How Household Clutter Contributes to Fire Risks

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Clutter, especially from paper, can be a hazard.

Household clutter is an issue that affects many people, and it can be dangerous in more ways than one. One of the less obvious risks of household clutter is that it increases the risk of house fires.

Firstly, it's important to understand that clutter can be defined as any material that is stored haphazardly and without proper organization. This can include piles of paper, boxes, and other items that are not put away properly. When these items accumulate, they can create a fire hazard by blocking exits and pathways, and by providing fuel for a fire to spread.

One of the main ways that household clutter can increase the risk of house fires is by blocking exits and pathways. In the event of a fire, it is critical to have clear pathways to exits, as this can mean the difference between life and death. Clutter can also impede the ability of firefighters to access the home, putting everyone in the home at risk.

Another way that clutter can cause fires is by providing fuel for a fire to spread. When there are piles of paper, boxes, and other flammable materials stored haphazardly, they can ignite and cause a fire to spread rapidly. Additionally, clutter can hide potential fire hazards such as frayed wires or overloaded electrical outlets, making it more difficult to detect and address these issues before they cause a fire.

So, what can you do to reduce the risk of household clutter causing a fire? The first step is to declutter your home regularly. This means getting rid of items that you no longer need or use, and finding proper storage for the items that you do need to keep. This can involve using storage solutions such as shelves, cabinets, and drawers to keep items organized and out of the way.

Next, it's important to ensure that all pathways and exits are clear of clutter. This means removing any boxes or items that may be blocking the way, and ensuring that there is a clear path to exits such as doors and windows. Additionally, you should ensure that your home has working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and that everyone in the home knows how to use them.

Another important step is to be aware of potential fire hazards in your home. This can involve inspecting electrical outlets and cords regularly to ensure that they are not damaged or overloaded, and being cautious with flammable materials such as candles and space heaters. By being aware of potential hazards and taking steps to address them, you can reduce the risk of a fire starting in your home.

Household clutter is a risk factor that many people overlook when it comes to fire safety. However, by taking steps to declutter your home, ensure clear pathways and exits, and be aware of potential fire hazards, you can reduce the risk of a fire starting and help to keep your family safe. Remember, fire safety is everyone's responsibility, and it's important to take the necessary steps to protect your home and your loved ones.

Biohazards: Why Hiring a Professional Is a Must

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding, especially near hospitals, can cause biohazards to enter the water.

Biohazards are a serious issue that requires immediate and professional attention. Biohazards refer to any biological material that can cause harm to humans, such as blood, bodily fluids, and other infectious materials. When biohazards are present in a space, it is important to have them cleaned up properly by a professional cleaning service.

Biohazards pose a serious risk to health and safety. When biological materials are left untreated, they can lead to the spread of infectious diseases and illnesses. This is particularly true in areas where there is a high risk of exposure, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities. In these environments, having a professional cleaning service clean up biohazards is crucial to prevent the spread of disease and protect the health and safety of patients, staff, and visitors.

It is important to have a professional clean biohazards to comply with regulations and standards. There are many regulations and guidelines in place that dictate how biohazards should be handled and disposed of. These regulations are in place to ensure that the public is protected from exposure to harmful biological materials. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal action, and other serious consequences. A professional cleaning service will be familiar with these regulations and will ensure that all biohazards are handled and disposed of properly.

Cleaning biohazards requires specialized equipment and cleaning agents. Cleaning up biohazards requires specialized equipment and cleaning solutions that are not typically available to the general public. Additionally, cleaning up biohazards requires specialized training and expertise to ensure that the area is properly sanitized and disinfected. A professional cleaning service will have the necessary equipment and training to handle biohazards safely and effectively.

Professional cleaning will be able to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Cross-contamination occurs when biological materials are spread from one area to another, either through improper cleaning methods or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Cross-contamination can lead to the spread of disease and illness, and it can be difficult to detect and address without the proper training and equipment. A professional cleaning service will be able to minimize the risk of cross-contamination by using proper cleaning techniques and equipment.

Having a professional cleaning service clean up biohazards can provide peace of mind. Dealing with biohazards can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, particularly in situations where there has been a traumatic event such as a crime or accident. Having a professional cleaning service handle the cleanup can help to alleviate some of this stress and provide peace of mind that the area has been properly cleaned and sanitized.

Biohazards are a serious issue that require immediate and professional attention. Having a professional cleaning service clean up biohazards is crucial to protect the health and safety of the public, comply with regulations and standards, and ensure that the area is properly sanitized and disinfected. If you are dealing with a biohazardous situation, we are here to help you through the whole process!

Candles, The Risk of Fire, + Safer Alternatives

4/19/2023 (Permalink)

Open flames are a hazard to homes and can lead to housefires.

Candles have been used for centuries to create a warm and cozy atmosphere, but they can also be a serious fire hazard. Every year, thousands of fires are caused by candles, resulting in injuries, property damage, and even fatalities.

Candles pose a fire hazard for several reasons. Candles are an open flame, which means that they can ignite nearby flammable materials such as curtains, furniture, and bedding. This is particularly true if candles are left unattended or placed too close to other objects. In addition, candles can also drip hot wax, which can cause burns or start fires if it comes into contact with flammable materials.

Candles can also be knocked over, which can result in a fire. This is particularly true if they are placed on unstable surfaces or if they are in high-traffic areas where they are likely to be bumped or knocked over. Once a candle is knocked over, it can quickly ignite nearby materials, resulting in a dangerous and fast-spreading fire.

Candles can also be a hazard if they are used in areas where there is a risk of oxygen deprivation, such as in confined spaces or near medical equipment. This is because candles consume oxygen as they burn, and they can quickly deplete the oxygen in a small or confined space, resulting in suffocation or other serious health issues.

Fortunately, there are several safer alternatives to candles that can help create a cozy and warm atmosphere without posing a fire hazard. One option is to use battery-powered candles or LED lights. These can provide a similar glow to traditional candles, but they do not produce heat or pose a fire hazard. In addition, they are also available in a wide range of colors and styles, so you can find one that suits your décor and style.

Another option is to use essential oil diffusers or wax melt warmers. These devices use heat or water to diffuse essential oils or scented wax, creating a pleasant and fragrant atmosphere without the use of an open flame. They are also available in a variety of styles and designs, so you can find one that matches your décor and personal taste.

Finally, if you do decide to use traditional candles, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of fire. Always ensure that candles are placed on stable surfaces and that they are not placed near flammable materials such as curtains or bedding. Never leave candles unattended, and always extinguish them before leaving the room or going to sleep. Thirdly, always trim the wick to 1/4 inch before lighting the candle, and ensure that the candle is placed in a draft-free area to prevent it from flickering and potentially igniting nearby materials.

While candles can be a great way to create a warm and cozy atmosphere, they can also be a serious fire hazard. Fortunately, there are several safer alternatives to candles that can help create a similar effect without the risk of fire. If you do choose to use candles, always take steps to reduce the risk of fire, such as ensuring they are placed on stable surfaces, never leaving them unattended, and trimming the wick before lighting. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of candles while keeping your home safe and secure.

Fire Prevention - 5 Things You Can Do

1/23/2023 (Permalink)

Cooking related activities, especially those that require the stove or over, can lead to a fire if left unattended.

Curious about what you can do to prevent fires in your home? The following list is not comprehensive, but can still help prevent house fires.

1. Change the dryer lint after every load of laundry. That might sound excessive, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Dryer lint is highly flammable, so even a small amount is all it takes. Doing this also prevents the ventilation of your dryer system from becoming clogged, which can prevent fires down the road and optimize performance.
2. Use surge protectors. When there's a surge of excess electricity, surge protectors prevent that excess electricity from causing a fire by preventing the electricity from travelling up into your electronics.
3. Never leave cooking, baking, or lit candles unattended. Any of these can easily get out of hand. It's also worth noting that one of the top causes of US house fires is from unattended cooking.
4. Reduce the clutter in your home. Clutter can cause fires, or help fires spread quickly. Many of the day-to-day items we use are made of highly flammable materials, so the more cluttered a space is, often the faster a flame can spread.
5. Make sure your roof and gutters are clean. During the summer months in particular, the debris in gutters can become extremely dry. If there is a lightning storm or excessively hot temperatures, those debris can ignite on the roof of your home, surely spelling trouble.

If you need fire damage restoration services, please don't hesitate to contact us. If you're curious about how to prevent fires in your home, check out this blog.

The Full Remediation of Kent Mold Damage

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

Don’t panic when you find mold in your Kent home. Contact our SERVPRO IICRC-Certified technicians to remediate the mold damage.

SERVPRO Provides Rapid Mold Damage Removal

While we are leading remediation professionals capable of removing active mold colonies where they are found, this statement does not often address the complexities of each structure where this service is necessary. From single-family homes in King County to massive venues like the Accesso ShoWare Center, we have skilled professionals to manage:

• Moisture Damage
• Mold Growth
• Harsh Malodors
• Structural Damages

The SERVPRO team can overcome Kent mold damage where discovered, and we mobilize quickly to ensure that the situation does not worsen. Our microbial remediation responders arrive fast to set up containment barriers and begin mitigation actions to protect the property from more significant mold infestation concerns.

Is Mold Likely in King County?

The position of King County in the Pacific Northwest, along with expected rainfall and weather events, leaves the environment heavily saturated and humid. Improper ventilation combined with poor air quality can contribute to the development of microbial growths in a residence. With the frequency of mold damage claims and the activity of our remediation team, mold is a more significant threat to Kent homes than its residents might realize.

Damage Inspections and Assessment

While it is possible to identify or begin to suspect mold growth in your home without professional services, the inspection and assessment of your property are one of the initial remediation services our SERVPRO team provides. We must learn the extent of the damage, affected hosting materials, and present hazards. This information aids our crew in developing the best remediation approach to help remove active colonies.

AMRT-Certified Technicians 

We are accredited through firms like the IICRC and the National Organization of Remediators and Mold Inspectors (NORMI) to manage microbial threats. Because of the multi-faceted restoration and cleanup necessary, including air duct cleaning and controlled demolition, a full-service roster of professionals ready to help like our SERVPRO team is vital to successful mold abatement.

Removing Mold Damage 

The heart of the remediation process is mold removal. While we do not make broad claims to eliminate all spores from a residence, we can provide the needed work to remove active colonies and moist conditions. The remediation process often gets split into three groups:

• Surface Cleaning – Without penetrating the outermost layer, we can use potent sporicidal products to eliminate mold and make other surfaces uninhabitable.
• Abrasive Removal - Involves blasting or sanding to impact the space just beyond the surface layer to remove mold growth.
• Controlled Demolition – When other methods are not efficient, our licensed professionals can remove heavily damaged building materials and discard them. 

Reducing and Removing Musty Smells

Malodors are a common element of the mold growth damage a property faces. Often, musty smells indicate active colonies, helping homeowners realize a problem that must get addressed. These odors linger even after remediation nears completion, requiring more direct and focused deodorization with tools like thermal foggers and hydroxyl machines.

Where Mold Damage Repairs Are Needed

Mold can be destructive to hosting elements the colony uses as a food source. Our licensed professionals begin the reconstruction side of mold remediation in the early efforts like a controlled demolition and constructing temporary containment barriers to prevent the migration of spores. Additionally, our roster of contractors must also help with:

• Plumbing Repairs
• Material Replacement
• Mold Prevention

Kent mold damage is often underappreciated and not as recognizable as water or fire damage concerns. Microbial threats should be treated with the same urgency and thorough cleaning as these other emergencies as they pose similar threats to the structure. Our SERVPRO of Kent team is ready to help when you need it at (253) 850-1500.

Mitigating and Restoring Kent Water Damage Efficiently

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the training and equipment you need after water damage in your Kent home.

We Restore Many Different Water Damage Events

Our position in King County helps us serve hundreds of thousands of residents and countless businesses contending with disasters of all types. The frequency and usual severity of water disasters like burst pipes or leaks required our water restoration division to continue growing to accommodate our recovery team's standard callout. Our roster can help with all needed efforts, including:

• Surface water removal
• Structural drying
• Humidity management
• Needed repairs

With these necessary actions needing to be completed after Kent water damage, our professionals must stay ready to respond. Disasters do not wait for convenient times to happen, so you will not wait for your property's restoration and mitigation response. We have skilled WRT-Certified technicians and licensed contractors ready to respond.

Many Types of Water Damage in Kent

In a city of more than 130,000 people, our SERVPRO team has seen many types of water emergencies and threats to structures. With each job, our expertise grows, and we solidify our position as a preferred vendor for insurance work and out-of-pocket restoration services after:

• Freezing Pipes
• Plumbing Leaks
• Accidents and Spills
• Appliance Damage
• Flooding

Mitigation Solutions for Water Damage 

Mitigation involves several practices and actions for our professionals, but few have the urgency and impact as water removal services. Standing water is a hazard in many regards, so we utilize a combination of pumps and vacuums to manage pooling in the house and begin extracting trapped moisture in materials like wood and carpeted flooring.

The Science of Effective Drying 

Drying is the most critical component of the restoration process, making it the procedure requiring the greatest array of our equipment and instruments to complete. Each of these tools regulates one of the primary principles of drying. Achieving a balance of these factors provides the most efficient production:

• Temperature  - This principle measures the warmth of the drying zone and affected materials. In many cases, direct heat applied to moist materials can expedite the drying process and chemical reactions for surface cleaning.
• Airflow - Air movement is another major contributor to efficient drying in the household. We use several air mover units to promote evaporation by directing blasts of warm, dry air at wet surfaces.
• Humidity - Productive evaporation increases humidity. Depending on the house's temperature, the air can only hold so many moisture grains before fully saturated. We can reduce the environmental moisture content by dehumidification units to continue the drying cycle.

Ensuring Drying is Complete 

Property owners can benefit from the peace of mind that the drying process is complete. When only superficial drying occurs, as is common with DIY measures, damp pockets and hidden moisture caches can impact building materials and produce appropriate conditions to facilitate mold development. We check our evaporation and water removal processes with sensitive sensors and moisture detection devices to document where further action might be necessary.

Are Water Damage Repairs Needed?

Reconstruction and repairs often coincide with the impact of water disasters on your home or business. From the earliest mitigation actions of removing sagging materials and repairing busted plumbing to newly installed wall systems and carpeted floors after demolition, we can help. Our general contractor license makes us qualified to complete most build-back actions as restoration and recovery continue.

However Kent water damage impacts your life; professional cleanup and drying can help you get back to everyday living quicker. Our SERVPRO of Kent team keeps service vehicles stocked with mitigation and restoration equipment to get water recovery projects underway. Call us at (253) 850-1500.

Fully Resolving Kent Fire Damage Concerns

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians are trained and experienced in all phases of fire damage restoration. Call us now!

Full-Service Fire Damage Restoration After Losses

Residents understand that several layers of restoration and recovery are required to return the home to its original condition after a fire. You need a full-service team of professionals, and our SERVPRO team is here to help. We start with powerful mitigation solutions like:

• Temporary construction
• Content removal
• Air filtration
• Water removal
• Debris cleanup

We must act fast with the severity of Kent fire damage incidents for homes, especially exposures to microscopic soot particles and structural damages. Our roster of FSRT-Certified technicians is ready to mobilize fast when disasters strike. Given our unique relationship with insurance providers in the area, we often have a team assembled and ready to roll out before the extinguishment of the fire completes.

Fire Damage Mitigation Services

Even after a fire gets extinguished, the damage to the structure does not stop. Circulating carcinogenic particles continue to spread, standing water absorbs into materials, and weak structural elements are ready to collapse. Our SERVPRO professionals use the mitigation process to reduce restoration times and further damage to the structure.

Insurance Claims Work

Most fire damage incidents fit the criteria for insurance claims, making much of the work to be done overseen and filtered through the specific processes and procedures companies require. We work directly with many of the areas insurance companies, understanding what the adjusters need to ensure your claim is approved and work can begin:

• Claims Inventory – Cataloging the condition of loose items and determining the salvageability of individual personal belongings. This would also indicate the need for relocation to our SERVPRO facility for further restoration work.
• Estimation – Combining the needed efforts and materials into a direct and detailed breakdown of expected costs and paid hours.
• Restoration Plan – The combined mitigation and restoration solutions necessary to return a property to preloss condition. This information tracks milestones and goals reached during the recovery process.

The Threat of Soot Damage 

The incomplete combustion of fuels and organic matter can create smoke residues and soot that come to rest on surfaces. Under pressure, these can even become affixed to vertical planes like walls. Soot is a challenging obstacle for restoration professionals as the removal often requires several practices and products to achieve. Much of the decisions regarding the type of cleanup required relates to the kind of smoke damage present:

• Wet Smoke
• Dry Smoke
• Grease Residues

Counteractants and Deodorants 

Malodors are often final considerations for the restoration process but no less an obstacle for recovery professionals working in the house. Harsh smells are often created by the combustion of woods, plastics, and chemicals. While counteractant products like beads and granules can reduce the severity of these threats, deodorization equipment and tools are often necessary to complete the job. We generally utilize products and mechanical means to eliminate malodors.

Fire Damage Repairs for Homes 

Few fire disasters do not require some form of repair or reconstruction. Our SERVPRO IICRC-Certified team is equipped to manage these needs with a general contractor license and years of experience in the building trades to provide these efforts. From controlled demolition where damaged building materials must be removed and discarded to the reconstruction of wall and ceiling assemblies to make it “Like it never even happened,” we can help.

Kent fire damage might occur from many sources or ignition points, but the threat to your home or property should be anticipated. Post-disaster conditions are often volatile and overwhelming between soot and smoke damage threats spreading through the structure. Our SERVPRO of Kent team can help get life back to normal with effective cleanup and restoration services. Call us today at (253) 850-1500.

My Cleaning Crew Is Overwhelmed -- Can I Get Help in Kent Before the Water Damage Gets Too Out of Hand?

10/2/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of how the excess water entered your commercial space, team SERVPRO can help with water removal and thorough water damage remediation.

Let SERVPRO Lift Some of the Stress Surrounding Water Damage Repair for Your Kent Warehouse

Commercial building owners in Kent often rely on their cleaning staff for entry-level water loss response. This can be a good work-around for the short term. Still, professional water remediators must review the situation to ensure that all hidden water and absorbed moisture is addressed. Failure to remove all water and dry the structural components exposes your business to the risk of permanent water damage and secondary concerns like mold growth. 

How Can I Be Sure the Entirety of the Water Damage Is Found and Remedied?

When a supply line bursts in your Kent warehouse, water damage repair requirements guide your next moves. You have a tight timeline because water’s corrosive action is immediate and progressive. Unremoved water or high moisture levels in porous materials also host mold growth if not managed in the first 24 to 48 hours. We do not rely solely on a visual inspection, but also leverage our training from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to locate water that migrated from the pipe break using moisture detection tools and infrared imaging.

How Can Vast Amounts of Water Be Removed from a Large Warehouse Space?

One benefit of teaming with SERVPRO is our scalable workforce and equipment inventory. It is not fiscally sustainable for your company to own and store a fleet of water damage repair equipment nor employ dozens of staff awaiting a water emergency. On the other hand, our ability to respond fast and with adequate resources is precisely why we exist, to help our community business partners. To that end, our crew:

• Assesses the scenario, including performing a safety inspection and moisture/fluids detection
• Positions and operates appropriate quantities of water removal equipment, including:
• Pumps
• Truck-mounted extractors (each capable of removing 36,000 gallons daily)
• Portable extraction units for recessed and otherwise confined spaces
• Performs controlled demolition such as flood cuts of drywall between wall studs and drilled or sawn holes in other structures to release water using our construction division crew later for repairs 
• Plans and implements structural drying with heat, air movers, and dehumidifiers 

Contact SERVPRO of Kent when a water damage repair situation has your cleaning crews drowning. The additional trained workers and equipment are just a call away at (253) 850-1500.

Explaining the Need for Partial Demolition During Kent Water Removal

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

If you find water damage in your home, contact SERVPRO immediately. Our trained professionals will formulate a remediation plan for your home.

SERVPRO Teams Make The Necessary Changes To Avoid Further Loss Of Your Property

A water loss in your Kent home already creates chaos, so understandably homeowners are concerned when restoration technicians recommend strategies involving removing or altering structural components. Clear communication with our customers about the need for controlled demolition is vital. Our full-service restoration company streamlines not only the water extraction and structural drying but also any repairs or rebuilding needed afterward.

Water Migrates 

After a plumbing leak, tub overflow, or appliance mishap, fast water removal in your Kent home avoids further deterioration of building materials and secondary harm like mold growth. Water does not remain static once it escapes from a pipe, hose, or container. It flows, seeps, and percolates into building cavities and materials and is absorbed by porous ones. 

Detection Leads to Carefully Planned Demolition

SERVPRO technicians master training in the use of moisture meters and detectors, following the path of the water. We also use thermal imaging, employing expert reading of temperature fluctuations, to locate pooled water. Often the liquid and absorbed water are entirely encapsulated by walls, woodwork, and flooring. Leaving it to drain or dry out over time is not best practice. If we do not follow its path and make arrangements to extract liquids and dry out wet structural components, expect a continuous weakening of materials, lingering odors, and great expense to remedy the situation. To remove the water, we try a range of strategies:

• Removal of baseboards to cut holes near the bottom of wall cavities
• Flood cuts, made several inches above the waterline when drywall is saturated
• Loosening of paneling or strips of hardwood flooring 
• Drilled holes in masonry mortar joints 

Next Steps

These remedies facilitate the release of liquids and permit the infusion of warm, dry air. SERVPRO technicians use a system that can switch between negative air pressure to suction out water and positive air pressure to force warm, dry air into cavities through the smaller holes to accelerate evaporation. Larger openings, like the flood cuts, permit us to position air movers and dehumidifiers closer, encouraging evaporation and then capture of the water vapor. Floors respond to suction-driven mats or airflow under planks for thorough drying.

Streamlined Rebuilding 

Our reconstruction division lightens the load on SERVPRO customers. Rather than hiring another contractor to address the holes and sawn-off drywall, our contractor’s license permits employees to repair, reinstall, and rebuild. 

Engage SERVPRO of Kent for wrap-around restoration and rehabbing services beginning with water removal. Call us at (253) 850-1500 to schedule an assessment.

Proven Tips to Flood Damage Remediation Success in Kent

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding in your basement can cause a lot more damage than you’d think. Our certified technicians are here to help. We are standing by 24/7.

Common Issues With Flood Damage Cleanup in Kent Basements

Flood damage has the potential to occur in nearly any room in a home. Basements and crawl spaces are particularly susceptible to this type of water loss. 

The cleanup of flood damage in a Kent basement is more than just mopping up water and turning on fans to dry the premises. SERVPRO technicians are restoring as they clean to ensure the least amount of loss for the structure and contents.  

Water Removal Issues

Elements such as silt, debris, solid waste, and mud commonly appear with floodwater. The techs need to use hand tools such as rakes and shovels to get rid of the solids in the water to expose the substrate of the basement floor for further scoping and mitigation. When there is a large amount of debris mixed in the water over a full scale in the home, the techs rely on trash pumps to pull out the water and solids quickly. In cases where the water in the basement is higher than two inches in depth, submersible pumps get deployed for removal efforts. 

Treatment of Contaminated Water

For safety reasons, the SERVPRO techs use personal protection gear while cleaning up floodwater, including respirators. It is a common practice to treat the water they are working on with a disinfectant before removal to increase the protection from resident biological agents. 

Special Considerations for Basements

The technicians are extra careful during the mitigation of flood loss to a basement. When prolonged exposure to water occurs, the removal of the water inside the basement when the soil outside the basement walls has high saturation levels can lead to a collapse of the interior walls due to hydrostatic pressure. This attention to detail is why the techs survey both the interior and exterior of the home to ensure it is safe to go forward with water removal and drying of the property. 

Significant Repairs Do Not Have to Be Stressful

When the exterior or interior of a basement has flood loss, the controlled demo actions to save as much of the structure as possible may be many. The cut-out sheetrock, repairs to the exterior, including painting and installation of flooring as needed. With their general contractor license #SERVPCS911LE, the techs can offer this service to homeowners to return their homes to preloss condition. 

When flood damage is the problem in your home, call SERVPRO of Kent at (253) 850-1500. The emergency response teams are available 24/7 to make the water loss to the property, "Like it never even happened."