Top 5 Common Causes of Fire Damage

9/6/2022 (Permalink)

Take Steps to Prevent House Fires

Cooking
The NFPA reports that from 2015-2019, cooking caused 49 percent of reported home fires, 20 percent of reported home fire deaths, and 42 percent of home fire injuries. It is the most common cause of residential fires. Major cooking holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas are the riskiest time for cooking fires.

Approximately 44 percent of house fires begin in the kitchen or cooking area and from 2013-2017, almost half of all home structure fires were caused by cooking. These fires are commonly due to things being left cooking unattended as well as open flames and spills. If someone is not in the kitchen to extinguish the fire it can quickly get out of hand.

Tips

• Maintain a fire extinguisher in the kitchen (that is rated for kitchens)
• Don’t use the stove if you are tired or have consumed any alcohol
• Remain in the kitchen while cooking
• Utilize a timer to remind you that things are cooking
• Keep anything that could catch fire (e.g. paper towels, oven mitts, wooden utensils) away from the stove. 

Heating
Per the NFPA, from 2014-2018, local fire departments responded to an average of about 48,530 fires annually that involved heating equipment. This is equal to about 14% of all reported home fires during this time period and resulted in approximately 500 civilian deaths and 1,350 civilian injuries each year. 

The most common heating cause of fires is space heaters. Although fireplaces and furnaces can pose a risk, space heaters can cause a fire simply by being left too close to other things that can catch fire. 

While furnaces can cause fires in a home, space heaters and fireplaces are more common sources of heating equipment fires.

Tips

• Always keep anything that can burn a minimum of 3 feet from heating equipment
• Each year you should have your heating equipment, such as your chimneys, cleaned and inspected by a professional

Electrical
Another common cause of fires in the home is electrical, namely faulty wiring. You may be able to tell that your house has faulty wiring if you see blinking lights, lights that dim when you turn on appliances, or sparks coming from an electrical outlet. 

Tip

• Always have all electrical work done by a professional

Smoking
Another common cause of fire damage is lit cigarettes or lighters. Sadly, one out of every four victims who die from a smoking-material fire is not the smoker. Merely dropping a lit cigarette can cause a blaze that spreads throughout the entire house. This often occurs when someone drops a cigarette after falling asleep. The best way to combat fire damage from smoking is by always smoking outside of the home. 

Tips

• Only smoke fire-safe cigarettes
• Always smoke outside
• Always keep smoking materials (e.g. cigarettes, lighters, etc.) out of the reach of children
• Never leave e-cigarettes to charge unattended
• Never smoke around medical oxygen, which is easily combustible

5. Candles

According to the NFPA, each year (from 2015-2019) U.S. fire departments responded to approximately 7,400 home structure fires that were started by candles. These fires resulted in an average of 90 fatalities and 670 injuries per year. An average of 20 home candle fires are reported daily.

Tips

• Never leave candles burning attended
• Always trim the candle wick after each use
• Keep candles at least a foot from anything that can burn
• Always blow out candles before going to sleep or leaving the room

Congratulations Amy Mason

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

Gift Card Winner Amy Mason

Amy Mason won a gift card from SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest at the 27th Annual IIAN Golf Tournament. Congratulations Amy! SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest sponsored a hole that was visited by 150-golfers from IIAN Association.

Fire preparation is an important part of safeguarding your home and your family

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

Fire preparation is an important part of safeguarding your home and your family.

House fires kill and injure many every year, while leaving many without their home, and valuable memories and possessions. Fire prevention is more important than many realize. 

Ways to Prevent House Fires

-Establish an emergency plan with fire routes. 

-Test all smoke alarms in your home.

-Teach your children fire safety. 

-Perform home maintenance consistently.

- Use candles with caution.

-Don't leave food cooking unattended.

- Store flammables safely.

- Know where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them. 

- Check all electrical cords in your home. If wires are frayed, throw it away.

Fire preparation is an important part of safeguarding your home and your family. Knowing not only how to prevent a fire but also how to escape it and get quick fire cleanup is essential.

Carbon Monoxide the Silent Killer

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

Carbon Monoxide...The Silent Killer

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels, it can kill a person in minutes. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas created when fuels, like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, etc. burn incompletely.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, hundreds of people die accidentally every year from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as a result of improperly used or malfunctioning fuel burning appliances. Even more die from CO produced by idling cars.

The EPA says prevention is the key to avoiding carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect yourself with these tips:

• Have fuel-burning appliances, like oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves, inspected by a trained professional at the beginning of every heating season.
• Install audible CO detectors; in homes, place them outside of each sleeping area.
• Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi or generator in an enclosed area, like a garage. Even if the door is open, the CO may not be properly ventilated.
• Do not idle a car inside a garage.
• Before using a fireplace, make sure the flue is open of proper ventilation.

Aren't all restoration companies the same?

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Why choose SERVPRO of Omaha West/Saunders County

Aren't all restoration companies the same? What sets SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest & Omaha West/Saunders County apart from the rest? 

Education: We know that knowledge is power! We have invested in all of our techs to take specialized training in water restoration. All of our techs are WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician) certified. This is specialized certification through the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) that gives techs a better concept of water damage, it's effects and techniques for drying of structures. Lathe leads the team with several certifications and years of cleanup, restoration and construction experience. 

Equipment: We have invested in specialized state-of-the-art drying and cleaning equipment. The trailer mounted desiccant dehumidifier can remove 500+ gallons of water from a large space in a 24 hour period. It can dry spaces 50,000 + sq ft. This saves you time and money when it matters most. The complete ultrasonic cleaning system can be used to restore personal belongings instead of the cost to replace. The media blasting machine can remove soot and smoke damage, mold, and even graffiti from property. SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest has also invested in a brand new duct cleaning machine. We take pride in our arsenal of specialized drying equipment. 

Customer Service: We value our reputation. The techs are there to explain the process in full, address any questions or concerns, and help to get your property back to pre-damage condition. We strive to make the restoration process seamless for the customer. At the end of a job, we want to make sure the customer is happy with our services and would recommend us in the future.

Faster to Any Disaster: We know when you have an emergency, you need someone there fast! Flooding and water emergencies don't wait for regular business hours, and neither do we. Our crews are on call and ready to help 24/7- including all holidays.  The faster we can start the initial assessment process, the faster the water extraction process can start.Timing is essential to prevent any secondary damage.

When disaster strikes, call the team with the knowledge and experience, the state-of-the-art equipment, and compassion at each step of the process. SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest & Omaha West/Saunders County proudly serving Omaha, NE and surrounding communities.

Commercial Water Damage...No Problem

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

We are here to help in a water intrusion emergency!

Water damage in a commercial space is never a fun thing to deal with. Restoration professionals understand how crucial it is to act immediately when there is an emergency such as a pipe break or water in your business from plumbing failure. Recognizing that a flooded business causes a devastating setback to businesses, they do whatever it takes to get things back to normal as soon as possible.

SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest & Omaha West/ Saunders County has the right equipment for large commercial water damages. Our trailer mounted desiccant can remove 500+ gallons of water from a commercial space in 24 hours. This machine acts as a large dehumidifier drying out large spaces quickly. This helps to speed up the drying process, and saves you time and money when it matters most. 

No matter the size of the commercial water loss, SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest & Omaha West/ Saunders County can handle it. Once on site, our highly trained professionals will do an initial assessment to assess the damage and form a scope of work to dry out the property. They have high tech equipment that shows moisture, and the path it has taken. 

SERVPRO will restore your property to pre-damage conditions. It is essential to call right away, to prevent further damage from water. 

Call SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest & Omaha West/ Saunders County to make your commercial water loss, "Like it never even happened."

402-408-0134

Commercial Water Damage...No Problem

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Our Desiccant can remove 500 gallons of water from the air in 24 hours

SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest & Omaha West/Saunders County proudly offers commercial restoration services in Omaha,NE and surrounding communities. SERVPRO has invested in state-of-the-art drying equipment for any size disaster.

Large Loss? No problem.

When drying interior spaces, humidity control is crucial.Our trailer mounted desiccantincreases your productivity and profitability. It can significantly reduce drying time and save you time and money when it matters most. This machine can remove 500+ gallons of water in a 24 hour period. It can dry spaces 50,000+ sq ft. You can achieve faster and more consistent drying times. It’s also the most effective system on the market, outperforming refrigeration and convection-style heat-drying methods.

SERVPRO of Omaha Southwest & Omaha West/Saunders County is the ONLY restoration company in the Omaha area to own a trailer mounted desiccant! Our techs are highly trained to use this state-of-the-art specialty equipment. Call SERVPRO today for all your water restoration needs. 402-408-0134

Let our staff make your large water loss, "Like it never even happened."

The Water Damage Restoration Process

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

When water invades your property, timing is everything. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Omaha West/Saunders County today.

Do you know the right steps to take when you have a water damage? Timing is essential when it comes to water. When your home or business suffers a water loss, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Omaha West/ Saunders County. Our crew is WRT (Water Restoration Technician) Certified. We have the expertise and state-of-the-art drying equipment to properly restore your property after a loss. 

Water Damage in Omaha, NE?

Call Today- (402)835-5985.

Even though there are no two water damages the same, the general process is the same.

Step One- Contact SERVPRO for Emergency Services

The restoration process begins when you call us. Our crew will take vital information to help us get the right equipment to you right away. Timing is vital to stop further damage from water. 

Step Two- Inspection

We assess the damage and form a scope of work to be done. Our crews use thermal cameras and meters to measure moisture. This helps us to determine how far the water has traveled, and to do a proper and complete dry out. Even though your carpet and walls may appear and feel dry, water can be underneath flooring or behind the wall. Our equipment helps to find all moisture.

Step Three- Water Extraction

Extracting and removing the water is vital. We have different methods of extraction, depending on the amount of water. This step is essential to help prevent any mold growth. 

Step Four- Drying 

We have specialized equipment to dry out your property. The techs are highly trained to use the right equipment and the right amount to dry out your property quickly and efficiently. 

Step Five- Clean and Sanitize

Our techs will clean and sanitize to restore your property to pre-damage conditions. We have specialized equipment to clean anything from carpets to contents. 

If you suffer from a water damage, call SERVPRO of Omaha West/Saunders County to make it "Like it never even happened."

Why SERVPRO Over the Other Guys?

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO?

1. Locally Owned and Operated, National Support

All SERVPRO franchises are independently owned and operated. SERVPRO has over 1800 franchises in the US and Canada. SERVPRO owners have resources across the country, with years of experience and knowledge in all things restoration and cleaning. When disaster strikes, rest assured SERVPRO will be able to handle any size disaster. 

2. Highly Trained Professionals

Our SERVPRO crew is highly trained in cleaning and restoration. All of our techs are WRT (Water Damage Restoration Technician) certified through the IICRC. The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industry. Our team understands that disaster doesn't always strike at the most convenient time. Our crews are ready and waiting 24/7- including all holidays. We are faster to any disaster.

3. Advanced Specialized Equipment

The IICRC sets practical standards for restoration and cleaning. In the IICRC S500 for water damage, it incorporates psychometry. Psychometry involves the manipulation of temperature and relative humidity to remove moisture and dry a property quickly and effectively. An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal. Hygrometers can be used to measure the extent of moisture saturation. This helps to find lurking moisture even when it appears dry. Our desiccant can remove 500+ gallons of water in a 24 hour period. In addition to the desiccant, we have an arsenal of high tech drying equipment. 

The Storm Hit, Now What?

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Storms don't wait for regular business hours, and neither do we.

There are so many questions after your Omaha, NE home or business is flooded due to a storm. What should I do now? Who should I call? Follow these steps to assure your taken care of: 

1. AVOID ADDITIONAL RISKS- Disconnect all the electronics in your home, these can start fires if left on. Contact utility companies if you suspect damage to water, gas, electric, or sewer lines.
2. TAKE PICTURES- Before you remove any water or make repairs, fully document the damage of your home by taking photos or videos. Digital photos are best so they can easily be transferred and shared. The best approach is take a photo from each corner of the room, so you have overall photos of each room.
3. PROTECT YOUR HEALTH- Even if the water in your home is clear, it could be contaminated by sewage or household chemicals. Wear gloves when removing water-damaged possessions, throw away any food that may have come in contact with the flood water.
4. CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY-Call your insurance agent as soon as possible after the flood. Always have their number on hand in your emergency bag. Document the damage, communication, and notify them of any repairs. 
5. REMOVE WATER/MITIGATE MOLD DAMAGE- Have a restoration company like SERVPRO of Omaha West/ Saunders County remove the water quickly. Time is sensitive to prevent secondary damage when dealing with water damage. SERPVRO has different specialized equipment that can be used to extract water quickly and effectively. Mold can also develop within 24-48 hours after a flood. 

Call SERVPRO of Omaha West/Saunders County to help cleanup your storm damage. 402-835-5985. Our highly trained crews are available 24/7/365. Storms don't wait for regular business hours, and neither do we.

Did You Know Mold Can Grow in 24 Hours?

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

Not only can our team help to identify the mold, they can help with options for removal and remediation of surfaces affected.

Did you know mold can start to grow in less than 24 hours? If water caused your basement to flood, mold can start to appear on surfaces that day!

The first step to preventing mold growth, is to identify the cause and fix the source of moisture. Mold thrives with moisture. Steam from a shower, damp basements, plumbing leaks, and flooding are examples of sources of moisture. Also, it's important to keep the humidity levels down in your home.

Follow your nose to find the source. Mold generally has a musty odor. Mold can appear to be slimy or fuzzy, and can grow anywhere moisture is found. If you detect any mildew smells, you may have a mold issue that would benefit from professional mold remediation.

Call SERVPRO of Omaha West/Saunders County at (402)835-5985 to help remediate your mold issue today. Not only can our team help to identify the mold, they can help with options for removal and remediation of surfaces affected.