Despite the huge cost of fire claims and the measures we have in place to prevent them, during the lockdown, Crawfords reported a whopping 40% increase on fires.

So what’s changed? 

Greater risk of causing a fire yourself in the home – Some individuals choose to spend time extra time at home in the kitchen, having a bbq or even making use of a fire pit. All involve an aspect of fire danger and the utmost care should be taken when doing so to avoid adding to the increase in fires.

Greater risk of a fire happening in a vacant commercial premises – As more individuals are staying home, to stay safe, many commercial properties are left empty. This can run the risk of electrical equipment becoming faulty and catching fire or unfortunately, a risk for arson. It’s a good idea to ensure that vacant properties are checked regularly and have fire prevention systems in place.

Dryer, warmer weather – Good weather and bored children being off from school can mean that there is a greater chance of outdoor fires happening. Educating children around the dangers of fires is the best method to keep them safe from fire danger.

Increased electrical appliance usage – A huge increase of electrical appliance usage at home due to staying home, to stay safe, means that more people are using electrical appliances more often such as TV’s, PC’s and other electrical items. Over usage can mean overheating, which can result in fires. It’s important to turn electrical appliances off when not in use and if you notice them becoming warm, to stop using them, disconnect them from the mains and leave them to cool down.

Fraudulent activity due to financial strain – Unfortunately an increase in fire claims could be because of fraudulent activity to ease financial strain from an insurance pay out. The 2008 recession was a previous example of this where the ABI reported fraudulent claims up to a value of £703m. It’s important not to engage in fraudulent activity as the repercussions are massive.

We urge the public to stay alert and stay safe from not only the pandemic, but from other risks associated with it too. For any information on fire restoration, you can speak to our experts on 0845 762 6828

Put simply, disaster restoration describes the remedial work involved post disaster – whether it be fire, flood, malicious damage or another kind of disaster. 

A company such as ServiceMaster Restore, specialise in these kind of remedial works to help restore damaged premises, whether domestic or commercial, back to their pre-disaster state – and often better than it!

One of the first on the scene

We are one of the first on the scene to take part in the initial clean up of the after events. Restoration specialists have to be able to act quickly, often to prevent further damage from happening, but to also get the restoration works started sooner, rather than later, to allow for a speedy recovery of the premises.

A risky job, but someone has to do it

It can certainly be risky work, particularly when things have moved due to the weakening of buildings because of the damage caused from the disaster, and as such, it genuinely pays to use a professional to ensure that your property is made safe, and those working on it, know how to do so safely.

All, is not always what it seems

One of the biggest challenges a restorative technician faces, is finding the root cause of the disaster and also ensuring that all of the damage has been sought, and is being dealt with. If damage is missed, such as trapped water or mould, it can be very dangerous if not spotted and removed. An expert restorative technician is able to conduct thorough checks on the property to ensure that all damage has been restored and the root cause is no longer an issue.

Specialist tools, equipment and expertise 

Restoring a property back to it’s former glory takes specialist tools, equipment and expertise. It’s really important to have all three to ensure that a property is restored effectively i.e. in the safest and quickest way, without compromising the results of the restoration.

Being a strong communicator in sensitive situations

It’s important to remember that often as a result of a disaster in the home or business, that there has been significant loss. So as well as being specialists in restoring properties, technicians also need to have strong communication skills to use in sensitive situations.

For professional restoration services, you can trust ServiceMaster Restore to provide a prompt, effective and sensitive solution to a disaster in the home or business. Call 0845 762 6828 to speak to a member of our team.

It has never been more important to ensure of a clean, hygienic and safe environment for your employees and customers.

The Coronavirus has shaken up the entire world. It’s meant that businesses have had to change the way that they operate to accommodate the ‘new normal’. One particular area of business that has been well highlighted is ‘cleaning‘. Here’s why;

Revisiting Cleaning Regimes

Are the current cleaning regimes, thorough and regular enough to ensure that premises are as clean and hygienic as possible?

The last thing that any business would want, is for an employee or a customer to potentially contract something after visiting their premises.

Many businesses are now choosing to outsource cleaning to professionals for deep cleans ahead of reopening or continuous cleaning throughout business operation to ensure of a clean and hygienic environment.

Products & Processes Effectiveness

Now is a good time to check that cleaning products and processes are effective against viruses, bacterias and infections.

The manufacturer of the product or piece of equipment will also recommend the most effective way of using it. I.e. application, dwell time and other specific instructions for best use.

Employee & Customer Reassurance 

By having proper cleaning measures in place, it is reassuring for employees and customers to know that a business is doing everything that it can to ensure that the environment is clean, hygienic and safe.

Some businesses choose to have visible cleaning throughout the day for that extra peace of mind. High touch point cleaning is an excellent cleaning regime for this, ensuring the most touched places are sanitised often.

ServiceMaster Restore specialise in deep cleaning and sanitisation. We can recommend solutions to suit your requirements whether for a deep clean ahead of reopening, or a schedule of deep cleans to supplement any regular cleaning regime. 

We understand the importance of ensuring that your premises are clean, hygienic and safe for both your employees and customers. Our cleaning products and processes are effective against bacteria, infections and enveloped viruses (such as previous strains of COVID-19).

Contact us on 0845 762 6828 for further information on our deep cleaning and sanitisation services

Your home is your sanctuary. That’s why it is important to ensure that it is safe and that you protect your home against the possibility of a house fire. Here’s our fire safety tips for the home: 

Sockets

Electrical fires account for a large percentage of house fires. The best advice is to have 1 plug in 1 socket. Ensure that the electrical equipment is in good order, as are the sockets. For peace of mind, you can obtain an electrical certificate for the electrics in your home to give you piece of mind for your home fire safety.

Candles

Whilst candles create a cosy ambience, they can burn out or cause things near by to catch fire. You should never leave a candle unattended and always ensure that they are burning well away from anything that could catch fire. Always ensure that candles are put out completely when not in use.

Cooking

Many house fires start in the kitchen, as such, the kitchen is one of the most dangerous rooms in the home. It’s important to remember to keep an eye on pots and pans whilst cooking with fat in particular, as fat can easily catch fire.

Cigarettes 

The smoking ban affects public and work places, but not the home. As such, it’s important to smoke safely in your home by keeping your home well ventilated and by ensuring cigarettes are put out completely before disposing of them.

Fire Alarms 

Every home should have at least one! A fire alarm considerably reduces the risk to life during a fire by making you aware whilst you have the opportunity to get out safely. You should put them in an effective place (not the kitchen or the bathroom) and ensure that they work at least once a month by pressing the button on the top to test them.

Checks before bed 

Before bed, it’s a good idea to ensure that all internal doors are closed, any electrical items that are unused are unplugged, all candles and cigarettes are put out and keys to exit are in a place where everyone inside can find them easily.

Escape Plan

Should the worst happen, it’s important to have a plan of how to escape quickly. The main priority is to leave the burning building as quickly and as safely as possible, out of reach from the fire and smoke and call 999. You should make family and friends aware of your plan.

Further information on staying fire safe can be found on the .GOV website and from your local fire station. 

In the event that your home has suffered fire and smoke damage, you can seek expert help to clear up the aftereffects. ServiceMaster Restore are professionals in fire and smoke restoration services. To find out further information, contact us on 0845 762 6828