Avoid a House Fire in Eagan

3/13/2023 (Permalink)

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

Storm Notifications in the Eagan and Apple Valley Areas

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

As we continue to see storms throughout our Minneapolis area cities, we at SERVPRO® of Eagan and Apple Valley want you to be aware of what the different threat levels mean so that you can be prepared for whatever happens. 

Flash Flood Watch

A Flash Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flash flooding. It does not mean that flash flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flash Flood Warning

A Flash Flood Warning is issued when flash flooding is imminent or occurring.

Flood Watch

A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

Flood Warning

A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

If your home or commercial building ever suffers flood damage, call the SERVPRO® of Eagan and Apple Valley experts.

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

How Quickly Does Mold Grow After Water Damage

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

The speed of mold growth

Maybe you had a water leak from a plumbing problem or from a leaky refrigerator. Maybe we had a major storm or tornado sweep through the Minneapolis / Twin Cities area. Either way, now your home has water damage. Depending on how severe the water damage, you are probably asking yourself, “Should I clean up the water damage myself or hire a professional?”.  The following are a couple things to consider. First, hopefully, the water damage will be covered by your insurance company. SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley works with all insurance companies in the area and knows what each company is looking for (this will make things easier on you). Second, if the area is not properly and completely dried out, even in the areas you cannot see, the structure will more than likely suffer secondary damage. What is secondary damage? Mold growing in your home is known as secondary damage after a water damage event. Mold needs moister to grown and it can grow within 24-48 hours.  Time is a factor after a water damage. If mold is already growing in your home after a water damage, SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley can remediate that as well. We are here to help. Give us a call today!

What is My Fridge Leaking Water?

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Maybe your water alarm alerted you, maybe you see a puddle or some dripping, or maybe you see some signs of water damage (corrosion, water stains, etc.). Once you’ve discovered a leak, consider the possible causes.

Blocked defroster. A blocked defroster can stop defrost-cycle water from draining properly. Try clearing out the small drain by pouring hot water into it. Remove any debris with a pipe cleaner.

Drain pan. Sometimes the drain pan itself can leak. Check for cracks.

Filter. Refrigerators with filters can leak if the filter is the wrong size or not installed properly.

Water line. This is potentially the most problematic. Refrigerators with ice makers or water dispensers have water lines running between the main water supply and the back of the fridge. Feel to see if the water line is wet or dripping. Cracked hoses and loose connections are often the culprit.

Refrigerator leaks can damage the flooring and cabinets in your kitchen.  If you experience a refrigerator leak, please contact us right away to treat and help to prevent any further damage.

Source: ER Plumbing Online

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

Keeping Gutters Clear to Prevent Water Damage

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

Ideally, gutters clear the water from your roof and move it safely away from your home. Healthy gutters help prevent leaky roofs, water damage to the attic, and water coming in through your home’s foundation.

Twice a year, it is very important to clear your home’s gutters. Leaves, twigs, mud, nests, and other debris can clog the gutters and restrict the water flow.  When water has nowhere to go, it pools and can seep into areas it should not, which can cause water damage to your home. If you do not feel you can safely perform the job yourself, please hire out the job to a professional.

If your home has suffered water damage, please call SERVPRO of Eagan / Apple Valley today to remove the water and dry out the area in order to prevent further damage.

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