Safety Advice For Homeowners To Safeguard Their Buildings

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

Safety Advice For Homeowners To Safeguard Their Buildings

Protecting your property from natural disasters is crucial as a homeowner, and flood protection should be top of mind. The most frequent and one of the most expensive weather-related disasters in the United States is flooding. Between 1980 and 2013, it is estimated that flooding damage cost about $260 billion. These safety advice for house protection will be very helpful to homeowners in Elmhurst, Illinois.

1. Rethink remodeling. Consider installing porous paving, for instance, if your driveway needs to be repaved to assist slow down water runoff. When installing a new grass, be sure to grade it away from the house so that water drains into the street gutter.

2. Keep up maintenance. By doing basic maintenance tasks like checking pipe valves and making sure the gutters are free to avoid ice dams, you can flood-proof your property. In the event of a flood or even heavy rain, making sure downspouts and drains are not clogged will help with water drainage.

3. Make cleanliness a priority. Following up after a flood is almost as vital as protecting your house from flooding. Consult water damage repair professionals right away to prevent water damage and mold. After such a natural calamity, you won't be the only one looking for assistance, so take action right once.

4. Sort out the mess. If at all feasible, move any gadgets, pricey rugs, and furniture to higher levels. Simply lift them off the ground if it's not. Elevating large appliances onto solid objects like concrete blocks can also be useful. Ensure that electrical components like switches, plugs, and circuit breakers are at least a foot above the area's predicted flood level.

Prioritize flood safety when you buy or renovate a house. It is frequently more useful to be better prepared for such natural disasters in advance than than attempting to handle the consequences after the fact.

Workaholics Day

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

It's National Workaholics Day today, July 5. A "workaholic" is someone who obsessively works hard and for a lengthy period of time. If you're a workaholic, your love for what you do generally runs deep. Everyone knows they can depend on you to get the job done since you are the boss's go-to person. On the other hand, it's possible to overwork yourself and have detrimental health impacts. You could work so hard that you forget some of the most important aspects of life, such as interacting with friends and missing crucial family occasions. Workaholism has advantages and disadvantages, but today is dedicated to you and all that makes you unique.

Although working too hard has numerous drawbacks, workaholics may experience negative effects from working too hard. Stress, anxiety, and impaired brain and cognitive performance can all be caused by overworking and lack of sleep. You may be a workaholic if you exhibit any of these symptoms. The following list of warning indicators that you might be a workaholic is followed by advice on how to control these characteristics.

• You prioritize work over hobbies, leisure activities, and exercise.
• You become stressed if you are prohibited from working.
• You have been told by others to cut down on work without listening to them.
• You work in order to reduce feelings of guilt, anxiety, helplessness, and depression.

Managing your Workaholic-ism

• Foster a culture of appropriate boundaries, work/life balance and engagement as this will help everyone be productive, energized, and creative.
• Find your intrinsic motivation for working that’s healthy. Ask yourself, What makes the work meaningful? What enjoyment do you derive from work?  What’s your purpose?  Leaders need to know why you get out of bed, and it usually isn’t to hit a target or make money.

According to nationaldaycalendar.com the way to observe NATIONAL WORKAHOLICS DAY is

“A healthy work-life means more to our well-being than just a paycheck! Today, take some time off to relax, slow down a little bit and maybe schedule a vacation for you and your family. Be sure to use #NationalWorkaholicsDay on social media to shout out to those you know who are workaholics.” Meaning take a break, get some fresh air, and concentrate on your favorite activities outside of work, such as spending time with friends and family. Make sure you have fun; you deserve it!

References:

Barron, K. (2013, July 9). Being a workaholic has advantages and disadvantages. The American Genius. Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://theamericangenius.com/entrepreneur/being-a-workaholic-has-advantages-and-disadvantages/

National Day Calendar. (2022, July 1). NATIONAL WORKAHOLICS DAY - July 5. Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-workaholics-day-july-5/

Kramer, J. (2016, May 31). There’s a Serious Downside to Being a Workaholic. Glamour. Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://www.glamour.com/story/theres-a-hiddenand-seriousdownside-to-being-a-workaholic

Team, W. A. (2020, August 5). Six signs you’re a workaholic – and how to deal with it. WeAreTheCity. Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://wearethecity.com/six-signs-youre-a-workaholic-and-how-to-deal-with-it/

Malik, H. (2022, July 10). NATIONAL WORKAHOLICS DAY. National Today. Retrieved August 5, 2022, from https://nationaltoday.com/national-workaholics-day/

Understand Your Terms In The Restoration Process

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

After experiencing a Fire damage or water damage disaster your mind can be clouded with many thoughts and confusion. Stepping over to unfamiliar territory, navigating through a loss while still processing trauma can leave you feeling a mixture of anxiety and frustration. We here at SERVPRO understand what you’re going through, and this is why we are here to help you understand some terminology to better help you navigate your mitigation and restoration process.

Let start off with some of the basics

Water Damage: describes various possible losses caused by water intruding where it will enable attack of a material or system by destructive processes such as rotting of wood, mold growth, bacteria growth, rusting of steel, swelling of composite woods, de-laminating of materials such as plywood, etc.

Fire Damage: Fire damage refers to the physical damage to a property as a result of burning. This damage may either be directly caused by the flames or could occur due to smoke and other corrosive substances emitted by the fire.

Mitigation VS Restoration: The terms mitigation and restoration are standard terms used by property contracting specialist. The difference between mitigation and restoration is that mitigation is the process used before the restoration process.

Mitigation is the process of the stabilization and prevention of damage. Examples are water extraction and drying, the removal of rotting wood and rusting steel to lessen further damage.

Restoration is the step performed after the property is properly stabilized and further damage is prevented from the current structure and add materials. These steps include rebuilding damaged structures and cleaning smoke damage.

Remediation: the action of remedying something, in particular of reversing or stopping environmental damage. Example: the removal of mold in your walls behind the drywall.

Dehumidifier: a device that removes excess moisture from the air. Usually use to prevent the growth and spread of air borne mold.

Air mover: These tools are essential in the water damage restoration process. They are designed to blow lower to the ground at high speeds. This helps force water to quickly evaporate from floors and carpets.

Air Scrubber: air scrubber is a device that attaches directly to the ductwork of your HVAC system. It removes air pollution, VOCs, surface contaminants, pet dander, odors and dust and improves air quality.

Work Authorization: An authorization form that permits individuals or a company to work on-premises. These are most likely under the terms of the owner’s insurance policy.

Who Do You Trust With Your Commercial Property Damage?

12/31/2021 (Permalink)

There are over seven million small businesses in the U.S., ranging from construction firms to grocery stores to home-based businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, as many as one in four businesses that suffer some kind of major disaster do not reopen afterward. 

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, U.S. fire departments responded to about 3,300 office property fires per year between 2007 and 2011. Those fires resulted in about $112 million in property damage each year, and most were in business offices and happened during business hours. 90% of fires were large enough to activate sprinklers, which were effective 88% of the time.

The NFPA also has statistics specific to manufacturing facilities. According to their research, there are about 37,000 fires at industrial or manufacturing facilities each year, resulting in 18 deaths, 279 injuries, and $1 billion in property damage. Heating equipment and stop tools were the leading cause, sparking 28 percent of the fires. Mechanical failure or malfunction caused 24 percent of the fires.

If your commercial property has experienced a fire, and or water damage, every minute you are offline is money down the drain.  Call SERVPRO Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights at (847) 637-3445 to get your business back up and running.  

Is Your Commercial Building Prepared for Winter?

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Tips to prepare your commercial building for rigid weather conditions

Winter is near! Is your commercial building ready for the weather? 

In Chicago, we experience harsh winters that can cause significant damage to our property. Damage can include frozen pipes, roof damage, ice damming, and flooding.  Here are some tips to prepare your commercial building for rigid weather conditions.

Check your HVAC system. 

Your HVAC system works hard all year, but in the winter it has to work even harder. Because the HVAC system has an impact on the air quality throughout the building, it's vital to get it serviced and inspected before winter arrives. Here's what I suggest: 

• Air filters should be checked and replaced on a regular basis
• Examine and fix any broken components. 
• Check for leaks or holes in the vent work that could reduce efficiency. 
• Cover any outdoor air-conditioning units that will be left unattended during the winter. 
• Check the ventilation system to see if exhaust gases are being vented out of the structure.

Inspect the insulation.

Inspect your building's insulation for holes or compromised places that could cause heat loss to maintain efficiency. Roofs, weather stripping, and unheated regions such as attics should all be given extra care. It is commonly stated that a poorly insulated attic might lose up to 25% of heat in the fall and winter.

Prepare your plumbing.

The average claim for frozen pipe water damage is currently at $10,800. Fixing frozen pipes is not only inconvenient and costly, but it also causes unwanted downtime for a business. Keep the building's internal thermostat set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit at all times to prevent freezing.

Check your roofing.

Inspect the roof for holes or damage that could cause leaks during snowmelt to avoid leaks and other costly issues. To ensure the roof is physically strong and capable of withstanding another winter, check for loose shingles and repair damage to existing seals and flashing.

Have a plan in place in case of a disaster.

What will your company do if the worst happens? Prepare for a wide range of disasters, such as fire, flooding, and gas leaks. Keep all new and existing employees and tenants informed about the protocols, and make sure they have a copy of the various evacuation plans.

Emergency Ready Program for your business

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

Join our Join our Emergency Ready Program!

Are you and your clients “Ready for whatever happens?”

If an emergency situation arises in your workplace, give us a call and we'll be there as soon as possible to help.

We're here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get your business back on track! Our experience includes fire and water damage restoration, while also electronics restoration and document drying.

Our professionals are trained to be aware of legal and environmental issues while working within your budgetary constraints to repair the affected area. We understand that every hour spent cleaning is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. 

Preparation is essential for surviving any major disaster, whether it's a minor water leak, a large fire, or a widespread flood. The greatest time to prepare for such tragedies is before they occur. 

By becoming a member of our SERVPRO of LaGrange Park / North Riverside Emergency READY Program (ERP), you will get access to over 40 years of experience in lessening the impact of natural and man-made disasters.

Give us a call today to schedule your Emergency Ready Program (847) 637-3445!

National Preparedness Month

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Be prepared!

As a business owner, insurer or property manager, you are a leader in your community! Therefore, you have the opportunity to set an example to others around you. September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), and this year we are encouraging you all to join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters. You can do so by leading the efforts to encourage your community to become more prepared as a whole. Disasters WILL HAPPEN, and not only do they devastate neighborhoods, but entire communities including local businesses of all sizes. 

As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your company. It can also maximize your chances of recovery after a disaster takes place. There are 3 simple steps to take. 

1. Plan to stay in business

2. Encourage your employees to become ready

3. Protect your investment

There are many supporting resources available that can begin to prepare your business for a disaster. We here at SERVPRO can help your business with our Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Here are some of the advantages of our ERP program.

- A no-cost assessment of your facility.

- A concise profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.

- Establishes your local SERVPRO franchise professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.

- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.

- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information. 

Preparation is KEY to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak or a large fire. The best time to plan is not when the event happens, but well before it takes places. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you now can plan for it and be prepared. Call us today to set up your very on Emergency READY Profile!

Village Hall!

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning and sanitizing the Village of Hillside's community center!

With the summer upon us, we are starting to see communities begin to open back up after the devastating of COVID. For example, the Village of Hillside has started to allow their Summer Nights of Hillside to take part again after being shut down for almost 2 years! These summer nights consists of a Car Show, Marketplace, food tents and concert area. The Village of Hillside wanted to make sure they take the appropriate steps when it came to sanitizing and cleaning the areas for the community's safety. We where instructed to clean the Village Community Center which allowed vendors to go and promote their small businesses to the community of Hillside. The police trailer was set out for the band that would be performing that night, and we made sure they also had a case of SERVPRO water. We also sanitized the main lobby of the Village Hall that allowed anyone to come in and take flyers, or any questions they may have throughout the event! It was such a pleasure to not only be able to help out the community of Hillside, but to also get out and enjoy some good music, drinks and food with some pretty awesome people we met throughout the night. We are always here to help, and love to do our part when it comes to commercial buildings in the community. 

Disaster Plan for Your Business

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Have a plan!

When it comes to owning a commercial business, you need to make sure you have a disaster plan in place. Natural disasters don't give you a warning to get out in time, and sometimes you only have minutes to act fast. One natural disaster that most people are not prepared for are earthquakes. Here are 6 steps to prepare you if an earthquake where to take place. 

1. Assess the Earthquake Risk of Your Building

You need to get a clear picture about your business' earthquake risk factors. You need to know how ready or NOT ready your business is. It is recommended that all businesses perform risk assessments that find the strong and weak points of your plan. You should also schedule a consultation with an experienced firm to elevate the structural integrity of the building. 

2. Create a Disaster Plan

These should be created and distributed to all of your employees beforehand. It is important to include ALL of you employees as you are developing a disaster plan. This way they if they notice any signs of an earthquake, they will know exactly what to do. Some of the things your disaster plan should include are:

- Contact information for all employees

- Communication plan

- Talk with employees with disabilities and make arrangements

- Hotline or text message system

- Schedule regular earthquake response drills to practice

- Emergency kit

- Safety checklist 

3. Identify Your Building's Potential Structural Issues

Every business is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You will need to evaluate every aspect of your business and make preparations that are unique to your building's property. You need to understand the risks and take specific actions to help prevent earthquake disasters for your business, and to also protect your staff. 

4. Bring in Expert Advisors

You can't afford to waste your time on hearsay or just anyone's word. Your business, life, and the lives of your employees and customers depends on doing things correctly and being truly prepared. Make sure you choose a reputable earthquake retrofitting contractor based on years of experience and high ranking results. This way it can translate to lives and business saved in those areas. 

5. Develop a Comprehensive Emergency Communications Plan

Keeping your business in business after an earthquake often depends on effective communication. Be sure you have a plan in place that takes everyone into account. This includes your employees, your customers and your suppliers. Make sure you set up a backup communications plan that enables you to keep lines of communication open, even if you are unable to access your building. Make sure you employees know who to contact before hand so they aren't calling people they shouldn't have to call. Maintain an emergency contact list with police, fire, ambulance, hospital and other emergency services that employees know how to access quickly. Also, have your insurance company and attorney's numbers in a secure place. 

6. After the Earthquake

Remember that it might not be readily apparent whether your building is safe after an earthquake takes place. There are usually aftershocks for hours and days afterward. Be sure to contact an experienced expert first for an earthquake damage safety assessment before you allow employees and customers back into the building. 

Commercial Property

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

You want your business to make as much profit as possible, but you may be losing money without even realizing it. Leaks from damaged pipes, as well as other areas, are a common source of trouble in many buildings. It is important to perform regular inspections to make sure everything is in top condition. Here are a few problems that might end up costing you money.

1. Damaged Roofing

Leaking pipes are not the only potential source of excess water. The roof is an important part of the structure of your business, as it protects you from severe weather and keeps the inside of the building dry. However, if you do not properly maintain your roof, you could end up with a lot of damage. In some cases, the structure of the building may weaken or a mold growth might develop. Make sure to regularly check the condition of your building and perform repairs as needed.

2. Broken Appliances

Another common source of water is from broken appliances. The damage here can range from a small leak to a lot of flooding. One way to prevent this is to test your equipment regularly to ensure it is in proper working condition. As items begin to age and break down, replace them to prevent any significant problems.

3. Pipes and Plumbing

Damaged pipes can sometimes be a hidden source of wasted water and money. If you are not performing regular maintenance, a persistent leak could end up costing hundreds or thousands of dollars in extra water bills. Leaks can also indicate aging pipes that could cause a lot of damage if not replaced.
Performing regular maintenance in your building is a great way to locate problems and prevent big issues from leaks or damaged pipes. If you do experience damage, however, a water restoration company can perform necessary repairs to your building and belongings.

Commercial Cleanup!

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

If you can’t summon help quickly, a fire can quickly sweep through your Elmhurst, IL, office and leave a trail of devastation in its wake. Fire damage can be severe and make it impossible for you to resume work duties in your building. Ironically, the very water firefighters use to eliminate the fire can also cause major problems. Trained professionals have the equipment and skill to clean up both types of damage.

Thorough Inspection

When you call a professional disaster cleanup crew to your office, the team won’t jump right in and start working without a plan. The company will evaluate the effects of the fire damage in order to come up with an effective strategy. The technicians will do the following:

• Make note of which areas of your building were affected.
• Determine the extent of the damage.
• Decide what areas and items you can salvage and which ones you must replace.
• Establish a plan of attack that will yield the most complete, time-effective results.

Remove Standing Water

A fire hose can pump out hundreds of gallons of water while a firefighter is battling a blaze. It’s no wonder water can wreak havoc in your office after a fire. A technician will use wet vacuums and other specialized water removal equipment to make sure there is no leftover water on your floor or on furniture or other objects. Next, the team will dry the areas with dehumidifiers and high-powered blowers.

Clean and Sanitize

Sucking up water and drying the area isn’t enough to mitigate water damage. The professionals will also use chemicals to thoroughly sanitize any areas where there had been water. This will minimize the chances of mold growth.

Fire damage and water issues go hand in hand after a fire. By understanding the process the pros use, you can have peace of mind and confidence that your office will be in good hands.

Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure to check all heating sources!

We usually don't think of a fire destroying our business or office building. We are more worried about less concrete threats. This includes a downward trending economy, high customer churn rate, the struggle to retain talented employees, legal issues, etc. However, nonresidential building fires killed 65 people, injured 1,425 and created $2,461,400,00 in damage between 2004 and 2013. 

In order to prevent a dangerous and costly fire, the time of day fires are most likely to occur in your building depends on what type of business you're in. An office building is a bit different from a manufacturing plant. Ex: In an office building, fires are most common during regular work hours. Incidence of fires peaks in the early evening hours between 3-6pm. 

Therefore, the most common causes of commercial building fires are as follows. 

1. Cooking Fires

- 29.3% of nonresidential fires from 2013 were cooking related. In fact, 1 in 4 office building fires were related to cooking equipment. These types of fires do tend to account for less damage, but they are easily preventable with fire protection systems such as alarms and fire extinguishers. 

2. Intentional

- This accounts for almost 10% of fires, and tends to cause the most damage. Intentional fires also result in more civilian injuries and deaths. Unlike cooking and heating fire, it's most common for intentional fires to be started between 3pm and midnight. A few common locations to be aware of in the building are bathrooms, trash bins, garages, and open areas like a lawn or field. 

3. Careless Acts and Human Error

- 9.2% of commercial fires were unintentional results of careless acts. This is somewhat of an 'other' category. Some examples include accidentally leaving space heaters or other heat producing equipment on, carelessly discarded cigarette butts igniting fires, and plugging too many things into the same extension cord. 

4. Heating Fires

- Heating fires account for 9% of all nonresidential building fires. Central heating units, fireplaces, water heaters, and other heating appliances and systems should be regularly inspected to prevent fires. It is important to move any flammable materials and furniture away from heat sources. 

ERP for your commercial property

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure you not only have one set up for your facility, but also that it is up to date.

For a business owner, a worst-case disaster scenario involving fire or water damage can seem unthinkable until it suddenly becomes a reality. A quick response time by a disaster recovery company such as SERVPRO can help minimize property damage. Owners need to have a quick and convenient emergency disaster plan that connects them with vendors, necessary contacts, and pertinent information when disaster strikes. SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) is a respected industry tool during a disaster event. It is so valuable that in the midst of the confusion and panic, an owner or manager can be provided a sense of calm and clarity in reaching out for expert help. 

There are four key parts to building an ERP. 

1. Identify your facility's greatest threats in order to assess the overall severity of the event. 

- Look at your location that you are in. Be aware if you are in tornado alley, hurricane season, or subject to freezing temperatures. 

2. Document all vital information and establish clear communication activities. 

- An ERP needs to contain critical property information that can help speed up response time after a disaster strikes the property. Make sure to include any documentation that deals with prior loss history. Also, identify and label utility shut off locations, and prioritize your key contacts. Prior loss history can provide first responders and restoration vendors with historical information on your facility's condition. Also, proper utility identification will allow for quicker response times for emergency shut off, requests and key contact information is vital to starting the recovery process. This will allow you to quickly contact key personnel and answer priority questions. 

3. Practice! Practice! Practice! There is no "textbook" event, so expect the unexpected. 

- You should always conduct practice sessions to make sure everyone is clear on the process. There needs to be clear evacuation routes in your ERP, and set a distribution chain for your disaster recovery plan amongst key contacts and various locations. 

4. Keep it updated, and have all necessary information communicated with your insurance company and emergency restoration vendors. 

- Make sure your ERP is always up to date. This is the best way for the recovery to begin. People are going to come and go, updates will be made to the facility, and utilities can change. This should be a dynamic document that changes as your business does. You do not want to fall behind when disaster strikes! 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Get set up today!

We as a company have recently introduced our new program Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, and it is designed to provide our communities with a way to know that a structure has been cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected. This is also a cleaning and disinfecting program that we here at SERVPRO have to offer for our commercial property owners in order to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. We ensure that when businesses choose SERVPRO, their customers, employees, and community are rest assured that they have selected a higher standard of cleaning. 

This program is set up with 3 unique steps called the 3 C's. These 3 C's include Consult, Clean, and Certify. 

Consult deals with the process of talking to each businesses personally because not all businesses are the same. A SERVPRO professional who understands the business will create a custom cleaning program to meet their specific needs. The specific program will be developed based on a range of factors including business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic, and congestion points. Therefore, they will know that the clean they receive is customized to their unique needs. 

Clean is based on the specific needs of their business, and their location will undergo a thorough expert cleaning rooted in the pillars of People, Process, and Product. 

-People: SERVPRO professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect homes or businesses according to the protocols set by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that needs to be done.

-Process: SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform proactive or emergency responsive cleanups that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. This would include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools and supplies used for cleanup, and disposal of hazardous materials. We also recommend a frequent cleaning depending on what CAT it is in. We want to make sure that people are getting back to business as soon as possible if there is a known COVID-19 case involved. 

-Product: Our program has more than 100 exclusive professional cleaning products to meet any need. This includes our proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE, which is a hospital-grade disinfectant that carries the Environmental Protection Agency's lowest toxicity category and is NSF certified for sanitizing surfaces in and around food processing surfaces. 

Certify deals with the our credibility as the premier biohazard cleaning company in the country to their business. This then allows assurance to their employees and customers that only SERVPRO can deliver. Once the business has been cleaned, they will gain access to propriety signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that they've selected the highest standard of cleaning available to protect their employees and customers. We also have the option to add the date, so then their guests will know that their location is being cleaned regularly. 

SERVPRO professionals have been on the front lines of proactive and reactive COVID related cleanups, and we are here to help as businesses begin to reopen and to also help them stay open!

Do These Three Things To Prevent Additional Mold Damage

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage on a wall in Arlington Heights, IL

3 Things To Prevent Additional Mold Damage

If black mold has invaded your commercial space, act immediately to mitigate the damage. Spores spread quickly, and, if not stopped, can eat away at structural materials, creating major issues to your building. Contact a mold remediation company in Arlington Heights, IL, to investigate the situation and offer assistance in cleaning the area and repairing any damage. Here are three things you'll want done to stop the problem as soon as possible.

Cut Off Air Flow

Fungus spores move quickly, floating in the air or carried by people walking through the area. Once growth begins then, the infestation could develop fast, causing issues within one to two days. During mold cleanup, try to eliminate the microbes ability to move from room to room. That requires shutting off the air system within the impacted section. A professional group can use negative air flow equipment to contain it. In addition, establish barriers to keep others from going in and out.

Eliminate Water Exposure

The catalyst for black mold development is fluid, so turn off the water that is encouraging reproduction. Then, begin drying out the area as soon as possible. Have industrial dehumidifiers run around the clock until testing indicates that drywall and flooring are no longer wet. Continue to monitor the humidity levels, and, if needed, place absorbent products in closets and isolated locations.

Repair the Initial Trouble

What caused the moisture problem? You'll need to discover the origin of the trouble. Is it a leaky pipe? Do you have a hole in the roof? As long as it continues, your business could suffer. During the remediation team's early evaluation, ask them to seek out the source. In addition, have them patch if not fix the cause. Then, establish a routine schedule for maintenance.
Black mold could be devastating, forcing you to shut down work while the establishment is sanitized; therefore, at first signs of fungus, take measures to prevent it from growing rapidly. Limit air circulation, minimize water contact and resolve the primary complication.

How to Keep Your Company's Roof in Good Shape

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Roof inspection in Arlington Heights, IL

Just like at home, the roof of your building is critical to your safety, security and comfort. A well-built roof keeps out the elements and protects everyone inside from hazards. Roof damage can lead to flooding and other costly issues. This could even interrupt your business and leave without a place to work. You may think the roof will last forever, but without proper upkeep, it could falter and fail.

Inspect the Outside Regularly

Depending on the material used for your building roof, it should last anywhere between 20 and 50 years. This doesn't mean you should assume it's in prime condition, even if it's only a few years old. Conscientious business owners in Arlington Heights, IL, frequently examine the roof to make sure it is doing its job properly. Your or a professional you hire should get on the roof at least once a year and look for the following:

• Weak spots or structural damage
  
• Cracks that allow leaks to get inside the building
  
• Dirt or debris
  
• Broken chimneys, vents or skylights from wind damage or other issues
  
  

Go Inside
You should also look inside at the underside of the roof. Check the rafters and trusses for mildew, mold and rot. If these components break, they would compromise the roof's integrity and force you to do a roof rebuild. You should also keep an eye on expansion joints to whether they have moved at all.

Pay Attention To the Drainage
You shouldn't only be concerned about the roof itself. Rain gutters and downspouts also contribute to the roof's effectiveness. Make sure you clear debris such as leaves from the gutters. Improper draining systems could leave excessive water on the roof, leading to rotting and heavy damage.
Roof damage can be expensive to repair, but it can also lead to other issues. Before you call a professional flood cleanup team to repair the roof and its damage, follow these important do-it-yourself steps.

3 Steps To Dry a Flooded Furnace

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded furnace in an Arlington Heights, IL home

3 Steps To Dry a Flooded Furnace

Commercial property owners that have experienced a furnace flood know how disastrous this water damage can be. The risk of furnace flooding is higher during the winter, as pipes with are more prone to breakage due to pressure buildup around frozen blockages. If a flood or pipe break fills a furnace with water, these three steps can resolve the situation.

Stop the Water Source

If a broken pipe is leaking into a furnace, the top priorities include stopping the flow of electricity or gas to the appliance and resolving the plumbing problem as quickly as possible. Contact a plumber as soon as you see evidence that a pipe has broken. You may also want to go ahead and schedule consultations with an appliance repair specialist and a damage restoration service.

Extract Water

Even if there is no chance of restoring the function of a flooded furnace, it is necessary to extract water from the appliance and the surrounding area and promote drying. This helps to prevent primary water damage from causing structural problems and secondary damage, such as mold, from developing over the days and weeks after a furnace flood.

Replace the Furnace

Most furnaces cannot be safely operated after water damage. Natural gas furnaces contain sensitive parts critical for safety which tend to sustain irreparable damage. If replacement is necessary, consider relocating the new furnace away from areas prone to water damage. You may also want to schedule an air duct cleaning to stop any mold spores that are present from spreading throughout a structure.
A furnace flood usually necessitates furnace replacement. If the first commercial appliance service that you contact offers to repair parts following major damage, you may want to seek second or third opinions. Refurbished furnace components may be more likely to result in fires or other costly damage to a building located in Arlington Heights, IL.

What You Should Know About Burn First Aid

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Though many business owners in Prospect Heights, IL, believe that is important to prepare for the effects of fire damage, learning about burn first aid can be intimidating. However, it's often wise to learn about basic aid when preparing for a fire.

What Are Common Causes of Burns?

People can acquire burns on any part of their bodies, though minor burns often occur on a person's hands, arms, legs or feet, especially if a person's skin is exposed. Common causes of burns in businesses include:

• Grease or oil splashing on the skin
• Fire touching the skin
• Steam or hot liquid making contact with the skin
• Touching hot pans, pots or other materials
  
  

What Are the Symptoms of a Minor Burn?

In addition to knowing the causes of a minor burn, it can also be useful to know what symptoms of burns to look out for after fire damage has affected your property. A minor burn is considered to be a burn that covers only a small area of the skin. Common symptoms of a minor burn can include:

• Small blisters
• Pain
• Redness on the skin that is similar to redness that appears after a sunburn
• Slight swelling
  
  

How Are Burns Treated?

After a fire, it can be helpful to know how to appropriately provide first aid to someone with a minor burn. Running cool water, not cold water, over a burn is often useful. Covering a minor burn with a clean bandage can also help to treat the burn. If you are in your building when there is an active fire, it's also helpful to remember that your business can be restored by emergency restoration services, and it's usually best to leave your building quickly and help to treat others once you are outside of the building in order to prevent further injuries.

In addition to taking steps to protect your business from fire damage, it can be useful to learn about burn first aid. Knowing common causes of burns, symptoms of minor burns and how to treat minor burns can help you feel more confident in your ability to help yourself and others if a fire occurs in your business.

Cleaning Your Commercial Air Ducts is Important

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Arlington Height/ Prospect Heights for Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning.

3 Reasons To Clean Your Commecial Air Ducts.

Air Duct Cleaning Improves the Quality of Indoor Air

By routinely having your air ducts cleaned you can significantly decrease the amount of airborne molecules in your office, all while avoiding weighty fees for other air purifying solutions.  Air ducts, like everything else in our office, collect dirt and debris. While filters may catch a lot of streaming debris, there is still a considerable amount of dust that settles within the ducts. 

Air Duct Cleaning Conserves Energy

Air duct cleaning provides a beginning in optimizing your duct function while providing the opportunity for other issues to be assessed. A properly and thoroughly cleaned HVAC system, not just the air ducts, can reduce the costs associated with running your HVAC system and increase the useful life of your air conditioner and furnace. EPA research suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of cooling and heating systems and lower the energy costs of running your heating and cooling system. In administering frequent commercial air duct cleanings, all parts of your HVAC system will be refreshed. This will allow your systems to work better, faster, and more efficiently, all while using less energy!

 Air Duct Cleaning Will Save You Money

Having your air ducts regularly serviced lower your energy bill, but it will also prolong the life of your HVAC system. Energy Star estimates indicate that you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by 20 percent or more simply by cleaning your ducts. 

If you are looking for commercial duct cleaning, please give SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights a call at 847-637-3445, and let us help save your company money.

Storm Safety For Your Commercial Property

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/ Prospect Heights can help you with commercial storm safety.

Severe weather is a serious threat and one that can often happen with little warning. It’s important to be thorough and proactive to ensure your business is protected.

Commercial Storm Safety

As we start to enter storm season, it is important to take some time and inspect your commercial property to assess and identify any maintenance that can be performed to further reduce the risk of damage in the case of a storm.

Some of these maintenance items may be:

• Cutting all tree branches away from the building
• Weather proofing windows
• Making sure that all your emergency signs are visible and in good working order.

Generators

Another way to ensure your property is storm ready is to check your generators for the building. This is exceptionally important for medical facilities, rehab facilities, and nursing homes who rely on the generator for life saving medication dispensing and to operate machines.  Making sure you have enough power to maintain the facility for at least a minimum of three days is what FEMA recommends.

Communicate with tenants

It is also essential to communicate with your tenants of the property.  Making sure that you and your tenants have an emergency readiness plan in the event of an emergency is vital not only to assist keeping your tenant up and running, but for the safety of the building. 

Nearly 40% of small businesses close after a disaster, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 52% of small businesses say it would take at least three months to recovery from a disaster, according to a 2015 survey of 500 small business owners conducted by Nationwide.  Only 25% of businesses that close due to a major disaster ever reopen, according to the Institute for Business & Home Safety.

SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights offers a free Emergency Ready Plan that we can assist all of the tenants of your commercial property where one call to our office and we have all the necessary information to begin a quick clean up and get your building back to full working order.  To get more information on our Emergency Readiness Plan, give us a call at (847) 637-3445. 

4 Questions and Answers About Business Insurance

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

My business has water damage, what do I do?

No matter how you prepare, the unexpected will happen. This is true in your professional life as well as in your personal. However, when it comes to your Arlington Heights, IL, business and commercial properties, you can protect against unexpected trouble, such as fire or water damage, with business insurance. If you're not sure why you need this coverage and what's available, take a look at the following questions and answers:

What Can I Expect From Business Insurance Coverage?

These policies vary from one provider to another, but they are all designed to protect owners from business losses. You may get coverage for property and automobiles or insure your business against legal claims. You could get health insurance for employees or protect your property from damages related to broken pipes.

When would I need business insurance?

Small business owners often mistakenly believe they don't have enough inventory or business equipment to insure, but when broken pipes lead to water damage or when related water cleanup services are required, those owners may face financial losses in addition to the loss of property. During the time water remediation professionals are working, the small business owner may lose out on valuable income. When this happens, business interruption coverage may be crucial to the company's continued success.

What type of coverage do I need?

Some of the most common insurance claims for commercial property owners include those related to damages from water, weather, and fire. Look into business interruption insurance, property and casualty insurance, and related policies. Of course, you can prepare for other eventualities by discussing your specific business needs with an insurance agent.

How do I file a claim?

Plan ahead for any eventuality by talking to your agent before trouble happens. If an issue has already come up, contact your business insurance representative right away. You may also get help from the water damage cleanup professionals.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Event

5/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/ Prospect Heights has the training and equipment to restore your commercial property after a water event.

Flooding and water damage events at SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights and the surrounding area commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/ Prospect Heights

SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

Air Duct Cleaning For Your Commercial Property

5/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/ Prospect Heights has the training and equipment necessary to keep your commercial air ducts clean.

Benefits of Air Duct Cleaning

Air Duct Cleaning Improves the Quality of Indoor Air

By routinely having your air ducts cleaned you can significantly decrease the amount of airborne molecules in your office, all while avoiding weighty fees for other air purifying solutions.  Air ducts, like everything else in our office, collect dirt and debris. While filters may catch a lot of streaming debris, there is still a considerable amount of dust that settles within the ducts.

Air Duct Cleaning Conserves Energy

Air duct cleaning provides a beginning in optimizing your duct function while providing the opportunity for other issues to be assessed. A properly and thoroughly cleaned HVAC system, not just the air ducts, can reduce the costs associated with running your HVAC system and increase the useful life of your air conditioner and furnace. EPA research suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of cooling and heating systems and lower the energy costs of running your heating and cooling system. In administering frequent commercial air duct cleanings, all parts of your HVAC system will be refreshed. This will allow your systems to work better, faster, and more efficiently, all while using less energy!

Air Duct Cleaning Will Save You Money

Having your air ducts regularly serviced lower your energy bill, but it will also prolong the life of your HVAC system. Energy Star estimates indicate that you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by 20 percent or more simply by cleaning your ducts.

According to the NACDA—The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance, and Restoration Association, “if your ducts look dirty, they probably are.” By conducting routine air duct cleanings, you will be able to fully inspect your air ducts for leaks, HVAC effectiveness, and overall indoor air quality.

If you are looking for commercial duct cleaning, please give us a call at (847) 637-3445 and let us help save your company money.

What Personal Protective Equipment Is Helpful When Removing Mold?

4/13/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial property owners and building managers should depend on the expertise of remediation professionals.

Personal protective equipment helps mold cleanup professionals limit exposure to microbial volatile organic compounds and spores while preventing cross-contamination. Workers should use respirators rated for mold, disposable gloves and booties and protect the rest of their bodies by wearing full-coverage clothing or coveralls.

Facial Protection

Respirators designed for working with mold may be half-face or full-face designs. Cleanup workers should select respirators with a rating of at least N95:

• N95 respirators block at least 95 percent of 0.3 micron particles
• N100 respirators filter 99.7 percent of particles 0.3 microns or greater
• Full facepiece respirators may be connected to a powered air purifying respirator system
  

Goggles are also necessary to protect workers' eyes. A major infestation may call for a full facepiece with vented goggles.

Hands

Cleanup workers should wear durable and disposable latex, nitrile or rubber gloves. These gloves should be thick enough to stand up to working conditions and should be disposed of after each session.

Full Body Protection

Workers cleaning up a major mold infestation should wear coveralls. This full body PPE is made of non-porous material and has a hood and booties for maximum protection. It may also be necessary to set up a containment chamber to avoid spreading mold.

For an infestation of less than 10 square feet, workers can wear shirts with long sleeves, pants and disposable shoe coverings. All of these items should be bagged and discarded at the end of each session.

All of these types of PPE can protect cleanup workers from exposure to spores and mVOCs released during mold growth. For a severe infestation, workers should combine N100 full-face respirators with vented goggles and coveralls. Minor mold problems call for respirators with a rating of at least N95, disposable gloves, booties and protective clothing. Commercial property owners and building managers should depend on the expertise of remediation professionals in Arlington Heights, IL.

Preparing A Commercial Property For Fall

8/23/2018 (Permalink)

It’s official, fall is coming, and it’s coming quickly. School gear is being purchased in bulk, last minute vacations are being taken to squeeze out the final remnants of summer and hot weather, and fall apparel and gear have hit the stores in preparation for the cooler air and shorter days. Take the hint and start your own preparations to make sure your commercial property is ready for the changing seasons.

Check Your Gutters – The season is known as “Fall” for a reason, leaves are going to change color and fall from the trees in bulk, and that means a lot more than increased sweeping and vacuuming inside as they are tracked in on shoes. The biggest threat that comes from all of those falling leaves and debris is to your gutter system. Make sure it’s clear so that water will flow freely away from your building when it rains and pours. This simple step will go a long way towards preventing roof leaks and flooding.

Check Your Heaters – Avoid surprises by checking to make sure your heater works before the first cold snap. This means checking on the pilot light, oil levels (if applicable) and furnace filters, as well as having an HVAC expert come in for a seasonal checkup. Not only will your employees and customers thank you, but these steps can help ensure your heating unit will work better and last longer.

Check Your Water Pipes – Exposed water pipes should regularly be checked for leaks, but fall is also a good time to examine the insulation and make sure it’s prepared for colder weather. Prevent frozen and burst pipes in the winter by conducting a quick check in the fall and fixing any inadequacies.

Prevent Electrical and Fire Problems – Have an electrician come in and perform a maintenance check on your electrical system to ensure it’s prepared for the increased usage that fall demands. Shorter and colder days mean more lighting and the possible addition of space heaters, and you don’t want to blow a fuse when clients are around! While you’re at it check your smoke detectors and their batteries ideally once a month, but in the spring and fall at the least, and any emergency generators which should be started once a week so they don’t remain idle too long, transfer load tested every month and full load tested once a year.

SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights is here to help.  Give us a call at 847-637-3445 for all your emergency preparedness needs, as well as emergency water or fire needs. 

Commercial fire in Prospect Heights

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

It just takes a second for your little one to start a fire. Whether it helps intentionally or unintentionally, it's always a concern. July 18, a child was playing with a lighter when flames quickly covered a corner of a balcony. Fire quickly spread to two-24 unit buildings. Two out of three of the buildings will be total lost as the fourth building just suffered some fire and smoke damage. This building was untouched thanks to the 150 plus firefighters from 50 different departments, acted rather quickly to stop the fire from spreading more. Commercial fires usually have working smoke detectors, but due to the buildings age sprinklers was not in any of the buildings. This property did not have sprinklers to building because to add sprinkles to an old building is remodeling at least 50 percent of the structure. When having commercial fires, windy conditions and lightweight wood truss construction roof made it very difficult to put the fire out. 

Best way to prevent commercial fires is using smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and having automatic sprinklers system installed! if your commercial property has had fire damage, SERVPRO Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights is here to help, give us a call @ 847-637-3445!

Commercial Property Tips For The Summer

7/23/2018 (Permalink)

Summertime is the perfect chance for you to freshen up the outside of your commercial property, temperatures are finally starting to heat up and signs of summer are rolling in. It also marks that time of year when commercial real estate property owners and managers need ensure that their buildings are ready the seasonal changes in order to avoid unexpected issues or costs.

Inspect your roof – Summer weather leads to strong storms. Keep a close eye on your roof to make sure leaks haven’t developed.

1. Clean out gutters– Clean out any debris that’s trapped in your gutters. This is not only good for your gutters, but it also gives your business a well-maintained appearance. Summer often means severe storms, hail and even tornado activity that can put a severe strain on roofing materials. Start the summer out right by getting a professional roof inspection to determine any problems that might have occurred over the winter months. Ice and snow damage may have occurred that isn’t immediately evident. Loose tiles, damage to underlay materials and problems with gutters can lead to more serious problems as the season continues
2. Revitalize the exterior– Clean up any trash or yard debris that’s lying around your property. Plant summertime flowers to offer a fresh pop of color. Apply a new coat of paint – or even better, use commercial pressure washing to remove dirt, pollen, and grime. Don’t forget about commercial concrete stains on your drive-thrus and sidewalks.
3. Thoroughly inspect surfaces– Walk around your property and make note of any stains or damage on your exterior walls. Call us to come by and see how we can clean up your exterior with commercial pressure cleaning.
4. Window maintenance, Winter weather may have damaged the windows on your commercial property, which could lead to higher air-conditioning costs during the summer months. Thorough caulking can prevent leakage of cooled air and save more on energy bills.

 SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights is here to help with all your commercial property needs.  Give us a call at 847-637-3445, and ask about our Emergency Readiness Planning. 

Commercial Water Damage

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s services are not only for residential properties but are also for commercial properties. This picture is of a recent water damage clean up in Arlington Heights, where some of the doctors’ offices became affected when water from the outside seeped in flooding their offices and their hallways. Several pieces of drying equipment were necessary to dry out the affected portions of the building. If you are a business owner or a property manager and have had this happen to your place of business or any of your properties, why not give our office a call at 847-637-3445 to help with the clean up? SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights has the experience and the know how to handle this and many other cleaning situations. Browse our website for more details of our clean up services.

No Commercial Job Too Big or Too Small

6/20/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO’s services are not only for residential properties but are also for commercial properties. This picture is of a recent water damage clean up in Arlington Heights, where some of the doctors’ offices became affected when water from the outside seeped in flooding their offices and their hallways. Several pieces of drying equipment were necessary to dry out the affected portions of the building. If you are a business owner or a property manager and have had this happen to your place of business or any of your properties, why not give our office a call at 847-637-3445 to help with the clean up? SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights has the experience and the know how to handle this and many other cleaning situations. Browse our website for more details of our clean up services.

Is Your Business Ready For What Ever Happens?  

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency nearly 50% of businesses never reopen after a water or fire emergency.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency also did a survey in 2015 of businesses across the US, and found that near 75% of businesses do not have a disaster recovery plan in place.  

SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights can help you with that.  We offer a no cost assessment of your facility.  We come into your company and give a very detailed guide on how to get your back into your business after a disaster occurs.  

The other great thing about SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights assessing your commercial property is that our assessment will take very little time away from you and your current project, but in the event of a fire or water damage it will get your back to production much faster and efficiently.  

The best part about our emergency readiness planning is that we establish a working relationship.  We know your building, and you as a customer.  You also get to know us, and build a working relationship that you can be certain we have your company’s best interest at heart. 

Don't wait, call SERVPRO of Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights today at (847) 637-3445, and let us come assess your property and create an emergency readiness plan for you. 

Who Do You Trust With Your Commercial Property Damage?

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

There are over seven million small businesses in the U.S., ranging from construction firms to grocery stores to home-based businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, as many as one in four businesses that suffer some kind of major disaster do not reopen afterward. 

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, U.S. fire departments responded to about 3,300 office property fires per year between 2007 and 2011. Those fires resulted in about $112 million in property damage each year, and most were in business offices, and happened during business hours. 90% of fires were large enough to activate sprinklers, which were effective 88% of the time.

The NFPA also has statistics specific to manufacturing facilities. According to their research, there are about 37,000 fires at industrial or manufacturing facilities each year, resulting in 18 deaths, 279 injuries, and $1 billion in property damage. Heating equipment and stop tools were the leading cause, sparking 28 percent of the fires. Mechanical failure or malfunction caused 24 percent of the fires.

If your commercial property has experience a fire, and or water damage, ever minute you are offline is money down the drain.  Call SERVPRO Arlington Heights/Prospect Heights at (847) 637-3445 to get your business back up and running.  

Phone Number Checklist for Property Managers

6/14/2016 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage clean up

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROFILE NUMBERS

Ensure Your Vendors Provide 24-Hour Response and that you have a phone number for the following people:

Property Manager/Landlord:

Property/Complex Main Office:

Property/Complex Emerg. # (if different):

Property/Complex Security #:

Insurance Agent/Office:

Police/Law Enforcement:

Fire Department:

Water Department:

Gas Company:

Electric Department:

Phone Company:

SERVPRO's Ph #

http://www.SERVPROarlingtonheightsprospectheights.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning