An Ounce of Prevention

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Wayne nd South Lackawanna Counties specializes in the clean up and restoration of smoke,fire and water disasters. And while unfortunately the need is great, we would like nothing better than for our local residents to avoid these problems.

One way to increase your odds of a disaster free winter is to have your heating unit serviced on at least a yearly basis by a certified HVAC technician. They can check and change the filters, do an over haul to check for worn and defected parts. This simple and relatively inexpensive step can save any homeowner thousands of dollars in restoration work.

However should your home experience a furnace malfunction be sure to contact a professional clean up and restoration company like SERVPRO of Wayne and South Lackawanna Counties. We help make it "Like it never even happened".

Methods of Fire Damaged Clean Up

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

This is a picture of one of our certified technicians media blasting a fire damaged building.

Fires can be devastating. Recovering from them can be time consuming. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old specializes in the clean up and restoration of fire damaged properties.

Cleaning of soot, the product of smoke is tedious. Every surface must be "touched" using specialized cleaning and odor reducing tools. Chemical sponges are used on most surfaces because they remove the soot without smearing and embedding it into the surface. If not properly cleaned; odor will persist. With that being said, this is one of the main reasons to call a certified restoration company. A fire clean up is not a DIY project.

Media blasting is another tool used by clean up professionals to ensure proper cleaning and odor removal. Either sand based material or dry ice is used to literally blast away the soot. Media blasting is used primarily on hard surfaces like concrete or wood. The amazing thing about media blasting is there is no mess.

So in the event of fire damage always call the professionals to ensure proper restoration. 

What to do After a Fire

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Here is a picture of a partially cleaned ceiling rafters. You can see what has been cleaned and what still needs to be hit with the media blasting.

Fires are devastating. Even a small fire can cause major damage. Knowing what to do after a fire is one key component of both safety and mitigating damages. 

Here are a few tips of what a fire victim could do:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

By following these guidelines you increase the odds of "saving" your belonging and mitigating any further damage.

Fire and Odor

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

One of our IICRC certified restoration technicians cleaning the wood beams of this house fire.

Fire results in smoke and soot. Smoke and soot result in odor. The primary reason you hire (and/or insurance companies recommend)a professional restoration company like  SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, is the knowledge and specialized equipment used in cleaning fire damaged homes and businesses. Without these tools the soot which permeates the surfaces will continue to cause odors long after the fire is extinguished.

The heat from fire causes the wood to expand which allows the soot to seep in so a simple wiping will not alleviate the cause of the lingering smell. All surfaces must be cleaned with a specialized cleaning product and after a though cleaning, the wood must be sealed with a sealant to ensure the odor does not escape. Only then can you safely paint.

To ensure your property is restored to pre-fire condition, call an IICRC certified restoration company.

Winter is Fire Hazard Season

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

This house fire was caused by a boiler malfunction. We were called to clean and restore the property.

As northeastern Pennsylvania enters the winter season the propensities of fires increase. The two (2) main reasons for this phenomime are an increase use of heating equipment and holiday time cooking accidents.

The leading cause of kitchen fires are unattended cooking. While during holidays times with family and friends gathered around, it is commonplace and understandable to become distracted while trying to do several things at once. However, the stove and your attention to it must remain paramount to avoid a disaster.

It is highly recommended having your heating equipment service prior to the heating season. Having the unit serviced by a professional HVAC technician greatly reduces the risk of malfunction and disaster. Changing filters and ensuring the chimney is clean will also increase efficiency thus saving energy costs.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge ask that you remain diligent and pro-active this winter season. Stay warm and safe.

Board up Services

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

A roof that required tarping following a fire.

Following a fire, your home may need to be secured. The firefighters in the course of extinguishing the fire may have broken some windows for ventilation purposes or needed to bust the door down to do their job. It's possible the fire ripped through the roof leaving avoid.

As the homeowner, you are responsible to have the home secured. Theft is unfortunately not uncommon following a fire and should someone break in and hurt themselves, it falls back to you.

For all these reason, SERVPRO offers board up and tarping services to fire victims on an emergency services basis. We can secure the property and prevent any possible secondary damage immediately following the fire.

Pictured below was a large scale tarping we completed for a homeowner following a chimney fire. By securing the windows, doors and roof the homeowner was able to safely leave the property and work on securing a temporary residence while the home was being reconstructed.

Fire Damage

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

If your home or business is damaged from some unforeseen disaster call us at (570) 235-1646.

When your home or business suffers fire damage, it can be especially devastating. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, your property may have substantial water damage from firefighting efforts. You may feel stressed and confused after such a disaster, and you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has the specialized fire and water damage equipment and expertise to help you through this tough time.

We’ll treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton area's leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration. We serve Lackawanna, Wayne and Luzerne counties and are available 24/7 to meet your homes or business's emergency services needs. If your home or business is damaged from some unforeseen disaster call us at (570) 235-1646.

The Devastation of a Fire

12/18/2020 (Permalink)

Damage from an electrical fire.

Fires are tragic. However when they occur around the holidays they become even more so. They disrupt the lives of homeowners, tenants and businesses and can causes thousands of dollars in damage.
One reason, that mitigating fire damage is so timely and costly is that usually there is smoke, soot and water damage resulting from the fire. 
Smoke and soot will permeate every nook and cranny of the affected area and without professional mitigation, completely removing the odor might be difficult. Restoration companies like SERVPRO have certified fire technicians who understand the properties of smoke, soot and odor and are able to come up with the proper remedy. We have the specialized equipment to manpower to handle a fire disaster that affects a large area. the cleanup process is extensive because every floor, wall, ceiling and items within the affected area need to be "touched".
Having the specialized equipment and trained personnel is just one reason SERVPRO is the leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration.

Effects of a Fire

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Soot webs formed in this home.

Many things can result from a fire. One of them being soot webs. SERVPRO was called by the insurance company to this kitchen fire where food was left on the stove which cause a grease fire sending smoke and soot throughout the home.
The soot webs are a sure sign that the smoke traveled into that room. They are caused by the sticky soot rising and clinging to a corner surface. These soot webs were discovered in an upstairs bedroom meaning that room was affected as well.
SERVPRO will use soot sponges to clean the affected areas to ensure that the homeowner will return to a safe and clean environment.
Fire damage can be devastating for you and your family. Feelings of confusion and stress are common, and you need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We always treat your family with the greatest empathy and respect, and we’ll treat your property with great care.
If your home or business has experienced a fire call the leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration at (570)235-1646. 

Holiday Fire Risks

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Happy Holidays from SERVPRO

The holidays present an increased chance for fires. From candles to cooking to tree fires. A Christmas tree fire can turn devastating and deadly within seconds.

SERVPRO believes being prepared is the key in avoiding disasters and we are pleased to share this information. We want everyone to have a joyous holiday season and avoid unnecessary disasters, so ensure your Christmas tree is properly hydrated. Avoid stringing together extension cords, and do not leave candles burning or food cooking unattended.

However, if your home or business does experience a smoke, fire or water emergency, know we are available 24/7, even on the holidays. SERVPRO is the area's premier emergency services company. 

Please be cautious this holiday season and water your tree. Have a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.

In The Event of a Fire

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

A soot sponge is used to remove soot from surfaces.

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency. Step 1: Emergency Contact. The restoration process begins when you call us. Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment. We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service. Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present). The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces. We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing. We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the re-storable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. Step 7: Restoration. Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Home Fires are Tragic!

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

This home fire was caused by a chimney malfunction.

House fires are tragic! They cause serious interruption to the life of the victims and many times relocation to a temporary residence is required while the home is being repaired.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/ Clarks Summit/ Old Forge understands the stress, worry and disruption that comes from being a victim of a house fire. We work alongside your insurance company to help facilitate the claims process through the mitigation, restoration and rebuilding process.

There is a science behind the mitigation and restoration process of cleaning a house fire. We are an IICRC certified company with trained fire restoration technicians. It takes specialized equipment and training to ensure that your home is restored back to preloss condition.

In choosing SERVPRO of Carbondale/ Clarks Summit/ Old Forge as your fire cleanup company you are getting a brand you know, a company you can trust and one with the knowledge and expertise to restore your home.

Removing Odors After a Fire

10/1/2020 (Permalink)

Pictured is a hydroxyl generator which literally zaps the odor molecules and is used as an aide in eliminating smoke odors following a fire.

Restoring fires takes specialized skill. It's not as easy as simply cleaning and repairing. Soot and smoke permeate every inch of the affected area including all soft goods and porous materials. Once the odor gets trapped it will remain and remnants of smoke will continue to be noticeable.

The goal of any restoration company is to restore the property back to preloss condition. That means eliminating all the effects of the fire damage including odors. Walls, ceiling, floors, all furniture, contents (including electronics) and clothing must be addressed or risk having a lingering odor.

Depending on the type of fire, cleaning it improperly will only embed the soot into porous areas causing further damage. All these are reasons to hire a professional restoration company like SERVPRO. We have certified fire restoration technicians and the specialized equipment to restore your property back to preloss condition.

Don't attempt to restore your property. Hire a professional to ensure the job gets done properly.

Board Up and Tarp Service

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

A large scale tarp up to secure this home following a fire.

Following a fire, your home may need to be secured. The firefighters in the course of extinguishing the fire may have broken some windows for ventilation purposes or needed to bust the door down to do their job. It's possible the fire ripped through the roof leaving avoid.

As the homeowner, you are responsible to have the home secured. Theft is unfortunately not uncommon following a fire and should someone break in and hurt themselves, it falls back to you.

For all these reason, SERVPRO offers board up and tarping services to fire victims on an emergency services basis. We can secure the property and prevent any possible secondary damage immediately following the fire.

Pictured below was a large scale tarping we completed for a homeowner following a chimney fire. By securing the windows, doors and roof the homeowner was able to safely leave the property and work on securing a temporary residence while the home was being reconstructed.

Unrestorable

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Several of these ornate features of this home cannot be restored.

Fire damage is a traumatic event. The loss of personal belongings, mementos and an overall sense of well-being that the damage brings is a very difficult situation to go through. As a professional restoration company our job is to help restore some of these losses.
Sometimes based on the amount of damage it is impossible to restore certain items. Older homes with ornate fixtures and specialized construction are at times the most difficult to restore. This home is a perfect example. It suffered smoke, fire and water damage and its restoration will be very unlikely. Its a unfortunate situation to lose the architectural and construction work throughout this home.
SERVPRO works off the restore instead of re-place principle but if replacement is required our construction crew can still help make it "Like it never even happened." Call the areas leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration at (570) 235-1646.

How To Put Out a Grease Fire

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

A grease fire which was extinguished by a chemical fire extinguisher. We did the cleanup and restoration.

The best way to avoid a grease fire is to not have one. While you are cooking, keep an eye on the oil as it’s heating. The oil won’t immediately catch fire once it starts smoking, but smoke is a danger sign that it’s well on its way to getting there.

If the worst happens and your oil does catch on fire, use the following tips:

1. If the fire is still small enough and contained in one pot, it is safe to put it out yourself. If it is already spreading to other parts of the kitchen, evacuate.

2. Turn off the source of the heat on the stove. Do not try to move the pot because you don’t want to accidentally spill or splash the burning oil.

3. Do NOT pour water on the fire! Since oil and water do not mix, pouring water can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire even worse. In fact, the vaporizing water can also carry grease particles in it, which can also spread the fire.

4. Remove all oxygen from the flame. You can cover with another pot or pan. Do not cover it with a glass lid because the glass lid may shatter.

5. If you can’t cover it, dump lots of baking soda on it.

6. Use a chemical fire extinguisher on the grease fire. There are different kinds of extinguishers. Not all can be used on a grease fire, but the ABC dry chemical extinguisher is best.

Hopefully you’ll never be in a situation where you have to actually use this advice, but if you are remember to smother the fire with a pot or baking soda and never use water!

http://safety.smart911.com/what's-best-way-safely-put-grease-fire/

Home Heating Fires

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Fireplaces are a common heating source and should be serviced prior to seasonal use.

HOME FIRES CAN BE DEADLY. Seven times a day someone in this country dies in a home fire. Heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. (Kitchen fires are the leading cause of all home fires).With frigid temperatures and snow moving into parts of the country, home heating systems will be running hard. If your system was not yet serviced by a professional HVAC company, do so. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/ Clarks Summit/ Old Forge urges people to use caution when heating their homes in cold conditions. SERVPRO of Carbondale/ Clarks Summit/ Old Forge is the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area's premier specialty cleaning company and we urge homeowners to be SERVPRO Safe.

Types of Soot

2/20/2020 (Permalink)

Soot webs are a sign of wet smoke residue resulting in the soot cooling and sticking together to form the web in high corners of the home.

Being a "professional" fire restoration company means having certified fire restoration technicians at your home following a fire or smoke disaster. Here at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, we have the knowledge and expertise to restore your property to preloss condition. Our technicians know that each fire is unique and in order to properly clean it, they need to know the different types of smoke and fire emits.

Once at a fire scene, a SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge's certified fire restoration professional will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Cleaning procedures will be based on the information identified during fire damage pretesting.

Types of soot include:

• Wet Smoke Residues- Result from smoldering fires with low heat. Residues are sticky, smeary and with pungent odors.  Smoke webs can be difficult to clean.
• Dry Smoke Residues- Result from fast burning fires at high temperatures. Residues are often dry, powdery, small, non-smeary smoke particles.
• Protein Residues- Virtually invisible residues that discolor paint and varnishes.  Extreme pungent odor.
• Fuel Oil Soot- Furnace puff backs distribute fuel oil soot.
• Other Types of Residues- Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residues also need cleanup.

Knowing these things is just another reason to have SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge restore your home following any fire emergency. From Scranton to Forest City we respond 24/7/365 to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Puff Backs

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fireplace following a puff back

A puff back is the term used to describe when your furnace malfunctions and spews soot throughout your home or business. The furnace does not ignite properly and causes a mini explosion within the heating system. Instead of heating the water into steam, it takes the byproduct (oil, gas or coal) and forces it outwards. The soot spews through the heating sources (i.e. baseboards or radiators). Needless to say, puff backs can cause thousands of dollars in damage because the entire structure as well as its contents, get affected. Soot particles are literally on everything. These are messy jobs. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has the specialized training and equipment to professional clean and deodorize your home or business. We have the resources to address both the structure and contents including fibers like furniture and clothing. Each puff back is unique and requires a unique solution. A oil based puff back does not get cleaned the same way as a gas based. And unless you understand the difference and have the tools and products to clean them, the possibility of secondary damage is great. For this reason always call a professional mitigation company to address your puff back situation. SERVPRO of Carbondale / Clarks Summit / Old Forge is strategically located to respond quickly to your puff back disaster. We proudly serve the Lackawanna County area on a 24/7/365 basis. Call us at (570) 235-1646.

Dryer Fires: Safety and Prevention

2/19/2020 (Permalink)

Damage following a dryer fire.

A recent report from the U.S. Fire Administration estimates there are 2,900 clothes dryer fires every year, causing 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property damage.

Heavy clothes, sweaters and blankets used during winter months shed much more lint and create a fire hazards during winter months. But cleaning the "lint trap" alone is not enough to prevent fires.

Fire investigators say cleaning the lint trap is just a first step. The real buildup of lint happens out of sight and is overlooked by most consumers. After removing the back of the dryer it is often times discovered that the electrical wiring is all coated with lint and dust. It also builds up inside the vent tubing leading to the outside.

Fire investigators found that as lint builds up and is exposed to heat, fires can easily erupt.

Experts advise that there are two major warning signs you may have severe lint buildup:

• Clothes taking too long to dry, requiring another cycle of drying.
• Laundry room being warmer than usual.

Both are signs the vent is clogged with lint. 
There are specifics steps you can take to prevent lint fires:

1. Clean the lint screen after each load.
2. Clean behind the dryer.
3. Check and clean exhaust vents at least one a year.
4. Remove the dryer back and vacuum the inside of the dryer ever two years.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has been called by insurance companies to two recent dryer fires. We are the Scranton areas leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration, helping families return to a safe and healthy living environment following any fire disaster.

Smoke Damage

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

A soot sponge is used to clean specific types of fires. It wipes and does not smear the soot ensuring a more proper cleaning.

Not every fire is devastating. Sometimes it's more smoke damage than actual fire (i.e. burn). That being said, smoke and soot are problematic nonetheless. Soot can and will permeate every nook and cranny of the affected area and if not properly cleaned and seal will continually emanate an odor.

Many times we have received calls from customers who attempted to clean the smoke and soot damage themselves only to find the odor persists. This is one reason that restoration companies like SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge exists; to help restore any fire, smoke or soot damage property back to pre-damage condition.

Interesting enough, not all smoke and soot are the same. Food fires (protein based) burn differently than say wood fires. Grease fires are different than a puff back from a oil based furnace. Therefore, cleaning them require different methods and it's our job to know what type of fire and the correct method to clean it.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge employs certified fire restoration technicians to ensure that your home or property becomes odor free.

Insurance Company Approved 1/4/8

10/5/2019 (Permalink)

Home fires are traumatic as evident by this one on Scranton, Pa. SERVPRO was on-site within 2-hrs to do this board up to secure the structure.

A home fire can be a traumatic experience for the people affected. Many times the occupants are dis-placed and their entire lives disrupted. The first thought is always, how can we recover?

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge understands the stress involved and we treat each job with the care and concern that our customers deserve. Working on the 1/4/8 standard that most insurance companies require (contact customers within 1-hr of receiving the assignment from the insurance company, on-site within 4-hrs and an initial conversation with the insurance company within an 8-hr time frame), we are able assure our customers that help is on the way.

Knowing that your insurance company contacted SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge provides that extra added level of comfort knowing that we will help make your fire damaged home "Like it never even happened". Call us 24/7 for piece of mind knowing that the job will get done timely and correctly.

Chimney and Wood Burner Fire Safety

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Chimney And Wood burning Fireplace Safety:

A night by the fireplace will keep your heating bill lower and keep you nice and toasty. But wood burning appliances have become the largest source of heating-related fires in U.S. homes, so it’s important to understand how to safely maintain your chimney and fireplace.

Know Your Hearth
Take the time to learn just what kind of chimney and fireplace you have. If you have a freestanding wood burner with a factory-built metal chimney, make sure to have a professional install it or follow the manufacturer’s specific guidelines, as those have been created using the appropriate national standards. Also, be aware of the proper placement of a fireplace in a room. Always have a floor protector below it, and have it extend at least 18 inches on all sides. You don’t want a loose piece of wood to pop out of the fire and end up on the nearby carpet or wall.

With a masonry chimney, always close the screen once the fire is lit. Be especially cautious with your young children, and don’t let them within three feet of any kind of fireplace. Stoke your fire with the poker and andirons, not other pieces of wood. And keep the chimney flue open to ensure that the fire is properly ventilation.

Know Your Creosote:

The most significant thing to consider in regards to chimney safety is creosote. This is a black tar-like residue that collects in the chimney flue from past fires. Creosote is highly combustible, and over time can accumulate thickly enough to start a chimney fire. For this reason, you’ll want to call a chimney sweep at least once a year before the heating season for a professional cleaning.
The sweep should fix any cracks, blockages, or leaks in the masonry or lining of your chimney that could present a future hazard. Inspect your chimney often; a good rule of thumb is to have the chimney cleaned if there is 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch of creosote on the walls or lining. In the meantime you can take precautions to avoid further creosote buildup. Only burn seasoned wood. Not all firewood is created equal. You’ll want wood that was cut the previous year and has been stored away since that time. This wood is dark or gray compared to freshly cut, unseasoned “green wood.” It is brittle, has cracks running through each piece, and is quite dry. It will produce the most heat and least amount of creosote.
Avoid slow, smoldering fires. Having more smoke than flame in your fireplace is never good. Reduce the smokiness by not burning newspapers or cardboard for kindling. Cut wood into thin sticks to get the fire going. Also, don’t use lighter fluid because it burns up quickly, leading to more smoke.
Burn everything up. Use a highly efficient fireplace that fully burns all the combustibles and turns everything to dust.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, Northeastern Pennsylvania premier specialty cleaning company is proud of our relationship with State Farm insurance and is pleased to provide these safety tips. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge proudly serves all of Scranton and Lackawanna County communities.

Tips for Preventing Home Fires

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires remain the leading cause of all home fires. Watch that cook-top to prevent this from happening to you.

n 2012, burn injuries accounted for more than 450,000 trips to the doctor’s office. 40,000 required hospitalization, resulting in 3,400 deaths. Of those deaths, 2,550 were attributed to residential fires. 

As the temperatures drop, you’re bound to be spending more time inside. Maybe you’ll be cuddling up by the fireplace with a loved one, or maybe you’ll be posted up next to the closest heater. 

No matter how you plan to spend the winter months, we here at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Fore and Joyce Jackman and Bell Insurors, want to help you stay safe and avoid fires this holiday season.

Tips for Preventing Home Fires

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department recently released the following simple tips to keep your home fire-free.

Keep an eye on the Cook-top

Stop! Don’t walk away from that pan. Did you know that cooking is the leading cause of home fires? If you put something on the stove, be sure to turn off the burner before leaving the kitchen.

“Smoking hot” shouldn’t apply to your bed

If you smoke cigarettes, you shouldn’t smoke in bed. Losing track of one smoldering butt can lead to some pretty serious consequences. There is a reason every mattress has that flammability warning tag.

Back it up

We know it’s cold. And you need that extra space heater running. Just be sure to keep all draperies, furniture, pets, and people at least three feet away from the heater in all directions.

Power up your smoke alarm

A smoke alarm should be replaced every ten years, and the battery yearly. Each alarm has a test button you can press to ensure that it is working properly, which should also be performed annually.

Check your cords

Thousands of fires each year can be attributed to faulty electrical cords. Check your cords for frays and cracks, replacing any that aren’t fit for use. 

When plugging cords into wall outlets, be sure not to overload the circuit. As a general rule of thumb, stick with one plug per outlet.

Christmas Tree Fires

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

A fire is always tragic yet when it occurs around the holidays it's even more sad.

This video from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shows just how quickly this holiday season can turn from festive to tragic. A Christmas tree fire can turn devastating and deadly within seconds.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge believes being prepared is the key in avoiding disasters and we are pleased to share this information. We want everyone to have a joyous holiday season and avoid unnecessary disasters, so ensure your Christmas tree is properly hydrated.

However, if your home or business does experience a smoke, fire or water emergency know we are available 24/7, even on the holidays. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton area's premier emergency services company proudly serving all of Lackawanna County.

Please be cautious this holiday season and water your tree.

https://lnkd.in/ddEPgVf

Tips for Preventing Electrical Fires

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

1. Never overload an electrical receptacle with extension cords or three-way adapters. If you need to plug a lot of things into a single receptacle, use a power strip.  2. Never run electrical cords under carpets or rugs, over nails, in traffic areas, or where there is chance of wear.  3. Don't misuse extension cords. Never use a standard household extension cord for a major appliance or a heat-producing appliance; instead use a heavy-duty appliance cord that can carry the load. 
4. When purchasing any electrical device, choose only one that carries the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) rating.  5. Don't pull on an electrical cord to unplug it. Grasp the plug firmly and pull out straight so you don't bend the prongs.  6. Replace any cord or plug that is cracked or discolored or feels hot to the touch when in use. If the original wire or plug is polarized (one prong is wider than the other), or if it has a third grounding prong, replace it with similar equipment.  7. Call an electrician if your lights flicker and your appliances run sluggishly, or if you have a fuse that repeatedly blows or a circuit breaker that trips often. These are signs that the system is overloaded.  8. Don't use a bulb with more wattage than a lamp or fixture is rated to accommodate, or the unit will overheat.(Reprinted from Reader's Digest)

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is NEPA's leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration, proudly serving of Lackawanna county. 

Home Heating Fires

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

Fireplaces are a common heating source and should be serviced prior to seasonal use.

HOME FIRES CAN BE DEADLY. Seven times a day someone in this country dies in a home fire. Heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. (Kitchen fires are the leading cause of all home fires).With frigid temperatures and snow moving into parts of the country, home heating systems will be running hard. If your system was not yet serviced by a professional HVAC company, do so. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge and The American Red Cross are urging people to use caution when heating their homes in cold conditions. The link below provides great tips for reducing this hazard. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, The Scranton/Wilkes-Barres premier specialty cleaning company urges homeowners to be SERVPRO Safe.

http://rdcrss.org/1EFE28R

Puff back Season is Approaching

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

A picture frame hung on this wall in this Scranton home which shows how much soot can be expelled from a malfunctioning furnace.

As the nights get cooler, we will be turning on our heaters for the first time this season. If it hasn't been properly serviced, it could possibly misfire and create a puff back sending oily, sooty dirt throughout your home. These fine particles land on everything - furniture, drapes, carpets, and contents - and must be properly cleaned to avoid additional/permanent damage.

The soot from the puff backs needs to be professionally cleaned with dry sponges. Using anything else will only smear the soot and make the problem worse. Should your home experience a furnace malfunction do not attempt to clean it yourself, call the smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge. 

As a Lackawanna County's leading cleanup company, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is an emergency services company available to respond to your home disaster on a 24/7/365 basis.

Are You Prepared for Heating Season?

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

Pictured was an attempt to clean a soot damaged ceiling which only made the situation worse by permanently embedding the soot into the sheetrock.

Living in Northeastern Pennsylvania, when most of think of winter we think snow, ice and cold and all three of these weather phenomenons translate to heating bills. ChaChing!

Nonetheless a well functioning furnace will not only be more effective and save us money, it will also reduce the chance that it malfunctions and causes a puffback. I got my furnace services yesterday and would recommend that everyone do the same. It's the old adage that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure".

A puff back occurs when a furnace misfires causing soot to expel from the floorboards (baseboard heat) or radiators (steam heat) covering everything in its path. Whether your furnace be powered by oil or gas it causes a mess. Oily clothes, furniture, childrens toys and kitchen utensils. 

A puffback is normally a covered loss and should be cleaned by a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge because it requires specialized training and equipment. I can't tell you the amount of times a homeowner in good faith has attempted to clean his or her home with over the counter cleaning products only to make it worse. Don't make it worse and possible cause damage which is irreversible, call the professionals.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has the specialized training and resources to safely clean your soot damaged home following a puffback. We are Lackawanna Counties leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup. 

Soot Cleanup-Carbondale, Pa

4/12/2018 (Permalink)

A basket of muffins was left on a stove top and caught fire in the home in Carbondale.

Accidents happen! That why we all purchase insurance. When a basket of home made muffins was left on a stove top oven, the result was this kitchen fire in Carbondale. The homeowners were working and luckily, the neighbors heard the smoke detectors and were able to extinguish the fire before it spread and caused further damage. 

The homeowners insurance company called SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge to help return the property back to pre-fire condition. In this instance, the fire was relatively small but because it was not caught immediately the entire home suffered smoke damage. Restoration companies are called due to their skill in removing soot and odor from every nook and cranny of the home.

Cleaning a smoke damaged home requires specialized training, materials and equipment to properly restore the home and therefore insurance companies entrust restoration companies like SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge. If your home experiences a smoky kitchen fire like this one, call a professional restoration like SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge and let us help you make it "Like it never even happened".

Safety Features

12/18/2017 (Permalink)

Safety features in properties save lives and reduce damage.

We have all seen these doors at the end of hallways and probably very few thought about the why and how of them. That is until there is a situation like a fire that causes us too. A recent fire at a Scranton high rise made me think about it and how safety is thought about and implemented into the designs of buildings. As a restoration company, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge deals with disaster recovery and we see lots of bad stuff. Fires are tragic and the damage they cause can be immense. Yet without these safety mechanism in place situations like this would be much worse. In this incident, these fire safety doors kept the smoke from engulfing other areas of the building and reducing the risk to other occupants. As you can see the soot stains on the inside of this door are evidence of the smoke damage to that floor. So the next time you complain about how heavy the push bar is to a door or how quickly or loudly it closes, just remember that all these features are for a reason. They save lives and reduce the potential of damage when a fire occurs. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Lackawanna County's leader in smoke, fire and water disaster cleanup and recovery

Fire Restoration is an Extensive Process

12/14/2017 (Permalink)

Fire damage leads to water, soot and smoke damage to a wide area. Here is the lobby area of a highrise which experienced a fire in a single unit!

Fires are tragic. However when they occur around the holidays they become even more so. They disrupt the lives of homeowners, tenants and businesses and can causes thousands of dollars in damage.
One reason, that mitigating fire damage is so timely and costly is that usually there is smoke, soot and water damage resulting from the fire. Here you can see the amount of soot which gathered in the lobby of this apartment highrise after it suffered an apartment fire. Ironically, the actual fire was contained to a single unit but secondary damage to the building was extensive. If this is the damage in the lobby you can image what the adjacent hallways looked like.
Smoke and soot will permeate every nook and cranny of the affected area and without professional mitigation, completely removing the odor might be difficult. Restoration companies like SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge have certified fire technicians who understand the properties of smoke, soot and odor and are able to come up with the proper remedy. We have the specialized equipment to manpower to handle a fire disaster that affects a large area. the cleanup process is extensive because every floor, wall, ceiling and items within the affected area need to be "touched".
Having the specialized equipment and trained personnel is just one reason SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is Lackawanna Counties leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration. 

The Phenomenon of Puff Backs

11/8/2017 (Permalink)

Soot webs are a sign of a puff back. The soot rises and creates these web like situations in the corners of the structure.

A puff back is the term used to describe when your furnace malfunctions and spews soot throughout your home or business. The furnace does not ignite properly and causes a mini explosion within the heating system. Instead of heating the water into steam, it takes the byproduct (oil, gas or coal) and forces it outwards. The soot spews through the heating sources (i.e. baseboards or radiators). Needless to say, puff backs can cause thousands of dollars in damage because the entire structure as well as its contents, get affected. Soot particles are literally on everything. These are messy jobs. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has the specialized training and equipment to professional clean and deodorize your home or business. We have the resources to address both the structure and contents including fibers like furniture and clothing. Each puff back is unique and requires a unique solution. A oil based puff back does not get cleaned the same way as a gas based. And unless you understand the difference and have the tools and products to clean them, the possibility of secondary damage is great. For this reason always call a professional mitigation company to address your puff back situation. SERVPRO of Carbondale / Clarks Summit / Old Forge is strategically located to respond quickly to your puff back disaster. We proudly serve the Lackawanna County area on a 24/7/365 basis. Call us at (570) 235-1646.

Dryer Fires- a leading Cause

10/19/2017 (Permalink)

The leading cause of home clothes dryer fires is failure to clean them.

Some tips to prevent dryer fires:
Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.

Once a year, or if you notice that it's taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.

Gas dryers should be inspected by a professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.

Don't overload your dryer.

Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed.

Unfortunately these things happen sometimes. If a dryer fire does happen to your home or business, call the professionals to clean and restore for you. We service Lackawanna County for any of your smoke, fire and water restoration and cleanup needs. 

If your Lackawanna County home or business is affected by a dryer fire, call us at (570) 235-1646. We are available 24/7 for your dryer fire emergency.

http://goo.gl/pkx8lD

Puff Back Season is Approaching

10/3/2017 (Permalink)

Here is an example of how the soot from a puff back can damage your entire property. Always call a professional restoration company.

As the nights get cooler, we will be turning on our heaters for the first time this season. If it hasn't been properly serviced, it could possibly misfire and create a puff back sending oily, sooty dirt throughout your home. These fine particles land on everything - furniture, drapes, carpets, and contents - and must be properly cleaned to avoid additional/permanent damage.

The soot from the puff backs needs to be professionally cleaned with dry sponges. Using anything else will only smear the soot and make the problem worse. Should your home experience a furnace malfunction do not attempt to clean it yourself, call the smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge. 

As a Lackawanna County's leading cleanup company, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is an emergency services company available to respond to your home disaster on a 24/7/365 basis. 

Preventing Electrical Fires

8/15/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks-Summit/Old Forge, the Scranton/Wilkes-barre premier fire, water, smoke and mold cleanup and restortaion company is encouraging homeowners to follow this simple steps in the hopes of preventing unneccassry house fires.

Your home may be your castle, but even the coziest castles can harbor scary secrets—especially when it comes to your electrical system. Wires, circuit breakers, outlets, plugs…even as a longtime homeowner, can you be sure everything is safe and up to code?

“Certain hidden problems—sometimes found in older homes or ones with do-it-yourself renovations—could be putting you in harm’s way,” warns Dave Borowski, spokesperson for Direct Energy. Here’s a checklist of things in your home that might be major electrical dangers.

Wires not properly grounded: All home wiring should have a ground provided: i.e. your circuit breaker box has power supply wires and separate wires that run to a metal rod driven into the ground, so all grounded wiring eventually connects to this “ground” source. The idea? An electrical current always seeks the most efficient pathway to the ground (earth) and grounding provides an easy and safe access route in the event of a product failure. But if any circuit isn’tgrounded, an electrical current can stray away from this intended path, connect to your body instead, and cause serious injury.

Aluminum wiring:It’s been illegal in most applications since 1978, but aluminum wiring—cheaper than copper—was popular in the early ’70s. Cheaper, yes, but unlike copper, aluminum is soft and malleable; it pulses and becomes loose. “So aluminum wires can easily get overheated; they could burn right into the wall and catch the house on fire, or cause other damages,”Borowski says.

Older homes or homes with remodeled additions: If your home was remodeled anytime in its history, the work may have been done by a do-it-yourself person—or perhaps by a contractor who didn’t secure the right permits or follow proper codes. “Maybe someone wanted to enclose a garage, found a plug in the wall, and just stole power from that plug, which is also servicing the living room or bedroom,” says Borowski. If all these outlets are connected to one wire, that wire’s capacity may be exceeded, and it can overheat.

The wrong size circuit breakers: Circuit breakers are a safety device, designed to trip—or turn off the power to a particular item or outlet—if too much electricity is flowing through a particular wire. Danger can result if there’s a mismatch between the size of the circuit breaker and the size of any wire, says Borowski.

Dry Ice Blasting a Fire Damaged Garage

8/8/2017 (Permalink)

Dry ice-blasting is a form of carbon dioxide cleaning, where dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide, is accelerated in a pressurized air stream and directed at a surface in order to clean it. An alternative media for non-abrasive blasting is water-ice, known as ice blasting.

The method is similar to other forms of abrasive blasting such as sand blasting, plastic bead blasting, or sodablasting substituted for dry ice as the blasting medium. Dry-ice blasting leaves no chemical residue as dry ice sublimates at room temperature.

Dry-ice blasting involves propelling pellets at extremely high speeds. The actual dry-ice pellets are quite soft, and much less dense than other media used in blast-cleaning (i.e. sand or plastic pellets). Upon impact, the pellet sublimates almost immediately, transferring minimal kinetic energy to the surface on impact and producing minimal abrasion. The sublimation process absorbs a large volume of heat from the surface, producing shear stresses due to thermal shock. This is assumed to improve cleaning as the top layer of dirt or contaminant is expected to transfer more heat than the underlying substrate and flake off more easily.

The efficiency and effectiveness of this process depends on the thermal conductivity of the substrate and contaminant. The rapid change in state from solid to gas also causes microscopic shock waves, which are also thought to assist in removing the contaminant. Dry Ice Blasting is non abrasive, non conductive and non flammable. Dry Ice Blasting generates no additional waste or secondary contamination unlike media and water blasting.

http://bit.ly/2vfwv4g

Dryer Fires Signs and Prevention

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

This commercial facility in Scranton, had a buildup of lint causing this minor fire. Thankfully, no major damage occurred.

A recent report from the U.S. Fire Administration estimates there are 2,900 clothes dryer fires every year, causing 5 deaths, 100 injuries and $35 million in property damage.

Heavy clothes, sweaters and blankets used during winter months shed much more lint and create a fire hazards during winter months. But cleaning the "lint trap" alone is not enough to prevent fires.

Fire investigators say cleaning the lint trap is just a first step. The real buildup of lint happens out of sight and is overlooked by most consumers. After removing the back of the dryer it is often times discovered that the electrical wiring is all coated with lint and dust. It also builds up inside the vent tubing leading to the outside.

Fire investigators found that as lint builds up and is exposed to heat, fires can easily erupt.

Experts advise that there are two major warning signs you may have severe lint buildup:

• Clothes taking too long to dry, requiring another cycle of drying.
• Laundry room being warmer than usual.

Both are signs the vent is clogged with lint. 
There are specifics steps you can take to prevent lint fires:

1. Clean the lint screen after each load.
2. Clean behind the dryer.
3. Check and clean exhaust vents at least one a year.
4. Remove the dryer back and vacuum the inside of the dryer ever two years.

Read more: http://www.wxyz.com/dpp/news/region/oakland_county/dangerous-dryer-fires#ixzz2sjx9MIZq

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has been called by insurance companies to two recent dryer fires. We are the Scranton areas leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration, helping family return to a safe and healthy living environment following any fire disaster.

Types of Smoke/Soot

7/14/2017 (Permalink)

Soot webs are a sign of wet smoke residue resulting in the soot cooling and sticking together to form the web in high corners of the home.

Being a "professional" fire restoration company means having certified fire restoration technicians at your home following a fire or smoke disaster. Here at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, we have the knowledge and expertise to restore your property to preloss condition. our technicians know that each fire is unique and in order to properly clean it, they need to know the different types of smoke and fire emits.

Types of Smoke Damage
Once at a fire scene, a SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge's certified fire restoration professional will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. Cleaning procedures will be based on the information identified during fire damage pretesting.

Types of soot include:

• Wet Smoke Residues - Result from smoldering fires with low heat. Residues are sticky, smeary and with pungent odors.  Smoke webs can be difficult to clean.
• Dry Smoke Residues - Result from fast burning fires at high temperatures. Residues are often dry, powdery, small, non-smeary smoke particles.
• Protein Residues - Virtually invisible residues that discolor paint and varnishes.  Extreme pungent odor.
• Fuel Oil Soot - Furnace puffbacks distribute fuel oil soot.
• Other Types of Residues - Tear gas, fingerprint powder and fire extinguisher residues also need cleanup.

Knowing these things is just another reason to have SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge restore your home following any fire emergency. From Scranton to Forest City we respond 24/7/365 to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Pre-Testing Process

7/14/2017 (Permalink)

A chemical sponge is used to pretest surfaces in order to detect soot damage. This process enables us to ensure that all affected areas are addressed.

Pre-testing is one of the first responsibilities of a fire certified technician. The procedure shows exactly how far smoke and soot traveled throughout the home or business in any fire. Some smoke damage, especially protein fires (i.e. food/kitchen fires) are difficult to detect with the naked eye. By utilizing chemical sponge (shown below) we are able to determine what needs to be cleaned. This also is a tool for saving money by cleaning just what needs to be cleaned. Restoring rather than replacing.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, will pretest the walls, ceilings and your contents so we are able to develop a plan for restoring your home or business.

Pre-testing is just another reason that we are the premier smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company in Lackawanna County. Pictured below displays the results of the use of a dry chemical sponge to pre-test on a puff back in Dickson City, PA. 

From Scranton to Waverly we respond 24/7/365 to any smoke or fire disaster to help make it  "Like it never even happened."

Do's n Don'ts of Cleaning Smoke, Soot and Fire Damage

7/13/2017 (Permalink)

Homeowner attempted to clean soot from a puffback but made the problem worse but not knowing what NOT to do.

What makes SERVPRO of carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is our certained fire restoration technicians and specialized equipment.  It is not recommended to attempt to clean and/or repair fire damage yourself, however we know that there are the you do-it-yourselfers so we wanted to pass along these tips so that when we do arrive your ceiling does not look like the below picture.

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting your SERVPRO Franchise Professional.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

If the project becomes overwhelming, call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge to have a professional fire and odor certified technician restore your home or business.

Dryer Fires

11/16/2016 (Permalink)

Dryer duct clogged with lint. Cleaning the ducts as well as the trap reduces fire risks

Did you know dryer lint is one of the leading causes of dryer failure and house fires? "How is this possible if you are clearing the lint from the filter between uses," might be a question you're asking. That is a great practice to follow, but by no means the only maintenance you can perform to keep your drying running smoothly. We are in the habit of making sure your home remains a safe haven for you and your family, especially concerning fire, as our recent campaign with the American Red Cross attests. So here are a few tips and reasons to go the extra mile when cleaning your dryer.

Yes, removing the lint from your dryer between uses is a great place to start. But did you know fabric softener can affect the usefulness of your lint filter? The next time you finish a load of laundry, remove the lint filter and clean it as you normally would. Next, run water over the filter and see if the water pools. If it does, your filter runs the risk of still clogging despite your efforts. It is an easy enough fix though so don't fret. Use a brush and warm soapy water and gently clean the filter. Try the water technique again until the water runs unimpeded. You are already much safer when running your dryer so congratulations!

Next, unplug your dryer and disconnect the vent hose / line from the dryer. This is where the majority of fires begin - in the exhaust duct. The buildup is usually higher in flexible hoses because of the potential for excess lint to get caught in the ridges. If you can switch from a flexible duct to rigid, we highly recommend you do. Your dryer and home will thank you! Depending on how often you run the dryer, we recommend cleaning at least once a year, but have clients who clean it every season. You can measure your needs based on how much lint you find when you clean, but back to the cleaning! Take your extendable brush and gently extend it into the vent and brush the lint back towards you - pushing it further just makes it harder to reach!

Ensuring the ducts are clean and clear of obstruction is an important step and checking the dryer drum is as well. This one requires a bit more DIY so if you are not comfortable, please call a licensed handyman. Removing the top or front from the dryer (based on where the lint filter is) requires removing a few screws. Once the panel is removed, you can brush and vacuum the drum, being careful around sensitive electrical parts. Make sure to get the lint under, around and behind the unit after cleaning.

Puff Backs

11/7/2016 (Permalink)

Soot on the walls of a home in Scranton, Pa after a puff back.

Is Soot a Health Risk

10/14/2016 (Permalink)

A soot sponge.

Restoration professionals should make it a practice to analyze the substance they are cleaning, especially when it comes to fire losses.

For this article, let’s analyze why we should consider soot — smoke residue on surfaces — a potential health risk for restorers.

What’s burning?

The combustion efficiency of materials is variable.

An alcohol lamp or propane torch burn cleanly and produce no noticeable odor or residues.

Most materials don’t burn cleanly, creating odor and residue.

The materials burning, availability of oxygen and the combustion temperature all have a significant effect on fire-related residues.

Fires lacking oxygen produce a significantly wider range of compounds, many of which are toxic.

Partial oxidation of carbon produces carbon monoxide; nitrogen can yield hydrogen cyanide, ammonia and nitrogen oxides.

Chlorine (PVC) or other halogens may produce hydrogen chloride, phosgene, dioxin, chloromethane, bromomethane and other halocarbons.

Pyrolysis (chemical change caused by heat) of burning materials results in large quantities of hydrocarbons, both aliphatic (methane, ethane, ethylene, acetylene) and aromatic (benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzo(a)pyrene).

Heavier hydrocarbons condense as tar.

The presence of sulfur can form hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide, and thiols. Residual smoke odors are caused by thiols adsorbed onto surfaces.

Partial oxidation of released hydrocarbons yields aldehydes (formaldehyde, acrolein, furfural, ketones, alcohols, e.g., phenol, cresols), carboxylic acids (formic acid, acetic acid, etc.)

Those are some big words. You can sum it up this way: Be careful you don’t simply think: “It’s just smoke or soot. No problem.”

Take it seriously

Unlike its charming use as stage makeup in the movie, “Mary Poppins,” this fine particulate has been linked to occupational hazards and health problems.

The occupational hazards of soot have been known for hundreds of years.

Percival Pott’s findings on the insidious effects of soot on chimney sweepers (scrotal cancer) in England during the 18th century was a major force in getting the British Parliament to pass the Chimney Sweepers Act of 1788.

The passage of the English Factory Acts beginning in 1833 marked the first effective legislative acts in the field of industrial safety.

Firefighters of today, in spite of extensive health and safety training and personal protective equipment, experience higher incidence of respiratory problems than the general public.

Did you know that:

• Wood smoke has more than 100 chemicals in common with cigarette smoke?

Soot classified as PM 2.5 — particulate matter 2.5 µm (micrometer) in diameter — has been linked to significantly increased risk of death from lung cancer and other severe respiratory ailments. Fine particles of this size and smaller evade the body’s natural defense mechanisms and migrate deep into the lungs.

• Airborne particulate is invisible. There is wisdom in the adage “out of sight, out of mind.”

Soot outdoors is regulated by the EPA. It is a particulate matter classified as a “criteria pollutant” by the EPA, and is an air pollutant for which the agency has established a National Ambient Air Quality Standard, the outdoor 24-hour fine particle standard (35 micrograms per cubic meter).

Safety procedures

Human exposure routes to soot include: Inhalation, skin or eyes and ingestion.

When it is impossible to keep toxic materials contained, it is important to remove contaminated air from the work area and replace it with clean air. Ventilation dilutes and removes airborne hazards and is an effective means of keeping toxic and nuisance materials out of your lungs.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (respiratory, skin and eye protection).

Use a three-step indoor air quality improvement program: Ventilation, filtration (HEPA) and adsorption (activated carbon) to restore indoor air quality following fire and smoke damage.

Our level of awareness is influenced by a combination of internal and external factors: Experiences, suggestions, impressions, imagination, monetary motivation, etc.

While fear of toxic mold continues to terrorize the public at large, the hazards of soot remain virtually ignored.

We must shift public opinion.

Knowledge that the acidic nature of fire-related residue may discolor and/or corrode materials should make us uneasy of the potential for adverse health effects.

Soot is a known hazard; shouldn’t hazardous labor rates be applicable?

Help raise awareness to soot hazards by giving nitrile gloves and appropriate dust masks to workers, claims personnel and claimants.

Soot Webs

10/12/2016 (Permalink)

Soot webs from a kitchen fire at a home in Peckville, Pa.

Fire Damage Tips

10/4/2016 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks are gone, your Lackawanna County home and belongings likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Carbondale / Clarks Summit / Old Forge has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet.

Fire damage can be devastating for you and your family. Feelings of confusion and stress are common, and you need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We always treat your family with the greatest empathy and respect, and we’ll treat your property with great care.

If your home or business has experienced a fire call the Scranton areas leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration at (570)235-1646. We are available 24/7/365 to help "Make it like it never evened happened".

Please refer to the following Fire Damage Tips:

http://bit.ly/1hwAGz9

Kitchen Fire

9/2/2016 (Permalink)

kitchen Fires are the leading cause of all home fires.

Kitchen fires remain as the leading cause of home fires. This kitchen fire in an apartment complex in Scranton was caused by the tenant leaving the stove unattended while cooking. Thankfully he was prepared and was able to extinguish the flames with a ABC rated fire extinguisher saving further damage.
While the flames caused significant damage in the kitchen area the rest of the apartment suffered smoke and soot damage and a top down clean using chemical sponges is required prior to sealing and painting. Protein/food fires are especially troublesome to clean and calls for a professional restoration company like SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge.
SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge was called by the property manager to restore the apartment and limited the loss of business interruption that the fire caused. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is Lackawanna Counties leader in smoke, fire and water restoration and cleanup. We are available 24/7/365 even on Labor day weekend. (570) 235-1646

Unrestorable

8/24/2016 (Permalink)

Several of these ornate features of this home in Carbondale cannot be restored.

 Fire damage is a traumatic event. The loss of personal belongings, mementos and an overall sense of well-being that the damage brings is a very difficult situation to go through. As a professional restoration company our job is to help restore some of these losses.
Sometimes based on the amount of damage it is impossible to restore certain items. Older homes with ornate fixtures and specialized construction are at times the most difficult to restore. This home in Carbondale is a perfect example. It suffered smoke, fire and water damage and its restoration will be very unlikely. Its a unfortunate situation to lose the architectural and construction work throughout this home.
SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge works off the restore instead of re-place principle but if replacement is required our construction crew can still help make it "Like it never even happened". Call Lackawanna Counties leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration at (570) 235-1646.

Fire Damage RT6 Fashion Mall

7/11/2016 (Permalink)

Fire in one unit causes smoke, soot and soot damages to others in this strip mall in Scranton.

When fire strikes, the damage is traumatic. Soot permeates every inch of a building and the odor is overwhelming. A fire at the RT 6 Fashion Mall in Scranton began in one unit but affected several others causing them to temporarily close there doors due to the secondary smoke, soot and water damage. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge was on-site within hours to help these business owners reduce the business interruption and get back into business as fast as possible. Cleaning a fire damaged structure is a tedious process. Every area of the structure must be cleaned and deodorized. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has the specially trained fire cleaning technicians to be able to successfully mitigate and restore a building in a timely manner allowing the business owner to get up and running quicker. If your business has experienced a smoke, fire, water and soot issue call Lackawanna Counties leading restoration company at (570) 235-1646.

Route 6 Fashion Mall

7/8/2016 (Permalink)

A fire in one store caused significant smoke, soot and water damage throughout the complex. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge on the scene

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge responded to the Route 6 Fashion Mall in Scranton, PA when a fire in a storefront caused substantial damage throughout the complex. Several of the storefronts experienced significant smoke, soot and water damage that caused business interruption and loss of income. Thankfully no one was hurt or injured.
SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge through its network of local franchises responded within the hour and began a safety assessment prior to doing any mitigation work. There is lots of work to be completed and services need to be restored.

All that being said, our specialty trained fire certified cleaners are working to restore their stores to safe and healthy environments. No job is too big for the team who makes it "Like it never even happened."

Spontaneous Combustion - A FireThreat

6/17/2016 (Permalink)

Every now and again we see a loss that that could have been prevented. We recently inspected a house fire started by a contractor leaving a pile of oily rags in the house. Many people think this is an urban myth but it is not and is a serious source of fires in homes, garages, and on farms (barns, silos, stables, etc.).

Oily rags left in an open container or piled up in a heap can become a safety nightmare. They can burst into flames hours or days after they were discarded with "no apparent reason." This is because oils do not dry through evaporation, they dry through oxidation, the same process that generates fire!

This spontaneous ignition or combustion requires three elements: fuel, oxygen and a source of heat. It doesn't require a flame to ignite because heat can develop through the oxidation process. If the heat is able to dissipate, it generally causes no problems. But when the heat being generated in the pile cannot be released into the air, such as when combustible materials are left in piles, it will build up until ignition occurs.

Some common examples of materials subject to spontaneous ignition when in contact with combustible materials like cotton rags include:

Safe Storage

Since oxygen is required for combustion, storing damp, oily rags in an airtight metal container is a good way to prevent combustion. Another way is to spread the rags out or hang them up individually so the heat can dissipate. Once dried, they can be disposed of properly. NEVER place oily rags in a washing machine or dryer!!!

We hope you never experience a fire in your home, but if you do, call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge at (570) 235-1646 and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

What Not to Do Cleaning a Kitchen Fire

6/14/2016 (Permalink)

By attempting to clean a kitchen fire in Peckville, the homeowner unknowingly used an improper technique causing this staining.

This picture shows the result of the homeowner attempting to clean soot off a kitchen ceiling following a protein fire by using a wet rag and a household cleaning product. Unfortunately, all this did was embed the soot into the sheet rock causing staining. The proper cleaning technique for cleaning a protein fire is to first use a chemical dry sponge. The sponge allows for a proper cleaning before we seal and paint.
If your home or business experiences a fire, always call a professional cleaner to avoid making the problem worse. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge employs professionally trained technicians who use the latest methods to clean and repair fire damage. Fires are not universal nor should the cleaning methods used be universal. Call Lackawanna County's soot, fire and smoke cleaning and repair experts at (570) 235-1646 for 24/7 service anywhere in the Scranton area.

Addressing a Grease Fire

6/6/2016 (Permalink)

Grease Fire Peckville, Pa.

Over the past several weeks, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has responded to two kitchen fires. Kitchen fires remain the leading cause of home fires. If you’re cooking a lot it’s really a matter of when — not if — you’ll experience your first fire. For most people, that’s exactly the reason why they are so scared and startled — and less mentally prepared. To be sure, grease fires can escalate quickly, so call 911 as soon as you suspect you can’t control the fire. But here’s the basic steps how to put out a grease fire, and what not to do.

In a nutshell, we’ll extinguish kitchen fires… no matter if they happen in an electric or gas oven, no matter if they happen on the stove top or in the oven, no matter if they are triggered by excess grease or oven self-cleaning…. by removing the oxygen that the fire needs to continue.

Step 1: For starters, turn off the burner and get everybody out of the kitchen… if possible, have somebody at the ready to call 911.

Step 2: Stay clear of water… Pouring water on burning grease will instantly evaporate the water, causing tiny oil droplets to disperse throughout your kitchen… and creating a giant fireball that spreads the fire everywhere. Also don’t carry the burning pan or pot outside, because you’ll likely spill burning grease and thus spread the fire. Remember, everybody is scared with a fire in their kitchen, so your hands won’t be as steady.

Step 3: Remove the oxygen… here’s three ways depending on where the fire happens to be, and what tools you have on hand:

(1) Use a non-glass lid or baking sheet (for stove-top fires): Cover the pan with a metal lid or metal baking sheet… the fire will quickly consume the remaining oxygen and then peter out. You could also use a metal salad bowl or a large wooden cutting board (if it’s not wet) — but don’t use anything plastic that could melt/burn. Also don’t use a glass-lid (or porcelain plate), as the flames could super-heat and shatter the glass.

(2) Use salt or baking soda (for oven fires): Alternatively, you can smother the fire with baking soda or salt… depending how big the fire is, you may need quite a bit. Don’t use anything similar such as flour or baking powder, those aren’t heavy enough to smother the flames (and could even cause an explosion).

(3) Use a non-water fire extinguisher (stove-top or oven fires): Of course, you could always douse the fire with a dry chemical fire extinguisher. Store a Class B kitchen fire extinguisher within easy reach, ideally between the kitchen and your nearest exit. Unlike water-based fire extinguishers, these dry chemical extinguishers have a red color — and are available for $20 from your local hardware store.

Step 4: This should extinguish the kitchen fire — but if you can’t get the flames extinguished, call 911 immediately and get out of the house. This picture below is an example of what happens when you try to extinguish a grease fire with water. The water caused the the oil droplets to spread up to the ceiling causing this damage. The homeowner was very fortunate that this action did not cause even a greater fire.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is Lackawanna County's leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration. If your home or business has suffered smoke or fire damage, call us today at (570) 235-1646. We are an emergency services company available 24/7 to meet any size disaster.

Grease Fire in Peckville.

5/31/2016 (Permalink)

Kitchen Fire in Peckville, Pa.

This kitchen fire in Peckville started when a frying pan was left unattended. The homeowner, in a panic, put the pan in the sink. This caused further damage to the walls and ceiling. You can see where they tried to clean the soot and grease themselves using wet sponges but made the damage worse.

Here is how to put out a grease fire properly:

Step 1: For starters, turn off the burner and get everybody out of the kitchen… if possible, have somebody at the ready to call 911.

Step 2: Stay clear of water… Pouring water on burning grease will instantly evaporate the water, causing tiny oil droplets to disperse throughout your kitchen… and creating a giant fireball that spreads the fire everywhere.

Step 3: Remove the oxygen.

Step 4: This should extinguish the kitchen fire — but if you can’t get the flames extinguished, call 911 immediately and get out of the house.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge was called by the homeowner's insurance company to restore the kitchen properly using dry sponges and SERVPRO proprietary cleaning products.

If your Lackawanna County home or business experiences fire damage, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge at (570) 235-1646.

Content Inventory Service

5/24/2016 (Permalink)

The personal belongings of this homeowner in Moscow needs to be inventoried for insurance purposes. Its just another service Servpro provides.

When a fire emergency happens, the damage can often feel overwhelming. Ensuring that all your personal belongings are accounted for helps in the insurance process. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS). This process provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, bar coding. Preloss list of contents Detailed and accurate report Better information to settle claims quicker Assistance with burden of proof for claims Peace of mind when you need it most!This home in Moscow suffered heavy fire and water damage and a content inventory is required to ensure the homeowner is compensated properly and SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge was called to accomplish this task. The ability to provide a detailed content inventory report is helpful to both the insured and insurance company. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is able to take a major restoration project from beginning to end easing the difficulty of any homeowner who suffers a disaster.SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton areas leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration. We can handle any size disaster. Call us if your home or business has experienced a smoke, fire or water disaster . We are available 24/7 at (570) 235-1646

Emergency Services Fire Damage

5/23/2016 (Permalink)

Emergency board-up service for the homeowner in Moscow.

Once the soot has settled and the initial shock wears off, the initial step of most insurance claims is the board-up process. This is part of the emergency services provided by SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge. Firefighters will sometimes be forced to break windows to help air out the property from all the smoke, not to mention that the heat from the fire will also cause the glass to break.The board-up is completed in order to secure the property from theft and liability. It also helps ensure that the fire scene remains unadulterated until the fire inspector and insurance adjusters clear it.This home in Lackawanna County suffered heavy smoke, fire and water damaged and SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge was called to secure the property before the work of restoring it back to pre-loss condition. Thank goodness the elderly homeowner was able to escape but his home of close to 45 years suffered severe damage.SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has the expertise and specialized equipment to help this homeowner return to the house he loves. We serve the Scranton area with 24/7 service. If your property needs emergency service call Northeastern Pa. premier smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company at (570) 235-1646 for 24/7 assistance.

Fire Extinguishers

5/19/2016 (Permalink)

Do you know how to tell if the fire extinguisher you grab from the wall is the correct one you should be using? Every fire extinguisher has a nameplate that identifies what type of class or classes of fires it should be used on.

CLASS A FIRES 
These are fires which have glowing embers when they burn, like wood, paper or trash. Class A extinguishers contain water and should only be used on Class A fires. Used on gasoline or grease, it can spread the fire. Used on an electrical fire, it could cause electrocution.

CLASS B FIRES
Class B fires involve flammable liquids, fuel oils and gases. Gasoline, paint, solvents, paint thinners, grease, LPG and acetylene also fall under this class. Always use a Class B or Class ABC extinguisher.

CLASS C FIRES 
These are fires in electrical equipment where there is still a live electrical current. Use a Class BC or Class ABC extinguisher.

All that being said, your best bet is to have an ABC rated fire extinguisher. ABC fire extinguishers are very versatile. They are often the ideal choice because they are able to put out many different types of fires. They use monoammonium phosphate, which is a dry chemical that can quickly put out the fire. It is a pale yellow powder that is able to put out all three classes of fire: Class A for trash, wood and paper, Class B for liquids and gases, and Class C for energized electrical sources. The dry chemical smothers the fire. It can leave a residue once the fire has been put out, so keep this in mind when choosing this type of extinguisher.

Know where your fire extinguisher is kept, and know how to use it in the event of an emergency.

If you do have a fire, SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, the Scranton area's leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration can help make it "Like it never even happened." We are available 24/7/365. Call us if your home or business has experienced a fire and needs cleanup help in Lackawanna County at (570) 235-1646.

Fire Restoration Process

3/30/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton's area premier smoke, fire and water clean up and restoration company.
We are an emergency service company ready to respond to any smoke, fire or water disaster 24/7. If your home or business has suffered a disaster, call us today at (570) 235-1646.

How to Deal with Fire Damage

3/14/2016 (Permalink)

Whether your property is residential or commercial, both fire and smoke can cause severe damage to your building’s structure and everything inside it. If you have experienced a fire in your residential or commercial property, it can be very traumatic, and the damage that it leaves behind can be overwhelming. You might think that restoring your property to its previous condition is impossible. But you need to think again because you are wrong. In times like fire tragedy, you can always count on SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge's extensive expertise in fire and smoke damage restoration. With SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, you are assured that you will get all the help that you need.

In the state of Pennsylvania, fire and smoke damage is caused by a variety of reasons. One common reason is the lightning strike. When there is a storm, lightning may hit a home and causes fire. Another common cause of fire is faulty electrical wiring. This typically happens in homes with old construction materials. Also due to human error, people tend to forget to turn off their appliances such as an electric iron or an electric stove, which can also cause fire when it overheats while left unattended. The damage that fire and smoke can bring to a home can lead to a significant loss and great frustration. However, at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, a professional fire and smoke damage restoration company located in Scranton, Pa., you are assured that you will get all the help that you need throughout the entire fire and smoke damage recovery process.

Whether your property is residential or commercial, both fire and smoke can cause severe damage to your building’s structure and everything inside it.

It’s a One-Stop Shop for Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration

We understand that fire damage can be physically and emotionally draining and we empathize with the property owners who are facing a fire crisis. We are not going to leave you alone. Our team of expert and highly skilled professionals can help relieve the crisis that you are facing. You can count on them from structural repairs to soot cleaning and contents restoration. We also have licensed fire damage restoration contractors. They have the experience and expertise in handling fire damage and mitigation.

In Lackawanna County, we are one of the leading fire damage restoration companies, responding to a variety of types of fire and smoke issues, which include those that are caused by the following:

• Cooking Oil

• Portable space heaters

• Arson or vandalism

• Blown fuses, exposed wiring, and electrical shorts

• Lightning strikes

• Matches, candles, and cigarettes

With years of experience in handling fire mitigation in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area, we have a complete understanding of how materials react to fire, heat and smoke. Also, we have the expertise to determine what steps are needed to reduce the extent of fire damage as well as the cleaning and restoration of the property, securing it from further damage.

If your home or business experiences a fire event, call Lackawanna County's leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration at (570) 235-1646.

Chimney Fire

2/22/2016 (Permalink)

Chimney fire cleanup in Scranton.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge was called in by the insurance company to clean the smoke, odor and fire extinguisher discharge. Without a professional restoration company it would be unlikely to ever completely eradicate the odor from the home. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has the specialized equipment and IICRC trained personnel to clean the structure. We are the Scranton's area leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration. If your home or business experiences a disaster call us at (570) 235-1646 for 24/7 emergency response in Lackawanna, Wyoming and Susquehanna counties.

Fire Damage

1/4/2016 (Permalink)

This kitchen fire in Scranton happened right before Christmas day. Fire is a traumatic event.

When your Scranton home or business suffers fire damage, it can be especially devastating. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, your property may have substantial water damage from firefighting efforts. You may feel stressed and confused after such a disaster, and you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge has the specialized fire and water damage equipment and expertise to help you through this tough time.

We’ll treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. If you suffer a fire damage event, please refer to our Fire Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

This kitchen fire occurred in an upstairs apartment which ultimately displaced all the occupants right before Christmas day. The first floor was heavily damaged by water and the upstairs suffered smoke, fire and water damage. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge was called to help the occupants return to their home in a safe and timely manner.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton area's leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration. We serve Lackawanna, Wyoming and Susquehanna counties and are available 24/7 to meet your homes or business's emergency services needs. If your home or business is damaged from some unforeseen disaster call us at (570) 235-1646.

Christmas Tree Fires

12/14/2015 (Permalink)

This video from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) shows just how quickly this holiday season can turn from festive to tragic. A Christmas tree fire can turn devastating and deadly within seconds.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge believes being prepared is the key in avoiding disasters and we are pleased to share this information. We want everyone to have a joyous holiday season and avoid unnecessary disasters, so ensure your Christmas tree is properly hydrated.

However, if your home or business does experience a smoke, fire or water emergency know we are available 24/7, even on the holidays. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton area's premier emergency services company. We service Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties.
Please be cautious this holiday season and water your tree.

https://lnkd.in/ddEPgVf

Home Fire Checklist

12/7/2015 (Permalink)

• There is at least one working smoke alarm on every level of your home (including the basement).
• The smoke alarms are installed in sleeping areas.
• Smoke alarms that are 10 years old or older have been
• replaced.
• Smoke alarms are kept free of dust & debris by vacuuming the exterior gently and/or wiping with a cloth.
• Alarms are tested monthly. Everyone in the home can hear & recognize the sound it makes & knows to react immediately.

• An adult stays in the kitchen when food is cooking on the stove top & children know to stay 3 feet from the oven.
• The stove top is clean – no grease, spills, or clutter.
• The oven is never used to heat the home.
• In the event of a small grease fire, you know that the best thing to do is slide the lid over the pan, turn off the burner, and leave the pot until completely cool. If the fire is large, just get out!

• Chimney, furnace and/or heating system is inspected yearly.
• Space heaters are kept at least 3 feet from anything that can burn & are turned off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Extension cords are never used with space heaters.
• Fireplace has sturdy screen to catch sparks.

• All escape routes are free of clutter.
• Doors & windows leading outside open easily.
• All household members know 2 ways out of every room if possible.
• An outside meeting place has been designated & all household members know to go there in the event of a fire in order to be accounted for.
• The escape plan is practiced at least twice a year by all household members.

• Electrical cords do not run under rugs & are not frayed or cracked.
• Clothes dryer lint filter & vent pipe are cleaned regularly.
• Appliances are plugged directly into wall outlets, not extension cords.
• A qualified electrician is called to do electrical work in the home.

SMOKING

• Smokers smoke outside the home.
• If medical oxygen is being used in the home, smoking is strictly prohibited.
• Matches & lighters are kept out of children’s sight & reach.
• Ashtrays are large, deep & sturdy.
• Ashes are always fully extinguished & are emptied into a container that will not burn (such as one made of metal).
• House rules include not smoking in bed or while lying down.

• Lit candles are not left unattended & are kept a foot from anything that can burn. (Consider using flameless candles instead!)
• Bulbs in light fixtures are the correct recommended wattage for the lighting fixture.
• All combustibles are stored away from ignition sources such as water heaters and pilot lights.
• Your house number is visible from the street so that emergency responders can find it easily.
• A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is located on every level of your home. Everyone in the home knows to go outside quickly if the CO alarm sounds.

• If building or remodeling a home, consider the installation of home fire sprinklers. When looking for a condo or apartment to rent, search for ones that have firesprinklers installed.

Being prepared is the most important plan. SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge hopes that you NEVER needs us, however know that we are available 24/7 to meet any smoke, fire or water emergency that your home or business may experience. Call us at (570) 235-1646.

Dry Ice Blasting

9/23/2015 (Permalink)

Dry ice blasting is one of the newer tools in the restorer's tool belt. It has many benefits over traditional blasting media such as sandblasting, bead blasting, or soda blasting. Most notably, dry ice blasting leaves nothing behind except what has been removed from the surface so there is no added cleanup. 

Ice blasting works by shooting small pellets of dry ice out of a jet nozzle with high powered compressed air. The pellets themselves are soft but are extremely cold (-109 degrees F). When the cold pellet hits the matter to be removed, it causes it to shrink and lose its adhesion to the surface. As it continues thru the material it hits the warmer sub surface below the cleaned matter and creates a micro burst as the pellet expands back into carbon dioxide gas. This mini shock wave also aids in the removal of the material being cleaned without creating surface erosion. It leaves nothing behind but the removed material. 

Since the ice converts back to a gas, it is immediately dry to the touch. This makes this medium safe to use around electrical parts and allows items to be put back into service immediately without having to dry. It works without solvents and leaves no waste. 

As a restorer, we primary use dry ice blasting to remove soot and toxic residues from a burned structure after a fire to aid in the removal of odors. However, there are many commercial and industrial uses for this technology. If you'd like to know if this type of cleaning could benefit you, contact us for more information. (570) 235-1646

Dry Ice cleaning is 100% ecologically safe, USDA rated, biodegradable and harmless to humans, animals and marine life

Another reason that SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton/Wilkes-barre premier smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration company. We serice all of North Eastern Pennsylvania including Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Wyoming and Susquehanna counties.

Large Loss Operations

9/14/2015 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge was pleased to assist our SERVPRO Industries, Inc. partners SERVPRO of Hanover Township / Bear Creek & Carbon / NW... mitigating a large loss at a commercial fire in Hanover Twp. The nature of the business and their need to resume their operations requires a concerted team effort. SERVPRO's large loss team was called in to manage the operation.
The SERVPRO partnerships are what allow us to meet any size loss.
No Loss is too big or too small!
We Help Make it "Like it never even happened" throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Fire Damage Tips

9/11/2015 (Permalink)

A kitchen fire in Jerymn, Pa that SERVPRO was called to clean.

What To Do After A Fire
Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
Keep hands clean, so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
Change HVAC filter.
Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.
What NOT To Do After A Fire
Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

if you experienced a fire at your home or business call the professional at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barres area leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration. (570) 235-1646. We help make it, “ Like it never even happened”. Available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year. Servicing all of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Wyoming and Susquehanna counties.

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

8/21/2015 (Permalink)

kitchen Fire causes lots of soot and smoke damage at this home in Dunmore, Pa.

What you can do until help arrives

Water Tips  |  Fire Tips   |  Biohazard Tips   |  Mold Tips

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (570) 235-1646

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Should you experience some type of fire and smoke damage call the profeesional to help mitigate and restore your home to pre-loss condition.

Dry Ice Blasting

7/8/2015 (Permalink)

 Dry ice-blasting is a form of abrasive blasting, where dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide, is accelerated in a pressurized air stream and directed at a surface in order to clean it. This method is used to clean fire damaged structures. It is quicker, cleaner and more cost effective.

Dry-ice blasting involves propelling pellets at extremely high speeds. The actual dry-ice pellets are quite soft, and much less dense than other media used in blast-cleaning (i.e. sand or plastic pellets). Upon impact, the pellet sublimates almost immediately, transferring minimal kinetic energy to the surface on impact and producing minimal abrasion. The sublimation process absorbs a large volume of heat from the surface, producing shear stresses due to thermal shock. This is assumed to improve cleaning as the top layer of dirt or contaminant is expected to transfer more heat than the underlying substrate and flake off more easily. The efficiency and effectiveness of this process depends on the thermal conductivity of the substrate and contaminant. The rapid change in state from solid to gas also causes microscopic shock waves, which are also thought to assist in removing the contaminant.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is Northeastern Pennsylvania's premier fire restoration company. https://plus.google.com/+SERVPROofCarbondaleClarksSummitOldForgeTaylor/posts/5iyS8vofc74

Kitchen Fires

6/30/2015 (Permalink)

This kitchen fire in Scranton was caused by unattended cooking oil left on the stove. SERVPRO of CCSOF was called by the insurance to help.

Cooking fires, particularly kitchen fires are a leading cause of all home fires  The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires. This kitchen fire SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge was called to clean and repair in Scranton, Pa. Never leave the cooking area when something is in the oven or on the stove.

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge through our network of insurance partners responds to several cooking related fires on a yearly basis. This fire was extinguished by the homeowner with a fire extinguisher and he was able to limit the amount of damage that occurred. 

Post Fire Restoration-What to do.

1/20/2015 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a home in Scranton, Pa which SERVPRO was called to mitigate.

The time after a fire incident in your home is critical to the way the fire damage restoration progresses. However, there are various things you can do as a homeowner to make the process flawless and easier. 

Notify Your Insurance Provider
The insurance provider will help pay for damages you have incurred because of the fire. The insurance company will dispatch an insurance adjustor to assess the fire damage and come up with a valid inventory. 

While at this, don’t throw any items away, however damaged it seems. Every item will be assessed when making an inventory.

Contact the Fire Damage Restoration Company
Go ahead and contact the fire restoration company as early as possible. This is because damage can extend to other areas of your home when left unattended. The company will come to restore your possessions from fire, vandalism, water, and smoke. It doesn’t matter the time the incident happened, the company works 7 days a week and also provides emergency services as well.

The time after a fire incident in your home is critical to the way the fire damage restoration progresses.

Water Removal
After a firefighting effort, you end up with water everywhere. This water ends up soaking into your carpets, furniture, upholstery, drapes, walls, and wooden floor. The result is moisture all over the house, which encourages growth of mold and mildew. 

Additionally, moisture degrades a number of materials in your home, leading to rusting appliances, and rotting wood. For your information, a wet carpet is 50 percent much weaker than a dry one. 

You can help by using a wet-dry vacuum or an air-moving machine to remove the water from your home. Additionally, you can leave your windows open to balance the humidity in the rooms. 

Removal of water is essential to retain the life of your carpet, furniture and other items affected. The water restoration company removes moisture up to 95 percent. The company uses advanced extractor equipment without disturbing your possessions or lifting the carpet.

Remove the Odor
Smoke causes a variety of lung and health problems due to prolonged exposure. Opening the window helps, but won’t be effective in the long run. Smoke particles attach on various items in your home – drapes, carpets, ceilings, walls, furniture, decor, and cabinets. The company makes sure that there are no smoke particles remaining in the home. 

One of the major targets of smoke is your HVAC system, especially the air ducts. Smoke collects in these ducts and is released into your room long after the fire has died down. As a homeowner, you don’t have the capacity to clean your ducts properly, which is why you need the services of a professional restoration company to get rid of the odor. After removing lingering smoke, the company uses an ozone machine that breaks down the smoke molecules in your home totally.

Final Thoughts
As a homeowner, you also have a role to play in restoring your home to its past state. With the input of fire damage restoration experts, you get a home near to the state before the fire incident.  So, when a disaster occurs contact SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge to begin the mitigation and restoration process. We are the Scranton/Wilkes-barre premier specialty cleaning company and we proudly serve all of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

Steps to take following a home fire

1/13/2015 (Permalink)

Home fire in Scranton, Pa.

Steps to Take After a Fire in Your Home

Electrical Fires Tips

12/13/2014 (Permalink)

1. Never overload an electrical receptacle with extension cords or three-way adapters. If you need to plug a lot of things into a single receptacle, use a power strip.  2. Never run electrical cords under carpets or rugs, over nails, in traffic areas, or where there is chance of wear.  3. Don't misuse extension cords. Never use a standard household extension cord for a major appliance or a heat-producing appliance; instead use a heavy-duty appliance cord that can carry the load. 
4. When purchasing any electrical device, choose only one that carries the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) rating.  5. Don't pull on an electrical cord to unplug it. Grasp the plug firmly and pull out straight so you don't bend the prongs.  6. Replace any cord or plug that is cracked or discolored or feels hot to the touch when in use. If the original wire or plug is polarized (one prong is wider than the other), or if it has a third grounding prong, replace it with similar equipment.  7. Call an electrician if your lights flicker and your appliances run sluggishly, or if you have a fuse that repeatedly blows or a circuit breaker that trips often. These are signs that the system is overloaded.  8. Don't use a bulb with more wattage than a lamp or fixture is rated to accommodate, or the unit will overheat.(Reprinted from Reader's Digest)

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is NEPA's leader in smoke, fire and water cleanup and restoration, proudly serving all of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Wyoming and Susquehanna counties. 

FEMA Winter Fire Safety

12/9/2014 (Permalink)

Home fires are more prevalent in winter than in any other season. Holiday cooking and festive decorations can be fire hazards, but here are tips to avoid a home fire this winter season.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152635640349965&set=vb.78922439964&type=2&theater

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, NEPA leader in fire, water and smoke cleanup and restortaion. Proudly serving all of Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayoming, Wayne and Susquehanna Counties.

Tips for smoke damage and restoration

12/5/2014 (Permalink)

This soot stain was from the home owner attempting to clean smoke damage without professional help.

Smoke and fire damage can be sever to physical property. A small fire can create volumes of smoke damage within a structure and depending on what is burned in the fire, poisonous gases can be released within the smoke and air flow of the structure. Kitchen fires are one of the most common types of fires and although they often leave smoke behind, they sometimes leave unseen damage to the untrained eye. Here are a few things to remember when it comes to smoke damage and restoration:

1.  You  may be anxious to clean your home after a fire, BUT FIRST you should contact your insurance agency and SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clars Summit/Old Forge so that we can effectively assess the damage. We can begin the process of helping you to restore your property correctly.
2. Make sure that you have permission from the fire marshal before reentering your home. You want to make sure that it is safe before you go in. If you must enter the structure, please remember to wear a protective device over your mouth and nose to prevent inhaling any toxins left by the fire. If your haven’t had a professional fire restoration company in your home to clean the toxins, you don’t know what kind of air you’re walking into.
3. Don’t attempt to clean any household textiles, carpets, upholstered furniture or draperies because you will likely cause additional and possibly irreparable damage. Smoke is oily and requires cleaning in a very specific way. We do not recommend try to do this yourself.
4. If you have an operating filter and are able to get into the house, remember to change the furnace filter at least once a day until the filter shows no soot.
5. Smoke odor can remain in clothing, furniture, carpets and draperies after any retail spray or perfume evaporates unless it is properly deodorized by a highly-effective ozone treatment. Without an ozone treatment you will not be able to get smoke odor out of clothing, furniture, carpets, draperies and often other prized possessions.
6. Smoke will enter and remain in and between the walls of the living space. If it is not properly removed, the smoke odor will reoccur, particularly during damp periods.
7. To prevent additional soiling, cover clean items with plastic while further repairs are being carried out in the dwelling.
8. Carpets should be cleaned by a professional carpet cleaner (ahem). Sometimes the carpet will need to be cleaned twice or completely replaced.
9. Do not attempt to wipe down the walls. Professionals can use specific “chemical sponges” that effectively clean smoke and soot from different surfaces, saving money and mitigating further damage.
10. Call SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge, Northeastern Pennsylvania's leader in smoke and fire cleanup and restoration. Proudly serving the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre areas.

November Newsletter

11/26/2014 (Permalink)

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge. Northeastern Pa. premier specialty cleaning company.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Fires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Carbondale/ Clarks Summit/ Old Forge Professionals have specialized fire and water restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They can also remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep clean soot from upholstery and carpet.

Our #1 Goal: Is returning damaged areas and items to pre-loss condition, doing all we can to make it "Like it never even happened." Every SERVPRO of Carbondale/ Clarks Summit/ Old Forge Professional is dedicated to restoring both the property and the lives of customers being helped.

 If there is a fire: Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets. Place clean linens on carpet traffic areas.

SERVPRO Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately, 24/7/365, when you need help with a fire or water damage event. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.
 
As one of the nation's leading providers of restoration services, SERVPRO has developed the most extensive performance guidelines in the industry. These guidelines assure you receive the best restoration service in the industry when you call 570-335-2143
 
As a national leader in cleanup and restoration, it’s only natural for SERVPRO to receive regular recognition for excellence in a variety of fields.

How Best to put out grease fires

11/17/2014 (Permalink)

A grease fire in Scranton, Pa. which was extinguished by a chemical fire extinguisher. We did the cleanup and restoration.

The best way to avoid a grease fire is to not have one. While you are cooking, keep an eye on the oil as it’s heating. The oil won’t immediately catch fire once it starts smoking, but smoke is a danger sign that it’s well on its way to getting there.

If the worst happens and your oil does catch on fire, use the following tips:

1.     If the fire is still small enough and contained in one pot, it is safe to put it out yourself. If it is already spreading to other parts of the kitchen, evacuate.

2.     Turn off the source of the heat on the stove. Do not try to move the pot because you don’t want to accidentally spill or splash the burning oil.

3.     Do NOT pour water on the fire!  Since oil and water do not mix, pouring water can cause the oil to splash and spread the fire even worse. In fact, the vaporizing water can also carry grease particles in it, which can also spread the fire.

4.     Remove all oxygen from the flame. You can cover with another pot or pan. Do not cover it with a glass lid because the glass lid may shatter.

5.     If you can’t cover it, dump lots of baking soda on it.

6.     Use a chemical fire extinguisher on the grease fire. There are different kinds of extinguishers. Not all can be used on a grease fire, but the ABC dry chemical extinguisher is best.

Hopefully you’ll never be in a situation where you have to actually use this advice, but if you are remember to smother the fire with a pot or baking soda and never use water!

http://safety.smart911.com/whats-best-way-safely-put-grease-fire/