Recent Posts
Preparing for a Storm
7/31/2024 (Permalink)
Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States.
- Know types of flood risks in your area. Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center https://msc.fema.gov/portal for information.
- Sign up for your community's warning system (EAS) The Emergency Alert System.
- If flash flooding is a risk in your location, monitor potential sign, such a heavy rain.
- Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans,and flash flood response.
- Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately or if services are cut off including medications, pet needs, batteries or and other critical equipment.
- Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days to go into effect. Get Flood coverage under the(NFIP) the National Flood Insurance Program.
- Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password protected digital copies.
- Protect your property by moving valuables to higher levels, declutter drains and gutters, install check valves and consider a sump pump with a battery.
24 Hour Response. Here to Help
7/24/2024 (Permalink)
Here at SERVPRO, we are available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. So, 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 understand when you call, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through. SERVPRO has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration as the cornerstone of our business.
When you call, you can expect several questions from us regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources SERVPRO technicians may need.
Here are some of the questions you may be asked:
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)?
We specialize 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.
Different Types of Home Fire Extinguishers
7/10/2024 (Permalink)
Smoke and fire damage is something all of us at SERVPRO of a would like to see you avoid. In the event that the worst happens and you're faced with this kind of disaster, you can count on us to lend a helping hand.
We have a team of highly trained professionals to walk with you each step of the way when repairing the damage from smoke, water, and fire in your home or office.
SERVPRO recommends you have at least one fire extinguisher and know how to use it in case of a fire.
Types of Home Fire Extinguishers:
Classes A, B, and C fire extinguishers are found in both homes and businesses
- Class A is for cloth, wood, and paper
- Class B is for liquids that can burst into flame or explode, such as grease, gasoline, oil, or oil-based paints
- Class C is for electrical equipment like computers, tools, or anything else that is plugged in
- Most home-improvement stores sell multi-purpose fire extinguishers: Classes A:B:C
A fire-extinguisher may prevent fire damage and smoke damage from spreading throughout the home.
If you are faced with a small fire, use the following tips. Remember: If you aren't sure you can put it out yourself, everyone should exit the building and call 9-1-1 when you are outside.
SERVPRO wants you to know that you should try to fight a small fire only if:
- You can get to the fire extinguisher quickly. Fire is fast. Fire damage and smoke damage are less painful than personal injuries
- You know how to use the fire extinguisher
- You have the correct class of fire extinguisher
Commercial Services Spotlight: Property Management
2/27/2024 (Permalink)
When disaster strikes your commercial property, we know that your goal is to return your commercial facility to its preloss condition as soon as possible while minimizing disruptions to your business activities and your tenants’ daily lives. At SERVPRO we have the experience, equipment and manpower to handle commercial losses of any size. We have over 30 years of experience in Illinois and have restored many commercial buildings, including:
- Multi-Level Commercial Buildings
- Multi-Tenant Facilities
- Small Office Buildings
- Shopping Malls
- Apartment Complexes
- Hotels
- Industrial Facilities
- Mixed-Use Properties
Call us anytime day or night at 630-369-9710 and the cleaning and restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Plainfield/Shorewood and SERVPRO of South Naperville will be ready to help!
24 Hour Response Teams
2/22/2024 (Permalink)
Here at SERVPRO, we are available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. So, 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 understand when you call, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through. SERVPRO has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration as the cornerstone of our business.
When you call, you can expect several questions from us regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources SERVPRO of Joliet technicians may need.
Here are some of the questions you may be asked:
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)?
We specialize 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.
Wet Materials from Water Damage
2/13/2024 (Permalink)
When our crew approaches a water job, we evaluate many different variables. All of which are very important, but there are two variables that we look at the most: type of material and the degree of wetness. This means that we will evaluate each material's permeability, the ability for water to pass through the material, dampness, the moisture movement. The liquids will be presented in one of these forms.
Surface Water
Like the name, you can find this type of moisture on the material's surface. It is a visible liquid and can evaporate. When mitigating this type of moisture, you must remove the moisture using mechanical extraction. The next component needed to be addressed: airflow, which helps control temperature and humidity, which helps evaporate any remaining moisture.
Free Water
Unlike surface water, the name of this absorption doesn't give you many clues on how to find it in a material. Before the moisture can form a chemical bond to the material, free water happens. You can find this type of moisture in cavities, open pores, and other air spaces within the material. When mitigating this form of moisture, you will want to use lower humidities and warmer temperatures. By maintaining these factors, you ensure that the moisture is going to evaporate.
Bound Water
More work is needed to fully mitigate this type of moisture material as this form is when the moisture has made chemical bonds. You will have to release it to get the moisture out of the material when this happens. Unlike the other categories, controlling the airflow won't help remove the chemical bonds. The moisture will dry fastest when it is warmed. The essential factor to keep in mind is maintaining the surrounding humidity. Keep in mind that this type will take the longest to dry out of all categories.
This is why you should hire our team of professionals here at SERVPRO of Plainfield/Shorewood and SERVPRO of Naperville South because we know what to look for. We evaluate each material to create a precious course of action to provide results and restore to the preloss condition.
Commercial Cleaning
12/27/2023 (Permalink)
Commercial Building Cleaning Services
When the dirt, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you need SERVPRO of Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen. You can depend on us to get the job done right and get it done quickly. Our highly trained technicians use top-of-the-line equipment to make your business shine again.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned: Our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO of Joliet Professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.
All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. SERVPRO offers proactive disinfecting to help minimize the spread of viruses such as COVID-19.
Document Restoration: In the aftermath of a disaster, some of your most valued contents could be lost forever. As a leader in the restoration industry, we know that timely mitigation is the key to recovering damaged possessions. With years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, our restoration professionals will help you recover your paper goods before it’s too late.
Vandalism: Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.
What about Lightning?
12/20/2023 (Permalink)
During a storm, a lot of things have the potential to cause some pretty serious damage.
Besides wind driven rain, a few other things can play a role.
Today, let’s talk lightning!
Some people think lightning never strikes the same place twice. However, lightning often strikes the same place twice, especially if it’s a tall, pointed object. Reportedly, the Empire State Building is struck nearly 25 times a year!
It is also believed that lightning only poses a threat when it is cloudy or raining. The truth is lightning often strikes more than three miles outside of a storm and has been known to travel as far as ten to fifteen miles before it even strikes the ground.
Many people are confused by the term “heat lightning” and think it only occurs as a result of a very hot summer day. The term “heat lightning” is used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away to be heard.
Lightning can be scary and has the ability to do more than just make a loud noise. Keep SERVPRO of Lockport, Lemont, and Homer Glen in mind the next time a storm comes your way!
Actions to Avoid Following a House Fire
12/13/2023 (Permalink)
Once a home fire has been extinguished, it’s a natural impulse to try and clean up as quickly as possible but doing so may cause more damage than good. Below is a list of actions to avoid following a house fire to help you recover quickly and safely.
Avoid using electronics
After a fire, it’s best to wait until a professional arrives on the scene to ensure electronics are safe to use. This includes TVs, computers, and DVD players. Even the A/C needs to stay off until you get the all-clear. Turning on electronics can create greater damage.
Don’t try to clean possessions on your own
While it’s tempting to grab a bucket of water and get to work, it's best if you do not clean walls, ceilings, and other similar surfaces, and wait to clean your clothing and similar garments. A professional should examine them first and provide advice. In some cases, different types of approaches to cleaning are necessary for different items to avoid causing further damage, so it’s best to wait for a fire remediation professional to give you advice before trying to clean on your own.
Toss all food in your home
Never eat anything that was in the home during the fire. Smoke, soot, and chemicals can get into everything and it’s better to be safe than sorry. It is most likely not safe to consume due to contamination from smoke, soot, or contaminants introduced to the environment when the fire was being extinguished. That includes canned goods. Heat damage may not be seen on the outside of canned goods, but the heat can re-cook the ingredients in the can causing harm.
Refrain from cleaning up after firefighters
Unfortunately, extinguishing a fire can cause a mess on its own as fire retardants and other foams or powders may have been used to stop the flames. Forgo trying to clean up any staining from the powder discharged by a fire extinguisher. It is best to let professionals guide the cleanup of these areas as they have the equipment to handle different types of chemical cleanup on a variety of surfaces.
It’s always tempting to start the cleanup process immediately and do as much as possible. The best course of action is to hire a certified professional to provide expert knowledge and service. The situation requires specialized tools and knowledge that only a professional can provide. A trusted professional will offer an after-fire checklist that will help speed along the fire and smoke damage cleanup process. Consulting a professional will help you restore your property back to like-new condition as quickly as possible.
Is It Safe To Stay in My Home After a Water Damage?
12/6/2023 (Permalink)
When customers call us after their home has been damaged by unwanted water, one question we often hear is how safe is it to remain in the home? There are several factors to keep in mind in the immediate aftermath of a water damage situation. What is the source of the water? Water that has come from a broken sewer line or an unknown source should be considered contaminated and is not safe to touch or handle without taking proper safety precautions. Standing water in and around your home, no matter the source, can be dangerous and pose the risk of electrocution as electrical outlets and appliances may still be live. If your home has experienced unwanted water, call the restoration professionals at SERVPRO. Our technicians will be on site quickly to help create a plan of action to get you and your family back in your home and make your property "Like it never even happened."