Fire and Electronics: Why You Should Consider Cleaning Your Devices After a Fire

4/6/2023 (Permalink)

Cleaning fire damage electronics is important to prevent further damage.

Electronics are a major part of our lives, and they can be destroyed by fire. A fire can damage your electronics in many ways, but one of the most important things to consider is how it will affect the health of you and your family. If you have an electronic item that was damaged by a fire, it's important to get it cleaned as soon as possible so that no further damage is done.

In this article we'll discuss why it's necessary for electronics to be cleaned after a fire, what happens if they aren't cleaned and some tips about how best to clean them yourself at home or with professional help from an expert technician.

Types of Damages

The different types of damage that can be caused by fire include:

Smoke damage. This is the most obvious sign of a fire, as it leaves behind a black sooty residue on your electronics.

Soot damage. As well as smoke, there's also an oily film that covers everything in its path when there has been an electrical fire or other type of combustion involving heat (like cooking). This film can cause corrosion over time if not cleaned off regularly, which can lead to further damage down the line if left untreated.

Water damage from sprinklers or hoses used by firefighters during extinguishment efforts may also cause problems with internal components like circuit boards and wiring harnesses if not dried out quickly enough after exposure--and even then some degree of corrosion may still occur due to residual moisture trapped inside certain areas within the device itself after being exposed directly outdoors for extended periods at high temperatures (i..e., 80 degrees Fahrenheit).

Reasons for Cleaning

Cleaning electronics can prevent further damage to the device. For example, if your laptop has been exposed to smoke or soot from the fire, it may be damaged beyond repair if left uncleaned for too long. This can happen even if the laptop looks fine when you first pick it up after putting out the flames in your house or office building.

Having your electronics cleaned by a professional is important because they may not work properly without being cleaned first, especially if they were exposed directly to heat or smoke during a fire!

It’s Important to have a certified Water Damage Expert

3/29/2023 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers from a water loss, give SERVPRO a call today.

Water damage is one of the most common disasters that can happen to your home or business. Water damage restoration is an important step in making sure that you can get your property back to preloss condition as soon as possible. The certified water damage experts at SERVPRO are here for all of your water damage and flood restoration needs, whether it's a residential or commercial property. We offer 24/7 emergency services to ensure that our customers have the best service available when they need it most.

Water Damage and Water Restoration Experts

Water damage can be a big problem. It's important to find an expert who has the training and experience to properly handle your water loss. A certified water damage expert has access to the equipment required for drying out your property, as well as knowledge about how to prevent mold growth and other structural problems that may occur during the drying process.

Water Damage & Mold Remediation

Mold is a natural part of the environment, but it can cause secondary damages to property if not treated properly. Mold remediation requires special training and equipment to avoid damaging your home or office in the cleanup process.

Water damage restoration companies are certified by organizations like IICRC to perform water extraction, drying, sanitizing and other services that ensure proper safety while they dry out your home or business so you can return as soon as possible with minimal loss of property value.

Upholstery Cleaning And Restoration

When it comes to water damage, there are many things that must be done in order for your upholstery to be restored. The first step is removing all of the excess water from your furniture. Then, we will use our specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to remove mold and mildew from any fabrics that have been affected by the moisture. Once this has been completed, we can begin restoring your fabric back to its original state by cleaning it thoroughly with odorless disinfectants or antimicrobial rinses. We also offer deodorizing treatments for those who want their furniture smelling fresh again!

We understand how important it is for you not only get rid of odors but also stains on upholstery as well--and we're happy to help with both! Our technicians at SERVPRO are trained professionals who know exactly how best go about removing stains from different types of materials like leathers and rayons without causing further damage (like fading). They'll even teach you some tips along the way so next time something happens where there's an accident involving water damage , whether at home or work, you'll know exactly what steps need taken right away.

Carpet Cleaning Services

Carpet cleaning is an art form, and there are a variety of methods that can be used. The most common types include dry cleaning, steam cleaning, shampooing and vacuuming. The type of carpet you have will determine which method is best for you. In some cases odor removal may be necessary as well.

24-Hour Emergency Service

A certified water damage expert can help you with 24-hour emergency service, which means that you will get fast response time for any type of water damage situation, including basement floods and burst pipes. With this level of expertise, you can be confident that your home or business will be restored quickly and efficiently.

A certified water damage restoration company has the equipment and personnel necessary to extract standing water from your property quickly so it doesn't have time to cause further damage. They'll also ensure that all salvageable items are dried out before they are disposed of in order to prevent mold growth and structural rotting later on down the road

When it comes to your home or business, it's important to have the right people working on the job. The professionals at SERVPRO are certified by IICRC and have years of experience working with water damage and mold remediation services. We're here 24/7 in case of emergencies so you can trust that we'll always be there when you need us most.

What to do when your toilet overflows

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

When you see water from the toilet, give SERVPRO a call at the first sign of water damage.

A toilet overflow is a serious problem that needs immediate attention. If not addressed immediately, it can cause extensive damage to your home. There are many reasons a toilet can malfunction in your home leaving water damage in your home or business.

Common Cause

A clogged toilet or pipe is one of the most common causes of an overflowing toilet. If you've recently flushed something that shouldn't have been flushed, such as greenery or paper towels, your toilet may be clogged. If you don't know how to unclog it yourself, call a plumber right away!

If your septic tank is dirty or full, this can cause sewage backups into homes and basements through drains and pipes that run under buildings as well. The best way to prevent this issue is by having regular septic system maintenance checks performed on your home and hopefully preventing any issues before they start!

Black water

In addition to the mess and damage, black water from a toilet overflow contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can lead to other issues throughout your home. It's best not to touch or inhale black water from an overflowing toilet because it may contain bacteria. The first thing to do in case of an overflowing toilet is to switch off the valve next to its base. If you are not sure where it is, look for a lever or knob on one side of the toilet that can be pushed down and pulled up again. This will turn off water flow into your home's supply system until further notice.

Shut off Main Valve

Next, if you haven't already done so, shut off the water supply at the main valve. This may be inside or outside of your home depending on how old it is and whether or not it has been renovated. If there's no shutoff valve next to your toilet (or if you can't find one), call a plumber immediately.

You'll want to turn off both hot and cold valves on either side of each faucet before shutting off those main ones since they're connected by pipes under pressure and could spring leaks otherwise.

Clean up

If any surrounding areas are soaked in water, soak up as much excess water as possible using towels. If you have a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment, it may be helpful to use it to remove excess standing water from the area around your toilet bowl. If there is any standing water left after this step, and especially if this is an ongoing issue, it's best to call a plumber instead of trying to fix it yourself with tools like mops and brooms that could cause further damage if used improperly

Call a professional Restoration Service

If you have a minor overflow, it may be tempting to try to clean up the mess yourself. However, even if you think that your bathroom is still usable after an overflow incident, it is important to call a professional restoration service like SERVPRO as soon as possible.

A professional restoration service can help you evaluate how much damage has been done and determine how best to restore your property back to its original state. They will also ensure that all of their work complies with local regulations so that future problems do not occur again.

Even if you don't think your overflow was major or urgent enough for SERVPRO services, we would still recommend calling them right away so they can begin working on getting things back into order before things get worse. 

Testing Your Smoke Detectors

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Regular testing of smoke detectors is essential for ensuring that they are in good working condition and will alert you to a fire.

Smoke detectors are an essential part of any home's fire safety system. These devices detect smoke and alert you to the presence of a fire, giving you valuable time to evacuate your home and call for help. However, like any other piece of equipment, smoke detectors need to be tested regularly to ensure that they are working properly. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of testing your smoke detectors and provide step-by-step instructions for how to do so.

Why Test Your Smoke Detectors?

Smoke detectors are designed to alert you to the presence of a fire, but if they are not working properly, they cannot do their job. Regular testing ensures that your smoke detectors are in good working condition, so you can be confident that they will alert you in case of a fire.

It is important to test your smoke detectors because it ensures that they are in good working condition and will alert you to a fire. Regular testing helps you identify and fix any problems with your smoke detectors, such as low batteries or faulty sensors before they become a bigger issue. Additionally, testing your smoke detectors regularly will give you peace of mind, knowing that in case of an emergency, your smoke detectors will work to protect you and your loved ones.

How to Test Your Smoke Detectors

Testing your smoke detectors is a relatively simple process that can be done in just a few minutes. Here are the steps you should follow:

1. Locate your smoke detectors. These devices should be located on every level of your home, including the basement and attic, as well as outside each sleeping area.

2. Press the test button. Most smoke detectors have a test button that you can press to simulate smoke and test the alarm. Press the button and wait for the alarm to sound.

3. Check for any issues. If the alarm does not sound, or if it sounds weak, it could indicate a problem with the device. Check the batteries, and if they are low, replace them. If the problem persists, the detector may need to be replaced.

4. Repeat the process for all smoke detectors in your home.

It's important to note that most smoke detectors will have a test button and you should follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific device.

In conclusion, regular testing of smoke detectors is essential for ensuring that they are in good working condition and will alert you to a fire. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can be confident that your smoke detectors are working properly and will keep you and your family safe. Don't forget to test your smoke detectors at least once a month and change the batteries twice a year.

If your Weymouth home experiences a fire, SERVPRO of Weymouth, Hingham, and Quincy is here to help you get back to normal. Give us a call when you need mitigation and restoration work!

Top Causes of Kitchen Fires

12/25/2022 (Permalink)

Keep flammable materials away from heat sources

Top Causes of Kitchen Fires

Cooking is an essential part of the daily routine in any home. Whether you're preparing a meal, baking a cake or brewing coffee, these activities take place in the kitchen. However, it's not just about making food — cooking can also be dangerous if left unattended. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are more than 50,000 residential fires each year caused by cooking equipment.

Cooking appliances

Electrical fires are a serious risk in the kitchen. Properly grounding your wires, using surge protectors, and unplugging appliances when they're not in use will help to reduce fire risks.

When you're cooking, be sure to keep an eye on your pans, ovens, and appliances. Some common cooking equipment that commonly starts fires include:

• Ovens

• Stoves

• Microwave ovens 

It's also important to avoid electrical shocks, especially with young children around who may be unable to recognize the danger of touching exposed wires or when an appliance suddenly gets hot. Always keep small appliances away from water, including during cleaning and draining; if cleaning is necessary, unplug them first before wiping down surfaces with a damp cloth.

Remember that most electrical fires start with frayed or damaged wiring—if you notice any signs of wear on your cords or plugs (such as cracking plastic), replace them immediately!

Unattended cooking

Unattended cooking is one of the most common causes of kitchen fires. Cooking oil, butter, and other fats can catch fire if you leave them sitting on a hot stove for too long. It's best to keep an eye on the food you're cooking and never leave it unattended. If you want to make sure that this doesn't happen to you, turn off the heat when something starts smoking or burning. Even if it looks like your pan is perfectly safe, turn off the stove just in case!

If you leave a pan unattended on a burner while it is still hot, it may ignite as well. It’s also important not to overfill your pans with food when cooking—this increases the likelihood that steam will rise off your pan before being released through its vents. This is an excellent way for grease fires to start!

Heating equipment

A kitchen fire can occur when you use anything that produces heat, such as a range, oven or microwave. To prevent a fire:

• Keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
• Check all appliances for damage before using them. Do not use damaged appliances until they have been repaired and restored to their original state.
• Never operate cooking devices while you are sleeping, absent or otherwise distracted by other tasks in the kitchen (this includes cell phones). Always pay attention to what is happening around you so that you notice if something starts to burn or smoke too much before it becomes dangerous

Kitchen fires are a year-round danger.

As soon as you step in the kitchen, you're at risk of having a fire. That's why it's important to be prepared and know what to do if your home catches on fire.

Kitchen fires are more common in the winter because people often use their ovens more during this season than any other time of year. Oven fires can start when something ignites inside a cooking appliance or while you're grilling outside on your patio grill.

Summer is also known for its high temperatures and hot days, which means that there's plenty of heat around your stovetop and oven —and plenty of potential sources for ignition too! If left unattended, these hot surfaces present risks for starting an oven fire or even grill flare-up when combined with grease or oil spilled onto them by careless preparation techniques. 

To prevent a fire:

• Keep flammable materials away from heat sources.
• Check all appliances for damage before using them. Do not use damaged appliances until they have been repaired and restored to their original state.
• Never operate cooking equipment while you are sleeping, absent, or otherwise distracted by other tasks in the kitchen. Always pay attention to what is happening around you so that you notice if something starts to burn or smoke too much before it becomes dangerous.

Kitchen fires can be risky, but they don’t have to be. With the right safety measures in place, you can enjoy your kitchen without worrying about it catching fire.

How to Stop your Kitchen Sink from Leaking

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

If you try fixing your sink and it still doesn't work call a professional.

How to Stop your Kitchen Sink from Leaking

If you've got a leaky kitchen sink, don't panic. This is one of the most common plumbing problems, and it's often easy to fix yourself. The first thing you need to know is where the leak is coming from, but this can be tricky because your drain may not have any water in it when there's no leak. That said, here are some common causes for leaks as well as ways to diagnose them:

Turn off the water supply to your sink.

The best way to do this is by turning off the faucet in the sink and then turning off the main water supply valve. This will stop all of your water from going anywhere, including into your kitchen cabinets or drain pipes.

Shut off the garbage disposal. If you have a garbage disposal and it's turned on, shut it down now so that it doesn't make any noise while you're working on fixing things below ground level. If it makes too much noise or feels like something else has stopped working altogether, see if there are any other things in your home that need attention; otherwise, just leave everything alone until later when we'll come back here with some tips on what needs repairing next!

Tighten the fittings

If you're experiencing a leak at the base of your kitchen sink, it could be because the fittings are loose. To stop this from happening, remove the faucet and tighten its nut by turning it clockwise with an adjustable wrench. Then replace the faucet.

If this doesn't fix your problem, there may be other issues at play—but don't worry! 

Tighten the faucet connection

If you've ruled out the above causes of dripping water, it's likely that your faucet is leaking. To fix this problem, use an adjustable wrench or pliers to remove the nut that holds the faucet to your sink, then adjust it so that it's tight enough but not too tight. Finally, put everything back together and try running some hot water through both taps: if they continue to drip after they're turned off again (or don't turn off at all), you'll need more TLC from a professional plumber.

If you have a leaky kitchen sink, try tightening the various parts of it yourself before calling in a plumber.

If you've got a leaky kitchen sink and want to try fixing it yourself before calling in a plumber, start by using the proper tools. This means using the correct wrench or spanner for each part of your sink. If you force something that's too large onto a part (like forcing an oversized pipe wrench onto an inch-long pipe), then you're more likely to strip the threads or break off pieces of plastic than if you'd used something smaller. Having said that, don't be afraid to use some elbow grease—you should not be able to move any piece without applying some pressure!

If after trying everything above repeatedly and being unable to stop your sink from leaking, call a plumber. 

Kitchen sinks can be difficult to fix, but the good news is that you don’t have to call in a plumber every time. You can try and do it yourself by tightening the fittings and faucet connection until there is no more leaking. If your sink still leaks after trying these methods, then it may be time to call a professional!

How do I Create an Office Fire Escape Plan?

10/24/2022 (Permalink)

Creating a fire escape plan is an essential part of any office building.

Creating a Fire Escape Plan

What is a fire escape plan? Is it necessary?

Creating a fire escape plan is an essential part of any office building and is incredibly important for the safety of you and others on your property. This can be more complicated than it sounds, but it's important to understand the dangers that employees face while working in your business. With proper planning and preparation, you can safely evacuate everyone from your building if there's ever a fire or other emergency.

Identify all possible exit routes.

Identify all possible exit routes. Include escape routes from each room, common areas, and conference rooms as part of your plan. Also, consider the following:

• Determine the best escape routes from all locations in the building, including each room, common area, and conference room.
• Identify the exits closest to where you work, eat or sleep.
• Keep your workplace fire escape plan with you at all times in case of an emergency.
• Review your personal evacuation plan with co-workers when new employees join your company or if there are changes to an existing plan (e.g., remodeling).

Designate a "safe area" to meet outside of the building.

Designate a "safe area" to meet outside of the building. A safe area is a meeting place outside of the building, where everyone can gather in case of emergency. It should be large enough to hold all employees and should be accessible from your fire escape route (if you have one). Identify one or more meeting locations in case you are separated from others during an emergency.

Walk through your fire escape plan with all employees.

Review and practice your fire escape plan with all employees. Walk through the plan with them, making sure everyone knows their role and where to meet if they need to evacuate the building.

Make sure you conduct regular fire drills as well as review your fire escape plan on a regular basis. By practicing these skills together, you can effectively reduce the risk of injury and death for both staff and visitors during an emergency.

Show staff evacuation routes

• Show staff evacuation routes.
• Walk staff through the plan.
• Practice the plan.
• Make sure everyone understands the plan.

Conclusion

Your company in Weymouth, MA, and surrounding areas should always have a fire escape plan in place before any emergency arises. This will help ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency and can quickly get out of harm's way. The fire department will also be able to access your building more easily because they'll know exactly where it's located.

Putting a Stop to a Toilet That Won’t Stop Flushing

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t ignore a toilet that continues to flush.

Stopping a Toilet That Won't Stop Flushing

A toilet that won’t stop flushing may not seem like a big deal, but toilet overflow can pose serious problems not just for the bathroom but for other parts of your commercial property as well. As a toilet flushes, more water enters the toilet and can possibly spill over, seeping into the floor or the wall.

This can lead to water damage and mold growth in your building in Weymouth, MA. Water on the floor is not only a potential slipping hazard, but it may also contain odors that impact the usability of your bathroom. It’s important to stop a toilet from continuous flushing that can lead to flooding.

Fixing the Flushometer

The flushometer Is a component that controls the flushing on a commercial toilet. Here’s how you can prevent a toilet flood by fixing the flushometer:

• Use a flathead screwdriver to turn off the flushometer on a manual system. This is usually to the left or the right of the toilet’s pipe connection to the wall.
• Remove flange cover.
• Remove the gasket and clean thoroughly, including the weep hole. You may need to use a small, thin object to really clean the weep hole.
• Replace gasket and flange cover and turn on flushometer.
• An automatic flushometer may require servicing.

Consult a professional water damage restoration specialist to make repairs and remediation for items impacted by toilet overflow. These pros are fully equipped and experienced in making any repairs necessary to bring your space back to pre-damage conditions. If any specialized techniques or approaches are needed such as odor control and disinfection, they will know best how to apply them.

Trusting the Professionals

While addressing a flushing toilet is something you may be able to do yourself, you should leave the cleanup to a professional remediation service. Your custodial staff cannot fully repair and remediate any spaces or objects impacted by the water damage of toilet overflow. If your business or that of your tenants’ is interrupted by the damage, the professionals can minimize the repair period.
Don’t ignore a toilet that continues to flush. It can lead to serious damage, requiring commercial building restoration.

3 Ways To Mitigate Storm Damage at Your Business

8/22/2022 (Permalink)

If damage, such as missing shingles, does occur it’s best to contact a local storm damage restoration service

Three Tips To Protect Your Building From Storm Damage

If you're worried about a storm causing a roof leak at your Weymouth Landing, MA, place of business, then you may like to know that there are a number of ways to mitigate storm damage. Here are three things you can do to help protect your company.

1. Know the Weather

It’s a good idea to keep an eye on the weather reports for your area. This way you will know ahead of time if a storm is approaching and what its projected severity is. This will allow you to prepare if the storm has high winds or heavy rain that could cause a damaged roof or freezing temperatures that might lead to a pipe break.

2. Prepare Ahead of Time

When you know a storm is coming you can take steps to prevent a roof leak or other possible damages. If you are worried about a particular part of the property you can board or tarp over the space for additional protections. Trim back dead trees or overhanging branches to prevent wind from tearing them loose and throwing them into the building. Additionally, you may want to clean up loose landscaping or move any lawn decorations or loose signage inside until the storm has passed.

3. Act Quickly

If damage, such as missing shingles, does occur it’s best to contact a local storm damage restoration service as quickly as possible in order to help make repairs. Acting quickly can allow these repairs to be made before additional damage has a chance to happen. It’s also helpful to board or tarp over the damaged area to protect it until repairs can be completed.

Mitigating the possibility of roof leaks at your place of business is possible. Remember to keep an eye on the projected weather, prepare the property ahead of time, and act quickly to make repairs if damage does occur. Remember, if you have any questions a professional can help.

The Basics of Insurance Deductibles

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Flooded building in Weymouth, MA.

Here's How Storm Deductibles Typically Work

Your commercial insurance coverage depends on the specific needs of your business in Weymouth, MA, and several factors can play a role. If, for example, you live in a Special Hazard Flood Area, storm insurance may be mandated by law. Some type of flood coverage is probably a good idea if your area experiences frequent precipitation or rainy seasons.

The amount of money you end up paying with a storm policy is a delicate balance of your premium and your deductible. Essentially, the deductible is the money you must pay out of pocket before the coverage kicks in. 

Typical vs. Trigger

Usually, an insurance policy will have a standard deductible. That is, there is a set amount that you will be expected to pay for restoration services or repairs before the insurance company will contribute. Some storm insurance, however, has a trigger clause that activates a different set of rules for the deductible if a storm is nigh. Required conditions for a storm deductible to be triggered often include:

• Official storm watch or warning issued by the National Weather Service
• The intensity of the storm defined
• The specific time frame during the storm when the damage occurred
  
  

Standard vs. Percentage

A standard deductible is a fixed amount that the policyholder must pay before insurance pays for any of the damage. In areas that are particularly susceptible to storm damage, however, a percentage deductible may be applied to minimize the risk for the insurance company. Percentage deductibles take the total value of the property and base the deductible on that amount. These deductibles can be as low as 1% of the total value of the property or as much as 5%, depending on the level of risk the location of the property poses.

No matter what kind of deductible your insurance company offers for your storm insurance, it is still a good policy to have. Your insurance agent can detail the benefits of purchasing a storm policy for your business.