Smoke Damage Clean Up

When a home or building has been ravaged by fire, it can be a wrenching and traumatic experience. The media may pay a lot more attention to more unusual disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and even tsunamis but fires and smoke damage can be just as deadly and destructive. Because the devastation is probably confined to one family or building rather than an entire region, it doesn't make the 6 o'clock news.

Perhaps it should, though, so that people wouldn't forget about the dangers of fire. When most people think of fire, they think of what has been burned up by the flames, but smoke damage needs special attention in order to be properly cleaned up, as well.

Some of the more common ways that a fire starts include faulty electrical wiring, appliances that go kaput, cigarettes not tended, kitchen cooking disasters or children playing with matches. In homes with a fireplace or wood stove, a fire can break out when items are left too close to the flames.

If this disaster strikes, hopefully smoke detectors alerted the emergency crews to rush to the scene to put the fire out quickly. Afterward, there will most likely be a smoky odor and an oily residue remaining on whatever is left standing. Here are some steps to take in order to clean up:

- Call your insurance company. They will need to inspect the damage before releasing funds for restoration.
- Get permission from the local fire authorities before re-entering the home. It's crucial that the building is deemed safe to go back into.
- Circulate the air with fans and open windows.
- Change filters on the heater system daily until no soot remains.
- Odors must be removed from linens, fabrics, textiles and clothing before washing them. A "counteractant" is a special chemical additive. It may be purchased from a restoration company in order to break down soot molecules in cloth so that they'll be released upon cleaning.
- Hiring a professional restoration company may be necessary. The pros will have proper equipment such as an ozone tent system to get rid of smoke and soot build-up in belongings.
- Walls should be cleaned with a chemical sponge and a solution of either rubbing alcohol or paint thinner. The room should be well ventilated and protective gloves must be worn during the process.
- Thermal fogging may need to be done by a professional team in order to break down the smoky residue and odors that remain in the home.
- Insulation batting in the home may need to be replaced as it can be a haven for collecting smoky odors.

Follow these steps and the home will soon be clear of smoke damage and the associated odors.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaliyah_Arthur

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Cleaning Fire Damage From Your Home Is Easier With These 4 Tips

Has there been a fire in your home recently and you need to start cleaning fire damage so that your family will be able to move back in? Then you need to understand some important tops that will help to ensure that cleanup is done correctly.

Here are the tips that will make achieving that goal much easier.

One: Hire professionals or do the cleanup yourself - The first step is to make a decision about whether you will be doing the cleanup or if you will hire a professional company to do the job for you.

If you are going to do the cleanup yourself, then you need to educate yourself on dangers that linger after the fire has happened. Also, learn how to clean up effectively because fires can leave a lot of damage behind that can be seen, but it can also leave behind damage that can't be easily seen.

For anyone that plans on hiring a fire damage company, you need to take time to research different companies and compare prices. So the job gets done correctly from the start, this will help you easily decide on the right company to hire.

Two: Save anything salvageable - You need to go through your home and remove anything that can be salvaged. Throw out any items that can't be salvaged. This will help you begin the cleanup process, but will also help you start putting the fire experience behind you quicker.

Three: Smoke damage - Smoke will leave behind soot on everything you can see, but it will also be in your air ducts and other places you can't see. You have to be sure that you get rid of all of the smoke damage in your home, or this can lead to an unsafe home for your family to be in.

This may take some special equipment to accomplish. The professional companies will have this equipment already. It will be something you will have to learn about and then find so you can get the smoke cleaned up right.

Four: Porous materials - Any brick, drywall, masonry or something similar needs to be cleaned with a cleanser that is made for cutting grease. You want to use a chemical sponge, which you can find at a local hardware store can be used to wipe these surfaces.

These are the most important tips that will help you start cleaning fire damage from your home so you can get your family back there as quickly as possible. These are not the only things you need to know about cleaning up after a fire, so be sure you do your homework, or hire a professional company to do it for you.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melody_Heddings

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Mold Remediation Demonstration

Watch this demonstration on how dry ice blasting can be used for mold remediation, because it is much more thorough and quicker than conventional mold remediation. It's -109 degree temperature kills the mold on contact; the kinetic energy removes the mold instantly while sterilizing and sanitizing the wood surface and is also drawing moisture out of the wood, thus preventing future mold growth.

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Water Damage Restoration Action Plan

Water damage to your home or business can be caused by a number of ways. It can happen slowly through slightly leaky pipe fittings or a small crack in your foundation, or it can happen quickly with broken water pipes (such as might happen in the winter), or a hole in the roof caused by a storm. Regardless of how it happens, it is a problem that needs to be dealt with immediately. The longer the moisture is left in place, the more damage it is going to do.

The water causing the damage is usually placed in three different categories.

Category 1 - Clean/Sanitary water
Category 2 - Slightly contaminated and could cause illness
Category 3 - Highly contaminated and could cause severe illness or death.

For category 1 water damage, the home/business owner may be able to handle it themselves if it is in a small area. However, if it is in a large area, or is a Category 2 or 3, it may be time to call in a professional. The potential for more damage, or even illness, is a possibility. However, if the home/business owner still wishes to handle the problem themselves, here are a few things that need to be done immediately.

1) The first thing to do when water damage is encountered is to turn the power off. Water and electricity are a deadly pair. Stop the flow of water if it is still occurring. You can't start cleanup until this is done. You might have to cut off a main valve.

2) Next, start cleaning out the water. It is essential to get all the water removed as you possibly can as quickly as you can or you will have an ideal location for mold to grow and cause even more problems. If you feel it is a category 2 or 3 you should be wearing rubber gloves and a mask.

3) Once you have as much water out as you feel you possibly can, you need to bring some heavy duty fans into the area and put them to work drying up the moisture. They need to be kept running for as long as there is even a slight amount of moisture.

4) If you have damage that you know can't be repaired such as soggy drywall, warped or damaged flooring or carpet, it needs to be taken out; it still has a lot of moisture content and it is only in the way.

5) Once you are sure the moisture problem is solved and all the damaged goods are outside the building and the area is clean, it is time to overview the damage. You still may need to call in some expert help to inspect for mold, deodorize and disinfect, and inspect wiring if it was damaged

Keep in mind throughout this procedure that the KEY to restoration of water damage is getting all the moisture out so more damage can't occur.

Steve Robichaud is the owner of Triple Leverage Marketing, an SEO company that specializes in working with Bay Area water damage restoration companies to help them gain visibility in the search engines. Steve welcomes any water damage companies to contact him for a free consultation.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Robichaud

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How To Paint Over Smoke Damage

Painting and decorating, HOW TO USE ACRYLIC EGGSHELL TO PAINT NICOTINE SMOKE DAMAGED WALLS even after washing down walls stained by smoke or cooking stains normal emulsion paint will not be able to hold back the discolouration, this simple tip shows how to cover with just two coats very badly stained walls, the paint i use is johnstones acrylic eggshell finish it seems to work because it dries very fast compared to normal emulsion paint. visit my channel for more painting and decorating videos by Phil Peel.

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Information on Water Damage

Water damage can be very harmful, if not corrected well in time. Suppose you happened to neglect a running tap for too long or your house got flooded, and then next thing you know, your carpet is soaked in water several feet deep. What do you do?

Immediate action must be taken to repair the water damage. You might think it is okay to put if off for a couple of weeks till your pay check comes in, but it will only be more expensive if you don't act immediately. Restoration costs may vary a lot depending on the rate of damage. It may be not be the most enjoyable thing to do, but neglecting your repairs can prove to be very harmful to your home which is your biggest asset, as well to the wellness your family.

Plenty of information on damage is available and it is critical to learn everything you need to, in order to avoid trouble. The first thing that you should do when you see a flooded house or basement is to shut down the electricity and gas. Updating yourself on information on water damage control will tell you that electricity and water don't go very well together. The foundations of your house, short circuits in your electrical systems etc need to be checked for damage.

Personal safety is of immense importance. Be sure you learn all the safety precautions before you take any action. Move things that can be salvaged immediately to the lawn or another location, to prevent further damage. Air everything out in the damaged location. Open doors, drawers on furniture and windows, keep drenched books, carpets, rugs and furniture out to dry immediately. Try to remove as much of the water as possible, but be very safe. Also, take pictures of everything that is damaged, for insurance purposes.

Once you've taken these immediate steps, call for professional help and your insurance agent. Water damage contractors will assess the damage, control it and restore you home/office for you. They will also give you information on water damage and how to prevent it in future. But you better be safe than sorry!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Kent_Hamilton

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Happiness is only real when shared -- Happy Holidays from Libreng Sabaw Blog!

And so I saw this boxed ham in the fridge. I've always had a distaste for holiday season ham, well, I never really got the point. So naturally, I was pessimistic with the boxed Christmas ham I found. It came with some sort of sweet sauce similar to the one we commonly put on the Taho. I didn't think it would go well with the Chinese recipe of the ham.

The brand is Excellente Ham. It's not the typical ones I usually see in the grocery stores from purefoods or CDO. I actually remember seeing the store where you can buy this. It's a few blocks from Hidalgo st in Quiapo (this is where you can buy affordable photography accessories and equipment). My mother says that it is a popular brand with a pedigree of making really good ham.

And so I got hungry, grabbed a few slices, put some rice on my plate and microwaved (I haven't really been in the mood to cook or write about food as you may have noticed). I went to my room with my plate of ham and rice and continued watching this show on Animal Planet about this guy living in a room full of snakes.

I was very surprised at how good the first bite was. It was actually very good. In a way, it's name fits it perfectly—this ham is excellent!

And so I tried to figure out, with this excellent slices of ham in front of me plus a good TV show on, why I somehow felt as if something was missing. And then it hit me—happiness is only real when shared. The whole time I wasn't fully satisfied because I am unable to share this experience with Adrienne Nicole Bernal.

I know that she loves the holiday ham. I know that it is something that can make her very happy. I remember when we were in the grocery one time, she was so excited to see the holiday ham. Seeing her happy is something that makes me happy. You probably already know that I'm not so into the whole holiday or Christmas season but when I'm with her, even the most ordinary days can be special. And somehow, because of her, I feel the Christmas spirit; I feel that there is a reason to celebrate and to share blessings and give gifts.

And so my first Christmas ham experience of this holiday season was bittersweet. I thought I'd share this story to all of you and remind you guys to never take your loved ones for granted and always share happy experiences with them.

Happy Holidays from the Libreng Sabaw blog!

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Car Detailing : How to Get Rid of Cigarette Smoke in Cars

Getting smoke odor out of a car requires that the ash trays are emptied and that a lot of soap and water is used. Clean every part of a car's interior, especially the upholstery, to get rid of smoke odors with help from the owner of a car detailing business in this free video on auto maintenance and detailing.

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Stain Removal Tips : How to Remove Cigarette Smell From Upholstery

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Beef Pares and Street Food

I always love looking for hole-in-the-wall type of places to eat in. Not only will you be able to buy very affordable meals, you will also be able to try out local recipes and delicacies.

A few months ago, my girlfriend and I got a chance to find this really good place that sells beef pares. For 35 pesos, you will surely be satisfied. It's different from all the beef pares recipes I've tried and it's so affordable.

I have written about Philippine street food before. I am very intrigued at how foreigners would think some of the local food we eat is gross but really it's a cultural thing. Not because something is unusual to you, does not mean that it is already something you should be afraid of.

Don't you just get sick of having McDonald's? or any of the other typical fast food chains? It is about time that you just explore a bit. A good meal is probably just a few streets away. You'll get to try out something new and at the same time get a chance to save money! Now that's what I call satisfaction.

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Smokey The Bear REMIX PSA Video

What's a bear gotta do to make you respect wildlife? Make a cartoon of dancing critters?

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Fire and Smoke Damage - Cleanup and Restoration

No one wants to experience, let alone suffer from a house fire accident. But let us face it, no matter how much we avoid it, we have to be ready in case we are the unlucky victims of this common household hazard.

According to the US Federal Emergency Management Agency, a house fire accident is listed as one of the most common residential threats in the United States. Apart from the traumatic experience that homeowners may endure, there is also the difficulty of cleaning up the damaged area and restoring items, such as draperies, furniture, clothes, and carpets. Thus, it is really important to know the SOP should our home fall prey from fire and smoke damage.

Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup and Restoration Preparation

Before doing any cleanup and restoration work, see to it that you wear protective gears, such as long gloves, face mask, safety goggles, and appropriate clothing. Even if the fire is completely extinguished, dust, soot, and hazardous fumes are still present in the room. Inhaling these particles, together with abrasive cleaning chemicals, is harmful to the skin and lungs. Since prevention is better that cure, wearing safety gear is one way of keeping you safe from the risks of these harmful particles.

Cleaning Process

Before getting started, decide on the type and amount of cleaning supplies that you are going. You may choose between gentle or abrasive cleaners depending on the level of fire and smoke damage.

One effective cleaner for fire and smoke damage is the Trisodium Phosphate (TSP), A chemical commonly used for cleaning exterior surfaces. Since TSP can cause abrasion, skin burn, and eye damage, don't start cleaning unless you wear appropriate clothing and protective gear. Make sure that rags, sponges, buckets, bleach, and warm water are ready. Read and follow the directions indicated on the bottle and mix the chemical with the right amount of bleach or warm water. Take a scouring sponge and scrub areas one at a time. After scrubbing, rinse the small section with a clean rag and water to. Never let the TSP stay on the surface for long because it could damage and discolor the wall or flooring.

Call a Professional

Fire and smoke can get anywhere, and cleaning up the damage can be more challenging than expected. All the areas of the house, from the ceiling and the walls to floors, carpets and furniture, should be cleaned thoroughly even if they don't look dirty or damaged. Ask the help of friends or relatives to help when cleaning up. But if the damage is more extensive and severe, it would be more practical to contact a professional to get the job done.

Restoring your home is possible if the paint is peeling or the wallpaper is bubbled. If the wall and ceiling is beyond repair, they still need to be cleaned to eliminate the dust, soot and harmful fumes. Either way, the smartest route for post-fire damage is to consult a professional who assess the damage and provide you with an cleanup and restoration service that will make your battered house the home that you've always wanted.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Will_Wallace

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Drying Out Water Damage in Living Room

We had a little water leak in our living room, soaking the carpet. It had to get ripped out and they brought all this equipment in to dry it out. The equipment ran for three days straight. Can you say loud? We could barely hear ourselves screaming at one another.

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Different Types of Water Damage

Basically water damage is confined to three different categories: clean water, gray water and black water.

Clean water means pretty much what it says. The water than has done the damage is clean, and relatively safe to work with during restoration. There are no impurities in the water that is going to be harmful to humans or pets.

Grey water is water that has harmful agents in it that can make anyone coming in contact with it ill, or at the very least very uncomfortable to work with.

Black water is definitely the worse of the three. It is known to have bacteria, chemicals or fungi that can not only be very harmful to humans and animals alike, but in some instances could cause death. Black water should always be handled by professionals who have the equipment and knowledge to deal with it effectively.

Most types of water damage can be prevented by an awareness as to what causes it, plus a minimum of two yearly inspections to see that your plumbing facilities, your foundation and roof are in good order.

Though many of us think of water damage as something that happens on a large scale, there are many times water damage can be happening on a much smaller, but still very serious scale.

If you notice even small amounts of water on the inside surface of exterior walls or on plaster sheet rock, there is a moisture problem that is causing slow but costly damage. These problems are usually caused by a small leak inside the wall coming from the roof or a rusty pipe with a slow drip.

If there is moisture on your foundation walls, you need to apply a damp proofing compound. The moisture is eventually going to cause rot to any wood framing that it is in contact with.

Many times a serious water damage problem will occur simply because the structure does not have a sufficient amount of insulation. When a home or other structure is under insulated, water vapor forms inside the walls or in the attic and sooner or later will do a lot of damage as well as being a haven for insects. To prevent the problem from getting any worse you may need more insulation or need to install an attic fan. Fans keep the air circulating, which will dry the moisture as it forms.

The installation of exhaust fans in the bathrooms is also a needed necessity to help prevent water damage. When you take a shower or bath water vapors form in the air, and over a period of time your wallpaper will start peeling off the wall and you will need to repair or replace it often. Also, it is a ripe environment for mold to develop.

On the outside of your house rotten or stopped up gutters will eventually cause the eaves and wood trim around your roof to rot. If it gets bad enough, it could even allow water to enter the walls of your home.

As you see there are many types of water damage that can occur in many different ways. You don't necessarily need a pipe to burst or a storm to damage your roof to incur a costly amount of damage.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Robichaud

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