Recent Fire Damage Posts

The Do's And Don'ts of Fire Damage Restoration | SERVPRO of Bloomington

9/4/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPR of Bloomington fire damage restoration SERVPRO of Bloomington is your trusted choice for fire damage restoration in Bloomington, Indiana and Bedford, Indiana

Fire damage in your home or business is a devastating event that leaves behind not only physical destruction but also emotional turmoil.

When the flames are extinguished, and the smoke clears, the path to recovery begins with fire damage restoration. In this extensive guide, we will delve into the do's and don'ts of fire damage repair and restoration. Whether you're dealing with fire damage, smoke damage, soot cleanup, or smoke odor removal, this comprehensive resource will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and protect your Bedford, Indiana or Bloomington, Indiana property. 

The Do's of Fire Damage Restoration

1. Do Contact Professionals Immediately: As soon as the fire is extinguished and authorities declare it safe to enter the premises, reach out to a reputable fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Bloomington. Swift action can mitigate further damage and reduce restoration costs.

2. Do Prioritize Safety: Safety should always be your top concern. Do not enter the fire-damaged property until authorities confirm it's safe. Once inside, exercise caution due to potential structural instability, electrical hazards, and toxic soot and smoke residue.

3. Do Document the Damage: Take photographs and videos of the fire damage for insurance purposes. Visual evidence is invaluable and can expedite the claims process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

4. Do Secure the Property: If authorities allow you to enter, secure the property to prevent unauthorized access, potential theft, or vandalism.

5. Do Notify Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company promptly to initiate the claims process. SERVPRO of Bloomington can collaborate directly with your insurance provider to streamline the restoration process.

6. Do Address Water Damage: Firefighting efforts often lead to water damage. It's crucial to address this issue promptly to prevent mold growth and further structural damage.

7. Do Allow Professionals to Assess Smoke Damage: Smoke and soot can cause extensive damage beyond what's visible. Allow professionals like SERVPRO of Bloomington to assess the full extent of the smoke damage and develop a comprehensive restoration plan.

8. Do Secure Temporary Shelter: If your home is uninhabitable, secure temporary shelter for yourself and your family. Your safety and well-being should remain a top priority throughout the restoration process. 

The Don'ts of Fire Damage Restoration

1Don't Attempt DIY Cleanup: Fire damage restoration is a complex process requiring specialized knowledge and equipment. Attempting do it yourself cleanup can exacerbate the damage and pose safety risks.

2. Don't Discard Valuables Prematurely: Avoid disposing of damaged items without consulting professionals. SERVPRO of Bloomington's fire damage restoration services emphasize content cleaning and restoration, potentially salvaging items you thought were lost.

3. Don't Overlook Smoke Odor: Smoke odor can persist long after the fire is extinguished. Neglecting smoke odor removal can compromise indoor air quality and your comfort in the restored space.

4. Don't Delay Restoration: Time is of the essence in fire damage restoration. Delaying the process can lead to further damage, increased restoration costs, and potential health hazards due to mold and soot exposure.

5Don't Skip Professional Assessment: Even if visible damage appears minimal, do not skip a professional assessment. Smoke and soot can infiltrate hidden spaces, jeopardizing the structural integrity of your property.

6. Don't Assume Items Are Unsalvageable: Fire-damaged belongings may appear beyond repair, but professional restoration experts have the knowledge and techniques to salvage many items, including sentimental possessions.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Bloomington for Fire Damage Restoration

SERVPRO of Bloomington is the undisputed choice for fire damage restoration for a multitude of reasons, including: 

  • Experience and Expertise: With years of experience, SERVPRO of Bloomington's technicians are highly trained in fire damage restoration, smoke odor removal, soot cleanup, and more.

  • Advanced Equipment: SERVPRO employs state-of-the-art equipment and techniques for a thorough and efficient restoration process.

  • Comprehensive Services: From water damage mitigation to content cleaning and restoration, SERVPRO offers a complete range of fire damage restoration services.

  • 24/7 Emergency Response: Fires can occur at any time. SERVPRO of Bloomington provides round-the-clock emergency response to address your immediate needs.

  • Insurance Collaboration: SERVPRO works closely with insurance companies to expedite claims processing, easing the burden on you during this challenging time.

  • Community Commitment: SERVPRO of Bloomington is not just a restoration company; it is a part of the Bloomington and Bedford, Indiana community. They understand the unique needs of local residents and businesses.

  • Reputation for Excellence: SERVPRO of Bloomington has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional service and results. Their commitment to customer satisfaction sets them apart.

The Road to Recovery

While fire damage can be emotionally and physically devastating, it's essential to remember that recovery is possible. With the right professionals by your side, your property can be restored to its pre-fire condition, and your life can regain a sense of normalcy.

  • Assessment and Planning: The fire damage restoration process typically begins with a comprehensive assessment of the damage and the development of a restoration plan. SERVPRO of Bloomington's experts will work closely with you to ensure your needs are met.

  • Content Cleaning and Restoration: Professional restoration companies like SERVPRO of Bloomington have advanced techniques for cleaning and restoring your belongings. Many items you thought were lost can be salvaged.

  • Structural Repairs: Extensive structural damage may require repairs and reconstruction. Experienced restoration teams can handle everything from minor repairs to major renovations.

  • Smoke Odor Removal: Smoke odor can linger long after the fire is extinguished. SERVPRO of Bloomington employs specialized techniques and equipment to eliminate smoke odors, ensuring your space is comfortable and odor-free.

  • Thorough Cleaning: Every surface affected by fire and smoke damage will be meticulously cleaned to remove soot and residues. This includes walls, ceilings, floors, and personal belongings.

  • Restoring Indoor Air Quality: High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems and air scrubbers may be used to improve indoor air quality, removing particles and odors caused by the fire.

  • Rebuilding and Reconstruction: Once the restoration is complete, SERVPRO of Bloomington can handle any necessary reconstruction to return your property to its pre-fire condition.

Preventing Future Fire Damage

After successfully restoring your property from fire damage, it's imperative to implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of future fires. Here are some strategies to maintain a fire-resistant environment:

  • Install Smoke Alarms: Ensure smoke alarms are installed on every level of your property and test them regularly.

  • Fire Extinguishers: Have fire extinguishers readily accessible in key areas, and educate occupants on their use.

  • Electrical Safety: Regularly inspect electrical systems for faults or signs of wear. Avoid overloading circuits and ensure safe usage of extension cords.

  • Kitchen Safety: Exercise caution when cooking, and never leave cooking unattended. Keep flammable items away from stovetops.

  • Proper Storage: Store flammable materials, chemicals, and fuels in safe, designated areas away from potential ignition sources.

  • Chimney and Fireplace Maintenance: If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, ensure they are properly maintained and cleaned regularly.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Once the fire damage restoration process is complete and your property is returned to its pre-fire condition, it's time to move forward with confidence. While the experience may have been harrowing, it can also serve as a catalyst for positive change. Here are some ways to embrace a brighter future:

  • Fire Safety Education: Use your experience as an opportunity to educate yourself and others about fire safety. Share your knowledge with friends, family, and neighbors to prevent future incidents.

  • Emergency Preparedness: Develop an emergency plan for your family or business, including evacuation routes, communication strategies, and emergency contacts.

  • Community Involvement: Consider becoming involved in community organizations or activities related to fire safety and recovery support. Your experience can be a valuable asset to others facing similar challenges.

Conclusion

While the aftermath of a fire can be emotionally and physically overwhelming, it's essential to remember that recovery is possible. The dos and don'ts of fire damage restoration provide a roadmap to navigate this challenging journey, and choosing the right professionals like SERVPRO of Bloomington can make all the difference.

SERVPRO of Bloomington not only possesses the experience, expertise, and state-of-the-art equipment needed for effective fire damage restoration but also understands the emotional toll such events can take on individuals and communities. Their commitment to customer satisfaction, collaboration with insurance companies, and dedication to community involvement make them the preferred choice for fire restoration services.

SERVPRO of Bloomington is here to help with your fire damage restoration needs. We have 24/7  emergency services and are always available when you need us. Call us any time at (812) 824-2027

SERVPRO of Bloomington is Ready if Fire Damage Strikes

4/25/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bloomington fire restoration services SERVPRO of Bloomington fire damage restoration specialists have all the tools and training needed for every size disaster.

While cases where fire consumes an entire home in Bloomington, Indiana happen, there are many times in which the fire damage is minor. However, soot and smoke can damage the entire home, making even a small fire a disaster. You may feel hopeless and without options, but that’s not the case.

Involving a professional is the best way to reduce costs and prevent secondary damage.  Depending on the type of fire, and the way it is fueled, may require different techniques. SERVPRO of Bloomington is IICRC certified and has the experience to tackle difficult problems. The level and type of damage will likely require a unique response.  

Minor damages typically involve mostly smoke residue damage. The deposits are light to moderate, and restoration mostly involves a deep cleaning of the affected surfaces and fabrics. There are different techniques that are technicians use to remove the smoke odor and residue from your home. In this type, almost all the cleaning would be done onsite.

In more moderate damage situations, there will be smoke and heat damage on different surfaces. Your cabinets, drywall, and contents may have heat damage. Odors will likely be stronger at this damage degree as well. Our technicians will use varying techniques to remove items that are heavily damaged and determine what can be cleaned or will need to be replaced.

In majorly fire damaged homes, there is more severe heat damage throughout the home. Usually this is close to where the fire started, but this can leave parts of the structures framing charred. This often involves making structural repairs and gutting the heavily damaged parts of the home. Smoke damage is often heavy throughout. This requires extensive cleanup and removal of debris from the structure. Content cleaning for majorly damaged homes will need to be completed offsite.

Each fire damage situation is unique, and the process may vary depending on our customers' needs. We will explain the restoration process that is unique to your home upon onsite inspection. We are happy to answer any questions and make the process as stress free as possible.  

We also provide board up services to help protect your home from additional damage during extended repair.

As soon as the fire trucks leave, give SERVPRO of Bloomington a call. We will arrive onsite and help determine what your next step will be to reduce damage and work with your insurance company.

Our team is trained to address small and large fire damage projects. Our team is ready to serve businesses and families in the greater Bloomington area.

SERVPRO of Bloomington. Your leader in commercial and residential fire damage restoration. We make fire and water cleanup and restoration, "Like it never even happened."

      (812) 668-7149)

Moving Back Into Your Home After Fire and Smoke Damage - SERVPRO of Bloomington

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire affects your home or business, we at SERVPRO of Bloomington, IN, understand how traumatic it is and how stressful the claims process can be. 

Give us a call at 812-824-2027 so we can help you with the claims process from beginning to completion of getting your property back to like it never even happened.  Rest assured we have the technology and skill to recover your damaged goods back to pre-existing condition. 

Our dedication and quality of work is unmatched by our competition and we look forward to proving it to you.  Not only do we clean and restore your structure but also your individual belongings, even your soft contents/textiles.  We utilize top of the line equipment and chemicals to remove soot, stains, and odors to get them back to normal. 

SERVPRO of Bloomington. Your leader in commercial and residential fire damage restoration. We make fire and water cleanup and restoration, "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage Services for your Bloomington Home

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

You know SERVPRO of Bloomington for their large green vehicles and usually see them at a location that just suffered damages from either a fire or a water loss.  But, did you know that here at SERVPRO of Bloomington, IN, we also provide services for mold, odor, post-construction and vandalism cleanings as well?  

Commercial businesses and buildings are used for a variety of services and storage and come with their own unique set of needs.  You may find that rooms are not used as frequently as others and when entering there is a faint or strong odor. 

This odor may be created from mold or unclean air ducts.  SERVPRO crews are constantly being trained and updated on the most up to date technology to best serve our customers better.  

Our team members are cross trained to handle the entire claim from beginning to completion to get everything back to normal.  Feel free to give us a call no matter the size of the disaster at 812-824-2027.

SERVPRO of Bloomington. Your leader in commercial and residential fire damage restoration. We make fire and water cleanup and restoration, "Like it never even happened."

Residential and Commercial Fire Damage Services

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bloomington offers a comprehensive fire restoration service for residential and commercial properties. We proudly offer a full line of mitigation, reconstruction and laundry services to bring back properties and contents back to like new condition.

It all starts with an in depth inspection of the property, for some claims we utilize a full virtual scanning of the property to help give a full view to the adjuster even if they can’t be on site. 

From there demolition of the heavily affected areas, removing any structure that has the heaviest of damage from fire. From that point we are working to determine contents that are salvageable and taking those items and hand cleaning them with special cleaning agents to remove soot and smoke odors. That cleaning isn’t limited to just hard contents, we also offer a full laundry service using specialized equipment that removes stains and heavy smoke odors. 

We are also able to fully reconstruct the home or business to make it move in ready with our Reconstruction Service. No other Restoration service offers this full line of services under one roof. 

Recent fire damage? Questions on what to do after a fire? Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Bloomington today at 812-824-2027.

Keeping Your Home Safe During the Holidays

11/14/2021 (Permalink)

Studies show that cooking is the main cause for most home fires and burn related injuries. With Thanksgiving being the busiest cooking day of the year.  It's good to know some safety tips to have a safe, and happy Thanksgiving holiday.  

  • Never leave food that is cooking unattended, especially when frying or broiling food. The stove should be turned off if you must leave the kitchen
  • Keep anything that could easily catch fire a safe distance away from flames, or hot surfaces. Examples such as; potholders,towels of any material, paper or plastic bags, and wooden utensils.
  • Cooking surfaces should be kept clean to prevent grease buildup.
  • Always make sure to check the kitchen before leaving the home or going to bed.  Check to see that all ovens, stoves and appliances are shut off and stored correctly. 
  • Have a fire extinguisher near by, and know how to properly use it if needed. Also smoke alarms should be checked monthly to see if properly functioning. 

SERVPRO of Carbondale/Marion wishes you a safe and happy holiday season!  Gobble Gobble! 

Fire Damage Services

7/13/2021 (Permalink)

Recently our crews were called to the scene of a fire that took place at a school. The strength of SERVPRO of Bloomington really showed as they took on a large smoke damaged school. Under the guidance of an Industrial Hygienist they tested all of the areas of the school and set up the area that was affected. 

In total over 150,000 square feet of smoke and soot damage was spread throughout the school from floor to ceiling through the HVAC system. Utilizing nearly 100 team members SERVPRO was able handle this massive job all while ensuring that no other jobs were delayed or affected. 

That's the power of your local SERVPRO office. With unlimited equipment and trained staff we are able to get any disaster taken care of.

We handle fire, water and mold damage as well as offer a full line laundry service for smoke and soot damaged soft contents all in house, call us today 812-824-2027.

Fire Safety Tips

6/13/2021 (Permalink)

There are several ways to ensure your safety from a house fire. The American Red Cross has data listed on their website at www.redcross.org to help individuals be as prepared as they can be for a house fire.

  • Installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are very important and can often be the first alert you can have when a fire starts.
  • With any smoke and carbon monoxide detector it is essential to test them once a month to make sure they are operating. Even though sealed detectors are typically good for 10 years, you still need to test them monthly.
  • Create a fire escape plan for your family. That way everyone knows where to meet or be found in the event of a fire. 
  • Install fire extinguishers in rooms where heat sources are prevalent such as kitchens and garages

Continual training and in-home maintenance will help keep you safe from home fires. For any fire damage, trust in the experts at SERVPRO of Bloomington to help repair your home from damages. For any other questions call 812-824-2027

Can My Contents Be Cleaned After A Fire?

2/27/2021 (Permalink)

Depending on the severity of a home or business fire, it is surprising to find that contents can be salvaged after a fire. Your local SERVPRO of Bloomington has all the knowledge and proper cleaning methods to save your items. 

We utilize one of the best washing systems to clean soft contents, items such as clothing, stuffed animals, purses and shoes. This washing system is able to take the tough stains and harmful toxic odors from soft contents to restore them to like new condition without using harmful chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods.  We are also able to clean hard surface items such as cabinets, dressers, cabinets and countertops using SERVPRO’s specialty cleaning agents. 

With SERVPRO of Bloomington our focus is on the ability to restore items instead of replacing them as it adds unnecessary expense to the insurance claim and it gives you your home back to the way it was. Our goal is to always get you back into your home quickly and to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Post Fire Damage Safety

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

In some circumstances it may seem simple to take care of the damage after a fire damages your home. Its always worth calling your local SERVPRO office to have them look at the damage. The Professionals at SERVPRO have years of experience in handling fire damage claims. Its this expertise that can make sure your home or business is move in ready on completion of the job. 

The dangers of not knowing exactly how to handle smoke and soot damage is that it can get into cracks and crevices you don't realize. If you don't take care of the smoke and soot damage correctly the first time, it can cause issues down the road. Just covering up the issue isn't the solution either as it can cause breathing issues as it continues to emit harmful odors. 

Call the professionals at SERVPRO at 812-824-2027 immediately after your fire. We offer free estimates as well as work with any Insurance company. 

It's Candle Fire Season!

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

A diffuser is a much safer alternative to burning candles

Be Cautious When Using Candles

Yes, that soft light and aromatic fragrances that fill the room from a lit candle can be an easy way to create the atmosphere that you want in your home. However, candles can also become a safety hazard if they are not used properly. Candle fires are common, but the following tips can help you avoid them.

1. Don’t Leave Burning Candles Unattended:
It may seem like an annoyance to extinguish a candle every time you leave the room. However, leaving it burning could result in a candle fire if something gets too close to the flame or if it burns too low. It is best to blow out candles before going to bed at night, even if the candle is in the same room you sleep in..

2. Keep Them Away From Flammable Items:
When you are using a candle, you should be sure to have the area free of flammable objects. This can include papers as well as fabrics such as curtains and bedding. These types of items should be at least a foot away from any candles that are in use. Flammable liquids should be kept even further away.

3. Keep Them Out of Reach of Pets and Children:
Both children and pets often come with an excess of energy and curiosity. For this reason, it can be easy for them to inadvertently start a candle fire. Keep burning candles in an area that are not within reach of a child or pet, especially unsupervised!

4. Use an Alternative:
Perhaps the easiest way to prevent a is simply not to use candles at all. There are a variety of other ways that you can achieve a more relaxing home environment. If you are only interested in adding a nice scent to your home, a wax warmer is a great option. One great option is a diffuser. Diffusers are a great alternative to candles and make you house smell fantastic!


While these tips can help you prevent an emergency, accidents can still occur. Whether it is small or large, fires often require smoke cleanup and some repairs. If this happens, a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO can help return your home to its preloss condition making it "Like it never even happened."

Cleaning Contents After a Fire

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

soot damaged chair SERVPRO restored
  •  Make Sure It's Safe To Start

Your first concern in every fire damage restoration disaster is safety.  SERVPRO takes steps to make sure all workers entering your home or business after a fire are safe. It is important that the structure is safe before the evaluation and restoration process begins.

Also, keep in mind that, after a fire, indoor air contains floating smoke and soot particles. Smoke/soot particles are Products of Incomplete Combustion (PIC). These are carcinogens and are dangerous. When cleaning up smoke/soot, it is important to wear a respirator, such as an N-95 or N-100. Using gloves and other protective clothing will also protect against soot exposure. Ventilation is key to letting the contaminants in the air outside.

  • Evaluating Damaged Contents

The next step is to determine which items should be cleaned and where, as well as which items to discard. Cost and antique value are key consideration factors. SERVPRO inspects the affected items as quickly as possible, as soot can produce further damage or corrode contents and appliances in a matter of hours or days, depending on the material.

In many cases, contents that have been damaged directly by the fire or by excessive heat should not be discarded until inspected. SERVPRO knows how to clean smoke damage from salvageable items like this antique chair (pictured).

Most textile goods like draperies and bedding will be taken to our laundry division or dry-cleaning facility. Other contents that can be restored, such as furniture, may be cleaned within the home or sent to our facility.

Food items must be treated with caution. Any open items should be thrown away. Unopened items in original packaging that were away from the heat can be considered safe. If there is any doubt, throw the items away.

Keep in mind that melted or discolored plastic items can’t be restored, only cleaned.

  •  Inventory Of Your Contents

If a “pack out” (removing contents out of the structure where damage occurred) is necessary, our SERVPRO technicians will keep careful records for items taken, location of the items, and condition of the items when removed. In other cases, we may determine that conditions allow for cleaning and storing the contents within the home, or perhaps a garage if property has one. An inventory of all discarded items is essential to receiving monetary reimbursement when filing an insurance claim.

  •  Contents Cleaning

SERVPRO will perform testing to determine the appropriate product to clean your contents. Today’s restoration professionals will use environmentally friendly products for all cleaning and restoration processes. This is an important consideration when choosing a restoration company.

SERVPRO begins to remove soot from each restorable item — either in the home or at our facility. The cleaning method depends on the item, such as furniture, kitchen utensils, dishes, toys, clothing, bedding, draperies, and more.

  • Removing Odors

Pungent odors come with smoke/soot damage. After the cleaning process, most of the smoke odor will be eliminated. Yet, if there is still a small odor, we may add an additional step to the restoration process. This could include ozone or hydroxyl deodorizing. Learn more about processes: ODOR REMOVAL

  • For Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration, Call SERVPRO of Bloomington at (812) 824-2027

When the contents of a home or business are damaged by smoke/soot, mitigating the fire damage, cleaning, and restoring the contents to its preloss condition is a job for restoration professionals. SERVPRO technicians know how to clean smoke damage from contents quickly, ethically and professionally. When you call us, we’ll mitigate the loss and restore your property using state-of-the-art equipment and techniques.

Fire Prevention

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

Fire due to burning candle

This fire started because a candle was left burning unsupervised. Fire prevention is the best way to prevent disasters like this one. Here is some measures you might take to prevent this from happening to you. 

  • Kitchen fires – Most are caused by leaving items unattended on the stove or oven when cooking. You can prevent them by being more watchful of the stove and not allowing things to distract you from paying attention or outright forgetting that you are cooking. Set a reminder or alarm to remind you that something needs checked if you are multitasking. When you are busy, it is easy to forget just how long something has been cooking.  
  • Heaters – Many people use heaters for extra warmth. You should always be very careful of the positioning of these heaters. Some get very hot and can easily cause fire to items close to it. Always make sure there is ample space all around your heat sources. Always have them clean and always have them maintained properly. Make sure you get your furnace cleaned and checked every year as well. Proper maintenance can prevent a disaster! 
  • Electrical Equipment – Always make sure your power cords to your appliances are in good condition. Bare wires and loss plugs can cause a fire. Make sure you are using extension cords for temporary use or if necessary, for longer time, make sure you have a high-quality heavy-duty extension cord. Cheaply made extension cords are not meant for long time use. Surge protectors are also very helpful but make sure they are high quality and made for the intended use. It is always good to check your outlets regularly also for any damages. A broken one is never a good idea. 
  • Smoking – Smoking in or around the house has been a huge source of fires. Leaving a lit cigarette unattended or falling asleep with a cigarette should always be a main concern. Most all house fires caused from smoking could have been prevented. Always make sure your cigarette is firmly seated in the tray and never have one lit when you are at risk of falling asleep. Furthermore, do not leave matches or lighters in reach of young children who might play with them. Lit candles should always be supervised as well.
  •  Faulty Wiring – Older wiring in older homes might not be safe. Safety precautions have changed a lot when it comes to safe wiring. Older homes are more likely to have worn and frayed wiring and are more likely to spark and catch fire. One should always get the wiring checked by a certified electrician to ensure safety. Dealing with electrical issues should be handled by trained professionals only! 

One should always practice safety by making sure all smoke detectors are checked and all fire extinguishers are in perfect working order at all times. Be smart and be safe!