Understanding Structural Damage From Fire and Smoke: Expert Insights

12/18/2024 (Permalink)

Dive into the nature of structural damage from fire and smoke, providing expert insights to help you recognize and address it effectively.

Fire damage can be devastating to a building’s structure, often extending far beyond what is visible. Understanding the full scope of structural damage caused by fire and smoke is critical for ensuring safety and proper restoration. When a building suffers fire damage, the impact isn't limited to just burnt walls and ceilings—it can weaken the very foundation and structural integrity of the property. In this blog, we’ll dive into the nature of structural damage from fire and smoke, providing expert insights to help you recognize and address it effectively.

The Scale of Fire Damage

To fully understand the impact of fire on a building, it’s helpful to look at some statistics. In 2022, there were 1.5 million fires reported in the United States, which resulted in an estimated $18 billion in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This staggering figure highlights just how destructive fires can be, especially to the structural integrity of homes and businesses.

What is Structural Damage from Fire and Smoke?

Structural damage from fire refers to the destruction or weakening of the foundational elements that make up a building, including walls, beams, roofs, and floors. When a fire burns, the intense heat can cause materials like wood, steel, and concrete to deteriorate or warp, compromising the building’s stability. Smoke, often underestimated, can also contribute to this damage by infiltrating crevices and causing corrosion over time.

Key Components Affected by Structural Damage

1. Load-Bearing Walls and Beams
   Fire can weaken or destroy these critical elements. Wood structures may char and lose their strength, while steel can warp under extreme heat. When these components are compromised, it increases the risk of partial or full collapse.
2. Floors and Roofs
   Flames can severely damage floors and roof structures, often rendering them unsafe to walk on or live under. The heat can cause them to sag, crack, or become unstable, making immediate repairs a priority.
3. Concrete and Masonry
   Although concrete and masonry are more resistant to fire, they can still suffer from spalling (surface breaking apart) due to rapid temperature changes. This weakens the material’s structural integrity, and cracks can form, leading to long-term issues if not addressed.
4. Smoke Damage to Structural Elements
   Smoke leaves behind acidic residues that can corrode metal components like pipes, wiring, and framing. Additionally, porous materials like wood and insulation can absorb smoke, leading to long-term structural weakening.

Assessing Structural Damage After a Fire

After a fire, a comprehensive assessment is essential to determine the extent of structural damage. Here’s what professionals look for:

• Visual Inspection: Identifying visible signs of warping, charring, or cracks in load-bearing walls, ceilings, and floors.
• Thermal Imaging: Using thermal cameras to detect hidden heat pockets, which could indicate internal damage.
• Structural Integrity Testing: Evaluating beams and supports to determine if they can still bear weight safely.

Steps to Address Fire and Smoke Structural Damage

Repairing structural damage caused by fire and smoke requires expertise and careful attention to detail. Here's how to approach it:

1. Contact a Professional Fire Restoration Service

Immediately after the fire, contact experts like SERVPRO®, who specialize in fire damage restoration. They have the knowledge, experience, and tools to assess and restore structural damage properly.

2. Assess the Extent of Damage

SERVPRO professionals will conduct a thorough inspection of the property, evaluating everything from walls and floors to beams and insulation. This is essential to determine what needs to be repaired or replaced.

3. Stabilize the Structure

If the building has suffered significant structural damage, it may be necessary to stabilize it. This could involve temporary supports for beams, walls, or even sections of the roof to prevent collapse.

4. Remove Debris and Damaged Materials

Burnt materials, ash, and debris should be carefully removed from the building. Hazardous materials must be disposed of safely, and any components that can’t be salvaged will need to be replaced.

5. Reinforce or Rebuild Key Structural Elements

Depending on the extent of the damage, load-bearing walls, beams, and floors may need reinforcement or complete reconstruction. SERVPRO experts will determine the best approach for restoring the building's structural integrity.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration?

SERVPRO has a trusted reputation for handling fire and smoke damage restoration. Our team of experienced professionals uses advanced tools and techniques to ensure that structural damage is addressed thoroughly. We understand that each fire damage scenario is different, so we create customized restoration plans to meet the specific needs of your property.

The SERVPRO Advantage:

• Fast response times
• Comprehensive assessments and inspections
• Expertise in handling complex structural repairs
• Assistance with insurance claims

Final Thoughts

Understanding structural damage from fire and smoke is crucial to ensuring a safe and successful restoration process. Fires can compromise the core components of your building, making professional restoration a must. If you’ve experienced fire damage, contacting SERVPRO is the best way to restore your property safely and efficiently, ensuring that every aspect of structural damage is properly addressed.

Soot cleaning available.

12/13/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of CENTENNIAL HILLS before trying to clean soot!!

A fire in your home is a scary thought but it also a possibility for anyone. Fires spread quickly and leave only a few minutes for families to escape. Families should have a safety plan in place and practice it to be sure everyone in the home knows what to do in case of a fire.

The National Fire Protection Association gives the following tips in creating an escape plan:

• Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.  Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm.
• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. 
• When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. 
• Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
• If there are infants, older adults, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency
• If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have emergency release devices inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Emergency release devices won't compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire.
• Tell guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan. When staying overnight at other people's homes, ask about their escape plan. If they don't have a plan in place, offer to help them make one. This is especially important when children are permitted to attend "sleepovers" at friends' homes.
• Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

Your first line of notification is the fire alarms, practice regular maintenance on smoke detectors. Review your plan often and make changes as needed. 

Catastrophic Fire

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damaged love seat and drywall.

A fire in your home is a scary thought but it also a possibility for anyone. Fires spread quickly and leave only a few minutes for families to escape. Families should have a safety plan in place and practice it to be sure everyone in the home knows what to do in case of a fire.

The National Fire Protection Association gives the following tips in creating an escape plan:

• Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.  Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm.
• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. 
• When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. 
• Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
• If there are infants, older adults, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency
• If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have emergency release devices inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Emergency release devices won't compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire.
• Tell guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan. When staying overnight at other people's homes, ask about their escape plan. If they don't have a plan in place, offer to help them make one. This is especially important when children are permitted to attend "sleepovers" at friends' homes.
• Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

Your first line of notification is the fire alarms, practice regular maintenance on smoke detectors. Review your plan often and make changes as needed. 

House Fire

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

Fire and soot damage on drywall.

A house fire can literally put you and your family on the street. Every household or business should have some sort of fire plan, if not give SERVPRO of Centennial Hills a call and enroll your property with SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan. It’s free enrollment.  

Safety considerations aside, having your home ravaged by flames, firefighters dousing it in water and chemicals to stop the spread of the fire, and then possibly being displaced is an experience like no other. Even though well-meaning friends and family can be of incredible support, it is vital that you reach out to the experts when considering your next steps in recovering your home from a fire.
 
If your Las Vegas home experiences a fire you can do well by calling our SERVPRO team as soon as the emergency is under control. Our team is in place and ready to take action 24/7 as we recognize that disaster can strike at any time. With our thorough training process, our team can arrive and assess the areas of immediate need and identify what needs to get done in order to prevent further damages. Even more important, our team's expertise can be of great assistance as you contact your insurance and file a claim.
 
Most homeowners seek to file a claim as soon as a disaster happens. SERVPRO suggests to immediately contact your insurer to dispatch an adjuster to evaluate the fire damage. We work with many insurance agencies to coordinate a comprehensive cleanup and restoration service. Your adjuster provides a budget after documenting the damage to the structure and your contents. We also take photos and use the Xactimate computer program to itemize the equipment used and the work performed, all within the budget.

The faster we can begin, the less secondary damage will occur. We understand the scope of a significant fire damaging event, and we strive to reduce your stress, and eventually make you feel "Like it never even happened."

Reaching out to SERVPRO of Centennial Hills of Las Vegas at 702-947-0947 is not only convenient, but a smart decision to protect your home and finances.

Action After Disaster

11/14/2023 (Permalink)

Fire in a residential home.

A house fire can literally put you and your family on the street. Every household or business should have some sort of fire plan, if not give SERVPRO of Centennial Hills a call and enroll your property with SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan. It’s free enrollment.  

Safety considerations aside, having your home ravaged by flames, firefighters dousing it in water and chemicals to stop the spread of the fire, and your personal items being destroyed is an experience like no other. Even though well-meaning friends and family can be of incredible support, it is vital that you reach out to the experts when considering your next steps in recovering your home from a fire.
 
If your Las Vegas home experiences a fire you can do well by calling our SERVPRO team as soon as the emergency is under control. Our team is in place and ready to take action 24/7 as we recognize that disaster can strike at any time. With our thorough training process, our team can arrive and assess the areas of immediate need and identify what needs to get done in order to prevent further damages. Even more important, our team's expertise can be of great assistance as you contact your insurance and file a claim.
 
Most homeowners seek to file a claim as soon as a disaster happens. SERVPRO suggests to immediately contact your insurer to dispatch an adjuster to evaluate the fire damage. We work with many insurance agencies to coordinate a comprehensive cleanup and restoration service. 

The faster we can begin, the less secondary damage will occur. We understand the scope of a significant fire damaging event, and we strive to reduce your stress, and eventually make you feel "Like it never even happened."

Reaching out to SERVPRO of Centennial Hills of Las Vegas at 702-947-0947 is not only convenient, but a smart decision to protect your home and finances.

Have a Safety Plan

11/14/2023 (Permalink)

Having a plan in place can keep you and your family safe.

A fire in your home is a scary thought but it also a possibility for anyone. Fires spread quickly and leave only a few minutes for families to escape. Families should have a safety plan in place and practice it to be sure everyone in the home knows what to do in case of a fire.

The National Fire Protection Association gives the following tips in creating an escape plan:

• Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.  Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm.
• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. 
• When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. 
• Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
• If there are infants, older adults, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency
• If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have emergency release devices inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Emergency release devices won't compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire.
• Tell guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan. When staying overnight at other people's homes, ask about their escape plan. If they don't have a plan in place, offer to help them make one. This is especially important when children are permitted to attend "sleepovers" at friends' homes.
• Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

Your first line of notification is the fire alarms, practice regular maintenance on smoke detectors. Review your plan often and make changes as needed. 

Residential fire protection.

11/17/2022 (Permalink)

Front of structure board up after structure fire.

A house fire can literally put you and your family on the street. Every household or business should have some sort of fire plan, if not give SERVPRO of Centennial Hills a call and enroll your property with SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan. It’s free enrollment.  

Safety considerations aside, having your home ravaged by flames, firefighters dousing it in water and chemicals to stop the spread of the fire, and then possibly being displaced is an experience like no other. Even though well-meaning friends and family can be of incredible support, it is vital that you reach out to the experts when considering your next steps in recovering your home from a fire.
 
If your Las Vegas home experiences a fire you can do well by calling our SERVPRO team as soon as the emergency is under control. Our team is in place and ready to take action 24/7 as we recognize that disaster can strike at any time. With our thorough training process, our team can arrive and assess the areas of immediate need and identify what needs to get done in order to prevent further damages. Even more important, our team's expertise can be of great assistance as you contact your insurance and file a claim.
 
Most homeowners seek to file a claim as soon as a disaster happens. SERVPRO suggests to immediately contact your insurer to dispatch an adjuster to evaluate the fire damage. We work with many insurance agencies to coordinate a comprehensive cleanup and restoration service. Your adjuster provides a budget after documenting the damage to the structure and your contents. We also take photos and use the Xactimate computer program to itemize the equipment used and the work performed, all within the budget.

The faster we can begin, the less secondary damage will occur. We understand the scope of a significant fire damaging event, and we strive to reduce your stress, and eventually make you feel "Like it never even happened."

Reaching out to SERVPRO of Centennial Hills of Las Vegas at 702-947-0947 is not only convenient, but a smart decision to protect your home and finances.

Family Safety Plan

11/16/2022 (Permalink)

All Families should have a safety plan and review the plan together often.

A fire in your home is a scary thought but it also a possibility for anyone. Fires spread quickly and leave only a few minutes for families to escape. Families should have a safety plan in place and practice it to be sure everyone in the home knows what to do in case of a fire.

The National Fire Protection Association gives the following tips in creating an escape plan:

• Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.  Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm.
• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. 
• When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. 
• Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
• If there are infants, older adults, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency
• If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have emergency release devices inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Emergency release devices won't compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire.
• Tell guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan. When staying overnight at other people's homes, ask about their escape plan. If they don't have a plan in place, offer to help them make one. This is especially important when children are permitted to attend "sleepovers" at friends' homes.
• Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

Your first line of notification is the fire alarms, practice regular maintenance on smoke detectors. Review your plan often and make changes as needed. 

Fire damage and deodorization

11/16/2022 (Permalink)

The Hydroxyl Generator and Air movers help with effort to remove odors left behind after a fire.

There are many devastating forms of damage that can happen to your home or business. One of those devastating types of damage is fire; often with a fire comes water damage from the firefighting efforts. Smoke odor is also a persistent issue associated with a fire damage, along with heavy amounts of soot that need to be removed. 

If you have a fire in your home or business, the most important thing in this type of loss is your health and safety. No one should ever enter the home unless the local fire officials have given approval.

SERVPRO of Centennial Hills Las Vegas is available 24/7 to help restore your property after a loss. We have the experience and knowledge to restore your property by:

*Treating soot staining.

*Working quickly to dry the damp areas affected by water and help prevent the growth of mold or mildew.

*Removing heavy amounts of water to help avoid rust and corrosion.

*Using specialty equipment to improve the air quality and remove the odors.

And so much more. Our team of trusted professionals will explain the process as we work so you fully understand what will be done.

Contact SERVPRO of Centennial Hills with any questions regarding fire clean up and deodorization. 

702-947-0947

Homeowners Insurance

11/16/2022 (Permalink)

Understanding the importance of Homeowner's Insurance

A house fire can literally put you and your family on the street. Every household or business should have some sort of fire plan, if not give SERVPRO of Centennial Hills a call and enroll your property with SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan. It’s free enrollment.  

Safety considerations aside, having your home ravaged by flames, firefighters dousing it in water and chemicals to stop the spread of the fire, and then possibly being displaced is an experience like no other. Even though well-meaning friends and family can be of incredible support, it is vital that you reach out to the experts when considering your next steps in recovering your home from a fire.
 
If your Las Vegas home experiences a fire you can do well by calling our SERVPRO team as soon as the emergency is under control. Our team is in place and ready to take action 24/7 as we recognize that disaster can strike at any time. With our thorough training process, our team can arrive and assess the areas of immediate need and identify what needs to get done in order to prevent further damages. Even more important, our team's expertise can be of great assistance as you contact your insurance and file a claim.
 
Most homeowners seek to file a claim as soon as a disaster happens. SERVPRO suggests to immediately contact your insurer to dispatch an adjuster to evaluate the fire damage. We work with many insurance agencies to coordinate a comprehensive cleanup and restoration service. Your adjuster provides a budget after documenting the damage to the structure and your contents. We also take photos and use the Xactimate computer program to itemize the equipment used and the work performed, all within the budget.

The faster we can begin, the less secondary damage will occur. We understand the scope of a significant fire damaging event, and we strive to reduce your stress, and eventually make you feel "Like it never even happened."

Reaching out to SERVPRO of Centennial Hills of Las Vegas at 702-947-0947 is not only convenient, but a smart decision to protect your home and finances.

Prevention is Key

11/16/2022 (Permalink)

Take steps to prevent a fire.

The scientific research behind smoke alarms and how they protect your home is always evolving. The mission behind each organization that participates in this important research is to protect people in their homes and to reduce life and economic loss due to fire.

There are two types of smoke alarms generally used in homes:

*Ionization

*Photoelectric

These two types of smoke alarms sense the presence of smoke differently.

The type of smoke produced by a fire depends on the type of fire, Flaming fires and smoldering fire give off different types of smoke Both alarms detect the smoke from either a smoldering fire or a flaming fire.

• Ionization smoke alarms tend to respond faster to the smoke produced by flaming fires than photoelectric smoke alarms.

• Photoelectric smoke alarms tend to respond faster to the smoke produced by smoldering fires than ionization smoke alarms.

In testing the result of these time differences have been mixed , some test result times are trivial while others are considerable.

No one can say one type is better then the other due to every fire being so different. The USFA recommends that every home and place where people sleep be equipped with either a ionization or photoelectric smoke alarms, or a dual sensor smoke alarms.

Whatever type of alarm you choose remember to conduct regular maintenance and battery testing to ensure the safety of your home.

Complete devastation

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in your home can be devastating

A fire in your home is a scary thought but it also a possibility for anyone. Fires spread quickly and leave only a few minutes for families to escape. Families should have a safety plan in place and practice it to be sure everyone in the home knows what to do in case of a fire.

The National Fire Protection Association gives the following tips in creating an escape plan:

• Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.  Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm.
• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. 
• When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. 
• Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
• If there are infants, older adults, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency
• If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have emergency release devices inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Emergency release devices won't compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire.
• Tell guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan. When staying overnight at other people's homes, ask about their escape plan. If they don't have a plan in place, offer to help them make one. This is especially important when children are permitted to attend "sleepovers" at friends' homes.
• Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

Your first line of notification is the fire alarms, practice regular maintenance on smoke detectors. Review your plan often and make changes as needed. 

Fire prevention

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

One of the greatest inventions in saving your home.

The scientific research behind smoke alarms and how they protect your home is always evolving. The mission behind each organization that participates in this important research is to protect people in their homes and to reduce life and economic loss due to fire.

There are two types of smoke alarms generally used in homes:

*Ionization

*Photoelectric

These two types of smoke alarms sense the presence of smoke differently.

The type of smoke produced by a fire depends on the type of fire, Flaming fires and smoldering fire give off different types of smoke Both alarms detect the smoke from either a smoldering fire or a flaming fire.

• Ionization smoke alarms tend to respond faster to the smoke produced by flaming fires than photoelectric smoke alarms.

• Photoelectric smoke alarms tend to respond faster to the smoke produced by smoldering fires than ionization smoke alarms.

In testing the result of these time differences have been mixed , some test result times are trivial while others are considerable.

No one can say one type is better then the other due to every fire being so different. The USFA recommends that every home and place where people sleep be equipped with either a ionization or photoelectric smoke alarms, or a dual sensor smoke alarms.

Whatever type of alarm you choose remember to conduct regular maintenance and battery testing to ensure the safety of your home.

Fire damage

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Badly damaged wall cabinet from a grease fire.

Significant smoke and soot stains from fire damage is especially destructive. In many instances your home or business will also suffer from water damage from firefighting efforts. We have the tools and knowledge for the removal of water and soot.

At SERVPRO of Centennial Hills, we specialize in fire and water damage restoration. We have specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications that allow us restore your home to pre-fire condition. We understand all the confusion, stress, and emotion that comes along with the damage. Leave the stress to the professionals and call SERVPRO of Centennial Hills Las Vegas anytime, day or night. Until the professionals arrive, review the Fire-Damage tips to help prepare you. Let SERVPRO of Centennial Hills get you through a stressful time and get your property back “Like it never even happened.”

Home insurance fire plan.

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

Getting a burnt situation cleaned up to make new again.

A house fire can literally put you and your family on the street. Every household or business should have some sort of fire plan, if not give SERVPRO of Centennial Hills a call and enroll your property with SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan. It’s free enrollment.  

Safety considerations aside, having your home ravaged by flames, firefighters dousing it in water and chemicals to stop the spread of the fire, and then possibly being displaced is an experience like no other. Even though well-meaning friends and family can be of incredible support, it is vital that you reach out to the experts when considering your next steps in recovering your home from a fire.
 
If your Las Vegas home experiences a fire you can do well by calling our SERVPRO team as soon as the emergency is under control. Our team is in place and ready to take action 24/7 as we recognize that disaster can strike at any time. With our thorough training process, our team can arrive and assess the areas of immediate need and identify what needs to get done in order to prevent further damages. Even more important, our team's expertise can be of great assistance as you contact your insurance and file a claim.
 
Most homeowners seek to file a claim as soon as a disaster happens. SERVPRO suggests to immediately contact your insurer to dispatch an adjuster to evaluate the fire damage. We work with many insurance agencies to coordinate a comprehensive cleanup and restoration service. Your adjuster provides a budget after documenting the damage to the structure and your contents. We also take photos and use the Xactimate computer program to itemize the equipment used and the work performed, all within the budget.

The faster we can begin, the less secondary damage will occur. We understand the scope of a significant fire damaging event, and we strive to reduce your stress, and eventually make you feel "Like it never even happened."

Reaching out to SERVPRO of Centennial Hills of Las Vegas at 702-947-0947 is not only convenient, but a smart decision to protect your home and finances.

Fire cleanup and demolition

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

Roof and soffit damage from a fire.

Significant smoke and soot stains from fire damage is especially destructive. In many instances your home or business will also suffer from water damage from firefighting efforts. We have the tools and knowledge for the removal of water and soot.

At SERVPRO of Centennial Hills, we specialize in fire and water damage restoration. We have specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications that allow us restore your home to pre-fire condition. We understand all the confusion, stress, and emotion that comes along with the damage. Leave the stress to the professionals and call SERVPRO of Centennial Hills Las Vegas anytime, day or night. Until the professionals arrive, review the Fire-Damage tips to help prepare you. Let SERVPRO of Centennial Hills get you through a stressful time and get your property back “Like it never even happened.”

We got this!

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage on the outside wall of a home.

There are many devastating forms of damage that can happen to your home or to your business. One of those devastating types of damage is fire; often with a fire comes water damage from the firefighting efforts. Smoke odor is also a persistent issue associated with a fire damage, along with heavy amounts of soot that need to be removed. 

If you have a fire in your home or business, the most important thing in this type of loss is your health and safety. No one should ever enter the home unless the local fire officials have given approval.

SERVPRO of Centennial Hills Las Vegas is available 24/7 to help restore your property after a loss. We have the experience and knowledge to restore your property by:

*Treating soot staining.

*Working quickly to dry the damp areas affected by water and help prevent the growth of mold or mildew.

*Removing heavy amounts of water to help avoid rust and corrosion.

*Using specialty equipment to improve the air quality and remove the odors.

And so much more. Our team of trusted professionals will explain the process as we work so you fully understand what will be done.

Contact SERVPRO of Centennial Hills at

702-947-0947

Have a Safety Plan

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

A fire in your home can be devastating.

A fire in your home is a scary thought but it also a possibility for anyone. Fires spread quickly and leave only a few minutes for families to escape. Families should have a safety plan in place and practice it to be sure everyone in the home knows what to do in case of a fire.

The National Fire Protection Association gives the following tips in creating an escape plan:

• Pull together everyone in your household and make a plan. Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes.  Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan of your home, marking two ways out of each room, including windows and doors. Also, mark the location of each smoke alarm.
• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. 
• When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
• Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. 
• Go outside to see if your street number is clearly visible from the road. If not, paint it on the curb or install house numbers to ensure that responding emergency personnel can find your home.
• If there are infants, older adults, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency
• If windows or doors in your home have security bars, make sure that the bars have emergency release devices inside so that they can be opened immediately in an emergency. Emergency release devices won't compromise your security - but they will increase your chances of safely escaping a home fire.
• Tell guests or visitors to your home about your family's fire escape plan. When staying overnight at other people's homes, ask about their escape plan. If they don't have a plan in place, offer to help them make one. This is especially important when children are permitted to attend "sleepovers" at friends' homes.
• Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

Your first line of notification is the fire alarms, practice regular maintenance on smoke detectors. Review your plan often and make changes as needed. 

Smoke alarms

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms can save property and lives.

The scientific research behind smoke alarms and how they protect your home is always evolving. The mission behind each organization that participates in this important research is to protect people in their homes and to reduce life and economic loss due to fire.

There are two types of smoke alarms generally used in homes:

*Ionization

*Photoelectric

These two types of smoke alarms sense the presence of smoke differently.

The type of smoke produced by a fire depends on the type of fire, Flaming fires and smoldering fire give off different types of smoke Both alarms detect the smoke from either a smoldering fire or a flaming fire.

• Ionization smoke alarms tend to respond faster to the smoke produced by flaming fires than photoelectric smoke alarms.

• Photoelectric smoke alarms tend to respond faster to the smoke produced by smoldering fires than ionization smoke alarms.

In testing the result of these time differences have been mixed , some test result times are trivial while others are considerable.

No one can say one type is better then the other due to every fire being so different. The USFA recommends that every home and place where people sleep be equipped with either a ionization or photoelectric smoke alarms, or a dual sensor smoke alarms.

Whatever type of alarm you choose remember to conduct regular maintenance and battery testing to ensure the safety of your home.

Fire loss Insurance

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Complacency in the kitchen causes fires!

A house fire can literally put you and your family on the street. Every household or business should have some sort of fire plan, if not give SERVPRO of Centennial Hills a call and enroll your property with SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan. It’s free enrollment.  

Safety considerations aside, having your home ravaged by flames, firefighters dousing it in water and chemicals to stop the spread of the fire, and then possibly being displaced is an experience like no other. Even though well-meaning friends and family can be of incredible support, it is vital that you reach out to the experts when considering your next steps in recovering your home from a fire.
 
If your Las Vegas home experiences a fire you can do well by calling our SERVPRO team as soon as the emergency is under control. Our team is in place and ready to take action 24/7 as we recognize that disaster can strike at any time. With our thorough training process, our team can arrive and assess the areas of immediate need and identify what needs to get done in order to prevent further damages. Even more important, our team's expertise can be of great assistance as you contact your insurance and file a claim.
 
Most homeowners seek to file a claim as soon as a disaster happens. SERVPRO suggests to immediately contact your insurer to dispatch an adjuster to evaluate the fire damage. We work with many insurance agencies to coordinate a comprehensive cleanup and restoration service. Your adjuster provides a budget after documenting the damage to the structure and your contents. We also take photos and use the Xactimate computer program to itemize the equipment used and the work performed, all within the budget.

The faster we can begin, the less secondary damage will occur. We understand the scope of a significant fire damaging event, and we strive to reduce your stress, and eventually make you feel "Like it never even happened."

Reaching out to SERVPRO of Centennial Hills of Las Vegas at 702-947-0947 is not only convenient, but a smart decision to protect your home and finances.

What we bring to the table when there’s a fire loss!

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Air movers, dehumidifiers and Hydroxyl generator working to limit further damage after a fire.

Significant smoke and soot stains from fire damage is especially destructive. In many instances your home or business will also suffer from water damage from firefighting efforts. We have the tools and knowledge for the removal of water and soot.

At SERVPRO of Centennial Hills, we specialize in fire and water damage restoration. We have specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications that allow us restore your home to pre-fire condition. We understand all the confusion, stress, and emotion that comes along with the damage. Leave the stress to the professionals and call SERVPRO of Centennial Hills Las Vegas anytime, day or night. Until the professionals arrive, review the Fire-Damage tips to help prepare you. Let SERVPRO of Centennial Hills get you through a stressful time and get your property back “Like it never even happened.”

Reach out to us for free enrollment of SERVPRO’s Emergency Ready Plan for your property today. 702-947-0947

We can handle it!

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fires cause devastating damage.

There are many devastating forms of damage that can happen to your home or to your business. One of those devastating types of damage is fire; often with a fire comes water damage from the firefighting efforts. Smoke odor is also a persistent issue associated with a fire damage, along with heavy amounts of soot that need to be removed. 

If you have a fire in your home or business, the most important thing in this type of loss is your health and safety. No one should ever enter the home unless the local fire officials have given approval.

SERVPRO of Centennial Hills Las Vegas is available 24/7 to help restore your property after a loss. We have the experience and knowledge to restore your property by:

*Treating soot staining.

*Working quickly to dry the damp areas affected by water and help prevent the growth of mold or mildew.

*Removing heavy amounts of water to help avoid rust and corrosion.

*Using specialty equipment to improve the air quality and remove the odors.

And so much more. Our team of trusted professionals will explain the process as we work so you fully understand what will be done.

Contact SERVPRO of Centennial Hills at

702-947-0947

Being proactive helps

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

Have a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan in place if the unfortunate disaster happens so we can get you back to normal.

The Centennial Hills SERVPRO Team enjoys getting out to local businesses/residential properties to introduce the Emergency Response Plan in the event of a major loss. This plan gives businesses the tool they need to get things back to normal when experiencing a Water, Fire, and Mold loss. 

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business or home. 

 1. No cost assessment of your business/residence.

 2. Takes very little time to complete and gives critical information needed in the event of an Emergency.

 3. A guide to help you safely get back into your Establishment.

 4. Establishes SERVPRO of Centennial Hills Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.

 5. Establishes a line of command for your business on who authorizes the work to begin.

 6. Provides facility engineering details of where shut off valves and electrical shut offs are.

Having a Emergency Ready plan in place empowers you to have complete control during a chaotic moment and the best SERVPRO team at your fingertips.