Recent Fire Damage Posts

What do you really need to know?

1/9/2024 (Permalink)

Fire Damage When this is what's left? Where do you start? Who do you trust?

What Does Basic Fire Restoration Really Involve? Do You Really Need A Professional?

Experiencing a fire can be devastating. The process involved in restoration of your property from one even more so. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2019, direct property damage caused by fires in the United States was estimated at $14.8 billion. However, when taking into account indirect costs such as:  business interruption, medical expenses, loss of productivity, as well as property destruction-the total cost of fire damage can be much higher. 

Now, while you can’t predict a fire, one thing you can control is making your fire recovery process easier by fully understanding the processes involved in basic fire restoration.

The basic processes involved in fire damage restoration typically include the following:

Initial Safety Assessment and Inspection 

The first step in every fire restoration process is to assess the damage caused by the fire. Some of this you could do yourself, however it will be beneficial to have professionals inspect the property to determine the extent of the damage caused.

Safety and Containment

Once the damage has been assessed, the next step is to secure the property by containing the damage and making sure the after-effects don’t get any worse..

Water and Soot Removal

Your property might get damaged by water while the fire is being extinguished. Water removal will help prevent any further water damage and mold growth. Soot removal closely follows this to clean and remove soot and smoke residue from surfaces.

Cleaning

Cleaning and deodorizing the property is also necessary to remove any remaining smoke odor and restore the property to its pre-fire condition. This will also enhance the safety of your premises. 

Repair and Restoration 

Once all traces of fire damage have been removed, restoration begins. This process involves replacing or reinstalling all damaged functional and aesthetic components of your home.

Even if the fire damage to your property appears to be minimal, it’s important to have an expert handle the restoration process.

You need an expert for the damage restoration process for your safety first and foremost, because professionals know how to identify and address potential hazards to keep everyone safe.

Fire damage restoration requires specialized equipment and tools that most people don’t have access to. SERVPRO Of Eagan/Apple Valley has the necessary equipment to clean and restore your property to pre-disaster condition. The basic fire damage restoration isn’t a straightforward task, not to mention the process is quite time-consuming. You can save yourself time and stress by having a professional help to walk you through.

SERVPRO Of Eagan/Apple Valley is there to help.

Call 651.330.7271.

Avoid a House Fire in Eagan

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

house fire If you experience smoke, soot or fire damage, give SERVPRO a call.

It’s officially winter so furnaces are turned on and we are spending more time indoors. Sometimes we forget that winter house fires happen, and sometimes more frequently than other seasons. Each year fires affect around 375,000 homes a year. House fires can be devastating and will cause over 7 billion dollars in damages each year.

Take some time to review these important safety measures to ensure that you are reducing your risk of experiencing a house fire:

  • Avoid smoking while laying down. Surprisingly enough, people fall asleep while smoking and it is continuously a leading cause of fire related deaths.
  • Unplug appliances that are not in use. Some appliances have automatic features that will keep the appliance on at all times so they can be turned on right away. These appliances should always be unplugged when not in use!
  •  Make sure that nothing is laying on top of power strips.
  • Always unplug hair dryers, curling irons, and flat irons. Make sure these hair tools are always placed on a flat, hard surface. Soft surfaces or cloth can catch fire.
  • Make sure portable heaters are 3 feet away from any object. Portable heaters are the second leading cause of house fires.
  • When cooking food, do not leave the stovetop or oven unattended. Make sure to keep all pot and pan handles facing towards the wall and out of reach from children.
  • Use baking soda to extinguish grease fires, as water will make them spread.
  • Keep batteries in your smoke detectors and test them frequently.

Fire Prevention Week 2022, “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape”

10/5/2022 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week is October 9-15 this year. Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

This year’s theme is “Fire Won’t Wait. Plan Your Escape”. 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!

Source: National Fire Protection Agency 2022

3 Myths About Fire Restoration

9/20/2022 (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 Eagan / Apple Valley 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 Eagan / Apple Valley specializes.

SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley is available 24/7 and works easily with your insurance. Give us a call today: (651) 330-7271

Learning About Smoke Alarms

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

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.

To learn more about fire restoration from SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley, click here.

Source: Nation Fire Protection Agency

SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley Completes Fire Damage Restoration After All Classes of Fires

7/18/2022 (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.

No matter what class of fire has occurred, SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley will complete the Fire Damage Restoration for your home or business. Call today - we are available now and work with your insurance. 

Be Safe with Fireworks this 4th of July

6/28/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks: 

  • Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
  • Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
  • Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
  • Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
  • Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
  • Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
  • Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
  • After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
  • Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Source: CPSC online

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

12/13/2021 (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

Strong Cigarette Smell

10/7/2021 (Permalink)

Getting Rid of Cigarette Smoke Odor

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 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, knick-knacks, 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 Eagan / Apple Valley have done it many times and are more than willing to help you.  Give us a call today and start breathing fresh smelling air! (651) 330-7271

2021 Fire Prevention Week

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2021 in United States will begin on Sunday, October 3rd and end on Saturday, October 9th. This year’s Fire Protection Week theme is: “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!”.

The National Fire Protection Agency is working to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action.

What do the fire alarm beeps mean?

  • A continued set of three loud beeps—beep, beep, beep—means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.
  • A single “chirp” every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be changed.
  • Chirping that continues after the battery has been replaced means the alarm is at the end of its life and the unit must be replaced. All smoke alarms must be replaced after 10 years.

For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, there are special smoke alarms and alert devices that include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarms sound. Products like pillow or bed shakers that are designed to work with smoke alarms are also available.

Source: NFPA.org

5 Things Never to Plug into a Power Strip

8/31/2021 (Permalink)

Power Strip Safety

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.  

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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: MSN online

Home Fires Caused by Washer and Dryer Lint

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

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 

Legal Fireworks Safety

6/29/2021 (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 in the Minneapolis - St Paul area put on by professionals.

Source: National Safety Council online

2020 - Fire Prevention Week - "Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen"

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2020 in United States will begin on Sunday, October 4th and end on Saturday, October 10th. This year’s theme is all about fire safety in the kitchen. Since we are all home more in 2020, we are 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. Never leave the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, or cooking food.
  2. Never leave kitchen towels, oven mitts, or flammable items on top of or near the stove.
  3. Kitchen fires spread quickly. If you do have a cooking fire in the kitchen, get out immediately.

Source: NFPA.org

Which Type of Fire Extinguisher to Buy

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

There are four classes of fire extinguishers – A, B, C and D – and each class can put out a different type of fire.

Class A fire extinguishers

Class A fire extinguishers are used for ordinary combustibles, such as paper, wood, cloth, and some types of plastic. These extinguishers typically use water or certain types of dry chemicals to either absorb heat or coat the fire.

Class B fire extinguishers

Fires that originate from flammable liquids and gas can be extinguished by a class B fire extinguisher. This is the type of extinguisher you’ll want to use on a fire caused by oil or fuel.

Class C fire extinguishers

Class C fire extinguishers are effective against electrical fires from live wires, panels, and circuit breakers. The extinguisher works by releasing materials that stop the conduction of electricity.

Class D fire extinguishers

Class D fire extinguishers are used on combustible metals. These include magnesium, sodium, aluminum, and titanium.

Class K fire extinguishers

Commonly used in restaurant kitchens, class K fire extinguishers can effectively put out fires caused by cooking fats, greases, and oils. They use a process called saponification by releasing an alkaline agent to create a foam that traps vapors and puts the fire out.

Purchasing your fire extinguisher

Now that you know how many extinguishers you need and what types to get, you can head to the hardware store. Look for fire extinguishers that you can easily lift. Larger extinguishers may pack more power, but you must be able to use it properly.

Source: Safety Online

Smoke Damage After a Kitchen Fire in Eagan, MN

12/15/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage After a Kitchen Fire

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. When a kitchen in a home in Eagan caught fire, the certified professionals at SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley were called to restore the kitchen and the rest of the home. The smoke odor got trapped in the curtains, sofas, walls, and other places in the home.  Thankfully, SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley is LLCR Certified to clean, deodorize, and sanitize upholstery. In addition, SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley has a proven process of eliminating the strong odor of smoke from the air using air deodorizers and air ionizing machines.

To learn more about smoke damage remediation, click here.

Please call today to get the process started: (651) 330-7271

Fire Prevention Month Theme

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has created the theme for this year’s Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2019, “Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice Your Escape!”. This year’s campaign recognizes the everyday people who motivate their families and neighbors to create and practice a home fire escape plan.

“This year’s campaign works to celebrate people of all ages who learn about home fire escape planning and practice, bring that information home, and spur their families to action,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “From young students who learn about the campaign at school to parents who attend a community event like a fire station open house - all of them truly are heroes because they’re taking steps to make their households much, much safer from fire.”

Source: Firehouse online

Fire Prevention Week 2019 is October 6th - 12th

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week 2019 is October 6th through the 12th

Plan and Practice Your Escape
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.

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. 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 Online

Dryer Lint Fires

7/21/2019 (Permalink)

Between 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. These fires resulted in annual losses estimated at 13 deaths, 440 injuries, and $238 million in property damage.

Facts and figures

  • Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of the fires; washing machines 4%, and washer and dryer combinations accounted for 5%.
  • The leading factor contributing to the ignition of home fires involving clothes dryers was failure to clean, accounting for one-third (33%) of dryer fires.
  • A mechanical or electrical failure or malfunction was involved in the vast majority of home fires involving washing machines.
  • Fires involving clothes dryers usually started with the ignition of something that was being dried or was a byproduct (such as lint) of drying, while washing machine fires usually involved the ignition of some part of the appliance.  

Source: NFPA

Fire Safety in Manufactured Homes

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Fire safety in manufactured homes

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.
  • Keep smoke alarms working
    Never remove or disable a smoke alarm. If you experience frequent nuisance alarms, consider relocating the alarm further away from kitchen cooking fumes or bathroom steam. Selecting a photoelectric smoke alarm for the areas nearest kitchens and baths may reduce the number of nuisance alarms experienced. As an alternative, NFPA 501 permits a smoke alarm with a silencing means to be installed if it is within 20 feet of a cooking appliance. Test all smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the "test" button. It is not necessary to use smoke or a real flame to test the smoke alarm's operability, and it is risky to do so. Replace batteries at least once a year, and when the alarm "chirps," signaling low battery power. Occasionally dust or lightly vacuum smoke alarms.
  • Make sure you have enough 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. Ground-fault circuit interrupters reduce the risk of electrical shock and should be installed by electricians in kitchens and baths. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters monitor electric circuits for arcing and should be installed by electricians on bedroom circuits.
  • Cooking
    Unattended cooking is the leading cause of cooking fires in U.S. homes. Supervise older children who cook and stay in the kitchen when heating anything on the stove. Keep cooking surfaces clean and place anything that can burn well away from the range. Heat oil slowly and know how to slide a lid over a pan if you experience a grease fire. Read more cooking safety tips.
  • 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. Read more heating safety tips.
  • Walls
    All post-HUD Standard manufactured homes are required to have wall linings that do not promote rapid flame spread, with special protection around primary heating and cooking equipment, such as the furnace and cooking range. Presently, gypsum wallboard has replaced plywood wall paneling and wood based ceiling panels in the fabrication of manufactured housing walls and ceilings. This action has dramatically reduced the impact of fires in manufactured homes. Do not mount anything on the walls – such as paneling, drapery, or wall hangings – that would reduce this protection, especially near major heat sources.
  • Smoking
    If you have smokers in your home, ask them to smoke outside. Wherever people smoke, set out large, non-tip ashtrays on level surfaces and empty them frequently. Thoroughly douse butts with water before discarding. Check around and under cushions for smoldering butts. Read more smoking safety tips.
  • Protect yourself from intruders
    Install outdoor lighting to deter intruders, including would-be arsonists. Keep gasoline, charcoal lighter and other flammable liquids locked in an outdoor shed. Don't store items underneath your home. Store firewood away from your home and keep trash and other flammable debris cleaned up. Report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

Source: NFPA

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

Fire Prevention Month is October 2018

10/29/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Month is October 2018

During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires. See what programs your local fire station offers.

Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware – fire can happen anywhere!” That’s the theme for Fire Prevention Week.

LOOK
Look for places fires could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

LISTEN
Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.

LEARN
Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Source: https://www.nfpa.org

Lightning During Storms and House Fires Resulting

7/5/2018 (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.

SERVPRO of Eagan/Apple Valley is faster to any disaster and cleans-up after fire and smoke damage.

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

How to Deal With Water and Fire Damage

12/15/2017 (Permalink)

How to Deal With Water and Fire Damage

Firefighters used a fire hose and a lot of water to put out the fire to save your home in Eagan, MN from the flames. So, where there’s fire damage, there’s water damage. Unfortunately, it can be even more difficult to get rid of water than it is to clean up the damage the fire left behind. Here are the recommended steps for dealing with a fire-damaged home.

1. Get Rid of the Water

Don’t just get a mop and bucket; this won’t successfully remove all the water. A sump pump is the best tool for removing water, and the more power it has, the better. Additionally, a press extractor can prove valuable if you want to save your carpets. It’s important to get rid of as much of the water as possible to prevent mold growth. Restoration professionals are experts in dealing with water damage after a home fire and know how to effectively get rid of the water.

2. Remove Soot

With fire damage comes soot, the black substance left by the smoke of the fire. This is what needs to be cleaned up next. Obvious pieces of soot can be removed with a vacuum cleaner, and a cleaning agent that contains trisodium phosphate is ideal for wiping hard surfaces. What’s problematic is that soot also travels into areas that are not easily accessible, such as the HVAC system and inner walls. Restoration experts have the equipment it takes to deep clean your home and successfully remove soot.

3. Repair the Damage

Part of repairing water and fire damage is preventing further damage. Vent your entire home, and install a few box fans and dehumidifiers to get rid of the smoke smell and to prevent mildew from growing. Not everything can be repaired, and if necessary, restoration professionals will advise you to replace carpets, drywalls and flooring. They have the tools and knowledge necessary to remove odors and repair damage.

Start with the cleanup process soon, as water damage can lead to more extensive damage in the long run, and you shouldn’t live in a home that’s sustained damage from a fire. Restoration professionals are the experts who can help revive your property.
Visit http://www.SERVPROeaganapplevalley.com for more information on fire damage.

Fire Damage Should Be Cleaned Up as Early As Possible

11/1/2017 (Permalink)


Fire Damage Should Be Cleaned Up as Early As Possible

Fire damage can be highly serious. A fire in the home or fire in business can create all sorts of problems including soot damage and smoke smell. When dealing with commercial fire damage or home damage, it's imperative to be aware of the need to assess the fire cleanup as soon as possible. The fire in home in one area may cause fire in business in another place. A business owner confronting fire damage, smoke smell, soot damage and lingering smoke smell may need to board up the place in order to inspect it and determine the extent of the smoke damage. Fortunately a fire damage restoration company can be use in helping repair the damage from the fire in business and removing problems such as smoke damage, soot damage and commercial fire damage. The restoration company can also help get rid of problems such as smoke smell that may linger in the air.

The First Steps

In the aftermath of a fire in home that has spread to fire in business, a business owner may first need to board up. When they board up, they can have a look at the extent of the basic smoke damage and soot damage to the home. They can also decide where to begin the process of fire cleanup and fire damage restoration. It's a good idea to have a look at the entire area after the initial board up process is done. Commercial fire damage can be subtle. Smoke damage and fire damage can linger in unexpected spaces including the basement storage area and attic. Any business owner should be prepared to inspect the space closely and make be aware exactly what has happened.

Visit http://www.SERVPROeaganapplevalley.com for more information on fire damage.

How to Deal with Fire Damage Professionally

9/26/2017 (Permalink)


How to Deal with Fire Damage Professionally

A fire accident, whether occurring at home or in a business, can be very costly since it will affect your property and business in many ways. The consequences of a fire damage can range from ruined and collapsing structures, damaged electric connections, to broken water and gas pipes. Moreover, smoke from the fire spreads quickly through adjoining rooms staining all your house walls and belongings while leaving a nasty smoke smell.

This is why you must respond to fire accidents appropriately to minimize fire damage, smoke smells, and soot damage. It is also important that you contact a fire restoration company to help you with the fire cleanup process. In the cases of an electric fire or a utility room fire, you may need to contact the relevant technician to have him or her rectify the problem that caused the fire. You might also need to install a fire sprinkler system and a fire hose to enhance your responsiveness to fire accidents.

What to do if you Experience a Fire Accident

Fire accidents, especially an electrical fire and a utility room fire, can happen anytime and unexpectedly. When the accident strikes, it is important to contact professional fire fighters even if your premise is equipped with a fire sprinkler system or a fire hose. With their fire trucks, firefighters are better equipped to carry out a successful fire suppression especially because their fire hoses and fire sprinkler systems are more advanced.

Secure the Site

Protect the site from any further fire damage, soot damage, smoke damage, and vandalism or theft. After the firefighters are through with the fire suppression, it would be important to contact a restoration company that deals with fire and water damages. This is because most firefighters use fire suppression methods that include fire trucks that use a fire hose to put out fire. Even with a fire sprinkler system in your premise, most commercial fires may demand firefighters and several fire trucks to put out.

A commercial fire damage also demands the attention of your insurance company. Note that no cleanup should take place before the company takes a full assessment of the damage.

The Process of Fire Restoration

The process of gathering the pieces after a fire can be disheartening. In addition, the fire itself, smoke damage, smoke smell, and soot damage often renders many properties especially when a fire in business occurs. This causes significant losses to the owner and the business as well. Nevertheless, with the appropriate fire restoration, the losses can be reduced. These are the steps to follow in any fire cleanup.

Fire damage restoration starts with a meticulous assessment of the whole structure affected by the fire. Whether you have suffered an electrical fire or a utility room fire, evaluation is important since it reveals the overall commercial fire damage. If the assessment reveals that your premise suffered an electrical fire or a utility room fire, the experts will advise you accordingly.

The next step is to assess the walls, floors, and ceilings of the burnt structure for such issues like smoke damage and soot. Inspect the area for possible damages on the walls, floors, and the ceilings to see whether they need replacement.

The overall restoration process of commercial fire damage can be lessened if you hire a reputable restoration company. The company can effectively guide you through the fire suppression and fire restoration processes after a fire accident. They may also advise you on the fire sprinkler system to install in your premises or the best fire truck to contact in case of a fire break out.

How to Recover Your Property after an Electrical Fire Accident
Fire restoration often kicks off by removing and disposing of items that are beyond repair. All items that are fire damaged, containing soot damage, or smoke damage should be disposed of if they cannot be revived. This may include curtains, carpets, and other fittings.

Tips To Contain a Commercial Fire Damage
• Limit your movement in the premise to prevent spread of soot to other areas and upholstery
• Keep your hands clean to avoid touching other walls and furniture with soot
• Do not wash any floors, carpet walls, or ceiling without the guidance of restoration company agents
• Do not wash linen or smoked garments with ordinary dry cleaner. Inappropriate cleaning may set smoke smells.
Visit http://www.SERVPROeaganapplevalley.com for more information on fire damage.

Insurance and Professional Fire Damage Restoration

9/5/2017 (Permalink)


Insurance and Professional Fire Damage Restoration

Very little in life is more devastating than a fire in home or fine in business. You best contain residential or commercial fire damage through the intervention of an experienced, reputable fire damage restoration company.

There are a variety of factors that you need to keep in mind when it comes to addressing residential or commercial fire damage. One element is coordinating insurance issues with a professional restoration company.

Mitigating Fire Damage

When it comes to insurance compensation and coverage after a fire in home or fire in business, you have a legal responsibility to mitigate fire damage. What this means is that you legally must take steps necessary to prevent further unnecessary damage to a property after a fire in home or fire in business.

The best course you can take to mitigate fire damage is to obtain rapid response assistance from an experienced, reputable restoration company. Indeed, ideally you will have fire damage remediation experts on the scene directly after a fire in home or fire in business has been brought under control.

The process of mitigating damages, with the professional assistance of a restoration company, is undertaking to board up the premises. The board up process prevents the outside elements from causing additional damage to the premises. In addition, the board up process ensures that the premises are not breached by unauthorized individuals. As hard as it is to imagine, in the absence of a secure board up following a fire in home or fire in business, there are scavengers that enter properties to steal items from the premises.

Then initial fire cleanup process must also start immediately. The fire cleanup process serves a variety of purposes. First and foremost, immediate fire cleanup prevents further deterioration of the premises. Fire cleanup also aids in more fully identify in the extend of residential or commercial fire damage. This includes not only structural damage and water damage, but also smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell.

By immediately commencing to address residential or commercial fire damage, you satisfy the requirement of mitigating fire damage. This eliminates a possible reason for an insurance company to reduce payments in regard to vital fire damage restoration.

Comprehensive Compensation and Fire Damage Restoration

In addressing residential and commercial fire damage, you need to make certain that both insurance coverage and services provided by a restoration company are comprehensive. This includes not only dealing with all aspects of fire cleanup, but also restoration and remediation efforts involving such issues as smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell.

A restoration company can provide you with details on how issues like smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell will be dealt with. This includes a discussion of the specialists that will be involved in the remediation process. It also includes the equipment and technology used by a restoration company to address issues that include smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell.

Suitable Fire Damage Restoration Specialists

An insurance company will be interested in the qualifications of fire restoration specialists dealing with the aftermath of a fire at your home or business. It is important for fire damage restoration specialists to be properly licensed, bonded, and insured themselves.

A fire remediation service will be able to provide you with detailed information about the qualifications of specialists assigned to your property. This includes a confirmation that specialists were subjected to proper and thorough background checks.

Fire Damage Remediation Costs

Insurance companies establish certain parameters about levels of compensation for different fire remediation services. For this reason, you need to do some price comparisons before engaging a remediation service. You want to make sure that the costs associated with fire remediation is covered by insurance, when such coverage is in fact available. A professional fire remediation service will provide a comprehensive and reliable estimate before commencing work on a property. Indeed, some companies guarantee their estimates for fire remediation services.
Visit http://www.SERVPROeaganapplevalley.com for more information on fire damage.

How Smoke Damage Experts Recover Your Home or Business After Fire

7/25/2017 (Permalink)


How Smoke Damage Experts Recover Your Home or Business After Fire

Smoke damage left behind after a fire is oftentimes just as devastating as the actual fire itself. After the flames are extinguished, many people think the fire in home or fire in business is over, and they begin plans for fire cleanup. They begin the board up process, and search for other ways they can get started with fire cleanup. However, smoke is very dangerous, and probably not as simple of a clean-up as you expected. It is imperative that you hire a restoration company to handle the removal of smoke damage left behind after a fire. Fire damage restoration is complete only when the professionals have arrived on the scene.

The Dangers of Smoke & Fire Damage

If you've experienced a fire in home or a fire in business, smoke damage is likely a major concern. Smoke smell is left behind in a unit after a fire, which causes breathing difficulties for many people. The damage the smoke causes is also of concern because it ruins your belongings. Commercial fire damage is of bigger concern because the lives of so many people are at-risk. Fire cleanup can diminish the smoke and fire damage at the business.

The damage that smoke causes to a home or business may also make the building unsafe. The fire may cause the flooring to become unstable, cause the walls to bulge, and cause other problems. A collapse in the foundation of the home or business is also possible after a fire. It is easy to discover why smoke damage is such a big cause of concern, especially commercial fire damage.

A fire damage restoration professional will evaluate the extent of damage and may recommend board up service to minimize the risk that smoke damage and the smoke smell causes to people living near the home or business. Commercial fire damage is best contained with board up service. Board up service is optional after fire damage, but very beneficial after a fire in business or a fire in home. The professionals will also determine any items they can salvage and clean after a fire. Although commercial fire damage likely leaves little to salvage, rest assured the restoration company will do their best to recover any items they can.

Soot Damage: A Big Concern

Soot damage is also of concern after a fire in home or a fire in business. It occurs after both residential and commercial fire damage. Soot is the debris of burnt particles that didn't completely demolish that are left behind after a fire. Soot contains many toxins and carcinogens that can be devastating to breath and touch. While the smoke smell is always of concern, the particles left to roam the air from soot shouldn't be forgotten. Soot damage can be removed by a fire damage restoration professional. Because of the danger of soot damage, it is best to leave the job to the experts, which reduces potential injuries and increases your peace of mind. A restoration company is ready to remove any damage left in your building after a fire.

What to do After Fire Damage

While you're eager to start the fire cleanup process, know your limitations, and leave the brunt of work to the restoration company. There are a few things that you can do for fire damage restoration, but the experts know best. Trained, certified professionals can quickly and safely remove smoke damage, soot damage, the smoke smell, and more after you've experienced a fire in home or a fire in business. They have the right tools and equipment to get things done so you can get back to the life that you love before the devastation occurred.
Visit http://www.SERVPROeaganapplevalley.com for more information on fire damage.

Fire Damage Recovery Procedure

6/14/2017 (Permalink)


Fire Damage Recovery Procedure

A fire accident is among the most disheartening events that can ever happen to a homeowner or business owner. Apart from all the damage it can do to your property, it is also a traumatizing event for anyone. If you have experienced this event in your home, it is hard to recover at first but a restoration company can help you get back on your feet by saving whatever is left.

Results of a fire

A big fire can destroy many things especially in the room where it started. This type of fire may take longer to recover from, as you may need to replace most of the house items and building. A small fire, on the other hand, usually starts in the kitchen. It may not create huge damages but you may have smoke damage or soot damage from the fire damage. Smoke damage and soot damage usually destroy your house’s interior. Whatever the size of the fire, you need to hire professional fire damage restoration services.

Fire damage restoration process

Fire damage restoration services are aimed at remediating the damage in your home or business. It is simply a fire cleanup process to remove the smoke smell and restore your home to its original state. For everyone who has had a fire in home or fire in a business premise, the following are the step to follow to achieve an efficient fire cleanup process.

Calling for help: Once you have had a fire in your home, you should contact the fire emergency services. Calling the fire department quickly can save your property and prevent a major fire damage. You should then contact restoration companies.

Inspection and assessment: Once the restoration company arrives, they inspect the level of fire damage your property has sustained. For a fire in a business premise, they assess all the commercial fire damage that has occurred by reviewing everything in the premise. This gives them an idea of how much work the place needs and helps them plan their next step. They can then give a quote on how much the restoration will cost.

Tarp and sealing: Sometimes, the fire in your home might have destroyed your roof, doors, or windows. This poses a threat by itself as it leaves your home exposed. Tarp and sealing are done to cover up all the empty spaces left on your walls and doors. The roof is also covered to prevent rain from coming in.

Fire cleanup: The process of restoring your home begins here. Cleaning may start anywhere depending on how severe the fire damage is. If your property had a water damage as the fire was being put out, the restoration services may begin there.

Fire cleanup also involves dealing with the smoke damage and the soot damage. Soot and smoke damage are always on your walls and furniture. Restoration services ensure that such issues like soot damage and smoke smell are properly cleaned. After a fire, the smoke smell has to be taken care of especially in commercial buildings where many people work. Smoke smell is also attached to furniture and clothes making a proper deodorization necessary.

For a commercial fire damage, proper fire damage restoration is necessary. Proper sanitization and cleaning are essential to remove all the effect of the fire in business premises. This is to make sure that your employees will be safe when they come back to the building. Finally, it’s important to cleanup everything that was damaged in the fire in home. Everything beyond repair is also disposed of properly.

The last step is repair and restoration: Here, everything destroyed by the fire in a home is either repaired or replaced. The whole building is also repaired and brought back to life. For the fire in business premises that causes commercial fire damage, everything is repaired to bring the business back alive as fast as possible. Even though the commercial fire damage may set you back a little, you can recover and bounce back from reconstruction.

Professional restoration companies also advise you on how to minimize the future chances of suffering fire damages.
Visit http://www.SERVPROeaganapplevalley.com for more information on fire damage.

Completing the Process After a Fire

5/23/2017 (Permalink)

Completing the Process After a Fire

Fires are disasters that can cause severe damage, but this is especially true if it is a fire in a home or a fire in a business. When completing a fire cleanup after a fire in a home or a fire in a business, the recovery process must begin as soon as possible. For best results, the fire cleanup must begin as soon as the fire is extinguished. After the fire is extinguished, it is important to rely on the services of a fire damage restoration company. This company understands the different type of fire damage, including smoke damage or soot damage. More importantly, the fire damage restoration company will understand what goes into the fire cleanup when dealing with a fire in a home or fire in a business.

After the fire is extinguished, it is important to begin to assess the damage. This is where the fire damage restoration company will prove to be very valuable. Knowing the difference between smoke damage and soot damage is very important. Items that have heavy soot damage will not be cleaned in the same manner as items with heavy smoke damage. Also, water damage is another part of the fire cleanup. With water damage, the first step will be to remove all water from the home. A professional carpet cleaning company may become part of the cleanup at this time. Fire damage can be considered anything from soot damage, smoke damage, or water damage. All of these elements will be caused by the fire itself.

Knowing what items to keep and what items to throw away can be difficult. In most cases of the cleanup, items with heavy soot damage, smoke damage, or fire damage will need to be discarded. Although these items can be salvaged at times, they are usually thrown away because of the excessive amount of damage they have experienced.

As mentioned previously, restoring water damaged items is an important part of the fire cleanup process. A fire damage restoration company will be able to assist with this. Drying the furniture and floor is important. Once the items are dried, the company will begin to eliminate the smoke smell from the home. The smoke smell can be eliminated quicker if the windows are open during the fire cleanup process. With commercial fire damage, the owner will need to make sure that the merchandise does not have a smoke smell. Commercial fire damage often takes a longer time to cleanup due to the amount of items in the building.

If there is commercial fire damage, the owner should immediately notice the difference after the cleanup is complete. The smoke smell should be eliminated, and the owner can begin the process of making the property habitable once again. This may include painting different areas of the property and restoring furniture. If the furniture is unable to be restored, new furniture may have to be purchased. Once again, this is determined by the amount of smoke damage or soot damage. With commercial fire damage, the owner will also have to determine if the merchandise can be sold. This is one of the reasons in which commercial fire damage is so much more difficult to cleanup than a fire in a home.

Fires are devastating, but if the restoration process begins quickly, it makes it much easier to get back to normal. A reputable company will come on a short notice, and it will work with the homeowner to satisfy his or her needs. This is why all homeowners and business owners should have the contact information for a fire damage restoration company that they can call immediately if they experience a fire in a home or a fire in a business. Fire damage is costly, but if the company is called quickly, the property owner can save thousands of dollars. Visit http://www.SERVPROeaganapplevalley.com for more information on fire damage.

Understanding the Fire Restoration Process

2/2/2017 (Permalink)

Fire damage restoration.

We are always here to help!

It is imperative that fire restoration should be implemented as soon as possible after a house fire is out. The longer the delay in contacting a restoration company, the more opportunity there is for damage from water and smoke to intensify. It is surprising just how well restoration works in light of how destructive a fire can be. Depending on the damage, a home can often be restored to its before-fire state. A restoration team has a difficult task to perform and a great deal of responsibility, but SERVPRO of Eagan/Apple Valley's highly trained technicians are well-equipped to return a home to its original condition.

The fire restoration process involves the repair of any structures damaged by smoke, fire, or water. Sub-floor materials undergo inspection for damage and may need to be replaced. Upholstery and curtains are subject to a similar process. Furnishings are taken to a separate location and restored to pre-fire condition. Through the cooperation of the insurance company, the restoration team, and the homeowner, a home can be restored and made safe to live in once again.

SERVPRO of Eagan/Apple Valley utilizes advanced equipment and technology to quicken the restoration time and to minimize cost. We are proudly serving our community and surrounding areas with 24/7 emergency availability. Don't hesitate and give us a call today! (651) 330-7271

Fire Restoration For Minneapolis Homes

5/16/2016 (Permalink)

Damage From 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 insurance company and getting their lives back together. We love helping people when they need it most!


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 Eagan/Apple Valley Fire Restoration Services

Lightening Strike!

12/28/2015 (Permalink)

Some of the 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 Eagan/Apple Valley 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! 651-330-7271!