Cooking Fire Prevention

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Cooking and kitchen fires account for thousands of residential fires every year.  That trend continues to be accurate throughout Fairfield County as well.  We respond to these types of fires very often.  We’ll give you some of the reasons that these fires occur, and how to take steps to reduce your risk of them happening in your home.

Cooking Appliances - Unmaintained appliances are a leading cause of kitchen fires in Fairfield County. Loose or frayed wires, improper use, and food left unattended can all cause appliances to be the start of a cooking fire.

Excess Oil or Grease - Some people will attempt to use too much oil or grease when they cook, which can lead to bodily harm and grease fires.  When not properly dealt with, these fires can be hard to put out and may spread very quickly.  

Spills - When food particles from earlier cooking fall under burners or to the bottom of the oven, they can spontaneously combust, starting a fire.  These flames will develop quickly, and can lead to serious damage.

Tips for prevention:

• Unplug countertop appliances when they are not being used. Inspect cords periodically.
• Never stray too far from the kitchen while you are cooking.
• Check the oven while in use, and use a timer so you don't forget food that could potentially burn and ignite.
• Use an appropriate amount of oil and grease.
• Keep flammable items away from cooking areas, and routinely remove old food particles from the area.
• Keep children a solid distance from the kitchen, for their own safety, and so they cannot accidentally cause a fire.

It is important to contact a fire damage restoration professional as soon as the flames are extinguished to help limit and remediate the damage. SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had fire damage to their property.  If you have any type of fire or smoke damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Fire Safety For Kids

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

The winter months are cold, and there’s no way around it.  And because of this, we want to be as warm and cozy as possible.  In our quest to maintain a comfortable environment, many residents of Fairfield County turn to heating methods like fireplaces and wood stoves.  These methods are relatively safe when operated correctly. But even if we practice safety, there is still a chance that a fire may break out.  This is why the winter months account for most of the annual home fires reported by property owners.

Protecting children when these heating methods are being used is paramount.  Keeping kids away from open flames and hot surfaces is one factor.  The other factor is preventing children from starting accidental fires on their own.  According to the U.S. Fire Administration, over $250 million in property damage occurred due to fires that started because of a child.

• Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.  You can place them high up, or a secure location so that children cannot get to them.
• Monitor children around the fireplace or wood stove.  This is for their own safety, and so they do not put or knock anything flammable into open flames.
• You can purchase flameless candles that don't even require any fire to work.

It is important to contact a fire damage restoration professional as soon as the flames are extinguished to help limit and remediate the damage. SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had fire damage to their property.  If you have any type of fire or smoke damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Space Heater Safety

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

Whether at home or at work, many people start to use space heaters to supplement their main heating system when the weather gets cold.  This is especially true when a central air system is not present.  Space heaters offer a relatively efficient way to warm the surrounding area quickly, which is why so many people use them. But they do come with some risks if not used properly, which contribute to the statistics that show that heating fires are the highest during the winter months.

Space Heater Best Practices:

• Put the space heater on a surface that is rigid, flat, and nonflammable.  This will ensure that it has a low chance of tipping over.
• Establish a 3-foot kid- and pet-free zone around the heater, and never put a space heater in a child’s room.
• Place the heater in open areas to minimize the risk of surrounding things like furniture and bedding from catching on fire.  
• Never use a space heater in an area that contains paint, gasoline, or other flammable liquids. 
• Turn the heater off whenever you are not present.  You can even unplug it for extra precaution.
• Prevent potential overheating by only plugging the heater into an outlet where nothing else is plugged in.

It is important to contact a fire and smoke damage restoration professional as soon as you notice any smoke damage. SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had fire damage to their property.  If you have any type of smoke damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Check Your Fire Alarms This Winter

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

The winter months are cold, and there’s no way around it.  And because of this, we want to be huddled inside and warm.  In our quest to maintain a warm temperature, many residents of Fairfield County turn to heating methods like fireplaces and wood stoves.  These methods are relatively safe when operated correctly. But even if we practice safety, there is still a chance that a fire may break out.  This is why the winter months account for most of the annual home fires reported by property owners.

That is why we’re reminding you to check your fire and smoke alarms before anything happens.  If you have battery powered alarms, replace the batteries, especially if you haven't done so in a while. If your alarms are hard wired, test them to ensure that they are in working order.  Having working fire and smoke alarms is an important defense against property damage, but more importantly, for keeping you and your family safe.

It is important to contact a certified fire damage remediation professional as soon as you are aware of damage. SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport has over 30 years of experience working with people who need fire damage restoration at their home or business property.  If you have any type of property damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

One Way NOT To Heat Your Home This Winter

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Now that 2022 is here, it seems like the cold weather is here to stay for the season. With temperatures set to dip into the teens this week, homeowners will definitely be turning their heat up a little higher. Some homeowners, in an attempt to be frugal and efficient, will try to use other heat sources to provide any extra warmth during these cold months.  But as we see every year, these methods may lead to fire and smoke damage, and even injury to the inhabitants.

One such method is using your oven to provide an extra heat source.  This is unsafe for many reasons:

• If you have a gas stove, this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning
• A gas stove can also lead to fire, as the flammable gas is leaking out into the living space 
• If you have an electric stove, it can overheat due to prolonged use, and start a fire that way
• Any open or exposed heat source can be a hazard for children or pets in the home
• Beyond safety, it is much more efficient to run a small space heater than an oven

It is important to contact a fire damage restoration professional as soon as the flames are extinguished to help limit and remediate the damage. SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had fire damage to their property.  If you have any type of fire or smoke damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

Winter Carbon Monoxide Safety

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

One of the byproducts of fire is carbon monoxide, a potentially harmful airborne gas. During winter months, the risk of sickness and injury increase because more heating elements are being used.  Use these safety tips to make sure that your winter heat stays safe:

• First and foremost, install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm if you don’t already have one.  These will detect harmful levels and alert you so you are safe and can address the problem quickly.
• Service any and all heat-producing appliances in your home on a regular basis.
• Never use a gas oven for heating your home.
• If you lose power, operate your generator a safe distance from the house.
• If you like to warm up your car in the morning, pull it out of the attached garage before letting it run.

It is important to contact a fire damage restoration professional as soon as the fire is over to help limit and remediate the damage. SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport has over 30 years of experience working with people who have had fire damage to their property.  If you have any type of fire or smoke damage, call us immediately at 203.324.1642.

What Type Of Smoke Alarm Do You Have?

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

We all know that having working smoke alarms installed in the proper locations is crucial for residential and workplace safety.  But not all alarms are the same.  One main difference that they have is how they are powered. And how they are powered dictates their maintenance schedule.  Learn more about the three types of smoke alarms below.

Conventional Batteries

These units use regular batteries that many other household items use.  This makes them easy to maintain, as changing the batteries is as easy as changing them in your TV remote.  These units will beep when batteries are low.  Even if you don't hear the beep, you should check these units monthly to ensure that they are in working order.

Long Life Batteries

These alarms are a great middle ground between cost and ease of use.  Once you buy them, all you need to do is place them in the correct location in your home or business.  The batteries in these units are designed to last ten years, at which point, you replace with a new unit.  Of course, faulty units can occur, so you need to regularly test these alarms as well.

Hardwired Alarms

These units are by far the easiest to maintain, but not everyone can use them.  They also require professional installation or someone with electrical knowledge.  These units are wired directly into a building electrical system, where they draw their power.  These units should come with a battery backup, to ensure that they still maintain properly if the power goes out, or is otherwise compromised.  

SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport is here to help with any fire damage that you may have at your home or business.  We pride ourselves on around-the-clock service and quick on-scene response time.  Give us a call at 203.324.1642 to learn more or get assistance.

Have A Fire Action Plan

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Once someone knows how to properly operate a fire extinguisher, they should then also be trained to follow fire safety protocol. Such training should enable anyone to be able to:

A fire action plan is crucial for any home or business in the event of a fire.  It can save lives.  Take the time to make sure that everyone is on the same page, and knows what the plan is when danger occurs.  This is especially important when children are involved.

• Alert others
• If you are at work, pull the fire alarm.
• If you are at home, make sure that others in the house are aware of the danger
• Call the fire department
• Assess the situation
• If the flame is small, you can attempt to put it out with a fire extinguisher. If the flame is large, or multiple areas are affected, get everyone out immediately. 
• Evacuate the building
• Plan an evacuation route in advance.  If this is for your home, you can put in on the fridge, so that kids see it often.
• Wait until the fire department clears you to go back inside

SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport is here to help with any fire damage that you may have at your home or business.  We pride ourselves on around-the-clock service and quick on-scene response time.  Give us a call at 203.324.1642 to learn more or get assistance.

How To Operate A Fire Extinguisher

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Whether at home or at work, the occurrence of a fire is more common than you think. Similarly, a really great way to be prepared in both places is to have a fire extinguisher, and have the knowledge to use it. A commonly taught (and easy to remember) method is the P.A.S.S. method.  Each letter corresponds to an action that leads to proper use.

(P)ull the pin on the extinguisher. This will break the anti-tampering seal.

(A)im the nozzle of the hose.  You want to aim for the base of the flames.

(S)queeze the handle.

(S)weep the nozzle from side to side.  Hit all base areas of the fire.  If the flames are not extinguished, aim and squeeze again. 

In the event that a fire becomes too large, you need to call 911 to get immediate help.  Once a fire gets out of hand, safety is the only concern.  Get you and your family or coworkers out of the building as soon as possible.

An important thing to note is that fire extinguishers don't last forever. A good one will last between 5 and 15 years.  Make sure to keep one that is safely within these ranges on hand.

SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport is here to help with any fire damage that you may have at your home or business.  We pride ourselves on around-the-clock service and quick on-scene response time.  Give us a call at 203.324.1642 to learn more or get assistance.

What To Look For In A Fire Damage Restoration Company

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

When you suffer fire damage at your home or business, all you can think about is getting back to normal.  And you want that to happen as soon as possible.  This can lead some people to make hasty decisions about what company they allow to do the restoration.  But the fire remediation process is tricky, and you need a company that will get the job done right.  Here are some criteria that you should consider when making a decision.

Experience

SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport has over 35 years of experience in the industry.  We have been helping the Fairfield County community with all types of emergency damage restoration, and have left thousands of people satisfied.

Reliability

We offer 24/7 service, so we are available.  Whether you need us at 9am, 9pm, or 2am, we will be there for emergency damage remediation.  We take this commitment very seriously, and have the manpower to back it up.

Competancy

SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport has the knowledge to handle damage of any size or complexity.  We’ve seen it all, and are confident that we are leaders in that area.

Location

This is more important than it seems.  When your home has had fire damage, response time is paramount.  Damage can accumulate, and the sooner the remediation process begins, the better it will be for you.  SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport is locally owned and operated, and we can be on scene very quickly.

Fire Damage Remediation Process

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

How does SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport remediate fire damage? 

Whether fire damage occurs in a home or business, we follow a thorough and meticulous process that ensures the best possible remediation.  Most simply put, our technicians work top to bottom.  We start with ceilings, and work our way down walls, and address floor damage last.  Our technicians first step is to remove mild damage like soot and odors.  We then move up to more significant damage until a full remediation effort has been completed.  This could be repairing structural damage, installing new sheetrock, or sealing charred beams to seal in strong odors.

SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport also works with your belongings to salvage as much as possible.  We can take furniture, documents, and clothing to be cleaned at our facility.  There, we can remove unwanted odors and discoloration.  We can also dry items that have been affected by fire-fighting efforts. We store your items until you are ready to take them back.

Fire damage is a serious matter, so please call us at 203.324.1642 if you need any help.

Thanksgiving 2020 Fire Safety

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Many people and families will be focused on safety this Thanksgiving.  With people traveling to different places for gatherings, the four will be on eliminating the transmission of COVID-19.  But you still need to take care with cooking, as Thanksgiving Day cooking still remains a large cause of fires every year. 

Kitchen fires are the leading cause for home fires every year.  Per the Red Cross, this holiday is the most dangerous.  With everything going on, people tend to leave ovens and stovetops unattended.  This leads to an increased risk for fires to start.

Use the following tips to limit your risk for fires this Thanksgiving: 

Watch your food as it cooks

Don’t leave your hot cooktops or oven alone.  If you need to leave the kitchen for any period of time, tap one of your family members in to watch until you return.

Keep flammable items away from the heat

Keep your cooking area free of anything that has a risk of catching on fire.  This could be paper towels, grocery bags, or even your loose sleeves.

Know the signs of a pending fire

Turn the heat off if you see smoke starting, or if grease begins to boil. Take the food off the burner slowly and set away from the heat. You can keep a pan lid or cookie sheet on hand to smother any flames that start.  Don’t let anyone touch or move the item until it has completely cooled off.

Check your smoke alarms

This should be done year-round, but is especially important around the holiday season.

If you have any fire or smoke damage this Thanksgiving, call SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport.  We understand how stressful this situation can be.  We have the skilled technicians and specialized tools to get you taken care of properly.

Appliance Cleaning After A Fire

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Many fires that happen in Norwalk homes start because of cooking mishaps. For instance, leaving things on the stove unattended is a significant reason for home fire damage in Fairfield County.

At the point when things you are cooking get excessively hot, they can create smoke damage and cause a fire to start. On the off chance that a stovetop fire spreads throughout your kitchen, the soot damage can cause a few significant issues.

During remediation, soot cleanup can be a critical piece of the procedure. When SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport shows up at your property, we start by first evaluating the issues stemming from the original fire. For fires that have caused smoke and soot damage, we clean the residue off of affected surfaces. On the off chance that the burst was enormous, we can offer rebuilding services.

During fires in the kitchen, one thing that gets influenced by either direct heat or soot damage are your appliances. Particularly since apparatuses like your fridge and microwave have smooth surfaces, smoke deposits can frequently adhere to these things first. Most appliances are developed out of hard non-permeable materials like metal and glass. For the most part, when cleaning these surfaces, we use water-based cleansers. In situations where sediment is thick and has clung well to the influenced surfaces, we can add a stronger industrial cleaner to the solution. In certain circumstances, the electrical segments could have additionally been influenced by deposits. When this happens, we remove the appliance from the power source and clean the entirety of every affected surface. This can be done with stoves and refrigerators, as well as smaller appliances like toasters, microwaves, and coffee makers.

In the event that you ever experience the effects of even light smoke and soot damage, call SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport. We have eco-friendly and safe solutions that eliminate unsightly and odorous deposits from your kitchen appliances. When coupled with our advanced techniques, we are able to restore your home or business to preloss condition.

Fire Hazard Alert: Hoarding

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Excess clutter is a major fire hazard.

According to the Mayo Clinic, hoarding is defined as “a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.” The staggering amount of items crowds the space and prevents regular use and navigation.  Hoarding may lead to a serious fire risk in the home.

How Hoarding Increases Fire Risks:

• If there are combustible items in close proximity to the stove, fire potential skyrockets
• Space heaters and baseboard heaters can ignite nearby materials.
• If the hoarder is also a smoker, items such as papers and fabric are easily lit 
• Most importantly, exits may be hard to get to, or completely cut off by accumulated items

Why Hoarding Affects First Responders:

• Firefighters cannot effectively fight the fire, or evacuate inhabitants or animals when hindered by clutter
• First responders can become trapped, as well as hurt by piles of items that may topple over
• When hoarded items become waterlogged by firefighting efforts, their weight is dramatically increased.  This can lead to structural collapse if enough items are present.

SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport has experience with cleaning cluttered homes.  If you or someone you know needs this level of professional cleaning, give us a call today. We provide a judgment-free and thorough cleaning of any space.

Methods That SERVPRO Of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport Uses To Restore Fire Damage

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes a fire completely destroys a home and everything inside it. But when it doesn't, steps can be taken to clean and restore items of personal property.  This allows restoration of items that may be of sentimental and financial value, which may reduce the emotional strain of dealing with a fire in your home.

Here are the methods that we may use, depending on the type of item, and level of damage sustained.

Dry Wiping

This method uses dry cloths and sponges for dry surfaces with average soot residue that forms as a powder. This method is usually the first step that our technicians take when cleaning items.

Wet Wiping

When the soot and smoke residue is heavier, we will use this technique.  We use the same sponges and cloths, but will also employ the use of water.  A cleaning solution may also be used with this method.

Foam Cleaning

This method uses a special bottle that forces extra air into the cleaning solution, turning it into a foam.  This is useful when a surface should not be saturated with water, such as upholstery or drapes.  

Abrasive Cleaning

Some homeowners may have surfaces like marble, concrete, or metal that are covered with heavy soot. These surfaces can withstand a heavier method of cleaning, so we use a stronger cleaner paired with a tougher tool.  This may be steel wool or a rough sponge.

Protect Yourself Against Dryer Fires

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

It’s a fact. Everyone needs to do laundry. But one of the most common household chores can be one that presents the danger of fire damage.  From drying potentially combustible materials to improper dryer ventilation, your dryer can start a fire in your home or business. 

Clean Your Lint Trap Regularly

Every load of laundry that your dryer dries extract lint from the clothes, which becomes attached to the lint trap.  That lint is very combustible, especially if it is allowed to build up over time. Before every load, get in the habit of cleaning the lint trap out. 

Clean Dryer Vents

Often overlooked, dust and debris in your dryer vent and hoses can lead to a fire igniting.  Once a year, take the preventative step of having your dryer vent system professionally cleaned.  If you have not replaced your exhaust hoses in a while, ensure that they are not made of vinyl. These hoses, which were used for a long time, are flammable, and should be replaced.

Use Caution When Drying Combustible Items

If you get gas, oil, or other flammable material on your clothing, use caution when drying these items.  Even after going through the wash, these substances can remain, and can quickly ignite under high heat. If you need to dry these items in the dryer, monitor the dryer to make sure you can address the issue as soon as it happens.

If you suffer fire damage due to a dryer fire, call SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport.  We can provide immediate assistance in your home or business.

The Four Stages Of A Fire

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

When a fire breaks out, it actually occurs in four different stages, from incipient to decay.  This takes the fire from ignition to when it is extinguished. Each stage can cause different types of damage that SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport can remediate.

Incipient

This stage starts when heat, oxygen and a fuel source undergo a chemical reaction, which results in the ignition of a fire.  This is a small flame that does have the chance to go out by itself. Catching a fire in this stage gives people the best chance to either put out the fire, or get out of the building.

Growth

This stage is when a fire begins to build.  Factors that affect the rate of growth include the amount of oxygen in the environment, nearby combustible items, and ceiling height. This stage of the fire is the shortest in duration, but is the stage when a flashover can occur.  A flashover is when combustible items in the environment will ignite without warning. 

Fully Developed

This is the hottest stage of the fire.  At this point, the fire has consumed most, if not all of the combustible materials in the environment.  This can include furniture, clothing, wood, and flammable liquids. For inhabitants on a home or business, this is the most dangerous stage, due to the high heat and the potential for smoke inhalation.

Decay

This stage begins when the fire has no more source of fuel, whether that be oxygen or flammable materials.  The decay stage is usually the longest, especially if no external efforts are made to extinguish the blaze. If the fire is not fully put out, an influx of oxygen can reignite the fire.

If you suffer fire damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe & Northern Bridgeport immediately.  We are available 24/7 to respond with our skilled technicians and specialized equipment.

Gas Station Restoration

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

A fire recently occurred at a local Fairfield County gas station.  The fire caused considerable smoke damage that had to be remediated. Ultimately, the store had to be closed until further notice, as stated by the local health department.  We know that for every minute that a business is not operating, money is being lost.  We worked with the health department and store owners to open up as soon as possible. The structure was cleaned with a chem sponge, while the contents were all wiped down. Lastly, the store was deodorized, and the odor of smoke was gone.

The next morning the health department came for inspection, and the store received a 97%, the highest score the store has ever gotten.

Thankful for our crew who responded immediately and got the job done!

Hole In The Roof

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

Even a small fire can dramatically affect your home.  One thing that people don’t realize is that in order to properly extinguish a fire, the fire department often has to damage the home in the process.  Two measures that cause damage to the home are sometimes taken.  First, a lot of water is often used to extinguish a fire, which causes water damage to the home.  The second measure is cutting a hole in the ceiling and roof so that heat and smoke can escape,  They do this so that cool air can flow into the house, allowing for easier and safer entry to put out the flames.  This picture shows one such hole.  As part of our rebuild process, we will fix this hole that was made by the firefighters.

SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe and Northern Bridgeport provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Flash Fire Damage

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association a “flash fire” is defined as a type of short-duration fire that spreads rapidly through a fuel, such as dust, gas, or the vapors of an ignitible liquid, without the production of damaging pressure. This is what it looks like when a flash fire occurs as a result of improper use of propane tanks.  One unit in this multi-family building exploded due to rapid flame movement throughout.  Once the fire department had left, our crew got to work restoring the property.  Please use extreme caution when using and storing flammable substances.  If you suffer a fire or smoke damage at your home or business, please do not hesitate to call us.

SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe and Northern Bridgeport provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Fire In The Garage

1/30/2019 (Permalink)

Recently, a fire broke out in a home and adjoining garage structure.  Fortunately, none of the inhabitants, one of which was a small dog, were hurt during the ordeal.  The fire consumed most of the interior, and spread rapidly into the garage, pictured here.  You can see just how hot the fire was, based on the damage to the car that was parked away from the house.  We responded quickly by boarding up the structure, and are now in the process of cleaning and deodorizing the interior. Once that step is done, the rebuild can proceed.

SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe and Northern Bridgeport provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Eliminating Secondary Fire Damage

1/29/2019 (Permalink)

When a fire occurs, it is not only the building that has the fire that is affected. Often, the surrounding structures suffer secondary damage like a layer of soot and smoke odors. If not properly cleaned in a timely fashion, the issue can lead to more permanent damage that unfortunately cannot be reversed. Here we see Odir cleaning the floors of an affected apartment to remove a thin layer of soot that will also remove the resulting odors. Because we responded within hours of the fire being extinguished, this will ensure that no long-term damage will occur.

SERVPRO of Trumbull, Monroe and Northern Bridgeport provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Attic Fire

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

This is a recent fire that started in a residential attic.  The fire started when some flammable material was left in front of a skylight, which ignited under extreme heat.  The fire started in the attic, and spread down to one side of the house.  SERVPRO of Trumbull Monroe Northern Bridgeport was called in to remediate the damage.  We will be providing a few different services in this case.  First, we will be packing up contents and belongings to store while other work is being done.  We will also be cleaning the soot off the walls, as well as deodorizing the area from the smoke smell.  Then, reconstruction can begin on the actual frame of the house.

To avoid a similar disaster, remember to keep all flammable objects out of direct sunlight where they may get too hot.

Fire Education Class

8/2/2018 (Permalink)

One of the best ways to learn how to avoid a disaster occurring in your home is to be educated about the issues that can be prevented.  Getting that knowledge at an early age is even more valuable, so it becomes normal at a young age. 

That is why SERVPRO of Trumbull Monroe Northern Bridgeport sponsored a local class for young kids to learn about disaster prevention and management.  The children learned about fire safety in the summer class.  They learned how to make an evacuation plan for the family in the event of a fire, or any other situation where they would need to leave the house.  In the photo, the class is learning about the fire trucks and how they work to put out fires.  Each child even got to spray the hose!

Fire Extinguisher Importance For Your Home or Business

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

Office buildings need specific fire safety equipment to keep both employees and clients safe. This includes smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire alarms, and extinguishers.  

The first step in fire damage restoration is to put out the fire using the proper tools.  A first responder may use an approved portable fire extinguisher to prevent a small fire from growing and causing further damage.  

The National Fire Protection Agency publishes a series of standards and requirements for portable fire extinguishers called NFPA 10, available here.

No matter what the size of the fire, your first priority should be to get everyone out safely and call 911.  Once the fire has been put out, you can call SERVPRO of Trumbull Monroe Northern Bridgeport at (203) 324-1642 to assist.

Coping With A Fire

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

When we talk about a fire, or any other disruptive disaster to strike your home, we always refer to SERVPRO’s amazing service and expertise making it “Like it never even happened.”  We talk about drying and repairing, dehumidification and reconstruction.  What often gets looked over is the mental aspect of these events.

During and after a disaster it is natural to experience different and strong emotions.  Emotional reactions can often be strong, with young children at an increased risk of experiencing trauma from a disaster at home.

Talk with someone about your feelings - anger, sorrow and other emotions - even though it may be difficult.  You can also look for help from professionals who deal with post-disaster stress.

Whether your Fairfield County home has emergency flood damage or you need your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best.  Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration

• Fire Damage Restoration

• Mold Remediation

• Storm Damage Restoration

• Cleaning Services

• Building/Reconstruction Services

Fire Investigation Assistance

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

After a large fire loss many questions need to be answered such as:

• What was the source of the fire?

• Were there any fire accelerants present?

• Was there negligence or arson activity?

• Was it a mechanical/structural issue or human error?

Local fire departments, private insurance companies, gas and power company representatives and many others are called upon to investigate the scene of the fire and do their best to answer these and many other questions. This process can take from a few days to several weeks.

SERVPRO will set up a containment fence around the perimeter of the property and install any needed wind and/or erosion control barriers. We will bring on site portable restrooms and any heavy equipment such as excavators, backhoes and skid steers that are requested by the investigation team.  We provide the investigators with a mobile office, generators for power, lights and computers, hard hats, gloves, respirators, eye protection, water, coffee and miscellaneous office supplies.

Providing the fire investigation team with all the resources necessary to accurately and quickly determine the cause of the fire, helps streamline the entire insurance claims process, ensuring the reconstruction is started sooner for the property owners, so they can get back to living “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Trumbull Monroe Northern Bridgeport is here to help with all fire damage and remediation issues. 

Avoiding a Dryer Fire

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

The fear of a dryer fire is one that is not commonly heard of, however, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries due to clothes dryer fires. Several hundred people a year are also subjected to carbon monoxide poisoning from improper dryer vent setups. The financial costs come to nearly $100,000,000 per year. In some cases faulty appliances are to blame, but many fires can be prevented with proper dryer venting.

Here are some small steps to take to Avoid a Dryer Fire:

1. Dryer's produce large amounts of lint. Be sure to clean the lint trap after EVERY use of the dryer.

2. Dryer Vents should ONLY be made of metal and be short and straight. Bends and curves result in lint buildup increasing the risk of a fire. 

3. Do not run the dryer when you are away from home or sleeping. 

Aftermath of a Home Fire

3/9/2017 (Permalink)

Recovering from a fire is not easy by any means. It is an emotionally draining process that turns your life upset down. The hardest part comes at the beginning, when you feel helpless and are completely unsure as to how to proceed. With that in mind, our goal is to present to you the fundamental steps you need to take immediately after the fire is extinguished.

Deal With Insurance

You should already be on the phone with your insurance agent before the firefighters even get done putting out the fire. Mind you, this is just the beginning. After a few days, you’ll need to get a copy of the official “fire report” from your local fire department. The insurance agency will likely send an adjustor out to survey the damage and help you get in touch with a restoration agency, such as the professionals at SERVPRO.

If you are renting, then you’ll obviously need to contact the owner of the home. If you own home but don’t have insurance, on the other hand, then you’ll want to speak with the Internal Revenue Service. You might be eligible for something known as casualty loss.

Settle in Somewhere

Most likely, your home is currently in an unlivable state, meaning you’re going to have to find somewhere else to stay. Your best bet is to stay with friends or family. However, if that’s not an option, check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers temporary living expenses. Otherwise, contact the American Red Cross.

Before you leave, try to rummage through your home for some essential items like the following: Identification Cards, Medications, Eye Glasses / Hearing Aids, Wallets, Credit Cards / Checkbooks, Money. **Only do this AFTER you get permission from the firefighters to reenter your home.**

Turn Off Utilities

Make certain you get all of your primary utilities turned off.  Why waste money for services when you are not even living in your home? Plus, restoration cannot be performed on your home if there’s still electricity and such running through it. The risks of electrocution would be far too high.

Contact a Restoration Company

This is perhaps the most important step. You’ll need to contact a professional, full-service restoration company, such as SERVPRO. Our company is trained specifically to deal with post-tragedy damage. Below is a list of some of the things you can expect us to do:

The company will start by removing all the water from your home. During a fire, a lot of water from the firefighters hoses usually collects all over the place. Plus, fires sometimes cause pipes to burst, thus leading to even more severe flooding. The point is that restoration cannot begin until the water is first removed.

The company will then start with water restoration. Carpets, walls, ducts must be dried. Mold must be removed. Just this step itself can take a few days.

Next is the actual fire restoration. First and foremost, the company will inspect the structural foundation of your home and fix any major problems. Obviously, if a ceiling is about to crash, then it must be attended to before any other restoration efforts can be completed.

Once the structural foundation is secure, the specialists will start cleaning up soot/smoke damage, deodorizing everything (carpets, walls, furniture, etc.) and basically returning the home back to normal. If anything is so damaged that it cannot be repaired, it’ll be removed and thrown away. It’s your responsibility to let your insurance company know what items you lost. 

Last, but not least, the company will clean up the remaining mess (dust, debris, etc.) and rearrange everything back into place.

Move Back In

Finally, you get to move back into your home and resume life. Unfortunately, it can take quite a bit of time before you even get to this final step. We’re talking about several weeks. The truth is that restoring a home from a fire takes a lot of time, a lot of resources and a lot of money.

Just remember to keep in close contact with your insurance company through the whole process. If all goes well, you’ll get your home back in one piece, and you’ll get your lost possessions replaced.

When you have fire, water and mold restoration service needs, give the experienced professionals at SERVPRO a call.