Fire Damage Restoration for Your Peace of Mind

9/30/2024 (Permalink)

Fire Damage

A fire in your home or business is not only emotionally devastating, but it also leaves behind damage that requires immediate attention. At SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach, we specialize in fire damage restoration, using our expertise and advanced equipment to clean, repair, and restore your property quickly.

The Hidden Dangers After a Fire

1. Smoke and Soot Damage
   Even after the flames are out, smoke and soot can linger, coating walls, ceilings, and personal belongings. They can also carry harmful chemicals and leave behind strong odors that require specialized cleaning.

2. Water Damage
   The water used by firefighters to extinguish flames can cause secondary damage, soaking through walls, floors, and furniture. Quick action is needed to remove water and prevent mold growth.

3. Structural Damage
   The heat of a fire can compromise the structural integrity of your home. A thorough inspection is essential to ensure your property is safe and secure before repairs begin.

Our Comprehensive Fire Restoration Services

• Smoke and Soot Cleanup: We use specialized cleaning methods and equipment to remove smoke and soot from all surfaces, ensuring your home is safe and odor-free.
  
  
• Water Removal: Our team quickly extracts water and dries affected areas to prevent further damage.
  
  
• Rebuilding Services: From repairing fire-damaged structures to reconstructing entire rooms, we handle everything so you don’t have to worry about the details.

For immediate fire damage assistance, call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552. We're here to restore your property and your peace of mind.

Electrical Fire Damages Home in Fort Walton Beach?

6/6/2023 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in Okaloosa County.

Electricity makes our lives easier, but it is also one of the leading causes of home fire damage. Our Fort Walton Beach team is a leader in fire damage restoration services. Here are some electrical safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician
• Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time
• Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
• Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected.
• Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets, so you don’t have to use extension cords.

Call Us Today!

When you have a fire damage emergency in your Fort Walton Beach home or commercial business, our local team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Dry Christmas Tree Causes Fire Damage in Ocean City Home?

1/3/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Okaloosa County.

Our Fort Walton Beach technicians respond to fire damage emergencies throughout the year in Ocean City. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) wants residents to get rid of their trees after Christmas or when the tree is dry. Here are some tips for preventing Christmas tree fires from the NFPA:

After Christmas

Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the house. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Okaloosa County Christmas Tree Recycling

The Okaloosa County Solid Waste Office reports that residents of unincorporated Okaloosa County may dispose of live Christmas trees as part of residential yard trash pickup.

• Place live trees at the curb on your regular yard trash pickup day
• Please remove lights and ornaments

If you have an artificial tree, you can place them at the curb for bulk waste pickup. Please contact the Okaloosa County Solid Waste Office at 689-5774 if you have any questions.

Call Us Today!

Our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business has a fire damage emergency. We’ll restore your fire damage in Ocean City “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What are the Top Causes of Fire Damage in Fort Walton Beach?

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Okaloosa County.

For twenty years, our Fort Walton Beach technicians have restored fire damage in Oskaloosa County. The?National Fire Protection Association?(NFPA) reports that more home fires and fire casualties result from five sources: cooking, heating, electrical distribution, lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials. Here are some more statistics from the NFPA related to fire damage: 

• More than one-quarter (26 percent) of reported fires in 2015-2019 occurred in homes. Even worse, three-quarters (75 percent) of civilian fire deaths and almost three-quarters (72 percent) of all reported injuries were caused by home fires. 
• During these five years, United States fire departments responded to an estimated average of 346,800 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,620 civilian deaths, 11,070 civilian fire injuries, and $7.3 billion in direct property damage. 
• Over the five years of 2015–2019, cooking was the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, while smoking was the leading cause of home fire deaths. 

Call Us Today! 

Our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business has a fire damage emergency in Fort Walton Beach. We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated. 

Pets Starting Fires in Blue Water Bay Homes?

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage24-hours a day in damage Okaloosa County.

Our local technicians in Fort Walton Beach have been restoring fire damage in Blue Water Bay for over twenty years. The dog in the photo looks innocent enough, but he has a long history of kitchen disobedience. Whether pets cause fires intentionally or by accident, the National Fire Protection Association reports that pets and wild animals are responsible for starting over 750 home fires each year.

Here are some pet fire safety tips from the NFPA to keep your pets safe around fire:

• Keep pets away from stoves and countertops
• Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters
• Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place
• Keep pets away from a chimney’s outside vents
• Have a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet away from the fireplace. Glass doors and screens can stay dangerously hot for several hours after the fire goes out.
• Some pets are chewers. Watch pets to make sure they don’t chew through electrical cords. Have any problems checked by a professional.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Blue Water Bay has fire damage, our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll clean and restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Smoke Alarm Failure in Blue Water Bay Home?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration in Okaloosa County.

Our local technicians in Fort Walton Beach have over twenty years of experience restoring fire damage in Blue Water Bay. Smoke alarms are an essential part of a home escape plan. Working smoke detectors give early warnings, allowing you to get outside quickly. Here are some smoke alarm safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Smoke Alarm Safety

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions yet mitigate false alarms
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years

Call Us!

When your home or business in Bluewater Bay has fire damage, our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® We’ll clean and restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Kitchen Fire in Rocky Bayou Home?

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage “Like it never even happened” in Okaloosa County.

When you have fire damage in your Rocky Bayou home or business, our local team in Fort Walton Beach can restore your damage quickly and efficiently. Busy modern families spend much time gathering in the kitchen around meals. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), unattended cooking is the leading cause of home fires in the United States, and most of them involve the kitchen stove. Here are some cooking safety tips from the NFPA:

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking
• Keep anything that can catch fire (oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains) away from your stovetop

Call Us Today!

When your Rocky Bayou home or commercial business has a fire damage emergency, our local team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® Our technicians are on call 24-hours a day and typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call for help. Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips for Fort Walton Beach Residents?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Okaloosa County.

Our local team in Fort Walton Beach has been restoring fire damage for over twenty years in Okaloosa County! Here are some tips for selecting a fire extinguisher from the National Fire Protection Association:

• For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (that can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle
• Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory
• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors often offer hands-on fire extinguisher training.
• Install fire extinguishers close to an exit and keep your back to a clear exit when you use the device so you can make an easy escape if the fire cannot be controlled. If the room fills with smoke, leave immediately.
• Know when to go. Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household should have ahome fire escape plan and working smoke alarms.

Call Us!

It’s always a good idea to be prepared if there is a fire. Fire extinguishers, when used properly, can mitigate fire damage. When your home or commercial business has fire damage, our team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Escape Planning for Fort Walton Beach Pets?

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration services in Okaloosa County.

Our team in Fort Walton Beach provides this helpful fire escape planning information from the National Fire Protection Association for situations when you need to evacuate your pets due to a fire:

• Make sure your pets are included in your family’s evacuation plan
• Build an evacuation kit for each pet in your household
• Ensure each kit is a size and weight that can be quickly loaded into a vehicle when packing to evacuate.

Include supplies for your pet in your emergency kit or assemble an emergency kit for your pet. Here are some pet emergency kit tips from the American Red Cross:

• Sturdy leashes and harnesses
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan and a manual can opener
• Medications and copies of medical records
• A first aid kit
• Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable

Call Us Today!

When you have a fire damage emergency in your Fort Walton Beach home or commercial business, our local team in Fort Walton Beach will clean and restore the fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Safety Tips for Children in Fort Walton Beach?

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

No matter how big the job is, we restore fire damage in Okaloosa County.

Our team in Fort Walton Beach restores fire damage throughout the year in Fort Walton Beach. Here are some tips for preventing children from playing with fire from the  National Fire Protection Association:

• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet
• Closely supervise children, making sure that they are kept away from other fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, bonfires, and stoves
• Explain that fire moves very fast and can hurt as soon as it touches them. Tell them that this is why matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
• Teach young children never to touch matches or lighters. They must tell a grown-up when matches or lighters are found.
• Establish clear rules and consequences about unsupervised and unauthorized uses of fire
• Be a good example! Always use fire sources — matches, lighters, candles, fireplaces, and campfires — in a safe manner. Never treat them as toys, or children may imitate you.
• Talk with children about what their friends or other children are doing with fire. What do they see online in video games, TV, movies, and social media? Teach them specific ways to resist the peer pressure to misuse fire.
• Give praise for showing respect and age-appropriate responsible behavior toward fire

Call Us!

When you have fire damage in your Fort Walton Beach home or business, our local team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Hoarding Fire in Niceville Home?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

We are trained to restore hoarding conditions in Okaloosa County.

Our team in Fort Walton Beach helps Niceville residents clean and restore hoarding scenes. Here is some information about hoarding from the National Fire Protection Association:

Hoarding Increases Fire Risks

• Cooking is unsafe if flammable items are close to the stove or oven
• Heating units may be too close to things that can burn. They might also be placed on unstable surfaces. If a heater tips over into a pile, it can cause a fire.
• Electrical wiring may be old or worn from the weight of piles. Pests could chew on wires, and damaged wires can start fires.
• Open flames from smoking materials or candles in a home with excess clutter are very dangerous
• Blocked pathways and exits may hinder escape from a fire

Hoarding Impacts First Responders

• Hoarding puts first responders in harm’s way
• Firefighters cannot move swiftly through a home filled with clutter
• Responders can be trapped in a house when exits are blocked. They can be injured by objects falling from piles.
• The weight of the stored items, especially if water is added to put out a fire, can lead to building collapse
• Fighting fires is very risky in a hoarding home. It is hard to enter the house to provide medical care, and the clutter impedes the search and rescue of people and pets.

Call Us Today!

When you have a hoarding situation or fire damage in your Niceville home or business, our local team in Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Safety Tips for Okaloosa Island?

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Okaloosa County.

SERVPRO® of Fort Walton Beach is a trusted full-service restoration and construction provider. We have been restoring fire damage on Okaloosa Island for over thirty years and offer these fire safety tips from the  National Fire Protection Association:

• Watch your cooking
  Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food
• Give space heaters space
  Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Keep matches and lighters out of reach
• Inspect electrical cords
  Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections
• Be careful when using candles
  Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have a home fire escape plan
  Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
• Install smoke alarms
  Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Test smoke alarms
  Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than ten years old.

Call Us!

When you have fire damage in your Okaloosa Island home or business, SERVPRO® of Fort Walton Beach is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Space Heater Safety Tips for Fort Walton Beach Residents?

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

We clean and restore fire damage in Okaloosa County.

Our local team in Fort Walton Beach has the equipment, training, and experience to restore fire damage, no matter how big the job is. It is nice to use a space heater during the cooler evenings to take the chill out of the night air. Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep you safe around portable space heaters:

• Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory
• Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn, including people
• Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection
• Place the heater on a solid, flat surface
• Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over
• Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Never block an exit.
• Keep children away from the space heater
• Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet. Never use an extension cord.
• Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room or go to bed

Call Us Today!

When you have fire damage in your Fort Walton Beach home or business, our local team in Fort Walton Beach will clean and restore the damage quickly and efficiently. Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Outdoor Electrical Fire in Niceville?

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Okaloosa County.

Niceville residents and businesses love their outdoor spaces, and many use lighting to improve the look and safety of their homes and workplaces. SERVPRO® of Fort Walton Beach offers these tips from the National Fire Protection Association for outdoor electrical safety:

Outside Electrical Work

• Have a qualified electrician do all electrical work
• To prevent an electrical shock, make sure all your outside electrical receptacles are ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected
• Have a professional tree cutting service trim any branches that might fall into electric wiring

Equipment Safety

• Use lighting and power tools that are listed by a qualified test laboratory and make sure they are made for outdoor use
• Store your electrical tools indoors
• Keep electric tools away from children
• Keep the area around your electric meter and other electrical equipment clean
• Check lighting and extension cords for damage before using. Replace any damaged cords right away
• Use extension cords that are listed by a qualified test laboratory and are marked for outdoor use.
• Extension cords are not meant for long-term use

Call Us Today!

When you have fire damage in your Niceville home or commercial business, SERVPRO® of Fort Walton Beach has a team of fire restoration technicians on-call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day. We typically arrive within four hours of your call. Call us today at 850-863-2552.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Is Successful Fire Damage Restoration of Fort Walton Beach Kitchen Appliances Realistic?

8/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the tools and skill to bring your kitchen back from fire damages "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Crews Exceed Expectations, Emerging Victorious  After Kitchen Appliance Smoke Remediation Challenges in Fort Walton Beach 

Nearly 50 percent of Fort Walton Beach residential fires link to cooking accidents. The following kitchen appliances all can suffer fire and smoke damage:

• Ovens

• Range tops

• Microwaves

• Exhaust hoods and fans

• Dishwashers

• Refrigerators

• Trash compactors, and more

How Is Kitchen Fire and Smoke Damage Unique?

The fuel in a Fort Walton Beach kitchen fire is nearly always protein-based -- meats, oils, greases, dairy, and sauteed or fried vegetables. Lingering residues result not only from charred items but also from entirely dehydrated foodstuffs. Organic compounds become rancid and incredibly malodorous during the kitchen fire, vaporizing then depositing on all available surfaces, including appliances. The coating is often transparent and thus hard to see but attaches tenaciously similar to varnish. Normal fire and smoke damage removal “first steps” like dusting or brushing are ineffective, and only rarely does a simple spray and wipe remove the residue altogether.

How Does SERVPRO Approach House Fire Clean Up of Protein-Based Residues on Appliances?

SERVPRO managers pretest cleaning strategies, ensuring our proprietary cleaning product and tools cause minimal damage to surfaces while also removing the smelly, oily film. As most appliances feature non-porous and resilient finishes, water-based cleaners and non-abrasive techniques would be perfect. Unfortunately, the protein-based soot can require solvents and more aggressive tools, necessitating trained and experienced technicians to strike a balance between proper cleaning and appliance durability:

• Cleaning solutions need an increase in alkalinity.

• Precise spraying of cleaning solutions limits damage to porous materials such as wood cabinets.

• Aluminum or chrome might pit with longer dwell times using high alkaline cleaners -- prompt rinsing is vital.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory for technicians.

• Abrasive products or tools need an expert touch to prevent appliance finish damage --maintaining lubrication during the cleaning and employing soft cloths or towels to remove residues and excess cleaner are best practices.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach has the skills and appropriate tools and products to restore your fire-damaged kitchen appliances. Schedule an assessment by calling (850) 863-2552.

What Options are Available in Fort Walton Beach for Fire Restoration?

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

When you experience a fire in your home, you need expert assistance. Call our team at SERVPRO at (850) 863-2552.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach Has Licensed Fire Restoration Technicians 

A property fire can affect both structure and contents. The most frequent restoration service provided by professionals is the removal of soot and smoke residues. Smoke can be most damaging when coming into contact with solid wood furniture such as cupboards or fittings. There may also be charring of wooden fittings, fixtures, furniture, and surfaces in a larger fire. SERVPRO can help with:

• Fire and smoke damage
• Fire and smoke damage restoration and cleanup
• House fire cleanup

The process of fire restoration in your Fort Walton Beach home is manifold. Some smoke residues are possible to remove from wood surfaces using a mineral spirit and wiping cloth. Other areas may require a more robust cleaning method that relies either on aggressive agitation or chemical action. Our team is equipped with the necessary resources and know-how to perform efficient and effective restoration in your home. 

• Burnt or charred areas of a wood surface can sometimes be sanding out without causing significant harm. We begin with 180 grit sandpaper to reduce the potential for over-sanding. 
• A wood creme paste can help to get rid of burnt sections. These powerful chemicals are rubbed into the wood surface, working along with the grain of the wood to address burnt areas. 
• In cases of severe damage, refinishing and varnishing can be conducted to return furniture to a preloss condition. 

Wood furniture has a strong chance of restoration following fire or smoke impact. Contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach for fire restoration (850) 863-2552.

What Fire Restoration Services Happen Immediately in Destin?

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damage to your home are hard to deal with. Let SERVPRO and their team of techs use their fire removal techniques.

Emergency services play a substantial role in overcoming fire and smoke damage. 

Fire restoration for Destin homes involves multiple steps and stages. We are leading experts in this niche, providing efficient service for fire-damaged homes. From repairs to surface cleaning, we can help with:

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

Can Emergency Services Improve Smoke Remediation Efficiency?

The initial steps that are professionals take upon arrival can dramatically impact the efficiency of later efforts like smoke remediation and cleaning fire and smoke damage in your Destin home. The necessary mitigation actions required in residence can change between one side and another, making job scoping efforts vital in determining which repairs and demolition need your home might have. Fire debris removal can improve fire restoration efficacy. 

Fire restoration is a complicated procedure for many homes. We are a one-stop-shop for fire and smoke damage cleaning and recovery for properties, and our experienced SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach team can help when you call (850) 863-2552.

What Requires Cleaning During Fire Restoration in Destin properties?

2/25/2021 (Permalink)

Call (850) 863-2552 immediately after the fire truck drives away to ensure a speedy and favorable outcome.

For Thorough Cleaning of Your Destin Home, Call SERVPRO

Cleaning is a typical restoration task after a fire incident. Although many people know this, many do not appreciate the full extent of cleaning work needed to restore the house to its preloss state. Therefore, it is possible to underestimate the resources needed for the task.

Most of the cleaning effort during fire restoration of Destin properties is likely to be expended on the removal of smoke residues. Such residues accumulate on uncovered surfaces such as walls and ceilings and hidden areas such as wall cavities and cabinet interiors. Hidden sections are likely to have more residues since convection currents tend to move smoke towards colder areas of the structure.

Before starting restorative cleaning after a fire, SERVPRO evaluates the spread patterns of residues. Our technicians also rely on their training that teaches them about smoke behavior. We offer services such as:

• Content cleaning using regular and specialized methods such as ultrasonic cleaning
• Removal of materials such as insulation since cleaning them is not cost-effective.
• Surface cleaning using diverse methods including vacuuming, wet cleaning, or even soda blasting  

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach handles cleaning tasks regularly during fire restoration. Call us whenever you need assistance at (850) 863-2552.

Speedy Fire Damage Restoration in Fort Walton Beach

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Helps Restore Fort Walton Beach Properties Affected by Fires

The small city of Fort Walton Beach, located in the Florida panhandle, is known for its magnificent views and especially the white sandy beaches on the nearby Okaloosa Island. It is a year-round beach resort and fishing community. Each summer, there is the seasonal migration of people boosting the local economy.

The area has a history of settlement stretching back to prehistoric times and especially the native American culture referred to as Fort Walton Culture by archeologists that flourished in the period around 1200 - 1500. The culture was famous for intensive agricultural practices such as maize production and mound-building for ceremonies. In the more recent historical periods, various people settled in the area. The first settlers from Europe arrived in the area in the early 1800s. One of the most notable among these settlers was John Anderson, who obtained plots in 1838. The area was even referred to as Anderson before it was changed to Camp Walton around 1911.

Top Sites to Visit in Fort Walton Beach

Tourism plays a crucial role in the city for the residents as well as the government. While the emerald waters, magnificent beaches, and enjoyable golf courses draw most visitors, there are several other individual attractions that people can explore.

• Indian Temple Mound Museum

The large 12 feet high and 223 feet wide mound is a remnant of prehistoric settlements. It is believed the mound was made in 850 CE by the Pensacola culture. Visitors enjoy a wide range of artifacts at the site and learn about the local history. Apart from the mound, there are three buildings at the facility.

• Wild Willy's Adventure Zone

 The dinosaur-themed fun park offers a wide range of entertainment resources. They have games for people of all ages, including mini-golf, go-karts, and arcade games. The dinosaur section is also great to learn about them or test your knowledge levels.

• Emerald Coast Science Center  

The center, established in 1989, is a hands-on science discovery facility that started to promote a scientifically engaged community. Visitors enjoy various attractions at the site, including learning about or petting various animals and participating in different scientific yet fun lessons.

• The Boardwalk, Okaloosa Island

For general visitors who may want to explore the magnificent sunsets at the beach, the boardwalk presents the best location. There are numerous shops and eateries in the area for those who may want to enjoy seafood. 

How Does SERVPRO Help with Fire Damage Restoration?

When a fire breaks out in Fort Walton Beach, property owners have to address several problems to restore the property to its preloss state. The processes are not only time consuming but also require the right skills to accomplish. SERVPRO provides fully equipped teams that help:

• Move contents at the loss site safely
• Clean heavily soiled surfaces such as walls and ceilings
• Deodorize the property to get rid of smoke odors
• Replace deteriorated materials such as wall panels

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach offers comprehensive fire damage restoration services in affected residences. Call us at (850) 863-2552 to assess the damage and initiate the correct response.

Getting What You Want in Fort Walton Beach

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Fire damage of any size is a job for SERVPRO. We can handle from start to finish when it comes to fire damage restoration.

Virtual Seminar Highlights How to Channel Dreams in Fort Walton Beach

Ustadha Yasmin Mogahed, one of the most influential Muslim women public speakers, is giving a virtual seminar to assist people in focusing on what they want to accomplish and making it a reality. When someone is in an unhappy state of being, it is referred to in Islam as 'Dunya', it is a feeling of something that is temporary or imperfect. She uses this seminar to help participants learn to create and achieve their inner desires and make them a reality. The event will stream live, but individuals that register for the event will have access to the post-event recording to listing to for inspiration. 

• Price: Free
• Time: 4:30pm-5:30pm EST
• Date: Sunday 27th December 2020
• Venue: Virtual event, reservation needed for entry

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 helps local property owners with any size fire damage cleanup needed. The trained technicians have the skills and equipment to return the structure to normal, "Like it never even happened."

What Can SERVPRO do to Retain the Character of a Dining Room after Fire Damage?

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will bring new life back to your dining room after a fire incident. Call us today at (850) 863-2552 for assistance.

Mary Esther Homeowners Need an Understanding Restoration Team.

Dining rooms are great for formal occasions, such as throwing a dinner party or entertaining guests. A dining room can be a valuable addition to a Mary Esther home, providing class, elegance, and a place to show off your skills as a host. They also often have sentimentally significant items such as beautiful dishware and carefully chosen décor.

If you suffer fire damage to your Mary Esther home's dining room, it can feel devastating. Of course, you do not want to replace all your belongings unless it is unavoidable. Not only does replacing items cost money, but many of them have memories attached that you do not want to lose. That is why you need a cleanup crew like SERVPRO – we always try to restore items rather than replace them if we can. We train our team to be aware of fire damage's emotional impact and the stress of seeing your belongings damaged. Our teams understand how difficult the aftermath of a blaze can be, and we are here to make it easier for you.

Can you protect your dining room from fire damage?

Prevention is always better than remediation. There are several steps you can take to protect your dining room:

• If you must use candles on the table, keep them away from anything flammable, and never leave them unattended
• If possible, switch to LED candles and lanterns, which look as good but are much safer
• Keep warming trays away from flammable material, and make sure cords and plugs are in good condition
• Do not let drapes or table cloths cover heaters

Pay attention to the kitchen too – many home fires start there. Do not leave hot pans of food unattended, and be mindful of fire hazards such as frayed or trailing wires. Keep pets and small children away from stoves, appliances, hot food, and trailing tablecloths. 

What happens when SERVPRO arrives?

The first step is a thorough assessment of your dining room and the fire damage. We create a cleaning plan and discuss it with you before we begin. We also take inventory of your belongings and note down what we can save, what we cannot keep, and what needs further consideration before we make a decision. 

We make the area safe before cleaning commences. This might include:

• Pumping away excess water from firefighting
• Boarding up the windows
• Putting a tarp on the roof
• Setting up a safe electricity supply for our equipment

When the area is secure, we commence cleanup.

Is it possible to save drapes and blinds?

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach offers a range of cleaning options for drapes and blinds:

• Hot water extraction and dry cleaning are both effective on soot-damaged drapes
• Ultrasonic cleaning is ideal for Venetian blinds
• Individual blind slats can be taken down and wet-cleaned, followed by dry vacuuming

We can combine cleaning methods to find the best one for the situation. Our technicians thoroughly test each material before cleaning to ensure the chosen cleaning method is safe for the item at hand.

What about carpets and rugs?

We use a range of cleaning chemicals and extractors to tackle smoke-damaged floor coverings. We start by testing the fibers to determine which cleaning method is safest for each kind and to ensure the color will not run. We can also clean sooty residues from wooden or marble floors.

In the event of needing to replace the carpets, we can arrange for the new ones to be fitted.

Should you toss out dishware and crystal?

Dishware is sensitive to heat and often fares poorly during a fire. However, do not despair. Our technicians know how to examine dishware for tiny signs of stress fractures, many of which only become visible during the cleaning process. We can use powerful detergents and even ultrasonic cleaning to restore dishware.

Crystal items such as vases, decanters, and candelabras, are incredibly fragile. Smoke residue can cause surface etching, while detergents and cleaning machines can damage the metallic trims and decorative accents. We clean all crystalware by hand and examine it thoroughly for signs of damage.

How about table decorations?

As well as crystal items, you might be concerned about tablecloths, napkins, and even dried flower arrangements. We can brush, vacuum, and launder linens and apply spot cleaners to stubborn stains. We can even clean dried flower arrangements with gentle brushing, compressed air, and by gently shaking them in a bag with some salt.

Is it possible to restore wallpaper and paint?

It is possible to use dry and wet cleaning to remove soot residue from the walls in some cases. If the paper is too fire-damaged or the paint is stained beyond repair, we will supervise re-hanging and re-painting.

For help rescuing your dining room after fire damage, call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552.

Who Can I Call About Fire Damage in My Mary Esther Home?

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

If you believe your home requires fire damage remediation services, never wait.

SERVPRO Can Remediate the Fire Damage in Your Mary Esther Home!

No one wants to have fire damage happen inside of their Mary Esther home. When a fire breaks out, the repercussions are not just ashes and soot. Smoke damage is incredibly invasive and has a way of impacting everything in your home, from furniture to electronics. Furthermore, the malodor of fire damage can prevent you from living your life free of the reminder of what happened in your home.

Picture enduring fire damage in your Mary Esther living room. The evidence of the candle-gone-wrong had been removed weeks before, but the smell of burnt-fabrics and wood remained. You may feel like this is just the reality of your home now, but that is untrue. Here at SERVPRO, our fire damage experts can help you return your home to its preloss state.

What Can SERVPRO Do About the Smell?
Our technicians have thousands of hours of combined experience dealing with all of the ramifications of fire damage. When a malodor lingers in your home, we can:
    •    Check for any remaining soot and char on the walls or behind your furniture
    •    Use a priming paint on your walls to lock in odors
    •    Set up advanced technological devices to help reduce and remove stubborn odors

Our technicians are trained to understand the makeup of soot and how to remove it. Furthermore, SERVPRO uses industry-grade advanced technology to remediate lingering smells.

What Advanced Technology Could Be Used in My Home?
To remediate malodor from fire damages, we could use:
    •    Hydroxyl generators, which reduce airborne odors by chemically combining to form odor-free compounds
    •    Air scrubbers with carbon filters, to pull odorous particles from the atmosphere
    •    Thermal foggers, which dispense an odor-reducing vapor around your home

Here at SERVPRO, we have many devices to help us remove odors. In worst-case situations, where a fire has impacted a significant portion of your home, we can use Ozone Machines before reconstruction occurs.

If you believe your home requires fire damage remediation services, never wait. Get in touch with SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach by dialing (850) 863-2552. We're ready to help you.

What Can I Do About the Fire Damage in My Home?

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Let our experienced SERVPRO teams help get your home back from fire damage.

If You Need Fire Damage Restoration Services, Call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach! 

A small mistake could lead to fire damage on your Fort Walton Beach property. A candle left unattended could turn into a blaze, or a small kitchen fire could get out of hand. No matter what accident causes the fire on your property, you should reach out for professional help immediately. 

Here at SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach, we care about the fire damage on your property, and We're Faster To Any Size Disaster. To us, it doesn't make a difference if the fire was large or small- we're still available to help you when you need it. 

The Fire Left Soot on My Walls, What Can SERVPRO Do to Fix That? 

SERVPRO technicians are expertly trained and understand soot in and out. If your walls have a lot of soot on them, we can: 

• Use EPA-registered cleaning agents 
• Use sealant paints to lock odors
• Remove the drywall in worst-case scenarios 

Soot stains can be tricky, as you must know what burned to break them down at a chemical level. However, our technicians are trained to know the difference and can apply the necessary technique to remove most stains. 

What Devices Can SERVPRO Use to Remove the Smell of Fire Damage? 

A Fire can leave behind unpleasant malodors. However, our SERVPRO techs can use a few different devices to neutralize the scents, such as: 

• Hydroxyl generators 
• Thermal foggers
• Ozone machines 

Depending on how severe the fire damage is on your property, our technicians can use the appropriate device. For example, ozone machines are only used when the fire was so severe that residents cannot be inside of the house. Thermal foggers tend to be used in smaller, more concentrated, spaces. 

If your home needs fire damage restoration, do not wait. Contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach by calling (850) 863-2552. Our technicians are always available to help you. 

Want to see more about Fort Walton Beach?

What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Home Structure Fires in Your Fort Walton Beach Home?

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Prevent Fires in Your Fort Walton Beach Home

SERVPRO Wants to Help You Prevent Home Fires

It is important to frequently evaluate your home’s fire risk. We encourage you to review your fire prevention strategy, and complete yearly tasks that ensure the technology you rely on to alert you and your family is in good working order.

Smoke Alarms

Make sure a working smoke alarm is installed on every level of your home. Also, install a smoke detector in each bedroom. Use the yearly observation of Fire Prevention Week, coming up in October, or your birthday, to change the batteries in your smoke detectors or alarms, but also make sure you test each alarm monthly. Resist any temptation to disable a smoke detector in the kitchen because cooking steam or smoke sets it off occasionally. Instead, invest in and use high-quality exhaust fans when cooking.

Fire Extinguishers

Purchase appropriately rated fire extinguishers and distribute them throughout your home, concentrating on areas where the fire risk is highest. Kitchens, workshops, garages, and utility or laundry rooms are obvious choices, but ensure that an extinguisher is easy to access in every space of your dwelling. Test them regularly and recharge after use.

Plan And Clear Escape Routes

Plan and practice a fire escape plan for each room of your home. Discuss the plan with all members of your family and hold drills regularly so all are confident in what they should do and that they can do it. Assess for special needs like safety ladders for upper stories or your home, and then install and practice their use. Be sure that windows and doors you plan to employ as escape pathways are free of obstructions and are not screwed or nailed shut. Paint and caulk can interfere with opening a window or door. Remedy this problem if you find it impossible to open an escape route.

Review Insurance Coverage And Catalog Your Belongings

Contact your insurance agent yearly to review your fire damage coverage. Make an effort to document and inventory heirlooms and other items with high monetary or sentimental value in your home. Claims are easier to establish with this evidence in hand.

If despite your planning a fire damages your home, contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 for fast and high-quality restoration services. We have the trained technicians, experience, and professional equipment necessary to bring your home back to preloss condition after a minor or major fire.

Learn more about Fort Walton Beach.

How Do I Remove Odors After a Fire?

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for Smoke-Related Odor Removal

SERVPRO Technicians Use Thermal Fogging to Remove Fire Damage Odor in Your Destin Home

Smoke can cause severe damage to areas of your home not directly affected by a fire. In many situations, even trained professionals can take several visits to remove smoke odors from some spots in your home. Regardless of how thorough the restoration in your Destin area home seems, smoke odors can linger.

What you need is a trained professional, one that has access to the right equipment and understands which techniques to use, to get rid of the odors that exist in your Destin home. Fire damage often leads to extensive repairs, so having access to a highly-skilled professional makes sense. You want them to understand how to deal with fire, smoke, and water damage, including any cleaning, deodorization, or disinfection experience necessary to finish the job right.

SERVPRO technicians can put a variety of deodorization techniques to work for you. Our fire damage restoration technicians are well versed in using pressure sprayers, box fans, ozone machines, duct cleaning systems, HEPA filtered air scrubbers, and injection devices to get the job done right. We work out the proper way to approach the area in question, working to eliminate odors rather than just masking them.

SERVPRO can put a method called thermal fogging to use, where deodorizers are heated and sprayed throughout your home in fog form. A fogger allows deodorizer solutions to permeate tough-to-reach areas, absorbing smoke particles and neutralizing any odors that exist. Our advanced services involve removing the debris causing the odor and cleaning any surfaces that might have odor-causing residues on them.

However, SERVPRO restoration teams go even further, finding ways to replicate the nature of smoke, allowing deodorizers to penetrate different areas. Providing you with excellent results regarding odor neutralization and successfully returning your home to a quality pre-fire damage condition for you and your family to enjoy.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach has technicians available 24/7, 365, day or night. We provide you with the cleanup and restoration services that make dealing with damage to your home, easier. Our staff even works with your insurance company to help ensure you receive the results you deserve. (850) 863-2552

Learn more about Destin.

How Do I Perform Fire Debris Cleanup in My Home?

4/21/2020 (Permalink)

When it comes to fire damage cleanup and restoration in Fort Walton Beach, SERVPRO Is Serious!

You Can Hire SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to Assist You to Remove the Debris in Fort Walton Beach

After a fire, it is not advisable to tackle fire damage restoration in your Fort Walton Beach residence without the assistance of experts. However, you can take a few steps to start cleaning up your home. Make sure you prioritize safety.

What can I do after a fire?

Below is a list of several expert fire damage restoration tips to help you recover from your Fort Walton Beach home’s fire damaging event.

• Reduce movement in the house to prevent additional damage, the spread of smoke, and soot particles from getting embedded in fabrics.
• Place towels over high traffic areas like carpets and rugs
• Wash your hands to avoid transferring soot to the walls, upholstery, and wood
• If you have shut off the electricity, wait before emptying the refrigerator and freezer

What Should I not do after a fire?

The actions you should avoid doing after a fire damages your house include:

• Avoid attempting to wash painted surfaces walls, upholstery, and carpet without the assistance of professionals
• Avoid cleaning appliances or electrical equipment that the fire damages
• Avoid consuming packaged or canned food that is stored close to the scene of the fire
• Avoid turning on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is damp because of the water firefighters used to extinguish the flames

What should I do about the debris?

As the property owner, it is your responsibility to clear debris from your home after a fire. Thankfully, most home insurance policies provide coverage for debris removal. It is an essential expense to restore your property to its preloss state. SERVPRO can help you remove the debris quickly because we have advanced tools to make this procedure easier. We can even remove hazardous materials safely.

What is regarded as household hazardous waste?

This is the waste from houses, which poses a threat to human and animal health or the environment. Examples include toxic, ignitable, reactive, or corrosive chemicals, such as pool chemicals, bleach, paint, antifreeze, and used oil filters; removing bio-hazardous waste quickly helps protect public safety and health. It is an emergency protective measure. Since the waste could significantly affect the environment, we do not combine it with the debris from the general clean up that is disposed of in a landfill.

Do you include burned appliances and electronics in the hazardous waste clean-up?

No, we do not include electronic wastes or appliances like computer monitors, televisions, cell phones, and CPUs in hazardous waste clean-up. Instead, we remove them as part of the overall debris removal procedure.

What next after debris removal?

The removal of debris paves the way for thorough cleaning of the property. It is essential to clean the structures of your house, such as flooring and painted walls. The longer you let soot sit on affected surfaces, the more extensive the destruction becomes, and the cost of restoration continues to increase.

How can smoke damage impact my property?

In the majority of fire losses, removing smoke and soot is the toughest part. Besides, even a small fire can cause severe soot damage within minutes and leave unpleasant odors if you do not clean up your property. It is appropriate to handle soot damage within one or two days of a fire to prevent permanent damage.  Our SERVPRO team has the tools and expertise to clean up affected surfaces quickly to mitigate the loss. Fire damages usually present unique cleaning and restoration situations. We consider certain factors in determining how difficult it is to remove smoke residues. They include:

• The type of surface – In porous surfaces, particles, and odors penetrate further, and cleaning them is more challenging. It is easier to clean non-porous surfaces
• Age of surface – In general, older surfaces are more challenging to clean, regardless of the materials
• Amount of moisture – Moisture sets smoke residues, making them harder to clean and more likely to stain the affected surfaces
• Amount of heat – If the flames of the fire were hot, cleaning the surfaces is harder. Surfaces expand and become more porous because of the heat. Therefore, odors and residues penetrate the surfaces more deeply. Heat may also cause materials to melt or char. In such a case, our SERVPRO team can often refinish the affected materials

There is water from firefighting efforts, what can you do about it?

Water can cause additional destruction, such as mold growth. Our SERVPRO crew can extract the water from the affected areas as part of the fire restoration job. We have different types of pumps, air movers, and dehumidifiers that we can use to remove the water and moisture. The time it takes to restore a property varies based on the extent of the destruction.

Cleaning up your house after a fire is a challenging task that calls for SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach the help of professionals. Call at (850) 863-2552 to help you restore your home to its original state. "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage In Fort Walton Beach

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

If you ever suffer from a severe fire starting inside your home, it is wise to call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 24/7.

Fire Damage In Fort Walton Beach Could Require The Occupants To Vacate The Structure

Structural burns in the Fort Walton Beach area account for more nearly half of the fires that burn each year. In the United States, there are nearly half a million cases of fire damage caused to structures annually. Infernos inside houses account for around $8 billion of property issues each year. During each individual situation, the problems can include those created by the heat and smoke created during the blaze.

When the fire damage inside your Fort Walton Beach residence is severe, your house could be deemed unlivable until restoration procedures get completed. If the incident is covered by your homeowner's insurance, then you will be compensated to stay in a hotel or different location during the mitigation process. If you and your family are forced to vacate your structure, our SERVPRO technicians can take several steps to ensure your home is secure and safe for our workers to begin the restoration procedures.

The first step our SERVPRO team takes after you vacate your property is to secure your structure. Many times when a building burns, the windows break, and doors no longer seal. When this occurs, we board up and secure your house from any intruders and the outdoor elements.

Next, we go through your damaged structure and look for any potential electrical issues. If there are any bare wires, we can call in a certified electrician to restore power to your building to aid with the work processes. Next, we check for any loss of integrity or stability of your house's structural components. If we find any dangerous areas, we can block them off from any foot traffic until the problems get repaired.

If possible, our SERVPRO crew returns heat to your building so that no pipes freeze. If restoring the heat to your home is not possible right away, we can then shut off your water so that your plumbing system does not fail due to cool temperatures. If water was introduced to your structure from the fire department or a sprinkler system, then we can take further steps to prevent moisture-related issues.

If you ever suffer from a severe fire starting inside your home, it is wise to call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 24/7. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Fort Walton Beach click here.

We Have Effective Techniques To Restore Your Fort Walton Beach After A Fire

1/22/2020 (Permalink)

Our experts understand this can be a difficult time and our team is ready 24/7 to help you with the restoration process after a fire disaster.

We Help You Distinguish Between The Structure And Contents Of Your Home After A Fire In Fort Walton Beach

After experiencing a fire and making sure everyone within your home is safe, you now need to go about the process of restoring your home and getting back to your routine. The fire may have damaged not only the house itself but also some of your furniture, clothing, and other items.

If you have fire damage in your Fort Walton Beach home, it is important to distinguish between the structure and contents of your home. Typically, insurance companies separate the two things for scoping and estimating the cost of restorations. SERVPRO restorers handle the contents and structure separately. In some situations, restorers move the contents of the home to an offsite, secure location for cleaning before returning them.

After the project manager scopes the structure of the home, makes an estimate, and gets the go-ahead to begin the restoration process, the first step is to begin emergency services to ensure a safe work site. Depending on the severity of the fire, emergency services may include boarding up the home, debris removal, and creating ventilation. At this stage, this is when your contents (personal belongings) may go out for cleaning.

The SERVPRO project manager creates a specified plan for cleaning and restoring your home. Flooring, walls, and appliances all require specialized cleaning with specific products. For example, oxidizing cleaners such as StainZap work well on smoke stains and are useful in bathroom and kitchen cleaning. Strong acid cleaners like Stone and Porcelain clear attack soot and smoke from both stone and brick. Gentle creme cleaners are best for wood and restoring damaged wood surfaces around the home.

Before specialized cleaning, restorers often pre-clean the home to prepare each item for more in-depth cleaning. Pe-cleaning includes vacuuming to remove particulates and light debris. Compressed air uses air pressure to mildly agitate and remove loose particulate residues to allow more thorough cleaning of surfaces. Brushing, another form of pre-cleaning, can mildly or aggressively agitate the surface to remove loose residues. Soft brushes agitate delicate surfaces while wire brushes provide very aggressive agitation for more durable surfaces. Pre-cleaning makes the specialized cleaning more effective for the impacted areas and materials within your home.

For help restoring your home after fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552. We make it, "Like it never even happened."

See more about Fort Walton Beach. 

Mary Esther Professionals Give Tips on Cleaning Fire Damaged Homes

9/18/2019 (Permalink)

A small fire started in the kitchen, but smoke and soot spread throughout the home. SERVPRO has the tools to restore your home completely.

Cleaning That Takes Place After Fire Damage Affects A Mary Esther Property

After small fires such as a stove flaring in the kitchen or an appliance malfunctioning elsewhere, smoke deposits are likely to be the main problem that needs addressing. Depending on the materials affected, there might be clouds of smoke which spread to other parts of the house quickly, thus widening the scope of fire damage from the start point.

Apart from replacing the ruined appliance or other materials at the ignition point, restoring such fire damage in your Mary Esther property requires cleaning principally. It might sound simple, but on considering the variety of materials affected, from fabrics such as upholstery to building materials, you realize it is not an easy task. Also, apart from surface deposits, some might bond with materials creating stains. Our SERVPRO technicians can address the problem with ease because we first scope the property identifying the type of residues and their spread patterns. Scoping helps establish different categories of soils, including:

• Hydrophilic – they dissolve in water
• Hydrophobic – do not dissolve in water
• Lipophilic – they dissolve in oil-based cleaning agents
• Lipophobic - do not dissolve in oil-based cleaning agents

The wide variety of soils means that one approach only cannot clean your fire damaged property thoroughly. Some cleaning processes might also cause problems if used indiscriminately. For example, power washing is very useful in removing soils from surfaces. However, if used to clean materials such as drywall, excessive pressure and wetness can ruin the material. Our SERVPRO technicians use methods such as vacuuming to lift loose soils from surfaces. Agitation and use of cleaning agents also help break the bond soils have with materials.

In some cases, using conventional cleaning methods might not work on the soils, especially when involving wet smoke or protein residues. Advanced methods to breakdown such soils might be necessary. Our SERVPRO technicians can use enzymes or bleaching agents depending on the type of soiling. Enzymes work through changing the soil from insoluble to soluble state. Bleaches, on the other hand, work by adding or reducing oxygen molecules.

If you want a team that has what it takes to clean your home to its preloss state, call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach. You can reach us any time at (850) 863-2552.

More about Mary Esther.

We Act Fast To Limit More Damage To Your Mary Esther Home

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO offers 24-hour emergency service to our customers and we have the specialized training, advanced equipment, and experience.

SERVPRO Inspectors Find These Extra Consequences of Fire Damage in Mary Esther

Fire damage can impact your home in unpredictable ways. While it may be immediately apparent that ash, smoke, and burn damage need extensive restoration work to reverse, it might be harder to identify future problems such as water leaks that may be caused by flames on the building exterior. Part of the reason why SERVPRO has become such a trusted name for home damage restoration work across the nation is thanks to our inspectors that carry out thorough analyses of the situation and identify additional problems that may have escaped your attention. Here are some of the things they look for with fire damage situations.

Holes in Roofs and Exteriors

Dealing with fire damage in your Mary Esther home is bad enough – you probably do not want to handle damages from water on top of what has already happened. Water can even start to mix with ash and smoke materials to create a sludge that poses greater challenges even for well-equipped cleanup crews like those at SERVPRO. Our inspectors examine the fire-damaged part of your home thoroughly to check for potential leaks or holes in the building exterior. If they identify any potential problems of this nature, we work fast to set up tarps to cover the area before any ill weather effects can worsen the situation.

Electrical Damage

The heat of a flame can, even without direct contact, start to melt down metal cables and the materials that shield them. Sometimes, these damages may not be immediately apparent while still posing a significant safety hazard in your home. We know how to check for signs of fire damage on all types of household wiring and work to correct any safety hazards that may be present as a result.

Fabric Erosion

Many fire residues are acidic or can otherwise harm the types of fabric in carpets, furniture, and clothing typically found in local homes. We conduct tests to determine if there is any risk of material destruction to your belongings and, if there may be a significant problem, take care to clean each object in ways that do not cause harm.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach has years of experience helping local homes and businesses recover from the effects of fires large and small. Call us at (850) 863-2552 for our 24/7 services.

See more Mary Esther.

Our Technicians Can Restore Your Fire Damaged Contents In Your Destin Home

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 today to arrange service.

Restoring Destin Resident's Valuable Contents After Fire Damage Using Immersion Cleaning

A fire may start and finish in just one area of the home. However, as materials combust, they release carbon in the form of gas alongside a range of other chemicals that are present in the material burning. Despite containment of the actual fire, smoke can spread throughout your home, leaving behind thick oily residues on both structure and content. The addition of water used in firefighting procedure can often cause these deposits to become embedded on surfaces creating a challenge for restorers to remove.

Many homeowners with fire damage in Destin become more concerned with contents than structure- walls can be repainted, doors and windows refitted, structure replaced. However, contents are collected over many months or years and hold both sentimental and literal value. High-density items like drapery rods, chandeliers or precious metal ornaments are prime candidates for immersion cleaning by SERVPRO because they are non-porous and generally made from non-reactive materials.

Immersion cleaning units can be brought on-site by SERVPRO. Where damage has spread throughout the structure, it may be necessary to inventory and pack items out to a unique facility. If items are damaged by oily residues, an immersion cleaning unit may be ineffective in restoring with dissolving the residue in an oil-based solvent a viable alternative. A SERVPRO technician can conduct pre-testing on the different types of soiling before any items entering an immersion cleaning tank.

Items that can benefit from immersion cleaning are placed in a tank of water with chemical cleaning agents. When the machine is switched on, high-frequency soundwaves create vibrations and with them, bubbles. As the bubbles burst, temperature and pressure are produced against the item agitating and scrubbing off the pre-existing soiling. Ultrasonic cleaning methods are exceptionally effective at restoring contents to a preloss condition- as they were before the fire.

Specialized equipment is how we restore rather than replace valuable contents. Contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 today to arrange service.

For more about Destin click here.

We Are Available 24/7 To Restore Your Fort Walton Beach Home After A Fire Disaster

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

We have the experience, equipment, and training to restore your home to pre-damage condition. “Like it never even happened.”

Enjoy Professional Fire Damage Restoration For Your Home In Fort Walton Beach

Learning the basics of fire restoration can help any homeowner make crucial decisions concerning what to do or not do, should this type of event occur. It is easier than some of you might think to get your Fort Walton Beach home ready to face the worst possible situations. The actions you take both before and after can drastically impact the quality of the home restoration you receive.

You can start by locating a local, licensed company that specializes in fire damage restoration in the Fort Walton Beach area. An IICRC industry certified professional can give you a huge leg-up when it comes to restoring your home after a fire. Between preparing your home before an event occurs, and the support you receive immediately following a fire, the services we provide can be invaluable.

SERVPRO goes beyond basic cleaning; we utilize a variety of cleaning actions, making every effort to control the application of products that help produce the best results. Our technicians put the elements of cleaning to work quickly, often dislodging soils, oils, soot, and ash from various surfaces found in the home. It is our goal to restore as many items as quickly and efficiently as possible.

SERVPRO uses strict principles of cleaning to ensure quality results. Every item gets inspected fully, allowing us an opportunity to capture, dissolve, and remove any residues left behind. It is part of our job to prevent problems caused by the fire from turning into more significant issues down the road. With that said, we have access to all of the latest cleaning and restoration equipment, supplies, and techniques to help us get your restoration done right the first time.

SERVPRO has an entire staff of trained professionals standing by, ready to assist with any problems you might face. We are proud to serve homeowners in our local community and work hard to provide you with the home restoration services you deserve.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach is a locally owned and operated franchise, available 24/7, year-round to provide you with the quality restoration services you can trust. We help our neighbors throughout the surrounding area get things back on track after events such as fire, mold, or even storm damage occurs in your home, call today. (850) 863-2552

See more about Fort Walton Beach.

Contact Our Experts After A Fire Has Caused Significant Damage To Your Destin Property

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

Expert contents restoration is just a phone call away, contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 now.

Ultrasonic Contents Restoration For Fire Damage In Destin Properties

When we talk about contents damages, we are mainly talking about items of significant value that are difficult to replace. Cheaper fabrics, polyesters or paintwork may be non-salvageable if the cost of restoration is higher than the cost of replacement. In the event of a fire, soots or smoke residues can enter porous items causing permanent damages. Equally, water used during fire fighting procedures can cause soots to set making them more challenging to clean.

We operate an expert contents restoration service for homeowners suffering from fire damage in Destin. SERVPRO technicians are equipped with some of the finest technology in the industry that helps us to work to a restore rather than replace method. We have found this approach to be useful to homeowners who have spent years accumulating valuable or sentimental possessions that would be difficult or impossible to replace.

When materials burn they release carbon among other chemicals into the surrounding atmosphere in the form of smoke. Smoke can travel rapidly throughout a home and, as it cools, soots deposits appear on surfaces or possessions. In high-pressure fires, smoke is forced inside furnishings or upholstery which can create unpleasant odors. We tackle this issue onsite, primarily by using foam cleaning methods in conjunction with spray deodorants.

Denser items can also become soiled by smoke but, with the right equipment, respond well to restoration efforts. Precious metals, for example, can be sent to a SERVPRO external cleaning facility for immersion treatment. This type of cleaning is only suitable for items that can withstand complete submersion in a liquid, ruling out certain fabrics or electronics.

Your SERVPRO technician inventories items that can be treated using immersion cleaning before being sent to a cleaning facility. They are then fully-submerged in a water and solvent solution. High-frequency sound waves are emitted creating bubbles that burst at high temperatures which act as mini scrubbers. Ultrasonic cleaning methods like this have proven extremely effective in restoring golds, jewelry, ornaments and more.

Expert contents restoration is just a phone call away, contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 now.

Click here for more about Destin.

Our Specialists Explain How We Remove Smoke Odors From Your Mary Esther Home

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

If you ever need assistance after something burns on your property, call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 immediately.

Fire Damage Experts In Mary Esther Talk About The Removal Of Minor Smoke Odors

Whenever something burns on your Mary Esther property, the smoke coming from the blaze can create serious issues. Even if the initial burn is small, the smoke and heat coming from it can still cause fire damage. Most problems created inside a home after a fire are minor and do not require removing a lot of your structural materials. However, even the smallest blazes put out partially combusted substances into the air in the form of smoke. These airborne partially combusted particles can cause different types of fire damage to occur.

When smoke fills the interior of a building, it can float all through the building's air system. During many fire damage situations in Mary Esther, problems caused by smoke and soot are a majority of the issues our SERVPRO technicians work to mitigate. The smoke coming from a fire first rises with the heat to your ceiling before it spreads to other rooms. When the smoke hits cooler surfaces like your ceiling and the upper part of your drywall, it often leaves soils and soot residues behind. Soot residues can be easy or hard to remove depending on the composition and other characteristics of the soils present in the house.

When mitigating minor smoke-related problems, our SERVPRO technicians start by removing all of the soot residues. Our experts have at our disposal various types of chemicals and methods to use on the different surfaces inside your home. For porous surfaces, we utilize dry cleaning methods so that moisture does not soak the soot deep into the materials. When cleaning non-porous surfaces, we often apply wet chemicals and wipe off the soils with a rag.

In some cases, burnt aromas can exist inside the home even after all soot residues and soils have been removed. When this occurs, we utilize other deodorization methods such as ultra-low volume fogging, thermal fogging, or ozone generation. The fogging methods pump deodorants into the air so that the chemicals act the same way the smoke did. Ozone generators chemically neutralize malodor particles. If you ever need assistance after something burns on your property, call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 immediately.

Click here for more about Mary Esther.

Avoid Fire in Your Destin Home by Taking Certain Preventative Precautions

10/27/2018 (Permalink)

Portable heaters are helpful in the winter time but they have the potential to start a fire. Stay vigilant and call SERVPRO if you have fire damage.

Destin's Fire Damage Professionals Talk About Common Causes of Structural Burns

Nobody ever plans on starting a dangerous fire inside their Destin home, but sometimes accidents do happen. One moment you can be cooking dinner, the next minute putting out a fire, then next noticing the fire damage caused by the blaze. Some fires just happen due to electrical shorts, clogged chimneys, or broken furnaces and they are not necessarily easy to prevent. However, other structural fires ignite due to dangerous situations people create inside their own homes. By knowing the common causes, it is easier to prevent causing fire damage to your property.
 
First off, it is always important to have an emergency exit plan seen by all of the members of the household so that everyone knows the best way to get out of the house safely. Next, getting the flames extinguished quickly can save your Destin home from fire damage. Once the fire is out and no longer smoldering or burning, it is now safe to call in restoration experts such as SERVPRO. Problems associated with heat and smoke can be treated more efficiently if the process starts right away.
 
The most common cause of house fires is cooking equipment. It is important to never leave the kitchen while cooking to make sure nothing gets too hot. Heaters also cause many structural burns including portable space heaters and furnaces. Make sure not to put space heaters near flammable materials such as clothes or paper.
 
Indoor smoking also causes many blazes to start inside residences. Cigarettes can appear to be out but ignite things as soon as they come into contact with flammable materials. Electrical equipment is another common source for indoor burns. Anything that uses electricity can short out and cause a spark.
 
However, disasters are never planned, and some fires ignite due to no fault of the homeowner. If this occurs at your home, our SERVPRO technicians are available to help you mitigate your problems all hours of the day. If you are ever the victim of a structural fire, call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552 immediately after the blaze gets extinguished.

Click here for more about Destin.

Here's What Really Matters When It Comes To Our Fire Damage Restoration Services In Fort Walton Beach

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damages can appear in various ways throughout your Fort Walton Beach home.

Professional Restoration Following A Fire In Your Fort Walton Beach Home

Some disasters can catch a family by surprise and cause far-reaching damages to their Fort Walton Beach residence. No matter how the situation occurred, the only thing that matters now is going to be returning your house to the way it used to be. To do this, many insurance providers recommend the use of our professional restoration services for our fast response time and expertise in overcoming the effects of a fire on your residence.

Fire damages can appear in various ways throughout your Fort Walton Beach home, and the more that you can learn about these, the more you can appreciate the need for a professional’s touch in the situation. Our SERVPRO professionals have the expertise and training to overcome all facets of fire damage from the primary effects to secondary conditions that also must get addressed to restore one’s home successfully.

However, many homeowners might be leery of choosing professional restoration when they feel like they could repair the damage on their own. Even with some experience in the industry, fires can vary significantly from one situation to another. The damages that you can see easily are rarely the full extent of what you have to contend with, which requires specific training to inspect and identify. Furthermore, home insurance companies often require the use of professional restoration companies like our SERVPRO team to ensure that the job gets completed quickly and to specific standards.

Our technicians can work quickly to limit the prolonged effects of the fire damages on the contents of your home or specific areas through our mitigation techniques. From the moment that we arrive at your home, our mitigation work can begin to help make the restoration work simpler and reduce the irreparable damage that can continue in your house until the next phase begins.

There is no time to spare when it comes to overcoming fire damages in your home. From the time that the first responders extinguish the blaze, you should be thinking of our SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach fire damage restoration specialists to help you bring your home back to preloss conditions. Give us a call anytime you need us at (850) 863-2552.

Click here for more about Fort Walton Beach.

Working With Insurance Providers For Fast Fire Restoration In Destin Homes

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

Once a fire disaster strikes your Destin home, you want to know that there is a restoration company that can assist you day or night.

Working With Insurance Providers For Fast Fire Restoration

Once disaster strikes your Destin home, you want to know that there is a restoration company that can assist you day or night. Insurance companies usually have emergency contact information to help begin the claims process and get a grasp of the situation that has impacted your home, and work to reach the appropriate parties on your behalf to begin the restoration process.

Fire damages in your Destin home need to get addressed as quickly as possible, meaning that you have to seek out the help that you need as soon as you can. When you reach out to your insurance provider about the incident, many of them choose or encourage you to call our SERVPRO team. We have a rapid response procedure that can get the situation professionally assessed and get an estimate to your insurance provider as quickly as possible. This service ensures that the claims process is as efficient as it can be.

Your insurance provider is going to need proof that the incident has taken place and that the severity is as bad as you tell them it is. You should avoid attempting to take pictures and assess the situation on your own, as there could be structural concerns or dangers present in your house that professional outfits like our SERVPRO technicians have the expertise and protective equipment to navigate safely.

Our estimator works to thoroughly assess not only the extent of the damage that your home has sustained from the incident but also a record of unsalvageable items and materials encountered that your insurance company must include in their claims process. We work directly with the adjuster to cut out the legwork on your end, making the claims and restoration process as seamless as possible.

Our SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach team of fire restoration technicians works to maintain our goal of efficient service that meets or exceeds your expectations. It is this commitment that has made us a company to call for insurance outfits serving their clients. Let our crew know how we can help you today by calling (850) 863-2552.

Click here for more about Destin.

Grilling too Close to Exterior Walls can Lead to Fire Damage to Your Mary Esther Home

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Fires can start in many places which seem controlled, such as your grill. Should your house be facing damage after a fire, contact SERVPRO right away.

Certified SERVPRO Technicians Assess the Fire Damage and Work Towards the Goal of Restoration

Summer means many families cook outdoors at home, preparing meals on the grill, and spend time enjoying fresh air and sunshine. Sometimes, the way a Mary Esther home's exterior is laid out can make grilling and barbecuing difficult. Lack of space is often a culprit.
 
Getting your grill too close to your residence can cause fire damage in Mary Esther to both the exterior and the interior of your house. While requirements regarding insulation often dictate a non-flammable state, this can change over time. A grill placed too close is only one way a fire can occur in your home, also.
 
Regardless of how a fire starts inside your home, SRPRO can help mitigate the damage caused. We know how to re-establish livable conditions in your home again, just “Like it never even happened.” Fire damage can create many changes inside your home's undamaged areas, as well, but we always make sure we resolve these issues, also. Odor, water left behind from fighting the fire, bubbled paint from over-heated areas that did not catch on fire are some examples.
 
Because our team members work so well together, we resolve all of these problems quickly. We want to help get your family back home, or if you did not need to leave and reside elsewhere, to have the entirety of your home back to normal.
 
When families can stay in a home after a fire, the damaged area must remain unoccupied for both safety reasons and to allow our employees the space needed to complete the job. When a family must vacate their home, stress and significant inconveniences become an aspect of life that we know can create severe hardships.
 
Once our work ends, we walk through each area we worked in and explain the results to you. We are always available to answer questions, but we understand each stage, including the completion of our work, is unique to our customers. Questions are still welcome because we want to make sure you know what we need to do to restore everything wholly and safely.
 
SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach is always here at (850) 863-2552 to take your call. We serve Fort Walton Beach and Destin and many more area residents for the restoration of their homes after fire damage and other crises.

The Common Effects After a Fire in Your Destin Home

6/10/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke is almost always a part of fire damage. Contact SERVPRO right away should your property suffer from a fire.

Team SERVPRO Tackles the Fire Damage Remediation Process From an Inspection to Restoration

The effects of a fire in your Destin home can be an overwhelming sight to see. When it comes to picking up the pieces and restoring the damage, most often it is a process best left to professionals with the right equipment and expertise to get the job finished correctly and have that job completed as efficiently as possible.

Fire damages in your Destin home appear in a variety of ways. From soot and smoke damage to the need for reconstruction, the right professionals can make all the difference. Our SERVPRO technicians get trained to handle all manner of fire damage, including the most efficient approaches to cleaning up the mess and the best methods for restoring a home to preloss conditions.

The process begins with a full inspection of all of the damages that your home faces. This assessment is in part to provide your insurance adjuster with the appropriate information to expedite a claim and also to give you and our SERVPRO professionals a better idea of the work that is necessary to restore the home.

For highly structurally damaged properties, there is little that we can do until the rebuilding and remodeling have occurred in the areas that need it. Once this reconstruction gets completed, our professionals can work to start removing the lingering harmful effects of the fire such as the soot and smoke damages.

Smoke damage is one of the most difficult to remove from your home because it often takes the form of a noxious odor that spreads throughout the affected areas of your residence. This effect often requires the use of thermal foggers and other such equipment to break apart the harsh smell on a molecular level. The process leaves no discernable scent behind and can be used to treat carpets, furniture, draperies, and more.

Overcoming a fire in your home does not have to leave you on an island. You can always count on the expertise and rapid response of SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach. Our dedicated team of fire restoration specialists can help you to bring your home back to its original condition quickly. Give us a call today at (850) 863-2552.
 
Click here for more about Destin.

Crucial Water Removal Services Help Restore Your Destin Home After a Fire

4/18/2018 (Permalink)

Water removal services are needed after fire damage

How water can affect your home after a fire

Restoring your home after a fire happens in your Destin residence involves a variety of crucial steps and procedures. Without the implementation of these steps, your home can suffer additional and unexpected damage months after the completion of restoration efforts.

One step that might seem counter-intuitive in restoring a Destin area home after a fire includes water removal services. However, removing the thousands of gallons the fire department used to extinguish the fire that attempted to destroy your home must happen or your home's future includes water damage as well as the destruction caused by the fire's heat, smoke, and flames. Removing it prevents both water and mold from creating more problems. It also helps keep restoration work from becoming an expensive but futile exercise.

At SERVPRO, we use a diverse array of equipment that can remove standing water, moisture hidden in absorbent materials, and humidity from the air. Because of the heat involved in a house fire, much of the water sprayed into your home by firefighters often does not remain a liquid but evaporates into steam. A significant portion of this steam remains in the air, with a considerable amount condensing on surfaces. When those surfaces can absorb the moisture, they do so quite readily, and then retain it, leading to mold problems, rusting of nearby metal pieces, and water stains and damage.

We understand that you want your home restored to preloss condition after a catastrophe such as a house fire, as quickly as possible. Even though the firefighters' water often remains invisible instead of making itself known as the charred materials, smokey smells, and soot-covered belongings do, we aggressively remove it from your home.

Without water removal services, homes that sustained fire damage and then allowed to 'dry out naturally' often harbor mold colonies only a few weeks afterward. Water damage also accrues steadily over time, and left-behind water can quickly damage freshly painted areas with both stains and bubbling, warp wood components, and disintegrate fresh glue in flooring. Restoring your home's natural levels of humidity prevents these problems.

Hand-held units efficiently extract water from floors while the overall humidity in your home quickly decreases once we begin running our desiccant machines. Air movers also help when walls and ceilings, undamaged by the fire, hold water that may have entered via vents in the walls or through charred areas that created holes. Dehumidifiers help in areas experiencing lower amounts of humidity in the air, such as attached garages and sunrooms or other areas of the home that did not sustain damage during the fire.

After a fire affects your home, call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach at (850) 863-2552. We ensure that every step of the restoration process, including water removal, brings your home closer to its preloss state.

Click here for information on Destin, FL

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree

11/27/2017 (Permalink)

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree how lovely are thy branches. Christmas trees bring lights, joy and happiness into our homes during the holiday season, however they also bring risk of fires that could damage your home!

According to the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) Christmas trees alone result in $13 million in property damage each year.  We at SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach want to give you some tips on keeping your holiday safe and to be fire free.  

1. CHOOSE FRESH OVER A CHEAP DRY TREE.The fresher the tree, the less likely it will pose a fire hard.  Look for flexible needles that don't break, and a trunk that has sap.
2. KEEP THE WATER COMING. The tree stand should contain a continuous source of water and be sturdy enough to resist toppling over by children or pets.
3. DON'T  OVERLOAD THE CORD.  Attach only 3 maximum strings of lights to anyone extension cord, then place cords along wall to prevent a tripping hazard.  Never run them under rugs or carpet.
4. TREES DON'T NEED WARMTH.  Keep trees away from heat sources such as fireplaces, candles and even TV's.
5. NOT ANY LIGHTS WILL DO.  Use low energy, safe lighting that's been certified by a safety testing lab.  Don't use damaged or frayed cords.
6. UNPLUG LIGHTS.  Never leave the lights on over night or while you are not at home.
7. DON'T KEEP A DRY TREE AROUND.  Dispose of it at this point properly.
8. ARTIFICIAL TREE SAFETY AWARENESS.  Artificial trees should be flame resistant and have a seal of approval from a safety testing lab if the tree contains a built in lighting.
9. DEATH BY ARTIFICIAL TREE. If the tree is metal, never use electric lights, as they can charge the tree and lead to electrocution.
10. KEEP A FIRE EXTINGUISHER NEARBY.  Make sure that you have a fire extinguisher and everyone knows where it is located and how to use it.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  BE SAFE!  Remember we are here for you 24/7/365. 

FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!

11/15/2017 (Permalink)

FIRE SAFETY TIPS FOR THE HOLIDAYS!!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner!!  This is the time of the year FOOD is one of the main focus’s -  The delicious turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole, carnberries and the list goes on!  And what does that mean?? Lots of things going on in the kitchen and lots of people all helping out.  You may not realize that everyone’s favorite eating holiday Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires!  That is according to the US Fire Administration (USFA), a division of the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA)

 SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach has some fire safety tips for you and your loved ones this holiday season.

KEEP THE CHAOS OUR OF THE KITCHEN

Holiday meal preparation can be hectic, especially once guests begin to arrive.  For everyone’s safety, insist that all non-food-related activity happens outside of the kitchen.  Fewer people in the kitchen means fewer chances for a kitchen fire during holiday cooking.

NEVER LEAVE THE STOVE UNATTENDED

Stand by your pan! If you have to leave, turn the burner off. Make sure that all the handles are facing towards the middle of the stove, where no one can bump into them. 

DRESS FOR SAFETY

When you’re in the kitchen, how you dress can be critical.  Wear short or tight-fitting sleeves, and tie back long hair.  Loose clothing and long hair can catch fire when you least expect it, causing severe burns and spreading the fire to the rest of the kitchen.

BE READY TO PUT OUT A COOKING FIRE

The most effective way to put out a cooking fire is to smother it.  Keep a tight-fitting lid and potholder within reach anytime you use the stove so you can smother any flames that ignite inside a frying pan or saucepan.  Keep a working fire extinguisher handy for fires that start outside a cooking pot or pan.  Remember to aim the extinguisher at the base of the flame, not at the flames themselves.

IF YOU CANNOT GET A COOKIING FIRE UNDER CONTROL QUICKLY, EVACUATE THE HOUSE AND CALL 911.

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach 850-863-2552 wants to wish you and your family a very Happy and SAFE holiday season!!

Fire Damage in Fort Walton Beach, FL

12/13/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach cleaned-up

When a fire happens, the first thing homeowners want to do is return their home to normal. The last thing they want to do is deal with the paperwork. That's understandable when one of the worst things that can happen to your home actually does, it's a nightmare came true. 

As a Fort Walton Beach homeowner, fire damage isn't just a job to you, and we at SERVPRO feel the same way. This is perhaps the most stressful thing to happen to you as a homeowner, and we will be with you from the first examination to when we put the keys back in your hand. We have six key steps to make sure it happens. 

1) We make sure YOU are satisfied - Our inspectors and technicians will explain the restoration process to you and answer every question. 

2) Minimize and further loss - Our teams are highly skilled and trained to prevent secondary property loss from smoke or soot damage and as we move your property out of the damaged areas and then back in once the work is completed. 

3) Identify what can be restored - We will test every item that may have been exposed to determine if it can be cleaned, does not require cleaning or could be questionable and depends on your decision. We will also be honest with you about what is no longer useful and needs to be replaced. 

4) Save you and your insurance adjuster time - We will help you work with your adjuster to process everything as quickly as possible. Our initial testing and inspections provide the adjuster with the information they need to get your fire insurance case started. 

5) Report the scope of loss - Our work reports to the both of you keep the paperwork moving as we restore your home and property. They also help the adjuster review our services and prioritize the work schedule to reduce costs. Once we're done, we will provide a final report that will help the adjuster process all final paperwork. 

6) Produce quality restoration - In the end, even if the insurance adjuster is happy with our work, we've failed if you aren't happy. This last step is what customer service is all about for us.

We don't just come in, drag out your possessions, throw on a coat of paint and then hand you a bill. As a locally owned franchise, SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach is here to help our neighbors through every step of the fire restoration process. If you need us, call us today at (850)863-2552 to get started.

October - Fire Prevention Month

10/18/2016 (Permalink)

Fire in Destin, FL

   October in Florida – the perfect time of the year to get together with family and friends and prepare for the upcoming holidays ahead!  There is so much to look forward to like bonfires, dinners, parties, and etc.  SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach wants to remind you that October is also Fire Prevention Month!  Your safety is so important to us that we want to share how to prevent fires from happening in your home or business.

   Since 2013, SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach has partnered up with the American Red Cross and established the Disaster Responder Program to reduce fire injuries and deaths.  We want to provide you with some tips to prevent fires:

• Install smoke detectors and test them every month to ensure they are working properly.
• Have a conversation with your family or coworkers about a fire escape plan and establish a meeting spot outside.
• Keep all items that could catch fire away from the stove and oven.
• Make sure all candles are blown out before you go to bed or leave the house.
• Learn how to use a fire extinguisher – you can contact your local fire department for training.
• Ensure you have flashlights that are easily accessible if the power goes out.
• Check your heating sources to make sure they are clean and working properly.
• Do not overload extension cords.

   These are just some of the many ways to assist in preventing fires.  You can find more information online at www.redcross.org/homefires.  If a fire does occur, make sure to call SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach, we offer FREE board ups and can provide you with everything you need to make your home or office look “like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO is here to help tips if your Fort Walton Beach home is affected by Fire & Smoke

6/10/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in a Fort Walton Beach Home.

Do:

·         Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particle from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.

·         Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.

·         Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.

·         If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.

·         Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.

·         Change HVAC filters, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.

·         Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system

Don’t:

·         Attempt to wash any walls or painted surface

·         Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstery furniture

·         Attempt to clean any electrical appliances ( TVsets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water

·         Consume any food or beverage that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water( They may be contaminated)

·         Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.

·         Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, so SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach tailors a unique solution. Whether in Okaloosa, Walton, Washington or Holmes County we restore your property. Call us 24/7 for prompt service. (850) 863-2552

SERVPRO Can Quickly Start the Fire Damage Restoration for Your Okaloosa County Property

6/10/2016 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in kitchen at an Okaloosa County home

When Okaloosa fire damage strike your home, it is essential to hire a professional team to help restore any damages. Get an Estimate Right Away. Call your homeowner's insurance agent, ask for a suggestion for a fire damage restoration company, so that this group can meet with your insurance adjuster. SERVPRO has a working relationship with over 315 insurance and property management companies. This company will work with you to complete your paperwork and assist with your claim process. If an insurance company covers only a certain percent of the total cost, it is imperative to get an accurate assessment of the fire damage, and a scope of service for restoration and repair.

Repairs are needed Quickly 
Remember that repairs are required quickly to avoid permanent or further water damage caused by extinguishing the fire. Rapid cleaning and correctly wiping down soot will also salvage more fire damaged items and lessen your final expenses.

Free Estimates from a Professional Company 
Most quality restoration companies will provide detailed free estimates. The company will provide you with a list of needed repairs and a timeline for completing the repairs. The estimates must include all fire damage, but also the large tasks of safely removing charred furniture, walls, or other items, as well as clearing smoke odor and water damage from the home. Smoke and soot, in a large blaze, can cause significant destruction. After the water has been removed using industrial grade pumps, the drying process can start using air movers to increase the evaporation rate of the interior and dehumidifiers to reduce the relative humidity (RH) of the ambient air, porous materials, and fabrics.

Restoring your Home 
After you have a detailed plan, hopefully provided by SERVPRO, with your insurance company's agreement, our highly skilled IICRC certified technicians can commence with the repair and fire damage restoring of your home in Okaloosa County. Prompt fire damage restoration action helps a professional full-service restoration team like SERVPRO restore the structure to its previous condition as efficiently as possible. Restoring your home starts with good estimates from a good fire damage restoration team. The plan of action will carry through to its conclusion "Like it never even happened."

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, so SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach tailors a unique solution. Whether in Okaloosa, Walton, Washington or Holmes County we restore your property. Call us 24/7 for prompt service. (850) 863-2552

Thanksgiving Prep

11/24/2015 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving can be the one of the greatest days of the year- joining with family to reflect on the year and all that it has brought, to be thankful for your blessings, and of course indulging in the feast of foods.  But for some it can end abruptly...   Thanksgiving is the leading day of the year for home fires involving cooking equipment. To prevent such a tragedy, please keep an eye on your cooking and also keep your cooking area neat.  With excess clutter lying around it can be a true fire hazard.  It is always nice to have little hands around to help with cooking, but those little hands can easily be injured, so keep children away from knives and all heating elements. 

We hope your Thanksgiving dinner goes well!  SERVPRO of Walton County is a 24/7/365 company so if a disaster does happen know that you can call us to remediate the issue.  We specialize in eliminating smoke odors and cleaning soot from your home (or business).  

Limiting Fire Damage

3/19/2015 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Destin, FL - Fire Cleanup Restoration

Although kitchen fires generally begin on the stove, the damages can affect the entire kitchen including, the walls, ceiling, air ducts and appliances. The following steps can help prevent further damage:

• Limit movement to prevent further damage.
• Place clean towels or old lines on carpet traffic areas to prevent additional soiling. 
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and frigerator and prop doors open. 
• Clean and protect chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appilances with a light coating of petroleum jelly. 

SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach professionals are trained in the cleanup and care of our customers' homes and personal belongings following a fire incident. Before trying to attempt cleaning up the fire damage yourselves contact SERVPRO of Fort Walton Beach 850-863-2552