Preventing Fire Damage Over Christmas in Dunkirk

12/13/2022 (Permalink)

All you need is SERVPRO for all your fire damage needs.

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House fires are more common during the winter months. We break out the space heaters, light the fireplaces and bring in the Christmas Tree. This extra burden on electrical and heating systems during the winter can increase the risk of a house fire. Preventing these situations relies on common sense and attention to detail. Making sure the dry Christmas tree is away from heaters or fireplaces and the decorative lights are switched off when everyone goes to bed is an example of common-sense fire safety. However, accidents do happen. 

We provide:

• Fire damage restoration
• Fire debris removal
• Fire cleanup

House fires often occur at night, which makes early intervention difficult and usually requires the fire department to put out. Once the initial flames are extinguished, using a fire restoration company in Dunkirk can help remove debris and return your home to its original condition. 

What Happens to Household Materials in High Temperatures

House fires expose materials to temperatures between 1500 and 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. Light materials like dry wood, organic textiles, draperies, and paper can burn to ashes. Treated woods often have fire resistance due to finish, varnish, or lacquer and the material's natural moisture- typically around 12%. Metals are resilient against the temperatures common in home fires, while double-glazed glass windows may survive depending on the proximity to the source of ignition.

Understanding what materials can be salvaged and what materials require replacement can be fundamental to quick and efficient restoration. Hardwoods, for example, are typically expensive and time-consuming to replace. It's also common for these materials to have natural and synthetic resistance to high temperatures. They are prime candidates for restoration rather than replacement because charred surfaces can be sanded, and clean surfaces can be semi-refinished with wood creme paste. Equally, appliances can be refinished fairly easily using detergent solutions and polish, providing there is no mechanical damage.

SERVPRO Can Help:

• Arrange for dumpster trucks to remove larger debris and sweep, wash or vacuum ash.
• Restore hardwoods with cosmetic damages from exposure to high temperatures or flames.
• Return appliances to their preloss condition using solvents and chemical agents. 

For a quick resolution to a winter emergency, contact SERVPRO of Dunkirk, Fredonia, for fire damage restoration at (716) 952-6401.