What Are the Leading Causes of Residential Fires in Scottsville?

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Albemarle County.

October marks Residential Fire Awareness Month, a month dedicated to raising awareness about residential fires and ensuring your home and family are protected. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more home fires and fire casualties result from five sources: cooking, heating, electrical distribution, lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials.

For years, our local Charlottesville team has been restoring fire damage in Scottsville, and offer these statistics from the NFPA related to fire damage:

• More than one-quarter (26 percent) of reported fires in 2015-2019 occurred in homes. Even worse, three-quarters (75 percent) of civilian fire deaths and almost three-quarters (72 percent) of all reported injuries were caused by home fires.
• During these five years, United States fire departments responded to an estimated average of 346,800 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,620 civilian deaths, 11,070 civilian fire injuries, and $7.3 billion in direct property damage.
• Over the five years of 2015–2019, cooking was the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, while smoking was the leading cause of home fire deaths.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Scottsville has fire damage and you need fire damage restoration services;  our local Charlottesville team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Expect When I Call for Fire Damage Restoration Services in Ivy?

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

We are highly trained and certified to restore fire damage in Albemarle County.

If you have ever been in a residential fire, you know how chaotic and stressful the experience can be. Our local Charlottesville team is highly trained and certified to perform all phases of restoration, from boarding and tarping the structure to minimize the chances for secondary damage, to safely cleaning and repairing your home. Ivy residents can rely on our fast emergency response and our use of advanced technology and cleaning protocols to safely clean and repair fire damage, no matter how big the job is.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Process

Every fire damage situation is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. When materials burn, they leave behind a unique signature of soot that varies greatly depending on what fueled the fire and requires a specific cleaning procedure. The steps listed below reflect the steps we take for a “typical” fire loss:

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)
4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
6. Cleaning and Repair
7. Restoration

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Ivy has fire damage and you need cleanup and restoration services, our local Charlottesville team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Air Conditioner Unit Catches Fire and Causes Soot and Smoke Damage in Charlottesville Home?

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

We are highly trained and certified to restore fire damage in Albemarle County.

It’s pretty rare for an air conditioning unit to catch fire, but it can happen. Our local Charlottesville team restores fire damage in Charlottesville every year. To minimize the risk of an air conditioning unit catching fire, homeowners can take the following precautions from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Have the unit installed by a professional technician according to manufacturer guidelines and local building codes
• Schedule regular maintenance and inspections by qualified HVAC professionals
• Keep the area around the air conditioning unit clean and free of flammable materials
• Replace worn-out or damaged power cords, wires, and electrical components
• Ensure proper ventilation and airflow around the unit
• Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in the vicinity of the air conditioning unit
• In case of any unusual sounds, odors, or performance issues with the unit, immediately turn it off and have it inspected by a professional

While the risk of an indoor air conditioning unit catching fire is relatively low, it's essential to prioritize safety and take appropriate measures to prevent any potential hazards. Regular maintenance and professional inspections can help identify and address any potential issues before they turn into dangerous situations.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business sustains fire damage and you need fire damage restoration services, our local Charlottesville team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire, smoke, and soot damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Scottsville Home Suffers Property Damage During Summer Storm?

9/12/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in storm damage restoration services in Albemarle County.

Our local Charlottesville team is trained and certified to mitigate and restore storm damage quickly and efficiently. Storms can cause flash flooding and property damage with little or no early warning, so making sure you are prepared for any eventuality is key to protecting your home from damage. One of the top causes of storm damage is a malfunctioning or improperly installed sump pump. Here are some tips from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety to keep your sump pump working correctly:

• Open the lid and remove debris that may be blocking the water inlet screen
• Pour about five gallons of water into the pump and watch the float valve rise
• As the float valve rises, the pump should turn on, and the water should discharge through the outlet pipe
• Go outside and inspect the outlet pipe
• Water should be flowing from the pipe and away from the home
• Contact a plumbing professional if the sump pump fails to operate during this inspection
• Install a battery backup system
• Choose a system with a battery replacement warning
• Replace batteries every two to three years

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Scottsville has storm damage and you need emergency storm damage mitigation and restoration services, our local Charlottesville team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Charlottesville Prepares Elderly Communities for Disasters?

9/5/2023 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Albemarle County.

Our local Charlottesville team responds to storm damage emergencies throughout the year in Albermarle County. We know that our training, experience, and use of powerful, industrial-grade equipment saves our customers time and money in many cases.

National Preparedness Month

During September each year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) creates awareness about the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters. This year’s theme focuses on addressing the needs of elderly populations and providing resources and materials to ensure inclusivity in emergency planning and response.

Elderly individuals are often more susceptible to the impacts of disasters. They may have physical limitations, chronic health conditions, or reduced mobility, limiting their ability to respond quickly or evacuate if necessary. Preparing them in advance ensures they have the support and resources required to overcome these challenges. Older adults may face increased risks during disasters because they may require regular medications, medical equipment, or specialized care, which can be disrupted during emergencies. Adequate preparation ensures their unique needs are addressed and reduces the potential for adverse outcomes.

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business in Charlottesville has a storm damage emergency and you need storm damage mitigation and restoration services, our local Charlottesville team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Outdoor Electrical Lighting Fire in Crozet Backyard?

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in Albemarle County.

Our local Charlottesville team is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration services. Crozet residents have relied on us to restore fire damage for many years. One leading cause of fire damage is electrical fires. Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association for staying safe around electrical equipment and powerlines.

Powerlines

Have a professional tree cutting service trim branches that might fall on electric wiring. Use a wooden or fiberglass ladder outside. Keep the ladder at least 10 feet away from power lines. Never touch anyone or anything in contact with a downed wire. Power lines may be live; stay a safe distance away. Report downed wires to authorities right away.

Equipment Safety

• Have a qualified electrician do all the electrical work
• To prevent an electric shock, make sure all your outside electrical receptacles are ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected
• Use lighting and power tools that are listed by a qualified test laboratory and make sure they are made for outdoor use
• Store your electric tools indoors
• Keep electric tools away from children
• Check all lighting and extension cords for damage before using. Replace damaged cords right away.
• Use extension cords that are listed by a qualified test laboratory and are marked for outdoor use. Extension cords are not meant for long-term use.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Crozet has fire damage and you need fire damage restoration services, our local Charlottesville team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

North Garden Home Flooding Caused by a Cracked Dishwasher Water Seal?

8/22/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in water damage restoration services in Albemarle County.

According to the United States Energy Information Administration, 80 million households have a dishwasher in our country. Our local Charlottesville team responds to water damage emergencies every week and some of them involve flooding from failed dishwashers.

There are things you can do to minimize the potential for a dishwasher disaster. Dishwashers handle significant amounts of water, and if it manages to leak out of the appliance, it can lead to flooding disasters. That's why it's crucial to regularly inspect and maintain the door seals of your dishwasher, which are usually made from a rubbery plastic material.

How can I tell if I need to replace my dishwasher door seal?

It's easy. Keep an eye out for a few telltale signs: cracks, loosening, brittleness, or a worn-out appearance. Also, if you notice excessive steam escaping through the seal while the dishwasher is running, that's another red flag. Any of these indicators should alert you that it's time to replace the seal right away. By doing so, you'll be effectively preventing more severe issues like leaks and potential floods from occurring.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in North Garden has a water damage emergency, our local Charlottesville team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Keswick Residents Prepare to Evacuate Ahead of Hurricane Warning?

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

We restore hurricane damage “Like it never even happened” in Albemarle County.

Our Charlottesville team wants everyone to be prepared for hurricane season in Keswick. Although we are not located on the coast, hurricanes do impact us, so having an evacuation plan in place can ensure that you are ready if and when an evacuation order is issued.

The National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offer this helpful information for creating an evacuation plan as follows:

• Write down emergency phone numbers and keep them on the refrigerator or near every phone in your house. Program them into your cell phone too.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit
• Locate the nearest shelter and different routes you can take to get there from your home. If shelter locations in your area have not been identified, learn how to find them in the event of a storm.
• Pet owners: Pre-identify shelters, a pet-friendly hotel, or an out-of-town friend or relative where you can take your pets in an evacuation

Call Us Today!

In 2011, hurricane Irene affected the Mid Atlantic Region bringing storm surge flooding. Hurricanes have caused wind damage, flooding damage, and significant damage to homes and businesses. When your home or commercial building in Keswick is damaged by a hurricane, our local Charlottesville team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Summer Storms Cause Property Damage in Charlottesville?

8/7/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Albemarle County.

Our Charlottesville team has seen its share of storm damage. Here are some examples of the kinds of storm systems that may affect Albermarle County during the summer from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:

Thunderstorms: Thunderstorms are a frequent occurrence in Charlottesville during the summer. These storms are often accompanied by heavy rain, thunder, lightning, and gusty winds. They can develop quickly and bring localized downpours, lightning strikes, and occasional hail.

Tropical Storms and Hurricanes: Although Charlottesville is not located on the coast, it can still be impacted by the remnants of tropical systems that move inland from the Atlantic Ocean or Gulf of Mexico. These systems can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and the potential for localized flooding. While the intensity of these systems diminishes as they move inland, they can still produce significant rainfall.

Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS): MCS refers to large clusters or complexes of thunderstorms that can persist for several hours. These systems often form during the evening or overnight hours and can produce heavy rain, frequent lightning, and strong winds. MCS events can occasionally lead to flash flooding and damaging wind gusts.

Severe Thunderstorms: Severe thunderstorms are characterized by strong winds, large hail, and the potential for tornadoes. These storms can cause significant damage to property and pose a risk to public safety.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial building is damaged by a storm, our local Charlottesville team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Overnight Water Damage Emergency in Charlottesville Commercial Property?

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

We restore commercial water damage 24 hours a day in Albemarle County.

When the commercial water heating system failed in our multi-unit salon complex, we needed emergency services immediately. The supply line to the heating equipment had disconnected and thousands of gallons of water flooded the hallways and was starting to enter some of the salons. We called the local Charlottesville team and they came out right away and immediately began the water extraction process. Their water extraction equipment pulled thousands of gallons of water up quickly, saving the floors and carpeted areas from more severe damage.

The building opened on time with minimal disruption to customers and salon owners. The drying process was monitored and documented and after the damaged areas were dried completely, the entire floor was cleaned and sanitized. Now you would never know the building had flooded!

Water Damage Restoration Process

Although every water damage loss varies in scope, we follow the same process as follows:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

You never know when an appliance will fail and cause water damage to your commercial property or home in Charlottesville, but when you need us, our local Charlottesville team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 434-977-5850.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.