How to File Your Smoke Damage Insurance Claims

After a fire incident, homeowners and business owners have to deal with more than just fire damage. Water damage from firefighting efforts and residual soot and smoke must immediately be addressed to prevent further problems from occurring. This is a job that is best done by professionals, such as the team at ServiceMaster of the Upstate.

Without proper cleaning techniques and the right equipment, it can be very difficult to return a home or business to pre-disaster condition after it has been damaged by smoke and fire.

A home or business owner may opt to file an insurance claim for smoke damage after a fire incident. Learn about smoke damage and the process of filing a smoke damage insurance claim in this article.

What is Smoke Damage?

When wood, fabric, plastic, and other materials burn, the resulting odor and physical residue left behind is called smoke damage. Smoke damage can affect building materials and parts such as walls, ceilings, and windows, as well as contaminate items like clothing, jewelry, and furniture. If left untreated, smoke damage can leave behind unsightly stains, discolorations, corrosion and permanent damage.

Effectively removing smoke damage requires different cleaning solutions and techniques, which often requires the skills and expertise of a professional. The most common items affected by smoke damage after a fire incident are the following:

• Art work
• Books and photographs
• Ceilings
• Clothing
• Furniture
• Jewelry
• Walls
• Window treatments

How to File for Smoke Damage Insurance

Here are the steps to take when filing for smoke damage insurance:

• Immediately call your insurance company after a fire. 
• Review your insurance policy for information regarding the coverage, limitations, deductibles or exclusions, as well as the deadline for filing.
• Take proper documentation of the damage (photo or video) and take care not to disturb the affected area.
• Contact a professional smoke damage removal team such as ServiceMaster of the Upstate to provide damage inspection and assessment and formulate a remediation plan.
• Gather all the information necessary for filing the claim. This information may include the date of the loss, the type and location of the damage, your contact information or that of the property's owner, a copy of the police report, remediation estimates, receipts for the repairs and restoration, repairs for hotels or meals if the affected area was deemed unlivable and you need to find a lodging, and a complete list of all damaged building materials and items. 
• Verify the procedures and timeline for filing all parts of the claim with your insurance agent.

Smoke Damage Removal?

Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate, South Carolina's Leading Property Damage Restoration Company

Any form of damage is a time-sensitive problem, which is why it is necessary to call the professionals as soon as possible to get the job done fast. ServiceMaster of the Upstate is South Carolina's premier damage restoration and cleaning company. We have been helping residential and commercial property owners navigate the uncertainty after a fire with our top-notch solutions and services. 

ServiceMaster of the Upstate offers fire damage restoration services, including content cleaning, soot and smoke damage restoration, and board-up and pack-out with storage. We have a team of certified, licensed and fully bonded technicians who have been trained under the latest techniques and practices in the industry, and have the skill to properly perform the job using state-of-the-art equipment, 100% customer satisfaction guaranteed.

Contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate at (864) 310-7891 or message us online for a free on-site inspection and assessment. We are servicing clients in Greenville, Saluda, Spartanburg, Newberry, and Laurens, South Carolina and surrounding areas. Our Emergency Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to respond to your needs.

Dos and Don'ts of Dryer Fire Prevention

Doing the laundry is a part of the typical household routine. Advancements in technology have made it easier with the development of washing machines and dryers. While it is important to care for clothes properly, just as important is regular dryer checkup, as 2,900 dryer fires are reported annually, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

Poorly maintained dryers pose a fire risk. On average, dryer fires amount to 35 million dollars in property damage, 100 injuries and five fatalities every year. Aside from the loss of a laundry appliance, there is also the cost of repairs from hiring a professional fire damage restoration company to restore the affected area properly, such as ServiceMaster of the Upstate. It is vital, therefore, to understand what causes dryer fires and how they could be prevented. ServiceMaster of the Upstate has prepared some tips for dryer fire damage prevention. Read them below.

What Causes Dryer Fires?

Dryer fires could be a result of any of the following:

Dirty lint filters. Lint collects in the dryer cavity, which is close to the heating elements. Uncleaned lint filters are a fire risk since lint is highly flammable and may ignite due to the heat.

Improper usage. Manufacturer's instructions often come with appliances. Dryer usage outside the recommended guidelines, such as overstuffing and placing items that shouldn't be put in it, is a potential fire hazard.

Machinery failure. Damaged components and faulty wiring may start a fire. Upon notice, these and other electrical or mechanical issues must be repaired or replaced, if necessary.

Is My Dryer Damaged?

Call a repair technician if any of the following signs is noticed:

Drying clothes takes longer even if there is heat produced

Clothes are hotter than usual after the drying cycle is completed

Clothes are still damp even if the cycle is already finished

Outdoor flapper on the vent hood remains closed when the dryer is running

Dryer Fire Prevention Tips: Dos and Don'ts

DO: Clean the lint filter.

Most residential dryer fires are a result of poor dryer maintenance, such as failing to clean out a clogged lint filter. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, 34% of reported dryer fires every year are caused by uncleaned lint traps.

Clean lint filters before and after every cycle.

Dryers rely on proper airflow, and obstructions such as lint inhibit this process. Clean lint traps do not only prevent fire risks but also allow the dryer to run efficiently and prevents it from overheating.

DON'T: Dry clothes without the lint filter.

The filter protects the dryer's inner workings from collecting lint. Without this defensive shield, a buildup of lint in the ducts can easily lead to a dryer vent fire.

Make it a habit to check that the lint trap is in place before using the dryer. Damaged or worn out lint traps must be replaced immediately.

DO: Inspect the ducts and vents regularly.

Obstructions in the ducts or vents can lead to a dryer fire. These could be due to the accumulation of lint, animals building nests in the vents, or snow building up over the outside vents. Check ducts for blockages and clean them regularly.

Ducts may be clogged if laundry is taking longer to dry, exhaust air is failing to exit the vent, and the machine is overheating.

Blockages may also occur if the venting system is damaged. Call a professional to repair the issue and also to inspect for other dryer problems.

DON'T: Overload the dryer.

Busy schedules may prompt one to overload the dryer, forcing it to work overtime and potentially overheat. This can cause dryer malfunction or ignition from too much heat accumulated.

Over-stuffing the dryer can also cause lint buildup, affecting the dryer's ability to ventilate and make the dryer overheat. Read the manufacturer's recommended load to avoid overstuffing.

DON'T: Leave the dryer running unattended.

Only use the dryer if someone's watching over it. If the dryer is left running unattended, property damage and losses may occur if fire breaks out.

You can also download a clothes dryer safety sheet from the National Fire Protection Association website.

Dryer Fire? Contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate, South Carolina's Leading Fire Damage Restoration Company

Accidents can still happen despite efforts to prevent them. If your home in South Carolina has been damaged by a clothes dryer fire, contact a trusted fire damage repair service company in South Carolina, like ServiceMaster of the Upstate.

At ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we provide smoke and fire damage restoration services around the clock. We are IICRC-certified, which means that the ServiceMaster of the Upstate restoration team has gone through extensive course work to become the best in the business. We are also an insurance-preferred vendor and have 11 years of experience in damage management.

Our skilled and experienced technicians are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year to respond to your fire emergency. Contact us at (864) 310-7891. We service Greenville, Spartanburg, Laurens, Newberry, and Saluda, South Carolina and surrounding areas.

Fire Safety Guidelines for Holiday Decorations

Often, as we end our Thanksgiving celebrations, our minds start to drift towards the coming holidays. Holiday decorations are taken out of the attic and put in their place around homes. You may even have put your tree up already. Thoughts of fire safety are not usually dancing through your heads. This is a joyous time of year and it’s fun to decorate for the holidays. Decorations are festive and beautiful, but remember, if they are not properly managed, they can also be very dangerous and increase the risk of fire in your home.

Here are some fire safety guidelines for Holiday Decorations from ServiceMaster of the Upstate, a fire damage restoration company in Newberry, SC  that offers fire damage restoration in Newberry, SC. We have IICRC-certified fire damage restoration technicians in Newberry that have the knowledge and expertise to structurally clean and restore your fire-damaged property in Newberry, SC. 

• DO NOT use burning candles.
• DO NOT use boughs cut from natural trees.
• DO NOT place trees or any material in hallways, stairways, or in front of doors.
• DO NOT use straw, straw bales, or corn fodder.
• DO NOT use cotton batting, flock or paper unless the materials have been treated and listed as fire-resistant.
• USE paper decorations sparingly.
• DO NOT connect multiple extension cords together that will overload an outlet.
• DO carefully inspect any electrical decorations having pinched, frayed, or exposed metal parts. Dispose of all defective electrical equipment immediately. Avoid laying electrical wires on floor surfaces to avoid incidents of electric shock.
• DO use only non-combustible materials such as foil, glass, and metal when decorating doors and walls.
• Exterior decorations must be plugged into a outlet designed for exterior use.

Christmas trees are beautiful and can give a festive symbol to the holiday season. However, they can cause fire if not properly cared for. Following these safety tips will help ensure that you and your family will have a safe and happy holiday experience:

• Artificial Christmas trees should be labeled as being constructed of non-combustible materials. Tree decorations must also be fire-resistant. Do not use electric lights on metallic trees.
• Select the location for your Christmas tree carefully, keeping it away from fireplaces, heating vents, wall furnaces, and other heat-producing appliances that may dry out the tree.
• When you get your tree home, saw at least one inch off the trunk and mount the tree in a stand that holds water. Keep the water level above the cut. The water will keep the tree fresh, thus reducing the risk of fire.
• Do not use lighted candles or other flaming devices on your Christmas tree or near other decorations.
• Exercise care with extension cords. Don't use more than three (3) sets of lights per extension cord. Do not place the cords under rugs or in paths of travel. Avoid connecting two or more extension cords together.
• When you take down your tree, do not attempt to burn it in your fireplace. Dry trees throw off a tremendous amount of heat and can create a dangerous chimney fire. 

Have a happy and safe holiday season from ServiceMaster of the Upstate. At ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we provide you with well-informed consultation and restoration services second to none. ServiceMaster of the Upstate has personnel that will engage with your insurance company and provide the right equipment that will timely redeem any fire-incurred damage both efficiently and effectively.

Call ServiceMaster of the Upstate at (864) 310-7891 for 24-hour emergency service. We are serving Newberry, SC and surrounding areas and counties.

Top Fire Prevention Tips

Partying, smoking, and drinking may all be part of homeowners’ lifestyle but could be putting you at a higher risk of fire.  Over the years, cigarettes, smoking materials, and candles have been the cause of 1500 injuries to 18 to 24-year-olds.  More than half of all accidental dwelling fire deaths amongst this age group occur in the kitchen when cooking, when handling hot substances or through misuse of electrical equipment.

It’s important to schedule for fire damage restoration services in Greenville SC caused by fire and smoke right away for many reasons. Firstly, it’s important to understand that burned areas of the home or office are full of damages and hazards. Even if the fire has been controlled, the danger still remains due to smoke. This is because smoke can travel through your plumbing systems, and when synthetic materials are heated they become toxic. Besides this, the odor of smoke can make it difficult for you and your family members to breathe. Therefore, it’s extremely important to call for a professional like ServiceMaster of the Upstate for fire damage repair in Greenville SC, smoke odor removal in Greenville SC, soot removal in Greenville SC to avoid such risks.

There is only one type of fire emergency, the unexpected type. That’s why fire safety and prevention are important habits to develop. But very few of us seem to take fire safety seriously. How long has it been since you last checked the batteries in your smoke alarms? How many times have you moved to a new place since the last time you designated and regularly practiced a fire safety plan in your home?If the answer to either of those questions is that it has been a while, then may we suggest a brief refresher on the most basic fire safety practices? Since fires aren’t known for preventing themselves, below is a list of a few things we wanted to remind you of.

Top ten fire safety tips:

1)  Fit smoke alarms on each level of the property and test them weekly.

2)  Never leave cooking unattended.

3)  Never attempt to cook while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

4)  Don’t overload plug sockets.

5)  Switch off electrical appliances, like phone chargers and hair straighteners, when not in use.

6)  Take extra care with cigarettes and smoking materials.

7)  Never leave candles unattended.

8)  Check furniture has a permanent fire-resistant label.

9)  Practice an escape route.

10) If a fire starts, get out, stay out and dial 911.

Smoke and fire can do a great deal of damage to your property in Greenville SC, plumbing and personal belongings. Once the firefighters leave your turf, make sure to call ServiceMaster of the Upstate immediately for fire damage restoration services in Greenville SC. We offer specialized fire and smoke damage restoration services to clients in Greenville SC and surrounding areas. 

At ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we provide smoke and fire damage restoration services in Greenville SC round the clock. You can reach out to us for emergency fire and smoke damage restoration services anytime you have a problem. Our technicians are available at your service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. Call us whenever you need us at  (864) 310-7891  and we’ll respond immediately.

ServiceMaster of the Upstate Removes and Cleans Harmful Smell of Smoke After a Fire in Newberry, SC

Exposure to high levels of smoke should be avoided. Individuals are advised to limit their physical exertion if exposure to high levels of smoke cannot be avoided. People with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, fetuses, infants, young children and elderly may be more endangered to the health effects of smoke exposure. 

Inhaling smoke for a short period of time can cause acute effects. Smoke is irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat and its odor can be nauseating. 

Avoiding smoky situations is the best way to prevent exposure. If your age or health status puts you at greater risk from smoke exposure, you should speak with your doctor about the steps you can take when you are experiencing smoky situations. 

Experiencing a fire in your property can be very chaotic and loss of belongings that you have spent years acquiring is quite upsetting. At ServiceMaster of the Upstate, a fire damage restoration company, we give you well-informed consultation and restoration services second to none. 

ServiceMaster of the Upstate has employees that will help you engage with your insurance company and provide the right equipment that will timely redeem any fire incurred damage both efficiently and effectively. Fire damage not only affects a home physically but also pose danger to the health of family members. Carcinogenic toxins from soot cleaning need extra attention, and here at ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we have the knowledge and expertise to structurally clean and restore your fire damaged property.  

ServiceMaster of the Upstate understands that not all contents can be treated the same and smoke and soot is very difficult to amend. Fire damage creates a fairly complex situation because of the unique behavior of the smoke. Our professionals will bring out a careful room-by-room analysis of the overall fire damage to determine what action needs to be taken. 

ServiceMaster of the Upstate is open seven days a week, and we provide 24/7 emergency services. Do not hesitate to call us if you need assistance. If you are in need of immediate services due to fire damage, please call our emergency line at (864) 310-7891 or visit our website https://www.servicemasterupstate.com/contact/, and we will be available to you as soon as possible. We are dedicated to our customers and our community, and we will do everything in our power to restore your home to pre-damage condition. Not only that, but we also serve our customers throughout Greenville, Spartanburg, Laurens, Newberry, Saluda, and surrounding areas.

Tips for Keeping Restoration Cost Down in Laurens, South Carolina

So, what are the signs of water damage in your home in South Carolina? If you observe cracks in your foundation, electrical shorts, rusted pipes, peeling wood surface and mosquitoes, it is likely that your house has water damage. Other signs that show your home is suffering the effects of water damage include algae and mold formation, increase in humidity and stains or dampness in ceilings or walls.

The moment you spot some signs of water damage in your home, contact ServiceMaster of the Upstate for immediate water damage restoration to avoid property loss and potential mold exposure. 

We completely understand and avidly believe that transparency and integrity should be a rule of thumb in this industry.

Here are tips to significantly reduce water mitigation costs whenever you are dealing with water damage restoration companies, water restoration service companies in South Carolina.

The best way to keep your cost in check is to call ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we use only the Necessary and most up to date Equipment.

·         Dehumidification

Calculating the exact or correct number of dehumidifiers for water loss can be complicated and simple at the same time. A competent technician like our IICRC Certified water damage restoration technicians at ServiceMaster of the Upstate can quickly determine the best and most reliable drying options in consideration to performance of the equipment, load, and continuous monitoring of drying envelops by making use of a psychrometric chart.

·         Water Mitigation

With water mitigation services from ServiceMaster of the Upstate, we give the appropriate service to match the situation.

·         Demolition.

Assuming there is water damage in your bathroom you will need to contact a water restoration company in South Carolina. 

If the damage is not severe or life-threatening, you can stay at your home. Keep in mind the importance of calling or asking for assistance when there is water damage, regardless of how small you consider it. Although the damage caused may seem minimal, if it is unchecked, it may lead to more significant problems that may cause severe damages to your property and put your life and that of your loved ones at risk. In case of water damage at your residence, the prudent step to take is contacting professionals for their services like calling ServiceMaster of the Upstate. The advantage of seeking professional help or the services of water damage firms is that they have professionals with years of experience tied under their belt and they make use of the most recent equipment for their work. Employing professionals for their services ensures your home is in safe hands.

If you are in need of immediate services due to water or storm damage, please call our emergency line at (864) 310-7891, and we will be available to you as soon as possible. We are dedicated to our customers and our community, and we will do everything in our power to restore your home to a pre-damage condition in the event of a storm or hurricane.