Southeastern Cuyahoga County Homeowners: Tips on How to Deep Fry a Turkey Safely

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Thanksgiving is a time for family traditions and favorite recipes. Protect yourself, your guests, and home with these helpful safety tips.

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, here are some great tips to keep everyone safe if they are deep frying their turkey.

1. Keep outdoor fryers off decks, out of garages and a safe distance away from trees and other structures that may catch fire.
2. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dry before cooking. Ice or water that mixes into the hot oil can cause flare-ups.
3. Watch the weather. Never operate a fryer outdoors in the rain or snow.
4. Place the fryer on a level surface, and avoid moving it once it's in use.
5. Leave 2 feet between the tank and the burner when using a propane-powered fryer.
6. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid overfilling. Oil can ignite when it makes contact with the burner.
7. Choose a smaller turkey for frying. A bird that's 8 to 10 pounds is best; pass on turkeys over 12 pounds.
8. Never leave fryers unattended.
9. Purchase a fryer with temperature controls, and watch the oil temperature carefully. Cooking oil that is heated beyond its smoke point can catch fire. If you notice the oil is smoking, turn the fryer off.
10. Turn off the burner before lowering the turkey into the oil. Once the turkey is submerged, turn the burner on.
11. Wear goggles to shield your eyes, use oven mitts to protect your hands and arms and keep an "ABC" or grease-rated fire extinguisher close by. Do not to use water or a garden hose on a fire related to Turkey Fryers.
12. Do not stuff the turkey with stuffing or vegetables, also avoid water-based marinades.
13. Keep children and pets away from the fryer at all times.
14. Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.
15. Opt for an oil-less fryer. This uses infrared heat, rather than oil, to cook the turkey. (And it’s healthier too!!)

Furnace Maintenance Tips For Your Southeastern Cuyahoga Home

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Keep your furnace clean and running efficiently

Like many homeowners, you may wonder what you can do to keep your furnace well-maintained and when you should perform such maintenance. After all, a functioning furnace reduces the chance of a fire and related fire cleaning in your Southeastern Cuyahoga home.

Here are three tips for keeping your furnace in top shape throughout the year

1. Keep It Clean

Dirt is a troublesome yet common nuisance that can lead to furnace-related fires. The blower, motor and system itself all need regular cleaning to remove troublesome dirt and debris. Research how to clean your particular unit, or get help from a local professional. Leaving dirt to sit can cause your unit to malfunction and cause a fire-related issue.

2. Replace Filters

Your furnace filters should be replaced regularly. A good rule of thumb is to change them once before cold weather hits, and then once a month during the times that the furnace is in heavy use. Dirty filters can lead to situations that require fire cleaning, much like with other furnace components, and will also not function properly when you are relying on them to keep you and your family warm.

3. Perform Maintenance Early

One of the most important things to remember is that any repairs or other maintenance tasks need to be completed before the cold comes. Otherwise, you will risk using the furnace while it is not in top shape, possibly causing a fire and leading to smoke cleaning. You also will likely have an under-performing furnace that does not quite do its job.

Furnace maintenance is not exactly fun, but neither is a fire. You owe it to yourself and your wallet to take precautions against having a furnace malfunction at home. You will not only avoid fire cleaning in the future - you will also have better peace-of-mind knowing your furnace is ready to keep you heated.

SERVPRO Is Going GREEN Throughout Independence, Bedford, Oakwood, Solon, and Chagrin Falls

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

Our eco-friendly SERVPRO exclusive cleaning products

Everyone knows that SERVPRO is Green. Our vehicles are green, our restoration equipment is green, our employees wear green.  SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga is taking it one step further in 2019. Our teams will have access to  “green” environmentally friendly chemicals!

SERVPRO will now have the option to use Carpet & Upholstery Green Clean (chemical #251) on all commercial and residential properties. This product is pH Neutral, biodegradable, and contains zero phosphates, solvents, dyes, or fragrances.

SERVPRO will also have access to All Surface Green Clean (product #250). This product is pH neutral, contains no dyes or fragrances, and is non-toxic / phosphate free. All Surface Green Clean is volatile organic compound compliant and rapidly biodegradable.

The last new product we would like to introduce you to is the Window Green Clean (Product #249). This glass cleaner is environmentally friendly, volatile organic compound compliant, rapidly biodegradable, and is premixed with soft water to eliminate spotting and streaking.

For more information about “green” products, visit our call us at 440-248-0022 or visit http://www.epa.gov/dfe/

The Emergency Ready Profile For Independence and Solon Businesses

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

The Best Way to Reduce Business Interruption Following a Disaster in Southeastern Cuyahoga County is to Plan For it NOW.

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Are You Ready?

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?”

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile is a start up approach that provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information. By working with SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile, your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

A no cost assessment of your facility. – This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.

A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency. – It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.

A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster. – This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.

Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider. – You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.

Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin. – This saves time

Restoring Your Southeastern Cuyahoga Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Southeastern Cuyahoga commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga

SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga recently traveled to Wilmington, NC to help customers in need of help after Hurricane Florence

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Storm and flood damage can be quite devastating. Immediate action is needed, and customers need the company with storm damage experience. SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County is part of an elite Storm Team with the expertise and the resources to handle any size disaster and can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.

When any community, whether it be near or far, suffers from any type of storm damage, our fearless Storm Team is dispatched to help those customers whose homes or businesses have been impacted make it “like it never even happened.” 

While our storm team was away helping those in throughout parts of North Carolina, the rest of our team seamlessly continued helping our local customers with fire and water damage in the Independence, Solon and Bedford, OH areas.

Holiday Fire Safety In Southeastern Cuyahoga

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention

• Watch out for extension cords and multiple wires that are hidden behind carpets and curtains
  • Overloading Circuits is a common mistake especially for families who possess multiple electronics because they do not split the devices and run a different circuit.
• Install an operating fire extinguisher and smoke detector
• Prepare a plan for emergencies
  • Having a plan prepared can prevent injuries and accelerating the process of leading everyone back to safety.

Fire and smoke damage should not be taken lightly due to the dangers it may cause, action should be taken immediately to prevent further destruction. Smoke can spread throughout an entire structure under a couple of minutes.

If any damages occur after a fire, SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga specializes in residential or commercial services, back to “Like it never even happened.”

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your home in the Southeastern Cuyahoga Area

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga

SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Cuyahoga County Smoke and Soot Cleanup

6/13/2016 (Permalink)

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 Southeastern Cuyahoga County 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 – 440-248-0022

When Storms or Floods hit Cuyahoga County, SERVPRO is ready!

6/13/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County, specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Cuyahoga County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 440-248-0022

Cuyahoga County 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

6/7/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Cuyahoga County

SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 440-248-0022

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga  County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County

SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Cuyahoga County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

6/6/2016 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of [[Franchise Name]] for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Southeastern Cuyahoga specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 440-248-0022