Fire Prevention Tips

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Tips for Fire Prevention

A fire can be devastating. It destroys property and can cause serious injury to you and your loved ones. But if you are proactive, there are steps you can take to help prevent fires from happening in your Minneapolis, MN, home. Here are some of the most common causes of residential fires, as well as tips on what homeowners can do to help reduce their risk for this disaster:

Only use multi-plug outlets and extension cords 

It's important to only use multi-plug outlets and extension cords that are designed to handle the power load needed. Not all extension cords are the same, so it's important to check their ratings before using them with your appliances. You should also make sure that the appliance you're plugging in is rated for use with a heavy-duty extension cord. If you need more power than what can be provided by a standard household outlet, consider using an industrial-grade flathead plug or GFCI-protected circuit breaker.

Always ensure that smoke detectors are installed and working properly.

Smoke detectors are designed to alert you in the event of a fire, but they can't do their job if they aren't working properly. To maximize the effectiveness of your smoke detectors and keep your family safe, follow these tips:

• Check the batteries regularly. Smoke detectors use a small amount of power constantly, so even when they're not sounding an alarm, they need to always have fresh batteries. Make sure you change them every 6 months (or sooner if you know they've been running low).
• Test your detector's battery weekly by pressing the test button on top. Also test it monthly with a smoke stick or candle flame until you learn how long it takes for your detector to go off as this varies from model to model and brand to brand!

Keep flammable items locked away from children.

Keep matches, lighters, and other flammable items out of the reach of children. If you are unable to keep them locked away, consider childproofing the area. Store these items in a locked cabinet or drawer.

Never leave a lit candle unattended even if it's in a holder that looks like it might be able to contain flames—they often don't. Also, avoid smoking in bed or when you're tired as these activities have been proven to increase the risk of a fire breaking out.

It is important for homeowners to understand some of the common causes of house fires, as well as what they can do to help prevent them.

The most common causes of house fires are:

• Cooking and heating equipment
• Electrical wiring, outlets, or appliances
• Careless smoking habits or other acts of negligence

To prevent fires in your home, keep flammable items, including furniture, bedding, and clothing at least three feet away from heat sources. This will help to stop a fire before it gets started. Additionally, keep matches out of the reach of children. If you smoke inside your home, make sure there is no ash on surfaces where they could set something on fire by accident (such as a table). Make sure that all electrical products are installed properly and that there are no exposed wires or damaged plugs/sockets in use anywhere in your house.

The causes of fire are many and varied, but they all have the same result: a house that is no longer safe to live in. In this article, we’ve explored some of the most common causes of house fires, as well as some tips for preventing them. By taking these precautions into account when you’re considering buying a home or making renovations, you can rest assured that your property will be safer from fire damage in the future.

Should Businesses Prepare for St. Anthony Water Damage Repair?

8/23/2022 (Permalink)

Protect your St. Anthony Business Building and Goodwill with SERVPRO's ERP Emergency READY Profile Plan

SERVPRO Urges Proaction to Minimize St. Anthony Commercial Water Damage Exposure

You likely feel that you cannot spare the time to craft a plan in anticipation of the need for water damage repair. St. Anthony business owners like yourself benefit from scheduling an assessment with one of our experienced project managers to develop an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) rather than reacting without a plan in a water incursion emergency.

How Does a SERVPRO ERP Work to Protect Your St. Anthony Business?  

SERVPRO has the training and experience to limit the need for St. Anthony water damage emergency services and respond effectively if water removal services or sewage cleanup is required. Our assessment focuses on prevention through:

• A comprehensive walk-through of your St. Anthony commercial building to identify structural, utility hook-ups, or supply or wastewater line vulnerabilities that adaptations, replacements, or repairs can eliminate
• An evaluation of your equipment, inventory, and storage configurations, identifying potential water damage disaster “hot spots” and suggesting raising machinery above flood levels or moving documents or goods off-site or to higher spaces inside your building. OSHA strongly recommends industrial preparedness for water and flooding emergencies.

SERVPRO gives you a list of water damage prevention tips after the inspection you can implement before the risks become actual damage scenarios.

What Will Your St. Anthony Commercial ERP Cover to Improve the Efficiency of SERVPRO’s Response After a Water Disaster?

The ERP is a concise digital document our crews access before and during the water damage restoration process. Contained within the ERP is practical information like:

• Your designation of SERVPRO as your preferred disaster restoration company
• Blueprints and photos of the space, including notations about recesses and confined spaces
• Location of utility shut-offs
• Contact information for your company -- owners, managers, security staff, and critical vendors and contractors
• A list of people you designate as your agents to make decisions if you are unavailable
• A detailed agenda of water damage repair and flood restoration interventions our manager developed with your input

Work with SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis on an Emergency READY Profile (ERP), setting your mind at ease as we learn important details to avoid or minimize the effects of water damage to your business. Call (612) 421-2040 to schedule an assessment.

How Does Water Cleanup Limit the Severity of Water Leaks for St. Anthony Businesses?

7/6/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis is well equipped to handle water cleanup in commercial establishments

How Does Water Cleanup Help St. Anthony Businesses Reduce the Severity of Water Leaks?

SERVPRO Performs Timely Water Cleanup Limiting Interruptions for St. Anthony Businesses

The city of St. Anthony, MN straddles the two counties of Ramsey and Hennepin Minnesota. Two-thirds of the city lies in Hennepin, while the other third is in Ramsey. Locally, people call it Saint Anthony Village, and it is considered a ‘first ring’ suburb of the city of Minnesota. A ‘first ring’ suburb is an area located close to a central business district and has higher urban density compared to a city’s outer suburbs.

Early Development of St. Anthony

The city’s history is tied back to Franklin Steele, who worked as a storekeeper at the Fort Snelling military fortification. In 1838, he laid a claim on the lands located east of St. Anthony Falls. However, the area remained idle for 10 years before Steele started developing it. The main economic activities during the initial development were milling and trade. Some of the notable businesses from that era include:

North Star Woolen Mill

The mill began operations in 1864, making blankets, flannels, and other products. It operated until 1940 when it closed down. Currently, the facility houses condominiums.

Washburn A Mill

It was the biggest of the 18 flour mills that operated on the west side of the city. However, in 1878, there was an explosion at the mill leading to damages and fatal injuries.

St. Anthony Falls fueled the city’s initial growth by driving the water wheels that powered the numerous mills set up in the area.  Over the years, commercial interests in the area diversified to include service and entertainment businesses, among others.

Top Attractions in the Area

The development of various businesses in the area led to the establishment of amenities where residents and visitors can wind down. Some of the outstanding amenities include:

• Francis A. Gross Public Golf Course. It is open each day from sunrise to sunset. It serves different age groups, including juniors, adults over 18 years, and seniors over 55 years.
• Silver Lake. It covers a small area measuring approximately 73 acres. Several houses and businesses lie along the lake shores offering various recreation activities.
• Silverwood Park. It offers scenic green space and clear lake views. There is an outdoor amphitheater, an art gallery, and hiking trails in the park.

How SERVPRO Helps Keep Businesses Running with Professional Water Cleanup Services

Accidental or negligent water leaks at a business establishment pose significant risks to daily operations and general survival. When an incident happens, the straightforward solution is to clean up the premises to reverse moisture exposure. SERVPRO’s water cleanup services prove useful in different circumstances, including:

• Burst pipes
• Ceiling leaks
• Basement flooding

The steps taken during water cleanup at business facilities help in different ways. For instance, extracting standing water helps quicken the drying of surfaces. Wet surfaces are usually slick increasing chances of injuries to clients or staff and thus exposing the business to litigation.

The intruding water causes deterioration in almost every section of the business premises. Even in areas untouched by spilled water, humidity levels rise, leading to mold development or material rot. Our SERVPRO technicians incorporate moisture control in all aspects of water cleanup. For instance, we set up dehumidifiers immediately after arrival to remove excess humidity. After finishing cleaning, we run air movers and dehumidifiers in the property for thorough drying.

SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis is well equipped to handle water cleanup in commercial establishments. Call us at (612) 421-2040 for assistance.

Category 3 Water Damage

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Water Damage: Category 3

Unfortunately, you’ve had a flood in your building in Falcon Heights, MN. What do you do now? That depends partly on the source of the flood water. There are several categories of water that might be the cause of a flood. Your clean-up process will be determined in part by which type of water is involved.

The most serious flood damage occurs with black water, which originates from a toilet overflow or a sewage leak, and contains bacteria and other contaminants that are hazardous to handle. This is called Category 3 Water Damage, and the cleanup is best left to the water damage repair experts. 

The Clean-Up Process
There are four steps to ensure that the flood damage is properly remedied and that the building is returned to a safe and habitable condition.

1. Remove Standing Flood Water and Sewage
The cleanup begins with pumping as much of the water as possible out of the building. A large volume of water can be extracted quickly, preventing damage from spreading unnecessarily.

2. Dry Completely
Once the visible water has been removed, dehumidifiers and other types of drying equipment are used to draw out the water that you can’t see. The drying process can take significant time, depending on the extent of the flood.

3. Sanitize or Dispose Of Contaminated Material
Porous building materials and interior contents exposed to the flood will need to be decontaminated or removed. Insulation, wood flooring, carpeting, and drywall will require replacement if they have absorbed flood water. If left untreated, these materials can develop black mold.

4. Repair and Construction
Once the building is clean, structural repairs can safely be performed. Finally, lost or damaged contents are replaced, returning your building to its original condition.

With any flood, you’ll need to clean and dry the building completely and ensure that any contamination is addressed. This is especially important if the flood involves black water. Left untreated, residual water can lead to additional structural problems or mold.
 

Are Carpets in St. Anthony Offices Ruined by Water Damage?

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Did water damage the carpet in your office? Call SERVPRO!

Prompt Restoration Can Protect St. Anthony Offices from Irreparable Water Damage

Water damage of any kind in a commercial structure or office building can quickly impact structural elements and contents. As leading restoration professionals, we have effective mitigation to protect materials like installed carpeting.

Assessing the Damage 

We work fast to assess the need for water damage restoration in St. Anthony offices. Because leaks and water emergencies spread quickly before the supply is thwarted, we must determine what all office areas have been damaged and exposed to the migrating moisture. Effective job scoping watches for:

• Mold development
• Structural deterioration
• Sagging materials
• The severity of standing water

Removing Desks and Electronics

Content management is a big part of protecting your office building. Quickly relocating these items saves money and time between computers, high-end office supplies, and furniture. We can move these items to a safe, dry space until the extraction and restoration are complete, and we can return them.

Surface Cleaning 

With concrete subflooring beneath carpets in most office buildings and industrial facilities in the area, the surface water becomes a considerable concern. Since pooling is possible, we must work fast to extract and remove this growing threat amid water damage. We have a combination of wet vacuums, and submersible pumps to manage this pooling concern where it exists.

Carpet Cleaning and Drying

Our deep extraction equipment inventory describes our powerful water removal tools like carpet wands. While offices are commonly outfitted with short pile glue-down carpets, these thin flooring layers and any subflooring materials can still need extraction. We can use deluxe conditioning practices and bonnet cleaning to restore the appearance of these affected flooring areas.  

Flooding and substantial water damage in your business require swift action from our SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis team. The mitigation of our WRT-Certified technicians protects installed flooring and building materials from irreparable damage when possible. We are available 24/7 at (612) 421-2040. 

Do Business Owners Need to Hire Separate Restorers for Water and Fire Damage in St. Anthony?

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crews have disaster recovery training in both fire and water mitigation and remediation for St. Anthony commercial properties

The sheer quantities of firefighting water after commercial fire damage in St. Anthony can be shocking. When hiring a fire restoration company, it is essential to employ a firm prioritizing the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training as both Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) and Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) for employees. 

What Kinds of Disaster Recovery Can SERVPRO manage for St. Anthony Businesses?

Multiple specialties in restoration industry best practices spanning many disciplines guarantee SERVPRO can respond professionally to all aspects of a commercial fire. Expect our team to assess, plan effective interventions, and complete required tasks such as:

• Hazard evaluation and safety plan creation and implementation for water and fire risks such as imminent structural collapse due to trapped water or structural burn-through or containment of contaminated fluids or airborne pollution
• Overall planning for water and fire damage restorations of the business plant
• Emergency services for water damage and smoke remediation to secure the scene and permit water removal and soot and smoke commercial fire clean-up

Which Type of Damage is More Important to Resolve in a Commercial Setting?

Stabilizing the scene in your St. Anthony business typically begins with water mitigation and evacuation, followed by structural drying. Slip and fall or electric shock risks need an immediate response. Once SERVPRO crews contain and lawfully dispose of the dirty, soot-filled water, other tasks can follow, including:

• Assessing the types of soots soiling the business space and matching efficient and research-based products and cleaning protocols to rid surfaces of the grime
• Considering deodorization options to eliminate and not just mask stenches from the fire and water contaminants
• Repairs or refinishing of charred surfaces

The breadth of SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis’ expertise in both water and fire damage restoration streamlines commercial fire recovery. We are available at (612) 421-2040, 365 days and nights of the year.

What Are the Dangers of Incomplete Fire Cleanup at Your Falcon Heights Business?

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Incomplete Fire Cleanup Can Threaten Your Business in Various Important Ways. 

Seemingly minor fire damage can trick Falcon Heights business owners into believing they can easily and effectively remediate it themselves. Of course, this is usually not the case, and attempting to do so could put their businesses at great future risk of further problems.

Effective fire cleanup in Falcon Heights generally requires the help of a highly trained remediator like SERVPRO. This is because these efforts are usually more complicated than many business owners initially assume. Moreover, incomplete or poorly performed smoke remediation and fire damage restoration work often lead to serious future problems. 

Some of the issues bad cleanup and restoration work can cause are:

• Persistent foul, fire-related odors that permeate all parts of your business, driving away potential customers and employees
• Poor air quality that may cause health effects in employees and those entering your shop, restaurant, hotel, or other business
• Visible remnants of fire and smoke damage that negatively impact the aesthetics of your facilities and make them unattractive to patrons
• Collapses of structural elements improperly remediated that could injure those inside your structures
• Further deterioration of surfaces and contents that have not had deposited residues properly removed
• Fungal growths, like mold and mildew, that result from poorly performed water & fire damage restorations following fire extinguishing efforts

In order to avoid most of these potentially costly problems after a fire, it pays to enlist the aid of trained professionals.

It is therefore crucial that you not clean up and restore fire damage yourself. Also, remember that if you ever need fire cleanup and restoration services, your neighbors at SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis are always ready to help. Call us anytime at (612) 421-2040 for assistance.

Removing Water-Damaged Contents and Materials from St Anthony Warehouses

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO remove the water from your St. Anthony area warehouse, We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

Water removal and content cleaning are critical for water-damaged St. Anthony businesses.

Burst pipes or leaks in large facilities like warehouses and manufacturing buildings throughout St. Anthony can threaten the contents and stored wares inside. Fast mitigation solutions like water removal services and relocating affected items can considerably impact the efficiency of restoration processes to come.

Mitigation Strategies Beginning Soon After Arrival

While water removal in St. Anthony warehouses can be a large undertaking, we have commercial-grade trailered drying equipment to help. When combined with other vital elements of our SERVPRO Green Fleet, such as the truck-mount pumps and industrial generators, we can work fast to protect as much of the affected facility as possible. Water removal services are a key element of restoration and mitigation, and a combination of wet vacuuming and pumping standing water is necessary.

Clearing Exposed Contents from the Warehouse

We can also focus on other structure needs after water damage, such as relocating stored wares and items to a safer location. With the size of manufacturing facilities, it is often possible to keep dry contents on-site rather than relocating to our nearby SERVPRO facility.

Moisture Removal from Porous Surfaces and Materials

While there are less porous materials in the construction of warehouses and production facilities, it is not impossible for water damage to become trapped in certain building elements or the environment. Evaporative drying for the building, its contents, and its occupants can require several tools, including:

• Centrifugal air movers
• Drying mats
• Portable heaters
• Towed in furnace heaters
• Dehumidifiers

Warehouses can be the heart of distribution and manufacturing for the Greater Minneapolis area. When water damage threatens these structures, efficient mitigation solutions like water removal are critical. Our SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis team is ready 24/7 to help at (612) 421-2040. 

Can SERVPRO Restore Water-Damaged Furniture in St Anthony?

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis help you determine what needs to be done for your business after water damage.

SERVPRO Can Determine If It's Cost-Effective To Restore Water-Damaged Furniture in Your St Anthony Business

Suppose you are running a furniture business in St Anthony and you happen to experience a water damage incident. In that case, you have to act with speed to stop additional losses. Our SERVPRO technicians can help you document the extent of the damage and determine which furniture are restorable and the ones that cannot be restored. Before restoring an item, we consider the restoration cost versus the item's actual value.

How Does SERVPRO Pretest Water-Damaged Upholstery in Your St Anthony Business for Cleaning?

The reason why our SERVPRO technicians pretest water-damaged upholstery in your St Anthony business is to come up with the most appropriate cleaning method. Failure to pretest or pre-inspect may lead to using the wrong cleaning agents, which might damage your fabrics and make them shrink, brown, or bleed. It also gives us a chance to identify furniture with worn-out fabrics or those that underwent bleeding during the previous cleaning and inform our customers about it. Some of the tasks we perform when restoring your furniture include:

• Steam cleaning to remove water stains from your furniture
• Set up dehumidifiers to lower the humidity to normal
• We clean the surfaces with antimicrobials to prevent chances of mold growth

SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis guarantees stress-free cleaning and restoration services after the disaster. Call (612) 421-2040 to learn more about the services we offer.

Who Can Help When the Industrial Dishwasher Breaks Down in my St. Anthony Restaurant?

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Deliver St. Anthony Commercial Water Removal 24/7

After the satisfied diners made their way back home and your St. Anthony restaurant closed for the night, the crisis occurred. A hot water line to your commercial dishwasher breaks, and steaming water spills throughout the kitchens, prep areas, and dining rooms. The breakfast shift arrives to a steamy and soggy disaster, and you try not to panic. While awaiting the plumber, it becomes apparent that the water clean up is beyond your housekeeping staff. If you hope to reopen for happy hour, you need professional help fast.

How Will SERVPRO Save Your Reputation and Help You Honor Your Dinner Reservations?

Water removal services are the foundation of SERVPRO’s mission.

Our technicians master the curriculum from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), ensuring we assess the extent of the burst pipes’ incursion and plan appropriately to mitigate the flooding and provide water damage remediation. The SERVPRO inventory of pumps, extractors, air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers roll of our signature green service vehicles take on the tasks needed to make it “Like it never even happened.”

• Flood Restoration
• Water Removal Services 
• Water Clean Up
• Water Damage Repairs

SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis always arrives prepared to conquer the water removal project presented by the broken hose in your commercial space. Call us at (612) 421-2040 for a prompt assessment and comprehensive water damage restoration.

Is DIY Remediation of Mold Wise in a St. Anthony Business?

2/2/2021 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO’s EPA protocol for St. Anthony mold abatement

As a successful St. Anthony businessperson, you offer services or products to individuals and other businesses daily. The expertise you developed in your field makes your offerings valuable and a good investment for your customers. Choosing to outsource mold remediation for a microbial outbreak follows the same rationale.

Why Is SERVPRO a Leader in Mold Damage Recovery?

Handling mold remediation in St. Anthony commercial buildings might seem like a simple task, doable by your cleaning crew. On the contrary, inhibiting mold growth and harm require specialized training and equipment and a firm grasp of moisture management strategies. Our IICRC-certified Applied Microbial Remediation Technicians (AMRT) must also hold Water Restoration Technician (WRT) certification. We use the EPA-developed Mold Remediation Protocol:

• Locate and contain the mold, using barriers and negative pressure air scrubbers to isolate the moldy area
• Remove mold by brushing, scraping, or utilizing gentle but effective soda or dry ice blasting
• Bagging moldy materials for lawful disposal
• Wipe down with EPA-registered cleaners and antimicrobials
• Vacuuming with HEPA-filtered equipment
• Elimination of leaks and other moisture sources to prevent recurrence

Call SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis at (612) 421-2040 to schedule an evaluation and plan to remediate mold damage in your business.

Harmonize with the St. Anthony Community and Others on the Longest Night

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

The Village of St. Anthony Water Damaged Businesses Get 24/7 Rapid Restoration--Even on the Winter Solstice--By SERVPRO!

Bring the Sing on the Solstice with Listeners of Minnesota Public Radio, Lighting Up Your Corner of St. Anthony

Participate in or enjoy a statewide video of lights of the season. Seek for #mprsolstice to find results on social media after December 14, 2020. Show some St. Anthony pride and like what your neighbors shared.

Navigate to your favorite Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) station a week later to join the virtual chorus. Sing along with “This Little Light of Mine,” and then stay tuned to Classical MPR or The Current for more winter solstice programming. Celebrate the return of lengthening days along with other members of the MPR audience.

Date: December 21, 2020

Time: 5:00 pm and into the evening

Tune into your local MPR station or online.

SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis is ready to get your St. Anthony business back in the holiday spirit with professional water removal. Call (612) 421-2040 no matter when disaster strikes, 24/7, holidays included.