Fire, Smoke and Soot - What To Do and Who To Call

9/13/2023 (Permalink)

What to do if you face fire, smoke or soot damage to your home or business.

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow for us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of [Douglas & Otter Tail Counties] will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire.

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Fire, Smoke and Soot - What To Do and Who To Call

9/13/2023 (Permalink)

What to do if you face fire, smoke or soot damage to your home or business.

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow for us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of [Douglas & Otter Tail Counties] will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire.

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Sentimental Items Damaged in a Fire or Flood?

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO to restore your sentimental items after fire or flood.

Losing a sentimental item can be very emotional. After all, some of these items have been passed down for generations and generations. Although these items may never be returned to their original state, if the item is not completely disintegrated there are some things that you can do. Here are some tips to ensure that you are doing the most to restore your sentimental items:

• After a fire, water, or storm loss make sure to call your insurance company to file a claim as soon as possible.
• Before entering the building where your loss occurred, make sure that the structural integrity is okay to enter.
• Wear glasses, a facemask, and gloves when rummaging through damaged items.
• Take lots of photos of the damaged items for insurance claim purposes.
• Call us to schedule an appointment to go over your damaged items, we will always do our best to restore them as close to their original state as possible.

Although not every sentimental item is able to be restored, it may shock you how items can be saved using the proper techniques.

Fire Prevention week October 9-15, 2022

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention week October 9-15, 2022, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape”

Home fire escape planning and practicing

It is important for everyone to plan and practice a home fire escape. Everyone needs to be prepared in advance, so that they know what to do when the smoke alarm sounds. Given that every home is different, every home fire escape plan will also be different.

Have a plan for everyone in the home. Children, older adults, and people with disabilities may need assistance to wake up and get out. Make sure that someone will help them!

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms sense smoke well before you can, alerting you to danger. Smoke alarms need to be in every bedroom, outside of the sleeping areas (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of your home. Choose an alarm that is listed with a testing laboratory, meaning it has met certain standards for protection. For the best protection, use combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are interconnected throughout the home. These can be installed by a qualified electrician, so that when one sounds, they all sound. This ensures you can hear the alarm no matter where in your home the alarm originates.

Source: NFPA Online 2022

Smoke Damage in the Kitchen from a Kitchen Fire in Richfield

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Cooking is the #1 cause of fires in the home; specifically, fires that originate from the stove.  Even when the fire is caught early, the smoke damage that it causes can be devastating to a home. Even burning food in the oven can cause considerable smoke damage. The smoke odor gets trapped in the curtains, sofas, on the walls, and other places in the home.  SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield is IICR Certified to clean, deodorize, and sanitize upholstery, furniture, and carpeting. In addition, SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield has a tried and true process of eliminating the strong odor of smoke from the air using deodorizers and ionizing machines.

To learn more about smoke damage remediation from SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield, please click here.

Please call us today to get the process started: (952) 854-2000

Cigarette Smoke Smell in Your Home

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

Do you have a cigarette smoke smell in your new home left from previous owners?

It's obvious to a non-smoker when a home smells like cigarettes.  The smell of tobacco and/or cigarette smoke and tar is stubborn because it "sticks" to all surfaces in your home as it spreads through the air. So, how do you get rid of the cigarette odor?  The short answer is that it's very difficult.  ALL surfaces in the home need to be scrubbed and deodorized, including the: flooring, walls, furniture, appliances, window coverings, decorations, and clothing. Even the air in the home needs to be deodorized during the process.  It's not an easy task, but the experts at SERVPRO® of Bloomington / Richfield have done it many times and are more than willing to help you.  Give us a call today and start breathing fresh smelling air!

3 Myths About Fire Restoration

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

Myth 1: Fire does the most damage

While the initial incineration from the fire can level homes and businesses in a matter of minutes, it is the aftershock of the smoke damage that in fact can be the most damaging. The aftershock of the residual water damage, soot, and smoke can continue to destroy structures and everything within them for days, weeks and months after the fire.

Myth 2: Just “air it out”

Once the initial fire event is over, the most frequent reaction for homeowners and business owners alike is to open all windows, doors and start the fans. Unfortunately, these initial reactions can often make matters worse as waterlogged furniture, flooring, and more can foster mold growth for years to come even if the surfaces do not seem wet anymore.

Myth 3: Everything must go

SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield knows how important your possessions are.  We try our absolute best to salvage what can be salvaged. Adopting a “restore first” mentality is crucial to help lower costs and get you back in your home or business sooner. This process relies upon specialized training and industrial equipment to restore your property and possessions back to pre-fire condition, something in which SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield specializes.

SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield is available 24/7 and works easily with your insurance. Give us a call today.

Legal Fireworks Safety

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

If you choose to use legal fireworks, be sure to follow the following safety tips:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
• Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
• Never light them indoors
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
• Never ignite devices in a container
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
• Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
• Never use illegal fireworks

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to leave it to the experts and attend a fireworks show put on by professionals.

Source: National Safety Council online

Christmas Tree Safety

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

Like candle fires, Christmas tree fires are more common during the holidays, with 43% occurring in December and 39% in January. The NFPA says an average of 230 fires are attributed to Christmas trees each year and they are more likely to be serious because of the factors that can contribute to the fire: a dry tree, electrical lights, and an abundant fuel supply (gifts) under the tree. Christmas tree fires cause an average of $18.3 million in property damage each year.

The most common causes are electrical failures (32%), having the tree too close to a heat source like a fireplace or wood stove (17%) or being too close to candles (7%).

Safety tips:

• Keep live trees well watered and dispose of them before they become dry.
• Turn off tree lights before leaving the house or going to bed.
• Check lights for any shorts or other electrical issues before putting them on the tree.

Source: National Fire Protection Association Online

The Importance of Proper Smoke Remediation after Smoke or Fire Damage to your Minneapolis area Home

9/14/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire in a home it's very possible that contaminating smoke has touched every item and area in your home. In smoke, there are residual amounts of chemicals and other bi-products due to burning plastics and other chemical-based items in your home that may have burned in the fire.  Those residual chemicals have been transferred by the smoke and is now left on your walls, furniture, floors, personal items, and other contents in your home.  Even things like your light bulbs in your lamps must be decontaminated or disposed of properly.

It's important to remove and remediate the items in the home that were exposed to the fire and smoke so that they do not further contaminate your home.  The residual amounts of chemicals and other bi-products can irritate: eyes, lungs, skin, and other parts of the body.

SERVPRO® of Bloomington / Richfield uses special equipment, techniques, and cleaning products to remove the smoke and soot from your home and salvageable contents. SERVPRO® of Bloomington / Richfield will also remove the odors using our industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. In most cases, air ducts will need to be cleaned as well along with new HVAC filters installed.

The #1 Cause of House Fires

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

Cooking is the Number One Cause of House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association

The number one source of house fires is cooking – usually leaving pots or pans unattended on the stove while you run away to do something for “just a minute.” The NFPA says that 40% of all house fires, or an average of 156,600 per year, start this way, causing approximately $853 million in property damage. Two-thirds of the fires started because the food or other materials caught fire.

Fires are more likely to start on a range (57%) as compared to the oven (16%), mainly due to frying. Most injuries occur when the cook tried to put out the fire.

Safety tips:

• Be alert when cooking and don’t leave food unattended.
• Don’t throw water on a grease fire, instead put a lid on the pan to smother the fire.
• Keep clothing, pot holders, paper towels and other flammable items away from the stove.
• Have working smoke detectors in the house and keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.

Sources: National Fire Prevention Association

Smoke Damage in the Kitchen from a Kitchen Fire in Richfield

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Cooking is the #1 cause of fires in the home; specifically, fires that originate from the stove.  Even when the fire is caught early, the smoke damage that it causes can be devastating to a home. Even burning food in the oven can cause considerable smoke damage. The smoke odor gets trapped in the curtains, sofas, on the walls, and other places in the home.  SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield is IICR Certified to clean, deodorize, and sanitize upholstery, furniture, and carpeting. In addition, SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield has a tried and true process of eliminating the strong odor of smoke from the air using deodorizers and ionizing machines.

To learn more about smoke damage remediation from SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield, please click here.

Please call us today to get the process started: (952) 854-2000

Happy 4th of July from SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield!

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

We have restored many fire damages this time of year and would like to share some fireworks safety tips to help keep you and your families safe over the holiday weekend.

• Fireworks packaged in brown paper are made for professional displays – avoid buying.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, especially with sparklers.
• Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire and to douse used fireworks before discarding in trash.
• Never allow young children to play or ignite fireworks.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Never try to re-light or pickup fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never place a part of your body directly over a firework device when lighting.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Source: CPSC online

Fire Classifications

6/29/2021 (Permalink)

There are five different classes of fires, each designated by a letter.

Class A: The most common type of fire, Class A fires have combustibles that include paper, wood, cloth, plastic, trash and other ordinary materials that may be found in any home or business.

Class B: Fires caused by flammable liquids are considered Class B fires. These flammable liquids include gasoline, paint and oil. A Class B fire may also include combustibles such as propane or butane, which are flammable gases.

Class C: Electrical fires are Class C fires and include fires that originate from outlets, wires and other electrical components.

Class D: Any fire caused by combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, aluminum and potassium, also known as chemical fires, are Class D.

Class K: Combustibles such as cooking oils, grease and fats are Class K fires.

If your home or business has experience a fire, please call SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield for a professional restoration. We will work with your insurance and are here to help! 

Learning About Smoke Alarms

12/11/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries. If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to escape your home. 

Here's what you need to know:

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions, yet mitigate false alarms.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

Source: NFPA

Oct 4th - Oct 10th is Fire Prevention Week 2020

9/15/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2020 in United States will begin on Sunday, October 4^th and end on Saturday, October 10^th. This year’s theme is all about fire safety in the kitchen. Since we are all home more in Minnesota in 2020, we are all home cooking more. In order to reduce the amount of kitchen fires in 2020, the National Fire Protection Association has named this year’s fire prevention week campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!^TM”

Did you know?
Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.

3 Safety tips from the NFPA regarding kitchen fires:

1. Kitchen fires spread quickly. If you do have a cooking fire in the kitchen, get out immediately.
2. Never leave kitchen towels, oven mitts, or flammable items on top of or near the stove.
3. Never leave the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, or cooking food.

Source: NFPA.org

Fire Prevention Week is October 6th - 12th, 2019

9/20/2019 (Permalink)

Plan and Practice Your Escape

The theme this year is how to be a hero simply by planning your family's escape and having a fire safety plan in place.  In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Escape planning and practice can help you make the most of the time you have,giving everyone enough time to get out.

Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

When it comes to fire safety, maybe you’re already a hero in your household or community. If not, maybe you’re feeling inspired to become one. It's easy to take that first step - make your home escape plan.

Source: NFPA

Fire safety in manufactured homes

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

Safety tips

To increase fire safety in manufactured homes, NFPA offers the following guidelines:

• Choose a HUD-certified manufactured home
  If you are in the market to purchase or rent a manufactured home, select a home built after 1976 that bears the HUD label certifying compliance with safety standards.
• Make sure you have enough functioning smoke alarms
  If your older manufactured home does not have smoke alarms in or near every sleeping room and in or near the family/living area(s), immediately install new alarms and fresh batteries to protect these rooms.  For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
• Plan your escape
  Know ahead of time how you will get out if you have a fire. Make sure you can open and get out of windows and doors. All post-HUD Standard manufactured homes are required to provide windows designed for use as secondary escape routes for the bedroom. Familiarize yourself with their operation and don't block access to them.  Immediately fix any windows that have been painted or nailed shut, doors that are stubborn or "stuck," and locks that are difficult to operate. Security bars or grates over windows or doors should have quick-release devices installed inside, which allow you to open them in an emergency. Hold a fire drill twice a year to rehearse how you will react if the smoke alarm sounds.
• Electrical
  Hire a licensed electrician if you notice flickering lights, frequent blown circuits, or a "hot" smell when using electricity. Use extension cords for temporary convenience, not as a permanent solution. Avoid overloading electrical receptacles (outlets). Electrical cords should not be run under carpets or rugs, as the wires can be damaged by foot traffic, then overheat and ignite the carpet or rug over them.
• Heating
  Keep space heaters at least three feet away from anything that can burn. When purchasing new space heaters, select appliances with automatic shut-off switches. Kerosene heaters are illegal for home use in some jurisdictions. Check with your local fire department before purchasing a kerosene heater. Turn off portable space heaters before falling asleep or when leaving the room. Refill kerosene heaters outdoors, after the heater has cooled down. Supervise children and pets when space heaters are operating. 

Source: NFPA

Smoke Damage After a Kitchen Fire

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage After a Kitchen Fire

According to the NFPA, cooking is the #1 cause of fires in the home; specifically, fires that originate from the stove.  Even when the fire is caught early, that smoke damage that it causes can be devastating to a home.  The smoke odor gets trapped in the curtains, sofas, on the walls, and other places in the home.  SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield is IICR Certified to clean, deodorize, and sanitize upholstery. In addition, SERVPRO of Bloomington / Richfield has a tried and true process of eliminating the strong odor of smoke from the air using deodorizers and ionizing machines to "clean" the air as well.

To learn more about smoke damage remediation, click here.

Please call us today to get the process started.

Candles and House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association.

12/17/2018 (Permalink)

Candles and House Fires, According to the National Fire Protection Association.

Candles

From 2007-2011, the NFPA says there were an average of 10,630 fires in the U.S. that were started by candles, causing 115 deaths, 903 injuries and approximately $418 million in property damage. There are more candle fires in December and January; the top three days for fires are: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

About one-third of these fires started in bedrooms, causing 39% of the associated deaths and 45% of the associated injuries. More than half of all candle fires start because of candles that were left too close to flammable items.

Other causes of candle fires include leaving them unattended in a room or someone playing with the candles. Even something as simple as knocking a candle over when someone bumps a table they're sitting on or a pet brushing against one is enough to light a fire.

Source: National Fire Protection Association and http://www.propertycasualty360.com

5 Things Never to Plug into a Power Strip

9/25/2018 (Permalink)

5 Things Never to Plug into a Power Strip

No matter where you live—house, apartment, dorm room, mobile home—one factor remains constant: There never seem to be enough power outlets. This may explain the popularity of multi-outlet power strips, which provide additional outlets and also let you control multiple components with a single on-off switch. There are some appliances, however, that should never be used with power strips because they could overload the circuit and cause overheating or even a fire…

1. Refrigerators and Freezers

Large appliances like refrigerators require a lot of power and frequently cycle on and off, which can easily overload a power strip. These devices should be plugged directly into a wall outlet dedicated solely to powering the appliance. If you try to plug additional appliances into the same outlet, you risk tripping the circuit.  

1. Microwaves

The microwave is a miracle of modern food preparation, thawing, cooking, and reheating food in a fraction of the time it takes a conventional oven. But all that marvelous activity requires more energy than a power strip can provide. Like a conventional electric oven, the microwave should have its own dedicated power outlet.

1. Coffee Makers

You may not think that your morning cup of joe requires that much energy to brew, but most coffee makers need quite bit of amperage to turn those roasted beans into a hot beverage. Plug your coffee maker directly into the outlet or you run the risk of waking up to a half-brewed pot of coffee.

1. Toasters

If you’ve ever peered into a toaster to remove a particularly stubborn piece of broken crust, you know that the inside is basically a bunch of wires that heat up to red-hot temperatures to toast the bread. The current draw that those wires require can easily cause a power strip to overheat. This same issue affects toaster ovens, electric skillets, and waffle irons as well.

1. Slow Cookers and Hot Plates

You might think you're one clever cook when you plug your slow cooker into a power strip to free up outlet space for other countertop appliances, but you'd be wrong. These cooking appliances require more juice over a longer period of time than a power strip can handle. And because the appeal of a slow cooker is that it can operate without supervision, you definitely want to make sure it is safely plugged into a wall outlet to minimize any hazardous outcomes.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-and-garden/10-things-never-to-plug-into-a-power-strip/ss-AAwzKNH

Home Fires Caused by Dryers and Washing Machines

9/4/2018 (Permalink)

Home Fires Caused by Dryers and Washing Machines

Clothes dryer fires happen more often than one might think, accounting for 16,800 home structure fires in 2010 and doing more than $236 million in property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association. The most frequent causes of fires in dryers are lint/dust (29%) and clothing (28%). In washers, they are wire or cable insulation (26%), the appliance housing (21%) or the drive belt (15%).

Dryers were involved in 92% of the Washer/Dryer fires; the risk of fire was basically the same for both gas and electric-powered dryers.

Safety tips:

• Clean the lint screen frequently and don’t run the dryer without it.
• For gas and propane dryers, make sure there aren’t any leaks in the lines.
• Vent the dryer to the outside of the house and ensure nothing blocks the vent pipe.
• Clean the vent pipe and the area where the screen is housed.
• Keep the area around the dryer free of combustible materials.

Source: National Fire Protection Association and http://www.propertycasualty360.com

Lightning During Storms and House Fires Resulting

7/6/2018 (Permalink)

Lightning During Storms and House Fires Resulting

Unlike other types of house fires, which occur more frequently in the winter months, fires in the home caused by lightning are more likely to happen in June, July and August in the late afternoon or early evening. From 2007-2011, NFPA says there were an average of 22,600 fires per year caused by lightning strikes.  Lightning is responsible for a number of wildfires as well.

Lightning during storms poses the greatest risk outdoors and frequently strikes the highest point on a structure.

Safety tips During Lightning Storms: 

• When possible, stay away from doors and windows during an electrical storm.
• Do not use corded phones, computers, TVs or other electrical equipment during storms.
• Unplug major electronics – TVs, stereo equipment, computers and microwaves to minimize damage if there is a lightning strike close by.
• Avoid plumbing such as sinks, baths and faucets during a thunderstorm as metal plumbing is an excellent conductor of electricity.

Source: http://www.propertycasualty360.com and National Fire Protection Association

Ways To Clean Up Following a Home Fire

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

Ways To Clean Up Following a Home Fire

After a fire in your Bloomington, MN home has been extinguished, the cleanup and restoration processes begin. Buildings and their contents may experience smoke damage, in addition to the damage from the water and chemicals used to extinguish the fire. Comprehensive cleanup is often a multi-step process.

Damage Assessment

To formulate a comprehensive remediation plan, determine the full extent of the damage. In addition to assessing burned areas, adjoining rooms or floors should be tested for lingering harm from smoke or soot that spread throughout the structure during the fire.

Short-Term Repairs

Depending on the scope of the fire, roofs, walls, windows and doors may need immediate repairs to secure the building and prevent further damage from the elements. Boarding up openings or placing tarps over weakened areas can preserve them so that long-term remediation can begin.

Water Removal

Water can create further damage if left standing. Mold and mildew can grow whenever water and oxygen is present. Immediate drying can limit water damage that can compound the expense and time for repairs.

Smoke and Soot Removal

Special equipment may be needed to repair smoke damage and remove soot. Types of soot and smoke cleaning may include:

Dry cleaning for light residues
Wet cleaning for heavy residues
Spraying and wiping
Foam cleaning for fabrics or upholstery
Abrasive cleaning
Immersion cleaning

Because acid from smoke and soot damage can seriously affect electronics, such as televisions and computers, avoid turning on electronic equipment until it has been examined.

Photographs and documents may also require special handling. Restoration alternatives can include air drying, dehumidifying, or different types freeze or vacuum drying.

Restoration

The goal is to restore your Bloomington, MN home and its contents to its pre-fire condition. Full smoke damage restoration may involve both major or minor structural repairs, as well as specialized efforts to restore valued heirlooms, artwork, furniture, and other household belongings. Taking a well-planned approach when cleaning up after a fire can minimize loss and speed the road to full recovery. Visit http://www.SERVPRObloomingtonrichfield.com for more information on fire damage.

How Should You Respond to Residential Fire Damage?

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

How Should You Respond to Residential Fire Damage?

Have you ever visited someone's home and noticed visible signs of fire cleanup weeks, months or even years after a fire? Even when a homeowner removes burned wood or other materials from a room where a conflagration occurred, subtle traces of soot damage and smoke damage may remain. These signs may cause the home to appear unattractive long after the fire board up of an impacted room ends!

The Aftermath of a Fire in Home Settings

Occupants of the home may adjust to living with obvious signs of fire damage in the absence of a formal fire restoration process. Yet unless they follow the example of many businesses and request assistance from a trained fire restoration company, a lingering smoke smell may still pervade the premises long afterwards. Just as commercial fire damage warrants a prompt response after a fire in business settings, homeowners should seriously consider seeking professional assistance from a qualified restoration company following a fire in home environments.

Effective, timely fire damage restoration can remove the smoke smell and restore treasured personal items to an attractive condition. This process may prove very cost-effective over the course of time. After a fire in home settings, who enjoys residing in quarters which reek with a persistent smoke smell? No one prefers smoke damage in a home. Contacting a skilled fire damage restoration firm can help your household permanently remove soot damage, smoke damage and other unpleasant fire damage signs. Consider treating your residence with the same respect you would show to your workplace following a fire in business areas. The board up and fire cleanup process proceed more quickly and smoothly with a trained fire damage expert in charge. Today many homeowners request assistance from a restoration company in this situation.

Another Long Term Advantage of Seeking Restoration Company Assistance

In addition to enhancing the comfort of household members and visitors, consider that a qualified restoration company may help you restore your home to a more marketable condition following a fire in home settings. Just as these firms help alleviate commercial fire damage, they often help homeowners restore a residence's appeal to prospective buyers. You'll still need to disclose the occurrence of fire in business and home environments when you place property on the market, of course.

However, real estate buyers won't notice a noxious lingering smoke smell on the premises after thorough fire damage restoration. The restoration effort won't end with the fire cleanup and fire board up efforts when you pursue this course of action! By carefully removing soot damage and smoke damage from upholstery, drapes and carpeting, fire damage restoration companies can help ensure a more comprehensive fire cleanup effort. Business today usually seek assistance with restoration following commercial fire damage. Savvy home sellers appreciate the need for this service, too.

Make An Intelligent Choice to Address Fire Damage Comprehensively

Even a small kitchen fire can pose a headache for homeowners. It makes sense to respond to this type of emergency just as successful enterprises do after fire in business venues. These entities generally pursue the most effective commercial fire damage solution by seeking expert restoration assistance. A growing number of restoration firms offer fire cleanup assistance to homeowners today, too.

In former eras, some homeowners would simply board up damaged rooms in a home until they could replace burned construction materials. Today, more people appreciate the importance of complete restoration efforts, cleaning which goes far beyond simple soot damage removal. If you ever suffer fire damage in your residence- even minor fire damage, consider seeking capable restoration assistance from qualified experts. Taking this step could save you money over the long term!
Visit http://www.SERVPRObloomingtonrichfield.com for more information on fire damage.

Fire Damage Restoration Services Explained

9/5/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Restoration Services Explained


Fire in home and fire in business can have devastating damage on the property as well as emotional distress to the home or business owner. It leaves the occupants of a building feeling hopeless and depressed.It is doubtful that a homeowner can handle the necessary cleanup to restore the home to its initial condition. This is where a commercial fire damage company comes in.

A fire restoration crew will help you retain the preserve your belongings, and the value of your fire damage restoration is necessary to get your business or home back to its original form. The restoration companies have sufficient knowledge of fire damage and the seriousness of the situation. The fire cleanup experts use their knowledge and equipment to achieve recovery. They can handle all damages associated with fire including fire damage itself, smoke damage, soot damage, and treat smoke smell problems.

Damage assessment

Fire damage restoration experts will first analyze the damage left by the fire in business or fire in home. They will assess the smoke and soot left by the inferno. Soot and smoke prevail after the fire has been extinguished, and it helps the experts establish the nature of the fire. The assessment allows soot damage experts determine the graveness of the damage and facilitate the decision of what needs restoration and what has to be discarded. Carrying this assessment without any expert know-how is not advisable since not everything that looks okay can be salvaged. Fire cleanup experts can identify and restore some things in your premise that appear damaged. Soot damage experts can also determine the type of smoke damage. There are different kinds of smoke such as wet smoke, dry smoke, protein smoke and smoke from burning oil. All these kinds of smoke require a different type of treatment.

Water removal

The process of putting out the fire in home and fire in business often leaves behind a lot of water used for putting out the blaze. This water if left in the house can cause further damage and foster mold growth. The fire restoration company starts by removing the water from the establishment and dry the place to achieve the best restoration results.

Deodorization

Smoke damage is inevitable where fire damage occurs. In the case of fire in home or fire in business, porous materials can absorb smoke and retain smoke smell. Examples of such material include carpets, dry wall, and certain kinds of furniture made of porous material. The fire cleanup experts normally carry out a thorough deodorization of fabrics including apparels, draperies, carpets, and furniture to eliminate smoke smell. The smoke smell can linger on fabrics for an extended period if not properly deodorized. The fire restoration company utilizes potent compounds that target smoke molecules to neutralize the odor. Depending on the degree of deodorization, fire restoration professionals frequently use industrial grade ozone generators to eliminate soot, smoke, and odor effectively. The soot damage and smoke smell experts usually use EPA approved deodorizers and ozone to restore materials such that they are free from smoke smell.

Thermal forging

Apart from eliminating soot and smoke damage from fabric, fire damage may extend underneath the walls. If the case is severe, fire damage restoration experts normally turn to thermal forging. Thermal frogging utilized equipment that removes smoke odor trapped inside the walls.

Apart from fabrics and walls, the restoration company often assesses other parts to ensure appropriate fire cleanup and restoration. Commercial fire damage services may also replace vents, ducts, and attic insulation depending on the degree of fire damage. A deep inspection by a restoration company will provide property owners with a clear picture of what can be retrieved and what needs replacement.

Board up and other services

Fire in home and fire in business can consume a lot of your property. Fire damage restoration can provide board up services for your property. They will board up all the windows and doors that do not lock properly because of fire damage. They will also ensure they board up all openings in the roof and on the walls. The board up should prevent looting while you are away and protect your home from rain which can damage the remaining property. Other services include quick cleaning of clothing, pack-outs and creating a digital inventory of your belongings.

Demolition

Fire restoration companies can help devour structure affected by fire beyond repair. There is no need to worry about the scattered debris or the mess arising from the demolition process. The commercial fire damage experts will collect and dispose all the debris from the restoration process.

They help with insurance claims

A commercial fire damage company can assist prepare an estimate for you to submit to your insurance provider. Always file your insurance claim as soon as possible to help in the recovery. Delayed submissions often result in delayed payments which can cause frustration and inconvenience when handling the restoration process. Visit http://www.SERVPRObloomingtonrichfield.com for more information on fire damage.

Fire Damage Restoration Tips for Homeowners

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Restoration Tips for Homeowners

Upon hiring a fire cleanup team to remedy the fire damage left behind after a fire in business or a fire in home, you gain peace of mind and assurance that the professionals will get your building back in safe, usable condition again. But, this isn't to say there isn't plenty of worry in the back of your mind. Like any property owner, fire damage restoration is something that you want done quickly and efficiently, and don't mind getting your hands dirty to see that happen. But, when there is fire damage in the home or business, leaving fire cleanup to the pros might just be the best remedy. Smoke damage, the smoke smell, and soot damage are all left behind in the aftermath of a fire, and all bring potential consequences your way.

Does this mean you cannot initiate any of the fire damage restoration yourself after a fire in business or your home? There are a few things that you can do after commercial fire damage or a fire in home, but for the most part, the job is best left to the professionals who are equipped with the safety tools and equipment needed to safely get the job done.

If you want to help clean up after a fire in home or commercial fire damage, keep the following tips in mind:

- Call a restoration company as soon as possible, as well as the insurance company, after a fire in business or home. A restoration company restores the facility to pre-fire condition while salvaging any items that haven't succumbed to the fire but may have smoke damage. The fire damage restoration professionals work diligently to revive your place during fire cleanup, ensuring that fire damage doesn't get the best of you.

- Wear protective clothing and a face mask when re-entering the building. Remember, re-enter only when the fire department or building officials okay you to do so. When you go inside the building, soot damage, smoke damage, and the smoke smell are all potential dangers that can affect you, but the protective gear adds a layer of much-needed protection.

- Board up of the windows, doors, and basement is a service provided by the restoration company upon request. Whether you've experienced a fire in home or commercial fire damage, board up services are beneficial since they protect you in multiple ways. A board up job protect people from entering the facility, which is important for both commercial fire damage and residential damage. The board up job also protects the fire from restarting and prevents the smoke smell from traveling outside the building.

- When you re-enter the building after fire damage ensure that you do so with caution. Although the flames are gone, soot damage, smoke damage, and the smoke smell are still present and a realistic threat to your safety. Structural damage is possible after fire damage, putting you at risk when inside the building. Watch every step that you make, and understand the potential dangers that lurk around you.

- Do not touch anything in the building after a fire in business or your home! You could very well transmit toxins when touching items affected with soot damage. Additionally, keeping things intact is beneficial when the insurance company arrives to assess the damage. Fire damage restoration starts only when the agent has evaluated the scene.

Although you never want to experience a fire, knowing what to do after fire damage can save time, frustration, and headache during the fire cleanup process. Use the above tips together with a great restoration company, and you'll soon get your life back to normal.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObloomingtonrichfield.com for more information on fire damage.

Inside the Fire Damage Restoration Process

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

Inside the Fire Damage Restoration Process

Fire damage can be a very costly and traumatic experience. When a fire disaster strikes, homeowners have a great deal of problems with which they have to contend with. Depending on the severity of the fire, families will need a temporary place to stay, they have to deal with insurance companies and find a dependable company of professionals to take care of fire cleanup.

After the fire trucks leave, the cleanup begins. The property will have widespread damage that only a highly-trained fire damage restoration team can fix. These professionals will restore the property to its pre-fire condition. The deep-cleaning methods they employ will rid the home or business of smoke damage, soot damage and other odors that can linger in carpet, walls and upholstery.

Fire damage in the home needs a fast response. Companies that specialize in fire cleanup can tackle any problem, big or small. So even if there's fire in a business or commercial fire damage, fire damage restoration specialists will safely restore the property with as little disruption as possible.

Before help arrives, the property owner should do everything within reason to protect the home. Safely removing belongings that have soot damage or smoke damage is the first step after a fire in a home has taken place. Restoration professionals will then perform a fire damage assessment to determine the severity. During the fire cleanup, the roof will receive tarp and windows boarded if necessary. Fire in a home is generally on a smaller scale than fire in a business. However, the same steps will be utilized to eliminate the smoke smell and smoke damage, so that the property will be restored back to its pristine condition.

The removal of soot and the heavy smoke smell is an important step in restoring a home. After a fire in a home, soot and smoke smells can be embedded deep inside the structure, furniture, flooring and upholstery. Professionals will use a number of specialized cleaning methods to extract water and clean and deodorize areas of the home. Water damage can take place after fire damage due when firemen put the fire out. It is imperative that water be extracted during fire damage restoration to prevent the set up of mold.

Fire in a business or commercial fire damage can be far more costly. In most cases, the job is bigger and a business owner stands to lose a great deal of money while waiting for the completion of the fire cleanup. Smoke damage and soot damage in a business can be dangerous for customers to inhale. The complete remediation of odors and anything that can pose a threat to customers must be taken care of.

Commercial fire damage to hospitals, retail stores, food services and educational facilities is available 24/7. A fire damage restoration team can quickly provide services to help dry documents, restore and clean electronics and removal of the smoke smells and soot damage that can linger. When commercial fire damage happens, professionals will get your office space cleaned and deodorized in no time.

Fire in a business can be devastating to the owner's bottom line. Time is of the essence. Unlike a fire in a home, a business needs to be up and running as soon as possible. There may be a need for other repairs such as replacing carpeting, ceilings, drywall and furniture. A service professional will walk the homeowner through the entire process and answer all of their questions.

Anyone who has lost their home or business through a fire should contact a fire damage restoration specialist as soon as possible to help restore it to its pre-fire condition.
Visit http://www.SERVPRObloomingtonrichfield.com for more information on fire damage.

Why You Need To Hire Professionals For Fire Cleanup

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

Why You Need To Hire Professionals For Fire Cleanup

Fire damage has adverse impacts on people’s lives. Apart from physical injuries and health issues, fire in home or fire in business can cause tremendous damage to property and belongings. This is undoubtedly disastrous and devastating to those concerned considering the damage to their valuables. If you find yourself in a fire in home or fire in business situation, you may be worried about what to do after such a tragedy. You can turn to fire mitigation or damage restoration professionals for help.

Fire damage restoration involves cleaning the structures, getting rid of smoke damage, soot damage and smoke smell, replacing the damaged areas and installing new elements. Easy as this project may seem, it is actually a difficult one that requires professional service. Hiring the services of a fire damage professional will be beneficial.

Whether you're dealing with a residential or commercial fire damage situation, it is imperative to get professional help as soon as possible. Residential and commercial fire damage cleanup professionals have the skill and experience to handle the job efficiently and effectively. Here are the reasons to hire fire damage restoration to provide fire cleanup service after a fire in home or fire in business incident:

Fast Service

In fire cleanup situations, immediate action is needed. Trained professionals arrive quickly and start the fire cleanup process almost immediately. A quick response helps to prevent further damage and minimize the fire or damage clean-up and restoration costs.

Fire restoration professionals are typically ready to take care of the situation and remove smoke smell and smoke damage promptly. They can schedule quick or emergency fire mitigation services within several hours of your initial contact, and work closely with you throughout the process to help you make smart decisions about cleanup, repair, replacement or restoration of your property.

Assessment

Professional Fire damage cleaning involves several steps. First, fire cleanup technicians inspect the building and its contents to get an idea of the damage sustained, and what needs to be repaired or replaced. This involves checking for soot damage, smoke damage and other damaged parts of the building. This way, fire damage restoration specialists can determine the areas that need restoration. This assessment will also enlighten the fire damage professionals on the proper cleaning and restoration method for home or commercial fire damage.

High-Tech Equipment

Professionals use state-of-the-art equipment and the highest quality cleaning supplies and advanced methods that provide the best fire cleanup service, ensuring your complete satisfaction.

They constantly update their their knowledge of the fire damage restoration industry through training and research. All cleaning supplies and compounds utilized are designed to get the job done properly.

Quality Cleaning

Fire damage restoration professionals will take appropriate steps to remove smoke smell and repair your residential or commercial property when a fire in home or fire in business occurs. They will restore and repair smoke damage, soot damage and clean up smoke smell caused by the fire in home or business. They will extract all the water and moisture and dry out your commercial or residential environment and your belongings.

Safety

After a fire in home or fire in business, it is natural for the property owner to want to attempt to handle the cleaning of the building and affected contents, but incorrect action can be hazardous or cause further damage. Fire damage, smoke damage and soot damage cleaning provided by residential or commercial fire damage professionals will ensure safe and effective cleanup.

Qualified professionals are reliable, and security-minded technicians who will keep your home or business safe as they do their job. They take every measure to make that their staff has the right training and is certified.

Considerations

Professionals can help to restore your property to its pre-fire condition as soon as possible. They are highly skilled, and they are aware of the need to start the cleanup process quickly to limit further damage to the property and its contents. Visit http://www.SERVPRObloomingtonrichfield.com for more information on fire damage.

Fire Restoration For Minneapolis Homes

2/1/2017 (Permalink)

Damage From a Small Christmas Tree Fire

We're Always Here to Help!

We were called out to a small house fire in Minneapolis.  The home had minimal damage from the flames, but much more damage due to the smoke.  It was right after the New Year and the homeowner's small Christmas tree caught fire.  Thankfully she was able to put it out herself.  She was a little overwhelmed, especially when we told her the process of getting her and her home back to where it was before the fire happened.  We assured her that we were there to help and to do everything we could to make the process as smooth and quick as possible.  We promptly packed out almost all of her belongings, she moved out of her home, and the cleaning and restoration process began. 

Having fire damage your home can be a devastating event to deal with, especially when it is around the holidays.  When we work with customers who have suffered fire damage in their home, it is not just about cleaning and restoring their house to its original condition.  It is also about helping them though the process of dealing with their loss and helping them get their lives back together.  That is what we are here for!

In almost no time at all we had our customer back to "Like it never even happened" and she couldn't had been more thrilled.  We received a letter from her shortly after we got her back in her home.  It stated:

"I may only hope that I find the correct verbiage to convince you without question that every SERVPRO associate I had the personal pleasure to meet and interact with, are, in short, the BEST!  I am a retired Detective Sergeant of the New York City Police Department and a resident of Minneapolis, MN for the past 22 years.  I 'read' people quickly and very accurately.  As 'out of it' as I was at our initial meeting, I shook your hands, looked each of you directly in the eye, and understood, without question, that you were there to 'serve', 'protect', and 'get the job done'.  I was SAFE in your hands....and, therefore, I place myself in them without further question.  I never placed a phone call that your project manager was not there to answer.  It never failed to astound me how often you would just appear at the house to make sure that all was going as planned and promised.  In short...... you each possess the highest professional integrity and follow through I have ever experienced.  A terrible moment in my life has given me the special opportunity and personal pleasure to have met each of you....and, for this, I am most grateful.  You are the jewels in the crown of SERVPRO.  I am back in my home because of each of you, as your ad says, "Like it never even happened."

To find out more about our fire restoration services, please click on the following link. 

SERVPRO of Bloomington/Richfield Fire Restoration Services

Lightening Strike!

2/1/2017 (Permalink)

Some damage to the kitchen in the home.

A lightening bolt struck this customer's home in the early hours one morning, waking her to see something she never thought she ever would.  Her home was on fire.  SERVPRO of Bloomington/Richfield had the privilege of helping this woman get her contents cleaned and help her put her life back together as much as we could.  Taking into consideration all the personal and sentimental items that were there, every technician took extra care and went above and beyond to make sure that what was able to be salvaged, came back to her in the best condition possible.  

When it comes to water, fire or mold and anything in between, we are always ready anytime day or night and are always here to help!  Don't hesitate to call today!

SERVPRO of Bloomington/Richfield utilizes advanced equipment, technology, and expertise to provide a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service could provide.  We are proud to serve our Bloomington, Richfield, and surrounding communities! Give us a call today! (952) 854-2000