Recent Fire Damage Posts

Ten Electrical Safety Tips for Every Home

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Saftey If your home has had a fire, it is important that you don't use electronics that were close to the blaze.

In this modern world, electricity currents are coursing all around us in our homes, helping us accomplish our daily activities. But remember that electricity still poses a possible danger to your home. Avoid accidentally causing a fire with these electrical safety tips.

Keep Your Electrical System Up-to-Date

If you’re in an older home with outdated wiring, you need to contact an electrical professional to take a look at the state of your home’s wiring. Over time, elements of your wiring may have degraded or been damaged. Older wiring also may not be able to provide the power needed to keep all of your technology and appliances running. The amount of energy is greater per each appliance today than the items they used 20 or 50 years ago. Getting it checked out and upgraded if needed will keep your home safe. 

Use Appliances with Caution

Make sure you’re using appliances or items with electrical connections correctly. This means keeping appliances away from water and moisture. Another tip is to give your technology that generates internal heat space to breathe. This will allow air to circulate properly and keep the appliance or device from overheating.

Regularly Check your Electrical Cords 

It’s a good safety measure to regularly check the most frequently used electrical cords in your home. Check them for frays and cracks; these can leave holes for electricity to run through and harm anything it touches. If you do discover frays and cracks, stop using that cord and get a replacement. Don’t cover cords with fabric material such as a rug or modify cords yourself. If you believe that your cords are damaged, ask a professional to take a look. To make your cords last longer, unplug them by grabbing at the base of the plug instead of yanking it out of the wall by the cord section.

Avoid Overloading Outlets

Overloading an outlet is one of the most common causes of a house fire. Don’t try to put too many plugs into one outlet. If you require more outlets than your power strip can handle, then it’s time to look into getting more outlets installed in your home.

Warm Outlets? Beware

A glaring sign of an electrical issue in your home is a warm or hot outlet. Warmth or sparking from an outlet often means that electricity is arcing inside. Using outlets like this puts your home at risk of a fire. Call an electrical professional to fix the problem.

Don’t Ignore Frequently Flickering Lights

It’s typical for lights to flicker every once in a while. But if the lights throughout your house are constantly flickering, then it’s a possible sign that your home’s wiring system can’t handle the amount of power used daily. There may be too many connections on a single circuit, or you may need to replace your electrical panel.

Block Unused Outlets

If you have small children living in your home, then we suggest you block any unused outlets for their safety. The last thing that needs to happen is an accident because a child was unknowingly playing with an outlet. Cover unused outlets with a solid plate or plug them up with safe plug covers.

Ground Older Appliances

Grounding means that electrical energy is being directed from the appliance to the earth with a resistant conductor. Check to see if your appliance is grounded properly, if not, it can pose a safety threat. If you have older or large appliances with a two-prong plug, you should replace them with a new version that has the ground prong for your safety.

Be Familiar with Your Breakers 

You should be familiar with the electrical breakers in every home you live in. If you notice your breakers tripping frequently, then it may mean that you’re overloading a circuit. You need to reconfigure your appliances or update your wiring system to prevent this from continuing or turning into a bigger safety hazard.

Do You Have Fire Damage? Contact SERVPRO® of Moore

If you’ve experienced fire damage, small or big, in your home due to an electrical fire, call SERVPRO® of Moore. Our team will restore your home as quickly as possible with structural restoration, cleaning, and deodorization so you can get back to taking care of your family. Reach out to us today to assess the damage.

Precautionary Measures To Prevent a Fire on Your Property

4/17/2023 (Permalink)

protecting your home Whether it's cleaning, restoration, or construction, our team is a one-stop shop for all your mitigation or restoration needs.

Fires are dangerous and can pose serious risks to your health and property. Experiencing a fire can be a life-changing event for your family or business. What’s more concerning is that property fires are not uncommon. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1.35 million fires in 2021 caused 3,800 civilian fire deaths, 14,700 reported fire injuries and $15.9 billion worth of property damage. 

The good news is SERVPRO of Moore experts can repair your property back to preloss conditions in these situations. Many causes of fires are preventable, and following fire safety tips can help keep you from falling victim to a property blaze. 

Keep Matches and Lighters Out of Kids’ Reach 

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to prevent a fire on your property is to keep matches, lighters, and other sources of ignition out of children’s reach. It’s also a good idea to teach kids about fire safety, conveying the message that matches and lighters are tools for adults to use, not toys for them to play with. 

Install and Test Smoke Alarms Regularly 

A 2021 report by the NFPA revealed that almost three out of five home fire deaths occurred in homes without smoke alarms (41 percent) or faulty detectors (16 percent). Smoke alarms and detectors give you and your loved ones enough time to escape during a fire, so it’s crucial to ensure you have them and that they’re working properly. 

It’s best to install the detectors on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and adjacent corridors. Moreover, testing your alarms every month, replacing the batteries at least once a year, and keeping the detectors clean can help toward fire prevention. 

Have a Fire Extinguisher Ready 

Besides checking your smoke alarms, having working fire extinguishers inside your home is also critical in the event of a fire. They aid in first-aid fire-fighting, helping you put out small fires or suppress flames until help arrives. 

Considering their importance, it’s also vital that you know how to use them. Reading the directions and familiarizing yourself with how your unit operates is a good idea since you won’t have the time to do so during a fire. 

Never Smoke Inside 

It may seem unlikely, but cigarettes can cause destructive residential fires. The additives and materials inside them can continue to smolder even if you think you’ve put them out, and the flame can then ignite on your bed or inside your trash can and start a fire. 

The most straightforward way to save yourself from having to enlist fire damage restoration is to smoke outside the home. It’s also a good idea to use deep ashtrays with water to ensure the cigarette butts are fully extinguished.

Cook With Care and Attention 

A report by the NFPA also revealed that cooking activities started an average of 172,900 home structure fires every year from 2014 to 2018. The leading cause of cooking fires and the resulting casualties? Unattended cooking. 

Here are some practical fire safety tips worth following to stay safe in the kitchen:

  • Never leave any cooking unattended. 
  • Avoid wearing loose or long-sleeved clothing when cooking, as it can ignite if you get too close to the range. 
  • Turn all pot and skillet handles inward to keep kids from reaching into and toppling over a hot pot. 
  • Put combustible materials like paper products, dish towels, or oven mitts away from the stovetop. 
  • Clean spilled grease as soon as it cools, as built-up grease is combustible. 
  • Never use water to put out the flames in case of a grease fire, as the water will quickly turn into steam and cause severe burns.
  • Instead, smother the flames using a fire blanket or fire extinguisher. 

Practice Open Fire Safety 

Fireplaces can be a cozy way to keep your home warm during winter. However, it pays to remember that they also present a fire risk, especially if used without care. 

To keep your house comfortably warm and safe, it helps to have your chimney cleaned every late summer or fall before you start using it more regularly for the colder months. Once winter comes in, installing a fireplace screen helps keep the burning embers from spreading into the room and accidentally burning anyone near it. 

Check Your Wirings and Appliances

If your home is an older one, it’s a good idea to have your electrical wiring system checked by a qualified electrician. Left unaddressed, issues like worn-out insulation, outdated wiring, frequently tripping breakers, and warm outlets can cause electrical malfunctions and lead to overwhelming house fires.   

Besides checking your property’s wiring, it’s also crucial to use your appliances wisely. Here are some pointers to remember: 

  • Replace cracked or frayed electrical cords immediately. 
  • If an appliance begins to smoke or produce an unusual smell, unplug it right away and have it repaired. 
  • Avoid plugging large appliances into extension cords. 
  • Keep combustible materials like curtains and furniture away from space heaters.

Be Extra Careful During the Holidays 

Winter holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are among the leading days of the year for home fires, so it’s best to remain aware of precautionary measures throughout the celebrations. Boost your fire prevention efforts by keeping these tips in mind: 

  • Be Careful With Your Turkey Fryers: Since they require large amounts of boiling oil and are often placed on a stand, make sure to only use them outdoors. Putting them on a stable surface and keeping kids and pets away at all times also helps prevent accidents and injuries. 
  • Take Care of Your Christmas Tree: Watering it every day is crucial as dried-out trees can easily catch fire. 
  • Inspect Your Holiday Lights Before Use: Before you light up your decorations, ensure you’re not plugging more than three sets of lights into a single extension cord. You’ll also want to check for frayed, cracked or damaged cords.  

Know the Experts To Call for Help for Fire Damage Restoration

While a property fire is everyone’s worst nightmare, there are plenty of things you can do to keep your house safe and protect your loved ones from harm. Diligently following the fire safety tips listed above can make all the difference in avoiding a property blaze, minimizing losses, and preventing injuries.  

Culminate your preparations by knowing the right professionals to call in case of a fire, like SERVPRO of Moore. Dealing with the aftermath of a blaze can be emotionally stressful, but our certified fire damage restoration experts are here to provide caring and immediate services to you and your property. Call us anytime for your fire and smoke damage cleanup needs. 

What You Need To Know About Fire Restoration

3/23/2023 (Permalink)

residental fire damage The aftermath of fire damage affects not only the structure of your property but also your personal belongings.

When your home is damaged by fire, the damage may seem minor, but if not properly documented, it may lead to more problems later. Without professional help, your insurance company may deny any future claims. Fire restoration services to help you document the damage and file accurate claims. In many cases, fire restoration services take over before your insurance company does. They can help you rebuild your home or business after a fire. SERVPRO of Moore is one such company. We assist with documentation, emergency board-up, soot removal, demolition, and repair of damaged areas.

The cost of fire damage restoration can be expensive, especially if you lose time or have several items to be restored. Fortunately, there are many ways to minimize your cost. By following a few simple guidelines, you can avoid the rising costs of fire restoration. First, prevent fire from spreading. In the event that a fire occurs, it is best to contact a professional fire damage restoration company as soon as possible. The sooner you begin the restoration process, the less expensive it will be.

Depending on the size of the fire, there are many different ways to determine the cost of fire damage restoration. The cost of simple single-fuel fires can be much less than a complex fire with artificial materials and incomplete combustion. Additionally, the cost of fire damage restoration can depend on the type of fire extinguisher used to put out the blaze. Carbon dioxide extinguishers don’t cost anything extra, but chemical extinguishers can leave toxic residues.

The smoke in a fire causes visible and invisible damage to your home. Fire damage restoration services use sophisticated equipment to provide superior results. You can start the restoration process by increasing ventilation in the affected area. You can use dry-cleaning sponges, rubbing alcohol, or vinegar to remove embedded particles. Trisodium phosphate is particularly helpful in releasing embedded particles. Soot removers made for smoke damage are also useful.

Water damage can also damage your possessions. Firefighting water can damage materials, causing mold growth. Firefighting chemicals also leave behind a messy mess. Using the services of SERVPRO’s fire damage restoration professionals is vital. We are licensed and insured. Our goal is to make this disaster feel "Like it never even happened." and get your home back to its original condition sooner.

6 Steps to Fire Damage Restoration

1/26/2023 (Permalink)

fire damage Smoke damage to a residential property affected by fire damage

If you have suffered from fire damage, and your home has sustained smoke damage or soot damage, you may wonder what your next step should be. Navigating the fire cleanup process can be difficult and confusing, but here are the SERVPRO of Moore guidelines to follow to make your course of action a bit easier.

  1. Call for Emergency Services

Contact a fire restoration company as soon as possible. Most companies offer 24-hour services and can assist you right away.

  1. Appraisal of Damage

Most companies send a professional to assess your home for smoke damage, soot damage and water damage. From there, it is possible to create a plan for repair.

  1. Damage Prevention

Fires frequently damage or threaten the integrity of windows, doors, roofs or walls. These can all be temporarily repaired so that further damage does not occur before the fire restoration process can take place.

  1. Water, Smoke and Soot Removal

Once you have ensured that your home does not sustain additional damage, the fire restoration company can begin to remove water from the home and repair water damage, if there is any. Smoke cleaning and soot cleaning occur at this point to remove traces of the fire from the surfaces of your home, such as ceilings, walls and floors.

  1. Cleaning and Disinfecting

The next step is for the company to clean and repair any salvageable items in the house, such as furniture or cabinetry. In addition, the air is usually scrubbed by special equipment to improve the air quality inside your home.

  1. Restoration of Finishes

After the major structures and furniture have been repaired, it is time to bring your home back to its pre-fire condition. Sometimes, this is minor, such as repainting a room. Other times, it can be more complicated, such as small construction projects.

After a restoration company has completed its work, all signs of smoke damage should be removed, your home should be back to its original condition and all signs that a fire has occurred should be gone

5 Ways To Prevent House Fires

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

fire damage a home damaged by fire

We’ve all  heard the stories, or at least seen someone's story on tv. It starts out of nowhere, then- before they knew it- FIRE! The damages of a fire can be disastrous, In fact, there are about 365,500 house fires in the U.S. every year. On average, 7 people die in U.S. house fires every day. SERVPRO®? of Moore wants to help keep your home and loved ones safe, it is critical that you follow these 5 tips.

Smoke Alarms

This one should be a no-brainer. Smoke alarms are absolutely essential for keeping your home safe. Make sure you install at least one on every level of your home and inside all the bedrooms in the house.

Battery Changes

Having smoke alarms is great, as long as you alway remember to make sure they’re working. Test the smoke alarms once per month, and if the batteries are dead, replace them.

 Checking The Home

 Be sure to check certain systems in your home regularly. You may even want to hire a professional to ensure that your home is thoroughly inspected. The things you should regularly check include; the condition of your home’s electrical system, the natural gas/LP gas system in your home, and the air conditioning and heating units in your home.

Kitchen Safety

One of the most common causes of house fires is something going wrong in the kitchen. To ensure your safety in the kitchen,  SERVPRO®? of Moore wants you to follow these practices: When you’re cooking on a stove and need to leave the stove for a minute or two, turn it off rather than letting it cook unattended. Don’t cook while under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, or if you’re tired. Also, ensure that no clothes or rags are left on or near a burner.

Safe Use of Wires

Faulty wiring and outlets are one of the top causes of house fires. So make sure your wires and outlets are working properly. Do not attempt to plug or unplug anything if your hands are wet. Also, don’t pinch or cover electrical cords with items like rugs.

If all of the above steps are followed, and the unthinkable fire still occurs, remember that  SERVPRO®? of Moore fire damage restoration experts will be ready and faster to your disaster and make it feel “Like It Never Even Happened”.

5 Ways To Prevent House Fires

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

fire damage home damaged by fire, water and smoke.

We’ve all  heard the stories, or at least seen someone's story on tv. It starts out of nowhere, then- before they knew it- FIRE! The damages of a fire can be disastrous, In fact, there are about 365,500 house fires in the U.S. every year. On average, 7 people die in U.S. house fires every day. SERVPRO®? of Moore wants to help keep your home and loved ones safe, it is critical that you follow these 5 tips.

Smoke Alarms

This one should be a no-brainer. Smoke alarms are absolutely essential for keeping your home safe. Make sure you install at least one on every level of your home and inside all the bedrooms in the house.

Battery Changes

Having smoke alarms is great, as long as you alway remember to make sure they’re working. Test the smoke alarms once per month, and if the batteries are dead, replace them.

 Checking The Home

 Be sure to check certain systems in your home regularly. You may even want to hire a professional to ensure that your home is thoroughly inspected. The things you should regularly check include; the condition of your home’s electrical system, the natural gas/LP gas system in your home, and the air conditioning and heating units in your home.

Kitchen Safety

One of the most common causes of house fires is something going wrong in the kitchen. To ensure your safety in the kitchen,  SERVPRO®? of Moore wants you to follow these practices: When you’re cooking on a stove and need to leave the stove for a minute or two, turn it off rather than letting it cook unattended. Don’t cook while under the influence of any drugs or alcohol, or if you’re tired. Also, ensure that no clothes or rags are left on or near a burner.

Safe Use of Wires

Faulty wiring and outlets are one of the top causes of house fires. So make sure your wires and outlets are working properly. Do not attempt to plug or unplug anything if your hands are wet. Also, don’t pinch or cover electrical cords with items like rugs.

If all of the above steps are followed, and the unthinkable fire still occurs, remember that  SERVPRO®? of Moore fire damage restoration experts will be ready and faster to your disaster and make it feel “Like It Never Even Happened”.

Fire Damage Restoration Process

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

fire damage Home damaged by fire

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO® of Moore has the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you give us a call. Our specialist will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us arrive quickly with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, SERVPRO of Moore can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

SERVPRO of Moore uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Holiday Fire-Safety Tips

12/17/2021 (Permalink)

The holidays are upon us and decorating for Christmas is something we all love to do. Pretty lights, candles, and decorations enhance the holiday spirit - however, if they are not used carefully, your holidays may go from festive to frightening.

The American Red Cross offers the following safety tips to help greatly reduce the fire risk in your home or business this holiday season:

  • Place Christmas trees, candles, and other holiday decorations at least three feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, portable heaters, radiators, heat vents, and candles.
  • Make sure light strings and other holiday decorations are in good condition. Do not use anything with frayed electrical cords and always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Always unplug tree and holiday lights before leaving the property or going to bed.
  • Never use lit candles to decorate a tree. Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or before going to bed.
  • Use only sturdy tree stands designed not to tip over. Keep curious pets and children away from Christmas trees.
  • Keep anything that can catch on fire - like pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, and towels or curtains - away from your stove top.
  • Designate one person to walk around your home or business to ensure all candles and smoking materials are properly extinguished after guests leave. SERVPRO of Moore professionals wish you all a safe and happy holiday season!

Leading Causes of Residential Fire Damage

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Firemen spray water from a hose on a house fire Both the fire itself and the aftermath needs to be dealt with as quickly as possible in order to minimize possible damage.

The team here at SERVPRO of Moore is no stranger to housefires. In 2018, there were 379,600 fires, which resulted in over $8 million dollars of loss. Between 2009 and 2018, there was a 4% increase in fires at residential properties.

Cooking is the leading cause of residential fires, accounting for 197,200 fires in 2018. Heating systems were the second leading cause of residential fires. Electronic malfunctions caused 25,700 fires in 2018. Aside from unintentionally/carelessly started fires, these were the three leading causes of residential fires over a ten year period.

It can be hard to protect your home from all the potential dangers, but SERVPRO of Moore is here to help in the instance that anything does happen to your residence. Give us a call at (405) 289-9401 or submit an information form!

With Fire Damage, Expect Water damage

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Image of home kitchen following house fire damage. Fire damage can take a toll, but so can water damage incurred from putting out the original fire.

Imagine a restoration company shows up at your house after you’ve had a fire, and the first thing they check for is water damage. Doesn’t that seem a little counterintuitive, especially considering how fire and water are opposites?

However, fire and water are much more like kindred spirits than you would think, especially when it comes to how they impact each other in damaging structures, spaces and belongings. 

When there is fire damage, there is almost always going to be water damage. Think about when the fire department is involved in a house fire — most likely, your space will get hosed down. Or if your building has a sprinkler system that can be triggered by smoke or intense heat, the structure that has been burned will be immediately soaked with water. Consider the way fire can bend and damage structures, including pipes that may leak within a building.

All of these scenarios can occur because of fire damage, so it is necessary that whatever restoration company you’re working with must understand the ins and outs of fire damage restoration but be well-versed in other categories of restoration as well. 

This is especially true because water restoration is a major part (and the first task) of the fire damage restoration process. Before someone can effectively treat your fire damaged household, you must first mitigate the water damage. This includes examining and evaluating the damage that may have been done to your drywall, floors, ceilings and/or belongings.

Also, did you know that if water stays around long enough, it can result in mold growth and damage? So fire damage can start the domino effect causing your space to be damaged by other elements.

That’s why SERVPRO® of Moore provides experts and services for all types of damage restoration — fire, water, mold storm and commercial. This way, you don’t have to wait for the water restoration company to show up before you can start the fire restoration process. You can have them treated simultaneously!

If you ever have damage from not only one but multiple causes, make sure to invest in a company like SERVPRO® of Moore that has its hand in all aspects of restoration. Otherwise, you’ll end up spending a lot more time and money than necessary.

Professionally Service Your Heating Unit Before Winter

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

Central Heating & Air Unit Servicing your heating unit prior to the winter season will ensure you and your home stay safe.

Most Moore residents don’t generally think about their heating unit until it’s time to crank up the heat or there's an impending ice storm of doom heading our way. However, neglecting this crucial piece of home equipment when it’s not in use could wind up costing you in the long run. Higher heating bills while inconvenient are manageable, but fire cleaning and smoke cleaning costs tend to be more expensive. Here are some tips to keep your furnace in good working condition.

Get Your Heating Unit Professionally Serviced

The general rule of thumb is to get a professional to inspect and service your heating unit once a year, typically in the early fall. This timing gives you the opportunity to fix any problems a technician finds before temperatures drop and you need to turn up the heat. Professional furnace technicians typically do the following during an annual inspection:

  • Clean your furnace
  • Test for operational efficiency
  • Tighten loose hardware and replace any broken parts
  • Check the wiring for fire hazards

The last action is essential to preventing home fires and avoiding additional fire cleaning costs, including flooding and smoke remediation.

Perform Simple Heating Unit Maintenance Throughout the Year


While it is best to have a professional take on more complex heater maintenance tasks, there are some easy things you can do throughout the year to keep your heating unit in prime condition. The most critical thing is to replace your filters regularly — every 90 days is standard for some filter types. If you have pets, however, it is best to switch the filters every 60 days.
You also need to check your thermostat to ensure it is working in tandem with your furnace’s electrical system. Circuits can get tripped and if they aren’t fixed, it can cause a larger, more expensive issue down the line. Finally, make sure you choose a sensible temperature for your home so as not to exhaust your system and keep your heating bills down.


Avoid the need for fire cleaning. If you diligently maintain your furnace, it will thank you with years of worry-free and fire-free warmth.