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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts

Top Three Causes of Fires

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

Did you know that the top three causes of residential fires include cooking, heating and electric systems/equipment. Let’s discuss each cause in more depth so you are able to determine how each can be avoided.

  • Cooking: Causing nearly half of home fires, cooking-related fires are also, unfortunately, the second leading cause for residential fire deaths. These fires peak during the holidays, first Thanksgiving, followed by Christmas. Unattended cooking plays a large role in how fires begin. Other factors include grease and oil. Heating oil too quickly can cause fires. Leaving grease on the stovetop can also create fires. Leaving common kitchen items such as over mitts and food wrappers on or near the stove can also start fires.
  • Heating: Spiking during the cold winter months of December, January and February, heating fires typically stem from space heaters, fireplaces and wood stoves. While it may be tempting to keep your portable heater right near you on the chilliest of days, fires can easily be created if furnishing or personal belongings, such as mattresses and blankets, are within 3 feet of the space heater. Fires also start when heating sources such as space heaters or fireplaces are left unattended.
  • Electric: Wiring, cords (including extension cords), lighting, and plugs all fall under the umbrella of electric distribution. Malfunction and damage, such as fraying, are a couple reasons as to why fires begin from electric distribution. Faulty electrical outlets cause fires, as do worn out sockets. Using an unqualified electrician to install or update wiring, lighting, etc. is another reason why fires may begin in your home. Additionally, the exposure of water to electricity can create fire.

Be sure to be mindful if you smoke, light candles, use a grill, or have children and/or pets, as these are a few other leading causes of residential fires. Taking caution and remaining vigilant can greatly help keep you, your family and home safe!

If you suffer fire damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County is Here to Help!  Call us 24/7 at 810-732-3298.

Small Appliance Fires

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

There are a myriad of things that can cause house fires. It can seem impossible to prevent all the fire hazards in your home. Smaller appliances such as toasters, space heaters and dehumidifiers can pose great risks if not properly used, maintained and monitored.

-Be sure to check the appliance regularly. Any irregularity in the unit or the power cord could be a potential fire hazard. 

-Be sure that the wall outlets you are plugging your appliance into are working properly. If you notice any flickering lights or sparks shut the power off and contact an electrician. 

-Unplug the appliance when not in use. An unused toaster sitting on the counter can easily be accidentally turned on.

-Make sure the appliance is far away from any potential fire hazard such as blankets, papers or even water which can cause the unit to spark. 

Many appliances have safety features on them that are supposed to shut the unit off when they tip over or malfunction in some way but this is not fool proof. Never leave them running unattended.

Routine Exhaust Fan Maintenance

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Bathroom exhaust fan fires are commonly caused by four different things.

  1. Faulty wiring
  2. Running the fan for extended periods of time
  3. Overheating the motor
  4. Failure to clean the fan

An exhaust fan fire can cause devastating damage. In the attached picture, you can see what a SERVPRO customer was left with after their fan caught fire. The fire department had to completely drown the bathroom and surrounding areas with water to put a stop to the flames, leaving the homeowner with extensive FIRE AND WATER damage.

To prevent this from happening in your home, follow these simple routine maintenance steps.

Get in the habit of inspecting and cleaning your bathroom fans regularly. Every six months to a year is recommended.

Exhaust fans should not run for long periods of time and should always be turned off before leaving the house. The recommended time to run the fan is between 15 and 20 minutes.

Have a Merry and Safe Christmas!

12/21/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that December is the peak time of year for home fires started by candles? Each year an average of 7,900 home candle fires are reported! 

Candles smell great and give you a nice cozy feeling, especially in the cold winter months, but it is important you pay attention to a few things.

Never leave your home while a candle is burning. Before walking away, make sure that the flame has completely burned out. 

Never place a lit candle underneath a low shelf or cabinet. make sure the candle is placed somewhere free and clear of anything that is        potentially flammable. 

Never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle and make sure that the candle is up high enough so a child cannot reach it and knock it  over.

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County is wishing you and your family a very safe and Merry Christmas this year. 

The Affects Smoke Damage Has on your Home and Personal Items.

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

Fires can cause extensive damage to your home and personal effects. The heat radiating from the flames will radiate and cause items to melt or crack. After the flames have been delt with you are left with the devastating after math of smoke damage.

 What Can Be Saved?

It all depends on the extent of the damage as well as the cost involved. Some items will cost more to salvage then to replace. A specially trained SERVPRO professional can assess and determine what items should be cleaned, discarded or replaced.

How Does Smoke Affect Your Home?

Smoke does not affect all materials the same. Also, just how hot the fire got and what it originated from will affect the outcome. The worst way smoke can cause damage is when it sneaks into small cracks. The particles are so fine so they often go undetected for a long period of time, leaving a smoke smell that can last for a very long time. You can remove the smell from your home only by removing or cleaning the affected items and clean your home with special formula cleaner.

How Do You Clean Smoke Damage?

First and foremost, the home needs to be properly ventilated. Next all debris needs to be removed and every surface area needs to be cleaned. The quicker this step is complete the more likely you are to reduce the possibility of cross-contamination.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors are porous so smoke particles are often impossible to get out. The floor may have to be refinished or completely replaced.

Clothing

Commercial cleaning detergents should be enough to remove most, if not all of the smoke smell.

What SERVPRO can do for YOU After a Fire!

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

What does SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County do for you when your home and family are affected?

1. Within one hour a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will call to arrange for service.

2. Within 4 short hours a professional will arrive on-site prepared to begin emergency mitigation services, if so needed.

3. A Project Manager of SERVPRO will review your home with you and address any questions or concerns.

4. The SERVPRO Project Manager will then go through your home starting from the fire and working his way outward to see what is restorable or salvageable. 

5. Next SERVPRO will present to you and your insurance adjuster a plan of action, also known as a "Scope of Work".

6. Your home will be cleaned and restored by SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.

7. After all of the work is completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction

After The Fire Trucks Leave

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of NW Genesee County has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. What should you do after a fire? Call SERVPRO!

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today (810-732-3298)

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call the SERVPRO of NW Genesee County, whose phones are answered 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, the SERVPRO of NW Genesee County can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

SERVPRO of NW Genesee County uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Fire Restoration Services

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot facts:

-Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.

-Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.

-The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of NW Genesee 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:

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 –810-732-3298

There are thousands of fires in Michigan every year!

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

only one matters to you!

What does SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County do for you when your home and family are affected?

1. Within one hour a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will call to arrange for service.

2. Within 4 short hours a professional will arrive on-site prepared to begin emergency mitigation services, if so needed.

3. A Project Manager of SERVPRO will review your home with you and address any questions or concerns.

4. The SERVPRO Project Manager will then go through your home starting from the fire and working his way outward to see what is restorable or salvageable. 

5. Next SERVPRO will present to you and your insurance adjuster a plan of action, also known as a "Scope of Work".

6. Your home will be cleaned and restored by SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.

7. After all of the work is completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction

Candle Safety

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that December is the peak time of year for home fires started by candles? Each year an average of 7,900 home candle fires are reported! 

Candles smell great and give you a nice cozy feeling, especially in the cold winter months, but it is important you pay attention to a few things.

     Never leave your home while         a candle is burning. Before           walking away, make sure that      the flame has completely              burned out. 

     Never place a lit candle                 underneath a low shelf or             cabinet. make sure the candle       is placed somewhere free and       clear of anything that is                potentially flammable. 

     Never leave a child alone in a       room with a lit candle and             make sure that the candle is         up high enough so a child             cannot reach it and knock it           over.

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County is wishing you and your family a very safe and Merry Christmas this year. 

Stay Safe this Thanksgiving!

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is a time to relax and celebrate with family, but we wanted to take a moment to remind everyone to exercise caution while preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Statistically, fire departments respond to more residential fire calls on Thanksgiving day than any other day of the year.

Every year, 2,100 residential structures catch fire on Thanksgiving, resulting in 10 deaths, 50 serious injuries, and $28 million dollars in damage. Here are some simple steps that you can take to avoid disaster on your day of relaxation and celebration:

  • Don’t leave food unattended while cooking
  • Check all smoke detectors before beginning Thanksgiving dinner preparation
  • Keep children and pets away from the kitchen
  • Keep the kitchen floors unobstructed to avoid tripping
  • Don’t use any electrical appliances that have damaged or severed cords (use this as an opportunity to treat yourself to some new kitchen toys!)
  • Avoid using deep fryers (even in the back yard, the NFPA discourages ALL use of fryers)

As always, our crews are on call 24/7 365 days of the year, should disaster strike. Please take note of the steps above to protect your home and your family! Relax, kick back, enjoy some football, and give thanks!

On this Thanksgiving, we feel especially thankful for all of YOU, our loyal clients! Thank you for helping to make SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County your source for all your Genesee County restoration needs!

It's Time to Talk Furnace Safety Again

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

What you need to consider when turning on your furnace this fall....

Smell

You should consider having your duct system cleaned before turning the furnace on because dust will settle in your ducts during the warm months and inevitably burn off when the furnace is turned on, causing an odor. If the smell persists for more than a few days or if any smoke is coming from the ducts you should turn it off right away and call for assistance.  

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless gas that can cause severe health issues and even lead to death. Be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector installed if you do not already have one. Pay close attention to it when turning on the furnace and if the alarm goes off or you get a reading that is over 30, turn the furnace off right away and call a technician. Some professionals suggest leaving your home until it is assessed if the alarm goes off or at the very least open any and all windows to air out the space.

Noises

Your furnace can tell you allot by how it sounds. Does it seem like it is working to hard to run by making new and intense noises? Is the furnace not blowing warm air? The first thing you should do is check your breaker to make sure the furnace is receiving power. 

If you need help finding a technician or someone to clean your ducts give us a call anytime. If a more serious matter should arrive and you need a restoration team, we are ready for your call 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County

810-732-3298

Fall Season Fires

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

The cooler weather has arrived and with that comes warm cozy sweaters, the burning of all fall scented candles and the constant baking of every desert that includes pumpkins or apples. 

In the middle of all the warm fuzzy feelings, lets take a second to talk fall fire safety.

-Candles look and smell great but they are not always practical for families with younger children. Keeping them high up on a shelf or counter does not always guarantee safety. Kids love to climb, especially when they see that pretty orange flickering light. Battery operated candles are just as beautiful, last allot longer and are allot safer. 

- Baking is a fall must and it is also a great skill to teach your kids. Just be sure to use proper kitchen safety.

-Keep the stove top clean from any grease or dust

-Keep towels away from the stove top

-Make sure everything is completely turned off when you are finished

-Unplug any counter top appliances when they are not being used

-Never leave the kitchen while cooking

Everyone at SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County is wishing you a safe and happy fall season. 

If disaster should ever strike, call us today!

810-732-3298

Bathroom Safety

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

Bathroom exhaust fan lint is a huge fire hazard! Exhaust fans can be found in most homes and many businesses. The purpose being to help prevent steamed mirrors, moist walls, and foggy windows. It also comes in handy in when you need to get rid of a not so wonderful smell. However, if these vents are not properly and routinely cleaned they can become dangerous. Just like all types of fans, vent fans collect dust or lint. This lint can cause the motor to overheat and ignite the plastic fan and the wood structure. 

These vents are not designed to last forever and it typically tends to be the last thing a homeowner thinks about replacing. Newer vent fans have thermal protection that causes the motor to shut off if they seize and overheat. This type of vent has only been around since the late 70's so there are still millions of older builds that are without this vent safety precaution. 

You should clean your bathroom exhaust fan twice a year. If it starts to make noise or has an odd odor than it is time to replace it. 

If disaster should strike, Call SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County 24/7, 365 days a year!

810-732-3298

Removal of Smokey Odor After a Fire

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

Fires can be devastating in so many ways. After the fire is put out, you are left with water damage from a sprinkler system or fire hose, and even worse is the lingering smell of smoke. You need a team of professionals who have certified training in all areas of restoration to help you rid that awful smell and take care of all the damage while you take care of the most important thing, your family.

As fire restoration pros, SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County use 2 primary methods to eliminate odors

1. Dry fogging- Dispenses solvent based deodorants as very small particles

2. Ozone- Activated oxygen quickly dissipates with no residue, fragrances, or chemicals that some can be sensitive to.

Family Escape Plan

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

Do you have an escape plan if a fire happens at your home?

Consider these tips to create a plan:

  • Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan, showing 2 exits of each room (door and window)
  • A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home
  • Everyone in the household must understand the escape plan. When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
  • Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor's house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.
  • If there are infants, elderly, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency.
  • Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

Having an escape plan set in place- JUST IN CASE- can be life saving and beneficial.

If you have a fire at your home, call SERVPRO of NW Genesee County to take care of the disaster.

Christmas Tree Hazards

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

Every year more and more families are moving away from the fake pre-lit Christmas trees and gravitating back towards the real thing. 

Real trees are beautiful, but as with most beautiful things in life, they can be dangerous. Take a look at these guid lines to keep your family and home safe.

-When shopping for that perfect tree, look for vibrant green needles that do not break easily. If a tree is already easily shedding its needles than it is likely not a freshly cut tree and more susceptible to catch fire.

- Make sure that there is always water in the tree base to prevent the tree from drying out and make sure the tree is placed far away from any heat sources like candles or fire places. 

-We all get tired at the end of the day and forget to do things but be sure to make unplugging your Christmas tree a part of your nightly routine. 

-Lastly, pay attention to what Christmas lights you purchase. Any lights you use outdoors need to be labeled suitable for outdoor use.

Giving Thanks this Year

11/6/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO representative speaking to home owner about fire safety Happy Thanksgiving from SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County!

It is that time of year again and all of us at SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County cannot wait to spend time with our families while eating enough turkey to leave us in a Thanksgiving Day hays. 

We want you and your family to enjoy your Thanksgiving Day festivities as well so just a few tips to keep you safe on Turkey Day...

  • Don’t leave the kitchen while food is cooking on the stove top and never leave your home while the turkey is cooking in the oven
  • Check all smoke detectors before beginning Thanksgiving dinner preparation
  • Keep children and pets away from the kitchen and do not leave them unattended in a room with lit candles
  • Keep the kitchen floors unobstructed to avoid tripping
  • Don’t use any electrical appliances that have damaged or severed cords (use this as an opportunity to treat yourself to some new kitchen toys!)
  • Keep all sharp knives out of reach from children
  • Avoid using deep fryers (even in the back yard, the NFPA discourages ALL use of fryers)

As always, our crews are on call 24/7 365 days of the year, should disaster strike. Please take note of the steps above to protect your home and your family! Relax, kick back, enjoy some football, and give thanks!

Before Turning on the Furnace

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

The ups and downs in temperature seem to be at an end, leaving us with only the cold days. Many families are thinking about or already have turned there furnace on. Below are a few things you should check for when you do. 

Smell

You should consider having your duct system cleaned before turning the furnace on because dust will settle in your ducts during the warm months and inevitably burn off when the furnace is turned on, causing an odor. If the smell persists for more than a few days or if any smoke is coming from the ducts you should turn it off right away and call for assistance.  

Carbon Monoxide Detector

Carbon Monoxide is an odorless gas that can cause severe health issues and even lead to death. Be sure to have a carbon monoxide detector installed if you do not already have one. Pay close attention to it when turning on the furnace and if the alarm goes off or you get a reading that is over 30, turn the furnace off right away and call a technician. Some professionals suggest leaving your home until it is assessed if the alarm goes off or at the very least open any and all windows to air out the space.

Noises

Your furnace can tell you allot by how it sounds. Does it seem like it is working to hard to run by making new and intense noises? Is the furnace not blowing warm air? The first thing you should do is check your breaker to make sure the furnace is receiving power. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County is dedicated to helping your family have a safe and happy fall season. 

If you need help finding a technician or someone to clean your ducts give us a call anytime. If a more serious matter should arrive and you need a restoration team, we are ready for your call 7 days a week and 24 hours a day.

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County

810-732-3298

Laundry Room Fire Prevention

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

While kitchen fires are still the leading cause of house fires in the United States, an average of 42 families are affected by laundry room fires per day.

The most frustrating thing about these fires is that they could have easily been prevented with just a few simples rules to follow.

Always make sure that both your washer and dryer and plugged into an outlet with the correct amount of voltage and never use an extension cord to run your machines. 

Your lint screen needs to be cleared out after every use and once a month it should be cleaned with warm soapy water (make sure it dries completely before putting it back into the dryer). 

Be sure to keep the floor free and clear of any cleaning chemicals or other flammable items.

Installing a fire alarm in the laundry room or in the hallway outside of the laundry room can help keep your family safe incase anything was to happen. 

Firework Fun after the 4th

7/10/2019 (Permalink)

The 4th of July is over but the firework fun has just begun. 

Fireworks cause over 18,500 fires per year with an average of 43 million dollars in direct property damage. 

Did you know that sparklers burn at 1200 fahrenheit? That is hot enough to cause third degree burns and start a fire with just about anything. 

A few safety tips for you and your family this hot summer

Only adults should use fireworks- the vast majority of firework related fires and injuries are from children under the age of 15.

Light fireworks in clear, open areas- make sure the area being used to set off fireworks is clear from any dry and possibly flammable grass or debris. 

Have fire extinguishers ready- it is always a good idea to understand how to properly use a fire extinguisher and have one readily available any time you use fireworks.

Know how to handle firework duds- if a firework does not "go off" do not try to re-light it. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes then throw water on it and allow it to sit for another 15 minutes before disposing it.

light fireworks on a flat surface- If the firework is let off on a slanted surface it could fall over and aim in an entirely different direction than intended, leading to possible injury or damage to near bye admirers and structures.

Light fireworks carefully- It is important to create as much distance between you and the firework when lighting it so try for an extended match or an extended butane lighter.

Do not experiment with fireworks- Never tamper with the original design of a firework.

Every one at SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County is wishing you a happy and safe 2019 summer!

Memorial Day Grill Safety Tips

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

"A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself” —Joseph Campbell

Memorial Day weekend is here! We're here on the blog to give some grill safety tips. With the summertime in full swing, we are all enjoying time by the pool and barbeques with our friends and family. We can’t forget that grills are responsible for an estimated 8,900 home fires a year. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers these general grilling guidelines:

    • Only use propane and charcoal grills outdoors.
    • Place grills away from your home (remember, this counts deck railings!)
    • As always, keep children and pets away from the grill area
    • Make sure you keep your grill clean by removing the grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill (keep in mind that the leading cause of a grill fire is failure to clean)
    • NEVER leave the grill unattended

     Who’s ready to throw the hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill this weekend and celebrate how blessed we are to live in a beautiful and free country? We know we are! Keep in mind these safety rules and have a great summer with your family and friends. 

All gave some, some gave all. 

SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County is locally owned and operated, so we’re already close by and ready to respond immediately when you need us. We make disaster "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at 810-732-3298!

Common Causes for house FIres

5/15/2019 (Permalink)

The most common cause of a house fire is cooking equipment. You should never leave your stove unattended while cooking.

Did you know that smoking in a bedroom is the leading cause for fire related fatalities? Smoking outside of the home is the best way to insure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

Children are naturally curious about everything and if given the opportunity they may light something on fire just to see what happens. It is important to keep lighters and matches out of reach. Dont leave fire education up to your children. Teach them the importance of fire safety, create a fire escape plan and always remember "stop, drop and roll."

Faulty wiring can cause electrical fires and lamp shades can easily over heat if they are tipped over or too close to the light bulb 

BBQ's are a summer time favorite but make sure that your grill is never used inside the garage or too close to the outside of your home.

Fires can travel incredibly fast and are extremely dangerous. Read this article to find out what you can do to protect your family and your home. 

Every 18 Seconds a Fire Occurs in the U.S.!

2/17/2019 (Permalink)

only one matters to you!

What does SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County do for you when your home and family are affected?

1. Within one hour a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will call to arrange for service.

2. Within 4 short hours a professional will arrive on-site prepared to begin emergency mitigation services, if so needed.

3. A Project Manager of SERVPRO will review your home with you and address any questions or concerns.

4. The SERVPRO Project Manager will then go through your home starting from the fire and working his way outward to see what is restorable or salvageable. 

5. Next SERVPRO will present to you and your insurance adjuster a plan of action, also known as a "Scope of Work".

6. Your home will be cleaned and restored by SERVPRO Franchise Professionals.

7. After all of the work is completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction

Why children should keep their bedroom doors closed at night

2/8/2019 (Permalink)

The front and back side of a door affected by a fire in Montrose.

Many children like sleeping with their doors open in fear of the boogeyman hiding under there bed. However this picture shows why it is so important for bedroom doors to stay shut at night time. A shut door can keep out smoke and eventually fire and save a life. 

- Routine at home fire drills are a great way to keep your kids ready and aware. Kids practice them at school, why wouldn't you teach them at home?
Stop, Drop, and Roll is universal.  Also teach them to stay low, and how to check with the back of their hand to see if a door is warm.  Pick an easy place outside like the swing set for everyone to meet.

For more tips, check out this article from the National Fire Prevention Association on creating a home fire escape plan.

-Smoke alarms should be in every bedroom and properly maintained.

As always, our crews are on call 24/7 365 days of the year, should disaster strike. 

Thank you for helping to make SERVPRO of NW Genesee County your source for all your Genesee County restoration needs!

Thanksgiving Fire Safety for Genesee County Homeowners

11/14/2018 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is a time to relax and celebrate with family, but we wanted to take a moment to remind everyone to exercise caution while preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Statistically, fire departments respond to more residential fire calls on Thanksgiving day than any other day of the year.

Every year, 2,100 residential structures catch fire on Thanksgiving, resulting in 10 deaths, 50 serious injuries, and $28 million dollars in damage. Here are some simple steps that you can take to avoid disaster on your day of relaxation and celebration:

  • Don’t leave food unattended while cooking
  • Check all smoke detectors before beginning Thanksgiving dinner preparation
  • Keep children and pets away from the kitchen
  • Keep the kitchen floors unobstructed to avoid tripping
  • Don’t use any electrical appliances that have damaged or severed cords (use this as an opportunity to treat yourself to some new kitchen toys!)
  • Avoid using deep fryers (even in the back yard, the NFPA discourages ALL use of fryers)

As always, our crews are on call 24/7 365 days of the year, should disaster strike. Please take note of the steps above to protect your home and your family! Relax, kick back, enjoy some football, and give thanks!

On this Thanksgiving, we feel especially thankful for all of YOU, our loyal clients! Thank you for helping to make SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County your source for all your Genesee County restoration needs!

The Importance of Cleaning Dryer Vents

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

Check out this before and after - have your dryer vents EVER been cleaned?

According to FEMA, failure to clean home dryers causes 34% of home dryer fires.  Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss, and can also lead to injury or death.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in you or your insured's home or business, SERVPRO of Northwest Genesee County can help clean dryer vents and ducts that may have lint build up.

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load, and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open, and is not restricted by snow, a bird's nest, or any other potential obstacles.

If you have a need for your dryer vents to be cleaned, contact the cleaning professionals at your local SERVPRO - Northwest Genesee County!  We can be reached 24/7 at 810-732-3298.

What Should You Do After a Fire?

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of NW Genesee County has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition. What should you do after a fire? Call SERVPRO!

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Today (810-732-3298)

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call the SERVPRO of NW Genesee County, whose phones are answered 24 hours a day. Our representative will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our Professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, the SERVPRO of NW Genesee County can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

SERVPRO of NW Genesee County uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

They will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Do You Sleep With Your Bedroom Door Open at Night?

10/24/2017 (Permalink)

The difference with the door closed during a fire (inside of room & outside of it- where the fire is)

"Close before you doze" is a slogan that local fire departments are using to raise awareness on something so simple, that could potentially save your life!

  • "The simple task of closing your door at night could be life-saving, especially since now you only have just three minutes to get out of a burning home."
  • Clio Fire Chief stated that "40 years ago it used it used to be 17 minutes to get out of a burning home, and now it's just 3 minutes."
  • Closing your door is one of the top 3 ways, aside from smoke alarms and making an escape plan that fire officials say you should do.
  • When you shut the door, it will take the fire and smoke a little longer to go through the door (giving you time to escape)

"CLOSE BEFORE YOU DOZE"

Do You Have an Escape Plan?

10/24/2017 (Permalink)

Do you have an escape plan if a fire happens at your home?

Consider these tips to create a plan:

  • Walk through your home and inspect all possible exits and escape routes. Households with children should consider drawing a floor plan, showing 2 exits of each room (door and window)
  • A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home
  • Everyone in the household must understand the escape plan. When you walk through your plan, check to make sure the escape routes are clear and doors and windows can be opened easily.
  • Choose an outside meeting place (i.e. neighbor's house, a light post, mailbox, or stop sign) a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they've escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan.
  • If there are infants, elderly, or family members with mobility limitations, make sure that someone is assigned to assist them in the fire drill and in the event of an emergency. Assign a backup person too, in case the designee is not home during the emergency.
  • Once you're out, stay out! Under no circumstances should you ever go back into a burning building. If someone is missing, inform the fire department dispatcher when you call. Firefighters have the skills and equipment to perform rescues.

Having an escape plan set in place- JUST INCASE- can be life saving and beneficial.

If you have a fire at your home, call SERVPRO of NW Genesee County to take care of the disaster.

810-732-3298

NW Genesee County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

4/6/2017 (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 NW Genesee 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:


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 –810-732-3298