Recent Fire Damage Posts

Time To Turn On The Heat, Central Indiana!

10/16/2023 (Permalink)

The days are getting shorter, the leaves are turning colors, and cooler temperatures have arrived to Central Indiana. While it's nice to open up the windows and enjoy the lovely autumn weather, winter is right around the corner. Now is the perfect time to do some simple checks before turning on your furnace to minimize the risks of smoke and fire damage to your home this winter.

Remove and replace clogged furnace filters. Clean air filters enable your furnace to work more efficiently and will improve the air quality in your home. Dirty air filters can reduce airflow through the furnace and may shorten the lifespan of this expensive household appliance.

Check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Schedule routine maintenance for your furnace. It's always better to find and rectify small problems before they become big issues for your home.

Even the most prepared homeowner may find that disaster strikes their property. If your home has been damaged by smoke or fire damage, call the experts at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson. We have the training, equipment and expertise to handle any job big or small. Our technicians will be on site quickly to assess your situation and make your home "Like it never even happened". Call us anytime day or night at 317-773-0422.

What To Do Immediately After A Home Fire

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

In the scary aftermath of a housefire, it's hard to know what to do first. While waiting for help to arrive, safety should be your number one concern.

Assess whether it’s safe to stay in the house.
Look out for electrical and “slip and fall” hazards.
Only attempt activities that are safe for you to perform.
Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
If safe to enter, and weather permits; open windows and doors to “air out” structure and reduce smoke odors.

We understand you have many questions about what to do next. The restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson have the experience and training needed to assess your situation and help you through the process of returning your property to its preloss condition. Call us anytime day or night at 317-773-0422.

Safe Candle Alternatives For Your Home

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

There are a variety of candle alternatives you can choose to keep your home safe from fire and smoke damage.

Everyone wants their home to smell nice, and flickering candlelight always makes a home feel more cozy. Unfortunately, candles are responsible for thousands of house fires a year, resulting in millions of dollars of property damage. Consider the following alternatives to candles for your home.

*Electric candles: these candle substitutes are becoming more popular due to their similarity in look to an actual candle and because they can be left unsupervised or overnight without worry of causing smoke or fire damage. Electric candles are typically battery powered and come in a variety of colors and sizes.

*Wax warmers: these flameless candle substitutes use a battery or electric heated dish to melt wax, creating a pleasant scent in your home.

*Fairy or string lights: these electric or battery powered lights are great for providing a festive setting and are easy to string up without equipment.

*Reed diffusers: if it's scent your are looking for, these are simple and require no power source. The glass bottles hold scented oils and upright reed or sticks. As the oil seeps up the reed the smell is released into the air.

Keep your home safe from fire, smoke and water damage by utilizing these safe candle alternatives. Unfortunately, disaster can strike even when we take every precaution. If your home has been damaged by fire, smoke or water damage, call the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson at 317-773-0422.

Cook Safely This Winter

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen Safety Tips To Stay Safe This Winter

Did you know that the number one cause of home fires in the United States is from cooking? We often think of the risk of fire when using an outdoor BBQ during the summer, but the cold winter months present their own risks when cooking indoors. Some of the best winter meals (think chili and pot roast) cook all day long and that means appliances are on longer and often without supervision. Minimize the risk of fire and smoke damage to your home this winter by following some simple safety tips for cooking.

Inspect your appliances for loose wires and defective plugs and replace when necessary. Be sure to keep your countertop appliances a safe distance from flammable materials such as pot holders, paper towels and dish cloths. Routinely clean your stove top and oven to prevent drippings and debris from catching fire. Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen just in case and be sure everyone in the house knows how to operate it. Most importantly, never leave food cooking unsupervised. It just takes a moment for a fire to start.

Even when taking precautions, kitchen fires happen. If your home has suffered a fire or water damage, trust the professionals at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson to be on site quickly to begin the process of making your home "Like it never even happened." Call us today at 317-773-0422.

Emergency Board-Up Services After a Fire

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has been impacted by a fire, SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson can be on site immediately to inspect and protect damaged areas so you can start the process of restoration. The aftermath of a fire can include damaged walls and windows and roof damage that needs to be addressed immediately. The goal of our board up services is to protect your property from further damage caused by weather, animals, or unauthorized entry. Our professional crews can tarp roofs and board up damaged walls, windows and doors. And because emergencies don't always happen during regular business hours, our technicians are available anytime day or night. Call the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson at 317-773-0422 and let us make it "Like it never even happened."

Proven Experience for Your Fire or Smoke Damage

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire or smoke damage at your home or business, trust the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson to return your property to its preloss condition. With over thirty years of experience in Central Indiana, we have a proven system to not only restore your property but to make the process as stress-free as possible for you.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call our office at 317-773-0422, which is answered 24 hours a day. We will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us make a plan of action for your situation.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our restoration professionals will 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, our technicians 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 will 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

Our trained professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We will clean all of the restorable 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 will also 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.

We understand that when faced with a recent fire or water damage, you need help quickly. You can trust the expertise and experience of SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North, and of Anderson to get the job done right and make your property "Like it never even happened."

Expertise in Fire Clean Up

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

When you call the restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson after a fire or smoke damage, our experts are on site quickly to assess the damage and create a plan to return your property to its preloss condition. Our goal is "restore over replace" whenever possible to keep costs down and salvage your valued possessions. As part of the restoration process, our cleaning technicians utilize a variety of techniques depending on the surfaces and conditions of the items being cleaned.

Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

We always pre-test surfaces before utilizing any product to determine the best method of cleaning. We understand that the items we are cleaning are what make your house a home. Call us anytime day or night at 317-773-0422 and let us make your home "Like it never even happened."

Don't Go It Alone After A Smoke Damage

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

When your home or business has been damaged by fire, it's tempting to want to clean up the damage yourself and move on. Unfortunately, even the smallest of fire or smoke damages can have lasting implications for your property that may not be obvious in the immediate aftermath of your fire.

Soot and ash left on surfaces will begin to discolor walls and ceilings after just a few days if not properly cleaned. Vinyl flooring and wood can also be damaged, requiring expensive replacement costs if not addressed quickly. Ash also impacts metal surfaces, potentially causing corrosion.

The most obvious problem after a fire or smoke damage is the smell that pervades every item and surface in your home. Because smoke particles are so fine, they can creep into the smallest crevices and leave a lingering odor that can last for months. Conventional cleaning products may only mask this problem, not eliminate it entirely.

At SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson, we act quickly to clean and restore your property. From carpet and upholstery cleaning, to specialized cleaning of wood and delicate surfaces, we have the expertise and experience to restore your property to its preloss condition quickly. Addressing the problem of odor and smoke damage immediately helps to prevent permanent damage and keep costs down. Call us anytime day or night at 317-773-0422 and let a restoration specialist help make your property "Like it never even happened."

Winter is Coming! Tips to Get Your Fireplace Ready for the Season

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Enjoy Your Home Safely

Days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping fast. With most of us spending more time at home than ever before, now is the time to get your home ready for cold weather. One way to do that is to prepare your fireplace for a winter's worth of cozy fires.

Before that first fire of the season, have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a qualified chimney inspector. They will look for signs of deterioration and be sure your fireplace is properly ventilated. The type of fuel you use and how often you use your fireplace will determine if your chimney will need to be swept.

When it's time to collect wood to burn, use dry and well-aged wood. Wet or green wood creates more smoke and causes more soot to accumulate in the chimney.

Clean out ash from previous fires. Only one inch of ash should remain in the base of the fireplace. More than that can create more smoke and impact proper ventilation.

If possible, keep a window cracked while you utilize your fireplace to encourage proper ventilation in your home.

Never leave a fire burning unattended. Do not go to bed or leave your home while your fire is still burning.

Check to be sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order. Also, keep a fire extinguisher on hand and teach family members how to use it if necessary.

Keep the area around the fireplace clear of items that could easily catch fire such as furniture, draperies, books, newspapers, rugs, etc.

Teach children about the dangers of fires and never leave children unattended near a fire.

Cozy fires are a joy during the winter months in Indiana. Follow these tips to keep your family safe while staying in. If your home or business is damaged by fire or smoke this winter season, call the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson anytime day or night at 317-773-0422.

Peace of Mind For Your Belongings After a Fire

1/13/2020 (Permalink)

We at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson are proud of our ability to make your home or business "Like it never even happened," after a fire at your home or commercial property. Part of our exceptional service is the peace of mind that we can give you knowing that your personal belongings are being handled with the upmost care and responsibility. We know that it is an overwhelming feeling to trust your furniture, family heirlooms and expensive electronics to others to clean and repair. That is why we are proud to offer a state of the art Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS) which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. Before beginning the process of restoration, we will take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, using a bar-coding system to ensure accurate information. This process will provide the following:

Preloss list and value 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!

Our system will also enable our professionals to quickly locate items as you need them throughout the restoration process.

At SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson our goal is to make the process of restoration after a disaster as easy as possible for you. Find out the difference our proven systems can make for you and your family. If your home or business has been damaged by fire or smoke damage call us anytime at 317-773-0422.

Christmas Tree Safety

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Keep Your Family Safe This Holiday Season

For many families the decorating of the Christmas tree signals the official start of the holiday season. Unfortunately, Christmas trees start approximately 210 house fires each year in the United States. There are a few basic safety tips that can keep your family safe this season while you enjoy your festive holiday decorations:

*Carefully select your tree - look for fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

*Place your tree carefully: stay at least three feet away from any heat source including fireplaces, radiators, heat vents or lights. Keep candles away from your tree.

*Examine your lights before decorating your tree. Throw away any strands with broken cords or loose bulb connections. Be sure your lights have been checked for safety in a recognized testing laboratory and only use lights designated for indoor use on your tree.

*Water your tree daily.

*Remove your tree promptly after Christmas or as soon as it is noticeably dry. Be sure to dispose of your tree properly- a dried out tree is a fire hazard if left in your home or garage. Find our if your community has a recycling program for trees.

Enjoy the holiday season with your family and friends. If your home or business suffers a fire or smoke damage, call the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson. We are available anytime day or night at 317-773-0422.

Why Call The Professionals at SERVPRO After A Fire At Your Home?

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

When your home has been damaged by fire or smoke damage, your first impulse may be to start cleaning to get things back to normal immediately. Although we understand the desire to restore order as quickly as possible, calling the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson right away can save you time, money and headaches. The following is an overview of the process that we take with each fire to make your home "Like it never even happened".

After even a small fire, the structure will need to be thoroughly cleaned. This includes ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and other types of flooring. Our restoration specialists will pretest each area to determine the extent of the damage and utilize specialized products and techniques for each individual surface. Depending on the amount and type of soot, it may be possible to keep costs down and avoid having to paint and refinish some walls and woodwork.

The contents of your home in the affected areas will be cleaned and deodorized. This includes furniture, draperies, upholstery, and area rugs. All other items in your home including wooden furniture, kitchen items, clothing and bedding will also be cleaned. We have experts on staff who are specialists in cleaning and restoring your artwork, electronics and precious family photographs. Lastly, the contents of your home will be thoroughly inventoried so you can rest assured that your belongings are being safely maintained.

Finally, your home will be thoroughly deodorized to eliminate any lingering odors left by the fire or smoke damage. Our treatments do not simply cover the smells but eliminate them at their source.

Even a small fire can have devastating and lasting consequences on your home. Don't go it alone. Call the trusted professionals at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North and of Anderson to get the job done right quickly and efficiently. We can be reached 24 hours a day 7 days a week at 317-773-0422.

October is Fire Safety Month: Workplace Fire Prevention

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

October is Fire Safety Month! Ensure your place of business is prepared in the event of a fire emergency by following these simple guidelines.

*Reduce workplace clutter! Unnecessary buildup of paper and supplies can become fuel in the event of a fire. Utilize storage facilities for files that you don't use frequently and remove waste and recycling frequently. Keeping clutter to a minimum will also allow easier access to exits and emergency equipment in case a fire does occur.

*Test sprinklers annually and smoke detectors monthly. Never stack or store items in a way that blocks sprinklers.

*Be sure each employee area has clear exit diagrams and a well lit floor plan. Discuss your company's evacuation plan with your employees.

*Make sure there are an adequate number of working fire extinguishers and be sure all of your employees know how to use them.

*Take care of electrical or wiring problems immediately. Don't overload circuits or extension cords and have a qualified electrician replace frayed or damaged wiring ASAP.

Following these simple tips can make your workplace a safer place in the event of an emergency. If your home or business does experience a fire event, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Hamilton County, of Indianapolis North, and of Anderson at 317-773-0422. We will be onsite quickly to assess the damage and make your workplace "Like it never even happened".

Summer Fire Safety

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Many people think of winter as the peak season for damage to property caused by fire, but the summer months provide a variety of opportunities for fire and smoke damage to your home. One reason for this is severe weather: lightening strikes are most common during the summer months and this combined with drier conditions can be a perfect recipe for a dangerous summer fire. Keep your family and property safe from fire related damage and injuries this summer by following some simple preventative measures:

* When building a campfire or firepit, be sure to keep your fire away from your home, deck or backyard play structures. Designate someone to be in charge of the fire until it is completely out-never go to bed while a fire is still smoldering.

* Similarly, keep your grill a safe distance from your home or deck. Keep a portable fire extinguisher near your kitchen or outside cooking area and teach all family members how to use it in case of emergency.

* Minimize the risk of property damage due to lightening strikes or man-made fires by regularly inspecting your home's exterior for build up of leaves and limbs that can ignite and spread flames.

* Keep your family safe by creating and practicing an escape plan in case of a fire emergency. Designate a meeting place a safe distance from your home.

* Check your smoke detectors monthly to be sure they are in working order and replace batteries as needed.

Summer months are great times to relax and enjoy time with family and friends. Even when following every precaution, disaster can strike your home or place of business and we are here to help. Call us day or night at 317-773-0422.

You've Had a Fire at Your Home or Office: Now What?

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

The fire has been put out and the firetrucks have gone. When you are left to deal with the aftermath of a fire in your home it's hard to know what to do first. Follow these safety tips to keep your family safe and minimize damage to your property:

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 SERVPRO of Hamilton County at 317-773-0422.
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.

We know you have questions after a fire. Call SERVPRO of Hamilton County at 317-773-0422 and a restoration specialist will be on site quickly to assess the damage and create a plan to make your home "Like it never even happened." We are available day or night to answer your questions and ease your mind.

What Happens When You Call SERVPRO of Hamilton County After a Fire

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

When your home or business has been the location of a fire, it can be hard to know what to do first to begin the process of cleaning up. After the firetrucks have gone, you are often left with smoke and structural damage, as well as water damage from the efforts made to put out the fire. Although every fire damage is unique depending on its size and cause, the following steps illustrate our process for the "typical" fire damage.