If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (504) 348-7526

To have the optimal experience while using this site, you will need to update your browser. You may want to try one of the following alternatives:

Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts

New Orleans Fire Damage Restoration and Mitigation Services

4/5/2023 (Permalink)

living room ceiling with fire damage Fire damage can encompass both soot and lingering odors. Make sure to contact SERVPRO in New Orleans for remediation services.

Fire Damage in New Orleans Properties is Addressed with Several Approaches

Because of how urgent the situation becomes when fire loss incidents occur and impact your home or business, it is essential to have experienced professionals capable of providing each of the necessary steps to return the structure to preloss condition. Ultimately, the fire restoration process can consist of four main stages. These include:

  • Emergency Services – the earliest stage where actions are taken to protect the property from harm and occupants from unsafe conditions
  • Mitigation – a subsequent stage where early actions are taken to slow the progression of loss effects with measures such as content relocation and air quality improvement.
  • Restoration/Cleaning – an involved stage of recovery where focused efforts are pointed at surface damage like soot deposits and smoke residues. 
  • Repairs and Reconstruction – this is among the final stages of recovery, and one where we replace any missing building materials and repair damages caused to utilities and the structure.

Fire damage in New Orleans properties can be a formidable presence, especially if there was a delay in contacting restoration services to help. As a preferred vendor for insurance work in the region, we are a trusted name to complete needed damage documentation and evidence, detailed estimations, and any other pertinent information to get damage claims approved rapidly.

What Are Emergency Services?

Emergency services describe the combination of early steps to mitigate damage before even the job scoping phase. This initial effort prioritizes specific actions to protect the property and its contents from further irreparable harm. This typically utilizes our contractor license to complete controlled demolition in compromised areas and temporary construction solutions for exposed vulnerabilities of your property.

Mitigation of Fire Damage Losses

Unlike emergency services, mitigation happens after claims work has already begun and the scope of the restoration process has been detailed. In these actions, SERVPRO professionals prioritize eliminating additional threats that impact the responding technicians, house occupants, or other third parties involved in getting life back to normal after a disaster. Mitigation can include:

  • Water Removal
  • Content Relocation
  • Air Quality Improvement

Cleaning Up After Fire Damage

The most severe obstacle to a property’s preloss condition is often the widespread soot damage in the structure. Smoke remediation is a complicated portion of fire recovery and restoration, involving specific practices and effective cleaning products from our supply. Some of the usual restorative actions we take include:

  • Soot Removal – Soot and smoke removal are vital, requiring solvents, detergents, abrasive cleaning, and more approaches to managing threats.
  • Carpet Cleaning – Carpets can be heavily damaged by residues, smoke, and soot particles. We have bonnet cleaning and other equipment for hot water extraction that restores the vibrancy of this flooring while removing set-in soils.
  • Odor Removal – Malodors are an offensive byproduct of combustion and one that can infiltrate porous surfaces and contents. We have efficient deodorization products and equipment to help. 

Does SERVPRO Complete Repairs? 

Fires often require some repair or reconstruction, and with our contractor license, we can complete these build-back services as necessary. With hundreds of thousands living in New Orleans alone, it is vital to seamlessly transition to the next phase of post-fire damage recovery to return your home to preloss condition as quickly as possible. We seamlessly transition to the reconstruction phase after restoration.

When contending with fire damage in New Orleans homes and businesses, we are a trusted vendor for insurance work and a knowledgeable contractor to help get your property back to its original state before the disaster. Give our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank team a call to help when you need it at (504) 348-7526.

Fire Restoration Services is Key to Fire Damage Cleanup in New Orleans

3/2/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damaged kitchen; debris on floor Fire damage restoration involves understanding what materials burned and which chemicals may have been used when extinguishing the fire.

New Orleans Residents Can Count on SERVPRO for Fire Remediation 

When a fire happens in your home, deciding where to place your attention is complicated. You may find it difficult to prioritize as you survey your personal property, the state of your home, and the interruption to your family life. Rather than guessing what should be done first, contact a professional team to guide you through the proper steps to return your home to pre-fire conditions.

Fire restoration services for your New Orleans property are a phone call away, day or night. Our SERVPRO team of experts is available around the clock, seven days a week, to help handle your emergency. Even when the damage appears to be concentrated in one area of our home, our team has the technology and expertise to help confirm whether this is the case. Most importantly, we have the equipment and techniques to handle surface cleanup, water removal, and deodorization.

Not all fires are the same, and their residue differs greatly. Fire damage restoration involves understanding what materials burned (plastic, wood, fabric) and which chemicals may have been used when extinguishing the fire. Our IICRC-certified technicians evaluate all variables and develop a plan tailored to your needs. Among the factors we consider to determine the next steps we include:

  • Nature of what burnt- synthetic vs. organic 
  • The temperature of the fire- higher temperatures tend to leave a fine dust-like residue, whereas smoldering fires often result in a thick and sticky aftermath. 
  • Path of the fire- if your ventilation system was affected or traveled from room to room, our staff follows the fire’s path to assess the damage left in its wake.

SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank is ready to help when you call (504) 348-7526. Our extensive experience allows us to leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Damage Restoration in New Orleans Homes Assisted by SERVPRO

9/4/2022 (Permalink)

a fire damaged kitchen with soot covering the furniture and debris on the floor If fire damage affects your home, it needs to be dealt with professionally. Our SERVPRO technicians will make it “Like it never even happened.”

New Orleans Fire Damage Is More than What Meets the Eyes

Fire causes smoke damage or scorches surfaces, but in the worst-case scenario, it can result in structural instability and roof or wall collapse. A small fire can damage your New Orleans home much more than you can imagine. Even when no rebuilding is required, there is probably extensive smoke damage to fix in the interior. Also, you must clean structural components and home contents to remove the grime without damaging the materials.

When undertaking a fire damage restoration project in New Orleans homes, it is important to have the utility supplies assessed. These include gas, water, and electricity. It is critical not to attempt to reconnect or repair them yourself due to the associated risk. SERVPRO technicians can assess the damage extent and determine whether you need specialized contractors to facilitate repairs. This makes your property safe and enables repairs to be made.

Essential steps for effective restoration

  • Cleaning soot from surfaces and contents
  • Removing smoke odor from HVAC system and attics
  • Removing debris

As the smoke travels through the ventilation system in a home, it deposits soot. Soot is a powdery slick substance that sticks on and discolors fabrics and surfaces, leaving behind a nasty smell. If not removed quickly, its acidic properties can further damage materials or affect indoor air quality.

How to remove smoke odor

Smoke odor removal requires more than just airing the house. SERVPRO crews remove burned items determining what is salvageable and what should be discarded. Our teams remove draperies and clothing for cleaning since fabrics soak up smoke like a sponge. We wash or dry clean according to the directions on the label for clothing, blankets, drapes, pillows, linens, furniture covers, area rugs, and anything else made of woven material.

Equipment that facilitates odor removal

  • Ozone generators
  • Photocatalytic Oxidizer
  • Air filtration devices

Teams from SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank facilitate fire damage restoration by assessing the damage and cleaning the building and its contents. You can reach us at (504) 348-7526. We're Are Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Secrets to Getting Rid of Fire Damage in Your New Orleans Home Fast

7/10/2022 (Permalink)

a fire damaged room with soot covering the walls Fire and subsequent soot damage needs professional attention. Call our IICRC certified technicians to take a look and start the remediation process.

Simple Steps to Protect Your New Orleans Home from Fire Loss

One of the statements that can be a burden on the side of New Orleans homeowners after a fire loss incident is: “If you had an emergency plan, the damage might not have been so severe.” While it might not always get worded precisely that way, the reality is that hindsight is indeed 20/20. Preparedness for disasters can help you to experience less loss overall, and get you back into your home more quickly following the incident.

Many homeowners might not know where to begin on preparing for emergencies to ultimately reduce fire damage in their New Orleans residence. This process begins with the formulation of an escape plan from your home in the event of a fire. These disasters can vary in severity, but they rarely offer extended time for property owners to scavenge through the residence for all of the keepsakes and belongings too treasured to lose. While you cannot live your life focused on your readiness for these fire loss scenarios, there are some tips that can help you when the stress of the crisis is upon you.

Make Your Phone Calls

Reaching out to first responders is what triggers the sequence of events leading to the restoration of your home. While it is a common belief that the next call should be to your insurance provider, in truth, you can benefit your home much more to reach out to our SERVPRO team before then. We can arrive following the extinguishment of the fire and get started immediately on assessments, debris removal, and other mitigation tasks while you and our management team sort through details with the insurance provider.

Have Irreparable Belongings Ready to Go

One way that you can help to reduce the loss of items that you cannot replace is to have them ready to vacate the premises when you do. By keeping photographs in a mobile storage container, for example, you can have a higher probability of getting this out with you.

Shut Off Utilities

Shutting off the utilities in your home can help in two distinct ways. One, you are preventing further catastrophe and damage by disabling circulatory appliances like the HVAC unit. Also, you can prevent damage to the components of your plumbing, electric, and natural gas services.

Fire losses can be a stressful situation, but you can take steps to reduce their impact on your home. Give our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank team a call when you are ready for our professional restoration and recovery solutions at (504) 348-7526.

Smoke & Fire Damage in Gretna Electronics

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

smoking laptop Trust SERVPRO for fire damage cleanup in your Gretna home and securing electronic components.

Get Your Electronics Cleaned After a Fire

House fires can damage many different things, from clothing and bedding to important papers and documents. Fire cleanup services can go a long way toward helping your New Orleans, LA, family recover from the aftermath of a fire. These services can be essential because they can help restore your most important items to good working order.

When it comes to fire-damaged electronics in your Gretna home, there are three crucial points to keep in mind:

  • Smoke can damage electronics.
    • Cleaning electronics should be part of the cleanup process.
    • Professional restoration services can help restore them.

Smoke Can Harm Electronics

Electronics are frequently damaged in fires resulting from the smoke. Smoke damage has the potential to disrupt electronics due to the accumulation of fine particulate matter that makes up smoke. All this particulate matter can disrupt tiny moving parts as well as the connections between different wires and components. Sensitive microchips are often damaged beyond repair.

Important Devices Can Be Rescued

Your household probably depends on a variety of electronic devices to keep it running smoothly. This can include kitchen appliances, entertainment devices, communication devices, cleaning appliances, and security devices. You may not even realize just how many electronic items are used in your household until it comes time to assess their damage. Working with an experienced team of professional fire remediation service providers can be an excellent way to recover the function of potentially most electronics. Our techs can only clean the exterior of electronic gear to mitigate fire damage and extensive corrosion. We can provide a third party for interior cleaning and repairs.

Getting Back to Normal

Smoke can be quite dangerous to electronics because it can prevent them from working correctly, and in some cases, can lead to further problems.

After a fire in New Orleans, you can work with the professional fire cleanup services provided by SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank to recover your electronics’ functionality. Call us 24/7 at (504) 348-7526.

We Clear And Clean Out Every New Orleans West Bank Home After Fire Damage, Call Today

4/7/2022 (Permalink)

Black Roof Fire Our certified technicians know exactly how to handle any size fire damage disaster in your home. Call us right away, we are available 24/7.

SERVPRO - Fire Damage Removal And Cleaning In New Orleans Homes

New Orleans residents do not usually think of fire when it comes to a disaster. Flood water in the attic, yes, but not scorched roof tiles, burned support beams, and smoke residue covering everything else.

Removal of property from a New Orleans home depends on the type of fire damage the personal and structural items suffered. SERVPRO technicians determine if the cause was the flames and heat, smoke residues, or a result of the effects to extinguish the fire. Each type of damage also falls into three categories or levels of damage: Minor, Medium, and Major.

With Minor damage, it has little need for removal. The fire was small, quickly extinguished, and restricted primarily to a single room in the home like the kitchen. Smaller items like dish towels and perhaps the pot or pan where the fire started must be disposed of and replaced. Most restoration involves light cleaning of residue-covered counters, cabinets, and floors.

When there is Medium damage, SERVPRO technicians remove more property since the fire was extensive and spread into other parts of the home, taking longer to extinguish. More oversized items like furniture and drywall panels are physically damaged and require disposal. Cleaning requires more vital tools like scrub brushes and chemicals. Odors are noticeable and require further cleaning to eliminate them.

Significant fire damage is precisely that. Items near the fire's origin are severely burnt and need immediate removal and disposal. In addition to drywall, structural supports like wall and ceiling framing suffers physical damage. Smoke residues are very thick that some items cannot be thoroughly cleaned and requires replacement. Odors can be so strong that eliminating them can be more expensive than replacement.

Not every removal of property means disposal, however. Team members can move undamaged items or those that only need cleaning to a container on the property or to temporary storage to protect them while repairs are underway. If things like blinds and some upholstered chairs have very heavy residues, we must remove them to our office for specialized immersion cleaning.

Our goal at SERVPRO of The New Orleans West Bank is to clear out every home as quickly as possible. The sooner we can finish, the sooner you and your family can return to your home and start getting your lives back to before the fire. For more information about what we can do for you, call us at (504) 348-7526 today.

SERVPRO Offers New Orleans Property Owners a Positive Fire Damage Cleanup Experience

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

'Insurance sign' against blue sky SERVPRO works with your insurance company to help make the restoration process as stress free as possible.

Insurance Claims and Fire Damage to Your Home in New Orleans

To say that fire damage to a home is traumatic is an understatement. Safety considerations aside, having your home ravaged by flames, firefighters dousing it in water and chemicals to stop the spread of the fire, and then possibly being displaced is an experience like no other. Even though well-meaning friends and family can be of incredible support, it is necessary to contact experts when considering your next steps in recovering your home from disaster.

If there is fire damage to your home in New Orleans, you can do well by calling our SERVPRO team as soon as the emergency is under control. Our team is in place and ready to take action around the clock, as we recognize that disaster can strike at any time. With our thorough training process, our FSRT fire and smoke restoration technicians can arrive and assess the areas of immediate need and identify the medium and long-range consequences the fire may have on your home. Even more important, our team's expertise can be of great assistance as you contact your insurance and file a claim. 

Most homeowners seek to file a claim as soon as a disaster happens. SERVPRO suggests immediately contacting your insurer to dispatch an adjuster to evaluate the fire damage. We work with many agencies and companies to coordinate a comprehensive cleanup and restoration service. Your adjuster provides a budget after documenting the damage to the structure and your contents. We also take photos and use the Xactimate software program to itemize the equipment used and the work performed, all within the budget. Our estimator has a large amount of experience, which can expedite the agreed upon terms and move the service along. Fast mitigation helps to minimize damage. We understand the scope of a significant fire damaging event, and we strive to reduce your stress and eventually make your home "Like it never even happened."

Reaching out to SERVPRO of the New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526 is not only convenient but a smart decision to protect your home and finances.

Does Professional Smoke and Fire Mitigation Work in New Orleans?

1/14/2022 (Permalink)

charred kitchen range and microwave Rely on SERVPRO to eliminate pungent protein fire odors from your New Orleans mishap. We make it "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Experts Complete New Orleans House Fire Clean Up Including Protein-Based Soot

Kitchens are vulnerable and in need of smoke and fire mitigation in New Orleans. An unattended stovetop or tipped pan of grease can engulf the heart of your home in heat, smoke, and flames. Even with quick thinking and the help of fire extinguishers, the effect of what seems like a minor and well-controlled blaze leaves it incredibly difficult to remove residues on surfaces and pungent malodors.

Why Are Kitchen Fire Residues So Smelly and Challenging to Clean?

A kitchen fire in New Orleans deposits soot unlike dry or wet soots seen elsewhere. The composition of the smoke and soot in a kitchen fire is essentially dehydrated proteins from the foods and condiments involved. Superheated air currents pick up the tiny, dehydrated particles and spread them throughout a home in the instant after combustion, meaning the protein fire damage is everywhere. As cooking oils and grease heat, they become rancid, a chemical change that creates particularly overwhelming malodors. The greases also mix with the dehydrated food, resulting in a clear varnish-like coating on all affected surfaces.

How Can SERVPRO Help with Kitchen Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration?

Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained technicians are familiar with products, tools, and cleaning methods to loosen the protein-based soot and neutralize the malodors. Tactics include:

  • Using oil-based cleaners (solvents) to emulsify residues, severing the bond with surfaces
  • Increasing dwell time of the cleaning solutions to permit the solvents to break up the oily residues
  • Adding an abrasive to a cleaning product or employing a rough-surfaced tool to agitate the residues, loosening them
  • Employing advanced deodorization methods and tools that work by neutralizing the odor-bearing particles of spoiled food and oils, including thermal fogging, enzyme treatments, and hydroxyl generators

Count on the expertise of SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank to remove tough kitchen fire residues and smells. Call our team at (504) 348-7526 as soon as possible to explore a solution.

Is Wet Cleaning Preferred to Remove Soot in New Orleans Homes?

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Equipment and technicians Fire damage is not a DIY project you want. Leave it to our skilled professionals at SERVPRO. We will make it look "Like it never even happened."

Multiple Cleaning Processes Make up Fire Restoration in New Orleans Properties. 

Cleaning up after soot damage can involve several tactics and products. Our thorough inspection of the property can show where wet or dry cleaning might be wise choices.

Why Is Wet Cleaning Considered? 

When fire damage cleanup in New Orleans homes is needed, our technicians must often differentiate between all impacted materials to find suitable cleaning practices from one house area to another. We earmark the washable surfaces in your home so we can implement wet cleaning practices.

Wet cleaning features some of our inventory's most potent cleaning products, specifically formulated for surfaces and underlying materials. Often, this approach is needed when moderate or heavy soiling exists, and it is still possible to restore the underlying structural element.

Possible Concerns with Wet Cleaning 

Wet cleaning is not without some possible drawbacks, however. Considerations include:

  • Water Soluble Paint – New paint might not hold up against wet cleaning practices, though the greatest concern is a thick deposit of soot, requiring pre-cleaning with a dry cleaning sponge.
  • Contents and Furniture – Before wet cleaning occurs, contents and furniture must be relocated to the center of the room away from the structure and covered to prevent water or moisture damages.
  • Alternate Cleaning Methods – Dry cleaning is always a possibility as well and can often be more effective in circumstances than the application of wet products. The heart of dry cleaning involves vacuuming, brushing, and chemical sponges.

Cleaning up after soot and smoke damage can be a considerable challenge with the wide range of reactions and damage building materials or contents could experience. We quickly determine the need for dry and wet cleaning in the house to allow our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank team the fastest path to it being "Like it never even happened." We are available 24/7 at (504) 348-7526. 

There Was Only A Small Amount of Fire Damage In My New Orleans Home – Do I Really Need Professional Help?

9/17/2021 (Permalink)

Room with fire damage The situation can feel quite overwhelming when your home is affected by fire damage. Contact SERVPRO for effective remediation services.

Soot Damage from Even Small Fires Can Cause Big Damage 

When most people picture a house fire in New Orleans, they think of a home that gets destroyed. But more commonly, small fires occur in a home that can seem minor but still need professional care.

We put the fire out quickly, and it seems like a quick cleanup is all that is needed?

Kitchen fires and fires from faulty appliances and outlets occur more frequently than most people realize. They are often put out quickly and leave little damage, or so it seems. Your paint may not peel, and it may look like no physical damage has occurred. The only thing you see is some soot on items in the room. The fire damage in your New Orleans home may only be from smoke damage but can be extensive even when you cannot see it. Here’s what you should know about soot:

  • Soot is smoke that has settled onto surfaces.
  • It can cause hidden damage.
  • Its tiny particles can quickly spread.
  • It produces an acidic film that can cause worse problems when in contact with skin.
  • Specific chemicals are needed to neutralize soot.
  • If not addressed, it can eat away the material it covers.
  • Causes odors.

Cleaning Up Smoke Damaged Rooms

Because of how soot can get into everything from furniture covers to the corners of the ceiling, you need a professional fire damage company that knows how to do the proper cleaning. SERVPRO’s fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) attack the situation with experience and the best tools. The techs use equipment such as dry sponges, HEPA vacuums, and potent cleaning agents to restore your home to preloss condition.

Contact SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526 for quality fire damage service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Can SERVPRO Remove Soils During Fire Restoration in New Orleans?

7/10/2021 (Permalink)

Home Fire Illustration Fire can leave your property with many issues. Trust our experts to bring your home back to its original state "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Removes Soils from Materials in New Orleans Fire Restoration and Cleanup

Kitchen fires often produce many different types of smoke residues, including organic, acids, and alkaline soils that can be difficult to remove and harm materials they land on. These soils are often confined to the main kitchen area; however, adjacent rooms can be impacted, especially in open concept homes.

SERVPRO provides fire restoration services to New Orleans homeowners. Our highly trained team responds in less than four hours, assesses the home's condition, the amount of damage, and the type of soil created by the fire. We also evaluate the materials contaminated by smoke residues and soils to develop the best solutions for completing cleanup and restoration of your home.

We use various solutions to break the soil's chemical bonds and the materials the residues are on. Combinations of water and soap, enzymes, and bleaching agents to break the chemical bonds remove and dissolve the residue while avoiding permanent damage to your contents. Unfortunately, not all contents can be recovered. Factors such as fire damage, colored materials, and highly porous materials may cause damage beyond recovery.

SERVPRO reviews the fire restoration plan with the homeowner and insurance adjuster before we begin. Our services include:

  • House Fire Clean Up
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Smoke Damage and Remediation

Call SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank for fire restoration cleanup in New Orleans and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (504) 348-7526.

Why a Damage and Risk Assessment Are Priority Number One after Fire Damage in Your New Orleans Home

6/11/2021 (Permalink)

fire insurance form and pen SERVPRO provides New Orleans homeowners with fire damage cleanup and restoration. We follow your fire insurance guidelines

Fire Damage Restoration for New Orleans

After a disaster impacts your New Orleans home, you might have difficulty accessing the property for damage assessment on your own. Additionally, many homeowners lack the training and restoration industry skills to determine what can get saved and what has become irreparably damaged. After a structure fire occurs, for example, there are many points of your property that might require demolition and reconstruction and even some contents and materials that can get preserved with the proper attention and concentrated restoration efforts from our experienced team.

Once fire damage has occurred in your New Orleans property, it is often unsafe for untrained individuals to enter the premises without a thorough inspection and risk assessment. Our SERVPRO team has extensive training in identifying potential hazards and working quickly to make it safer for our technicians in your house and other individuals that might need access to the home as well, such as your insurance adjuster.

House Fire Clean Up

Among the chief concerns of our professionals arriving at a fire-damaged property is structural failures and collapse. Our estimator and other trained technicians can safely assess the integrity of the structural components to determine what areas require immediate demolition. This keeps our team safe as they begin the mitigation process to remove affected contents from the property and work to restore indoor air quality.

This damage assessment of the property is a vital component that your insurance company requires when you file a claim. Our estimator can comprise documentation and photographic evidence of the work necessary to restore the home thoroughly, along with an estimated cost of the work to get done. With our fast response to emergencies, homeowners should call our SERVPRO team first to prepare the correct information to expedite the claims approval process.

After a fire occurs in your home, you cannot safely assess the damage and determine the necessary work to restore the property on your own. Our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank rapid response team can arrive quickly to begin our mitigation work and the necessary steps to help you secure your claim. Give us a call anytime you need us at (504) 348-7526.

Does SERVPRO Remove Smoke Odors After a Fire in New Orleans Homes?

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

fire line Fires can happen without warning and you are going to need a company to come in and take care of the damage. Call SERVPRO for fire damage remediation.

SERVPRO Offers Fire and Smoke Odor Remediation to New Orleans Residents

Many fires originate in the kitchen while residents are cooking food. Grease accidentally spilled on to hot elements or cooking food left unattended can ignite, introducing oily smoke throughout the kitchen and to other areas of the home. Most fires are contained near the cooking area. The damage from smoke odors is more difficult to remove.

SERVPRO responds to fire events in New Orleans, providing fire damage and smoke damage restoration 24/7. We base our fast response plan on the knowledge that our clients are distressed over the fire. They are also concerned about the disruption to their lives. And by taking action quickly, smoke odors are much easier to remove.

After assessing the situation, the first step is to remove any fire-damaged odor-causing materials. We record these items and arrange for proper disposal. Next, we complete a house fire cleanup of all surfaces that may have smoke residues using the appropriate cleaning agents and methods for the type of fire. When we are finished, your home will be restored to its preloss condition.

SERVPRO can help clients with:



  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Smoke Damage Remediation
  • Fire Damage Repairs

Call SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank for fire damage restoration in New Orleans and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (504) 348-7526.

Can Soot, Ash, and Smoke Cause Long-term Harm to a New Orleans Property?

3/12/2021 (Permalink)

a SERVPRO vehicle parked at a house Fire damage can encompass both soot and lingering odors. Make sure to contact SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank for remediation services.

SERVPRO Can Mitigate Lasting Damages Caused by Fire in your New Orleans Home

Soot, ash, and smoke residues can embed below the surface layer of materials. In the case of textiles, embedded soot can lead to permanent soiling, which requires expensive replacement. Other materials in the home may continue to emit unpleasant burnt odors after a fire has been extinguished. 

Our fire damage mitigation for New Orleans residents can help to reduce long-term damages associated with housefires. We use industry-leading equipment and methodology to control losses in the home. These methods could include using emulsifying powder to suspend soot that may have embedded into textile fibers. By using a dry solution, we can ensure restoration of the carpet without causing further damage. 

  • Introducing moisture can lead to soot bonding with textile fibers at a chemical level.
  • Walking over a soiled area of the property can compress fibers leading to permanent harm.
  • Mattresses can retain burnt odors and require a direct deodorant application to return them to a preloss condition.

Avoid long-term damages after a fire. Contact SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank for fire damage mitigation at (504) 348-7526.

Gretna Residents Can Have a Laugh in New Orleans

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

A postcard of New Orleans. Laughter is one of the best emotions in life, go enjoy a great laugh.

Experience some of the best local New Orleans stand up for free. 

The Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ has been tirelessly harvesting some of New Orleans' rawest comedy talent to take the stage for your enjoyment. As an ongoing event following the state's required guidelines, seating and space are limited within the venue, so it is recommended to reserve your spot in advance. 

Talented local comedians take the stage every Friday night after January 22nd, 2021. The Comedy in the Kennel showcase brings some of the area's top talent live on stage before the crowd of the Ugly Dog Saloon & BBQ on Andrew Higgins Boulevard. For more information or to reserve your spot in an upcoming performance, contact the venue directly at (504) 569-8459. 

When your own barbeque experience gets out of hand, you can count on SERVPRO for fire damage restoration in your Gretna home. We have experienced and talented technicians available 24/7 for soot removal, odor elimination, and fire debris removal. Give our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank a call today at (504) 348-7526. 

Make a Toast to the Wettest City in America During the 1920s: New Orleans

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO trucks in a parking lot SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank will always gather for for a history lesson.

Learn a little about ' The Noble Experiment' and how it impacted life in New Orleans while appreciating a cocktail or two. 

Nothing says ironic like having a drink or two while discussing the ultimately failed experiment of prohibition in America. In no place was prohibition more fought and more defied than in New Orleans, and that is why lawmakers of the time considered it the Wettest City in America. 

Join Elizabeth Pearce and cocktail experts from Sazerac House on November 11th, from 5-6 PM, for the Drink & Learn: Prohibition event. They walk you through a virtual history lesson and get some lasting knowledge about a delicious cocktail created during this period. While you can read ahead about the ingredients you will need, you are also encouraged to purchase a kit with a curbside pickup before the event to benefit the Louisiana Hospitality Foundation. 

Whether you cause a flare up with your cooking wine or leave a candle unattended, you can count on our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank team for thorough fire restoration for New Orleans homes.

How Can Burned Walls Get Fixed in My New Orleans Home?

9/7/2020 (Permalink)

Living Room On Fire SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank has the equipment and extensive training to handle any size fire cleanup and restoration needed to fix your home.

SERVPRO technicians can restore your New Orleans home safely from any size fire damage

Anything that got charred from the flames has no potential for reuse, generally. However, if the walls or ceilings are discolored but not damaged from the smoke, they may remain in place and receive applications to seal in any odors. After a fire occurs in a New Orleans area home, there are often multiple levels of restoration services needed, such as:
    •    Removal of burned building materials and articles using controlled demo techniques
    •    Extraction of water or cleanup of fire retardant chemicals
    •    Cleaning of smoke damage off the interior and contents

What Should I Expect During Fire Cleanup and Restoration Services?
When you need fire cleanup and restoration to your New Orleans home, there are numerous considerations before the SERVPRO technicians arrive on-site. First and foremost, do not enter the property unless the first responders have said it is safe to do so. If there are items you need or paperwork, wait until the technicians arrive, and the crew chief will be glad to assist you in whatever you need.

Depending on the size of the fire in the house, one of the first things that usually happens is containment around the work area. The technicians do this to avoid any cross-contamination of soot throughout the home. Airborne soot particulates can range in sizes from just large enough to be seen to microscopic. The biggest problem with soot is it not only brings odors wherever it is, but it is also a potential irritant for humans and pets to come into contact with.

SERVPRO techs adhere to the highest safety measures during the restoration services. In cases where the fire damaged the exterior of the home, temporary repairs may get made such as:
    •    Tarping over flame-damaged roofing  
    •    Placement of boards over broken windows or doors
    •    Security tape around the perimeter to keep unauthorized persons off-site.

What Happens to Charred Walls and Ceilings?
Sometimes what gets mistaken for charring is actually a heavy layer of soot. On a case by case basis, SERVPRO techs test the surface to determine the best cleaning method. Walls and ceilings constructed from sheetrock tend to buckle rapidly after exposure to heat and water. The techs first attempt to clean the surface, and if that is not successful, the techs only remove the damaged portion to make the repairs easier. Sagging ceilings can present a danger for falling, and generally get removed through controlled demolition actions. Any insulation within the walls gets collected using a vacuum with a special bag fitting.

When soot is clinging to the framework of a home, it is not feasible to wet the wood to clean it off as this can drive the soot more deeply into the grain. However, methods such as soda blasting can remove the residue and leave the framework with a lightly sanded finish and ready for sealant.

As stated, some surfaces can absorb wet cleaning solutions and, therefore, methods such as using dry cleaning sponges to lift away the residues work to prevent further damage. This attention to detail is one of the many ways the techs save items from disposal and clean them for reuse.

How Do Smoke Odors Get Removed?
The techs scope the home and determine the areas that need odor control applications. Anywhere soot particles are, there are odors. The techs use air quality improvement methods during the restoration services, such as air-scrubbers, to reduce the amounts of airborne particulate. Once the work gets completed for disposal of ruined building materials and articles in the home, the work to remove all reminders of the fire due to the scent of smoke begins.

For airborne odors, the use of hydroxyl generators is often enough to capture and neutralize any remaining smoke odors. This method is safe for use around people and pets. However, in porous materials ranging from carpet to upholstered furnishings and other items that can absorb scents, the use of thermal fogging is the answer. As the tech moves through the house, disbursing the solvent heated to a fog state, it penetrates and eradicates all odors, never to return. During the application of the fogger, all residents, pets, and plants should get removed from the premises.

Washable items do not require disposal if they smell like smoke. The techs have access to the powerful Esporta Washing System, and it can remove all traces of the fire damage odors in just a single-use.

SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526 has the equipment and extensive training to handle any size fire cleanup and restoration needed to your home and contents.

How Can I Prevent Washer and Dryer Fire Damage?

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

washer and dryer damaged by fire SERVPRO wants to help you prevent fire incidents by taking precautionary measures to avoid a possible catastrophe.

New Orleans Homeowners Take Steps To Reduce Fire Damage Risks.

New Orleans homeowners know how convenient it is to have a washer and dryer in the home. Those who have previously lived in an apartment with a laundry room, or had to make laundromat trips, know it is more convenient to wash your clothes in your own home.

However, washers and dryers present a fire damage risk to New Orleans homes. This is something that people do not always consider because they are appliances used to soak garments and dry them again. When people think of a home appliance fire, they most likely think of an accident with a stovetop, or perhaps of a laptop overheating and causing a spark. 

When appropriately used, washers and dryers are safe for the home. However, it is good to take extra precautions to prevent them from becoming a fire damage risk.

What can I do to keep my washer safe?

There are some simple steps you can take to keep your washer safe from fires:

Do not overload your washer – follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how many clothes to add at a time

Make sure your appliance is properly grounded and connected – SERVPRO recommends getting a professional installation wherever possible

Keep up with washer maintenance – check out everything from the seals to the connectors regularly

Be careful if washing clothes that have come into contact with flammable liquids like gasoline – make sure they are completely dry before washing them

What precautions should I take with my dryer?

You should ensure your dryer is connected correctly and grounded, and perform regular maintenance checks on it, just as you do with your washer. Besides, it is a good idea to:

Always use a lint filter and clean the filter regularly

Only dry the suggested amount at a time

Do not dry clothes that are not suitable for tumble drying and never, dry clothes drenched in flammable liquids

Make sure the vent pipe is not obstructed in any way

These simple maintenance tasks and guidelines are easy to follow and can help prevent the stress and cost of fire damage. Be sure that all appliance users follow the directions, and that your family agrees on who is responsible for ongoing maintenance checks.

Is there anything else I can do to make my appliances safer?

If possible, try to store your appliances away from other sources of fire, and from flammable materials. For example, if you store your washer or dryer in the laundry room, do not place flammable liquids beside it. It is also essential to read the manufacturer’s instructions. Many people shove the instruction manual in a drawer, but it is good to familiarize yourself with it.

How can SERVPRO help if something goes wrong?

Sometimes even with the best of intentions, a fire breaks out. In the event of a blaze, SERVPRO of New Orleans is here to help. We aim to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

We recommend that as soon as the blaze is extinguished, you call SERVPRO. Our technicians will arrive with all the equipment needed to tackle the fire cleanup process.

We start by pumping out any excess water from fire fighting efforts. We bring a range of water extraction equipment, including freestanding extractors, rotary extractors, and extraction wands. Untreated damp areas can lead to mold, which is why we begin with water extraction.

We assess the damage to your property, and our SERVPRO team draws up a restoration plan to get your home like new again.

Can my appliance be saved or should I dispose of it?

In most cases, saving fire-damaged appliances is not possible. However, we are here to advise you not only about your machine but also about any other items damaged in the fire. In many cases, it is possible to save personal effects and furnishings if we take action quickly enough.

What about cleaning after fire damage?

After extraction, we move on to cleaning your home. We use mechanical and chemical cleaning techniques to scrub soot particles from soft furnishings, floors, drywall, drapes, metal, and carpet. Depending on the size of the blaze, it is likely that even if we cannot save the appliance, we can save some items caught in the fire, using thorough cleaning.

When our team has finished cleaning your home, we will deodorize it using a range of air movers, air scrubbers, deodorizing chemicals, ozone machines, and fogging machines as needed. This final step leaves your home smelling fresh once more.

If you are worried about fire damage in your home, do not hesitate. Call SERVPRO of New Orleans at (504) 348-7526.

Customer satisfaction is a vital part of our services. You will receive a call from your file manager a week after our visit, to give you the chance to ask any follow-up questions or air any concerns you may have.

Is It Possible to Remove These Awful Odors After a Fire?

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

Woman covering nose from odor Call our experts after you experience a fire disaster, we have training in fire & smoke restoration, odor control, upholstery & fabric cleaning.

SERVPRO Improves Air Quality in Your New Orleans Home While Also Deodorizing After Fire Damage

Even with the smallest fire in your home, the destruction can be immense. Along with the damage comes soot and smoke residue that settles throughout various spaces in your home. Calling SERVPRO for fire restoration helps ensure that odors are gone and that your interior is  “Like it never even happened.” All you need to do is give us a phone call, and we send a team to your location in as little as four hours so that we can get started.

What Do You Use to Eradicate Smoke Odors?

We have a broad range of EPA-registered agents and industrial-strength equipment that allows us to execute prompt, reliable restoration of your fire damage in New Orleans. When we get started, some of the tools that we use include:

  •   Thermal Fogging Equipment
  •   Hydroxyl Generators
  •   Ozone Generators

How Do Ozone Generators Work?

An ozone generator is an excellent tool to use for deodorization after a fire loss. They work by splitting oxygen molecules into single atoms so that they can bond with untouched oxygen compounds. This forms a new molecular structure that shares the molecules that make up oxygen, making it easier for them to bond with odor molecules and then neutralize them.

It is important to note that ozone generators are not always ideal in all situations. They are best used in an empty home so that the breathable air alteration is in no way dangerous to family members or pets. Our team uses them for deodorization if the fire has displaced your family, otherwise, we utilize alternative deodorization methods.

Do you need help removing tough odors after fire damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526 to have a team deployed 24/7 for emergency service.

Want to see more about New Orleans

Debris Removal And Cleaning In New Orleans

4/12/2020 (Permalink)

fire causing damage “Like it never even happened.”

How Do You Clean a Fire-Damaged New Orleans House?

SERVPRO professionals can help you through nearly all phases of emergency debris removal and cleaning your New Orleans residence after a fire.

Cleaning up after a fire loss in New Orleans can feel overwhelming and stressful, especially when you are not sure what services your renter or home insurance might cover. Despite how challenging it might initially feel, our SERVPRO professionals can help you to understand what processes are necessary to return your home to its preloss condition as efficiently as possible. With both fire restoration professionals and cleaning technicians responding to these emergencies, we can offer the most reliable and cost-effective solutions.

Who is Responsible for Fire Debris Removal in My House?
Removing debris is one of the first steps of fire cleanup in New Orleans homes following our response to the disaster. This service often occurs even before the full scoping of the job to determine the extent of damage in your residence. Our professionals utilize shoveling, dry vacuuming, and wet vacuuming to remove loose sediment and particulates from the floors. There are multiple benefits to clearing piles of ash and debris from the house.

One of the first advantages that come from addressing fire debris in the house immediately is better identifying damages and problem areas that exist. Debris and rubbish after a fire can conceal structural damages and other concerns, which can make starting restoration hazardous. We prioritize this initial cleaning procedure to gain a better perspective on the work that your home needs. Debris removal can also reduce the severity of soot and odor threats throughout the house, making these conditions easier to manage in later recovery stages.

Most home insurance plans offer some degree of coverage for this debris removal service. Even if plans can vary significantly after this initial effort, it is universally understood that fire debris removal can improve the efficiency and safety of restoration efforts to follow. Our SERVPRO team can help you to find out the specifics of your coverage and role in affording restoration practices needed to make losses “Like it never even happened.”

How Do You Get Rid of Soot and Residues on Walls?

    •    Agitative Cleaning
    •    Abrasive Cleaning
    •    Potent Chemical Agents

One of the most substantial hurdles in both safety and cleaning in New Orleans homes is soot and residue removal from surfaces and contents. Agitative cleaning practices can help to reduce the severity of layers of residue and soot on surfaces. From light agitating like feather dusting to harsher agitative cleaning practices like scrubbing with steel wool, each case is unique and requires assessment by our responding technicians. The appropriate practice can be the difference in replacing damaged surfaces and cleaning/restoring them.

Abrasive cleaning is another level up from the preliminary results that agitative cleaning accomplishes. With soot threats, especially, many cleaning practices are ineffective, and in many cases, can mar or stain surfaces. Abrasive cleaning approaches like media and soda blasting can eliminate soot residues on specific surfaces without harming the underlying material. Some surfaces cannot withstand the pressurized blasts of water or air for cleaning, so this is another assessment that our responding SERVPRO team must make on-site.

Oily soils and other smoke residues can be another challenge that our cleaning technicians face when we begin restoring damaged surfaces in your home. We have potent cleaning and chemical agents that can clear much of these residues through reactions like emulsion.

Does Cleaning Remove Smoke Odors from My New Orleans Home?

    •    Cleaning Residues
    •    Dry Cleaning
    •    Deodorization

Cleaning can have a direct result on the severity of smoke and burning odors in your New Orleans home after a fire. Cleaning residues, for example, can lessen the severity of these effects in the immediate area. Abrasive cleaning for soot removal, such as soda blasting, can also help to reduce trapped odors in the underlying materials noticeably.

Many fabrics and soft materials in a residence can succumb to odor damage by allowing smoke to get trapped in fibers. Dry cleaning can improve both the appearance of areas like drapes, carpeting, and upholstery, but also noticeably reduce the severity of odor damage as well. Deodorization practices are often still necessary to remove these smells altogether from the damaged areas. However, these initial cleaning practices can help to make this phase more efficient and direct.

Removing odors often falls into the hands of our SERVPRO professionals after fire loss incidents as part of the comprehensive restoration package we provide. We have multiple tools that can help to remove harsh scents from the environment and what has become trapped in porous materials in the residence. We can primarily lean on thermal fogging, hydroxyl machines, and ozone generators to neutralize odor compounds wherever they get discovered.

Do Restoration Companies Help with Post-Construction Cleaning?

    •    Controlled Demolition & Build Back
    •    Post-Construction Cleaning
    •    Seamless Transitions Between Restoration and Reconstruction

Because we offer a full-service approach to restoration and recovery, including reconstruction and build back for New Orleans homes after fire losses, our cleaning technicians also address the cleaning needs before and after construction completes. In many ways, the bulk of this necessary cleaning occurs during the controlled demolition phase to prepare the area for the reconstruction and repairs that your home needs.

After reinstalling removed structural elements, our professionals can get to work on the final cleaning that your property needs before our work officially ends. With cleaning being such a vital effort in every recovery job that we undertake, this final cleaning effort after construction encompasses any area that could have become affected by the dust and debris that residential contracting can produce.

One of the advantages to all of these qualified technicians and contractors being in-house is the fast transition between mitigation and reconstruction. Not only does this allow for a more streamlined approach to restoration as a whole, but it also helps in the upkeep and cleaning of your property throughout each phase.

No matter how damaging fire losses can be to homes and businesses in the area, our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank technicians can help with efficient cleaning and restoration solutions. Give our experts a call anytime at (504) 348-7526.

For more about New Orleans click here.

Must Have Resources for Fire Damage Remediation in New Orleans

2/16/2020 (Permalink)

smoke coming out of window Regardless of the room, fire damage can affect many parts of your home. Contact SERVPRO today for efficient fire damage remediation services.

Cleaning up Fire Damage in Your New Orleans Home

Even the smallest of kitchen fires can cause long-lasting smoke odors and residue if not cleaned right away using the proper equipment and procedures. In older homes with many nooks and crannies in neighborhoods like the Garden District or Gentilly, it may be even more challenging to deal with the lasting impact of a kitchen fire.

If you experience fire damage in New Orleans, you may require professional assistance to restore your home to its preloss condition. It is not always as simple as wiping down the walls and washing all the clothes in your closet. 

After ensuring the structure of your home is safe through inspection and boarding up walls if necessary, although unlikely in a small kitchen fire, SERVPRO restoration specialists assess the materials within your home to determine the appropriate cleaning methods. They also remove any contents such as upholstered furniture or clothing requiring deodorization and cleaning. 

Smoke residue can cause unexpected damage such as corroding finished surfaces, fiberglass, or Formica countertops if left unattended for too long. Any metal surfaces containing iron such as chrome trim, faucets or hardware, should be wiped off as quickly as possible to slow down any corroding that may occur. In addition to pre-cleaning by wiping the smoke residue off, coating it with lubricant may further protect the surface. 

Then, for surface cleaning, SERVPRO restorers may use detergent cleaners such as Wall and All Surface Cleaner (#351) for painted and washable surfaces. Heavy-duty alkaline solutions containing ammonia such as Industrial Cleaner (#357) are great for removing heavy grease and hard-to-remove soil most likely found at the source of the kitchen fire, for example under the range hood. It's important to note that you should not use this type of heavy-duty cleaner on any metal, enamel paint, or highly polished surfaces as the ammonia content may cause irreversible damage. 

Additional types of cleaners after a fire include liquid creme cleaners such as Stain Scrub (#110)  used to clean, polish, and deodorize hard surfaces, and strong acid cleaners such as Stone and Porcelain Cleaner (#355) to remove soot and smoke from stone and brick. It is essential to understand which of these chemical cleaning agents may react with each other before use. For example, acid cleaners should not come too close to cleaners containing bleach because a toxic chlorine gas could release, causing harm if inhaled. 

For prompt assistance cleaning your home and restoring it to preloss condition, contact SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more information about New Orleans.

How SERVPRO Cleans Fire Damage in Houma

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

fire damaged bedroom and bed SERVPRO can restore your fire damaged home. Call us today!

Cleaning Light Soiling After Fires in Houma Homes 

Soils and sediments are common obstacles our SERVPRO professionals must face after fire loss incidents in Houma homes. As challenging as these scenarios might often be, we have effective strategies utilizing various mechanical actions that can loosen smoke residues through the production of friction. For light soiling of surfaces and contents in your home, we have many practices deemed safe for application on almost every damaged area. 

Cleaning up fire damage in Houma properties requires patience and following specific steps to ensure that surfaces do not become stained, smeared, or marred due to the acidic nature of specific particulates. Soot specifically can be damaging to many materials, and this steadily worsens the longer that the residue can remain to cling to the surface. Here are some of the standard tools and practices for loosening up light soiling. 

Brushes - For hard surfaces and decorative materials and contents throughout a household, we can use many different sizes of soft paintbrushes to whisk away surface residues gently. 

Feather Dusters - As light-duty, as you might consider feather dusters to be, they are a gentle brushing action that can help to remove the excess fire damage residues from specific surfaces like hard-surface furniture.

Compressed Air - Many surfaces and contents can benefit from a direct blast of compressed air. A regulated shot of air can loosen soot and remove particulates. We must be careful to gauge the severity of the damage against the type of affected material to avoid damaging your personal belongings or making final cleaning efforts more challenging. 

Vacuum - HEPA-filtered vacuums can remove more substantial deposits of soot and smoke residues from surfaces like walls and ceilings. In specific situations, we can utilize attachments like the cleaning brush to loosen set-in soot residues further. 

Light soiling is a common obstacle for our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank fire restoration professionals the farther you move away from the ignition point. With many tools and strategies for loosening sediment and residues, we can clean up surfaces to make fire damage losses “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call at (504) 348-7526. 

Read more about Houma.

New Orleans, House Fires and Bad Smells, and a SERVPRO Solution

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

Firemen Hanging out by a Fire Truck in front of the FireHouse And the Firemen Ask: How did SERVPRO get here to this New Orleans House Fire BEFORE We Did??

Eliminating Smoky Odors After Fire Damage In Your New Orleans Home

Getting rid of odors is one of the most challenging elements of fire damage mitigation. This is because smoke seeps into upholstery, carpeting, clothing, and even wood, making it a pervasive smell. Experienced SERVPRO technicians employ a variety of cleaning methods and procedures to eliminate damaging odors.

Types of Odors
The type of odor from the fire damage in your New Orleans home determines what products or equipment is used to get rid of it. The surface that has been blackened by smoke also needs to be taken into consideration. For example, wood that has been penetrated by smoke molecules needs a solvent-based counteractant to mask the scent slowly.

Deodorant pellets absorb stubborn smells like a sponge which quickly freshen up a room. Water-based misters deodorize the air itself, using chemicals that can penetrate most surfaces to start breaking odor down at the molecular level. While the cleanup is in process, HVAC units should be turned off, and ducts closed. Eventually, after the cleaning agents break down the smells, the vents and fans in your home are turned back on to start exhausting the stench and bringing in the fresh air.

Sanitization and Cleaning
While the air and porous surfaces are being deodorized, the fire damage done to your furniture and belongings is assessed. Materials such as upholstery are uniquely affected by fire and smoke, and cannot be cleaned with water-based solutions. Dyes from the pattern may bleed in water. Related materials, such as rugs and dense fabrics, should also be kept away from water. SERVPRO specialists recommend foam cleaning agents and detergents, which not only eliminate unsavory odors but introduce pleasant ones into the room.

Any personal items or plants that are a part of the fire-damaged area need to be cleaned. Items that are ruined beyond repair are double bagged and disposed of swiftly. A combination of airing and cleaning can lift smoky smells from smaller items.

Eliminate smoke and odor before the effects of fire damage set in. Contact SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank at (504) 348-7526 for fast and efficient fire damage restoration.

The Westbank of NO is here.

A Fire Can Destroy Your Home In New Orleans Within Minutes

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

If you need a second opinion or the expertise of our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank team, give us a call anytime at (504) 348-7526.

The Reality Of DIY Fire Cleanup In Your New Orleans Residence

Fire damage is never something that inexperienced or unprepared individuals should attempt to restore in compromised New Orleans homes. There is a significant push for homeowners to save money, and perceived time, by working to clean up and restore fire loss effects and other disasters on their own. The alternative being pursuing the experience and fast response of professional technicians like our SERVPRO team to help in a more traditional sense. This approach is feasible, provided that the homeowner has a good idea of the immediate risks and obstacles that must get overcome to accomplish this restoration.

Compared to the extensive inventory of advanced recovery tools and products that our SERVPRO team has, homeowners addressing fire cleanup in New Orleans properties already start at a disadvantage. Damage assessment and debris removal in your house after a fire loss incident involve entering the property at a point when many of the vulnerabilities are still unclear and unknown. You cannot rush this portion of the recovery process, as it could lead to structural failures and injuries.

Having the right personal protective equipment is the first essential consideration that DIY enthusiasts need to make before entering their home again after a fire. With the severity of specific potential conditions that could exist in the environment, it is recommended that you have more than paper masks – but instead use half or full-face respirators that take cartridges. These are available at home improvement locations.

Cleaning up after fire losses involves specialty tools and products that you can also often find at home improvement locations. Chemical sponges, for example, can help to remove thin layers of residue and soot debris without staining the surface beneath. Because of its limited use, often not exceeding 50 square feet, you must purchase multiple units for widespread conditions.

Our professionals strive to provide every client with a cost-effective and efficient approach to fire loss recovery, but also want to make sure above all that area homeowners are approaching recovery and restoration safely. If you need a second opinion or the expertise of our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank team, give us a call anytime at (504) 348-7526.

For more about New Orleans click here.

Don’t Tackle Fire Damage Remediation In Your New Orleans Home Alone

6/16/2019 (Permalink)

Soot and smoke remnants can quickly take over your home. Contact the professionals at SERVPRO for fire damage remediation assistance.

Cleaning Wet Smoke Damages from Your New Orleans Home

The lingering symptoms following a fire in your New Orleans residence can be more than just challenging to live with, but they can be hazardous to the health of those exposed. With situations like smoke damage, these conditions can spread far from the initial ignition site, affecting a larger area and preventing families from moving on from the disaster. With multiple types of smoke damage and residues that can move throughout the property, you need a team of professionals with the experience, the equipment, and the advanced cleaning agents to address these concerns appropriately.

Wet smoke is a very hazardous fire damage effect for your New Orleans home and one that can be overly challenging for homeowners and property managers to handle on their own. Our SERVPRO professionals have extensive training to become Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and Odor Control Technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. With this experience in the niche of fire recovery, our professionals have the education to determine the type of smoke damage present and the best approach to restore the appearance in your house.

While dry smoke comes from hotter fires that move quickly, wet smoke comes from the opposite. Instead of burning up structural elements and contents within the property quickly and thoroughly, wet smoke develops from fires that take time to move from one room to the next, smoldering rather than burning with more intense heat. A cooler fire produces a thick residue that coats everything in its path, and that can stain your belongings, walls, and other damaged areas of the house without the appropriate equipment, products, and approaches.

The SERVPRO professionals dispatched to your address have training in cleaning wet smoke damages, including the use of chemical sponges and high-powered HEPA vacuums. We also have advanced, commercial-grade cleansers and disinfection products that can help to protect surfaces from staining.

Many effects require your immediate attention when recovering a fire loss incident in your home. Our SERVPRO of The New Orleans Westbank professionals are available 24/7 to help you through every phase of recovery by calling (504) 348-7526.

Click here to see more about New Orleans.

5 Ways to Prevent a House Fire

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

Include working smoke detectors in your Mcdonoghville,LA home

Most people in Mcdonoghville,LA, know that fire preparation can go a long way to mitigating loss in an emergency. However, most emergency plans focus on what to do after a fire starts and not before. Here are five helpful tips you can use in your home to help prevent a home fire from starting in the first place.

1. Always Monitor Open Heat Sources

This includes fireplaces, stoves, candles, grills, and cigarettes. Keep the area around these sources clear for at least three feet.

2. Turn Off Heat Sources When Done

Basic fire safety practices include always turning off a heat source when not in use. For example, check to ensure your stove is all the way off or that grill ashes are properly snuffed. Always put cigarettes out in an ashtray and dose in water before disposal.

3. Don’t Use Broken Electronics

Broken electronics or frayed power cords can start a fire as easily as an open flame. Good fire preparation practices include looking over your electronic equipment and repairing or replacing any damaged devices appropriately.

4. Ensure Your Fire Extinguishers Work

It is recommended that a fire extinguisher is kept in the home. It is also important to ensure that the extinguisher is in working order, and that you know how to properly use it.

5. Make Sure Your Home Includes Working Smoke Detectors

Experts recommend having a detector on every level of your home including inside and outside of bedrooms, and in the kitchen. Local fire ordinances may include specific recommendations they want you to follow. It’s also suggested that batteries be replaced twice a year, and that the detectors themselves be tested to ensure functionality.

Awareness and fire safety are some of the best ways you can protect your home. Actively taking steps to ensure any electronics are in good working condition, and not leaving stoves, candles or other heat sources unattended are great ways to help protect your home. In the event the worst should happen despite your best fire preparation steps, a fire damage professional can help with restoration and smoke odor removal.

What You Should Know About Fire Extinguishers

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

Fire extinguishers are convenient when the need arises, but only if you know how to use them. If you’ve never held an extinguisher before, this article can give you a general knowledge of how to use one along with a few handy tips that can help you during a disaster.

How the Extinguisher Works

The extinguisher is basically a giant hairspray can. Depending on the solid, liquid, or gas used in the extinguisher, you can properly put out the flames. Whichever substance is in the can gets propelled out of the extinguisher with the help of a high-pressure chemical. The three types of fire extinguishers include the following:

• Dry chemical extinguishers - Foam or dry powder spews out and smothers the fire.
• Water extinguishers - Water gets pushed out and removes the heat from the flames.
• Carbon dioxide extinguishers - The gas expands, cools, and overpowers the heat.

Extinguishers are also classified by the kinds of fires that are dealt with. There are five different kinds that are used for specific fires.

How To Use a Fire Extinguisher

These handheld machines were made to be simple. Be sure to choose the right extinguisher for the fire, and then pull the pin in the handle. Move the nozzle and aim at the bottom of the flames and slowly pull the lever. Move the nozzle slowly back and forth to fully extinguish the fire.

When You Should Call the Fire Department

Not every fire should be put out with an extinguisher. If the fire is taller than you, it’s time to evacuate and call 911. Be sure to activate the fire alarm and help others escape the building safely.

Not every building will have the right fire extinguisher for the situation. If a kitchen fire is grease-based, your extinguisher may not be the right one to put it out. As a precaution, learn about the different classes of extinguishers and which ones your business in New Orleans, LA, owns. By doing this, you can prevent fire damage and protect your employees from serious injury or harm.

For more on New Orleans click here

Tips for Making a Claim After a Fire

7/22/2018 (Permalink)

This damage was caused by a fire starting in the attic of the home

When a fire damages your home in Slidell, LA, you may not be in the right frame of mind for making good decisions. The decisions you make regarding your fire insurance claim, however, can affect how much of the fire restoration is covered by your insurer. Here are three tips to help you think through the process rationally and hopefully get the settlement you need to restore your home.

1. Call Insurance Company

One of the first calls you make after a fire has ravaged your home is to the insurance company. Timely reporting is essential to getting your claim processed and approved. As soon as the company receives your call, an assessor can be sent to review the damage and substantiate your claim.

2. Call Professional Restorers

After a fire, your home is likely permeated with the odor of smoke and soot damage. Firefighters probably had to use a lot of water to put out the fire, resulting in water damage as well. Certified fire restoration specialists offer both smoke cleaning and water damage remediation to fix the problems in your home. They often offer board-up services to secure the house during the restoration process, and they can give you an estimate on what the repairs are going to cost, which can back up your claim with the insurance company.

3. Don't Touch Anything

Once you have made the necessary calls and the waiting begins, you may be tempted to start cleaning up the damage yourself. Fight the urge to do so. The insurance agent that comes to assess the damage needs to see it as it is, and without the knowledge and skills of the specialists, you may cause more damage. While you wait, it is a good idea to take pictures of the damage as long as it is safe to do so.

You may feel powerless when your home suffers fire damage. By calling the appropriate professionals and waiting on their guidance, however, you can speed up the fire restoration process.

For more on Slidell click here

Protect Your Family and Home from a Fire

5/10/2018 (Permalink)

Protecting your family with fire detectors is a must

A home fire can happen in an instant. One occurs in the U.S. every 86 seconds, according to National Fire Protection Association data. Prevention is the best way to protect your family and your home in New Orlean, LA.

What Are the Leading Causes of Home Fires?

Knowing the primary fire causes can help safeguard your treasures:

1. Did you leave cooking unattended? On the list of causes for home fires, cooking takes the lead. Be especially careful when you are frying; always stay nearby, as this type of cooking is the likeliest to start a fire.

2. Is that heater getting too hot? Portable and stationary heating units are the second most common causes for fires. Keep all heating units a safe distance away from other objects in a room and on stable surfaces (per the units’ instructions).

3. Should an electrician be doing that? You want to reconsider fixing something yourself when it comes to electrical issues. Fires caused by lighting equipment or electrical distribution are ranked third.

4. Is arson an issue? Help protect your family from home fire cause number four by checking your environment. Reduce hiding places around your home, keep your gardens watered and make sure no flammable liquids (e.g. a mower gas container) are left outside.

5. Are you sure you placed that cigarette on the nightstand? Keep ashtrays available in each room and point them out to your guests who smoke. Move nightstands and tables where cigarettes will be placed away from the couch, bed, curtains and other fabrics. Taking these precautions will help prevent your family becoming a part of the fifth cause for and number one reason for deaths by home fires: smoking.

Even when you take precautions, a home fire can still occur. Ensure that your family is equipped with a fire extinguisher, smoke detector and escape plan. Include in your plan what professional you should call to assess the fire damage and do the fire cleaning. Taking time for prevention and planning can go a long way, so if a fire does happen, you and those you value most will be ready.

For more on New Orlean click here.

What Happens When the Estimator Arrives?

2/15/2018 (Permalink)

When the restoration company inspector arrives, they will take a full survey of the extent of the fire in the home or fire in the business.

They will note what portions of the structure have merely suffered smoke damage, soot damage and a pervasive smoke smell. They will also note what portions of the structure need to be completely replaced.

Next, the restoration team will arrive to begin mitigating the effects of the fire in the home or fire in the business. Using special air tools that can spray sodium bicarbonate at high speeds, they will begin the elimination of smoke damage and soot damage from all surfaces. This may involve the removal of nearly all cupboards, drywall and paint from any rooms affected. If the damage is limited to smoke damage and soot damage, the room will probably be able to be restored with a minimum of material replacement. But if the fire in the home or fire in the business has caused a great deal of structural damage to a room, a complete reconstruction may be necessary.

The next step in the fire cleanup process will be to encapsulate the smoke smell using special paint. The heavy, latex-based paint is specially designed to cover up areas that have absorbed smoke, trapping the molecules within the materials and eliminating the smoke smell.

Visit http://www.SERVPROtheneworleanswestbank.com for more information.

Emergency Contact and Damage Assessment

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Emergency Fire Damage Contact

Most of the commercial fire damage companies have full-time services of fire suppression which allows the affected residents to contact them in case of industrial fires or if they require an immediate relief. Fire restoration Services are available if there is a fire outbreak in homes or business as they already have fire hoses and fire trucks for easy transportation and therefore property owners should have contacts of soot damage companies. All service providers providing fire restoration services should have a reliable water sprinkler system, a fire truck and fire hoses.

Damage Assessment.

Once you are through contacting the fire restoration team, you should assess the situation as soon as possible. Soot injury or smoke damage increases due to the water present in the properties. Firefighters will only arrange how to take rational actions after they have assessed the extent of soot damage or smoke damage. Actions taken by the fire fighters depends on the magnitude of the smoke damage or the soot damage as this will allow them to calculate the total amount it will cost for a complete fire suppression in business or any utility room fire. Their fire trucks should also be equipped with enough fire hoses to make their work more successful.

Visit http://www.SERVPROtheneworleanswestbank.com for more information on fire damage.

Restoration After a Fire Loss

12/21/2017 (Permalink)

Fire loss restoration.

Every property items destroyed by fire harm should be repaired and restored. For instance, it is the electrical fire, all sockets and electrical appliances should be replaced to avoid future losses. Commercial Fire damage companies assist in renovating of properties to ensure that owners get back to their normal life. They should also advise the property owners on how to avoid future fire outbreaks in homes or businesses. Automatic fire sprinkler system is very efficient, and they are reliable for fire protection in buildings. Also, they should equip them with fire hoses in case of a future utility room fire outbreaks which assist in fire suppression. Firefighters in restoration companies should also help property owners in getting the best soot and smoke damage detectors for getting fire alerts early.

Visit http://www.SERVPROtheneworleanswestbank.com for more information on fire damage.

How To Effectively Handle Fire Loss

9/12/2017 (Permalink)


How To Effectively Handle Fire Loss

Fire is a destructive thing when it is uncontrolled. It is also dangerous when is not contained. In every year, a high number of people face the disastrous impact of fire loss in their businesses and their homes. Fire loss may occur as a result of so many reasons, example electrical fire, and natural causes like weather conditions, arson, and human negligence among many other reasons. Whatever the cause of the fire, the consequences can be stressful and traumatizing to home or business owners. In such cases, fire sprinkler system is necessary since water droplets rapidly absorb heat and converts to steam which suffocates the fire. However, it is highly unsafe to have fire sprinkler systems in case of electrical fires as there are chances of electrical shock.

In a business set-up, fire accident may occur without warning, and one may not necessarily know the outcomes of loss. Fire tragedy in a business or utility room fire can be so destructive and therefore requires the involvement of professional fire damage restoration. For transportation of firefighters, companies have fire trucks to any incident scene. They are also fitted with enough fire hoses and sufficient fire sprinkler systems when attending a fire tragedy. Quick intervention to a fire damage ensures that residents go back to their normal daily activities.

Visit http://www.SERVPROtheneworleanswestbank.com for more information on fire damage.

Categories

Archived Posts