Local Fire Safety – Build & Burn Program

We at Woodard are deeply committed to the training and development of skilled teams that are equipped to tackle fire restoration projects of any scope.

Through our Build & Burn program, Woodard partners with East Central Saint Louis County Fire Departments to ensure faster, safer rescue of victims caught in a fire and more efficient cleanup after damage has occurred.

Strategic Partnerships that Save Lives

From November 5-15, Woodard Cleaning and Restoration is partnering with local fire safety and rescue teams to conduct “live fire” hands-on training. We built a 900 square foot simulated home in which to conduct this training. A big note of thanks and gratitude goes out to all of our suppliers who have helped with donating materials utilized in the construction of this training site. Woodard’s reconstruction team has been building and preparing this structure that will aid firefighters in practical, real-life scenarios to build skills and strengthen efficiencies.

This live fire training simulation, using a technique called Positive Pressure Attack,  arms firefighting professionals with new tools and serves countless benefits to rescuers when facing dangerous situations. Rescuers can perform a faster search of the ravaged area, locating victims in an environment that’s less smoke-filled. The Positive Pressure Attack removes much of the toxic smoke and gasses in the air, which improves the chance of survival and healthy recovery for fire victims. This technique also reduces the chance of firefighters getting caught in a flash-over  an extremely hazardous scenario regarding the ignition of combustible materials in a space caused by layers of hot smoke spreading across a room’s ceiling. Additionally, because the Positive Pressure Attack tactic enables faster search and rescue, the flames, embers and ashes in and on a structure can be squelched with less water damage to the property.

If You’re Faced with Cleanup after a Fire

Because of our partnership with fire rescue officials to employ new techniques and training development, it is our hope that you’re faced with minimal smoke and water damage after you’ve experienced the traumatic situation of a fire.  If you are faced with a cleanup, it’s important to be very careful with the items inside your home or business. Cleanup and treatment for carpet, upholstery and cherished items can be tricky and are all handled differently. Limit movement around your home prior to cleanup, especially relocating furniture pieces so as to prevent soot from spreading throughout your space and becoming embedded in carpet and upholstery. Lay out clean sheets or towels over damaged pieces to avoid further soil.

If you’ve experienced a substantial amount of water damage due to extinguishing the fire, your rugs, upholstered furniture, cushions and curtains should be dried immediately and completely before cleaning. Using fans and dehumidifiers can help prevent growth of mold and mildew. If you have metal furniture that cannot be removed to allow rugs to dry, place a piece of aluminum foil on a thick, dry towel under the legs to prevent the furniture piece from rusting onto your carpet.

Know When to Call a Professional

Whether using a professional cleaning and restoration service or tackling the job yourself, further damage to items in your home or business can be minimized by taking action immediately. In most cases with restoration of fire and water damage, your safest bet is to defer to a professional service, who is available to answer questions and step in when the job is too big. Certainly these situations are stressful, and a professional service can restore your home and the things you value within it to their original state.

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Today, the company is run by 3rd generation, Justin Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For for information or questions submit a form online or call us at (314) 227-3932.

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