Recent Posts
Safety Checks for Commercial Buildings
2/20/2024 (Permalink)
Remember to regularly perform safety checks to avoid disaster.
When owning and operating a commercial building, there are many different safety checks that should be followed monthly. We deal with commercial losses on a regular basis and let us be the first to tell you, it is NOT something you want to go through. Here are a few safety checks you can conduct once a month to lessen your chances of experiencing a large commercial loss:
Smoke Alarms
You may think this is a no brainer, but you would be surprised how many times smoke alarms go months without testing. It is so important to ensure that all of your smoke alarms are working properly, as they could save lives and your commercial building.
Sprinkler Systems
Another important safety check is your building’s sprinkler system. Not only is it important to check to ensure everything is okay in case of a fire, but sprinkler systems can also be a cause of water loss. Always make sure that your sprinkler system is free of any damage or leaking.
Security Cameras
One of the leading causes of property damage from vandalism is lack of security. If your building does not have security cameras, we strongly advise installing them. If you already have cameras, make sure to check them regularly in case of vandalism or break ins.
There are still many other safety checks that you should be conducting, but these are a few we recommend to avoid having to call us. If you do ever need these restoration services, we are always “Here to help”!
Does Your Home Smell Like a Bonfire?
2/20/2024 (Permalink)
Smoke smell can linger - call SERVPRO to get your home smelling like home again!
Smoke odor can be extremely persistent and it may feel daunting to try and rid it yourself, luckily for you we have done this a time or two! Smoke particles can drift everywhere from air ducts, carpeting, drapery, and furniture. The only way to completely eliminate the smoke smell is to permanently neutralize the presence of these particles. Here are a few methods for smoke damage restoration:
Ozone machines release molecules that follow the same path as smoke particles and oxidize these sources of odor. The ozone method is very popular because it works quickly. However, with this method all people, pets, and plants must be temporarily evacuated.
Hydroxyl generators are used to destroy smoke particles with radicals generated by ultraviolet light. This method will not require evacuation, but can take three to five times longer than an ozone machine.
HVAC air scrubbers connect to the central air system on a home or building to circulate the air and filter out smoke particles. Because this method does not neutralize the particles, a faint smoke odor may linger. HVAC air scrubbers are often used with other smoke removal methods.
Thermal foggers fill a home with fog for about 30 minutes and then the home or building is ventilated to dry. The space must be evacuated for this process, but it is a very effective method.
Vapor modification neutralizes odors by dispersing an aromatic compound in a mineral oil base with assistance of a blower fan. Evacuation is not necessary for this method.
The Dangers of Icicles
3/13/2023 (Permalink)
Keep your home free of ice build up to avoid water damage.
Icicles may look pretty on your house, but despite the dangers of the icicle itself, they are a sign that you have ice dams on your roof. Ice dams are the result of ice build-up on the eaves of sloped roofs. They can cause a number of problems if they are not taken care of properly.
Tips on avoiding ice dams and what to do if they form
- Avoid ice dams by making sure your roof vents are cleared off regularly.
- Shovel the roof, or hire a company to remove snow 6-8 feet back from the edge.
- If you find yourself with an ice dam, call us today to ensure proper removal. Do not try to hammer the ice dam or use salt, this can result in damage to your roof.
- If the ice dam has caused interior damage to the home, give your insurance agent a call to see if your insurance covers ice dam property damage. Then give us a call and we can make it “Like it never even happened.”
What Does IICRC Certified Mean?
2/15/2023 (Permalink)
Our technicians are certified and trained for any disaster.
Have you ever wondered what it means to be IICRC Certified? Well, we are here to explain to you what those letters mean and why it is important.
What Does IICRC Stand for?
IICRC stands for “The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.” They are a non-profit organization that was formed in 1972.
What does the IICRC Do for Restoration Companies?
The IICRC creates the standards held within the restoration industry and provides the training and resources to restoration companies to complete certification. An IICRC firm has the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
What does IICRC Certification Mean to SERVPRO of Moorhead?
The IICRC Certification gives the SERVPRO of Moorhead customers the comfort of knowing that our crew has the knowledge and experience to work on their home or business. Our crew has dedicated time and effort to learn the correct protocols when working restoration.
5 Ways to Avoid a Dryer Fire
1/16/2023 (Permalink)
Avoid a dryer fire by following these tips
Nearly every home today has a clothes dryer. If you have used a dryer, it is likely that you know the number one rule - clean the dryer lint out of the lint trap after every use! While that is a very important tip to stay safe from dryer fires, here are five more that might just save your dryer from a fire:
- Use a Professional to Install Your Dryer
After spending a large amount of money on a dryer, it may be tempting to try and DIY your dryer installation. However, this can be very dangerous. A certified electrician will know how to safely install the dryer according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
- Do Not Leave Your Dryer Running Unattended
Another common, but dangerous, practice is leaving your dryer running while you are not home or sleeping. Dryer fires can happen at any moment. If a fire does occur, it will be far less damaging if you catch it before it spreads throughout the house. Never leave a dryer running while you are away or sleeping.
- Do Not Overload Your Dryer
Not only does overloading your dryer slow down the dry time, but it can also limit the air circulation in the dryer and puts stress on the machine. When the dryer is working harder, there is more friction which can lead to a dryer fire.
- Keep Your Laundry Room Clean
Make sure that you are routinely cleaning your laundry area. Check behind the washer and dryer for any sock, clothes, lint, or dryer sheets. Allowing your laundry room to fill with clutter increases your chance for fire.
- Clean the Dryer Exhaust Vent and Hose
Routinely clean your dryer’s exhaust vent and hose. Lint can accumulate in these areas leading to blockage. Not only will cleaning these areas out increase the efficiency and life of your dryer, but it will greatly decrease your risk for dryer fire.
Commercial Water Damage? We Can Help.
12/12/2022 (Permalink)
Commercial water damage can be devastating. Call SERVPRO of Moorhead to make it "Like it never even happened."
Commercial water damage is devastating. There are many things to consider when your large commercial building has a water loss. How long will this affect the business? What will insurance cover? What will this cost me and my business? How long will the clean up really take? Luckily for you, we are the experts when it comes to answering all of these questions!
We have seen it all when it comes to large commercial water damage clean ups. The crew at SERVPRO of Moorhead has the knowledge and proper equipment to ensure that your commercial space is back in no time.
Hoarding: What To Do And Who To Call
10/24/2022 (Permalink)
Hoarding clean up by SERVPRO of Moorhead
When dealing with a hoarding situation, it can feel extremely overwhelming. Where to start, where to put all the stuff, how to decide what to keep… that is where we come in to help.
When it comes to hoarding, we have seen it all. At SERVPRO, we have the proper equipment and resources to clean up hoarding situations. We allow you to go through the stuff and keep what you would like, and we go through the rest disposing of it safely and properly. Don’t allow yourself to become stressed and overwhelmed on such a big project, trust the professionals at SERVPRO.
How to Prepare Your Moorhead Home for a Storm
9/15/2022 (Permalink)
Prepare your home when a storm is in the forecast
If there is a storm in the forecast, you may want to do some preparing beforehand. Preparing your home before a storm can minimize the risk of damage and reduce chances of needing restoration work. Follow these steps to protect your home:
- Ensure Doors and Windows are Shut
Before a storm make sure that your windows and doors are shut. If there are any cracks or openings, properly insulate them so that water or debris does not come into the home.
If you have siding that is damaged or weathered, a storm can cause even greater problems for you. Check around the exterior of your home for any holes or cracks. Water could enter the walls through the damaged exterior, causing damage to the inside of a home.
Gutters are often overlooked when preparing for a storm. It is so important to make sure that your gutters are clean from debris so that water can drain properly. Backed up water can lead to leaks and damage to the roof and walls of the home.
The 3 Components of Fire
9/8/2022 (Permalink)
Do you know the 3 components of fire?
THE 3 COMPONENTS OF FIRE
We often talk about fire damage and the aftermath in our industry, but the elements to start a fire go overlooked. Fire requires 3 different components to “live” - oxygen, heat, and fuel. Knowing how these 3 components work, can give you some insight on how to decrease your chances of a fire loss. Let's break it down:
OXYGEN
A fire will not survive very long without oxygen. Oxygen helps produce an expanding series of chemical reactions. During this process, smoke and carbon monoxide are produced.
HEAT
There needs to be enough combustible heat present to ignite. The heat necessary for igniting is different for each substance. For example, a large piece of wood is more difficult to light than a pile of dry leaves.
FUEL
The type of fuel necessary to ignite a fire can be either organic or inorganic material. Wood or plastic can be the perfect “fuel” for a fire, especially on a property.The
Be Prepared: How to Protect Your Commercial Property
8/29/2022 (Permalink)
Do you have an emergency plan set in place for your commercial property?
Do you have a plan in place in case disaster strikes your commercial building? It is so important to be prepared BEFORE a fire, water, or storm event happens.Without a plan, your costs can skyrocket. Here are a few strategies to avoid future headache:
- Keep Important Items Above Ground Level
If a disaster event takes place and floods any areas of storage, it can leave a real mess. Make sure to keep important documents, inventory, tools, and electronics above ground level in case of flooding.
Always, always, always backup your data! We live in a digital world and to lose digital data can quickly destroy a business. It is so important to keep your data in a cloud to ensure that you can always recover it. Local computer experts can help you with this if you need.
- Have an Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) in Place
Nobody plans for damage to their property and it can be difficult to gauge just how much damage may occur. At SERVPRO of Moorhead we encourage all businesses, large or small, to create an ERP. From planning a fire evacuation route to wearing a seatbelt, we are planning for the unexpected everyday. Why not protect your business with a foolproof plan that all employees can follow? Consider scheduling a meeting with your local SERVPRO Sales and Marketing Representative to discuss setting up an ERP today.
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