If a fire starts in your home, make sure you already have a plan!

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape, according to the American Red Cross. A fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly, along with an early warning from a working smoke alarm can save lives. For more information on protecting your family and home check Red Cross Fire Tips

Very few circumstances can be more traumatic and stressful than the aftermath of fire damage in your home or business. 

Beyond smoke and soot damage; the structure will be soaked with water.  The brave firefighters may also need to cut holes in roofs, knock down doors, and break windows to ensure the fire is extinguished.  SERVPRO® of West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715 has the experienced restoration professionals to mitigate the damage and restore your home or business to preloss condition.

If your home is damaged by fire, don't wait, call professional emergency service right away. Call SERVPRO® of West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715

If you need to remove odors from your home or business, you can hire professionals in SERVPRO® of West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715

They can help you identify the source and eliminate the problem. Many odors can be removed without a trace. Home deodorization can also include pet odors, spill odors and other foul smells. Oxidization is just one of many ways specialist might remove offensive smells. Sometimes special equipment and treatments are necessary to clean air ducts, carpets, upholstery and hard surfaces.

SERVPRO® West Bradenton / Anna Maria can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

Contact SERVPRO® of West Bradenton / Anna Maria 

(941) 792-7715

Your next steps after a fire in your home.

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

So you’ve just experienced every homeowner's greatest nightmare: a fire broke out in your home. From financial repercussions to emotional hardship, a fire is a lot for a family to handle. If this is your situation, use these tips to guide you through the steps to recover. 

Pressing Concerns

Above all else, your immediate safety needs to be secured. Don’t do anything which could put you in danger. If remaining in your home compromises your safety, find the nearest exit and leave. As you leave, be aware that electrical appliances may pose a threat, and do your best to avoid them. Be cautious of where you walk to avoid a dangerous fall. After a major event like a fire, wet materials should also be treated carefully, as they can be very heavy.

Have A Fire Damage Emergency? Call (941) 792-7715.

What to do after a fire?

Apart from immediately seeking help, there are some steps you yourself can take to limit the extent of damage your home will sustain after a fire breaks out. Fires spread soot around a home, dirtying furniture and walls. To prevent this from worsening, move slowly and carefully around your home to avoid picking up and further spreading the soot to other areas. You can also wash your hands and use linens to cover carpets or furniture. In addition to these actions, try to maintain a clean space by cleaning houseplants and chrome surfaces. Finally, your home isn’t the only thing impacted by the fire. These events can be stressful and traumatic, so your emotional recovery is just as important as your property recovering. 

What not to do after a fire?

Unfortunately, some actions can cause more harm than good after a fire. If you see a wet ceiling, don’t run on the ceiling fixtures. Don’t eat packaged foods which have been stored close to fire, heat, or water. Don’t re-enter your home until you’ve been told by professionals that it is safe to do so. You should be sure that you’re contacting the right professionals to assist you. A restoration service is ideal if you’re looking to have furniture and walls cleaned, while repair services are better suited to cleaning electrical appliances which have sustained fire or water damage. Clothing should not be sent to ordinary dry cleaners, as methods employed by these cleaners may lead to the smoke smell remaining in your clothing. 

Have A Fire Damage Emergency? Call (941) 792-7715.

What do you do after a fire?

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

House fires can often be difficult, potentially devastating events for any family on both a financial and emotional level. After such an emotional event, it can be difficult to know the next steps to take. If you ever find yourself in this difficult situation, having these concerns in mind can steer you in the right direction.

Pressing Concerns

First, consider if your safety is threatened by staying in the house. From there, be sure that any activities you undertake won’t put your safety at risk. Take precaution to avoid electrical hazards and potentially dangerous falls, as well as making sure to be careful with wet materials, as these can be surprisingly heavy.

These are just a handful of the actions you need to take after a fire. The most important decision is to call a SERVPRO professional who will make sure everything is done efficiently. Call (941) 792-7715

 now.

Actions to Take Following a Fire

After a fire, there are a number of measures you should take to limit fire damage. First you should do your best to keep your space clean, by using petroleum jelly or oil to clean and protect chrome, cleaning houseplants (making sure to get both sides of their leaves), avoiding excessive movement while in your home to prevent spreading soot, and washing your hands to prevent getting furniture and walls dirty. With this done, your next moves should entail changing your HVAC filter, covering carpets and furniture with towels or linens, covering air registers with cheesecloth, and finally, emptying and opening your fridge and freezer while the electricity is turned off. 

Actions to Avoid Following a Fire

Some actions following a fire may leave you worse off, rather than helping you. One crucial mistake to avoid is not seeking help from the right professionals. Cleaning electrical appliances  which have been exposed to fire, heat, or water should be done by a repair service. Cleaning walls, carpet, or furniture should be left to a restoration service like SERVPRO. Connect with us at (941) 792-7715.

Even clothing needs to be cared for carefully, as sending your clothes to a regular dry cleaner, may cause the smoke stench to stay. Aside from taking on actions which require professional help, it is also important to avoid ingesting packaged food or beverages which were stored near fire, heat, or water, as well as turning on ceiling fixtures with a wet ceiling. 

What to do when you have fire damage

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

House fires can often be difficult, potentially devastating events for any family on both a financial and emotional level. After such an emotional event, it can be difficult to know the next steps to take. If you ever find yourself in this difficult situation, having these concerns in mind can steer you in the right direction.

Pressing Concerns

First, consider if your safety is threatened by staying in the house. From there, be sure that any activities you undertake won’t put your safety at risk. Take precaution to avoid electrical hazards and potentially dangerous falls, as well as making sure to be careful with wet materials, as these can be surprisingly heavy.

These are just a handful of the actions you need to take after a fire. The most important decision is to call a SERVPRO professional who will make sure everything is done efficiently. Call (941) 792-7715 now.

Actions to Take Following a Fire

After a fire, there are a number of measures you should take to limit fire damage. First you should do your best to keep your space clean, by using petroleum jelly or oil to clean and protect chrome, cleaning houseplants (making sure to get both sides of their leaves), avoiding excessive movement while in your home to prevent spreading soot, and washing your hands to prevent getting furniture and walls dirty. With this done, your next moves should entail changing your HVAC filter, covering carpets and furniture with towels or linens, covering air registers with cheesecloth, and finally, emptying and opening your fridge and freezer while the electricity is turned off. 

Actions to Avoid Following a Fire

Some actions following a fire may leave you worse off, rather than helping you. One crucial mistake to avoid is not seeking help from the right professionals. Cleaning electrical appliances  which have been exposed to fire, heat, or water should be done by a repair service. Cleaning walls, carpet, or furniture should be left to a restoration service like SERVPRO. Connect with us at (941) 792-7715.

Tackle Fire Damage with SERVPRO

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage is no joke! The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) reports that heating is responsible for the majority of U.S. home fires, deaths, and injuries. In fact, December, January, and February are the peak months for heating fires! This makes it extremely important to keep professionals in contact.

SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria has the training and expertise to help make any fire damage look “Like it never even happened.”

Give us a call on our 24-Hour line at (941) 792-7715.

Why Call SERVPRO for Fire Damage

Fires in Manatee Country are more common than people assume. While most home and business owners will be glad to hear that they are unlikely to experience smoke or fire damage, this is not a guarantee. Far from it! In fact, Manatee County experiences a little over two fires a day.

Backed by a national system of over 1,700 franchises, SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria can get you the resources you need quickly before a single fire destroys everything you’ve worked hard for.

In addition, we work with your insurance to address any issues and help bring costs down for you. For a stress free claims process on your fire damage, call SERVPRO for details at (941) 792-7715.

Fire Damage Tips

To minimize the chances of fire damage, we have brought together some ideas which can help you.

1. Keep objects away from heaters and fireplaces! Flammable objects like papers and beauty products should stay at least three-feet away from heating equipment.
2. Set up a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. Since it can be produced by a number of fuel-burning devices, it's important to have carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home. This will ensure every person in the home can hear and be alerted to the emergency.
3. Clean your appliances regularly! Big or small, kitchen appliances ought to be kept in good repair. Grease buildup is a major problem for interior oven walls, your stovetop, and even your exhaust hood. All of these can trigger fires.

Ready to tackle storm damage? Call us at (941) 792-7715.

4 Ways to Avoid a Kitchen Fire

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Appliances are necessary components of a properly functioning, usable kitchen. We need them to be able to cook and prepare food properly. As with any electrical or gas source, proper care must be taken with these elements in order to prevent a kitchen fire from breaking out.   Here are four key steps you can take to prevent a kitchen fire in your own home:

Clean Your Appliances Regularly

Keeping your kitchen appliances, big and small, clean and in good repair is essential to preventing a kitchen fire. Remove grease buildup from your cooktop, interior oven walls, and exhaust hood (along with its filter). Make sure to empty the crumbs from your toaster on a consistent basis. Replace appliances with frayed cords. If your appliance is not working the way it should be, have it repaired by a certified appliance repair company.  

Keep Towels Away from the Cooktop

Fabrics of any sort are fire risks if stored or even placed for a moment too close to the cooktop. Do not leave kitchen towels, pot holders, dish rags, or paper towels beside the cooktop. Even your apron can be flammable. Make sure that when you remove it, you place it far away from the cooktop. If a burner is left on accidently or a towel is left too close to a pan while cooking, these fabrics can quickly ignite and cause a kitchen fire.

Do Not Put Metal in the Microwave

You probably know not to put metal into a microwave. However, knowing can be easier said than done. When you are hurrying to get food warmed up or are on the phone and distracted while trying to get dinner on the table, these are the times that you might forget to remove a foil cover or the metal serving spoon before putting a dish in the microwave. In addition, the takeout containers that contain aluminum might easily slip by and get placed in the microwave. All of these are fire hazards! Always double check what you are putting in the microwave before you turn it on.

Be Careful with Grease

Too much grease in a pan can be extremely dangerous due to grease splattering all over your heat source along with the potential to ignite a grease fire. To avoid this, try to minimize the amount of oil or grease in your pan. Never leave a cooking pan unattended. While this is true for any form of cooking, it is particularly important if you have oil or grease in your pan. If the oil catches fire, you need to react quickly to suffocate the grease fire with a metal lid, baking soda, or salt.

Fire Damage Restoration

Regardless of how careful you are, accidents can still happen. If you’ve experienced a kitchen fire or fire of any sort in your home, reach out to us here at SERVPRO. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. Throughout the process, we will treat your family and property with care, respect, and empathy. 

What To Do After a Fire

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire breaks out in your home, you might feel lost and unsure how to proceed. It can be extremely overwhelming to deal with post-fire damage. Insurance companies, fire departments, city inspectors, mitigation specialists, and contractors will probably all be involved in the process. All of this can leave you feeling a little lost. 

However, if a fire does occur in your home, it is important to handle the situation carefully and correctly in order to protect you and your family, your possessions, and your home itself. Here are some things to keep in mind if you find yourself dealing with a house fire: 

Do Not Enter Your Home After a Fire

Until the fire inspectors have given you permission to reenter your home, do not go inside the building. The structure of your home could be comprised, and the fire department will need to make sure it is safe for you to reenter. Even if the fire department has deemed your home safe to reenter, you might need to also get permission from your insurance company. Sometimes your insurance claim could be impacted or even denied if you reenter before they have cleared you to do so. 

Once you are cleared to reenter the building, keep in mind that soot is extremely irritating to airways and eyes. You should wear protective gear when you step inside the burnt structure. And finally, do not turn on any source of electric, gas, or water until inspectors and the fire department tell you it is okay to do so. 

Contact Your Insurance Agent

Regardless of the size of your house fire, it is important to contact your insurance agent as soon as possible. Obviously, you will want to start repairs right away, but your insurance agent will need to be notified before you can begin those repairs. In addition, your insurance agent can help you with the financial ramifications of your house fire. Some policies offer funds to help cover alternative housing, day-to-day expenses, and replacement of personal items due to a fire. 

Secure a Place to Stay

After a fire, you will need to find a place to stay. If the damage is minor, you might only need a place for a short amount of time. However, if your home is destroyed or sustained extensive damage, you will need to secure long-term housing for you and your family while you work with your insurance agent, inspectors, and contractors to determine the best course of action. 

Review Your Possessions

If you did not sustain a total loss from the fire, you might still have possessions inside the home that are undamaged. Once you are cleared to re-enter the structure, you should plan to remove those items right away to avoid becoming the target of looters. Creating a catalog of your home’s contents with pictures of items prior to or after the fire will help with your insurance claim process. If possible, gather receipts or write down the make, model, and serial numbers of larger items such as appliances or electronics. These records will help make your claim process much smoother. 

Fire Damage Restoration

Experiencing a house fire is stressful. Here at SERVPRO, we want to help alleviate a little of that stress for you. Once you have called your insurance agent, make sure your next call is to SERVPRO of West Bradenton/Anna Maria at (941) 792-7715. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience needed to restore your home due to fire and smoke damage. Throughout the process, we will treat your family and property with care, respect, and empathy.

Fire Risk To Bradenton Businesses

6/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria technicians specialize in the cleanup and restoration of commercial property after a fire

Being a business owner has many responsibilities as well as plenty of safety factors that need to be taken into consideration regarding risks to your business, staff and visitors. Fire is a one of those risks and as a business owner you should spend a little extra time on fire prevention.

Protecting Your Business

There are many steps you can take to protect your business from the risk of fires. But by focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention and staff education, you will be taking positive steps to help reduce the chance of a fire breaking out.

First, walk through your facility, looking for any fire hazards. You might want to check with your local government to see if they offer the services of a fire marshal who will help identify these risks and provide guidance on your fire prevention plan.

Make sure that the right fire protection equipment is in place. This should include an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each floor.

Last, and most important, you must make provisions for the human aspect of your business—your employees. Create a fire plan and review it regularly with your staff, thereby ensuring that everyone is aware of the procedures to follow in the event of a fire. By conducting fire drills at least once a year, you keep fire safety procedures fresh, and it will also afford you the opportunity to review evacuation plans and first-aid kit locations.

SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715.

Fire Damaged Homes In Bradenton

5/27/2021 (Permalink)

Professional Restoration

If you have fire damage in your home there are a number of things that will need the attention of restoration professionals. Soot and smoke are a problem that need immediate attention from an experienced, trained technician.

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 West Bradenton / Anna Maria 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.

This kind of damage can occur anywhere, but if it happens to you in West Bradenton or Anna Maria, call us today.

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.

SERVPRO West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715

From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO West Bradenton / Anna Maria is an IICRC firm.

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – SERVPRO West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715

Eliminating Fire Odors From Your Bradenton Home

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

Old Smells In A Home You Just Purchased

When you looked at dream home you didn't notice the smell. Now the dream home is all yours, including the cigarette smell from the previous owner.

The smell of cigarette smoke can penetrate throughout a home and give it a stale smell. Regardless of the reason behind your cigarette removal need, home deodorization is high on your list of priorities. If you have allergies or asthma, cigarette smoke can be especially irritating.

This is not something that you will want to take on yourself. The odor can be difficult to remove. This is because cigarettes leave behind

• Toxic and irritating gases

• Tar vapors

• Smoke residue

Cigarettes produce toxic and irritating gases such as phenol, ammonia gases and carbon monoxide. They also release tar vapors that become sticky. These vapors, residues and gases are able to travel everywhere. Ozone, or O3, is one of the few home deodorization techniques that actually works to combat this.

That is because an ozone generator eliminates odor by oxidizing the air. The oxidized air is circulated through the air just as smoke is and so is able to get to all the places cigarette smoke does, effectively getting rid of the smelly residue.

If you need to remove odors from your home or business, you can hire professionals in SERVPRO West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715. They can help you identify the source and eliminate the problem. Many odors can be removed without a trace. Although cigarette smoke is one of the most offensive and prevalent odors, it is not the only one. Home deodorization can also include pet odors, spill odors and other foul smells. Oxidization is just one of many ways specialist might remove offensive smells.

Sometimes special equipment and treatments are necessary to clean air ducts, carpets, upholstery and hard surfaces.

Since each odor removal 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 home. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. SERVPRO West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715
From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO West Bradenton / Anna Maria is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

If cigarette smoke is the culprit, all of these surfaces and areas must be deodorized for your home to smell fresh and clean again. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you might benefit from an odor specialist from SERVPRO West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715.

Fire Safety In The Kitchen

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Have a fire extinguisher in/near the kitchen

The kitchen is often the hub of the home where family and friends will gather and where meals are prepared. The kitchen is also an area where many home fires occur.

Cooking fires top the charts as the No. 1 cause of home fires and injuries. The leading cause of these kitchen fires is unattended cooking.

In one year alone, over $130 million in homeowners insurance claims related to grease and other cooking fires was paid out by State Farm.

Fire Safety Tips

One kitchen fire safety tip is staying in the kitchen while cooking, but it is not the only fire safety tip you should be following. Here are some other helpful tips to observe while cooking:

1. Be mindful of your how you are dressed. Long, flowing sleeves or big, baggy, loose-fitting clothing could catch on fire if you aren’t careful while cooking over the stove. It’s best to wear short or close-fitted sleeve shirts and make sure any baggy shirts are tucked in or tied back.

2. Watch the items around the stovetop. Be sure not to place kitchen towels, oven mitts, appliance cords or even curtains too close to the stovetop when cooking. Ideally, anything flammable will be moved away from it.

3. Have a fire extinguisher in/near the kitchen. Every home needs to have at least one fire extinguisher located in your home, preferably one that is near your kitchen. Make sure you know how to properly use the extinguisher, just in case it is ever needed.

4. Do not throw hot grease in the garbage can. The temperature of hot grease alone may just be hot enough to cause something in the trash to burn even if the grease is not on fire. Let the grease cool a bit and then dispose of it in an old coffee can. Also, know the smoke points of the oils you cook with. Be sure to never subject a low-smoke point oil to high heat when cooking, as it could catch fire.

5. Have a fire escape plan established. By creating a fire escape plan, you are preparing your family for a worst-case scenario, which is never fun, but it’s better for everyone to be prepared if an emergency were to occur. Review exit routes and designated meeting points with your family, making sure that everyone knows what to do.

Fire safety in the kitchen is an absolute necessity, as it can help prevent dangerous and destructive cooking fires. If your home has experienced damage from a cooking fire, know that SERVPRO of West Bradenton/Anna Maria Island is here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Call SERVPRO of West Bradenton/Anna Maria Island (941) 792-7715

Fire Prevention In Your Home

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

We’ve received advance training in restoration techniques, and we have the experience and specialized equipment to quickly restore your property.

Considering the possibility of a fire in your home is not pleasant. For thousands of people throughout the country each year, a residential fire has become a reality.

Want to take steps to protect your home from a structure fire? Take some time to review common fire hazards and some lesser-known ones.

Remember to Watch Those Candles

After reviewing data for a five-year period, the National Fire Protection Association found that fire departments in the U.S. responded to an estimated 8,700 home structure fires a year that were started by candles.

Candles are reported to have caused 2 percent of home fires, with 3 percent resulting in death and 7 percent with injuries. There were an average of 24 home candle fires reported per day over those five years—and December was when home candle fire instances were most common.

Of all the candle fires during this time span, 37 percent started in bedrooms and were responsible for 36 percent of the associated deaths and 51 percent of the associated injuries. In total, there were 82 deaths, 800 injuries and $295 million in direct property damage.

If you’re burning a candle, make sure it’s at least one foot away from anything flammable and in a sturdy holder that won’t tip over easily. You should not be burning candles in a home where oxygen is being used, and remember to always blow out all candles before leaving a room or going to sleep.

Smoking and Home Structure Fires

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires, but smoking inside is the leading cause of home fire deaths. In 2014, an estimated 17,200 home structure fires were reported due to smoking materials, which includes cigarettes, cigars and pipes.

The Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes reported that those fires resulted in 570 deaths, 1,140 injuries and $426 million in property damage.

Fire-safe cigarettes are the safest option, and deep, sturdy ashtrays should always be used. Put out all cigarette butts and ashes in water or sand prior to throwing them.

Smokers should know that most deaths result from fires that have started in living rooms, family rooms or bedrooms. Also, keep in mind that one out of four fatal victims of smoking-material fires is not the smoker whose cigarette started the fire.

Glassware Can Be a Fire Hazard

There are many lesser-known hazards that may be present in your home that could also cause of home structure fires.

Some types of glassware in your home can pose a fire risk, because when sunlight passes through them, the concentrated ray could ignite flammable materials. This is why it’s smart to move glass accessories away from windows.

Look out for loose outlets in your home, because the movement of these electrical outlets could loosen the wires connected to the outlet and create dangerous arcing, increasing the risk of fire.

Dust can also pose a fire risk when collecting near electrical sockets and floor heaters. Vacuuming or sweeping your floors regularly and cleaning behind those hard-to-reach places, like an entertainment system, can help prevent buildup.
Our professionals are experts at guiding you through the process to restore your home or business.

We take a caring and emphatic approach, treating you, your home or business, and your belongings with respect. Our team will be at your side step-by-step providing knowledge to navigate through any size fire or smoke damage.

Fire and smoke damage can be devastating to homes, and in many circumstances, can be accompanied by water damage from firefighting efforts. If your home is damaged by fire or smoke, SERVPRO® of West Bradenton/Anna Maria Island (941) 792-7715 is here to help restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Understanding Your Insurance Policy And Fire Damage

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

When you have experienced a fire in your home the details of your insurance policy are probably not the first thing on your mind. Fires can spread quickly and cause a lot of damage.

Restoring your home to its original state isn't easy, unless you know who to call. SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch has trained, certified technicians that can respond quickly.

We work with your insurance. For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 792-7715, can help manage the insurance paperwork and process.

Fires can be devastating and leave you feeling helpless. Our professionals are experts at guiding you through the process to restore your home or business. We take a caring and emphatic approach, treating you, your home or business, and your belongings with respect.

The damage results not only from the fire, but also from the smoke and the actions by the fire fighters. This is called secondary damage. Secondary damage can lead to mold growth, rusting or metals and permanent staining of plastics and PVC materials.

What Does Fire Damage Insurance Cover?

These policies are varied, and cover anything ranging from totally razed down structures and personal items. Generally, the policies cover:

• The cost of total loss to your home.

• Cost of repairs to your damaged structure and the interior of the house.

• Covering of lost personal possessions.

• The cost of temporary housing as you wait for the house to be repaired.

• Costs of secondary damage to your property due to smoke and water damage.

After the fire is out, make the right call to trained professionals that can respond quickly, SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch (941) 792-7715.

Preparing For A Fire in Your Bradenton Business

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

There is no way to ever fully prepare for a life changing event like a fire. Business owners often prepare for the worse but forget about the everyday challenges, which can be just as crippling.

When a disaster strikes, having a plan and being able to put it into immediate action can mean the difference between staying open to service the needs of your customers and community or shutting down for a few days.

Forty percent of businesses do not reopen after a disaster and another 25 percent fail within one year according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

 Having a plan can ensure that you’re back in business quickly and able to provide products and services to your community.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the five most common causes of fires in commercial buildings are cooking equipment, heating equipment, electrical and lighting equipment, smoking materials, and intentional fire setting.

We focus on restoring versus replacing because restoring the affected areas of your property is substantially less costly than demolishing and replacing those areas.

Restoration after the fire is crucial to recovering your business quickly. Our professionals are experts at guiding you through the process to restore your home or business.  We take a caring and emphatic approach, treating you, your home or business, and your belongings with respect.

We are committed to providing superior service while restoring your property back to pre-fire condition. Our team will be at your side step-by-step providing knowledge to navigate through any size fire or smoke damage. SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria are ready to help (941) 792-7715.

Fire Damage To Your Bradenton Home

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

A house fire can be a terrifying experience.

Preventing Fire Damage To Your Bradenton Home

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

Every fire damage situation is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same.

Fires in Manatee County occur more frequently than you might actually believe. Proper grill maintenance is often key to preventing a grease fire. Grill cleaning can be an important safety measure, so here are some tips to keep your grill in top shape. 1. Understand Grill Maintenance Basics There are usually several steps to cleaning your grill after use that apply no matter what type of grill you have. First, cook off food debris by heating the grill for 15 minutes. Once cooled, scrub the grates with a long-handled wire brush, though balled up aluminum foil may work in a pinch. Wipe vegetable oil on the grates with paper towels to prevent rust and food accumulation. Finally, clean the inside of the grill with dish soap and warm water. 2. Take Extra Steps, Pre and Post Season Besides grill cleaning after each use, there are a few things you should do each year before you grill for the first time and at the end of the season. One of them is to get a new wire brush each year. Be sure to clean the inside and outside of your grill with dish soap and water and use a grill cover when you store it. 3. Know How To Clean Gas and Charcoal Grills Gas grills have heat deflectors over the burners that should be cleaned with other removable grill parts. The burners can be removed to clean the gas ports. Blocked gas ports can affect the efficiency of your grill.  Charcoal grills are often a bit simpler with regards to cleaning. After each use, remove the briquettes and brush out the ash. Otherwise, clean it with dish soap and warm water like you would clean a gas grill. Grill cleaning should be an essential task to prevent fires. Enjoy your great meals knowing that your grill is clean and safe. If you do experience a fire our professionals are experts at guiding you through the process to restore your home or business.  We take a caring and emphatic approach, treating you, your home or business, and your belongings with respect. Our team will be at your side step-by-step providing knowledge to navigate through any size fire or smoke damage.
SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too.
Have Questions? Call Us Today – (941) 792-7715 SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria

Florida State Fire Marshalls Provides Tips To Avoid House Fires This Winter

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), heating is the second leading cause of U.S. home fires, deaths and injuries and December, January and February are the peak months for heating fires.

Here are some helpful tips from the Florida State Fire Marshall:

1. Keep objects away from heaters and fireplaces. Keep flammable objects at least three-feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater. Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

2. Keep fireplaces and chimneys clean. Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

3. Never leave a fire unattended. Remember to extinguish fireplaces and turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

4. Do not use your oven to heat your home. Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to your local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Use Carbon Monoxide detectors. Since carbon monoxide can be produced by a number of fuel-burning devices, it's important to have carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home. This will ensure every person in the home can hear and be alerted to the emergency.

If you do experience a fire know that SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria can help you with your insurance company.

We work with your insurance.
For a stress free claims process, SERVPRO can help manage the insurance paperwork and process. Call for details (941) 792-7715.

Document the Damages
List all of the damages that you have incurred both structural and personal. Make sure you take photos of the damages, the date it occurred, type of loss and a written report if possible. Document any injuries and make sure you get the police report. When taking photos, it is best to include a general photo as well as close-up photos of specific damages.

Keep Receipts and Bills
The insurance company needs evidence to understand what to pay. If you have performed any minor repairs, keep the receipts so that the insurance company understands the original damages.

Keep the Evidence Intact
The adjustor uses the site of the accident to determine your compensation. So, don’t throw away any damaged items before the insurance adjustor has been at the site.

At SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria, we are here to help you during a Fire Damage and the secondary Smoke and Water Damage. Give us a call if you live in Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key, or Lakewood Ranch 941-792-7715.

Even After The Fire Is Out, Quick Response Is Still Important to Your Home or Business

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

Even After The Fire Is Out, Quick Response Is Still Important to Your Home or Business
Following a fire, you need to hire professionals to handle the smoke cleanup. However, you also need to hire people who know how to address the necessary water cleanup. While smoke and soot will damage various items, water can enter your building in Anna Maria, following a fire, and you need to take care of that, too.
Fire mitigation work is designed to contain the existing damage and make sure that the property’s structure is not unsafe.  If you have suffered a fire, the chances are there is more damage than what you can see. Delaying a response after a fire is only going to cause more problems once the actual work begins. Don't delay after the fire trucks leave turn to the experts at SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715. Things to consider:
1. Burst Pipes The high temperatures brought in by a fire can cause the metal of pipes to melt and warp. This causes water to leak out, and if you do not shut off the main water valve during a fire, then it can leak everywhere. The places more prone to this kind of damage include the basement of the building and the bathrooms. 2. Storm Water Occasionally, fires are caused by storms from lightning strikes. The initial strike can create an opening in your building that storm water pours in from. Part of the water cleanup efforts will involve putting tarps and boards over any exposed area, but until those fixtures can be put into place, a significant amount of water can make its way inside.
Our professionals are experts at guiding you through the process to restore your home or business.
According to the State of Florida Fire Marshal Report; 830 fire calls were responded to in Manatee County in 2016.  That's over two fires per day.  Fires can be devastating and leave you feeling helpless.  Our professionals are experts at guiding you through the process to restore your home or business.
Any moisture needs to be cleaned up and taken care of to avoid health hazards. You want to avoid mold getting into the airways. SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria has well trained experts that know how to take care of water issues. 
SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo. Call SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria (941) 792-7715.

What To Do After The Fire

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

After a house fire, after the fire trucks leave it's time to bring in SERVPRO® West Bradenton / Anna Maria.

The firefighters will douse the flames, but they will also bring in a lot of water. This is a necessary inconvenience. Water can be pumped from a room, but it is difficult to salvage an area that has been exposed to a big fire. Even using a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire will necessitate professional cleanup to ensure the materials are disposed of properly.

Do not delay the fire cleanup efforts. Many items can be salvaged following a fire, but if you wait, then those chances decrease. Find a service to assist you with both fire and water cleanup so that your business gets back up and running in no time.

Fires in Manatee County occur more frequently than you might actually believe.  According to the State of Florida Fire Marshal Report; 830 fire calls were responded to in Manatee County in 2016.  That's over two fires per day.  Fires can be devastating and leave you feeling helpless.  Our professionals are experts at guiding you through the process to restore your home or business.
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. SERVPRO® West Bradenton / Anna Maria  (941) 792-7715

From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO® West Bradenton / Anna Maria is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

When your Bradenton home or business experiences fire or smoke damage, you need professional help quickly.

SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria is dedicated to responding immediately, which helps to prevent secondary damage and to reduce the cost of restoration.

We focus on restoring versus replacing because restoring the affected areas of your property is substantially less costly than demolishing and replacing those areas. This “restore first” mentality also allows us to get your home or business back to pre-fire condition quicker and with less disruption.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – SERVPRO® West Bradenton / Anna Maria  (941) 792-7715

Cleaning a fire loss usually means having a water loss.

SERVPRO® West Bradenton / Anna Maria  (941) 792-7715 is certified in cleaning fire and water damages.

Even Small Fires Can Cause Significant Smoke Damage

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage From a Kitchen Fire in Bradenton

The smoke that lingers after a fire has been put out can be more damaging than you might think. The problem that many homeowners have is that they don’t think a fire or smoke damage could ever happen to them. The reality is that home fires are incredibly common, ranging from the very minor to the more major. Despite the fact that a minor fire may not cause a lot of fire damage, it can still cause significant smoke damage that is difficult to clean and dangerous to be living around.

Smoke Damage that is a direct result of fire damage should ideally be cleaned by experts. Experts know how to get rid of smoke damage that might be present in the home after it has been ravished by flames. You should always look to hire a licensed and highly experienced professional who has extensive experience dealing with fire damage. The professionals will often start by evaluating the overall extent of the damage that is present in the home, and then they will go over prices and costs of damage remediation for you to get the issue cleaned up by their company.

There are a lot of reasons why handling smoke damage after a fire should be done by experts and as quickly as possible. The smoke that you find after a fire often contains ash, soot and sometimes even carbons and tar that might have come off of the flames. Also, carbon monoxide is incredibly common after fire damage has been exhibited. Carbon monoxide is very dangerous  because it is odorless and cannot be seen or tasted. Therefore, you may not even know that you are surrounded by carbon monoxide until it has been properly tested. An expert damage restoration company like SERVPRO will normally test for carbon monoxide levels in a home that has dealt with a fire.

Smoke damage can also be aesthetically damaging. Furniture, walls, ceilings and practically anything in your home can become black or gray from the smoke that has come off from a fire. Many things will need to be professionally cleaned, while other things might have to be fully removed from the home in order to get rid of the problem. Your remediation company will be the one who tells you what can and cannot be saved after you have dealt with massive smoke damage in your own home.

Fires are very common, and even the most minor fire can cause a lot of smoke damage. In fact, some homeowners who have simple fireplaces that are not well-vented could deal with smoke damage without a fire ever being an issue for the home itself. Handling the damage on your own should be avoided simply because of all of the expertise that needs to go into cleaning the mess. Also, you need to have a professional test the home or room for carbon monoxide to ensure that it is going to be safe for you or for them to go in there to clean.

Smoke after a fire can linger for a long time. SERVPRO of West Bradenton / Anna Maria has the resources and training to make your damage, "Like it never even happened." Call us today, 941-792-7715.