Deep Fried Danger: 8 Tips for Safely Deep Frying Your Turkey

11/4/2023 (Permalink)

8 Tips for Safely Deep Frying Your Thanksgiving Turkey

As Thanksgiving approaches, families across South Miami are preparing for a day of family, gratitude, and of course, a mouthwatering feast.

One tradition that has grown in popularity over the years is deep-frying a turkey. The crispy, golden-brown skin and juicy meat are hard to resist, but it's important to be aware that this culinary adventure comes with some serious risks, particularly in South Miami's warm and often breezy climate. In this article, we'll delve into the dangers of turkey frying and equip you with invaluable safety tips to ensure a disaster-free Thanksgiving.

Turkey Frying Fiascos:

Each year, Thanksgiving turkey frying incidents lead to devastating fires, injuries, and substantial property damage throughout the country. In South Miami, where the climate tends to be warm and dry, these risks are heightened. Here are some alarming statistics to shed light on the gravity of the situation:

• According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), deep fryer fires cause an average of five deaths, 60 injuries, and result in over $15 million in property damage annually in the United States alone.
• The NFPA goes on to state that deep fryer fires account for more than one in every five home cooking fire incidents. The scalding temperature of the frying oil can easily cause severe burns, especially when safety precautions aren't diligently observed.
• According to the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA), cooking-related incidents, including deep frying, are the primary cause of home fires year-round. However, these incidents surge during Thanksgiving, with the average number of residential building fires doubling compared to the rest of the year.

Safety First: 8 Tips for Deep-Frying Your Thanksgiving Turkey:

• Choose the Right Location: Establish your turkey frying station in a well-ventilated, outdoor area, far from structures, trees, and flammable materials. Never set up your fryer inside a garage or on a wooden deck.
• Maintain a Safe Distance: Ensure that your turkey fryer is positioned at least 10 feet away from your house or any other buildings. This precaution helps prevent fires from spreading.
• Thaw Your Turkey: Prior to frying, make certain your turkey is completely thawed and thoroughly dry. Ice and water can react perilously with hot oil, causing splatters and potential fires.
• Use the Appropriate Amount of Oil: Avoid overfilling the fryer with oil, which can lead to overflow and fires. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for the correct amount of oil based on your turkey's size.
• Monitor the Temperature: Use a reliable thermometer to maintain a steady oil temperature of approximately 350°F (175°C). Overheated oil can ignite.
• Never Leave It Unattended: Never leave the turkey fryer unattended, and keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
• Be Prepared with a Fire Extinguisher: Have a fire extinguisher specifically designed for kitchen fires within easy reach, and be familiar with its usage. If a small fire occurs, never attempt to extinguish it with water, as water and hot oil do not mix.
• Wear Safety Gear: Protect yourself with heat-resistant gloves and eye protection to minimize the risk of burns and splatters.

While deep-frying a turkey can be an irresistible addition to your Thanksgiving festivities, safety should always be your top priority. South Miami's warm climate and outdoor lifestyle necessitate an extra level of vigilance when engaging in this cooking method. By heeding these safety tips and remaining mindful of potential hazards, you can ensure that your Thanksgiving celebration remains fun and free from mishaps. Enjoy your turkey, stay safe, and have a happy Thanksgiving!

Need Help for a Home or Business After South Miami Fire Damage?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning up after a fire is a complicated process and SERVPRO is Here to Help.

Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration for South Miami Properties is a SERVPRO Speciality

As you try to cope during the aftermath of a blaze in your home or commercial building in South Miami, the fire damage and search for possible solutions are a constant concern. The destruction facing you is overwhelming, unlike any crisis you have weathered. Most property owners do not have significant experience in fire and smoke remediation, needing guidance from reputable fire damage restoration professionals. 

Who Can Deliver Water and Fire Damage Restorations in South Miami?

SERVPRO's focus when assessing fire damage scenarios is to design a solution that restores the property and its unique characteristics as much as possible and is practical. If South Miami fire damage affects a property with historical significance in the downtown business area or an established residential neighborhood, demolition and rebuilding are inadequate solutions. Our team uses research-based best practices mastered through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training to reclaim your residence or business property's former glory.

How Does SERVPRO Approach Restoration After a South Miami Residential or Commercial Blaze?

Safety 

Upon arrival, experienced SERVPRO project managers reviewed the hazards caused by the fire and the water and extinguishing agents used to knock down the flames. We then secure the property and control the unsafe conditions so smoke and fire damage mitigation and remediation can proceed. Risks include:

• Slip and fall
• Electrical shock
• The possibility of impending structural collapse
• Toxic fire residues, both on surfaces and airborne 

Emergency Services

Once we control hazardous conditions, SERVPRO technicians begin clearing debris and cleaning smoke and fire damage soiling. Expect some or all of the following interventions:

• Contaminated water extraction, containment, and lawful disposal
• Applied structural drying
• Containment of work areas with 1.6 mil polyethylene and air scrubbing equipment to improve air quality and begin the fire and smoke odor reduction
• Evaluation of the soot residues throughout the home or business and matching of appropriate cleaning products and methodology to remove the fire soiling
• Implementation of the plans for fire damage residue cleaning determined above

Contents Fire Damage Response

A residential or commercial fire affects much more than the structural components of your building. Customers often feel significant distress and grief as they contemplate the loss of treasured heirlooms and essential records. 

Specially trained IICRC SERVPRO technicians review the fire damage done to the furnishings, household and business goods, documents, electronics, personal possessions, and more inside your property. We collaborate with you and your insurance company to decide how to respond best to these items' fire damage, malodors, and soiling. SERVPRO has many resources to clean, disinfect, dry, and deodorize a whole house or business's contents. Our ability to return to pre-fire function and the appearance of the many things you feared were ruined beyond repair by water and fire damage is one of the skills SERVPRO is most proud to offer.  

Call SERVPRO of South Miami with confidence for top-quality residential and commercial water and fire damage restoration. Call (305) 269-8900 to schedule prompt assessment and provision of emergency services.

Recovering From Fire Damage in Your Key Biscayne Property

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Protect Your Key Biscayne Property with SERVPRO's Emergency READY Profile

SERVPRO Offers the ERP-The Mobile App to Help Prevent and Mitigate Damage by Fire and Water

Home fires can be an incredibly traumatic experience. It can ruin your home and disrupt your life. Having your household memories and treasured belongings destroyed in a fire causes mental and financial stress, to say the least.

Homes experience fire damage in Key Biscayne far more often than you think. After examining fires in the area, the root causes fall into three categories cooking, heating, or neglect. Regardless of how the fire in your home began, it helps to have a quality restoration company on your side. 

At SERVPRO, we promote preparation as a critical factor for preventing damage in your home due to fire. Thinking that your home is immune only increases losses when a disaster occurs. You should take a few moments to obtain our Ready Plan Mobile App; you can download it directly to your PC and your iPhone or Android smartphone. 

SERVPRO’s Ready Plan allows you to plan, contact our local franchise, and share information about your property that helps us respond with the correct amount of personnel and equipment to serve you during an emergency. 

Having a relationship with your local restoration company helps protect your property. If we have directions and know what it looks like, we can respond quicker and reduce the losses you suffer. 

The app also assists homeowners with accounting for household possessions before catastrophe strikes. With SERVPRO’s Ready Plan, you can add images and maintain visual records concerning areas of your home prone to fire. Search for the ERP--Emergency READY Profile app.

Creating a damage log allows you to communicate your issue more efficiently and document the problem for insurance purposes while giving you direct access to the services you need to get back on your feet as soon as possible. 

Your insurance company favors you for using a quality restoration company that can provide you with a full-service solution, and SERVPRO works hard to meet or exceed any expectations you may have. We provide customers with solutions unique to your situation, providing fire, smoke, and water restoration services and any cleaning, deodorization, and repair methods necessary to get the job done right. 

Make the decision to restore your home as quickly and efficiently as possible. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami today for access to the services you deserve. (305) 269-8900

SERVPRO Provides Excellent Fire Damage Restorations For Homeowners In Key Biscayne

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

A multitude of problems can develop after a fire occurs in your Key Biscayne property.

Fire Damage Restorations For Homeowners

Many problems can develop after a fire occurs in your Key Biscayne property. The fire itself does significant damage to items touched by flames while smoke and soot residues permeate the rest of your home with little to stand in the way.

You need to take all necessary precautions before entering your Key Biscayne home after experiencing fire damage. Besides natural hazards, entering your property without the proper protection can lead to secondary damages or make some items unrestorable. Protect your investment wisely, and hire a quality restoration team to help get you back on your feet after an emergency.

SERVPRO has 24-hour emergency services available 365-days a year, including holidays. We train hard and make ourselves available so that you can rest easy knowing that professionals are available whenever you need us. Our technicians have IICRC-industry certification and follow local, state, and federal guidelines to perform restorations on your property while demonstrating efficiency and providing each customer with the services they deserve.

Insurance companies like working with SERVPRO because we offer a complete solution to our clients. We manage your entire restoration, providing customers with a detailed outline of each stage, and answering any questions you may have throughout the fire restoration process. We help you understand the paperwork needed to process your claim and fight to get you what you deserve to return things to normal.

Having a company like SERVPRO on your side after an emergency occurs on your property can make a significant difference in protecting the value of your investment. The amount of time and effort we put into your restoration proves the amount of dedication we have to improve your circumstances. We put every resource available to work for you, supplying the proper amount of personnel and equipment to produce results quickly and efficiently.

Consider calling SERVPRO of South Miami for all of your emergency needs. We are ready to answer your call for help anytime, day or night. (305) 269-8900.

Scoping the Contents of South Miami Homes for Fire Restoration

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Let your local SERVPRO of South Miami professionals resolve your fire damage problems.

Fire Restoration Includes Content Management 

To many homeowners, the property's contents are as important as the structure itself. Our restoration services often focus on appropriate actions to protect personal belongings and loose contents within a household. When our technicians arrive at a damaged home, specific efforts help protect these objects or relocate them to our facility for focused cleaning.

Pre-Job Inspection 

Fire restoration for South Miami homes and businesses relies heavily on the data collected during pre-job inspections of the property. It is necessary to define the impact of fire on the structure, and what potential damage exists with the house's contents. Both the combustion process and extinguishment can severely damage items, including:

• Soot damage
• Smoke solids
• Offensive odors
• Water damage
• Blistering/charring

Unsalvageable Materials 

The inspection process can identify what items in your home cannot be restored. Salvageability is an important distinction, as we must safely discard these items and catalog this loss as part of the complete estimation and findings for the insurance company. Our full evaluation of the property is a helpful tool in promoting fast damage claim approval.

Cleanable Contents

SERVPRO technicians will determine that some contents and personal belongings can get cleaned after fire loss effect exposure. When this can occur inside the house, it is the most desirable outcome. House occupants can access these items, and less loss is documented and claimed.

Relocation Required 

Our cleaning technicians must also determine when more complex restoration solutions are necessary. We can provide deep cleaning options, including deodorization and abrasive surface treatments, at our SERVPRO facility. When restoration is complete in the house, professionals can return these contents to their original positions.

It is important to preserve contents as effectively as we work to protect the structure involved in a fire. Our SERVPRO of South Miami is ready to help 24/7 after fire losses when you call (305) 269-8900.

Making Your Fire Damage Disappear in Your Home

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning up after a fire is a complicated process. But no worries! SERVPRO is trained and equipped to handle all your fire damage restoration needs.

After A Fire Contact SERVPRO For Fire Damage Repair and Restoration

While the amount of what you own may not reach hoarder level, after a fire has rampaged through your home, you may still be surprised at the number of items covered in soot that you now need to sort through. Without sifting through the many items, it's impossible to clean the still good ones. This is not a small job, and many people just throw everything away. This isn't good for the environment, or for your bank account.

Replacing everything in your Miami home that shows fire damage might seem like the easiest route, but it isn't the best course for everyone. If you have very few items that are visibly damaged by heat instead of soot, that might be the only course you have anyway. For those who have families and all of the many things that go along with taking care of children, you'll be aware of the memories you'll also be throwing away. This also applies to those whose children have grown and moved out, and for many others.

Cleaning up after a fire is a complicated process. Soot is also full of carcinogens and irritants. The particles can be so small that they are also very abrasive, and cleaning must be done as soon as possible. One or two unskilled people will not be able to clean at the rate needed to stop the corrosive activity of the soot. Instead, a team of skilled and highly trained individuals should be utilized to help ensure that your items are cleaned correctly.

At SERVPRO, we have experience and skills backed by training and certification in all aspects of fire damage clean up, along with repair and restoration concepts that will have your home looking, feeling, and smelling "Like it never even happened." We won't only clean your personal belongings and furniture but also your walls, carpeting, rugs, ceilings, upholstered and non-upholstered furniture, glass and metal accents, cabinetry, doors, wooden trim, and draperies. We will bag and remove your clothing, bedding, and other linens to be washed at our facility with special cleaners that will not only remove the soot, but also the scent of the fire and return them to you smelling fresh and clean again.

If you and your family want to put your lives back together after a fire has happened, call us at SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900. We are always available, 24/7, to help guide you through a fire damage emergency, so your family quickly makes the fire a thing of the past.

How Can I Safeguard My Miami Home Against Potential Fires?

12/24/2021 (Permalink)

Help prevent fires in your home with some of our suggestions. Should your home have already had a fire, contact SERVPRO for effective cleanup.

According to Miami Fire Damage Restorer SERVPRO, You Can Lower Your Fire Risks by Developing Safer Cooking Habits and Properly Maintaining Appliances.

Residential fires are common occurrences in the densely populated city of Miami. These fires often originate from cooking mishaps, poorly maintained appliances, and those that malfunction. Once ignited, blazes can quickly spread to nearby homes.

When looking for a reputable service to remediate your fire-related issues, remember that all Miami fire damage cleanup services are not equally capable of doing the job right.  Many simply do not give their technicians the proper training, and some workers likely lack the requisite experience to handle more severe cases.  Other companies do not have the specialized equipment necessary to successfully clean up and restore the worst fire damage.  Therefore, knowing what your local cleanup and restoration companies are capable of before a fire occurs is to your advantage.

What Can I Do to Reduce My Risks of a House Fire and Mitigate Damages if One Occurs?

Fortunately, you can do several things to substantially lower your residential fire risks and limit your damages if one ever happens.  SERVPRO offers the following fire risk mitigation suggestions to homeowners:

•   Make sure cooking oil never overheats and only use deep fryers controlled by a thermostat
•   If an oil or grease fire starts, turn off the heat if possible and do not attempt to extinguish it with water
•   Keep clothing and other flammable materials away from the stove and burners
•   Ensure that cooking appliances are turned off once you are finished cooking
•   Avoid leaving cooking food or children unattended in the kitchen
•   Properly maintain and routinely clean all appliances
•   Keep a Class A-B-C fire extinguisher in your kitchen

Although SERVPRO believes these measures effectively reduce your fire-related risks, they can never fully eliminate them.

So, if your home ever experiences a fire, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 for assistance.

Coral Gables Kitchen Fires Call for Technical Fire Damage Restoration Efforts

11/25/2021 (Permalink)

You need a team you can trust after a fire strikes in your home. Call SERVPRO right away.

Let SERVPRO Help with Fire Damage Restoration After You Have a Kitchen Fire in Coral Gables

An unexpected kitchen fire not only dampens your plans but it leaves a decent amount of smoke damage in its wake. After a protein fire, even when flames and smoke seem minimal, it can impact the kitchen as well as your entire Coral Gables home. The aftermath stemming from a protein fire may not be immediately visible, but the sticky, foul-smelling residue will coat a lot of surfaces in the immediate area. SERVPRO is available to help with house fire clean-up to address protein fires in the kitchen and other restoration needs. 

What happens during a kitchen fire leads to the need for skilled fire damage restoration in Coral Gables. Protein fires pose a unique restoration challenge due to the burnt foods causing pungent odors, often turning into an issue that is difficult to mitigate. SERVPRO can tell you the following about what results from a kitchen fire:

• They generate a strong, lingering odor beyond many other types of fires
• Protein fire may leave little noticeable residue, making it difficult for an untrained DIY clean up
• The burn allows odors to migrate into furnishings and other areas of the structure
• Many projects involving kitchen fires call for sealing agents
• There might be a need for multiple methods and attempts to achieve the best results

SERVPRO features IICRC-certified fire and smoke restoration technicians ready to handle the work. We arrive and thoroughly assess the scene, then select specialized methods for addressing sticky, stubborn protein residue, clean all surfaces, and perform controlled demolition as needed. Your Coral Gables kitchen will be “Like it never even happened.”

Do you need help with specialized fire damage restoration? SERVPRO of South Miami is the crew to call at (305) 269-8900.

What Size Fires in South Miami Require Professional Help?

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

When fire damage affects your home, quick action is required. Contact Team SERVPRO for effective fire damage clean up and remediation services.

Even a Small Fire in South Miami, Requires Professional Help

It is hard to imagine that a home in South Miami could catch on fire. Most houses on the tree-lined streets of the City Beautiful have stood there for decades, braving thunderstorms and hurricanes, seemingly unmovable by the elements. However, it is precisely their longevity that makes your home vulnerable to malfunction with old wiring that could cause a fire in your property. Although it seems like a small event contained to just a part of your house, reaching out to a specialized team can make all the difference.

When there is fire damage to your South Miami property, our SERVPRO team is close by and readily available to help restore your home. Our team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the goal of reacting as soon as the emergency takes place. The longer the smoke residue and water remnants sit on your home, the more widespread the damage can be. Taking fast action can make all the difference in returning your home to mint condition.

Upon your call, our SERVPRO Green Fleet arrives at your home to assess the damage and determine the path of the fire. With this information, we're able to plan for immediate needs and anticipate any long-term consequences. Our wide array of equipment can extract any water left after firefighters extinguished the flames home and returned moisture readings to their appropriate levels. We also focus on identifying the different surfaces affected by smoke and soot to apply a material-specific solution for their removal. Due to our formal training and our field expertise, we can make a work plan focused on cleaning your home while salvaging as much of its contents as possible.

Many of our SERVPRO customers worry about the smell of smoke left after a fire. It can feel like upholstery, rugs, and the very walls of your home can not lose the offending odor. In reality, we train our techs to tackle the issue in different ways. Depending on the specifics, our team may use air scrubbers to rid the air of the offending particles, or we may bring in an ozone generator to alter the air molecules and break down the smell. For more extensive odor removal, we may use air filters specifically designed to purify your home environment.

Restoring Property to Pre-loss State After Fire Damage in South Miami

Fire destroys property quickly and in different ways, so complications can always arise in any restoration process. Knowing which steps to take immediately after extinguishing the fire can help ease the process. Working with our IICRC certified restoration technicians can help restore your South Miami home to the preloss state easily.

Putting out the flames does not mean the end of fire damage in South Miami. In many cases, the fire creates an opportunity for other damages to arise. For example, if the blaze is fierce enough to puncture a hole in the roof or walls of the house, it creates an opportunity for weather elements to further ruin the property. Even in small fires, secondary problems can arise. For example, moisture from sprinklers or the water used by firemen to quell the blaze saturates surfaces, and it sets smoke residues. Our SERVPRO technicians help prevent these secondary problems by boarding up the affected structure immediately. We also bring water extraction and drying equipment to damaged sites to help combat moisture problems. 

Foul odors are typical after a fire incident. It can manifest if there are aerosols and other smoke residues in the air. Burning synthetic materials, fuel oils, or proteins creates various residues deposited on surfaces. Such smells can only go away after removing the residues. Our SERVPRO technicians clean all affected areas. We also use different procedures to deodorize the property. For example, fogging the area with neutralizers, sanitizers, and digesters helps because the best way to get rid of smells is to replicate the conditions that caused them in the first place. 

It is not always possible to salvage items damaged by flames. The fire damage on drywall, ceiling, or other organic materials might be too extensive for restoration to work. Replacing such materials helps deal with the damage effectively. Our SERVPRO technicians are well-versed, with the teardown, to build up and refine processes needed in such areas.  

Restoring fire-razed property can be a tricky process. Call SERVPRO of South Miami to help determine the best steps to take. You can reach us at (305) 269-8900 any day. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Fire Damage Requires Professional Clean-Up in South Miami

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Soot damage can travel far from the blaze. SERVPRO is trained to completely restore your home.Call us today!

Professional Fire Damage Clean-Up

Fires can strike anywhere. Because many families never experience a fire, most people do not understand the damage even small fires can cause. Smoke and soot, combined with firefighters' attempts at putting out the fire, can create a soggy black mess in what used to be your home-sweet home. It can be a nightmare. Because of the toxicity levels in soot that accumulates on various surfaces found in any home, the clean-up should be done only by professionals with experience in handling such tasks.

The Hazards of Fire Damage are Real

If you've suffered fire damage in South Miami, you should know that the risks do not disappear when the fire is extinguished. Damage can be quite visible or hidden. Hidden damage creates not only risks to your family's health but also their physical safety. While you may have escaped the fire, the structures that support your home's interior and exterior can continually become weaker. Walking across the floor as you once did before can now be a dangerous thing to do. It would help if you had someone inspect for structural damage before entering. The same professionals who examine should be someone who also is knowledgeable in which items are safe to remove for your immediate use.

What Soot Does to Your Personal Belongings

Soot contains many toxic components, and items that are otherwise not damaged and only covered in oily soot must be cleaned before being used. A house fire often results in damage to walls and ceilings, with soot being carried throughout the home. Those items that are not affected by the flames or the heat of the fire and have no electronic parts often can be safely cleaned and re-used. Having an expert assist you in making those determinations can protect you and your family. While it may seem to be a money-saver to attempt to clean up after fire damage, this can cause additional damage. To avoid this, it's recommended to have professionals carry out the cleaning and rehabilitation of the contents in a home after a fire has occurred.

Call in the Experts When You Have had Fire Damage

SERVPRO of South Miami has highly skilled teams available 24/7 who are experienced in post-fire clean-ups. We have the equipment, the experience, and the expertise to help you recreate your home-sweet-home by restoring your belongings to you once again. Call us at (305) 269-8900, and we'll be at your home quickly to help you assess the damages and begin the work needed.

Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage Repairs in South Miami

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can handle smoke and soot restoration, no matter the size of the fire.

Need Fire Damage Cleanup in South Miami – Call SERVPRO

Fire damage in your home extends well beyond the charred remains of a fire in South Miami. For example, fires contained in the kitchen also spread smoke residues to other home areas. Fire retardants are used to quell the fire and can cause damage to fabrics and carpets, leaving stains that can discolor these materials.

SERVPRO can help with all the fire damage in your South Miami home. Our technicians assess the damage caused by the fire and the efforts of the fire department to put the fire out. They devise a restoration plan that includes removing all charred materials, smoke residue, cleaning walls and contents, and stain removal. Our team leader explains each step and the efforts needed to restore your home.

Stains from chemicals and water can be challenging to remove from fabrics and carpets. The best solution is to clean these materials before they dry and the stains soak into the material. We can remove many stains; however, the cleaning agents used by SERVPRO can also remove colors from dyed fabrics. Oxidizing bleaches and natural fabric brighteners are used in these situations.

SERVPRO delivers the following services:

• Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup
• Water and chemical damage restoration
• House fire clean up 

Call SERVPRO of South Miami for fire damage in South Miami and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (305) 269-8900.

Is Residential Fire Restoration in South Miami an Expert Job?

4/23/2021 (Permalink)

Recent fire in a portion of your home? Don’t panic. Contact SERVPRO right away to assess and remediate the fire damage.

SERVPRO of South Miami Has Dedicated Fire Restoration Technicians for Local Residents

Putting a property back together after a fire is complex, with many moving parts. Debris needs sorting through while tasks like cleaning, disposing of, safety, and security needs to be spread around a team to ensure an efficient restoration. These tasks could cover general duties such as:

• Fire and smoke damage
• Fire damaged homes
• Smoke remediation

SERVPRO crew chiefs have extensive experience in organizing a workforce for fire restoration in South Miami. The overriding nature of managing workflows is referred to as job site management and plays an influential role in property restoration's overall success. Despite the repair's complex nature, our crew chiefs are also attentive to your needs and can communicate with you throughout.

• Labor budgets need to be drawn up early during the restoration to provide you with an accurate estimate.
• Site services like the arrangement of dumpsters and debris removal can be organized by a crew chief.
• Prioritizing high-use areas can be arranged if you are remaining in the property during restoration.

Organization is vital to successful and time-efficient restoration. Contact SERVPRO of South Miami for fire restoration at (305) 269-8900.

Why Are Coral Gables Kitchen Fire Residues Hard to Remove?

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Kitchen fires can happen at any time. Call in the experts for assistance with clean up after a fire in your Coral Gables home.

SERVPRO Technicians Assess and Plan for Tenacious Soot Removal 

Many fires start in Coral Gables’ kitchens. The unique residues coating surfaces and contents after a grease or oven fire need a specific cleanup protocol. Kitchen fire soot consists of the dehydrated remains of foods and cooking oils, a protein-based coating that clings as tightly as shellac and is also highly malodorous. It does not respond to ordinary cleaning methods.

How Does SERVPRO Restore Surfaces Contaminated with Kitchen Fire Soot?

When protein-based residues cover walls, counters, hoods, floors, and appliances after a kitchen fire, restoration of Coral Gables residences requires specific skills. SERVPRO technicians first scope the entire house, as the superheated protein-bearing smoke can rush throughout a building. Wherever we locate the closely adhered residues, our team:

• Chooses oil-based solvents to break up the coating
• Considers the use of abrasive tools to enhance the dissolving action of the cleaners
• Might disassemble removable fixtures for immersion or ultrasonic cleaning to destroy the bond between residue and object
• Employs enzymatic or hydroxyl generator technology to eliminate the stench by chemically altering the odor-bearing soot particles

Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and Odor Control Technicians (OCT) from SERVPRO of South Miami are experts in removing protein-based soots and smells. Contact us at (305) 269-8900 for a consultation.

Is South Miami Fire Damage Cleanup a Job for Professionals?

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Call (305) 269-8900 immediately after the fire truck drives away to ensure a speedy and favorable outcome.

SERVPRO Safely and Efficiently Clears Smoke and Soot Residues

Rapid development in Florida can expose properties to the potential of wildfires. Thousands of acres of undeveloped land and the homes constantly encroaching can be in the path of wildfires from a range of causes:

• Lightning
• Arson
• Debris burning
• Camping

Accelerating wildfires' chances are the many activities South Miami residents enjoy, including outdoor grilling and the growing obsession many have with fire pits and relaxing evenings around a flickering bonfire.

What Does the History of Florida Wildfires Teach South Miami Residents?

Florida has a history of significant grass and vegetation fires. The state created the Florida Division of Forestry in part as a response to fires in the 1920s. In 1935, the Big Scrub Fire in Ocala National Forest spread faster than any other fire in the nation's history, consuming 35,000 acres in just 4 hours. Droughts from 1969 through 1976 featured numerous fires in the Everglades, some reaching 50,000 acres in size.

What Are Concerns in South Miami as Development Embraces Previous Wildlands?

During 1985, Florida experienced its first significant "wildland/urban interface" event, culminating in what is known as the Palm Coast Fire. Over 250 homes burned in this fire, along with the undeveloped acreage more commonly stricken by wildfires. Data gathered during this fire helped develop a residential property survivability model based on:

• The intensity of the fire
• The presence of roof overhang vinyl vents
• The proximity of ground vegetation to the structure

Thirteen years later, fires struck the same Palm Coast subdivision. In part because of the research done on the previous fire, the government ordered the evacuation of 45,000 residents, and 44 states sent firefighters. The response to this fire inspired the largest aerial suppression operation conducted to that date. During the aftermath, experts considered the effort successful. Despite much development in the area over the 13 years, only 337 homes sustained damage, and just 33 businesses burned. As the smoke cleared, what again was responsible for the large fire? Roof overhang vents and vegetation surrounding the buildings were the culprits.

How Can South Miami Residents Protect Homes from Wildfires?

Aggressive brushing, particularly of dried vegetation, around homes and outbuildings is crucial to protecting the property from the threat of wildfires. In developments utilizing management companies, additional safeguards can be in place, including creating a fuel break. Vegetation providing fuel between the wildland and habitation needs removal. A strip with single trees or shrubs and non-flammable ground vegetation can be adequate. The development's road system also provides fuel breaks and, if well-planned, can confine any fire to a small area.

Why Choose SERVPRO for Fire Damage Mitigation and Remediation in South Miami?

South Miami fire damage cleanup is a cornerstone of SERVPRO's mission. We invest in restoration best practices training and high-efficiency, cutting edge smoke and soot residue removal products, tools, and equipment. Regardless of the initial cause of the blaze, our crews:

• Arrive promptly in comprehensively-stocked service vehicles
• Manage all aspects of fire damage cleanup:
• Firefighting water containment and lawful removal and disposal
• Evaluation of residue composition and implementation of strategies based on IICRC training using appropriate removal products and tools
• Disinfection with EPA-registered antimicrobials
• Applied structural drying
• Deodorization

Count on SERVPRO of South Miami to meet your fire, smoke, and soot cleanup needs. Call us at (305) 269-8900 day or night, 365 days of the year.

Quick Assistance When Fire and Smoke Affect Miami Properties

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crews are ready and available to assist you with rapid response and recovery efforts after your home suffers a fire catastrophe.

SERVPRO Offers Reliable Services to Miami Residences Requiring Fire and Smoke Removal 

People visiting you in South Miami probably know the area for the various perks it offers, including leafy neighborhoods and a vibrant downtown with unique shops, restaurants, historic buildings, and entertainment venues such as independent cinemas. There are always interesting things to do whether your guests stop by briefly or stick around for some time. 

For those fascinated by arts and culture, there is a wide variety of attractions and locations to indulge in their art therapy. At the multicultural center, Art south, classes for adults and students and rental work studios are available. They also have open house days on the second Saturday of every month and summer camp programs for kids. Other kinds of art like the themed confectionery at Misha's Cupcakes or Crêpe Maker and several other establishments can provide a memorable experience.

Whiling time away in a movie theater or independent cinema is also a nice way to spend time here. There are various establishments where one can enjoy a classic movie-going experience of Hollywood blockbusters, including:

• AMC 24 in Sunset Place 
• Cosford Cinema
• Cinepolis Coconut Grove

There are also exciting things to do outdoors, including spending time in green spaces and parks such as A.D. "Doug "Barnes" Park, a 65-acre facility with jogging trails, a fishing lake, picnic shelters, and native forest habitats. Dante Fascell Park is another excellent location where people engage in various recreation games, making it a perfect option for the active and fit crowd. The part is situated at the corner of SW 57th Avenue and 88th street. There are volleyball, basketball and handball courts. There is also a gated playground for kids.

 Alternatively, a sightseeing trip around the city creates a chance to see some historic buildings which might have more significance for someone visiting shortly, considering Miami has an insatiable thirst for reinvention that has seen many iconic buildings flattened and replaced since its incorporation in 1896. Among the notable addresses to visit might include the Alhambra Water Tower and the Barnacle Historic State Park. 

Everglades Ecosystem Fires

Fire incidents in the area can ruin the memorable Miami experience. The area is affected by a wide range of fires, including wildfires in the everglades ecosystem. Within the city, arson incidents and regular home fires are also common. The Everglades National Park has a long history of fires documented as far back as the early 1900s. Several Botanists, including Small, who toured the area in 1916, reported witnessing catastrophic fires stretching over 20 miles from Madiera Hammock to Cape Sable. Various other fires have affected the area over the years, including one in the winter of 1937 to 1938. In April 2020, a fire-affected approximately 1400 acres in the park, 5 miles from the US-41 highway.  

The wildfires are mostly sparked by lightning, and although they are part of the natural Everglades ecosystem, they can leave some unpleasant after-effects in the surrounding areas. For instance, strong winds can spread smoke from the park, reaching properties in the surrounding areas. Home fires, on the other hand, originate from various sources. Electrical equipment is ranked as the top source, with other sources such as fireworks, open flames, and exposure also spark fires. 

Arson incidents in the city have also occurred in the past leading to general inconvenience and, in some cases, ruining historic buildings. In February 2011, several arson incidents targeted Art Deco buildings in the Miami Beach area that led police to arrest Joel Paul Williams for starting the fires after an officer recognized him from the surveillance video.  

Fire Statistics in Miami

The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) keeps track of various fire statistics, including causes of fires, the types of properties affected, injuries, and other types of harm. Over the years, structure fires top the list of incidents, followed by vehicle fires, while exposure fires are minimal. 

• In the 4 years from 2015 to 2018, Miami Dade topped the charts among Florida counties with the highest incidences of fires affecting buildings. 2017 had the highest number of recorded incidents with 1764 cases, while 2015 had the lowest number with 1476.
• Similar trends were experienced for vehicle fires in the county.
• Miami County led the other Florida counties in wildfire incidents in 2015 when 111 cases were recorded. Other counties, such as Polk, had more cases in the 2015-2018 period.

Over the years, the fire incidents reported in single-family dwellings are almost four times the cases in multi-family dwellings. For instance, in 2016, there were 14,625 cases reported in single-family dwellings and 3,752 multi-family houses. 

How Does SERVPRO Help with Fire and Smoke Removal from Miami Properties?

The effects of fires on Miami properties can be immediate or linger after the incident. For example, smoke from external sources such as wildfire or fire in neighboring properties can leave residues on external and internal walls, ceilings, and other surfaces leading to yellowing and other problems. A thorough cleanup is necessary to restore preloss conditions and severe damages. Cleaning such residues requires the right products to dissolve the soils. Mechanical agitation is also necessary to break down the bonds soils have with the surfaces. SERVPRO relies on a variety of equipment to simplify the cleaning process. For example, pressure washers drive water at 1300 to 1700 PSI for electric models and 2000 to 2800 PSI for gas-powered ones. 

Cleaning smoke residues from house interiors may require more steps, including:

• Identifying the types of surfaces affected because old or porous materials tend to collect and hold more residues complicating the cleaning process 
• Identifying the types of residues involved. The residue type is the main determinant of the cleaning process.
• Capturing and removing the residues. Since it is not practical to blast interior surfaces with high-pressure water, alternative solutions are necessary. Our technicians use dry cleaning processes such as vacuuming or wiping the affected surfaces with cleaning sponges. We also use regular and advanced wet cleaning.

A fully equipped team from SERVPRO of South Miami is always ready to respond when fires affect properties in Miami. Call us at (305) 269-8900 to manage damages inside and outside your property.  

When Can I Enter My Coral Gables Home to Inspect It After a Fire?

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Miami (305) 269-8900 to assist with water and fire damage restoration of your home or business.

Fire Damage In My Coral Gables Home

Even small fires can create conditions inside a Coral Gables home that is dangerous to anyone entering the house. Slips and falls can occur from the slippery conditions created by water used to quell the fire and soot that mixes to create a slippery slurry. Larger fires can cause structural damage, endangering anyone who enters the home. There may also be toxic odors dangerous to your health.

SERVPRO works with the fire department and city officials to assess the damage to your Coral Gables home. Once safety inspections are completed, our team can enter your home to recover critical documents, heirlooms, and other valuable items. We urge clients to be vocal about priorities and communicate clearly with our professionals. The environment after a fire can be very stressful, leaving many people overwhelmed by the damage. It is essential to remain flexible as conditions become apparent, and plans are formulated to manage the emergency.

Who Will Remove All of the Water Used by the Fire Department to Extinguish the Fire?
The fire department's objective is to gain control of the fire, extinguish the fire as quickly as possible and protect surrounding buildings. Often large quantities of water are used in the process. There can be a great deal of soot and fire damage, along with water damage to your home's contents.

SERVPRO extracts water using large water pumps, various water extractors on carpeting and floors, and dehumidification equipment to dry your home. It is crucial to act quickly to avoid mold growth. In the right conditions, mold can begin to grow in less than 48 hours. Our technicians also remove charred debris, clean all hard surfaces to remove soot and smoke odors. Fabrics and soft textures are examined to assess the amount of damage and recommend the best cleaning approach.

Call SERVPRO of South Miami (305) 269-8900 to assist with water and fire damage restoration of your home or business.

Why Not Just Use Conventional Cleaning Strategies for Fire Restoration in South Miami?

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Call (305) 269-8900 anytime or night to schedule a prompt assessment and personalized plan.

SERVPRO’s Individualized Fire Restoration Plan Transforms South Miami Residences After the Unique Types of Damage Created by Smoke and Soot

The soiling left behind a South Miami household fire is unlike ordinary dirt, grime, wear, and tear. Choosing to try to manage the residues created by the heat and flames and incompletely combusted building materials with a general-purpose cleaner and technique dooms you to nearly inevitable failure. You also risk exposing yourself and your loved ones to toxic substances through skin contact and inhalation.

What Is So Different About Fire Residues?

Fire restoration in South Miami requires professional intervention. As the flames burn through structures and contents, a broad range of chemical reactions occur, creating carcinogenic gasses and hazardous soots -- tiny particles of partially burned materials floating in the air and coat surfaces. Common construction materials transform into thick, sticky, malodorous, and dangerous residues. The debris is highly corrosive, immediately commencing destructive processes to all surfaces they touch.

How Do Professional Restorers Approach Fire Cleanup?

A fast but safety-minded response is required. SERVPRO techs use proprietary cleaning products and the knowledge gleaned during the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) classes to match cleaners, tools, and methods to a variety of soots. We also take advantage of our inventory of advanced equipment to control hazards and protect our team.
    •    Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) during assessment and restoration tasks
    •    Constructing temporary containment areas using 1.6 mil polyethylene and installing negative pressure air scrubbers to filter the atmosphere and seal the perimeters of workspaces.

Count on SERVPRO of South Miami to turn post-fire damage chaos into “Like it never even happened,” condition by applying restoration best-practices to your situation. Call (305) 269-8900 anytime or night to schedule a prompt assessment and personalized plan.

What is the Best Way to Remove Odors After Fire Damage in Kendall?

6/11/2020 (Permalink)

When you are facing fire damage, SERVPRO is the company to contact for effective remediation services. Call right away for best results.

Team SERVPRO Remediates Kendall Fire Damage from Assessment to Odor Removal

Most Kendall home fire damage does not cause major structural damage, but there is always some physical damage from heat and flames. Most homeowners have to deal with the common, secondary issue created by the local fire department when they extinguish the fire.
 
The goal of SERVPRO is not just to remediate fire damage in Kendall homes, but also to reduce and hopefully prevent any secondary damage while cleaning up from the original disaster. Our response teams perform both sets of tasks concurrently to ensure we can return each home in its pre-fire condition to every owner as quickly as possible.
 
Our teams begin by removing structural and personal property to reduce the odors in the home and prevent further contamination from smoke and soot residues. This action includes any scorched items or anything heavily covered in soot and smoke residues. They dispose of all burned items and remove the rest to our offices where specialists use commercial-grade cleaning agents and sound wave generating immersion tanks to remove the extra thick layers of residues.
 
For items covered in only light-to-medium layers of residues, our technicians remove them to an unaffected area of the home and clean them in place. They can usually accomplish this using dry or wet sponges, and one of the milder cleaning agents in our inventory.
 
As the cleaning continues, a SERVPRO inspector examines the entry points, walls, and even the roof for damage. For broken windows and doors, team members cover them temporarily with plywood. Depending on the level of damage to the roof or walls, our specialists cover them with plywood or use tarps. Team members accomplish this to not only protect against inclement weather, but to also protect the interior of the home from the rodents, animals, and other pests native to Florida.
 
After cleaning the home, our team then deodorizes it. Odors can linger for weeks and months after all other damage has been removed or remediated. Technicians can usually eliminate odors with a combination of deodorizing sprays, but if the odors deeply penetrated the wood framing, they use an ozone machine to generate a gas that penetrates to the same level as the original odor and eliminates it.
 
Stopping and preventing further fire damage is not a short task, but SERVPRO of South Miami is here with you at every step of the process. If you have any lingering odors or other problems after a recent fire, call us at (305) 269-8900 to begin returning your home to its pre-fire condition and your family back to its normal state as well.

Click here for more information on the city of Kendall.

What Do Professional Restorers Do After a Fire in My South Miami Home?

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Should fire strike your home, call SERVPRO for fast remediation.

The hours following a fire are critical for restoration, so our SERVPRO team responds quickly to begin emergency services and mitigation.  

After a fire gets extinguished in your South Miami home and turned back over to you, you should already have restoration professionals secured to begin work on restoring and recovering your property. Several layers of loss effects must get addressed starting as soon as our professionals arrive, which is why contacting our team as soon as disasters take hold of your home is a cost-efficient idea. 

Professional fire restoration in South Miami homes encompasses multiple actions, beginning with the emergency services and mitigation solutions required to make the property safe for our technicians and bystanders. We can offer a full-service approach to recovering your house with a division of residential contractors on our roster, including controlled demolition, repairs, and reconstruction. 

What Are Emergency Services?  

The first actions that our professionals take in a house, even sometimes before any job scoping has happened, involves several emergency services. The objective here is to address pressing concerns that cannot wait for damage claim approvals. Some of these services and focal areas include: 

• Controlled Demolition
• Fire Debris Removal
• Temporary Construction Solutions
• Extraction / Drying
• Content Management 

How Fast Help Arrives?  

Our SERVPRO team always considers it a point of pride that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. We can make this claim by staying prepared for emergencies that could occur by pre-stocking trailers and keeping a variety of experienced technicians versed in Fire and Smoke Restoration (FSRT). This fast turnaround on your notice of loss can have our technicians arriving at your fire-damaged address within hours of your initial call. 

No matter how severe fire losses can become, our SERVPRO of South Miami team can help. Contact us anytime at (305) 269-8900. 

About South Miami.

Fire And Smoke Damage In Your Miami Property

4/2/2020 (Permalink)

“Like it never even happened.”

Thermal Fogging for Post-Housefire Smoke Odors in Miami

Deodorization is a vital component of the full-service restoration that we offer Miami homes and apartments. With the thousands and thousands of properties throughout the city, our restoration team needs effective and efficient solutions to stay prepared for whatever disaster is yet to come. Removing harsh smoke odors in a structure involves a combination of multiple tools and products, but our thermal foggers can often carry the brunt of this workload.

Understanding the deodorization process can help to appreciate the numerous machines and potent products involved in addressing fire damage and odor in Miami homes after a disaster. Our SERVPRO team has multiple options for removing odors from your damaged residence, some to reduce the severity of these conditions while some equipment can neutralize these present odors entirely. From the time that we arrive and begin mitigation, our professionals can:

    •    Remove fire debris to reduce the concentration of smoke and foul odors
    •    Begin controlled demolition on overly damaged surfaces to reduce odor severity
    •    Abrasive cleanings like soda blasting to remove carcinogens and soot
    •    Thermal fogging
    •    Hydroxyl generators
    •    Ozone machines

Thermal fogging is one of the most commonly used deodorization tools because of its versatility in a damaged area. By heating odor removal products to a mist/fog, we create a gaseous neutralizing compound that negates odor molecules on contact. This fine fog can penetrate affected porous materials and contents in the area as well, preventing an unnecessary removal and reinstallation of these surfaces at a later point.

Foggers are lightweight and mobile, making it easy to move the unit from one damaged area to another. Unlike ozone generators, our thermal fogging technology is not harmful to those in the immediate vicinity, making it a safe practice when fire damage does not force relocation.

While we have multiple solutions to reduce and remove harsh odors after a fire, one of the standard approaches for our SERVPRO of South Miami team is thermal fogging. However, we can help your home to look and smell better after a fire. We are here at (305) 269-8900 to make it “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Miami click here.

Fire Damage In Coral Gables Leaves Walls Covered in Soot

3/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of South Miami is available to assist with fire damage, soot deposits, and deodorization.

Our Methods Restore Your Coral Gables House to its Pre-Loss State

As things burn inside your Coral Gables house, smoke steadily pours into other areas. As it does, the heat and increased pressure forces it up against walls and ceilings. Soot, ash, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can cover these surfaces heavily, making them seem unsalvageable. Our techniques can often restore them enough to prevent this added expense. We can often mitigate minor bubbling on painted surfaces, negating the need to replace affected areas.

Cleaning the walls in your Coral Gables home of soot and other minor fire damage requires certain tools and chemical agents. Part of our training includes the safe use of the chemicals, as well as how to use the tools and equipment needed to get the job done quickly and without unnecessary waste. Our training develops habits that include always leaving the site clean and tidy, and all items out of reach of children and pets.

One of the first things we do upon beginning the mitigation work includes setting up air scrubbers. These machines help keep the particulate matter in the air from affecting us, as well as resettling elsewhere, possibly on newly cleaned surfaces. To clean walls, we use a highly absorbent sponge. However, this type of sponge works well without water. With slight pressure, we can remove soils like soot from smooth surfaces. Afterward, we might need to wash certain areas with a damp cloth to eliminate any static electricity that the sponge generated.

As we clean with the sponges, we keep in mind if the newly cleaned surface needs repainted. If so, possibly due to slight bubbly of the paint, we can prime the wall without using a damp cloth. While the wall may still show stains when we “clean for paint,” this is okay as we are concentrating on removing anything that can prevent a good bond between the surface and the fresh paint. This cleaning might involve stronger solvents and degreasing agents.

SERVPRO technicians are also trained in cleaning other kinds of walls, like tile, paneling, brick, and fabric. Each requires specific care to bring it back to its former condition. Some of this restoration work includes deodorizing your property. We can discuss different options that can eradicate any ongoing smells you or your family notice.

SERVPRO of South Miami is available to assist with fire damage, soot deposits, and deodorization. Call (305) 269-8900 for prompt service from our skilled and highly trained professional mitigation team.

For more about Coral Gables click here.

How Does a Thermal Fogger Work for Fire Damage in Miami Homes?

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's experienced teams are ready to assist your home in fire restoration immediately. Give us a call day or night at (305) 269-8900.

SERVPROS Steps to Deodorizing Your Home Using Thermal Fogging After Fire Damage

Fire losses require the use of sophisticated equipment and practices to recover Miami homes. Despite how devastating structure fires can be, we have experienced professionals working to provide efficient mitigation to reduce property loss. While debris removal, controlled demolition, and cleaning are vital elements of fire recovery, it is also critical to address the widespread harsh odors that can also spread throughout the property.

Deodorization is a critical step in the restoration of fire damage to Miami homes and beachfront properties. Smoke molecules and the combustion of plastics and other organic materials can lead to a blend of harsh odors concentrated throughout the entire household, being the strongest in the area where the fire began and lessening the greater the distance away. We have multiple deodorizing tools that can reduce or eliminate noxious scents, and one of the most heavily used of these is our thermal fogger.

Fogging machines are a favored choice of our SERVPRO professionals removing smoke odors because the generated vapor can penetrate difficult areas to reach and penetrate affected surfaces as well. This process can be more effective and efficient than deodorization with ultraviolet like our hydroxyl machines. Deodorizing compounds exist in many pleasant scents or odorless products that get rapidly heated by the machine to produce fog. When in contact with smoke and odor molecules, these deodorizing agents can neutralize the compounds.

Another favorable aspect of thermal fogging for our SERVPRO team after a fire loss incident is the lightweight versatility of the unit. Many of the other deodorizing tools available to the team are stationary and can only address certain areas until they get relocated. Foggers can move with the technician throughout the full measure of the damaged area without much need for readjustments.

Multiple obstacles exist for homeowners after a fire loss incident, but our SERVPRO of South Miami team can help. With the use of sophisticated tools like our thermal fogging machines, we can make fire emergencies, “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today at (305) 269-8900.

Learn more about Miami.

Miami Homes Benefit from SERVPRO Professional Containment Methods to Minimize Fire and Smoke Impacts

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Produces Clean and Fresh Air for Miami Properties after a Fire Loss

Unexpected Methods to Clean Residues After Fire Damage in Miami

One way to provide a positive impact on fire cleanup in Miami is to concentrate on interior air quality during initial interventions. Smoke and soot near the ignition site floats in the air, often traveling far from the place where the flames were most intense. Capturing the airborne contaminants produced by the fire before they have a chance to settle and adhere to surfaces is a time, and cost-effective method our well-qualified and equipped technicians use for maximum results.

Containment and Decontamination
A proactive part of fire damage strategy in Miami uses negative pressure air scrubbers combined with partitioning to create containment zones. Our technicians mitigate the drift of residues with 6-mil polyethylene tightly attached over doorways, windows, and other openings, sometimes adding temporary frames built of PVC pipes or metal tension poles. We further prevent the spread of soot by shutting down and blocking off the vents of your HVAC system. Negative pressure air scrubbers are installed inside the containment chambers, sealing edges and pulling contaminated air through HEPA filters. The filtered air vents to the outside, taking any remaining particles out of your home. Extra planning greatly reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

Odor Minimization
The decision to use air scrubbers also helps with the challenging task of smoke and soot odor removal. Our SERVPRO deodorization specialists rely on this method to filter out the malodorous particles while still airborne, before they settle into cracks and crevices, becoming much more difficult to eliminate. The method has the advantage of minimizing or avoiding entirely the use of masking agents as a deodorizing strategy, useful for customers who have a sensitivity to scents.

Enhancement of Conventional Damage Removal Methods
SERVPRO crews do not merely set up the containment and air scrubbers, we work in the partitioned-off areas, cleaning up the soot that previously settled. Having the negative air pressure technology in place offers continual air “vacuuming,” reducing the debris we need to clean off floors as we use agitation, brushing, and even abrasive tools and products to loosen soiling for bagging and disposal.

The professionals at SERVPRO of South Miami are well prepared to clear away fire damage residues in a wide range of conventional and creative ways. Call for an assessment and planning session at (305) 269-8900.

Why SERVPRO is Your First Choice to Restore Fire Damaged Furniture in Miami

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot residues damage furniture. SERVPRO has effective cleaning methods to restore you hardwood possessions.

Bringing Your Hardwood Furniture Back to Beauty After Miami Fire Damage 

Smoke and soot damage in your Miami home affects furniture profoundly. If you collect antique and high-quality contemporary furnishings over time, the effects of heat, flames, and residues could be devastating. The first look you have after the fire fighting might leave you despairing that your treasured items can ever regain their function and appearance. Our training and innovative tools and products offer successful outcomes depending on your furniture’s finish and the extent of the damage. 

Surface Finishes Affect Appropriate Cleaning Methods 

The type of finish on your furniture expands or limits the cleaning methods we use to combat fire damage in your Miami house. We assess how well the varnish, paint, shellac, lacquer, oils, or waxes protected or increased the damage to your furniture during the fire. We match the finish of the hardwood components of your furniture to the most efficacious dry or wet cleaning products based on training and experience. 

Dry Cleaning of Hardwood Furniture 

Dry cleaning best practices for unfinished wood and light debris recommend tools like feather dusters, dry sponges, art gum erasers, dusting cloths, and vacuums. Unfinished and unsealed wood respond best to dry cleaning, but dry pre-cleaning of loose residues for any hardwood is wise in most cases. Brushes of differing sizes are a useful resource, employed by our SERVPRO technicians when ashy residues settle in crevices and decorative trim. 

Wet Cleaning of Hardwood Furniture 

Moderate accumulation of fire residues on finished wood surfaces responds to a low alkali cleaner or mild detergent. SERVPRO has options available to crews loaded on our service vehicles or in stock at our production facility. Once applied, the detergent or cleaner works best when rubbed with the grain. Oil-based furniture polishes finish the job after cleaning.

Semi-Refinishing of Hardwood Furniture 

SERVPRO technicians choose a solvent-based product that removes a thin top layer of the furniture finish when heavy residues are present. A short dwell time of fewer than five minutes helps loosen the soot. The cream-based solvent does not damage the finish because we control the agitation with extra-fine steel wool, and apply the adequate product to protect the surface. Treatment with the solvent is effective when semi-refinishing is needed to remove watermarks created during combustion, or because of firefighting efforts and cool-down condensation. 

Training, experience, and proven proprietary products support the team at SERVPRO of South Miami as we work on the restoration of your fire-damaged hardwood furnishings. Explore the possibilities when you call (305) 269-8900 to schedule an assessment post-fire. 

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The Miami Fire Recovery Challenge Met by SERVPRO--Odor Removal

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Travels Far and Near for Fire and Water Restoration Projects, Not Just in Miami

Professional Help for Lingering Odors After Miami Fire Damage

One of the most frustrating things a Miami homeowner encounters after a fire is lingering smells. No matter how thoroughly cleaned an area appears after a fire, smoky smells remain. Candles, air freshener sprays, and solid odor-controlling products work briefly, but the smell comes back. Strategies that merely mask odors need frequent renewal. Even when used regularly, they grow tiresome or can “mix” with the malodor to create an even more unpleasant aroma.

Rather than trying to manage post-fire damage odors in Miami on your own, reach out to our restoration professionals. We work with you on malodor issues, recognizing that everyone perceives smells differently. The process we follow has several steps, and we repeat methods or move on to different approaches until we find a solution.

SERVPRO deodorization specialists inspect for any charred debris overlooked, also checking in building cavities. Removal of the item carrying the smell reduces the problem significantly. Deep-cleaning of surfaces helps as well. Identifying objects such as furnishings, window treatments, or other porous contents or fixtures holding odors allows us to evaluate whether to deodorize or discard. HVAC systems can accumulate and spread soot and odors. SERVPRO checks the ductwork and cleans if needed. Duct cleaning is a process onto itself but can greatly inhance indoor air quality IAQ.

Surface cleanup still might not be enough to clear all smoke smells. SERVPRO’s stock of odor-fighting equipment also includes thermal foggers, a tool whose chamber heats deodorizing chemicals to recreate the fire conditions. The chemicals seek and pair with the odor-bearing particles and neutralize their smell. Ozone machines and hydroxyl generators are potent options as well. SERVPRO technicians train in their safe and efficient use.

Ozone machines send out charged O3 particles, and hydroxyl generators create hydroxyl radicals (-OH.) In different ways the ozone particles and hydroxyl radicals react with and change the chemicals in the soot particles that cause odor, rendering them neutral in smell. SERVPRO consults with you about the risks and benefits of using this equipment and instructs on any temporary evacuation needed.

SERVPRO of South Miami offers Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained deodorization specialists who persist until fire-related smoke odors are gone. Call us at (305) 269-8900 for a consultation.

Here you are in Miami

When A Fire Has Destroyed Your Miami Garage, Our Professionals Are Ready 24/7 To Help!

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

Our emergency response crews are ready 24/7 and can be onsite in hours to mitigate your fire loss.

SERVPRO Tackles Big Fire Damage In Miami Garage

After fire damage happens to a home, one of the most important things a homeowner can do is avoid the area. Why? This inhibits the spread of smelly soot particles to currently unaffected areas of the home. If it winds up in your ductwork, they will require cleaning to get rid of the smoke odor.

SERVPRO answered a call from an owner in Miami with extensive fire damage to their attached garage from an electrical fire. During the call, we advised the homeowner to keep the interior door to the garage closed and to tape around the door frame. This action assists in keeping odor-causing soot particles out of other areas of the home.

On arrival, we immediately contained the doorway to the garage and began scoping the damage. There were few contents in the garage in restorable condition; many of the power tools were a loss as the rubber coated wiring inside and outside melted. Our technicians packed out the homeowner's standing metal tool chest and a couple of large metal shelving units that needed cleaning but were otherwise in good shape for remedial actions at our location.

After removing salvageable items and debris, our technicians went to work on the charred building materials. Sheetrock damaged by fire requires removal as it contributes nothing but odor. We utilized controlled demolition techniques to save as much of the framework as possible for rebuilding the garage.

Our technicians used vacuums with HEPA filtration to pick up soot particles left and then deployed air scrubbers with HEPA filters to capture particulate matter smaller than the human can see but does not escape detection by the human nose if left behind.

The final stage of getting the fire loss area ready for rebuilding comes in the form of disinfection and odor control. We hand clean all surfaces to ensure, and if any residual reminders of the fire remain, we eradicate it. We have many methods for odor control, and in this case, we chose to apply thermal fogging to the garage area to thoroughly neutralize odor so the garage would be ready for rebuilding.

Call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900. Our emergency response crews are ready 24/7 and can be onsite in hours to mitigate your fire loss and restore your property to its preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

Click here for more about Miami.

Our Fire Damage Experts Can Clean Wet Smoke Residues In Your Miami Condo

5/14/2019 (Permalink)

You can reach our crew 24/7 by calling (305) 269-8900.

Cleaning Wet Smoke Residue In Miami Condos

In many of the Miami condos stretched out along the coastline, people strive to maintain the look and aesthetic appeal of these properties through constant maintenance and upkeep. While many of the potential hazards have gotten partially addressed through reinforced construction and flood diversion techniques to protect condos against severe weather threats, other disasters like fires can still threaten an area residence at any time.

While fire damage can vary from one Miami condo to another, there are common concerns shared with all of these instances that must get addressed by competent and qualified professionals. Our licensed technicians have extensive training and continued education in the fire loss recovery niche of the restoration industry, making us ideal experts to handle every facet of returning your fire-damaged condo to its original condition.

Among the primary tasks of our SERVPRO team when we first arrive at your condo is to assess the entire scope of the damage. Understanding the tools and processes required immediately can help us to limit the restoration time and cost for our customers. During this inspection, we can often earmark belongings and furniture throughout the condo for temporary removal and cleaning during restoration. These items can get taken to our facility for focused cleaning, deodorization, and other attentive actions to return them to preloss condition.

Wet smoke is always a possibility for local fires, and the residue and staining this instance can cause can be problematic for our professionals to address. With sophisticated vacuums, brushes, and effective cleaning agents, our SERVPRO team can protect marble countertops, plush carpeting, and other amenities. Wet smoke is not something that homeowners should attempt to address on their own, however, as these residues can set in quickly to allow staining that can prove stubborn and challenging for even talented restoration specialists like our SERVPRO team to remove.

Your condo features premium building materials and some of the most exceptional aesthetic combinations throughout the entire Miami coastline, and this is a reason that these appealing features are worth preserving and protecting when disaster strikes. You can count on the fast response and expertise of our SERVPRO of South Miami professionals. You can reach our crew 24/7 by calling (305) 269-8900.

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Here is a Method That is Helping with Fire Damage Remediation in Miami

4/14/2019 (Permalink)

When a fire damages your home, it is best to react quickly and call in professional help. Team SERVPRO is standing by 24/7 to take your call.

One Factor in Restoring Fire Damage in Miami Depends on Where the Smoke Went

When we get a call requesting an emergency response team to a residential fire, our technicians get to work immediately diagnosing where the smoke went. Sometimes homeowners tell our technicians that the fire was in a limited area of a room, but unless contained, soot particles and smoke residues can get transferred to other areas of the home and require treatment to eliminate odor-causing particles.

While remediating fire damage in Miami, our technicians may contain areas by using clear, poly sheeting over doorways and vents to stop the spread of soot any further in the home. We track the probable path of the smoke and test for the types of residues we are dealing with. There can be different types of residues in a single area, and each requires a different cleaning method to be effectively removed.

For example, frying a frozen turkey is extremely dangerous, yet 900 homes are damaged every year according to the National Fire Protection Association. When the ice from the turkey hit the hot oil, the ice becomes steam and expands to over 1500 times its original volume resulting in a massive flash fire. The result can be smoke residue from a protein fire from the turkey which leaves little in the way of visible residue and a considerable amount of pungent odor, wet residue from synthetic or rubber everyday kitchen items in the area and dry smoke residue from burned wood and organic building materials.

SERVPRO technicians address each type of residue with their knowledge of the cleaning methods needed. Wet smoke needs a wet sponge treatment to lift the greasy, heavy residues. While dry smoke does not need to be wet and dry sponge methods are used to lift it away from surfaces.

After a fire odors may be an issue that thorough cleaning does not completely eradicate. Our technicians have equipment such as thermal foggers and hydroxyl generators to completely neutralize all traces of smoke smell. If any building materials are beyond restoration, we offer a complete line of building services to return your home to its preloss condition.

SERVPRO of South Miami has emergency response teams available 24-hours a day by calling (305) 269-8900. No matter if your fire damage is large or small, we can clean up, eliminate odors and rebuild.

Click here for more information about the city of Miami.

Grilling Ribs and Steaks in Miami Gardens? Invite SERVPRO to Cleanup Any Mishaps with Fire Loss

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

Miami Gardens Grilling Flare-Up? Call SERVPRO to Cleanup the Mess

Fire Damage Technicians Out of Miami Gardens Discuss Problems with Barbecues

During this time of year in Miami Gardens, many people enjoy barbecuing on the grill outside. Many do not realize it, but outdoor barbecues are very often a source of fire damage. At any time, the wind can pick up and send a chunk of charcoal flying toward your house. Since it is estimated that 75% of American families own an outdoor grill the risk is one that everyone should take seriously. Every year around 600 structures experience fire damage as a result of outdoor cooking, which is almost two every day.
 
According to the statistics, the summer months are when most grill-caused burns take place. In Southern Florida, barbequing is a year-round event. One minute you can be grilling a steak outside in Miami Gardens, then fire damage can suddenly occur. Most of the cases of structure fires started by barbecues happen when people use charcoal or other solid fuels. However, when propane or gas grills leak, they can also set components and fixtures ablaze.
 
Once a flaming hot piece of charcoal gets close to fuel outside your home or your house itself, the cooking fuel can start a fire that can burn just a part or all of your building. Once the fire gets extinguished, and everyone is safe it is time to call in SERVPRO's experts to assess the situation. Initially, our estimators go in and inspect your entire property for problems. We come to your place equipped with a testing kit that helps us determine whether we can restore things inside your house or not. Once we have inspected everything that got affected, our SERVPRO estimators write up a preliminary estimate for you and your insurance adjuster. Often, all it takes is a spot-inspection to identify the problem areas and start a cleanup and recovery service.
 
Even if the fire did not burn into your house very far, smoke could still be a problem. Smoke consists of partially combusted particles that solidify when they come into contact with cooler surfaces. Once smoke hits a surface, it can penetrate into the item causing burnt odors to exist and coat the surface of the object with soot residue.
 
If you ever have an accident while barbecuing like 600 other Americans every day do, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (786) 610-5955 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Click here to learn more about the City of Progress

Working to Get Your Miami Home's Fire Damage Insurance Claim Through Quickly

7/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians assess the damage after a fire as part of our operating practice. Contact us right away for best results.

Our SERVPRO Technicians Work Diligently to Assess the Damage in Your Home After a Fire

A fire in your Miami home can be a challenging thing to make sense of, let alone to face. With the slew of damages that result from even the smallest of blazes, these lingering effects and acute conditions require immediate attention and a professional’s touch to restore and rebuild properly. Regardless of the size of the fire that started in your house, finding the right professional assistance can make what follows afterward to go much more efficiently.
 
Once the fire has gotten extinguished in your home, you can begin to take a better look at the fire damages in Miami that you face. Fortunately, a thorough inspection and assessment is part of the SERVPRO process when we are called to give estimates or to provide the necessary information to an insurance provider that has reached out to our company.
 
This assessment helps our team to better determine the full scope of the present damage and what has to happen to restore your home to preloss conditions. Often our project manager and estimator both assess the damage, working out a running catalogue of damages and equipment necessary to complete this restoration most efficiently.
 
The estimation itself is often shared with the homeowner but ultimately given to the insurance provider or adjuster, so that the claims process can move along. The sooner that this claim can get processed, the faster that work can begin on your house to bring it back to original conditions. Our SERVPRO team often works directly with the insurance company representative to save you time and the headache of running necessary paperwork and information back and forth.
 
As you can see, our team puts a lot of time and effort into making a restoration that your home needs as simple and easy as possible. We strive to respond quickly and to get started promptly in helping to clean up the mess and return your home to its former conditions. You can count on our SERVPRO of South Miami fire damage specialists. Give us a call 24/7 at (786) 610-5955.

Click here for more information on the city of Miami.

Fire Damage Technicians Out Of Kendall Explain Different Types Of Smoke Residues

5/12/2018 (Permalink)

Kendall Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup and Restoration Needed? Contact SERVPRO

Soot and Smoke Odors and Films Are Handled by SERVPRO

If a fire ever starts on your property in Kendall, the heat and the smoke coming from the blaze can both cause you problems. The flames and heat can burn structural materials and components causing them to be removed and replaced. Smoke coming from the burn can travel throughout the entire home and ruin items.
 
Smoke residues can permanently stain contents and building materials requiring them to be replaced. In some fire damage scenarios in Kendall, it is possible to save your possessions and building materials with cleaning and removing soot residues. How easy it is to clean items depends on the types of soot present inside the structure after the burn takes place.
 
Cleanability of soot residues varies based on how wet or dry the smoke that traveled through the building was. Dry smoke is created by blazes that burn natural materials at a fast rate and have plenty of oxygen. Wet smoke is produced by fires that burn synthetic materials slowly and are oxygen-starved. Most fires create a variety of both wet and dry smoke throughout their duration.
 
Dry smoke is easier to clean than wet smoke, and our SERVPRO technicians can wipe it off with dry sponges or clean it with water-based chemicals. Vacuuming carpets and fabrics of loose soot and debris are very useful as an initial step. If the smoke is more dry than wet, less aggressive cleaning methods can be used to remove the soot. If the smoke is too wet, then cleaning can be extremely difficult or impossible.
 
If the fire starts inside your kitchen, then there is a good chance that the fuels burned was a protein such as meat, poultry, or fish. Proteins produce smoke that leaves behind residues that are yellow or amber in color. Protein residues created foul odors and must get cleaned so that odors are eliminated. In some cases, all areas of the home must be cleaned because foul odors can exist even if the protein residues cannot be seen.
 
Fuel oil soot can also be created during a fire. In colder climates, soot tags that resemble black spider webs can be seen in corners and ceiling areas. Fresh soot usually comes in large or small particles and can usually be cleaned easily. For professional help cleaning different types of soot residues, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

More info on the South FL city by clicking.

Trusting Professional Restoration To Handle Your Kendale Lakes House Fire Damage

4/26/2018 (Permalink)

We have the tools and experience to clean and restore your fire damaged property.

SERVPRO is The Company To Call When Fire Damage Strikes Your Kendale Lakes Property

When fire ravages your Kendale Lakes home, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the effects you have to face. While you might want to do your best to care for these immediate concerns on your own, often trying to resolve and restore damages of this nature only get worse from inexperienced attempts to remedy them. Fortunately, you always have professional restoration services at your disposal to help you overcome even the most traumatic of lingering symptoms and pressing concerns.

Since there are so many different causes of fires, the damage that they cause can vary significantly as well. Finding the right approach to dealing with the fire damages to your Kendale Lakes home can be as simple as reaching out to SERVPRO. Our experienced restoration technicians get specially trained in all varieties of fire damages and the best methods of restoring your home and its contents from each effect it could experience.

From the moment that our team arrives at your home, our assessment begins. We inspect every area of your home, even the rooms adjacent to where the fire occurred to get a full scope of the damage that your home faces and what has to happen to restore it entirely. This process is better for you to get involved with as well, so you can voice some of your most pressing concerns as well as have parts of our restoration process explained to you so you can adequately prepare for your role in the process.

Tackling each of these effects and symptoms might take some time, but our SERVPRO professionals work to restore your home and its contents thoroughly. The process includes working directly with the insurance company which handles the claim you have to make for the damage to the house, to save you the stress and legwork of working with an insurance company adjuster on your own.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

While there are many facets to the restoration process following a fire to your home, you are always in good hands with SERVPRO of South Miami. Our experienced fire restoration technicians are available 24/7 to help you when you need us the most. Give us a call anytime at (305) 269-8900.

For more on Kendale Lakes, click here. 

Kendall's Fire Damage Professionals

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

After the fire is put out and no longer a danger, it is time to assess the damages.

Fire Damage Professionals

In most cases, you will never expect it, but it is a possibility that a fire starts inside your Kendall home. Any time a fire starts the priority is to make sure your family and your pets are safe. Next, the blaze gets put out either by you or the fire department depending on the severity of the fire.

After the fire is put out and no longer a danger, it is time to assess the damages. When figuring out how the fire damaged your house, it is wise to call SERVPRO's fire damage experts in Kendall to help you find all of the damaged areas. When a fire starts, the flames, heat, and smoke coming from the burn all cause different types of damage inside your home.

Our experts at SERVPRO get trained in the theory of fire. When flames start, smoke and soot collect onto surfaces all over the building. When it comes to removing residues, some is hard to remove, and some are not.

Whenever enough heat reaches any material, combustion occurs. Combustion is the act of solid substance turning into a gas through the application of heat. Sometimes soot is created by elements burning but not fully combusting the entire way. In this case, the sediment formed from partially charred materials is harder to remove.

When full combustion occurs, the burnt materials turn into smoke that gets released into the air. When a fire is actively burning, the smoke contains carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, which are both gases that are hazardous for humans to breathe. Once the fire gets put out, the harmful gases subside.

Smoke coming out of fire causes materials to get enveloped by a foul odor. Smoke also contacts surfaces and leaves soot and smoke residues that stay after the smoke dissipates. Soot left by smoke is usually easier to clean off of most surfaces than carbon resulting from half-burnt materials.

Whenever dealing with a fire or smoke damage problem, it is essential to get the official opinion from the experts. For a complete and professional remediation job, call SERVPRO of South Miami at (305) 269-8900 for help 24/7.

Click here for more about Kendall.

Identifying and Responding to Electrical Fire Damage in Miami

11/16/2017 (Permalink)

Electrical fires must be handled differently than regular fires.

It is Important to Understand the Difference of an Electrical Fire

Electrical fires are different from regular fires in a few ways. While both have the potential to spread across your home and cause a much more significant problem, small fires and electrical fires must be approached and considered as fundamentally different processes. Electrical appliances, plugs, and cables are among the leading causes of fire damage in Miami, accounting for hundreds of confirmed cases every year and potentially much more where the source is unknown.

What an Electrical Fire Looks Like

Electrical fire damage in Miami can often look exactly like regular fire damage, albeit with a few fundamental differences. Most importantly, the source of the fire should be an electric appliance or cable and easily identifiable as such. Use common sense here: if you think the object on fire has an active wall connection or battery, treat it as an electrical fire. However, some electrical fires can also give off additional warning signs. Some may burn an unusual color, or send off sparks in either sporadic bursts or a consistent stream and pattern. If you observe any of these warning signs, be wary, and treat the fire with as much caution as possible.

Dealing with Electrical Fires

Eliminating a small electrical fire is relatively easy, but if done improperly, also very dangerous. Electrical fires cannot be put out using water-based products, including some older types of fire extinguishers. The electronics underneath are likely to be very unstable and prone to becoming an electrocution hazard, especially when sprayed with a stream of pressurized water. The only time water should be used against an electrical fire is long after the fire has spread, and firefighters are forced to use water hoses to douse the flames. Make sure your home has modern, functioning CO2 or chemical fire extinguishers placed at critical locations so that you can effectively combat any type of fire, even an electrical one.

SERVPRO of South Miami is a locally owned company with national resources dedicated to helping local homeowners respond to and recover from disasters and damages to their home. Call us at (305) 269-8900.

For more information about the Miami Fire Department, click here.

Avoid Costly Fire Damage Throughout Your Coral Terrace Home By Contacting Experts Today

9/25/2017 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, fires occur on their schedule, causing fire damage to your Coral Terrace home when you least expect it.

Avoid Fire Damage

You may find that many professionals recommend having a qualified professional inspect your Coral Terrace home before tragedy strikes. They do so because it is much easier and far less expensive to catch fire hazards early. Restoration technicians can perform an inspection of your property that gives you insight into what to avoid, lessening potential risks.

Unfortunately, fires occur on their schedule, causing fire damage to your Coral Terrace home when you least expect it. Having access to an IICRC certified team of professionals can have a major impact on the quality of your restoration after a fire, and give you the help you need immediately. Never settle for less when dealing with getting your home back on track after emergency situations occur.

The fire itself causes significant damages to surfaces touched by flames. Combustion often causes permanent damage, making restoration impossible. While some of the areas require replacement materials installed, other surfaces are fully restorable. However, it takes a professionally trained technician, like those offered at SERVPRO, to limit any losses you might experience.

Smoke, soot, and ash residues often make their way into every crack and crevice, reaching a far wider area than the original fire. A small kitchen fire, for instance, can spread smoke throughout your home that continually causes damage until someone addresses the problem appropriately. SERVPRO uses a variety of cleaning methods and equipment to mitigate damages to various surfaces in your home.

Water issues always accompany a fire, because firefighters use water to put the flames out. They do a great job, and we appreciate what they do. However, if this water is not taken care of immediately, residues begin to penetrate tougher surfaces making it harder for restoration technicians to restore many of the contents of your home. Fast response is an essential part of a successful recovery. SERVPRO gives you access to experienced professionals, trained and certified in fire, smoke, and water damage restoration services, who offer full-service solutions to get you back into your home as soon as possible after a fire. We take the lead, managing your entire restoration from start to finish, and thoroughly explain every step of the process.

SERVPRO of South Miami has technicians ready to answer your call. We are proud to serve Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, and many other local communities (305) 269-8900.

For more information on Coral Terrace click here.

Avoiding Kitchen Fires in Your Coconut Grove Home

7/19/2017 (Permalink)

Cooking fires are the most common household fires.

Avoiding Kitchen Fires

Cooking fires are the most common household fires, and you do not have to have a huge, commercial-sized range for a fire to start. From stray dishtowels to grease spills, even a very small cook top in a studio apartment can create a blaze. You should know tips ahead of time to keep you and your family safe in the kitchen.

When cooking, remain in your Coconut Grove kitchen. It may seem like the obvious thing to do, but most cooking fires and fire damage occur from unattended cooking. If you must step away from the stove for any reason, first turn the heat off and move the pan to a burner that is cool.

When a cooking fire has flared up in your kitchen, be sure to contact SERVPRO after the fire is out. We are a professional and experienced fire damage restoration company, and we can repair and clean your home thoroughly for you.

When cooking, use a timer. Regularly check the food, whether you are baking, roasting, simmering, or boiling. When you use a timer, it helps remind you to check on your dish. You also need to keep the stove top clear of any oven mitts, dishtowels, paper towels or anything that can catch on fire.

Keep your stove top clean and wipe up any spills. When a stove top or oven is dirty, cooking with them is an invitation for potential fires. The buildup of grease is very flammable, so clean your stove each time you cook and wipe up any spills right away.

You should also avoid overheating your oils. Cooking oil which is overheated can start to bubble up and smoke, causing it to ignite and spill out. If you are not sure of the smoking point for your cooking oils, you can find charts online. Also, do not dispose of any oil before it has had time to cool. Tossing hot grease into your trash can could make it go up in flames. Putting it in an old food can after it cools is safer before tossing it out.

Our SERVPRO technicians can help you after a fire to put your house back together again. We do an initial inspection and fire damage assessment, plus immediate board-up services if needed. Water removal and drying are done to clean up firefighting efforts, and we remove smoke and soot from all affected services.

SERVPRO of South Miami knows what works when it comes to fire damage remediation. Give us a call at (305) 269-8900 whenever you need our help after a fire.

For more information about the city of Coconut Grove click here.

Fire Damage Restoration Experts in Coral Gables

5/24/2016 (Permalink)

A fire inside your Coral Gables home only results in extensive damage due to soot, smoke, and added toxins.

Fire Damage Restoration Experts in Coral Gables

Just what is fire? Fire emits heat and light. It is the outcome of a chemical reaction, called “combustion.” At a certain point in the combustion reaction, called the “ignition point,” flames are produced. Flames consist of carbon dioxide, water vapor, oxygen and nitrogen. In order for combustion and fire to transpire, there must exist the three triangle elements: fuel, oxygen, and heat.

U.S. statistics report that residential homes can expect to average a house fire every 15 years or five fires in an average lifetime. There is a 1 in 10 chance that someone in the home will suffer a fire related injury during their lifetime. The U.S. Fire Administration reported that there were 1,012 home fire fatalities reported between January 1, 2016, and May 17, 2016. Home structural fires generally occurs due to the following:

• Appliances used in cooking; heating; washing machines & dryers; air conditioners and fans; etc.
• Children playing with fire
• Candles
• Chemical and natural gas spontaneous combustion
• Electrical and consumer electronics
• Fireworks
• Holiday Christmas trees holiday lights and decorations.
• Lightning Fires and Strikes Information on incident type, and when and where the incidents occurred.
• Falling asleep while smoking where mattresses, bedding, and upholstered furniture could ignite.

Coral Gables residential fire incidents also occur in businesses, educational properties, health care facilities, prisons, storage areas, vacant buildings, retail stores, and industrial/manufacturing facilities. A fire inside your home only results in extensive damage due to soot, smoke, and added toxins. Water damage is also present, caused from the water used to put out the fire, all of which only increases the cost of restoration. Also, standing water creates an environment for mildew, dry rot, and mold growth.

Smoke odor permeates clothing, furniture, carpets, draperies, bedding, walls, household ducts and nearly everything within a home. DIY deodorizing and disinfecting after a fire does not completely restore internal residential belongings because if it is not done properly, smoke odor will return. Only professional residential restorers are trained in thermal fogging, using ozone generators and using chemical sealers to clear ducts, joints, and crevices. IICRC certified professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Of course, there are fire safety devices that can be installed in Florida homes to help save your home and lives, such as fire sprinklers, smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. However, if a fire becomes uncontrollable, get everyone out of the house to a designated location. This is a very stressful and difficult time, and you will need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis.

We at SERVPRO of South Miami maintain specialized fire and water damage equipment, and we have the expertise to help you through this tough time. We are members of the community and are proud to serve our other communities, like Miami, Key Biscayne, and Fisher Island. This is why we will always treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. If you experience a fire damage event, call us immediately at (305) 269-8900 so that we can restore your losses to a quality restored condition.

Soot and Smoke Damage Complicate a Fire in Coconut Grove

3/10/2016 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO For Smoke and Soot Clean Up and Odor Removal

Coconut Grove Soot and Smoke Damage Require Professional Restoration and Clean Up from SERVPRO

Soot and smoke restoration are essential after a Coconut Grove fire has damaged your home. Long after the fire has been extinguished, soot can threaten your household with the damage it leaves behind. This greasy residual with a strong odor blackens surfaces and degrades both fabrics and hard surfaces.

In most cases, you will need help from a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO to remedy the problems. They will offer smoke odor removal and home restoration services. They have the tools, heavy equipment, knowledge, and experience to rid your home of all traces of smoke and fire damage. The HVAC system can readily be compromised from smoke and soot. Duct and air handler cleaning are essential to prevent cross-contamination to unaffected areas of the smoke damaged house.

When fire consumes wood, it creates a thick smoke that can spread throughout the burning home. Smoke is a product of combustion whose particles and character are the results of the temperature of the flames, fuel type, and sufficient oxygen. It carries chemicals and possibly soot with it through the air. These chemicals and soot stick to walls, floors, clothes, furniture, and appliances. Even after you have cleaned your home, there all still many unseen traces of smoke and soot damage that will remain. If you tried on your own to clean walls and hard surfaces, you probably left behind stains. Little by little smoke and soot damage will eat away at surfaces. They are unhealthy to breathe for pets and humans. They are irritants to the skin, eyes, and throat. SERVPRO utilizes specially developed sponges and chemicals to clean smoke and soot residue from furnishings, walls, and ceilings.

Smoke and soot can create plenty of damage to your home after a fire has been extinguished. It can corrode metals and its acidic nature can lead to etched glass. It can cause appliances to fail or work improperly due to short-circuiting or overheating from lack of proper ventilation. It can damage pictures, artwork, and other valuables. It creates weaknesses in wooden structures. It degrades surfaces and destroys furniture. SERVPRO, after severe fire and smoke damage, can pack-out articles, furniture, electronics, and artwork to our cleaning facilities for professional results. They will be returned when your property is once again clean and safe.

Soot is a fine residue made of carbon and fuel by-products (plastics) that can easily stain anything in its path. Aside from damage to material items, it can be very dangerous to breathe, irritating to the skin, and cause severe respiratory health issues. To remove smoke and soot damage from your home, contact SERVPRO to minimize smoke damage through the efforts of our IICRC trained technicians. We will make your ambient air fresh, clean, and safe again "Like it never even happened."

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster 

When your Coconut Grove, South Miami, or Kendall home experiences fire or smoke damage, SERVPRO of South Miami is dedicated to responding immediately. Call us 24/7 for help. (305) 269-8900

Save Your Home from Fire & Smoke Damage in South Miami

11/16/2015 (Permalink)

One of the more interesting facts about fire is that most house fires start in the kitchen.

How to Save Your South Miami Home from Fire & Smoke Damage

 Dealing With Fire Damage: A Quick Reference Guide

One of the most damaging incidents that can impact an individual's commercial or residential property is a fire. The damages induced by fires are profound and can include water damage, smoke damage, and the deterioration of the property's structural integrity. Nevertheless, learning more about fires and fire damage in South Miami can empower people to make prudent decisions that lead to the preservation of their properties. Get basic information about fires and how to effectively handle them by reviewing this quick reference guide:

 Smoke Damage

Smoke damage is one of the most debilitating results of a South Miami fire. For example, the smoke damage that results from a fire causes unwanted odors. And just as the odor emitted from a cigarette contains carcinogens, so does smoke and the odors it leaves behind. Individuals who consistently breathe in these toxic particles can suffer from several unwanted health complications, including respiratory issues, asthma attacks, and lung disease. For this reason, it's critically important that you attain fire restoration services once the disaster strikes in your home or office. This way, you can have smoke and smoke odors removed quickly and correctly.

 Fire Damage

Although fires in South Miami can begin as a tiny matter, they can also spread throughout your entire property and destroy it. Because all of your furniture, carpets, and surfaces will be in need of attention, it's important to attain fire cleanup services to make sure that the job is completed properly. Fire restoration specialists can expedite and optimize the cleanup processes because they possess the specialized equipment necessary to do so.

 Water Damage

After the firefighters leave the scene, property owners are happy to note that they haven't suffered a complete loss of their home or office. However, the extinguishing work completed by the firefighters oftentimes leaves the property covered in excess water. This standing water must be eradicated immediately because it can promote structural damage and mold invasion if it is not eliminated quickly. 

Although fires can cause a wide range of health issues and structural complications, you don't have to let the natural disaster destroy your well-being or property. Instead, let the professionals of SERVPRO provide you with the detail-oriented fire damage remediation services that will whip your home or office back into excellent shape. Our IICRC-certified technicians work with speed and diligence, and they also provide you with the warm customer service necessary to keep you reassured and comfortable throughout the remediation process. We're ready to help you right now.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of South Miami is strategically located to respond quickly to your flood and water emergency event. When fire damage, we have the resources and personnel to help. Call us today! (305) 269-8900

Smoke Damage Remediation as Part of Fire Damage Restoration in a Coral Gables Home

9/14/2015 (Permalink)

Don't Let Smoke Get in Your Eyes

Fire Damage in a Coral Gables Home May Sustain Smoke Damage

Once your home in Coral Gables has sustained fire damage, obtaining professional fire damage restoration services is important. This restoration process is complex, and the following may sound counter-intuitive. After the inferno, water removal is required because of the firefighters efforts to extinguish the flames. This involves using special equipment to dry out the structure. Water pumps, wet vacs, and dehumidifiers are some of the state-of-the-art equipment employed by SERVPRO technicians for this very important task. Learn more about how securing smoke and fire damage restoration services can assist you by reviewing the following outline: 

The Smoke Damage Assessment

There are two primary components of the smoke damage restoration process: determining the extent of the smoke damage and identifying the type of smoke that has been combusted. For these reasons and more, it's almost always prudent for homeowners to hire professional assistance when smoke damage restoration becomes necessary. These skilled SERVPRO technicians possess the extensive experience, equipment, and expertise necessary to grapple with unwanted smoke damage irrespective of its severity. This restoration company will complete this process by doing a thorough assessment of your property. During this time, you'll also need to contact your insurance agent to ensure that they are aware of the fire damage. In some cases, the insurance company will refer you to a professional fire damage restoration company that they trust. SERVPRO works with over 300 insurance providers and property management companies. If this happens, the two companies will likely work together, SERVPRO providing input, to draft a cost-effective settlement, meaning that you may not have to pay as much money out of pocket. And the entire process can get underway more quickly.

Cleaning Your Home

After performing a thorough fire damage assessment, SERVPRO will move forward with the cleanup process. It is critically important that the cleanup project is initiated as soon as possible.  As previously stated, water removal has to be the number one priority. Otherwise, mold, mildew, and harmful bacteria will have an opportunity to start growing in your home.  Additionally, these remediation specialists will make use of cleaners and deodorizers to eliminate soot and smoke from your property, along with the odors.

Call SERVPRO Today!

When your home in Coral Gables has sustained smoke and fire damage, don't hesitate.  A rapid response by a professional smoke damage restoration service will play a key role in returning your property to pristine condition. We work with passion and persistence to eliminate unwanted smoke and soot from your residential property.

Locally Owned, with National Resources

SERVPRO of South Miami is locally owned and operated so we are part of the Coral Gables community too. When you have a ffire or smoke  emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We’re also part of a network of over 1,650 Franchises, including special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale fire, water, and storm disasters.

We are faster to any size fire emergency. Call (305) 269-8900

Why Dealing With Kendall Fire & Smoke Damage Requires Professional Assistance

6/10/2015 (Permalink)

Every professional fire restoration job begins with a thorough assessment of the damage.

Why Dealing With Fire & Smoke Damage Requires Professional Assistance

In the aftermath of a major Kendall fire, most homeowners want to move past the traumatic experience and get back to normal as quickly as possible. Naturally, returning the home to a pristine state is a huge part of this process, and many homeowners feel that the next proper step to take is to begin the cleanup process on their own. In truth, this is neither the fastest nor the most effective way to deal with fire and smoke damage. Calling SERVPRO is a much better idea.

Restoration companies with experience cleaning up Kendall fire and smoke damage can call on vast resources that are simply unavailable to ordinary homeowners. They have the expertise to root out every last bit of damage and eliminate all evidence of fire and smoke. They also have the heavy-duty tools and professional manpower necessary to perform a proper cleanup job quickly. Homeowners who attempt to tackle fire and smoke damage on their own typically miss a great deal of damage that should be repaired. Their cleaning techniques are often ineffective; homeowners can even spread around potentially-dangerous contaminants while attempting to clean.

Every professional fire restoration job begins with a thorough assessment of the damage. Many good restoration companies will perform this service free of charge and provide an obligation-free breakdown of the damage they find. With the homeowner's consent they can proceed directly into cleanup operations. It will take time to finish the job, but professionals can be counted on to eradicate every last piece of evidence that a home suffered Kendall fire and smoke damage.

Homeowners who are waiting to start the cleanup process should be careful to avoid any activities that expose them to danger or risk causing further damage. Damaged furniture should not be used; it may have smoke and harmful particulates lodged in it. All foodstuffs that were in the home should be thrown away; they may have been cooked through or even contaminated during the fire. Electronic devices should be carefully evaluated prior to use to ensure they survived unharmed.

It can be extremely frustrating for homeowners to do nothing following a fire. Dealing with fire and smoke damage is simply not a job for amateurs, though. Calling SERVPRO for professional assistance and then taking heed of the advice and instructions provided by professionals ensures that the problems caused by fire & smoke are resolved completely.

What To Do After A Fire

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

What NOT To Do After A Fire

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