The most wonderful time of the year

12/4/2023 (Permalink)

Pipes freeze when the water inside is cold enough to solidify. In extremely cold weather, pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes.  If water is flowing through the pipe it requires a lot more work to make it freeze and is not very common.  In a home a pipe is likely to freeze if it is near outer walls, low to the ground, gaps in insulation or where air flow from the outside is possible.  

Usually  only a small section of the pipe freezes.  Water expands as it freezes; the expansion starts by increasing in length along the pipe.  If the pipe has bends in it, the ice that forms is less likely to expand away from the cold.  A section of water can become trapped and the pressure in that section increases, once the pressure is too high the pipe will burst.  

A few tips to Prevent pipes from freezing: Leave tap open/dripping on pipes that freezing could occur.  Leave the space around the pipes as open as possible.  Ensure your heat is on I all areas of you home.  Insulate all areas of your home well. If the temperatures decrease a additional heater may be needed.    

Green is Green!

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

This past Sunday there was a fire at Toledo Middle School.  Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire, but not before extensive damage was done to the basement and smoke damage to the above classrooms. 

SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids was called to the scene shortly after the fire to begin emergency services. SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids will be working hand in hand with SERVPRO of Black Hawk county to get the school back up and running before the new year begins in just a couple weeks. 

Even though each franchise is individually owned and operated, green is green and we are always here to help.  It is so nice to have people available and willing to lend a hand to get the job done. 

Within weeks, SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids will be able to make it "Like it never even happened."

House Fire

8/2/2023 (Permalink)

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. When you have something as important as your home experience a fire loss it can be overwhelming. When you call SERVPRO we will be as helpful as we can in explaining everything to you and being patient with the process. This is something we deal with often so you can expect us to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Fireworks Fire Safety

7/5/2023 (Permalink)

Your friends at SERVPRO want you and your children to be careful this Independence Day. According to the NFPA, in 2014, children ages 5-9 were 2.4 times as likely as the general population to be injured by fireworks. Youth ages 10-19 had a risk 1.8 times the overall risk. That is a scary statistic considering the hospital saw a whopping 10,500 people for firework related injuries. 54% of these injuries were burns and 31% of the injuries were from sparklers. Sparklers are actually considered about equal to a blowtorch in terms of heat and danger. Make sure you’re safe when using sparklers, and instead of using consumer firecrackers just go to the public displays that your city puts on for you to safely enjoy. Happy holiday!

Safety rules for summer camping

7/5/2023 (Permalink)

If you plan on going camping this summer, you should be aware of some basic campfire rules. When you find the perfect dirt spot for your campfire, clear the twigs, leaves, firewood, and grass away from around it. Then you will dig a foot deep hole and surround the hole with rocks. As you build your fire, make sure it doesn’t get too large or out of control. It is important to keep a bucket of water nearby incase the fire spreads outside of the pit. Keep your firewood, kindling, and tinder pile upwind from the fire so floating embers can’t reach it. Always keep an eye on little ones and pets around campfires; no one wants to take a trip to the ER. Try to burn all of the wood down to ashes. Once you’re finished, pour a lot of water on to the fire until there is no longer embers burning and there is no hissing noise. If you don’t have access to water, throw dirt on the fire and stir it with a shovel, continue doing this until all of the embers have cooled. As Smokey the Bear would say, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

4th of July

7/3/2023 (Permalink)

Your friends at SERVPRO want you and your children to be careful this Independence Day. According to the NFPA, in 2014, children ages 5-9 were 2.4 times as likely as the general population to be injured by fireworks. Youth ages 10-19 had a risk 1.8 times the overall risk. That is a scary statistic considering the hospital saw a whopping 10,500 people for firework related injuries. 54% of these injuries were burns and 31% of the injuries were from sparklers. Sparklers are actually considered about equal to a blowtorch in terms of heat and danger. Make sure you’re safe when using sparklers, and instead of using consumer firecrackers just go to the public displays that your city puts on for you to safely enjoy. 

The most wonderful time of the year

12/1/2022 (Permalink)

Pipes freeze when the water inside is cold enough to solidify. In extremely cold weather, pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes.  If water is flowing through the pipe it requires a lot more work to make it freeze and is not very common.  In a home a pipe is likely to freeze if it is near outer walls, low to the ground, gaps in insulation or where air flow from the outside is possible.  

Usually  only a small section of the pipe freezes.  Water expands as it freezes; the expansion starts by increasing in length along the pipe.  If the pipe has bends in it, the ice that forms is less likely to expand away from the cold.  A section of water can become trapped and the pressure in that section increases, once the pressure is too high the pipe will burst.  

A few tips to Prevent pipes from freezing:Leave tap open/dripping on pipes that freezing could occur.  Leave the space around the pipes as open as possible.  Ensure your heat is on I all areas of you home.  Insulate all areas of your home well. If the temperatures decrease a additional heater may be needed.    

House Fire

8/2/2022 (Permalink)

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. When you have something as important as your home experience a fire loss it can be overwhelming. When you call SERVPRO we will be as helpful as we can in explaining everything to you and being patient with the process. This is something we deal with often so you can expect us to make it, "Like it never even happened."

The most wonderful time of the year

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Pipes freeze when the water inside is cold enough to solidify. In extremely cold weather, pipes can freeze in a matter of minutes.  If water is flowing through the pipe it requires a lot more work to make it freeze and is not very common.  In a home a pipe is likely to freeze if it is near outer walls, low to the ground, gaps in insulation or where air flow from the outside is possible.  

Usually  only a small section of the pipe freezes.  Water expands as it freezes; the expansion starts by increasing in length along the pipe.  If the pipe has bends in it, the ice that forms is less likely to expand away from the cold.  A section of water can become trapped and the pressure in that section increases, once the pressure is too high the pipe will burst.  

A few tips to Prevent pipes from freezing:Leave tap open/dripping on pipes that freezing could occur.  Leave the space around the pipes as open as possible.  Ensure your heat is on I all areas of you home.  Insulate all areas of your home well. If the temperatures decrease a additional heater may be needed.    

Green is green

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

This past Sunday there was a fire at Toledo Middle School.  Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire, but not before extensive damage was done to the basement and smoke damage to the above classrooms. 

SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids was called to the scene shortly after the fire to begin emergency services. SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids will be working hand in hand with SERVPRO of Black Hawk county to get the school back up and running before the new year begins in just a couple weeks. 

Even though each franchise is individually owned and operated, green is green and we are always here to help.  It is so nice to have people available and willing to lend a hand to get the job done. 

Within weeks, SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids will be able to make it "Like it never even happened."

House Fire

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

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. When you have something as important as your home experience a fire loss it can be overwhelming. When you call SERVPRO we will be as helpful as we can in explaining everything to you and being patient with the process. This is something we deal with often so you can expect us to make it, "Like it never even happened."

4th of July

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Your friends at SERVPRO want you and your children to be careful this Independence Day. According to the NFPA, in 2014, children ages 5-9 were 2.4 times as likely as the general population to be injured by fireworks. Youth ages 10-19 had a risk 1.8 times the overall risk. That is a scary statistic considering the hospital saw a whopping 10,500 people for firework related injuries. 54% of these injuries were burns and 31% of the injuries were from sparklers. Sparklers are actually considered about equal to a blowtorch in terms of heat and danger. Make sure you’re safe when using sparklers, and instead of using consumer firecrackers just go to the public displays that your city puts on for you to safely enjoy. 

Fireworks Fire Safety

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Your friends at SERVPRO want you and your children to be careful this Independence Day. According to the NFPA, in 2014, children ages 5-9 were 2.4 times as likely as the general population to be injured by fireworks. Youth ages 10-19 had a risk 1.8 times the overall risk. That is a scary statistic considering the hospital saw a whopping 10,500 people for firework related injuries. 54% of these injuries were burns and 31% of the injuries were from sparklers. Sparklers are actually considered about equal to a blowtorch in terms of heat and danger. Make sure you’re safe when using sparklers, and instead of using consumer firecrackers just go to the public displays that your city puts on for you to safely enjoy. Happy holiday!

Safety rules for summer camping

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you plan on going camping this summer, you should be aware of some basic campfire rules. When you find the perfect dirt spot for your campfire, clear the twigs, leaves, firewood, and grass away from around it. Then you will dig a foot deep hole and surround the hole with rocks. As you build your fire, make sure it doesn’t get too large or out of control. It is important to keep a bucket of water nearby incase the fire spreads outside of the pit. Keep your firewood, kindling, and tinder pile upwind from the fire so floating embers can’t reach it. Always keep an eye on little ones and pets around campfires; no one wants to take a trip to the ER. Try to burn all of the wood down to ashes. Once you’re finished, pour a lot of water on to the fire until there is no longer embers burning and there is no hissing noise. If you don’t have access to water, throw dirt on the fire and stir it with a shovel, continue doing this until all of the embers have cooled. As Smokey the Bear would say, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

Green is Green

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

This past Sunday there was a fire at Toledo Middle School.  Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire, but not before extensive damage was done to the basement and smoke damage to the above classrooms. 

SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids was called to the scene shortly after the fire to begin emergency services. SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids will be working hand in hand with SERVPRO of Black Hawk county to get the school back up and running before the new year begins in just a couple weeks. 

Even though each franchise is individually owned and operated, green is green and we are always here to help.  It is so nice to have people available and willing to lend a hand to get the job done. 

Within weeks, SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids will be able to make it "Like it never even happened."

House Fire

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

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. When you have something as important as your home experience a fire loss it can be overwhelming. When you call SERVPRO we will be as helpful as we can in explaining everything to you and being patient with the process. This is something we deal with often so you can expect us to make it, "Like it never even happened."

4th of July

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Your friends at SERVPRO want you and your children to be careful this Independence Day. According to the NFPA, in 2014, children ages 5-9 were 2.4 times as likely as the general population to be injured by fireworks. Youth ages 10-19 had a risk 1.8 times the overall risk. That is a scary statistic considering the hospital saw a whopping 10,500 people for firework related injuries. 54% of these injuries were burns and 31% of the injuries were from sparklers. Sparklers are actually considered about equal to a blowtorch in terms of heat and danger. Make sure you’re safe when using sparklers, and instead of using consumer firecrackers just go to the public displays that your city puts on for you to safely enjoy. 

Fireworks Fire Safty

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Your friends at SERVPRO want you and your children to be careful this Independence Day. According to the NFPA, in 2014, children ages 5-9 were 2.4 times as likely as the general population to be injured by fireworks. Youth ages 10-19 had a risk 1.8 times the overall risk. That is a scary statistic considering the hospital saw a whopping 10,500 people for firework related injuries. 54% of these injuries were burns and 31% of the injuries were from sparklers. Sparklers are actually considered about equal to a blowtorch in terms of heat and danger. Make sure you’re safe when using sparklers, and instead of using consumer firecrackers just go to the public displays that your city puts on for you to safely enjoy. Happy holiday!

Safety rules for summer camping

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

If you plan on going camping this summer, you should be aware of some basic campfire rules. When you find the perfect dirt spot for your campfire, clear the twigs, leaves, firewood, and grass away from around it. Then you will dig a foot deep hole and surround the hole with rocks. As you build your fire, make sure it doesn’t get too large or out of control. It is important to keep a bucket of water nearby incase the fire spreads outside of the pit. Keep your firewood, kindling, and tinder pile upwind from the fire so floating embers can’t reach it. Always keep an eye on little ones and pets around campfires; no one wants to take a trip to the ER. Try to burn all of the wood down to ashes. Once you’re finished, pour a lot of water on to the fire until there is no longer embers burning and there is no hissing noise. If you don’t have access to water, throw dirt on the fire and stir it with a shovel, continue doing this until all of the embers have cooled. As Smokey the Bear would say, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

The most Wonderful time of the year can turn bad

12/4/2019 (Permalink)

The most wonderful time of the year can also be one of the most common times for house fires.  In 12 seconds a small spark can ignite a dry Christmas tree.  Once the Christmas tree is on fire the flames can engulf a room in under 30 seconds. 

Some tips to keep your wonderful time of the year emergency free: Make sure your tree is at least three feet from any heat source. Always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry out.  Fresh, watered trees are much less likely to catch fire.  Water your tree daily.   If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled “fire resistant.”

Bedtime means lights off! ­ Don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night.

Make sure that you have Fire/ smoke detectors and the have been properly installed and tested.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday Season from your SERVPRO Team.

Fire safety with fireworks

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Your friends at SERVPRO want you and your children to be careful this Independence Day. According to the NFPA, in 2014, children ages 5-9 were 2.4 times as likely as the general population to be injured by fireworks. Youth ages 10-19 had a risk 1.8 times the overall risk. That is a scary statistic considering the hospital saw a whopping 10,500 people for firework related injuries. 54% of these injuries were burns and 31% of the injuries were from sparklers. Sparklers are actually considered about equal to a blowtorch in terms of heat and danger. Make sure you’re safe when using sparklers, and instead of using consumer firecrackers just go to the public displays that your city puts on for you to safely enjoy. Happy holiday!

Christmas Tree Fires

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

The most wonderful time of the year can also be one of the most common times for house fires.  In 12 seconds a small spark can ignite a dry Christmas tree.  Once the Christmas tree is on fire the flames can engulf a room in under 30 seconds. 

Some tips to keep your wonderful time of the year emergency free: Make sure your tree is at least three feet from any heat source. Always place your tree away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights, and keep the tree base filled with water to avoid a dry out.  Fresh, watered trees are much less likely to catch fire.  Water your tree daily.   If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled “fire resistant.”

Bedtime means lights off! ­ Don’t forget to turn your Christmas tree lights off each night.

Make sure that you have Fire/ smoke detectors and the have been properly installed and tested.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday Season from your SERVPRO Team.

When There is a Fire Damage at Home

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

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. When you have something as important as your home experience a fire loss it can be overwhelming. When you call SERVPRO we will be as helpful as we can in explaining everything to you and being patient with the process. This is something we deal with often so you can expect us to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage at Riley's of 1st Ave

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

The Cedar Rapids Fire Department was called to Riley's Restaurant on 1st Avenue in Cedar Rapids on a Tuesday afternoon. A fire, which started in the area above the kitchen, caused extensive damage to the building. Fire crews were able to extinguish the fire, but not before extensive damage was done to the roof. 

SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids was called to the scene shortly after the fire to begin emergency services. Crews were on site into the night getting a tarp on the roof and securing windows and doors. SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids was also hired to assist with cleanup of Moose McDuffy's and Citywide Cleaners. The relationship with the owners of these businesses was started long before the fire happened, and that is why SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids was the first on scene and able to respond quickly to try to get these businesses up and running very quickly.

Within weeks, SERVPRO of Cedar Rapids will be able to make it "Like it never even happened."

Avoid Wildfires!

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

If you plan on going camping this summer, you should be aware of some basic campfire rules. When you find the perfect dirt spot for your campfire, clear the twigs, leaves, firewood, and grass away from around it. Then you will dig a foot deep hole and surround the hole with rocks. As you build your fire, make sure it doesn’t get too large or out of control. It is important to keep a bucket of water nearby incase the fire spreads outside of the pit. Keep your firewood, kindling, and tinder pile upwind from the fire so floating embers can’t reach it. Always keep an eye on little ones and pets around campfires; no one wants to take a trip to the ER. Try to burn all of the wood down to ashes. Once you’re finished, pour a lot of water on to the fire until there is no longer embers burning and there is no hissing noise. If you don’t have access to water, throw dirt on the fire and stir it with a shovel, continue doing this until all of the embers have cooled. As Smokey the Bear would say, “Only you can prevent wildfires.”

Sparklers, Children, and Injuries

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Your friends at SERVPRO want you and your children to be careful this Independence Day. According to the NFPA, in 2014, children ages 5-9 were 2.4 times as likely as the general population to be injured by fireworks. Youth ages 10-19 had a risk 1.8 times the overall risk. That is a scary statistic considering the hospital saw a whopping 10,500 people for firework related injuries. 54% of these injuries were burns and 31% of the injuries were from sparklers. Sparklers are actually considered about equal to a blowtorch in terms of heat and danger. Make sure you’re safe when using sparklers, and instead of using consumer firecrackers just go to the public displays that your city puts on for you to safely enjoy. Happy holiday!

Cooking Fires

6/18/2018 (Permalink)

According to the NFPA there was, on average, 166,100 home fires that involved cooking equipment in 2010-2014 per year. You can prevent this in your home by following a few simple rules. If you are using your oven or stove, do not leave them unattended. This might seem obvious but if you leave a hot stove or oven on without paying attention to it, you never know what could happen. When you are cooking, be sure to wear clothes that won’t catch on fire. Try to wear short sleeves or tight long sleeves. For outdoor cooking, keep your grill far away from the side of your home or deck. Look above where your grill is. Are there tree branches? If so, you should probably move your grill to a spot where it is clear above and around.

Christmas Tree Fires

12/27/2017 (Permalink)

The most wonderful time of the year can also be the most common time for house fires.  A simple spark can turn a dry Christmas tree into flames in 12 seconds.  A Christmas tree fire can also engulf an entire room in flames in less than 30 seconds.  

Some tips to keep your wonderful time of the year emergency free: Make sure your tree is at least three feet from any heat source.  Fresh, watered trees are much less likely to catch fire.  Water your tree daily.   If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it’s labeled “fire resistant.”

Make sure that you have Fire/ smoke detectors and the have been properly installed and tested.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday Season from your SERVPRO Team.