Recent Fire Damage Posts

Household Appliance Fires

6/5/2023 (Permalink)

stove and oven range Contact SERVPRO if fire damage occurs at your property.

Household appliances can often malfunction and lead to home or apartment fires. Appliances such as a washer and dryer, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, or other cooking appliances, are used routinely for our convenience. However, using these items can have detrimental effects if used carelessly, left unattended or malfunctioned. SERVPRO of Columbia can be there to restore a commercial or residential property following fire and smoke damage and is always Here to help. To prevent a possible fire due to a household appliance and protect your property, here are three things you can do.   

  1. Never leave heated cookware on overnight such as crockpots. Use of these appliances should be supervised in case of a heating element or wiring malfunction. 
  2. Never leave an appliance running while away. Coming home to clean dishes from the dishwasher may sound nice after being away, but electrical issues may stem from heating elements which can cause fire.  
  3. Do not overload your washer or dryer, and always make sure to clean out the lint trap.

Smoke Alarm Safety in Columbia

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

How often do you replace your batteries?

Smoke alarms save lives. This statement is only true, if they are properly installed and maintained. According to Missouri Department of Public Safety, about 540 children (14 and under) die each year from home fires and 80 percent of those children did not have working smoke alarms in the home. What can you do keep your family safe?

Location

  • Every Bedroom
  • Every level
  • Don’t forget basement and attic

Test & Replace

  • Monthly by pressing the test button
  • Replace batteries every year (daylight saving time)
  • Replace unit every 10 years

Additional Tips

  • Fire escape plan with two exits
  • Practice fire drill
  • Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home

When fire and water damage take control of your life and home, SERVPRO® of Columbia will help you take it back. We are here to help our neighbors in Columbia, Centralia, and Ashland area.

Christmas Tree Safety in Columbia

12/26/2018 (Permalink)

Take the time to remove and dispose of your Christmas tree safely.

Christmas trees are a beautiful sight and many love to see them glowing with lights. However, no one wants to see one glowing because of a fire. It is very important to dispose of the tree once Christmas is over or the tree has dried out.

In Columbia, trees can be placed curbside with your regular trash. After January 31st, trees placed curbside need to be cut into four foot lengths and bundled. There are also drop off sites at Capen Park Site or Parkside Mulch Site.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, half of the Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems or a heat source being too close. When Christmas tree fires do occur, they tend to be more serious fires.

If you experience a fire in your home, call the professionals at SERVPRO® of Columbia. We are here to help you with your fire damage in your home. SERVPRO® of Columbia hopes you can wrap up the holidays safely.

What to Do Until Help Arrives After a Fire in Columbia

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

When you experience a fire damage, call SERVPRO® of Columbia.

If your home or business suffers a fire, you may be at loss on what steps to take next. The following tips may help reduce damage and increase your chances of a successful restoration.

Do:

  • Limit movement in the property. It helps prevent soot particles from becoming embedded into your carpet and upholstery.
  • Keep hands clean. It could further soil upholstery, walls, woodwork, etc.
  • Cover upholstery, rugs, and carpet traffic areas by placing dry, colorfast towels or old linens on them.
  • If electricity is off, empty refrigerator/freezer. Clean completely and prop open doors to help prevent odors.
  • Change HVAC filters; leave system off until a trained professional can check them.
  • Cover air registers with cheesecloth. Tape double layers to prevent soot particles from getting in or out of the HVAC system.
  • If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.

When you experience a fire damage in Boone or Howard counties make sure to call the professionals at SERVPRO® of Columbia. We are here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Firework Season Safety in Columbia, Missouri

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

Enjoy the fireworks safely this 4th of July!

Firework season is here! They are often used for special events and holidays—most commonly 4th of July. Fireworks can fill the sky with their beauty and create oohs and aahs from spectators, but they cause thousands of burns and eye injuries each year.

Stay safe with these firework safety tips…

  • BE CAREFUL!
  • Do not operate fireworks under the influence of alcohol.
  • Keep a close on children and pets when fireworks are being used.
  • Always have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby.
  • Dispose of used fireworks by wetting and placing them in a metal trash can away from any building.

SERVPRO® of Columbia wants you to have a safe 4th of July. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage in Columbia, contact SERVPRO® of Columbia to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Heating Safety Tips

2/1/2018 (Permalink)

Did your heating equipment cause a fire in your home or business? SERVPRO® of Columbia services Columbia, Ashland, and Centralia area.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), half of home heating related fires occur in December, January, and February. Whether you are using the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable heater to keep you warm this winter, take these precautions to prevent a fire in your home or business.

Safety for Heating Equipment

  • Keep heating equipment three feet from children, pets, and anything that could burn.
  • Do not heat your home with your oven.
  • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Heating equipment and chimneys should be cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
  • Always turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.
  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month.

If your heating equipment causes a fire in your home or business, call SERVPRO® of Columbia. We understand how devastating a fire loss can be and how it can make your home or business unlivable or unsafe.

Please refer to our Fire Damage Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

Holiday Safety Tips for Boone and Howard Counties

12/8/2017 (Permalink)

According to National Fire Protection Association, Christmas tree fires are not common, but when they occur, they are more likely to be serious.

The holiday season is here and we are able to enjoy time with our family and friends. Decorations bring the holidays to light. Keep your holidays merry and bright with these tips to help prevent damage to your home when choosing, placing, and decorating the Christmas Tree. 

Christmas Tree Safety

Tree Selection

· Choose a tree with fresh, green needles

· Make sure the tree needles to not fall off when touched

Tree Placement

· Trim 2” from the base of the trunk, then place in tree stand

· Always place the tree at least 3 feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights.

· Do not block an exit with the tree

· Add water to the tree stand and water daily.

Tree Lighting

· Use lights that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.

· String of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections need to be replaced.

· Read manufacter’s instructions for number of light strands to connect.

· Do not use lit candles to decorate tree.

· Always turn off Christmas tree lights before going to bed or leaving home.

Tree Disposal

· Remove tree from home/business when it is dry.

· Do not place dry tree in home, garage, or placed up against your home outside.

· Find a local community recycling program to dispose of tree.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.org), these Christmas Tree safety tips can reduce the chances of a fire ruining your holidays.

Please remember SERVPRO of Columbia is here to help you, if you find yourself faced with a holiday fire damage. We service Boone and Howard Counties and are available 24/7/365.

Deep Fried Turkey Safety in Boone and Howard Counties

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Deep fried turkey sounds delicious, but do you know how to safely cook it?

It is that time of the year again when family and friends come together for a feast. The highlighted dish for Thanksgiving is centered on the turkey. There are several ways to cook a turkey, but a favorite among some is deep fried. 

If you plan on deep frying a turkey this year, please keep the following tips in mind. SERVPRO® of Columbia would like everyone to have a safe holiday with their family and friends.

  • Thaw and Dry turkey completely before cooking.
    • Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator approximately 24 hours for every 5 pounds, according to The National Turkey Federation.
    • Ice or water that mixes can cause flare-ups
  • Fryer Setup
    • Use fryer outdoors and away from decks, garages, home, and other structures.
    • Keep children and pets away from fryer
    • Use on a flat surface to avoid accidental tipping
    • Tank and burner should be 2 feet apart
  • Measure the Oil
    • Avoid overfilling by reading the manufacturer’s instructions
  • Be Prepared
    • Use oven mitts to protect hands and/or arms
    • Safety goggles to protect eyes
    • Have a grease-rated fire extinguisher nearby and ready
  • Finishing Act
    • Remove pot from burner and place on level surface
    • Allow oil to cool overnight before disposing

Most importantly NEVER leave fryers unattended. Please be careful this holiday season and share these tips with your friends and family that enjoy fried turkey.

If you do become a victim of a deep-fryer fire, SERVPRO® of Columbia is here to help. We service Boone and Howard counties and are available 24/7/365 days a year. View our fire damage emergency tips to help minimize the damage to your home.

October is Fire Prevention Month – Every Second Counts

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

Developing and practicing a fire escape plan can increase your chance of survival in the event of a fire. Photo provided by NFPA.org.

Every second counts during a fire. In just a matter of moments, a small flame can turn into a major fire. Be prepared and have a fire escape plan in place, to increase your chance of survival. The best way to be prepared is having a fire escape plan and working smoke detectors in place.

The National Fire Protection Association designates one week in October to focus on fire prevention. This year, it begins on Sunday, October 8th and ends on Saturday, October 14th. Their theme this year is “Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!”

Fire Escape Planning Tips:

  • Draw map of your home
  • Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on upper levels
  • Choose an outside meeting place
  • Teach children how to escape on their own
  • Practice your fire escape plan during the day and at night

SERVPRO® of Columbia wants you to stay safe. If your home or business suffers fire or smoke damage in Boone or Howard counties, contact SERVPRO® of Columbia to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

*Tips provided by National Fire Protection Association, nfpa.org.

Boone & Howard Counties Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/31/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Boone or Howard county Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Columbia will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 573-449-1999