Recent Fire Damage Posts

When a Fire Breaks Out, Call SERVPRO® | SERVPRO of Lowell

11/21/2023 (Permalink)

When an unexpected fire strikes, the damage can seem overwhelming. That's why SERVPRO of Lowell is here to restore your house. Call us now!

House fires are perhaps one of the scariest experiences that any homeowner can suffer through. The sheer amount of damage and the serious danger that they pose to your family can keep you up at night.

While it can be an overwhelming experience while it is happening, it can also seem insurmountable when you are standing in your fire-damaged home after the flames are out. 

That’s where SERVPRO of Lowell comes into play! Our fire damage restoration team will handle your entire recovery from start to finish with confidence. 

Our First Conversation
Once the fire is out and the authorities leave, get us on the phone right away. We are here 24/7, and someone will always be there to answer your call. 

We will first identify the emergency contact for the project and then we will start asking questions about the origin of the fire and the extent of the damage. This helps us create our recovery plan more extensively, and it can give us a heads-up as to what we will see when we arrive for our visual inspection.

While you are waiting for us to arrive, stay calm and be cautious about walking around your property. Take note of any damage you see by taking photos, noting that some damage may have occurred that wasn’t originally caused by the fire. Water damage is also a common part of any insurance claim after a fire because of the chemical agents and water used to put the fire out.

Removing the Damage

Once we arrive, we will assess the damage and create a recovery plan tailored to your home’s specific needs. We will work on pulling out damaged debris while also tackling soot and smoke damage. 

We will go from room to room assessing the extent of the damage because smoke can travel to areas of your home that were never touched by the flames. 


After the debris is gone, we will get to work cleaning your entire space. This will include water extraction and the drying of your possessions as well as documenting all possessions and addressing damage for salvageable furniture and other keepsakes. We have special upholstery and fabric cleaning techniques that allow us to clean your fragile materials without damaging them any further.

Rebuilding Your Home
The damage has been done, there is no doubt about that. However, we can reverse that damage quickly and return your home to its preloss condition quickly! 

Our team can rebuild entire sections or levels of your home, but we are also trained to handle smaller, more intricate restoration projects like rebuilding cabinets or rebuilding ruined walls.  We will make sure every inch of your home overcomes the fire damage, soot and smoke that is left behind. 


We are here to help you overcome fire damage. Contact SERVPRO of Lowell for immediate assistance.

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? SERVPRO of Lowell is your local restoration expert.

4/3/2023 (Permalink)

Provide Your Lowell Workforce With Fire Extinguisher Training | SERVPRO® of Lowell

Disaster can be difficult to recover from, especially when it strikes an unprepared business. Business owners must prepare their teams for anything, not only to protect themselves but also the workplace in which they work every day.

For example, a fire emergency can be chaotic, especially if your team reacts erratically and irresponsibly. Training your team to respond appropriately is critical for keeping situations like this under control. Fire extinguisher training is an excellent place to begin and can put your team on the path to full workplace disaster preparedness.

To enhance a fire-safe Lowell business, teach your team how to use this firefighting tool:

Start With the Fundamentals

OSHA mandates that all commercial buildings with fire extinguishers should supply the needed training to utilize them. This involves going over how to use them, when to use them and what type of extinguishers to use.

Begin the training by showing your team how to hold and aim the extinguisher. Next, you should teach them how to pull the pin, press the handle and glide the tool over a fire. Throughout your training, emphasize the importance of keeping a safe six to eight feet distance away from a fire.

To help them retain this information, you can introduce the PASS method. It’s best to revisit this topic at least once a year to help newcomers—and even seasoned staff members—keep this content in mind.

Assigning roles can ensure emergencies like workplace flames are dealt with quickly and properly. Pick a couple of well-trained employees to operate the fire extinguishers you have stored inside your Lowell building.

There’s a Time and a Place

Let your team know about the different fire risks located around your building that require the operation of fire extinguishers to ensure they are always used at the correct moment. Talk through any relevant scenarios, hidden hazards and the type of extinguisher required for each one. For example, an electrical fire caused by an overloaded circuit requires a different extinguisher than a fire in the break room microwave.

Teaching your team when to give up and evacuate is one of the most important parts of fire extinguisher training. Fire extinguishers can be incredibly beneficial, but there are occasions when the flames are simply too powerful to fight without the assistance of officials.

Ensure your employees understand that once flames grow out of their control, they need to evacuate and contact local authorities.

Proper fire extinguisher training can make a significant difference in the safety of your Lowell workplace. Once you’ve gotten through the basics, you can equip your team with even more safety strategies that will protect them in the middle of an unexpected blaze.

Dealing with the aftermath of a commercial fire? Our SERVPRO specialists can restore your losses and return your workplace to its pre-fire condition.

Follow These Preventive Measures to Keep Backyard Fires Under Control

8/8/2022 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact SERVPRO of Lowell

There is no better way to enjoy a warm summer evening than relaxing by the fire with your family in your backyard. Scary stories, hot dogs and s’mores are just a few ways to make some unforgettable memories.

We use these backyard fires for a variety of reasons, including entertaining, cooking a meal, keeping mosquitoes away and clearing yard debris, but even what we believe to be a safe fire has its own set of risks. According to the National Park Service, people are responsible for almost 85% of wildfires.

Wildfires in Massachusetts seem to be growing, with 1,000 wildfires occurring in 2021. Most of these fires are manmade, but some of them can be caused by conditions like lightning.

Of course, you’re still able to burn your yard debris, light up your tiki torches, toast your marshmallows and grill your hotdogs. As long as you follow simple safety precautions and local regulations allow, you can continue to enjoy your backyard fires and minimize any hazards.

Recreational Fire Hazards

Any open flame can be hazardous, but campfires, barbecues, fire pits and fireworks are all common causes of outdoor fires. Approximately 8,800 house fires are started by grills each year, usually due to irresponsible usage. Double-check the propane tanks and gas lines that fuel your grill before firing it up, and never leave your grill unsupervised, even after you’re done using it.

When constructing a campfire, find a safe area away from any trees or buildings, and only light your fire with a match or a lighter. Once the fire is lit, make sure to only use wood to fuel the flames and keep a close eye on the ashes even after you’re done making your s’mores.

Fire pits are a safe and easy way to create a camp-like feel in your own backyard, but this equipment should be used with the same precautions as a conventional campfire. If your fire pit is portable, be sure to locate it in a safe area. Your fire pit should never be placed near an area with an overhang or on a wooden deck.

While your fire pit may seem like a simple way to eliminate construction or trash, make sure to only burn approved firewood.

Other Outdoor Fire Hazards

Even with their hazards, combustible materials and fires can still be put to good use. If your yard collects a large number of leaves in the fall and you don’t have a waste disposal option, burning your yard debris may be the only way to tidy up your yard.

In Lowell, open burning is prohibited at all times, but you can still use your grills and fire pits. Of course, this equipment should only be used for recreational purposes and should never be used to burn debris.

We all utilize our sheds and garages to store items like gasoline, but irresponsible storage can have a deadly impact. Gas should only be stored in approved containers, and you should keep your container out of reach of children. Also, gas should only be used for its intended purpose, so don’t reach for the gas can if you are unable to light your campfire.

Before lighting any outdoor fire, check your local weather forecast and local regulations. If conditions are dry or if heavy winds are blowing, reschedule your weenie roast and light your fire on a different day.

And if your home is impacted by an outdoor fire, contact our team at SERVPRO. Our team is trained to restore any kind of fire damage and will work to restore as much of your property and belongings as possible.

Burn safely outdoors. And save some chocolate for us! If you have experienced fire or smoke damage, contact us today to get restoration started faster.

Household Chores Can Reduce the Risk of Fires

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of Lowell is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration need

The American Red Cross has reported 847 deaths this year due to house fires at the start of 2022. This figure is part of the 20,000 house fires reported in the first half of this year. House fires are a risk in any household, thus precautions should be taken to prevent them.

Making changes and establishing routines around your home are the first steps toward fire protection. Yard work around the house and chores to tidy up the inside of your home are simple ways to prevent a fire tragedy on your property.

Create a Defensible Space in Your Yard

California has taken preventive steps against wildfires by establishing defensible space requirements, which require residents to strategically design their yards. Plants and trees are placed in a way that slows fire from spreading to your home while also allowing firemen room to work.

While wildfires aren’t as common in Lowell as they are in California, they can still happen. A yard plan could be useful to everyone in the event of a fire breaking out outside your home.

You can still have shrubs and trees in your yard, but make sure they are planted in a way that does not endanger your home. Be careful to do yard work around the house, cleaning up fallen leaves and dead plants, as these will only feed a fire if one starts.

Clear the Clutter

Clutter easily accumulates in the home—trash and boxes may be scattered about and clothes and towels may pile up around your floor when it’s at its worst. If the mess is big enough, it may obstruct entranceways and exits, which would be dangerous in the event of a fire because you would not be able to properly escape.

Electrical equipment like extension cords has the potential to ignite fires in the home. It is critical not to overload extension cords and to keep them away from any sources of water; if they overheat, they can quickly start fires.

Even simple tasks like unplugging unused appliances can help avoid fires. Remember to do your chores, pick up any loose clothing on the floor and dispose of any trash. In the event of a fire, a clean home will help to prevent the spread of flames.

Keep It Clean & Keep It Safe

Small improvements in housekeeping can have a big impact! Fires can start quickly and unexpectedly, thus it is critical to clean up anything that may contribute to the spread of the fire. If a fire grows out of control and you need to escape, a clean house could save your life.

Take basic steps like dusting regularly, paying particular attention to areas where dust may accumulate around a heat source, outlet or appliance.

Maintain appliances well, paying special attention to stoves and dryers, which generate heat. Wipe up any grease surrounding your stove, and make sure your dryer’s lint trap is clean.

A clean place makes a happy space! A tidy house can make you feel safer and help to prevent fires from spreading. Make housekeeping duties a habit to avoid fire accidents.

If you have experienced fire damage or want to learn more about our fire damage restoration services, contact us today. We’re here to act fast, 247.

The 4 Sides of the Fire Tetrahedron

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has any damage, SERVPRO of Lowell is ready around the clock to help you recover.

If you take three triangles and fold them around a fourth triangular base, you’ve got yourself a tetrahedron. This three-dimensional shape may not be one you think of often, but the fire community thinks about it all the time.

The fire tetrahedron is a visual aid that has come to represent the four things a fire must have in order to ignite and survive. These things must be present in order for fire to begin, and without any one of them, a fire can’t start or survive.

The 4 Things a Fire Needs to Live

Fuel. The first triangle of the tetrahedron is fuel. A fire needs something consumable. Almost everything in your home or in nature is eligible. Fire has a ravenous appetite.

Heat. Consumable materials don’t simply ignite. They first have to be heated to a point at which they can ignite. Once they reach that point, all they need is for the other elements to fall into place.

Oxygen. Fires can’t happen in a vacuum, because they require oxygen. As a fire ignites and grows, it actually consumes the oxygen from the atmosphere in which it burns. This perpetuates the fire and simultaneously creates carbon monoxide, which is one reason why nighttime fires in homes are so deadly.

Chemical Chain Reaction. This one’s a little more complicated, but the long and short of it is that an uninterrupted chain reaction between the fuel, the heat and the oxygen not only happens, but must happen if a fire is to live.

The 4 Ways to Stop a Fire

Cool it. Cooling down the fuel source is a common way to stop fires. If you’ve ever dumped a bucket of water on a campfire, this is how it worked. Restoring the thermal balance to the burning material by decreasing its temperature keeps a fire from being able to continue.

Smother it. If you’ve ever put out a candle by putting a lid on it, or stopped a stovetop fire by the same method, this is what you’ve done. Without that influx of oxygen, the fire dies.

Starve it. If a fire has nothing to eat, it dwindles and dies. This can be accomplished both by removing fuel sources from a fire’s path and, in the case of wildfire containment, by scorching an area around the fire, leaving it no more fuel to burn outside that circle.

Interrupt the chain reaction. Scientists have found that certain gases and chemicals can cause a break in the series of reactions a fire needs to perpetuate itself. Some of these, while highly effective, have been discontinued because of an acute impact on the environment, but the use of safer alternatives continues in fire extinguishers of specific types, made mostly to snuff electrical fires.

If the fire tetrahedron makes a wreck of your home or business, we’re ready around the clock to help you recover. Contact SERVPRO anytime for fast, thorough cleanup and recovery after a fire.

There’s No Time to Wait When You Have an Emergency

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire issue pops up during the holidays, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry, SERVPRO of Lowell

Imagine, if you will, a scenario. Back in the prehistoric age (aka before the internet), if you wanted to read a book that wasn’t on your shelf at home, you had to go to a place called the library, where they kept lots of books.

Instead of being able to instantly read whatever you want on your phone or tablet, you had to get dressed, drive downtown, browse through some weird card system that was somehow a combination of boredom and math, and then find your book (hopefully) on the proper aisle. And there was a chance it might just be gone. You could try again in two weeks.

Waiting for something you want is annoying. Waiting for something you need is potentially dangerous.

When disaster strikes at home, there’s no time to wait, because waiting means further and worsened damage. That’s why SERVPRO is always right on the other side of this screen—24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency services.

After a fire. Waiting to deal with a fire means you have to contend with more than burned wood and possessions. It also means you have to manage the effects of soot, the resulting sludge that covers your walls and belongings after incomplete combustion during the fire. In only minutes, soot attaches to carpets, drywall and other surfaces, and only a few hours later, its stains, along with the smell of smoke, become permanent.

After water damage. Water damage is gutting—it soaks whatever it touches, bringing instant degradation to all manner of things. But you have a window of about 48 hours to eliminate the water and extract the moisture from affected areas before mold also becomes a problem. Having to wait for service means giving mold a head-start, and for your sake and the sake of your home, that can’t happen.

Additionally, your home could incur sudden damage from things like natural disasters, storms and more, and those things certainly aren’t working a 9-to-5 schedule. When something happens, you need help right away. And you can trust SERVPRO to be at the ready. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster not only in slogan, but in function.

When you need help after a home or business disaster, fast service is a priority, and there’s nobody faster or more prepared than SERVPRO. Call us anytime to take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service.

Your Home’s Top 5 Risks for Fire

11/5/2021 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of Lowell are here for you if your home is affected by fire

Fire safety reminders are ubiquitous. If you’re at a place of business, they even hang on the walls. You did fire drills every year in school, and you learned to stop, drop and roll. We’re all pretty well-acquainted with the dangers of fire by this point.

And yet somehow, more than one-fourth of all reported fires, and more than three-fourths of all civilian fire casualties, happen at home.

What are we still missing about fire safety? Let’s look at the most likely places fires may begin at home, and you can see for yourself.

Cooking. The most likely place, by a long shot, for a fire to start in your home, is the kitchen. And the most likely cause of a fire in the kitchen by quite a margin is unattended cooking. If you’re leaving food to cook while you step out of the room, or being inattentive to the cooking process, you’re cooking up disaster.

Heating equipment. It’s only reasonable to assume that the increased use of heating equipment and elements during colder months might lead to a rise in fires—it’s simply going to happen sometimes. But beyond equipment malfunction there are a couple of important things to always keep in mind. Keep your heat sources safely away from anything that could ignite—furniture, bedding, clothes. And if you’re using a portable space heater, keep it from tipping or overheating, and prevent dangerous scenarios by turning it off whenever you leave the room and when you go to sleep.

Electrical fires. Electricity is an inherent fire risk, but routine maintenance, inspection and upgrades can keep you from as much danger as possible. Frayed or aging wiring can easily lead to shorts, overloads and other dangers, as can things like misusing extension cords and overloading light sources with high-wattage bulbs.

Intentional fires. It happens more often that you’d think: Around 28,000 intentional home fires happen each year in the U.S. More than 75 fires a day are started with the intent of doing harm to a piece of property.

Smoking materials. The lowest statistical cause for home fires comes with the highest price tag—more people die as a result of smoking mishaps than any other cause. If smoking is your thing, never do it while you’re groggy, impaired or in bed, or you could end up paying the ultimate price.

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO is here for you if your home is affected by fire. Contact your local team today to see how we can help.

Enjoy Fall With Fire Safety in Mind

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of Lowell is the trusted leader in the restoration industry

The Pats are are back on the field, the weather is perfect for hiking and camping and suddenly the smell of pumpkin spice is all over the place. That all points toward one conclusion—fall is really here.

The mild season before the plunge of winter is here to relieve you from summer and give you one last chance to get your outdoor fix in before the freeze.

Autumn, as with any season, comes with special considerations for fire safety, so let’s go over a few before you break out the s’mores.

Campfire Safety

Cool fall nights are perfect for camping, and we say make the most of it. But when you’re setting up your fire, make sure to take proper precautions.

Build your fire in a pre-dug pit surrounded by stones if there is one provided by the campsite. If not, keep it at least 25 feet away from any tents or structures.

Only light your fire with trusted methods like matches or lighters, never using kerosene or lighter fluid to light or accelerate the flames.

When it’s time to go, don’t leave anything hot or glowing. Any live embers you leave behind are potential wildfire threats. Don’t walk away from your campfire until all remaining wood and ash are cool to the touch.

Open Burning

Open burning of leaves or yard waste is prohibited in Lowell proper, but surrounding areas may provide exceptions, and you can check with your local municipality to find out.

If your township does allow leaf burning, you’ll probably be required to use a metal or concrete structure with a screened top. There will also be restrictions as to times and placements of any open fires.

Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are repeat offenders when it comes to starting home fires. Any heater you employ should be used with utmost care and kept a minimum of three feet from any flammable objects.

Always place your heater on a level surface, and ensure that no children will be playing nearby. Newer heaters may include functions for automatic shutoff if they’re tipped over or if they overheat—it’s highly recommended that you upgrade to these.

Never leave your heater on when you go to bed, and turn it off whenever you leave the room.

Halloween

We’ll talk more about this later, but be aware of fire risks as you decorate and celebrate this fall—hanging lights, decorations and candles can all present potential hazards.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

How Can I Stop Damages from a Fire Affecting My Whole Lowell House?

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

Containment Is Vital to Stopping the Spread of Soot, Smoke, and Odors – Our SERVPRO Team Can Help. 

Knowing how to reduce the spread and severity of fire loss effects is not common knowledge to homeowners, but it is something that professional restoration teams like our SERVPRO technicians begin working on immediately with our arrival. Containment strategies help to keep the damaged area in one place and do not allow the work involved in restoration to be necessary over the entire property.

How Does Containment Work? 

When it comes to reducing fire damage in Lowell homes, containment barriers are among the first steps that our responding technicians employ. There are multiple approaches to accomplishing this, including physical constructions around the perimeter of the damaged area to keep spreading effects like soot and odors in one area. These walls usually feature wood and thick plastic sheeting. Non-physical barriers are the equipment set up along this perimeter to contain environmental threats like soot particles, floating debris, ash, and odors.

Some other advantages to containing the damage include:

  • Singular recovery area
  • Maximizes drying and cleaning
  • Prevents the spread of harmful effects

How Do You Prevent Contaminating Clean Areas? 

Cross-contamination can be a challenge to avoid on any recovery site. Our SERVPRO team sets up a staging area beside the primary damaged region of your house. This second space also gets contained with the same defense. This area allows us to manage tools getting used in the compromised space and our clothing to prevent contaminating other areas of the house. Setting up a staging area limits our trips in and out of the work area as well, which reduces the chances of contaminating other areas of the house.

Fire losses can be stressful enough without the effects spreading throughout your entire residence. Our SERVPRO of Lowell can help with effective containment to maximize our production and focus. Give our professionals a call anytime at 978-454-7577.

Fire Safety Around the Backyard | SERVPRO® of Lowell

6/9/2021 (Permalink)

Many people relish spring as a favorite season, and what’s not to love? The cold of winter has left us, trees and plants are blooming and beautifying the landscape again, and the outdoors beckon us to activity. We might even get really crazy and do some of that running we said we’d start doing in January.

Spring and summer also bring ample opportunities for outdoor barbecues and gatherings, which in turn also give rise to the number of accidental fires in and around homes.

In fact, spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year. But don’t worry—there are a few simple ways you can safeguard your backyard activities from fire this season.

The grill. Let’s start with the biggest culprit of accidental spring and summer fires, the beloved grill. Grills present an inherent fire risk and danger, ubiquitous in society as they may be, but the close combination of flames and combustible elements creates prime opportunity for fires. So play it safe. Only use grills that are in good working order, operated on stable ground and that have no leaks or holes. Keep the grill away from any flammable objects, and don’t forget to clean it regularly. Almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning!

The fire pit. The fire pit is a favorite new home feature, and it encourages social time in a relaxed atmosphere, a situation in which many of us thrive. But again, safety is paramount: Use a grate to keep embers from flying, and put out the fire slowly when you’re done for the same reason. Never leave the fire alone, and never leave children alone with the fire. And keep a bucket of water on hand, not just to extinguish the fire, but to have in case ash escapes the pit and finds the ground.

Chimneys and dryer vents. These are general safety tips, but now’s a good time to take care of them, too. Get rid of ash and soot that can cause a fire hazard when you need the fireplace again in the fall, and check your dryer’s vent pip for dangerous, flammable lint.

Your local SERVPRO technicians are on hand 247 for emergencies. If you encounter fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we will be there faster and have it cleaned up sooner. Call or click today and experience the SERVPRO difference.

How To Clean Up Damage After a Fire

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Fire cleanup takes place in multiple stages. When your commercial property in Lowell , MA , has water, fire and smoke damage, it all has to be dealt with before the building can be rebuilt. Fire restoration specialists take several steps to make sure your building is restored fully.

Water Damage
Before technicians can get to the soot damage done by the fire, they typically have to address the problems the water used to put out the fire left behind. Firefighters must use water liberally to ensure that all flames are extinguished, and this can lead to a lot of water damage. They must inspect and tear out all materials affected:

  • Drywall
  • Insulation
  • Tile
  • Carpet
  • Textiles

Fire Damage
At the same time as the water damage removal is happening, the smoke cleaning crew is likely to remove materials with fire damage as well. If a support beam is burned beyond repair, for example, it has to go. Temporary supports are installed in its place until the final stage of the process when it can be rebuilt.

Soot Damage
The last step of the cleanup phase is soot and smoke damage cleaning. During a fire, these particles get everywhere. They don't just land on surfaces. They also get trapped in corners and cracks. It is not unusual to even find soot damage under floor tiles or in air ducts. To infiltrate all the areas that smoke and soot can go, a thermal fogger may need to be used. It disperses the cleaning agent the same way that a fire disperses smoke so that the detergent can get to every place the particles are hiding. Afterward, an ozone machine may be used to clean the remaining odor from the air.
Fire Damage is only the start of what technicians have to handle during the cleanup stage of the restoration process. Both water and smoke damage must also be cleaned before rebuilding can begin.

Who To Call When Fire Strikes Your Home? Call SERVPRO!

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Knowing what to do when a disaster impacts your Lowell home is critical to getting the restoration process started as promptly as possible. The faster that experienced technicians can get to work on recovering the damages to your home, the faster that this process goes. In a situation like a fire in your house, there are some steps that you can take to ensure that you get the help you need as quickly as you can get it.

Fire Damages in your Lowell residence can vary significantly from one situation to the next, so there is no telling what a homeowner should expect, or what the technicians that work on the restoration could expect as well. One of the first things that you should remember is that you should wait until a competent individual informs you that it is safe to walk back into your home to see the damage for yourself. Structural weakening or failure is always a persistent possibility depending on the severity of the fire itself.

One of the first things that you should do before you reach out to dedicated restoration specialists like our SERVPRO team, is to call your insurance provider. When you get your agent on the phone, you can get all of the details about what you need to provide them and what they need to begin and approve a claim to restore the damages to your home.

The next call that you should make is to our SERVPRO emergency response team. This dispatched small crew of experts can help to mitigate the immediate damages, and our estimator can help to provide the necessary documentation and cataloging of the damages needed by your insurance company to move these repairs and restorations along through approval of the claim.

Smoke and Soot Damaged Contents

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

A house fire is never planned for or expected. Many of our favorite and most treasured items are the once that are irreplaceable. Some examples are pictures, handmade items and antiques. Good thing for our customers, SERVPRO of Lowell specializes in cleaning all types of contents. 

Many times some of the things, like photos, that get wet and stick together and seem like they are a loss, can actually be saved. SERVPRO of Lowell has the knowledge, expertise and training to clean and restore all of your property after a house fire. 

Generally fire affected contents will be wet as well from the fire department putting out the fire. This can cause extra issues as well but these items can usually be still be saved. We make it our priority to clean and restore your contents as if they were our own. 

Early Mitigation Steps for Fire-Damage

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

One of the most severe disasters that can affect a house in Lowell is a fire. While these emergencies ultimately require professional restoration and remediation service, this cannot begin until the appropriate extinguishment process has been completed. In many situations, our SERVPRO team gets notified of the disaster, along with first responders, to have our qualified technicians mobilized and ready to step in with emergency services when firefighters have given the all-clear.

Recovering after a loss involves more than scoping the fire damage and odor residences and working to overcome them. Early mitigation work can both reduce the severity of current damages and prevents worsening conditions from developing in the hours and days following the fire. There are a few specific steps that our team can implement immediately to help reduce the cost of restoration and shorten the timeline of recovery.

Many of the emergency services provided by our SERVPRO professionals get chosen for their ability to reduce harsh odors in a residence after a fire. Odors can often be one of the most significant challenges to face for even experienced professionals on our team, so reducing catalysts to the problem can help to make this deodorization process more streamlined and successful.

In many cases, removing charred and partially combusted items that can supply the region with noxious scents is a good starting point. Between the controlled demolition practices available to our customers through our licensed general contractors we have in-house to our content management department that can remove overly damaged personal belongings and seek to restore items not completely ruined, we have effective strategies for contending with fire and smoke odor origin points.

All of the immediate services for a fire-damaged home are vital to prevent further spread and deterioration of the structure. When it comes to reducing and eventually eliminating harsh odors, controlled demolition and content management can be useful starting points. No matter what your home needs after a fire, you can count on the experience and equipment of our SERVPRO of Lowell team to help. Give us a call anytime at 978-454-7577.

SERVPRO Offers Off-Site Restoration to Damaged Possessions from Fire & Smoke

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Once a fire in your home has gotten extinguished, you are only part of the way towards recovering from the incident. In fact, you now face damages to your property the likes of which many homeowners have never experienced before. Fortunately, even though this same damage might be out of the wheelhouse and skill sets of most property owners, professional and reliable restoration services are only a simple phone call away.

Even areas that were not directly affected by the blaze can house lingering effects like smoke and soot damage. One of the most pressing concerns beyond the structural integrity of your home is the contents you keep inside. Our SERVPRO professionals have a plan to keep these items safe and give them the attention they need to get fully restored as well.

Pack-outs are a service offered by our professionals which remove contents of your home to keep them safer throughout the restoration process. While some of these items might have gotten damaged during the fire, this same process provides a means for these damaged items to get concise inspection and restoration to make them ready for the second phase: pack-ins.

Once the appropriate attention and work have gotten done to the removed items of your home, and the restoration within your house is complete, the contents of your house are ready to get returned. Our SERVPRO professionals carefully bring in each item and put it back in its original position, helping to make the unfortunate circumstance a distant memory as you move on with your fully restored home. Trying to prevent fires from occurring with foresight and planning can at least mitigate fire damage to your property.

Fire damage in your home might feel overwhelming to overcome at first, but with the right professional assistance, it does not have to be as daunting. You can rely on the rapid response and expertise of our SERVPRO of Lowell fire damage restoration technicians to act quickly to get your home back to original conditions as soon as possible, "Like it never even happened." Give us a call anytime you need us at (978)-454-7577.

Our Experts Explain The Importance Of Safety After A Fire In Your Lowell Home

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Going through a fire is the fear of many homeowners in Lowell MA, but taking precautions can help to protect your home from the devastating effects. Doing what you can to prevent a fire is not only beneficial for your family’s safety but your wallet as well. You may be able to get privileges and grant discounts from your insurance company if you’ve taken extra measure to fireproof your home.

You need the help of professionals to restore and clean your fire damaged home. With the right tools and training, SERVPRO can fix your home up to the way it was before the fire occurred. However, consider the following things to help keep your home safe from a fire.

The number of house fires that happen every year is dramatically reduced by installing smoke alarms. Smoke alarms can detect even the slightest bit of smoke and alert you before the fire gets to a size that is unmanageable. The more smoke alarms you install in your home, the more discounts you can also get on your insurance. SERVPRO technicians can also help you clean smoke and soot damage if need be.

You need to be prepared in case a fire does ignite. Sink water is not great for extinguishing a fire quickly. However, a fire extinguisher suffocates flames faster and on a much larger scale. You can keep various fire extinguishers accessible in your home to make sure you can quickly put out all kinds of house fires.

Many house fires happen from mistakes which could have been avoided if you or family members were more attentive to fire hazards. One of the best ways to fireproof your home is just by checking it for any fire hazards and re-organizing to avoid the hazards. You should, for example, clear the areas around heating vents, electrical sockets, stoves, fireplaces, lamps and other areas which could start a fire. Make sure to only smoke outdoors and extinguish your cigarettes with sand or water to be safe.

After a fire in your home in Lowell MA we can help get your structure and life back to normal. We can be reached any time by dialing 978-454-7577, so do not hesitate to call our professionals as soon as the fire is out.

Make A Fire Escape Plan

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

Just a simple plan can keep your family safe until helps arrives.

If a fire breaks out in your home, you have to get out fast—even though you may be plunged into darkness, have trouble breathing and are trying to keep family members calm while fighting your own panic. That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place before a fire starts.

Make a Plan to Get Out

  • Have a plan for young children who cannot get outside by themselves. Decide who will help each child get out safely.
  • Teach everyone to use the back of a hand to check doors for heat before opening and, if the door is hot, to use a different way out. If you need to use an escape ladder, show everyone where you keep it and practice how to use it.
  • Teach children to never hide from firefighters and never go back inside a burning building.
  • Learn two ways out of every room in your home, in case one exit is blocked or dangerous to use.
  • Remember, if there is smoke, you need to get low and stay below the smoke.
  • Choose a meeting place a safe distance from your home. Once you’re out, stay out!

For Fire Restoration Needs Call SERVPRO of Lowell at 978-454-7577

Practice Your Plan

Fires can start anywhere and at any time, so run through the plan at different times of the day or night, and practice different ways out. Do this at least twice a year.

  • Check your smoke alarms: Test your smoke alarms each month with your kids so they know the sound. Make sure there’s a smoke alarm on every level of your home, and one in each bedroom.
  • Know where to go: When the smoke alarm beeps, everyone needs to get out of the house quickly and meet at the safe meeting spot.
  • Do the drill: Have kids head to their bedrooms and wait for the drill to begin. Assign adults to help children under 6. Put one adult in charge of sounding the smoke alarm and running the drill. Next, sound the smoke alarm, start the timer and have everyone hurry to the meeting spot. Once everyone gets to the safe meeting place, stop the timer. Try to have everyone there in less than two minutes. If not, keep practicing.

In a real fire, get to the safe meeting place, then call 911 and keep everyone close until firefighters arrive!

Our Thoughts On Fires

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Residential fire in a Kitchen

Not all fires are started the same way. Some can be caused from a candle burning through the night or a cigarette not being put out all the way. Whatever the cause may be, all fires are messy and leave an unwanted burden on a number of individuals. We know the stress thoroughly but more important than that, we know how to help.

In the photo pictured here is a house that suffered a fire in its kitchen. While the cause remains unknown to us it does not matter to our services. Here at SERVPRO of Lowell we care about restoring your home, business, or property back to its original state. We are here to help you forget the stress of the damage and make you realize it is possible to make the problem look like it "Never even happened". 

How To Clean Your Dryer Vent

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Before and after a Dryer Vent Cleaning.

Three Areas of Your Dryer That Need to Be Cleaned Regularly

Washers and dryers are convenient to have in your home in Lowell MA , but your dryer can also pose a lint fire risk if you do not clean it often enough. Lint is highly combustible, and your clothing sheds a lot of lint during the drying cycle. There are three areas of your dryer that need to be cleaned regularly.

Lint Screen

Every time you dry a load of laundry, you must clean the lint screen. There are three ways you can do this:

  • With your hands
  • With a brush
  • With the hose attachment on your vacuum


Remove all the lint from the screen before putting it back in the machine. Fire damage cleanup specialists also recommend that you vacuum out the area that holds the screen and wash the screen with mild, soapy water to remove residue left by dryer sheets every few weeks.

Dryer Cavity

A lint fire can be started by debris within the dryer itself. Every six months, vacuum out the inside of your dryer. To do this, you must first unplug the dryer. Then remove the back panel with a screwdriver. Using the hose attachment, clean every bit of lint you see out of the dryer’s cavity. This can help you avoid a dryer fire and subsequent fire cleanup.

Exhaust Hose

The exterior part of your dryer’s exhaust is the hose that connects it to the wall and the area that exhausts it to the outside. It is a good idea to make sure these areas are lint-free every six months in order to avoid fire damage to your home. Detach the hose from your dryer and vacuum it out. Use a vent cleaning rod with a brush attachment to clean out your wall. Make sure the exhaust hose is clamped to the wall output and to your dryer before using it again.

Cleaning the lint screen every time you use it is only one part of avoiding a lint fire. If you are uncomfortable doing the deep cleaning yourself, you can hire a professional to perform the service.

Soot and smoke Damage

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage after a kitchen fire.

Soot and smoke are byproducts given off from fires. Both can vary in color and smell depending on the materials that make up the fire. Smoke is a collection of airborne solid and liquid particulates and gases emitted when a material undergoes combustion together with the quantity of air that is mixed into the mass. Smoke odor and color can change from a dark black to a light gray depending on what was burnt. Protein fires result in smoke damage from the burning of any protein enriched fibers, most commonly due to neglectful cooking. Unlike any other typical house fire where there is lots of visible smoke from fast burning materials, the low temperature of cooking food reduces the animal fat and protein to a fine mist. This specific type of fire does not appear to produce much smoke or cause significant visible damage to your property, but the mist it produces will cover your entire home in an invisible, sticky, foul smelling residue. This residue can penetrate your range hood, cabinets, ducts, closets, textiles, ceiling tiles, insulation, the paint on your walls, and any other porous surface in your home. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your tenants with empathy and respect and your property with care. Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577

We'll make it "Like it never even happened."

Lowell Residents: 5 Different Sources of House Fires and How to Prevent a Fire in Your Home

7/12/2019 (Permalink)

This Home Fire Began inside of a Wall!

Wiring and Outlets

  • Make sure all electrical cords are checked throughout your home for signs of fraying and make sure all frayed wires are replaced.
  • Do not cover cords with item such as rugs or blankets.
  • Be aware of the capacity that your home can handle in its electrical system.
  • Make sure to understand the difference between surge protectors and power strips.  Surge protectors help protect electronic devices.

Kitchens

  • Make sure there is a fire extinguishers readily available and make sure one knows how to use it in case of emergencies.
  • Keeping your stove clean is another way to prevent a house fire. Grease on a stove or in an oven can lead to a fire the next time it is used, if not cleaned properly.  

Dryers

  • Installing a dryer not properly could lead to a house fire when it is used for the first time.  Make sure to read the instructions thoroughly to prevent a fire from happening though the vent.
  • Make sure your dryer is cleaned regularly
  • After each load of laundry is done make sure the lint is taken out from the previous load.

Other Sources of Heating

  • Space heaters are known for starting house fires when left on too long, or on when nobody is in your home.
  • Make sure your space heater is far enough away from all furniture or anything else that can get too warm and catch on fire.

Chimneys

  • If there in a chimney that is located in your house make sure it is inspected annually. Have a professional clean or repair your chimney as needed.  
  • Make sure to use wood only.

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 – 978-454-7577

www.SERVPROlowell.com/fire-smoke-damage-restoration

Are you MORE than ready for Summer?

6/6/2019 (Permalink)

Enjoy your Summer safely! When using a firepit, a cover is always a good idea!

Enjoy Summer Safely!

Bar B Q Fire Safety

I am ready to grill and enjoy the tastes of summer! Please keep these safety tips in mind when grilling.

  • Keep a 3 foot area clear on all sides of the grill...kids and pets, too!
  • Locate the grill away from the house or any building, including anything hanging above it!
  • Do not use under trees or shrubbery.
  • Do not forget to clean the grease drippings and the grill itself, often.
  • When disposing of any coals, please make sure you use a metal container and a lid, without anything piled on top of the lid!

Don't you just love a fire pit?

  • Make sure your fire pit has a cover. It may be needed to extinguish the fire quickly and easily in the event of an emergency.
  • Look around the fire pit before lighting it.  Make sure there is nothing easily flammable near it...piles of dried leaves, firewood, tiki torches and/or their fluid.
  • Watch out for what you are adding to your fire pit.  Leaves, paper,magazines or cardboard can separate and send large fire filled pieces into the air, causing a fire elsewhere!
  • Always be bear your lighted fire pit.
  • Not a bad idea to have a fire exteiguisher and/or a hose with the water turned on, handy.

Enjoy your outside time this summer and stay safe!

Lighting Strike

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Dumpster hit by Light Creates an exposure loss

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 employees and tenants with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – 978-454-7577

 This Lowell machine shop suffered from a fire caused by lighting SERVPRO of Lowell] worked around the clock to remediate the property, so that business could be restored as quickly and seamlessly as possible. Many businesses are at risk for a fire, especially when they lease older buildings in need of repairs. We know how costly and devastating a fire can be to a business, so it is always our goal to get you back up and operating reducing your business interruption. 

What to Expect: 

When we visit/inspect your business after a fire loss, we will scope the affected areas to determine the extent of the loss. We will always pretest affected surfaces to determine the type of smoke and which products will help us recover the area most effectively. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. If a fire has damaged your business, call us right away at 978-454-7577 SERVPRO of Lowell.

Commercial Restoration Presents Unique Challenges

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. SERVPRO of Lowell has the training, experience, and equipment to handle large commercial fire damage emergencies. Whether your fire emergency occurs in a restaurant, motel, or office building, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion

SERVPRO OF LOWELL is always here to help! Try us today!

978-454-7577

Commercial Fire in Lowell

10/22/2018 (Permalink)

Warehouse Fire in Lowell

Most common causes of commercial fires and how to safeguard against them: 1. Cooking Cooking is the most common cause of both residential and commercial fires. In the commercial arena, we tend to associate cooking fires with restaurants, but the problem extends to office kitchens as well. Treat all kitchens the same, wherever they are. All kitchen should have a smoke detector, a well-conditioned fire extinguisher and strict safety protocols, including no unmanned appliances. 2. Electrical When it comes to electrical fires, the problem is twofold: user error and electrical system malfunctions. In the realm of user error, the big issues are frayed power cords, misused extension cords and overloaded and daisy-chained surge protectors. When it comes to a system malfunction, the biggest problem is faulty wiring, which is why it’s essential that all commercial buildings have their electrical systems regularly serviced by a professional. 3. Heating Fires caused by heating are similar to those caused by electrical factors in that they’re caused by both user error and system malfunction. The most common form of user error is misuse of space heaters. Commercial spaces often have cold spots, and space heaters are a great way to alleviate that. Space heaters are also quite dangerous if users don’t respect a three-foot or greater safety zone around the unit. As for system malfunctions, fires often occur due to dust buildup and ventilation blockage, so be sure to have your heating system checked regularly. 4. Arson Arson is much more common than you might realize. Although it often occurs at abandoned commercial structures, arson fires that occur at occupied buildings can be devastating. In addition to monitored fire detection and fire suppression measures, security cameras are an essential defense. 5. Smoking Smoking was once a leading cause of commercial fires. Even in smoke-free buildings however, cigarettes can and do lead to fire. Prevention starts with commercial alarm monitoring, but it also requires proper receptacles and fire-retardant furniture. 6. Combustibles Most commercial buildings, including basic offices, must have combustible materials on hand. The real danger with such materials comes when they’re stored improperly, and this is a common occurrence because the materials are often being managed by people who aren’t trained in proper use. Therefore, it’s crucial to have safe storage space available, but it’s also essential that the business trains employees in the use of such materials and continues to refresh that education. Commercial Safety When it comes to fire and other risks to a commercial enterprise, it’s best to be proactive. Contact a security company that specializes in commercial security systems. They can help you identify risk factors in your place of business and make recommendations to help protect your enterprise against fire-related catastrophes.

When damage strikes call on your local hero's at SERVPRO of Lowell

(978)454-7577

24/7/365 You’ll be connected immediately a team members ready to assist you.

Locally owned Nationally known restoration company

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

Blazing Fire

About SERVPRO of Lowell we’re your locally owned nationally known restoration contractor.

SERVPRO of Lowell specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial property after fire damage. Your call will be answered LIVE by one of our project managers who can be on site within 1 hour conducting a walk through and create an action plan. Our teams of professionals are highly trained in property damage restoration through initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility. They are also IICRC certified. A governing agent in the restoration industry; rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. When disaster strikes; contact your single source provider ready to assist in reducing business interruption. SERVPRO of Lowell will make it “Like it never even happened.”

Call today 978-454-7577

Local Fire Clean up

6/10/2018 (Permalink)

Lingering Hidden smoke/soot odor

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your property, 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.  As seen in this photo the Drywall was opened to expose the smoke and soot damage in the wall cavity. Contact your locally owned nationally known restoration company SERVPRO of Lowell

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 Lowell 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 tenants with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Lowell 978-454-7577

We'll make it "Like it never even happened."