Building an Emergency Kit

1/20/2023 (Permalink)

It is easy to understand that emergencies can happen at any time in our lives.  Having an emergency kit on hand can be an invaluable tool when you find yourself vulnerable and face an emergency. When storms hit, emergency services may be limited, so having an emergency kit to help whenever possible is important. Here are some things you need to include in your emergency kit.

Water

You will need to have plenty of drinking water for your emergency kit. It is important that you have enough water for each member of your family for one gallon per person per day. Drinking water can be used for cleaning, cooking, and hygiene. This means you will also need to include items such as soap or hand sanitizer so that you can wash dishes in the event that there is no running water or other methods for doing so.

When determining how much drinking water you should add to your kit, consider how many people are in your family and whether there are any special needs (for example if someone has diabetes). The general rule of thumb is 1 gallon per person per day but this can vary greatly depending on the size and activity level of each individual as well as their age group. 

First Aid Kit

Have a first aid kit with bandages, gauze, tape, and antibiotic cream. Bandages are important for covering cuts and scrapes. Gauze can be used to stop bleeding from wounds or to protect an injury. Tape can be used to secure bandages in place or even as a sling for an injured arm or leg. Antibiotic cream is helpful for preventing infections when cuts are present on the skin. 

Flashlights, Batteries, and Battery-Powered Radio

Include a flashlight, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio. In the event of an emergency, you’ll want to be able to keep yourself informed of the latest developments. A flashlight will allow you to find your way around in low light conditions and stay safe from any dangers that may loom ahead. A battery-powered radio will also allow you to stay up-to-date on news updates as well as listen for instructions from authorities on what actions they would like citizens to take.  

Keep Cash

You may not be able to get cash from an ATM or bank during the storm. There could be long lines and power outages, which will make it difficult for those machines to operate. ATMs are also known to run out of money quickly because so many people try to withdraw at once.

So don't rely on your debit card or credit card if you need cash. Instead, have enough cash on hand so that you can buy necessities in case stores are closed and/or without power. Make sure you have enough money for at least a week's worth of groceries and other items that may be hard to find after a hurricane.

Pet Care Items

If you have pets, make sure to include pet food and medications in your emergency kit along with a leash. Include a pet first-aid kit, as well. Make sure to also include a pet carrier and extra water for your pet.

Blankets, Sleeping Bags, and Extra Clothes

Consider adding blankets or sleeping bags as well as extra clothing to your emergency kit. Blankets and sleeping bags will keep you warm during the night when temperatures drop. Extra clothing can be used in case you have to stay outdoors for several days due to power outages or damage done by the storm. 

Having a plan and being prepared will help keep everyone safe during this time. If your home or business does experience damage due to a storm, give SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis a call, and we will get your Minneapolis property back to normal as quickly as possible.

Who Can Falcon Heights Homeowners Count On for Fire Damage Restoration?

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO removes the water and then the pungent odors left behind from a Falcon Heights house fire with this air scrubber as part of our arsenal

One-stop fire and smoke damage recovery is why SERVPRO is the intelligent choice for Falcon Heights residents

A Falcon Heights residential fire restoration is a multi-phase project. Our technicians hold certification in a broad range of Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) specialties, which is why SERVPRO delivers services for all your fire and smoke damage needs.

Can One Company Handle Both Fire and Water Removal?

The most efficient response regarding time and expense is to streamline all aspects of a Falcon Heights whole house fire clean-up. Our expertise in firefighting water removal services complements our professional fire and smoke damage mitigation and remediation. The variety of tasks confronting us in fire-damaged homes is why SERVPRO service vehicles stock:

Emergency services water damage removal equipment:

• Submersible and trash pumps
• Truck-mounted and portable water extractors
• Drying tools including:
• Moisture detectors and meters
• Air movers
• Dehumidifiers

Fire and smoke damage restoration equipment:

• Charring removal tools
• Dry (crumbling) and wet sponges
• Rags, brushes, and dusters
• Water and oil-based cleaning products to match with different types of soot
• Air scrubbers with HEPA and Charcoal filtration
• Hydroxyl generators to neutralize pungent smoke odors

Training, stocking up, and planning for every contingency is why SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis gets water and fire damage restorations done right. Call (612) 421-2040 for a prompt and professional response.

4 Simple Steps To Fix a Commercial Toilet That Won't Stop Flushing

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

Repairing a Commercial Toilet That Won't Stop Flushing

A perpetually flushing toilet in your commercial building is a real nuisance. Nobody wants to deal with toilet overflow. If it's not addressed, this issue can cause water or mold damage, requiring you to consult a water damage restoration professional in St. Anthony, MN, to assess any damage and keep your building sanitary and safe. 

If you can’t stop a toilet from flushing, it's time to check the gasket in the flushometer. Fortunately, this task is easy to do. When the gasket becomes dirty or damaged, it will leak, and your toilet won’t stop flushing, causing toilet overflow. Here are four simple steps to deal with a faulty gasket.

1. Gather Your Tools

Before you start working on the plumbing issue, make sure you have the following tools:

• Flathead screwdriver
• Wrench
• Soft, absorbent cloth
• Fine piece of wire

2. Turn Off the Water To Curb a Toilet Flood

Facing the toilet, you’ll see a slotted circle or a circular cover located on the short arm opposite the flush lever. If there is a cover, pry it off. Insert the screwdriver into the slot and turn to shut off the water.

3. Remove the Gasket

Use your wrench to loosen the gasket cover, which is the large, flat-sided circle at the very top of the unit. Avoid scratching the chrome by using your cloth between the wrench and the gasket cover. Loosen it just a bit, then turn it by hand. Use your cloth to soak up any water that leaked out.

4. Clean or Replace the Gasket

Clean any buildup or debris from the gasket and use your fine wire to clear the little weep hole. Be careful not to enlarge the hole. If the gasket is damaged, replace it with a new one. Put the gasket in place, replace the cover and tighten. Don't forget to turn the water back on when you're finished.
Don't tolerate a constantly flushing toilet. Clean or replace your flushometer gasket to avoid toilet overflow.

3 Ways the SERVPRO Claims Inventory Systems Benefits Your Insurance Company

6/21/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Claims Inventory Systems Benefits Your Insurance Company 

When a disaster strikes in St Anthony, MN, it can affect many residences and business properties all at once. This situation can make an insurance agent's job very busy in a short time. A centralized system can make things easier as you strive to give each insurance claim the attention it deserves. Here are three ways the SERVPRO claims inventory system can help.

1. Itemized Loss Inventory
Every claim is made up of particular belongings, pieces of inventory, and lots of little things that comprise the big picture of someone's loss. An itemized loss inventory system helps you organize every detail so that nothing slips through the cracks. The system includes lists of lost or damaged items and photos of key articles.

2. Thorough Inventory Process
The claims inventory system process begins with a room-by-room evaluation of the damage at a home or business. Professional mitigation company technicians take photos and catalog information on lost or damaged items. They use barcodes as needed to maintain a detailed inventory.
These specific steps ensure that the agent and adjuster have a clear overall picture of the claim.

3. Centralized Information for an Insurance Claim
The claims inventory system acts as a central database for agents, adjusters, managers, and anyone who needs access to the claim details at your insurance company.

Having all the data in a centralized location means that you can share information accurately and efficiently and avoid miscommunication and costly mistakes.

The centralized system also makes the claims process faster, and getting the job done more quickly makes your clients happy.

A disaster in St Anthony, MN, can affect so many at once. The results can range from minor inconveniences to devastating losses. No matter the size of the insurance claim, though, your company is prepared to handle your customers' needs with a claims inventory system.

Document Restoration Services Can Save Your Business After a Disaster

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

After A Disaster, Document Restoration Services Can Save Your Business.

After any major disaster in Falcon Heights MN, restoring your business and mitigating losses is essential for returning your company to an operational state in a timely manner. In addition to cleanup and repairs, you should add document restoration to your list of recovery action items. Using a professional restoration service can help you protect and save many of your important documents, including:

• Books, journals and magazines
• Patient records and employee files
• Blueprints and maps
• Photographs, film and negatives

Professional document restoration services can save your business because they follow thorough procedures for preserving and protecting critical paperwork that is often irreplaceable. Insurance companies trust SERVPRO because of the following state-of-the-art offerings.

1. Modern Technology

SERVPRO uses vacuum freeze-drying, a document drying technique that has been approved by the National Archives and Records Administration. They also use gamma irradiation technology to clean and sterilize items. This is particularly useful if your documents have been exposed to chemicals or bacteria during the incident.

2. Security

Documents are handled by HIPAA-certified technicians, ensuring compliance with privacy requirements. Your documents are also kept under 24/7 surveillance.

3. Digital Organization

Converting your files to digital files is a wise choice for protecting them against future incidents. In the event of a fire or flood, your contracts, files and paper materials will stay safely stored and out of harm’s way. Digital files are much easier to organize and access using a computerized inventory system, and they can free up storage space that used to house paper files.

In addition to the services above, a full-service restoration option is available to handle every step of the restoration, from drying and sanitizing to rejacketing and digitizing. This full-service option can save you time and money since the document drying is performed by SERVPRO and is not outsourced to a third party.

After disaster strikes, it is normal to feel overwhelmed about the cleanup process. However, being prepared and having a reliable document restoration service you can trust will save you time and ensure your business is protected.

Should You Try to Manage St. Anthony Mold Damage On Your Own?

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

St. Anthony Mold Damage Remediation Can Be Complex, Why SERVPRO Experts Are Key

Mold damage in St. Anthony homes stirs up some mixed emotions. It is common to feel that mold growth and damage is embarrassing, evidence that homeowners are negligent in cleaning, maintenance, and repair. Mold damage is related to just three factors:

• The ubiquitous presence of mold spores in every St, Anthony home
• Oxygen
• Lingering water or moisture absorbed into building materials.

Is St. Anthony Mold Damage Easy to Locate?

When a home in St. Anthony has mold damage, you might not even notice it because the leaks and spills of water that fuel an outbreak often hide behind walls and in cabinets or occur in the attic or basement. When it covers the surface behind a wall or high in the rafters, it is invisible or looks grimy from a distance but lacy, feathery, leathery, or like tiny mushrooms up close. Bathroom mold removal efforts in tub corners or on shower doors target black or pink smears, involving not dirt but interlinked colonies of organisms germinated by water or humidity and munching on organics like soap scrum mixed with hair and skin cells. Locating mold damage might require testing for moisture and mold spore counts, why SERVPRO’s expertise in mold inspections, remediations, and removal comes in handy.

What Do Professional Mold Remediators Do to Eliminate Mold?

A reputable St. Anthony mold abatement contractor does not claim to eliminate mold, why SERVPRO stresses its role as a mold remediator, capable of clearing the colonies of current mold infestations using the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols of:

• Containment
• Mechanical moldy debris removal
• Application of preventive registered antimicrobials

Then we shift to moisture management to avoid subsequent outbreaks and achieve sustainable mold remediation outcomes. The water damage restoration experience we possess is why SERVPRO can help inhibit rebound mold growth through professional water damage repairs and comprehensive structural drying. 

Our crews combine applied microbial remediation certification with extensive water damage restoration experience, why SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis meets your mold damage abatement needs. Schedule an evaluation at (612) 421-2040.

Worried About Managing All Aspects of St. Anthony Storm Damage Recovery?

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

Wrap-around restoration from assessment to rebuilding is why SERVPRO ranks as a St. Anthony storm damage response leader.

Whether you are coping with the terror of thunderstorms and straight-line winds or the fury and whiteout of blizzards, St. Anthony storm damage overwhelms. The immediate needs for boarding and tarping up exterior damage and interior water removal and drying are only part of the story. Do you face several phases of storm mitigation and remediation plus reconstruction, each requiring a new contractor?

Can One Company Address All St. Anthony Residents' Storm Aftermath Needs?

The last thing a reputable water damage restorer wants to do is abandon customers in the middle of a St. Anthony storm damage project. This concern is why SERVPRO combines our water damage and flood restoration expertise supported by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training with our ability to arrange rebuilding services. Our approach invites you to depend on our skilled and experienced crews to streamline the journey from the severe exterior and interior damage to our goal of making it "Like it never even happened." We provide:

• Dynamic safety hazard assessment throughout the project
• Emergency services halting water damage
• Ceiling repairs from water damages
• Management of leaking roofs from storm damage
• Basement flooding cleanup
• Cleaning up after a sewer backup (standard when municipal sanitary systems are overburdened after torrential rains)

Why Does SERVPRO Invest in Multiple Restoration Specializations?

We take pride in partnering with St. Anthony homeowners from the start to the finish of complicated storm damage and basement flooding cleanup. Working as an integrated team allows our crew members to support each other and grow in competence, ultimately benefiting customers searching for expert water damage remediation and comprehensive build-back services. Control of all aspects ensures cutting-edge equipment and high-quality materials, which is why SERVPRO builds confidence in our workforce and the community. 

Training, experience, top-notch equipment, and a comprehensive approach to storm damage recovery are why SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis is the top choice of area homeowners. Call us at (612) 421-2040 for a post-storm evaluation.

Steps Beyond Remediation to Prevent Mold Returning to Your St. Anthony Home

11/12/2021 (Permalink)

We Offer Remediation Solutions to Prevent Mold Recurrences in St. Anthony Homes When Possible

The discovery of mold growth can be alarming and demand immediate action from skilled remediation professionals like our SERVPRO team. We must also consider the causes of these damage incidents to provide long-term solutions to prevent mold recurrences. 

Clearing Active Mold Colonies

Before we can think about long-term preventative measures, our SERVPRO team must provide mold remediation for St. Anthony properties. The process of removing active colonies ranges depending on the severity of the damage but can include:

• Sanding
• Corn cob blasting
• Sodium bicarbonate media blasting
• Surface treatments

Identifying the Water Damage Source

While remediation is one of the critical elements of protecting your property from acute damage, we must also determine the cause of these conditions to begin needed preventative measures. Moisture can result from several sources ranging from storms to unresolved plumbing leaks. Once the cause is identified, repair and restoration occur to prevent this from being a continued source of mold loss effects. 

Learning the Construction of Material Assemblies

Our professionals need to understand the materials included in wall and ceiling systems. During mold damage events, the spread of mold spores and moisture can be rapid, so grasping the levels of construction involved ensures that demolition happens if it should. Appropriate drying and moisture monitoring occur when these construction materials we can preserve these construction materials. 

Repairs and Reconstruction as Needed 

Mold can be an underrated threat to homes and businesses, but with our fast response and remediation expertise, our SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis team can help your property needs. Give us a call today at (612) 421-2040.

How Does Fire Damage Get Cleaned from Cabinets in Falcon Heights Kitchens?

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can cleanup, restore, and even build back a fire damaged kitchen in Falcon Heights, "Like it never even happened."

Initial cleaning and restoration protect fire-damaged Falcon Heights kitchen spaces.

Fires can happen at any time and without warning. When kitchen fires flare-up, the entire room and adjacent spaces can be overwhelmed with smoke residues, odors, and other immediate concerns. Our fast response to the situation allows us to begin mitigation as soon as possible.

The Damage of Protein Fires

When situations like grease fires or kitchen flare-ups overtake the room, fire restoration in Falcon Heights homes must begin as soon as possible. This specific type of fire can leave formidable damage to affected surfaces, and cabinets and countertops can often show:

• Blistering
• Charring
• Odor damage

Cleaning Finished Cabinet Surfaces

There are many powerful products in our recovery inventory that can help remove residues and deposits from the surface of installed cabinets. Protein fires and their thick soils require solvents to emulsify and dissolve the greasy residues. Wet cleaning must be done carefully for several reasons, but mostly to prevent an adverse chemical reaction with the surface soiling that makes soot cleaning impossible.

Is Replacement More Cost-Efficient?

There are times that the proposed costs of clearing soot and smoke residues from the surface of unfinished or finished woods might be too high. When the costs of removing soot and restoring the finish of cabinets and other surfaces exceed the proposed price of replacing the construction element altogether, it is more efficient to use our general contractor license for controlled demolition and new installation.

After a fire overwhelms the kitchen of your home, cleaning up the damage can be a considerable undertaking. Our experienced SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis professionals can help with careful cleaning measures to protect installed elements and fixtures whenever possible. Our technicians are standing by to help 24/7 at (612) 421-2040.

Why SERVPRO Needs to Be Your Mold Cleanup Service Provider in Falcon Heights?

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

No Mold Damage Incident in Falcon Heights Is Too Big or Too Small For SERVPRO

There are several reasons why SERVPRO should do mold cleanup in your Falcon Heights property. If the moldy area is so large, it can be challenging for any homeowner to perform since one may lack appropriate personal protective equipment and the skills to do the remediation work. At SERVPRO, we have the experience and advanced equipment to clean up the mold and stop it from spreading to uncontaminated areas.

When Should You Call SERVPRO To Do Mold Remediation in Your Falcon Heights Home? 

You may experience a mold damage incident in your Falcon Heights home when a water source allows moisture to enter into visible or invisible areas of your property. Since mold spores are almost everywhere and thrive best under moist conditions, it starts to grow. If you smell a musty odor by any chance, then there are chances your property may be developing a mold problem. Even when there is no leaking pipe or roof, higher indoor humidity can create conducive conditions for mold growth. At SERVPRO, we're Faster to Any Size Disaster and can respond immediately to stop the water source and remove the mold. It would help if you let us work for you because:

• Our technicians are highly trained to handle all mold situations
• We have advanced tools for the job. For instance, we use air scrubbers to trap mold spores and prevent them from spreading
• We are a locally owned company with a good understanding of the area; which allows us to respond immediately after a call

SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis offers emergency mold remediation services that meet residential and commercial needs. Call (612) 421-2040 to work with a reliable industry leader.

Should You Worry About Safety During Mold Remediation in Your St. Anthony Residence?

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Takes Various Precautions to Protect Residents in St Anthony Homes during Mold Removal

Many people are worried about their well-being when they notice mold developing in their houses and seek ways to stop it. However, since the removal processes disturb the moldy materials, you might be worried the risk might be heightened by mold remediation.

Since mold can cause health effects, it is essential to take precautions during mold remediation in St Anthony properties. SERVPRO technicians take several precautions when addressing various issues, including:

• Mold Inspection
• Mold Removal
• Bathroom mold removal

ANSI/IICRC S520 Standard and IICRC R520 Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation

Before starting the mold remediation process, our SERVPRO technicians formulate a safety plan depending on the property's situation. Our safety plan aims to protect the technicians doing the restoration, identify all moldy materials, and limit the spread of mold residues. If there is extensive contamination, our technicians use N95 filter-type respirators and bodysuits for protection.

We also limit the spread of residues by setting up airtight barriers on doorways, hallways, or other openings. We use plastic sheets to create the containment barriers and establish negative air pressure within the barrier to ensure harmful materials do not escape.

SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis handles mold remediation safely. Call us at (612) 421-2040 for timely assistance.

Why Hire Experts for St. Anthony Water Damaged Carpets?

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Successful water mitigation is why SERVPRO is a trusted choice

Speedy provision of water mitigation when St. Anthony homeowners cope with wet floors and carpeting is crucial. Hiring professionals is a wise decision after water invades and damages floor coverings. An inadequate response can threaten the structural integrity of your home, why SERVPRO's trained crews and specialized equipment is vital to return to pre-crisis condition. 

What Should Homeowners Expect from Professional Water Damage Interventions?

Wet carpet in-place drying is a core service available from our St. Anthony team. Water mitigation is the first step after the initial assessment, and we must start immediately for the best results, why SERVPRO workers arrive in fully stocked service vehicles. Mitigation's focus is halting continual water damage and spread into expanses of carpeting left installed for top-down interventions:

• Wanded extraction at edge of water migration determined by moisture detectors

• Initial passes move water away from dry areas 

• Aggressive passes in a predetermined pattern treat soaked areas

• Use of weighted extraction equipment, including the weight of a trained operator "riding" the unique extraction wand releases the most water

• Possible removal of padding if the extraction appears inefficient after testing even with weights

Training, experience, and appropriate equipment are why SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis delivers needed water mitigation. Call (612) 421-2040 for a prompt assessment.

Soar Instead of Merely Zooming in Falcon Heights -- Invite a Raptor

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

"PREY" that your Falcon Heights Home Never Becomes Fire-Damaged! But, if it does, Call SERVPRO!

The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota Just Across Larpenteur Avenue from Falcon Heights Offers Raptor Zoomies to Combat On-line Meeting Fatigue

Although we currently cannot schedule in-bird sessions with the feathered citizens of The Raptor Center at the U of M, these magnificent birds, and their handlers would love to liven up your meeting with some bird of prey “zoomies.” Schedule an eagle, owl, hawk, vulture, or, naturally, a falcon to join the grid of your next virtual meeting as an avian ambassador. Falcon Heights collaboration coordinators could not ask for a more appropriate local celebrity cameo.

• What: Raptor Zoomies
• When: Ongoing
• Duration: 15 minutes per meet invitation
• How to Schedule: Call 612-624-4745 or navigate to The Raptor Center on the University of Minnesota website.

Price: $75 for eagles, $50 for owls, hawks, vultures, and our favorite falcons

Fire damage happens even if you keep an eagle eye on your property, why SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis immediately swoops in with trained technicians and cutting edge equipment. Call (612) 421-2040 for a falcon-fast response.