Recent Fire Damage Posts

Fire Damage in Crete Monee

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

Responding to fire damage scenes quickly is the key to mitigating losses to personal property in a home or business. SERVPRO technicians are ready to respond around the clock when disaster strikes. 

Once the fire is extinguished by the fire department, our crews will quick access the situation and decide how best to move forward. Smoke damaged and Water damaged laundry is usually a priority for our clients. Our Crete Monee crew will identify, inventory and remove all laundry from the structure and get it back to our facility for processing. In many cases, a move out or pack out is required. As quickly as possible, packing materials are brought to the scene and inventory and packing begins. Those items are also brought back to our facility for cleaning and deodorization

The cleaning and deodorization process can be very complex. SERVPRO uses the latest equipment and products to restore contents to pre loss condition. Ozone and hydroxyl machines assist in removing odors and specialized cleaning detergents are used to cleaning everything from laundry to hard wood furniture.

After items have been cleaned and inspected the client and insurance company representative. The are carefully packed always and stored in storage vaults until structure repairs are completed. SERVPRO of Chicago Heights-Crete-Beecher has a state of the art storage facility that is climate controlled and protected by security cameras. Our customer's possessions are our top priority at SERVPRO. 

Fire Damage Factors Involved in Cleaning

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Cleanup Post Fire May Included Many Specifics for Success

Many homeowners think about a house fire, and the picture that comes to mind is flames exploding out of their windows and up through their roofs. What many of them don't realize is that the actual flames are usually located in just one room (frequently the kitchen) and quickly put out by a home sprinkler system, foam fire extinguisher, or members of the fire department.

Fire damage to Lynwood homes is primarily from the accompanying smoke rather than the heat itself. SERVPRO inspectors and technicians have seven factors that our inspectors and technicians consider to determine how difficult it will be to clean items of smoke residue and restore them to their original state.

1) Type of Surface - A porous surface (flat latex paint or paper wall covering) lets smoke and odor penetrate more easily and is difficult to clean. A non-porous surface (enamel paint or vinyl wall covering) resists smoke and odors and is much easier to clean. For fabrics, synthetic fibers are easier to clean than natural fabrics, but they attract more smoke residue.

2) Age of Surface - The older an item is, the more difficult it is to clean. This applies to carpets and fabrics as well as paint. Even enamel paint becomes more porous as it ages.

3) The amount of Heat - High temperatures cause surfaces to expand, which makes them more porous. This expansion allows smoke residue and odor to more easily penetrate them. If the heat melts or bubbles a finish, then no amount of cleaning will restore them.

4) Amount of Moisture - If sprinklers were activated or firefighters had to soak down a room, the water left standing can combine with smoke damage to permanently yellow surfaces

5) Type of Material Burned - Synthetic materials like plastic and rubber leave a wet, 'greasy' type of soot residue. This is harder to clean than natural materials such as wood that leave a dry, powder-like residue that is easier to clean even if it becomes wet.

6) Air Pressure and Impingement - Heated air expands and circulates faster through a structure. This forces smoke residue farther into cracks and crevices, making cleaning more difficult. It also drives smoke into surfaces with greater speed, pitting and damaging them.

7) Temperature Change - Depending on the material burned, some smoke residues may contain hot oils. If they are cooled very quickly, the residue may form a film that adheres to a surface which is very difficult to clean.

Regardless of the extent of the damage, we do our best to serve our community. SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher understands that these are our neighbors and we do everything we can to help them restore their homes and property to their original state if we can. If you need our services or even just have a question about our training and equipment, call us today at (708) 672-0077.

SERVPRO Stands Ready To Assist Homeowners With Fire Damage To Their Properties

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

 

Factors That Affect The Outcome Of Fire Damage Restoration Services In Steger Properties

After fire damage in a property, there are many cleaning challenges left behind. Due to the unpredictable nature of fire, a home blaze has the potential to contain different types of smoke residues in a single room due to various kinds of materials burned and varying temperatures.

SERVPRO technicians test the smoke residues to determine the best technicians and methods to address fire damage in a Steger home. Using correct applications and tools to clean up fire loss is vital to avoid further damage to the structure and contents. For example, wetting dry smoke acts to drive it further into porous surfaces rather than cleaning it.

Keep Traffic Out of the Fire Loss Area
When a fire happens in a home, it is more common to find a portion of the house affected rather than the entire home gutted. However, discourage entrance into the areas with fire damage, as it can spread odor-causing soot around the house. When SERVPRO technicians arrive, they contain the area to inhibit any cross-contamination.

Do Not Clean Smoke Residue
Wait for SERVPRO to arrive as using consumer-based cleaning products have the potential to make the smoke and soot damage on surfaces and objects worse. Self-cleaning may make stains permanent.

Time Between the Event and Cleanup
The time that elapsed between the fire in the home and the cleanup plays a significant role in the restorability factor of both the building structure and contents.

Carpet and Flooring is Often Restorable
Each job site is unique, and SERVPRO technicians have the training to identify whether or not the carpet or hardwood flooring may benefit from their restoration services. Specialized equipment used for water extraction and drying increases the chances of a successful outcome for the flooring.

SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher stands ready to assist homeowners with fire damage to their properties. Call us at (708) 672-0077 and our trained, and certified technicians will arrive within an hour and make the fire loss “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Steger click here.

Here To Help When Fire Strikes Your Home or Business

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

As a leading restoration team in the Greater Chicago area, our professionals are trusted with recovering Park Forest homes and businesses contending with fire damages. We know how challenging restoration of these disasters can become, especially when property owners delay work starting. Smoke odors are particularly challenging because deodorization involves a more scientific and intricate approach than masking present scents with stronger ones.

Eliminating these smoke odors are a priority of our crew addressing fire damage in Park Forest homes. The SERVPRO Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) we deploy arrive with multiple machines dedicated explicitly to eliminating odor molecules and returning your property to preloss condition. Much like our diverse offerings for addressing these odor issues, rarely is one machine or approach universally successful.
 
A popular selection for addressing widespread fire effects in your home is the ozone machine. Much like the chamber we have in our facility that can work to remove smoke and charring odors from items, furniture, and fabrics, this is a portable unit that can address broad square footage of your property. The drawback to this approach is that the ozone produced by these machines is harmful, or even fatal, to humans and pets. If these units get employed in the house, there is a period where the structure must air out before our SERVPRO team can resume restoration and recovery efforts. This only takes several hours. Ozone, the O3 molecule can also degrade rubber and vinyl materials so it must be used with caution.
 
Another popular choice used by both our restoration technicians and rented by homeowners seeking to deodorize their property on their own is the hydroxyl generator. This device produces a cleansing spectrum of ultraviolet, which can disintegrate odor molecules. Ultraviolet cleaning, unlike ozone, is not unsafe for our technicians and others to be around. We can employ this unit along with addressing other aspects of mitigation and recovery. The positive effects of reduced to zero odors do take a longer time.
 
Foggers present the most portable solution for our restoration technicians on site. These machines produce a dense chemical fog that bonds with harsh lingering odors and neutralizes these molecules. This approach is ideal for soft materials like clothing, carpets, upholstery, and open areas of the house. Heated fogging can also penetrate and mimic the path of fires to the smallest nooks and crannies.
 
While many of these items can get rented through home improvement locations, the cost of rentals along with the time spent in using these units often exceeds the amounts of time and money you were attempting to avoid. For guaranteed results, call the number in the last paragraph.

Our SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher team can show you that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster. Give us a call anytime at (708) 672-0077.

Here is your local fire department--PFFD

Remove Smoke Damage From Chicago Apartments What Deodorization Equipment is Necessary?

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

smoke detector with smoke Smoke, even from neighboring units, can cause damage to your apartment. Let the professionals at SERVPRO handle your fire damage restoration.

Deodorization Equipment for Smoke-Damaged Chicago Apartments 

We strive to provide the most efficient path to recovery of your Chicago apartment after a fire loss incident. Because many of these apartment units are limited in square footage, even smaller fires can have disastrous and catastrophic results for the property owner. Odors are among the toughest obstacles to overcome, as so many materials and areas can become affected by these conditions. Choosing the best approach for odor removal does not always mean selecting one of the many premier deodorizing machines that we have available to our SERVPRO professionals. 

When beginning fire odor removal in Chicago apartments, our crew chief and production manager must assess the full scope of the damage and determine the best approach to limit the strength and severity of noxious scents. Many practices can help later official deodorization efforts to be more productive. Beginning with these preliminary tactics can maximize the use of our potent deodorizing agents and the equipment that disperses these products. Before we choose among the available odor removal equipment in the apartment, we can start by:  

  • Removing charred remnants and ash from floors and surfaces
  • Using content management to remove ruined items from the apartment
  • Cleaning exposed surfaces that are not too severely damaged to protect 

Once these steps have taken place, the present odor is more manageable for the equipment our SERVPRO team uses. Because of the limited space in an apartment, our technicians can rely on fogging equipment that can move to the specific points that suffer from the most potent smoke odor concentrations. Thermal foggers can rapidly heat deodorizing agents to a vapor. This vapor can penetrate porous materials like drywall, carpeting, and particleboard cabinets to neutralize trapped smoke molecules.  

As challenging as removing odors can be after a fire loss incident, our SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher team can help through nearly every phase of this process. We have qualified fire restoration specialists that can oversee the removal of lingering odors during restoration and make these losses “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at (708) 672-0077.  

More about Chicago.

SERVPRO Tips - How to Handle Fire Damage in Crete

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage Fire damage in Crete can be a difficult situation to tackle.
 

How to Handle Crete Fire Damage

Fire damage in Crete can be a difficult situation to tackle. Fires can ravage not only you economically, but also destroy or severely damage, objects, and things of significant sentimental value. It can be tempting to attempt restoration and repair procedures yourself, in order to preserve what is left, but doing so can be a dangerous task. Fires can severely damage structures themselves, and fill the air with toxins ranging from smoke residue to burnt chemicals. Strict safety measures must be observed, and although they can be difficult to follow for the average person, SERVPRO is able to incorporate and work with these precautions.

Typically, trained and experienced eyes can also help to salvage more from a fire, even though you're most familiar with its contents and losses. SERVPRO has been handling fire damage in Crete for years and will be able to give more accurate advice about the cleanup process. Additionally, complex safety checks such as chemical and structural hazard checks are performed by SERVPRO, and we will be able to adapt to complex situations and problems as needed. Typically, a residential or commercial fire will involve multiple situations.

Fire damage restoration companies, like SERVPRO, are also able to work with homeowners' insurance providers and perform repairs in accordance with insurance contracts. When significant repairs are conducted by an untrained individual or group, regardless of whether or not they are the owners, many insurance policies are rendered null. So, hiring a fire damage restoration service may also be the best decision from a financial standpoint as well. However, any insurance provider should be contacted and informed before hiring any company for cleanup, as their policies and specifications will typically vary significantly depending on the company and plan.

If you've had significant fire damage recently to your home or business, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher at (708) 672-0077.

Summer Fire Safety Tips Brought To You By SERVPRO

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

People around camp fire It’s very important to ensure that everyone stays safe by observing a few simple fire protection guidelines

 

Sure it can be a good time for all our fellow Beecher residents, but it’s also important to ensure that everyone stays safe by observing a few simple fire protection guidelines.

SERVPRO is glad to bring you tips from FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration and the list of five summer fire safety tips:

  1. Keep a bucket of water handy. If an ember floats out of your fire pit, or a log falls down from your bonfire stack and sets nearby foliage, paper, or other flammable materials aflame, you don’t want to be scrambling for a way to put the fire out. Having a bucket of water nearby is a great first response tool to keep a fire under control.
  2. Supervise all fireworks (if fireworks are legal in your state, of course). Sparklers and pinwheels might seem “low risk,” but the reality is that there aren’t any fireworks out there that are safe enough for kids to use without adult supervision. It’s also important to ensure that no one tries to re-light fireworks that don’t work properly the first time. Dump these in a bucket of water and move on to the next package.
  3. Don’t let barbecue grease build up. Whether you’re using a charcoal or a gas grill, it’s important to keep it clean to prevent accidental grease fires caused by all of the gunk that can accumulate on a grill over time.
  4. Inspect the area around your BBQ and campfire. You don’t want to grill or light a campfire anywhere near other flammable materials. This includes deck railings, overhanging branches, dry grass or that pile of dry wood and recycling sitting in the back corner of your yard. If you’re camping, clear out the area immediately around your BBQ or campfire spot to be sure that there’s no scrub or brush nearby that could ignite if a spark lands on it.
  5. When you’re done with the fun, put out the flames. While it might seem romantic to fall asleep in front of a campfire, you really should dump water and/or sand on those embers before catching some shut-eye. The same goes for BBQs – close your propane valve and the unit’s lid, as well as any vents on a charcoal grill once you’re done. Unsupervised BBQs can easily tip over in the wind. A breeze can pick up and carry coals and embers from that campfire, dropping them where they can ignite dry grass, branches, trees or deck planks.

Trust SERVPRO Professionals To Clean Fire Damaged Homes in Park Forest

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Fire SERVPRO has the training and equipment to restore your fire damaged home.
How Professionals Clean Fire Damaged Homes in Park Forest


SERVPRO has the training and equipment to restore your fire damaged home.

7/17/2019

Using Cleanup Services After Fire Damage in Your Park Forest Residence is Critical

Fires are devastating events for homeowners since they have to cope with the loss of invaluable possessions. The financial setback can take an emotional and psychological toll on anyone. After a fire, it is vital to file an insurance claim quickly. Your insurance company may require certain information before the restoration process begins.

Before a fire restoration company arrives, it is helpful to have insurance information like your policy number, claim number, the insurance carrier, agent, and the contact information of your adjuster. Fire damage in your Park Forest residence can lead to corrosion if you do not deal with it speedily, limiting the success rate of restoration. Decontamination should take priority to maintain the potential of restoring items instead of replacing them. More destruction increases fire restoration expenses and can slow down the claims process.

Smoke and soot can cause additional issues within a few days, including permanently staining upholstery, metal rusting or corroding, and causing walls to turn yellow. Our priority at SERVPRO is assisting our customers in getting their lives back to normal as soon as possible. We, therefore, take quick action to restore homes to their pre-fire damage condition.

Our Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT) can assess your house to determine the extent of the destruction to its structure and contents. This step allows us to gauge the route to take to restore a property. For instance, if there’s a water leak, we can identify the source and deal with it before we start fire decontamination. Our technicians can start the fire damage repair process with cleaning up dust, soot, and smoke. We can use various methods to achieve this, including dry cleaning, air scrubbing, and pressure washing. Our technicians also remove ruined furnishings.  We also clean up the restorable and dispose of ruined items.

We use various methods to remove smoke and soot residues from surfaces. Some cleaning actions we can use to eliminate soils from a structure include:

  • Chemical action
  • Mechanical action
  • Lubrication
  • Suspension and dispersion

Our SERVPRO crews also use specialized equipment like wall cleaners to eradicate soot and oily residue.  Vacuums with HEPA filters capture debris and sodium bicarbonate blasters to eradicate surface charring.

When you need fire damage cleanup services, SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher can be there to help you get your life back to normal. Contact us today at (708) 672-0077 to benefit from our fire restoration solutions. We can make the destruction seem “Like it never even happened.”

More about Park Forest.

When Home Fires Hit - SERVPRO Is Ready To Respond & Help

5/29/2021 (Permalink)

Burned Down Home Burn Down Home in Beecher, IL

How to Handle Beecher Fire Damage

Fire damage in Beecher can be a difficult situation to tackle. Fires can ravage not only you economically, but also destroy or severely damage, objects, and things of significant sentimental value. It can be tempting to attempt restoration and repair procedures yourself, in order to preserve what is left, but doing so can be a dangerous task. Fires can severely damage structures themselves, and fill the air with toxins ranging from smoke residue to burnt chemicals. Strict safety measures must be observed, and although they can be difficult to follow for the average person, SERVPRO is able to incorporate and work with these precautions. 

Typically, trained and experienced eyes can also help to salvage more from a fire, even though you're most familiar with its contents and losses. SERVPRO has been handling fire damage in Beecher for years and will be able to give more accurate advice about the cleanup process. Additionally, complex safety checks such as chemical and structural hazard checks are performed by SERVPRO, and we will be able to adapt to complex situations and problems as needed. Typically, a residential or commercial fire will involve multiple situations.

Fire damage restoration companies, like SERVPRO, are also able to work with homeowners' insurance providers and perform repairs in accordance with insurance contracts. When significant repairs are conducted by an untrained individual or group, regardless of whether or not they are the owners, many insurance policies are rendered null. So, hiring a fire damage restoration service may also be the best decision from a financial standpoint as well. However, any insurance provider should be contacted and informed before hiring any company for cleanup, as their policies and specifications will typically vary significantly depending on the company and plan. 

If you've had significant fire damage recently to your home or business, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher at (708) 672-0077.

Ask The Experts: What Happens After The Fire?

4/5/2021 (Permalink)

Fires cause so much more damage than just destroying a home.  Fires destroy memories, happiness, peace, and safety.  After a fire, even a small one, calling SERVPRO can start the rebuilding of your life.  Our technicians know that you are a person and we treat you the way that we would want to be treated.  We do what we can to help restore your life.  We can restore your home and also the items in it.  If your photo album has smoke and soot damage our document restoration team will jump in.  If your child’s favorite stuffed animal has damaged our cleaning crew can take it back to our offices and do their best to bring it back to its prior life.  

Our fire restoration team does what needs to be done to bring life back to your home and a smile back to your face.  We can’t fix everything but we can do our best to get as close to preload condition as possible.  We know that some things will be lost and that if we’re our highly trained technicians will help you navigate through insurance claims.  

Fire Restoration in Crete

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

Garage with fire damage "Like it never even happened," only happens when you call SERVPRO!

SERVPRO of Chicago Heights/Crete/Beecher is a leader in fire restoration in the Crete area.  Our technicians will walk you through the process of restoring your home from the moment the fireman put out the fire.  The first step in any fire is to secure the property from any further damage.  Our 24 hour board up team will quickly respond to your property to secure all access points to prevent theft, and further damage from both the elements and animals.  Once your home is secured our team will begin the process of packing out your home.  It is important to have a quality team to take pictures and document all belongings that have been affected by the fire.  Our fire team is trained to carefully sift though your belongings and determine what will be able to salvaged and what considered unsalvageable.  Items that can be salvaged are carefully packed up and brought back to our secure warehouse where they are processed, cleaned and stored until you move back into your home.  Meanwhile, our demo team will work hard to remove all debris and affected building materials from your home in preparation of our construction team coming in to rebuild.

Choosing SERVPRO for your restoration needs means that you are going to deal with one company from beginning to end of the process.  We strive to give each client the highest level of service and restore your home to "Like it never even happened."  For more information on our restoration services call our office at 708-672-0077.

SERVPRO Services for Fire Victims

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians cleaning fire damages cabinet With many years of experience we can restore you belongings after a fire.

In addition to our fire damage repair and restoration services, SERVPRO also offers a number of accompanying services to help get your home, belongings, and family in order as soon as possible following a fire. Our technicians are trained not only to repair your home, but also to help and work with you, and as such, they can directly take on a number of services or negotiate with licensed contractors for further help.

Inventory Management
With advanced software and tracking technology, our professionals can help to take inventory of everything in your home following fire damage in Crete, room-by-room and with your guidance. Not only does this help you to better understand what was and was not lost in the fire, but it also helps when negotiating with insurance providers, so that they can compare inventories and know what was lost in the fire.

Moving Services
Our technicians will help to move out furniture, equipment, and anything you may need if you need to leave the home while it is being restored. This goes hand-in-hand with our inventory services, and one will typically accompany the other. As always, we do everything under your watch and guidance, so that there are no misunderstandings or issues that arise.

Electronics and Artwork Cleaning
Electronics and artwork, if not initially destroyed in the fire, can still take on severe damage even after the dust has settled through staining and corrosion. Depending on the damage, a SERVPRO professional may be able to restore it manually, or we can employ a licensed and trained contractor or specialist to handle the items. These professionals understand the delicate tasks associated with the repair of these items and are the best individuals available to handle these restorations.
 
At SERVPRO of Chicago Heights/ Crete/ Beecher, we train each and every one of our technicians to always work closely with the homeowner and to provide services to help you to get through your crisis. If you require our cleanup and restoration services, just give us a call 24/7 at (708) 672-0077.

The facts about fires in your Steger home

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Dinning room table damaged by fire SERVPRO technicians are trained to see through the damage to determine what can be salvaged from a fire.

Fire damage in your Steger home can be a difficult situation to tackle. Fires can ravage not only you economically, but also destroy or severely damage, objects, and things of significant sentimental value. It can be tempting to attempt restoration and repair procedures yourself, in order to preserve what is left, but doing so can be a dangerous task. Fires can severely damage structures themselves, and fill the air with toxins ranging from smoke residue to burnt chemicals. Strict safety measures must be observed, and although they can be difficult to follow for the average person, SERVPRO is able to incorporate and work with these precautions.

Typically, trained and experienced eyes can also help to salvage more from a fire, even though you're most familiar with its contents and losses. SERVPRO has been handling fire damage in Steger for years and will be able to give more accurate advice about the cleanup process. Additionally, complex safety checks such as chemical and structural hazard checks are performed by SERVPRO, and we will be able to adapt to complex situations and problems as needed. Typically, a residential or commercial fire will involve multiple situations.

Fire damage restoration companies, like SERVPRO, are also able to work with homeowners' insurance providers and perform repairs in accordance with insurance contracts. When significant repairs are conducted by an untrained individual or group, regardless of whether or not they are the owners, many insurance policies are rendered null. So, hiring a fire damage restoration service may also be the best decision from a financial standpoint as well. However, any insurance provider should be contacted and informed before hiring any company for cleanup, as their policies and specifications will typically vary significantly depending on the company and plan.

If you've had significant fire damage recently to your home or business, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher at (708) 672-0077.

A Small Fire in Your Beecher Home Can Leave a Lot of Smoke

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

toaster oven on fire Small fires can cause ample smoke damage to your home

Most homeowners believe  that if they have a small fire in their home that they do not need restoration.  While you may have had a small toaster oven fire that did not cause any burning to your home the smoke from the fire itself can cause a lot of damage that at first you may not see.

For many of us, we get used to the smell of our home no matter if it is good or bad.  You may smell the smoke for a day or two, however after that the smell may fade to you.  When this happens many homeowners think that the smell is gone when if fact they have just gotten used to the smell.  

Using air scrubbers and proper cleaning our team can be sure to remove all odors and smoke residue from your home.  This ensures  that at your next dinner party your guest don't ask you what is burning?

Memories in Flames

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Fire pit with fire at night Fire damage requires the professional services of SERVPRO.

Making Memories

That family bonfire or barbecue are days that we are all look forward to and enjoy.  The days that we get out the grill or push the oven in our home to the max.  And don’t forget those romantic nights that we get out the candles and turn on the music.  These are days that memories are made.

When Tragedy Strikes

All those memories however can go up in flames, literally in a matter of moments.  A grill too close to the house, a bonfire that gets out of control, an unattended oven, or a family pet that knocks over a candle are all moments that are can start a fire.  A home fire can take hold and destroy a home in minutes.  Typically, before the fire department gets to your home, there is already enough damage to your home that restoration is needed.  Even if your home only has a smoke smell and no other damage, that smoke smell can take months to get rid of without professional help.

Here to Help

The professionals at SERVPRO of Chicago Heights/Crete/Beecher are ready to help homeowners restore their homes.  From deodorizing to carpet cleaning for smoke damages we got you covered.  In the cases of bigger fire damages, our crews will come in and pack out belongings and tear out all that needs to go.  Our restoration team and construction team will rebuild your home if that is what is needed.  We care about your memories and belongs as well as the bones of your home.  Our restoration team will restore whatever can be savaged from the home and res turn that back to you as well.

Trust SERVPRO

All our technicians are fully insured and licensed, and we will work with your insurance company, so you don’t have to worry. With years of restoration experience, we have worked with many insurance companies out there, so rest assured we help you though the process.

CALL OUR OFFICE TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION AT 708-672-0077.

Park Forest Property Owners Can Always Ask SERVPRO for Help with Fire and Smoke Damage Cleanup and Restoration Services

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

Fire, Soot, Ashe, and Smoke Damage in Your Forest Park Home? Overwhelming? Call SERVPRO for Restoration Service

DIY Smoke Damage Wall and Surface Cleanup in Park Forest Homes

It is crucial to clean any area of your home that has fire damage as soon as possible. Both soot and smoke are acidic and often prove difficult to clean. Airborne soot particles are harmful to breathe and should be professionally cleaned to ensure a healthy living environment. For minor smoke damage, these tips should make it easy to clean up.

The items needed to clean fire damage in your Park Forest home are probably already there with one exception, a dry-cleaning sponge. This sponge cleans surfaces without getting them wet and wipes away particulate matter. Other items you need are as follows:

Rubbing alcohol
White Vinegar
Degreasing cleaner
Bucket with hot water
Cleaning Cloths
Dry-cleaning sponge
Kitchen sponges
Respirator
Gloves
Eye protection
Disposable shoe covers

Before you begin cleaning walls damaged by fire, there are a few things you need to do. First, turn off your HVAC system, so soot does not spread and open up the windows and doors to ventilate the room, but only if there is no risk of circulating ashes or soot to clean areas of the home. Always consider calling in SERVPRO for fire damage restoration services.

Ensure that you wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. You need to wear a respirator, eye protection, and gloves as soot is unhealthy to breathe and can irritate the skin. If you leave the area you are cleaning to go to another area of the home, change your shoe covers to avoid tracking soot around the property.

If there is debris that requires removal or a lot of surfaces to clean, it is a smart move to bring in professional assistance to clean up your home. Improper cleaning of residues from a fire can stain walls and cause more damage to other surfaces. SERVPRO uses pre-testing to minimize potential added staining and marring to porous surfaces.

When you begin cleaning, use the dry-cleaning sponge first to wipe away as much soot and smoke residue as you can from surfaces. Avoid wetting soot as it has the potential to smear and spread, staining affected surfaces further.  

One of the best dry-cleaning sponge techniques to use is to turn the sponge as you use it for a few strokes; this ensures you continue picking up soot instead of spreading it. Once all sides of the dry-cleaning sponge show soot, use a utility knife to slice away the sides to clean away the used portions and have virtually a clean sponge ready to work again. Use gentle wiping motions and never scrub walls or surfaces.

After you finish wiping surfaces with the dry-cleaning sponge, you can move on to regular sponges and liquid cleaners. There are specific commercial formulas for cleaning soot; however, vinegar, paint thinner, and degreasing solutions work in their place. It is vital to clean every surface in the room, even if it appears clean and untouched by smoke.

Rinse your cleaning cloth in a bucket of hot water as you wipe up residue from the fire and change the water out in the bucket when it is dark or smells like smoke. Then upon completion, wipe surfaces again with a clean cloth and clean water to remove any residue from cleaning products. Chances are great you may have to prime or recoat some walls or a ceiling with fresh paint.

SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher knows fire damage can feel overwhelming to deal with. Our qualified team is available 24/7 by calling (708) 672-0077 to mitigate fire loss in your home. We try to make it "Like it never even happened."

Here is information on this area of IL.

Fire Damage Remediation in Park Forest: This is What Professionals Do

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage affects your entire home. Its remnants can get into the smallest of places. Contact SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

How SERVPRO Fights Fire Odor Combined with Fire Damage in Park Forest Home

The majority of fire damage mitigations are not for full house losses. In many cases, it is a portion of a room that was affected. Which can lead to a mistake many homeowners make, when they self-clean the remnants of the fire and think the odor is something they have to just live with.

When SERVPRO handles fire damage in a Park Forest home, we address all levels of fire damage, the visible charred contents, smoke residues and the invisible components odors from soot that cannot be seen but make their presence known until professionally mitigated.

Containment around the damaged area prevents any further spread of residues or odor. Our technicians remove damaged building materials off premises as they add to the odor problem. If there is water or excess moisture from extinguishing the fire, extraction happens as quickly as possible, so the process of drying the structure with our air movers to pull moisture from walls, floors and contents.

Ventilation is a crucial factor in the remediation of fire loss and eliminating odor. SERVPRO technicians run ventilation equipment during cleanup from a fire loss. We have equipment such as negative air machine which is beneficial for capturing odor-causing microscopic particulates and removing them from the area a vacuum-effect.

The removal of smoke and soot remains a keystone in avoiding lingering odors. Once the room has dried, our technicians wipe down all surfaces using cleaning methods applicable to the type of residues left by the fire. For example, synthetic materials such as plastic housings of electronics or rubber covers over cords tend to leave greasy films that require a wet sponge technique to clean with our professional-grade cleaning formulas.

If any odors remain after the application of other treatments, our certified odor control technicians have additional methods to eliminate odors in both building materials and contents at the molecular level, so we leave the home in its preloss condition. 

Contact SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher at (708) 672-0077 when you need assistance with fire damage. Our technicians have the training, equipment and experience to make your fire loss "Like it never even happened."

Click here for more information about the city of Park Forest.

Fire Threatens Your Crete Home

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let fire ruin your happy Crete home.

When fire and smoke damage threatens your happy Crete home, call the experts to restore it.  At SERVPRO of Chicago Heights/ Crete/ Beecher we care about your home.  Many people think a small fire means little damage, however even the smallest of fires can cause damage to most of your home.  When fire fighters put out the fire in your home, water is used causing water damage as well.  Additionally, the smoke from a fire can ruin furniture, carpets, and walls if not properly cleaned.  At SERVPRO of Chicago Heights/ Crete/ Beecher we pride ourselves in restoring your home and belongings.

There are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with fires.  

  • Having a fire extinguisher in your home can help stop small fires before the become large ones.
  • Never attempt to put out a grease fire with water... remember oil and water DON'T mix!
  • Having an evacuation plan in place can save valuable seconds in a fire, but remember that just having a plan is not enough... PRACTICE IT!
  • Check smoke detectors often and replace batteries!

All the precautions in the word are helpful, but when fire does happen... SERVPRO of Chicago Heights/ Crete/ Beecher will be here to help!  We will do everything that we can to make your happy home smile again making it "Like it never even happened."

We are available 24/7 for all of your fire emergency needs, from boarding up your home to restoring it.  For more information call our friendly office staff at (708) 672-0077.   

Holiday Fire Tips

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

Holiday Fire Tips

The holidays offer many opportunities for family and friends to gather, but they also come with an increased fire risk. With a little extra attention and care, you can help your family have a happy and safe holiday season.

Cooking

The holidays don’t feel like the holidays without delicious food. While cooking always presents potential fire hazards, home cooking fires always spike up around the holiday season.

When you have lots of cooks in the kitchen, it’s easy for things to get messy and confusing. However, a cluttered, chaotic kitchen is a hazardous kitchen. Make sure to keep flammable objects, like towels, packaging, and potholders, away from the stove. Communicate with everyone in the kitchen so you don’t leave the stovetop or oven on when it’s not in use. Wipe up spills quickly, and don’t let grease pile up around a burner.

If a deep-fried turkey is on the menu, make sure you fry it on a flat surface outside at least 10 feet away from the house.

Holiday Lights

While holiday lights can add a fun ambience to your home, it’s important to decorate safely. When you first open a package of new lights or crack open a box of previously-loved strands, take time to inspect each strand. If you find frayed or cracked wires or any broken sockets, return them or throw them away.

Don’t put more strands of lights on your tree than the packaging recommends. Overloading trees (and outlets) are a common cause of holiday fires. Unplug your holiday lights (and tree, if applicable) before you go to bed or leave the house.

If you want to hang lights outside, don’t use nails or staples as they can damage the wiring. Invest in quality hooks or hangers. Once the holidays are over, take down all outside lights. Small animals, like squirrels, may start chewing on the wires if you leave them up all year.

Menorahs

If your family uses menorahs for Hanukkah, you could consider using an electric one to cut down on fire hazards. If you prefer traditional candles, just be careful.

Keep the menorah at least three feet away from flammable items, and make sure you place a non-flammable surface, like an aluminum foil-lined tray, underneath the menorah to catch the melting wax.

Christmas Trees

Setting up the Christmas tree can mark the beginning of the Christmas holiday for many families. Unfortunately, if they are not properly set up and taken care of, they pose a large fire risk.

Keep the Christmas tree at least three feet away from fireplaces or heating elements in your home.

If you prefer a live Christmas tree, make sure to care for it properly. A dry tree can start to engulf a room in flames within a minute of ignition. Help reduce fire risks with the following guidelines:

  • Buy a fresh tree. When you first choose the tree, the pine needles should be green and not easily broken.
  • Cut off the bottom. When you get the tree home, cut two inches of the bottom to create a raw cut so the tree can soak in water.
  • Water the tree daily. Well-watered trees are less likely to catch fire.
  • Throw it out promptly. No matter how much you water it, your tree will dry out over time. Once the pine needles start to fall off and the tree starts to dry, it’s time to throw it out.

If you choose an artificial tree, consider flame-resistant or flame-retardant options.

Taking steps to prevent holiday fires can help reduce the risk, but there’s always a possibility of a fire. If your home suffers fire damage, SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher can help.

We have the knowledge and experience to properly treat fire and smoke damage to make your home “Like it never even happened.” We offer 24/7 emergency service; call us anytime at (708) 672-0077.

Beecher fire damage

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

How to Handle Beecher Fire Damage

Fire damage in Beecher can be a difficult situation to tackle. Fires can ravage not only you economically, but also destroy or severely damage, objects, and things of significant sentimental value. It can be tempting to attempt restoration and repair procedures yourself, in order to preserve what is left, but doing so can be a dangerous task. Fires can severely damage structures themselves, and fill the air with toxins ranging from smoke residue to burnt chemicals. Strict safety measures must be observed, and although they can be difficult to follow for the average person, SERVPRO is able to incorporate and work with these precautions. 

Typically, trained and experienced eyes can also help to salvage more from a fire, even though you're most familiar with its contents and losses. SERVPRO has been handling fire damage in Beecher for years and will be able to give more accurate advice about the cleanup process. Additionally, complex safety checks such as chemical and structural hazard checks are performed by SERVPRO, and we will be able to adapt to complex situations and problems as needed. Typically, a residential or commercial fire will involve multiple situations.

Fire damage restoration companies, like SERVPRO, are also able to work with homeowners' insurance providers and perform repairs in accordance with insurance contracts. When significant repairs are conducted by an untrained individual or group, regardless of whether or not they are the owners, many insurance policies are rendered null. So, hiring a fire damage restoration service may also be the best decision from a financial standpoint as well. However, any insurance provider should be contacted and informed before hiring any company for cleanup, as their policies and specifications will typically vary significantly depending on the company and plan. 

If you've had significant fire damage recently to your home or business, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher at (708) 672-0077.

Board Up - Park Forest - Fire Damage

8/3/2018 (Permalink)

Board up of a Property in Park Forest, IL

Fires are one of the most devastating forces in nature, so when one of them happens to your home or commercial business, they are a life changer.

That is why its important to prepare for such events ahead of time so you can at least put yourself or your business in the best position to recover and recover quickly. That is where the Restoration Experts at SERVPRO of Chicago Heights - Crete - Beecher can help. Whether is preparing your business ahead of time with one of our Emergency Ready Profiles (ERP) or having us programmed ahead of time in your smart phone. This simple preparation cannot be overstated.

Acting quickly after a fire strikes can mean the difference in thousands or tens of thousands of dollars in secondary damage, that can happen after the fire is already out.

Securing your property with a Board Up is only the first step in this process. Proper Mitigation and Restoration, from highly trained crews to leading edge cleaning technologySERVPRO of Chicago Heights - Crete - Beecher has you covered.

SERVPRO has been helping families and businesses recover when disaster strikes, for almost 60 years and has been the #1 Restoration Company in the Nation for the last 16 years. Trust the fire professionals that the insurance professional trust.... trust SERVPRO of Chicago Heights - Crete - Beecher

                        708-672-0077

#BoardUp #FireDamage # SmokeDamage #WaterDamage #Mold #BioCleanUp #SewerDamage #SERVPRO #PlanetSERVPRO #DisasterRecoveryTeam #LargeLossResponseTeam #FirstResponders #SERVPROChicagoHeightsCreteBeecher #MABAS24 #MABAS27 #

Keep your Beecher church safe from fire.

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

he fire services recommend this checklist to assist your small business in preventing damage that could be caused by fire:

  • Avoid storing or stockpiling flammable materials such as packaging materials or waste where they could be accessed by the public, including areas immediately outside your business premises.
  • Make sure all machinery is serviced as recommended by manufacturers and is kept clean. If possible, switch machinery off when the business is unattended.
  • Secure all doors, windows or other access points when the business is unattended, and make sure your business has adequate lighting to deter trespassers.
  • Ensure your business has an adequately serviced and functional fire alarm system that is suitable to your small business eg: Remote serviced alarm systems, sprinkler systems, thermal or smoke alarms etc.
  • If your business stores dangerous goods, ensure their storage and use adheres to legislative requirements.
  • Make sure your business has a written and practiced fire escape plan that includes full staff lists and designated meeting points.

How to handle fire damage in Monee

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

How to Handle Fire Damage

Fire damage in Monee can be a difficult situation to tackle. Fires can ravage not only you economically, but also destroy or severely damage, objects, and things of significant sentimental value. It can be tempting to attempt restoration and repair procedures yourself, in order to preserve what is left, but doing so can be a dangerous task. Fires can severely damage structures themselves, and fill the air with toxins ranging from smoke residue to burnt chemicals. Strict safety measures must be observed, and although they can be difficult to follow for the average person, SERVPRO is able to incorporate and work with these precautions. 

Typically, trained and experienced eyes can also help to salvage more from a fire, even though you're most familiar with its contents and losses. SERVPRO has been handling fire damage in Crete for years and will be able to give more accurate advice about the cleanup process. Additionally, complex safety checks such as chemical and structural hazard checks are performed by SERVPRO, and we will be able to adapt to complex situations and problems as needed. Typically, a residential or commercial fire will involve multiple situations.

Fire damage restoration companies, like SERVPRO, are also able to work with homeowners' insurance providers and perform repairs in accordance with insurance contracts. When significant repairs are conducted by an untrained individual or group, regardless of whether or not they are the owners, many insurance policies are rendered null. So, hiring a fire damage restoration service may also be the best decision from a financial standpoint as well. However, any insurance provider should be contacted and informed before hiring any company for cleanup, as their policies and specifications will typically vary significantly depending on the company and plan. 

If you've had significant fire damage recently to your home or business, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher at (708) 672-0077.

Tips for being safe around fire this Summer

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

Summer weather means cookouts, Fourth of July fireworks, and all sorts of campfire fun!

Sure it can be a good time for all our fellow Beecher residents, but it’s also important to ensure that everyone stays safe by observing a few simple fire protection guidelines.

SERVPRO is glad to bring you tips from FEMA and the U.S. Fire Administration and the list of five summer fire safety tips:

  1. Keep a bucket of water handy. If an ember floats out of your fire pit, or a log falls down from your bonfire stack and sets nearby foliage, paper, or other flammable materials aflame, you don’t want to be scrambling for a way to put the fire out. Having a bucket of water nearby is a great first response tool to keep a fire under control.
  2. Supervise all fireworks (if fireworks are legal in your state, of course). Sparklers and pinwheels might seem “low risk,” but the reality is that there aren’t any fireworks out there that are safe enough for kids to use without adult supervision. It’s also important to ensure that no one tries to re-light fireworks that don’t work properly the first time. Dump these in a bucket of water and move on to the next package.
  3. Don’t let barbecue grease build up. Whether you’re using a charcoal or a gas grill, it’s important to keep it clean to prevent accidental grease fires caused by all of the gunk that can accumulate on a grill over time.
  4. Inspect the area around your BBQ and campfire. You don’t want to grill or light a campfire anywhere near other flammable materials. This includes deck railings, overhanging branches, dry grass or that pile of dry wood and recycling sitting in the back corner of your yard. If you’re camping, clear out the area immediately around your BBQ or campfire spot to be sure that there’s no scrub or brush nearby that could ignite if a spark lands on it.
  5. When you’re done with the fun, put out the flames. While it might seem romantic to fall asleep in front of a campfire, you really should dump water and/or sand on those embers before catching some shut-eye. The same goes for BBQs – close your propane valve and the unit’s lid, as well as any vents on a charcoal grill once you’re done. Unsupervised BBQs can easily tip over in the wind. A breeze can pick up and carry coals and embers from that campfire, dropping them where they can ignite dry grass, branches, trees or deck planks.

Holiday Fire Tips for Chicago Heights

12/5/2017 (Permalink)

The holidays offer many opportunities for family and friends to gather, but they also come with an increased fire risk. With a little extra attention and care, you can help your family have a happy and safe holiday season.

Cooking

The holidays don’t feel like the holidays without delicious food. While cooking always presents potential fire hazards, home cooking fires always spike up around the holiday season.

When you have lots of cooks in the kitchen, it’s easy for things to get messy and confusing. However, a cluttered, chaotic kitchen is a hazardous kitchen. Make sure to keep flammable objects, like towels, packaging, and potholders, away from the stove. Communicate with everyone in the kitchen so you don’t leave the stovetop or oven on when it’s not in use. Wipe up spills quickly, and don’t let grease pile up around a burner.

If a deep-fried turkey is on the menu, make sure you fry it on a flat surface outside at least 10 feet away from the house.

Holiday Lights

While holiday lights can add a fun ambience to your home, it’s important to decorate safely. When you first open a package of new lights or crack open a box of previously-loved strands, take time to inspect each strand. If you find frayed or cracked wires or any broken sockets, return them or throw them away.

Don’t put more strands of lights on your tree than the packaging recommends. Overloading trees (and outlets) are a common cause of holiday fires. Unplug your holiday lights (and tree, if applicable) before you go to bed or leave the house.

If you want to hang lights outside, don’t use nails or staples as they can damage the wiring. Invest in quality hooks or hangers. Once the holidays are over, take down all outside lights. Small animals, like squirrels, may start chewing on the wires if you leave them up all year.

Menorahs

If your family uses menorahs for Hanukkah, you could consider using an electric one to cut down on fire hazards. If you prefer traditional candles, just be careful.

Keep the menorah at least three feet away from flammable items, and make sure you place a non-flammable surface, like an aluminum foil-lined tray, underneath the menorah to catch the melting wax.

Christmas Trees

Setting up the Christmas tree can mark the beginning of the Christmas holiday for many families. Unfortunately, if they are not properly set up and taken care of, they pose a large fire risk.

Keep the Christmas tree at least three feet away from fireplaces or heating elements in your home.

If you prefer a live Christmas tree, make sure to care for it properly. A dry tree can start to engulf a room in flames within a minute of ignition. Help reduce fire risks with the following guidelines:

  • Buy a fresh tree. When you first choose the tree, the pine needles should be green and not easily broken.
  • Cut off the bottom. When you get the tree home, cut two inches of the bottom to create a raw cut so the tree can soak in water.
  • Water the tree daily. Well-watered trees are less likely to catch fire.
  • Throw it out promptly. No matter how much you water it, your tree will dry out over time. Once the pine needles start to fall off and the tree starts to dry, it’s time to throw it out.

If you choose an artificial tree, consider flame-resistant or flame-retardant options.

Taking steps to prevent holiday fires can help reduce the risk, but there’s always a possibility of a fire. If your home suffers fire damage, SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher can help.

We have the knowledge and experience to properly treat fire and smoke damage to make your home “Like it never even happened.” We offer 24/7 emergency service; call us anytime at (708) 672-0077.

How to handle fire damage in Beecher

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

How to Handle Beecher Fire Damage

Fire damage in Beecher can be a difficult situation to tackle. Fires can ravage not only you economically, but also destroy or severely damage, objects, and things of significant sentimental value. It can be tempting to attempt restoration and repair procedures yourself, in order to preserve what is left, but doing so can be a dangerous task. Fires can severely damage structures themselves, and fill the air with toxins ranging from smoke residue to burnt chemicals. Strict safety measures must be observed, and although they can be difficult to follow for the average person, SERVPRO is able to incorporate and work with these precautions. 

Typically, trained and experienced eyes can also help to salvage more from a fire, even though you're most familiar with its contents and losses. SERVPRO has been handling fire damage in Beecher for years and will be able to give more accurate advice about the cleanup process. Additionally, complex safety checks such as chemical and structural hazard checks are performed by SERVPRO, and we will be able to adapt to complex situations and problems as needed. Typically, a residential or commercial fire will involve multiple situations.

Fire damage restoration companies, like SERVPRO, are also able to work with homeowners' insurance providers and perform repairs in accordance with insurance contracts. When significant repairs are conducted by an untrained individual or group, regardless of whether or not they are the owners, many insurance policies are rendered null. So, hiring a fire damage restoration service may also be the best decision from a financial standpoint as well. However, any insurance provider should be contacted and informed before hiring any company for cleanup, as their policies and specifications will typically vary significantly depending on the company and plan. 

If you've had significant fire damage recently to your home or business, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher at (708) 672-0077.

The ERP Plan from SERVPRO is a Valuable Tool Against Fire and Water Damage in Lynwood

8/2/2017 (Permalink)

The ERP Plan from SERVPRO is a Valuable Tool Against Fire and Water Damage in Lynwood

What is your preference if disaster strikes -- prepared or panicked? When fire or water damage threatens your property, knowing you have a detailed action plan solidly in place gives you confidence that your home or business is on the road to a speedy and sure restoration. We partner with you to get a complete recovery blueprint crafted and in place. 
 
Developing a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile and Plan safeguards your investment by streamlining our response to your troubles. Select us as your SERVPRO Franchise Representative, and start by scheduling a free, no-obligation walk-through of either your home or your business with one of our professional assessors. A review of your physical plant sharpens our focus on how to best respond to your property’s unique needs in the event of a catastrophic fire event in Lynwood. We also recommend adjustments for you to better prepare for loss based on our experience. 
 
The next step is to create your account online. Complete an Emergency Ready Profile for your property, following the template provided. Owning or operating more than one property simply means you fill out a Profile for each. The Profile app directs the procedure, including prompts to take and archive pictures and layouts of all areas. Utility locations and shutoffs are pinpointed, and sprinkler and alarm systems are delineated. Key managers or employees to whom you delegate decision-making authority are determined. Identify the owner of the building if you lease space. 
 
We suggest the use of a tablet or phone to record the data requested in the SERVPRO Ready Plan Application, including taking pictures. A Field Form downloaded, printed, and completed as you tour the property also is acceptable for you to use as a preliminary source of information. Once you finish the walk-through, log into your account and load the details online, adding the pictures taken per the prompts. 
 
Once your Emergency Ready Profiles and Plan (ERPs) are saved our SERVPRO will hit the ground running when you or your representative contact us after a disaster or mishap. Use the mobile app to log into your account and alert us about the specific situation. The app speedily leads you through the process, using the information you previously inputted. We have a clear and concise plan at our fingertips, permitting our technicians to get to work immediately to restore the damage. The established plan is vastly preferable to our crew familiarizing themselves with the building under stress and needing many questions answered. 
 
Being "Ready for whatever happens" inspires faith in your customers, employees, and family. It is clear your business recovers and thrives, or your home again provides comfort and shelter. Work with the professionals at SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher to devise an Emergency Ready Profile and Plan to protect your business, home, or other property from fire damage by calling (708) 672-0077 before a disaster occurs.

The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning in Chicago Heights

6/28/2017 (Permalink)

The Importance of Dryer Vent Cleaning

Dryer vent cleaning prevents fires. You will want to make sure that your home or commercial property is completely safe. Whether by flooding, fire or some other mishap, there are plenty of ways that your property can be threatened. One of the best ways to ensure that you are prepared for a catastrophic emergency is always to have a local residential and commercial property cleanup and restoration service.

Dryer Vent Cleaning Prevents Fires 

Keep your property from sustaining irreversible fire damage. Making sure your dryer vents are clean and free from obstruction will help keep your property safe from the possibility of a fire. It's also an excellent precaution to take to keep the air in the building from getting choked up with dust, lint and other health hazards that can accumulate in a dryer vent. 

Get Help from a Local Cleanup and Restoration Service 

It's up to you to contact an expert local cleaning and fire restoration service to ensure that your vents get cleaned in a correct and timely fashion. When you are in doubt as to whether the vents or other areas in your home are functioning correctly, a good, thorough cleaning is never a bad idea. 

Even if it turns out that your property is not quite yet due for a full cleaning, a reputable local cleanup service can help such as removing any excess pollen or debris that has accumulated in the vents. This way, you can save a great deal of time, money and worry by taking timely preventative measures. Keeping the proper level of air quality in your home or commercial building will go a long way toward keeping the structure safe for your family or employees to inhabit. An expert local service will ultimately save you a great deal of time and stress.

Expert Help for Dryer Vent Cleaning Is Available 

At SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher, we know that dryer vent cleaning prevents fires. This is only one of the many services that we can provide for you to make sure that your home or commercial property will be safe against the event of an unforeseen mishap or emergency. If an emergency should befall your property, you'll want to call a service that can get to you in a prompt and timely manner. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

If you are in need of quick and efficient dryer vent cleaning, we're here to assist you.

Handling fire damage in Monee

6/28/2017 (Permalink)

How to Handle Fire Damage

Fire damage in Monee can be a difficult situation to tackle. Fires can ravage not only you economically, but also destroy or severely damage, objects, and things of significant sentimental value. It can be tempting to attempt restoration and repair procedures yourself, in order to preserve what is left, but doing so can be a dangerous task. Fires can severely damage structures themselves, and fill the air with toxins ranging from smoke residue to burnt chemicals. Strict safety measures must be observed, and although they can be difficult to follow for the average person, SERVPRO is able to incorporate and work with these precautions. 

Typically, trained and experienced eyes can also help to salvage more from a fire, even though you're most familiar with its contents and losses. SERVPRO has been handling fire damage in Crete for years and will be able to give more accurate advice about the cleanup process. Additionally, complex safety checks such as chemical and structural hazard checks are performed by SERVPRO, and we will be able to adapt to complex situations and problems as needed. Typically, a residential or commercial fire will involve multiple situations.

Fire damage restoration companies, like SERVPRO, are also able to work with homeowners' insurance providers and perform repairs in accordance with insurance contracts. When significant repairs are conducted by an untrained individual or group, regardless of whether or not they are the owners, many insurance policies are rendered null. So, hiring a fire damage restoration service may also be the best decision from a financial standpoint as well. However, any insurance provider should be contacted and informed before hiring any company for cleanup, as their policies and specifications will typically vary significantly depending on the company and plan. 

If you've had significant fire damage recently to your home or business, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher at (708) 672-0077.

Restoration of Fire Damage Caused by a Space Heater

12/6/2016 (Permalink)

Be Careful with Space Heaters in Your Crete Bedroom

Fire Accidents Happen Even from Space Heaters with Safety Features

Having a space heater in your home to reduce costs in heating during the cold winter season can also be convenient. Being able to lower overall temperatures throughout the home with the thermostat but keeping occupied rooms comfortably warm while keeping costs manageable is a yearly goal for many families. When all goes well, having a space heater can help keep you and your family warm inexpensively.

Space heaters are not accident-proof and have been known to cause fire damage in Crete homes and apartments. This is true even when they are equipped with an emergency shut-off mechanisms in case they are tipped over. This safety feature is not always sufficient because tipping over is not the only way that problems can happen. Pets and small children can become part of the problem fairly easily in causing fires to start. A small toy can find its way inside or under the heater, or a pet can, while playing flip a toy onto the top of the heater or safety covering, causing a small fire to start. Rapidly becoming larger, a full blaze can quickly take over the room.
 
Fire damage will be much smaller when accidents such as these are caught before they can spread, but fire damage can still be extensive. Placement of space heaters is crucial to household safety. Heat from a fire can also cause harm. Materials do not need to catch on fire to become damaged. Nearby carpeting and rugs can become scorched, and those made of synthetic fibers will often melt before burning. Melting can also happen to many children's toys because they are made out of plastic, and if these are in an elevated position, they can drip onto other items and ruin them, as well.
 
Cleaning up fire damage includes removing and restoring damaged areas, removing melted plastics and other synthetics that have become adhered to hard surfaces, and removing the smoky odor that fires are known to produce. When only the carpet seems to be involved, the padding and the supporting floorboards are often damaged, also. We can help by repairing all of the damage so that your home, or room, is restored. In doing so, we will return your home to its former state, so it is “Like it never even happened.”
 
Putting any fire damage behind you is a large part of being able to move forward after the fire has been put out. If your space heater has caused you grief and fire damage, call us, SERVPRO of Chicago Heights / Crete / Beecher at (708) 672-0077, and we will take care of things at your earliest convenience.