Smoke Damage Restoration
When a house fire next door caused smoke damage to a high school, ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning was called to restore the property. The task was extensive, with significant smoke damage affecting various facilities within the school and the added challenge of asbestos contamination from the neighboring property. The school urgently needed fire damage restoration to ensure the upcoming summer camps and other school functions could proceed as scheduled. Thanks to our dedicated team and strategic partnerships we restored the school quickly and safely.
The Challenge: Smoke Damage and Asbestos Contamination
The house fire near the high school was no ordinary event. The fire's proximity resulted in severe smoke damage to the school’s interior. The heat and pressure from the blaze were intense enough to blow out windows in the gym, leaving the building exposed to the smoke and debris from the fire. The areas affected included the pool, two gymnasiums, a weight room, nine classrooms, bathrooms, and locker rooms.
To make matters worse, the house that caught fire contained asbestos, a hazardous material that, when disturbed, can pose serious health risks. The asbestos was carried into the school via the smoke, complicating the restoration efforts significantly. Before any cleaning could begin, asbestos testing and clearance were necessary. The local environmental hygienist was crucial in determining the extent of asbestos contamination and establishing the necessary cleaning protocols. We worked closely with the town's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to ensure that all asbestos-related activities were compliant with local regulations. This partnership was instrumental in safeguarding the health of both our team and the school’s occupants.
Innovative Solutions and Strategic Planning
One of the most challenging aspects of the project was devising a plan to clean the pool area without draining it. This required not only creativity but also the procurement of specialized lifts that could safely reach above the pool. Finding such equipment took time and effort, but it was essential to meet the school's needs without disrupting their operations further.
The gymnasiums posed their own set of challenges. We covered the floors with protective materials to protect the gym floors from the heavy lift equipment needed to reach the high walls and ceilings. This precaution was vital to prevent additional damage during the restoration process.
Given the urgency of reopening the school for summer camps, our project managers were on-site daily to oversee the smoke cleaning efforts and to conduct walkthroughs with school staff and insurance adjusters. This hands-on approach allowed for constant communication and collaboration, ensuring the disaster restoration was carried out efficiently and in line with the school’s timeline.
Safety and Compliance: Our Top Priorities
Safety was our top priority throughout the disaster restoration process. All our technicians were required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to mitigate the risks associated with asbestos exposure and other hazards. Additionally, all personnel working on-site had to pass a government-level background check, as mandated by the school, to ensure the safety of the students and staff.
To secure the damaged areas, we erected a boundary fence around the school and provided board-up services to protect the blown-out windows in the gym. These measures were crucial not only for security but also for maintaining a controlled environment where our team could work without interference.
Disaster Restoration Services
The restoration process involved detailed smoke cleaning of all affected structures and contents within the school. This included the use of dry chem sponges and HEPA vacuums to remove soot and smoke residue from surfaces. We deployed air scrubbers throughout the building to manage the persistent smoke odor. These devices helped purify the air, making the environment safe and breathable.
In addition to interior cleaning, we also took responsibility for cleaning and removing fire-damaged debris from around the school. This was an essential step in restoring the exterior environment and ensuring the school was ready for students and staff to return.
Given the complexity and scale of the damage, ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning partnered with several specialized subcontractors to ensure that every aspect of the restoration was handled with expertise. We brought in an HVAC cleaning team to address potential contamination in the school's ventilation systems. Dry cleaning specialists were engaged to restore banners, uniforms, and other fabric items affected by smoke damage.
The ServiceMaster Advantage: Local Expertise with National Support
As a locally owned and operated business, ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning is deeply invested in the communities we serve. However, being part of a national franchise network gives us the resources and expertise to handle even the most challenging restoration projects. For this large-scale loss, we coordinated with another ServiceMaster franchise to bring in additional manpower, ensuring the restoration was completed on time and to the highest standards.
The fire damage restoration of the high school following the nearby house fire was a complex, multi-faceted project that required careful planning, and expert execution. Despite the challenges posed by asbestos contamination, extensive smoke damage, and the urgency of the timeline, ServiceMaster Dynamic Cleaning successfully restored the school, allowing summer camps and other activities to proceed without delay. Our commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction proved that no job is too large or difficult for our team. If your school or business requires fire and smoke damage restoration, we can help. Trust our experienced professionals to restore your property after a disaster - contact us today.
