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.

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!

Does Minor Fire Damage in Woodbury Need Professional Cleanup?

8/11/2022 (Permalink)

Yes, even minor fire damage needs attention from a professional team. Call SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove today.

SERVPRO Provides Expert Fire Damage Restoration That Uncovers Hidden Problems in Woodbury Homes

Fires do not always destroy a home. One of the most frequent reasons for household fires is kitchen fires. These are often quickly contained. It may seem cost-effective to clean up yourself, but the best option is professional help.

Why Shouldn’t Homeowners Tackle the Fire Cleanup?

Many of the issues that come with fire damage are not readily seen. Our professional fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) provide fire damage restoration in Woodbury, MN  that traces smoke and soot residue and removes it. Our techs look for things like:

• Damage that is apparent – obvious and easily assessed
• Secondary damage – this is not as easy to detect. 
• Fire residue – this can spread throughout the entire house.
• Water damage – can happen from firefighting efforts.

Fire Damaged Homes Count on SERVPRO

Restoring homes after a fire calls for immediate fire mitigation. Our IICRC-certified teams know exactly what to do to return your home to preloss condition whenever possible. Homeowners can trust that the procedures taken are precisely what is needed for their fire and smoke damage. We take care of the problem by:

• Providing water removal if needed.
• Using specialized techniques and equipment to remove smoke and soot.
• Examining the HVAC system to determine if smoke has circulated.
• Assessing the type of fire residue and using the appropriate cleaning methods.
• Using air scrubbers and foggers to deodorize.
• Clean, sanitize, and disinfect all items and structures that can be restored.
• Completing the final steps in restoration.

Contact SERVPRO, we can expertly handle all your fire damage restoration needs.

3 Steps To Put Out a Fire With a Fire Extinguisher

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

In the event of a kitchen fire in your Newport, MN, home, keep a portable fire extinguisher in an accessible location.

3 Steps to Using a Fire Extinguisher to Put Out a Fire

Fires can start in your kitchen from leaving food unattended while cooking or accidentally turning on an appliance. In the event of a kitchen fire in your Newport, MN, home, keep a portable fire extinguisher in an accessible location. Make sure you know how to properly use your extinguisher and what to do if a fire sparks.

Assess the Situation

Before using an extinguisher, call emergency services if you think their help may be needed. Then, determine if the fire is in an incipient stage, meaning it can be put out or controlled by your extinguisher. Next, identify your evacuation route. Make sure your path to safely leave your home is clear at all times while putting out the fire.

Perform the P.A.S.S. Technique
Most fire extinguishers are operated using the P.A.S.S. technique. Follow the steps below, releasing the extinguisher at its recommended range.

• Pull: Pull the extinguisher’s pin, breaking the tamper-proof seal.
• Aim: Aim the hose low at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze: Squeeze the handle, discharging the extinguishing agent.
• Sweep: Sweep the hose from side to side, aiming low the entire time. If the fire does not go out the first time or reignites, aim and spray again.

Evacuate and Repair the Fire Damage

If the fire cannot be put out by an extinguisher or if the extinguisher empties before the fire is smothered, immediately leave your home via your evacuation route. If you have not already called 911, do so now. After emergency responders have controlled and subdued the fire, you can start to think about repairing any damage to your home and contact a professional fire restoration company.

Knowing what to do and how to operate your fire extinguisher ensures you handle a fire safely and efficiently. Stay informed to protect yourself and your home.

5 Steps for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Gas Range

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

While a fire restoration company can help you put your kitchen back together after a fire, proper range cleaning will prevent many problems.

5 Easy Steps To Clean And Maintain Your Gas Range

While more and more homes have electric stoves and ovens, a gas range is still a popular choice for many people, especially those who are serious about home cooking in Woodbury, MN. One downside to a gas stove over a flat-top electric stove is that the cleaning process is more involved. However, not only does regular cleaning keep your kitchen looking spic and span, it can also prevent smoke and grease fires.

1. Remove Grates

On a gas range, you can remove the grates around the burners. Soak them in a sink of warm, soapy water while you work on the rest of the stove. Later, scrub them clean.

2. Clean Crumbs

Loose crumbs on your stove are what cause a smoke smell while you're cooking. Charred bits of pasta, crusted on sauce, and other mysterious tidbits that always end up right under the flames not only smell bad, but can lead to a fire.

3. Spray Cleaner

Choose your favorite cleaning products but keep in mind that some more abrasive chemicals might strip the temperature markings from your stove's dials. A mixture of vinegar and water works well to cut grease from your stove top. Spray it on, let it sit for a bit, and then wipe clean.

4. Scrub Stains

For stubborn stains usually caused by grease, dish soap and a toothbrush can work wonders. This is the part where regular maintenance makes this chore much easier. By taking care of a couple grease spots now, you save yourself hours of work later if you let the stains build up.

5. Degrease Burners

Even the burners need some love. The burner tops can soak with the grates while the toothbrush can help get grease out of the burner heads. Where there is grease buildup, there's a fire risk. While a fire restoration company can help you put your kitchen back together after a fire, proper range cleaning will prevent many problems.

A gas range is a great tool for your home cooking endeavors. Proper maintenance will keep your kitchen looking tidy as well as a safe place to turn out gourmet meals.

Do Emergency Services Limit Needed Fire Restoration in Woodbury?

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove professionals are here and ready to take on your fire damage emergency. Please do not hesitate to call today!

Initial mitigation prevents the continued spread of harmful fire damage in Woodbury properties. 

Fire damage does not just stop when the flames get extinguished. In most situations, post-fire effects like soot, smoke, odors, and water damage can continue to threaten the property until mitigation and restoration resolve these matters. We have an entire team of professionals ready and waiting to respond to these emergencies to start emergency services when it matters most.

Clearing Fire Debris

One of the first elements of fire damage restoration for Woodbury homes is removing build-up in the house like debris, charred remnants of building materials, bulk materials, ash, soot, and other particles. This can be completed with tools like wet/dry vacs and shoveling out heaps of burned materials. The result is a more manageable distribution of soot and odors in the house with fewer sources to amplify these effects. 

The Concern for Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is always a considerable concern after a fire. Many contaminants and microscopic carcinogenic particles can circulate in the environment, posing adverse health effects for those exposed without proper personal protective equipment. Some of the airborne threats HEPA filters can resolve include:

• Soot
• Smoke solids
• Toxins
• Ash

Water Removal Services

Yet another pressing need for the property is the resolution of standing water concerns. High volumes of water get used to clear out flames spreading in the structure. After the fire is out, you have its pressing impact along with several areas of the house contending with inches of standing water.

Surface Cleaning Strategies

While the bulk of soot and residue removal happens during the more intricate fire restoration and recovery stages, some surface cleaning could benefit the property by protecting underlying substrates or reducing the impact of related effects on the house.

We have experienced professionals ready to help from the initial notice of loss when we can enter a home following extinguishment. Give our SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove professionals a call today at (651) 314-4631.

Why Are Emergency Services Important After a Cottage Grove House Fire?

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove knows the difficulties a fire can bring to the table, let us help.

Understanding the type of fire damage mitigation improves restoration time for Cottage Grove homes.

When our team is notified about a fire damage incident, we begin putting a crew of competent professionals together to await clearance to enter the property. Our initial actions here dictate the pace and cost of the entire restoration process. 

Why Are Emergency Services Needed?

Emergency services are crucial after fire damage in Cottage Grove homes and businesses, specifically because of the ability to reduce the health and safety hazards of the property. Using a combination of our talented FSRT-certified technicians and our general contractor license, we can complete several needed efforts to protect the property after fire losses.  

What Do These Actions Entail? 

Making fire damages “Like it never even happened,” for homes and businesses means taking the necessary steps early to prevent costlier and more dangerous conditions. Before even mitigation starts, much of the first actions ensure that these processes occur without resistance and opposition. Some of these include:

• Board-up– Our general contractor license proves useful to seal over structural vulnerabilities and holes created during the fire or the extinguishment process.  
• Extraction- Fire suppression for residences typically involves high volumes of water, which can, in turn, require extraction and drying.
• Temporary Power– Often, our team arrives with trailered generators to ensure that we have available power distributed through spider boxes in the residence. This electricity is needed to run many restoration tools in our inventory.
• Debris Removal– This process involves discarding smoke-damaged materials, ash, and blistered construction elements.

Initial services play a crucial role in mitigating losses after a fire. Our swift actions and experience with fire and smoke recovery solutions allow us to better protect a damaged structure and contents. Our SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove team, is ready to help after disasters strike when you call (651) 314-4631.

Woodbury Properties That Suffer Fire Damage Need Prompt, Professional Restoration

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage is a lot to handle by yourself, call SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove for assistance.

Enlisting SERVPRO to Help with Woodbury Fire Cleanup Erases the Damage Quickly and Efficiently

Did you have a kitchen fire, a blaze in the garage, or did the in-law apartment on your Woodbury property have an electrical fire? No matter the type of fire emergency that took place, you will have plenty of work ahead of you to ensure everything gets restored to pre-fire condition. Something SERVPRO does best is handling house fire clean-up and all of the small details involved – from debris removal to our odor control technicians (OCT) taking care of odorous particles. We get the job done fast so that you are not left to stumble over debris or track soot residue by trying to execute DIY clean-up on your own. 

How does SERVPRO get started cleaning up fire damage in Woodbury?

Homeowners trying to begin house fire clean-up alone can quickly become overwhelmed. You also have to remember that do-it-yourself fire restoration usually makes the situation much worse. Experienced IICRC-certified fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) know how to address smoke remediation, charred debris removal, and any potential safety issues that arise. SERVPRO is here to save you time and money on the overall project. We arrive promptly and begin assessment right away to get started before secondary damage begins to set in.

Some of the methods that we use to handle soot and smoke clean-up include:

• Dry cleaning with the help of vacuums, brushes, and sponges to handle light-to-medium, non-greasy soot particles.
• Wet cleaning with or without cleaning agents to remove residue that is either moderate or heavy.
• Spray and wipe methods involve spraying surfaces with a cleaning agent and then carefully wiping residue with a clean cloth.
• Other techniques may include dry ice or soda blasting, immersion, cleaning, and sanding.

When it comes to any kind of fire damage, SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove, is here to handle it all! Contact us by calling (651) 314-4631 for emergency dispatch.

Important Fire Damage Restoration Steps for Damaged Homes in Woodbury

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage cleanup and restoration in Woodbury begin with a call to SERVPRO, from tarping the roof to build-back.

SERVPRO Has Proven Fire Damage Restoration Methods to Bring Your Woodbury Home Back to Pre-Fire Condition

No one ever goes into homeownership expecting to have to deal with house fire clean-up. However, emergencies happen, and it is how they get dealt with that matters the most. Whether you have a faulty appliance, issues with wiring, or human error, you need a team of fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT) to get the job done right. At SERVPRO, we strive to make every project's completion appear “Like it never even happened.”

Safety is our main priority when you call us for fire damage restoration in Woodbury. Then, the challenge becomes getting your household back on track. These are a few of the steps that we take with fire damage mitigation and restoration:

• Board up and tarping – Fire is known to destroy doors, windows, and other openings to your home. We take the time to board up and tarp any vulnerable spots while the restoration takes place.
• Drying – You may not think of water damage when there is a fire. Still, there could be water from the blaze damaging piping or plumbing components, structural elements, and contents from firefighters extinguishing the blaze. Other factors like rain or snow intrusion during or after the fire can complicate the water damage.
• Emergency pre-cleaning and deodorization – Our team understands the corrosive, acidic nature of soot, so we take the time to treat surfaces and carefully clean everything using targeted methods.
• Content pack-out – In many situations, you may have contents that must get stored off-site during the restoration, or they may require specialized cleaning actions at our facility.
• Content inventory – When handling your possessions, SERVPRO meticulously logs each item to account for everything and placing back in its original place.
• Controlled demolition and sanitization – We take care of the repair or replacement using controlled demolition measures. Once complete, our odor control technicians (OCT) fully clean, sanitize and deodorize all areas to ensure no lingering foul odors get left behind.

SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove is here to give you peace of mind when your home requires fire damage restoration. Call our team at (651) 314-4631.

What Does Fire Restoration Take in Woodbury Homes When Appliances Are Heavily Soiled?

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Residues from fires are difficult to remove. Our SERVPRO techs have the cleaners to completely restore your home.

SERVPRO Uses Regular or Specially Formulated Cleaning Agents to Address Smoke Damage

Appliances are a common feature in different sections of a home. For instance, you may have refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, and trash compactors in the kitchen, while the laundry room may have washers and dryers. Combustion residues can soil these contents heavily after a fire in your Woodbury home.

Cleaning contents as part of fire restoration in your Woodbury home presents unique challenges. The soils may be stubborn, requiring aggressive removal methods. However, care is also necessary since some cleaning methods might damage the functionality of an item, thus invalidating the usefulness of the restoration effort. SERVPRO technicians are well versed in handling such delicate restoration tasks after a fire loss.

Our fire restoration teams handle a wide range of tasks, including:

• Water & fire damage restorations
• Smoke damage
• House fire clean up

Cleaning is easier if the soiling is restricted to the outer surfaces of the appliances. Most appliances have hard surface covers made from metal, glass, plastic, Formica, or composite materials. Soiling does not penetrate beyond the surface, and therefore regular water-based detergents can help strip it off the surface.

However, problems can arise when the soiling involves oily smoke residues. Our SERVPRO technicians overcome such challenges by increasing the alkalinity of the cleaning solution by combining the regular detergents with specialized highly alkaline products with pH levels above 13. 

Proper rinsing and polishing are necessary steps after using the heavy detergents to ensure the polished surfaces of the items regain their shine. Some materials like chrome and aluminum might even pit if left unrinsed. 

SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove, can help you deal with any delicate fire restoration processes. Call us at (651) 314-4631. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Who Can I Call About the Fire Damage in My Cottage Grove Home?

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration is a job for a professional outfit. SERVPRO has your property covered from the beggning to the end of the process.

SERVPRO Can Offer Fire and Smoke Restoration For Your Residence! 

The repercussions of fire damage inside of your Cottage Grove home are sometimes substantial. Many individuals do not consider how extensive smoke damage can be. A small fire in your living room, caused by cigarette ash, could become a much bigger problem when smoke becomes an issue to worry about. 

Here at SERVPRO, we can offer you local Cottage Grove fire damage restoration services. No matter the size or extent of the damage, we are prepared to help your home. Should you suffer from the following issues, or require the following services, call us. 

• fire damaged homes
• fire and smoke damage
• smoke remediation 

Smoke has a habit of getting into every crack and crevice. In fact, when we restore smoke damage, we often find signs of it in places you would never expect to look. However, we know where to look and can help you get your home feeling "Like it never even happened." With advanced technology, our highly trained technicians can neutralize the malodors in your home caused by smoke. Some of the devices we use include: 

• Air scrubbers
• Thermal Foggers
• Odor-locking priming paints
• Hydroxyl Generators 

If your home needs fire damage restoration, what are you waiting for? Speak to SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove by calling (651) 314-4631. We can help you right now. 

Fire Restoration After a Space Heater Fire in Cottage Grove

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be quite overwhelming when it happens in your home. Call SERVPRO right away after an event.

SERVPRO Helps Cottage Grove Residents After Space Heater Fires

Space heaters are an excellent way to boost your home’s temperature and make it more comfortable. Unfortunately, they can also become fire hazards if you are not careful.

SERVPRO recommends practicing good space heater safety to prevent the need for fire restoration in your Cottage Grove home. You can stop your heater from becoming a hazard by:

• Always using the correct plug.
• Plugging directly into the wall instead of using extensions.
• Leaving adequate space around the heater.
• Ensuring there are no hanging clothes or drapes near the heater.
• Purchasing a new heater from a reputable company.

If a fire occurs, SERVPRO is here to help you. We train our teams to clean away soot and grime from your home, and we can also clean individual belongings, including furniture and even clothes. If your walls or carpet are damp from firefighting efforts, we can extract water and dry the area. We also know that smoke smells can linger long after a blaze, so we take care of deodorizing too.

If you need help with fire restoration, we are here for you. Call SERVPRO of Woodbury, Cottage Grove at (651) 314-4631.

Why Is Fire Restoration Preferable to Replacement in Woodbury?

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot damage are difficult to remove. SERVPRO is your one-stop shop for all of your fire damage restoration needs.

SERVPRO Returns Function and Beauty After Woodbury Fire Damage  

During the aftermath of a fire in Woodbury, the scene inside a home seems irreparable. Building materials sustained damage, and soot covers both structures and contents. The extinguishing chemicals and firefighting water are everywhere. Homeowners often believe the only answer is demolition and rebuilding.

What Are Cleaning Products and Methods that Can Restore Smoke and Heat Damage?

Choosing to pursue fire restoration in Woodbury minimizes disruption and saves time and money. Most insurance carriers encourage restoration over other approaches, guiding homeowners who prefer to limit out of pocket costs. SERVPRO’s highly qualified fire mitigation and remediation teams offer:

• Comprehensive and expert assessment of water and fire damage
• Planning for water and residue removal 
• Intensive efforts to eliminate debris and soot

Dry cleaning, including: 

• Vacuuming and compressed air
• Dusting 
• Brushing

Wet Cleaning, including:

• Spray and wipe
• Foam cleaning

Abrasive Cleaning, including:

• Product additives – grits
• Tools -- aggressive coatings

Immersive Cleaning, including:

• Soaking tubs
• Ultrasonic systems

Investigate the fire restoration services available from SERVPRO of South Washington County before leaving precious memories and previous comfort behind. Make it “Like it never even happened.” -- Call (651) 314-4631 to learn how.

Ringing in the New Year in Woodbury, MN

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Family New Year's Eve Celebration sounds like a wonderful way to bring in the New Year's with your family.

Woodbury Residents – Don’t Miss the Family New Year’s Eve Celebration!

There is not much that is more satisfying than enjoying time with the local community when bringing in the wonders of the New Year. There is a notable need for social distancing this holiday season, but the Family New Year’s Eve Celebration is still happening. During this event, there will be plenty of fun family activities and a variety of door prizes and other drawings. Throughout the event, masks and safety protocols are in place as families from Woodbury enjoy bingo, inflatables, moonwalks, ice skating, music, and more.

• Date: Thursday, December 31st, 2020
• Time: 5:00 pm to Midnight – Door prize drawings at 8:30 pm
• Location: HealthEast Sports Center, 4125 Radio Drive, Woodbury, MN
• Cost: Free for all
• Details: Event geared to families that have children age 12 and under

It is essential to have a sense of community around you, especially when faced with a fire emergency in your home. Calling SERVPRO of South Washington County ensures you have the prompt fire damage restoration you deserve. We can be reached at our offices 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays, by calling (651) 314-4631. It is our goal to ensure your home is restored to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.”

Is It True Fire Odors Can Travel Through the Ductwork in My Home?

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO techs can remove the visible and odorous evidence of a fire in your Minneapolis residence

SERVPRO techs can remove the visible and odorous evidence of a fire in your Minneapolis residence

There are several actions a homeowner can take immediately after a fire. It is possible for odorous, airborne soot particles to travel throughout the home via foot traffic and the ductwork. First and foremost, after this type of loss, ask the fire department personnel at the scene if it is safe to enter the property. If it is, you can do the following: 

• Turn off the HVAC
• Turn off the electricity
• Remove valuables and important papers
• Close the doors to the fire loss area

What is the Best Way to Remove Fire Damage and Fire Extinguisher Foam?

One of the keys to getting rid of fire damage to your Minneapolis home is to bring in a professional restoration services company. A small amount of fire loss can quickly become a large amount if the soot gets the opportunity to spread around the home. SERVPRO techs test the residues to determine the type and then examine the surface they are on to choose the best cleaning method. 

It is not unusual to find different types of smoke residues in a single room requiring different removal applications, and it is vital to outsource the cleanup. DIY efforts can result in great damage, for example, if wet cleaning solutions get used on dry smoke, which can stain or embed it further into surfaces. The techs have equipment ranging from manual dry cleaning sponges for gently lifting away dry smoke to solvent-mixtures to wipe away stubborn wet smoke. When the mitigation efforts complete, the techs can inspect the ductwork to ensure there are no issues with smoke odors remaining. 

SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis 24/7 at (612) 421-2040 has extensive training and experience restoration local properties from any size fire damage issue. Our teams are available 24/7, call now.