Fire Damage Restoration

8/7/2024 (Permalink)

Fire restoration takes many techniques to fully restore you structure and property.

After the firefighters leave, your house might have damage from the fire and smoke, plus a lot of water damage from the firefighting. SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties is trained to fix your home and make it like it was before the fire.

Do you have questions about damage from fire, smoke, or soot? Every fire is a little different and needs a special solution, but the general steps we take are the same for most fires. Here’s a simple version of what we do:

Step 1: Emergency Contact
The restoration process starts when you call the SERVPRO National Call Center, which is open all day, every day. Our representative will ask you questions about the fire so we can send the closest SERVPRO team with the right tools to help you.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
Our team will inspect your home carefully to see how much damage there is from the fire, smoke, and soot. This helps us plan how to fix everything.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service
Fires can damage windows, walls, and roofs. To keep your home safe and prevent more damage, we can board up broken windows and walls and cover damaged roofs with tarps.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if there's water damage)
We start removing water right away. We take out most of the water first, then use special machines to dry the rest.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
SERVPRO of Hardin/Larue Counties uses special tools and methods to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other places.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing
We clean everything that can be saved and fix anything damaged by the fire. Our team uses different cleaning methods to make things like they were before the fire. We also remove bad smells using air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration
This is the last step—making your home or business look like it did before the fire. This might mean small fixes like replacing drywall, painting, and putting in new carpet, or bigger repairs like rebuilding parts of your home or business.

The Importance of Smoke Detectors

12/18/2023 (Permalink)

In the event of a deadly home fire, a working smoke alarm will significantly increase your chance of survival. Follow these tips to insure your prepared-

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, all throughout the home.  Upstairs, downstairs, basements.  Make sure you have inside and outside of bedrooms.
• Replace the entire smoke alarm every 8-10 years.
• test your batteries monthly
• once a year replace batteries in smoke detectors that are battery-powered and hard wired smoke alarms. (the only exception are detectors that contain 10 year lithium batteries.)
• Install both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.

There will be times that you may be cooking something that puts off smoke.  Even though its tempting, never disable your smoke alarm.  That one time could be a costly mistake.  Never ignore the sound.  Always react promptly until you ultimately know that your safe and there is not a fire.  In the event you are put in that situation, make sure you are safe and leave the building.  Your life is more valuable then the contents inside. 

When fire impacts your home or place of business, call on the professionals to get the job done. You don't have to wait, you can reach a team member any time of the day or night. We are on standby for you  24/7, 365 days a year! We can guarantee that anytime you call, you will get a SERVPRO® professional on the line to help.

Daviess County

Call Us Today: 270-683-1888

http://www.SERVPROdaviesscounty.com/

https://www.ready.gov/home-fires

Danger of Candles

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Candles are an awesome way to light up, add nice decor, or make a home smell like fresh flowers. However, according to the NFPA, from 2014-2018, there were an estimated 7,610 house fires that were started by candles per year that caused an annual average of 81 deaths, 677 injuries, and $278 million in property damage. Save your home with some of these alternatives!

Flame-less candles

For those who just want the aesthetic of a candle and no scent, flame-less candles are a great option! They are typically battery-operated and give the same flame-like feature as real candles.

Wax warmer

Wax warmers are a great alternative because you can get that amazing scent that comes from real candles without the hazard. Warmers are typically either battery or outlet operated to melt the wax.

Diffuser

Calling all of our essential oil fans, this one is for you! With hundreds of combinations to try, diffusers are a great option for the whole house.

Stick diffusers

The most low maintenance option is a stick diffuser. Put your scent in the vase and let the sticks do the work.

If you still plan to opt for a candle, be sure to trim the wick before each use to minimize sparking, place the candle where it can’t fall or be knocked over, and always blow out the candle anytime you leave the room or plan to leave the home.

SERVPRO is a fan of diffusers!

The Danger of Candle Fires

2/6/2022 (Permalink)

Candles are a great way to decorate your home or to add your favorite scent to the room, but they could also be a major fire hazard.  Depending on where they are placed they can accidentally be knocked over. It’s also very easy to forget about lit candles if they are in rooms where you can’t keep an eye on them, which could then lead to a fire.  

There are lots of candle alternatives in the market today that can help with your decorating and lighting needs for your home, and will help get rid of the risk of fire.  

• Battery operated candles.  There are so many different options out there with battery operated candles.  They can range in sizes from tea lights to large pillar candles, come scented and non scented, flicker like a real candle, and some are even on timers to automatically turn on at the same time everyday.  Battery operated candles also come in a variety of colors to fit all your decor needs.

• Candle warmers.  Choose from electric bases or larger lamp-style models that are designed to accommodate traditional wax candles.  These will warm the wax and help diffuse the fragrance without actually lighting the candle.

• Reed diffusers.  Placing reeds in oil is a great way to spread a scent throughout your home without having to rely on an open flame or even a battery operated device 

Candles are beautiful and can create such warmth and atmosphere to a home, but can also be very dangerous if not attended to properly.  These candle alternatives are great for everyday use in common rooms like kitchens and bathrooms where candles are normally found.  

Space Heater Safety Tips

2/6/2022 (Permalink)

With Winter in full swing, many of us are using space heaters to keep ourselves warm. Whether it is at work or at home, space heaters are a great way to stay toasty when the temperatures drop.

When using a space heater however, it is important to follow best safety practices to prevent a fire. Space heaters are perfectly safe, when used properly. Use the tips below and keep your home and office warm and safe, this winter.

• Leave the heater on level floor, don’t place on carpet - it can overheat and start a fire.
• Do not use in bathroom, unless it is designed for it - moisture can damage the heater.
• Keep three feet away from flammable materials and out of the way of children and pets.
• Should always be plugged directly into wall outlet, don’t use with extension cord because it can cause overheating.
• Don’t leave heater unattended, make sure to unplug when not in use.
• Never sleep with a space heater on.
• Install smoke alarms on every floor.

If your space heater shows signs of wear such as broken cords, power fluctuations, or inconsistent temperature, immediately replace. An old space heater can malfunction and start a fire or overheat and leave an odor/smoke smell in the air. Never overuse a space heater and if you smell burning, immediately unplug and discontinue use.

When dealing with frigid temperatures, space heaters are a quick solution to help fight the cold. Using them safely will keep you warm and your office or home safe this winter.

Contents Restoration After Fire Damage

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house, but also your belongings. SERVPRO® understands your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings are the very things that make a house a home.

SERVPRO of Daviess County specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items can be restored to pre-fire condition. We'll use several methods to clean your contents, including:

Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.

Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.

Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.

Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.

Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.

Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Contact us today at (270) 683-1888 for more information!

Don’t Forget P.A.S.S. When Using a Fire Extinguisher

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association recommends the following when operating a fire extinguisher.

Remember the word PASS:

• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

For your home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (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.

Be sure to 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 trainings.

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.

PREVENTING FIRE DAMAGE BEFORE IT HAPPENS

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

PREVENTING FIRE DAMAGE BEFORE IT HAPPENS

Working Smoke Alarms

Regularly test your smoke alarms to ensure that the batteries are full. If it seems weak, then replace them as soon as possible. 

Clean Kitchen Space

Move flammable items away from heat sources to prevent any fire or smoke damage from happening. Crumbs can also quickly catch on fire if they get warm enough, and cause major problems.

Empty Lint Catch in Dryer

Each time you use the dryer, clean out the catch. Lint buildup causes approximately 2,900 house fires a year.

Check Old Cords

Items with fraying cords cause a huge fire risk. They can quickly combust and turn into a fire. Check each use for any issues before plugging in!

Safely Store Products 

Many items have a distinct way to store them, such as hairspray or shaving cream. These are not supposed to be kept around any heat sources. Read labels and make sure to follow them accordingly. 

Fireplace

When there is a flame, always make sure an adult is present, and nothing flammable is nearby.  

Fire Extinguishers

Have fire extinguishers available around the home or in your businesses.

Preventative Fire Safety – Space Heaters

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

Preventative Fire Safety – Space Heaters

Over the years, your electric items become more susceptible to burnouts and malfunctions. Your space heater is no different! When a disaster happens, it can cause major issues. Here are several ways to prevent this from being you-

• Level Surface

Once tipped over, if it does not automatically shut off, can cause a fire.

• Check Safety Features Before Purchase

When purchasing or researching a new space heater, check that it has built in safety features.

• Move Flammable Items Out of the Area

Space heaters can quickly heat items up and cause sparks and flames if not properly taken care of.

• Turn Off Unattended Heaters

By turning them off as you leave the room, it takes away a huge fire hazard.

• Keep Heater Away from Small Children and Pets

You can purchase a safety screen that will put a three-foot barrier around the device. This prevents burns and fires.

SERVPRO of Daviess County – 270.683.1888

Building Fire Prevention Tips

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

After a major disaster strikes, over HALF of businesses never reopen! That is a huge amount of businesses owners’ lives being changed. While not all disasters are preventable, there are things you can do to help prevent the loss or help prevent more damage from happening. SERVPRO of Daviess County, Kentucky’s goal is to give you information on how to do this.   

As the cold weather sets in, we know to expect even more calls to come in about fires. These calls come from both large and small losses, and from homes and businesses. During the winter months there are more fire hazards being used to heat both homes and businesses on a daily basis. Protect your business, and make plans against fire damage today!

Here are 5 ways to help protect your business:

1. Have working fire extinguishers readily available and check them regularly. If they become hard to use, replace ASAP!
2. Install sprinklers or a fire suppression system in every room of your business. It is also important to educate your staff about how to disarm these systems too.
3. The equipment used in your business can cause problems when not kept clean. Dirty equipment can throw sparks and ignite other items, or the dust buildup can catch flame.
4. Make sure to reduce clutter and take-out trash regularly to prevent a flame from taking off.
5. Have escape routes for each area of the building posted in easy to see areas.

Fire Pit Safety

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Pit Safety

It is the time of year when grilling out turns into having bonfires! Many people have portable or stationary fire pits at their homes. While these are built to contain the fire, check out these tips provided by Allstate to ensure a safe and fun time for you and your guests!

• When setting up or building your fire pit, make sure it is at least 10 feet away from any structures, or other items that could catch on fire easily. These items can include smaller buildings, trees, power lines and more. It should also be placed at least 25 feet away from buildings, such as apartments.

• Place seating far enough away from the flames to ensure your guests’ comfort.

• Do not light the flame if it is windy. It could potentially spread embers and start other fires if it is too strong.

• Only used approved fire-starting products, do not use flammable liquids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight a dead flame. Using improper products can cause issues and flareups.

• The quickest and safest way to start a fire is by using a lighter to ignite a few pieces of crumpled up paper on top of a small pile of sticks. Once these have caught on fire, you can then begin adding larger pieces of dry wood and logs to build up the size.

• Do not wear loose or flammable clothing while around the fire. This prevents any accidents from happening.

• Always have someone in charge of watching the fire, and do not leave it while it is still ignited. If children or pets are present, keep them away from the fire and in safety.  

• Keep a bucket of water, water hose or an extinguisher nearby in case of any emergencies.

• At the end of the night, double check and make sure the fire is completely put out. It is a good idea to wet down the fire, even if you no longer see any flames or embers.

Fire Prevention

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention- 

In years past, SERVPRO of Daviess County, Kentucky extra calls regarding fire and smoke clean up during the winter months. There are several places and items in your home or business that are more prone to causing a fire to start. Some are listed below:

The Kitchen-

This is the highest risk area of the home or in a business because of the appliances that are used. Make it a habit of never leaving the stove or oven unattended while it is on or still hot from cooking.

Small Appliances-

While your stove is the largest threat for a fire, many kitchens have other smaller appliances that create heat and can cause other items to catch on fire. It is important to remember to unplug these items after each use, and make sure flammable items are nowhere near the appliances while in use.

Candles-

Candles are another household item that can cause issues if left unattended. To prevent accidently leaving one lit, it is best practice to blow them out each time you leave the room or are going to sleep.

Matches and Lighters –

These are both common household items. If there are children in the home or who visit often, it is best practice to store these items in a safe, high place. This way they cannot reach them without adult supervision.

Fireplaces-

A lot of homes have wood fireplaces. While they are made to contain fires, it is important to still only burn dry, seasoned wood. Burning other items can cause fire flare-ups, and smoke to travel into the home instead of through the chimney.

September: National Preparedness Month – Week #4

9/20/2020 (Permalink)

September: National Preparedness Month – Week #4

Week #4 – September 20^th-26^th, Goal: Teach Youth About Preparedness

Throughout the month, we hope that you have been including children in your plans and discussions on what to do during emergencies. While it is very important to include them, you may want to take time and make sure that planning is putting their minds to ease, and not worrying them. It is perfectly normal to be a little scared of what could happen, especially if you are discussing what to do if you cannot find a parent right away during an emergency. One of the best/easiest ways to help ease their nerves is to make sure they are educated on what to do. This way, no matter what happens, they know how to keep themselves safe. After helping ease their nerves, they are a lot less likely to freeze up during a real emergency.

Being comfortable, and able to react is the main goal of this week!

www.ready.gov/kids is a great resource to help young children all the way up through the teenage years on what you can do during a disaster. Ready.gov not only has information, but also has age appropriate games for younger children, and ways that older children can be involved with the community and get hands on experience.  

Families: Under the kids section of ready.gov, there are also some activities listed that you can do together. This could be a great ice breaker if you can sense your children may be a little nervous.

Teachers: This month would be a great time to have a couple of lessons over being prepared at school and at home. Use ready.gov as a resource and talk to children about what they can do!

This is the last week of the 2020 National Preparedness Months activities! Remember to update your plans, be proactive, and join us again next year!

Summer Grilling Out Tips

4/5/2020 (Permalink)

Now that it is springtime and families are spending more time at home, there is a lot more cooking happening! One of the ways many families cook together is by grilling out. This is a fun, ease to clean up way to make plenty of food for the whole family. But before you go outside and fire up the grill, here are a few ways you can make sure you grill accident free!

• Never use or light your grill near any structures
• Never leave a grill unintended
• If your flame goes out, wait at least 5 minutes before reigniting
• If you use propane, regularly check the tank for any issues
• Make sure no clothing is in danger of getting in the flames
• Clean grill regularly, this cuts down on anything that could catch on fire
• All legs of the grill should be on a stable surface
• If you use charcoal, be careful when using lighter fluid
• And finally, make sure to always have water on hand in case of emergency

Taking care of potential issues before they arise is the best way to prevent any major disasters from happening, and keeping everyone happy and healthy all summer long!

Theme of the Month – March

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Theme of the Month – March

Over the years, communication has changed drastically. Since our franchise was first purchased, SERVPRO of Daviess County, Kentucky has worked hard to ensure that we are keeping up with the trend. Our goal is to be able to serve our clients in the best way possible and ensure a stress-free process. Most of the time, this is achieved by one thing: great communication. We make sure this happens by going the EXTRA mile in communication!

During an insurance claim, you typically have an agent and adjuster. Our Marketing Representatives work hard to stay in constant contact with both of these individuals throughout the process, so they know how well the job is progressing. This helps them be able to put their trust in our team, and also be able to help the customer if they ask any questions about what is going on in their home.

We also know that this is a time that is extremely stressful for everyone involved. This is why we also have the Project Coordinator over each job call their clients every day. This is a good time to give updates, and ensure all questions are answered.

At the end of the job we ask for feedback on how we did. Every job has a Certificate of Satisfaction that is filled out and signed by the homeowner, which has different ratings of how we did in different areas. One of these areas is how well we communicated. Our franchise makes it a goal to get all 10/10, but especially in the communication area!

Home Pet Safety

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Home Pet Safety

Home fires are some of the most common accidents that The Red Cross responds to, and over 1,000 a year and caused by… pets! Below are some ways to ensure this does not become your home and pets.

Protect Yours Pets- When there is a flame or a hot surface, keep animals away from the danger. This also helps keep you safe with not having them underfoot.

Dowse Open Flames- Pets are curious and tend to investigate all over your home when you are not around. Double check before leaving the home that there are no hazards for your pets to get into.  

Flameless Candles- This is another great option for people wanting to cut down on open flames in their home. The bulb in the candle will ensure if it is knocked or nosed over, that no harm is done.  

Other Tips:

Make it easy on the firefighters, and if you have any cages, put them near an entrance. This will help get your pets out faster and it is safer for the fire department.

Keep leashes and collars near doorways, in case the firefighter needs them.

Get a “pet alert” sign for your front window stating the number of pets inside the home. This can help the firefighters get in and out quickly, and efficiently.

You can find more information at: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/pet-fire-safety.html

Fire Emergency Items Wash

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Daviess County, Kentucky is now providing a new service for our local communities. When it comes to a fire, the smoke moves around a building faster than the fire itself. This smoke puts off both soot and smell on any items it comes in contact with. Many times when a fire like this happens, the homeowners' contents have to be washed and processed before they are usable again. This not only leaves the family feeling helpless, but it also leaves them without basic necessities.

After seeing this need, and our client’s discomfort, SERVPRO of Daviess County begin offering Emergency Washes on items families need immediately.   

When an entire home is brought back to our Contents Warehouse, it takes a while for items to be processed and finished. With an emergency wash, we have our families select enough of their clothing, items, children’s stuffed animals, and more to help them get through a couple of weeks. We then have our Contents Department work after hours to have the items processed and ready to go back.

While this is not necessary in every fire loss, it can be very useful for any that has the main living areas impacted.

An Emergency Processed Wash does not mean an entire home can be done, but just having some of their familiar items helps put the family’s minds at ease. It also cuts down on costs for insurance companies by restoring, not replacing items until their contents have been fully returned.

Theme of the Month – December

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Theme of the Month – December

This is the time of year when many different holidays and celebrations hit. With so many being this time of year, it is easy for people to forget how important it is to stay safe and do the little things to prevent a disaster from happening. During December, that is exactly what SERVPRO of Daviess County, Kentucky focused on informing our clients and the public.

One of the main reasons home fires spike during this time of year is from real Christmas trees not getting the proper amount of water. Check out this video showing how quickly an underwatered tree can go up in flames:

https://interestingengineering.com/video/this-video-shows-how-your-dry-christmas-tree-can-cause-a-deadly-house-fire

Once you are done with your tree, dispose of it. Do not let it become a safety hazard for you and your family!

Another thing you can do while cleaning up decor, is to look for any frayed, or torn wires. Going ahead and disposing of these items before next year will save time, and also ensure a safe holiday season next year!

From your friends at SERVPRO, have a great rest of the season and Happy New Year!

Theme of the Month – November

11/3/2019 (Permalink)

Theme of the month – November

SERVPRO of Daviess County, Kentucky is preparing for the busyness of the holiday season! This is the time of year that many families get together, but it is also the time of year when many accidents happen. While we are known for our green trucks and water removal, we are also certified fire mitigation experts! This time of year, we get many calls about various issues that homes or businesses have experienced to do with fire or smoke. We also have on hand service you may need to put your home completely back together, making us a one stop shop! These include board up, smoke & soot cleaning, demo, contents inventory and pack out, laundry, soft and hard contents cleaning, & reconstruction.

If you have any questions, or need help, reach out to the professionals!

Kitchen Fire Safety Tips

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Each day, SERVPRO of Daviess County, Kentucky gets multiple calls asking about what we can do for smoke or fire damage. With fall and winter being the biggest months for fires to start, we are prepared to take on any job, big or small! While many issues happen when families use their fireplace for the first time or build a bonfire a little too close to the home, COOKING is actually the #1 reason for smoke or fire damage to residential buildings! Some ways to avoid a cooking accident include: Immediately wipe up dust or grease from your stove when you notice it, never leave the kitchen while cooking, make sure to keep your stove top clean and clear, double check everything is off after cooking, do not wear loose clothing, and always unplug any counter top appliances when not in use.

Doing these things can save you a lot of time and energy in the long run!

For more information: https://www.esfi.org/resource/home-cooking-fire-prevention-tips-619

Removing Lingering Smoke from SUV

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Throughout the 7 years SERVPRO of Daviess County, Kentucky has been here, we have heard a lot of questions about if we can clean certain items that are not “typical.”

One of these stories was by one of our employees. After buying a new SUV, she noticed a smoke smell that was lingering. As time went on, the smell got worse. In her situation, this was a big problem with her being allergic to cigarette smoke.

Once it started getting worse, she asked one of the production managers if there was anything we could do to deodorize the vehicle. The next day, they took her car into the warehouse, and set up an ozone machine inside. After running for a few hours, the machine had completely taken the smoke out of the SUV, replacing it with a clean smell. After a few weeks, the clean smell wore off, and it smelled like a typical car again.

A year later, the smell still hasn’t returned.

If you ever have any questions about special situations, please reach out and we can see what we can do. No job is too big or small for SERVPRO!

Why is it important to keep your bedroom doors closed at night?

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

Photos were taken and posted by the Cold Springs Harbor Fire Department

Cold Springs Harbor Fire Department posted an article about how important it is to keep your doors closed at night. While this creates some anxiety for both the parents and children, having the door closed can drastically slow down the path of the fire. Even though most households are great about checking fire alarms, sometimes these devices can malfunction, or the batteries go dead. When this happens, it is great to have prevented the spread in other ways.  

They also posted the two photos to the left. The charred door was one that was open, and the door that was only burned around the edges was closed. With both doors being in the fire at the same time, this is a great example of how much it can help by keeping them closed.

https://www.wltx.com/article/news/health/why-fire-departments-are-urging-you-to-sleep-with-your-bedroom-door-shut/67-d6445bfa-79d8-475b-9431-f87bb563d2c3?fbclid=IwAR3o-btNEboXL8Q0OXtDqG7EJrAI7SDPzhcvV7SdWz9Q4eBzdgmlviQ6XGI&jwsource=cl 

Space Heater 101

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

It’s the time of year when many people have to start turning up their heat, and bringing out their space heaters. This is also the time of year when the amount of calls about home and business fires goes drastically up. Many times these fires are caused by improper use or a faulty heater.

Here are some safety tips when it comes to these handy heaters:

• Always check and make sure the heater is not too close to anything flammable
• Keep heaters away from children or pets
• Do not use an oven or stove as a means to heat your home
• Check to see if your heater has a setting where it turns off when tipped over
• Make sure they are always on a level surface
• Never place them in doorways. This can cause accidents!
• Test batteries in detectors regularly
• Create an escape route and meeting place

And last,

NEVER LEAVE THEM UNATTENDED OR ON OVERNIGHT! 

We are “Green” Cleaners

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Daviess County, Kentucky is a “green” cleaning company, both figuratively and literally. While one of our colors is green, we also use green products the entire time we are working on your home. Here are a few reasons why it is best to trust GREEN:

1. Natural products are safer around your family and pets

While there are times to use harsher chemicals to do something in your home, these can also trigger asthma, allergies and other health conditions if breathed in. Making sure you are avoiding products with toxins, pollutant or suspended carcinogens can drastically increase the quality of air in and around your home.

2. Green products are healthier

When you cut out the products that contain harsh chemicals, you are down to mostly all-natural products in your home. These products are also less harmful to the environment also. There are times while cleaning with these products that you might have to use a little more elbow grease, but the pros outweigh the cons.

3. SERVPRO provides the “Green” products

To ensure that all the products are green certified, we provide them, and only use SERVPRO products when we are on the job. We are also able to provide a data sheet about each product we are using in your home, if you wanted to learn a little more.

4. We are committed to being “Green” in all areas of our company

We are committed to using only environmentally sound products when we are on any job site. This goes along with us being a Restoration Company and saving as many of the materials as possible in every job we are working on. Minimizing the impact on our planet is a huge goal of ours.

5. “Green” cleaning is safer for our employees

While we have talked about our home owner’s health, we now want to touch on how it impacts our workers. With our team working with these chemicals every day, we do not want them to negatively be impacting our workers health.

No matter if you want some Spring Cleaning done, or have a major disaster on your hands, make sure to THINK GREEN and call the experts!  

SERVPRO® Mission Statement

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Mission:

To develop a team of quality people who focus on excellent service, fairness and mutual respect.

Within our company, we want to have a contagious culture that clients pick up on the second we arrive at their home or business. We want our team to be of the highest quality in personalities, training and customer service. We want our businesses to be run on being fair to the customer along with ourselves. We also want our employees to have mutual respect for both coworkers and clients, and common courtesy for everyone they encounter. We want you to be 100% comfortable with everyone on your job site and we want each job, no matter the size, to be run with the same importance. When disaster strikes, trust green and orange to come save the day. #SERVPRO #KeepItGreen

7 Tips for Cooking and Avoiding a Fire

11/2/2018 (Permalink)

Almost half of all home fires are started in the kitchen area and the fires reported peak from 5:00-8:00 pm each night. With all the appliances in the kitchen, it is easy to forget something is hot and start a fire, especially if you have been working all day and are tired. It is easy to get distracted, and not notice a problem until it is too late.

Here are some tips on how to avoid causing sparks or smoke:

Be Present: Do not leave food while it is cooking.

Be Clean: Keep all cooking surfaces dry and clean from spills. Grease and food can help feed a fire. This also includes your microwave and toaster oven!

Be Restrictive: Do not let the whole family come into the kitchen while you are cooking. Children or pets can cause you to trip and cause problems if they are not properly supervised.

Be Proactive: Always keep a working fire extinguisher on hand and make sure everyone (who is old enough) knows how to use it.

Check appliance wires frequently to make sure they do not need to be replaced. Always unplug them when they are not being used.

Make sure the smoke alarm nearest your kitchen has fresh batteries every few months.

Be Smart: Follow the installation and usage instructions on new appliances.

Be Timely: Use a timer when cooking! By overcooking your food, you run the risk of it catching on fire or smoking up the house.

And last, but not least:

Be Careful: Use caution while working in the kitchen, and do not to get distracted. Do not wear clothing that could dip in your food or knock into anything. You should also be cautious of long hair when you are in the kitchen, and it falling on heat sources. The same goes with food packaging, grocery bags, and paper or kitchen towels.

https://flsamerica.com/blog/7-simple-steps-to-protecting-your-home-from-kitchen-fires-2/

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/News-and-media/Press-Room/News-releases/2010/NFPA-study-Nearly-all-structure-fire-deaths-happen-in-home-fires

Home Safety Escape Route

8/28/2018 (Permalink)

With fire season coming, prepare your family by creating a fire escape plan and making sure everyone knows what to do in an emergency. By having a plan in place and practicing it beforehand, this ensures you and your family will know what to do and be able to calmly go through the steps to get out of your house in an emergency. The National Fire Protection Association has an extremely helpful article on how to create one that is child friendly. It also has tips on how to best lay out your plan.

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Safety-in-the-home/Escape-planning

After creating your plan, make sure to run through it a couple of times and make sure all family members know what to do. The NFPA also suggests that if you have children, have a practice run in the middle of the night, so you can find out how well they learned it. #SafetyFirst #FireSeason

Soot & Smoke Facts

8/7/2018 (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 Daviess County 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:

Different Types of Smoke

• 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.

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.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today : 270-683-1888

Available 24/7!

7/12/2018 (Permalink)

When bad weather or unexpected fire hits our community, our employees pull together as a team from every department to assist local and distant communities. SERVPRO of Daviess County use the collective help and knowledge from every person on our team to assist all those impacted by a disaster in their home or business. Most of our employees are cross trained in multiple departments so we are able to help one another. All of our marketing department employees are Water Restoration Certified (WRT). This means that they are able to work or monitor job sites without having a supervisor with them. Having these people as back up comes in handy when we are called on Storm, and several of our full-time employees are gone for weeks at a time. We always have a plan in place to be able to assist our clients in need!

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When water or fire impact your home or place of business, call on the professionals to get the job done. You don't have to wait, you can reach a team member any time of the day or night. We are on standby for you 24/7, 365 days a year! We can guarantee that anytime you call, you will get a SERVPRO professional on the line to help, and a crew will respond as quickly as possible!

Family Heirloom Saved from Fire Damage

3/22/2018 (Permalink)

One of the most frequently asked questions we get is If we can clean customers contents, especially the antique items. The answer is yes, we can! 

We got a call this past week about a fire destroying the inside of a family’s home. This piano was a nonworking family heirloom, and the family was devastated at the thought of having to get rid of it. It was covered in smoke and soot, but luckily still intact. We took it back to our office and started working on saving it. We were able to fully restore the outside of it and get rid of the smoke smell it had. 

We love it when we can save items that mean a lot to our customers. This was one of those times where it is extremely rewarding to work in this industry.

Top causes of Fire

2/9/2018 (Permalink)

Every year catastrophic fires take away our homes, our possessions, and loved ones that we can not replace. The National Fire Protection Association provides lots of education for us to arm ourselves to prevent fires. According to the NFPA the top causes of fire are in the home:

• Cooking equipment is the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries.
  
  
• Smoking is the leading cause of civilian home fire deaths.
  
  
• Heating equipment is the second most common cause of home fire fatalities.

We want you to be armed with information but in the event you fall victim to a house fire don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO. Are fire specialist will be there with you every step of the way. Our specialist will strive to save precious heirlooms and restore your home back to the way it was.

Request help online:
http://www.SERVPROdaviesscounty.com/fnol

For additional helpful information, visit NFPA-
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire/Cooking

Prevent a Deadly Christmas tree fire!!!

12/1/2017 (Permalink)

Decking the Halls and getting into the Christmas Spirit? Christmas trees are at the forefront of many household annual traditions and for some who neglect a few simple tips can lead to tragic consequences. Sadly, Fire departments across the country respond to deadly Christmas tree fires during the holiday season each year.  One in every 31 Christmas tree fires is deadly, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The association says electrical failures and malfunctions caused 30 percent of Christmas tree fires.

The NFPA recommend the following safety tips: 
• Make sure string lights have no loose connections, cracked lamps or frayed cords.
• Use only a single extension cord that can reach your home's outlet without being too long and being tangled.
• Use UL-approved lights and cords.
• Make sure lights are off when you go out and before you turn in for the night.
• Make sure all outdoor light connectors are away from metal rain gutters and off the ground.
• Never use candles to light or decorate a tree.
• To lessen the chance of a fire hazard, purchase a freshly cut tree.
• Make sure to keep your tree at least three feet away from any heat source.
• Water the tree every day, and remove it from your home after Christmas or once it becomes dry. 
• Don't burn Christmas tree branches or wrapping paper in your fireplace.
• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that could burn. 

Chimney Fires

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

An explosive fire in someone's home.

Did you know chimney fires account for over $120 million in damage every year? Although this fire can cause extensive damage, there are ways to prevent it from occurring. You must get your chimney cleaned by the professionals and have an annual inspection. A chimney fire is characterized by loud cracking and popping noises, a lot of dense smoke, and an intense hot smell.

Chimney fires can be explosive, noisy, and dramatic, undetectable until the next inspection, or anywhere in between. The explosive fires produce flames and dense smoke shooting from the top of the chimney and sounds similar to a low flying airplane. The undetectable chimney fires are slow-burning and do not get enough air to be visible, but the damage to the chimney  and nearby areas of the home is extensive.

If your home is damaged from a chimney fire, give SERVPRO of Daviess County a call at 270-683-1888!

Fire Prevention Week starting October 8th!

10/3/2017 (Permalink)

National Fire Prevention Association

During the week of October 8 thru October 14, 2017 the United States and Canada observe Fire Prevention week. Back in 1925, President Calvin Coolidge made the 1st Presidential proclamation of Fire Prevention Week. The goal for this week of awareness is to educate the public to take precautions in preventing potentially harmful and destructive fires and how we can survive. It is getting in front of a disaster that fire can cause and the processes that can reduce emergencies and damage caused by fire.

In the event that your a victim of a home fire, don’t hesitate to call the professionals.  SERVPRO is there for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  We will answer and react when you need us!
Call us today! 270-683-1888

Request Help!
http://www.SERVPROdaviesscounty.com/fnol?

National Fire Protection Association
http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/resources/education-programs/community-tool-kits/keeping-your-community-safe-and-warm

Commercial Fire Loss

9/27/2017 (Permalink)

When a business suffers from a fire generally a professional needs to come and remove all the equipment and restore the walls and floors. SERVPRO of Daviess County work around the clock to remediate the problem, so that businesses can be restored as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Many businesses are at risk for a fire, especially when they lease older buildings in need of repairs. We know how costly and devastating a fire can be to a business, so it is always our goal to get you back up and running right away!
Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Our crew has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

Handling Smoke Damage after a Fire

8/17/2017 (Permalink)

If you are the victim of a house fire, you will be very anxious to clean your home and all the contents that are salvageable.  It is always recommended to take the time to seek the professional and gain their advice. If you don’t, you could be wasting your time and efforts all the while creating further damage.  The very 1st thing you should do is contact your insurance agency immediately once its safe and the fire is completely out.  If your renting your home contact the homeowner next so you can both go over the amount of damage.  Many times your insurance agent may recommend a professional fire restorer who can give you hints to prevent additional damage and help assess what items can or can not be refurbished.  They will provide you an estimate and all available services that are available to thoroughly clean and deodorize your home. In some cases the service may seem expensive but many times these costs will be dramatically less then replacing damaged furnishings and floors.  In the aftermath, you may find items that have been passed down and have an irreplaceable value that can be saved. 

When a fire impacts your home or place of business, call on the professionals to get the job done.  You don’t have to wait, you can reach a team member any time of the day or night.  24/7, 365 days a year we guarantee that anytime you call, you will get a SERVPRO professional on the line to help.

Call us today- 270-683-1888!