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. 

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

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

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!