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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Fire Damage Blog Posts

How To Test Your Smoke Detector & Fire Alarm

12/7/2023 (Permalink)

Says 'smoke detector and fire alarm' and a picture of one. If an event does occur, SERVPRO of St. Cloud will be ready to help! We are available 24/7! Reach us at (320) 248-5400!

Important To Keep Family Safe

Testing smoke detectors and fire alarms is one of the most important items to help keep your family safe. They are meant to be early warning devices to alert your family of a fire or dangerous smoke. To ensure proper function, these items need to be tested periodically.

Why Do it?

Electronic devices can have batteries that die and other parts that the wear out overtime. By testing them periodically and replacing the batteries, it will help to ensure that your family will have those warning devices in place.

How Often?

U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), suggest that smoke detectors be tested at least once a month and batteries should be replaced at least once or twice a year.

Two Types of Smoke Detectors-

Battery-powered: This type can be susceptible to worn-out or defective batteries.

Hardwired: This type is powered by your home’s electrical system, but typically has back up batteries.

Tip Time: Change your batteries when you change your clocks for daylight savings time – when you spring forward and fall back!

How Do You Test It?

Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper method of testing your smoke detector and fire alarm.

Step 1: Alert family members and friends that you will be testing the alarm.

Step 2: Press and hold the test button on the smoke detector. You should hear a loud siren noise, this may take a few seconds. If it is weak or nonexistent, you should replace the batteries. Also, make sure that the smoke detector is clean.

All information and steps above are to help prevent matters from occurring, not a guarantee.

If an event does occur, SERVPRO of St. Cloud will be ready to help! We are available 24/7! Reach us at (320) 248-5400!

Smoke Alarms

10/9/2023 (Permalink)

Flames and says 'SERVPRO'. If you are ever to experience a fire, contact our crew at SERVPRO of St. Cloud. We are here to help you through every step of the process.

Fire damage? Contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud!

When a fire is occurring, the smoke begins to expand and travel rapidly throughout the area. The rapid travel of the smoke causes the smoke alarms to go off. The smoke alarms are an early warning sign to everyone near the fire that they need to evacuate the area. 

Important Safety Tips:

Install smoke alarms in every room, outside all sleeping areas, and on all levels.

Have the appropriate amount of smoke alarms for your size area.

Interconnected smoke alarms are recommended.

Test all alarms once a month. 

Smoke alarms should be placed in a high area, it is recommended they go on the ceiling. 

They have strobe lights or bed shaker alarms for one's that are hard of hearing or deaf. 

Replace all alarms after ten years. 

Interesting Facts:

Closed doors may slow the spread of heat, smoke, and fire. 

Roughly 3 out of 5 fire deaths happen in homes that have no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms. 

Fire extinguishers are often used to control fires by discharging water, foams, carbon dioxide, dry chemicals or other substances.

All of the above are recommendations and cannot guarantee. 

If you are ever to experience a fire, contact our crew at SERVPRO of St. Cloud. We are here to help you through every step of the process.

Our crew can be reached at (320) 248-5400!

We are available 24/7!

Fire Damage Tips!

6/14/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Damage SERVPRO your local fire experts

Fire Damage

Fire damage is something not to take lightly. People call SERVPRO of St. Cloud frequently to ask for advice on how to clean after a fire. Here are four of the best tips we give people who ask about fire damage restoration. 

Consider whether you want to try these ideas on your own or whether you would be better off hiring highly trained restoration specialists who will guarantee their work.

1. Remove Smoke Damage

With any fire you will have a degree of smoke damage to your walls, wall paper and paint. If the smoke damage is not too serious, you should be able to scrub it clean with detergents and bleach. Soot from smoke damage is greasy, so always try to dust as much of it off from a surface before trying to scrub the surface clean. 

2. Get Rid of Mold & Mildew

When the fire is gone, mold and mildew enter into houses as a result of the water used to extinguish the fire. SERVPRO of St. Cloud highly recommends you hire fire damage restoration professionals to deal with mold and mildew. It is difficult for a nonprofessional to know for certain if he has cleaned up all the areas affected by the mold and mildew. 

3. Replace Carpets. Clean And Dry Your Floors

The floors and carpets end up absorbing the worst of the damage from all the water used to put out a fire. Depending on the severity SERVPRO of St. Cloud recommends that you pull up any carpets that have water damage and replace them.

Keep in mind that water can seep underneath vinyl flooring and into the cracks in hardwood. This needs to be addressed to prevent future issues.

4. Scrub, Soak & Cleaning Dishes

Dishes are also important items to clean thoroughly after a fire because they will be in contact with your food. Scrub all dishes, let them soak in a solution of bleach and water (2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon) for at least 20 minutes and scrub some more for safety. Some items may need to be thrown out.

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of St. Cloud has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, chemical cleanup and natural disaster cleanup.

SERVPRO of St. Cloud is available for all fire damage needs! Call (320) 248-5400!

Interesting Fire Facts

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a home. Fire, water, or mold damage? Reach us 24/7 on (320) 248 - 5400!

Fire Damage Can Occur in 30 Seconds

Combustion or burning, in which substances combine chemically with oxygen from the air and typically give out bright light, heat, and smoke is known as a fire. Fires can occur in homes and outdoors, due to many causes.

Some interesting facts:

  1. There is a house fire every ten seconds in the U.S.
  2. Home fires can spread in as little as thirty seconds
  3. Cooking is the leading cause of house fires
  4. More than 15,000 fires a year are started by clothes dryers
  5. 21% of fires are caused by arson

It is very important that if there is ever a fire GET OUT, STAY OUT, and CALL FOR HELP! 

Fires can cause severe damage; it is important to practice safe steps when preparing for a potential fire.

If you ever are presented with fire damage, call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248 - 5400. Our crew will be there in a timely manner to help!

Fire, water, or mold damage? Reach us 24/7 on (320) 248 - 5400!

Dos & Don'ts

10/6/2022 (Permalink)

Flames from a fire. If you ever experience any fire, water, or mold damage call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400!

Fire Damage

Fires can be one of the most emotional experiences that comes with an overwhelming amount of questions. Due to this, it makes it tough to know what the next step is.

Who do you call? Where do you begin? Is it safe to go back in the house? Unfortunately, the questions are endless during the tough time. This is the time to reach out for help, you are NOT in this alone. SERVPRO of St. Cloud is here to make the process hassle-free.

Below are some Dos & Don’ts-

What to DO after a fire:

  • Receive permission from the Fire Department officials before re-entering

  • Check on family and pets – assuring that everyone is okay

  • Document all damages

  • Get belongings from the building when cleared

  • Work on replacing important documents and items if damaged

  • Call all utility providers to inform them of the fire

  • Call homeowners insurance company to begin the claim process

  • Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400

What NOT to do after a fire:

  • Do not enter the home until you are given permission

  • Do not turn on gas, water, or electric utilities until you are told it is safe

  • Do not start or move your vehicle if it has been damaged

  • Do not try to clean any of the smoke or soot damage yourself

Let SERVPRO of St. Cloud help you during this difficult. We will respond in a timely manner to get the clean-up and repairs moving. Our goal is to get you back to normal as quick as we can.

If you ever experience any fire, water, or mold damage call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400!

4 Top Fire Damage Restoration Tips

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of St. Cloud and there number. SERVPRO of St. Cloud is available for all fire damage needs! Call (320) 248-5400!

Fire Damage

Fire damage is something not to take lightly. People call SERVPRO of St. Cloud frequently to ask for advice on how to clean after a fire. Here are four of the best tips we give people who ask about fire damage restoration. 

Consider whether you want to try these ideas on your own or whether you would be better off hiring highly trained restoration specialists who will guarantee their work.

1. Remove Smoke Damage

With any fire you will have a degree of smoke damage to your walls, wall paper and paint. If the smoke damage is not too serious, you should be able to scrub it clean with detergents and bleach. Soot from smoke damage is greasy, so always try to dust as much of it off from a surface before trying to scrub the surface clean. 

2. Get Rid of Mold & Mildew

When the fire is gone, mold and mildew enter into houses as a result of the water used to extinguish the fire. SERVPRO of St. Cloud highly recommends you hire fire damage restoration professionals to deal with mold and mildew. It is difficult for a nonprofessional to know for certain if he has cleaned up all the areas affected by the mold and mildew. 

3. Replace Carpets. Clean And Dry Your Floors

The floors and carpets end up absorbing the worst of the damage from all the water used to put out a fire. Depending on the severity SERVPRO of St. Cloud recommends that you pull up any carpets that have water damage and replace them.

Keep in mind that water can seep underneath vinyl flooring and into the cracks in hardwood. This needs to be addressed to prevent future issues.

4. Scrub, Soak & Cleaning Dishes

Dishes are also important items to clean thoroughly after a fire because they will be in contact with your food. Scrub all dishes, let them soak in a solution of bleach and water (2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon) for at least 20 minutes and scrub some more for safety. Some items may need to be thrown out.

Help Is Here

The team at SERVPRO of St. Cloud has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, water damage, chemical cleanup and natural disaster cleanup.

SERVPRO of St. Cloud is available for all fire damage needs! Call (320) 248-5400!

Smoke & Soot Clean Up

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Smokey picture. Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (320) 248-5400!

Central Minnesota

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of St. Cloud will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (320) 248-5400!

St. Cloud - Fire Damage

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage in a wall. Call (320) 248-5400! We are available 24/7 to meet your needs!

Call Our Crew!

Once the fire trucks are gone, your journey is just beginning. That’s because your home or business almost certainly suffered smoke and fire damage as well as possible water damage. But the professionals at SERVPRO of St. Cloud have the skills and equipment necessary to restore your house or business to the way it was before the fire.

Each fire is different and every home or business requires its own specific approach, but the following is the general process we follow in a typical fire restoration situation:

  1. Emergency response: When you make your call to us, the restoration process begins. Our customer service representative will ask the right questions so that we can respond quickly and bring along the right resources and equipment.
  1. Inspection and assessment: We inspect the impacted area and adjoining rooms to find out the extent of the soot, smoke and other fire damage, then we can develop our plan of action.
  1. Securing the structure: Preventing further damage is essential, so we take immediate action to board up broken windows, shore up damaged walls and put tarps over damaged sections of the roof.
  1. Water removal: When water damage is present, we immediately start water removal. Dehumidifiers and air movers are used to get all the water from your home and complete the drying process.
  1. Surface soot and smoke removal: Using special equipment and time-tested techniques, we get rid of soot and smoke from the ceiling, all walls and other hard surfaces.
  1. Cleaning and disinfecting: Restorable items require cleaning and sanitizing. A variety of cleaning products and techniques are used to accomplish this as appropriate. This process includes odor removal using foggers and industrial-strength air scrubbers.
  1. Restoration: Getting things back to normal is the final step in the process. This can involve small repairs, drywall replacement, new carpet installation, painting and more. Major construction may sometimes also be required.

For an easy and hassle-free experience, trust SERVPRO of St. Cloud to help manage everything for you, including the insurance claims process.

Call (320) 248-5400

We are available 24/7 to meet your needs!

Fire Damage Tips

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

Flame background & says 'Fire Damage'. If you experience any fire damage, contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud. We can be reached at (320) 248-5400!

SERVPRO of St. Cloud

Everyone always seems to have great advice about what you should do if you experience fire damage – call your insurance company, secure the property, call a restoration team, and so forth. Something they do not often point out is the many things you want to be sure NOT to do.

Here are a few of those things you should know about if you are dealing with fire damage at your home:

  • Do not try to keep any food items. Including canned goods, which were inside the house during the fire. High heat can render them dangerous to consume. They should be thrown out and in some cases, you can itemize the cost to replace them as part of your insurance claim.
  • Do not deal with fire ash and residue on your own. If you handled the wrong way it could damage walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. It could also cause respiratory distress and damage if you breathe it in.
  • If there was heavy smoke, do not try to reuse carpeting or upholstered furniture. They will need to be replaced due to the chance of it causing respiratory problems in the future.
  • Do not turn on any electrical appliances. This includes computers, which were in a smoke-filled room before they have been checked out and professionally cleaned. There may ash and debris inside the components, and if turned on could cause more damage. 
  • Do not enter the home until you have been told it is safe to do so. If you are not given that clearance due to structural integrity concerns, do not go in. 

At SERVPRO of St. Cloud, we want you to be safe after your home experiences fire damage. We have the expertise to handle everything for you and get your home restored while not putting you in danger. We can work with your insurance company to make your fire damage restoration less stressful for you.

If you experience any fire damage, contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud. We can be reached at (320) 248-5400!

Fire Damage? Call (320) 248-5400!

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

Flames and wood and says 'Fire Damage'. Call (320) 248-5400 for a quick response!

Here to Help!

Once the fire trucks are gone, your journey is just beginning. That is because your home almost certainly suffered smoke and fire damage. As well as possible water damage. The professionals at SERVPRO of St. Cloud have the skills and equipment necessary to restore your house to the way it was before the fire.

Each fire is different and every home or business requires its own specific approach, but the following is the general process we follow in a typical fire damage restoration situation:

  1. Emergency response. When you make your call to us, the restoration process begins. Our customer service representative will ask the right questions so that we can respond quickly and bring along the right resources and equipment.
  1. Inspection and assessment. We inspect the impacted area and adjoining rooms to find out the extent of the soot, smoke and other fire damage, then we can develop our plan of action.
  1. Securing the structure. Preventing further damage is essential, so we take immediate action to board up broken windows, shore up damaged walls and put tarps over damaged sections of the roof.
  1. Water removal. When water damage is present, we immediately start water removal. Dehumidifiers and air movers are used to get all the water from your home and complete the drying process.
  1. Surface soot and smoke removal. Using special equipment and time-tested techniques, we get rid of soot and smoke from the ceiling, all walls and other hard surfaces.
  1. Cleaning and disinfecting. Restorable items require cleaning and sanitizing. A variety of cleaning products and techniques are used to accomplish this as appropriate. This process includes odor removal using foggers and industrial-strength air scrubbers.
  1. Restoration. Getting things back to normal is the final step in the process. This can involve small repairs, drywall replacement, new carpet installation, painting and more. Major construction may sometimes also be required.

For an easy and hassle-free experience, trust SERVPRO of St. Cloud to help manage everything for you, including the insurance claims process. 

Call (320) 248-5400 for a quick response!

Fire Damage

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Flames and says 'Fire Damage'. If you experience any fire damage, contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud. We can be reached at (320) 248-5400!

What Not To Do

Everyone always seems to have great advice about what you should do if you experience fire damage – call your insurance company, secure the property, call a restoration team, and so forth. Something they do not often point out is the many things you want to be sure NOT to do.

Here are a few of those things you should know about if you are dealing with fire damage at your home:

  • Do not try to keep any food items. Including canned goods, which were inside the house during the fire. High heat can render them dangerous to consume. They should be thrown out and in some cases, you can itemize the cost to replace them as part of your insurance claim.
  • Do not deal with fire ash and residue on your own. If you handled the wrong way it could damage walls, ceilings, and other surfaces. It could also cause respiratory distress and damage if you breathe it in.
  • If there was heavy smoke, do not try to reuse carpeting or upholstered furniture. They will need to be replaced due to the chance of it causing respiratory problems in the future.
  • Do not turn on any electrical appliances. This includes computers, which were in a smoke-filled room before they have been checked out and professionally cleaned. There may ash and debris inside the components, and if turned on could cause more damage. 
  • Do not enter the home until you have been told it is safe to do so. If you are not given that clearance due to structural integrity concerns, do not go in. 

At SERVPRO of St. Cloud, we want you to be safe after your home experiences fire damage. We have the expertise to handle everything for you and get your home restored while not putting you in danger. We can work with your insurance company to make your fire damage restoration less stressful for you.

If you experience any fire damage, contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud. We can be reached at (320) 248-5400!

Smoke, Soot & Fire Damage

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Flames and says 'Smoke, Soot & Fire Damage'. Smoke, soot & fire damage? Reach us at (320) 248-5400!

Fire Damage

Smoke and soot are very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action. 

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of St. Cloud will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

  • Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
  • Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
  • Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – 320-248-5400!

Fire Damage - Home, Office, or Shed

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Picture with a fire and writing. Fire damage? Reach us at (320) 248-5400!

Contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud right away to help prevent further damage!

A fire to your home, office, or shed can be a devastating experience. The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of St. Cloud can help prevent fire damage from creating long term problems.  

What you can do until help arrives:

Limit movement in the house to prevent soot particles from spreading and additional damage from occurring. 

Place clean towels or old linens on rugs and high traffic areas and upholstery.

Do not wash any walls or painted surfaces.

Do not shampoo carpet or upholstery.

Do not clean any electrical equipment. 

Do not send clothing to a dry cleaner since improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Should your home or business suffer fire damage, please contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud for all your soot and fire damage repairs. 

We are available 24/7 and can be contacted at (320) 248-5400!

Fire Damage - Here to Help

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

Flame background & says 'Fire Damage'. We are here to help! Reach us at (320) 248-5400!

What should you do if your office or home suffers a fire? 

All too often, we do not have a plan if a disaster occurs until it happens. The trouble is that if you do not have a plan, it is hard to act quickly and methodically, and we tend to make decisions based on emotions rather than facts. So here are a few tips should you encounter a fire in your home:

The most important factor is that everyone gets out safe. Plan with your family or employees how to get out of a fire and where to meet.

The best scenario to reduce the amount of damage from a fire and/or soot, is to contact a restoration company as soon as possible to begin the cleanup work. If the local fire department responded to a fire, often there is water damage as well as soot or charred materials from the fire. SERVPRO of St. Cloud can dry out your home as well as eliminating the soot odor. We have specialized equipment including air scrubbers, fogging equipment, ozone chambers just to name a few. It is important to understand how the equipment along with the specialized cleaning chemicals can restore your house as to the conditions before your fire.

If you suffer a fire to your home or business, it can be a traumatic experience. Let the professional staff at SERVPRO of St. Cloud help you navigate this process with your insurance company. 

We are available 24/7 and can be reached at (320) 248-5400. We are always here to help!

Fire Damage in Minnesota

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

Says 'Fire Damage?' & 'Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400'. We are available 24/7! Reach us at (320) 248-5400!

Fire Damage? Contact Our Crew!

Fires in your home or business can be a disaster. They can destroy a multitude of contents and leave behind a strong odor, scorched belongings, and a tough process to endure. SERVPRO of St. Cloud is experienced in working through this process. Our team wants to ensure that the process is as smooth and as painless as possible. As we know that after experiencing a fire can be a very tough time for a home or business.

When we begin the process, we start by meeting with you at your home or business to determine the scope of work that needs to be done and contacting your insurance company so all parties are under the same agreement regarding what can be cleaned and what cannot. With our team, we can pack out, clean your home or business, and eliminate the odor that was left behind. 

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of St. Cloud is strategically located to respond quickly to your smoke or fire damage event. When a major fire or disaster event occurs, we can call upon our national network of 1,700 SERVPRO Franchises and special Disaster Recovery Teams if we need additional resources or personnel.

If you suffer a fire, do not attempt to go down this road alone; call SERVPRO of St. Cloud as we would like to work for you and reduce the fear and unknown in this process. 

We can be contacted 24/7 at (320) 248-5400!

Fire Damage - SERVPRO of St. Cloud

3/30/2021 (Permalink)

Black background with flames and says 'SERVPRO'. Fire damage? Call the crew at SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248 - 5400!

The first and most important thing to look for when choosing a fire damage cleaning company to go with for your services is an emergency response. Essentially this means that the company should be available 24 hours a day and ready to come out in a hurry to help you repair and restore your home. That is exactly what SERVPRO of St. Cloud does! We offer our 24 hour services to help you.

It is very important for a company to respond quickly because it is only that way that you can avoid further damage being caused to your home.   

For example, if you have a hole in your roof, wall, or pipe it can lead to water damage that will build up until addressed.

While it is the job of the fire department to help you put out fires in your building, it is the fire damage cleaning company that will help to seal your property again to prevent further damage.

SERVPRO of St. Cloud will respond to your home or business once called as we are available 24/7.  We are able to begin work immediately. This means that we can place air scrubbers in your home or business to help begin eliminating the smoke odor right away.

Should you have any fire related concerns, please contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400! We are always here to help!

SERVPRO of St. Cloud is Here to Help When You Are in Need!

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

Fire flame with the SERVPRO logo. Call our crew to help you! Reach us at (320) 248-5400!

Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400!

Smoke and soot are very invasive. It can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect while accurately assessing the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke – wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of St. Cloud will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting.

Additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today at (320) 248-5400!

Responding Fast to Fire Damage

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

A sign that says ‘When Fire & Water Take Control of Your Life, We Help You Take It Back.’ Fire damage? Contact our SERVPRO of St. Cloud crew at (320) 248-5400!

Contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400!

Fire disasters can cause damages within your residential home and commercial businesses. Within minutes, a fire can take over the entire area. It can burn through areas where you cannot even see. Unfortunately, that is why when a fire is put out it can leave a toxic smell and residue throughout the property. If you are to attempt any of the fire restoration on your own, you will most likely be spending hours breathing in harmful carcinogens that can cause different illnesses later on.

Without the proper training, the chances are higher that spots will be missed causing problems down the road. That is why working with SERVPRO of St. Cloud, you can be sure that any hard to reach spots will get cleaned before anyone returns to the property. Our crew has the proper training to ensure your family and employees safety.

What to Know About Fire Restoration?:

  1. The longer you wait, the more damage that can occur in your residential home or commercial building.
  2. Calling SERVPRO of St. Cloud soon after a fire can make a big difference in loss of property.
  3. Consider the safety of your family and employees, and be sure not to enter your home until it has been deemed fit to live in once again.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you are keeping your family and employees safe moving forward.

Should your residential home or commercial business suffer a smoke or fire disaster, please contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud for all your needs!

We are available 24/7/365 to help YOU!

Fire or Smoke Damage - Contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Says ‘Fire Damage?’. Fire damage? Contact us at (320) 248-5400!

Call (320) 248-5400!

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and Soot Facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of St. Cloud will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (320) 248-5400

Grilling Season in Minnesota has Arrived!

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Fire background that says ‘SERVPRO’. Fire damage? Contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400!

Practice the Kids Below

Now that temperatures are rising in Minnesota, grilling season has arrived! It is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends! When enjoying these times, everyone must be careful when beginning! One must be careful because every year we are called to fire damage on a home. The fire damage was the result of a gas grill. To help prevent this from occurring, practice the tips below!

Tips:

  • Position the grill 15 feet away from siding, deck railings, other combustibles, and out from under eaves or overhanging vegetation.
  • Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area – declare a 3-foot “safe zone” around the grill.
  • *Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by heat.
  • Check for gas leaks before using the grill for the first time each year
  • Enjoy your steaks!  But remember, SERVPRO of St. Cloud will help you if you burn your food - or your home- past well done!

Enjoy the quality time and delicious foods! Always remember to practice these tips, and if anything goes wrong contact our crew to help you!

SERVPRO of St. Cloud can be reached at (320) 248-5400!

House Fire Prevention

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Burnt truck due to a house fire. Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400 if you have any fire damage!

SERVPRO of St. Cloud is here to help!

It is all too often that we hear sad stories on the news of a house fire that has altered people's lives. SERVPRO of St. Cloud does not want you to be a sobering statistic of house fires. That is why SERVPRO of St. Cloud is partnered with the highly respected Red Cross Association. SERVPRO of St. Cloud has participated in their national home fire campaign helping install smoke alarms in various homes. The Red Cross Association promotes two actions that can dramatically reduce being involved in a house fire.

Two Actions:

1. Practice your 2 minute drill as a family to plan your escape route!  Statistics show that if a fire starts in your house, you have 2 minutes to escape. Proper planning can save lives!

2.  Test your smoke alarms monthly!  This fast task can alert you if a fire would occur.

Always remember that SERVPRO of St. Cloud wants to keep you safe!

Should you have any fire or smoke damage to your house, please contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud for any assistance! 

We are here for you!

Fire Damage - SERVPRO of St. Cloud

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

A lady with her hands on her head looking at her house that experienced fire damage. Contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud with any and all fire damage at (320) 248-5400!

Contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400!

Experiencing a fire in a residential or commercial property can be very stressful. That is why SERVPRO of St. Cloud wants to make the process as smooth as possible for you. To begin the process, one needs to make sure that everyone is safe. Once that matter is confirmed, the process of recovery begins for the damaged contents.

Some Tips:

1 . Make sure that authorities and professionals give you the approval to renter the residential or commercial property - that way you are reassured it is safe.

2. Know who you should be contacting:

  • Family and Friends
  • Insurance Company
  • Clean - Up Crew: SERVPRO of St. Cloud 

3. Get the fire report - typically comes from the fire department. Sometimes you need to call and get this.

4. Ensure that the property is secured to help prevent against any robberies or injuries.

5. The clean-up process begins with the help of SERVPRO of St. Cloud’s crew. We will clean all areas of soot, smoke, and odor. As well as begin the restoration or re-build process.

As fire and water restoration specialists, we have the training, experience and specialized equipment necessary to restore your home or business. We are committed to providing superior service while restoring your property back to pre-fire condition.

If you are to experience a fire in your residential or commercial property contact SERVPRO of St. Cloud to help! We are available 24/7 and are here to help YOU!

Reach our crew at (320) 248-5400!

Minnesota Storms - Causing Damage

7/24/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400!

Lightening Strike Fires

Stormy weather has been occurring this Minnesota Summer! When we get stormy weather in Minnesota it can come with rain, snow, sleet, hail, thunder, and/or lightening. All of these can lead to several different types of damages to residential and commercial buildings.

One of the most common types of damages that can be seen from the storms are fires caused by lightening strikes. It has been reported that there are approximately 22,000 annually that are started by a lightening strike.

When the lightening strike hits your home, you should be checking everywhere to make sure a fire has not started. Checking everywhere is very important because the fire can start anywhere within the home that the lightening traveled to. The most common places for these types of fires to start is in the attic.

If a fire did occur and caused damage to your residential or commercial building, call SERVPRO of St. Cloud. We will be there in a quick manner to begin the process of cleaning and restoring. The crew at SERVPRO of St. Cloud will ensure that the process goes as smooth as possible.

Call the crew at SERVPRO of St. Cloud to help you through any disaster! We are available 24/7. Reach us at (320) 248-5400!

Contact the crew at SERVPRO of St. Cloud at (320) 248-5400 with all your fire, water, and mold damage!