While you might assume that when you bought your home in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, or Champlin that it came already installed with all the smoke alarms you need to keep your family safe, this is not always the case. As more research has been conducted over the years on fires and how they spread, requirements have changed. Many older homes do not meet these standards which can be dangerous in the case a fire does occur. Keep your family safe by ensuring a fire alarm is located in the following four locations!
1. Bedrooms
The National Fire Protection Association suggests the placement of a fire alarm in every bedroom of the house. This ensures that if a fire occurs while your family is asleep, the alarms will wake quickly wake up everyone.
2. Outside Every Sleeping Area
Not only should alarms be inside every bedroom, there should be a smoke alarm right outside the room or any other sleeping areas as well. This is so you can react and start to escape before any fire or smoke even enters your room.
3. 10 Feet From Your Kitchen
Kitchen fires result in approximately 50 percent of all home fires, many of which result in serious fire damage to your home. Make sure a fire alarm is located 10 feet from your kitchen rather than inside it since smoke or steam from cooking can easily trigger it.
4. Every Level of Your Home
Ensure that there is as least one smoke alarm on every level of your home. Don’t forget your basement! Serious fire and smoke damage can occur from an undetected fire that starts in the basement.
It doesn’t take long for a house fire to quickly get out of hand! That’s why it is so important to have all the required fire alarms installed so you can quickly get everyone out of your house and get in contact with the fire department and a fire restoration company to minimize the fire damage to your home.
Most homes in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin have at least one smoke alarm installed. In fact, this important piece of equipment is required by most fire ordinances. Many fire damage restoration professionals agree that proper maintenance can help ensure the alarms in your home remain in working order. Here are some tips you may wish to know.
1. When To Replace the Alarm
A smoke detector is designed to have a long life, so you can expect yours to last for up to 10 years. Each alarm should have its manufacture date printed on the back so that you can check it if needed. If your alarm is over 10 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement.
2. When To Replace the Batteries
Many experts recommend changing the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year. It’s recommended to choose a consistent time every year, such as daylight savings, so that it's easier to remember to change them out. After replacing the batteries, it’s advised to hit the test button on your alarm to help ensure the appliance is in working order.
3. Where To Install the Alarm
One of the most commonly asked questions is where should alarms be installed in the home. Experts recommend installing them on every level of the home, inside each bedroom, and outside the bedrooms as well. For example, you can place a single alarm in the shared hallway outside several bedrooms with a smoke detector inside each individual bedroom. You may also want to include an alarm in your kitchen or main living area.
With the proper maintenance, your smoke alarm should stay in working condition for 10 years. Remember to replace the batteries and test the alarm regularly to help ensure functionality. It’s also a good idea to ensure that every level of your home has a working alarm along with one in each bedroom.
Smoke odors are persistent. Methods such as air filtration, ventilation, or wiping residue off of surfaces are not likely to be sufficient. Particles of smoke drift into air ducts, nooks and crannies, and porous materials such as carpeting, drapery, and furniture. The only way to completely eliminate smoke odor is to permanently neutralize the presence of these particles. Here are five smoke cleaning methods suitable for smoke damage restoration.
5 smoke cleaning methods
1. Ozone Machines
Ozone machines release molecules that follow the same path as smoke particles and oxidize these sources of odor. This method is popular because it works quickly, but all occupants, pets, and plants must be temporarily evacuated.
2. Hydroxyl Generators
Hydroxyl generators destroy smoke particles with radicals generated by ultraviolet light. This method does not require evacuation, but may take anywhere from three to five times as long as an ozone machine.
3. HVAC Air Scrubbers
These scrubbers connect to the central air system to circulate air and filter out smoke particles. As these systems do not neutralize odor molecules, a faint smoke odor may linger. Some odor mitigation professionals may combine an air scrubber with another smoke cleaning method.
4. Thermal Foggers
Thermal foggers fill a home with fog for approximately 30 minutes before the residence is ventilated and allowed to dry. This highly effective odor elimination method also calls for evacuation and workers must wear respirators.
5. Vapor Modification
Vapor modification neutralizes odors by dispersing an aromatic compound in a mineral oil base with the assistance of a blower or fan. There is no need to evacuate during this treatment.
Out of these five methods, only two – ozone machines and thermal foggers – require evacuation. The other three methods can be pursued while you remain at home. A smoke cleaning service can work with you to determine which treatment options are right for a residence in Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin.
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 Cleanup
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.
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 Maple Grove, Corcoran, Brooklyn Park, Champlin 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.
When most people think of fire damage mitigation, they usually think of cleaning the damage done to the building. A lot of the damage that occurs to your commercial property during a fire, however, happens to the items inside the building. Fire restoration specialists use various methods, including dry-cleaning and ultrasonic waves, to clean salvageable items after a fire.
Textiles
Many of the items you find in the building after a fire are able to be washed, and that simple process typically restores them to their former state. Various textiles fall in this category:
Technicians use powerful detergents to clean soot and smoke off the fabrics. Many fabrics respond well to dry-cleaning. Once the items are cleaned, they can be stored until the building is ready again.
Porous Furniture
A lot of office furniture is built for economy rather than longevity. It is often constructed of particle board that tends to take on water. This can make it difficult to save during content cleaning. If the furniture has not been significantly warped by the fire suppression process, however, it can often be wiped clean with mild detergent and a cloth. A vacuum with a HEPA filter attachment can often be used to suck the soot and smoke residue out of porous furniture.
Nonporous Items
Many items placed in content storage to await cleaning after a fire can be cleaned by ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic cleaning is very thorough, reaching into cracks and crevices that other cleaning methods miss. A machine generates ultrasonic waves, which pass through a cleaning solution, creating tiny bubbles. The implosion of these bubbles cleans the item. After the item is cleaned, it can be properly dried and is then ready to use again.
Whether items are salvaged by dry-cleaning or some other method, content cleaning is an integral part of fire remediation. It is the goal of the team of specialists to save everything they can.
It is important to maintain a dryer vent on a regular basis. Completing several tasks that range from clearing the lint filter to snaking out the vent pipe can significantly reduce the risk of a lint fire. Clearing excess lint from the filter, pipe, and area surrounding your dryer is the best way to prevent a dryer fire form breaking out in your home.
1. Clean the lint filter after every load and dispose of lint. This simple step can reduce the amount of lint buildup in the dryer vent pipe and around the dryer.
2. Inspect the back of the dryer for buildup twice a month. Even if you dispose of lint, it may still gather around a dryer. This combustible material raises the possibility of a lint fire breaking out.
3. Snake out the vent pipe every three months. A backed-up vent pipe is a common cause of dryer fires.
4. Brush out the lint filter every six months. Even if you regularly clean the lint filter on your dryer, lint still gets impacted into the mesh of the filter. Using a firm bristled nylon brush can eliminate all traces of lint buildup and keep your filter working at optimal efficiency.
5. Schedule a professional cleaning as soon as your dryer starts taking longer to dry clothes. If your standard cycles are no longer getting your clothing dry, this can be a sign that your dryer is due for more thorough maintenance.
Homeowners report nearly 3,000 dryer fires in the United States every year. These fires are also seasonal, and tend to break out in the fall or winter months. The month of January is notable for a record number of dryer fires. If a lint fire breaks out in your laundry room and damages your home, contact a fire and smoke restoration service.
Restore Your Post Fire Electronics With These Tips
Whether your home was recently subject to a small kitchen fire or a large house fire, there is a good chance that some or all of your electronics have been affected. Your electronics are equipped with little fans that keep them cool while they’re operating. Unfortunately, they also tend to suck in little dust and dirt particles. While dust and dirt buildup is standard for electronics, soot and smoke is not. Furthermore, whereas small amounts of dust and dirt are harmless, small amounts of soot and smoke can wreak havoc. For this reason, it is essential that cleaning your electronics is part of your fire cleanup routine. Here are some smoke damage tips you can use to save your electronics post-fire:
• Shut down your equipment and disconnect all cables. • Open your electronics and allow them to dry. • Don appropriate safety gear, such as goggles and gloves, to prevent inhaling soot yourself. • Ground yourself to the computer with professional grounding equipment. • “Sweep out” all the dust with a can of compressed air. You may find it handy to have a toothbrush or small paintbrush on hand for this step. • Clean delicate components with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. • Allow all components time to dry, then reassemble.
Reach Out to Your Fire Cleanup Team for Advice
You should not attempt to clean your electronics on your own if you do not feel confident in doing so. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you may end up damaging delicate components and ruining your equipment for good. A fire restoration team can refer you to an electronics specialist and/or advise you on the equipment you need to clean your equipment safely and effectively.
Dealing with fire and smoke damage can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be bank-breaking. Save your electronics with the fire cleanup tips above to reduce the overall cost of damage.
The effects of fire damage can be catastrophic and far reaching whether it's a fire in home or fire in business. When the flames are extinguished and the fire fighters go home, business or home owners are left to come up with a plan of attack to put the pieces back together of their property. A fire damage restoration company is able to help people along with this process. For a fire restoration company, a game plan typically follows the same general outline of events.
Initial Contact and Evaluation
Most ideally, fire cleanup would begin immediately. Many fire damage restoration businesses provide a round the clock call service in order to schedule an appointment. At the first meeting, your technician will evaluate water damage, fire damage, soot damage, smoke smell severity, and smoke damage. The restoration company will assess every component of damage on site.
Address Immediate Concerns
While the entire scope of a project is critical to figure out from the get go, there are several things that need to be taken care of and addressed during the initial visit. First and foremost, because fire hoses release thousands of gallons of water during a fire containment effort, water damage is an immediate concern. Most drying methods for post fire in home or fire in business involves first pumping any standing water out. Then, a dehumidifier is integrated to complete the drying administrations.
Among the first restoration steps is also board up and roof tarp services. The board up process involves identifying any areas on windows or walls that have exposed the inside of the structure to the elements. Technicians then board up those areas to protect the home or business from additional damage. Tarping serves the same essential function, but it covers holes in the roof with a tarp to provide temporary protection. After a fire in home or a fire in business, board up and roof tarping are an imperative step for a restoration company.
Side Effects of a Fire Cleanup
Even if the fire is small, there is almost no way to avoid soot damage, smoke damage, and smoke smell inundation. Sometimes when fire damage occurs, people forget about the secondary effects of that incidents. Smoke damage and soot damage cast dark coloring across surfaces and can stain them if unattended. Soot damage often peppers and leaves a residue and can often times be wiped away by a restoration professional. Smoke damage, under good circumstances, can sometimes be wiped away, but on occasion surfaces must be replaced or sanded and refinished to return them to their original state. Sometimes in commercial fire damage situations, smoke damage and soot damage can impact neighboring businesses as well.
Part of a fire damage restoration company's fire cleanup efforts will also include sanitizing and deep cleaning the property. A lingering shadow of smoke smell is an intensive situation to eradicate. Most companies will utilize industrial strength air washers coupled with fogging machines in order to address an area's smoke smell condition.
Restoration
The concluding steps of a fire cleanup project, whether it's for commercial fire damage or residential, is the actual structural restoration. The professional restoration company that you've selected should be knowledgeable about the coding requirements in a commercial fire damage situation, but also residential. They should also be well informed in safety stipulations. Maintaining aesthetic and function as they replace dry-wall, paint, carpet, etc. is at the core of this step in the process.
Finding yourself in the horrible circumstance of a post commercial fire damage or residential fire damage situation can feel daunting. However, knowing the general outline of what will happen after a fire in business or fire in home can give you peace of mind in knowing that a solution is attainable and forthcoming. Whether it's board up services, structural restoration, or sanitizing the space, a fire damage restoration company will get you through it all.
Steps to Take to Ensure a Business’ Revival After a Commercial Fire
Steps to Take to Ensure a Business’ Revival After a Commercial Fire
The natural disaster of a fire including an electrical fire can be devastating to a business, especially in the absence of the necessary equipment such as a fire sprinkler system and a fire truck company. The firm's future depends on the owner’s vigilance in executing the necessary steps to ensure that it does not take long to revive the business. An easy case to handle would be when the owner had a pre-existing full documentation of the property, a trustworthy insurance and a vigorous fire suppression strategy. In most cases, owners are surprised at the amount the insurance firm is willing to compensate. This could be caused by factors that can be eliminated when the owner follows a procedural recovery process.
Contact the insurance company
The first step after dousing of the fire truck operators is to contact the insurance company. It is imperative to understand that the insurance company will be more cooperative when the owner does not tamper with the damaged property before making contact. If the business’ building was on lease, the landlord should also be contacted immediately to work out the recovery of the fire damage, smoke damage and soot damage.
Secure the remaining property
Unguarded property is a target for looting. After the fire truck, the firefighter and his team leave, contact the police if they are not already on site. They will organize a security check up on the area routinely. Hire a private security team who will give a detailed protection program for maximized security. Also, purchase a fire sprinkler system and a fire hose that may be needed in the case of a reignited fire.
Ensure all utilities are off
Part of fire restoration is ensuring that sparks do not reignite the flames. Check in with the firefighter to make sure that all switches are turned off to prevent a reoccurring electrical fire. Additionally, ask them to test the utility room fire for any useful fire hose or fire sprinkler system that may come in handy if they get another call.
Begin planning the building’s fire restoration solutions A commercial fire damage leaves the enterprise’s owner the sole responsibility of handling its mitigation because fire suppression is only the first step. These include addressing the smoke damage, soot damage and fire damage. Make plans to secure a broken exterior from causing further damage. Check in with the firefighter for the availability of tarps in the fire truck that can be used to board up the roof.
Inform all the business’ contacts on proceedings The first group that may need an immediate update on the firm are the clients, suppliers, employees and vendors. Share your new contact information with the firefighter team, the post office, the police department and the utility company for concerns with the utility room fire.
Plan the retrieval of business valuables
Part of handling the responsibilities of fire restoration in a commercial fire damage is contracting a competent fire restoration company. After getting clearance from the fire suppression team, the company will begin the recovery of items affected by soot damage, smoke damage and fire damage. In accompaniment with the company, retrieve the necessary documents such as insurance policies, inventories and business permits. Also, check for the survivability of other tools like the fire hose in the utility room fire. Retain caution while traversing the room to prevent reoccurrence of an electrical fire from unseen loose cables.
Thoroughly review all documentations
A commercial fire damage involves a lot of players in the recovery process. Consequentially, several documents may need a careful evaluation before signing.
Restoration of smoke damage, soot damage and fire damage can be strenuous and sometimes expensive. An electrical fire can be especially difficult since no one may be at fault. The utility room fire may not have had adequate tools such as a fire hose or a fire sprinkler system when the need was dire. Hence the fire suppression may take longer, and the damage may be extensive. Recovery of commercial fire damage is possible with rightful strategies to ultimately revive the enterprise’s exuberance.
What A Home or Business Owner Can Expect From Fire Restoration
What A Home or Business Owner Can Expect From Fire Restoration
Fire damage restoration, whether it is for a large business structure or a small residence, is a vital step in getting things back to normal. Fire damage can lead to structural problems, soot damage, an unpleasant smoke smell and other types of long-term issues that must be cleaned up before the structure can be restored to service. Most importantly, fire damage restoration is not something that can be put off, as problems such as smoke damage will only get worse as time goes by. For this reason, securing the services of a skilled restoration company can help avoid the costs associated with long-term home or commercial fire damage.
The First Steps
An effective fire damage restoration process will begin as soon as the firefighters leave the building. The fire damage cleanup process will involve surveying the structure to determine what type of damage has been done, removing water from the premises, and ensuring that the electricity and water are turned off until the fire damage restoration service can be certain that they have not been damaged.
In addition, the company will board up any access points in order to prevent the possibility of theft or vandalism. In many regions, it will also be necessary to board up the structure to avoid further weather damage. When evaluating commercial fire damage, the restoration company will also work to determine what damage has been done to the company’s inventory.
Restoring the Structure
The restoration process will include examining the structure for smoke damage. In many cases, smoke and soot damage can permeate the structure, leaving a smoke smell even after the fire has been extinguished. The restoration company may be able to paint over some interior furnishings, while in other cases, wood and carpets may have to be replaced. In addition, soot damage to HVAC systems may require the cleaning, repair or replacement of ducting in order to eliminate the smoke smell.
Electrical Components
A fire in a home or business can often do serious damage to the electrical systems. This is especially important when looking at commercial fire damage, as many commercial buildings have extensive electrical systems. Direct fire damage can result in the electrical wiring being rendered unsafe, while soot damage can cause sensitive electronic systems to malfunction. In addition, a fire in a business or home that has burned electronic or plastic items may have left toxic chemicals behind in addition to unpleasant smoke smell. In such a case, the fire cleanup process will involve removing any such dangerous chemicals from the building. Fortunately, fire restoration companies are trained in how to handle and dispose of such hazardous materials.
Windows and Doors
In many cases, windows and doors will have to be replaced. Fire damage can destroy them, while firefighters often break down windows or doors in order to gain access to a fire in a home or business. Although these openings will have to be boarded up, the fire cleanup process will involve them being completely removed so that new doors and windows can be installed. Some restoration companies will be able to direct the owner to a contractor who can quickly replace these windows.
Commercial Fire Cleanup Vs. Home Cleanup
A fire in a business is far different from a fire in a home, and a skilled remediation service will understand this. For commercial fire damage, getting the business back up and running can be vital, while fire damage in a home may require a softer touch, so as to ensure that none of the home’s remaining family items are damaged during the process.
More importantly, many businesses, even while soot and smoke damage is being repaired, will be functioning. The restoration service may be required to board up windows and doors while working around employees and customers. A fire in a home, unlike a fire in a business, may allow the restoration service to work while the homeowner remains at alternate accommodations.
Ultimately, securing the service of a restoration company can help victims of a fire in a business or home quickly recover from their misfortune. Whether only a quick fire cleanup is needed, or extensive smoke damage has rendered the structure nearly uninhabitable, the best answer to the owner’s woes is a skilled and experienced fire cleanup service.
The Process of Residential Fire Damage Restoration
The Process of Residential Fire Damage Restoration
One of the most devastating events that can happen in a person's life is fire in home. The typical homeowner oftentimes has no real idea what steps to take in the immediate aftermath of a fire in home. A homeowner is best able to effectively address a fire in home by understanding the overall process of residential fire damage recovery.
Fire Cleanup
A crucial phase in the overall fire damage recovery process if the immediate fire cleanup. The horrible reality is that following a fire in home, or fire in business, a tremendous amount of debris of different types is likely to exist.
The best way to efficiently and effectively undertake fire cleanup is through the engagement of a fire recovery specialist. Not only does a professional ensure that a fire cleanup is thoroughly completed, but a pro makes certain that it is accomplished in a safe manner. The fact is that fire-related debris can contain harmful substances.
Addressing Smoke Damage, Soot Damage, Smoke Smell
When it comes to fire damage recovery, a trio of challenging issues must be addressed. These are smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell. Once again, professional assistance is fundamental to ensuring that smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell properly are addressed.
A key element of addressing this trio of issues if proper equipment. When considering engaging a residential fire recovery professional, an examination of the type of equipment utilized by a specialist needs to occur. A homeowner needs to ensure that a fire recovery professional has access to proper equipment, designed to effectively address smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell issues.
Fire Damage Restoration
Finally, when considering engaging a residential fire recovery professional, focus needs to be on whether such a specialist provides a comprehensive range of fire damage restoration services. For example, there are so-called specialists that hold themselves out as providing the complete spectrum of fire damage restoration services that focus only on one of two aspects of the process. A homeowner is best served by engaging a professional capable of addressing all aspects of the residential fire damage restoration process.
Commercial Fire Damage
Addressing commercial fire damage includes essentially the same elements found in a fire in home situation. However, there are elements to a fire in business recovery situation that different from what occurs in a residential situation.
Commercial fire damage needs to be addressed with definite efficiency. The stark reality is that oftentimes a business must shutter while the fire in business recovery process is underway. As a result, a commercial fire damage recovery effort must involve a professional with experiencing in completing such a recovery project with optimal efficiency. Indeed, the future of a commercial enterprise after a fire in business very well may depend upon such an efficient recovery process.
Experienced Fire Damage Recovery Specialists
In considering a professional firm to take on a residential fire recovery process, information about the specialists on the fire damage recovery team needs to be considered. For example, it is important that fire in home recovery specialists are appropriately licensed, bonded, certified, and insured. An examination of the depth of experience of each team member must occur as well.
Emergency Response
Fire damage recovery is most successful when the remediation process commences immediately. Any significant delay results in the condition at a fire-damaged residence to worsen.
When seeking residential fire recovery assistance, identifying a firm that can respond immediately to a situation at a residence is imperative. This includes specialists arriving promptly to the scene of a residential fire to provide a solid estimate and action plan for undertaking a recovery and restoration of the premises.
There is nothing more heartbreaking than a fire. Whether it is fire damage in home or fire damage in business, seeing precious items either go up in smoke or suffer smoke damage is devastating.
Once the fire engines have left the scene and things have cooled down, it is time to call a fire damage restoration company. These companies are well equipped to do a complete cleanup job quickly and efficiently. All companies engaged in home and in business fire problems are guided by strict EPA regulations regarding chemicals and other products they use, which means they will leave the premises clean and in good condition.
PRIMARY STEPS
It is important to choose a Fire damage company that has a proven reputation. When these professionals arrive they will survey the damage, explain what fire cleanup needs to be done and provide a written estimate.
Their first fire cleanup job will be to remove articles such as rugs, furniture and other objects that have been damaged by the fire in home or fire in business. They will then use their equipment, which includes blowers, suckers and other gear to remove the water from the area.
Once the water has been dissipated from the room, or rooms, they will work on removing the smoke smell, all fire cleanup damage and soot damage from the area. This will include floors, walls and ceilings. A great deal of this work requires special machinery but a lot of the work is done by hand.
Any furniture or other items that have suffered from smoke damage, or smoke smell, will have a thorough fire cleanup with the smoke damage removed. Often these items can be fully restored to their original condition.
SERIOUS DAMAGE
Many times when there is a fire in home or a fire in business there will be damage to the windows, walls or other parts of the structure. In this case, the first thing the fire damage restoration company will do is to secure the building. This may include placing plywood over the windows, tarps on the roof and so forth. They will be sure that the property is safe from vandals, animals or other intruders.
Commercial fire damage is especially serious. As a rule, there are combustible materials with a fire in business properties, which burn rapidly and do a great deal of fire damage.
In addition to the usual equipment, commercial fire damage restoration professionals will have to use special liquid cleaners to remove all the smoke damage, soot damage and a smoke smell from a fire in home or a fire in business.
Naturally, the business will want repairs made quickly by commercial fire damage professionals, especially if it is interfering with regular daily activities. A fire in business means loss of sales and repairs need to be done as quickly as possible.
RESTORATION WORK
The fire damage restoration company is equipped to make complete repairs to any fire damaged building. This includes replacing studs and drywall, painting and other tasks which will restore the building to its pre-fire condition. They are equipped to make major or minor reconstruction repairs if necessary. This is especially important in commercial fire damage.
CHOOSING A COMPANY
In many cases, an insurance company will be involved when there is a fire. They will want to inspect the Fire damage and determine the cost. A good fire damage restoration company will know how to work with the insurance company and come to an agreeable price.
If the person suffering a fire in home or fire in business does not not have insurance it is imperative that they talk with the fire damage restoration company and obtain a solid estimate on the cost of total repairs. The company should explain exactly what work they will do and the length of time involved.
Fortunately, with modern equipment and supplies, commercial fire damage and fire in home damage such as soot damage and smoke smell, can be addressed in a manner that restores the buildings to their original condition. This means that there will be no sign of smoke smell, soot damage or smoke damage apparent in the restored buildings, which allows people to return to their normal way of life.
3 Tell-Tale Signs You Need to Clean the Dryer Vent
Warning Signs That Tell It's Time To Clean The Dryer Vent
Cleaning your dryer vents isn’t just a nice thing-to-do as a homeowner in Maple Grove, MN It is one of the most important house projects that could save you from a potential dryer fire. In return, the appliance works efficiently and serves you for a long time without breaking. Warning signs that tell it’s time to clean the dryer vent include:
Clothes take longer to dry
Burning smell
Vent trap doesn’t open correctly
1. Clothes Take Longer to Dry When a dryer vent is clogged, clothes take longer to dry as hot air and moisture cannot leave the drum freely. That translates to 2 or more cycles on top of your regular rounds for the clothes dry. This prolonged usage puts more wear and tear on the appliance and therefore cutting its lifetime by almost half.
2. Burning Smell If you detect a burning smell from your dryer, please turn it off immediately. That could be a clog in the lint trap or the drum, and you are looking at a possible lint fire. Hot clothes and longer drying time accompany this symptom, and the best cause of action is to clear the clog before further usage. It is also a good idea to inform everyone who uses the machine about this issue.
3. The Vent Trap Doesn’t Open Properly A stuck vent trap is also another sign of lint build-up. It could be the result of overdue maintenance, and it will kill your appliance eventually. However, this is an extreme case. So, you might want to check for debris or lint around the dryer hose to catch this problem before it causes a nasty clog or a lint fire. Dryers are a blessing to the 21st century and should be treated as such. Don’t wait till the appliance to malfunction so you can start troubleshooting. Regular maintenance will save you money and prevent a lint fire in the long run.
According to the US Fire Administration, nearly 2,900 residential fires are caused by dryers, and 34% of those fires are likely caused by a lint fire, meaning a failure to maintain or clean the appliance. Therefore, dryer fires can be prevented, and the best way to ensure your safety from these appliance disasters is to follow the three keys of ownership.
Proper installation Routine cleaning Inspection and maintenance
Proper Installation
A dryer fire can occur because of poor installation. A professional installer will ensure that all electrical components are correctly connected and that all plugs and outlets are compatible. Also, while using a third party installer is wise, you should also make sure you read all the manufacturer's warnings and instructions before use.
Routine Cleaning
If you fail to clean your dryer regularly, then you are putting yourself and your family at risk of a lint fire. To prevent such an issue, you need to not only clear the lint filter but ensure that lint is removed from any other likely areas. For example, you can develop a lint buildup in the back of the dryer at the exhaust connection. Also, lint can buildup in the vent pipe. For any difficult cleaning call on a professional.
Inspection and Maintenance
Most remediation companies and other appliance repair professionals in Maple Grove, MN recommend performing routine checks on dryers, typically every three to six months. These inspections should cover the cleaning, testing and possibly replacing of integral components.
If you are in the market for a new dryer or are concerned about the possibility of a dryer or lint fire, then follow the advice above. Dryer fires are often preventable fires. Therefore, ensure that they are correctly installed, cleaned regularly and inspected every three to six months. Your home does not have to become a part of the statistics. Be an educated appliance owner.
There are many different types of accidents that can potentially lead to a house fire and require fire cleanup services, which is why it is important to always be aware of potential hazards in your home. Three common causes of home fires include cooking fires, a cigarette fire, and candle fires. Find out how you can protect your home in Maple Grove, MN by reading the tips in this guide.
1. Kitchen Fire
From leaving cooking food unattended to accidentally allowing grease to splatter, there are many opportunities for a fire to start in your kitchen. Always make sure to stay near food whenever you are cooking and never leave food in the oven or in a slow cooker when you leave the house. Keep all flammable objects off the stove. When cooking with oil, have a lid nearby and don’t overheat the grease.
2. Smoking Indoors
Cigarette fires are the leading cause of fire deaths, which is why it is important to always practice safe smoking habits. While only smoking outdoors is the best way to prevent a fire from starting indoors, bedrooms should be kept completely off-limits. Steer clear of all flammable objects and make sure to avoid an ashtray fire by always putting out butts and properly disposing of ashtray contents.
3. Candles
Many people use candles around their homes, especially during the holidays. Always make sure to burn candles from away from flammable items, such as curtains and towels. Blow out candles before exiting a room, leaving the house, or falling asleep. Keep candles far out of reach from curious animals and children. Additionally, never let candles burn all the way down to avoid overheating the container. These tips are all great ways to avoid the devastation a candle, kitchen, or cigarette fire can cause. The best tactic in keeping your home safe from a fire is to always remain aware of your surroundings and address any hazards you see right away.
2 Types of Fires That Are Not Covered By Home Insurance
A home fire in Maple Grove, MN can be overwhelming. While an emergency restoration services company can help with the fire cleanup, you still have to replace your belongings and possibly find a new place to live. That is why you need insurance that covers fire damage. Homeowners’ insurance typically covers damage to the structure of your house and your personal items within the property. It also covers and moving expenses. This insurance typically covers a variety of perils, including:
Theft
Smoke
Vandalism
Lightning
Fire
However, there are two types of fires that are not usually covered by home insurance. They are a vacant home fire and an arson insurance fraud fire.
Vacant House Fire
A home fire in a vacant house may not be covered by a typical insurance policy. A vacant house is usually defined as one that has not been occupied for at least 30 straight days. This means that a fire to a winter or summer home can be considered vacant. If you know that you will not be in your house for an extended period of time, you can choose to buy vacant home insurance. This will cover you in case a fire or other disaster damaged the house while it is unoccupied.
Arson Insurance Fraud
Some property owners intentionally set fires to their homes in an attempt to receive money from their insurance company. However, insurers have become fully aware of this practice and know how to spot evidence of suspicious fires. Insurance companies will thus send their own investigators to the scene to determine whether the fire was intentionally set. If they conclude that the homeowner started the fire on purpose, the insurance claim will be denied. If your house wasn’t vacant at the time of the fire, and if you didn’t intentionally set the home fire, the fire damage cleanup should be covered by your insurance policy. This will help you return to your normal life more quickly.
3 Fire Extinguisher Facts Every Business Should Know
A fire extinguisher is a crucial piece of safety equipment that can save lives and spare commercial properties from extensive damage mandating professional cleanup and restoration. Because of this, every business in Maple Grove, MN should maintain at least one functional device. To ensure it’s readily available in an emergency, every owner and manager should also recognize three key facts about this vital fire suppression tool.
1. Device Doesn’t Last Forever
Extinguishers do not have an indefinite shelf life. Unfortunately, they also do not typically come with an expiration date sticker. To determine the viability of your device, you should complete annual inspections and check for compromised components. Specific defects that may make it unusable include a broken handle, missing locking pin or a cracked nozzle. The gauge should also be in the green. If it’s not, replace the device.
2. Multiple Types Exist
A fire extinguisher is designed to battle specific types of infernos. Class K units, for example, can douse a kitchen fire sparked by grease while a Class A device is designated for use with blazes involving ordinary combustibles, such as wood and paper. Additional distinctions include Class C for electrical fires and Class B for flammable liquids. Attempting to smother flames with the wrong type of device can be ineffective. To combat this potential dilemma, evaluate your company’s specific fire risks and purchase your extinguisher accordingly. Check the canister’s label to confirm the class. You can also purchase a multipurpose device, which can be used against a variety of blazes.
3. Should Be Accessible and Visible
Minimizing fire damage requires prompt action. To ensure an expedited response, mount your extinguisher in a safe, accessible place and post signage to identify its location. You should also ensure staff recognize this area and refrain from blocking the site. Because an inferno can erupt suddenly, having a functioning fire extinguisher easily accessible is a crucial safety strategy. Understanding key aspects of the device can ensure it’s in prime operating condition and ready to perform in an emergency.
If your Maple Grove, MN home has been damaged in a fire, then you will likely need to have professional fire restoration done. There are several steps to ensure your home is as close to a pre-fire condition as possible. Here are a few things that you can expect to happen during the process.
1. Inspection
The first thing that may happen after you contact the emergency restoration company is an inspection. Workers will come in and assess the extent of the damage to determine the best way to proceed.
2. Remediation
After the inspection, remediation can be done to minimize any further damage to your home. Depending on the extent of the damage, this can include boarding up doors, windows and missing walls as well as placing tarps over damaged roofing.
3. Water and Smoke Removal
If the fire was severe and was put out with a hose, then you may have water damage along with fire and smoke damage. Both water and smoke will need to be removed quickly during fire restoration to prevent it from getting worse. Dehumidifiers and air filters will likely be used during this stage.
4. Cleanup and Sanitization
Damage cleaning is an important step in the process and can be done before repairs begin. If you have damaged belongings that can be salvaged, these will be cleaned along with the structure of the building. Air scrubbers can be used to remove smoke odors from the home.
5. Restoration
The last step is to restore your home to its previous condition. Restoration can include rebuilding areas of the house, replacing carpets and flooring, repainting rooms, and making any other necessary repairs.
While both a fire and the aftermath can be distressing, professionals can help you get your home back. With the proper equipment, both the structure of your house as well as many of the items in it can be saved during fire restoration.
Fast Action Can Protect Damaged Drywall in Falcon Heights from Greater Soot Exposure
Clearing smoke and soot damage from your home after a fire is a significant undertaking, but one that is possible with the proper restoration professionals. Eliminating residues is a combination of wet and dry cleaning strategies that can start as soon as our team arrives.
Determining the Type of Soil and Soot Damage
Among the first steps that begin fire damage restoration in Falcon Heights homes is a thorough inspection of the property to determine where soot and smoke damage exist. Not only must our professionals identify the presence of these damage effects, but we must also pinpoint the type of smoke residues to ensure the appropriate cleaning.
Can Wet Cleaning Work on Painted Walls?
In many ways, wet cleaning is the preferred method of removing soot and smoke residues from painted or finished surfaces. While the general premise of this cleaning is universal, the process varies somewhat with different paints or coatings including:
Water-Based Paint – often latex-based and typically easy to clean with water-based products.
Oil-Soluble – soluble in turpentine or mineral spirits, enamels are easy to wash with the right products.
Clear Finish – oil-based and typically easy to clean. Pretesting ensures the right products for the job.
Deodorization Options When Repainting
One of the advantages to having a wall that must get resurfaced is the ability of our team to manage smoke odors trapped in the porous materials. Drywall and ceiling systems can be painted and finished, yet when aromas become trapped in the pores of these materials, a special odor-sealing primer can be used first to prevent unexpected revivals of noxious smells in the future.
There are multiple obstacles to cleaning and restoring fire-damaged homes in the area. With the humidity and colder seasons, threats of wet smoke damage can overwhelm a property. Our experienced SERVPRO of Wright County restoration team can help with effective mitigation and restoration solutions after a fire when you call 763-295-1161
Temperatures are just going to get colder and colder as we enter into the winter months. By following this checklist, you ensure that your family and you will be safe while spending more time in your home.
Turning off the space heater
Alliant Energy has mentioned that customers should expect an increase in utility bills this winter as the gas price has increased since last year. Many consumers are looking at alternatives to counteract the rise by looking into other heating alternatives such as space heaters. If you want to read more about our tips on using a space heater properly, please read "Heating Alternatives."
Cutting the bottom of the Christmas Tree's trunk
If you're like me, you might have a family tradition of going out to the local Christmas tree farm to pick out the best-looking tree. During our first year of having a real tree, my family learned the importance of cutting off a part of the trunk. This is critical because the sap will harden the bottom of the trunk, especially as it sits on the lot. When the sap hardens, the tree can't absorb any moisture from the stand. This causes the needles to dry out, making them very flammable.
Blowing out candles
Don't you love going down the isles and smelling all of the new season scents; Bourbon Pecan, Pumpkin Pie, or Evergreen are some of the best. When you mix in these longer, cooler nights, all you really want to do is snuggle up the couch with all of your favorite scents. When you forget to blow out the candles, which is an accident waiting to happen. This is because pets, especially cats, are rebellious and knock things off the counter. When using candles, you should use a candle warmer to help lessen the chance of a fire-related accident. Another practice that you should keep in mind is the 3-foot radius rule, which means you should move anything flammable away from the candle when in use.
Getting your chimney cleaned
Getting your chimney checked and cleaned is something that everyone likes to cut corners around. When a chimney settles during the summer, it becomes a perfect home for creatures such as birds, squirrels, and sometimes raccoons. Another risk you run into is that by not cleaning the chimney, there is a chance that toxic gases can enter your home.
By making it an effort to check off the list, you ensure that your home is prepared for the colder months ahead.
As we enter the Holiday season all of here at SERVPRO of Wright County want to encourage you to practice safety first. Below are some simple ideas to help keep you and your family safe through the Holidays. As always you can count on us 24/7 to help with any of your fire or water damage needs. Call 763-295-1161 today and let us take the stress out of your mess.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals specialize in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. They pretest your belongings to determine what items they can restore to pre-fire condition. They use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:
Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning products.
Fires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. They also can remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.
A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
Preferred Vendor for Many National and Local Insurance Companies
Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today 763-498-6500
Why Choose SERVPRO Franchise Professionals?
They’re Faster to Any Size Disaster
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are dedicated to responding immediately when you need help with a fire or water damage event. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.
They specialize in fire and water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have extensive training and equipment to get your property back to pre-fire condition.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals clean and restore your property using specialized equipment and cleaning techniques. Their “restore first” mentality reduces interruption and gets you back to your life.
SERVPRO Franchise Professionals know just how devastating a fire can be. Fire and water damage can leave your house unsafe and unlivable. They’re trained to clean and restore your home with as little disruption as possible. Learn more about the fire damage restoration process.
Step1: Emergency Contact
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof Tarp Service (if needed)
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
Damage caused by a fire is devastating for your business or family. It’s a stressful and confusing time, so you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. Our professionals will treat you with respect and empathy, and we’ll treat your home and belongings the same. Our Maple Grove area SERVPRO has the experience and training to address your fire damage.
What's interesting about fire damage is that it is devastating on several layers. There is the damage from the fire, the damage from burning, the contents damaged, the soot and smoke damage, and then there is also the damage from the fire fighting efforts, the water.
Once the dust settles you'll learn that a percentage of your property was damaged from the fire, and another percentage from the firefighting efforts. In these moments SERVPRO of Maple Grove is here. We help, we restore and we put things back together.
Candles are a popular choice for lighting, décor, ceremonial uses, and even fragrance. While they can be beautiful, candles can also be dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 21 candle fires are reported each day. It only takes a matter of minutes for a candle fire to spread to other parts of your home. These tips can help you use candles safely.
1. Pay Attention to Placement Be sure to put candles in a sturdy holder or container that won’t be easily knocked over. Place the holder on a flat, sturdy surface. Choose a location that is safely away from children and pets and is at least 12 inches away from anything flammable, such as books, decorations, curtains, furniture, paper, or clothing. Avoid candles if anyone in your home uses an oxygen tank.
2. Don’t Walk Away Never leave a burning candle unattended, especially if there are other people in the house. Keep an eye on the wax level and be sure to put the candle out before it gets too low. If the flame gets too close to the bottom of the container or side of the holder, the holder could become extremely hot or even explode, sparking a candle fire.
3. Consider Alternatives Today, there are many options available that mimic a candle’s soft, flickering glow. Battery-operated flameless candles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Because they don’t emit heat, these candle alternatives can be safely used just about anywhere. If scent is your primary motivation for using candles, consider using a fragrance diffuser with scented essential oils, or a plug-in air freshener. If you keep candles on hand for power outages, swap them for battery-powered flashlights. Keep fresh batteries with the flashlights to be sure you’re prepared. A flickering candle may look lovely or smell amazing, but no candle is worth the potential injuries, smoke cleanup, and structural repairs that can accompany a candle fire.
After a fire in your home or business, pretty much everything inside and many of the things you have outside will be affected and damaged in some way. When it comes to your electronics, you need to be very careful:
Smoke and soot contain chemicals that cause the delicate workings of computers, appliances, and other electronics to corrode.
Smoke causes electronics to overheat. This happens when smoke reaches the wiring and other components inside your devices. A coating develops that insulates parts, and eventually, the smoke's magnetic charge leads to overheating.
As firefighters combat flames, they use water and fire-retardant products. When these substances get into devices, further damage could occur.
As the fire cleanup process begins, remember that fire-affected electronics could pose a safety hazard for you and those in your family. It's best to turn this part of the cleanup effort over to professionals.
Protect Your Home and Devices Before a Fire Happens You can take proactive steps to protect the information on your computer. You can use an external backup program that saves to the cloud, so you have a second copy of the important files and photos on your hard drive. You can also use an external hard drive that you keep in a second location. Another way to protect your appliances from fire is to use outlets, cords, and extension cords appropriately. By not overloading the outlets, you decrease the risk of fire. If you're not sure that your outlets are suitable for the load of many devices, contact an electrician or fire professional for advice.
Allow Professionals To Lead the Cleanup Efforts There are many steps you can take to save money after a home fire, but cleaning and using your television, stereo, computer, and other devices can cause more harm than has already occurred. It's best to allow fire and smoke damage restoration technicians to take care of electronics. When fire cleanup efforts are supervised by technicians, you can be confident in the results.
You hope that your commercial property in Maple grove, MN never sustains fire damage. Unfortunately, fires can occur without warning. Since fires frequently take place when workers are present, you need to prepare your employees accordingly. You should thus create an emergency kit. You and your employees should also learn basic first aid. Everyone in your building should know these basic tips for treating burns in the workplace.
Identifying the Burn
First, you must determine if the burn is major or minor. A major burn:
Makes the skin look leathery and dry
Covers the feet, groin, face, hands or buttocks, or is at least three inches in diameter
May have brown, black or white patches
Appears deep
A minor burn, meanwhile, is typically red or blistered. It can be painful but may not require emergency care.
Treating Major Burns If one of your workers suffers a major burn while escaping the fire damage, you need to cover the burn with a clean, cool cloth or bandage. Elevate the burned area and remove any restrictive items such as belts or jewelry. Make sure the employee is breathing well, as shallow breaths could be a sign of shock. Finally, avoid immersing large severe burns in water, as this increases the risk of hypothermia.
Treating Minor Burns Minor burns should still be addressed immediately. Put a wet compress on the burn or hold the burned area under cool water. Then apply a lotion with moisturizer or aloe vera. Finish by covering the burn with a gauze bandage. Do not wrap the bandage too tightly. Otherwise, you may put excess pressure on the burn. Keeping your workers safe should be a top priority during and after a fire. Once everyone is out of the building, administer any necessary burn first aid. Then make sure that the employees stay away from the property until the first responders or fire damage restoration professionals say it is safe to re-enter.
When a fire starts in your home, you only have so much time to leave the premises and call for help. Every second counts. If you encounter a fire in your home in Maple Grove, MN you will be thankful to have a fire alarm that notifies you about the emergency. Your home should be outfitted with multiple alarms so that you are made immediately aware of the situation, no matter where the fire begins.
How Many Alarms Do You Need? There is no exact number of alarms to have on hand, as everything depends on the size and layout of your home. In general, it is recommended that you have at least one alarm on each floor. You are also advised to place alarms inside or nearby the following rooms:
Bedrooms
Basements
Garages
Attics
It is not possible to have too many alarms, and it is far better to ensure that your home is highly protected in order to avoid the devastating effects of fire. The sooner you know about a fire, the more quickly you can get assistance and avoid severe fire damage.
What Type of Alarm Should You Buy? There are numerous types of alarms, and you should buy whatever you think is most appropriate for your home. Some alarms are designed to detect carbon monoxide and smoke, while others are interconnected and detect the presence of smoke only. You can get a fire alarm that you think provides the greatest protection.
What Should I Do After a Fire? Though alarms are an important source of protection, they cannot always keep your home free of fire or smoke damage. If your home is several damaged after a fire, then a professional fire restoration team can make repairs and even remove smoke smells from your carpet. With professional assistance, you can make sure that your home is restored to its former condition.
When fire damage strikes in Maple Grove, MN it pays to have a comprehensive plan in place. A complete plan includes the following elements:
A quick response from fire remediation specialists
Action to secure the building from looters
Equipment in place to deal with water removal
A dry-cleaning strategy for uniforms and other fabrics
The storage of contents
The restoration of the building
All of these steps are necessary to get your business up and running again. The fire remediation professionals will work quickly to restore your building to its condition before the fire happened.
Why Content Cleaning Is Crucial
When a fire sweeps through your commercial building, there is likely to be some structural damage. There will also be damage from smoke and soot and this will have to be addressed before the building will be functional again. Specialized equipment in the hands of trained technicians will be needed. For clothes, dry-cleaning is the most effective approach, as it removes smoke odors and cleans away soot. For non-porous items, ultrasonic measures provide the best cleaning.
Another immediate concern is removing the excess moisture in the building. This can come from flooding due to a storm or from the efforts of the fire fighting crew. Ventilation devices, scrubbers and thermal foggers are employed to remove the excess water and humidity. This is a crucial task to make certain mold doesn't begin to grow in areas of the building. Water removal will also help with retaining the viability of electrical equipment such as computer software and hardware. Content storage may be needed to remove items from the building while the cleanup is going on. This gets the items out of the way and keeps them protected while the work is going on.
Relying on a smart plan is the quickest way to recover after a commercial fire. Actions such as dry-cleaning, water removal and drying allow your business to get up and running as rapidly as possible.
Give us a call today (763) 498-6500
Key Steps to Orchestrating a Fire Drill in the Office
You probably remember being in school and going through periodic drills to get ready for the possibility of a fire. You may have scoffed at these occasions, but the information and practice are valuable. As a business leader, you should carry on the same tradition and consistently hold a fire drill. You hope to never experience a fire in your workplace, but the knowledge and preparation can give you peace of mind.
Map Out the Building
Regardless of the size of your office, you and everyone at work need to be aware of the layout and design. Study the map and determine the most effective and the safest exit routes from every floor and from every portion of the facility during an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the locations of fire extinguishers and any life saving devices that may be available. (AED)
Assign Roles
A fire drill should definitely not be a free-for-all where everyone rushes out of the building without order There are critical responsibilities that people should play in this scenario. These include the following:
Team lead or floor warden, who is responsible for making sure everyone gets out safely
Communication specialist, who can teach employees about the drill steps and what to do in an emergency
Design specialist, who can come up with the physical or digital representation of the escape route and meeting place.
Talk About It
Before having a drill, it is essential that all employees in the organization understand what will take place and what they will do once it begins. In groups meetings or in a company gathering, discuss the critical components of your drill, including where to meet and the importance of leaving promptly but calmly.
Practice
Have a drill at least once a year. This will benefit newer employees and refresh the memories of more seasoned workers. Afterward, discuss with the group what went well and what improvements are necessary. After a fire, you can rely on experienced fire restoration specialists to get your building back to working order. However, you must do your part to evacuate safely and avoid injuries or other mishaps.
After an Apartment Fire, Who’s Responsible for Damages: Landlord or Tenant?
After an Apartment Fire, Who’s Responsible for Damages: Landlord or Tenant?
Many people who choose to rent do so because renting comes with less responsibility than owning. Most aspects of building ownership fall to the landlord, including building maintenance, lawncare, property taxes, and repairs. However, tenants still have some obligation to keep the property safe and clean, an obligation that comes into question following an apartment fire. If you own a commercial building, and if you wonder who pays for fire damage — you or the tenant — know that the answer depends on a few different factors:
The type of damage sustained
Who started the fire
State laws
Each of these factors plays into the legal liability following a commercial fire.
Property Vs. Personal Damage In most cases, who pays for damages largely depends on the type of damage that occurred. When it comes to structural damages, such as damage to the walls, cabinetry, countertops, and plumbing, you, the landlord, must pay. However, the tenant is responsible for the loss of personal property, such as clothing, electronics, and jewelry, following an apartment fire.
Fault The standard way of dealing with fire damage may not apply if one party can prove, without a doubt, that the other was wholly responsible for the fire. For instance, if a tenant informed you about water damage on the ceiling near an electrical wire, and if you failed to act within a reasonable time to remedy the issue, you may have to pay for all damages caused by an ensuing fire. “All damages” include loss of personal property, relocation expenses, lost wages, and the cost of new housing. On the other hand, if you can prove the tenant’s negligence caused the fire, the tenant may have to pay for structural damages. Negligence may include falling asleep with a cigarette in hand or having a bonfire too close to the structure.
State Laws Many states require landlords to keep rental units “habitable.” If a small apartment fire results in damages to an aspect that renders the unit uninhabitable, such as the toilet or kitchen sink, you may have to pay for repairs, regardless of fault. You can minimize the cost of fire damage by acting quickly. A fire restoration company in Maple Grove, MN can help you restore your unit in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible.
During a fire restoration at your Maple Grove, MN home there are a few things you may see the fire damage restoration service do. These steps are designed to help the professionals working on your home complete the work in a way that can return the affected area to pre-fire conditions. Here are three common steps.
1. Damage Assessment
One of the first parts of a restoration is a damage assessment. This will allow the crew working on your home to come up with a plan for damage cleaning, repairs, item cleaning, and fishing steps. Having a plan can allow them to proceed safely and efficiently so they can complete cleaning and repairs in a timely manner.
2. Item Cleaning
Another thing a fire restoration service may offer is the ability to clean and restore damaged household items. This may depend on the damage severity and item material, but in many cases personal items can be restored. This includes furniture, clothing, books, electronics, home decor, and more. If you have questions about weather certain items are salvageable and how, a restoration professional can help.
3. Odor Removal
The restoration team working on your home can also take care of any orders that might linger after smoke damage. They can do this using a combination of cleaners and an ozone machine. Depending on the repair type they can also use deodorizing paint. Severely damaged materials may need to be replaced completely, but the professionals working on your home should be able to do so in a way that leaves a seamless transition between the original materials and the new.
The fire restoration service working on your home may go through a number of different steps to return your home to pre-fire conditions. They may first assess the damage and create a restoration plan. You will also see them clean affected items and work of removing any smoke odor. If you have any questions these professionals can help.
SERVPRO of Maple Grove responds to many fire damage emergencies each year in Aurora, and sometimes the cause of the fire has been pet-related. To date, these fires have not been attributed to “animal arson,” but they have been attributed to animal accidents. Pets are curious and can bump into or knock over cooking equipment, candles, lamps, and space heaters. Here are some pet fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep your furry friends safe around a fire:
Keep pets away from stoves and countertops
Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters
Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place
Keep pets away from a chimney’s outside vents.
Have a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet away from the fireplace. Glass doors and screens can stay dangerously hot for several hours after the fire goes out.
Some pets are chewers. Watch pets to make sure they don’t chew through electrical cords. Have any problems been checked by a professional?
Call Us!
When your home or commercial business fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO has a team of technicians on call and ready to assist you 24-hours a day. Call us today at 763-498-6500 We’ll restore your fire damage in Minnesota, “Like it never even happened.”
24/7 Emergency Service