Check Your Smoke Alarms for a Safer Home

10/23/2023 (Permalink)

As the days grow shorter and the leaves fall, it's a sure sign that November is here. With the arrival of this autumnal month comes the end of daylight saving time in many regions, which means it's time to set our clocks back an hour.

While adjusting your clocks is essential to ensure you're on time, another critical task should also be on your checklist: checking your smoke alarms.

Why Is Checking Smoke Alarms Important?

Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in a fire and can mean the difference between life and death. Regularly testing and maintaining your smoke alarms is a simple yet crucial step in keeping your home and loved ones safe.

When you set your clocks back in November, it's the perfect opportunity to make sure your smoke alarms are in working order. Why? Because it aligns with the general advice of testing your alarms at least twice a year, and the time change serves as a helpful reminder.

How to Check Your Smoke Alarms

Here's a quick guide to ensure your smoke alarms are doing their job:

1. Test the Alarm: Locate the test button on your smoke alarm and press it. You should hear a loud, piercing sound indicating the alarm is working. If you don't hear a sound, replace the battery.

2. Replace the Batteries: Even if your smoke alarms are hardwired, they often have backup batteries. Make sure to replace these batteries at least once a year or as soon as you hear a low-battery warning chirp.

3. Clean the Alarms: Dust and debris can accumulate on the sensors of your smoke alarms, so gently vacuum or wipe them clean.

4. Check the Expiry Date: Smoke alarms have a limited lifespan. Check the manufacturer's guidelines and replace your alarms as necessary.

5. Install More Alarms if Needed: Ensure adequate coverage throughout your home. There should be alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level of your house.

A Safer Home with Simple Maintenance

Taking a few moments to check your smoke alarms when the time changes in November can significantly enhance the safety of your home. It's a small effort that can yield life-saving results in a fire.

Remember, it's not just about obeying the clock; it's about caring for your loved ones and the place you call home. So, this November, don't forget to set your clocks back and ensure your smoke alarms are in tip-top shape for a secure and happy holiday season.

Fall Fire Safety

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Autumn is the favorite time of year for many people- the temperatures are cooler, the scenery is beautiful and colorful, and there are plenty of events and activities to keep us all busy. But, there are also some unique fire hazards, and it is to your advantage to plan to ensure your fall season is safe and fire-free. 

Keep these tips in mind: 

• Be careful where you put your fall decorations; many are highly flammable so don't place them near open flames or heat sources
• Don't block escape routes with decorations
• Teach children to stay away from open flames avoid billowing fabric when choosing Halloween costumes
• Try to use a flashlight or battery-operated candle in jack-o-lanterns
• Use extreme caution if using a real candle.
• Be aware of the dangers of an excess of carbon monoxide. 

CO poisoning can occur from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or idling cars left in enclosed spaces. Be sure that you have fuel-burning appliances inspected yearly, that your fireplace and fuel-burning equipment is properly vented, and only use BBQ grills outside.

Change Time Check Batteries

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke detectors play a vital role in saving lives and can help reduce fire damage to your home by reducing the reaction time of the fire department. It is best practice to check the batteries in your smoke alarms when we set our clocks back for Daylight Savings.

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters, and on every house level. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to meet specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements. 

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees, or client to escape quickly and safely in an emergency. 

Review the following tips regarding smoke detector installation and maintenance. 

-Install smoke alarms on every level of the home including the basement. 

- Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance. 

-Test smoke alarms at least once a month using a test button. 

-Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps" the battery is low and should be replaced immediately. 

-Replace all smoke alarms when they are ten years old. 

3 Things That Must Go After a Fire

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire, there are some items you may be able to salvage and restore. However, there are other items that you should throw away. If you’re not sure what is worth keeping and what you should get rid of, check out these three suggestions:

1. Makeup. After spending hundreds of dollars on the best foundations, concealers, and eyeshadow palettes, no one wants to trash some of their most valuable makeup. Unfortunately, the makeup you’d normally wear may no longer be in such good condition due to the high flame heat. Some of these products may have melted and are no longer usable.

2. Medication. If your medicine cabinet was slightly destroyed by the fire and smoke in the home, throw away the medication and talk to your physician about getting refills. Most physicians understand situations like this because it’s not safe to take medication that has been exposed to such heat in the first place.

3. Food. If food smells like smoke and soot is on it, toss it in the trash. You may not like wasting food you’ve purchased, but it’s simply not safe to eat any contaminated food due to the chemicals commonly used to put out fires. You never know if those chemicals are on certain products, such as your bread, crackers, and even your box of cereal, so don’t take any risks.

Tips on Hiring the Right Restoration Company After a Devastating Loss

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

Fires can be incredibly destructive. Still, people underestimate what water and flame retardants to extinguish the blaze can do. These elements require a different approach to fire and smoke restoration and cleanup.

Because of the critical role a fire restoration company plays in ensuring your home or business recovers, it’s vital to find the right one. Knowing what to look for can make the choice easier in an already stressful time. 

Here are some of the primary elements to look for when choosing a fire damage restoration company:

Certifications

Certification is one of the essential factors to consider when choosing a fire restoration company. Make sure they have all the necessary state and local certifications to legally allow them to provide restoration services and that they are valid. 

Look for an IICRC Certification in particular, but there may be additional certifications for other services provided by the same company. Examples of these services include commercial and structural drying and mold remediation.

Expertise

Besides having the proper certification, the company's employees should also be fully licensed and well-trained fire-damage experts, able to handle a wide range of scenarios.

While expertise is needed, hands-on experience is also very important. Every case of fire damage needs care since incorrect assumptions early on can prolong or derail the restoration process. Experienced professionals like the professionals at SERVPRO, such misconceptions are less likely to happen.

Make sure that the fire restoration company you choose has more than enough experience and has handled its fair share of restoration projects.

Reviews

You can get first-hand information from the company's reviews regarding their experiences working with each particular fire restoration company. You can also ask for recommendations from other sources, such as your insurance agent or adjuster.

Rather than fixating on a single negative or positive review, look for a pattern. Even the best companies have a few outliers in their feedback profiles.

Explore Specialties

Different fire restoration companies have different areas they specialize in. Every belonging to be restored is made of different materials and textiles so the company should handle and treat them accordingly. Determine your priorities, and ask the company about their strengths of restoring similar items. 

Recovery time

Seconds can make the difference between being able to restore an item and having to replace it. Some items are sentimental and really can’t be duplicated or repurchased. Choose a company that offers quick response times. They should also provide sound advice on the actions to take when salvaging possessions from a fire. SERVPRO thoroughly documents non-salvageable items.

Detailed Schedule

A good fire restoration company should provide an in-depth, estimated completion date and a clear and defined schedule of the steps their team will take during the recovery process.

Storage Facilities

Some companies offer storage facilities. If they do, find out more information about those facilities such as storage space and other conditions like security and temperature control. Likewise, inquire whether the company provides packing services and how accurate they are at keeping records. This is something SERVPRO spends time doing right the first time to avoid any issues for our customers later on!

Costs

Most fire restoration companies will provide a free initial consultation regarding the work. While these costs typically vary based on the extent of damage, having an estimate allows you to pick the option that falls closer to the amount you are willing to spend.

With these few factors and considerations, you should be able to pick a fire restoration company that can meet your expectations. SERVPRO of Rolla is the industry leader.

Why SERVPRO?

Our services include mold removal, commercial cleaning services, building restoration services, and more to ensure you can get your home or business back to normal with a single phone call.

SERVPRO of Rolla should be your first choice for residential or commercial restoration needs. Our team of professionals is trained to assess the damage and potential threats, extract and contain the affected area, dry, and restore your property to preloss condition.

Fire Cleanup Professionals

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after your home or business has had a fire can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.  SERVPRO of Rolla has the professionals that can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.  SERVPRO of Rolla will provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal, to contents claim inventory and document restoration.  These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

The professionals at SERVPRO of Rolla are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.

Call SERVPRO of Rolla for your go-to company for fire restoration in Rolla and all surrounding areas.

Home Cooking Safety Tips

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

What should you know about home cooking safety?  Did you know that many kitchen fires were caused by unattended cooking?  With the hustle and bustle of life today it is easy to get distracted by situations that grab your attention away from cooking.  Let SERVPRO of Rolla help with some safety tips.

Cooking safety tips

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen and use a timer to remind yourself that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire-oven mitt, wooden utensils, food packaging, and towels away from your stovetop.
• Be on alert!  If you are sleepy or too tired to cook, do not cook!

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 after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you are cooking to smother small grease fires.  Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop.  Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• Even if you think that you have put the fire out, call your local fire department for verification.

 Hopefully some of these tips will help you to prevent and stay safe while home cooking

After a fire always remember SERPVRO of Rolla is here 24/7 for all of your after-fire needs

Kitchen Fire Safety

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

In 2010-2014, U.S. fire department s responded to an average of 166,100 home structure fires that involved cooking equipment per year.  These fires caused and average of 480 civilian fire deaths, 5,540 civilian fire injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage.

Here are a few tips on how to prevent kitchen fires and keep your family safe.

• Stay in the kitchen do not leave food unattended on the stove.
• Watch your clothing. Keep long flowing sleeves and large fitting shirts tied back while cooking.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near or in the kitchen
• Do not leave towels or oven mitts close to the hot burner.
• Change the batteries in your smoke detector regularly.

For smoke or fire damage call SERVPRO of Rolla, we are always here to help! 573-368-5555

Two Minutes

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO of Rolla

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home, you may have just two minutes to escape?

The most effective way to protect yourself and your home from fire is to identify and remove fire hazards. 60 percent of house fire deaths occur in homes with no working smoke alarms. During a home fire, working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

Fire Safety Tips

• If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL for help.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• Test smoke alarms once a month, if they’re not working, change the batteries.
• Talk with all household members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

Fire and smoke damage is especially destructive. In many instances your Rolla, MO property will also suffer from water damage from firefighting efforts. We specialize in fire and water damage restoration; it’s the cornerstone of our business. We have specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications that allow us to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

We understand you may be feeling confused, stressed, and more than a little vulnerable. Our technicians will treat your family with empathy and your home with great care. Until help arrives, please refer to our Fire Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. When various materials burn, the soot and residue they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage restoration. Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Rolla is locally owned and operated and we are proud to be part of this community. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale fire, water, and storm disasters.

Soda Blasting: A Fire Damage Solution

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

When you have a devastating fire in your Rolla, MO home or business, there is much to consider. Water damage can be a concern, but smoke and soot damage will likely be throughout.

It’s important to hire a professional like SERVPRO of Rolla when dealing with fire damage. We are certified in fire and water damage clean up and restoration and can prevent more damage from taking place.

Often affected surfaces are darkened with soot can be restored with a process called soda blasting. It is an effective cleaning solution for residential and commercial fire damage restoration projects. It uses sodium bicarbonate shot from a blaster on all affected surfaces. It removes the visible soot damage and effectively deodorizes the charred smell that lingers after a fire has been extinguished

Soda blasting is a non-destructive cleaning method that is not abrasive and quickly removes ash and soot from walls, stone, and other materials without harming underlying surfaces.

The technique also has the following benefits:

• Uses non-toxic materials – bicarbonate of soda and air – that carry no risk of exposure or form residue
• Completely dry system eliminates water damage risks
• Deodorizes as it cleans
• Cleans quickly and completely
• Portable and simple to set up
• Non-reactive with many materials including metals

The negatives are few, such as shielding nearby plants. Soda blasting is a powerful took for safely restoring residential or commercial fire damage.

If your home or business has been affected by fire, smoke, or soot damage, give SERVPRO of Rolla a call 24/7. We are ready to help.

Utilizing Soda Blasting Media

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Here's a great example of baking soda abrasive blasting to remove soot carbon and even some light charring from wood after fire damage, without further damaging the structure. This technique is four times faster than hand sanding and brushing, and leaves wood with what can best be described as a “like new” appearance. An added bonus is the natural deodorization achieved while using this media. SERVPRO    "Like it never even happened."

Your business caught fire, Now What?

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

No matter the severity of damages, a fire is a chaotic occurrence for any business owner. In addition to loss, every hour spent restoring your business is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. Once the fire has ceased and the site has been cleared, follow these steps to promptly restore order, productivity and profitability of your business.

Account for Everyone Affected

The safety of your employees and patrons is of the most importance. Be sure all of your employees and guests are accounted for proceeding the incident. Check guest sign-in sheets or logs if you use them or surveillance cameras to ensure that everyone is accounted for. Once accounted for, retrieve contact information so that you are able to get in touch with anyone affected by the fire. This may also include board members, external partners and customers. Don’t leave your staff and business partners in the dark regarding the future of your company. Any activities or services that need to be postponed or suspended should be clearly communicated and announced. Communication is key to help keep your staff calm and alerted.

Contact your Insurance Company

Promptly contact your insurance agent to report the incident, damages and loss. The quicker you report the incident the quicker the rebuilding and reimbursement processes may begin. If you happen to rent or lease your space, don’t forget to contact your property owner or manager.

Document Everything.

Once the fire has ceased and you’ve accounted for everyone who may have been affected, survey your property for damages and take photos. Avoid costly mistakes and easily fetch important facts and numbers by documenting and organizing all records. Maintain phone call logs to include times and reasons for each contact. Keep all receipts to document any expenses paid for during your business’s recovery period. Insurance companies will require proof of claimed losses, so have pertinent documentation (receipts, user manuals, credit card statements, photos, etc.) easily accessible.

Recover Critical Data Servers: hard drives and computers that hold data critical to the day-to-day operations of your business. If damaged, you run the risk of losing data as well as exposing employee and customer information. Depending on your exact case, take the necessary steps needed to recover any sensitive data.

Safeguard Your Property

Once the property has been cleared by professionals, collect and remove salvageable valuables, paperwork and data devices. As a business owner, you are responsible for mitigating damages. If the fire has caused significant damage to the structure of the building (exterior walls, doors, windows or the roof) safeguard the premises. Temporarily patch any holes, pitch tarps or make arrangements to have the building boarded up to prevent further damage, vandalism and leaks. Remember to keep all receipts of expenses for reimbursement.

Proceed With Caution

It will be tempting to get your business up and running as quickly as possible following the incident, but it is important to be patient and not to rush into any repairs. Contact SERVPRO of Rolla’s experienced professionals to assist in the assessment of damages as they will have the knowledge, technology and resources needed to restore your space promptly and properly.

While any disaster to your business, big or small, can be worrisome - know that you have access to the resources to restore your business. Of US based businesses, about 60% have been able to reopen their doors after a disastrous fire and many have gone on to achieve great success and profitability. Above all, it is important to be smart and remain hopeful.

What to expect when restoring your home after a fire loss.

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most traumatic experiences a homeowner can face is a devastating fire. If out of control, a fire can destroy all of your possessions making it imperative to follow the proper procedure to rescue your personal belongings. 

The only way to ensure you don’t suffer permanent damage to your belongings is to start the restoration process the day of the fire. Within the first few minutes of the fire being extinguished soot residue will cause discoloration of plastics, appliances, and porous materials like alabaster and marble. Within the first few hours these discolorations can turn into deeper stains affecting bathroom grouts, counter tops, and appliance furnishings among other things. After the first few days those discolorations can become permanent.

The process of fire restoration is slightly complex and time consuming. To complete the process yourself it would take several weeks so it is highly recommended that you immediately contact the professionals at SERVPRO to do the job for you. These professionals have specialized fire restoration training to complete the job in an efficient and timely manner. But you still might want to understand the process of fire restoration. So here are the steps that will be taken to restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

Before beginning the restoration, it’s very important to protect yourself. Wearing thick clothes and gloves will protect you from the hazardous materials in the house. Professionals will arrive wearing special clothing and equipment to protect them from harmful chemicals.

Once properly attired, a professional fire restoration company will inspect the entire home for every trace of fire damage. They will inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property, which will help to determine the extent of the damage to your home, caused by fire, smoke, and soot.

With the preparation complete, it is then time to begin the restoration process. The first step will be to ventilate the building. Opening all windows and doors will allow fresh air into the building. While a stiff wind may help the process, turning on some fans will expedite the ventilation process.

Often fires will compromise windows, walls, and roofs so it’s important to cover those areas to secure and protect them against further damage. SERVPRO professionals will board up missing windows and place tarps over missing roofs.

Occasionally there will be water damage following a fire. Like with fire restoration, water removal must begin almost immediately to minimize lasting damage. Professionals will remove the majority of the water and then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove any remaining water.

The next step will be to clean the building by using specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from the ceiling, walls, carpeting, upholstery, or any other areas that might have been affected. Professionals will treat the damaged areas with special equipment using ozone technology, powerful non-consumer technology that enables them to permanently remove odors.

The final step to completing the recovery of your home following a fire is restoration. This can include minor repairs like replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet. It can also include major repairs like reconstruction of various areas or rooms within the building. 

For homeowners, fine clothing that has been damaged by smoke will need to be dry-cleaned. Regular clothing with smoke damage can be cleaned using warm water in a washer and dryer but a mild alkaline detergent will need to be used. You also may need several launderings to rid the clothes of the smoke odor.

Sometimes there will be items that can’t be restored on site. These items will be packed up and shipped to a facility for professional deodorization and cleaning.

If immediate action is not taken to restore your home after a fire, the effects can be irreversible. Therefore it is of the utmost importance that you immediately call the folks at SERVPRO to help save your possessions and not attempt to accomplish the feat yourself. At the very least have these professionals come to survey the damage and provide you with a quote.

If you come across a fire in the home, you can contact SERVPRO of Rolla to serve your fire restoration needs. Call us today- 573-368-5555

Unattended cooking increases your chance for a kitchen fire.

2/6/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know many kitchen fires were caused by unattended cooking? In today's world it is easy to get distracted by situations that grab your attention away from cooking for longer than intended.

Here are some stats of damages caused by kitchen fires:

Cooking fire stats: 

• US fire departments respond to an estimated average of 172,900 home structure fires per year started by cooking activities in 2014-2018
• Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home* fires and fire injuries, causing 49% of home fires that resulted in 21% of the home fire deaths and 44% of the injuries.
• Two-thirds of home cooking fires start with the ignition of food or other cooking materials.
• Clothing is the item first ignited in less than 1% of these fires, but clothing ignitions lead to 8% of the home cooking equipment fire deaths.
• Ranges or cooktops account for three-fifths (61%) of home cooking fire incidents.
• Unattended equipment is a factor in one-third (31%) of reported home cooking fires and over half (53%) of the associated deaths.
• Frying dominates the cooking fire problem.

Here are some tips on cooking especially with oil or frying:  

What you should know about home cooking safety

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains — away from your stovetop.
• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or too tired to cook. Do not cook.

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 after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

Safety considerations for cooking with oil

• Always stay in the kitchen when frying on the stovetop.
• Keep an eye on what you fry. If you see wisps of smoke or the oil smells, immediately turn off the burner and/or carefully remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a dangerous sign that the oil is too hot.
• Heat the oil slowly to the temperature you need for frying or sautéing.
• Add food gently to the pot or pan so the oil does not splatter.
• Always cook with a lid beside your pan. If you have a fire, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Do not remove the cover because the fire could start again. Let the pan cool for a long time. Never throw water on the fire.
• If the fire does not go out or if you can't place a lid over the pan, get everyone out of your home. Call the fire department from outside

After a fire, Call us we are open 24/7 and we are there when you need us the most. 

Cob Webs or Smoke Webs?

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating  disaster to all involved. In some instances, restoration companies such as ourselves, find peculiar results from these fires.  Your first thought when you look at the picture could be "are those my cob webs" but it is actually something that we refer to as smoke webs, soot webs, or even soot tags!  Pictured here is a home that our team performed services on where smoke webs appeared in the corners of the room.

How do these smoke webs appear?

the ionization process of burning, particularly synthetic materials like plastics, rubbers and polymers, creates charged smoke particles which can attract towards certain surfaces and attract to each other creating chains, and ultimately web-like formations.  Webs form under certain conditions called wet smoke, which involves low heat or smoldering type environments.  Smoke webs are typically sticky and pungent and will smudge easily.  these webs will show up in areas where there is limited air flow, typically corners and edges of ceilings.  Depending on what exactly the webs are made of, they can be more difficult to clean.

If you home or business has experienced a devastating fire loss, look no further, SERVPRO of Rolla is here to help! Our franchise is locally owned and operated, so we are already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us the most.

SERVPRO of Rolla is your best source for all your emergency service needs 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Call today at (573)368-5555

When Fire Damage Strikes, We Are Here to Help

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

The damage caused by a fire doesn't end when the flame have been extinguished.  When dealing with fire damage, homeowners often see their possessions that they spent their lives working for along with the roof over their heads destroyed, leaving them searching for a safe place to stay while they figure out what is next.  Meanwhile, businesses can find themselves in financial struggles and unable to deliver their good and services leaving them exposed to potential loss of clients, marketing share and potentially not re-opening.  Rapid fire damage restoration can hold the key to limiting the emotional and financial struggles caused by a fire.  SERVPRO of Rolla understands this and knows how important it is to get your lives back to normal and your business back in operation.

According to the latest numbers from the National Fire Protection Association, a structure fire is reported every 65 seconds.  When a fire alarm sounds, emergency responders and fire departments answer the call for help with rapid response and deployment to the scene of the fire.  When the fire is out and the smoke clears, SERVPRO team members respond, ready to help with the same rapid response and quick deployment to your damaged home or business 24 hours a day 7 days a week!

Do You Know About Soda Blast Media?

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

When a home or business has a fire the first thought that may come to mind is wiping the affected area. Our team of professionals will test all areas of the home, and that could be one method of cleaning.  In some extensive cases of fire damage the wood may be severely damaged where professional cleaners may not be effective. When home fires affect the stud walls, attics, and or joist systems soda blast media has been found to be very effective. 

Here is a great example of baking soda abrasive blasting to remove soot carbon and even some light charring from wood after fire damage, without further damaging the structure.  This technique is four times faster than hand sanding and brushing, and leaves wood with what can be best described as a "like new" appearance.  An added bonus to using the soda blast media is the natural deodorization achieved while using this media.  Remember SERVPRO "Like it never even happened."

What You Can Expect After The Fire

6/28/2020 (Permalink)

Have you ever wondered about the SERVPRO Fire Restoration Process?  Let SERVPRO of Rolla fill you in on some quick facts of our process.

One Hour:  Within one hour from first notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Rolla professional will contact you to arrange for service.  You will know that help is on the way!

Four Hours:  Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Rolla professional will be on-site to start mitigation services.  The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.

Detailed Explanation:  A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO of Rolla professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.

Eight Hours:  Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your insurance adjuster or property manager.

Pretesting:  A SERVPRO of Rolla professional will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.

Cleaning, Restoration & Deodorization:  SERVPRO of Rolla professionals will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over.  They will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.

Final Walk-Through:  After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

Expect the Best, call SERVPRO of Rolla for all of your emergency service needs. (573)368-5555

Your Fire Cleanup Professionals

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.  SERVPRO of Rolla has a team of professionals that can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.  Our technicians will provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from smoke and soot removal to contents claim inventory and documentation restoration.  These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

SERVPRO of Rolla is your go-to fire restoration company in Phelps county and surrounding areas.  We are always here to help!

The professional staff and owners at SERVPRO of Rolla are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly and make it "Like it never even happened."

Firework Information and Safety

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

The 4th of July holiday is fast approaching and can be fun times with great memories.  Let's have this month be Fireworks Safety Month.  SERVPRO of Rolla would like to help make sure everyone knows about some firework safety.  

If fireworks are legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Never make your own fireworks
• Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacture's name and directions)
• Store fireworks in a cool dry place
• Kids should never play with fireworks.  Fireworks like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just as dangerous.
• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby.
• Stay clean of others setting off fireworks
• Never throw or point fireworks at someone
• keep pets indoors while setting off fireworks  Animals are very sensitive and can be frightened by the stress of fireworks

The dangers of fireworks if not handled properly can result in injury to yourself and others.  The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home, with leaving the lighting to the professionals.  Check your local areas for Firework displays.

Fireworks are meant to me enjoyed by all but you will enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe.

Smoke Webs

2/4/2020 (Permalink)

Fire can cause pretty interesting webs!

Fires are devastating disasters to all involved.  Sometimes restoration companies such as ourselves, find peculiar results from these fires.  Your first thought when you look at the picture could be "my, those are cob webs" but it is actually something that we refer to as smoke webs, soot webs, or even soot tags!  This is a picture of a home that we performed services on where smoke webs appeared in the corners of the room.

Why do these smoke webs appear?

The ionization process of burning, particularly synthetic materials like plastics, rubbers and polymers, creates charged smoke particles which can attract towards certain surfaces, and attract to each other creating chains, and ultimately web-like formations.  Webs form under certain conditions called wet smoke, which involves low heat, or smoldering type environments.  Smoke webs are typically sticky and pungent and will smudge easily.  These webs will show up in areas where there is limited air flow, typically corners and edges of ceiling.  Depending on what exactly the webs are made of, they can be more difficult to clean.

SERVPRO of Rolla is here to help!  Our franchise is locally owned and operated, so we are already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us most.  Please give us a call today at (573)-368-5555

What Not to do For Fire and Soot Damage

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

Whether you have a small fire or a large structure altering fire, there are some Do Not's that you may want to avoid.  When you have a fire in your home the first thought is to start cleaning up yourself.  Washing clothes, shampooing carpet or upholstered furniture, attempt to clean appliances, etc.  Here are a few tips on the should not's of fire and soot.

DON'T

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surface.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water.
• Consume any food or beverage that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.  Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, with air movement creating secondary changes.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner.  Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Fire/Smoke damage can be naked to the eye, and sometimes you don't know the extent of the damage.  SERVPRO of Rolla will give you the right direction to take, the proper information and guide you through the whole process.

SERVPRO of Rolla is here 24 hours a day 7 days a week for all of your emergency service needs!

Do You Have a Fire Escape Plan?

10/2/2019 (Permalink)

Some disasters we just don't want to think about, but planing and thinking ahead could possibly save your life and the lives of your family.

Fire can spread rapidly through your home, leaving you as little as one or two minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds.  A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire.  Make sure to install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, level and outside each separate sleeping area.  Bring everyone in your household together and make a plan.  Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.  Be sure to mark two ways out of each room, including windows and doors.

Here are some helpful tips to make every second count!

• Draw a map of your home, marking 2 exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can not help them.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year, with practicing different ways out.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Once you get outside, stay outside.  Never go back inside a burning building.

Fires are dangerous and we here at SERVPRO of Rolla want to make sure you and your family are prepared!

Fire Cleanup Professionals

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.  SERVPRO of Rolla has the professionals that can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.  SERVPRO of Rolla will provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from smoke and soot removal to contents claim inventory and document restoration.  These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible. 

SERVPRO of Rolla is your go-to fire restoration company in Phelps County and surrounding areas.  We are always here to help!

The Professional staff and owners at SERVPRO of Rolla are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly and make it "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Fire Damage Process Overview

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Rolla we pride ourselves in timely response times.  Here is a overview of our emergency services:

• One Hour:  Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO of Rolla professional will contact you to arrange for service.  You will now that help is on the way!
• Four Hours:  Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO of Rolla franchise professional will be on-site to start mitigation services.  They key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage.
• Detailed Explanation:  A trained, uniformed and equipped SERVPRO of Rolla professional will walk you through the  job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome.
• Pretesting:  A SERVPRO of Rolla professional will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward.
• Eight Hours:  Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager.
• Cleaning, Restoration & Deodorization:  SERVPRO of Rolla professionals will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over.  They will use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time.
• Final Walk-Through:  After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction.

Call SERVPRO of Rolla for all your Emergency Servivce needs.  We are always here to help.

Stay Informed and Safe this Fireworks Season

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Let's have this month be Fireworks Safety Month.  The Fourth of July holiday is fast approaching and can be fun times with great memories.  Let SERVPRO of Rolla help make sure everyone knows about some firework safety.

If fireworks are legal where you live, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Buy only legal fireworks (legal fireworks have a label with the manufacturer's name and directions) 
• Store fireworks in a cool dry place
• Never make your own fireworks
• Kids should never play with fireworks. Fireworks like firecrackers, rockets, and sparklers are just as dangerous.
• Always use fireworks outside and have a bucket of water and a hose nearby.
• Stay clear of others setting off fireworks
• Never throw or point fireworks at someone
• Keep pets indoors while setting off fireworks.  Animals are very sensitive and can be frightened by the stress of fireworks.

The dangers of fireworks if not handled properly can result in injury to yourself and or others.  The best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home, with leaving the lighting to the professionals.  Check your local areas for Firework displays.

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed by all but you'll enjoy them much more knowing your family is safe.

Historic House Fire

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

Cause of loss photo after fire had been extinguished.

A historic home in St. James, Missouri caught fire in October of 2018.  A wood burning stove is believed to be the source of the loss.  In this picture is the source of damage, cause of loss photo that was taken when our technicians were on site.  SERVPRO of Rolla  was called in to perform Board Up services for the customer due to windows and doors being exposed.  After board up was complete, SERVPRO of Rolla was again called in to perform content pack out, inventory, cleaning of all contents in the home.  Customers are provided a inventory list with pictures of all salvageable and non-salvageable items.

SERVPRO of Rolla is available 24/7 for all of your emergency service needs.  Please give us a call at 573-368-5555 and we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Fire and Smoke Damage

10/13/2018 (Permalink)

When you have a fire in your home the first thought is to start cleaning up yourself. Washing clothes, shampooing carpet or upholstered furniture, attempt to clean appliances and ect. Here are some tips on you should not:

 DON'T

* Attempt to wash any walls or painted surface

* Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.

* Attempt to clean any electrical appliance (TV sets, radio, VCR, DVD players, ect) that may have been close to fire, heat or water.

* Consume any food or beverage that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water.

* Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary changes.  

* Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Fire/Smoke damage can be naked to the eye and sometimes you don't know how extent the damage is. SERVPRO of Rolla will give you the right direction to take, the proper information and guide you through the whole process.

SERVPRO of Rolla is here 24/7 call at anytime 573-368-5555

                  Like it never even happened.

Kitchen Fire Safety

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

This photo is of a kitchen fire started from frying on a gas stovetop.

In 2010-2014, U.S. fire department s responded to an average of 166,100 home structure fires that involved cooking equipment per year.  These fires caused and average of 480 civilian fire deaths, 5,540 civilian fire injuries, and $1.1 billion in direct property damage.

Here are a few tips on how to prevent kitchen fires and keep your family safe.

• Stay in the kitchen do not leave food unattended on the stove.
• Watch your clothing. Keep long flowing sleeves and large fitting shirts tied back while cooking.
• Keep a fire extinguisher near or in the kitchen
• Do not leave towels or oven mitts close to the hot burner.
• Change the batteries in your smoke detector regularly.

For smoke or fire damage call SERVPRO of Rolla, we are always here to help! 573-368-5555

Lightning Safety Tips

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Although lightning can strike anytime, the chance for lightning increases in the summer months. Stay safe with these basic tips.

*Have a lightning safety plan, and cancel/postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are expected.

* If you do get caught outside, avoid high ground, open spaces, and all metal objects including electric wires, etc. Seek shelter in a substantial building or a fully enclosed metal vehicle.

* If you are indoors, stay away from doors and windows. Do not use the telephone. Consider unplugging computers, power tools, & TV sets. Lightning may strike exterior electric/phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment.

Please make sure to be careful when lightning strikes, even if you think its far from you.

SERVPRO of Rolla is always here to help 24/7, even if you have any questions.  

Electrical Safety Tips

7/2/2018 (Permalink)

Electrical Safety Tips

* Replace or repair damaged or loose electrical cords.

* Avoid running extension cords across doorways or under carpets. Consider having additional outlets added by a qualified electrician so you do not have to use extension cords.

*Avoid overloading outlets. Plug only one high-wattage appliance into each receptacle outlet at a time.

* If outlets or switches feel war, frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuits, or flicking or dimming lights, call a qualified electrician.

Always make sure that you follow the electrical safety tips. You never want your electrical cord to short out or over heat could result into starting a fire in your home or place of business.

SERVPRO of Rolla is always here to help, 24/7.

"Like it never even happened."  

Firework Safety

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

It's fireworks season!

According to the national Fire Protection Association (NFPA), an average of 18,500 fires are started every year by fireworks. This includes 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. "These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and an average of $43 million in direct property damages," says the NFPA.

Do you thin sparklers are the safe way to go? Nope: they account for about a fourth of emergency room fireworks injuries.

Stay safe this summer by paying close attention to children at fireworks events, and avoiding the use of consumer fireworks. Please make sure you are careful with any kind of fireworks. Safety is a big deal when using fireworks.

House Fire

2/13/2018 (Permalink)

Picture of the basement after the fire

A electrical fire caused this house in Bunker, MO to catch fire and leave the homeowners with little left of their belongings. This before picture show the mess left behind and the extent of all the damage the fire did. SERVPRO of Rolla was called in to clean up the aftermath! SERVPRO of Rolla did a complete pack out of any salvageable items and a pack out of all non salvageable items with keeping a photo and a inventory list of everything. The owners didn't think anything was salvageable and was thrilled to find out some of their belongings were salvageable.

SERVPRO of Rolla uses assured packout to keep inventory of everything so at the end the customer will received a list as well. SERVPRO of Rolla is always here to help, 24/7

Smoke/Soot Damage

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

When a house or business has a fire you think of major damage and can see where the damage is. Well, in some cases you can't see where soot is. SERVPRO of Rolla uses test sponges to wipe surfaces in parts of the home and business to see if you have any soot anywhere. Just because you don't see if doesn't mean its not there. At any time you have a fire you need to get everything tested so you don't miss anything, SERVPRO of Rolla is always here to help and ready to test any part of your home or business. SERVPRO of Rolla is here 24/7 and ready to help. You can call at anytime 573-368-5555.

 "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know that a Hydroxyl is used to eliminate smoke odors on countless things. Hydroxyl are so reactive and powerful. After you have a fire in your home or business and it has been cleaned professionally sometimes you can still have a smoke odor in your home or business. SERVPRO of Rolla has special chemicals and equipment to make sure your house is free of smoke odor. Hydroxyl is one of them, fogging, ozone and may more. SERVPRO of Rolla is always here to help, 24/7, we have the right chemicals, pack out system, and equipment to get your home or business back to pre loss condition.

SERVPRO of Rolla 573-368-5555 you can always count on us!

 "Like it never even happened."

Fire and Smoke Damages

9/14/2017 (Permalink)

When you have a fire in your home the first thought is to start cleaning up yourself. Washing clothes, shampooing carpet or upholstered furniture, attempt to clean appliances and ect. Here are some tips on you should not:

 DON'T

* Attempt to wash any walls or painted surface

* Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.

* Attempt to clean any electrical appliance (TV sets, radio, VCR, DVD players, ect) that may have been close to fire, heat or water.

* Consume any food or beverage that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water.

* Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary changes.  

* Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Fire/Smoke damage can be naked to the eye and sometimes you don't know how extent the damage is. SERVPRO of Rolla will give you the right direction to take, the proper information and guide you through the whole process. SERVPRO of Rolla is here 24/7 call at anytime 573-368-5555

                  " Like it never even happened"

House Fire Rolla, MO

9/11/2017 (Permalink)

This picture shows the extent of the fire in the kitchen

A electrical fire in the kitchen caused this Rolla house to catch fire. This picture before shows how extensive this fire was and the damage that was caused to the home. The fire was put out by the local fire department causing water damage to. SERVPRO of Rolla was call in to clean up the aftermath!  There was a lot of damage to the outside/ inside of the home and to the belongings in the home. SERVPRO of Rolla used the pack out system to keep track of the customers belongings which keeps a salvage and non salvage list for the customer. The house needed to be completely gutted. The customer homeschooled his children so they needed certain contents clean in a rush so they could begin school. SERVPRO of Rolla made sure that would happen. The customer was please with the outcome of how quick SERVPRO of Rolla was.

Fire Tips for Homeowners

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Rolla can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems. SERVPRO of Rolla provide timely response with mitigation service ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration. Theses services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

SERVPRO of Rolla are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year to help your regain control quickly.

• What You Can Do Until Help Arrives

* Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring.

* Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.

* Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly or oil.

* Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.

* Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces.

* Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.

* Do not clean any electrical equipment.

* Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Home Fire Safety Tips

7/18/2017 (Permalink)

Preparing a meal for company? Don't leave your kitchen unattended while entertaining your guest. Always stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or using an open flame.

 If you have a fire here are some DO:

 * Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.

* Keep hands clean. Soot on hand can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.

* Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.

* If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.

Most importantly make sure your family and family pets are safe and out of the house.

 You can call SERVPRO of Rolla we are always here to help 24/7!

Soda Blast Media

11/5/2014 (Permalink)

Fire - Soda Blast Demo

Here's a great example of baking soda abrasive blasting to remove soot carbon and even some light charring from wood after fire damage, without further damaging the structure.This technique is four times faster than hand sanding and brushing, and leaves wood with what can best be described as a “like new” appearance. An added bonus is the natural deodorization achieved while using this media. SERVPRO    "Like it never even happened."