Avoid an Office Fire

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

Avoid your workspace going up in flames by taking the necessary precautions.

If you or someone you know has gone through fire damage, you know how devastating it can be. Years of memories, paperwork, and investments can be gone in a flash. Nobody plans on having fire damage. Fortunately, there are a few things we can do to prevent it. Many times an office fire will start in the electrical or utility room. In an effort to mitigate the effect of electrical or utility fire, there are systems in place such as a sprinkler system, room temperature trigger alert system, and smoke alarms.

It is very important to conduct annual tests on these systems to ensure they are working in case of an emergency. Make sure that your company has set dates to check on these systems. 

What to do if a fire does happen

If you have an office fire, despite the precautions you may have taken, you are most likely left with a charred mess, along with the debris left from extinguishing the fire. This can leave you wishing that this never even happened. Lucky for you, our job is to make it “Like it never even happened.” We are the experts in fire restoration and will get your space looking back to normal in no time.

What is IICRC Certified?

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

IICRC Certification gives our customers the comfort of knowing that our crews have the knowledge and expertise to work on their home or business.

Have you ever wondered what it means to be IICRC Certified? Well, we are here to explain to you what those letters mean and why it is important. 

What Does IICRC Stand for?

IICRC stands for “The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.” They are a non-profit organization that was formed in 1972.

What does the IICRC Do for Restoration Companies?

The IICRC creates the standards held within the restoration industry and provides the training and resources to restoration companies to complete certification. An IICRC firm has the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo. 

What does IICRC Certification Mean to SERVPRO?

The IICRC Certification gives SERVPRO customers the comfort of knowing that our crew has the knowledge and experience to work on their home or business. Our crew has dedicated time and effort to learn the correct protocols when working restoration.

Knowing the do's and don'ts of Government Facilities.

1/24/2024 (Permalink)

We will get it back to pre-disaster status-We will have your back!

Partnering with a government facility takes training and knowledge. There are numerous services provided by dedicated employees in these offices and buildings. There is also a concern for all the people who visit and occupy these facilities throughout the day, which means that you have an obligation to provide them a safe and healthy environment.

Flooding/water damage, mold, fire and smoke damage, as well as biohazard threats can and will compromise any sort of property. This is why the experienced experts at SERVPRO Of Woodbury, Cottage Grove are here to manage these risks and restore the health and safety of your facility.  Our team is trained to minimize downtime and mitigate safety risks therefore restoring a facility to pre-disaster condition. Office buildings, courthouses, monuments, and more can be restored effectively and efficiently for visitors and employees alike.

Let us be your partner in recovery

We understand how important it is to restore an effective working environment. Coordinating with management staff, administration, and all partners - leads to the best restoration plan for your needs.  SERVPRO has experience working with all levels of government and damage.

Being an expert in our field means experience, training, and education are necessary. We pride ourselves on providing our clients with the most knowledgeable and highest quality service. This is why we work closely with trusted industry associations to earn licenses, certifications, and a stronger understanding of both the industry and the communities they serve.

Make sure when disaster hits, you have the most educated and responsible team for your public space. 

Contact SERVPRO Of Woodbury, Cottage Grove for any questions or to ask about free services for government buildings and public spaces. 

Contact us at 651.314.4631

How To Save Important Documents & Photos After Water Damage In 6 Easy Steps

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

Here are some tips for salvaging water-damaged documents, photographs, and books.

Water damage can be a devastating event, particularly when it affects important documents, photographs, and books that hold sentimental or monetary value. However, there are steps you can take to save these items and prevent further damage. Here are some tips for salvaging water-damaged documents, photographs, and books:

1. Act quickly

The first and most important step is to act quickly. The longer your documents, photographs, or books remain wet, the more damage they will sustain. As soon as possible, remove the items from the water and place them in a dry, well-ventilated area.

2. Separate and sort

Sort your damaged items into different categories based on the severity of the damage. Items that are only slightly damp can be air-dried, while those that are heavily saturated will require more advanced techniques.

3. Air-dry documents and photographs

Lay the documents and photographs out flat on a clean, dry surface. If possible, place a fan nearby to increase air circulation. Do not use a hair dryer or other heat source, as this can cause further damage.

4. Freeze books

If your books are water-damaged, the pages may stick together and become warped. To prevent further damage, place the books in a plastic bag and freeze them until they can be properly dried.

5. Contact a restoration specialist

If your items are heavily damaged or require specialized restoration techniques, contact a professional restoration specialist. These experts have the knowledge and tools to restore your items to their pre-damaged condition.

6. Take preventative measures

To prevent future water damage, store your important documents, photographs, and books in a safe, dry place. Consider using waterproof containers or placing them in a safe deposit box.

Vacuum Freezing

Vacuum freezing is a specialized technique used by restoration specialists to restore water-damaged documents and photographs. This method is particularly effective for items that are delicate or have been heavily saturated with water.

The vacuum freezing process involves placing the damaged items in a vacuum chamber and lowering the temperature to below freezing. This causes the water in the items to sublimate or turn from a solid to a gas, without passing through the liquid state. This process removes moisture from the items without causing further damage.

After the items have been vacuum-frozen, they are removed from the chamber and slowly thawed. This allows any remaining moisture to evaporate without causing additional damage. The items are then dried using specialized techniques such as air-drying or dehumidification.

One of the benefits of vacuum freezing is that it can be used to restore items that would otherwise be too delicate to be air-dried or dehumidified. It can also be used to restore items that have been damaged by mold or other types of contaminants, as the freezing process kills any microorganisms that may be present.

In conclusion, water damage can be a stressful and overwhelming event. However, by acting quickly and following these tips, you can salvage your important documents, photographs, and books and prevent further damage. Remember, if your items are heavily damaged, it is important to contact a restoration specialist to ensure the best possible outcome.

7 FAQ About Mold

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

If you think you have a mold problem, give us a call today!

The term mold is something that most people have heard before. However, not many actually know much about mold and mold damage. In this article, our SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove team will answer some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about mold.

What is mold?

Mold is classified as a type of fungi that grows on living or decaying organic matter. The class of fungi is comprised of more than 100,000 individual species and includes some of the most common molds found in homes today. These small organisms can reproduce through tiny spores that are produced by their hyphae (think: root-like strands). These spores help disperse the mold to new areas where it can grow and flourish.

Mold spores are everywhere—in your house, on your clothes and pets; even in your food. They're everywhere!

Where does mold grow?

Mold grows best in damp areas or rooms that have high humidity, so you'll likely find it in your bathroom (especially the shower) and kitchen. If you have an unfinished basement, that's another place to watch out for mold. It's also common to see mold infestations appear after your property suffers from a water damage event.

How can I tell if I have a mold problem?

It’s important to know the signs of mold and moisture damage to prevent further problems. If you notice any of the following symptoms, you may have a mold problem:

• A musty odor in your home or workplace
• Water stains or black spots on walls, floors, or ceilings
• Mold growth on food
• Spots on clothes
• Warped flooring or walls

Why is mold growing in my home?

There are many reasons why mold can grow in your home. When there is a source of moisture present, molds begin to thrive and multiply. Mold spores float through the air and land on a damp surface where they will grow into colonies that can cause significant damage.

What does mold smell like?

Mold can emit an odor that resembles mushrooms when it is growing on dead organic matter such as wood or leaves. It can also smell like mildew, dampness, or dirt. Some molds produce spores that have no odor, but when they are present in large quantities they can be detected by their distinctive smell.

Does insurance cover mold damage and/or remediation?

Yes, insurance companies will likely cover mold damage caused by a water damage event. However, if the home was not properly maintained and the cause of the mold problem was negligence on your part, then your insurance company may not cover it.

Should I have the mold removed by a professional or clean it myself?

If you have a large amount of mold growing on the structure of your home such as the walls, ceilings, or other hard-to-reach areas, a professional should be called to remove it.

If the mold is not very extensive and can be removed by an individual with some basic cleaning skills, then removing it yourself may be a good choice. However, if you have any doubts about your ability to do this, hiring a professional is best.

Mold is something that can affect anyone, so it’s important to know how to prevent and handle it. We hope this article has helped you to better understand the different kinds of mold and what they mean for your home. If you think that you might have a mold problem in your home or workplace, contact us today! We offer residential and commercial mold remediation and repair services.

Fire vs. Smoke Damage

12/4/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove if you have soot damage.

Fire vs. Smoke Damage

You've just been through a fire. You're standing in the rubble that was once your Cottage Grove, MN home, and you're thinking "Is it smoke damage or fire damage?" It's natural to be confused. After all, both fire and smoke damage can ruin your property and make it unsafe to live in. But don't worry—we'll clear this up for you! In this article, we'll tell you what the difference is between smoke and fire damage so that when disaster strikes, you know exactly what needs cleaning up (and what doesn't).

Smoke and Fire Damage Sources

The difference between fire damage and smoke damage is that smoke damage results from the products of combustion. Fire damage is caused by the actual flames, while smoke can be produced without a flame present. The only requirement for smoke to be created is that there are hot embers or radiant heat sources (like open flames) available. This means that even if there's no fire if the right conditions exist in your home or building then you could still experience smoke damage.

Smoke vs. Soot

There is a difference between soot and smoke, even though they are sometimes used interchangeably or together. Both smoke and soot are products of combustion or the burning of fuel. The difference lies in how each forms:

• Soot is a solid particle that comes from the incomplete combustion of gas or coal. It's usually black (or sometimes white) and looks like ash. It can be removed from your home using a vacuum cleaner or by wiping surfaces with wet cloths.
• Smoke consists of tiny particles suspended in air; it contains both gases and solids, including carbon dioxide, water vapor, soot, ash, metals and organic compounds such as phenols produced by incomplete carbonization at high temperatures. Because it contains all these different things—both solids (ash) and gases (water vapor)—smoke requires professional cleaning because no device can remove everything at once—you'll need more than just one tool!

Getting Rid of Smoke or Fire Damage

If you have smoke or fire damage, it's important to contact a professional restoration company. The experts can help you remove any soot and debris from your home, as well as any smoke damage that may be present.

If the fire is still burning, it's important not to go into the area. A professional will be able to use specialized tools to extinguish a fire before beginning work on cleanup and restoration in your home or business.

Fire, smoke, and soot damage are not the same thing. While they can all be caused by a fire or smoke event, they each have their own unique causes and effects. Knowing the difference between them will help you better understand how to prevent it from happening in your home or business.

If your home or business is impacted by fire, smoke, and/or soot, give SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove a call today!

How To Fix a Flooded Basement?

11/1/2022 (Permalink)

Basement cleanup after a flood

Help! My Basement is Flooded!

A bad storm can cause a lot of damage to your Woodbury, MN house. Water damage is one of the most common causes of home loss and can be very expensive to fix. If water from heavy rains or flooding enters your basement, there are several things that you can do in order to repair that damage quickly and easily.

1. Remove the Water

To begin recovering from a flooded basement, you'll have to remove as much water as possible. The first step is to get a sump pump and start running it. If you don't have one of these, there are other options—you can use a wet/dry vacuum or just mop up the floor with towels and lay down fans to dry out the area more quickly.

Once the water has been removed (or at least reduced), open doors and windows so that air can circulate through the space. This will help prevent mold growth in your basement which could cause health problems for both people living there and those who visit often!

2. Clean Up the Property

The next step is to clean up the property. This will also help you prevent mold growth and other problems, as well as make it more livable again.

You should also call a basement flooding expert for help with this task. The cleanup involves removing any damaged furniture or items in the affected area, cleaning walls and floors (with an eye toward getting rid of mold), drying out any wet areas and making sure they’re sealed off from moisture, putting away all belongings that were moved out of harm’s way during the flood event, clearing up excess water that's been pumped out or drained into buckets (and then disposing of it properly), removing any standing water in your yard or driveway if there was enough rain involved—and then sealing off punctures made by roots so they don't leak again.

3. Call a Basement Flooding Expert

Your first instinct might be to do it yourself and save some money, but there are several reasons why you should get an expert involved. First off, they're going to know exactly what's wrong with your basement and can help make sure the problem doesn't happen again in the future. They'll also have access to all of the tools that are required for making repairs, which means you won't have to worry about renting them yourself or running out of space in your tool shed if you try installing one yourself. In addition, many professionals offer warranties on their work so that it's unlikely anything will go wrong after they've completed their job for you!

Finally, it should be noted that hiring a professional is not always cheaper than doing repairs on your own—if someone isn't familiar with what needs fixing and how long it will take them (or even worse: if they don't know how much work needs doing at all), then this could end up costing more than actually having experienced professional take care of things right away. So don't let fear keep you from hiring someone who knows what they're doing--get peace of mind by calling SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove today.

Preventing future basement floods will save you from the headaches of cleaning up after a flood. One way to do that is by installing a sump pump and drain tiles around the foundation of your home.

Once you've made sure everything is working properly, make sure that the battery backup for your sump pump is charged. Additionally, it's important that you keep an eye on how much water goes through your pipes each month and make changes if necessary so that they're not overflowing into the basement again.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of how to fix a flooded basement in your Woodbury, MN home, it’s time for you to get started. The most important thing to remember is that prevention is better than cure, so if you want to avoid all the hassle and expense of dealing with floods in the future then please take note of this article. We've looked at some solutions for how to fix a flooded basement. Give SERVPRO a call for your local water damage restoration experts!

What can expect after a partial loss?

10/9/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a Cottage Grove, MN kitchen home

What can be expected following a partial loss?

It's one thing to have a fire in your Cottage Grove, MN home. It's another to have a partial loss that damages some of your property without taking everything. It can be challenging to get back on track after an event like this, but there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage and make sure things don't get worse than they already are. Here's what you should know about dealing with a partial loss:

Furniture

If your furniture was damaged, there are a few things to consider. First, determine if any of your furniture is covered by insurance. If yes, then you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that it will be restored or replaced. However, if no or part of it isn't covered by homeowner's insurance (usually anything over $10K), then you'll need to decide whether or not to get rid of the damaged items and purchase new ones instead. 

Some furniture can be restored; others cannot—and this includes antiques and more expensive pieces such as sofas and armchairs. The best way to know for sure is by contacting an appraiser who specializes in antique restoration work; however, here are some general guidelines:

Floors

The floor is a big part of the home and can be damaged by smoke, fire, or water. It may need to be cleaned and disinfected after a partial loss. If the flooring is not damaged, it can be left as is.

If you have any concerns about having your floors cleaned after a partial loss, contact us where we have years of experience cleaning up after fire and smoke damage.

Fire restoration can be a long process.

The process of fire restoration can be long, and it can be stressful to watch your home go through the process. In addition to being expensive, you may not know what to expect from this type of loss or how much time it will take for your home to be restored.

First, you should know that there are two types of fire restoration: partial and full. A partial loss means that only part of your home was destroyed by smoke damage, while a full loss means that everything in the house has been damaged by heat and smoke. If you have experienced a partial loss, then call an expert who specializes in this type of loss so they can help determine how much work needs done before moving forward with repairs or rebuilding plans (if necessary).

While the process of fire restoration can be long and complex, it’s important to remember that your home is worth it. You don't have to deal with this alone—we are here for you every step of the way. Give your local SERVPRO a call or contact us online today!

Can SERVPRO Offer Reliable Water Removal Services in Newport?

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

When a burst pipe happens in your church, SERVPRO is the company you contact. Our team is standing by 24/7 for your emergency call.

How the SERVPRO Team Restores A Water Damaged Church in Newport

A burst pipe or a leaking roof in your local church may lead to the need for water removal services in Newport, MN. If such incidents happen in a church that does not run regular activities, it may take a few days before they are noticed. To ensure that normal worship procedures do not come to an unprecedented halt, you need to work with a reputable restoration firm like SERVPRO.

What Newport Residents Should Expert from SERVPRO during the Water Damage Restoration Process

Our SERVPRO technicians start by doing a walk-through to inspect the extent of the water damage in your Newport church. It is when we check if the water has affected church electronics, soaked carpets at the auditorium, and whether it has affected the pews. If the benches are immersed in water for a long time, they may start to warp, and padded pews may provide conducive conditions for mold growth. Expect our team to do the following restoration process:

• Fix the burst pipes or leaking roof to stop the water
• We may advise you to reupholster soaked pews to prevent mold growth
• Pump water out of the church and install fans and dehumidifiers to enhance dying
• Clean contents and return them to their original positions

SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove, uses advanced cleaning and restoration equipment when responding to all emergencies. Call (651) 314-4631 at any time of the day to have your emergency fixed.

How To Make Sure a Sump Pump Works

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Give maintenance to your Sump pumps

How to Check a Sump Pump's Operation

Homeowners should regularly test sump pumps to make sure that this flood-prevention equipment is operational. Pump maintenance can reduce the frequency of sump pump repair or replacement. Find out how to prevent flooding by testing and maintaining a pump.

Periodically Test the Pump

It is not difficult to determine whether a pump is functioning properly. Take the following measures:

• Fill a bucket with water
• Dump the water into the basin and see if the pump activates
• Check the float and power source if water does not drain

A homeowner should test a pump several times a year, particularly before storms with heavy rain. Depending on the condition of the pump, maintenance or repairs may be necessary.

Maintain the Pump

Several pump maintenance methods can prolong the operational life of a sump pump. A homeowner can ensure that a pump will work properly by taking these steps:

• Clear debris from the grate, intake screen, pit, discharge pipe and vent hole
• Make sure the float functions
• Check the power cord condition
• Replace the backup battery every two to three years

Accumulated debris can put unnecessary stress on pump machinery and cause mechanisms to wear out faster. A pump should have backup power and may also have an alarm.

Provide Backup Power and Set Up Alarms

Plug a pump into a ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI outlet. Backup power sources include a battery, car battery, deep cycle boat battery or a generator. Many pumps have battery-powered alarms triggered by high water levels. Homeowners can customize alarms, and some newer pump models send cell phone alerts.

All of these measures can ensure that a pump will function when water levels rise in a basement trap or floor drain. If a sump pump fails and results in a basement flood at a residence in Woodbury, MN, the homeowner should arrange for damage mitigation and restoration.