Our Top Tips for Avoiding Water Damage on Summer Vacation

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Team Fletcher is here with some tips to keep you safe during the Summer!

It’s Summer Break! Now that the kids are out of school and the summer sun is shining, many households are planning their summertime getaways. While you might be planning to be away from your home the responsibilities and risks of being a homeowner never go on vacation.

Large storms or unaddressed leaks—even minor ones—bring unwanted water into your home that can lead to property damage. Believe it or not, many homes experience water damage just due to neglecting a few key things while away on vacation.

Here are some tips to give you peace of mind so you can fully relax:

Test your sump pump before leaving

If you have a sump pump installed in your home, making sure it is working properly can turn a disastrous situation into a non-issue. You can try unplugging the sump pump and plugging it back in, and if you hear it kick on, chances are your sump pump is in working order. Another way you can test it is to pour a five-gallon bucket of water into the sump pit. If it doesn’t turn on after that, have someone come by to repair it before you leave.

Make sure you don’t leave behind any leaks

A small leak can seem like a small issue if you’re there to keep up with it, but things can go south quickly if they get any worse while you’re away. Double-check your roof, pipes, and connectors to appliances to make sure everything is sealed properly. Repair any leaks you find immediately.

Shut off your water supply

Turning off your water main or water supply can be a good idea for homeowners who won’t need the water while away from the home. A leaky pipe can’t leak if there’s no water passing through!

Have someone come by to check on things

The sooner you catch water damaging your property, the easier the mitigation and restoration process will be. So have a person you trust come by to check your property and they can report anything out of the ordinary. It can make a huge difference!

What is a Large Loss Response Team?

6/23/2023 (Permalink)

One requirement for becoming a Large Loss Response Team: having lots and lots of equipment on hand!

At the end of last year, our franchise celebrated an exciting new distinction—we earned and was awarded the title of a Large Loss Response Team! To commemorate this, we invited our family, friends and business associates from the community to our facilities in Pekin to share our success, tour our campus, and learn a little more about our journey to reaching this rare milestone. This was a great opportunity to thank those that helped us get here and share a vision of where we’re headed, including a reveal of the new branding for our Large Loss Response Team name: Team Fletcher. For those of you who don’t know what a Large Loss Response Team is, you might be wondering what all this fuss is about. Let us help explain!

A Large Loss Response Team, or LLRT, is a franchise that meets all 28 of the requirements to be pre-qualified to work on Large Losses for the Commercial Large Loss Division. This establishes us as part of a special nation-wide team ready to pick up the call for any size disaster anywhere in the country and even supervise the whole process of the Large Loss. While this does mean that we’ll be taking on more responsibility as a franchise, it also means future commercial clients gain the peace of mind knowing our team has the equipment, resources, and skill level to take on even the largest jobs. Being designated to handle restoration work for large commercial buildings doesn’t mean that we’re shifting our focus away from the work that got us here—all jobs of any size will be able to reap the benefits from this distinction because of our increased capacity for work.

We’d like to say thank you to everyone who helped us earn this distinction, especially our past customers. We wouldn’t have been able to get here without the support and kind words you’ve given our franchise throughout the years.

If there’s ever a disaster that leads to a Large Loss in the area, you can count on Team Fletcher!

Trained to Be the Best

6/1/2023 (Permalink)

Our IICRC-Certified Flood House at our campus in Pekin, IL

Here at SERVPRO Team Fletcher, we have adopted a new mantra for our whole team to rally behind: Trained to Be the Best. Every SERVPRO franchise technician goes through extensive training including IICRC certification for water damage drying and restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation and more, and we’re proud to be part of a system that values employee education so much. In addition to all this required training, we have even more opportunities for our techs to learn and grow.

Did you know that we have the only IICRC-certified flood house in the state of Illinois? Each time we host an Applied Structural Drying class, the students get the opportunity to flood and then dry a fully furnished house on our campus. Getting hands-on training in this kind of environment is crucial because it means we don’t have to do the training in someone else’s property.

We go through this training because we want to make sure every job we do is held to the same high standards, that we’re all on the same page using the current industry-standard processes and equipment to do the best we possibly can. It’s our goal to be the best trained restoration company in central Illinois, and we hope our commitment to training gives you peace of mind if you ever have to deal with any sort of disaster.

SERVPRO One Team

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the right vehicle for every job!

Here at SERVPRO of Peoria we take on the one team mindset in our own operation and as a brand. SERVPRO rallies around other franchises, both neighboring and around the country. This allows SERVPRO to be able to handle al losses, no matter the size or the location. Not only do we take care of our customers like they are family, but we all support other franchises like family as well.

When your family is in a time of need, you can trust SERVPRO of Peoria to get your home or business back to pre loss condition! Our teams are available 24/7/365 for emergency services including fire, water, mold, etc. 

Traveling Storm Response

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

This is SERVPRO of Peoria's storm trailer loaded with equipment. It is always stocked and loaded for a storm or large loss.

SERVPRO of Peoria has the ability to help in disaster response anywhere in the country. We have specialized crews, vehicles, and equipment that allow us to mobilize when disaster strikes. 

Aside from our own crews and equipment, we also have a team of franchises around the country ready to help at a moments notice. 

Our team most recently mobilized to Dallas, Texas in February of 2021 to help those affected by the wide spread freezing that swept across the country. It gives our team great pride to be able to help so many people in their time of need.

Without the hard work and dedication of our team members, we would not be able to travel to help those in need. 

Large Format Drying Equipment

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

This is one of the many pieces of large format equipment used to tackle large commercial jobs.

While all jobs are treated with the same importance, whether it is your Grandma's basement or you kid's Elementary School, not all jobs can be done with the same equipment. This is why at SERVPRO of Peoria we have specialized large format drying equipment to tackle large commercial jobs. 

What kind of drying equipment is used for large losses?

While we still use a lot of the same air movers, dehumidifiers, negative air machines, etc. there is other equipment we add for these large jobs. This equipment includes large trailer mounted generators, as well as large trailer mounted desiccant dehumidifiers. 

This allows us to rapidly speed up the drying process in situations where time means everything. Often times, these commercial structures are large office spaces, factories, hospitals, schools, and many others facilities. All of them need to be open as quickly as possible, and our team uses our resources to make that happen.

If you have a loss at your facility, call SERVPRO of Peoria at 309-346-5600 and allow us to get you back to pre loss condition as quickly as possible. 

Trust the Growing Team that is 2,000+ Strong!!

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

The fireworks continue to ring as SERVPRO grows!

The SERVPRO brand recently reached a huge milestone. There are now over 2,000 franchises spread across the United States and Canada that are able to help our customers in their time of need.

While all franchises are independently owned and operated, we all on the same team. This is a huge benefit to our customers when disaster strikes.

As SERVPRO continues to grow, there will be more customers that we will be able to help, as well as providing more opportunities to add to our MVP staff.

Give us a call when you have experienced a loss in your home or business!

Peoria 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

This commercial water loss was received on a weekend and SERVPRO of Peoria was on-site quickly to mitigate further damage and begin the drying process

SERVPRO of Peoria is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. 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 that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Peoria has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What should I expect when I call SERVPRO?

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• 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)?

About SERVPRO of Peoria

SERVPRO of Peoria specializes 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.

Enjoy the Pets you Love, Without the Odors you Hate!

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Even the cutest pets can leave behind some tricky stains and pungent odors, but they don't have to stay!

We all love the fury members of our families, but when they gotta go, they gotta go! SERVPRO has specialized cleaning products and procedures that leave those lingering stains and odors in the puppy stage.

Why should I call a professional to clean my pet's mess?

We have specialized cleaning products that are chemically formulated to breakdown urine and feces left behind in unwanted places. Using these chemicals, along with our specialized cleaning practices, allows our crews to leave you to enjoy the pets you love without those lingering odors.

We also have specialized deodorization practices and equipment that attack the odors once the source has been cleaned and/or removed. This specialized equipment is proven to eliminate odors in both occupied and unoccupied structures safely.

Call SERVPRO of Peoria at 309-346-5600 if you need help with tricky stains and odors!

Is Water Damage Covered in Your Policy?

6/16/2022 (Permalink)

Review Your Policy and Make Sure You're Covered for Water Damage.

Did you know that not all Homeowner's policies cover water damage? 

For example, a flood can cause water to back up into the home and cause damage. Some insurance companies don't list, Water Back-Up of Sewers and Drains, on the Homeowner's policy. This is an extension or additional service/ add-on that the homeowner must add to their policy. In the event that a storm causes water damage, you want to make sure your property is covered.

Who should I call when I experience water damage?

A storm, flood, or plumbing problem can leave your home with extensive water damage. Immediate action is necessary to mitigate the damage. SERVPRO’s professionals specialize in repairing and restoring following residential water damage. 

Our customer-focused professionals will assess the residential water damage to your property. Then, we’ll help you understand the severity of the damage so you’re able to make the best decisions for the restoration of your home. Our top-notch people use the most advanced equipment to detect hidden moisture and extract standing water.

We have more than 50 years of experience in repair and restoration so you can trust us to help you develop a water damage restoration plan to help ensure your home is clean, dry, and restored to its pre-damaged condition.

Don't Let Mold Take Control of Your Business

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let mold stop operations. Keep your company open!

Mold is invasive. It finds its way into commercial spaces more often than a person may realize. Proper removal takes time, supplies, and proper procedure. So how does one prevent it so it’s not an issue?

Here are some tips:

Deal with the leaks 

Whether that be coming from the roof or due to plumbing, it is important to deal with them immediately. It’s going to prevent further water damage too.

Use a dehumidifier 

Your establishment’s humidity must always be maintained and kept at no higher than 50%. Standard. We understand how it can be challenging to keep track of information like this, so your bet is to install commercial dehumidifiers.

Ensure proper ventilation at all times

Keep your air vents and air filters clean, and that the enclosed areas of your establishment are free of moisture.

Deal with flooding after you stop the flow

Don’t let stagnant water sit too long and seep into your wooden walls, flooring, and furniture. That’s when Mold begins to form and spread.

By keeping these tips in mind, we are sure that your commercial establishment will be free of both mildew, smell, and mold. However, even with the mold control practices, these pesky fungi can still strike and be destructive.

Don’t stress, you can ask your professional mold remediation team to make a detailed plan for you that includes the costs and dates of the entire procedure.

To plan for the unexpected, you will need to set aside a budget for the following:

• Mold Inspection Cost
• Mold Testing Cost
• Mold Mitigation Cost

Feel free to practice the preventive measures that we have shared with you above. You never know, with these steps you might not even need a mold specialist in the first place. But if you do, you can call on us!

How Do Heavy Rains Cause Sewer Backup?

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Central Illinois is known for heavy rains. When there are heavy rains, an abundance of water and debris end up in municipal sanitary sewers, which can overload the sewer system. When there is more water than the sewer system can handle, excess water can flow backward into your home's sewer line and subsequently overflow into your basement. This is extremely common in our area. 

Growing tree roots may pose another danger to your sewer line after storms. Tree roots may grow quickly over the summer months due to the increase in rain. Tree roots can pierce the pipes as they search for nutrients found in sewage. Within the system, roots continue to grow and may cause broken or blocked pipes. 

Signs of a Clogged Sewer Pipe 

• Slow drainage in toilets, showers, or sinks
• Bubbling noise as you flush toilets or shower/sink drains 
• Another drain backs up when you flush toilets
• The smell of sewage (rotten eggs or sulfur)
• Lush, green spots in your yard above the septic tank or broken pipes

Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since the water may contain viruses, bacteria, and other microbes that can cause serious illness. SERVPRO of North Central Tazewell County | SERVPRO of Peoria | SERVPRO of Galesburg and Macomb has the specialized training and equipment to quickly and safely clean contaminants like sewage. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Flood Safety is Accomplished Through Preparation.

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Be Prepared, Not Scared!

Did you know that three out of four flood fatalities involved people in vehicles trying to cross flooded roads according to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency?

Here are some tips from IEMA on how you can stay safe during storm:

Before a Flood

• It is critical that someone at home monitors weather conditions, regardless of the time of day. 

• Make sure family members and friends know how to stay safe. Make a family emergency communications plan and include pets. Check on your neighbors to make sure they are safe and well-prepared.

• Maintain an emergency supply kit. This kit will help your family cope during extended power outages. 

• Keep all of your important records and documents in a safe deposit box or another safe place away from the premises.

• Insure your property and possessions. Make an inventory of your possessions using paper lists, photographs and/or videotapes of your belongings. Give a copy to your insurance company. Update your inventory and review your coverage with your insurance company periodically.

• Have check valves installed in building sewer traps to prevent flood waters from backing up in sewer drains. As a last resort, use large corks or stoppers to plug showers, tubs, or basins.

During a Flood

• Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Many people have lost their lives by attempting to drive over flooded roadways. The speed and depth of the water are not always obvious. There may be a hidden portion of the roadway washed out under the water. Two feet of water will carry away most automobiles.

After a Flood

• Use extreme care in areas of downed power lines or natural gas leaks.

• If driving, be alert for hazards on the roadways. 

If damages occur to your business or home, don't panic, call SERVPRO! We are here to walk you through the process of restoring your home and belongings, while you stay safe. 

Below is an attachment of the IEMA guide for Severe Weather Preparedness.

https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/Preparedness/Documents/severeweatherpreparedness.pdf 

References:

1. Illinois Emergency Management Agency, IEMA. (2021, February). Severe weather preparedness - illinois. Retrieved June 10, 2022, from https://www2.illinois.gov/iema/Preparedness/Documents/severeweatherpreparedness.pdf

Ready, Set, Grill!

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

The smell of grilling and laughter among friends and family is a reminder of summer tradition. We cherish these memories and SERVPRO is here to help educate you by providing tips and best practices for preventing fire damage from the NFPA.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns families that the onset of the summer season also marks a rise in home fires started by outdoor grilling activities. According to the NFPA, on average, 10,600 home fires are started by grills each year. July is the peak month for grill fires, followed by June, May, and August.¹

"Sixty-one percent of U.S. households own a gas grill."

"A total of sixty-four percent own at least one outdoor BBQ, grill, or smoker. The popularity of this outdoor cooking equipment combined with longer, warmer days creates a unique fire hazard that should be taken seriously.”

The NFPA offers these basic tips for fire-safe grilling:²

For gas/propane grills:

• Check the gas tank for leaks before using it.
• Open the lid on all gas grills before lighting the grill.

For charcoal grills:

• Use only charcoal starter fluid to start the fire but never add it or any flammable liquids to a fire that is burning.
• Cool coals completely before you dispose of them in a metal container.

For all grills:

• Place the grill well away from house and deck railings. Don’t place it under eaves or branches.
• Remove grease and fat buildup from grills and trays after each use.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill.
• Never leave the grill unattended when in use.

Basic precautions set the stage for a safe and enjoyable outdoor cooking season. Life is unpredictable, but you can take steps to control the risk of house and property fires caused by outdoor cooking. Whether you are strictly a summer grilling warrior or you use your grill year-round, simple, common-sense actions can help ensure that the only smoke you smell this summer is the sweet aroma of steaks and vegetables grilling.

SERVPRO specializes in fire and water cleanup and restoration services and repair services, helping to remediate damage for both commercial and residential customers. 

¹ https://www.nfpa.org//-/media/Images/Infographics/Grilling-Infographic2020BIG.png

² https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Press-Room/News-releases/2021/NFPA-offers-safe-grilling-tips-and-recommendations-to-prevent-fires-and-injuries

Have you heard about Secondary Fire Damage?

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO to help restore your valuable items.

Smoke! Flames! Oh no, a FIRE! 

The family and pets are safe but what about all the assets in the house. Panic sets in, what do I do now...

Don't worry, SERVPRO is here! 

When thinking about fire damage, the initial thought is usually the immediate burn damage from the flames; the primary damage. However, what some fail to think about until trying to clean up the damage, is the mayhem that can be left behind by the smoke and soot from the fire. That is secondary damage, and it can be more of an issue than it initially seems. 

Smoke and soot sticks around

To start, soot and smoke can be incredibly difficult to clean, even from surfaces that are generally easy to clean. Smoke and soot can spread quickly and can cover items even in unforeseen places. Items you love or cant replace can be damaged and stained horribly. Soot and smoke are black and difficult to remove.

That smoke smell lingers

There is a smell that comes with smoke and soot as well. Think about what it’s like after going camping or having a party with a bonfire. The smell from the burning wood will generally linger in hair and clothing until they are washed, and sometimes it’s a hard scent to stomach. Now think if with that burning wood there was plastic, clothing, furniture, and other items made of flammable materials. That’s a smell that can’t really be fought with a room spray. It’s tough to live with and even tougher to get out of.

So what do you do if you find yourself dealing with secondary fire damage?

The best thing you can do is reach out to your local SERVPRO® Franchise Professionals, and ask them if there is any way that you can get our teams out to get your home (or business) back to its original state. We have teams of people who are trained to come in and do the job quickly, correctly, and safely. We also have Esporta equipment within our Central Illinois franchise, giving us the ability to clean individual items like clothing, furniture, and other costly items of secondary fire damage.

So if you find yourself dealing with the aftermath of a fire, let us handle it with you. Give us a chance to make it feel, “Like it never even happened.”

https://claimsmate.com/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-smoke-damage-insurance-claims/

New Year. New Look. Same SERVPRO.

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

You may have noticed that our logo has changed a little bit here recently. The look of the logo is noticeably different. However, the most notable change is that the line underneath the logo now says “Cleaning. Restoration. Construction.” This is a change we are happy to see, considering SERVPRO is so much more than just water and fire damage cleanup and restoration. We are cleaning, restoration, construction, remediation, mitigation, content cleaning, and so much more.

That’s the great thing about this change. The logo might be new, but we are still the same old SERVPRO®. We are here 24/7 to help you if/when you experience damage from fire, water, mold, storms, or other sources. Our teams are still highly trained and quick to respond. We are still here to make damage feel, “Like it never even happened”; And we will continue to be here for our communities.

We’re happy to be Here to Help®.

Winter Damage in Commercial Properties

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

Running a business comes with a lot of responsibility. One of those responsibilities is making sure that the property doesn’t suffer damages, especially during winter. Winter weather can be really hard on buildings. The best way to prevent any extreme damage is to make sure that you prepare and watch for the following types of damage:

HVAC Systems Damage

If your HVAC system is not functioning properly, you can find yourself dealing with any of the following problems:

• Frozen pipes
• Uneven airflow/temperature
• Malfunctioning heat pump
• Faulty pilot light
• Dirty heater filters
• Carbon monoxide leaks
• Broken thermostat
• Plumbing Damage

Frozen pipes are common during the winter. This can lead to excessive water damage, content damage, and it can mean that you are without water until the problem is fixed.

Asphalt Damage

Asphalt cracking from snow and ice can cause damage to your property, to vehicles on your property, and can even be a risk for injury. Asphalt can only be repaired in warm weather, but preventing damage during the cold months can help to avoid damage or injury.

Roof Damage

The roof of your property can be damaged by all kinds of things during the winter. The most common issues generally come from melting ice and snow, or even from the weight of large amounts of snow. The only way to really prevent this damage is to make sure that you are constantly checking the status of your roof.

Power Outages

Winter power outages can cause freezing temperatures on your property. When this happens it can interfere with the business’s ability to function and it can even lead to further damage if the freezing temperatures begin to affect the plumbing or the structure itself. It’s best to have a plan in place, just in case the power happens to go out on you.

Insulation Issues

Improper insulation can cause heat loss. It also means that the property is more likely to have freezing issues - like broken pipes.

If you work on prevention and keep an eye out for damages before they become severe, you’ll be better able to recover from damages if they do happen.

If you do experience damage, you can always count on your local SERVPRO® for the cleanup and restoration. We are always Here to Help®.

https://wolfcre.com/watch-for-winter-damage-in-commercial-properties/

Tips for Winter Storms & Extreme Cold in Illinois

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

The following tips come directly from the State of Illinois for what to do during winter storms and extreme cold here in Central Illinois.

Tips for indoor safety

• Stay indoors in heated areas as much as possible.
• Make sure your home is well insulated.
• Use warmth from natural light to your advantage where you can.
• If you have no heat, close off unneeded rooms and place towels or rags under the doors.
• If water pipes freeze
•  Shut off the water as soon as possible.
• Call a plumber and contact insurance.
• Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water. 

Tips for outdoor safety

• If stranded outdoors:
• Seek shelter to stay dry and cover all exposed parts of the body.
• If no shelter is nearby, prepare some sort of make-shift shelter and build a fire for heat and so you can be found.
• Do not eat snow as it will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

Learn more by clicking the link at the bottom of this post. Stay safe this winter!

https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/KeepWarm/Documents/iema333_winter_storm_preparedness_guidebook.pdf

Winter Fire Safety Tips from FEMA

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

We’ve been seeing fires quite a bit this year. Considering winter in Central Illinois generally brings a rise in fire damage (whether it’s due to holiday cooking or heating sources) we wanted to share some fire facts and fire safety tips that were shared by FEMA.

Tips for Winter Fire Safety:

• 50% of heating fires happen in December, January, and February.
• 1 in every 7 home fires involves heating equipment.
• Remember the 3-Feet Rule; keep flammable items 3 feet away from any and all heat sources.
• Only place portable generators outside.
• Only plug one heat source into an outlet at a time.

There are other things you can do to prevent fires this winter. Head over to the FEMA website to learn more from them, and check out our old blogs to learn more from us.

Remember that if you do experience fire damage, we are Here to Help® with the cleanup and restoration.

https://www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/winter_infographic.pdf

Prevent Winter Water Damage in Vacant Properties

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

Winter is officially here as of December 21st, and in Central Illinois, that means we can expect some pretty low temperatures. Freezing temperatures can be devastating to your property. It helps when you can be present and deal with problems in real-time. However, there are properties that are vacant during the winter, either because nobody lives in them or because the people who do live in them are on vacation or spend their winters in a warmer location. This leaves these properties susceptible to damage with nobody around to take care of the damage at that moment. The best thing you can do is to do whatever you can to prevent the damage from happening. The following are some tips on how to do just that.

Shut off the water

You can do this yourself by shutting the water to the house off at the outside meter. You can also call in a professional to do so if you aren’t sure what you’re doing.

Prepare your water heater 

Turn off the gas/electricity to the water heater and make sure to completely drain the water so there is nothing in it that can freeze.

Drain the system and open the lowest faucets

Drain the water from all sources. Drain water from toilets, sinks, tubs, and anything connected to the plumbing and pipe system. Keep the lowest faucet on the property open until the draining process is complete.

Use antifreeze

Pour environmentally safe antifreeze into drains once you have drained all of the water from them. This will help to keep any remaining or trapped water from freezing.

Tape toilets shut

Once toilets are drained, make sure they are closed and that there is a note left that they are not to be used. This will help to prevent unnecessary messes, as well as prevent the need to turn on the water for a short period and start the winterizing process all over again.

Set your thermostat to 55° or higher

If for any reason you do need to leave the heat and water on in your home or on vacant property, make sure the temperature is set to remain 55° or higher to prevent any freezing.

If you do experience water damage to your vacant property this winter, just remember that you can always contact your local SERVPRO® for the cleanup and restoration. We are Here to Help®.

https://nreig.com/protect-your-vacant-property-from-water-damage-this-winter/

The Importance of Reviews and Testimonials

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

We know that it can get a little repetitive having businesses constantly asking you to leave a review or give a testimonial (especially when you’ve expressed that you had a good experience with them.) However, there is a reason we ask you to leave us feedback and share your experience.

We learn from feedback

Whether your experience has been positive or negative, we always appreciate your feedback. When you leave positive feedback, it gives us the chance to recognize the people on our team who are making the customer experience a positive one. Recognizing our team members individually fosters excellence within our teams as a whole. Adversely, letting us know that you have had a negative experience gives us the chance to take your constructive criticism and make changes where we need to, which gives us a chance to grow and become better as a company.

We want to share your story

Testimonials are the same, in that telling your story gives future customers a better idea of what we do and how we can help them when they experience damage to their property and bring us in for the cleaning and restoration process. That way, they don’t just have to take our word for it. They can hear from you why it would be a good idea to choose their local SERVPRO®.

So if you’ve received services from us, don’t hesitate! Leave us a review. Give your testimonial. We would love to hear from you!

Properly Insulating Your Home Against Cold Weather

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

Winter in Central Illinois can be a headache, especially considering how cold it can get. It’s always beneficial to make sure that your home is properly insulated. The following are tips for insulating your home to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property from the cold temperatures that we all know are coming.

Make sure to maintain your HVAC System

This will help air quality, but it will also make sure that the whole system is running as best as it possibly can.

Use heavier curtains

Heavier curtains can help to keep heat in and cool air out, especially in areas where there might be poor insulation in a window.

Seal doorways

Using foam weather strips to make sure that air isn’t leaking in through your doors can really help to insulate your home during the winter months.

Add an extra layer of protection to your windows

Just like sealing your doors, it can be very beneficial to add a layer of plastic sheeting to your windows throughout the winter months. It can be some of the best defense against seal leaks in your windows throughout your home.

Following these tips could save you money and shivers this winter!

Seasonal Causes for House Fires

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

House fires can happen any time of year. However, there are certain fire hazards and risks that are related to certain seasons and holidays. Winter has its own list of fire hazards that can lead to severe damage to your home. The following are just a few of the cold weather fire risks.

Cooking

Cooking fires are especially common during the holidays. Thanksgiving cooking leads to quite a few fires, but so does cooking for Christmas. It is important to take special precautions to make sure that your holiday feasts don’t become holiday fiascos.

Candles and other decors

Candles are an obvious fire hazard during the colder months, but there are other decor items that can pose a fire hazard. Whether the decorations are electrical and can start fires on their own, or whether they are just placed too close to heat sources, décor can be a major fire hazard during the colder months.

Electrical fires

Electrical fires can occur year-round, but during the winter when you might have extra heat sources plugged in or when you’re spending less time doing outdoor activities and more time plugged in indoors, it raises the risk for electrical fires.

Washer and dryer

If you don’t properly clean out the ventilation system of your washer and dryer, it is very likely that you could find yourself dealing with a fire in your home.

Just remember, if you have a fire as a result of any of the things we mentioned here, you can always call your local SERVPRO® for the cleanup and restoration of your property. We are Here to Help®!

https://www.rockfordmutual.com/blog/fire-ice-6-most-common-causes-house-fires-winter

Preventing Mold During Colder Months

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

When the weather gets colder, we spend much more time indoors. That means if you have a mold issue, whether you know about it or not, you could start experiencing some horrible side effects. That said, there are plenty of things you can do to prevent mold this autumn/winter.

Remove leaves and debris from the sides of your home

This helps to prevent them from supporting the growth of mold spores near your home. It’s also best to make sure your gutters are clean of debris/organic materials that can decompose or support mold growth.

Make sure your pipes and plumbing are in good condition

Visually inspect your pipes to make sure there aren't any glaring issues that could cause problems down the line. Fix any issues that have or could develop leaks or breaks, calling a plumber if necessary.

Keep good air circulation in your home

Stagnant and moist air is the perfect equation for mold growth. Get some fresh air in your home regularly by opening up your doors and windows. 

Check your windows and doors and make sure they are properly insulated against the elements

This should all help to prevent mold growth. However, if you do end up with mold issues during the coming cold months, just remember that you can call your local SERVPRO® to perform their mold remediation services.

https://clrbrands.com/How-To/Cleaning-Tips/Fall-is-a-great-time-to-keep-your-home-mold-and-mi

Preparing Your Restaurant for a Health Inspection

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most important things to happen in a restaurant is a health inspection. These inspections are meant to make sure that your establishment is a safe environment for the patrons and the staff. While it is important to always make sure your facility is safe, there are a few things that you can do to help yourself pass an inspection before an inspection occurs.

Review Your HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) Plan

HACCP identifies the points in the cooking process where the risk of contamination is the greatest and can help you understand when to take action to prevent contamination.

Get Familiar with Common Code Violations

Keep an eye out for safety issues and violations like cross-contamination, personal hygiene, and internal temperature requirements. The sooner you can make new habits for you and your employees, the less likely you will get violations for these common codes.

Consult the Health Department

Ask questions and learn what you need to know before you are even required to do an inspection. Knowledge really is power.

Self-Inspect Your Facility and Quiz Employees

This will help to keep yourself and your employees on their toes. It will also help to really instill the values of constant cleanliness and good safety.

If you are really worried about the cleanliness of your facility, just remember that you can reach out to your local SERVPRO® for general deep cleaning of your building. We’ve done it before for other commercial properties, and we are sure we’ll do it again. It’s just one of the many ways that we do whatever we can to be Here to Help®.

https://www.webstaurantstore.com/article/16/health-inspection-checklist.html