Dryer Cleaning

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Three Ways You Can Remove Lint From a Dryer

Almost 3,000 residential fires happen each year due to dirty lint traps in a dryer, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Preventing a lint fire in your East Mississippi, home takes little time and effort, and it can help save you thousands in fire restoration services costs. Here are three ways you can remove lint from a dryer. 

1. Clean the Screen To Prevent a Dryer Fire
   After every load in your dryer is done, pull out the lint trap and clean it. Gently start in one corner of the trap and pull the lint away from the screen. Ensure that you don't have any lint left on the trap that might get into the vents. It's also helpful to clean the screen in warm, soapy water every two weeks to help remove built-up dust and small bits of debris that could cause a lint fire. Be sure to thoroughly dry the screen before putting it back into the dryer. 
2. Clean the Vents
   Over time, pieces of lint get trapped in the vents and can eventually block airflow from the dryer. When that happens, you are at a much higher risk of fire damage happening to your home. Unplug your machine and remove the exhaust hose from the dryer. Use a vacuum to completely clean the inside of the hose and remove all of the accumulated lint. It's also helpful to access the exhaust hose from the outside vent and use a cleaning rod to remove the lint in the hose from that side. 
3. Deep-Clean the Interior of the Dryer
   Because lint pieces can be small and light, they often make their way to the dryer's interior. If not addressed, the pieces of lint can quickly build up and cause blockages, which can be a fire hazard for your machine. While your machine is unplugged, remove the back of the dryer. Wipe down all surfaces with built-up lint and use a vacuum to access hard-to-reach places. 
   Taking adequate care of your dryer and its components doesn't take a lot of extra time, and it can keep you and your family safe from a lint fire. 

Alternatives for Candles

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Candle Alternatives

Many people like to use candles in their homes. They can provide pleasant scents and create an inviting atmosphere. However, they can sometimes present a danger. If you are unable to use candles in your Meridian area  home or would just prefer something safer, there are several candle alternatives to consider.

1. Wax Warmers
   For some, the primary appeal of using candles is the fragrance. Scented candles are an easy way to add a nice aroma to a room. Electric wax warmers are able to do that without the use of a flame. Because they use heat and electricity, however, they should still be used with supervision.
2. Oil Diffusers
   Another way to avoid the risk of a candle fireis to use a diffuser. Electric diffusers and reed diffusers both use scented oils to add fragrance to the environment. If you want something hassle-free, a reed diffuser may be the best option for you.
3. Warm Lighting
   If for you, the appeal of a candle is its lighting instead of its scent, then you may only need to invest in a warm lighting fixture. There are a variety of candle alternatives that will serve this purpose. You could opt for a LED lamp that has multiple settings or even just a soft white lightbulb.
4. Flameless Candles
   Don’t want to sacrifice any part of the candle experience? Try a battery-operated candle. These items look like regular candles but don’t put your home at risk. Some battery-operated candles come in various scents and some have a flickering light reminiscent of a flame, so you can easily create the atmosphere that you want.
   Home fires can be devastating and fire damage remediation services can take a long time to complete. Using candle alternatives is just one way that you can reduce the chances of an emergency in your home. There are several options that you can use while still getting the experience that you are looking for.

Summer Grilling

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

One of summers favorite activities is grilling.  Every year thousands are injured by unsafely handling grills. Here at SERVPRO of Meridian we care about fun and safety: therefore, we are giving you a few do's and don'ts when grilling, that way you can stay safe and grill your favorite meal at the same time.

What TO DO when grilling:

• Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from your house.
• Clean your grill regularly, this will decrease the amount of fuel the grill would have if there was ever a fire.
• Check for gas leaks.
• Keep decorations like umbrellas or plants away from your grill.
• Keep a bottle of water near your grill just in case it is ever needed.

What NOT To Do when grilling:

• Don't turn the gas on when the lid is closed: this causes gas to build up.
• Never leave a grill unattended.
• Overload the grill with food.
• Never use a grill indoors.

Reminders:

1. Do not panic if an emergency occurs, instead call SERVPRO.
2. Keep safety always at the forefront of your mind.

 Why SERVPRO?

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Water Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Water Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Water Inspection, Extraction, and Drying Equipment

Fireworks Precautions

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

As Memorial Day and the 4th of July approach, make sure you and your family are aware of firework safety! We want the holidays for you and your family to be just as they were meant to be, FUN! Often times, though people handle fireworks in an unsafe manner. 

I am sure everyone has seen the viral video, "Back up Terry." In this video a man in a wheelchair lights a firework and there is a malfunction with his wheelchair. He can't get away from the firework fast enough, and the fireworks start going off right next to him. And yes, although we thought this video was funny, we need to realize that this could have ended entirely different and Terry could have been badly injured. 

DID YOU KNOW?

During the holiday months, on average 180 people a day go to the hospital for firework related injuries. We encourage you here at SERVPRO of Birmingham to: 

BE PREPARED!

• Store fireworks away from children
• Always read the labels and follow directions
• Keep small children and pets indoors: they are easily frightened
• Always have water near, in case of an incident

BE RESPONSIBLE!

• Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water afterwards
• Dispose of used fireworks and debris properly
• Never re-light "dud" fireworks
• Never keep fireworks in your pockets: the friction could set them off

BE SAFE!

• An adult should always be the one lighting the fireworks
• Keep matches & lighters away from children
• Use fireworks outdoors only
• Do not throw fireworks or hold them in your hand
• Don't be like "Terry", light firework and move away quickly

BE AWARE!

• Use only legal fireworks
• Make sure you are able to set off fireworks (every state is different)
• Fireworks are prohibited on all state parks, and state or federal forest land
• The National Fire Protection Association estimates that the local fire department responds to more than 50,000 fires caused by fireworks each year. THEREFORE, DO NOT point fireworks toward homes and keep away from bushes, leaves, and flammable substances.

Preventing Fires at Home

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Majority of home fire cases is unexpected and they are often caused by the most common task that we perform daily at home which we perceive to be safe. Things like accidentally turning on a stove, leaving the kettle on for too long, forgetting to blow out a candle, and many other daily activities may end up in a scary nightmare. Below are some simple yet effective home fire prevention tips that we can all follow to prevent common household fires.

Cooking Fires

Cooking fires make up at least 23 % of home fires and 9 % of fatalities. They can start with something so simple like a hand towel that is placed too close to a stove to an entirely dangerous house fire in just a matter of seconds. To prevent cooking fires, avoid ever leaving anything combustible near the stove burner. Keep them at least 3 feet away from the cooktop and this includes wall decorations and curtains.

Heating Equipment

Space heaters and wood stove tops are the most common heating equipment that causes house fires. They account for 15 % of house fires and 13 % of fatalities. Most heating equipment fires take place when space heaters or wood stove tops are placed near combustibles with nobody around attending to the area. Such fires can be prevented by placing space heaters or wood stove tops at least 3 feet away from bedding, drapes, and other flammable items. You also need to plug them directly into power sockets instead of using extension cords and switch them off completely when you head to bed or leave the house.

Electrical Equipment

Overloaded extension cords or bad electrical connections are dangerous as they can melt the wiring system which starts house fires. This type of fire accounts for 9 % of home fires and 10 % of fatalities. To prevent this type of fire, replace your extension cords which seem to be fraying. Those extension cords that are undersized to support the number of electronics you have also need to be changed to larger-gauge cords. Extension cords are also not supposed to be run below rugs as accidents are just waiting to happen. Other causes of accidents may involve miscellaneous incidents that are caused by negligent homeowners.

Fire Damage Restoration

Prevention is not that difficult to accomplish if we follow the correct recommended steps. However, occasionally things just happen unexpectedly which are simply beyond our control. If you have suffered from an unfortunate home fire, do not worry about fixing everything on your own. Always engage the services of professional fire damage restoration experts who can assess the extent of your home damage and recommend the proper techniques that need to be taken. It can be hard to come back from a home fire both physically and mentally which is why it is crucial to make use of professional restoration services. Focus on recuperating mentally while the experts take charge of getting your home back to its original physical condition with careful expertise and equipment.

Smoke Colors

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Understands the Implications of Different Smoke Characteristics to the Fire Damage Restoration

Smoke is one of the predictable byproducts of fires in homes. However, most people are not aware of the different variations of smoke produced, and the implications they might have on a property. SERVPRO helps cleanup damage from all types of smoke in East Mississippi properties.

Which colors does smoke commonly exhibit?

You can simplify the process of fire damage restoration in your East Mississippi home if you are observant enough to note the color of smoke emitted from your property as fire burns. The common color variations include:

• Black smoke
• White smoke
• Grey smoke

Smoke contains different substances, including aerosols, particulate matter, and moisture. When smoke looks whitish, it is an indicator of a higher percentage of aerosols or water vapor in its composition. The outcome under such circumstances may involve a widespread accumulation of wet smoke residues on surfaces. Our SERVPRO crews can help you deal with the challenging cleanup process using advanced approaches such as soda blasting or surface stripping.

How damaging is a fire burning with black smoke?

Dark smoke can indicate several things, including:

• Incomplete combustion of materials fueling the fire
• Burning of synthetic materials 
• The fire being highly volatile

Various challenges can arise after you notice a fire burning with thick dark smoke. For instance, the extreme heat from the scorching fire can push residues deeper into surfaces, making it tougher to clean the area or remove odors. The fire might also leave thick layers of residues all over the property, burdening you with extract cleaning steps. 

Our SERVPRO technicians prepare well to handle such cleaning situations with various resources, such as automated agitation equipment. We also have specially formulated cleaning products that help strip down residues from surfaces faster.

Smoke characteristics, including its color, connect with many aspects of the resulting damage. An experienced team from SERVPRO of Meridian can help you with the challenges the situations present.

Choosing Restoration over Replacement

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

When you need residential fire damage services, you should contact a locally owned and operated professional that can quickly diagnose the exact nature of your problem and then get right to work on solving it. Fire and smoke are particularly destructive forces that can gut a structure and cause it to be condemned. If your property is suffering from this sort of damage, you may need immediate help to salvage it.

You'll Need a Company That Specializes in Fire Damage Restoration:

After any damage has occurred, you should contact a company immediately for an initial diagnosis. This will then be followed by a team getting directly to work on cleaning up and fully restoring the affected area. Cleanup, removal of debris, neutralization of remaining odors, and purifying of the air can commence quickly to prevent any further health problems that often arise after fire damage.

Concentrate on Restoration Rather Than Replacement:

The focus of good restoration service should always fixate on restoring your property rather than replacing it. When possible, it's better to isolate quickly and neutralize any issues rather than replacing your entire property. Restoration not only costs you less money in the long run, but it also allows you to quickly get back to living your life faster. If parts of the property do need to be completely rebuilt, talk to the company about timelines for the areas that are fixable first, and then concentrate on the areas that need to be entirely redone.

What to Expect from Any Service:

A reputable restoration service will do an immediate assessment of the damage, followed by board up and tarp service if required. From there, they will remove all affected material and begin airing out and drying the general area. Once all of the debris, smoke, and soot has been eliminated from the area, they can begin restoring your property back to pristine condition.

What to Look For:

It's best to hire a locally owned company that has a focus and connection to your community. You should also ensure that the service personnel you are dealing with are fully qualified, trained, and experienced at diagnosing and solving the problems that affect your property. When you are dealing with severe fire and smoke damage, you want to make sure the company you choose can handle the scope of the project and will help you handle any problems that come up.


SERVPRO of Meridian  is a locally owned and operated authority for residential fire damage cleanup and restoration. When fire damage threatens properties in the counties of Clarke, Jasper, Newton, Lauderdale, Kemper, and Noxbee counties, we can help. Contact us now for a prompt response to your fire damage emergency at 601-693-7300

Removing Cigarette Smoke

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Have you just moved into a home or apartment with a strong nicotine smell? There are some home remedies to try, but these will only work under certain circumstances. There are many questions to consider, like how long the cigarette smoke has been impacting the area, how strong the smell is, and where the smell is concentrated.

If the home remedies are unsuccessful, it is best to send a professional out to inspect it. Once we can establish the extent of the damage, we begin to plan action steps for ridding the home of the stench. Often nicotine residue can cling to the HVAC system, so a full duct cleaning could be the answer to residual odor that seems to outlast other odor removal methods. If the ducts have been cleaned, then we will ozone the affected areas. We will bring it air scrubbers to remove the airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.

After the ozone process is complete, we will use a thermal fogger, which uses a special solvent-based deodorizer that is heated and applied as a dry fog/smoke. Thermal foggers rely on a deodorizing solution that is vaporized in the fogger then blown into the room permeating all of the contents and structural elements. This process will ensure that the nicotine odor is gone for good.

If you have more questions or would like to schedule an odor assessment, give SERVPRO of Meridian a call at 601-693-7300. 

Backyard Fire Pit Tips!

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

Here in East Mississippi it’s a tradition to enjoy the cooler nights outside around a homemade fire pit! Many of us are looking forward to spending time gathering around them to enjoy time with family and friends. Before you start dreaming of moonlit nights and toasted marshmallows, take a moment to check out some of these tips from Allstate to remember.

Backyard Fire Pit Safety Tips:

• Whether you prefer a built-in or portable fire pit, choose one that is not too large for the area. The pit should be a minimum of 10 feet away from any structures or combustible materials as well as away from trees, fences, sheds, power lines, and telephone wires.
• Make sure that the seating area is large enough and properly placed for comfort and ventilation.
• Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
• Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
• To start the fire, use a lighter to ignite crumpled pieces of paper covered with small sticks. Then, add larger sticks and a log or two to keep it burning. 
• Burn only dry material. Damp material will create excess smoke. 
• Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave the fire unattended, and keep pets and children far away from the fire as they will be attracted to it.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose, or bucket of water nearby.
• As the fire dies down, use a shovel and spread out the ashes to allow them to cool down. Then slowly pour water over those ashes and watch them closely to be sure that no burning embers remain or reignite. Put the cooled ashes in a specially designated ash storage metal can. 

Fire Tips for Kids

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

According to the American Burn Association, children are the most susceptible to burn injuries. 73% of all burn injuries happen in the home. At some point in time, children are going to be curious about fire, but it can be dangerous and costly.

Here are some tips to follow to keep your family safe according to the National Protection Association:

• Be sure to keep all matches and lighters out of the reach of children, preferably somewhere up high or in a locked cabinet.
• Closely supervise your children, making sure that they are away from any fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, fire pits, and stoves.
• Take advantage of any opportunity to teach your children about fire safety.
• Explain that fires are something to be taken seriously as they move very fast and can hurt you with contact.
• Teach young children to not touch matches or lighters, and to notify an adult immediately if found.
• Establish a clear set of rules and consequences about unsupervised and unapproved uses of fire.
• Remember, children are always watching. Make sure you set a good example by handling fire in a safe manner.
• Show your children appreciation for displaying respect and age-appropriate responsibility when it comes to fire.

If your children happen to burn themselves, cool the burn by running it under cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.

If it is a more serious burn, CALL 9-1-1.

4th of July

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

4th of July in East Mississippi is always one of the areas favorite times. From the fireworks booming over Bonita all the way down to Archusa and Quitman celebrating in parking lots and pools as the night sky is lit up. Gathering with family and friends gather around for food, festivities, and fun. It can be easy to just get lost in all the fun going on but this can be one of the most dangerous times of the year with things such as fireworks, sparklers, bonfires, and BBQ's becoming possible fire damage. 

SERVPRO of Meridian has some reminders and safety tips to ensure this 4th is the best and safest it can be!  

If you are choosing to build a bonfire this weekend make sure that you are using only dry material and make sure that all debris is at least 10 feet away.  When you are finished ensure that you extinguish the fire, pour water on all embers until the hissing sounds stop. Always keep a fire extinguisher close by when having bonfires or grills going so you can keep any fire damage from spreading in the case of an emergency. While most kids love playing with fireworks, it is important to never toss or throw the fireworks at anyone. If dealing with fireworks, please consider the following safety tips and suggestions.

• Wear protective eye and hand gear
• Never carry fireworks in your pockets
• Always have a bucket of water nearby
• Keep unused fireworks in a closed box
• Make sure all spectators are 25 to 40 feet away

If you do have fire damage know that SERVPRO of Meridian is a call a way and ready throughout the entire Holiday weekend! We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and/or smoke damage.  We will ensure the highest care to get you back to celebrating the Freedom we have so graciously been given. 

We at SERVPRO of Meridian hope these tips will help you have a fun and safe holiday! Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us, Birmingham at 601-693-7300.

Fire Safety Tips for Pets

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

Pets can be considered family, too!

At any given moment, a fire emergency can take place in the East Mississippi area and though unexpected; it can be beneficial to already have a plan in place for everyone in your home to evacuate and meet in a safe location. While you should always be most focused on keeping yourself and your family safe, you can also spend some time on pet preparation so that you can have a better chance of getting your pets out of danger as well. You can be better prepared to keep your pets safe during a fire emergency by following these safety tips:

Practice Evacuating 

In the confusion caused by a fire, it can be hard to think of everything you need to do right away. If you have a plan in place and practice it a few times, you can be better prepared to handle a fire emergency. This can not only be helpful for pet safety, but also for the safety of everyone in your household. 

Notice Where Your Pets Are 

An important part of the planning process can be noticing where your pets usually spend their time. It can be especially helpful to note where they hide when frightened. You don’t want to put yourself at risk by spending too much time searching for your dog or cat during a fire emergency, but you can be better prepared to get yourself and your pets out as soon as possible by having a checklist of areas you can look. 

Keep Collars and Leashes Handy

Fires can be especially frightening to pets. By keeping their collars and leashes handy, you can more easily guide them out of the house. If you are unable to find them, it can be easier for the fire department to get them out if they are wearing collars. It can be a good idea to hang leashes by the door you are planning to evacuate through. Call SERVPRO of Meridian at 601-693-7300

A few Things to Know About Smoke and Soot Damages

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage can be very hard to treat, due to smoke being able to penetrate the smallest cavities, which can cause lasting odor to your home.   SERVPRO of Meridian has experience and expertise in inspecting smoke and soot damages. 

A few facts that may help relieve some of the confusion of smoke and soot clean up:

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 Meridian 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. 

It is important to know, that every fire, smoke, and soot damage is different.  SERVPRO of Meridian has the equipment, experience, and expertise to restore smoke and fire damages. 

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 601-693-7300

A Fire and a Pack-Out

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

When a business in Lauderdale County MS was damaged by fire, SERVPRO of Meridian was on site before the fire trucks even left!  Multiple offices were affected by the fire and water damage.  The only way to make it  "Like it never happened” was to do a complete pack-out of furniture and contents of the offices.  A pack-out, in regards to a fire clean-up, basically means that everything that can be salvaged is inventoried, pictures taken and packed into boxes and moved to clean, secure location to be cleaned.  SERVPRO of Meridian’s experienced technicians were able to carefully clean and sanitize most of the items and furniture at our Meridian office.  The few items that were unsalvageable were documented and sent to the insurance company.   All of the cleaned, restored, furniture and contents, were then able to be stored and returned to the new offices as soon as the business was ready for them.

Call SERVPRO of Meridian for all you fire damage 601-693-7300

Contents After a Fire

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

After a fire strikes, most people are overwhelmed and often the first question is what happens to our belongings.  At SERVPRO of Meridian we can help by offering to inventory, clean and store your belongings.  When our technicians first arrive at your property, they will start taking pictures, room by room, documenting and bar coding anything that will be removed from the property.  After everything is documented and bar coded your contents and furniture will be loaded into our trucks and taken back to our meridian office for cleaning and storage.  Every step of your belongings journey from fire damaged, to restored will be documented and pictures takes.  Insurance companies, especially like the list and details that SERVPRO of Meridian is able to provide.

If you have any questions about contents tracking please call SERVPRO of Meridian at 601-693-7300

Kitchen Fire Prevention

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Everyday the number one cause of a house fire if from cooking.  Unfortunately, fires caused by cooking can be the most smelly and difficult to mitigate.  Preventing kitchen fires are easy and could save a lot of heartache.  Bellow are a few easy tips to prevent kitchen fires:

1. Do not leave the stove area while cooking.
2. Watch what you wear.
3. Do not have dish clothes or fabric over the cooking area.
4. Do not keep grease on the stove where it can get hot, and do not hot grease down in the trash or down the sink.
5. Keep a working fire extinguisher near the stove. (Remember to check extinguishers yearly)
6. Install and check semi-yearly fire detectors.

There is no way to 100% prevent kitchen fires and if disasters strikes be sure to call SERVPRO of Meridian.  We are always available 24/7 at 601-693-7300.

Have You Checked Your Fire Alarms?

6/25/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms play a vital role in saving lives, and when properly installed, can reduce the risk of fire injury in half. 

The National Fire Protection Association recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom, outside all sleeping quarters and on every level of the house. Business owners should consult the local Fire Marshall to ensure specific building fire codes and smoke detector requirements are met.

Smoke alarms work best when paired with a fire escape plan. A plan allows your family, employees or clients to escape quickly and safely in an emergency situation.

Review the following tips regarding smoke detectors installation and maintenance. For more on emergency preparedness contact SERVPRO of Meridian (601) 693-7300.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of the home, including the basement.
• Smoke alarms should be installed away from the kitchen to prevent false alarms. Generally, they should be at least 10 feet from a cooking appliance.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.
• Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm "chirps," the battery is low and should be replaced right away.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

What You Should do if You Have a Fire Emergency

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

What would you do if you were ever in an emergency?  Step 1 would be to get you and your family to safety.   Step 2 would be to call SERVPRO of Meridian to help right away with your restoration needs. However, there are certain, and very important dos and don’ts in case of a fire emergency that you should or shouldn’t do until we arrive. Let us help you out by listing these dos and don’ts in case you ever are in these situations.

In case of an emergency fire damage, pay attention to the following tips:

Do’s

-limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into carpet and avoid tracking

- keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork

- if electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor

- wipe soot from metal kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances

Don’ts

-don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of Barrie Professionals

- don’t attempt to shampoo carpet, rugs, or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO of Barrie

- don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without first consulting an authorized repair service

Tips on Fire Extinguishers

6/13/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know where the closest fire extinguisher is in your home or place of work?! And more importantly, do you know how to use it? Both of these things are very important to know so you know what to do in case of an emergency and to keep you safe. Listed below are some tips on when to use a fire extinguisher during an emergency.

1. The outside of the extinguisher is clean, and all parts are operable and not damaged or restricted
2. You have identified an escape, and the fire is not between you and the route
3. You have alerted other occupants, and someone has called the fire department
4. You are safe from the toxic smoke produced by the fire
5. The fire is contained to a single object, such as a wastebasket

These tips are good to know so you can safely use a fire extinguisher. It is also good to familiarize yourself with the location of the fire extinguisher in your home and workplace.  In addition to these tips, please remember, YOU and YOUR FAMILY are irreplaceable, get out of the building if the fire spreads or you feel like you can’t control it.

Medical Office Pack-Out

4/3/2018 (Permalink)

When a medical office in the city of Meridian was damaged by fire and water SERVPRO of Meridian responded quickly. 

Since all the offices were affected by the fire itself, or water from the fire department putting the fire out, a pack-out was the efficient option. A pack-out meant we had to remove the furniture and other contents from the medical office while water removal and fire clean-up was performed at the premises. 

Fortunately, we were able to clean and sanitize most of the items affected. A detailed list of unsalvageable contents was sent to the insurance company. 

Our technicians carefully cleaned the contents at our warehouse and carefully packed items into storage. As soon as the office structure was ready for occupancy the furniture and office equipment were returned and set up. 

Puff Backs in Meridian and surrounding Areas

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

Furnace puff backs occur most often in the winter. A puff back is a misfiring of your furnace that can send soot throughout your home, covering furniture, cabinets, walls, linens and everything in between. Even if the consequences are severe,  SERVPRO of Meridian can work closely with you in the cleaning and restoration of your home.

Content Restoration after Fire Damage

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

CONTENTS RESTORATION

Simple Fire Safety Tips for your Family

7/14/2017 (Permalink)

Prepare your family in the event of a home fire

It is extremely important to prepare your family from an unexpected fire in your home.  SERVPRO of Meridian wants to implement important fire safety tips, so you and your family will be better prepared in case an emergency fire situation occurs.  

1. Install smoke alarms to the right number of rooms in your home

1. Teach your family and children what smoke alarms do and how they sound

1. Ensure your family knows how to escape from every room in the event of a fire

1. Have a family meeting spot outside the home in case of an emergency

1. Come up with a communication plan in the event you cannot find each other

1. Test the smoke alarms and practice escaping every year

1. Make sure your family and children know how to call 9-1-1

1. Teach your family and children how to Stop, Drop and Roll

Contact SERVPRO of Meridian with any questions regarding Fire Losses and Fire Damage Restoration Services at 601-693-7300.   We are always here to help!

Steps in Fire Restoration

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

A recent fire done by the SERVPRO of Meridian team.

Meridian Smoke and Soot Cleanup

12/23/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Home

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 Meridian 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 – 601-693-7300