House Fire, Now What?

8/29/2024 (Permalink)

Time is of the essence after having a fire, the sooner the damage is addressed, the more likely it is that your property and personal belongings can be restored instead of having to be disposed of and/or replaced. Our team of SERVPRO® professionals can help with emergency board-up services, content inventory, cleaning and restoration using cutting-edge cleaning techniques and products, perform pack out/move out in the event your belongings need to be stored during the restoration process, electronic cleaning, document and photo restoration, as well as offering content inventory services to assist in the insurance claim process. We will work closely with you and your insurance professionals every step of the way. If the unthinkable happens, let our SERVPRO heroes make it "Like it never even happened."

Reasons To Keep Bedroom Doors Closed

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

The thought of a fire for a homeowner can cause many emotions. Closing doors is one habit that can help prevent the spread of fire damage. Closing doors prevents the fire from getting more oxygen and room to spread at a faster rate. Smoke and soot travel throughout the house and breathing in the smoke inhalation is very dangerous. Smoke contains many toxic products including carbon monoxide. It is important to close your bedroom door at night while you sleep. The alarms will go off and wake you up, giving you time to get out without the flames, toxic smoke, and high head temperatures in your room. Make sure you check the smoke detectors in your home often and have one close to where you sleep. SERVPRO of Mason City is here to help provide services to prevent long-term problems. SERVPRO provides mitigation services for fire, smoke, and soot removal to personal belongings and the home structure.

Cooking and Kitchen Safety

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

In the world we live in, it is so easy to become distracted and find yourself walking away from the stove while cooking. Be it that you waiting for the water to boil or just simmering the food in the pan. Just walking away for a minute or two can be the difference between a good dinner or a possible fire. Any task or distraction that takes you out of the kitchen while cooking could lead to a fire starting and even the difference in the damages caused if there is one.

Never leave the stove on for any period of time without being in the direct vicinity of the stove. If a fire does happen, stay calm and use the list below as capable in the situation:

• Evaluate – call 911 if it is out of control while gathering family and get to safety
• Put a metal lid on it
• Turn off the heat
• Dump baking soda
• A chemical fire extinguisher is best as a last resort or if the above options are not available
• Let the area sit, and cool down, before you address the damage.

Whatever you do:

• DO NOT throw water on the fire
• DO NOT use a hand towel to try and extinguish the fire

We hope you never have to react to a fire in your home, but if you find yourself having to make the call SERVPRO of Mason City is here for your cleanup needs.

Understanding Structure and Content Coverage

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Nobody plans for an unexpected disaster but understanding your insurance coverage is very important in the event a disaster does occur. When purchasing a home or business insurance policy, there are several things that need to be considered.

One of the biggest decisions when purchasing insurance is what type of policy or policies you need to protect not only the structure of your home or business but also the belongings inside. A structured policy covers the building, which includes things attached to the building such as flooring, countertops, etc. A content policy covers anything you can pick up and carry out of the home or business. This can include furniture, clothing, appliances, etc. Contents are defined as any kind of personal possessions that are not permanently attached to the structure. In the event a loss occurs at your home or business, it is very important to have insurance for the structure as well as the content. This will insure you are protected for all things important to you.

Talk with your insurance agent to review your policy and be sure you’re covered. SERVPRO of Mason City is always happy to help in the time of need and to make a disaster look “Like it never even happened.”

What to do After a Fire

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

When fire damages your structure, there are many emotions running through your mind. As the owner of a business or home, fear, stress, and uncertainty can make you feel overwhelmed by the loss that has occurred. SERVPRO is here to help ease some of those uncertainties and work to make it look like “it never even happened.”

The first 48 hours after fire damage can make the difference in restoring versus replacing. After the rescue team has come in and extinguished the fire, there are some things you, as the owner, can do until help arrives to risk any further damage. These include:

• Limit movement in the structure to prevent soot particles from spreading.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.
• If the electricity is OFF, empty the freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open to prevent odor.

Some things you will want to avoid without contacting SERVPRO first include:

• Cleaning any walls or painted surfaces, electrical equipment, or shampoo carpet or upholstery.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Send garments to a dry cleaner; improper cleaning may set in a smoke odor.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.

SERVPRO is always here to help. With high-quality products and a team of professionals, we strive to not only restore your structure, but also your peace of mind. In the event a fire occurs in your home or business, please give us a call!

What is Soot and is it Dangerous?

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

After a house fire is put out, the danger, unfortunately, does not stop there. Soot may spread to your entire home, this not only poses a threat to the structure but to your health as well.

Soot is made up of tiny particles created by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Soot contains acids, chemicals, metals, soils, and dust. The acidic properties in the soot can cause additional damage to your home and indoor air quality if not removed immediately.

Soot can enter your body through inhalation, ingestion, or through the skin and eyes. This can cause breathing issues, including asthma, bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and even cancer. To avoid the health risks of soot exposure after a home fire, make sure that all soot-affected areas are properly cleaned and sanitized. SERVPRO of Mason City has specialized training and equipment to remove soot. 

Camp Fire Safety During Dry Season

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

It’s getting to be that time again, time for campfires! Sitting around a fire with friends and loved ones is one of the many joys that accompany the coming season. However, campfire accidents send thousands of people to the emergency room with burn injuries every year. To make sure you stay safe this season, please follow the safety tips below from the National Fire Protection Association.

• Start fires at least 25 feet away from structures and anything that can burn.
• Clear away dry leaves and sticks from the fire pit.
• Never burn on windy days and be aware of the direction of the wind to keep your campsite and others safe.
• Teach children and pets that fire is dangerous and not to be played around.
• If there is not a fire ring or pit already at the campsite, use rocks to create a ring in the center of a large, cleared area.
• Always have the fire attended; never leave a fire for even a second.
• Keep fires small and controlled.
• Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids on or near the fire.
• Have a hose or bucket of water, and a shovel nearby to put out the fire with dirt/sand and water.

Campfires and meant to be a fun and relaxing gathering place for friends and family. Please be aware of the safety hazards that can happen while having a campfire. In the event you were to have contents damaged by campfire smoke or fire, SERVPRO of Mason City can help tend to your restoration needs. We wish everyone a safe and fun season!

What is Soot and is it Dangerous?

7/29/2022 (Permalink)

After a house fire is put out, the danger, unfortunately, does not stop there. Soot may spread to your entire home, this not only poses a threat to the structure but to your health as well.

Soot is made up of tiny particles created by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Soot contains acids, chemicals, metals, soils, and dust. The acidic properties in the soot can cause additional damage to your home and indoor air quality if not removed immediately.

Soot can enter your body through inhalation, ingestion, or through the skin and eyes. This can cause breathing issues, including asthma, bronchitis, coronary heart disease, and even cancer. To avoid the health risks of soot exposure after a home fire, make sure that all soot-affected areas are properly cleaned and sanitized. SERVPRO of Mason City has specialized training and equipment to remove soot. 

Steps for a Safe 4th of July

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

FIREWORKS SAFETY

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states outlaw most fireworks. Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
4. Light only one firework at a time and never attempt to relight "a dud."
5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.

How We Track Our Customers Contents

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Mason City we stand by, “Like it never even happened.” 

We understand the stress our customers are experiencing when their personal items are damaged from a loss in their home, or business. SERVPRO of Mason City strives to ease any unsettling feelings our customers may have throughout the restoration process, by using a software called Content Tracker. This software allows the content of our customers belongs to be tracked throughout the restoration process, and gives the ability to get real time updates of status and location. Some key benefits of using Content Tracker are:

• Promotes customer involvement with having access to belongings
• No double entry
• Real time pack out/pack back with barcodes for organized systems
• Accurate inventory reports
• Create reports that can be emailed
• Documents authorized on site

Content Tracker helps us build our customer to  have confidence and satisfaction knowing, we can track their contents location with a simple click. SERVPRO of Mason City is happy to help our customers make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us with your fire or water restoration needs, 641-424-3382.

Summer Sunshine and Safety Tips! Fire up your grills!

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors, but it is also important to keep safety in mind. Consider the following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association to keep you and your family safe all summer long.

When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your fire. Extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.
Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire, and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
SERVPRO of Mason City wishes you a safe and happy summer!!

Where do Most House Fires Occur

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchens

In the heart of the home, kitchens are also the most common spot in the house for fires to start. Specifically, unattended cooking is the leading cause of kitchen fires and fire-related injuries.

These man-made fires are also easily preventable: Keep an eye on the stove, oven, and other appliances like toaster ovens, and move combustible items away from the stove. Never leave the kitchen when you’re working with high heat during preparations like frying, boiling, or broiling—fires need only seconds to go from a small flame to an out-of-control blaze.

A few more tips for safe cooking:

• If someone else can’t watch things while you step away for a bathroom break or to help the kids, turn off the cooking appliance while you’re in the other room.
• Turn off the stove and all appliances once you’re done cooking.
• Keep everything off hot surfaces. Pay close attention to where you set dish towels or hot pads. Designate a spot, like a hook, to practice putting them back between each use.
• Roll up baggy sleeves or wear a securely fastened apron over billowy shirts or bottoms to prevent singeing.
• Do not heat your home with your oven.
• Keep a Class B fire extinguisher handy in case of fire. Water will only spread oil or grease and feed the flames.

for more info visit safewise.com

How Smoke Causes Damage

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke causes damage by overheating electronics, leading to failure. It infiltrates the inner components and coats parts with a black film.

When the inner workings are coated, especially the parts that produce heat as part of the electronics, it creates insulation and a magnetic charge. Then, the equipment will experience a short circuit and overheat. Extensive studies have examined this type of harm, covering how duration and concentration can affect electronics.

It also causes damage through soot buildup that gets pushed by smoke and makes contact with anything in its path. It will travel to cooler temperatures and keep traveling until it eventually dissipates. Soot from smoke contains acidity that will destroy metals and cause disintegration and discoloration.

These harmful traits can completely destroy electronics even after the fire is put out. This damage is even a risk if there isn’t a fire. Smoke and soot will linger and corrode circuity, causing short circuits. If you’ve had a small fire where flames did not reach the electronics, you should still be wary of this type of damage.

Also, if the area is damp, the moisture will make the soot more acidic, permanently staining surfaces, walls, and electronics. 

For more info visit www.alldryus.com

Understanding the Risks

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, more than 2,900 home fires are started by clothes dryers each year, due largely to the buildup of lint in the dryer. This lint builds up in:

• Lint traps
• Dryer vents
• Duct work

Lint is combustible, so when it combines with heat, the stage is set for a lint fire. What is a homeowner to do?

Clean the Lint Trap

This may seem obvious, but many of us are doing it wrong. After every load, remove the lint from the screen and wipe the edges. Periodically place it in a sink of hot water and scrub with a bristle brush to get it completely clean and prevent a dryer fire.

Invest in A Brush

A dryer lint brush is a long-handled brush that will help reach the nooks and crannies. Remove your dryer lint filter, stick the brush inside and gently loosen the built-up lint. This will remove big chunks of lint that you can gather and discard. Run the dryer on air only to remove any small leftover particles.

Check Your Exhaust

Once a year, unplug your dryer and get a good look at where your exhaust vent connects. Remove that piece, reach inside and use your vent brush to get out as much lint as possible.

Commercial Fire

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is a hazard every business owner faces. Each business owner must be prepared to cope with the possibility of a fire that may cause fire damage. Commercial fire damage can happen as a result of many factors including an electrical fire or utility room fire. During the fire, the business owner may need to deal with a firefighter in their company space. They may also need to cope with a fire truck and a fire hose that may be in use in order to help clear out soot damage and fire damage as well as smoke damage. The fire may have taken place in a single area of the business such as a utility room fire or it may be far more extensive requiring fire restoration efforts that can time to fully fix. It's best to realize that any commercial fire damage from any kind of fire including an electrical fire or utility room fire can take time to fix.

The Aftermath

In the aftermath of commercial fire damage, there may be lots of things present including a fire hose, firefighter, and fire truck. The owner may find it hard to get in during the fire to assess the fire damage, smoke damage, and soot damage. A fire sprinkler system may still be on and going, possibly creating even more problems. Fire suppression efforts may be ongoing by the firefighter and a team with a fire truck and a fire hose. It's best to take the time and let the fire suppression efforts continue until the professionals with the fire hose and fire truck are finished.

Repairing Fire Damage!

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Repairing smoke damage to walls.

In an event of fire damage, smoke damage will always occur to your walls, wall paint, or even wallpapers. In the case of a situation where the smoke damage is not too huge, you should use detergents and bleach to scrub it clean. Soot damage is somehow greasy and therefore you should fast try to dust it off from the surface before you start the fire cleanup. Most likely you might want to repaint but you should ensure that all the surfaces are clean and dry.

Repairing floors and carpets.

Due to the water that is involved in putting out the fire, the flooring and the carpets will absorb a lot of water. It is more recommendable if you remove the carpets that have absorbed water and replace them. At this point, water might also get into the cracks of hardwoods and vinyl flooring, adding to the fire damage. This issue needs to be addressed by a professional fire damage restoration company to help you with the fire clean-up.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

There is always a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning in your home or business. There are various appliances and systems that could accidentally introduce carbon monoxide into your building, and cause poisoning. Household appliances, gas fires, boilers, central heating systems, water heaters, cookers, open fires that use gas, oil, coal, and wood can all pose a risk. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that can be very dangerous at high levels. It can be particularly dangerous for people who are sleeping or intoxicated.

Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:

• Dull headache
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness

If you feel you have been exposed to carbon monoxide poisoning, get into fresh air immediately and seek medical help. If you go to the hospital, they may have you breathe pure oxygen through a mask. This helps oxygen reach your organs and tissues.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms are low-maintenance household devices. However, in order to ensure they are in good working order, there are a few steps that you should perform.

• Make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions to learn about any special maintenance required for your specific alarm model.
• It is recommended that you test the smoke alarm at least once a month. Normally, this is done by pressing the test button on the center of the device.
• Make sure everyone is familiar with the sound of the alarms and knows what to do if they hear the alarm.
• The batteries in the smoke alarms should typically be replaced twice a year. A good habit is to change the batteries at the beginning and the end of Daylight Savings Time. If one of your alarms starts to occasionally “chirp”, it means the battery is low and you need to replace it immediately.

End of Summer. Start of Fire Season

8/12/2021 (Permalink)

As I turn the calendar over I'm unfortunately reminded that summer is coming to an end. As fall approaches we need to be cognizant of what comes with it, fire season. There are a million precautions and steps that we all take but we can't control everything. When a fire happens there are some amazing tools and technology that SERVPRO has perfected. For odor control, there are a couple of amazing techniques that can really restore a lot of different situations. We have a technique called ozone that uses electricity and splits the O2 molecule and with an arc. When that happens the remaining oxygen atom is free and pairs up with other weak O2 molecules forming O3 molecules. These O3 molecules organically attach to odor molecules and change them chemically by oxidizing them. Another popular method for deodorization is using what is called a hydroxyl generator. This method also uses oxidization for odor removal. These generators use ultraviolet light and combine with water vapor to produce hydroxyl molecules. The hydroxyl molecule has a free electron that essentially lets it react with organic compounds and materials in this environment. These organic compounds are now attacked and neutralized and the chemical reaction lessens the perception of odor to us. These are just a couple of tools we have in a large arsenal that we utilize to lessen odor and restore your possessions or home to how it was before "Like it never even happened."

2 Ways To Reduce Revenue Loss

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

Business Fires: 2 Ways To Reduce Revenue Loss

A fire at your business can occur without warning and leave you to face a serious loss of revenue. Smoke and water damage, along with damaged inventory and equipment, could seriously delay a reopening.

1. Protect Undamaged Inventory

You might continue to lose money after a fire at your business unless you gather and remove undamaged inventory and other items from the building. Continued water damage and exposed sections of the building might be vulnerable to the elements and ruin items that were untouched by the fire. Securing inventory and equipment could help prevent further financial loss.

2. Retain a Restoration Service

While interruption insurance can protect your financial interests after a business fire, retaining fire damage and restoration service before trouble strikes may protect your financial interests as well. Not only will you have somewhere to turn for fire restoration and repair, but having a company like this on your side may help you recover more quickly after a fire so you can reduce revenue loss.
Interruption insurance and creating a working relationship with a fire restoration service can be useful assets to your business. Because serious fires can occur without warning, preparing for such an event may mean the difference between resuming operations within a few weeks and enduring a lengthy shutdown.

Different Types Smoke Damage

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow 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 Mason City 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.

Fire Damage In North Iowa!

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mason City specializes in fire and water damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Fire damage, including smoke and soot, affects not only the structure of your house but also your belongings. SERVPRO of Mason City understands your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings make your house more than a structure; they make it home.

In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, your North Iowa home may also suffer from water damage as a result of the firefighting efforts. This type of damage can be especially upsetting and destructive for your family to process. You may feel stressed, confused, and vulnerable, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis.

Stay Safe This Summer!

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

Summer is a time to enjoy the great outdoors, but it is also important to keep safety in mind. Consider the following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association to keep you and your family safe all summer long.

When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluids designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
Always build a campfire downwind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your fire. Extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite.
Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire, and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
SERVPRO of Mason City wishes you a safe and happy summer!!

Soot Clean Up

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Soot and smoke are very invasive and can penetrate cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor.

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.

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for 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 SERVPRO of Mason City today at 641-424-3382

Do You Know Where To Begin?

4/10/2021 (Permalink)

A house fire can be a mentally draining process.  When fire strikes, lives are suddenly turned upside down. The hardest part is knowing where to begin. You will need a professional company to help you navigate through the process. 

Our trained technicians will walk you through exactly what we can do for you.  From securing your property, to the cleaning of the structure and your belongings.  Inventory will take place on-site.  Once the inventory is complete, we will pack your items and transport them back to our facility.  These items will be cleaned, packed and stored at our warehouse until your home is repaired. 

A fire in your home or business can be devastating, but we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Causes for Business Fires

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Coffee makers, toaster ovens and microwaves produce more than delicious beverages, snacks and hot meals. They can be frequently blamed when it comes to retail establishments catching fire. Statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show that emergency personnel respond to over 17,000 retail conflagrations yearly and rings up to be over $600 million in property losses. Appliances aren’t completely to blame: human error, arson, and equipment malfunction round out the list of possible causes.

Human Error

The best preventative for human error, is to ensure all employees and visitors know how to properly use all electrical equipment and assign designated smoking areas with secure places to extinguish cigarette butts.  A huge fire breakout can be caused by the smallest mistake. Like a coffee pot accidentally being left on or a cigarette butt that wasn’t completely extinguished.

Arson

Unfortunately, the leading causes of a commercial building fires are set by people with bad intentions. There are many reasons why people commit arson including, malcontent employees, vandalism and the desire to collect insurance money. A sprinkler system can help minimize the damage of a commercial fire. Arson not only affects business owners but creates a risk of injury for employees and firefighters, and possibly result in job loss for workers.

Equipment

Equipment such as boilers, furnaces and water heaters are vital to the functioning of a commercial building, but when improperly installed or incorrectly maintained, the risk of a fire happening can be high. Sometimes fires due to human error, such as when combustible materials being stored too close to a furnace, boiler or water heater.

In the event of a commercial fire happening, ensure that your business has a proper fire safety plan in place to help ensure safety. SERVPRO of Mason City can assist by providing you with a SERVPRO^® Emergency READY Profile, which will give you a quick reference of important building details and contact information or can be an ideal supplement to any well-designed emergency preparedness or existing contingency program. Rather than simply reacting to disaster situations, most prefer proactive measures to establish a relationship with a restoration services company. 

Preventive Checks

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

Stovetop and ovens are not the only things that can cause a kitchen fire. Toaster ovens and toaster are both known to contribute to kitchen fires

• Here at SERVPRO of Mason City, we would like to give you a few tips to help you with the preventative checks to avoid a potential fire.
• You want to check your electric heaters for ware on the cord, fraying of the cord, ensure its working properly and keep it clear of objects that could catch on fire.
• You want to check your furnace filter. Ensure that it is clear of debris and being to dirty. With the filter being full of dirt and debris, it will not only make your furnace work harder it could potentially start a fire.
• Another thing to be looking for is something blocking the heater vents with in your home. Blocking the vents can not only damage what ever is blocking the vent but it can cause your furnace to work harder, your enegery bill can be higher because of the blockage.

Fire and Water Damage

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Technicians Have Experience and Training to Restore Your Home after Fire Damage

There is nothing that can make you overwhelmed quite as much as witnessing the effects of a recent fire in your residence. While you might not exactly know how to rectify the damages that you see, you are fortunately not alone to have to figure it out on your own. One of the main concerns with more considerable fires is the water damage that is often present after the fire occurs.

While you might be able to identify many of the content in the  home following the blaze, there are still multiple issues that require a trained eye and specialized equipment to locate and assess. For as critical as water damage restoration is to specific house fires, having trained technicians like our SERVPRO team can help you to understand the full scope of the damage that the home faces and the best approach to restoring it.

When it comes to contending with the water damage that you could experience in your home after firefighting efforts have completed, our SERVPRO technicians must scope out the farthest reaches of this damage with the use of thermal imagery from an infrared device. Once this persistent water gets found, drying and dehumidification efforts can begin. This process typically involves the use of air movers and dehumidifiers.

One of the primary reasons that addressing this type of damage first before anything else is the hindering nature of this kind of issue to the rest of the fire restoration process. Apart from this, the warmer temperatures annually throughout this region of the country, combined with the dampness and moisture of the incident, could allow for compounding damages like mold growth to occur on top of the long list of fire damage restoration tasks to complete.

While you might not always think about water damages after a fire to your home, this is one of the first things that our experienced team of specialists looks to resolve when we get dispatched to your restoration project. Our SERVPRO of Mason City technicians are available 24/7 to help you through any disaster your home might experience at (641)424-3382

IMMEDIATE FIRE RESTORATION SHOULD BE TOP PRIORITY

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

Having a fire and dealing with the initial loss can feel overwhelming. Recovery and restoration of your home should begin as soon after the fire as possible to stop extra damage. The first step in the restoration process is to ensure your home is protected. Does your house need to be boarded up after a fire? Call SERVPRO of Mason City, and we can come and do it for you. This will keep your home safe from weather, animals and trespassers in the aftermath. Prioritize the cleanup process and call SERVPRO of Mason City, Iowa. Here at SERVPRO, we have trained professionals who are equipped with handling this type of damage. We have the knowledge and equipment needed for the entire restoration process. Our technicians are highly trained and have the experience to handle all types of fires. From the beginning to the end, the staff at SERVPRO is here to assist you. Restoring your home after it experiences a fire is a stressful process. The quicker the restoration process is handled by SERVPRO, the quicker you, the homeowner, can start reconstruction.  As a homeowner you may think the damage caused by a fire looks minor. However, in most cases more damage occurs from neglect. Be proactive in your restoration process, and call SERVPRO of Mason City. Whether your fire is big or small, we are here to help, 24/7. Give us a call and we will make it, “Like it never even happened.” 

Expect the unexpected

7/6/2020 (Permalink)

firework fun

Summertime presents us with great weather, opportunities for family reunions, and more time with the family in general.  During this time, especially during a pandemic, entertaining your family during the summer can be a lot of fun!  From grilling your favorite summertime meal, to setting off fireworks at night, summertime involves a lot of activities that can become dangerous if safety measures are not in place and adhered to. 

     Next week will be the 4^th of July and many families will be shooting off fireworks, grilling and having yard events.  SERVPRO of Mason City would like to share some useful safety tips that could help prevent fire outbreaks. 

• When grilling and using lighter fluids and gas, make sure you are at a safe distance from your home and other structures, and that there are no flammable materials close enough to the grill. Keep an eye on which direction the wind is blowing and adjust, as necessary.  If using gas, ensure that connections are good and that the gas is turned off when not in use. 
• When setting off fireworks, make sure that fuses and wicks are long enough, adults are supervising sparklers and proximity factors, and that aerial fireworks are set off securely and at a safe distance from trees, homes, power lines, and other structures.
• Be sure to monitor yard torches using kerosene and other accelerants, and that their bases are secure with no hazards around them. Keep in mind that if a torch were to spill an accelerant, the fuel expelled becomes a fire hazard on anything that it touches. 
• When setting a bonfire, always consider where the wind is blowing and its speed. Bonfires need to be placed at a safe distance (at least 25 ft) from homes and other structures, and you need to have a fire extinguishment source at hand in case of emergency.  Some things to keep on hand would be sand/dirt and shovels, a fire extinguisher, a water barrel, a garden hose or anything that can be used quickly to extinguish fires.

Take time to enjoy the summer and the activities that come with it, but always be safe in doing so and consider these pointers when planning your fun filled adventures!       

Grill safely this spring!

5/7/2020 (Permalink)

Fires can be caused by a multitude of things. Some of those being incidents from cooking or grilling. As we enter the warmer months and you pull the grill out of it's winter hiding place, remember to check it over and keep in mind that a few simple steps can help prevent fire damage. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the leading cause of grill fires is caused by using an unclean grill (25%). As restoration professionals who have seen this type of damage first hand, SERVPRO would like to remind you to clean your grill as you are preparing to use it for the first time this spring. Remembering to clean your grill could be the difference between a great spring meal or having to call the fire department. We at SERVPRO would also like to remind you that you should always use your grill in an open area out and away from structures as over a quarter of grill fires resulting in structural damage were used on a balcony or porch.

If you do have an incident while grilling, be sure to keep a safe distance from your grill and call the fire department or 911 if necessary.