Burn Bans: Everything You Need to Know

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Check your local news if you live in an area with a lot of wildfires.

Burn Bans: Everything You Need to Know

You've just had a long day, and all you want to do is relax. One of your favorite ways to relax is to start a fire in your backyard fire pit and enjoy the peace and quiet. But then your neighbor knocks on your door and tells you that there's a burn ban in effect for your county. What does this mean exactly? How do I know if my county has issued one? And what about those "exceptions" I keep hearing about?

What is a burn ban?

A burn ban is a restriction on open fires, like campfires and backyard fires. A burn ban is issued by the fire marshal of each county. When a burn ban is in place, it prohibits all open burning and other activities that could start wildfires.

Burn bans are typically issued during the summer to help prevent wildfires from starting due to dry conditions, high winds, and low humidity levels. During a burn ban you should not:

• Start a fire of any kind (even in approved containers).
• Have bonfires or campfires outside of designated areas (such as recreational areas).

Why do we have burn bans?

A burn ban helps prevent wildfires by reducing the risk of injury from sparks or embers being blown by the wind onto dry vegetation that may accidentally start a fire. In addition to wildfire prevention, a burn ban also reduces smoke in your neighborhood (although this may be inconvenient for you). It also helps minimize the chance that a fire will spread to other properties and threaten life or property in those areas.

When are burn bans issued?

When it comes to burn bans, the conditions that may lead to a ban are not always predictable. In general, if there is a high risk of wildfire and the weather is hot and dry, a burn ban will likely be issued. The best way to know when a burn ban is in effect is simply by looking at your local news station or checking their website.

However, since this information can change quickly depending on how fast conditions change (like how quickly it gets windy), you should always check with your local fire department before starting any fires outdoors.

Who issues burn bans?

A burn ban is a restriction on outdoor burning, and the authority to issue one is typically at the discretion of a state fire marshal or local fire chief. This person may also be able to issue a temporary ban if they see smoke or smell smoke in their area as well. If you hear about a burn ban in your area, it's best to check with your county sheriff and/or emergency management coordinator to see if this applies to you.

How do I find out if there's a burn ban in my county?

Start by checking the local news. Typically this will be your newspaper or other print media. If you live in an area with a lot of wildfires, you might have a regular burn ban updates section in the paper that tells people when they can and cannot use their grills and fire pits. You can also check with your county sheriff's office. Many counties have websites that list current burn bans as well as any new ones that are put into effect. You can also call them directly if you don't want to go online right now (or if we've already told you that their website is down).

What does a countywide burn ban prohibit?

• No open burning, including campfires and charcoal grills.
• You can’t smoke outside of your home or vehicle.
• You can't light fireworks or sparklers during a burn ban, even if they're legal where you live (and they may be).
• You also shouldn't use anything that creates an open flame, like fire pits, tiki torches, or fireworks during a burn ban (even though it's perfectly legal to use them under normal circumstances).
• No welding or cutting metal outdoors

Does a countywide burn ban affect me if I live within the city limits of an incorporated town or city?

If you live within the city limits of an incorporated town or city, you must follow the burn ban issued by that city or town. If you live in a rural area, you must follow the burn ban issued by your county.

A burn ban is a serious thing, and you should take it seriously. If there is a countywide burn ban in effect, it means that there are restrictions on how you can use your fireplace or wood-burning stove. The outdoors can be quite lovely during the winter months, so staying indoors to keep warm doesn't always seem like such a bad idea. But if you want to stay warm without breaking the law and potentially putting yourself or others at risk of injury or death (especially when children are involved), then make sure you know all about burn bans before trying anything else!

If your Haines City home suffers from a fire getting out of control, particularly during a burn ban, give SERVPRO of Haines City/Polk City a call. We will be there to help you restore! 

Leading Causes of Fires - How to Avoid

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Cooking is the leading cause of home fires & injuries in the U.S. Cooking fires often result from unattended cooking and human error, rather than mechanical failure of stoves or ovens. Although it is important to make sure your appliances are functioning properly and kept up to date, it is equally important to cook with caution and never get too comfortable in the kitchen.  

Heating is the second leading cause of residential fires. However, heating fires are a larger problem in single-family homes than in apartments. Unlike apartments, the heating systems in single-family homes are often not professionally maintained. Make sure your heating systems are being professionally regulated during the colder seasons. 

Although accidents happen, it is important to be prepared and alert in order to minimize these changes before they occur. Here are a few simple safety precautions to take to decrease the possibility of a fire. 

• Keep flammables away from ignition sources.
• Utilize flammable storage cabinets.
• Know your chemical properties.
• Do not block fire extinguishers with equipment.
• Utilize those with electrical expertise/installations/assistance.
• Do not overload outlets - use a track plug.
• Practice good housekeeping techniques in the lab/office/work area.
• Inspect wires for possible damage and replace them as needed.

Fire Extinguisher Safety

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

An in-home fire can be devastating, especially if the fire is not quickly put out. It is critical that homeowners understand the value of having and knowing how to use a fire extinguisher. 

There are numerous types of fire extinguishers and it is important to make sure you are using the correct one to prevent major damage. When deciding which kind to use, you may consider what types of fires are most likely to occur in that area. For example, to extinguish a kitchen fire caused by grease, you may want to have a Type B extinguisher. It can also be helpful to have extinguishers that can put out various types of fires.

It is appropriate to place extinguishers in areas that are prone to fires. Common locations to place a fire extinguisher can include garages, where gasoline could catch fire, kitchens, where grease may cause a fire, and near electrical equipment that could spark a fire. Not placing it in certain locations could result in major damage that necessitates help from fire damage restoration. 

It is important to act fast when extinguishing a fire. The acronym P.A.S.S. can be helpful to remember when learning how to use an extinguisher. P.A.S.S. stands for pull, aim, squeeze and sweep; when using an extinguisher, a person should pull the pin in order to break the seal, aim toward the lowest part of the fire, squeeze the extinguisher’s handle, and then sweep back and forth to fully extinguish the fire. 

Knowing how to use extinguishers can help you feel more prepared to handle a fire in your home. It’s often wise to know what type of fire extinguisher to use in different situations, how many extinguishers you should have in your home, and how to use an extinguisher.

Firework Safety

6/17/2022 (Permalink)

A holiday weekend like the Fourth of July brings much fun, but can also lead to disaster if the right precautions are not taken. Here are a few quick and helpful tips to stay safe and enjoy your holiday. 

• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Never light fireworks indoors
• Keep fireworks away from houses and flammable material 
• Never point or throw fireworks toward another person
• Only light one device at a time
• Maintain a safe distance after lighting a firework

Although sparklers are a simple and fun firework for kids to use, they can still be quite dangerous if not handled properly. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. Sparkles are not advised to children under the age of five unless accompanied by an adult. Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colored streamers for children when trying to celebrate safely this Fourth of July!

Grilling Safety Tips- Home Safety

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

Fire in the grill, under hot dogs and burgers, is a welcome sight at the family cookout. But fire anywhere else can make your summer kick-off barbecue memorable for all the wrong reasons. To keep you and your family safe while grilling, follow these general guidelines.

General grilling tips:

•  Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.

Propane grills:

Before you use your grill:

•  Check the major connection points between the gas (propane) tank hose and the regulator and cylinder, and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.
• Check the gas (propane) tank hose for the potential (gas) leaks. To do that:
• Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
• Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).
• If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
• If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak doesn’t stop, call the fire department immediately.

When the grill is on:

• As you are cooking, if you smell gas, turn off the gas tank and burners.
• If the leak stops immediately, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the smell continues, move away from the grill and call the fire department immediately. Do not move the grill.

Charcoal grills:

•  There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing of in a metal container.

Getting Rid of Dryer Lint Effectively

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Excess dryer lint: It’s a problem just about everyone deals with, but it can be much more serious than you may think. Over time, your dryer will collect lint from your apparel as well as towels, blankets and anything else you wash and dry. If you neglect to dispose of these materials and clean out the dryer exhaust, a lint fire could result in your Haines City/Polk City, FL, home. The consequences of this could be disastrous. Fortunately, there are some basic ways you can handle this situation and avoid catastrophe.

Clean the Screen

The simplest ways to clean lint from your dryer and stave off the risk of a dryer fire is to clean the lint screen. Depending on the type of dryer you have, you can find this at the top of your dryer or even inside the door or on the side.


* Gently pull out the screen; do not bend.
* Run your hands across the screen and collect the lint; discard it.
* Vacuum the surface of the screen.
* Rinse the screen with water.

Clean Inside the Trap

Often, cleaning off the screen isn’t enough to avoid the risk of fire damage. It’s a good idea to regularly clean out the trap as well. It’s easy for lint to get trapped in this area, so take a vacuum and suction out any remaining debris. Make sure you get your vacuum hose and attachment as far down the trap as possible.

Clean the Exhaust Hose

Another important way to reduce the risk of a lint fire is to unplug your dryer and remove the exhaust hose. You can then vacuum inside the hose or use a long brush to remove lint that may be stuck far inside. Make sure when you put the hose back on that it’s secure.

If you follow these steps, you can help ensure you won’t have a lint fire in your Haines City/Polk City, FL, home. Cleaning your dryer regularly is an essential way to stay safe.

Turn and Test

7/4/2021 (Permalink)

Great Advice from American Red Cross!

Did you know:

• Every day 7 people die in the United States due to a home fire
• You have two minutes- that's 120 seconds – to escape a home fire
• On an annual average, the Ohio Buckeye Region of the Red Cross responds to over 3 home fires per day in our 45 counties!

The American Red Cross cares about your safety and encourages you to test your smoke alarms and replace your batteries as needed.  This is a lifesaving action of our Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, which rallies communities across the country to protest people from these every day disasters. Don't ignore the beeping sound of batteries going dead on a fire alarm, take a few minutes and go change the batteries right away! Your safety is in your own hands!

Basics of Fire Damage

6/20/2021 (Permalink)

While flooding and mold can be scary, there’s nothing quite like a fire to remind homeowners how fragile a building can be. For all homes and businesses in Hines City/Polk City, fire damage is something that needs to be dealt with quickly and professionally. Once the immediate emergency has been taken care of, it is time to call in the restoration experts from SERVPRO.

This guide to dealing with fire damage in Hines City/Polk City will help you get to grips with some of the steps involved in repair and restoration.

How Long Does Fire Damage Restoration Take?
Clearly, this will depend on how extensive the damage is. If you’ve had a small kitchen fire, for example, but it was put out quickly, the work will probably be quite efficient. If the damage is mostly superficial – burn marks on the outer surface of walls – painting and redecorating should be easy and uncomplicated.

If the damage is more extensive, the restoration could take months. Our reliable SERVPRO fire damage repair company never rushes or compromises on the quality of a job, in order to get occupants back inside faster, because this can put lives at risk. The best way to stay in the loop is to work with our fire damage restoration company that keeps you constantly updated during each stage of the repair process.

Can a Restoration Team Eliminate Smoke Damage?
Yes, our skilled restoration team will use a combination of fogging and ozone deodorization techniques to remove the smell and sight of smoke from the building. Both methods involve heavy duty equipment, so you shouldn’t try to tackle them independently. Let our experts do the job efficiently and professionally, so that you can get back to enjoying your home.

Can You Hire a Fire Damage Team Without Insurance?
Strictly speaking, you don’t need to be covered by fire damage insurance to hire a restoration team. However, it is strongly advised. If you don’t have any type of cover in place, you will be responsible for paying the cost of repair and restoration, in full. As this kind of work requires specialist skills and equipment, it can be expensive. Make certain that you have an insurance policy, so that the expense doesn’t become another disaster.

To get more information and advice on the best ways to deal with fire damage in Southwest Orlando, talk to the experts at SERVPRO of Hines City/Polk City. Call (863) 236-3553 to speak to a friendly advisor today.

Precautions To Take With a Gas Leak

6/20/2021 (Permalink)

Occasionally, a news story will show the devastating results of a gas fire in a home. These damaging events sometimes result in a large explosion that destroys the entire home. A gas leak should be treated as an emergency and the proper precautions could save lives and property. Here are 5 steps to take if you smell gas or hear a hissing sound in your home:

Check the Stove. Since this is the most likely cause of gas in your home, make a quick check that all of the burners are off.

Avoid Electricity or Sparks. Turning on the lights or any small electrical devices could cause a spark, which could ignite a gas fire.

Know-How To Turn Off Your Gas. The gas turnoff valve is usually located outside the home near the gas meter and can be turned off with a wrench.

Open the doors and Windows. This will provide ventilation and airflow, dissipating the natural gas. 

Evacuate. Get out of the house and call 911.

Prevent a Gas Explosion

Quick action and smart thinking can prevent the sparks that could ignite a fire or an explosion. Educate your family about the above steps to take and make sure everyone knows that this is a dangerous situation. Calling in the proper authorities will result in an inspection to determine the source of the gas. The utility company can help with information on dealing with a gas leak.

Enable a Fire Cleanup

If a fire does develop get out of the house and call the fire department or 911. After the fire, contact a fire remediation team to proceed with the cleanup. The removal of soot and smoke damage after a gas fire is a job for trained technicians. Special equipment and techniques will restore your home "Like it never even happened," and allow you to return to your home once the cleanup is complete.

Secondary Damage After A Fire

6/17/2021 (Permalink)

A fire can be devastating and often leaves many types of damage behind in Haines City/Polk City, FL. Try not to forget about any of the secondary aspects, such as smoke cleaning, to make sure that your home is fully rehabilitated and livable.

Smoke Odor

Before you can remove the smell, you need to eliminate any and all sources of smoke damage odor, such as burned materials. Then you can start to circulate the air and filter it. You may need some specialized equipment to accomplish this:

• Air filtration devices
• Ozone machines
• Thermal foggers
• Hydroxyl generators

Soot Residue

Even if an area of the home or a particular object wasn't burned, the particles carried by smoke can still blacken what fire did not touch. Soot, otherwise known as carbon residue, is the result of organic matter that hasn't burned completely. It can smear and permanently stain your walls or surfaces if you use a normal sponge or rag. Instead, use a dry cleaning sponge that can absorb this type of deposit. Be sure to ventilate the room by opening windows and turning on fans before tackling this kind of smoke cleaning.

Water Damage

It may seem counter-intuitive, but water damage resulting from the fire-fighting process is as common as smoke odor after a fire. If water issues are left alone, they can quickly turn into the much bigger problem of mold. Some materials cannot be thoroughly dried, so you may have to get rid of carpeting, insulation or certain types of drywall. Be sure to remove and dry all other items and ventilate the room as much as possible. Bring in a water damage remediation specialist to be sure that everything is taken care of properly.

Unfortunately, your work isn't done after you've cleared out the burned materials from a fire. Smoke cleaning, soot removal and water damage will give you just as much trouble as the initial damage. Hire a company that can do it all to make your life less stressful.

Cleaning Electronics After a Fire

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience the unfortunate event of a fire in your home, you'll worry about the safety and well-being of your loved ones most. Your thoughts may then turn to the home itself and whether you can still live in it after the fire cleanup. Of course, you can't forget about your possessions either. Items such as furniture, documents, and keepsakes could be at risk. Your electronics are also vulnerable to damage from the fire and smoke. Thankfully, cleanup is possible.

What to Avoid After a Fire

In the aftermath of a fire in your home, you have some immediate responsibilities. Once crews put out the blaze, you'll want to inform your insurance company of the incident and file a claim. You should also call a professional fire mitigation company in Orlando, FL, to restore your home. When it comes to damaged electronics, keep these things in mind:

• If it's safe to do so, unplug all of your electronics.
• Never try to turn on any electronic devices.
• Don't start cleaning the electronics unless you know what you're doing. 

Getting Help

It's best to leave electronic cleaning to the professionals. Experienced technicians can take devices with smoke damage and salvage them for further use. The pros have the right equipment and know-how to safely handle these items. 

The Process

As part of the fire cleaning process, technicians will take damaged electronics and first wipe away all soot and ash. A technician will then take apart the device to remove any debris or water from the inside. The professional may also use compressed air to blow out media ports or other smaller areas of the electronic item. 

Your Responsibility

Always make sure to back up files and data on your computers. For these and other devices, check with the manufacturer about any warranties. 

Fire cleanup can be extensive, so make sure you rely on the professionals. Skilled crews may even be able to salvage your electronics.

Knowing What To Do If You Have Fire Damage

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

A Fire damage can happen at any given moment. It can either be when you are home or when you are not. It’s important to know what to do. A house fire can be caused by many things, an unattended candle, a microwave, a cigarette, etc... It is crucial that you know who to call. If it is a fire that can not be put out using a fire extinguisher, call the fire department or 911 and then call SERVPRO. If you are able to put it out with a fire extinguisher, do it and then call SERVPRO and we will be able to assist from there.

SERVPRO of Haines City/Polk City is a Florida State licensed Certified Building Contractor, Mold Re-mediator, and Mold Assessor. We are IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified in Fire/Water/Mold clean-up & restoration. Call us at 863-236-3553, we are always here to help

Fire and Water Damage

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow 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 Haines City/ Polk City 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.

SERVPRO of Haines City/ Polk City is a Florida State licensed Certified Building Contractor, Mold Remediator, and Mold Assessor. We are IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified in Fire/Water/Mold clean-up & restoration. Call us at 863-236-3553, we are always here to help.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 863-551-5004

Fire Remediation and Restoration

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Fire safety is the set of practices intended to reduce the destruction caused by fire. Fire safety measures include those that are intended to prevent ignition of an uncontrolled fire, and those that are used to limit the development and effects of a fire after it starts. It is important to know what to do and who to call when you have fire damage to you home. SERVPRO is a 24/7 emergency response crew, we are always here to help. Don’t hesitate to call our office.

SERVPRO of Haines City/Polk City is a Florida State licensed Certified Building Contractor, Mold Remediator, and Mold Assessor. We are IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified in Fire/Water/Mold clean-up & restoration. Call us at 863-551-5004, we are always here to help.

Fire Safety

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

The first 24 hours can make the difference between restoring versus replacing property and belongings.

SERVPRO of Haines City/Polk City has a 1-4-8 Service Response Guideline. Meaning:

1:  Within an hour from notice of loss a SERVPRO Professional contacts you to arrange for service.

4:  Within 4 hours of notification of loss we are on-site to start mitigation services.

8:  Within eight hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope is communicated to the appropriate person.

DO:  Limit movement within the building to prevent soot from spreading and additional damage from happening.

DO:  Place clean towels on rugs and high traffic areas

DO:  Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly

DO:  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and carpeting.

DON'T:  Wash any walls or painted surfaces

DON'T:  Shampoo carpet or upholstery

DON'T:  Clean any electrical equipment

DON'T: Send clothing to dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor

Preventing Wildfires

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Wildfires, in the perfect weather conditions can cause major devastation. Below are some safety tips that can help prevent the spread of a wildfire.

• Clear leaves and debris from the gutters on the home
• Remove dead leaves and vegetation from the yard and underneath porches.
• Wildfire can spread to treetops. Prune trees so the lowest branches are 6 to 10 feet from the ground.

SERVPRO of Haines City/Polk City is a Florida State licensed Certified Building Contractor, Mold Remediator, and Mold Assessor. We are IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified in Fire/Water/Mold clean-up & restoration. Call us at 863-551-5004. We are always here to help.  We strive to do exactly what our tagline says...  "Like it never even happened."

Reasons To Hire A Fire Remediation Company

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

Building contractors are typically very competent at new construction. Unfortunately, before the new materials go into a home being repaired from fire damage, there are many steps to be taken which the building contractor may not be willing or trained to handle. Fire, smoke, and water affect certain parts of a home differently, and therefore each area may require different methods of sanitizing, restoring, and rebuilding.

A fire restoration company has the training, knowledge, and specialized equipment to handle each unique situation. Many times, damage occurs in areas that are not visible, i.e., behind walls, in crawl spaces of attics or basements, or has affected the structural, electrical, heating, and/or plumbing systems. As is often the case, damage occurs far from the source of the fire, due to the fact that heat, smoke, and water travel. Many building materials in modern homes become toxic when exposed to fire, smoke, and water. Additionally, smoke or smoky water – trapped inside walls, under floors, inside electrical conduit, etc. – if not found and properly cleaned, will give off an odor for years. Finding and treating these threats requires experience and training, along with specialized equipment.

Some of the specialized equipment a fire restoration company has on hand is thermal imaging equipment, air scrubbers, negative air fans, ozone machines, commercial fans and dehumidifiers, HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) vacuum cleaners, specialized cleaning equipment, and soot and moisture measuring equipment. These specialized pieces of equipment, knowledge and training are not something a local contractor is likely to have or invest in.

In addition, before the cleaning and repairs begins, there is a total evaluation process that must take place. Most fire restoration projects are covered by insurance. Fire restoration companies are experts at knowing what can or cannot be salvaged, and how much it will cost to salvage and clean building contents. They will then pack out the salvageable contents, bring them to their place of business, clean, deodorize, repair/restore and store the contents until the repairs to the home are complete. Building contractors are not prepared or capable of handling this step. Most building contractors have no need to deal with insurance companies, and thus have little experience with navigating the system. This can cause huge delays in getting the project completed in a timely fashion.

Restoration companies typically have people on staff who have years of experience in working with insurance companies and adjusters, and can expedite the process by weeks and even months. Additionally, building contractors are used to getting paid directly by the customer, with much of the cost of the project being paid up front. Insurance restoration funds can have multiple stages and require inspections prior to being released. Most building contractors are unable or unwilling to carry the huge lines of credit and reserves necessary to do restoration work.

Restoration companies must also carry unique and higher limit insurance policies than builders. Fire restoration requires demolition and removal of hazardous materials. Products that may be perfectly safe under normal conditions, become dangerous after exposure to fire and heat. Restoration contractors must deal with lead, asbestos, formaldehyde, plastics, glues, oils, household chemicals, propane, gasoline, ammunition, and sometimes dangerous drugs, to name a few. Restoration companies are also trained to clean up bio-hazards sometimes present in the aftermath of a fire, including blood, feces, urine, bacteria, viruses, toxins, and medical waste. These risks require specialized insurance policies that a building contractor would not carry.

We have noted in this piece several reasons why you should choose a qualified restoration specialist versus a building contractor to restore your home or business after a fire.

The staff at SERVPRO of Haines City/Polk City has the training, knowledge, and experience to restore your home or business after any type of disaster. Our promise that from the first sign of disaster until the end of recovery, you’ll have a partner who gets the job done.

Fire - The First 24 Hours

4/26/2019 (Permalink)

The first 24 hours can make the difference between restoring versus replacing property and belongings.

SERVPRO of Haines City/Polk City has a 1-4-8 Service Response Guideline. Meaning:

1:  Within an hour from notice of loss a SERVPRO Professional contacts you to arrange for service.

4:  Within 4 hours of notification of loss we are on-site to start mitigation services.

8:  Within eight hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope is communicated to the appropriate person.

DO:  Limit movement within the building to prevent soot from spreading and additional damage from happening.

DO:  Place clean towels on rugs and high traffic areas

DO:  Coat chrome faucets, trim and appliances with petroleum jelly

DO:  Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and carpeting.

DON'T:  Wash any walls or painted surfaces

DON'T:  Shampoo carpet or upholstery

DON'T:  Clean any electrical equipment

DON'T: Send clothing to dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor

Call SERVPRO of Haines City/Polk City at 863-236-3556

Leading Cause for House Fires

4/27/2018 (Permalink)

A house fire can be caused by many things but one of the leading causes are cooking equipment. Stoves, Microwaves, Burners, they all have the potential to cause some serious damage. Knowing some safety tips when using these items can prevent fires. If you are cooking something, never leave it unattended, always keep a fire extinguisher in your home, be cautions when cooking with grease and never put metal in a microwave. If you have any damages call SERVPRO.

SERVPRO of Haines City/Polk City is a Florida State licensed Certified Building Contractor, Mold Remediator, and Mold Assessor. We are IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified in Fire/Water/Mold clean-up & restoration. Call us at 863-551-5004, we are always here to help.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Top-causes-of-fire 

Central Florida Fires

4/20/2018 (Permalink)

Central Florida Current Fire Incidents

Never throw a lit cigarette in a wooded area, never leave a fire unattended, always practice fire safety. Things you should know about a fire. It needs key ingredients to be a fire: Heat, Fuel and Oxygen. Without these a fire won’t burn.

Safety tip of the day: When burning Brush always keep a water hose close by. It also helps to wet the ground around the fire to keep it from spreading.

 SERVPRO of Haines City/Polk City is a Florida State licensed Certified Building Contractor, Mold Remediator, and Mold Assessor. We are IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) certified in Fire/Water/Mold clean-up & restoration. Call us at 863-551-5004, we are always here to help.

The Picture attached is the current Fire Incidents reported today. 

Photo Credit: Florida Forest Services. 

http://tlhforucs02.doacs.state.fl.us/fmis.dataviewer