NFPA also suggests that homeowners select a multi-purpose extinguisher that is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so big that it could be difficult to handle. Check with your local fire department to see if they offer hands-on fire extinguisher training.

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians on-call to assist you with fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day. Call us today at 630-369-9710. We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in Plainfield, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Plainfield/Naperville South is Independently Owned and Operated.

Extension Cord Fire in Plainfield?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire mitigation in the Plainfield and Naperville areas.

In a report published by The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2014 and 2018:

• Electrical distribution or lighting equipment, such as wiring, lighting, cords, and plugs, was involved in an estimated average of roughly 34,000 (10 percent) reported home structure fires per year.
• These incidents caused an average of 470 civilian deaths, 1,100 civilian injuries, and $1.4 billion in direct property damage annually.

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South responds to fire damage emergencies in the Plainfield area throughout the year and has seen the damage an electrical fire can do to a structure. Here are some safety tips for using electrical cords from the NFPA:

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
• Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets so you don’t have to use extension cords.
• Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians on-call to assist you 24 hours a day. Call us today at 630-369-9710. We’ll restore your fire damage in Plainfield, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Plainfield/Naperville South is Independently Owned and Operated.

Heating Fire in Naperville?

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Naperville residents rely on us to restore fire damage.

Home fire statistics

Did you know that between 2012 and 2016, local fire departments responded to 52,050 fires related to heating equipment? In a report issued by The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is listed as a leading cause of fires in the United States. SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South responds to fire damage emergencies often during the winter months in the Naperville area and we see the damage even a small fire can cause.

Here are some interesting report highlights from the NFPA on heating equipment fires:

• December, January and February are the leading months for home heating fires.
• The peak time of day for home heating equipment fires is between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. (27 percent of fires)
• 20 percent occurring between 8:00 p.m. and midnight.
• The fewest fires occur between midnight and 8:00 a.m. (18 percent), but these fires caused almost half of the heating fire deaths.

• Nearly half (48%) of all home heating fires occurred in December, January and February.
• Heating equipment fires accounted for 15% of all reported home fires in 2012-2016 (second behind cooking) and 19% of home fire deaths.

Call Us!

When your Naperville home or commercial business experiences a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of highly trained technicians on-call to assist you 24 hours a day. Call us today at 630-369-9710. We’ll take care of your water damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Plainfield/Naperville South is Independently Owned and Operated.

Holiday Kitchen Fire in Plainfield?

12/20/2020 (Permalink)

We are on call 24-hours a day to respond to fire damage emergencies in Naperville.

Holiday Cooking

It’s that time of year when we do a lot of holiday baking in Plainfield. Christmas cookies, pies, fudge, and candy are holiday staples. The holiday season is a great time to bake with the kids, and they love being involved in every step of the process!

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the holidays and sees the destruction even a small cooking fire can cause. Everything in the house smells like smoke and gets covered in soot. The National Fire Protection Association offers these tips to keep your family safe this holiday season:

Cooking Safety

• Test your smoke alarms and tell your guests about your home fire escape plan
• Stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop
• Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop
• Keep holiday decorations away from open flames

If you have a cooking fire

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out, and you have a clear way out.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Call Us!

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville Souths’ team of highly trained technicians are on-call and ready to assist you with fire damage emergencies in Plainfield 24 hours a day, every day. Call us today at 630-369-9710.

SERVPRO of Plainfield/Naperville South is Independently Owned and Operated.

Tips to Prevent Kitchen Fire in Naperville South

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plainfield/Naperville South understands that cooking equipment is a leading cause of fire damage and fire injuries in your Naperville South home.

To help prevent fire damage, SERVPRO of Plainfield/Naperville South shares these tips. They make more sense than not cooking at home.

• Many kitchen items can catch fire, including dish towels, oven mitts, recipes, wooden tools, and loose clothing
• Never operate the stove or oven when you are tired or have been drinking alcohol
• If you are frying, broiling, grilling, or boiling food, stay in the kitchen. If you leave, even for a short time, turn off the heat
• Keep flammable items at least three feet from the stove top
• Do not allow children within two to four feet of the stove or oven
• If you must leave the house while cooking of any kind, turn off the heat sources

Remember that fire is fast. If you cannot contain a fire immediately, leave and bring everyone with you. Call 9-1-1 from outside your Naperville South home.

SERVPRO of Plainfield/Naperville South reminds you that fire prevention is the best strategy against fire damage. 

SERVPRO of Plainfield/Naperville South is independently owned and operated. 

Links:

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/ 

Fire Damage Emergency in Naperville?

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

We offer many fire restoration services to Plainfield businesses and residents.

Back Porch Disaster

I’ll never forget the day the Thanksgiving turkey caught on fire while my uncle was cooking the turkey on the back porch in one of those deep fryers. It happened so quickly. One minute we were cooking away in my grandmother’s Naperville home, and the next thing I knew, the back porch and part of the kitchen was on fire! I think the turkey fryer got knocked over, and the grease ignited. What a disaster! Thankfully no one was hurt, and The Naperville Fire Department arrived and extinguished the flames in no time flat.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas Day and the day before Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas Eve.

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South has a team of fire restoration technicians on call and ready to respond to your fire damage emergency. When we arrive, we will secure the structure, provide an assessment of the damage, and immediately begin cleanup and remove all the fire-damaged materials. We can also help you with the insurance process and paperwork.

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Plainfield/Naperville South offers a full range of fire restoration services, so we can provide continuity by supervising the restoration job from start to finish. Call us today at 630-369-9710. We’ll restore your fire damage in Naperville, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Plainfield/Naperville South is Independently Owned and Operated.

Keeping your Pets Safe from Fire

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to keep your pets safe from fire in your home.

Pets are a big part of our lives; they are often considered part of our family.  We need to make sure that we keep our pets safe inside our homes.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) pets and wild animals are responsible for starting 750 home fires each year.  The following are a few sources that your pet may have exposure to:

• Cooking equipment
• Fireplaces
• Chimneys
• Space heaters
• Lamps
• Bulbs
• Wiring
• Candles

Here are a few safety tips from NFPA to keep your pets safe in your home:

• Pets may bump into, turn on, or knock over cooking equipment so keep them away from stoves and countertops.
• Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters.
• Use a heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place.
• Keep pets away from chimney’s outside vents.
• Create a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet away from the fireplace.
• Use battery-operated, flameless candles.
• Keep pets away from electrical cords that they might want to chew.
• Make sure your pets are included in your emergency evacuation plan.

SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South will respond to any fire damage emergency 24 hours a day.  Call us today at 630-369-9710. 

Tips for Outdoor Grilling

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Enjoy outdoor grilling with these safety tips.

As the warm days of summer begin to fade, there will be cooler fall days to still enjoy the taste of a meal cooked outside on the grill.  Here are some safety tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association to keep in mind when grilling:

General Grill Safety Tips:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

If you have a Charcoal Grill:

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. 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.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Please stay safe with your outdoor grilling with the help of these safety tips.  If you have any questions about Fire or Smoke damage, please contact SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South at 630-369-9710.

Be Prepared with a Fire Escape Plan

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your family safe in case of a fire - Have an escape plan in place.

SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South knows that having a plan is the best way to prepare your family in case of a fire emergency.  It does not take a great deal of work, but it can be the difference in being able to protect your family.

Your plan should be simple and easy to follow.  Here are some suggestions from Ready.gov to help make a plan for your family in case of a fire:

• Involve your children when making the plan so that they are ready in case of a fire.
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters.
• Find two ways to get out of each room.
• Practice the plan so your children know what to do in case of a fire.
• Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark.

Taking the time to come up with a plan is an important part of protecting your family in the event of a fire.

Home fires can happen at any time, but you can make sure that your family is ready in case it happens.  If you need additional resources, call SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South at (630) 369-9710 and we can help!

Fire, Smoke and Soot Services

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South offers Fire cleanup services.

Fire damage can be devastating, and immediate action is crucial when dealing with fire damage.  Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South provides the following fire, smoke and soot restoration services:

Structural Cleaning:

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning.  We will pretest to determine the extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your structure.  Depending on the amount of soot, we may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits found on some surfaces, eliminating the expense incurred with repainting or refinishing.  

Contents Cleaning:

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized.  This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery.  We begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate.  We can provide wet or dry cleaning services.  Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition.  

Deodorization:

We provide specialized services that rid your home or place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage.  We do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, we will seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.

If your home or business experiences fire, smoke or soot damage, please call SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South at (630) 369-9710.

Fire Damage - Call SERVPRO

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience Fire Damage, please call SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South to help!

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What to do After a Fire:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What Not to do After a Fire:

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

If you experience any Fire Damage at your home or business, please call SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South at (630) 369-9710.

Fire Safety - Hoarding

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Hoarding can cause hazards for Firefighters. SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South can help you.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), many fire departments are experiencing serious fires, injuries, and deaths as the result of compulsive hoarding behavior.

What is hoarding?
Hoarding is defined as collecting or keeping large amounts of various items in the home due to strong urges to save them or distress experienced when discarding them.  Many rooms in the home are so filled with possessions that residents can no longer use the rooms as designed.  The home is so overloaded with things that everyday living is compromised.

Why do people become hoarders?
Hoarding is a mental disorder that can be genetic in nature, triggered by traumatic events, or a symptom of another disorder, such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, or dementia.  Studies have found that hoarding usually begins in early adolescence and gets worse as a person gets older.  

Why is hoarding an issue for the fire service?

• Hoarding can be a fire hazard.  Many occupants die in fires in these homes.  Often, blocked exits prevent escape from the home.  In addition, many people who are hoarding are injured when they trip over things or when materials fall on them.
• Responding firefighters can be put at risk due to obstructed exits, falling objects, and excessive fire loading that can lead to collapse.  Hoarding makes fighting fires and searching for occupants far more difficult.

SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South has experience with cleaning hoarding homes.  If a family member is struggling and you need assistance, please call our office at (630) 369-9710. 

Winter Safety Tips - Stay Warm!

1/21/2020 (Permalink)

Winter in Chicagoland can be harsh. Be sure to stay warm this winter.

The winter weather has arrived in the Chicagoland area and according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), half of home heating equipment fires are reported during the months of December, January, and February.  Please follow these tips from NFPA to stay warm and safe this winter:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

Source:  National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

If you do experience fire damage in your home or business, please contact SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South at (630) 369-9710.

Smoke Alarms - Fire Safety

1/16/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home.

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement.  Extra smoke alarms may be needed in large homes.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button.  Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years.  Other alarms need batteries replaced every year and the unit replaced every ten years.  If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately.  Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm.

Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).  If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in your smoke alarms, contact your local fire department or an electrician.  Be sure your home has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your family.  

For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO of Plainfield / Naperville South. 

Source: Residential Newsline, Volume 17, Issue 2.

After a Fire: Cleaning up after smoke and fire damage in the Plainfield/Naperville South area

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Damaged by a fire, this smoke and soot covered wall was cleaned by the SERVPRO of Plainfield/Naperville South team.

When a fire erupted in a residential apartment building in the Plainfield area of Illinois, the local fire department responded immediately, extinguishing the fire. The fire and smoke damage displaced many families, and created a massive clean-up effort for SERVPRO. 

Fire, Smoke and Soot Damage

The fire burned inside 2 units of a large apartment building, creating heavy structural damage. All told, residents from a total of 12 units were impacted and suddenly without a home. The fire and smoke damage was present throughout nearly all of the units adjacent to where the fire took place. There was also water inside several apartments from the fire department’s response, coupled with smoke smell and soot covering the walkways and stairwells, making the entire building uninhabitable for residents. After this fire took place, SERVPRO was called to assist in the immediate cleanup and mitigation from the fire damaged structure. 

Cleaning Smoke and Soot Damage

The fire created structural damage in two units, but heavy smoke damage and soot covered walls, furniture and personal belongings in many of the adjoining units. Outside of the living areas, the signs of fire were found throughout the building.  Smoke and soot damage covered brick walls up and down staircases.  As part of the cleanup, SERVPRO was called in to clean the charred walls and restore the appearance of the building.  Using a combination of commercial cleaning materials and steam cleaning, SERVPRO crews performed a thorough cleaning of all the damaged segments of the brick walls, removing all traces of the smoke and soot damage, making the brick and the fire damage “Like it never even happened.”