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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts

After the Fire: Steps to Recovery with SERVPRO of New Bern

7/10/2024 (Permalink)

A burned office is shown. Trust in the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of New Bern to take care of your home or business after disaster.

A fire in your home is a traumatic event that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. The aftermath requires immediate and professional attention to minimize further damage and begin the restoration process. SERVPRO of New Bern is here to assist you every step of the way with our 24/7 emergency services. 

Immediate Steps to Take After a Fire

  1. Prioritize Safety: Before entering your home, ensure it’s safe. Wait for the fire department to declare the area secure.
  2. Notify Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance provider about the fire as soon as possible to start the claims process.
  3. Call SERVPRO of New Bern: Our team is ready to respond immediately to mitigate damage and start the recovery process.

What SERVPRO of New Bern Does to Help

  1. Initial Assessment: Our professionals conduct a thorough evaluation of your property to determine the extent of fire, smoke, and water damage.
  2. Water Extraction and Drying: We use advanced equipment to remove water left by firefighting efforts and dry affected areas to prevent mold and further damage.
  3. Debris and Damaged Material Removal: We carefully remove materials that are beyond repair, including structural elements and personal belongings.
  4. Soot and Smoke Cleaning: Our specialized cleaning techniques effectively remove soot stains and smoke odors from your home and possessions.
  5. Restoration and Repair: We restore your home to its pre-fire condition, handling everything from minor repairs to major reconstruction projects.

Why Choose SERVPRO of New Bern?

  • Round-the-Clock Service: We offer 24/7 emergency services to respond quickly whenever disaster strikes.
  • Comprehensive Care: From fire and water damage to soot and odor removal, we provide complete restoration services.
  • Skilled Professionals: Our team is highly trained and equipped with state-of-the-art technology to deliver exceptional results.
  • Community Focused: We are dedicated to supporting our neighbors in New Bern with the highest quality service.

Always Ready

In the face of disaster, you need a trusted partner to help you navigate the recovery process. SERVPRO of New Bern is committed to providing the professional, compassionate service you need to get back on your feet. If you or someone you know needs professional fire and water damage restoration, don’t hesitate to call us, anytime.

Trust SERVPRO of New Bern to restore your home and bring peace of mind during challenging times.

Top Tips for Preventing Fire Damage in New Bern Homes

3/31/2023 (Permalink)

An overloaded electrical outlet has caused a phone charger to combust. Fire damage cleanup is tricky. Call the professional restoration team at SERVPRO® of New Bern to simplify your recovery!

Fire damage can be devastating to homeowners in New Bern and beyond. Here are some essential tips for preventing fire damage, helping you protect your home, and maintain its value. By taking the necessary precautions and staying vigilant, you can minimize the risk of a fire disaster happening to your property.

Install and Maintain Smoke Alarms

Properly functioning smoke alarms are crucial in detecting fires early and preventing extensive damage. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of your home. Regularly test the alarms and replace batteries at least once a year.

Avoid Overloading Electrical Outlets

Overloaded electrical outlets can lead to fires, so it's essential to exercise caution. Avoid plugging in multiple high-wattage appliances into the same outlet, and never use damaged cords or extension cords.

Keep a Fire Extinguisher on Hand

A fire extinguisher is a must-have in every home. Keep one in your kitchen, garage, and any other area where fires are likely to occur. Ensure that all family members know how to use the extinguisher and check its expiration date periodically.

Create a Fire Escape Plan

In the event of a fire, a well-practiced escape plan can save lives. Develop a plan that includes two exits from each room, and designate an outdoor meeting spot. Practice the escape plan with your family at least twice a year.

Maintain Your Heating System

Regularly inspect and clean your heating system, including furnaces, fireplaces, and chimneys. Keep combustible materials at least three feet away from heating sources and never leave portable heaters unattended.

Exercise Caution in the Kitchen

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires in the United States. Always stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep flammable items, like oven mitts and towels, away from heat sources.

Safely Store Flammable Materials

Store flammable materials, such as gasoline and paint, in approved containers and away from heat sources. Properly dispose of oily rags and never smoke near flammable materials.

By following these fire prevention tips, you can protect your New Bern home from the devastating effects of fire damage. If you ever experience a fire in your home, know that SERVPRO® of New Bern is Here to help® with professional fire damage restoration services, smoke and fire damage cleanup, and more. 

Cooking Safety Tips for New Bern, NC Residents

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

Meat is fried in the Kitchen. Frying is one of the most frequent causes of home cooking fires.

With cooler temperatures outside, many of us choose to stay inside and cook something new and exciting to pass the time. While generally a great idea, be mindful that cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires in the united states.

To stay on the safe side, let’s take a moment to learn some more about this kind of danger and how you can prevent it.

To start, let’s take a look at the numbers: According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), cooking accounts for about 47% of home fires, 20% of fire-related deaths and 45% of the fire-related injuries reported across the country each year.

Scary though these figures may be, there are many steps you can take to prevent these kinds of fires. As simple as it sounds, monitoring what you cook can be tremendously helpful: the NFPA states that nearly one-third of kitchen fires happen when the person cooking leaves the equipment they’re using unattended. If you’re using the oven, just be sure to check in on it regularly!

Also, be sure to keep oven mitts, plastic/rubber utensils, towels, paper products and other flammables away from heat—they can start a fire just as easily as burnt food!

Lastly, be sure to:

  • Always stay in the kitchen when frying.
  • If you see smoke coming off the food you’re frying, turn off the burner or safely remove the pan from the burner. Smoke is a sign the oil is too hot.
  • Slowly heat the oil to the temperature you need.
  • Add food to oil gently, laying it away from you so that it does not splatter.
  • Always keep a lid beside your pan. If the pan does catch fire, cover it with the lid and turn off the banner. Let the oil cool before removing the lid again.
  • NEVER put water on a grease fire. If a fire starts to spread, leave the house immediately and call 911.

Of course, there is always a chance that even with the best preparation, unforeseen circumstances can happen. Just remember, if you or someone you know is in need of professional cleanup or restoration services, our 24/7 emergency crews here at SERVPRO® of Craven/Pamlico Counties are #HereToHelp. If you have more questions or need extra information, just give us a call.

5 Things To Always Toss After a Fire

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Full Garbage Can There are some Elements that you Should Always Toss After a Fire. Know more about it by Following Our Tips.

If a fire happens in your New Bern, NC home, it is an overwhelming situation. While a professional fire damage restoration company will help restore your home and salvage many items, there are some things that you need to throw away. Below are five categories of items that should also be tossed for safety reasons.

1. Perishable Food

While the food in your freezer or refrigerator may be salvageable, any food left out on the counter or table should never be kept. If you are unsure whether the appliances properly sealed out the fire damage, signs that there is damage include a smoky smell, visible soot, power was lost for more than two hours or food has an odd odor. Any of these indicate that it's time to restock the kitchen.

2. Exposed Non-perishable Food

While it may be a given to throw away any opened containers or packaged items that are permeable, such as cardboard or plastic bags, you may not think about the jarred or canned foods. Unfortunately, high heat has a way of activating bacteria that may ruin food. Even if it a jar is sealed, fumes may have made their way into the container. Any sealed foods that have visible damage, such as charring or bulging, should never be saved.

Whether sealed or not, toss anything that was near the flames and heat. It’s always best to err on the side of caution.

3. Burned Clothing, Bedding and Towels

Any clothing, curtains, blankets, sheets, towels and other textiles that are visibly burned are not salvageable. While it may be tempting to keep items that have smoke or soot damage, it is worth talking to a professional first. Even after multiple washings, some items may still retain a strange odor from the chemicals in the fire extinguishing agent. Additionally, soot and smoke may have hidden irritants that are best to avoid.

4. Cosmetics, Hygiene Products and Medicines

Depending on the extent of the fire and its location, cosmetics, hygiene products and medicines may be affected. Any visible signs of warping or singe marks are clear indicators that the time should be tossed. If the fire was near these items, even if they don’t look damaged, they may be compromised. If exposed to extreme heat, the composition of the medicines and cosmetics may have been altered. While these are often expensive, tossing them will help you avoid other issues from happening down the road.

5. Fabric Furniture and Mattresses

Smoke damage is a tricky thing. Even if your fabric furniture and mattresses don’t appear to have any damage, the odors and chemicals in smoke may linger forever. Since a mattress is a soft surface, it is more prone to absorbing moisture, bacteria and odors. Unless you are certain that these items were unaffected, its’ best to replace them.

When a fire happens, it comes with much more than sifting through the visible damage. While you may not want to throw away some of your favorite or expensive items, it's best to take the safe route and replace the above five things that may have sustained smoke damage.

Create a Fire Escape Plan for Your Family's Safety

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

A Family Escape Plan. Create a Good Fire Escape Plan for Your Family and avoid Fire Damage by following These Tips.

Every second counts when it comes to getting your family safely out of a home fire. This means creating a fire escape plan that covers all the bases. Use the following tips for creating your own emergency escape plan and regularly practice evacuation with your children.

Five Tips for Effectively Using a Fire Escape Plan

Gather your family together while making the plan. Create a visual map of the home and then walk through your home, noting all the potential exits, including the windows. Make sure you mark two routes of escape from each room.

Don't forget to indicate the locations of fire alarms and extinguishers and then provide each family member with a copy of the map. Include tasks for family members, such as assisting younger siblings or older adults out of the home.

1. Keep Escape Points Accessible

Make sure that all exit points are free from obstruction. This may include providing access to exit points, such as windows. Remember that seconds count, so make it as easy as possible for children to reach and open windows during a fire. An emergency release device on the windows can ensure that no one outside can enter, but family members can still trigger the release when necessary.

2. Choose a Safe Meeting Place

Assign a meeting place outside of your home where family members will gather. Choose a location that is far enough away to be safe from the fire and close enough that each family member can get there quickly. If this is location is at a neighbor's home, be sure to reach out to that neighbor before practicing your escape plan. Teach your children to stay out of the home once they've evacuated; they should not return to for any reason. If a family member or pet is missing, alert the fire department.

3. Increase the Number of Fire and Smoke Detectors

Install plenty of smoke detectors in your home. There should be a detector/alarm in every bedroom, hallways outside of bedrooms, and on every level of the home. You should also install detectors in the kitchen and other rooms with potential fire hazards. Make sure you have a schedule for replacing batteries and detectors.

Talk with a professional about installing a connected fire detection system, so that all of the alarms respond as soon as one of them picks up signs of trouble

4. Close Bedroom Doors at Night

Teach children to sleep with their bedroom doors closed. This simple barrier slows the spread of heat, smoke, and flames into the bedroom. It also gives your children a little more time to safely evacuate.

Part of your fire escape plan should include details such as feeling the doorknob for heat and checking for smoke coming through the gaps around the door.

5. Schedule Fire Drills Often

Running through the fire escape plan regularly is a crucial part of surviving a house fire. After working through the plan several times during the day, run through it a few times at night. You may want to run through some drills when family members aren't expecting them. It is also worth noting that children may not wake during a fire alarm without some practice.

You can get more information about fire prevention and escape plans from your local fire department, a fire mitigation and remediation company in New Bern, NC, and your home insurance provider.

Things To Throw Away After a Fire

1/6/2022 (Permalink)

Medicine Cabinet If you experience Fire in your New Bern, NC house, follow these tips to find out what items to keep.

After a home fire, many things may be able to be salvaged. Some furniture can be cleaned and restored, and as long as your clothing didn't actually get charred by the flames, the smoke and soot can likely be washed out. However, there are a few things that you should always throw away after a fire in your home.

Follow these tips to find out what items to keep after a fire.

Food

It's hard to salvage food items if the fire in your home in New Bern, NC, breaks out anywhere near the kitchen. Even if the flames don't come into direct contact with your pantry and fridge, high heat is likely to alter the chemical content of the food there, making it unsafe to eat. Go through your food storage and toss any items that may have been spoiled by the presence of the fire:

  • Canned goods
  • Boxed items
  • Opened packages
  • Anything on the counter

In addition to clearing out shelf-stable items, check your fridge and freezer for spoiled foods. If your home was without electricity for more than a couple of hours you probably need to throw away everything inside, even if the doors are well-sealed. The lack of refrigeration combined with the intense heat from being close to the fire is enough to ruin the items stored within.

Medicine

It's important to take stock of your medicine cabinet often so that you can throw away any medications that may be out of date. After a fire, however, all medicine, including prescription and over-the-counter items, should be discarded. Even if the pills or ointments are hidden behind the door of the cabinet or under the sink, the intense heat from the fire can alter their chemical composition, rendering them unsafe or ineffective. Create an itemized list of all the items you have to replace. You may be able to include them on your insurance claim and recoup some of the costs needed to restock your medicine cabinet.

Cosmetics

The fire damage restoration experts who mitigate the structural problems may be able to salvage certain personal items, too, but anything that is easily altered by heat must be thrown away. This includes all cosmetics. Toss all makeup, face wash, toner, moisturizers and other related items in the trash. The ingredients that make the original products go on smoothly and deliver amazing benefits to your skin are the same ones that don't stand up very well to high heat. Since you can't know for sure that they are still safe to use, it's better to replace them completely than take a chance that they will not live up to the promises on the packaging or cause issues with your skin.

There are many things that can be salvaged after a fire. The mitigation team can assess damages to personal items that are affected by smoke or soot, and a lot of your furniture may be able to be cleaned as well. However, you must throw away any food, medication or cosmetics that are subjected to the intense heat of a house fire. Knowing what to keep and what to discard is a vital part of the recovery process.

7 Tips To Avoid a Burned Space Heater

10/23/2021 (Permalink)

Space heater. Properly use a Space Heater to avoid a fire in your New Bern, NC home.

Space heaters cause about 25,000 house fires every year. A burned space heater is often the result of safety issues with the heater or improper use. These seven tips can help you avoid this problem.

7 Space Heater Safety Tips

There are two main ways to avoid a house fire caused by a space heater. The first is to choose a safe heater and the second is to use it appropriately.

1. Purchase a Heater With Safety Features

Choose a space heater that has a safety certification label from an independent testing organization. Check for a feature that automatically turns off the heater when it overheats or is knocked over. Purchase a heater with a sturdy cord.

2. Don't Use Space Heaters Near Water

Most space heaters don't have a ground fault circuit interrupter plug. If your heater comes in contact with water it may cause an electrical shock or short circuit, which could start a fire.

3. Don't Plug Your Heater Into an Extension Cord

Extension cords and power strips are not designed to handle the electrical power required to run a space heater. Plugging a space heater into an extension cord or a power strip may cause the strip or cord to overheat, which can start a fire that requires smoke cleanup. If you need to heat an area that is farther than six feet from a wall outlet, consider other options.

4. Avoid Operating Space Heaters Near Flammable Objects

Place your space heater at least three feet away from flammable items, such as curtains, furniture, bedding, and paper to avoid a burned space heater. If a fire does start, unplug the heater. You may be able to extinguish a small fire with a fire extinguisher. If the fire has spread, call 911 immediately. You may need the assistance of a fire remediation company in New Bern, NC, to restore your home after the fire.

5. Place Space Heaters on Level Surfaces

Another common way space heaters cause fires is when they fall over or get knocked over and land on something combustible. Your heater will be less likely to tip over if you place it on a level surface. Avoid putting heaters on the edge of a table, on a surface covered in cloth, or on rugs.

6. Always Supervise Your Heater While in Operation

If your heater tips over, or catches something nearby on fire while you are watching it, there is a much better chance you can put out the fire while it is still small. However, if you leave the heater unattended, the fire is likely to spread to other areas of the home before you notice anything is wrong. If you need to leave, turn the heater off and unplug it.

7. Don't Block Exits or Doorways

Placing a space heater in a doorway may block the exit if you need to escape a fire. Additionally, people passing through the doorway may knock the space heater over.

When used and supervised properly, many modern space heaters are safe. Following these tips can help you avoid a house fire caused by a burned space heater.

7 Ways To Avoid Fires When Grilling

8/26/2021 (Permalink)

Barbeque. A barbeque can provoke a fire in your Craven County, NC, home. Be sure to know these ways to avoid a fire.

Family barbeques are one of the best things about summer. However, a grill fire can turn a fun family outing into a nightmare.

These fire safety tips can help you keep the fun times going.

1. Don't Place the Grill Near Your House

It can be tempting to place your grill on your patio, porch, or balcony, but this is not a good idea. A sudden flame-up or gust of wind could lead to your house catching on fire. Additionally, smoke from your grill may cause smoke damage to your home that you will need a fire restoration service in Craven County, NC, to clean. Place your grill in a safe location that isn't too near your home or other combustible structures.

2. Don't Use Your Grill Indoors

If a rainy, windy, or chilly day is cramping your grilling style, don't try to save it by moving your grill indoors. Grills need adequate ventilation. Grilling indoors can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. Additionally, grilling inside your kitchen, sunroom or garage is a fire hazard. If the weather is preventing you from grilling outside, save your grilling plans for another day or use a grill that is designed for indoor use.

3. Trim the Fat

Fat adds flavor and moisture to meat; however, too much fat can lead to a grill fire. When meat is excessively fatty, the fat drips into the flames as the meat cooks where it can cause flareups. Not only can flareups ruin the flavor of your food, but they can lead to injuries and property damage. Trim off excess fat before you start cooking and keep a spray bottle filled with water near your grill for dousing flareups.

4. Always Supervise Your Grill

If you are cooking something that takes a while, it can be tempting to go do something else while your food cooks. However, a barbeque fire can start when an unsupervised grill is knocked over by wind, children, or pets. Keep an eye on your grill until all the flames are out and the heat has had time to dissipate.

5. Inspect Your Grill

If you are using a gas grill, always inspect the propane tank before you light it. Small holes or loosened hoses can cause gas leaks that could lead to a fire or explosion.

6. Clean Your Grill

Improper cleaning is another common cause of fires. Grease and fatty particles can stick to the grill. When allowed to accumulate, these particles can cause flareups. Use a wire brush to scrape them off while the grill is still hot.

7. Give Your Grill Time To Cool

Once the fun is over, it can be tempting to get in a hurry to clean up the grill and put it away. However, if you put the grill cover back on while the grill is still hot, it can catch on fire. When using charcoal grills, empty the ashes into a metal container and then hose them down before throwing them out.

Grill safety is important for avoiding injuries and property damage due to a grill fire. These tips are a good place to start.

4 Steps To Take To Prepare a Fire Evacuation Plan

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Image of a building on fire Prepare a Fire Evacuation Plan

Although hundreds of thousands of house fires occur every year, most people don't think it will ever happen to them. Having a fire escape plan in place can be the difference between life and death for you and your family. This guide will provide an overview of how to create a fire evacuation plan.

4 Step Guide to Prepare a Fire Evacuation Plan

1. Include Everyone in Your Plan

If you have any household members with special needs, such as children, pets or elderly or disabled family members, it is important to include their needs in your emergency escape plan. Assign a family member to assist them and a second family member as a backup.

2. Identify at Least Two Escape Routes

Fires are unpredictable and your first choice of escape route may not be accessible. Identify at least two ways to get out of every room in your house. Make sure all escape routes open easily and that emergency release devices are installed on any security systems.

3. Choose a Meeting Place

Your fire escape plan should include a place where your household will gather once they get out of the house. This will make it easier to account for anyone who may be trapped in the home. Choose a specific location such as a neighbor's house, mailbox or stop sign. Emphasize that if someone is not accounted for, emergency personnel should be notified. No one should return to the house.

4. Make a List of Contacts

Make a list of people you may need to contact after a fire, such as your insurance company or a fire restoration company in New Bern, NC. Store it in a safe location outside of your home.

A fire in your home can quickly create chaos and confusion. Your family will have a much better chance of escaping without injury if you have planned and practiced a fire escape plan before a fire occurs.

How To Handle A House Fire

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

The ash and soot from a fire can cover a wide area in a short amount of time.

Coming home to a house fire isn’t something that anyone would want. Depending on the severity of the aftermath, you may decide on trying to handle the situation yourself. If so, here are some things to consider.  

Closely Monitor Exposure

Soot and ash from a house fire contain toxic health hazards that are best dealt with under controlled circumstances. Ash and remnants of burnt structures can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, nose and throat. Those with asthma are particularly susceptible, but nearly anyone can have breathing issues if over exposed and under protected.

  • Don’t allow any children or pets nearby if possible, as any toys or belongings will need to be thoroughly cleaned before they are safe.
  • Always attempt to wear protection for your skin and if direct contact is made, wash the area immediately to avoid irritation.
  • Don’t use fans or other wind-generating devices that might spew the ash into the air. If sweeping and disposing of ash, be sure to seal and double bag it to further reduce the chances of the ash becoming airborne.

Of course, if you feel overwhelmed and need some outside assistance you can count on the locally owned and operated SERVPRO of Craven/Pamlico Counties. No matter how large or small the job may be, we can help you with all your fire and water damage restoration needs.

Give us a call anytime at: (252)-637-7274.

How we help New Bern, NC residents after a fire

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

What to do after a fire

If you find yourself wondering what to do after a fire occurs, getting in contact with the available 24/7 experts here at SERVPRO (252) 637-7274 can help you quickly get on the path of restoring your home. Time can be of the essence in such situations, as often times the heat from a fire can damage your home’s structure, leading to further damage from exposure to outside elements. Firefighting methods can also cause water damage—thankfully we here at SERVPRO are more than ready and equipped to help.

What we can do to help

Depending on the level of damage, there are several steps we take to get you back in your home. The first thing we do is come and evaluate to see what areas need what services. Typically, firefighting methods can leave extensive water damage, which we are also well equipped to handle. We can then begin removing any materials which have been damaged beyond repair. This can be walls, ceilings, flooring, personal goods and more—we do it all! After that, we can begin cleaning your home and items to remove stubborn soot stains and the persistent scent of smoke.

Here to help

The professional restoration services available at your locally owned SERVPRO® of Craven/Pamlico counties are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week if you or someone you know is in need of expert Fire & Water – Cleanup & Restoration™ services.

Fire Preparedness for New Bern, NC Residents

12/12/2018 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher pressure gauge

New Bern, NC residents, do you have a fire escape plan in case of an emergency? Being prepared and having a plan of action could make all the difference in case of an emergency. Here are some tips to help.

Protective Equipment

Having properly operational smoke detectors in your home can give you crucial time to respond to a fire. Be sure to change their batteries on a frequent basis.

If you keep a fire extinguisher in your home, it is important to periodically check its pressure levels to ensure functionality. Keeping the right type of extinguisher nearby can be another important factor; for a list of the different types of extinguishers and how best to use them, click here.

Have an Escape Plan Planning out what to do in an emergency with your family every few months helps to keep everyone ready and aware. Going through your home looking at exits together and discussing where to meet if you get separated is a great way to stay prepared.

Emergency Contacts

Keeping a list of family doctors, medicines and medical information such as allergies can help responders provide you with the best possible care. Having family members in your emergency contacts can also enable you or others to quickly get in touch with those you love.

What to do After a Fire

Even if a fire doesn’t directly damage a large portion of your home, the smoke and soot as well as any water dispersed by the fire department may leave you needing professional restoration services. Of course, we here at your locally owned SERVPRO® of Pitt/Green & Craven/Pamlico counties are available 24 hours a day if you or someone you know is in need of expert Fire & Water – Cleanup & Restoration™ services.

Are you Deep-Frying your Turkey this Thanksgiving?

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

With the popularity of turkey frying increasing every year, people are at risk for fryer-related fires and injuries. U.S. fire departments are responding to more than 1,000 deep fire related incidents each year. According to the National Fire Protection Association deep fryer fires result in more than $15 million in property damage each year. Here are some rules to follow when deep frying a turkey.

Don’t Deep Fry a Frozen Turkey Frozen turkeys are full of moisture. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed out because water and hot oil don’t mix well.

Don’t Let Oil Get Too Hot If you see your oil smoking, it is too hot. When oil gets around 400-425-degrees it can catch on fire by itself. So, when deep frying a turkey most oils should stay around 350-degrees.

Don’t Use Too Much Oil When deep-frying a turkey a common mistake people make is putting too much cooking oil in their pot. Overfilling your pot can result in the oil spilling over into the flame on the burner. If you need to figure out how much oil you need try putting your turkey in an empty pot, fill the pot with enough water to cover the turkey. Once you remove the turkey mark the water line.

Don’t Deep Fry Indoors You should never deep-fry a turkey in your house, garage or on a deck. You should always deep fry a turkey in a yard away from anything that’s flammable.

Hopefully, this Thanksgiving will go smoothly. However, if a fire does occur and your Greenville home suffers fire damage, it can be especially devastating. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, your property may have substantial water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Pitt / Greene Counties has the specialized fire and water damage equipment and expertise to help you through this tough time. Call Us Today – (252) 329-7205

How to Prevent and Fight Grease Fires!

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know that Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas are the 3 biggest days of the year for grease fires? Grease fires occur when cooking oil becomes too hot. First the cooking oil starts to boil, then it starts to smoke followed by a fire. A grease fire is different from a regular fire, so the way you handle it is very important.

How can you prevent grease fires?

  • Keep an eye on the food you are cooking regularly. Do not leave it unsupervised for extended periods of time.
  • When frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food, stay in the room.
  • Do not leave anything that may catch fire near the stove top.
  • Be extremely careful when placing food into hot grease.
  • DO NOT ADD WATER TO GREASE.

If your oil does catch fire, complete the following:

  • Turn the Heat Off
  • Cover the Pot with a Metal Lid - Fire cannot exist in the absence of oxygen. With the lid on (and the heat off), the fire should quickly consume all the oxygen and put itself out. Use a metal lid since glass will shatter.
  • Pour Baking Soda
  • Spray the Pot with a Class B Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
  • Get Out and Call 911 - If the fire does break out of control, don't try to be a hero. Get out and find a phone to call 911.

Hopefully you never have to experience a grease fire! But, if you do and your Greenville home or business suffers fire damage, it can be especially devastating. SERVPRO of Pitt / Greene Counties has the specialized fire and water damage equipment and expertise to help you. Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (252) 329-7205

New Bern Smoke and Soot Cleanup

4/6/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your New Bern 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 Craven/Pamlico Counties 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 – 
252-637-7274