Recent Posts

Fire Prevention Month

10/12/2023 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Month Cooking safety starts with you! Fire prevention month 2023 tips.

October is Fire Prevention month! The National Fire Prevention Association slogan for 2023 is "Cooking Safety Starts with YOU!" 

Cold weather brings families together for warm meals shared indoors. While this is a great opportunity for sharing homecooked meals and entertaining family, it's also a great reminder that cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home injuries.  Here is a list of safety tips from the NFPA to help keep you and your family safe!  

Cook with Caution

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.

• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove.

• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop. If you have a small (grease) cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If you have any doubt about fighting a small fire…

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.

• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from outside the home

We hope these helpful tips and reminders will help you avoid a kitchen accident. However, in the event a cooking accident happens to you, SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula is here to help! Call us at (906) 204-2450 and we would be happy to assist you in your time of need.  

5 Instant Steps to Take When Handling Winter Storm Damage

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Cold weather poses a difficult challenge to all property owners. Ice, snow, and sleet can cause havoc on your roof, siding, driveways, and walkways. Quick action to deal with winter storm damage is essential in protecting your precious property. If you're questioning how to handle storm damage, read the tips below for some guidance.

Types of Winter Storm Damage

Flooding - Cold snaps and freezes and damage pipes and cause them to burst. This expulsion of water can lead to severe water damage and flooded areas that will need immediate emergency water mitigation.

Roof Leaks - From ice dams to heavy snow and ice breaking through your shingles, winter storms can be harsh on your roof. With holes in your shingles or blockages in your pipes, it leaves your property exposed to moisture damage.

Fires - Whether your tree ignites or your fireplace is left unattended and gets out of hand, fires can often happen during a winter storm.

Tips For When a Winter Storm Strikes

  • Remain calm. In times of emergency, it's hard not have your blood pressure raise. It's important to make good decisions when your property is under duress so that it can be repaired and taken care of properly.
  • Take proper safety measures. If water damage has occurred, take the time to shut off the water. If a fire has gotten out of hand, use an extinguisher if possible or leave the premises immediately.
  • Document Any Losses. Be sure to take notes and photos of anything that has been affected by winter storm damage. This list will be exceptionally useful in making insurance claims, smoothing out the process in the future.
  • Contact Your Insurance Company - Call your agent to get the process of filing a claim started. Leave everything in place, except for what must be moved for safety reasons until the adjuster comes to document what happened.
  • Make A Plan Now. Knowing what to do in a water storm damage emergency is essential for swiftly and smoothly restoring your property. By creating a plan you will be able to make smart and efficient decisions when storm damage occurs.

Winter Storm Safety

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Safety SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula offers comprehensive storm damage cleanup and restoration services in the Upper Peninsula.

Each year, hundreds of Americans are injured or killed by exposure to cold, vehicle accidents on wintry roads, and fires caused by the improper use of heaters. Read the following blog to learn how to stay safe during a winter weather storm!

Protect Your Family

  • Talk with your family about what to do if a winter storm watch has been issued.
  • Winterize your vehicle
    • Check the status of your battery, antifreeze, wipers, and windshield washer fluid
    • Check the integrity of the tread on your tires
    • Pack an emergency vehicle kit
      • Include a scraper, sand for traction, matches for a source of fire, warm clothing, etc.
    • Keep the gas tank full
  • Keep warm clothing and extra blankets for everyone in your household

Protect Your Home

  • Protect your exposes pipes from freezing
  • Have a professional examine your HVAC system
  • Consider purchasing emergency heating equipment
  • Consider installing a portable generator
  • Bring your companion animals indoors
  • Be aware of local area radio updates

Stay Indoors

  • Drink fluids such as warm broth or juice
  • Eat regularly and keep a well-stocked pantry
  • Conserve fuel by lowering your thermostat
  • Listen to local news or NOAA Weather Radio for updated emergency information

Here to Protect You

Take immediate precautions if you hear winter storm warning or blizzard warning on the news. Winter weather is unpredictable. If you are in immediate need of help, please contact your local Red Cross or call 9-1-1.

If your home suffers winter storm damage such as roof damage from wind, roof collapse from heavy snow, gutter collapse from ice, or water damage from snowmelt, contact us at 906-204-2450 We're "Faster to Any Size Disaster!"

Soot, Smoke, and Fire Damage Restoration Services

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Correct Removal of Fire and Soot Related Stains Is a SERVPRO Area of Expertise

Fire is an essential part of the lives of residents. It is necessary for cooking, heating, and even burning certain substances. However, when it goes out of control, the results can be very destructive to your property. Soot and smoke particles from the fire can land and stick to different surfaces in the structure. Restoration involves getting rid of these residues. The process requires a professional who understands the behavior of smoke during a fire and knows where to locate the heaviest deposits when inspecting the damage.

If your home sustains soot and smoke damage, you can rely on SERVPRO to restore your property. Our technicians are highly trained, experienced and can respond quickly to your fire damage emergency. As usual, we are dedicated to bringing back your contents to preloss conditions, "Like it never even happened."

Smoke and Soot Damage

Soot residues come in different forms - some are easier to clean while others tend to be stubborn. SERVPRO fire damage technicians are trained to deal with various types of soot, namely protein smoke residues, wet smoke residues, fuel oil smoke residues, and dry smoke residues. Factors that determine whether the smoke residue is wet or dry include:

  • The type of substance or material burning
  • The level of oxygen present
  • The rate of combustion

These types of combustion byproducts require different cleaning methods. We use mild cleaning procedures for dry smoke because it does not cause embedded stains and has relatively fewer pungent odors. Natural materials often produce dry smoke when they sustain fire damage. Getting rid of wet smoke residues is more difficult because it is packed with aerosols such as solvents, varnishes, and other components. You can expect wet smoke if any synthetic materials are burning in the structure.

Ignoring smoke damage can lead to permanent consequences. Furniture, carpeting, and personal items with severe soot and fire damage could become irreparable. The soot can irreversibly discolor porous materials within minutes. After a few hours, it can rust or corrode metallic furniture and even damage your flooring. In the end, this can cause greater cleanup and replacement costs.

SERVPRO and the Equipment we use!

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula has the technology to get the job done!  


The past few decades have seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula professionals to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.

Moisture Detection and Measurement Equipment

Scientific drying principles rely upon specialized equipment to detect, measure and monitor a property’s moisture levels. Recent advances, like infrared cameras, can help us detect water through a wall, ceiling, or floor.

  • An infrared camera may be used to identify water location for thorough water removal.
  • Sensitive moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation

Water Extraction Equipment

Powerful extraction equipment speeds the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water. 
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.

Drying Equipment

Industrial strength air movers and dehumidifiers are needed to remove the remaining moisture from the ceiling, walls, and floors of your home or business. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
  • Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.

Odor Removal and Deodorization

Water and fire damage often causes powerful odors. The machines we use remove airborne contaminants and control the air quality during the restoration and cleanup process.

  • Air scrubbers
  • Thermal foggers and deodorization agents

Sanitizing Agents, Germicides, and Antimicrobial Treatments

The use of OSHA-approved cleaning agents may be needed to clean and remove odors and/or contaminants on your property.

  • Deodorization products control odors from excessive moisture.
  • Disinfection products stop the growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms.

For more information on the services we provide at SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula, call us at 906-204-2450.

Tips for Staying Healthy as COVID-19 and Flu Season Converge

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Flu Season Everyone should be extra vigilant about following cleaning and disinfecting protocols this year.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged business owners and homeowners alike to find ways to live and work without exposing themselves or others to this highly contagious virus. Now, the approaching flu season is set to complicate that challenge even further. To help control the threat that the one-two punch of COVID-19 and the seasonal flu presents, SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula urges everyone to be extra vigilant about following cleaning and disinfecting protocols this year.  

Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes both COVID-19 and the seasonal flu spread primarily by droplets made when infected people cough, sneeze, or talk. While not as frequent, it is also believed adults and children can contract COVID-19 or the flu by touching a surface or an object that has virus particles on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. The CDC continues to recommend a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses, but experts also emphasize the importance of cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces daily to help mitigate the potential spread from contaminated surfaces. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. 

To limit exposure and control the spread of these double threats, SERVPRO recommends you wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol, keep your hands away from your face, and wear a mask to protect others. For effective daily, routine cleaning at home or at work, we recommend first removing surface grime and dirt with soap and water, then following up with a disinfectant. It is easier to feel comfortable about limiting exposure at home where you can control how clean your surroundings are. It is more difficult out in public; but this year especially, it is important to be aware of the space you are in. You need to learn to recognize spaces where cleaning is – or is not – a priority so you can adjust your behavior accordingly. 

For those home and business owners who have specialized cleaning requirements or who simply want the peace of mind that a professional cleaning service can offer in this stressful time, SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula can help. While we remain a leader in disaster cleanup and remediation situations, we also provide that same ‘deeper level of clean’ for everyday residential and commercial cleaning. In addition, SERVPRO offers their "Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned" program, developed for businesses in response to the pandemic. The high level of confidence that a professionally cleaned space provides offers welcome reassurance to patrons as the flu season intersects with COVID-19. 

SERVPRO specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup, and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula please call 906-204-2450. 

Emergency Fire Damage Process

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Fire and Smoke Damage is especially destructive.

Fire and smoke damage is especially destructive. In many cases, your property will also suffer from water damage from firefighting efforts. With our emergency fire damage process, we can get your property back to pre-fire condition “Like it never even happened.” 

One Hour: 

Within one hour from notice of loss, we will contact you to arrange for service. You will know help is on the way! 

Four Hours: 

Within four hours of loss notification, we will be on-site to start mitigation services. The key to reducing damage and saving money is responding quickly to your damage. 

Detailed Explanation: 

A trained, uniformed, and equipped SERVPRO professional will walk you through the job process step-by-step, explaining what to expect and the anticipated outcome. 

Pretesting: 

We will begin pretesting for restorability, working from the source of the damage outward. 

Eight Hours: 

Within eight business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of scope will be communicated to the appropriate person, normally your adjuster or property manager. 

Cleaning, Restoration, & Deodorization: 

We will work neatly and efficiently to help you regain control of your property when a damaging event has taken over. We use state-of-the-art restoration techniques to ensure your property is taken care of right the first time. 

Final Walk-Through: 

After the work has been completed, a final walk-through will be conducted with you to help ensure your satisfaction. 

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. 

Fire Prevention Week October 3-9, 2021

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week - smoke alarm Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety! October 3-9 is Fire Prevention Week.

This year’s FPW campaign, “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety!” works to educate everyone about the different sounds the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms make. Knowing what to do when an alarm sounds will keep you and your family safe. When an alarm makes noises – a beeping sound or a chirping sound – you must take action.

Hear a chirp, make a change! A chirping alarm means the battery, or the entire alarm must be replaced. 

What if someone in my home is deaf or hard of hearing?
There are smoke alarms and alert devices that alert people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These devices include strobe lights that flash to alert people when the smoke alarm sounds. Pillow or bed shakers designed to work with your smoke alarm also can be purchased and installed.

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

For further information visit https://www.nfpa.org/Events/Events/Fire-Prevention-Week/About and learn how to keep you and your family safe.

Unfortunately fires do occur. When fire and water damage take control of you life, we help you take it back. Call SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula at 906-204-2450.

Standing Basement Water

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Standing Water Standing Water Extraction Specialists

When resulting flood waters from storms enter your home or business, it can cause "standing water". Standing water is a pool of water that does not flow. This stagnant water can be a dangerous thing if it is not handled correctly, and surely a difficult task to handle if you do not have the appropriate resources. Standing water should be dealt with right away, and we are here to help with just that. The cleanup process of standing basement water can sometimes take up to 10 or 11 days to completely disappear unless it is mitigated immediately. 

Here are some protective measures to take into consideration when dealing with standing basement water: 

Stay Away from Standing Water 

  • Sewage, debris, and other unpleasant things can be in the standing water leftovers.
  • Standing water is a breeding ground for bacteria and other parasites.
  • Standing water can lead to secondary mold damages.
  • Standing water can leave a musty odor behind in your home if not addressed immediately. 
  • Swimming, wading, or rafting can make you sick.
  • Wash your hands after contact with standing water.
  • Do not drink the water. 
  • Water conducts electricity. Underground power lines can give you a dangerous shock. 

Standing Water vs. Animals: 

  • Snakes and other animals may get into your home or building. Wear work boots and heavy gloves when you clean up. 
  • Mosquitoes can breed and grow in standing water.
  • Some animals might find your home or business a cozy place to live. 
  • If tap water is unsafe to drink, it is unsafe for your pets. 

If you find yourself dealing with standing water of any kind, we are here to help make it "Like it never even happened." 

Fire Hazards

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Hazard Do Not Plug Space Heaters Into Power Strips.

SERVPRO of the Upper Peninsula would like to inform everyone of the dangers of using power strips. Power strips have become a necessity in the world we live in. Everything runs on electricity and we just plug it in and let it go never realizing how many amps or load that the power strip can handle.

With cooler temperatures expected, some may want to use their small space heaters. If so, DO NOT plug them into a power strip.  These devises are not designed to handle the energy load of a space heater and can overheat causing a fire hazard.

We want you to stay warm and stay safe this winter. But, if damage strikes your home we are here to help make it "Like it never even happened." Call SERVPRO of The Upper Peninsula (906) 204-2450 where a team of professionals will help your house feel like home again.