Understanding Smoke and Soot Damage: How SERVPRO of South San Rafael / Sausalito Can Help

Name: SERVPRO of Novato / San Rafael / Sausalito
Address: ., Rohnert Park, CA, 94927
Telephone: (415) 479-2900

8/20/2024 (Permalink)

When a fire strikes, the damage extends beyond the flames, leaving behind extensive smoke damage and soot damage. These elements can infiltrate every corner of your property, creating a pervasive odor and leaving stubborn residues. At SERVPRO of South San Rafael / Sausalito, we specialize in fire damage restoration and are available 24/7 to respond to any emergency, whether large or small.

There are different types of smoke that result in various forms of damage:

Wet Smoke Damage: Typically caused by burning plastic and rubber, wet smoke is low-heat and smoldering. It leaves a sticky, smeary residue that’s tough to clean and produces a pungent odor. Wet smoke can also create smoke webs that are particularly difficult to remove.
Dry Smoke Damage: Produced by fast-burning materials like paper and wood, dry smoke results in high temperatures that cause the smoke to rise. The residue left by dry smoke is easier to clean but can still cause significant fire damage if not addressed promptly.
Protein Fire Residue: Unlike wet and dry smoke, protein fire residue is created through the evaporation of materials rather than direct combustion. This residue is virtually invisible but can discolor paints and varnishes, leaving an extremely pungent odor.

Before beginning any fire damage restoration, SERVPRO of South San Rafael / Sausalito conducts pretesting to identify the type of smoke damage. This allows us to tailor our cleaning procedures to the specific needs of your situation. Our equipment, expertise, and experience ensure effective restoration, treating your home with the utmost care.

If you’re dealing with fire damage, smoke damage, or soot damage, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here 24/7 to help you restore your property. Call us today at (415) 472-9198.

Next Steps After a Fire

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

FEMA recommends next steps after a fire:

-Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross. They will help you find food, clothing, medicine and a place to stay.

-If you have insurance, contact your insurance company. Ý Ask what you should do to keep your home safe until it is repaired. Ý Ask who you should talk to about cleaning up your home.

-If you are not insured, try contacting community groups for aid and assistance.

-Check with the fire department to make sure that your home is safe to enter. Be very careful when you go inside. Floors and walls may not be as safe as they look.

-Contact your landlord or mortgage company to report the fire.

-Try to find valuable documents and records. © If you leave your home, call the local police department to let them know the site will be vacant.

-Begin saving receipts for any money that you spend related to the fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and to prove any losses claimed on your income tax. © Check with an accountant or the IRS about special benefits for people recovering from fire loss

Steps After Smoke Damage

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

The first step after a fire is calling emergency services. Once the fire is out and you can enter your property, call your insurance company. They’ll assess what happened.

The next step is to find a reputable cleanup company that specializes in fire damage. Check for companies in your neighborhood that have a high customer satisfaction rating on sites like Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, or the Better Business Bureau. These specialized smoke damage mitigation companies clean and restore furniture, electronics, clothing, and textile items after they’re damaged by smoke or water.

Learn About fires

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.
Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy.

Preparing a Fire Escape Plan

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:

Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.
Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly and that security bars can be properly opened.
Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
Teach children not to hide from firefighters.
If you use a walker or wheelchair, check all exits to be sure you can get through the doorways.

Fire Damage

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito is all too familiar with fires; we specialize in returning your property to its original form making it "Like it never even happened." . Aside from the fire itself, smoke and soot are nearly impossible to completely get rid of the smell. SERVPRO has the ability through industry-leading equipment and technology stream mediate your smoke damage property right the first time. Each fire situation is unique, we tailor and treat your loss the same as any other loss. Depending on the scope of the damages, it is important to speak with your insurance agent about provisions available.

Please call us at (415)479-2900

SERVPRO Fire Restoration Services

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito is experienced in fire mitigation to remediate your damages "Like it never even happened." Pack-outs are a vital component in the mitigation process as it allows for our team of highly trained technicians to restore your valuable belongs ratherthan relacing . While most mitigation work can happen on-site, SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito has the ability to take your precious belongings offsite, where we focus on specialized attention in cleaning each item, to restore it to its original form. Once your items have entered our facility, we assess the damages and choose which remediation approach. Disaster is unique, so our trained remediation technicians use a multitude of approaches such as ozone chamber, ultrasonic cleaning tank and many other methods.

Please call us at (415)479-2900

Top Causes of Fires in Your San Rafael Home

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

An accidental fire can spread uncontrollably in seconds and destroy property in minutes. House fires put everyone in danger, even tiny fires that are quickly extinguished can make your pockets hurt. Having the right insurance coverage in place can help lessen the financial burden caused by a house fire, but it's far preferable to avoid the situations that cause fires in the first place.

SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito can help with cleanup and content storage after a fire in your home or business. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to assist with any-sized disaster. The NFPA has listed the top five causes of house fires and how to prevent them.

#1: Cooking Related Fires

The most common cause of a house fire is a cooking accident. But, according to the National Fire Protection Association, unsupervised cooking is the most significant cause of home fires. Home fires are frequently caused by grease that overheats on a stove or oven. This is because grease is highly combustible, and when it reaches a particular temperature, it spontaneously combusts. Unfortunately, once the oil has ignited, putting it out can be a difficult task. So, when you're cooking, stay in the kitchen.

#2: Heating Appliances

The use of HVAC systems increases dramatically during the winter months. Heating appliances are the second greatest cause of home fires. If curtains, clothes, blankets, fabrics, and furniture touch space heaters or baseboard heaters, they might spark a fire. Keep portable heaters at least three feet away from anything that could catch fire and avoid using them to dry shoes or garments.

#3: Electrical Fires

Faulty wiring is one risk that many homeowners ignore. Short circuits and overloading are standard in older electrical systems. The majority of modern, professionally installed electrical systems are safe and contain built-in safety mechanisms. It's a good idea to have your wiring checked out by a professional electrician, especially if you live in an older home. Never attempt electrical repairs or improvements unless you are familiar with the principles of electricity and have prior experience doing so.

#4: Smoking

When you smoke in your home, cigarette butts can create fires if they fall on carpeting, furniture, or other flammable materials. It's better to keep smoking out of the bedroom since a butt can be lit for hours. If you need to smoke, do so outside, or smoke over a sink with an ashtray to lessen the fire risk.

#5: Candles

In the United States, candles are another significant source of house fires. Most candle-related home fires are caused by negligence. It is never a good idea to leave a candle unattended. Candles powered by electricity or batteries can also help reduce the danger of house fires caused by candles.

If your home or business has been affected by smoke or fire damage, SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito has the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your property. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. Give us a call at (415) 479-2900, and we can start making it "Like it never even happened."

Prevent Smoke Odors from Invading Your Home

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

The bottom line is it’s difficult to get rid of smoke odor in a home after a fire. To eliminate smoke odors, the cleanup process must incorporate specific equipment and techniques that can only be provided by a professional restoration company. As a result, we don’t recommend people take on this project on their own. Look at the stages involved in repairing smoke damage.

The types of smoke odor

Smoke is made up of persistent particles (soot), oils, and gases that arise from incomplete combustion. The unpleasant smoke odor is caused by volatile molecules released by burning things.

Burning protein (meat), natural materials (wood, cotton, etc.), synthetic materials (e.g., plastic, nylon) and other substances can produce smoke odor.

How to remove smoke smell from properties

The most crucial step in removing smoke odor is to eliminate the source of the odor(s). Burned items, such as cabinets, furniture, walls, and non-salvageable contents, must be removed. Depending on their condition, the goods can be tossed or restored.

Cleaning the salvageable contents

Technicians use proper cleaning materials to clean the salvageable artifacts. Exterior surfaces such as walls, windows, and decks are pressure washed, scrubbed, and disinfected. Interior walls and hard surfaces can be easily cleaned with mild soap and water, then thoroughly rinsed. Cleaning inside cabinets, drawers, and closets, as well as washing household objects, will be done by professionals.

Cleaning the air ducts

A fire’s smoke, soot, and odors will permeate the duct system, as well as any dust or particles within it. As a result, cleaning the ducts early in the smoke odor removal process is critical to avoid the HVAC system recontamination of previously cleaned areas. Ductwork cleaning should only be done by professionals, as it calls for the use of specific equipment and processes.

Removing the smoke smell

The final stage is removing the lingering airborne odor. SERVPRO Professionals are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors with industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. This equipment can effectively treat serious and persistent odors that typical air fresheners and similar treatments can’t.

Air scrubbers remove airborne particles and contaminants.
Thermal foggers and deodorization agents control odors.

SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito has the training and equipment to identify and eliminate harmful smoke odors. By identifying the cause of the odor and determining the conditions in which it contacts any surfaces, the odor can often be removed without a trace. The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be a tricky thing, so give SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito a call and leave the restoration to us.

How Do I Restore My San Rafael Home After a Grease Fire?

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

This San Rafael home had a grease fire, which caused smoke damage to the entire unit and needed heavy cleaning to walls, floors, and ceilings.

Watch What You Heat In Your San Rafael Home

Cooking can be a calming but dealing with a cooking fire is always a stressful experience. However, SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito is here to help offer steps to take during and after a grease fire. When dealing with a grease fire stay calm and remember these dos and don’ts for dealing with this kind of event.

Don’t use water to extinguish a grease fire.

Pouring water on a grease fire, unlike most other flames, will exacerbate the situation. Water, rather than extinguishing the flame, will distribute the burning oil, spreading the fire.

Don’t use flour or sugar to extinguish grease fires.

Flour and sugar are also flammable, thus throwing them on a grease fire will simply add to the fire’s intensity.

Don’t Use a Water-Based Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is required in every kitchen, but not just any extinguisher will suffice. Pouring water on a grease fire has the same negative results as a water-based fire extinguisher.

Don’t Take the Fire Outside with You

It is extremely risky to carry a pan with a grease fire outside. The hot grease could spill, causing injury to the carrier or spreading the fire to other parts of the house.

When confronted with a grease fire, what should you do?

Turn off the stove

Switch off the stove right away. Turn off your main gas or power source if the controls are unreachable due to flames.

Use a Metal Lid

A lid placed over a flaming pan will deprive it of oxygen, thereby extinguishing the fire. If you don’t have a metal cover, a metal baking sheet will do. If the lid doesn’t entirely cover the flames, the oxygen may still be available. To ensure the flames have extinguished, leave the lid on for at least a few minutes. Lids made of glass or plastic are not suited for putting out a grease fire.

Apply Salt or Baking Soda to Extinguish the Flames

A flame can be smothered by pouring salt or baking soda on it. Depending on the size of the flame, the amount of baking soda or salt required will vary. Baking soda should not be substituted with baking powder or flour.

Grab a Class B Flame Extinguisher

A grease fire is best put out with a class B dry fire extinguisher. Stand back when using the extinguisher to avoid getting burned by the hot grease or flames.

When Do You Call in a Professional?

Go outdoors and call the fire department if baking soda or a class B extinguisher fails to work. Call a water and fire damage restoration company to begin the clean-up process once the fire is out and the fire department have given you permission to enter the building.

SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito can assist you in getting back to clean, whether you have a huge fire or an odor that won’t go away after a burning dinner. Give us a call today at (415) 479-2900.

Smoke Detector Going Off for No Reason? Here's Why

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms are critical for keeping you and your family safe in the event of a fire in your home. However, they don’t always go off when a real fire threatens to erupt in your home. Even though false alarms are standard, you shouldn’t dismiss the sound if you don’t see or smell smoke. Before you can, smoke detectors can detect fires that are not visible to the naked eye, such as electrical fires. Here are the leading reasons for smoke detector false alarms to help you better understand how they work.

Reasons Why Your Smoke & Fire Alarm Keep Going Off

Burnt Food on Stovetop

If you don’t keep an eye on the stove while you’re cooking, your meal may emit smoke, which will set off the smoke alarm. In other circumstances, smoke isn’t required; a whiff of cooked food can trigger the detector. Also, make sure your smoke alarm is in the hallway leading to the kitchen rather than in the kitchen itself.

Smoke Detector Placement

It only takes a small amount of smoke to set off the alarm. If your smoke detector is within 10 feet of a cooking appliance like a stove, toaster, or toaster oven, it may be setting off false alarms.

Steam or a High Humidity Environment

High humidity might cause thick moisture particles to be mistaken for smoke by your smoke detector. Steam follows the same logic. If your smoke detector is located directly outside a steamy bathroom, you may want to relocate it.

Insects

Because small bugs like to hide in dark crevices, they may creep into your smoke detectors, causing a false alarm. If you’re unsure why an alarm went off, open the device, and look for small insects. If insects are to blame, use pest control sprays near your smoke alarms.

Dust Collecting

A buildup of dust might potentially cause your smoke alarm to malfunction. So, it’s suggested that you clean your smoke detectors with a vacuum brush attachment at least once a year, if not more frequently.

Chemical Odors

Smoke detectors are also sensitive to particles in the air generated by chemicals with a strong odor. This could be the cause of your false alarms if you’re remodeling your home, deep cleaning, or utilizing powerful chemicals for another reason.

Low Battery Power

Smoke alarms generally emit little chirping noises when their batteries are low or aren’t adequately attached. While this isn’t the sound of smoke detection, it is a signal that you should check your device. Replace batteries twice a year, at the beginning and end of daylight savings time.

If there is heavy soot damage to the property, the smoke detector might not give an alarm. Professional Disaster restoration professionals will have to deal with the fire and smoke damage. SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito can help with this. Please find out more about our fire damage restoration services by contacting us today for any of your restoration needs.

Cleaning Up Smoke Damage After a House Fire in Your San Rafael Home

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Tips For Smoke Damage in Your San Rafael Home

Smoke damage cleanup after a house fire may seem like a breeze, but cleaning smoke damage can be much more complicated than most think. The stubborn smell that smoke leaves in its wake on different surfaces found throughout the house is very tough to remove altogether. SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito has vast experience in this process and offers methods to clean up smoke damage following a house fire.

Smoke Damage Cleaning Tips

After a house fire, especially in warmer temperatures, the odor left by the fire doesn’t go altogether. It is common to believe that aerosols, air fresheners, and perfumes get the job done. They only serve to dilute the odor and are not capable of cleaning it thoroughly. Before beginning the smoke damage cleanup and restoration process, stop spreading soot by turning off the A/C and opening all the doors and windows to allow clean air to run throughout the entire house. Setting up an air purifier to run throughout the clean-up can protect you from inhaling harmful fumes.

If you have not already reached out to your local fire cleanup company, like SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito, give us a call at (415) 479-2900 and set up an appointment to address your needs. A good fire restoration company should have well-trained and IICRC-certified technicians that have a great deal of experience and can save you more time and money than doing it yourself.

Tips on Smoke Damage Cleanup

First, go through the house and lightly remove and vacuum any loose soot remaining after the house fire. Next, you will need a dry-cleaning sponge (chemical sponge) for any walls and other hard surfaces. This is a vital part of the cleanup process because the special chemicals within the sponge can remove the heavy smoke and soot stains from walls and other hard surfaces. Using single strokes in one direction, gently wipe the surface with a clean side of the sponge. When the sponge side is stained after use, you can use scissors to cut off a segment of the sponge to make it look brand new. Remember to not use water or soot cleaner before using the sponge because that only serves to spread the soot around and won’t allow you to utilize the chemicals in the sponge. White vinegar for fire damage cleanup is a very effective solvent. SERVPRO advises you to place bowls of white vinegar in all rooms that the fire affected.

The next step is to add 1 to 3 tablespoons of a mild degreaser or dish soap to a gallon of water and use the same cleaning strategy as the cleaning sponge to wipe down all the affected hard surfaces. It might be necessary to repeat these cleaning steps a large fire produced a lot of smoke. Continually rinse the rag or sponge so that you do not enable the spread of soot and smoke damage. Additionally, use a new bucket of the solution once it appears darker in color. Then repeat the process with just a clean cloth soaked in solely pure water.

After completing all these steps correctly, there are instances where the odorous smell persists. This calls for using an ozone generator, which is available to rent, buy, or borrow, which is very effective in removing the odor left behind after a fire in your home. To make this process run smoothly, it might be more beneficial to have a fire restoration company provide ozone generators to complete this process for you.

Call the Smoke Damage Cleanup Experts

Cleaning up after a house fire can be a daunting task, requiring an immediate response. Do not let immobility, lack of experience, or a busy schedule prevent you from restoring your home. Fire-damaged homes require extensive cleanup and need to be treated immediately. SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito can help you do it all with their state-of-the-art equipment and advanced techniques; we get it done right the first time. Our highly skilled techs are sympathetic to the tragedy of a house fire and understand that communicating effectively with you is so important. We also work with your insurance company.

Why Do I Need a Professional to Handle Fire Restoration?

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Was your home recently damaged in a fire? DIY fire restoration may seem tempting to save a little cash in the recovery, but the bottom line is that fire and smoke restoration is jobs for the professionals. Here are four reasons why trying to fix the chaos yourself could be troublesome.

You Might Be Exposed to Hidden Health Effects

The harsh reality of a fire is that the hazards don’t go away after the flames go out. The smoke and soot residue left behind hold more weight than merely a reminder of a disaster. Soot exposure to fire-damaged objects and lingering residue can cause health effects. Soot exposure in a fire-damaged home is the highest during the cleanup process. Unless a thorough cleaning is performed, the adverse health effects of smoke can stick around for years. For that reason, you should bring in fire restoration professionals to complete the job with deep-cleaning techniques to restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

Special Equipment is Required

A dust mask and degreaser are not nearly enough to properly clean up fire and smoke damage. Surfaces must be deep cleaned to eliminate potential health effects and remove lingering odors. Professional equipment and proper cleaning techniques ensure a safe and thorough fire restoration process.

You Could Mistakenly Throw Away Salvageable Goods

After a fire, it may seem simple to toss belongings that many deem a lost cause. Yet, with advanced recovery techniques, a fire restoration professional can help to minimize your loss. Nonetheless, for contaminated items that genuinely are unsalvageable, proper disposal of such things helps to reduce fire hazards.

The Recovery Process Could Take Much Longer

It is not a complicated task to restore your home to its pre-fire condition. There are belongings to salvage, cleanup to complete, and the home’s structure to restore. The entire process is too much of a burden to carry alone. Your efforts to save money by taking fire restoration head-on yourself can easily backfire. Time is of the essence with fire damage, and if done yourself, can cause a domino effect. Working with a fire restoration company that is well versed in the disaster recovery process is a much more suitable option.

Schedule Professional Fire Restoration Services

The team at SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito is here to deliver affordable, convenient fire and smoke damage restoration services. We make the recovery process as quick and painless as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our fire restoration services.

Got Smoke or Soot Damage? Call Us Today (415) 479-2900

Fire or Water Damage? We Can Handle It!

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in S. San Rafael/Sausalito and surrounding cities! We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

24-Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
Locally Owned and Operated
Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (415) 479-2900

Residential Services

Whether your San Rafael/Sausalito home needs emergency Fire Damage, Flood Damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

Water Damage Restoration
Fire Damage Restoration
Mold Remediation
Storm Damage Restoration
Cleaning Services
Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your San Rafael/Sausalito commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for fast professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we has the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

Commercial Water Damage Restoration
Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (415) 479-2900

Fire or Water Damage? We can handle It

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in S. San Rafael/Sausalito and surrounding cities! We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

24-Hour Emergency Service
Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
Locally Owned and Operated
Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Us Today – (415) 479-2900

Residential Services

Whether your San Rafael/Sausalito home needs emergency Fire Damage, Flood Damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

Water Damage Restoration
Fire Damage Restoration
Mold Remediation
Storm Damage Restoration
Cleaning Services
Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your San Rafael/Sausalito commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for fast professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we has the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

Commercial Water Damage Restoration
Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Safety Tips for your Fire Escape Plan

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

October is Fire Prevention Month and our team at SERVPRO San Rafael/Sausalito have followed these safety tips shared by the National Fire Protection Association through this year’s National Fire Prevention Week campaign, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”

Please be safe and follow these tips so that you and your family can escape the fire safely.

It is important to know the layout of your home. Make an escape plan by drawing a map that shows all your windows and doors, which could potentially be your exit strategy.

Fact: One-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire becomes life threatening. Unfortunately, the time available could be as little as one to two minutes, according to Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of Outreach and Advocacy.

Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside can be easily opened.

Fact: A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Make sure to close all doors behind you when exiting a room. Also, check to make sure a door is not hot, that can be an indicator of a fire on the other side.

Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole or mailbox) a safe distance from the home where everyone should meet.

Fact: Escape planning and practice can help reduce the time to get everyone out. It is best to call the Fire Department when outside your home.

Practice your escape plan during the day and night with everyone in your home at least twice a year using different ways out. Be extra mindful to teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.

Fact: While 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 47% of those have practiced it.

If the smoke alarm sounds, your first thought should be to get out. Never go back inside for people or pets.

Fact: Only 8% said that their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out. Smoke inhalation is also very dangerous. If you need to go through smoke, get low and go under the smoke till you reach your way out.

For more information or resources regarding fire, electrical, or related hazards, please feel free to visit the National Fire Protection Association at https://www.nfpa.org/.

Wildfire Prevention and Healthy Tips

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Vegetation fire next to the road

Wildfires can occur at anytime and anywhere throughout the year. Late summer and early fall is typically the peak time for wildfires in California. People that live or work in an area prone to wildfires are at greater risk. Wildfires sometimes start naturally by heat ignited from sun light or lightning strikes. However, majority of the wildfires in the U.S. are caused by humans. Some human-caused fires result from campfires left unattended, negligently discarded cigarettes or intentional acts of arson. A wildfire can move as fast as 6.5 miles per hour in forest and 14 miles an hour in grassland, consuming trees, homes, natural resources, humans and everything in its path.

By working together, we can make our residents and neighborhood safer from wildfires by taking safety precautions. Here are some wildfire safety tips to help prevent wildfire from occurring.

Wildfire Safety Tips

Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. Remove dead vegetation from under your deck and within 10 feet of the house. This prevents embers from igniting your home.
Remove anything stored underneath decks or porches. Screen or box-in areas below patios and decks with wire mesh to prevent debris from accumulating.
Ensure flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane tanks, dry vegetation) are more than 30 feet from your home or business's foundation and outbuildings.
Wildfire can spread to tree tops. If you have trees on your property, prune so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.
Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire.
Inspect shingles or roof tiles. Replace or repair shingles that are loose or missing to prevent ember penetration.
Cover exterior attic vents with metal wire mesh no larger than 1/8 inch to prevent sparks from entering the home.
Enclose eaves and screen soffit vents using 1/8 mesh metal screening to prevent ember entry.

SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. Call us today 415-479-2900.

Summer Fire Safety, BBQ Preparation

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

The sun is out and it's time to barbecue, whether you plan to resurrect your old BBQ from the shed or purchase a shiny new one. However, it is important to remember the risk that fire can pose; so before you start grilling, take note of this important BBQ fire safety advice.

Fire Safety is Key

Before you even light the flames on your BBQ you need to think about a number of factors. Where are you going to place it? Which fuel are you using (natural gas, charcoal or propane)? How will you extinguish the flames in an emergency?

Where you place your BBQ is really important. Ideally it has to be in a clear space, with no overhanging branches or nearby debris which could potentially catch fire. You should also try and place it out of the wind so there's no danger of flames being blown on to the chef. It's also key to ensure that the unit is on solid ground with no risk of tipping or rolling.

Which fuel are you using in your BBQ? Charcoal fires are the most common to cook on during the summer and are located in fire pits, barbecue units and disposable barbecues. Make sure that you only use enough charcoal to cover the base of the BBQ and that you only light it when the coals are cold. Keep excess charcoal in a safe place away from the fire.

If you use a natural gas or propane fuel source there are a number of other factors to consider. Always use a new gas cylinder every summer as cold temperatures during the winter months can damage the casing and remember to change the gas fuel source outdoors or in a very well-ventilated area. Before you light your BBQ for the first time take some time to check the gas set-up for leaks - you can do this by brushing soapy water around the joints of the pipe work, if you see any bubbles this indicates a gas leak.

Prepare a bucket of cold water or sand and keep this close to the barbecue during its use. If the flames are out of control (and you can't simply turn off the gas supply) don't hesitate to douse the flames - even if it means your food will be ruined - as fire safety is always paramount. Enjoy having fun in the sun and remember to stay safe when using fire outside to cook delicious food.

SERVPRO Can Handle your Fire Damages

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of S. San Rafael/Sausalito franchise professionals can take care of your fire damage. By providing timely response with our services, ranging from FIRE, SMOKE, and SOOT removal, to contents claims inventory, and document restoration, and so much more. At SERVPRO of S. San rafael/Sausalito we know the first 48 hours after a fire can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property. We are always faster to any size disaster and will strive to make your damages "Like it never even happened," always.

We are available 24-hours a day, 365 days a year!

If you have Fire Damage, or any questions call 415-479-2900 now!

Tips for Residential Fire Safety

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

It is very important to have an emergency plan.

We all want to keep our family and property safe from dangerous, deadly fires. But do many of us take time to ensure that we, in fact, are safe? Take time to employ these 8 tips for residential fire safety to keep your loved ones and pets out of harm's way.

Avoid Hazards - One of the best ways to prevent residential fires is to avoid certain habits and practices that can lead to blazes. A tried and true rule to always follow is to place all lighters and matches in high areas away from a child's reach. Also use caution when burning candles in the home and teach your children that both matches and lighters are not toys to be played with.

Have a Plan - Have a plan for you and your family on what to do if a fire does occur. Make sure to vary the plan based on where the fire occurs and what type of fire it is. When you have your strategy in place purchase the needed safety tools (IE. fire ladder, fire extinguisher) and place them in the designated areas. You will also want a plan on how to practice your skills to maintain your fire tools such as when to perform a fire extinguisher inspection.

Practice Your Plan - Having a plan in place in the event of a fire is only half of the job. In order for your family to be safe, they must feel comfortable on executing the plan. Take time to practice a fake fire in the home so every family member can rehearse the plan. It may be beneficial to do varying scenarios so that different approaches can be made.

Inspect Your Equipment - Make sure to perform a fire extinguisher inspection on a regular basis to ensure it is in proper working order.

Hire a Chimney Sweep - Have your chimney swept by a professional on a yearly basis preferable before the heating season. Creosote can build up in the flue leaving your chimney vulnerable to a fire.

Educate Yourself - Educate you and your family on basic fire safety skills. There are many educational books geared to children that cover the topic empowering them to make wise choices in the event of a fire in the home.

Alarm Your Home - Always have both a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Test both regularly and replace batteries as needed. Carbon monoxide detectors often have an expiration date. To help me remember when the date is approaching, I used a black permanent marker to write the date on the bottom of the unit facing the floor so anytime I look up I can clearly see if the unit is near expiration.

Be Smart - Common sense can go a long way in overall fire safety in the home. Make sure you know the basics of how to protect you and your family from home fires. Also teach your children how to approach fire hazards using good judgment and practical knowledge.

Follow these residential fire prevention tips to keep your family and home safe from a dangerous blaze. Performing a fire extinguisher inspection, sweeping your flue, and the other six tips are all important to maintaining a nontoxic environment for those you love to work and play in.