Don’t Let Your Microwave Go Up in Flames

9/25/2024 (Permalink)

Always keep flammable items away from open flames and use battery-operated candles to avoid fire hazards.

In many households in Point Pleasant Beach, microwaves have become an essential appliance.
While generally they are considered safe microwave fires can still occur. According to National Fire Protection Association “During 2007-2011, U.S. fire departments responded to
an average of 7,100 home structure fires per year in which a microwave oven was involved in ignition. These fires caused an average of fewer than 10 civilian deaths, 150 civilian injuries, and $31 million in direct property damage per year”. WikiHow has compiled a list of ways to avoid your microwave causing fire damage to
your home:

Fire Starters

• Don’t microwave metal.
• Don’t microwave aluminum foil.
• Check to make sure plastic is microwave-safe.
• Check to make sure paper products are microwave-safe.
• Check if food/drink containers are microwave-safe.
• Don’t microwave chili peppers or grapes.
• Don’t put non-food objects in the microwave.
• Don’t turn the microwave on when it’s empty.

Safety

• Become familiar with the manufacturer’s guide.
• Make sure the area around your microwave is clear.
• Do not leave the microwave unattended.
• Read the directions prior to microwaving food.
• Do not allow children near the microwave.
• If the power cords appear damaged, do not use the microwave.
• If your microwave is broken, don’t try to fix it yourself.
• If your microwave does happen to catch a small fire, unplug it immediately and do not open the door.

Prioritizing safety is the key to enjoying the convenience of your microwave. If your microwave happens to cause fire damage to your home, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out, our team of
trained professionals is ready to "Like it never even happened”.

September is Campus Fire Prevention Safety

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

September is Campus Fire Safety Month! Spend some time this month by focusing on creating a fire-safe environment either on or off campus.

As September approaches, students are heading to college, so now is the perfect time to review best practices and learn how to put these practices into action for both students living on or off campus. Whether you are a student or parent, taking a few minutes to evaluate the new housing could go a long way toward preventing potential fire-related injury or deaths.  

Click here to down the Campus Fire Safety Checklist for Students or click here for the Campus Fire Safety Tips for Parents.

When you first move in to your new housing, analyze your surroundings. Take time to educate yourself and your roommates about fire safety can make all the difference in a life-or-death situation. Taking small steps in identifying two ways out of a room, ensuring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed and working can go a long way toward preventing potential fire-related injury or deaths.

Listed below are some simple things to evaluate for fire safety measures for campus-related housing:

• Keep combustible items away from heat sources.
• Smoking, candles, and other open flame items should never be used in student housing. 
• Fire sprinklers control a fire and provide lifesaving time for escape. 
• Know and practice the building’s evacuation plan, as well as alternate routes. Create and practice a fire escape plan, if living off campus.
• Ensure smoke alarms are installed in all sleeping areas, test smoke alarms monthly in an apartment or a house.
• Never remove or disable smoke alarms.  
• Keep common areas and hallways free of possessions and debris, and never block exit routes. 

What are some common causes of fires for college students?

There are several common causes for fires in dorms and off campus housing, including cooking, candles and overloaded power strips.

Follow these simple tips from the U.S. Fire Administration to avoid fires in campus housing:

Cooking

• Cook only where it is allowed.
• Keep your cooking area clean and free of anything that can burn.
• Keep an eye on what you are cooking, especially if you are cooking at high temperatures.
• If a fire starts in a microwave, keep the door closed and unplug the unit.

Electrical safety

• Keep lamps, light fixtures, and light bulbs away from anything that can burn.
• Never use an extension cord with large appliances, like a refrigerator.
• Do not overload outlets.
• Use only surge protectors or power strips that have internal overload protection.

We know how exciting it is to make the transition from home to college and we want you to stay safe, so we hope you share this information with friends in dorms and off campus. Don’t forget to check with your school’s individual fire safety plans.

As a certified fire restoration company in New Jersey, https://www.SERVPROpointpleasant.com/  pledges our commitment to serving local colleges and the surrounding communities. We’re proud to provide the best emergency fire restoration services in Ocean, Monmouth, Middlesex, Mercer, Atlantic and Burlington Counties.

Simple Steps to Help Avoid a Home Fire in Point Pleasant

8/3/2022 (Permalink)

After a fire, you will need the assistance of a reputable fire restoration company to handle your fire damage cleanup.

Preparing for a fire in your Point Pleasant home is easier than the fire restoration process. Follow these simple steps to help avoid a fire in your home:

• Install the right number of smoke alarms in your residence. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year. Not sure how many and where to install smoke detectors? The American Red Cross has a video to show you and The National Fire Alarm Code provides the latest safety provisions to meet our society's changing fire detection, signaling, and emergency communications demands.
• Teach children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one. 
• Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.
• Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure that all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
• Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire“ to alert everyone that they must get out.
• Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
• Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes catch on fire. 
• Fire extinguishers should be easily accessible to adults trained to use them, and kept away from children's curious hands. Install extinguishers high on the wall, near an exit, and away from heat sources. If you try to use a fire extinguisher on a fire and the fire does not immediately die down, drop the extinguisher and get out.

The following safety measures might seem simple, but an astonishing number of house fires are started because these precautions haven’t been taken:

• Heaters should be at least three feet away from curtains, bedding and clothing.
• Matches and lighters should always be stored out of the reach of children.
• Candles should not be positioned near curtains or other flammable items or used while sleeping even if the power is shut off or is temporarily out of service.
• Food cooking on the stove top should not be left unattended. If you are multi-tasking while cooking and are working in another area of the home, set an alarm to remind you to check!
• Don’t overload power points with appliances.

Fires can cause extensive damage and the clean-up process tends to labor intensive, it is advisable to call in fire, smoke and soot professionals at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant.

Kitchen Cleaning After a Grease Fire in Whiting

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Grease fire in Whiting brought soot and smoke damage throughout 2 story home.

Cooking is such a routine activity that it is easy to forget that the high temperatures used can easily start a fire. More fires start in the kitchen than in any other place in the home. Two of every five home fires start in the kitchen while food is cooking. Luckily, the majority of reported cooking fires were small.

Do Electric or Gas Stoves Cause More Kitchen Fires?

Households that used electric ranges showed a higher risk of cooking fires and associated losses than those using gas ranges, according to the National Fire Prevention Agency. This could be because with an electric range it may be less obvious that a burner is still on.

Did You Know That Oil and Grease Could Start a Kitchen Fire?

Grease fires happen when oil, grease, or fat on a stovetop or oven get hot enough to ignite. They are highly flammable which means they can catch fire easily. Different oils burn at different temperatures or flash points, but every oil you can buy at the grocery store is capable of catching on fire if the temperature is high enough. When you're cooking with grease, it's important to know the warning signs that oils are getting too hot. Boiling and smoking are good indicators that it's time to turn down the heat. Oils heat very quickly, and once it starts to smoke, oil can catch fire in as little as 30 seconds.

Water Makes Grease Fires Worse

NEVER try to extinguish a grease fire with water. Throwing water on the fire can cause burning grease to splash, which can make the fire spread and potentially harm bystanders. It is dangerous to move a pan or pot of burning oil for the same reasons, according to VeryWellHealth.com.

Grease Fires Can Get Out of Control Quickly

Do not wait until the fire is out of control to call 911! The fire department can always return to the station if you are able to get the fire out before they get to you.

What to Do If You Experience an Oil or Grease Fire?

• Call 911-Fires can become out of control very quickly
• Turn off the Stove whether it is the burner, oven, or broiler.
• Cover with a Lid-The easiest way to cut off oxygen to a grease fire is to cover it with a metal pan lid or baking sheet. 
• Douse the Flames-The warning to never use water to put out a grease fire is worth repeating, especially since your urge may be to take a burning pot to the sink and turn on the faucet. Instead, you can reach for two pantry staples to help douse a small grease fire safely with baking sodabecause it releases carbon dioxide when heated, which can smother the fire or salt can form a barrier between the fire and the air. This prevents the fire from getting the oxygen it needs. NEVER use flour and baking powder as they are highly combustible and can explode in extreme heat. Do not use them (or any boxed mixes that contain them) on a grease fire.
• Use a Class K Fire Extinguisher. These are wet chemical extinguishers that are commonly found in commercial kitchens. They are designed specifically for cooking fires and work by forming a soapy foam on the surface of the fire that cuts off air flow. NEVER use a Class A-only fire extinguisher on a grease fire, as it is water-based.

When to Call the Pros at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant to Clean After a Grease Fire?

Because grease fires cause such extensive damage and be a long, intensive process, it's almost always advisable to call in professionals. SERVPRO of Point Pleasant have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Clothes Dryer and Appliance Fire Safety in Mantoloking

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

If a dryer fire strikes your Bricktown property, call the fire damage cleanup experts at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant today.

Fires are common in the home because most of us use lots of them in our everyday lives. While some of the newer appliances come equipped with safety features, other older ones may not. As consumers, we must read the manual for each appliance and be aware of any specific safety features that it has or does not have before purchasing the product.

While many appliances could be the cause of a fire, today we are focusing on the clothes dryer. 

The Clothes Dryer

If you are installing a new dryer of having one installed make sure to carefully follow the installation instructions and make sure that it is installed in a safe place. 

Read these clothes dryer fire facts from the U.S. Fire Administration:

• 2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.
• Failure to clean the dryer (34 percent) is the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires.
• More home clothes dryer fires occur in the fall and winter months, peaking in January.

Common causes of dryer fires:

• Mechanical and electrical failure-faulty wiring and damaged machinery can potentially cause dryer fires, like anything with moving parts and electronic components.
• Dirty lint filter-this is a result of a buildup of lint, but can certainly be caused by an accumulation of dirt, grass, or anything else that remains after the washing process. 
• Clogged vent-the outside vent can become clogged, which prevents airflow and potentially leads to hazardous conditions. It can also become obstructed by birds, insect nests, or rodent nests. 
• Improper use-using it outside of the manufacturer's recommended guidelines, such as over-stuffing the appliance, items that shouldn't be put in a dryer, or items with instructions advising against drying with heat.

If a dryer fire starts in your Brick Township home, normally the safest course of action is to evacuate, move your family to a safe location, and call the fire department immediately. While many fires start relatively small, they do tend to spread quickly, according to Germania Insurance.

After a fire, you will need the assistance of a reputable fire restoration company to handle your fire damage cleanup. Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant, NJ at (732) 202-3001 for the experts in fire damage restoration, smoke and soot cleanup.

Fried Turkey Cooking Safety Tips to Keep Everyone Safe on Thanksgiving

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

Fire prevention and safety for deep frying a turkey on Thanksgiving.

Turkey fryers have the potential to cause fire and serious injury so be sure you know how to safely use the fryer. Follow these fried turkey cooking safety tips to keep everyone safe on Thanksgiving:

• Set up the turkey fryer more than 10 feet away from your home.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer
• Never ever leave it unattended.
• Place the fryer on a flat, level surface and make sure the oil stays even and steady at all times.
• Make sure your Thanksgiving turkey is completely thawed and dry because any extra water may cause the oil to bubble furiously and spill over.
• Be sure to keep track of the oil's temperature because many fryers do not have their own thermostats.
• Be careful when touching the turkey fryer as the lid and handle can become very hot to the touch.
• Choose a smaller turkey for frying.
• Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms.
• Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
• Always have a fire extinguisher (multipurpose, dry-powder) ready at all times in the event that the oil ignites.

Follow the above safety tips to make sure all your family and friends will enjoy your tasty Thanksgiving fried turkey. 

Learn to be Fire Smart Against Fires in Your Brick Home

9/28/2021 (Permalink)

We clean and restore your property using specialized equipment and cleaning techniques. Our “restore first” mentality reduces interruption and gets yo

Do not let your Brick home be one of the statistics each year. There are more than 45,000 home fires each year. They are a very common cause of fires in the home. They cause millions of dollars in damages, while claiming lives in the process. Most fire deaths occur between midnight and 6 AM with peak months being December through March, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Common causes can be:

• Appliances
  • Always appliances directly into a wall outlet.
  • Never use an extension cord with a major appliance because it can easily overheat and start a fire.
  • Unplug small appliances when you are not using them.
  • Keep lamps, light fixtures and light bulbs away from anything that can burn.
  • Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture.
  • Check electrical cords on appliances often. Replace cracked, damaged and loose electrical cords. Do not try to repair them.
• Outlets
  • Do not overload wall outlets. Insert plugs fully into sockets.
  • Never force a three-prong cord into a two-slot outlet.
  • Install tamper-resistant electrical outlets if you have young children.

• Extension Cords, Power Strips and Surge Protectors
  • Replace worn, old or damaged extension cords right away.
  • Use extension cords for temporary purposes only.
  • Avoid putting cords where they can be damaged or pinched, like under a carpet or rug.
  • Do not overload power strips.
  • Use power strips that have internal overload protection.

If your home does experience an electrical fire, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant specializes in fire damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. 

Remember to Not Overloading Your Electrical Circuits

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire strikes your home or business, call us today at 732-202-3001.

What can happen to your Point Pleasant Beach home if you overload your electrical circuits?

Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. To help lower your risk of electrical fires and fire damage to your home look for these warning signs of overloaded circuits:

• Flickering, blinking, or dimming lights
• Warm or discolored wall plates or cords
• Cracking, sizzling, or buzzing from receptacles
• Mild shock or tingle from appliances, receptacles, or switches
• Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
• Burning odor coming from receptacles or wall switches

In the event that a fire does start in your home:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Only use a dry fire extinguisher (NEVER put water on an electrical fire) or baking soda if you must try to put out the fire yourself.
• If the fire is large, do not try to handle it yourself but try to turn off the main power source without putting yourself in harm’s way.

If you have experienced an electrical fire in Ocean County home, it most likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Point Pleasant have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant at 732-202-3001 to learn more about our fire damage restoration and smoke damage restoration services for your property or visit

Can Soot Cause Damage If Left Untreated?

7/24/2021 (Permalink)

It’s not uncommon to have questions about the soot removal process. Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant today to answer all your questions at 732-202-3001

What is soot?

Soot is a black carbonaceous substance produced during incomplete combustion of coal, wood, oil, etc., rising in fine particles that adhere to and blacken surfaces on contact., according to the Free Dictionary. 

This is messy irritant, soot, can damage materials it touches. Therefore, proper cleaning techniques need to be used, especially when cleaning soot off the ceilings and walls, or you could actually make the situation worse instead of better. 

Soot can spread much further than flames, staining many different surfaces throughout your home.  Porous materials like drywall, paint, wood, carpeting, and fabric are most susceptible to soot damage. Other non-porous materials like metal, stone, and glass, are more resistant to soot but they can still be damaged. Soot may also get into ductwork for your heating and air conditioning system, which could spread it even further.  

Why is soot produced?

Incomplete combustion produces soot. Keeping burners and pilots cleaned and properly adjusted can reduce the amount of soot produced. Uncontrolled combustion, such as wood burning in an open fireplace, candles, and cigarettes, produce higher amounts of soot, according to Iowa State University.

How is the soot problem solved?

Find and eliminate the source. Remove all traces of soot from all surfaces. 

What Happens if Soot Remains on Surfaces?

The longer the soot remains due to it's acidic nature, the more significant the damage to properties and structures if not properly cleaned in a timely manner. Metal will corrode if soot remains on the surface. Glass and mirrors can become etched. Plastic, vinyl, and fabric may become discolored. 

What is Soot vs Smoke?

Soot is seeable part on surfaces and smoke is the gaseous part that produces an odor. 

Can SERVPRO of Point Pleasant remove all soot?

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant understands that each soot damage presents unique issues and challenges. As experts in soot damage cleanup, our crew has seen, cleaned and restored it all.

SERVPRO's Fire Damage Cleanup and Board Up Services

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

This master bedroom ceiling and ceiling fan in Brick, NJ are covered in a layer of soot damage from a fire outside.

Fire damage does not always mean that your entire home has been destroyed by a fire. Fire damage can be a small one room fire and can also just consist of soot damage, smoke damage and/or water damage that may surface while extinguishing a fire. Not only can fire damage effect your structure but smoke and soot damages also impacts furniture and electronic devices.

After your property is deemed safe to enter by the fire Marshall, it is imperative that you start fire damage mitigation as soon as possible. Not only can fire damage effect your structure, but smoke and soot damages may impact furniture, electronic devices, family heirlooms, pictures and keepsakes. Due to the fact that every fire damage is unique and the surfaces of affected items vary, fire damage cleanup is not something that you should attempt on your own. Let your local fire damage mitigation company take care of this process for you.

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant’s fire damage cleanup services include:

• 24/7 Emergency Response
• Emergency Board Up-When your home has suffered damage from a storm, fire or other disaster and cannot be secured, you need board up services to protect your property and prevent additional damages by using the proper supplies to board up windows, walls, and doors
• Smoke and Soot Cleanup and Removal- use specialized cleaning equipment
• Odor Removal- Odors will cling to a variety of surfaces and may linger in your home long after the fire has been extinguished. The types of materials that were burned will determine what the removal processes for them with will be.
• Content Cleaning and Restoration- This process involves cleaning, repairing, and deodorizing items that have been damaged by smoke, soot and water.
• Full Documentation
• Reconstruction-SERVPRO of Toms River not only handles the cleanup and restoration process after a fire, we will also rebuild and restore your property in Ocean County after a fire.

We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

If by chance you experience a fire damage, remember to give your local cleanup pros a call at 732-202-3001. For the past two decades, our proven professionals have been helping customers throughout the state protect their property during this difficult time. Along with decades of experience, we have specialized equipment and cleaning methods to get your property back to it’s pre-fire condition quickly. We can swiftly and economically restore your property, completely rebuild and restore your property.

Thank You Brick Township Firefighters Today and Every Day!

5/4/2021 (Permalink)

International Firefighters Day, thank you to all Ocean County firefighters for all that you do to protect our community!

To all those brave firefighters that run towards the fire, we thank you! Today is International Firefighters’ Day IFFD so let’s make sure we go out of our way to show them extra appreciation today for all they do for our Brick Township community.

On this date (May 4) every year, it is a time for remembrance of the past firefighters who have died while serving our community or dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of us all. At the same time, we can show our support and appreciation to the firefighters worldwide and in our community who continue to protect us so well throughout the year. By proudly wearing and displaying blue and red ribbons pinned together or by participating in a memorial or recognition event, we can show our gratitude to firefighters everywhere. The IFFD ribbons are linked to colors symbolic of the main elements firefighters work with – red for fire and blue for water. These colors also are internationally recognized as representing emergency service.

Today and every day of the year, please follow these easy fire safety tips from the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) so firefighters will not have to put out a fire at your home:

• Watch what you are cooking by staying in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.
• Give space heaters space and keep fixed and portable space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers.
• Keep matches out of the reach of children and up high, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock.
• Inspect electrical cords and replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs, or have loose connections.
• Be careful when using candles and keep them at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.
• Have a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old.
• Install sprinklers if you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive at your home.

Interested in learning about the how the Brick Bureau of Fire Safety and the Brick Township Fire Department serve our community? Visit them at brickfire.org.

If you do experience fire damage, call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant as soon as possible and follow these simple tips until we arrive:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What is the Best Way to Remediate Fire Damage in Brick?

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Brick home boarded up by SERVPRO of Point Pleasant after a brush fire which also had soot damage to the inside of the home.

What to Expect from Professional Fire Damage Recovery in Brick

Homeowners rarely need to cope with the aftermath of a significant fire loss in Brick, which is a good thing. If, on the other hand, you and your family find yourselves among those who do experience a structure fire, know you are not alone. Roughly 387,000 homes in the US, including everything from single-family dwellings to apartment buildings, reported fires according to summarized findings most recently reported in 2019. 

A Unique Type of Cleanup

Although there are some DIY things a property owner can do to respond to Brick fire damage, it is essential to schedule an assessment by a certified disaster company. Our managers and crews complete comprehensive training from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), preparing our team to manage a fire damage restoration from start to finish to the highest industry standards. We start by securing your property from the elements and completing a safety inspection.

Water and Debris Removal 

The amount of water and chemical extinguishing substances SERVPRO removes from a fire site can be substantial. Because our core services focus on both fire and water mitigation and remediation, our crews can transition smoothly between the two, taking care of water removal and structural drying first. We also clear out charred debris and rubble, which is a safety trip-and-fall prevention necessary to begin lowering the load of toxic fumes, odors, and residues.

Matching Methods to Residues

Cleaning up soot deposits is the priority for SERVPRO crews. The highly corrosive coatings begin destroying surfaces and contents on contact. Our technicians evaluate the types of soot and the composition and durability of the surfaces affected when selecting cleaning products and tools. We also manipulate the intensity of agitation, temperature, and dwell time to achieve the best results. 

Safety Considerations

SERVPRO crews wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and employ containment and air scrubbing technology during the project to safeguard your family’s health and well-being during the project. Preventing drift of soot and other residues limits the deterioration of building materials far from the ignition site and improves air quality for your loved ones. 

Consult SERVPRO of Point Pleasant as soon as practical after a household’s fire destruction. We offer mitigation, remediation, and wrap-around rebuilding and restoration services with one call to (732) 202-3001.

More about Brick.

Why Should You Board Up Exposed Windows and Doors After a Fire?

2/26/2021 (Permalink)

Windows in this Manasquan home needed to be boarded up after a fire struck the home next door until they can be replaced.

Why Should You Board Up Exposed Windows and Doors After a Fire?

When a fire affects your property, you may need emergency board up services because some areas of the property may be exposed and vulnerable to additional damage. Windows and doors are usually some of the most vulnerable points of a home especially after a fire. Heat may cause windows to shatter or firefighters might need to break windows or doors in order to access a building to extinguish the flames.

When Should You Board Up After a Fire?

After a fire, property owners should board up windows and doors as soon as possible to prevent further damage and loss. Your property could be susceptible the elements, such as snow, wind and rain. It will also help keep animals and vandals out of your property.

Why Use SERVPRO of Point Pleasant to Board Up Your Manasquan Property?

The fire recovery process comes with plenty of challenges and frustrations and most property owners do not have the knowledge or skills to restore their own property after a fire. They could even make the damage worse trying to attempt it themselves. SERVPRO of Point Pleasant is highly trained in board up, cleanup and fire damage restoration services. Our team will arrive quickly to your residential or commercial property. Your property and its contents will be secure and protected from the elements, animals and vandals until the fire restoration begins.

Call us at 732-202-3001 for any board up emergency service your property requires.

Are Increased Fires a Risk Around Halloween?

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

Candles are an integral part of holiday decorating but can also be a fire hazard.

Fire Danger Increases During Fall Trick or Treating Time 

Once known as the “Land of Tall Timber” by the Lenape Indians, Point Pleasant began when European settlers arrived around 1665. A small borough of approximately 19,000 residents, it is considered a summer resort town by many. The families that live there today enjoy participating in seasonal activities such as Halloween and trick or treating. But this time of year can bring fire risks with it as well as fun. 

What Causes Fires During This Time? 

Autumn is a beautiful time of year. Leaves are turning in many places, the air is getting colder, and pumpkins are everywhere. Fall holidays include celebrating Halloween for many families. But each year, approximately 13 million in property damage occurs due to fires during the Halloween time frame. Families need to be aware of potential fire damage in Point Pleasant as they prepare to enjoy the festivities. 

Part of the fun is decorating. Jack O’ Lanterns, hay bales, and scarecrows adorn porches and yards. While they are pleasant to look at, many of the decorations and activities that go hand in hand with the holiday are fire risks. From 2009 to 2013, reported home fires were caused by decorations igniting, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Between 2013 – 2017, 780 residential fires began with decorations. The statistics show: 

• 44% of these occurred because the décor was too close to a heat source
• 37% of the fires started by candles
• 21% started in the kitchen
• 16% started in the living room 

How Can I Avoid Halloween Fire Hazards? 

A tradition that a lot of folks enjoy is carving a pumpkin. And of course, once you get your Jack O’ Lantern finished, you want it to glow and show off your scary face. Candles are often placed inside the pumpkins to create that glow. The problem is a pumpkin sitting inside your home or on your porch with an open flame can easily get bumped, which is a Point Pleasant fire disaster waiting to happen. At SERVPRO, we deal with fire damage regularly, and plenty of them start with something as simple as a candle. Instead of a candle, this year place battery operated tea lights or a glow stick inside your creation. Other ways you can play it safe this year include: 

• Dry Decorations– hay bales and straw scarecrows are the perfect fall decorations, but they are also the ideal fuel for fires. Keep highly flammable decorations like these away from open flames.
• Candles– Play it safe with candles. In pumpkins, luminaries, and other lit up decorations, opt for battery operated lights.
• Costumes– Choose costumes for kids that are flame retardant. Outfits with long trailing pieces are at risk of brushing against an open flame and catching fire.  

Candle Safety Tips 

If you enjoy burning candles at any time of year, you should follow some general safety tips. According to NFPA, December is the peak month for candle-related fires in the home. Over one-third of candle fires begin in the bedroom. These fires are often a result when flammable material is too close to the candle. Here is some information that can aid you in staying safe and enjoy your candles: 

• Blow out all candles when you leave a room or before sleeping.
• Keep items at least 1 foot away from the open flame.
• Use sturdy candle holders.
• Do not let the candle burn all the way down to the base.
• Avoid using candles during power outages.
• Keep hair and clothes out of the way when lighting candles.
• Consider using flameless candles.
• Never leave children alone in a room with burning candles. 

Be Safe Year Round 

SERVPRO recommends installing fire alarms on every level of your home. They should be in more than one area. Consider installing a fire alarm in each bedroom. A fire can quickly destroy a home and lead to loss of life that could have been prevented but something as simple as fire alarms.  

If a Fire Does Occur 

If a fire does break out in your home, getting professional fire mitigation fast is vital. Even small contained fires can cause extensive smoke damage throughout the entire house. SERVPRO is here to provide fire damage cleanup and restoration if the need arises.  

Our families enjoy the holidays just like yours does. SERVPRO wants everyone in the Point Pleasant area to have fun this fall season and stay safe as well. If you experience fire damage, we are ready to mitigate the problem, but we would much rather have you safe at home. 

Contact SERVPRO of Point Pleasant at (732) 202-3001 for professional fire damage service. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

When Can I Retrieve My Personal Belongings and Important Documents after a Fire in Point Pleasant Beach?

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant (732) 202-3001 to assist with your emergency fire damage and restoration needs.

Fire Damage In Point Pleasant Beach

When a fire occurs in our Point Pleasant Beach community, it can be devastating to the occupants. If the fire can be extinguished quickly, the damage may be limited. However, there is always fire, smoke, and water damage from the fireman's efforts to quell the blaze. Everyone wants to know when they can get into their home, retrieve essential belongings, including keepsakes, mementos, and papers.

One of the first tasks for our SERVPRO team of Point Pleasant is to work closely with the fire chief and the homeowner to evaluate the site. Our objective is to ensure that it is safe to enter. Safety concerns include electrical issues, slips, and falls due to wet conditions and structural integrity. Every fire damage site in Point Pleasant Beach is different and must be assessed. We can work closely with the homeowner to retrieve items safely before restoration begins.

Do I Need to Make Alternate Housing Arrangements?

Our SERVPRO Point Pleasant team can work closely with your insurance representatives to help answer this question. Depending on the amount of damaged caused by the fire, homeowners may be able to re-enter and live in a portion of the home that is undamaged. Larger fires with lots of smoke odor damage usually require the residents to make alternate temporary living arrangements.

Our teams follow a seven-step process for both small and large fire emergencies. The first two steps involve assessing the amount of damage, safety issues, and determining the amount and type of equipment needed. Next, compromised windows, walls, or roofs are boarded up or covered by tarpaulins to prevent further damage.

We remove all water and dry your home if needed before focusing on removing smoke and soot from all surfaces in the house. All items in the home are cleaned and sanitized as well as removing any remaining odors. Restoration of various structural elements may be required along with repairs to walls, carpet, and flooring.

Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant (732) 202-3001 to assist with your emergency fire damage and restoration needs.

A Fire Has Ruined My Home, What Do I Need to Do?

5/22/2020 (Permalink)

A fire can take over your Point Pleasant home in a split second. Call SERVPRO today.

Let Professionals Handle the Fire Damage in Your Point Pleasant Home

Fire is a traumatizing and frightening experience for property owners in Point Pleasant. The ferocity and speed of the flames make homeowners feel vulnerable and can cause significant damage. Do not let the aftermath of fire damage continue to destroy your prized possessions and property, while SERVPRO technicians can restore them to their preloss state.

When should I call the restorers?

With fire damage, it is essential to act fast to stop further loss that can lead to expensive repairs. When the smoke clears, contact our response team, who can promptly restore your fire damaged Point Pleasant property. Our team of technicians answers our customer’s emergency call with quick and decisive action. We are available 24-hours a day, all year long.

What is involved in the restoration process?

Our team of technicians calls the first 48 hours after the unfortunate incident, the “golden hours” for restoration. With our fast response, our technicians can restore affected structures and contents fast.

Fire produces acidic soot and smoke, which can cause the deterioration and corrosion of essential items and building components. Firefighters use water or dry chemicals to extinguish the flames. Also, a persisting smoke odor is left behind after the incident and can exist for an extended period if not removed properly.

Our fire damage restoration service includes damage mitigation, soot, and smoke damage cleanup as well as water restoration. We always use approved techniques to restore our customers’ property.

Since time is of the essence, we use state-of-the-art equipment and tools to hasten the restoration process. For instance, our technicians can use centrifugal air movers to increase air circulation, which can speed up the drying process.

What factors do professionals consider when restoring valuable items?

Before our team of experts restores a home’s contents, we evaluate the items thoroughly based on the following factors:

•     Loss of value and use
•     The effects of smoke and heat
•     Restoration cost vs. replacement cost
•     Sentimental value

We consider these factors to keep our customers from incurring unnecessary expenses and dispose of items damaged beyond repair.

How can you get rid of the smoke odor?

The SERVPRO team of technicians works hard to leave homeowners and their families in a friendly environment. Even after cleaning your property thoroughly, we can use air scrubbers to remove the odor in your property.

Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant at (732) 202-3001 to restore your home after a fire. With our advanced equipment, cleaning chemicals, and proven methods, we can save your priced items. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

To find out more about Point Pleasant, click here. 

Go It Alone or Hire Professionals to Remediate Fire Damage in Point Pleasant?

4/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is experienced in fire damage restoration. We have the equipment and training to restore your home.

Professional Cleanup of Fire Damage in Point Pleasant

A fire loss in your Point Pleasant home requires a multi-phase cleanup plan. As the flames moved through a wide range of materials and contents were burned. Because of this variation of fuels consumed, the residues deposited on surfaces can change its consistency. The cleaning methods needed to clean soot off different surfaces must match the residues, and our technicians must adopt the approach if the materials coated cannot withstand specific strategies. 

Water Removal a Priority

Before we can begin residue cleanup, the water and chemicals used to knock down fire damage in Point Pleasant need removing. The chemical process can be a significant job but is well within our capability. Our technicians hold multiple certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Water damage events are just as destructive as fire, and if not resolved can allow building materials can deteriorate, and secondary damage like mold growth can flourish.

Soot Damage Evaluation and Cleanup

As the crews pump and extract the water and complete structural drying, the project manager inspects the entire structure for fire damage residues. SERVPRO technicians complete rigorous coursework on the principles and elements of cleaning. Taking together the characteristics of the soot -- dry, wet, or protein-based -- and the composition of the surfaces it coats, our team matches cleaning methods, tools, and proprietary products to remove it from your home. 

Odor Evaluation and Elimination

During the aftermath of a fire, many sources contribute to unpleasant smells. Removing debris and cleaning off the soot are the first steps, as we find most of the malodors in the incompletely combusted particles of building materials and contents burned. These particles are tiny and can remain airborne for quite some time. They also settle into crevices and seams on furnishings or invade window and floor coverings. Removing all the tiny bits is impractical. SERVPRO turns to innovations like thermal foggers and hydroxyl generators as a strategy. This equipment creates deodorizing particles that seek out or pair with the odor-bearing particles at a molecular level, rendering them odorless.

Count on the highly trained crews from SERVPRO of Point Pleasant to manage your fire damage recovery needs. Call us at (732) 202-3001 as soon as possible so we can get to work.

More about Point Pleasant.

What is the Leading Cause of Residential Fires During the Holidays?

11/1/2019 (Permalink)

This kitchen in Bayville has fire, smoke and soot damage not only in the kitchen but throughout the home.

During the holiday season, the leading cause of residential fires is cooking equipment. With the upcoming holidays, we tend to spend a lot more time in the kitchen cooking and baking. We also have a lot on our minds so it is easy to get distracted while cooking. It is so important that we practice safe cooking habits to avoid having a fire in the kitchen.

How to avoid cooking fires during the holidays:

• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use a timer as a reminder that an appliance is on 
• Keep children away from the cooking area
• Keep anything flammable away from appliances that generate heat
• Do not wear loose clothing that may catch fire
• Keep appliances clean and grease free
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it
• Make sure all appliances are off before you leave or go to bed
• Install smoke alarms and make sure they are working properly

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant wishes everyone a happy and fire-free holiday season. 

Tips to Keep Your Home Fire Damage Free During the Holidays

12/1/2018 (Permalink)

Everyone here at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant wishes you and yours a happy and fire safe holiday season.

The holiday season is a time to get together with family and friends. Whether you celebrate at home with a few loved ones or host a large gathering, there are a few precautions to consider to help ensure your holiday stays happy and safe.

The U.S. Fire Administration suggests following these simply holiday decorating tips to help keep your home fire free:

1. Use only non-flammabe decorations and place all decorations away from heat vents and heating sources.
2. Maintain holiday lights. Check lights for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in insulation, broken or cracked sockets and excessive wire kinking. This should be done yearly before using all lights. Only use lighting by an approved testing laboratory.
3. Do not overload electrical sockets. Do not link more than three strands of lights, unless directions indicate it is safe. Periodically, check the wires. The wires should not be warm to the touch. 
4. Avoid using lit candles. Consider choosing flameless candles over flame candles. If you do choose flame candles, make sure they are in a stable holders and place them in low traffic areas, where they can not be knocked down. Never leave a candle unattended.
5. Do not block exits with decorations or trees.
6. Check all smoke and fire detectors to ensure they are in proper working order.

Whether you are ready for the holidays or not, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant will always be "Ready for whatever happens." If If disaster does strike your home during the holiday season, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant will be on call for your fire damage emergency 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Highland Plaza Apartments Thanksgiving Day Fire

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

We are extra thankful for our wonderful SERVPRO of Point Pleasant staff on Thanksgiving.

A fire on Thanksgiving morning forced 111 senior citizens from their apartment complex in Toms River. After firefighters extinguished the fire, an estimated 75 percent of the building suffered from smoke and water damage, according to the Toms River Patch. We are thankful to have helped get most of them back into their homes by the Monday after Thanksgiving and making it “Like it never even happened.”

Safety First Before the Feast

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Point Pleasant restore your kitchen along with your peace of mind.

Every Thanksgiving, family and friends get together to celebrate by cooking a huge feast. Safe cooking should be a habit practiced at Thanksgiving and every other gathering because cooking fires are the leading cause of residential fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Follow these simple steps to help reduce the risk of a cooking fire:

1. Never leave anything unattended while cooking. 
2. Use a timer as a reminder that there is something cooking.
3. Keep children away from all cooking areas. At least three feet is usually a good, safe distance. 
4. Keep all flammable items away from anything that generates heat.
5. Avoid your clothing from catching fire around flames if wearing loose clothing.
6. Have a working fire extinguisher nearby and know how to work it in case of an emergency.
7. Check to make sure smoke and fire detectors are working properly.

If the unthinkable happens and a fire strikes, call your local fire damage experts at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant. We will help you make it "Like it never even happened."

Do You Know Why the United States has Fire Prevention Week Every Year?

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

Even a small fire in a garage, like this one in Toms River, can quickly fill your entire home with smoke and soot. Be safe and plan ahead.

Fire Prevention Week (FPW) began in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which burned from October 8 until October 10 and caused devastating damage to the city. The History Channel reported that this tragedy killed an estimated 300 people and destroyed more than 17,000 structures. There are many theories on what started the fire, including a cow tipping over a lantern in a barn, but the truth is still unknown as to how it began.

This year’s Fire Prevention Week will be observed October 7^th through 13^th. The purpose of this week is to bring awareness to people of all ages and races in order to keep everyone safe. The National Fire Protection Association's theme this year is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere.”

“LOOK” for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

“LISTEN” for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Meet at a predesignated meeting spot outside and a safe distance from the home and remain there until safe.

“LEARN” two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy for your family or friends. That is why not only yourself but all members of your household should understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

Please join SERVPRO of Point Pleasant in keeping our family and community safe this year. Follow these safety tips on escape planning by the NFPA.

Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant in the unfortunate event of fire damage at 732-202-3001.

Be Fire Smart against Electrical Fires in Your Home

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

Even a small electrical fire can cause significant damage to your Ocean County home.

There are more than 45,000 home electrical fires each year. They are the most common cause of fires in the home. They cause millions of dollars in damages, while claiming lives in the process. Most electrical fire deaths occur between midnight and 6 AM with peak months being December through March, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. Common causes can be:

• Appliances
  • Always appliances directly into a wall outlet.
  • Never use an extension cord with a major appliance because it can easily overheat and start a fire.
  • Unplug small appliances when you are not using them.
  • Keep lamps, light fixtures and light bulbs away from anything that can burn.
  • Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture.
  • Check electrical cords on appliances often. Replace cracked, damaged and loose electrical cords. Do not try to repair them.
• Outlets
  • Do not overload wall outlets.Insert plugs fully into sockets.
  • Never force a three-prong cord into a two-slot outlet.
  • Install tamper-resistant electrical outlets if you have young children.

• Extension Cords, Power Strips and Surge Protectors
  • Replace worn, old or damaged extension cords right away.
  • Use extension cords for temporary purposes only.
  • Avoid putting cords where they can be damaged or pinched, like under a carpet or rug.
  • Do not overload power strips.
  • Use power strips that have internal overload protection.

If your home does experience an electrical fire, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant specializes in fire damage restoration. We have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. 

In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, your Point Pleasant home may also suffer from water damage as a result of the firefighting efforts. This type of damage can be especially upsetting and destructive for your family to process. You may feel stressed, confused, and vulnerable, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We’ll treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll always treat your home and belongings with care.

After a Fire

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

A fire may leave the outside of your home untouched, as this one did in Ocean County, but the inside was covered in smoke and soot damage.

After a Fire

After a fire, the outside of your home may not show fire damage, but that does not mean that the inside fared as well. A small fire inside can leave the outside looking like new while the entire inside may be covered in smoke and soot. In addition to smoke and soot damage, your Toms River home may also suffer from water damage from the firefighting efforts.

Immediate action is crucial when dealing with fire damage. We are dedicated to responding immediately when you need help. A fast response helps lessen the damage, limits secondary damage, and reduces cost. This type of damage can be especially upsetting and destructive for your family to process. You may feel stressed, confused, and vulnerable, so you will need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We will treat you with respect and empathy, and we will always treat your home and belongings with care.

At SERVPRO of Point Pleasant, we specialize in fire and water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have extensive cleanup and restoration training to get your property back to pre-fire condition.

What Not To Do If Your Property Suffers From Smoke or Soot

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant was called in to make it "Like It Never Even Happened" after soot and smoke spread into the entire home from the fireplace.

A fire can leave behind soot, smoke damage and a host of other problems. Ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough professional cleaning. If your home or business suffers a fire, first contact SERVPRO of Point Pleasant before attempting to clean yourself. It is important NOT to do the following even though you think it might help the situation:

• Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces.
• Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture.
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV's, radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water.
• Do not consume any foods or beverages that may have been stores close to fire, heat or water as they may be contaminated.
• If ceiling is wet, do not turn on ceiling fans. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Do not send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor

Call Us Today at 732-202-3001. 

We specialize in fire and water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We’re dedicated to responding immediately when you need help. A fast response helps lessen the damage, limits secondary damage, and reduces cost.

Cooking Fire Restoration and Cleanup

2/16/2018 (Permalink)

This small cooking fire in Bayville, NJ caused significant smoke and soot damage throughout the home.

Cooking Fire Restoration and Cleanup

Cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.

Always cook with caution. Make sure you are focusing on your cooking and not sleepy, distracted, or drinking alcohol. Keep anything that could catch on fire away from your stovetop, such as oven mitts, towels, wooden utensils, food packaging and combustible items. Stay in the kitchen and use a timer to remind you of cooking times. If you need to leave the kitchen, even for a short amount of time, turn off the stove.

If a fire does break out in your kitchen, please remember these simple tips:

• Keep a lid nearby to smother a small grease fire on the stovetop. Carefully slide the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the lid on until the pan cools completely.
• Keep the oven door closed and turn off the heat in the event of an oven fire.
• Leave! Get out as fast as you can and if possible close doors to try to contain the fire.
• Call 911 or your local fire and police departments from outside your home.

Fires are not just frightening while the flames are blazing. The aftermath of a fire can be scary and devastating. Seeing the smoke, soot and water damage left behind can be heartbreaking. Even though the fire occurred in the kitchen, the entire house will need inspecting for both seen and unseen damage.

One of the biggest challenges after a kitchen fire is that you often have smoke and soot which leaves a residue made up of more than one type of material. Understanding how to best clean these residues and the proper tools to use is what SERVPRO of Point Pleasant, your local fire damage cleanup company, does on a daily basis.

Another difficult challenge may be the extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. The water removal process begins almost immediately after the structure is safe to enter. This process removes the majority of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

We hope you never have to experience a cooking fire, but if you do, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant will be there to treat you and your loved ones with respect and empathy, and will always treat your home and belongings with care throughout the restoration process.

Prevent Fire and Smoke Damage in Your Home on Thanksgiving

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

Prevent Fire and Smoke Damage in Your Home on Thanksgiving

It is almost that time of year again, the time to roast the turkey, bake the pies, boil the potatoes and make the stuffing. Because so many more people cook on Thanksgiving than any other day, the chance of a kitchen fire in your home increases greatly. Nearly four times as many kitchen fires occur on Thanksgiving Day compared with any typical day.

The American Red Cross offers these steps to remain safe in the kitchen at Thanksgiving and throughout the year:

1. Never leave cooking food unattended! Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food. If you have to leave the kitchen, even for a second, turn off the stove.
2. Check your food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking.
3. Use a timer so you remember that the stove or oven is on.
4. Don’t wear loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking.
5. Keep the kids away from the cooking area. Enforce a “kid-free zone” and make them stay at least three feet away from the stove.
6. Keep anything that can catch fire such as potholders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains, away from your stove, oven or any other appliance in the kitchen that generates heat.
7. Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
8. Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in your kitchen. Contact your local fire department to take training on the proper use of extinguishers.
9. Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are off.
10. Install a smoke alarm near your kitchen, on each level of your home, near sleeping areas, and inside and outside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed. Use the test button to check it each month. Replace all batteries at least once a year.

You friends and family at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant ask you to be prepared, cook responsibly and have a happy and safe Thanksgiving with your family and friends.

For additional Thanksgiving fire safety, please visit the National Fire Protection Agency and the  American Red Cross.

In the event of a kitchen fire on Thanksgiving or any day, call us at 721-202-3001.

Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!

10/8/2017 (Permalink)

The fire in this bedroom of a Whiting home spread quickly throughout the house. Please plan ahead with 2 exits, if possible, to help save lives.

Fire Prevention Week October 2017 

2017's Fire Prevention Week is Sunday, October 8 through Saturday, October 14. The National Fire Protection Association's 2017 theme is "Every Second Counts: Plan 2 Ways Out!"

This year's theme has 6 steps as follows:

• Draw a map of your home with all members of your household, marking two exits from each room and a path to the outside from each exit. Visit the National Fire Prevention Association website to get a free PDF of how to draw a map of your home.
• Practice your home fire drill twice a year. Conduct one at night and one during the day with everyone in your home, and practice using different ways out.
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
• Make sure the number of your home is clearly marked and easy for the fire department to find.
• Close doors behind you as you leave – this may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
• Once you get outside, stay outside. Never go back inside a burning building.

If you or your family do suffer a fire call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant. We specialize in fire and water damage restoration and have the specific damage restoration training, personnel, and equipment and can quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. Visit our website for more information or call us at 732-202-3001.

Please plan ahead to keep your family and loved ones safe. Please visit firepreventionweek.org for more information on Fire Prevention Week.

Fire Damage Leaves Smoke Damage in Its Wake

8/16/2017 (Permalink)

This photo shows soot and smoke damage to the walls from a fire in Beachwood, NJ before SERVPRO of Point Pleasant started the restoration process.

Fire Damage Leaves Smoke Damage in Its Wake

Resist DIY Cleanup. Here’s Why You Should Leave Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration to the Professionals.

When fire sweeps through a room or your entire home or building, you’ve got a big, stinky mess on your hands—not to mention having to deal with the emotional and financial tolls these disasters take on your life and livelihood.

While you may be tempted to tackle small jobs yourself, it’s important to resist the urge. Even seemingly minor cleanups require a lot more than just good old-fashioned elbow grease. And waiting too long to begin the smoke-damage restoration process can have dire consequences.

Once the real danger—the fire—has been extinguished, other hazards ignite.

1. First, there’s the terrible odor that lingers long after the event. This is tough to neutralize without using specialized professional-grade detergents, along with sealants that prevent more odor from escaping.

2. Left unchecked, residual ash—which is very acidic—may quickly and permanently:

• Discolor carpets, walls, clothing, plastic, fiberglass, finishes on appliances, and anything within close range of the fire
• Severely scratch glass surfaces
• Tarnish or corrode metal
• Damage wood and vinyl

Particles can spread quickly throughout the building, defiling other things in its path. Over time, ash can even harden to a lacquer-like consistency, making it more difficult to eliminate.

3. Smoke damage leaves black soot marks and charred areas on walls and ceilings. Extremely stubborn and hard to clean, these “blemishes” require herculean efforts to remove.

Some people make the attempt using highly toxic cleaning products like TSP (trisodium phosphate). However, if not used properly and with protective gear, these harsh chemicals can cause severe skin and eye irritation. Smoke damage restoration is grimy, dangerous work.

You have enough on your plate after experiencing fire related damage, and trying to clean up the mess yourself will only lead to further pain and suffering. Contact SERVPRO of Point Pleasant, your trained and certified local professionals to get you back to “Like it never even happened.”

And remember: Swift action is your best bet—the sooner a professional begins fire damage restoration, the sooner you’ll be back to normal.

Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant 24/7 at 732-202-3001 for any fire or smoke damage

Here’s What NOT to Do After a Fire in Your Point Pleasant or Brick Home

7/5/2017 (Permalink)

After the fire department deemed this Manahawkin residence safe to enter, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant was there to begin the restoration process.

Here’s What NOT to Do After a Fire

After a fire, it’s important for you to assess the safety of returning to your home, the hazards that might be present, and the damage to your belongings. But, equally important is what not to do. Here’s a quick list of things you might think to do but should refrain from:

Don’t Scrub

Walls, painted surfaces, carpeting and upholstery should be left to a professional fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO. Trying to clean them with household products can be counterproductive and cause further damage. We have the proper equipment and experience to get the job done right.

Don’t Clean or Test Electrical Appliances

Always consult a repair service before touching or using any electrical appliances that might have been compromised by the fire. Damaged appliances can spark and cause a secondary fire.

Don’t Consume Food or Beverages That Survived the Fire

Soot seeps into everything, including the inside of your refrigerator, freezer and cabinets. Any packed or canned items should be discarded. If your electricity is off, let your empty refrigerator and freezer air out by propping the doors open.

Don’t Turn on Ceiling Fans

Turning on a wet ceiling will cause additional water damage, and if the ceiling itself is also wet, the wiring might be damaged and dangerous. Try to rely on any natural cross breeze you can achieve rather than risking further damage to or from your ceiling fans.

Don’t Send Garments to a Dry Cleaner

Did you know that improper cleaning of smoke damaged clothing can cause the smoke odor to set in permanently? As fire damage restoration specialists, SERVPRO will help you find the right solution for all of your belongings, including your clothes, shoes and jewelry.

Don’t Try to Restore Your Belongings Yourself

It takes a true professional to restore a home to living condition after a fire. Don’t try to be that professional, especially in the midst of coping with the trauma of a house fire. If your Jersey Shore home and belongings have been damaged in a fire, call SERVPRO of Toms River at 732-349-9898.

Fourth of July Grill Fire Prevention

6/27/2017 (Permalink)

Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July from your friends and family at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant.

The 4th of July is almost here and that means that a lot of us will be getting ready to head outdoors for the warmer weather to enjoy barbecues. These are delightful ways to spend the holiday but fire safety should be a top priority. Patio torches, fire pits, grills, candles, campfires, fireworks and sparklers can easily start a fire that could result in injury or fire damage. 

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, about 5,700 grill fires take place on residential property every year, causing an annual average of $37 million in damage. The National Fire Protection Association offers these general grilling tips:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.

For more information on grilling safety please visit the NFPA. 

As your local fire damage restoration company, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant reminds you to always be vigilant when grilling.

What to Do After a Fire

5/14/2017 (Permalink)

This fire in Manahawkin, NJ was started by a dryer fire that quickly spread throughout the upstairs, causing fire, smoke and soot damage.

What to Do After a Fire

Fire is a threat to New Jersey homes year-round. From electrical malfunctions and cooking accidents to blistering summer days, the possibility of a fire is always present, which is why it’s important to know the steps to take if your home suffers fire damage.

Assess Safety

Once the fire department has extinguished the fire, they will indicate whether it’s safe for you to re-enter. Even if your property is deemed structurally safe for the time being, you should still have it assessed by additional professionals. In the meantime, while you are inside, be aware of hazards that can cause a slip and fall. Do not try to lift any wet materials by yourself, as they can be extremely heavy. If an area of your home seems like it might be unsafe, avoid the area until you can have it inspected by an engineer and/or your insurance company.

Assess Damage to Belongings

Being safe is the first priority, but your belongings are precious, too. You will want a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO to come in and provide water damage restoration, carpet and upholstery cleaning, odor removal and related services. To help us get a faster start, you can give us a list of the damage you see over the phone. We also recommend placing clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and high traffic areas to avoid mildew. Houseplants and other smaller items can be washed, but walls, woodwork and furniture should be left for us to take care of.

If Electricity is Off, Empty Fridge and Freezer

You don’t want to compound the situation with a refrigerator full of rotting food. If your electricity has been turned off, be sure to empty out your fridge and freezer. Take the trash out, and leave the fridge and freezer doors open to air out.

Change HVAC Filter

After a fire, your HVAC filter will likely be clogged with soot and smoke residue. This can make for unhealthy air quality, or cause your HVAC system to fail altogether. For both your and your HVAC system’s sake, change out the filter. Also consider taping double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to prevent unhealthy particles from getting into your lungs.

Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant for Fire Damage Restoration Services in NJ

Most importantly, leave fire restoration to the professionals. When fire and water take control of your life, SERVPRO will help you take it back. Click here to see how we can restore your belongings from smoke, soot and water damage.

Prevent Fire Damage and Smoke Damage to Your Home by Not Overloading Your Electrical Circuits

4/15/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage in Beachwood, NJ

Prevent Fire Damage and Smoke Damage to Your Home by Not Overloading Your Electrical Circuits

Overloaded electrical circuits are a major cause of residential fires. To help lower your risk of electrical fires and fire damage to your home look for these warning signs of overloaded circuits:

• Flickering, blinking, or dimming lights
• Warm or discolored wall plates or cords
• Cracking, sizzling, or buzzing from receptacles
• Mild shock or tingle from appliances, receptacles, or switches
• Frequently tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses
• Burning odor coming from receptacles or wall switches

In the event that a fire does start in your home:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Only use a dry fire extinguisher (NEVER put water on an electrical fire) or baking soda if you must try to put out the fire yourself.
• If the fire is large, do not try to handle it yourself but try to turn off the main power source without putting yourself in harm’s way.

If you have experienced an electrical fire in Ocean County home, it most likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Toms River have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant at 732-202-3001 to learn more about our fire damage restoration and smoke damage restoration services for your property or visit SERVPRO of Point Pleasant.

For more information on safety for overloaded electrical circuits please visit esfi or tipmont.

Why You Should Leave Smoke Damage Cleanup to the Professionals

2/15/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant on the process of cleaning the soot and smoke damage from this home in Lanoka Harbor, NJ.

Why You Should Leave Smoke Damage Cleanup to the Professionals

Once a fire is extinguished, you may think your Ocean County home is safe to re-enter and begin the cleanup process on your own. However, it is best that you enlist the help of a professional restoration company, like your local SERVPRO of Point Pleasant, to come in and take a look at your home and belongings to assess which items can be restored and which are best to be replaced.

When your home catches on fire, it is not just the flames that cause the damage but the water and chemicals firefighters use to put out the fires, as well as the smoke and soot that follow. Even if the fire was contained to a small area of your home, the smoke and soot could have easily traveled throughout your home. Soot and smoke have a tendency to get everywhere, and these particles are so small that they can pass through walls effortlessly. They will also cake onto furniture, countertops, floors and walls if not dealt with right away, causing discoloration and overpowering odors. Smoke damage cleaning has to address both issues to be completely effective.

Because the process of soot and smoke removal is extremely complex, it is important to leave this job to the professionals. As experts in the field of smoke and soot damage restoration, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant has the know-how, manpower and equipment to complete the task properly.

Have Soot or Smoke Damage?

Call SERVPRO of Point Peasant at 732-202-3001.

Valentine's Day Candle Safety

2/3/2017 (Permalink)

Soot damage to the walls of this home in Toms River, NJ are in the process of being cleaned by our team at SERVPRO of Point Pleasant.

Before Things Heat Up on Valentine’s Day Read These Candle Fire Safety Tips

Valentine’s Day is Tuesday, February 14 and whether you are planning on spending it with that special someone or getting together with friends, candle safety is a top priority. Follow these fire candle safety tips to keep you loved ones and friends safe this Valentine’s Day:

• Make sure all candles are in sturdy, designated holders made of glass, metal or ceramic.


• Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that could burn or catch on fire.


• Place candles on a flat surface where they could not be knocked over.


• Keep all candles out of reach of children and pets.


• Blow out all candles when you leave a room or before you go to sleep.


• Never use candles in a home with an oxygen tank.


• Make sure fire alarms are in working order before you light your candles.


• When possible, use battery-operated candles.

Fire departments responded to an estimated 9,300 home structural fires started by candles per year reported by NFPA. If you do experience fire or smoke damage SERVPRO of Point Pleasant will be there to treat your family with empathy and your home with great care.

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant understands that fire and smoke damage can be especially destructive. In many instances your Ocean County property will also suffer from water damage from firefighting efforts. We specialize in fire and water damage restoration; it’s the cornerstone of our business. We have specialized equipment, specific training, and certifications that allow us restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (732)-202-3001

Fire Damage Restoration: What to do After a Fire in Your Ocean County Home or Business

1/27/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant was called in to clean the soot and smoke damage. The entire home had smoke damage as a result of this fire.

Fire Damage Restoration: What to do After a Fire in Your NJ Home or Business

The effects of a fire are felt long after the blaze is extinguished. When you return to your home or business to assess the damage, the combination of shock, distress, and not knowing where to start can be overwhelming.

As one of the most trusted fire damage restoration companies in Point Pleasant, NJ and the surrounding area, SERVPRO of Point Pleasant offers fast, responsive fire repair services.

Types of Fire Damage

Fire damage can manifest itself in many ways. A fire might cause any combination of the following:

• Overpowering smoke odor


• Ash and soot


• Charring


• Dangerous chemical releases or reactions


• Structural hazards


• Water damage


• Mold

Fire Damage Restoration Services & Process

Once your property has been deemed safe to re-enter, restoration can begin. Call SERVPRO of Point Pleasant so we can walk you through our fire damage repair process, which includes:

• Emergency Response


• Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment


• Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)


• Water Removal and Drying (if needed)


• Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces


• Cleaning and Repair


• Restoration to Pre-Fire Condition

Why SERVPRO of Point Pleasant?

If a fire has damaged your home or business, count on SERVPRO of Point Pleasant to deliver the highest level of attention and expertise. We provide:

• Immediate Response


• Highly Trained Professionals (Fire & Smoke Restoration, Odor Control, Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning, Water Damage)


• Specialized Equipment


• Emphasis on Restoring Over Replacing


• Personalized, Local Care Backed by a Nationally Trusted Name

SERVPRO of Point Pleasant can help you limit damage, reduce costs, restore your property, and quickly regain a sense of normalcy. We live and work in the same community as you, which means we’re close by and fully committed to serving your fire damage restoration needs. Call us at 732-202-3001, or request help online.