Cleaning up after a Grease Fire

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

Even a small grease fire can cause MAJOR damage to your kitchen!

Cleaning up soot and smoke after a grease fire in your kitchen can be a daunting task.

A grease fire in your home is an unexpected disaster and can create a significant amount of damage. Pouring water onto a fire is an initial reaction, but water mixed with oil creates a splash effect, which actually can cause the fire to spread. The most effective way to snuff out a grease fire is with a fire extinguisher, baking soda, or a fire-suppression blanket.

After extinguishing the fire in your home, it is difficult to clean and restore your kitchen to its original condition. In addition to visible soot, the smoky smells permeate every porous surface and can remain for years, if not properly cleaned. We want you to look to us, SERVPRO® Team McGinnis as your neighborhood fast and friendly team to help turn things around.

Our team here at SERVPRO will walk you through the whole restoration process making sure you understand and are comfortable leaving your kitchen in our hands. Communication is key with every job, especially yours. You chose SERVPRO to make your kitchen look “Like it never even happened.” You experienced a grease fire disaster in your kitchen and we will be there to fix it right the first time.

Life can throw unexpected curves your way and cause disruptions you never thought possible. You can trust the Fires Restoration Specialists to get your kitchen back up and running as quickly as possible and help restore the rhythm of your home life. You can call us anytime, day or night at 541-745-2097.

Here to help - no matter where!

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

With over 2,000 independently own franchises Nationwide, SERVPRO has the resources to respond to any size disaster!

November 8^th, 2018, thousands of people’s lives were affected by the nation's deadliest fire on record. Paradise, California was leveled in a life-altering way. Not only were many displaced, but unfortunately, lives were also lost.

In the devastation, a few companies we called upon to assist with the disaster. SERVPRO® and other restoration companies stepped up and were joined by fire fighters, phone companies, military, and adjusters from insurance companies to provide whatever assistance we could.

SERVPRO Team McGinnis sent a crew down south to see what we can do to help, and the crew was kept very busy providing cleanup, and conducting smoke damage assessment.

Did you know that when major disasters strike, SERVPRO Corporate can put out a call to the other SERVPRO franchises, asking for additional help. That is when our local teams pack up our vans, and we go where we can help.  Sometimes, it’s not even necessarily man-power that is required, just additional equipment. During our recent Ice-Storms this past January, our local SERVPRO Team McGinnis quickly ran out of drying equipment due to the sheer volume of water-loss calls.  We reached out to neighboring franchises for any available equipment they could spare, and our SERVPRO family delivered!

Rest assured knowing that in the event of a major disaster, you’re locally owned and operated SERVPRO Team McGinnis has access to and the support of over 2000 other independently owned and operated SERVPRO franchises, if and when we need! You can always count on us, call us today at 541-745-2097.

After the fire

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

We can safely pack and store your personal contents until restoration is complete

After a fire and before the restoration can begin, the process of packing up your belongings can be long and tedious. SERVPRO® Team McGinnis takes that burden from your shoulders. You have enough to tend to, let us help with packing and unpacking.

Our teams are extremely detailed and accurate with inventorying each item. When your contents are packed, they are then moved to a secure location at our warehouse.

When it is time to begin the move out process you do not have to concern yourself with packing items, as we come prepared with the essentials. SERVPRO supplies sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, shrink wrap and various packing materials. Our teams set up a staging tables in each room while also identifying each box per room.

Boxed items are small to medium size objects and are packaged accordingly.

Large items that can be disassembled to safely transport will be. If we are unable to disassemble, then our team(s) will wrap the times with the necessary material and place moving pads around so other items do not cause damage.

Our teams are trained to identify and separate which items can be safely cleaned and returned, and which items are deemed ‘non-salvageable’. Non-salvageable items are items that have sustained severe damage, either from smoke/soot, water, or even asbestos or a biological source. These items are considered unsafe for continued use.

Documenting your contents is a high priority and we do it by hand and digitally. We have a move out checklist that the project lead will go over with you and list items in detail. When the project lead is back at the office, they will then record the information in a spreadsheet along with taking the digital photographs taken by the team onsite, then uploading those content photos to your customer file.

When the time has come that repairs and restoration is complete, we will then preform a 'pack back'. By bringing your items back, unload and unpack per room you will notice cleaned and restored items safely returned to their proper spaces.

If you find yourself in need of fire restoration or have question and concerns give us a call at 541-745-2097. Your local SERVPRO is operated 24/7/365 with emergency services available.

Technology on our side

5/30/2024 (Permalink)

Utilizing the latest technology to better help you in your emergency

Infrared camera technology allows technicians to see what cannot be seen with the bare eye.

According to an article posted online by Flir Systems, Wilsonville - Oregon,

"An infrared camera is a non-contact device that detects infrared energy (heat) and converts it into an electronic signal, which is then processed to produce a thermal image on a video monitor and perform temperature calculations. Heat sensed by an infrared camera can be very precisely quantified, or measured, allowing you to not only monitor thermal performance, but also identify and evaluate the relative severity of heat-related problems."

Pretty neat technology, don’t you think? Now, we use it *slightly* differently than mentioned above. Water Restoration Technicians use the Infra-Red tech to search for water by looking for COOLER spots, which are indicative of the presence of water. It helps us to measure just how saturated the wall, the floor, or the door might be, which helps us better map out how best to help you and your emergency.

You see this is why we use the infrared technology on all of our jobs because seeing is not always believing.

When you contact us for any water damage related service, our team will use the best technology we have to ensure your property is taking care of.

Call SERVPRO® Team McGinnis anytime day or night for help 541-745-2097.

What SERVPRO Stands For

5/2/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® Team McGinnis supports the communities we live and work in. We are here to help!

Why SERVPRO®?

SERVPRO® stands for many different things, and it makes us very happy to be able to serve our community with all their restoration needs. SERVPRO® works to help people restore their damages and make the restoration process as smooth as possible. We will make your home safe for you and your whole family.
SERVPRO® Team McGinnis is all about serving our community and serving people; we want to be a resource, and to be helpful to others. That is why we do business, and the WHY we do business is the most important thing, in our minds. So, obviously people know what we do, but we want to be out in our Community. We want to be involved and to be there when people need assistance. That is our number one focus, our number one mission: to serve the people of our Community in their time of need and help restore peace of mind.
If you need help restoring damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO® today. We specialize in water, fire, biohazard, mold and so much more. We always want you to be happy with the job we do for you.

Rely on the professionals at SERVPRO® Team McGinnis to make it ”Like it never even happened.” If you have any questions please call 541-745-2097

Fire Risks at Work

5/2/2024 (Permalink)

Paying attention to your surroundings can help reduce the risk of a fire at your workplace!

Many of us have an Emergency Plan in place for our homes – especially an evacuation plan in the event of a fire. While there are many reasons why a fire can start, many fires at a Business start as a result of not paying attention to many different fire hazards in the workplace. 

While every workplace is different, there are some common fire hazards to watch for in your business.

Heat Generating Machinery

Hot machinery and heavy equipment can pose a fire risk. Be sure material that is combustible is kept away from sources of heat and are unplugged when not in use. Never leave equipment on overnight.

Broken Electrical Equipment

Fires caused by faulty equipment are the most common type in the workplace. Be sure to look out for loose or damaged wires. They need to be replaced immediately. Also keep your equipment checked and up to date. 

Faulty Fire Alarms

Be sure to check fire alarm systems and equipment often to make sure they are still in working order. If batteries run out your fire alarms will not sound in the case of a fire or smoke. It is important to make sure you have functional fire alarms in your office. 

Overloaded Sockets

Having too many things plugged in the same socket can be dangerous. Be sure to put one plug per socket and do not exceed 300 watts in the entire socket. This can reduce the risk of a fire in your workplace. 

Improper Disposal of Used Cigarettes

Many fires are caused, both indoors and outside, due to improper disposal of burning cigarettes. If you choose to smoke, please make sure your cigarette is completely extinguished before disposal. Dry grasses or discarded paperwork can easily ignite even from a small heat source such as a cigarette.

Most importantly, simply being familiar with and aware of your surroundings is the best defense against a fire at your workplace. Be aware of posed risks, but also pay attention to anything out of the ordinary. Report any unusual ‘hot’ smells, such as burning plastic, or smoke of any kind.  And gently remind any employees you might see unintentionally causing a fire-risk.

If a fire ever does happen at your place of business, know that the Fire Restoration Specialists at SERVPRO® Team McGinnis are here to help, 24/7/365! Or if you need help putting together an Emergency Response Plan, do not hesitate to call us today at 541-745-2097.

How a storm can impact your home

5/2/2024 (Permalink)

Storms can bring down large branches and even entire trees onto your home!

Storms affect your home more than you may realize. At first glance a storm may look like high winds, just some rain, maybe some snow and sleet. When you look closer, storms and what all they bring, you begin to notice how it may greatly affect your home. 

Large trees 

Trees near your home can get weakened by storms causing branches to bend and possibly break causing damage to your home or roof. Now is a good time to get your trees trimmed and looked at. 

Heavy Rain 

Rain is pretty common in the Northwest but if there is a leak in your roof or windows the heavy rains will find their way in through these spots and cause water damage to the interior of your home. Get these spots taken care of before heavy rains. 

Chimney Maintenance

Your chimney can become packed with debris during a storm causing a blockage, this is also a place for animals to build their nest creating a bigger problem. Get your chimney cleaned out in preparation for the stormy season.  

Flooding

High winds mixed with rainfall can bring down small branches and leaves, as well as garbage, to fill your gutters and clog the storm drains on your street. This causes the continuously falling water to back up and rise. In your gutters, this can feed water back into any access/opening into your roof to cause flooding from the ceiling, Debris with heavy rains can also cause water to pool up against your home’s foundation, and feed back into your basement or crawl space.  Debris blocking a storm drain can cause the street and sidewalk to overflow, and risk damaging your home or property.  It is important to pay attention on dryer days an clear any debris that may have gathered during previous wind or rainy days.

Paying attention to your environment/surrounding BEFORE the storm hits, can help prevent a major loss to you and your family.  But if disaster strikes, do not hesitate to call your Water Remediation Specialists at SERVPRO® Team McGinnis today at 541-745-2097.

Emergency Water Damage Tips

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

Helpful tips if you experience a water loss!

Emergency Water Damage Tips

After a storm passes, it is important to stay safe while waiting for help to arrive. Here are some tips to help prevent further damage after a storm, especially if your property has some water damage:

Shut Off Water Source

Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.  

Turn Off Circuit Breakers

Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the business when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.   

Move Important Objects

Move any paintings, art, objects, computers, documents, or other sensitive valuables to a dry place.  

Don't Enter Affected Areas

Do not enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards!   

Stay Away From Structural Damage

Stay away from visible structural damage. Close and rope off the affected area if possible.  

Have Insurance Available

Have your insurance policy available and know the name of your insurance company and broker. Call SERVPRO® today at 541-745-2097! A professional will come out and assess damage and provide necessary mitigation services.

SERVPRO® has the heart to help

12/6/2023 (Permalink)

Our team members not only assist our clients, but we take the time to give back to our Community!

SERVPRO® Salem West is a company that strongly believes in giving back to our Community.  We are involved in many charitable events during the year. Our Team goes above and beyond to give back. Even after assisting customers during the business week, our team still finds time to go above and beyond when the call arises. We have even participated in two fundraisers back to back in one day! These organizations that provide assistance to those in need mean so much to our SERVPRO® family.

Our Team has proudly participated in the Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics in both Salem and Corvallis for the past few years, which benefits our local Special Olympic athletes. The event in Corvallis also combines with Run Off Your Tutu for Furniture Share, a Walk/Run 5k which helps local in-need families with beds and furniture. Both of these organizations impact our community in such a positive way.  SERVPRO® is proud to participate and assist these, and many other charitable groups, as our mission is to give back whenever we can. That’s why when you're looking for a company to work on your home or business for your restoration needs, SERVPRO® has the heart to help our community!

Certfied: SERVPRO® Clean

12/5/2023 (Permalink)

Dont let the spread of the Flu or COVID-19 disrupt your business. Count on the Cleaning Professional at SERVPRO®

As we heading into Cold and Flu Season - and COVID-19 hasn't gone anywhere, we need to look to a NEW standard in Commercial Cleaning.

Starting in 2005, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) established the National Influenza Vaccination week “to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond.” In 2017, by the end of November only about 41% of the recommended US population had been vaccinated. And in 2020, we saw the tremendous toll COVID-19 on families and businesses across the country.

If you’ve already gotten the flu or COVID you can still get vaccinated to protect you against other strands of the flu, according to the CDC. People with high risk of complications from the flu include young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions and people over the age of 65, and should get vaccinated. Although anyone is at risk of getting the flu, for high-risk people, hospitalization or death is more likely than for others.

According to the CDC, flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. Get a flu or COVID shot today to protect yourself, your loved ones and your place of business.  And Certified: SERVPRO® Clean brings a higher standard of clean to business across our Communities if the Flu or COVID impact your place of business.