6 Things to do after a Fire in your Perry Hall, Maryland home.

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

Everyone tells you how to put out a fire, prevent a fire and EVEN what to do if you yourself on fire… but no one ever tells you what to do next after a fire strikes your home or business. The following checklist serves as a quick reference and guide for you to follow if fire strikes your home in Perry Hall or White Marsh Maryland. 

1. Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be mindful of any structural damage caused by the fire. The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site.  DO NOT attempt to reconnect utilities yourself.
2. Contact your local disaster relief service, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food, and medicines.
3. If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting the property, conducting inventory, and contacting fire damage restoration companies. SERVPRO of Perry Hall / White Marsh is approved by all insurance companies and has over 20 years of experience in restoring homes after a fire.
4. Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made. SERVPRO of Perry Hall / White Marsh crews are trained to properly document, clean and store damaged items. Nothing will be disposed of without your knowledge or permission, and we do our best to salvage your precious items.
5. If possible, locate valuable documents and records-deed to home, car, bank information, birth certificates, etc.Here is a handy list of all documents to locate, and where to get them replaced in the event that they are damaged.
6. Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on income tax

If you've experienced a home fire, and aren't sure what to do, please call SERVPRO of Perry Hall / White Marsh, or your insurance agent. 

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 – 410-529-1664

Essential documents you need to recover after a Fire damages your Perry Hall home.

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating; its not something expects will happen to them, and when it does they often find themselves unprepared to deal with the loss and destruction. To get back to normal, you will need essential documents. Here is a list of vital documents you may need to recover after a fire and where to get them, courtesy of the Red Cross. If your home was effected by a fire damage, please give SERVPRO of Perry Hall / White Marsh a call! We are trained experts, approved by all insurance companies and have 21 years of experience handling fire and smoke damage jobs in the Perry Hall, White Marsh area and beyond! 

Driver’s License - Department of Motor Vehicles

Government Issued ID -Contact the issuing authority

Insurance policies - Your insurance agent or company

Military discharge -Department of Veterans Affairs, papers 1-800-827-1000 or TDD/TTY 1-800-829-4833

Passports - State Department—Passport Services, 202-955-0430 (24 hours)

Birth, death and marraige certificates - Bureau of Records in appropriate state

Social Security Card - Security or Local Social Security office

Medicare cards 1-800-772-1213 or TDD/TTY 1-800-325-0778

Credit cards The issuing companies as soon as possible

Mastercard, contact issuing financial institution

VISA, contact issuing financial institution

American Express, 1-800-441-0519

Discover, 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683), TDD/TTY 1-800-347-7449

Titles to deeds - Records department of the area in which the property is located

Stocks and bonds - Issuing company or your broker

Wills - Your attorney

Income tax record - The IRS center where filed, your accountant or 1-800-829-1040

Citizenship papers - Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 1-800-375-5283

Mortgage papers - Lending institution.

Fire Facts for Parkville Carney, from the American Red Cross

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

Timing is everything, in just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, it can engulf a residence in flames.

Learn About Fires

• Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a serious fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames - impairing vision and breathing.
• Fire is HOT! Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin. Always crawl on the floor!
• Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
• Fire is Scary! Smoke is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that disorient you. Asphyxiation (suffocation) is the leading cause of death from home related fires.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services for Rosedale and Rossville MD

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—410-529-1664

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

Fire Damage in Perry Hall: Here is all you need to know about Wet & Dry Smoke, and Protein Residue

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that there are different types of smoke? 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. For example, hot smoke in a room will escape to the cool air vents.

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor. This is why smoke clean up involves deodorization of all rooms in a structure, in addition to those affected by fire.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process. Different smoke requires different techniques, chemicals, and cleaning applications.

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 Perry Hall White Marsh 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 – SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

410-529-1664

4 Fire safety Tips for Evacuating a Fire Safely

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

WARNING: If you are in a home fire RIGHT now, Call 9-1-1!

Timing is everything, in just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames. Here are things many people don’t expect after escaping a home fire, and tips on how to escape safely.

Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a serious fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames - impairing vision and breathing.

Tip: make sure all fire alarms are in working condition and appropriately placed fire extinguishers

Fire is HOT! Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.

Tip: Always crawl on the floor – the air will be cooler and there will be more oxygen.

Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.

Smoke is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that disorient you. asphyxiation (suffocation) is the leading cause of death from home related fires.

Tip: If you open a door, open it slowly. Be ready to shut it quickly if heavy smoke or fire is present.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services for Rosedale and Rossville MD

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White marsh has 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 – 410-529-1664

Source: https://www.ready.gov/home-fi

Perry Hall Maryland Smoke and Soot Cleanup

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your Perry Hall 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 Perry Hall / White Marsh 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 – 410-529-1664

What to do after your Perry Hall Maryland Home catches on Fire.

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

8 Things to do after a Fire in your Perry Hall Maryland home. 

Everyone tells you how to put out a fire, prevent a fire and  what to do if you yourself catch on fire, but no one ever tells you what to do next after a fire strikes your home or business. The following checklist serves as a quick reference and guide for you to follow after a fire strikes your home in Perry Hall or Nottingham Maryland. 

1. Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage caused by the fire
2. The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site.  DO NOT attempt to reconnect utilities yourself.
3. Contact your local disaster relief service, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines.
4. If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting the property, conducting inventory and contacting fire damage restoration companies. SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh is approved by all insurance companies. 
5. Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made. SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh crews are trained to properly document, clean and store damaged items. Nothing will be disposed of without your knowledge or permission and we do our best to salvage your precious items.

4. Try to locate valuable documents and records-deed to home, car, bank information, birth certificates, etc. 
5. Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on income tax
6. notify your mortgage company of the fire.

If you've experienced a home fire, and aren't sure what to do, please call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh, or your insurance agent. 

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 – 410-529-1664

Key list of Vital documents you may need to replace after your Perry Hall Fire Damage | by SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Fires are devastating; its not something expects will happen to them, and when it does they often find themselves unprepared to deal with the loss and destruction. To get back to normal, you will need essential documents. Here is a list of vital documents you may need to recover after a fire and where to get them, courtesy of the Red Cross.

Driver’s License - Department of Motor Vehicles

Government Issued ID -Contact the issuing authority

Insurance policies - Your insurance agent or company

Military discharge -Department of Veterans Affairs, papers 1-800-827-1000 or TDD/TTY 1-800-829-4833

Passports - State Department—Passport Services, 202-955-0430 (24 hours)

Birth, death and marraige certificates - Bureau of Records in appropriate state

Social Security Card - Security or Local Social Security office

Medicare cards 1-800-772-1213 or TDD/TTY 1-800-325-0778

Credit cards The issuing companies as soon as possible

Mastercard, contact issuing financial institution

VISA, contact issuing financial institution

American Express, 1-800-441-0519

Discover, 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683), TDD/TTY 1-800-347-7449

Titles to deeds - Records department of the area in which the property is located

Stocks and bonds - Issuing company or your broker

Wills - Your attorney

Income tax record - The IRS center where filed, your accountant or 1-800-829-1040

Citizenship papers - Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 1-800-375-5283

Mortgage papers - Lending institution.

Site source: http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m38840101_picking-up-the-pieces-after-a

What to do before and after, you pull the fire extinguisher pin!

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh, we see many homes and businesses in eastern Baltimore county, experience fires. Many people are vigilant on checking areas of their home and keep smoke alarms up-to-date, keep fire extinguishers in the kitchen, but many people don’t know how to use their Fire Extinguisher properly.

Consider having one or more working fire extinguishers in your home. An extinguisher rated “A-B-C” is recommended for home use. Many fire extinguisher models are designed for one-time use and cannot be recharged.

Install extinguishers high on the wall, near an exit, and away from heat sources. Extinguishers should be easily accessible to adults trained to use them, and kept away from children's curious hands. Heat may make the contents less effective or cause the extinguisher to lose its charge more quickly.

If you try to use a fire extinguisher on a fire and the fire does not immediately die down, drop the extinguisher and get out. Most portable extinguishers empty in 8 seconds.

Look at your fire extinguisher to ensure that it is properly charged. Fire extinguishers will not work properly if they are not properly charged. Use the gauge or test button to check that there is proper pressure. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for replacing or recharging fire extinguishers. If the unit is low on pressure, damaged, or corroded, replace it or have it professionally serviced.

Before you begin to fight a fire with a fire extinguisher, be sure that:

1. Everyone has left or is leaving the home.
2. The fire department has been called.
3. The fire is small and not spreading.
4. Your back is to an exit you can use quickly.
5. There is not much smoke in the room.

Remember the word PASS when using a fire extinguisher:

P-Pull pin

A-Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

S-Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

S-Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

If you've experienced a home fire, and aren't sure what to do, please call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh, or your insurance agent. 

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 – 410-529-1664

Resources:

https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-equipment.html

Eastern Baltimore County: reduce your risk of fire – inspect storage areas

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

Reduce your risk of fire – inspect storage areas

At SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh, we see many homes and businesses in eastern Baltimore county, experience fires. Many people are vigilant on checking areas of their home and keep smoke alarms up-to-date...but some areas may be forgotten, such as a garage, shed, or unfinished storage space within your home. Your garage, basement and yard can present hazards as well — in fact, they have the potential to be even more dangerous. Here are tips on what to inspect to prevent a fire in your garage, shed, or basement.

TIPS:

• Avoid cluttering debris or junk near your furnace or heater.
• Old newspapers piled in damp, warm places can actually self-combust — they don’t even have to be close to a heat source.
• Keep oil soaked rags in a metal container – think linseed oil, oil-based wood stains, oil rags from mechanical maintenance.
• Store flammable solvents and liquids in a fire cabinet
• If you have gasoline or other flammable liquids at home, keep them tightly sealed in metal containers and make sure they’re far away from heat sources, including the gas or charcoal grill you love to use in the summer.
• The grill itself should be at least 10 feet from your home and placed away from any overhead branches or structures.

 If you've experienced a home fire, and aren't sure what to do, please call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh, or your insurance agent. 

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 – 410-529-1664

Fire alarms: How many do you need and where should they be located in your Parkville, Maryland home?

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms are an essential safety feature that every home must have! But how many and how often should you change the batteries?

The number of Fire alarms depends on how many rooms in your home

In homes, smoke alarms should be in every room, bedroom, outside every bedroom, and on every level - including the basement. If there is a fire in any room, you want to know it and you want to be able to wake everyone up in the house if necessary!

Here is a guide on exactly where to install them:

https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Staying-safe/Safety-equipment/Smoke-alarms/Installing-and-maintaining-smoke-alarms

Test smoke alarms monthly with the test button.

Test the button, if the battery chirps signaling a low battery, change batteries immediately and test it again.  if you have smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries, you will need the entire alarm changed every 10 years, and the unit replaced every 10 years. You will still need to test these monthly.

Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries.

https://www.nfpa.org/-/media/Files/News-and-Research/Fire-statistics-and-reports/Fact-sheets/SmokeAlarmsFactSheet.ashx?la=en

Need a smoke alarm but can’t do it yourself?

If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in smoke alarms, contact a friend, family member or your local fire department, an electrician, or the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross has volunteers who will come install your smoke alarm for you! https://www.redcross.org/local/maryland-delaware/about-us.html

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh responds to countless fire and smoke damage calls every year, and we firmly believe that you can never be too prepared for an emergency. Follow our blog for more tips on how to prepare and protect your home for any disaster!

If you have recently experienced a fire damage, please give us a call at 410-529-1664. We are a locally owned, nationally recognized fire and water restoration company with a 4.8 average rating across Yelp, Google, and Facebook!

How to put out an oven fire - Parkville, MD, USA

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

How to put out an oven fire to prevent a fire damage – Parkville MD, USA

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh has cleaned smoke damage from hundreds of Parkville homes since our doors opened in 2001. Oven fires are one of the main causes of smoke damage clean up in the Parkville Maryland area and can happen for numerous reasons:

• Fat and grease splatter, causes a flame
• When batter overflows
• Simply forgetting something in the oven
• using the self-cleaning feature.
• Electrical malfunction

Here are tips on how to put out an oven fire:

What to do if something in the oven catches fire

1. Leave the oven door closed! – this will starve the fire of oxygen.
2. Turn off the oven and allow the fire to deplete existing oxygen in the oven.
3. If it does not go out on its own, leave the house and call 911.
4. If it does go out, thenopen your windows before opening the oven door. If you’re not positive, just wait a bit longer to be sure.
5. With your fire extinguisher close-by, carefully open the oven door (it will be smoky!) and remove the hot pan.
6. Allow the smoke to clear before determining the cause of the fire and possibly resuming cooking.

7 steps to prevent a fire damage in your kitchen – Perry Hall, Maryland, USA.

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

7 steps to prevent a fire damage in your kitchen – Perry Hall, Marylan, USA.

1. Stay in the kitchen – Fires happen when cooking is left unattended. If you have to leave the kitchen, turnoff the stove, and take pots and pans off the heat. This is especially important if you are broiling – remove food from the oven and turn off the broiler.
2. Watch your clothing- Long sleeves that can get caught or catch onto things can catch fire. Instead wear short or close-fitting sleeves, and keep shirts tucked in or tied back with a well fitted apron.
3. Beware of items around stovetop – move flammable items away from your stovetop before you begin cooking. Keep oven mitts, kitchen towels and appliance cords away from burners.
4. Keep fire extinguisher in kitchen – keep a fire extinguisher nearby to put out any potential fire. Make sure the extinguisher is up to date and hasn’t expired.
5. Learn your fire extinguisher – Read and get to know your fire extinguisher, practice operating it using expired fire extinguishers outside.
6. Never throw hot grease in garbage can – hot grease can cause the contents of the trashcan to catch fire. Always pour hot grease into a heat safe container with a aluminum foil underneath to catch drips!
7. Extinguish candles – candles themselves are a leading cause of fires in homes. Keep candles extinguished while cooking and if you do decide to use a candle in the kitchen, opt for short wide candles that are hard to tip over and keep the wick trimmed!

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh is a fire water damage restoration franchise and is accepted by all insurance companies. If your home is affected by a kitchen fire damage, please call SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh 410-529-1664. 

How to put out a fire in your oven to prevent a fire damage – Parkville MD, USA

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

Common instances of home kitchen oven fires happen when fat and grease splatter and cause a flame, when batter overflows, forgetting something in the oven, or using the self-cleaning feature.

What to do if something in the oven catches fire

1. Leave the oven door closed! – this will starve the fire of oxygen.
2. Turn off the oven and allow the fire to deplete existing oxygen in the oven.
3. If it does not go out on its own, leave the house and call 911.
4. If it does go out, thenopen your windows before opening the oven door. If you’re not positive, just wait a bit longer to be sure.
5. With your fire extinguisher close-by, carefully open the oven door (it will be smoky!) and remove the hot pan.
6. Allow the smoke to clear before determining the cause of the fire and possibly resuming cooking.

Types of Smoke and How it Affects your home.

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that there are different types of smoke? 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. For example, hot smoke in a room will escape to the cool air vents.

Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor. This is why smoke clean up involves deodorization of all rooms in a structure, in addition to those affected by fire.

The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process. Different smoke requires different techniques, chemicals, and cleaning applications.

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 Perry Hall White Marsh 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 – SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

410-529-1664

Safety tips for burning candles in Perry Hall Maryland.

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

Candle fires cause 8,200 home fires a year, resulting in 80 deaths, 790 injuries, and 374 million dollars in property damage every year.

3/5 candle fires start when something that could burn, such as a Christmas tree, a mattress, bedding, curtains or decorations were too close to the candle.

Almost 1/5 of candle-related fires were unattended or abandoned.

While it's best to avoid candles all together, here are safety tips for use of candles.

1. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn, this includes hand sanitizer, paper, nail polish remover, and aerosols.
2. Never leave a candle unattended, blow out candles when you leave a room- you can always relight it when you are back in the room.
3. Keep candles away from greens and all decorations - especially the Christmas tree or pourporri.
4. Keep burning candles out of the reach of children and pets.
5. Don’t burn a candle all the way down. Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains or ½ inch if in a container. If you must burn it to the bottom, keep a trivet underneath to prevent heat damage to the surface.
6. Extinguish a candle if it repeatedly smokes, flickers, or the flame becomes too high.  The candle isn’t burning properly. Cool, trim the wick, then check for drafts before relighting.
7. Trim candlewicks to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning and dripping. Scissors like these make the job easier.

Important documents to locate after a fire and How to replace them if necessary

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Vital Documents and Whom to Contact About Replacement

Driver’s License - Department of Motor Vehicles

Government Issued ID -Contact the issuing authority

Insurance policies - Your insurance agent or company

Military discharge -Department of Veterans Affairs, papers 1-800-827-1000 or TDD/TTY 1-800-829-4833

Passports - State Department—Passport Services, 202-955-0430 (24 hours)

Birth, death and marraige certificates - Bureau of Records in appropriate state

Social Security Card - Security or Local Social Security office

Medicare cards 1-800-772-1213 or TDD/TTY 1-800-325-0778

Credit cards The issuing companies as soon as possible

Mastercard, contact issuing financial institution

VISA, contact issuing financial institution

American Express, 1-800-441-0519

Discover, 1-800-DISCOVER (1-800-347-2683), TDD/TTY 1-800-347-7449

Titles to deeds - Records department of the area in which the property is located

Stocks and bonds - Issuing company or your broker

Wills - Your attorney

Income tax record - The IRS center where filed, your accountant or 1-800-829-1040

Citizenship papers - Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 1-800-375-5283

Mortgage papers - Lending institution.

Site source: http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m38840101_picking-up-the-pieces-after-a-fire.pdf

Parkville Carney - 8 important things to do after you experience a home fire.

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

8 Things to do after a Fire in your Parkville-Carney Maryland home. 

The following checklist serves as a quick reference and guide for you to follow after a fire strikes.

1. Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage caused by the fire
2. The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site.  DO NOT attempt to reconnect utilities yourself.
3. Contact your local disaster relief service, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines.

4. If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting the property, conducting inventory and contacting fire damage restoration companies. SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh is approved by all insurance companies. 
5. Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after an inventory is made. SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh crews are trained to properly document, clean and store damaged items. Nothing will be disposed of without your knowledge or permission and we do our best to salvage your precious items.
6. Try to locate valuable documents and records-deed to home, car, bank information, birth certificates, etc. 
7. Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on income tax
8. notify your mortgage company of the fire.

If you've experienced a home fire, and aren't sure what to do, please call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh, or your insurance agent. 

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 – 410-529-1664

4 Things to know about Home Fires in Rosdale MD!

4/19/2018 (Permalink)

Timing is everythingt, in just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Learn About Fires

• Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a serious fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames - impairing vision and breathing.
• Fire is HOT! Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin. Always crawl on the floor!
• Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
• Fire is Scary! Smoke is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that  disorient you. asphyxiation (suffocation) is the leading cause of death from home related fires.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services for Rosedale and Rossville MD

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 – 410-529-1664

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

Soot Terminology: 5 types of soot and what it means in relationship to your Rogers Forge Maryland home fire

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

• Wet Soot
  • Oxygen starved, smoldering fires, low heat
  • High moisture content
  • Plastics, rubber and oils
  • Pungent/Acrid odors
  • Sticky and smeary residues
• Dry Soot
  • Oxygen rich, hot fires
  • Natural materials
  • Fast-burning and high heat
  • Lighter soot particles
  • Hotter fires cause more damage to surfaces
  • Odor less intense than ‘Wet Smoke’
• Fuel Oil Soot
  • Puff backs
  • Odor varies from very light to heavy
  • Attaches to every surface
• Causes
  • Poorly maintained systems
  • Cracked heat exchanger
  • Internal combustion or minor explosion in heating system
• Protein Soot
  • Food, typically overcooked meat.
  • Extremely pungent and long-lasting odors
  • Residue virtually invisible
  • Clings to all surfaces
  • Requires extensive cleaning to remove residues and achieve deodorization

 SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh is equipped with the knowledge and technology to clean all types of soot. We are also approved by all insurance companies and if we can't reach you, we will send you to another SERVPRO who can, saving you time and frustration. We are located in the Baltimore county area, in rossville and have been in business since 2001 and have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating!

8 Statistics about home fires to help find fire hazards in your White Marsh Maryland home

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

Statistics about fires you may not have heard before. Nobody wants to think about the possibility of a fire taking place in their home or business but its always better to be informed and to look out for potential causes. Here are 8 statistics about home fires to help you look out for potential fire hazards in your White Marsh Maryland home.

1. A study by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) found that homes with older wiring face an increased risk of electrical wiring fire.

1. Electrical failures were factors in 13% of home fires.
2. 7% of fatal home smoking fire victims whose smoking materials started the fire were using medical oxygen.
3. More than one-third of home candle fires started in bedrooms.
4. 12% of the home candle fires occurred in December.
5. The top three days for home candle fires were Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve.
6. It doesn’t matter whether the damage effects one room, multiple rooms, or an entire structure; the homeowner, property owner, property manager, and/or tenants feel a need to regain control.
7. Research shows that most individuals experiencing a loss feel violated, invaded or “robbed” of their life as they know it.

SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh is your local SERVPRO for the northeastern baltimore county area. We go wherever we are called, and if you are too far we will locate another SERVPRO for you! The benefit of using a SERVPRO franchise is that we are all approved by all insurance companies, and all billing is pre-approved by your Insurance claims adjuster! 

Why knowing behavior of smoke makes SERVPRO of Perry/Hall White Marsh better equipped to handle your Kingsville Maryland fire damage claim.

1/19/2018 (Permalink)

example of a "heatline" caused by trapped hot smokey air in a house.

Kingsville, Maryland: Behavior of smoke is something not often studied by the average Kingsville citizen, but here at SERVPRO of Perry Hall White marsh we are Fire and smoke restoration experts. We are going to break down a very complicated science behind smoke behavior so you are able to better understand why cleaning up fires can be so extensive (even if the fire was only in one room).

1. Convection Current

Convection Currents, in relation to home fires is when hot air rises, it forces cool air downwards. This produces a constant circulation as long as the fire is burning. Smoke rises until stopped by the ceiling; the greatest concentration of soot will be on the ceiling immediately above the fire area. This is Where we begin our scope (or inspection) of work to determine what needs to be done since the degree of residue decreases as you scope further from the fire

2. Heat Lines

Remember how the hot air forces cold air down? Well you can actually see it after the fire. Smoke fills a ceiling area, then banks down a wall to a point called the heat line. Above the heat line, residues are more difficult to remove because heat opens up pores in surfaces allowing deeper penetration (heat makes materials expand). This is why we test high on the walls for scoping to determine how to clean the rest of the walls.

3. Temperature of Smoke and Temperature of Surfaces

 Hot air as mentioned before provides the convection current. The hotter the fire, the more turbulent the current and the harder smoke is forced against surfaces. This driven smoke collides with surfaces and deposits residues that may be difficult to remove. Hot smoke eventually cools and becomes a free floating smoke that floats through the building and settles on horizontal surfaces.

4. Temperature of Surfaces

Hot smoke tends to move toward colder surfaces. This is how smoke gets between curtains and windows, and even inside cabinets and drawers. This principle is expressed as hot goes to cold.

5. Airflow patterns

Smoke follows airflow patterns through a building, spreading residues within the structure. Smoke flows upward through openings cut for water pipes and HVAC system. The cavity above a suspended ceiling may also serve as an air return and have heavier smoke deposits than the finished ceiling beneath. This cavity can also spread residues to a wider area of the building. The ductwork of the HVAC system can spread residues throughout a structure by distributing hot, smoke-filled air during the fire. While not every fire needs their duct system cleaned, it must be checked because if its not cleaned, unclean contaminated will redistribute smoke particles back into a restored structure when the HVAC is turned on again

7. Ionization
Ionization refers to smoke particles that become electrically charged. Since opposite electrical charges attract, smoke residues with strong charges may be attracted to surfaces with the opposite electrical charge. Ionized smoke particles cluster on metal surfaces. Through magnetism, charged smoke particles are attracted to plumbing pipes and coat hangers. Nail heads that are invisible beneath drywall become clearly outlined by smoke because their magnetic attraction remains effective despite the covering of paint and plaster. This is often referred to as nail pops, but the statement is misleading since the nails are still in place; it just looks like they have come to the surface.

Can you clean the soot so the nail head is no longer visible? We can.

Can you remove smoke from the very pores of your drywall? We can. 

Can you coordinate the cleaning of all affected contents, the inside of electronics, the affected walls, and ductwork, while communicating with insurance adjusters, textile restoration specialists (and while moving out your home into storage) and maintain a job and while taking care of your family? 

Don't worry, SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh is here to handle it all. We are approved by all insurance companies and are IICRC certified. We have onsite storage and are able to clean everything and anything you can imagine. Don't hesitate to call us 410-529-1664 if you live in the Baltimore county Maryland area!

Fire damage prevention tips for holiday decoration related fires

12/11/2017 (Permalink)

Fire damage happens the most between the months of November-January claiming nearly 500 lives annually. Protect your family, pets and property from the holiday fire hazards by following these tips from the American Red Cross.

1. Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents and candles.
2. Purchase flame retardant metallic or artificial trees. If you purchase a real tree, make sure that it has fresh, green needles that aren’t easily broken. Keep live trees as moist as possible by giving them plenty of water.
3. Make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving home or going to bed.
5. Never use lit candles to decorate a tree.
6. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.
7. Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over.
8. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
9. Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top.
10. Designate one person to walk around your home to make sure that all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave.
11. Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for more information on how to keep your home fire safe during the holidays.

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 at 410-529-1664

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Home Holiday fire statistics to consider when buying a tree this holiday in Carney MD

11/13/2017 (Permalink)

Holiday fire statistics

We all have heard about the fire risks of live Christmas trees, candles and fire place fires. This information has been beaten into our heads countless of times, holiday season after holiday season but did you know that holiday fires are still on the rise? Here are some more holiday fire facts that may surprise you, provided by the American Red Cross.

• Nearly 47,000 fires occur during the winter holidays claiming more than 500 lives, causing more than 2,200 injuries, and costing $554 million in property damage.**
• On average, one of every 22 home fires started by Christmas trees result in death.***
• Candle fires are four times as likely to occur during the winter holidays.**
• During the winter holiday season, an average of 40 home fires per day are caused by children playing.**
• The number of home fires the American Red Cross has responded to has risen 10% since 2000.*
• Having a working smoke alarm reduces one’s chances of dying in a fire by nearly half.**

Visit the National Fire Protection Association for More statistics on home holiday fires

http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/wildfire-and-seasonal-fires/winter-holiday-safety/holiday-fires-by-the-numbers

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 at 410-529-1664

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Pet Fire safety and fire prevention for Cowenton MD

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

Pets: you may not think of them as fire starters but accidents happen and we are sharing this list from the American Red Cross which gives some tips on how to prevent these accidents from happening.

1. Extinguish open flames: pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving home
2. Remove stove knobs or protect them with covers- stove cook tops are the number one piece of equipment involved in pets starting fires (they jump up and put their paws on the knobs)
3. Invest in flameless candles – these candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles
4. Secure young pets away from fire starting hazards when you aren’t home using crates or baby gates.

Visit the American Red Cross Pet Fire safety page for more info!: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/pet-fire-safety

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 at 410-529-1664

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Home heating fire prevention tips for Rosedale MD

9/11/2017 (Permalink)

Home heating fire prevention tips for Rosedale MD

Heating appliance related fires are the leading cause in fire related deaths and causes of home fires. Some people are very aware of the dangers of home heating appliances and take great care to make sure they are watched after properly – other people think itll never happen to them. Hopefully these statistics will help reinforce the idea of protecting your home against home heating appliance fires.

• Keep all potential sources of fuel like paper, clothing, bedding or rugs at least three feet away from space heaters, stoves, or fireplaces.
• Portable heaters and fireplaces should never be left unattended. Turn off space heaters and make sure any embers in the fireplace are extinguished before going to bed or leaving home.
• If you must use a space heater, place it on a level, hard and nonflammable surface (such as ceramic tile floor), not on rugs or carpets or near bedding or drapes. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
• When buying a space heater, look for models that shut off automatically if the heater falls over as another safety measure.
• Never use a cooking range or oven to heat your home.
• Keep fire in your fireplace by using a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
• Have wood and coal stoves, fireplaces, chimneys, and furnaces professionally inspected and cleaned once a year.
• Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for more information on how to prevent heating fires.

For more info visit http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness

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 at 410-529-1664

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Heating fire statistics you ought to know in White Marsh MD

8/14/2017 (Permalink)

Heating fire statistics for the United States

Heating appliance related fires are the leading cause in fire related deaths and causes of home fires. Some people are very aware of the dangers of home heating appliances and take great care to make sure they are watched after properly – other people think itll never happen to them. Hopefully these statistics will help reinforce the idea of protecting your home against home heating appliance fires.

• Heating fires are the second leading cause of home fires.**
• Fixed and portable space heaters, including wood stoves, are involved in 74 percent of fire-related deaths.**
• Nearly half of American families use alternative heating sources such as space heaters, fireplaces, or wood/coal stoves to stay warm.*
• Each year over 200 people die from carbon monoxide produced by fuel burning appliances in the home including furnaces, ranges, water heaters and room heaters.***
• The number of home fires the American Red Cross has responded to has risen 10% since 2000.*
• Only 26 percent of families have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.*
• Eighty percent of Americans don’t realize that home fires are the single most common disaster across the nation.*
• Having a working smoke alarm reduces one’s chances of dying in a fire by nearly half.**

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 at 410-529-1664

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Fire Damage Prevention tips for Kitchen and Grill fires

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

Here are some tips for preventing a fire while you are operating cooking equipment

1. Never leave cooking food unattended.
2. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.
3. If you are simmering, baking, boiling, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind yourself that the stove or oven is on.
4. Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
5. Keep kids away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of three feet around the stove.
6. Keep anything that can catch on fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains—away from your stove top and oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
7. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
8. Consider purchasing a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
9. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.
10. Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for more information on how to prevent cooking fires.

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness

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 at 410-529-1664

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Cooking fire Statistics you ought to know Parkville MD

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

Cooking fires are very common and often times fatal. We’ve all been in the position of feeling like we’ve lost control of the stove for most of us it doesn’t get to serious but it causes 1/3 of all structure fires in the United States. Here are some cooking fire statistics to consider.

1. Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries.**
2. Home fires are more likely to start in the kitchen than any other room in your home.***
3. Unattended cooking causes nearly 90 percent of all kitchen fires.**
4. Cooking was the cause of 36% of all structure fires in 2002.**
5. The number of home fires the American Red Cross has responded to has risen 10% since 2000.*
6. Every two and a half hours someone is killed in a home fire. In a typical year, 20,000 people are injured in home fires.**
7. Having a working smoke alarm reduces one’s chances of dying in a fire by nearly half.**

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 AT 410-529-1664

Reference and more reading

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Nottingham MD, this is how you protect your pets in a Fire!

5/8/2017 (Permalink)

Pets are often lost in a fire. Save your pets and consider these tips for when leaving your home

1. Keep pets near entrances when away from home.
2. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case fire fighters need to rescue your pet
3. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where fire fighters can easily find them
4. Save rescuers time by affixing a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. Make sure number of pets are listed

Were these tips helpful? Check out some other tips on our website about what to do after a fire occurs in your home, and checkout our fire section of our blog!

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

http://www.SERVPROperryhallwhitemarsh.com/fire-damage-tips

Fire blog

http://www.SERVPROperryhallwhitemarsh.com/blog/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/pet-fire-safety

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 at 410-529-1664

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

6 Statistics you may not know about Children and home fires

4/10/2017 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh if you experience a fire in the baltimore county area.

6 Statistics you may not know about Children and home fires

Every year children are involved in countless of fires; fires started by children is the leading cause of death in fire-toddler deaths. Here are some statistics that may shock you, provided by the American Red Cross.

1. Children under the age of five are twice as likely to die in a home fire than the rest of the population, and child-playing fires are the leading cause of fire deaths among preschoolers.


2. About 300 people per year are killed and $280 million in property is destroyed in fires attributed to children playing with fire.


3. Just over half of child-playing fires in the home start in a bedroom, and bedding material is most often the first item ignited.


4. About two out of every three child-playing fires – and three out of every four associated deaths and injuries – involve matches or lighters.


5. Children also start fires by playing with candles, fireworks, stoves, and cigarettes.


6. Only twenty-six percent of families have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan

Visit http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Help-Prevent-Kitchen-Fires-by-Following-Safety-Tips-with-Kids for more tips!

Knowledge is power, and preventing and preparing these incidents starts with having working smoke alarms, practicing a fire escape plan and keeping children away from flammable objects and appliances.

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 at 410-529-1664

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

How to prepare children for a fire home emergency in Parkville MD

3/20/2017 (Permalink)

How to prepare children for a fire home emergency in Parkville MD, a blog by SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh. Call 410-529-1664 for fire clean up.

Do you know how to prepare children for a fire home emergency in Parkville MD? Every year children are involved in countless of fires, and they are most likely to die in a fire. Teaching kids at the earliest age about fire safety and keeping them away from dangerous things is the best way to protect them from starting a fire. Here are some tips to get you started, these tips have been provided by the American Red Cross.

1. Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of the reach of children, and only use lighters with child-resistant features.


2. Practice your home fire escape plan with your children several times a year. Also practice stop, drop and roll and low crawling.


3. Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm and what to do when they hear it.


4. Teach your children not to be scared of firefighters. Take them to your local fire department to meet them and learn about fire safety.


5. Teach your children to tell you or a responsible adult when they find matches or lighters at home or school.


6. Smoke alarms save lives. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year. Having a working

smoke alarm reduces the risk of dying in a home fire by nearly half.

You can’t plan for every disaster but you can prepare for them, help your kids by preparing them and teaching them about fire prevention and safety.

Visit www.redcross.org/homefires for more information on children and fire safety.

And American Red Cross “Fire Safety for Kids” page

http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-for-kids

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 -410-529-1664

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

Cooking Fire Statistics

2/24/2017 (Permalink)

Whether its cooking on the grill, deep frying a turkey, or simply making a weeknight dinner Cooking fires are the leading cause of fires and fire-related injuries in the US.

The National Fire Protection association (NFPA) reports that fire departments report 357,000 home fires each year. 45% of these fires are from cooking – That’s almost half of all fires!. These fires cause hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries, and not to mention 6.9 billion dollars worth of damage every year.

 Causes of Cooking related fires

• Unattended cooking equipment
• Abandoned or discarded material or product
• Heat source too close to combustibles
• Unclassified misuse of material
• Unintentionally turned on or not turned off
• Unclassified factor
• Failure to clean

SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh want you to stay safe. If you do experience a fire or water damage they will help make it “Like it never even happened”

About SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh has been doing fire, water and smoke clean up in the Baltimore county region since 2001. We are accepted by all insurance companies and our number is 410-529-1664

Holiday Fire Safety Precautions

2/17/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know December is the peak time of year for home fires? The American red cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the risk of fire in your Parkville home or business

• Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least 3 feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.


• make sure that light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. do not use anything with frayed electrical cords, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.


• Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.


• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to bed.


• Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees. 


• Keep anything that can catch on fire-pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains - away from your stove top.


• Designate one person to walk around your property to ensure all candles and smoking materials are extinguished after guests leave.

At SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh we Wish you a safe and Happy Holiday Season!

Smoke Alarms: what you need to know and how to maintain

2/14/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms - save lives when properly installed. Here is a basic checklist of how to use smoke alarms to protect your loved ones, and property and businesses.

1. In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, on every level - including the basement.

2. In the office and commercial environments, check your state requirements or contact your local fire marshal to help ensure all codes are met.

3. Test smoke alarms monthly with the test button. IF you have smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire alarm changed every 10 years, and the unit replaced every 10 years. IF the battery chirps signaling a low battery, change batteries immediately and test it again. 

4. Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm. Almost half of fires where smoke alarms were present but did not activate had missing or disconnected batteries (NFBA).

5. Hard-wired or wireless smoke alarms offer benefits such as not needing to be tested as often and activating throughout the entire building if smoke is just detected in one area.

6. If you need help installing, testing or changing batteries in smoke alarms, contact a friend, family member or your local fire department, an electrician, or the American Red Cross.

7. Make sure your business and home has in place a fire emergency plan with meeting spot (place to meet if a fire occurs) and conduct regular fire drills.

SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh Fire clean up

2/13/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals were called upon to assist with the cleanup and restoration of the Pentagon following the events of September 11, 2001. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals teamed up to  dry nearly 300,000 square feet in addition to providing fire, soot and smoke cleanup and restoration services. Upon completion of the drying assignment, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provided mold remediation services in other sections of the facility. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals met the challenge and completed the process in just 90 days.

Your home or commercial facility or contains many of your most valuable possessions. SERVPRO of  Perry Hall/White Marsh understands the trauma that follows a loss. When fire damage takes control of your life, we help take it back.

“We were referred to SERVPRO of Perry Hall by a neighbor the day the fire occurred. We called and they took over and arranged everything from contacting someone to board up the house to arranging every aspect of the damage. Very thorough, had our best interest and gave helpful information on how to work with the insurance company. Also extremely patient with my son, who lost the most. 
I can't say enough kind words. They were so professional and helpful.” –George McDain

 Our number one goal is returning damage to its preloss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.” Every SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh Professional who steps onto a job site has this goal in mind. It is about total restoration of the damage and about the life of the customer being helped.

How to use a Portable Fire Extinguisher

2/7/2017 (Permalink)

Portable fire extinguishers are a life (and property saving) tool when used correctly. In order to use an extinguisher properly, the National Fire Protection Association suggest following "PASS"

P- Pull the pin. Hold the nozzle pointing away from you and release the locking mechanism.

A- Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

S- Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Read and familiarize yourself with the instructions on the extinguisher BEFORE a fire breaks out. Also never forget that extinguishers have limitations and make sure you have the correct type and number of extinguishers for your home or facility. To learn more visit the NFBA website at NFBA.org.

ABOUT SERVPRO OF PERRY HALL WHITE MARSH:

SERVPRO of Perry Hall White marsh has been cleaning fire and smoke related damage since 2001. 

Winter heating hazards

2/7/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know heating equipment is the leading cause of home fire deaths and that 50% of all residential heat related fires are during the months of December, January, and February and causes $1 billion dollars worth of property damage.  

Here are some tips in reducing your risk of a heating-related fire: 

1. Keep anything flammable atleast 3 feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fire place, wood stove, or portable space heater. Also have a 3 feet "kids free zone around open fires and space heaters.

2. Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room.

3. Make sure ashes are cool before putting them in a metal container - keep the container a safe distance away from the house.

4. Rember to turn portable heaters off when leaving thr room or going to bed.

5. Always use the right kind of fuel specified by the manufacturer for fuel burning space heaters.

6. Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

7. Have qualified professionals install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heaating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturers instructions.

8. Test smoke alarms monthly.

Holiday Season: Candle-Related Home Fires

12/9/2016 (Permalink)

Candle fires cause 8,200 home fires a year, resulting in 80 deaths, 790 injuries, and 374 million dollars in property damage every year.

The top four days for candle fires are New Year's Eve, New Years Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.

3/5 candle fires start when something that could burn, such as a Christmas tree, a mattress, bedding, curtains or decorations were too close to the candle.

Almost 1/5 of candle-related fires were unattended or abandoned.

While it's best to avoid candles all together, here are safety tips for use of candles.

1. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn
2. Never leave a candle unattended, blow out candles when you leave a room- you can always relight it when you are back in the room
3. Keep candles away from greens and all decorations - especially the Christmas tree.
4. Keep burning candles out of the reach of children and pets.
5. Don’t burn a candle all the way down. Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 2 inches of wax remains or ½ inch if in a container.
6. Extinguish a candle if it repeatedly smokes, flickers, or the flame becomes too high.  The candle isn’t burning properly. Cool, trim the wick, then check for drafts before relighting
7. Trim candlewicks to ¼ inch each time before burning. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning and dripping.

Baltimore County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

4/27/2016 (Permalink)

If your baltimore county home or business has experienced smoke or soot damage, call SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh, we work with all insurance

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 Perry Hall White Marsh 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 – SERVPRO of Perry Hall White Marsh

410-529-1664

Wildfire Evacuation plan for Parkville, Carney, Perry Hall, White Marsh, Fullerton

4/27/2016 (Permalink)

Shenandoah Wild fire

Today marks the 11th day of the Shenandoah Wild fire, it has burned 10,000 acres and is still continuing to spread. Officials say the fire is contained and no residents are at risk, but skyline drive and parts of the park are still closed. Who knew something like this could happen so close to home? Well it doesn’t take very much, just one unsupervised grill, a campfire left with coals still hot, or an improperly extinguished cigarette is all it takes to ignite a forest.

Wildfires are a very real threat and while having a wild fire on the east coast is unusual, we Baltimoreans should always be prepared. We’ve compiled a list of useful tips and tricks to stay on top of your wildfire evacuation plan.

First off, always, ALWAYS have an emergency supply kit ready

Pack your emergency Supply kit

• 3 gallons of water per person (1 gallon of water per day, per person = 3 day supply)
• 3 day supply of non-perishable food
• Flashlight
• Battery powered or hand-crank radio
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene
• Copies of personal documents
• Cash
• Cellphone with chargers
• Emergency contact information
• Blanket
• Maps

Prepare your home

• Make sure gutters and roof are clear at all times
• Make sure driveway entrances and house number are clearly marked
• Set aside household items that can be used as fire tools: a rake, ax, handsaw, chain saw, bucket, shovel. You may need to put out small fires before emergency responders arrive.
• Post emergency numbers next to every phone in home
• Educate children and teens: have a conversation about where to go, where to meet, and how to get out of the neighborhood.
• Practice multiple ways of getting out of the neighborhood; the primary route could be blocked

What to do when there are fire reports in your area

• Be ready to leave at a moments notice
• supplies packed
• arrange temporary housing at a friend or relatives in a faraway place
• Confine pets to one room so you can grab them in a moments notice
• Listen for emergency information

Related Blog Posts

Important numbers for Parkville, Carney, Perry Hall, White Marsh
http://www.SERVPROperryhallwhitemarsh.com/blog/post/15089/community/important-numbers-for-perry-hall-white-marsh-nottingham-and-balitmore-county-residents

5 Things to Do After a Fire Damage in Your Perry Hall Nottingham Home (and 4 You Shouldn’t)

3/9/2016 (Permalink)

Your home has had a fire, maybe its significant damage to the kitchen, or maybe not. The fire is out now, and you’ve already scheduled services and talked to your insurance company. Your home has been secured (boarded up, if the doors or windows have been blown out), and declared structurally safe to enter. Your main goal is to protect yourself, avoid potential hazards and prevent penetration of soot into surfaces. This post will tell you what to do to prevent further damage a fire damage. The best thing you can do if you’re not sure is to talk to your adjuster and wait until help arrives, and nothing more. Let’s start from the bottom up (the floors)

 DO Place clean towels on high traffic areas

Include areas not effected by fire. This will allow you to limit further damage to the areas, you should limit movement to prevent deepening of the soot, but at least cross contamination will be minimized until help arrives.

DO NOT attempt to clean carpet (or walls or ceiling or anything!) This will worsen the fire and smoke damage which could be irreversible. Irreversible damage = more expensive bill!

DO Change HVAC Filter

The air in your home is swarming with soot, smoke and dust after a fire and your HVAC filter is going to be overwhelmed, be sure to change these out regularly until clean-up has finished.

DO Protect airducts from contaminating other parts of the house. Cover vents with two layers of cheese cloth. Buy them here. Again, this will keep smoke, soot, dust and other loose air particles from causing cross contamination into other rooms.

Do NOT turn on any ceiling fixtures

The wiring may be bad, melted, fried or water saturated from putting out the fire, or the walls could be wet surrounding the appliance and It will shock you

DO NOT eat any food from affected area

This includes canned food (the food has cooked inside the can as the fire happened and has spoiled) Firefighter chemicals are poisonous and can’t be washed off, this coupled with extreme exposure to heat, and power outages has compromised the safety of the food and it cannot be consumed by humans or animals and MUST be disposed.

DO dispose all food from affected area: 

The food is bad, but you may be able to include it in your claim if its in your homeowners insurance policy, take a picture of all the fire damaged food you’re tossing, save it for your adjuster or agent, and get rid of it. If you wait to to do this it will stink up your house, or WORSE you, your child or elderly relative might accidentally eat it! Trust us, toss it. While we’re on the topic, any products (cleaning chemicals, sprays, makeup, etc) are also likely compromised so make sure no one uses anything! And if you decide to toss these too, take a picture, save it for your adjuster or agent, and toss it out. 

DO NOT attempt to clean appliances, the REAL damage is inside as well as outside. We can take care of that for now you can check out what we have next on the list.

DO Protect metal surfaces with a film of Vaseline or petroleum jelly. Since petroleum jelly is a skin protectant, it will also work on metal goods, and it will protect the item from soot damage the appearance of your metal goods.

Again we would really like to reiterate how important it is to be safe while remaining in your home after a fire damage. If any of these tasks seems too daunting, or even unnecessary, air to the side of caution and leave it alone, and keep children elderly and pets out of the area. Safety is the most important thing and it’s better to leave it alone if you feel uncomfortable.

Further reading

American Red Cross, Picking up the Pieces After A Fire, the American Red Cross website

Fire Damage Process

SERVPRO Fire Damage Customer Information Brochure

Odor Removal

SERVPRO Fire Damage tips

FIRES occur every 18 seconds in the U.S....Only One Matters to You!

8/5/2013 (Permalink)

Following the events of September 11, 2001, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals were called upon to assist with the cleanup and restoration of the Pentagon. In spite of the emotions and difficulties involved in the restoration effort, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals dried nearly 300,000 square feet in addition to providing fire, soot and smoke cleanup and restoration services. Upon completion of the drying assignment, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provided mold remediation services in other sections of the facility. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals met the challenge and completed the process in just 90 days.

Your home or commercial facility contains many of your most valuable possessions. SERVPRO of  Perry Hall/White Marsh understands the trauma that follows a loss. When fire damage takes control of your life, we help take it back. Our number one goal is returning damage to its pre-loss condition, doing all we can to make it “Like it never even happened.” Every SERVPRO of Perry Hall/White Marsh Professional who steps onto a job site has this goal in mind. It is about total restoration of the damage and about the life of the customer being helped.