Understanding the Aftermath of Fire in Your Phila. PA Home

4/20/2024 (Permalink)

The aftermath of fire in your Phila. PA home is not limited to damage only inflicted by flames. Smoke and soot may cause both visible and hidden damage far beyond the original fire.

Smoke damage can be categorized in 2 ways: Wet Smoke and Dry Smoke.

Dry smoke is created by high temperature burning of paper and wood materials.   Dry smoke residue is powdery and fine. This fine, dry powder is generally easier to clean-up since it can be wiped, but unfortunately it will find any porous surface, crack or crevice. Your home may look perfectly clean, however soot such as this, hidden from view may retain a smell.

Wet smoke is a product of low temperature, smoldering fires.  It creates thick, black sticky residue which clings to surfaces and has a strong, pungent odor.  This smoke smears when wiped due to the oily consistency creating a challenging clean-up.  Plastics, rubber are the primary causes of Wet smoke.

Other causes of damage after a fire are synthetic materials, protein material, petroleum or natural substances.

Synthetic materials such as fabrics, (draperies, carpets. bedding) furniture, electronics, and plastics when burned create a thick, billowy, black smoke that rises quickly and coats walls and anything in its path.  Oftentimes these synthetics are products of oil- based substances thus a sticky, oil residue will be left by the smoke.  Leave this clean-up to the professionals.

Protein fire residue is left behind due to evaporation of material.  Virtually invisible, protein fire residue discolors paints and varnishes and has an extreme pungent odor.

Petroleum residue is the remains of oil burning.  This smoke is dark in appearance and will discolor and stain anything it touches.

Natural residue is left behind when natural elements are burned. Ash in color, It is the easiest to clean due to its dry, powdery nature.

We hope you never have to experience the trauma of a fire, but if you do, SERVPRO of Pennypack/Bustleton are here to restore your home, Like it never even happened™

Our team of professionals are trained to clean-up and restore your home. Give us a call 24/7 at 215-671-7777 for all your fire, water and mold remediation needs.

10 Tips to Avoid a Furnace Puff Back in Your Philadelphia, PA Home

11/2/2023 (Permalink)

Heating season is upon us in Philadelphia and NJ, which has us firing up our furnace after many months of being idle. 

Generally turning on the heat is a non-event, but sometimes a malfunctioning or dirty heating unit inside your furnace creates a “puff back”.  A puff back is the puff of smoke or oily soot from a malfunctioning heating unit. This oily dust particles settles everywhere.  Puff backs can cause minor inconveniences or sever property damage to your property and heating system.

The soot residue from a puff back has different binders. It is bound by hot oils that burst out of the house registers, leaving oily soot everywhere.

Here are 10 Important Tips to Avoid this happening to your home or business.

1. Regular Maintenance: The best way to prevent puff backs is through regular furnace maintenance. Schedule annual inspections and cleanings with a qualified HVAC technician.
2. Check for Leaks: Inspect the fuel lines and connections for any signs of leakage. If you smell gas or oil contact a professional.
3. Maintain Proper Airflow: Ensure that your furnace yas adequate ventilation. Clean or replace filters regularly, and make sure vents and flues are unobstructed.  Restricted airflow can lead to incomplete combustion and increase the risk of puff backs.
4. Burner Inspection: Regularly inspect and clean the burner, ensuring it’s free from soot, debris and other contaminants. A clean burner is less likely to experience puff backs.
5. Install an Oil Accumulator: An oil accumulator can help prevent puff backs by storing excess oil.  This prevents unburned oil from entering the combustion chamber during start-up.
6. Upgrade to a Modern System: If you have an older furnace, consider upgrading to a more efficient, safer model. Newer furnaces often have better safety features and improved combustion processes.
7. Maintain a Clean Chimney: If you have a chimney, ensure it’s clean and free from obstructions. A blocked chimney can lead to poor ventilation and increased risk of puff backs.
8. Use High-Quality Fuel: Ensure you are using clean, high-quality fuel. Poor-quality, contaminated fuel can lead to puff backs.
9. Install Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Puff backs can release carbon monoxide (CO) into your home which is extremely dangerous.
10. Professional Inspection: If you have experienced a puff back, it’s essential to have a professional inspect and clean your furnace thoroughly. They can identify and address and underlying issues that may have caused the puff back.

SERVPRO of Pennypack/Bustleton is ready to clean the oily soot or smoke residue "Like it never even happened." Our techs always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including respirators, during this cleanup job.  We offer fast, reliable remediation and restoration services for commercial and residential property owners and tenants.  Call today for a free estimate at (215) 671-7777.

Dryer Fire Prevention For Your Philadelphia County PA Home

9/6/2023 (Permalink)

Keep your Philadelphia County PA home risk free with these simple preventative maintenance tips for your household dryer.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency, almost 16,000 homes were impacted by fires caused by large appliances of which 92% of the fires were from dryers. Dryer fires accounted for approximately $238 million in property loss, over 350 injuries as well as isolated fatalities. Dryer fires are a fairly common cause of home fires, the potential culprit of these fires were because they failed to clean the dryer vents.

Dryer Fire Prevention Tips

• Clean the lint trap after every load to avoid lint build up, so that it doesn’t cause a fire.
• Someone should be home and awake while the dryer is running.
• Clean the vents outside at least two times a year to clean any lint and dust buildup.
• Clean the motor area with a vacuum, the panel may have to be removed in order to get to it. If there’s lint build up it can ignite if it gets too hot.
• Don’t put mop heads in the dryer. The chemicals on the mop head can ignite from the dryer’s heat.
• Keep the area around the dryer clear. The heat from the dryer might ignite something left too close to it.

Follow us on the web at https://www.SERVPROpennypackbustleton.com/ or on our social media sites. We can always be reached at (215) 671-7777, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Halloween Decoration Safety

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

Halloween season is rapidly approaching. Many people have already started decorating for Halloween. Dried flowers, crepe paper, cornstalks, and decorative scarecrows may  make your home look festive for fall, but these classic decorations can also pose a scary fire risk. As fun as it is to decorate your home it is important to keep in mind some safety tips to avoid a fire from starting in your home. The National Fire Protection Association says flammable decorations are the first things to ignite in 900 reported home fires each year; two of every five of these incidents start by a candle.

One of the most important things to consider is to keep your decorations away from open flames, lightbulbs, and heaters. This may seem simple but many people forget the risks of doing this and decorate in unsafe places. One of the most common is next to or above fireplaces. It is so easy for a stray ash to end up catching a decoration on fire. Even hanging your decorations near a lightbulb can be dangerous. 

Another way to prevent fire is to check the quality of each item before you plug them in. Examining each set of lights for broken sockets, frayed wires or loose connections, and discard any damaged sets is the first step to take. Many people often try at home fixes such as tape on frayed wires. Any decoration with a frayed wire should be discarded or have a new wire installed if possible. Be careful not to overload sockets when plugging in lights and other electronic decorations. It is such an easy thing to avoid by unplugging objects that you are not using at any given time. 

A big safety tip to keep in mind is to not use open flames such as candles inside your decorations. Consider glow sticks or battery-operated candles instead of real candles when lighting your jack-o’-lanterns or other luminaries. If you do choose to use real candles it is important to light it with a utility lighter. That way you can light it right over the wick and do not have a risk of hitting the side of the decoration with the flame. You also need to be mindful of where you are putting your decorations that have candles in them. Keep lit decorations off of doorsteps, yards, and sidewalks where excited trick-or-treaters may knock them over. Moving them off of your front door step or front walkway is an easy way to avoid injury. 

The last thing to keep in mind is to make sure you do not have any decorations blocking any exits out of your home. If there is an emergency it is important to keep a clear path out. Halloween is a fun time of the year and it is important to have fun while decorating your home. Just make sure you follow these tips to help keep your home safe.

Fall Fire Safety

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

At the end of summer most people are worried about getting ready for the back to school season. What people don't think about is that this is a great time to get your home ready for the cooler months. During the winter months there are a lot of fire hazards in your home. According to the American Red Cross, there is a drastic increase in the amount of U.S house fires during this time. There are several strategies to take during the early part of the fall season to help prevent fires.

The most important thing to do is replace your smoke alarms batteries throughout the house. This is something that is very easy, yet most people forget to do it. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the risk of dying in a structure fire is 55% lower in a home with working smoke alarms. While changing the batteries, it is also a good idea to make sure your family knows where your fire extinguishers are. Having fire extinguishers in the house that still work is extremely important. Especially  as you enter the cooler months where you heat up your house on a daily basis. 

Another thing to keep in mind, especially with kids in the house is to create a fire evacuation plan. Having a plan and knowing of all the possible exits and escape routes is very beneficial ahead of time. According to the NFPA, creating a place to meet outside at a neighbor's house is an essential part of the plan. They recommend that you try out your plan at least two times per year. The more steps you take ahead of time the better as you will be prepared to act in the event of an emergency. Spending time with your family and creating a plan will pay off in the event of an emergency. SERVPRO Team McCabe  offers an ERP plan which will help you plan ahead in the event of an emergency. 

 Getting your heating system serviced each year is also an essential fire safety step. This is especially important after the summer season. There is always extra debris left behind in the vents from all the hard work your unit does cooling the house over the summer. The most important step is replacing your furnace filter on a consistent basis. It is recommended to change it every three months. It is also important to reach out to a professional when your heating system is having issues. You should also be getting your unit serviced at least one time per year for general maintenance, according to the National Fire Protection Association. SERVPRO Team McCabe can help with this, we offer duct cleaning for commercial or residential properties. 

Fireplace safety is another extremely important topic during this time of the year. When using a fireplace indoors you should always have the screen or glass door closed. It is also important to keep in mind not to store extra wood right next to the door of the fireplace. It is an easy way to spark a fire outside of the fireplace. One rule that many people often forget is leaving a fire unattended. Many people fall asleep or get distracted and leave the room while they have a fire going. This is one of the biggest causes of household fires due to fireplaces. Keeping these safety points in mind will help transition your house from the summer into the fall season in a safe way. 

Space Heater Safety

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

Every year, over 25,000 house fires can be attributed to the incorrect usage of space heaters, according to Consumer Reports.

Fighting the cold weather using these machines can be safe — referring to NFPA’s (National Fire Protection Association) “Heater Checklist” will guide you into making the correct decisions to ensure a safe home/environment for your space heater to do its work.

Some of these tips include, but are not limited to:

• When buying a space heater, make sure that the unit has a seal from a qualified testing laboratory on it.
• Keeping children away from these heaters will limit bodily injury and poor usage of the units.
• Make sure the unit is placed on a solid, flat surface.
• Allow at least 3 feet of space between the space heater and anything else, including humans. Items that tend to catch fire are: curtains, bedding or upholstered furniture.
• Turn off the units when you leave the room or before you go to bed.

If your property has been damaged due to a fire and you suspect that your space heater was the cause, call your local SERVPRO franchise for all of your restoration needs.

Summer Fire Safety

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Have fun and stay cool this summer but remember these tips to stay safe. If summer fun leads to any fire damage, know that Team McCabe is here to help

As we head into spring and summer I think we can say we are all excited to switch out the space heater for the air conditioner, and get the grill set up on the porch. However, the next few months bring their own set of hazards to be aware of. Fires can start for many reasons but the leading causes of fires in the summer are due to grills, air conditioners, fireworks and smoking.

According to the National Fire Incident Reporting System there are approximately 5,700 grill related fires each year. These fires cause just under $40 million in damages, 100 injuries and 10 deaths each year. Always check your grilling area to make sure it is safe before you ignite it. Be sure your grill is 10 feet from any home, shed or other structure. It should also be secure on a flat surface with nothing above you that could have the potential to ignite, and no trip hazards in the immediate area. Your grill should always be cleaned after use but before your first BBQ of the season make sure to give it a deep cleaning, checking for grease left behind from last season. Along with all these precautions it is always recommended to keep an extinguisher nearby in case of a fire.

Air conditioners also make up a large number of summer fires. This is typically caused by faulty wiring and over use. An air conditioner catching fire also has the potential of causing any contents in the surrounding area to catch fire so be aware of what you put near your windowsill. 2pm - 8pm is the most common time for an air conditioning fire due to the continuous use throughout the day. Be sure to use other methods to cool your house and rotate out the air conditioner with fans and by keeping windows open overnight. Air conditioners are only meant to keep your home 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the outside temperature so if you are attempting to run it at any lower temperature you run the risk of overuse. 

We all make our personal choice to smoke or not knowing the dangers that come along with it. However during the summer months smoking can also cause fire hazards. According to the NFIRS, smoking fires are the leading cause of fatal fires. Always make sure your cigarette is kept away from the ground while lit and properly extinguished before being disposed of.

Fireworks also lead to a number of fires in the summer causing about 50,000 fires annually. It is important to always light fireworks in a dry area away from buildings and other structures. They should always be lit one at a time and never relit. Be sure that no kids are in the area and a hose is kept nearby. If children are using sparklers, always be sure it is done under adult supervision.  Be sure before use that you review safety with them including no running and always holding the lit end away from themselves and others.

Have fun and stay cool this summer but remember these tips to stay safe. If summer fun leads to any fire damage, know that Team McCabe is here to help. 

We Do Board Ups!

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

After an emergency involving one's own property, whether it be a bad storm, fire or water damage, many properties need to be boarded up. Board ups are done to prevent the properties from incurring any further damage before the remediation process can begin. Board ups are one thing that should be left to the professionals. Most people are experiencing emotional trauma after an emergency involving their own property. By calling SERVPRO in for a board up, it relieves some of the stress and leaves our customers with time to deal with the accident on their own time.

Aside from the board up, we also can start the remediation and restoration process as soon as possible.  Our services are available 24/7 and we always have a crew on call ready to assist in emergency situations.

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

1/3/2022 (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 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 

Ho! Ho! Puff?: A Cold Weather Dilemma Puff Back

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

Puff back can damage your walls, carpets, and electronics. Call SERVPRO if you need help after a Puff Back.

Crank up the heat! The colder weather is upon us and your heaters are soon going to be roaring back to life. For many of us, our heating systems will turn on flawlessly and get to work toasting our freezing feet. But for many others, the consequences of having left your heater sit unattended and inactive throughout the warm-weather months; can leave you with a costly and time-consuming mess.

Puff Backs are a result of a misfiring in your furnace. This misfire causes an explosion of soot and debris that shoot back into your home leaving your walls, furnishings, carpets and many other household items coated in a difficult-to-remove film. The explosion of soot brings to the forefront an underlying, usually simple, problem with the mechanics of your furnace such as a valve or filter in need of replacement.

However, even though the mechanical fix may be relatively simple, you won’t realize just how many things can be affected in your home by a puff back until you have one happen. The soot somehow finds a way into the smallest nooks and spaces of your home leaving you with a very difficult mess to clean up.

The best thing for you to do in this situation is to call in the professionals. The soot and debris are not only hard to clean up but may be dangerous without the proper knowledge due to the chemicals released during the explosion.

SERVPRO has a very unique, hands-on approach to dealing with puff backs which we tailor to every incident. If a puff back occurs on a porous material/surface, for example, then we are able to perform a more abrasive wet-cleaning process. However, if the soot has landed on a non-porous material/surface, then our highly-trained techs will spend the time strenuously cleaning your walls and surfaces with a dry sponge ensuring that everything in your home returns to its pre-damage condition.

Some things you may be able to do to prevent a puff back include;

Ensuring your oil-heating system is free of dust and debris

Inspect and provide service to your heating system before you need to use it

If you hear strange noises or begin to see any soot residue around your furnace, call your heating company immediately

If you are unable to perform those steps or if you find yourself standing in an inch-deep pile of soot and debris, call SERVPRO today and we’ll send our crews out to make it, “Like it never even happened.”

Cooking Safety

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

Make sure to always cook safely, accidents can happen at any time. If there's any mishap in the kitchen call SERVPRO to help.

“Cooking with Caution”

Be on Alert. Do not cook if you are sleepy or have consumed any alcohol. This can potentially create dangerous situations. Do not use the stovetop or stove if you are under the influence.

Be sure to stay in the kitchen while frying, boiling, grilling or broiling food. Always turn off the stove if you have to leave the kitchen, no matter how quick you may be.

If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in your home while it is cooking, or use a timer so you do not forget about it.

Be sure your kitchen is free of clutter and no loose items are near the stove. This reduces the chance of anything catching on fire.

If you have a small grease/ cooking fire and decide to fight the fire…

On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan to covered until it is completely cool.

If the fire is inside the oven, shut the oven off and keep the door closed.

If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire…

Just leave the house! When leaving be sure to close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the house.

Content by: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Campaigns/Fire-Prevention-Week/Safety-Tip-Sheets