Overlooked Post-Fire Hazards: Smoke and Soot

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

picture of smoke

In the wake of the recent wildfire outbreak in Kelowna, British Columbia, attention is rightly directed towards the immediate destruction caused by the flames. However, it's crucial not to overlook the less visible yet equally damaging aftermath – the effects of smoke and soot. As the fires are extinguished, the arduous process of post-fire recovery and restoration begins. While most focus on the areas directly impacted by the flames, it's important to recognize that even structures untouched by the fire itself may require specialized attention due to smoke and soot infiltration.

The hazards of smoke and soot are not to be underestimated:

1. Health Implications: Smoke contains a myriad of harmful particles and chemicals that can linger in the air and seep into buildings. Prolonged exposure can result in respiratory problems, exacerbating existing conditions or causing new ones.

2. Structural Damage: Smoke and soot can corrode various materials, such as metal and glass, and even lead to discoloration, staining, and foul odors. Left unchecked, these damages can worsen over time.

3. Air Quality: Even after the fire is out, lingering smoke particles can contribute to poor indoor air quality. This can be particularly concerning for individuals with respiratory sensitivities.

4. Cleanup Challenges: Properly removing smoke and soot residues requires specialized cleaning techniques. Incorrect methods might exacerbate the issue or cause further damage.

5. Insurance Complexities: Insurance claims for smoke and soot damage can be intricate and may necessitate documentation and professional assessments to ensure fair coverage.

6. Long-Term Impact: Overlooking the effects of smoke and soot can lead to ongoing issues that might compromise the safety and habitability of a structure.

In the aftermath of a wildfire, it's essential to engage experts who can assess and mitigate the effects of smoke and soot. Restoration specialists, such as SERVPRO, a professional restoration and cleaning company, can ensure that buildings are safe to occupy and free from hidden hazards. By recognizing these often neglected consequences of wildfires, we can foster a more comprehensive approach to disaster recovery that truly supports affected communities. Remember, SERVPRO is ready to serve you anytime.

Overlooked Post-Fire Hazards: Smoke and Soot

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

picture of smoke

In the wake of the recent wildfire outbreak in Kelowna, British Columbia, attention is rightly directed towards the immediate destruction caused by the flames. However, it's crucial not to overlook the less visible yet equally damaging aftermath – the effects of smoke and soot. As the fires are extinguished, the arduous process of post-fire recovery and restoration begins. While most focus on the areas directly impacted by the flames, it's important to recognize that even structures untouched by the fire itself may require specialized attention due to smoke and soot infiltration.

The hazards of smoke and soot are not to be underestimated:

1. Health Implications: Smoke contains a myriad of harmful particles and chemicals that can linger in the air and seep into buildings. Prolonged exposure can result in respiratory problems, exacerbating existing conditions or causing new ones.

2. Structural Damage: Smoke and soot can corrode various materials, such as metal and glass, and even lead to discoloration, staining, and foul odors. Left unchecked, these damages can worsen over time.

3. Air Quality: Even after the fire is out, lingering smoke particles can contribute to poor indoor air quality. This can be particularly concerning for individuals with respiratory sensitivities.

4. Cleanup Challenges: Properly removing smoke and soot residues requires specialized cleaning techniques. Incorrect methods might exacerbate the issue or cause further damage.

5. Insurance Complexities: Insurance claims for smoke and soot damage can be intricate and may necessitate documentation and professional assessments to ensure fair coverage.

6. Long-Term Impact: Overlooking the effects of smoke and soot can lead to ongoing issues that might compromise the safety and habitability of a structure.

In the aftermath of a wildfire, it's essential to engage experts who can assess and mitigate the effects of smoke and soot. Restoration specialists, such as SERVPRO, a professional restoration and cleaning company, can ensure that buildings are safe to occupy and free from hidden hazards. By recognizing these often neglected consequences of wildfires, we can foster a more comprehensive approach to disaster recovery that truly supports affected communities. Remember, SERVPRO is ready to serve you anytime.

Attic Attack

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

After attic attack

Addressing mold issues in moldy attics, crawlspaces, and confined spaces poses a significant challenge. Collaborating with industry pioneers, we have adopted an innovative strategy – the "Concrobium- Attic Attack" method – to effectively tackle these problematic zones.

Traditional approaches to remediating attics and crawlspaces involve labor-intensive and costly procedures such as sanding, scrubbing, brushing, or blasting. These methods not only demand substantial time and effort but also impact the overall profitability of the project.

Enter Attic Attack! – a groundbreaking alternative that aligns seamlessly with the established Standard of Care while delivering a range of advantages over the conventional techniques:

1. Elimination of Sanding, Brushing, or Blasting: Our method removes the need for these time-consuming and abrasive procedures.

2. No Requirement for Expensive Equipment: Attic Attack! doesn't rely on cumbersome machinery, reducing costs and complexities.

3. Avoidance of Hazardous Chemicals: Our approach prioritizes safety by eschewing the use of harmful substances.

4. Reduced Time, Labor, and Liability: Attic Attack! streamlines the process, minimizing labor requirements and associated risks.

5. Cost-Efficiency: By sidestepping labor-intensive methods, our approach slashes costs significantly.

At the core of Attic Attack! lie two pioneering technologies:

1. Concrobium Mold Stain Remover: A revolutionary solution that eliminates mold staining without the need for scrubbing or toxic chemicals.

2. Concrobium Mold Control: A zero-VOC antimicrobial agent that not only remediates mold spores but also prevents their reappearance.

The Attic Attack! procedure is straightforward and aligns seamlessly with established industry protocols. After isolation and controlled ventilation, restoration experts employ Concrobium Mold Stain Remover (followed by HEPA vacuuming) to erase mold staining and physically detach mold from the substrate. As a concluding step, Concrobium Mold Control is dispersed in a fine mist to ensure the treated area is ready for post-remediation verification.

The results are nothing short of remarkable. Supported by an independent study, it has been scientifically demonstrated that Concrobium Mold Stain Remover surpasses the effectiveness of sanding techniques, all while drastically reducing labor costs.

What to do when your basement floods?

8/23/2023 (Permalink)

Flooded Basement

Start with these steps:

1. Shut off electricity and gas in the area. If you’re not sure how, call an electrician or SERVPRO, who can get someone out to you right away.
2. Try to determine the source of the water. Excessive rainfall or a burst pipe are two top reasons why your basement may flood.
3. If safe to proceed, while wearing protective gear like boots, gloves, and a mask, enter the water to investigate the source further. If your basement has a drain and you can safely navigate to it, check to see if it is clogged.
4. Time to get that water out of there. Depending on the amount of water, this may be as simple as using towels, a mop, or a wet vacuum. If the flooding is more extensive, a sump pump is necessary. Once the bulk of the water has been removed, soak up all remaining moisture with towels.
5. Assess damage. Remove any items, like furniture, that appear damaged by the water and move them to a space where they can dry. If the drying process on items is taking longer than a couple of days, unfortunately, they may not be able to be salvaged. Any items that were within boxes should be removed to air out, and all items should be monitored for mildew growth.
6. Get the air moving in the basement to dry it out. Open windows and doors, and use fans placed around the space to inspire quick drying of the flooded area. If you have a dehumidifier, move it to the basement to aid the drying process.

How to prevent your basement from flooding?

It’s easy to look back at the cause of a flooded basement and see where things went wrong, but what about preventing flooding before it occurs? There are some measures you can take today to help waterproof your basement and safeguard it against a catastrophic flooding episode.

• Keep your rain gutters clean, and make sure they’re pointed away from the foundation of your home.
• During the next heavy rain, check around your yard to see where water is pooling and being diverted. If it’s going toward the foundation of your home, contact an expert to grade your yard so it’s able to properly handle the water it receives during storms.
• If you have a basement window, make sure it’s protected with a window well cover.
• A sump pump can be your basement’s savior. An automatic sump pump set to trigger on when it senses water in your basement space offers a layer of protection for your home, even when you’re not there. Homeowners in particularly flood-prone areas should have a backup sump pump, and check to see if flood insurance is available for purchase.

When to call for help with basement flooding:

Calling a professional for help with a flooded basement is always a good idea, especially if the amount of water is more than a foot deep, many items have become wet, or mildew is beginning to take hold. Quickly removing the water and beginning the drying process is essential to lessen the possibility of mold to form, which can greatly increase the damage and cost involved.

We have the experience, qualifications, and knowledge needed to help you quickly deal with a flooded basement cleanup because we handle these types of jobs all the time. Let us deal with the stress and get your basement back in working order.

Give us a call at 1-800-SERVPRO or 604-746-4666 near you to get help with your water cleanup. We’ll take the worry for you.