Recent Fire Damage Posts
Cell Phone Fire Risk
12/5/2023 (Permalink)
Understanding Safe Cell Phone charging practices can help prevent a fire loss for you and your family
SERVPRO® of Benton/Linn County has responded to multiple home fires that were caused by cell phone chargers. Now days it’s hard to find a home that doesn’t have a cell phone in it, and if there is a cell phone then there will be charger. Our phones are major part of our day, and we have them will us all the time. I personally have mine on me 24/7, and I charge it on my night stand next to my bed. Did you know that chargers produce a large amount on energy? One fire we responded to the cell phone charger caught a mattress in a child's bedroom on fire. He are some tips to help keep you safe from a cell phone charger fire.
- Only buy and use devices that are listed by a quality testing laboratory.
- Make sure to always follow the manufacturer’s instruction.
- Only use the battery and charging cord that’s designed for you specific device.
- Do not charge your device under a pillow, on your bed, on a couch or in a location that’s exposed to direct sunlight.
We here at SERVPRO® of Benton/Linn county is always here to help if your home or business has experienced a fire. We are ready to help 24/7.
Fireplace Safety Tips
10/10/2023 (Permalink)
Fireplaces can be cozy on colder fall and winter evenings, but it is important to maintain the safety of your fireplace to avoid a disaster!
As the weather turns cooler, it is a special treat to have a wood burning fireplace in your home. This is if the fireplace has been well maintained and works properly when you light it. Here are some maintenance tips for your fireplace this winter
Hire a Chimney Sweep
It is recommended that you get your chimney cleaned and swept out once per year. This clears it of any additional debris and also is a good way to address any problems that may be going on in your chimney. Hiring a professional for this job is probably the best idea as it requires special tools.
Install a Chimney Cap
The cap provides several benefits, including: it prevents water from entering the chimney when it rains, causing costly water damage; a chimney cap with mesh will prevent animals from getting into your chimney and nesting or getting stuck and dying; a chimney cap can prevent other types of blockage, all of which can cause deadly carbon monoxide to enter the home; a spark arrester can help prevent hot embers and sparks from escaping onto the roof or other combustible materials.
Check your chimney and fireplace for any damage.
Before lighting your first fire of the year take some time to look around your fireplace inside and out and notice any changes that may be questionable. If you find damages, hire a wood stove expert to come and address your chimney.
Leave a layer of ash when you clear out your chimney
When you clean out ashes from the firebox, leave at least one inch of ash, which acts as insulation. The ash will allow coals to heat more quickly and will also allow them to retain heat longer.
Watch out for sparks
Place a rug that is non-flammable in front of the fireplace so that if sparks escape, they won’t do any damage to your floor or carpeting. This comes in handy for those embers that you aren't expecting to come out of your fireplace. They will burn your flooring quickly and before you can grab them safely. Or better yet, install non-flammable tile or stone flooring in front of your fireplace. Tile/stone is also easier to clean up if any ash is spilled!
And as always, if you do have a fire-related incident, do not hesitate to call your local SERVPRO® Franchise at 541-745-2097!
Electrical Safety
9/8/2023 (Permalink)
Faulty Electricity is a common cause of many fires
Our local team in Forest Grove and Hillsboro is trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification to restore fire, soot, and smoke damage. Electrical fires are one of the top causes of fire damage in the United States.
Here are some electrical safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:
- Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician
- Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time
- Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
- Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home.
- Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected.
- Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets, so you don’t have to use extension cords.
Call Us Today!
When your home or business experiences fire damage from a faulty electric cord or for another reason, you can rely on our local team to restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 541-745-2097.
Electrical Fire Safety
8/7/2023 (Permalink)
Electrical fires are no joke. Know what to do in the event of an Electrical fire.
Electrical fires can not only catch us off guard, but can also be tricky to deal with. There are warning signs that you may be at risk for an electrical fire. Knowing the signs to look for can help protect you from an electrical fire disaster.
The warning signs include:
- Circuit breakers that repeatedly trip
- Shocks or tingling feelings as you touch an electrical appliance
- Flickering lights
- Discolored electrical wall outlets
- A burning smell of smoke or “hot plastic” coming from wiring, a plug or an appliance
If you happen to experience an electrical fire, there are steps to take to help lessen the damage, as well as help keep you and your family safe.
- Take action with an appliance by unplugging it immediately and cutting the power at the electrical panel.
- Pay attention to the voltage of the appliance you are plugging in.
- Use a Fire Extinguisher, or smother with baking soda if no Fire Extinguisher handy on a smaller fire
NEVER try to extinguish an electrical fire with water. Water conducts electricity and you could be badly shocked.
If you have electrical fire damage we can help you at SERVPRO®. We will come out and assess the damage for you. Then we can get to work to make it like it never even happened.
Create a Defensible Space
8/4/2023 (Permalink)
Creating a Defensible Space around your property can help protect your home in the event of a Forest Fire near you
Unfortunately during Summer and into Fall, Forest Fires ravage the West Coast. Thousands of acres of timber are lost. And, sadly, so are many homes. While a wildfire is beyond our control, as a homeowner there are certain steps you can take to help reduce your property risk in case of a Forest Fire.
- Install a fire-proof roof. A metal roof is ideal here in the PNW due to the heavy rain and also provides excellent fire protection. Contact your local Roofing Professional for all your options,
- Create a ‘defensible space’ around your home – in some areas, it is required by law. Think ‘Lean, Clean and Green’ – remove all flammable vegetation within 30 feet of your home.
- Clear debris from the yard – this includes dead branches, twigs, any old building material, etc.
- Stack wood piles at least 30 feet from your home, and remove vegetation from within 10 feet of the woodpile.
- Remove lower branches, at least 6 feet from the ground.
- Trim any unhealthy looking trees. Remove dead branches, and clean out dead leaves/dried debris from under the trees.
- Consider removing any trees that are too close to your house – many fires jump tree top to tree top, as well as Emergency Vehicles need to be able to work all the way around your home in the event of a fire.
- Store any fuel tanks, propane or butane, at least 30 feet from the house.
For more information on Fire Safety & Prevention, you can visit: http://www.oregon.gov/ODF/Fire/Pages/FirePrevention.aspx
If your home is damaged by a Wildfire, or sustains any kind of fire damage, please contact your Fire Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO®!
Microwave Fire Damages Kitchen in Gaston Home?
4/3/2023 (Permalink)
We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in Washington County.
Busy Gaston families benefit from the ease and convenience of heating or defrosting a meal using a microwave oven. Our Hillsboro and Forest Grove team offer these microwave oven safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:
- PURCHASE a microwave oven that is listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Make sure to complete and return the product registration card. This way, the manufacturer can reach you if there is a recall of the product.
- PLUG the microwave oven directly into the wall outlet — never use an extension cord
- MAKE sure the microwave oven is at a safe height, within easy reach of all users
- OPEN food slowly, away from the face. Hot steam or the food itself can cause burns.
- FOOD heats unevenly in microwave ovens. Stir and test before eating or giving to children.
- NEVER heat a baby bottle in the microwave. Since a microwave oven heats unevenly, it can create hot pockets, leading to burns. Warm a bottle in a bowl of warm, not hot or boiling, water, or by running it under the tap.
Call Us Today!
When your kitchen in your home or commercial business catches fire in Gaston, our Hillsboro and Forest Grove teams are Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-648-8513.
Franchises are independently owned and operated.
Comprehensive Fire Damage Restoration Process Used in Gaston?
1/17/2023 (Permalink)
We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Washington County.
Our local Hillsboro and Forest Grove team is trained and certified to restore fire damage in Gaston by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) using a comprehensive, seven-step process as follows:
Step 1: Emergency Contact
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 Assessment
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service
We will board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying
The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes most 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
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 restorable items. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
Step 7: Restoration
Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.
Call Us Today!
When your home or business in Gaston needs fire damage restoration services, our team in Hillsboro and Forest Grove will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-648-8513.
Franchises are independently owned and operated.
Christmas Tree Safety Tips for Forest Grove?
12/13/2022 (Permalink)
We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Washington County.
Our local Hillsboro and Forest Grove team wants everyone in Forest Grove to have a safe and fire-damage-free holiday season this year. Here are some Christmas tree safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:
PICKING THE TREE
- Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched
PLACING THE TREE
- Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2 inches from the base of the trunk
- Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights
- Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit
- Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.
LIGHTING THE TREE
- Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
- Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.
- Never use lit candles to decorate the tree
- Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed
Call Us Today!
When your home or business in Forest Grove has a fire damage emergency, our Hillsboro and Forest Grove team will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-648-8513.
Franchises are independently owned and operated.
Fire-Damage-Free Halloween Safety Tips for Banks Families?
10/11/2022 (Permalink)
We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Washington County.
Our local teams in Hillsboro and Forest Grove want everyone in Banks to have a safe and fire-free Halloween celebration this year. The National Fire Protection Association offers these safety tips:
- Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns
- Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
- When using electrical lighting to decorate your home, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
- Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged
- Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working.
For families still planning to attend Halloween parties or go trick-or-treating:
- When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric that could come in contact with open flames or other heat sources
- Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them
- Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costumes
Call Us Today!
Our local team in Hillsboro and Forest Grove is Here to Help ® when your Banks home or commercial business has fire damage. Call us today at 503-648-8513.
Franchises are independently owned and operated.
What Can I Do While Waiting For Help to Arrive After a Fire in Forest Grove?
9/9/2022 (Permalink)
We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Washington County.
After any fire damage event in Forest Grove, your safety should be your first concern. Our Hillsboro and Forest Grove team offers these safety tips from our website for things you can do while waiting for help to arrive:
What To Do After A Fire
- Stay in the house only if it safe
- 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 veryheavy
- 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 a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil
- Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves
- Change the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filter
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers
Call Us!
When your home or commercial business in Forest Grove has a fire damage emergency, our local team in Hillsboro and Forest Grove can help. Our technicians are on call 24-hours a day to serve you. Call us today at 503-648-8513.
Franchises are independently owned and operated.
What Can I Do If I Have Water Damage in Banks Home?
8/16/2022 (Permalink)
We restore water damage 24-hours a day in Washington County.
Our Hillsboro and Forest Grove team responds to more water damage emergencies than any other form of property damage in Banks. Water is invasive and can cause significant damage in a short amount of time. Here are some tips from our website on things you can do while waiting for help to arrive:
What To Do After Flooding
- Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items
- Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions
- Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
- Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer
- Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting
- Remove art objects to a safe, dry place
- Gather loose items from floors
What NOT To Do After Flooding
- Don’t leave wet fabrics in place
- Hang furs and leather goods
- Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpets or floors
- Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water
- Don’t use television or other household appliances
- Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging
Call Us!
When your home or business in Banks has water damage, our local team in Hillsboro and Forest Grove can help. We’ll restore your water damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-648-8513.
Franchises are independently owned and operated.
Cooking Fire in Forest Grove Kitchen?
8/5/2022 (Permalink)
We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Washington County.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports home unattended cooking as the leading cause of home fires in the United States and reports that most cooking fires involve the kitchen stove. Our Hillsboro and Forest Grove team responds to fire damage emergencies each year in Forest Grove, and we offer these tips from the NFPA for cooking safely:
- Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
- Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
- If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking
- Keep anything that can catch fire (oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains) away from your stovetop
Fire restoration process
- Step 1: Emergency Contact
- Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
- Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service
- Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
- Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
- Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing
- Step 7: Restoration
Call Us!
When your Forest Grove home or business has fire damage and needs restoration services, our local team in Hillsboro and Forest Grove is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 503-648-8513.
Franchises are independently owned and operated.
Smoke and Soot Damage In Hillsboro Area Home
4/5/2022 (Permalink)
Fire and smoke damage can be devastating. Even a little fire caused by a bag of popcorn placed in the microwave for too long can leave a lingering odor and necessitate a cleaning. SERVPRO of Hillsboro & Forest Grove is dedicated to helping you make it “Like it never even happened,” no matter what the cause of damage.
We know that just because we work to restore properties after damage every day, this is likely a new experience that is stressful to understand and can be frustrating. We promise to work with you and your insurance to make the process as smooth and easy as it can be.
We have teams of trained, empathetic, and professional technicians who are on call 24/7 to respond, we are Here To Help.
Why Trust SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove.
3/21/2022 (Permalink)
We know that when it comes to restoration companies you have a lot of options to use, but our Forest Grove team of professionals has 20 years of experience serving customers like you when disaster strikes. Our experienced professionals have the skills, training, and equipment to make any property disaster “Like it never even happened.”
No matter the cause of damage, from a pipe break, toilet overflow, mold or mildew, sewage leak or more, our teams are ready to respond and begin restoration. We are Here to Help you when disaster strikes. We are in the community, we are your neighbors, we know that when disaster strikes your life, you need help as soon as possible, even if it is outside of “normal” business hours. Trust the local team with 30 years of experience, SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove.
Fire Damage Restoration in Hillsboro
3/16/2022 (Permalink)
In Oregon and many places in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, it sometimes feels like you can get all four seasons of weather in one day or even one hour. So when we do have these cold snaps and reminders of winter it is still incredibly important to be safe when using your fireplace or woodstove.
When soot, smoke, and fire damage take control of your life, let us help you take control back. Our local Gresham team of trained and experienced professionals are Here to Help you when disaster strikes. Our team has the skills, experience, and empathy to respond to any fire damage, big or small in homes or commercial spaces.
Our teams work to clean, restore, and repair damage and help you get back to life preloss. If fire strikes you, call our Hillsboro team whose are professionals ready 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Fires in the Forest Grove Area
3/14/2022 (Permalink)
Electrical fires in homes occur more often than we want to think, and can easily occur in an office or commercial building due to the many extension cords and electronics. It is important to practice good fire safety. A few good rules of thumb to remember are:
- Do not plug extension cords into other extension cords or power strips
- Do not plug in a space heater or portable air conditioner into a power strip
- Check extension cords and electrical cords for fraying or cuts and do not use if any are present
Even the most prudent and fire safety-minded business or organization can still suffer from fire damage, so it is important to have fire extinguishers around the area and to routinely practice fire drills.
If soot, smoke, or fire damage strike, make sure to trust the team with nearly 20 years of experience making a property damage “Like it never even happened.” Our team in Hillsboro has the skills and experience to help you restore your property after fire damage and is just a call away.
Wildfire Safety Plan for Young People in Orenco?
12/20/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove are trusted leaders in fire damage mitigation in Orenco.
Home Alone in Orenco?
Do you have an evacuation plan in place for your kids in the event they are home alone when a wildfire or home fire breaks out? SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove wants Orenco families to know that having an evacuation plan in place for your loved ones to follow when you aren’t home can save lives. Here are some tips from the National Fire Prevention Association for developing a plan:
- Work with a trusted neighbor close by who know your children and can evacuate them
- Set up a schedule with other working parents in the neighborhood so that someone is always at home and can make sure the children are safe
- Pack a “Go Bag” with treasured items, water, food, prescriptions they can grab and leave with quickly
- Practice together with their pets if time allows to crate them for removal
- Have a designated contact, like an out-of-town family member programmed into their cell phone so you can find each other quickly
Call Us Today!
When you have a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove is ready to respond 24-hours a day. We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in Orenco, “Like it never even happened.”
Fire Damage Safety Tips For Forest Grove?
12/16/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove are trusted leaders in fire restoration services in Forest Grove.
When my home was damaged by fire, my insurance adjuster told me to call SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove
They gave me some helpful tips on things I could do while waiting for help to arrive.
Fire Damage Safety Tips – While Waiting for Help to Arrive
After any fire damage situation, your safety should be the primary focus.
- Stay in the house only if it safe
- 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 veryheavy
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 a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil
- Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves
- Change the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) filter
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers
Call Us today!
When your Forest Grove home or commercial business experiences a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove is Here to Help. ®
Air Fryer Causes Damage In Your Hillsboro Area Home
4/5/2021 (Permalink)
Trust SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove to help you make it "Like it never even happened." We have crews on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to re
Raise your hand if you're part of the air fryer cooking craze! Follow these tips so you won't have to call SERVPRO with fire damage.
Follow these tips to stay safe while cooking with an air fryer.
Don't
Don't use cooking sprays with propellants, aerosol sprays, or chemical-based nonstick sprays. They might start to break down the coating on many non-stick baskets and trays.
Do
Do invest a few dollars in a quality oil spray or pump and use a quality high flash point oil.
If your home suffers from a fire, soot, or smoke damage from a cooking mishap, trust SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove to help you make it "Like it never even happened." We have crews on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond to your emergency damage.
Kitchen Fire in Hillsboro Before & After
3/3/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove have teams who are on call around the clock to help you when disaster strikes.
This fire is the result of a cooking oil where the homeowner had cooking oil in a pan. The oil spilled over the side of the pan and caused extensive smoke and fire damage. This two-story home was completely affected by smoke and soot damage.
While the fire was contained to just the kitchen as we walked around there was soot on the walls in the upstairs bedrooms, toys, and even fixtures. Our crews at SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove worked to clean and restore the home as repairs were happening to restore the structure of the home.
SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove have teams who are on call around the clock to help you when disaster strikes. To see more about our before and after photos look here.
Residential Fire Before & After
3/1/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove is ready to help you 24/7.
We were very glad to have serviced these homeowners in our local Portland Metro community. This was a devastating fire and all areas of the home were drastically affected. If not charred by the fire itself, the smoke-filled the entire home from floor to ceiling. This required many of the internal building components to be demolished and all surface layers pulled so we could access the framing to clean and seal the porous wood it contains. The end result as seen in the after photo was positively received by the homeowners and they were glad they could even change a few of the things they had wanted to, prior to the fire.
If your home or office suffers from soot, smoke, or fire damage, we are Here to Help. SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove is ready to help you 24/7.
To see more about our property mitigation and more before and after photos look here.
Fire Loss Mid-Project
2/25/2021 (Permalink)
We are Here to Help you when property damage strikes.
This beautiful home was damaged due to a fire which consumed much of the framing until we started rebuilding it. Sometimes when the fire extends into the actual framing additional areas not directly charred or touched by flames are affected.
Many fires involve the process of step by step opening of the structural cavities to determine how much was affected. This is why we were so pleased to have SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove serve these local customers in repairing their property to preloss condition. It is crucial a qualified restoration contractor is selected for your project.
You can ALWAYS depend on SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove to help you when property damage strikes. We have teams of crews who are on call around the clock to respond to emergency services.
To see more about our property restoration, look at more before & after photos.
Fire Damage Restoration in Forest Grove
2/23/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove is Here To Help you.
If your home or office suffers soot, smoke, or fire damage we are the team that can help you restore your property to preloss condition. We have crews who are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for emergency services because we know property damage does not happen when it is convenient for you or us.
With 20 years of experience, we are your local and trusted fire restoration team. We use two proven methods to clean smoke residues.
Vacuum
A vacuum is used to help remove dry particles that are loosely attached to contents and structure.
Dissolve
Residues and soils that are not loose particles must be dissolved before they can be removed.
SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove is Here To Help you.
When Smoke and Soot Damage
1/12/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Hillsboro & Forest Grove is Here To Help
Fire and smoke damage can be devastating. Even a little fire caused by a bag of popcorn placed in the microwave for too long can leave a lingering odor and necessitate a cleaning. SERVPRO of Hillsboro & Forest Grove is dedicated to helping you make it “Like it never even happened,” no matter what the cause of damage.
We know that just because we work to restore properties after damage every day, that this is likely a new experience that is stressful to understand and can be frustrating. We promise to work with you and your insurance to make the process as smooth and easy as it can be.
We have teams of trained, empathetic, and professional technicians who are on call 24/7 to respond, we are Here To Help.
Threat of Fire Raises in the Winter
12/4/2020 (Permalink)
When the temperatures start to drop many Hillsboro area neighbors have more fires in the fireplace in an effort to help keep the home warm and keep costs down. Fires also help to make homes feel cozy and inviting which is important this year more than ever when we are all spending so much more time at home than ever before. But with the increase in the use of fireplaces also increases the risk and occurrence of fires in the home.
If your home suffers from smoke, soot, or fire damage SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove is Here To Help. We have crews who are on call around the clock. We know that property damage does not strike when it is convenient for you so we are just a phone call away.
Fire Damage in Your Hillsboro Area
11/20/2020 (Permalink)
When fire damage strikes, SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove is Here To Help.
Fire damage can strike homes and businesses in our area at any time. Fires can occur from kitchen fires, electrical issues, lightning strikes, and other causes. Once the fear and worry about the safety of everyone has been confirmed, you may begin to wonder what to do next and who to call.
Once your heart stops beating through your chest, you will begin to think about how you will clean up. Often times in fire damage restoration, there is soon and smoke stuck on materials and contents. There are many ways to loosen smoke residues, however. Blast cleaning is a heavy agitator that uses compressed air to blast sand, baking soda, CO2, dry ice, or even ground corn cobs against a solid surface like charred wood.
Fires can cause mold!
11/5/2020 (Permalink)
From the Ordinary
Fungi and mold naturally occur in our environment. In fact, over 100,000 kinds of fungi have been identified.
Fungi produce some very useful results. Yeast is a type of fungi used in preparing breads, baked goods, and other food products, including some alcoholic beverages. The unique flavor of blue cheese is a result of mold. An edible mushroom is simply a type of fungi, and lifesaving penicillin is product of mold as well!
Even though some forms of mold can add value to our lives, other forms can be harmful. Excessive amounts of mold, different types of mold, and/or exposure to molds may present health effects for some people.
To The Unhealthy
Intrusion of water into your home or a place of business can result in mold growth. Water intrusions can result from storm damage, plumbing, or equipment failures, long-standing leaks and poor humidity control. When water intrusions are not addressed right away, the resulting damage can present increased risk of harmful mold growth. Some amount of mold spores are normally present in most environments. If the humidity and moisture levels in a water-damaged environment are not promptly returned to normal, mold spores may grow and multiply. Organic materials found inside a building, such as wood, paper, drywall, and insulation provide food sources for mold to flourish. Excessive mold growth can lead to indoor environmental conditions that pose a health threat.
Fire prevention week should be 365!
11/4/2020 (Permalink)
In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.
That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here’s this year’s key campaign messages:
- Draw a map of your home by using NFPA Grid with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
- Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
- Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
- Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
This article comes from NFPA website at www.NFPA.org where you can find out more to help get your home prepared for any possible fires.
Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Cold, Flu, and Fires
11/2/2020 (Permalink)
Cold and Flu
Winter season is around the corner and along with that comes cold and flu season. I thought it would be a good idea to remind you about some proactive cleaning tips to help reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria along with a reminder about some resources available to help.
Touch Point Cleaning Basics
A basic approach to cleaning to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria that focuses on items most commonly touched such as: desktops, chairs, door knobs/push bars, door jambs, computer keyboards, water fountains/bubblers, faucets, toilet handles, light switches, counter tops and electronics.
• Use an approved disinfectant
• Let disinfectant “dwell” on surfaces before drying
• Inexpensive bleach disinfectant: 1/3 c. of bleach to 1 gallon of water
• Wipe commonly used areas at least once per day
Tips after a house fire
10/23/2020 (Permalink)
Home fires are stressful events. However, having a plan on what to do after a fire can help with the stress. At SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove, we are Here to Help® when a fire occurs in your home. We have created a checklist to help you to start the recovery after a fire damage.
What to do after a fire damage
Call your insurance company immediately after a fire. After you went through the details with your insurance company, contact SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove so the fire damage cleanup process can begin quickly. Make sure to notify your mortgage company of the fire as well. If you're not sure that the home is structurally safe, have it inspected by a certified structural engineer or building inspector before going near.
- Make sure to arrange a board up of any broken windows and doors.
- Take pictures of all exterior damages
- If you suspect that the structure in a room is unsafe, avoid entering the room.
- Turn off the power at the electrical panel.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, closed toe shoes and gloves. To protect you from the soot as well as trying to prevent other items being contaminated.
- Try locating any important papers and documents.
- Any burnt money can be taken to a Regional Federal Reserve Bank for replacement
- Begin taking inventory of the building damage and all damaged items.
- Begin saving receipts for any expenses incurred after the fire. These may be needed when filing insurance claims. We're faster to any disaster
We're faster to any disaster
We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."
If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513
Smoke damage
10/23/2020 (Permalink)
Smoke odor is a stubborn odor that will linger long after a fire has been put out. The odor can be caused by an accident that occurred in the kitchen or even from a fireplace that was unattended, a nearby house that had burned, the odor can also come from forest fires as well.
No matter what caused the odor, at SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove we have trained professionals with the proper equipment to clean the structure and remove any odor. Our crew has a variety of products and equipment specifically to deal with odor, from Eco-friendly products to heavy soot and odor removal chemicals. We also use filters to ozone machines. Our professionals will walk through with you and figure out the best solution and approach to get your home back "Like it never even happened."
We're faster to any disaster
We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. Limit further damages and reduces the cost.
If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513
Preparing your home for wildfire evacuations
10/2/2020 (Permalink)
When you get a notification for an emergency evacuation due to wildfires you generally don’t have time to look at multiple paragraph articles about how to protect your home before you leave. Below we have outlined a detailed plan on how to protect your home. Please note the bulleted points in order to meet your needs and home.
Interior:
- Shut all windows and doors and leave them unlocked
- remove curtains, move furniture away from doors
- Leave lights on so fire fighting personnel can see your home in the dark
- Shut off your HVAC system
Exterior:
- Shut off gas meters and propane tanks
- Remove items near the exterior walls
- Move propane fueled BBQ appliances
- Connect and extend exterior hoses for firefighters use
- Do not leave any water on as to maximize water pressure for firefighters
- Keep lights on outside
- Keep all car windows and doors closed
- Keep ladder outside of home for firefighters
SERVPRO Fire Damage Services
11/21/2019 (Permalink)
Structural Cleaning - After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Your experienced local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will pretest to determine the extent of damage, and then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your structure. Depending on the amount of soot, your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional may even be able to reduce the cost of recovery by cleaning lighter soot deposits found on some surfaces, eliminating the expense incurred with repainting or refinishing. In other cases, SERVPRO® will clean to “prepare for painting”. This process deodorizes and ensures the new paint will adhere properly to the surface.
Contents Cleaning – All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals begin by carefully inspecting and testing all fabrics in the structure to determine which cleaning methods are most appropriate. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to pre loss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, bric-a-brac and much more. Finally, SERVPRO® can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items if requested.
Deodorization – SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals provide specialized services that rid your home or place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources of the odor and remove them. Ask your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional to explain the various deodorization methods available and which will work best for you.
Storm restoration services
11/20/2019 (Permalink)
Cold weather, snow, and ice storms can cause severe damage to your home or business. When these types of disasters strike, immediate action is necessary to prevent additional damage to your property. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the winter storm experience, expertise, and the resources to remediate damage caused by winter weather.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals
Frozen Pipes
Extreme cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. In general, pipes are more likely to freeze when the temperature is below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The resulting water damage can be extensive. Outdoor pipes and pipes in unheated areas of the home can freeze if they are not properly insulated or if temperatures are severely cold. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can quickly and safely repair water damage caused by frozen pipes.
Outdoor pipes most likely to freeze include:
- Outdoor hose bibs
- Swimming pool supply lines
- Water sprinkler lines
Pipes in unheated or partially heated areas are also at risk of freezing, including:
- Basements
- Crawl spaces
- Garages
Ice Dams
An ice dam is formed when snow melts unevenly on a roof and refreezes into a dam at the edge of the roof, near the eaves. This dam prevents any further snowmelt from draining off of the roof. This standing water can back up under shingles, leak into a home, and cause significant water damage to ceilings, walls, and other areas. Ice dams can also tear off gutters and loosen shingles.
Roof Damage
Snow and ice can cause significant damage to your gutters and roof. The additional weight of snow and ice can even cause a roof to collapse. When there’s a cold snap, water can get into cracks and small spaces and expand when it freezes, causing larger cracks and more damage. The repetition of freezing and thawing cycles can cause small cracks to get larger.
Make sure everyone gets our safely, even your pets!
10/31/2019 (Permalink)
Pets are just as important as any other family member. So why would you not want to make them a part of your preparedness plan? There are several things you can do to make sure they stay safe as well.
Pet emergency kit:
Food: at least 3 days worth of food in an air tight, and waterproof container
Water: at least 3 days of water specifically for your pets.
Medicines and important documents:
Registration information, adoption paperwork, vaccination records. Talk to your veterinarian about micro-chipping your pet.
First Aid Kit:
Cotton Bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic, flea and tick preventatives, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Including a pet first aid reference book is very helpful as well!
Collar or Harness with ID
A picture of you and your pet together:
If you become separated a picture of you two together will help to document your ownership. Add species, breed, age, sex, color, and distinguishing characteristics.
Familiar items:
Familiar items such as treats, toys, and bedding can help reduce stress on your pet.
Evacuations:
While practicing fire escape or evacuation plans be sure to include your pet also! If an evacuation happens, don't leave pets behind as they can lost or injured.
Identification:
Micro-chipping pets is a great way to locate them. Most veterinary clinics and shelters have scanner that will read the microchip information to help locate a lost pets owners.
Be sure to take your four-legged friends into consideration when planning for emergencies. visit ready.gov/animals for further tips on how to keep your furry friends close and safe in the event of a disaster or emergency.
SERVPRO fire cleaning services
10/31/2019 (Permalink)
Anyone can go in with a sledge hammer and tear down walls that were affected by fire. However, it is the smoke and soot damage that is difficult to find that requires the help of a professional!
After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Your experienced local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your insured’s structure.
Contents Cleaning
All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more. Finally, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items for your insured.
Fire Prevention Week
10/22/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO participates in Fire Prevention Week!
In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.
That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here’s this year’s key campaign messages:
- Draw a map of your home by using NFPA Grid with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
- Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
- Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
- Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
This article comes from NFPA website at www.NFPA.org where you can find out more to help get your home prepared for any possible fires.
Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Tips after a fire
10/22/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO is always ready to help in the case of an emergency.
Home fires are stressful events. However, having a plan on what to do after a fire can help with the stress. At SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove we are Here to Help® when a fire occurs in your home. We have created a checklist to help you to start the recovery after a fire damage.
What to do after a fire damage
Call your insurance company immediately after a fire. After you went through the details with your insurance company, contact SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove so the fire damage cleanup process can begin quickly. Make sure to notify your mortgage company of the fire as well. If you're not sure that the home is structurally safe, have it inspected by a certified structural engineer or building inspector before going near.
- Make sure to arrange a board up of any broken windows and doors.
- Take pictures of all exterior damages
- If you suspect that the structure in a room is unsafe, avoid entering the room.
- Turn off the power at the electrical panel.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, closed toe shoes and gloves. To protect you from the soot as well as trying to prevent other items being contaminated.
- Try locating any important papers and documents.
- Any burnt money can be taken to a Regional Federal Reserve Bank for replacement
- Begin taking inventory of the building damage and all damaged items.
- Begin saving receipts for any expenses incurred after the fire. These may be needed when filing insurance claims.We're faster to any disaster
We're faster to any disaster
We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."
If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513
Holiday mishaps are on their way to you
10/11/2019 (Permalink)
The cooking and baking season is just around the corner. In order to avoid a ruined holiday, follow the advice below!
October: Spooky treats
November: Grease and stove fires
December: Warm cookies and an even warmer house.
Families gather to celebrate the holidays by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.
The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.
It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires. Be on alert!
- If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stove top.
- Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
- If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains—away from the stove top.
- If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.
- Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
- Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
Fire Statistics
10/11/2019 (Permalink)
• Public fire departments responded to 1,319,500 fires in 2017.• 499,000 were structure fires- a 5% increase from 2016.
• 72% of the structure fires were home fires. This is a 1% increase over 2016.
Structure fire trends are going the wrong direction. Let’s do our part to reduce home fires. Your local fire department has very good information on how to prevent fires. Stop by and see them, they would much rather meet you in their housethan in yours!
If you or a friend suffers a loss due to fire, water damage, mold, bio-hazards or odor the heroes at SERVPRO® of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties are Here to Help® and will make it “Like it never even happened®”.
We're faster to any disaster
We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."
If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513
Types of smoke
10/18/2018 (Permalink)
In the event of kitchen fire this holiday season, it is best to be informed on the different types of smoke, and the damage they cause.
Wet Smoke (Plastic and Rubber):
Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary, Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke (Paper and Wood):
Fast-burning, high temperatures, heat rises, therefore the smoke rises.
Protein fire Residue: (Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire)
Virtually invisible, discolors paint and varnishes, extreme pungent odors.
Fuel Oil Soot (Furnace puff backs):
While "Puff Backs" can create havoc for homeowners SERVPRO franchcise professionals can, in most cases, restore the contents and structure quickly!
Other types: (tear gas, fingerprint powder, and fire extinguisher residue.
SERVPRO franchise professionals are trained to handle even the toughest losses. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage, contact your local SERVPRO franchise professionals to make it "Like it never even happened".
October is Fire prevention Month.
10/17/2018 (Permalink)
October is fire prevention month! A Perfect time to review emergency preparedness plans for your home and/or business. Do you have a fire escape plan? Have you changed your smoke alarm batteries within the last year?
The Nation Fire Protection Association designates a week each October to focus on fire prevention awareness. The 2018 theme is "Look, Listen, Learn, be aware. Fire can happen anywhere". This theme hopes to create awareness in the steps necessary to reduce the chance of a fire and how to react in the event that a fire may happen. The NFPA states the following:
"LOOK" for places that fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them!
"LISTEN" for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could only have minutes to safely escape once the smoke alarms sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.
"LEARN" two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.
Stay Safe and prepare now to help ensure you are ready for any disaster.
Do's and Dont's after a fire
10/17/2018 (Permalink)
DO
- Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
- Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
- Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
- If electricity is off, empty freezer/ refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
- Wipe soot from chrome kitchen/ bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
- If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
- Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.
DON'T
- Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.
- Don’t attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting your SERVPRO® Franchise Professional.
- Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
- Do not consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water, as they may be contaminated.
- If ceiling is wet, do not turn on ceiling fans. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
- Don’t send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.
Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind, event pets!
10/17/2018 (Permalink)
Pets are just as important as any other family member. So why would you not want to make them a part of your preparedness plan? There are several things you can do to make sure they stay safe as well.
Pet emergency kit:
Food: at least 3 days worth of food in an air tight, and waterproof container
Water: at least 3 days of water specifically for your pets.
Medicines and important documents:
Registration information, adoption paperwork, vaccination records. Talk to your veterinarian about micro-chipping your pet.
First Aid Kit:
Cotton Bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic, flea and tick preventatives, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Including a pet first aid reference book is very helpful as well!
Collar or Harness with ID
A picture of you and your pet together:
If you become separated a picture of you two together will help to document your ownership. Add species, breed, age, sex, color, and distinguishing characteristics.
Familiar items:
Familiar items such as treats, toys, and bedding can help reduce stress on your pet.
Evacuations:
While practicing fire escape or evacuation plans be sure to include your pet also! If an evacuation happens, don't leave pets behind as they can lost or injured.
Identification:
Micro-chipping pets is a great way to locate them. Most veterinary clinics and shelters have scanner that will read the microchip information to help locate a lost pets owners.
Be sure to take your four-legged friends into consideration when planning for emergencies. visit ready.gov/animals for further tips on how to keep your furry friends close and safe in the event of a disaster or emergency.
Preparing for the holidays, cooking and... fire!
10/5/2018 (Permalink)
The cooking and baking season is just around the corner. In order to avoid a ruined holiday, follow the advice below!
October: Spooky treats
November: Grease and stove fires
December: Warm cookies and an even warmer house.
Families gather to celebrate the holidays by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.
The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.
It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires. Be on alert!
- If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stove top.
- Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
- If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
- Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains—away from the stove top.
- If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.
- Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
- Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.
- For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
- If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
- Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
The process after a fire
10/5/2018 (Permalink)
While some items were not salvageable there were tons of other contents that had to be professionally cleaned by our SERVPRO employees.
Anyone can go in with a sledge hammer and tear down walls that were affected by fire. However, it is the smoke and soot damage that is difficult to find that requires the help of a professional!
After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. Your experienced local SERVPRO® Franchise Professional will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your insured’s structure.
Contents Cleaning
All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more. Finally, SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items for your insured.
Prepare yourself for wildfires this summer!
4/19/2018 (Permalink)
The following are tips from FEMA for preparing your family, home, and businesses from the threat of wildfires!
- Get an emergency supply kit, which includes items like, non-perishable food, water, a battery-powered radio, extra flashlights and batteries. You may want to prepare a portable kit and keep it in your car!
- Make a family emergency plan. Your family may not be together when disaster strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another, how you will get back together, and what you will do in case of an emergency.
- Protect your property from wildfires by designing and landscaping with wildfire safety in mind.
- Learn about the emergency plans that have been established in your area by your state and local government. In an emergency always listen to the instructions given by local emergency responders.
- Finally, don't forget to save your local SERVPRO'S phone number in the case of smoke or soot damage after returning to your home!
Any Fire In Your Home Is Bad
4/17/2018 (Permalink)
When you try to clean up after a fire by yourself, it can be a disaster. Especially considering that smoke and soot from even a small fire can permanently damage contents throughout a home. It will also cause odors that may resurface for years.
Your SERVPRO professionals understand how disruptive fires can be for you and your entire family. For this reason, SERVPRO offers 24-hour emergency response, and under normal circumstances, will have trained, uniformed technicians on-site of a fire damage within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services. By responding quickly with a full line of fire, smoke, and soot clean up and restoration services, your local SERVPRO professionals can help you regain control quickly while deodorizing and protecting your home and belongings.
So, before you risk doing more damage by attempting to clean it up yourself, call your local fire, smoke, and soot clean up and restoration experts at SERVPRO or dial 1-800-SERVPRO to locate your nearest SERVPRO Franchise.
Trained And Equipped For Fires
4/17/2018 (Permalink)
Fire, smoke, and soot damages in your home can create permanent and unpleasant problems if not properly addressed. As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the home leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in those hard to reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in periodically resurfacing odors. Unfortunately, such damages are often made more severe when unprepared homeowners attempt to perform the cleanup themselves.
All of your restorable items in affected areas will be professional cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes furniture, draperies, upholstery, electronics, art, flooring, walls, ceilings, HVAC air duct systems, and so so much more. SERVPRO professionals do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance, they seek out the sources and clean them right at the source!
Smoke Odor in your home
11/13/2017 (Permalink)
Smoke odor is a stubborn odor that will linger long after a fire has been put out. The odor can be caused by an accident that occurred in the kitchen or even from a fireplace that was unattended, a nearby house that had burned, the odor can also come from forest fires as well.
No matter what caused the odor, at SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove we have trained professionals with the proper equipment to clean the structure and remove any odor. Our crew has a variety of products and equipment specifically to deal with odor, from Eco-friendly products to heavy soot and odor removal chemicals. We also use filters to ozone machines. Our professionals will walk through with you and figure out the best solution and approach to get your home back "Like it never even happened."
We're faster to any disaster
We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. Limit further damages and reduces the cost.
If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513
What to do after a Fire
11/13/2017 (Permalink)
Home fires are stressful events. However, having a plan on what to do after a fire can help with the stress. At SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove we are Here to Help® when a fire occurs in your home. We have created a checklist to help you to start the recovery after a fire damage.
What to do after a fire damage
Call your insurance company immediately after a fire. After you went through the details with your insurance company, contact SERVPRO of Hillsboro/Forest Grove so the fire damage cleanup process can begin quickly. Make sure to notify your mortgage company of the fire as well. If you're not sure that the home is structurally safe, have it inspected by a certified structural engineer or building inspector before going near.
- Make sure to arrange a board up of any broken windows and doors.
- Take pictures of all exterior damages
- If you suspect that the structure in a room is unsafe, avoid entering the room.
- Turn off the power at the electrical panel.
- Wear long sleeves, long pants, closed toe shoes and gloves. To protect you from the soot as well as trying to prevent other items being contaminated.
- Try locating any important papers and documents.
- Any burnt money can be taken to a Regional Federal Reserve Bank for replacement
- Begin taking inventory of the building damage and all damaged items.
- Begin saving receipts for any expenses incurred after the fire. These may be needed when filing insurance claims.We're faster to any disaster
We're faster to any disaster
We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage. limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."
If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (503) 648-8513
Fire Prevention Week
10/2/2017 (Permalink)
In a fire, seconds count. Seconds can mean the difference between residents of our community escaping safely from a fire or having their lives end in tragedy.
That’s why this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme: “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!” is so important. It reinforces why everyone needs to have an escape plan. Here’s this year’s key campaign messages:
- Draw a map of your home by using NFPA Grid with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit.
- Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
- Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
- Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.
This article comes from NFPA website at www.NFPA.org where you can find out more to help get your home prepared for any possible fires.
Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The clean up after a wildfire
9/28/2017 (Permalink)
Wildfires can happen almost anywhere.
Although the wildfire might not have caused fire damage to your property directly; there may be a smoke odor that can linger after the fire has been put out. There can even be soot particles and residue that may require cleaning.
How can soot get inside your property?
Soot can still enter your house through your HVAC unit and air ducts, even if your windows and doors are shut and vents are closed. These areas can hold large quantities of soot that can disperse all over your belongings and your home.
A wildfire will generally burn natural materials, but occasionally will burn man-made materials; which will leave soot particles that are difficult to remove.
At SERVPRO we use the best tools and trained professionals that are dedicated to leave your house smelling fresh and back to preloss condition so you can get your life back to normal. Like it never even happened.
Contact SERVPRO of Yamhill & Tillamook Counties and SERVPRO of Hillsboro / Forest Grove for emergency or non-emergency service when your house or business have fire damage at 503-648-8513. We are here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
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