Fire and Water Damage Restoration

1/30/2025 (Permalink)

The kitchen after the reconstruction.

Fire and water combined cause a seemingly catastrophic situation. Our SERPVRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne team was called following a kitchen fire to help this apartment building get their tenants back in their units. Our professional cleaning staff worked their magic in 24 hours to extract and dry the water damage before our construction department replaced the sheetrock, kitchen cabinets, painted the walls and finished the floors all within two weeks. The property manager was thrilled with the results and the tenants were able to move back into their units quickly. Small kitchen fires can cause an incredible amount of damage in a short span of time in an apartment building when the sprinkler systems go off. There were five other units in the building, including the main hallway which were flooded following this unit’s fire loss. SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne can provide full-service mitigation and repairs to any apartment complex which has a large-scale loss due to fire.

Broken Supply Line

11/11/2024 (Permalink)

Contents in the cabinet were affected by water.

When a supply line breaks, water can travel far and wide inside a structure. This home in West New York, NJ just had a new kitchen installed prior to the break. After investigating the extent of the damage, it appeared that the cabinets may have not been affected by the water. Once we opened them up, we were surprised to find they were actually soaked with water. Since the homeowners called SERVPRO of South Jersey City /Bayonne right away, we were able to save the cabinets by drying them out in place.

When faced with water in the kitchen, clear the contents from any location where water can accumulate and attempt to dry out as much as you can prior to our arrival. Please be attentive to your safety and make sure any appliances that are plugged in are removed to prevent electrocution. Safety is the number one priority of our SERVPRO team; it prevents dangerous situations for the technicians and the customers as well.

SERVPRO is always ready to take care of homes and businesses affected by disaster. Call us at 201-333-3200, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Summer Fire Danger

5/31/2024 (Permalink)

Wildfires spread quickly and can cause mass destruction to nearby communities.

The transition from cold and wet winter to warm, dryer weather contributes to higher levels of fire danger. As temperatures starts to rise in the late spring and early summer, lower levels of rainfall, bright sunshine and high wind increase the chance of dry brush creating a flame. Uncontrollable wildfires threaten enormous, forested areas leading to widespread incineration of woods and nearby structures. Campfires and grills can provide the single spark to mass destruction. Cigarettes thrown from a car can turn leaves and trees into a burning hotbox. Even small brush fires and smoking mulch can easily spread, setting nearby structures alight.

The public can help minimize the potential for summer fires by being aware of atmospheric conditions and taking notice of weather alerts. The US Forest Service posts daily fire danger levels at State and National Parks around the country to keep residents up to date. Campers especially need to be very mindful of their activity in the forest to prevent the ground around them from developing a flame. Power companies should inspect equipment near wooded areas on a regular basis and proactively replace ageing parts and systems. Home and business owners need to keep excessive leaves and brush away from structures to prevent potential flammability during prolonged dry weather.

Summer is the time for enjoying the outdoors, relaxing and having fun. It is to everyone’s benefit for each of us to do our best to prevent warm weather fires from harming the environment we live in.

Simple Fire Safety Tips

5/10/2024 (Permalink)

Test smoke alarms and change batteries to keep them working properly.

Actively taking steps to prevent fires can easily save lives and property from severe destruction. Being mindful of potential hazards and following simple safety rules can drastically reduce the threat of fire.

Tips are as follows:

• Take the time to inspect smoke alarms on a yearly basis. Replace batteries and test each alarm to make sure they are working properly. Replace alarms based on the manufacture’s recommended guidelines. Do not obstruct alarms and be sure to install carbon monoxide detectors on each floor and within 10 feet of a bedroom for added protection.
• Keep young children and pets away from stoves, lighters and ovens. Unplug appliances when they are not in use. Pay special attention to space heaters; turn off and unplug heaters which are not attended.
• Do not leave lit candles unattended. Keep them out of the reach of children and pets.
• Clean dryer vents and attached ducts every few months. Inspect the HVAC system on a regular basis and keep the area around it clean and free of clutter.
• Make sure all fireplaces, fire pits, grills, and torches are distinguished when they are not attended.
• Keep excessive leaves and brush away from your home or business. Do not store gasoline or propane near anything with a flame. Be sure to have cars inspected regularly to reduce the risk of fire.
• Inspect extension cords and recycle those which are frayed and worn.
• Be sure to have functional fire extinguishers in the kitchen and within proximity to appliances with a flame.

Keeping these safety basics in mind, you are being proactive in keeping your home or business safe from fire!

Electrical Fire Emergency Recovery!

4/15/2024 (Permalink)

A kitchen damaged by an electrical fire.

Don’t let an electrical fire inflict significant damage on your home and belongings! Our SERVPRO of South Jersey City/Bayonne team was called out to a local home which had a fire originating in the kitchen due to an electrical spark. Excessive soot and smoke overtook the majority of the one-level property. Upon arrival, our fire experts started an inventory of damaged contents and prepared a plan of action to clean and restore the home to a pre-fire condition. Carpet, drywall, insulation, appliances and cabinets needed to be removed, soot-stained walls were wiped, and remaining stud walls were thermal fogged to remove any lingering fire smells. The tile floor was heavily covered in a dense layer of soot and needed to be given an extensive cleaning. The homeowner was amazed with the resulting clean floor and could not believe it had been restored as if the fire never happened!

Ever so grateful for the quick response and professional cleaning from SERVPRO of South Jersey City/ Bayonne, the homeowner let us know she would recommend us to all her friends and family! In the instance fire affects your home or business, call us at 201-333-3200: our SERVPRO expert fire team will have your recovery covered!