Lint Ignites Clothes Dryer Fire in Central Stickney Home?

10/8/2024 (Permalink)

We are fire damage restoration leaders in Cook County.

Did you know the leading cause of clothes dryer fires is the failure to clean them? Our local Bedford Park/Burbank teams restore fire damage in Central Stickney every year and want everyone to know about dryer maintenance. Here are some safety guidelines from the National Fire Protection Association:

Proper dryer maintenance is essential for preventing fire hazards and ensuring efficient operation. Start by having your dryer professionally installed and serviced regularly. Always use the dryer with a lint filter in place and make it a habit to clean the filter before or after each load.

Additionally, remove any lint that has accumulated around the drum. For optimal airflow, use rigid or flexible metal venting material, and ensure the air exhaust vent pipe is unrestricted with the outdoor vent flap opening properly.

If your clothes are taking longer to dry, it's time to clean the vent pipe or hire a professional service. Keep your dryer in good working order, especially if it's gas-powered—regularly inspect the gas line for leaks. Ensure the dryer is connected to the correct plug and outlet and avoid overloading it. Also, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and turn off the dryer when leaving the house or going to bed to reduce fire risks.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Central Stickney has fire damage, our local teams in Bedford Park/Burbank are Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 708-430-3600.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

The Lifesaving Role of Smoke Alarms in Burbank, Illinois?

10/2/2024 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24/7 in Cook County.

Our local Bedford Park/Burbank teams are trained and certified to restore residential fire damage. October is Residential Fire Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to highlight the importance of smoke alarms in your home. Smoke alarms are your first line of defense in a fire, giving you and your family the crucial time to escape safely. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having working smoke alarms in your home can cut the risk of dying in a house fire by half.

Ensure you have smoke alarms installed in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and every level of your home, including the basement. Testing your smoke alarms monthly is essential to ensure they’re functioning properly.

Replace the batteries at least once a year or sooner if the alarm starts chirping, indicating low battery power. Additionally, replace your smoke alarms every ten years to ensure they are updated with the latest technology.

Take time this month to educate your family about the importance of smoke alarms. Make sure everyone knows the sound they make and what to do when they hear it. By prioritizing smoke alarm maintenance, you’re taking a significant step in protecting your home and loved ones.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Burbank has a fire damage emergency, our local teams in Bedford Park/Burbank are Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 708-430-3600.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Outdoor Lighting Safety Tips for Bridgeview Residents?

9/24/2024 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24/7 in Cook County.

Our local Bedford Park/Burbank teams are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Bridgeview. Outdoor string lights are a popular choice for adding ambiance to patios, gardens, and festive occasions. However, while they can create a beautiful atmosphere, they also pose a hidden fire hazard if not used correctly.

One of the primary risks comes from using lights that are not rated for outdoor use. Indoor string lights lack the durability to withstand the elements. When exposed to rain, snow, or even high humidity, they can short circuit, leading to sparks and potentially igniting nearby materials.

Another common cause of fire is overloading electrical circuits by connecting too many strings. This can cause the wires to overheat, especially if the lights are left on for extended periods. Additionally, damaged or frayed wires, often caused by wear and tear or poor storage, can expose live wires, increasing the fire risk.

To minimize the danger, always use string lights designed for outdoor use, inspect them for damage before each season, and avoid overloading circuits. Ensuring your outdoor lighting setup is safe will help you enjoy your space without worrying about fire damage lurking in the background.

Call Us Today!

When your Bridgeview home or commercial business sustains fire damage, our local Bedford Park/Burbank teams are Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 708-430-3600.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Protecting Your Home from Summer Storm Damage in Justice, Illinois?

9/17/2024 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24/7 in Cook County.

Our local Bedford Park/Burbank teams are storm damage restoration leaders in Justice, where summer storms can be fierce and unpredictable, often causing significant property damage. These storms frequently bring heavy rain, strong winds, lightning, and even hail, all of which can threaten the integrity of your home.

Heavy rainfall can lead to flash flooding, overwhelming drainage systems, and water seeping into basements and lower levels of homes. If your home’s foundation isn’t adequately waterproofed, this can result in extensive water damage that may lead to costly repairs.

Strong winds during summer storms are another common threat. These winds can rip off shingles, damage siding, and even uproot trees, which could fall on your home, causing structural damage. It’s crucial to ensure that any loose objects in your yard, like patio furniture or lawn decorations, are secured before a storm hits.

Lightning is another danger. It can spark fires or cause power surges that may damage electrical systems and appliances. Installing surge protectors and grounding your home’s electrical system can mitigate this risk.

Taking proactive steps, such as regular roof inspections and securing your yard, can help protect your home from the damaging effects of summer storms in Justice.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business sustains storm damage, our local Bedford Park/Burbank teams are Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 708-430-3600.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Basic Microwave Safety Tips Help Prevent Fire Damage in Bedford Park?

9/10/2024 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24/7 in Cook County.

Our local teams in Bedford Park/Burbank want everyone to be safe and fire-damage-free in the kitchen. In today's fast-paced world, families often turn to the microwave oven for its quick and easy way to heat meals, warm beverages, or defrost food. By keeping a few basic safety practices in mind, you can avoid painful burns and reduce the risk of potential fires. Here are some microwave oven safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

SAFETY TIPS

• PURCHASE a microwave oven listed by a qualified testing laboratory. Make sure to complete and return the product registration card. This way, the manufacturer can contact you if the product is recalled.
• PLUG the microwave oven directly into the wall outlet — never use an extension cord.
• Ensure the microwave oven is at a safe height and within easy reach of all users.
• OPEN food slowly, away from the face. Hot steam or the food itself can cause burns.
• FOOD heats unevenly in microwave ovens. Stir and test before eating or giving to children.
• NEVER heat a baby bottle in the microwave. Since microwave ovens heat unevenly, they can create hot pockets, leading to burns. Instead, warm a bottle in a bowl of warm, not hot or boiling water, or by running it under the tap.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Bedford Park has fire damage, our local Bedford Park/Burbank teams are Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 708-430-3600.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Sump Pump Failure Causes Water Damage in Summit Business?

9/3/2024 (Permalink)

We restore commercial water damage 24/7 in Cook County.

Our local Bedford Park/Burbank teams are trusted leaders in commercial water damage restoration services in Summit. A malfunctioning sump pump in a commercial business can lead to significant water damage, especially during periods of heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt.

Essential for managing water accumulation in basements or low-lying areas, a sump pump failure can quickly turn into a costly disaster, affecting property, inventory, and operations.

The common causes of sump pump failures include power outages, improper installation, lack of maintenance, or an overwhelmed system during extreme weather conditions.

When a sump pump fails, water can accumulate and seep into the foundation, damaging the structural integrity of the building, ruining equipment, and fostering mold growth.

To mitigate these risks, regular sump pump maintenance is crucial. This should include checking the pump's operation, ensuring the float switch is not hindered, and cleaning the sump pit of debris that might obstruct the pump's intake.

Additionally, installing a battery backup system can keep the pump operational during power outages, providing an essential layer of protection.

Business owners should also consider routine inspections and professional testing of their sump pump systems to ensure they are ready to handle high water levels. By taking these proactive steps, businesses can safeguard their premises against the disruptions caused by water damage.

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in Summit has a water damage emergency, our local Bedford Park/Burbank teams are Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 708-430-3600.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Leaking Water Supply Line Wreaks Havoc in Burbank Home?

8/27/2024 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24/7 in Cook County.

Our local teams in Bedford Park/Burbank are leaders in water damage restoration services. A leaking refrigerator water supply line can lead to significant water damage in a kitchen, often going unnoticed until it's too late. The supply line, responsible for delivering water to the refrigerator's ice maker and water dispenser, can develop small cracks or loose connections over time. When this happens, water slowly seeps out, often behind the refrigerator, where it's difficult to detect.

As the leak continues, water accumulates, gradually spreading underneath the refrigerator and onto the kitchen floor. Depending on the severity of the leak and the type of flooring, the water can penetrate deep into the subflooring, leading to swelling, warping, and rot. The moisture can also spread to surrounding cabinetry, causing the wood to swell and finishes to deteriorate.

If the leak is not addressed promptly, mold and mildew can grow in these damp, dark areas and rapidly spread to other areas of the structure.

Mold damage can be prevented by regularly inspecting the refrigerator water supply line for signs of wear or leaks and acting quickly if any issues are found. Early detection and maintenance are key in preventing major water damage, saving homeowners from the headache and expense of extensive repairs.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Burbank has water damage, our local team in Bedford Park/Burbank is Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 708-430-3600.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Dealing with Sewer Line Breaks in Bedford Park: Why Professional Cleanup is Essential for Commercial Buildings?

8/20/2024 (Permalink)

We are water damage restoration leaders in Cook County.

Our local team in Bedford Park/Burbank is a leader in water damage restoration services. A sewer line break in a commercial building can cause severe water damage and health risks. Raw sewage can flood the premises, contaminating the structure and air. This water damage is hazardous due to harmful bacteria and infectious diseases in sewage.

The contamination from a sewer line break requires immediate professional intervention. Cleaning visible water is not enough; the area must be disinfected and sanitized to prevent pathogen spread.

Our highly trained professionals have the equipment and experience to handle these situations. We utilize powerful, industrial-grade equipment to remove contaminated water, dry affected areas, and then we treat surfaces with specialized disinfectants to kill the bacteria completely. This also prevents long-term issues like mold growth.

Our teams can manage the entire restoration from the initial assessment to the final phases of rebuilding required to complete the job. Prompt and effective response not only addresses the immediate damage but also safeguards the health of occupants and the integrity of the building. For any commercial property facing sewer line issues, prioritizing professional cleanup and restoration is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy environment for customers and employees.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Bedford Park has a water damage emergency, our local team in Bedford Park/Burbank is Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 708-430-3600.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Property mgrs: need help cleaning vacant apartments?

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Need to get this unit cleaned and ready for rental? Give us a call today!

Attention all property managers:  A vacant apartment does not make you any money.  And an unit that is dire need of cleaning and deodorizing will never be rented.  What will you do?

Well, help is on the way!  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has already cleaned and deodorized units, so that they can be rented out.  And, we will work within your budget and time frame to do the best job we can.

Keep this number handy, because you just might need it in case of emergencies as well:  708-430-3600.

So, whether the unit in question had water damages, or the walls are stained with soot and smoke, or you suspect that mold may be present, we are the team for you!  We can pack out and store any items that need to be saved (furniture, household goods, storage boxes, etc), and clean and deodorize not only those contents, but the structure as well.

To get the process started, simply call the number 708-430-3600, and we will come out and inspect your areas of concern.  Then, we'll give you a verbal estimate and the processes of how we will get the job completed.  If that's agreeable to you, then a written estimate is prepared, and the job is scheduled.  Again, we will work within your schedule!

There's more to life than sunshine and rainbows

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Even when the sun is shining, SERVPRO is preparing for the next storm!

Everyone enjoys it when the sun shines and the temperatures are pleasant.  Unfortunately, there are times when the weather turns more destructive.

Especially in the spring and summer, storms can appear literally out of nowhere and create havoc in a very short period of time.  Winds, lightning, and heavy rains can disrupt not only picnics, but possibly your plans for the next couple of days.

The last few years have shown us that rain rates are becoming so much that it overwhelms our sewage systems.  Sump pumps that work properly are simply being asked to do too much in such a short period of time, causing flooding in the lower levels of our homes.

If sewage has invaded your home, there's no need to panic!  Simply call the water damage experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We can come out to inspect, find what areas have been affected by the intrusive waters.  Then we can extract the standing water, set up drying equipment (to dry both contents and structure), and spray an antimicrobial to keep mold at bay.

Before that storm rolls through, plug our number into your mobile device right now:  708-430-3600.  We have live operators to answer your call 24/7/365, so the work can start ASAP.

Keep standing water away from foundation

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Ensure that water runs AWAY from your home's foundation, otherwise you risk it entering your home.

As we experience a wet Spring, with its persistent rains and damp weather, now may be a good time to make sure that water runs AWAY from your home's foundation.  Standing water next to your foundation may find its way inside your home.

Make sure that the landscaping grade runs away from your home, carrying its possible flooding water with it.  If you see standing water next to your home, figure out ways to greatly reduce/eliminate the problem.

• Are the gutters and downspouts clean and functioning properly?
• Are there mounds of garden dirt or mulch preventing water to flow away from the foundation?
• Are there foot traffic spots worn down so that they need to be built up again?

Anything you can do to reduce the amount of standing water next to your foundation will greatly reduce the chance of it entering your home and damaging structure or contents.

If you notice that water has invaded your castle, don't panic.  Simply call the water clean up experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We can come out and inspect the damaged area(s), come up with a game plan that fits into your budget and schedule, and then enact that plan.

Bridgeview Chamber Job Fair

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Looking for a first job, or wanting to switch careers? Here's your chance.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank's SMR Rick Gauger is a Bridgeview Chamber Vice President, and is spearheading the Chamber's Job Fair, to be held on Friday, May 20th, 2022.  This is the first time the Chamber has held this event.

"I've seen too many help wanted signs around the area, and I though what better way to fill those voids than with a Job Fair," said Rick.  "I've also invited my insurance agents to check with their commercial clients, and see if any of them would like to participate."

There is a good selection of companies looking for employees.  There are industrial, office, as well as the hospitality industry already signed up, looking for manual laborers and clerical workers, and everything in between.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is always looking for ways  to help the community, and helping commercial properties that need workers find willing applicants is just one way we can assist.

If you, or someone you know, is looking to help people with their water, fire, mold, and disinfecting issues, whether it's home or business, then look no further than your friends at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  Call 708-430-3600 to set up an interview.  

Plan your fire escape routes now

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

A fire, whether at home or work, can be dangerous if an escape route is blocked.

Most of us rely on GPS to get us from point A to point B.  But, if you’re home or at work, and a fire happens, do you know where to go, and the safest route to get there?

Once the smoke alarms or smoke detectors go off, you may panic a little bit, not knowing exactly what is happening.  Things are happening quickly, and if there’s heat and smoke in your vicinity, you may become disoriented.

Take time NOW, to know what’s the best routes out of your home and business are.  Also, does your family (when at home) or coworkers (when at work) know the routes as well?  Do they know the safest place to meet? 

You should practice the route, to make the route like second nature.  Michael Jordan didn’t get to be the best NBA player without practicing.  Practice the route, especially if you have kids, because you and they may only get one chance to be right if disaster does happen.

Have a safe place to meet outdoors, so that everyone can be accounted for.  Don’t depend on phones to text each other, because not everyone might not have had a chance to get their phone.  But, if you DO have your phone, and are unable to get to the safe place, then by all means text or call right away.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank wants everyone to be safe when disaster strikes.  Once everyone is safe and accounted for, THEN call the fire cleaning experts at 708-430-3600.

We are local, local, local!

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Just like a family hardware store or drug store, we are local and support the community.

Banks are merging to create mega banks.  Corporations are buying each other up at a record pace, in order to become “bigger and better”.  But, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is not like that.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is a locally owned franchise, hiring local employees, supporting local Chambers, and aiding the local community.  Because, we ARE local.

Being local, we know the happenings within our community.  Our social media accounts help promote local events and charities, keeps the public aware of impending good or bad weather, and provides tips and tricks that not only saves you money, but also prevent disasters from occurring at your home or business.

If a water or fire damages a home, we work with local insurance companies to ensure that the homeowner gets the best possible outcome available.  We understand that any local business that is shut down due to water or fire damages, that business is not making money, so getting it reopened as soon as possible is the top priority.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is on the Executive board of the Bridgeview Chamber, and a member of the Bedford Park – Clearing Industrial Association.  Both organizations work to improve the local community.

Have a cleanup project that is beyond your capacity?  Call the local cleaning experts (and your friendly neighbors) at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600 right away!

Are soot and smoke on the menu?

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Fire, soot, or smoke damage your kitchen? Call SERVPRO right away!

Like everyone else, I like to eat out at a nice quiet restaurant.  But the last time I checked, smoke and soot were NOT on the menu.

So, what happens when a restaurant has a fire?  Will it be closed long, or reopen quickly?

And it doesn't have to be just a restaurant, it could be your kitchen as well.

Here at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, we understand that no one wants to be displaced for any extended amount of time, whether it's cooks and wait staff at a restaurant, or you at home.  That's why, as soon as the call comes in, we spring into action to quickly assess what was affected by not only the flames, but by the smoke as well.  Smoke and soot particles can travel some distance from the actual fire (think of the wild fires on the west coast; sometimes we see smoke in the sky here in the Midwest). 

After we determine what was damaged, we then think about how to clean it.  For example, drywall with smoke staining cannot be cleaned by simply spraying a cleaner on it and wiping it away.  The cleaner may actually set the stain, making it permanent.

If fire, smoke, and soot has damaged your kitchen, call the fire experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We're available 24/7/365 to help you out.

Large commercial loss? We can handle it!

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Just a portion of the equipment at the ready, in case you need us!

You're the property manager of a commercial property, and there's been a fire, causing fire and smoke damage to various portions of the building.  Or perhaps a water pipe burst, and water has damaged several rooms, and there's standing water in the lowest level of the building.

In either case, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is ready to handle the job.  With lots of equipment and manpower at the ready, we can get out there and begin the mitigation work as soon as possible.  Because, a business that is closed does NOT make money!

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has handles large warehouse fires, flooded commercial basements, and just about everything in between.  If the loss is really large, we can draw more equipment and manpower with a single phone call to our SERVPRO neighbors, so we can get you back up and running as soon as possible.

So, property managers, don't forget to put our phone number into your mobile device right now; 708-430-3600.  We're at the ready 24/7/365 (yes, even holidays) to get out there, quickly assess the situation, and begin the task of getting your property back to normal quickly.

Heavy rain overwhelm your sump pump?

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Sump pumps and even a Shop Vac were no match for Mother Nature's fury in this homeowner's basement.

Has the heavy rain during the latest "once-in-a-lifetime-storm" completely overwhelm your sump pump?  You're sure that the sump never quit, it just couldn't keep up with the deluge of rain outside.

It seems that the Spring and Summer storms are accompanied by an inch per hour rain rate (an inch per hour is okay for snow rates, but it's pretty heavy for rain).  If the ground was already saturated from previous storms, the water has to go somewhere, and it usually finds its way into homes and businesses.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is already prepared to help your situation.  We have extraction equipment, to get rid of standing water plus water that's trapped in carpet and padding.  We also have several types of fans, to blow against structure and/or contents, sending moisture up into the air, where it's captured by dehumidifiers, ready to remove that moisture.  SERVPRO also uses anti-microbial solutions, to help reduce the chance of mold colonizing.

Many homeowners try to do the work themselves, but because the water got in so quickly and affected so much, and because they don't have enough equipment to adequately dry everything, they develop mold, whether it's in the walls or under the carpet.

Don't try to be a hero.  Call the water experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600 and schedule an inspection.

Don't wait to prepare for a storm to roll through

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Many contents or a few, take time now to prepare for the next storm.

There's an old adage: "If you don't like the weather in Chicago, wait a few minutes!"

In this area, the weather can change very quickly.  From sunny and warm, to heavy storms and the wind coming off the lake to turn everything downright cold.  It doesn't give you much time to prepare.

If you knew how bad the storm is, you could prepare accordingly.  But we don't know, at least not until it's too late.

So, our advise to you is this:  Take time now to get ready for the next big storm.  And it's not IF the next storm will hit, it's WHEN!

• Check gutters and downspouts.  Make sure they are attached properly and clear of debris.
• While you are outside, do a quick check of the roof.  Scan to see if there are any missing or loose shingles.
• Recently, the storms have been accompanied by excessive rain rates, overwhelming sump pumps.  Are there any contents (furniture, boxes, etc) that would be permanently damaged by sewage water?
• If you have an unfinished basement?  Make sure that the drain is free from clutter, so if any water does intrude, it can recede as quickly as possible.
• Ensure that you have our emergency number plugged into your mobile device now: 708-430-3600.  After a major storm, sometimes we get a flood (pardon the pun) of phone calls, requesting service.  The sooner you call, the quicker we can get the process moving.

Grilling safety tips

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

Enjoy grilling this season, and be safe!

Warm weather has finally arrived, and cooks from all over the area will be getting out there grills.  Here's a few safety tips:

• An outdoor grill should be just that - used outdoors.  Never use a grill in a garage or carport.  It's not only dangerous, but the soot can stain the structure.
• Place the grill on a flat, even surface.  Cooking on an uneven surface is risking a tip over, but also invites the hot dogs to roll right off the grill.
• Keep the grill at least eight feet away from any structure, the further the better.  Like the wildfires out west, it takes just one flareup to jump any containment you think you had.
• Check for leaks in gas grills.  Spray soapy water on hoses and connections.  Any bubbling means you have a leak.
• Open gas grill lids prior to turning on gas.  Fumes can build up and create a fireball when lit.
• Keep all flammable items away from the grill.  Starter fluid, umbrellas, and even loose clothing can catch on fire if the flareup's large enough.
• Do not leave grills unattended while cooking.  Kids or pets can accidently touch the grill and get hurt, or knock the grill over altogether.  Approximately 2000 children under five are hurt each year because of this.
• Keep a water spray and/or fire extinguisher close by to control flareups.
• Clean the grill after each use, to prevent grease build up.

Happy grilling! 

Call SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank with storm related damages

3/18/2022 (Permalink)

This basement suffered sewage damage when heavy spring rains overwhelmed their sump pump.

Spring of 2022 is here, and somehow we avoided a polar vortex this winter.  The first snowfall was very late, and it seemed every time it did snow, it melted within a week.  Are we due for a big storm?

Spring weather can be unpredictable.  Large thunderstorms, with strong winds, hail, and lightning can roll through the area, followed by cold and, dare I say, snow?

The last few years there have been some heavy rains, with rain rates that exceed sump pump capacities.  Sewage backups can be the worst, with it's water damaging wall, floors, and furnishings, and that's not to mention the smell!

Take a look around your property NOW to see if you are ready for powerful thunderstorms.  Any boxes or furniture on the floor of your lower level that may get damaged if water backs up into your home?  Are the gutters on properly, to help direct rain water away from your home?

If water and/or sewage does happen to invade your home, simply call the cleanup experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We have the manpower, equipment, and expertise to handle any and all water damages.

You might say that when it rains, that's when SERVPRO shines!

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank can handle large commercial jobs

3/11/2022 (Permalink)

Whether it's a small sewage job, or a major fire, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is ready for your call!

Property managers: Has your commercial property suffer damage due to water, smoke, or fire?  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is ready to handle that job, no matter the size and scope!

Whether it's a small sewage problem in a bathroom, to several areas damaged because of a fire, we have the resources available to not only get the cleanup completed, but to return the areas to a state where work can continue.  We can work within your guidelines to get the process done quickly and the most cost effective way possible.

We're also available to perform work off hours, where necessary.  Sometimes that happens when the surrounding structure gets affected, but the machinery is unaffected.  In cases such as this, we wait until the shift is over, cover the machinery (to prevent secondary damages), and perform the cleaning.

So, property managers, if you are unfortunate to have some water, fire, or smoke damage your facility, you can trust the cleaning experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  We have the proper tools, protocols, and manpower to quickly and adequately clean up the area(s). 

If you haven't input our phone number into your mobile device, do so now: 708-430-3600.  We are available 24/7/365, and right in your neighborhood!

Excess moisture can cause damages too

3/4/2022 (Permalink)

Excess water and moisture has warped this drawer front.

Everyone knows that standing water can cause damages when inside your home.  That’s why you extract or mop up the water.  But what happens to the water you cannot see?

Drywall is very porous; it can absorb and hold a great deal of moisture.  Carpet and padding also can hold a lot of excess moisture.  Even wood furniture can hold moisture in its cells.  You can try and remove as much moisture as possible, but you may not know the proper techniques to do so.

Just ignore the problem?  Leaving excess moisture in walls, carpet, padding or furniture can eventually turn to mold issues, and who wants that?

If your home had enough water to cause you to mop or extract, and if any of the above came in contact with that water, you probably want to call the water experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank!  We have the proper meters and cameras to show exactly what is dry and what remains full of moisture.  We also have the proper equipment to pull that excess moisture from structure and contents, thereby greatly reducing the possibility of mold colonizing.

Call us anytime at 708-430-3600.  We’ll set up an appointment to come out, inspect the damaged areas, and come up with a game plan to return your home back to normal ASAP.

Even groundhogs can't agree on when Spring will start

2/23/2022 (Permalink)

Which groundhog will be correct, predicting the Chicago weather?

After the Chicago area has had seemingly month after month of above average temperatures, this February the weather has been quite cool and below normal; nothing barbarically cold (no below zero nighttime lows), but still quite chilly.

Maybe we need to check with some weather experts to see if we will have a quick or slow end to this winter weather.

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day, meaning a long winter.  Since starting his prognostications in 1887, he’s been about 64.4% accurate.  So, that’s it.  We’ll see cold weather for several more weeks.

But wait!  The local weather predictor, Woodstock Willie, didn’t see his shadow, so that means we’ll have an early spring, right?  Now, Willie hasn’t been doing this since the 1800’s, and his track record is close to 50%, but he IS local nonetheless.

I guess we’ll have to take a wait-and-see approach to see when winter breaks and spring grabs hold.  In the meantime, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is ready to tackle water issues in your home or business, resulting from melting snow, heavy rains, or frozen grounds.

If you have suffered from water entering your home, call the lean up experts at 708-430-3600.  We have the expertise and equipment to get the job done.

We can deodorize furniture and contents

2/11/2022 (Permalink)

This hydroxyl chamber is ready to deodorize furniture (towards the back) and boxes and boxes of contents, including books.

Is there any better smell than a pie cooking in your oven?  Is there anything worse than smoke smell throughout your house, reminding you that you suffered a fire loss?

Generally, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank can get the smoke smell out of structures in your house.  But what about your furniture?  Contents?

We will box up your items that have been smoke damaged, bring them to our secure warehouse, and clean them.  Then, there are put into a chamber with a hydroxyl machine running.

Hydroxyl machines change the molecular structure of the air for just a fraction of a second, but that new molecule works to destroy smoke particles hidden in fabrics, paper products, etc.  It almost works like magic!

Once all parties are satisfied that no smoke smell exists, then we bring your items back to your now clean and deodorized home.

Hydroxyl machines are just one part of the arsenal of equipment used to help restore your home or office after a fire, water damage, mold, or even biohazard damages.

Have you suffered a fire or smoke damage?  Don't hesitate and call the fire experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We have the equipment, manpower, and experience necessary to handle your loss!

Is a "Storm Watch" the same as a "Storm Warning"?

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the season, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is ready for storms!

Many times the weather forecaster on TV or radio will state that "This area is under a weather "Watch" or a weather "Warning".  Do you know the difference?

A "Watch" means that weather conditions are favorable for conditions to become severe, but no severe weather has been reported in the general area yet.  Take this time to prepare in case severe weather does strike, making sure you have a way to keep updated on the conditions.

If severe weather is reported, the Watch will be upgraded to a "Warning", and there will be more specific locations where the severe weather is and where it's heading. A "Warning" is also the time where you need to take immediate action to shelter yourself from any danger.

So, whether they are calling for a Winter Weather Watch or a Severe Thunderstorm Watch, or even a Flash Flood Watch, take the time to prepare and be safe.

We here at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank have to ALWAYS be prepared for any storm situation at any time.  Our trucks are pre-loaded with equipment and tools ready to remediate any damages to your structure caused by the storm.  Our crews are on standby, ready to jump into action when the call comes in.

So, save this number into your mobile device now: 708-430-3600.  

Differences/Similarities between frostbite and water damages

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

This ceiling may look dry, but the meter shows that water is hidden within.

Now that cold weather is upon us, we often hear the weather anchors on TV warn us about frostbite.  What exactly is frostbite?

Frostbite is when the water in your tissue’s cells freeze, causing damage to the surrounding areas.  Most people get frostbite in the hands or feet, because as the body cools, it restricts blood flow to the outer extremities, making them more susceptible for frostbite.

In order to prevent frostbite, limit outdoor exposure, wear clothes in layers (helps hold in the heat), and retreat to warmth once you feel winter’s sting in your extremities.

But what does frostbite and water damages have in common?

The water in your cells is hidden; you know it’s there but you can’t see individual drops or pools.  In many cases, that’s the same for water damages.  Oh, you may see standing water from the pipe break or flooding, but most of the damage is hidden within walls, ceilings, or flooring.

Just like with frostbite, if water damages are left untreated, it could develop into something worse.

The biggest difference between the two?  With frostbite, you want to gradually warm the affected area with warm (not hot) water.  With water damages, you want it discovered and dried as quickly as possible.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is the water expert.  We have the technology (meters and cameras) to find hidden water, and the equipment to dry all affected areas.

Suffered a water damage?  Call 708-430-3600 any time to schedule an appointment.

SERVPRO in top 10 of Entrepreneur Magazine's top 500

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Looking for a company for emergency cleanup? Call SERVPRO, we're second to none!

Entrepreneur Magazine just came out with their 43rd annual Top 500 Franchises, and SERVPRO is proud to be ranked #8 best franchise system, and the #1 in the cleaning and restoration category.  This is the 19th consecutive year that SERVPRO has been ranked number one for this category in this survey!

You can check out this survey, simply go to:  www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500

Entrepreneur Magazine evaluates categories based on size and growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power.

“The past year has been one of the most challenging for businesses in recent memory, which made putting together our 43^rd annual Franchise 500 list more enlightening than ever,” said Entrepreneur Editor in Chief Jason Feifer. “The companies named to this year’s list showed us how being resilient, supportive and nimble can help navigate extraordinary challenges and also underscore the grit and innovation that define entrepreneurship.”

So, if you have a loss on your property, be it water damage, fire, smoke or soot damage, mold remediation, or disinfecting your property due to COVID, you can trust the cleaning experts at SERVPRO!  Always available 24/7/365.

Call SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We're in your neighborhood, staffed with local people, but backed by a national franchise system!

Water damage caused by storms

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Storms are unpredictable, but your service shouldn't be! Call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank!

Weather seems to have migrated to the extremes: extreme heat, extreme cold, excessive rain, huge snows, violent winds, droughts, etc.  Hard to protect yourself and your property 100% from every one of these.

There are many ways water can get into your home or business.  Heavy rains that overwhelm the sump pumps.  Melting snow that finds the tiniest cracks in your foundation.  Ice accumulating on your roof, causing water backing up and under your shingles (ice damming), just to name a few.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has dealt with all of these, plus pipe breaks, sewer backups, bathtub overflows, etc.  Our experienced crews know the best procedures to get you back to normal living as efficiently and quickly as possible.

We will walk through and assess the damaged areas, discuss what needs to be done, and set a schedule to perform our magic that works within your parameters.  Everything is explained beforehand!

So, if your property has suffered some sort of water damage, whether it be by storm or other natural occurrence, simply place a call to the experts at: 708-430-3600 and set up that initial inspection.

We're available 24/7/365, so you'll always talk to a live operator, never an answering machine.

Specialized equipment to get the job done!

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

This hydroxyl machine will eradicate the smoke smell from these contents.

Suffered a water or fire loss on your property, or discovered mold in a closet attic, or crawl space?  Call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600!

Besides having experience and the most current protocols, we have specialized equipment to complete the task quickly and efficiently as possible (Many of the following pieces of equipment is utilized across multiple job types):

• For Fire:
  • Sponges, to help determine where smoke and soot travelled.
  • Hydroxyl machine, to help rid structure and contents of smoke smell.
• For water:
  • Extraction equipment, to help remove standing water, and extract from carpet and pad.
  • Thermal camera, to "see" inside a wall or under the floor to check where water migrated, without making any inspection holes.
  • Floor mats, to remove water from hardwood floors, preserving their integrity and reducing chances of mold.
  • Fans, that can blow directly at a wall, or under carpet, straight up at a ceiling, or even at a 45 degree angle.
  • Dehumidifiers, to collect moisture within the air and replace it with warm, dry air.
• For Mold:
  • Containment, to help prevent accidental spread from affected areas to unaffected areas.
  • Air Scrubbers, to help grab mold spores, dust, and debris from the air and replace it with 99% clean air.

As you can see, we're ready for your phone call!  That number again is: 708-430-3600.

We can help with hoarding cleanup

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Typical scene from a hoarding cleanup. We can help! Call 708-430-3600.

The holidays are here: Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's.  Time to get together with family and friends and celebrate.  Perhaps during one of these get togethers, you discover that a friend or loved one is a hoarder.  You want to help the clean up, but the task is way too big for you to handle.

Relax.  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has handled many jobs such as this, and we are prepared to do so again.  Just give us a call at 708-430-3600.

We can come out, assess the situation, and go over with the concerned parties what needs to be done, what can be saved, and what can be discarded.  Getting everyone on the same page is important in jobs such as this.

So, if you encounter a friend or relative that you believe can benefit from our services, please do not hesitate and call the professionals at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.

Commercial property has water damages on several floors

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Keeping commercial properties open while performing emergency services is the goal for SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.

When a multi-story commercial office building has a water damage, sometimes we have to invent ways to properly dry the structure.

In this case, the foyer area had ceilings that were over two stories high.  Fans placed at ground level and directed up will have little, if any, impact on drying the ceilings that high up.  Thinking somewhat outside the box, we came up with a solution.

Putting plastic on the affected areas, and then venting warm, dry air up through tubes and into the contained plastic, will dry the area quickly, thereby reducing the chance of mold growth.  Note: we were also drying the floor above, so there was drying taking place from above and below.

Being a commercial property, we had to dry all affected areas while they continued business as usual, with just a minimum of disruption.  This was discussed with the property manager prior to us starting the work.  Communication is the key!

If your property, commercial or residential, has suffered from a water damage, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We can inspect affected areas, create a plan of attack, and, discussing with all interested parties, put that plan into place.

Disinfecting your building

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

Warehouses, offices, or residential homes. We have disinfected them all!

Corona Virus struck in 2019.  The Delta Variant came, and caused many lockdowns, mandates, and business interruptions.  Now, the Omicron Variant appears to be the next on the scene.

Luckily, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has kept up with the protocols and procedures necessary to disinfect homes and businesses, helping to keep people safe and keep interruptions to a minimum.  Using hospital-grade disinfectants, electro static sprayers, and some elbow grease, we can help disinfect your property as well.

In the last two years, we have disinfected warehouses, office buildings, insurance offices, municipal buildings, and even the control tower at Midway Airport!

Now that the colder weather is fast approaching, doors and windows will be closed, instead of wide open and used to air out the property, making it much easier for viruses to spread.

If you had an employee or associate test positive for COVID, or just want to be proactive and disinfect the building (or certain rooms), call the cleaning and disinfecting experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  Our certified production manager will come out, assess the situation, and explain fully what needs to be done and how we plan to attack it.

If you haven’t inputted our phone number into your mobile device, you’ll want to do it now:  708-430-3600.

Please stay safe!

Trick or Treat Hours 2021

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Let's be careful driving out there.  The little ones probably haven't gone out in two years, and may be too excited to be careful.

Following is the list of Trick or Treat hours by town for Sunday, October 31, 2021 (remember, the sun sets at 5:45):

• Bedford Park          3:00-6:00
• Berwyn                  2:30-6:00
• Bridgeview             2:00-6:00
• Burbank                 2:00-6:00
• Chicago                 3:00-7:00
• Cicero                    3:00-7:00
• Countryside            3:00-8:00
• Crestwood              3:00-7:00
• Evergreen Park      12:00-8:00
• Hodgkins                3:00-6:00
• Joliet                      4:00-7:00
• Justice                   2:00-6:00
• La Grange              3:00-8:00
• Lyons                     3:00-7:00
• Oak Forest              2:00-7:00
• Oak Lawn               2:00-6:00
• Oak Park                1:00-5:30
• Palos Heights          3:00-7:00
• Palos Hills               3:00-7:00
• Stickney                 3:00-7:00
• Summit                  6:00-8:00
• Willow Springs        3:00-7:00
• Worth                     2:00-7:00

Property Managers: Are you prepared?

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

Fires are just one of the many ways it can disrupt your commercial business.

Property Managers: You’ve been busy the last year, trying to safeguard employees that have been coming into the office.  We know, because we’ve had to perform many COVID cleanings, whether it was proactive or due to positive tests.  With more and more people no longer working remotely and coming back to the office, we understand it’s been a strain to keep up with everything.

But, have you prepared for the next unexpected disaster?

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has a FREE program that can help prevent some disasters from becoming larger, and restores your property if that disaster disrupts your business.  Called the Emergency Ready Profile, or ERP, can set the wheels in motion to minimize disruptions as quickly as possible after the worst has happened.

Whether it’s listing protocols for certain recoveries, to listing important contacts and numbers, this FREE program can make the difference from being just an inconvenience to being highly detrimental to your bottom line.

Many different types of businesses have already taken advantage of this program; hotels, churches, school districts, insurance offices, warehouses, and retail shops are just a few on that list.

Getting started is easy!  Just call SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600 and we’ll schedule a brief walk-through, explaining the procedures and what will be needed to complete the program.

Using the proper technique for fire damage clean up

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

Notice the soot staining on the walls. Using household cleaners is not only very time consuming, but may set the staining, making the situation worse

As you may know, September is National Preparedness Month, and, good for you, you have made an emergency kit, full of items in case of emergencies.  You have extra cash, water, medicines, and clothes all stored away in a water proof container.

But, just because it’s in your kit doesn’t mean it’s right for every situation.  For instance, you have a jack in the trunk of your car.  That’s great, but it doesn’t help you put gas in your automobile.  Or maybe you have an electric can opener in your survival pack, but it won’t work in there’s no power.  You need the right instruments for the right situations.

Let’s talk about fire damage clean up for a second.  Having a cleaner like 409 or Mr. Clean handy is wonderful, but if you tried either of these products to remove smoke and soot stains from drywall, you may set the stain permanently.  Or using your regular washing machine to clean heavily smoke-stained fabrics may end up doing the same thing, and ruin the clothing.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has the proper protocols and equipment to handle all your fire and smoke issues, from removing smoke staining from drywall to eliminating the smoke smell from enclosed rooms.

Suffered a fire in your home, and not quite sure what to do?  Here’s a suggestion:  call the cleaning and deodorization experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  708-430-3600.  We will come out, assess the damage, and help you devise a plan to get things back together again.­­­

September is National Preparedness Month

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

Storms and fires (among others) do not make an appointment with you ahead of time. Get prepared NOW!

When was the last time you wanted to drive to Florida, but didn’t prepare any routes in advance?  Did you say: “I know Florida is south and east of here, so I’ll drive as far as I can east, then turn south, then east again, then south….:

Of course you never did!  You planned the most efficient route, taking into consideration stops for gas, food, breaks, etc.

Now another question:  Are you prepared for the next disaster?  Or, if something does happen, do you plan to go one way, and then another, etc.?

September is National Preparedness Month, highlighting a time to plan NOW for what may happen later on.  Just a few things you should prepare for:

• Severe weather:
  • Lightning, wind, tornado, blizzard.
  • Extreme rainfall in short periods, long-lived rainfall event, snowmelt + spring storms.
  • Extreme heat + humidity, long-lived event.
  • Extreme cold, prolonged event.
• Every day:
  • Spare tire, flares, changing weather conditions, car tuned up.
  • Fire extinguisher, keeping children/pets away from stoves, proper food handling protection.
  • Break-ins, online threats, proper insurance coverage.

A general thing you can do inside your home: take pictures and videos of every room in your home.  Get all major purchases, and sentimental items, on film, so, if the worst does happen, you have a record of what and where it was.  Email that file to yourself, so it dates the process, and will get you to update it regularly. 

Another important thing to do:  input our number into your phone or mobile device!  708-430-3600.   We are available 24/7/365, and have the expertise and equipment necessary to handle any size or type of job. 

Paying respects for fallen CPD officer

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

First responders from Bridgeview and surrounding towns, as well as citizens, line the street to pay respects for a fallen CPD officer.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank was on the scene for the funeral procession for family members of Ella French, the fallen Chicago Police officer, who was killed last week in the line of duty.

Hundreds of first responders, business owners and citizens packed Harlem Ave in Bridgeview as the funeral procession drove by.  Many waved flags or held signs in support.

Our hearts go out to the family of Ms. French, as well to her brothers and sisters in the Chicago Police Department.

What is soot?

8/13/2021 (Permalink)

Soot is shown on the edges of these candle jars.

Soot is the black powder or flaky substance containing largely of carbon of organic materials that has failed to burn completely through.  Very similar to smoke, but smoke is mainly a gas byproduct, whereas soot is more of a liquid/solid than a gas.

In order to burn materials, you need the following:  A fuel source, heat, oxygen, and an ignition source.  More information on this subject is in a previous blog on this website:   https://www.SERVPRObedfordparkburbank.com/blog/post/150167/fire-smoke-damage-restoration/ingredients-to-a-fire

As materials burn, they emit smoke and soot, because most materials cannot burn 100%.  Think about the ash left behind after a fireplace fire.  Though the wood was dry, and the fire hot enough, there’s always some materials that cannot burn completely.

Smoke dissipates as it moves through the air, because other gasses interact with the moving smoke.  Soot, on the other hand, will land and collect on mainly flat surfaces, though it can collect on walls, ceilings, and contents.

When you burn scented candles, look how the glass around the rim turns black.  That is soot.  You’ll notice that the soot is sticky, and not easy to clean.

Now, SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank is an expert on smoke and soot cleaning, as well as deodorization.  Now, we’re not going to clean your candle jars, but we can clean your walls, ceilings, and contents if you were unfortunately subject to a house fire.  We will also get rid of the smoke smell.

Need help cleaning up after a fire?  Call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.

Heavy rains cause water damages inside your home

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Not sure if the umbrellas are keeping these people dry.

There’s an old adage: ‘Be careful what you wish for’.

We are currently in the midst of a drought.  Some areas are worse off than others.  But generally we do need the rain.

Storms today can be fast and furious.  They drop enormous amounts of rain in a relative short period of time.  Last month, storms that rolled through the area dropped more than an inch of rain in less than 15 minutes.  And recently, in China, they experienced 18 inches of rain in just 24 hours.

In either case, the rain rate was too much for sewer systems and your sump pumps to keep up.  And, that water has to go somewhere.  It usually ends up in the lower levels of buildings.

Take the time now to check in and around your home for areas prone to flooding.  Should I leave that cardboard box full of the family photo albums on the floor, or should I store it in a safer place?  That wash machine is very close to that drain.  Should I be safe and put it up on bricks?

Taking a few minutes now could save you a lot of aggravation (and money) later.

If you do suffer from water damages inside your home, call the water experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  We have the proper equipment and protocols to get any size job done right!

Preparing a home inventory file

7/1/2021 (Permalink)

Storms ripped through the area, damaging furniture and contents from inside the house.

Imagine if a storm severely damaged your home.  Your insurance company will need a complete list of items lost; furniture, collectibles, big ticket items, etc.  With all the stress you’re going through, will you be able to remember everything?  That being said, have you prepared a home inventory?

Here’s a way to protect yourself now and make the claims experience easier once the storm has passed:

• Take pictures. Pictures of furniture and big ticket items will help you identify what and where these items were.  Also, take pictures of receipts, especially the more expensive pieces if you have them (these receipts may be lost in the storm as well).
• Video each room, with running commentary on when you acquired the item, what room it was located in, and the approximate cost.  Stand in a corner of the room, pan left to right.  Then move to the opposite corner, and pan left to right again.  Video each room, including the garage!
• Create an electronic copy. Save your pictures and videos to a disc, thumb drive, or similar, and keep a copy offsite.  You can also email the files to yourself (it will time stamp when you performed the inventory, so you can update it regularly).

Need help cleaning up after the storm?  Leave that to the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  We’ve cleaned up after hurricanes, tornadoes, nor’easters, and heavy thunderstorms.  Call 708-430-3600 today.

Area Fireworks Displays

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Fireworks displays throughout the region. You can view multiple displays that weekend.

The following is a brief list of fireworks displays around the region, but check for any last minute changes.

• Chicago  7/4  Dusk  Navy Pier
• Aurora    7/2  9:30  RiverEdge Park
• Barrington  7/2  Dusk  Metra Station
• Bolingbrook  7/4  9:15  Bolingbrook Golf Club
• Bridgeview  7/3  9:15  Commissioners Park
• Burr Ridge  7/3  9:30  Walker Park
• Downers Grove  7/4  9:30  75th St/Lemont Rd
• Highland Park  7/4  8:00  Rec Center (Virtual)
• LaGrange  7/2  9:30  Waiola Park
• Lake Forest  7/4  9:30  Deerpath Community Pk
• Libertyville  7/3 + 7/4  Dusk  Butler Lake Park
• Lisle  7/3  Dusk  Lisle Community Park
• Naperville  7/4  9:30  Frontier Sports Complex
• New Lenox  7/4  9:15  New Lenox Commons
• Orland Park  7/4  9:30  Centennial Park
• Palos Heights  7/3  9:30  Memorial Park
• Romeoville  7/3  Dusk  Lukancic, Volunteer, and Discovery Parks
• Round Lake  7/4  Dusk  Round Lake Park District
• Schaumburg  7/4  After Boomers baseball game
• St Charles  7/4  Dusk  Pottawatomie Park
• Tinley Park  7/4  9:30  McCarthy Park
• Waukegan  7/4  9:00  Waukegan Harbor
• Westmont  7/4  9:30  Ty Warner Park

Have a safe and joyous 4th!!

How SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank handles commercial damages

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Any size commercial job, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is ready for the call!

The Chicago area has plenty of commercial properties, ranging from mom-and-pop stores to large corporate facilities.  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is ready to handle any size job at any commercial property.

A small fire in a lunchroom?  We can handle it.  A large warehouse fire that also affected offices in the main building?  We can handle that too, because we are part of the SERVPRO network, whereby if we need additional crews, we can get as many trained personnel as we need from surrounding SERVPROs in the area.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank also has unique equipment to speed up the restoration process, so your business can return to normal as quickly as possible.  Plus, we can work within your schedule.

Just some of the items we have:

• Truck-mounted and portable extraction equipment – to quickly remove excess water.
• Thermal cameras – to find hidden moisture in walls, ceilings, or floors.
• Metering equipment – used in conjunction with the thermal camera, to find moisture’s migration.
• Air movers (fans) – in different sizes, to help evaporate moisture quickly.
• Commercial grade dehumidifiers – to extract moisture from the air, thereby drying structure faster.
• Air scrubbers – to pull particulates from the air, e.g.: mold spores, odors, dust, etc.
• Foggers – to help neutralize and eliminate odors.
• Static sprayers – to spray disinfectant and kill bacteria.
• Hardwood floor drying mats – to dry and save hardwood floors.
• Specially treated sponges – to remove smoke and soot from walls, furniture.
• Portable generators – in case you have no power.
• Additional dumpsters can be arranged if there is a lot of demolition work required.
• A FREE program called the ERP, or Emergency Ready Profile – a totally free app for your mobile device, where it lists important numbers and protocols after a loss.

Property managers – you need to load this number into your phone now: 708-430-3600.  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is the company you can trust when you have a commercial loss!

Storm related damages handled by SERVPRO

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Has weather damaged your home? Call the experts at SERVPRO!

Just about every part of the country is susceptible to weather-related disasters.  Some areas are hit by blizzards, some by hurricanes.  Others have excessive cold, and of course some have extreme heat.  Forest fires target certain areas, while other areas have to dodge tornadoes.  Don’t forget persistent heavy rains, or high sustained winds.

With the exception to hurricanes and forest fires, Chicago can be hit by all the other weather phenomenon.  Our town has experienced polar vortices, heat waves, flooding rains, lightning, ice storms, and much more.

If your home or business has been hit with a weather-related disaster, call the cleanup experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We have trained personnel, the proper equipment and protocols to get any size job done quickly and efficiently.  And, we are available 24/7/365, so no matter what day or time it may be, we are ready to answer the call.

Most insurance companies trust SERVPRO enough to place us on their “Preferred Vendor” list, a ranking we don’t take lightly.  So, you can trust SERVPRO to work with your insurance carrier from start to finish, ensuring you get the best treatment possible.  Don’t have that specific coverage?  No problem!  We can work within your budget to get the job done right.

So, don’t delay and call today!

Fire and smoke damaged warehouse

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot has damaged this warehouse ceiling. Soot particles can disrupt the machinery below if not cleaned properly.

When a local warehouse had a piece of machinery catch on fire, it caused some fire damage, but it sent smoke and soot throughout the building, including the offices, hallways, lunchroom, etc.

Smoke and soot particles stained the walls, ceilings, and some of the equipment inside that facility.  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank was called.  

When we arrived, we walked through with the property manager, discussing what areas were the highest priorities, which area(s) could wait until later, and what damaged structure can be cleaned instead of being replaced.  Cleaning materials is more cost effective, and less disruptive, than replacing said items.

Part of the discussion also included that the cleaning had to be done second shift (from 4:00 pm to midnight).  Working within those parameters isn't a problem for SERVPRO.

Covering machines in the area where we were going to be cleaning was the first item on our list each day.  We couldn't allow dust, smoke, or soot to cause secondary damage to operating machines while we cleaned.  And before we left for the night, we had to ensure that all debris was picked up and disposed of properly, again to prevent secondary damages throughout the warehouse.

Did you suffer smoke damage to your home or business?  Call the fire clean up experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.

We're ready for your call!

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

We are staged, and awaiting your phone call!

Unless you have a crystal ball, you can’t possibly know exactly when you’re going to suffer from a fire, or a pipe break, or a flood.  These things happen at random, many times in the middle of the night, on the weekend, holidays, or just before the start of the big game.  Or while you’re gone for the day at work.

Don’t fret!  Here at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, we are already prepared for your phone call.  We have equipment staged in one of our work vehicles.  Our crews are at the ready, capable of mobilizing at a moment’s notice.  And, you’ll never hear an answering machine; we have live operators 24/7/365.

We are trained to handle the mold you discovered in your crawl space.  We know how to get the smoke smell out after your candle fire.  We are prepared to extract the standing sewage water, and know what water damaged items can be saved and those that cannot.

We have cleaned up a home after it was discovered that the homeowner was a hoarder.  We’ve experienced the clean up after a dead body was found.  We have also disinfected homes and businesses from COVID.

That is why you need to program your phone with our number: 708-430-3600.  We have the expertise to handle any situation in a clear and concise manner.  We’re prepared to handle your disaster, even if you’re not!

Preventing mold growth in your Chicago home

5/20/2021 (Permalink)

Mold can grow quickly and get out of hand in a hurry if not mitigated properly.

Stealing one of my favorite lines from "Carnac the Magnificent" from the old Tonight Show with Johnny Carson:  Q: How to prevent shark bites? A: Never leave Omaha.

The only true way you can prevent mold from growing inside your home is to live in a kiln-dried structure, or have everything made out of glass.  Other than that, you risk having mold growth.

But, there are ways you can keep that risk low:

• Dry wet areas quickly.  Organic material (drywall, paper, cardboard, wood) that becomes wet, can eventually harbor mold unless it is dried quickly and thoroughly.
• Make sure you have adequate ventilation.  If the weather outdoors is pleasant, open doors and windows to allow trapped inside air to escape, to be replaced by the outside air.  Open inside doors, closets, and drawers to encourage air transferring from room to room.
• Monitor indoor humidity.  In winter, some people run humidifiers to add moisture into a room (heating a room causes the air to dry).  If there is condensation on the windows, there is too much humidity already.  Also, ensure that the exhaust fan is running in the bathroom when taking showers.
• Check outside influences.  Make sure that the roof is in good order.  Gutters and downspouts are not clogged or broken, where water can emerge in unintended areas.  Also, check for low spots near the foundation where water can accumulate; make sure the grade runs AWAY from the house.

If you suspect mold in your home, call the mitigation experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.

After the fire is out

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Many things to consider here: water damage, fire and smoke damage, structural integrity loss, and which contents to save or discard.

Your home or business suffered a fire loss.  The fire is out.  Everyone has been accounted for (and hopefully safe).  The fire department has left.

You stand there, looking at the mess that is left.  Walls and ceilings have been damaged.  Water from the firefighting efforts soak many areas, and pool in the lower reaches of the building.  Soot is everywhere.  Contents have been strewn all over.

First and foremost, the water has to be extracted, and all wet items that cannot be saved must be removed and disposed, otherwise mold may be the end result.  In fact, all items that have been permanently damaged, or damaged to a point where repairing it isn't feasible, must be discarded as well.  This includes contents, structure, and personal items.

What is left is the physical cleanup of the soot.  Simply using your favorite household cleaner will not work, especially on painted surfaces such as drywall.  In many cases, the cleaner will just make matters worse, setting the stain to the extent where that wall cannot be cleaned anymore, and will have to be painted.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank are experts in cleaning methods on fires.  We have the proper protocols and equipment to rid your property of all that nasty soot mess, and return it back to preloss (or better) condition.

Have a fire at your property?  Call the cleaning experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600 right away!

The water you don't see can cause the most damage

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Sure, you can see the iceberg. But how much is hidden from view? Water damages can be similar.

Water.  Like most things, too much of a good thing can be bad.

We need water for our lawns and plants to grow, but if we get too much, flooding.  And that's just the water you CAN see.

It rains for days in a row, and the ground is so saturated, it can't hold any more water.  It has to go somewhere.  Somehow, some way, it works inside your building and floods your lower level.

You can see the large puddle on the floor, but how much is hidden in the walls?  Or floors?  Or contents?

If you have carpets, you probably have a pad underneath.  That pad acts like a sponge, collecting and holding gallons of water until, after enough time has passed, it has a chance to dry on its own.  But, that moisture may have made its way into the walls and/or ceiling, so there's still a lot of moisture to contend with.

Drywall walls and ceilings are very similar; holding onto moisture for long periods of time until nature has enough time to equalize the moisture content in the air and structure.  By then, mold may have already started.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has meters and cameras that can detect even the slightest bit of moisture.  It can point out where that moisture has travelled, whether its into another room or a previously thought of unaffected wall.

Don't take chances.  Call the water damage experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  708-430-3600. 

Regular maintenance cleaning and disinfecting

5/7/2021 (Permalink)

These SERVPRO crew members cleaning and disinfecting a local police department's holding cell.

Yes, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank does a great deal of emergency work (fire and water mitigation, mold remediation, vandalism clean up, COVID disinfecting, etc).  But, did you know we also have some regular maintenance cleanings as well?

For instance, a couple of local police departments have regular cleaning and disinfecting of the holding cells, police vehicles, and other common areas.  These monthly or quarterly cleanings are in addition to their normal daily and/or weekly cleaning schedule, done in house.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is ready to take your emergency calls.  We have crews and equipment at the ready for just that contingency.  But, if your municipal or commercial property would like to schedule regular cleaning and disinfecting performed, simply call our office at 708-430-3600 today.  We would be happy to walk through your building, answer your questions, and even provide direction of what should be cleaned and how often.

Managers: If you haven't programmed our phone number into your phone or mobile device, then do so now.  708-430-3600.  You'll talk to a live person 24/7/365, who will ask a few questions to better prepare our crews on what equipment will be needed and which entrance to go to.

Will Chicago have record May rains?

5/2/2021 (Permalink)

Take action now to help prevent water from ruining your belongings and your day.

May.  When you think of the month of May, you probably think about Mother's Day or perhaps Memorial Day.  But for the last couple of years, in Chicago it means record rains.

In May 2018, 8.21" of rain fell, setting a record for the month.  It lasted a whole year, because in May, 2019, 8.25" of rain fell.  A new record, at least for a year.  May 2020, 9.51" of rain hit the area.

Will this May be another record setter, or will the dry weather of 2021 stay in place for another month?

Here at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, we are already prepared for the former - record rains.  We have extraction equipment, fans for drying contents, structure, and flooring, dehumidifiers to take moisture out of the air to aid in drying, and antimicrobial sprays to help prevent mold growth.  We have lots of equipment and crews at the ready.

You too can make preparations now.  Are there boxes and/or contents on your basement floor that would be damaged if they got wet?  Are your gutters and downspouts clean and ready?  Do you have our phone number already inputted into your phone?  (If you answered the last question as "NO", then here is our number: 708-430-3600.)

Watch those weather forecasts, but if the worst happens, and you suffer some water damage, give us a call and we'll do the rest!

Building Safety Month is May

4/26/2021 (Permalink)

When you think of a building, this is probably the first thing you think of. But, homes are buildings too.

The ICC, or International Code Council, has declared May, 2021 as Building Safety Month.  This designation has occurred every year for 40 years.

The ICC works with national and local municipalities with code awareness and code improvements.  Making buildings safer and more efficient are the main goals for this organization.

They have broken down each week for a different portion to highlight:

• Week #1: Energy and Innovation.  The US pays more than $200 billion a year on energy bills.  Are there new products, programs, or inventions that can help reduce that cost?
• Week #2: Training the Next Generation.  Providing programs to help teach and train the next home inspectors, plumbing inspectors, fire marshals, etc.
• Week #3: Water Safety.  Water is fast becoming a scarce resource.  Are they better ways to conserve water?  Also pool safety.
• Week #4: Disaster Preparedness.  Greater natural disasters are becoming more common, and are today's buildings suited for more extreme weather conditions?

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is all for safety and preparations.  That's why we offer a FREE program, called the Emergency Ready Profile, or ERP.  This program is designed for commercial properties to better prepare for, and recover from, disasters.  To learn more about this FREE program, call 708-430-3600.

Having a home inventory helps after a fire

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Making sure you have all your possessions accounted for can be difficult after a fire.

Let's start with a question: Can you name everything that is on your nightstand in your bedroom?  You see that nightstand every day, probably several times a day.  If you had to write down everything that is on there, could you remember it all?

Now, imagine trying doing this after something as traumatic as a fire in your home.

Chances are, you'd probably forget something.  We all would.  

I use the example of a nightstand to highlight how easy it is to miss something.  What you may forget may be something insignificant, or it could be something very important of value to you.

The best thing you can do right now is to do a complete home inventory.  It doesn't take too long, and it could be very helpful if something as unthinkable as a fire happens to you.

Taking pictures is fine, but video works best.  Going room by room, scan the room from a corner from left to right, then move to the opposite corner and repeat the process.  Add commentary as you video, such as: "I bought this signed baseball jersey in 2021 for $600 at that charity auction."

When all the rooms are completed, email the video file and pictures to yourself.  This way, you'll have the date you performed the inventory (if it's several years old, you may want to update it), and you'll have access to it no matter where you are.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has performed many fire/smoke mitigations.  We know the proper ways to clean structure and deodorize rooms.  A simple call to 708-430-3600 will start the process.

More frequent "once-in-a-lifetime" storms?

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Not sure how much protection this woman has from the rain.

Water.  It comes in the form of rain and melting snow/ice.  The oceans are large, but there are many lakes, rivers, and streams.  Question: Is there more fresh water or salt water on earth?  The answer later.

The earth is a closed system.  There is exactly the same amount of water around the planet as there was a year ago, ten years ago, a hundred years ago, a thousand years ago.

So far this century, there seems to be more extreme weather than before: more and longer droughts, more instances of excessive rains, and more violent storms.

What causes precipitation?  Water droplets collect in the clouds and mix together.  Once they are too heavy to hold in the clouds, they fall towards the earth.  

Clouds can hold moisture primarily based on temperature.  In winter, clouds can't hold much moisture, so snow and snow flurries are released.  In summer, the clouds can hold a lot of moisture, so it can be very humid just before a downpour happens.

Sometimes rain/snow tries to fall into very dry air, and the precipitation dries up before reaching the ground.  This is called "Virga".

The answer to the above question: The earth has 97.5% salt water, and only 2.5% fresh water.

If water has somehow invaded your home, call the water clean up experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We have the proper equipment and protocols in place to quickly and efficiently dry your structure and contents.

Flooding has many causes

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has seen terrible flooding issues such as this.

Flooding issues can generally be caused by a single one of the following, or a combination thereof:

• Repeated, heavy rainfall.
• Excessive rain rates.
• Precipitation falling on frozen ground.
• Rapid snow melt.
• Any of the previous, upstream from your location.

Nobody today wants flooding.  Ancient farmers developed plans for their acreage to flood, because it nourished the soil.  But today's business and home owners are doing their best to PREVENT flooding from occurring.

Even the best intentions often go awry.  Huge storms still happen.  The ground still freezes.  Snow still falls.

If you can make every possible preventative measure, and your property still floods, are you prepared for the aftermath?

Some of the things you can do to minimize the flood's damages:

• Major appliances in the basement (clothes washer, dryer, water softener, etc.)?  If you can do so safely, put them up on blocks.  It may not help if you get several feet of water in the basement, but it will help if you get several INCHES of water there.
• Put all cardboard boxes up on a shelf and off the floor.
• If you have one, make sure your generator is ready to go.
• Outside, make sure the grade runs AWAY from your foundation, not towards it.
• Keep gutters clean and debris free.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has seen many types of flooding, from sewage backups to post-hurricane damages.  So, if you have suffered some type of flooding issue, call the experts at 708-430-3600 as soon as possible, so that the mitigation work can begin right away!

Emergency Ready Profile completed by local bank

3/11/2021 (Permalink)

Another commercial entity has taken the steps to help safeguard property.

A local bank recently suffered from a water damage that disrupted service for a short time.  But, even a short time can be costly.  So, they decided to "go the extra mile" and complete a FREE Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) from SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.

This ERP is different from a contingency plan, as it puts the wheels in motion if/when a disaster strikes the property.  It lists the proper protocols, the people who need to be contacted first, and highlights the safe egress and ingress to the property.

This program is a FREE service that SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  It takes a few minutes to walk through and take pictures and gather information.  That is brought back to our shop, where it is compiled and the final profile is sent over to the commercial property.

Attention property managers!  If you want to take advantage of this FREE service, and help safeguard our property, then call Rick at 708-430-3600 to set up a walk through.

We have performed this service for: churches, retail shops, business offices, auto service shops, salons, a school district, hotels, and now a bank.  Shouldn't your business get on board as well?

Perfect scenario of events causes ice damming

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

This icicle, more than 12' long, hangs from a gutter outside a bedroom window. This icicle, along with many others, caused extensive ice damming.

February, 2021 in the Chicago area saw a perfect set of circumstances that created a rash of ice damming issues, for homes, businesses, and apartments.

First, a January with above average temperatures and very little precipitation.  February hit us with much colder weather, with repeated snow storms (Chicago got more than a year's snowfall in less than three weeks).  The final week of February and into March saw above freezing temperatures during the day, with below freezing temperatures at night.  The constant freeze/thaw cycle, along with gutters already full of snow and ice, caused many, many homes and businesses with ice damming.

Ice damming occurs when water, with no where else to go,  literally backs up the roof and works its way under shingles and into the home.  Many times this does not damage the roof (especially younger roofs), but for the older roofs it may be the final straw.

Once the water gets inside the home or business, it's free to travel wherever it wants, soaking walls, floors, carpets, and furniture.

If this happens to you, call the water experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We have the right technology and protocols to dry out your home or business, while saving structure that hasn't been compromised.

Are you ready for the Spring rains?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

This ceiling looks wet, but we have digital meters that will help us pinpoint exactly where the water is, and isn't.

The Chicago area was hit with more than a year's worth of snowfall in a three week period in February, 2021.  Also, we saw several consecutive days where the temperature never hit the freezing mark.

With the frozen ground, and a lot of potential snowmelt, are you ready if we get hit with a Spring thunderstorm?

If you can do it safely, check your gutters to ensure they are clean and debris free.  The heavy snowfall and ice storm may have loaded your gutters with lots of leaves and other debris that will clog if we get rain.

Check your basement (or lower level) for boxes or contents that would be damaged if they got wet, and move them to a place of safety.  Like the old adage goes: "Prepare for the worst and expect the best".

If your home or business does get hit with water damages, don't get too excited.  Call the water experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We will not only handle the stress for you, but also dry your home out and we can even put it all back together again.  Remember our motto: we "Like it never even happened."

Using containment to help speed up drying

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Using this plastic wall will cut the drying time, as well as allow customers to use the other portion of this room.

You have a large basement, and you suffer a water damage, but only on one side of the basement.  We could put equipment in, but it may take a while for it to dry properly, unless there was a way you could make the room smaller.

Well, there is a way!  We can put up some containment, thereby cutting the room in half.  A smaller room will dry quicker.  It is much faster to dry a closet than it is to dry a gymnasium.

By putting up containment, held up by poles (as to not damage the walls or ceilings), it cuts the size of the room trying to be dried.  It also allows the family to live as near normal lives as possible, as they could utilize the other side of the basement (or any room made smaller by containment).

Containment is also used in mold remediation and fire clean up, as we are trying to keep cross contamination from happening from unaffected areas of the home.

So, you have a water damage?  You can relax and call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, where we have the procedures and protocols in place to make the restoration as painless as possible.

Treat candles with extreme care

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

This candle may look elegant, but you let your guard down, it can become deadly.

Candles.  They provide ambiance with subtle lighting in a dark room.  They give off a nice, romantic glow. 

But, we are talking about an open flame, in a room with lots of combustible items.  Care must be taken when using candles.

1. Think about where you want to place the candle(s).  They should be greater than one foot from anything that can be combustible: drapes, bedding, towels, etc.  They should also be placed in a place where children nor pets can accidently knock it over.
2. Use caution when lighting the candle.  Make sure loose clothing, hair, or combustibles are clear as you light the candle, whether you are using a match, lighter, or other starter.
3. Do not burn the candle all the way down.  Many times, candles are in jars, and if you burn them all the way down, the candle heat may crack the jar.
4. Don't leave a candle unattended.  Do not leave a room for an extended period of time while the candle is burning.  Also, do not fall asleep while a candle is burning.

You may notice, as the candle burns down, that the rim of the jar is turning black.  Then you notice that the closest wall and the ceiling directly above is getting black as well.  That is soot from the candle.  If you try and clean it yourself, you may end up setting the stain, whereby covering with paint is the only answer.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is an expert at cleaning up smoke and soot residues, whether from a fire or from cigarette or candles.  Give us a call at: 708-430-3600.

Polar Vortex hits Chicago area

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Cold air and water pipes don't mix very well. Take precautions now to prevent bursting pipes.

Generally, when you hear the word "storm", you think of heavy precipitation (rain or snow), and maybe you think of high winds that can accompany the precipitation.  But what about extreme cold?

In February 2021, a large polar vortex descended on the Midwest, dropping temperatures well below zero at night, and daytime highs in the single digits at best.

Now, polar vortices have hit the area before, the last in January 2019.  But this particular storm will last a couple of weeks, with persistent cold and periods of recurring snow.

Some ways to protect yourself and property during this cold wave:

To prevent water pipes from freezing:

• Keep heat elevated enough in rooms where water pipes may be on exterior walls.
• Keep a slight drip or trickle from the faucet.  Moving water cannot freeze.
• Wrap water pipes in insulation.

Some cold weather DON'TS:

• Do not use an oven as a primary heat source.
• Do not use charcoal or gas grills indoors.
• Do not place space heaters within three feet of flammable materials (drapes, bedding, towels, etc)
• Do not leave space heaters unattended.  Turn off when leaving the room.
• Do not let children or pets play around space heaters.
• Do not leave candles unattended.

Some DO'S:

• Check on family or neighbors, especially if they are elderly or homebound.
• Exercise.  Not only will it help take your mind off of being cold, but the body will generate some heat to make you feel warmer.
• Close off unused rooms, unless that room has water pipes within.  Consider placing blankets as a second layer of insulation over drapes or blinds.
• Compile a bag of clothes, medicines, etc, in case the power goes out and you have to leave in a hurry.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank hopes that everyone stays safe during this cold wave.

If the cold caused your water pipes to leak or burst, call the water experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.

Water damages in the bathroom

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Easy to see that water has damaged this bathroom.

Outside of the basement, the bathroom has probably the most instances of water damage in the home.  Pipe leaks, tub overflows, toilet backups, drain backups, even excess moisture can cause water damages.

How can I identify possible water damages?

Starting at the top, look for water staining or mold on the ceiling.  This could be from: roof leak, pipe leaks hidden in the walls or ceiling, or even too much moisture from improper ventilation (like during showers). 

On the walls, look for more water staining, or paint that has bubbled up (from moisture trapped under the layer of paint).

On the floors, look for trim that has warped and is pulling away from the wall.  Hardwood floors may begin to buckle and cup when introduced from excess moisture.  Carpet in an adjoining room may be wet.

The floor below (if there is one) may show some water staining on the ceiling. 

And generally, if there is a musty smell, it could mean that mold could be hidden in the walls and/or ceiling. 

If you suspect that you may have water damage, call the experts in water damage mitigation.  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  708-430-3600.  We are available 24/7/365 for your emergency needs!

SERVPRO cleans it all!

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has seen it all! Call the experts in cleaning situations such as this.

While it's true that SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank cleans up after fire and water damages, remediates mold, and can disinfect your home or business to help protect against COVID, we clean after other situations too.

For instance, we have cleaned up hoarding instances.  Sometimes, people feel the need to collect everything and not throw anything away.  After a while, all those items begin to overwhelm the house, and it becomes rather unsafe to be in there.  We get calls from concerned family members and, working together, we clean up the house and discard the unnecessary items.

We get asked if the TV show and real life are the same or different, and the best answer is that the TV show doesn't give you the same aromas that are present in a hoarding home.

SERVPRO can also clean after biohazard situations, when someone gets injured (or worse) inside a home or business.  We have worked with several local municipalities for crime scene cleanings, as the aftermath can leave very hazardous materials behind.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has trained crews to handle the clean up after any situation.  We have the equipment, protocols, and experience to ensure that the job is done efficiently and completely.

If you have a cleaning issue, and unsure of what to do, a call to SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is your next step!  708-430-3600.

Chicago snow records

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

When snow melts, it has to go somewhere. If it ends up in your home, call us to help!

This winter, there has been a bit of a snow drought in this area.  In fact, areas in the deep south have had more snow than we experienced.

Chicago has had six days in January that had a foot or more of snow fall on a single day:

• Jan 2, 1999     18.6"
• Jan 6, 1918     14.4"
• Jan 13, 1979   16.5"
• Jan 26, 1967   16.4"
• Jan 30, 1939   14.9"

But, has Chicago EVER (since records started in 1889) had a January day when NO snow has ever fallen?

The answer is:  NO.  Not even close.  The record for the least heaviest snowfall on a specific day in January is on the 28th, and the most fell in 2003, where a meager 2.4" of snow fell.  And that's the record for the most snow to fall on that day!

In fact, the very first day in the calendar year in which no snow in Chicago has fallen is May 5th.

When winter begins to wind down, and warmer temperatures occur more frequently, whatever snow that has fallen begins to melt, mixing in with rain, and causing water damages to homes and businesses.  The good news is that we are here to help!

Call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We know how to extract standing water, dry contents and structure, and how to prevent mold from occurring.

Local Bank suffers water damage

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

This bank stayed open and functioning as SERVPRO extracted water and set up drying equipment.

It's in the middle of the night.  A drinking fountain on the second floor has a ruptured line.  When employees come in first thing in the morning, they are greeted by water pouring through the ceiling and onto the floor below.

That's what happened to a local bank.  They called SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, and we were on site with a crew in less than an hour.

Our production manager met with the manager on site, walked through the building assessing the damage, expectations were agreed upon, and the crew was called in to begin the work.

All this, while the bank remained open, and would remain open during our remediation process.

The crew extracted the standing water, took down affected ceiling tiles, sprayed an antimicrobial (to help prevent mold growth), and set up the drying equipment.  Our crews took great care not to interfere with the bank employees as they performed their tasks.

Any time a commercial property is down, it's not making money.  That's why, at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, we make every effort to avoid or keep to a minimum business interruptions.

PROPERTY MANAGERS:  If your property has suffered a loss (fire, smoke, water, vandalism) and need a professional company to come in and clean, all the while staying open for business, call 708-430-3600 right away!

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank helps the Food/Toy Drive

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Just a fraction of food collected for this year's Food and Toy drive for the Bridgeview Chamber.

2020 has really moved along, and it's hard to believe it's already the end of the year.  With that, the holidays are approaching.

This year especially, the need for assistance has been greater than ever before.  More people have had reduced hours at work, or have been completely let go.  

That's why, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank takes great pride in helping the Bridgeview Chamber's Food and Toy Drive.  This annual event helps those less fortunate in the community, giving them daily essential food as well as toys for the kids.

In helping spread the word throughout the community about the drive, helping collect, sort, and distribute donations, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank does what it can to help create a better local community.

If your home or business is in need of cleaning and restoration after a disaster (fire, water damage, vandalism) or needs COVID disinfecting or mold remediation, trust the company that looks out for the welfare of YOUR community; SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank! 

We are available 24/7/365, and are willing to work within your budget if you choose not to use your insurance.  Call us today at: 708-430-3600 to begin the cleaning process!

If you wish to make a contribution, please call the Bridgeview Chamber at: 708-598-1700.

Why should you call SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank?

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank gives tips and hints to help readers prevent disasters from happening!

Whether you read our blogs on this website, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter, you’ll see that we are consistently describing ways to PREVENT damages from occurring.  And, if a disaster should strike, the proper do’s and don’ts of what to do immediately afterwards.

These are just a few of the questions we have answered:

• I had a small kitchen fire. How do I control and remove soot particles and the odors?
• I discovered mold in a closet. How do I eradicate it?
• Which grade fire extinguisher is right for the kitchen? The garage?  Are there any differences?­­­­­
• How do I keep pipes from freezing in the winter?
• How fast can water travel inside walls and wall cavities?
• Can I use a box fan to dry water damaged structure, like walls, ceilings?
• Can I paint over mold?

We are here to help the community.  That’s why we broadcast these tips to help educate the readers, and thereby lessen the risk of disasters happening, or reduce further damage if a disaster should occur.  We don’t want disasters to disrupt home owner’s and property manager’s livelihoods.

So, let’s ask the question again: Why should you call SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank?  Because we care!

Clean and disinfect your commercial property

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO crew member spraying disinfectant in a warehouse. Notice the protections taken: respirator and hazmat suit.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank does cleaning, whether after a fire or water damage, as well as mold mitigation.  But did you know that we also clean after hoarding issues?  Or vandalism?  And lately, we have been busy doing disinfecting cleanings due to the pandemic.

Question:  Do you need to have a positive test before you can request a disinfecting cleaning?  The answer is: No.  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has a protocol to do a preventative cleaning for instances without a positive test, and a more detailed and thorough cleaning for incidents of positive tests. 

Offices, warehouses, churches, municipal buildings, and others have called SERVPRO for proactive and reactive cleanings.  Large buildings or small rooms, didn’t matter, because we have the capability to handle any size job quickly and efficiently.

We use EPA approved cleaning and disinfecting products, and follow the latest protocols to make your commercial space safe for employees, visitors, and staff.  And we take the necessary precautions to keep our crews safe as they work to clean your property.

We hope that you and your employees stay safe during this pandemic.  If you want to have peace of mind and would like to schedule a cleaning, or simply need more information, please call SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.

Trick or Treat hours 2020

10/21/2020 (Permalink)

Will there or won't there be trick or treating this year?  Many locales have been fairly quiet in announcing Trick or Treat hours because of the pandemic.  Check with your local municipal hall to get the most up to date information.

City of Chicago will have trick or treating from 3:00- 7:00 on Sat, Oct 31st.

If you are a homeowner here's what you are advised to do:

• Keep your lights on, and place  sign on your door that it is safe for trick and treating.  Otherwise, keep lights off and place a door sign saying "No trick or treating".
• If you are passing out goodies, remember to wear a mask, wash your hands before and after, and have hand sanitizer available, just in case.
• Remember to keep to a safe distance from others.
• Do not let the ghosts and goblins reach in and grab a handful of candy - pass it out safely.

If you are escorting little ones through the neighborhood:

• Stay in a neighborhood you know and trust.
• Respect homes that are dark or have signs restricting trick or treating.
• Wear a mask; one under the costume mask if necessary.
• Keep to groups of 6 or less.
• Keep moving.  Don't stop and congregate in groups.
• Wash hands immediately after returning home.

Everyone is advised to avoid house parties and indoor haunted houses.

2020 has been an unusual year to say the least.  Let's get through this as safely as possible, so that everyone is around next year to enjoy Halloween 2021!

Home fires can be dangerously hot

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

It takes a brave soul to walk over these hot coals, knowing the temperatures contained within.

It’s a cool autumn evening, and you are sitting in front of a fireplace fire.  The temperature of the fire in the fireplace is greater than 500 degrees Fahrenheit.  Or perhaps you are standing next to the grate where the output of the furnace is.  That temperature is about 120 degrees Fahrenheit.  But, what temperatures are we talking about when there’s a house fire?

Once a room catches on fire, temperatures inside that room rise dramatically fast.  A minute or so after the room is ablaze, the temperature at floor level reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit, 600 degrees at head level, and over 1100 degrees at ceiling level.  For comparison:

• Tin melts at 232 degrees
• Lead melts at 327 degrees
• Wood and paper products catch fire at 450 degrees
• Gasoline catches fire at 480 degrees
• Aluminum melts at 660 degrees
• Glass becomes malleable at 1020 degrees
• And charcoal burns at 2000 degrees.

If you are caught in a home fire, you should:

• Try and stay calm
• Crawl low on the floor, where the temperatures will not scorch your lungs
• Feel doors before opening. If they are hot, there could be flames on the other side
• If your clothes catch on fire, cover your face and roll around, trying to smother the flames.
• If your escape routes are all cut off, go back to a room, close the doors, block the vents and around the door with towels, linen, etc, and signal for help

Once the flames are out, and everyone is safe, there’s a mess to clean up.  SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank is here to help!  Call the experts in cleaning at: 708-430-3600.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank in Louisiana

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

A scene from Lake Charles, Louisiana, showing some of the vast devastation Hurricane Laura brought to the area.

Towards the end of August, Hurricane Laura struck the US gulf coast, coming ashore near Lake Charles, Louisiana.  As you would expect, much damage and destruction from not only the high winds, but heavy rainfall and strong storm surge affected the area.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is part of the SERVPRO Storm Team network, ready to go out and help those with storm damages such as this.  Not long after the storm exited the area, we got the call to go down to Louisiana, and help as many as we can.

As with Hurricane Michael (hitting the Florida panhandle in October, 2018), our franchise was one of a few chosen to go right where the action happened, this time in Lake Charles.

With two truckloads of equipment and crews, we descended into the area of destruction.  During the drive down there, inspections are scheduled so we can "hit the ground running" the very next day.

Sometimes, both crews work together to work on a commercial property, while other times smaller homes are scheduled, where the crews can work separately and complete two homes in a single day.

Our experience with these types of storms is a big plus, because homeowners have never dealt with anything close to what they have in front of them.

How far can smoke travel?

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke from the California wildfires has dampened our sunshine the last couple of weeks.

Unfortunately, you had a fire in your home.  It could have been a kitchen fire, with its sticky residues because of the animal fats that were burning.  Perhaps it was a dryer fire.  Or maybe it was a fireplace fire that got a bit out of control, with light soot and ash that seems to get everywhere.  Even though the flames were contained to one or two rooms, how far did the smoke travel?

Smoke and soot use the hot air escaping the flames to travel about.  Because hot air is much lighter than cool air, it travels up towards the ceiling quickly.  Then the air currents will move the smoke anywhere throughout the home as the air currents allow.

Because smoke and soot follow these air currents, they will get into very tiny cracks and crevices; into drawers, closets, rooms, and wall cavities, even though doors are closed and drawers are shut.  These areas are not airtight, so it doesn’t take much to push smoke and soot particles into the tiniest of places.

As the air currents get further from the actual fire, they lose some punch and don’t flow as quickly.  The soot particles then become too heavy for the air to keep them up, so they land on the closest flat surfaces.  Counters, desks, sills, etc are the most common areas for these particles to land.

As to the original question: How far will smoke travel?  The answer is quite evident this month, as several days in a row we saw smoke from the California wildfires mask some of our sunshine.  That milky haze in the sky was actually smoke that has travelled hundreds of miles on the jet stream.  Smoke has even made it to the east coast, where New York City had some smoke from California in their skies.

Smoke damage in your home?  Call the cleaning experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We have the proper tools to check for smoke, and know how to clean it once it’s been identified.

What does mold eat?

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

Lots of mold in this room, but its not attacking everything.

Mold will eat any organic items, items in your home, such as:  drywall, cardboard, insulation, wood, and paper.  Mold cannot consume materials such as: concrete, plastic, steel, or glass.

Mold spores are everywhere, floating around until it encounters moist organic material.  Once it does, it will root in and begin to consume.  As long as there's a food source and moisture, mold will continue unchecked.

In the picture below, you see that mold has attacked the drywall behind the wash machine.  This room was from a closed house, and had very high humidity in it for a long period of time.  But, the mold has not rooted in to the plastic covering near the pipes, the metal wash machine itself, nor the glass container or even the counter top.  Though there was plenty of moisture available, these items are not organic.

If you see mold in your home, don't panic!  Simply call the mold experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600 to schedule an inspection.

Why are fans used to help dry a structure?

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

A series of fans, along with a dehumidifier, set up to dry structure fast.

Your home suffered water damages, whether it was from a leaky pipe, sump pump failure, seepage, bathtub overflow, roof damage, flooding, or whatever.  Once it’s safe to enter that area(s), the first thing you need to do is get rid of the excess water.  Once that’s been accomplished, then you remove wet contents and furniture.  And, depending on what type of water damage you had, some compromised structure may need to be removed (drywalls, ceiling, flooring).  Then, fans are set up to help dry the area.  Why are fans used?

Nature is constantly trying to balance itself.  Wind blows between storm systems.  Fog is released from cool, moist ground into the warm night air during spring and fall.  And nature tries to balance the difference from the drier air and the wet damaged areas inside your home.  Fans are thereby set up to help speed up the process.

As air is forced over and around a wet object, nature will pull some of that moisture to the edge of the material, where it then gets whisked away to join the air.  If there are only fans in the room, the room will quickly become very humid, and the remaining walls and ceiling will begin to condensate.  That’s why when SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank sets up a series of fans to help dry an area, there’s always a dehumidifier strategically placed to collect that moist air and dispose of it correctly, in a sink, bathtub, or even outside.  With that moisture removed from the room, it dries much quicker than if it was left to dry on its own.

If you have suffered water damage inside your home or business, and would like the experts to dry it out quickly and efficiently, call SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.

Storm events in our area

7/21/2020 (Permalink)

A tornado is just one of the many weather events than can encompass the area.

Storm.

When you hear the word "storm", does your mind immediately go to: dark clouds, high winds, heavy rain, and hail?  With the exception of dark clouds, each of the others is a storm event in among itself.

NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration) along with NWS (National Weather Service), has compiled a list of storm events; weather events that cause property destruction or causality.  Besides what is listed above, some of the other possible weather events in this area include:

• Blizzard
• Dense Fog
• Drought
• Excessive Heat
• Extreme Cold
• Flood
• Lake Effect Snow
• Rip Currents
• Seiche
• Tornado

Drought is on the list, even though you would think it's because of a LACK of storms.

A seiche is a lake event, where waves (caused by high winds, earthquake, or some external happening) bounce off the opposite shoreline and return back to where it started.  It happens on Lake Michigan many times, but rarely does it cause serious issues.

Illinois averages about 47 tornadoes each year, which is more than Alabama (42), Missouri (39), Louisiana (37) and Arkansas (32), places you would think would have more tornadoes each year than Illinois.

If your home or business suffered a weather event, and you need help cleaning it up, call the cleanup experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, at 708-430-3600.

Disinfecting equipment for further use

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

Each piece of equipment is disinfected before going to a new job site.

Here technician Luis is disinfecting equipment that just came back from a job site.  Each piece of equipment, air movers (fans), dehumidifiers, etc, are disinfected before going back out to another job.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is doing its part to limit exposures to COVID-19 to homeowners and businesses by cleaning equipment used to mitigate water, fire, or smoke damages in structures as they come back to our shop from previous jobs.  Assuring that each piece of machinery brought into your home or business has been thoroughly cleaned with hospital grade cleaners puts one less thing a homeowner or property manager has to worry about after a disaster.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank not only cleans its own equipment for COVID-19, but we’ve also deep cleaned and disinfected several businesses to help prevent the spread.  From airport control towers, to large manufacturing plants, and local insurance offices, or municipal buildings, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has been attuned to the latest procedures and protocols to help prevent the spread of the virus.

If your business had an employee (or employees) test positive for COVID-19, and would like areas of your business disinfected, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600 and set up a walk through of your facility.

Lightning Data

6/23/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning can strike quickly and "out of the blue". Here, a bolt originates from a distant storm.

When you think of lightning, you think of summer storms, but lightning can happen even in a snowstorm.  On average, there are approximately 1800 thunderstorms at any time throughout the world.  Further, there are about 44 lightning bolts every second worldwide.

In a previous blog, “Lightning facts and myths”, we discussed some of the fallacies people fall into when thinking about lightning.  In this blog, we will go over more facts and statistics.

An actual lightning bolt is about the size of a nickel, wrapped in intense light as it speeds through the sky.  A bolt may reach 53,540 degrees, which is five times hotter than the sun’s surface of 10,340 degrees.  Also, a bolt can reach speeds approaching 220,000,000 mph, which is one third of the speed of light.  The ensuing thunder travels at about 750 mph.

On average, 60 US citizens die each year due to lightning.  Most of those are associated with sporting events (golf, fishing, stadium events).

Lightning causes, on average, about 22,600 house fires each year in the US.  That may not sound like a lot, but that is 2.58 fires each hour.

Some lightning don’ts:

• Don’t stay outside. Inside a structure will provide you the best protection from getting hit by a bolt.  The saying goes: “When thunder roars, go indoors!”
• Don’t use water during a storm. Whether showering, washing dishes, or bathing, if lightning should strike your house, it could travel through the water pipes and cause injury.
• Don’t use electronics that are plugged in. Again, if your house is hit, it could travel through the wiring and shock you.  Phones and video games are the best suspects here, particularly if they have wires.
• Don’t huddle under trees. Trees may offer some protection from the rain, but little to no protection from a lightning strike.
• Don’t press your luck when it comes to sports. Thinking you have time to finish one more hole in golf, or this half inning in baseball, can be disastrous.  See the first point above.

Here we grow again!

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

You'll see this box truck in the community, en route to helping yet another customer!

Great news!  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has recently added a new truck to its fleet, so it can better serve the community! 

This box truck will be outfitted with a mounted extraction machine, powerful enough to extract water from carpets in the basement, even when the truck is parked on the street!  Its shelves will be loaded with all types of equipment, from fans and dehumidifiers to dry contents and structure inside your home or business, to machines used to remove odors and "clean" the air.  It will also carry tools for demolition, if any is needed, such as to cut and remove parts of walls or flooring.

All the trucks at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank are staged, ready to go as soon as possible when disaster strikes.  These trucks, and crews, are ready to roll, available 24/7/365, so if something happens and you need a disaster cleaned up immediately, a call to 708-430-3600 will get the ball rolling.  You don't have to wait until 8:00 the next weekday morning to call.

Being able to assist the community with cleanup concerns quickly and efficiently is what SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is all about.  So, don't delay.  Call today!

Can smoke from a fire be dangerous?

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Where there's fire, there's smoke. Is there anything dangerous inside the smoke?

It’s a chilly evening, and you have a roaring fire going in the fireplace.  There is a little bit of smoke that doesn’t quite make it up the chimney.   The room smells pretty good.  Are there any dangerous chemicals or particulates inside the smoke?

Now, that roaring fireplace fire gets out of hand, and the room catches on fire.  There is a lot of smoke.  Are there any differences in the composition of the two smokes?

Both smoke and ash are the byproduct of materials that do not completely burn in a fire.  One reason the material does not burn completely is that the oxygen source may have been cut off; fires need oxygen to burn.  Another possible reason materials did not burn is that the fuel source may have been hindered (like firemen throwing water on a fire).

There are many items and chemicals in smoke.  Just a few of them are:

• Carbon (from the physical burning of materials)
• Carbon Dioxide
• Carbon Monoxide
• Acidic Gases
• Benzene
• Stryrene
• Ash
• Water Vapors

All materials, whether natural or man-made, have some water content in them.  As the fire consumes that material, water vapor is released.  The chemicals that are also released in fires, attach themselves to the water vapors and are carried away with the wind currents.

Fighting a house fire should be left to the professionals, the firefighters.  You should exit a building that is burning as quickly and safely as possible.  But, sitting downwind of a fireplace or fire pit fire and breathing in the smoke, can also be dangerous.  This is true, especially if you have heart, lung, or breathing issues.  Wearing a dust mask, or even a surgical mask, will not offer much protection. 

If your home suffered some smoke damage, whether from a fireplace fire that got a bit out of hand, or a room or house fire, call the experts at fire cleanup, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  We have the knowledge and protocols to save all items that can be restored, safely and quickly.

April showers bring May .... RAIN?

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Walking through a flooded basement with the power still on can be dangerous!

The rain in May should go away!

Once again, the Chicago area is being pounded by heavy rain in May.  In 2018, 8.21" of rain fell, setting a new record for rainfall in May.  That record lasted a grand total of 12 months, as in 2019, 8.25" of rain fell.  As of May 17, 2020, already 7.75" of rainfall has deluged our area.

A few safety reminders:

• Do not attempt to drive through floodwaters.  You may not know the exact depth of the water.  As little as a foot of water can make a car float.
• Do not go into flooded basements.  If the water has reached the power outlets on the walls, there is the possibility that electricity is flowing through the water.  Make sure the power is off when trying to venture into a basement full of water.  When in doubt, call an electrician to come and cut the power so you can safely enter.
• Wet floors and walls, left untreated, can be a harbor for mold growth.  If mold does begin to colonize, you may be able to see some, but mold also grows in wall cavities that you cannot see. 

Call the experts at water damage, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  After assessing the damage, we can extract standing water, remove wet contents, dry structure, and spray an antimicrobial to inhibit mold growth.

Do's and Dont's DURING a fire

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

Fire happens quickly and gives you precious few moments to escape. SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank can help with the cleanup and deodorization.

Stay low!  Stop, drop, and roll!

We teach our kids these principles early on, for what to do if involved in a fire.  But, do you know WHY you should stay low in a fire?

As the fire rages, extremely hot temperatures and toxic gases flow up towards the ceilings.  These temperatures can reach several hundred degrees very quickly and burn your lungs, making it impossible to breathe.  And toxic gases, coming from the combustion of burning materials and structure, can damage your lungs in a matter of a few breaths.  Further, the fire is also consuming oxygen, an element you cannot live without.

In preparation of the possibility of fire, you should know at least 2 ways of of the building, in case one exit is blocked due to fire.  Know where fire extinguishers are located, as they may be your lifeline out.  And check smoke detectors regularly.

Here are a few of the do's and don'ts for a fire:

• Evacuate the building as quickly and calmly as possible.
• Meet at the rally point outside that has already been predetermined to be safe.
• Use the fire extinguisher only to help you evacuate.  Do NOT try to be a hero and fight the fire.
• Do not go for personal items, such as collectibles or keepsakes, as it wastes time and you may lose your escape route.  If you are dependent on medications daily, have a bag ready to grab in cases such as this.
• Wait until you are safe outside before calling the fire department.

If you were unfortunately involved with a fire, call the fire cleanup experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We can salvage structure and contents that can be salvaged, deodorize and clean smoke and soot damage, and get you back to living as normal a life as possible quickly.

I have water in my basement!

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Finished or unfinished, your basement water damage is right up our alley!

Water.  We all need it to survive, but too much of a good thing can be disastrous.  

If the recent storm caused water to enter your home (sump pump failure, flooding, roof leak, etc), and now you have standing water in your basement, you need expert help in a hurry.  

Water needs to be pumped out/extracted, contents (furniture, boxes, totes, etc) need to be examined and determined if they can be salvaged or not.  Are the walls wet, and if they are, is there wet insulation behind that wall?  Plus, the structure and framing will need to be dried quickly to help prevent mold.

One call to SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank can cover all that needs to be done.  We're available 24/7/365, so we can get out there and begin the process of getting your life and home back to normal again.  We have the tools to check everywhere water may have migrated, the equipment to extract and dry everything quickly, and the know how to do it within your budget and time constraints.

Call us today at 708-430-3600.  In fact, plug that number into your mobile device right now, because you never know when you may need us in a hurry!

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank + commercial business = success!

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

Are you a commercial property owner, a facilities manager, or a property manager?  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank would like to be your partner in keeping your properties running smoothly.

We are on hand to help out if your facility happens to suffer from any of the following:

• Smoke damage, caused by a fire in your lunchroom when cooking got out of hand, or an overheated piece of machinery in your warehouse.  We can clean and deodorize quickly, thereby keeping business interruption to a minimum.
• Water damage, when raw sewage backs up through your drains, or a pipe break in one of the offices.  We can extract excess water, dry structure and contents quickly.
• Graffiti damage to the exterior of your building.
• Mold damage, when an office was closed for an extended period of time, and you noticed a "musty smell" when you entered the room.  Simply airing out the room will accomplish very little if anything at all.
• One person (or several people working in close quarters) has flu-like symptoms and the area needs to be disinfected.  We can perform a general disinfecting to a more thorough deep disinfecting of the areas presumed affected.

If you haven't already, plug our phone number into your mobile device today: 708-430-3600.  We are available 24/7/365 with live operators, to get your information quickly and get help dispatched right away.

Don't let business interruption close your business!

4/24/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let this happen to you! Call today to schedule an Emergency Ready Profile walk through.

Most businesses took a hit when the pandemic hit, with many having to close due to business interruption.  After all, if your business is closed, you aren't making money.

Let's hope another pandemic doesn't hit us again.  But, there are many other ways business can come to a halt: storm damage, fire, flooding, etc.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has a program to help minimize business disruptions, called the Emergency Ready Profile, or ERP.  This program helps initiate the protocols necessary to get a business up and running if the unfortunate happens.

The completed ERP is securely downloaded to an app on your mobile device, putting important and necessary contacts, phone numbers, account numbers, etc right at your fingertips.  So, if you were on vacation when your business has to close for whatever reason, there's no need to rush back to get the binder in your office to make the proper phone calls.

And what would you pay for this program and peace of mind?  Nothing!  It's FREE!  There is no charge whatsoever.  It's a service SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is glad to do.

Call 708-430-3600 to schedule a walk through as soon as possible.  Any size business can take advantage of this program, from a small grocery store to a large warehouse, and everything in between.  

Can I use my outdoor grill indoors?

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

There's nothing like the taste of grilled foods. But, grills need to remain outside.

Now that the warmer weather has finally arrived, it's time to think about the great outdoors, and that will include grilling.  But, it's raining today.  Can I use my outdoor grill inside, like in my garage?

The answer is no.  Outdoor grills are only meant for use outside, and that also rules out using your grill inside a garage.

• Grilling indoors can cause a build up of carbon monoxide gasses, due to the lack of ventilation inside (if you're grilling inside because it's raining outside, you'll probably have all the windows closed anyway).
• Grills tend to put out much more heat than ovens, so there's also a fire hazard to consider.  Curious children or pets may injure themselves due to the close proximity of the grill.
• If your grill has a slow gas leak, dangerous gasses can build up, and may not be detectable by your carbon monoxide detectors.
• Not as serious of an issue, but smoke staining on walls, ceilings, and contents may occur if you grill indoors.  using household cleaners to try and remove the staining can actually set the stain.

So, please keep outdoor grilling outside.  And, if you have an issue with smoke staining, call the fire exerts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We can clean, deodorize all your fire and smoke mishaps.

Where do you access your weather information?

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

Weather radios can be diverse. This is a solar powered and also hand cranked version.

Fifty years ago, most people learned about today's weather by looking at the local newspaper.  Twenty five years ago, we watched the local news.  Today, people are more instantaneous; they want the weather right now!

Sure, newspapers and television still have weather reports.  When an outbreak of storms are about to encroach on the area, many people watch their cable weather channel.  But, more and more people are relying on their phones to give them what they want.

But, there's another alternative: the weather radio.

Weather radios can be programmed to your community or zip code.  It not only gives you forecasts for the coming days, but also is very current when watches or warnings are issued in your community.

You can program the radio to announce severe weather as it approaches your area.  If you're sleeping and a line of severe storms just popped up and are encroaching on your town, the radio will announce that a severe storm warning, or tornado watch or warning has been issued, and that you may have to take precautions immediately.  It can also notify you of flooding concerns that can be expected in your area.

A small investment in a weather radio can mean the difference between being safe and being in harm's way.

DIY Storm Damage?

3/27/2020 (Permalink)

Doing the bare minimum to just "get by" isn't recommended for storm related water damages.

Heavy thunderstorms roll through the area, and now your lower level has 6" of water caused by your sump pump just couldn't keep up with the rain rates.  The carpets are soaked, the walls are wet, and furniture has been hit as well.

The task ahead is very daunting.  Thinking about cleaning up the mess by yourself?  You're probably going to try and salvage everything that got wet; carpet, pad, furniture, walls, boxes of contents, etc.  

But, should you try and save everything?  Do you have the proper equipment to dry the floors and walls before mold begins to colonize?  Do you have enough time to do the job, with all the other things going on in your life?

Why don't you relax, and call the water damage experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank?  Here, we have the knowledge to know what items can be saved and what cannot.  We have enough crews and equipment to handle even the largest flooding issues.  And we can see the job through to its completion.

Put this number into your mobile device: 708-430-3600.  You'll talk to a live person, even if you call in the middle of the night or on the weekend.  

Returning to work after social distancing

3/24/2020 (Permalink)

Now that the pandemic is over, are you confident that the items on your desk are OK to touch?

In the Spring of 2020, most workers had to "shelter in place" and practice "social distancing", and work from home and not go into the office unless it was absolutely necessary.  This was done for a very good reason; the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now you're getting ready to return to the office after this long hiatus.  Nobody has been into the office for at least a couple of weeks.  Does it need to be disinfected?  If someone from your office contracted the virus, are you safe to touch the items on your desk?  In the lunchroom?  Or in the conference room?  Any of the common areas?

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has performed proactive cleanings/disinfecting in commercial buildings, municipal buildings, and in residential homes.  We know what to disinfect and just how to disinfect it.  We have cleaned areas where people had a positive test of the virus, and performed a more preventative cleaning/disinfecting in areas where there was no known cases.

If you want peace of mind that your office is disinfected and safe, call us at 708-430-3600 to schedule a walk through, and we can help you assess what should be disinfected by our expert staff.  Call today and set up an appointment.

We are the cleaning experts

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

This is a hospital-grade antimicrobial cleaner, and safe for the environment.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is here to help during this time of need!

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Some interesting snow facts

3/6/2020 (Permalink)

I asked for a snowmobile. This wasn't what I expected.

Now that Spring is almost here, and thus far the snowfall amounts have been fairly close to normal, we thought it was time to give you a few interesting snow facts:

• The earliest LAST snowfall of the Chicago winter season was on March 9th, in 1946.
• The latest LAST snowfall of the season was on June 2, 1910.
• The greatest snowfall season was in 78-79, where 89.7" of snow fell.  The season before, 77-78, had 82.3" of snow.
• The least snowfall in a season was in 1930-31, where only 5.7" of snow fell.
• Chicago's largest snowfall was in 1967, where 23.0" fell.
• Snow is comprised mostly of air, trapped between crystals so they can't pack tightly.
• Generally, 10" of snow = 1" of rainfall, but that can vary with the temperature and amount of moisture in the air.
• Snow is actually colorless, but appears white as it reflects back all visible light.  If you have a larger snowbank with deep snow, then the color may appear blue, because the deep snow is now filtering out the light.
• It has never snowed in Chicago in July or August.
• The largest snowball fight ever recorded happened in Seattle Washington in January, 2013, where 5834 people participated.
• There's a myth that states whatever the date of the first snow, you'll get that many days of snowfall in the season.  This year, for instance, it snowed on October 31st, which means we should have had 31 days of snow during the season (rain does not count).

Different classes of water damage

3/4/2020 (Permalink)

All water damages are not the same. You would need to treat this water damage differently than you would a leaking pipe.

The different classifications of water damage will determine what items can be salvaged and what items cannot be saved, as well as the drying protocols.  The three classes of water damage are:

• Clean water - Water that has virtually no contaminates, such as a supply line going to a washing machine.
• Grey water - Water that has been used, contains some contaminates, but does not have any animals waste in it.  An example would be that same washing machine that overflowed, and soapy water is discharged onto the floor.
• Black water - This water is the nastiest of them all, a sewage back up or storm flooding.  This water will be highly contaminated.

Water that is undiscovered and is not mitigated properly and quickly can deteriorate and go from one class to another.  Your clean water damage left standing 3-5 days will now be classified as grey water, since it had a chance to pick up microbes, bacteria, etc.  Grey water not properly mitigated will transform to a black water loss in just 2-3 days, again due to deteriorating conditions.

If you have suffered a water loss in your home or business, call the water clean up experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600 right away.  We'll come out, assess the situation, and set up a plan to get you back to normal ASAP. 

Soot particles can be hazardous, and tough to clean

2/26/2020 (Permalink)

Though tempting to do the work yourself, you may cause more damages if you don't know exactly what to do.

Once the fire is extinguished, there will be smoke and soot residues left over that will need to be dealt with.  But, precautions will have to be taken when dealing with smoke and soot.

Soot is the product of incomplete combustion of materials during a fire.  Soot is very acidic, and could be hazardous to breathe in great quantities.  A mask (or better yet, a respirator) should be worn anytime you plan to spend extended time in and around these areas.

If you see soot or smoke damage on walls or ceilings, do not touch it.  The oils in your fingers touching the soot could possibly set the stain in drywall, thereby making it almost impossible to clean – these walls will have to be painted.

Tracking soot from a room that has soot and contaminating a room that did not already have soot is a common issue.  Homeowners in a haste to move personal belongings from a smoke damaged room to a clean room can bring soot particles with them, creating a larger area to clean and disinfect.

If you have suffered smoke damage from a fire, it’s best to call the cleaning experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  They have the knowledge and expertise to contain the spread of soot, from the evaluation of the damage through to the final touch ups of cleaning.  Call 708-430-3600 to set up an appointment right away.

Storms and severe weather can cause damages

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

Extreme weather can pop up in a hurry at any time in Chicago.

They say in Chicago: “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes and it will change!”

Yes, the weather does change quite a bit in this city.  Think about it: we go from blazing summer heat to bitter cold, from blizzards to flooding rains, calm conditions turn into hurricane force winds, and from clear, blue skies to heavy fog.  Yes, Chicago has just about any type of weather there is.

And that means lots of potential storm damages to your property.  Heavy rains or melting snow packs can cause water damages inside your home.  High winds can cause objects blow into and thereby damage your property.  Lightning strikes may cause fire and smoke damages.  And with Lake Michigan and surrounding waterway levels so high, any strong wind or rain may cause flooding.

Here at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, we have to be prepared for any kind of disaster, weather related or not.  When we get a call from someone who needs emergency disaster clean up, we are ready with crews and machines to get the job done quickly.  At the ready we have: extraction equipment, drying machines, deodorizers, demolition tools, whatever is necessary to complete the process to bring that household back to “preloss” conditions.

So, if you were unfortunate to get hit with some weather related disaster, know that we are here to help!  Call us: 708-430-3600 any time, day or night.

Spring water damage preparations

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Spring's floodwaters can happen with little or no warning. Take precautions now!

With Spring around the corner, with its melting snow and storms, probably holds the best chances for water damages in your home.  Approximately 2% of all households will suffer water damages each year; it’s the second most common type of insurance claim, trailing only wind/hail claims.

Are you prepared?  Have you made any precautions so it doesn’t happen to you?  And if it does happen to strike you, do you know what to do?

Do you know what your insurance covers, and what it doesn’t?  The average water damage claim is $7000-$7500, but it can be MUCH higher with the right circumstances:  flood waters, amount of structure and contents affected, length of time water was present, etc.

Water can damage/destroy personal property, such as: photo albums, collections, family heirlooms, etc.  Water can also disrupt lives; even when mitigated properly, the homeowner may not have access to certain areas of their own home once drying equipment has been set.

A few words of advice:

Once flood waters begin to rise, they can rise quickly and with little warning.  Prepare all areas of your home for the possibility of flood waters entering your home.

Document everything.  Take pictures (or video) of anything of value and have it ready just in case those items are damaged.  And be sure to take pictures and document anything that must be discarded for safety reasons before an insurance adjuster can be there.

Be proactive and check water pipes in your house for leaks, splits, or any damage.  Replace any questionable sections.

If you happen to suffer from a water damage, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank. 708-430-3600.

How long are these fans going to run?

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

Fans work in concert with dehumidifiers to draw moisture out of the air and help speed up the drying process.

You suffered a water damage.  You called SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank out, and we extracted all standing water, moved furniture on to blocks, and set up some drying equipment.  The fans and dehumidifiers are not quiet, and you're wondering how long they are going to run.

Typically, the fans run for three days.  Same for the dehumidifiers.  In rare cases they may need more or less time to dry.  But why do they need to run for so long?

The fans move the air to help get the moisture that's trapped in the walls, structure, floors, etc.  The moisture gets thrown up in the air, where the dehumidifiers catch the moisture and remove it.  Bringing the overall moisture content down in the room will quicken the overall drying progress.

Thinking of using a box fan?  Box fans do move some air; it'll keep you cool on a summer's night, but isn't powerful enough to help pull moisture out of structure.  You need professional grade air movement, and used properly, otherwise you may end up with a mold problem.

If you suffered a water damage, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We have the knowledge and equipment to get the job done correctly.

Supporting your local community

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Supporting new businesses at grand openings are just part of what we do to help the community.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is a local business, located in Bridgeview.  We hire local people to work here.  And we do what we can do to help support the local community.

When we look at this locale, we see people who are in need; homeowners and businesses that have suffered some sort of loss and could use our expertise.  We don't look at these people as merely numbers or dollar signs, but as individuals who require our help to return their lives and homes back to normal.

Also, we see the community as a whole.  Groups, like churches and civic organizations, who are trying to help grow the area in which they live in.  We try and support them as much as possible.  That's why we are part of TWO Chambers of Commerce: The Bedford Park/Clearing Industrial Organization, and the Bridgeview Chamber.  Both these groups have service projects that help aid the local community to grow and prosper.

But there's more.  We also support local youth programs in the schools, such as Career Day for School District #111, St Baldrick's Foundation to find a cure for childhood cancer, and many, many more.

So, if you are looking for a company that cares about your community, then look no further than SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank! 

Mold Presentation for Burbank SD #111

1/7/2020 (Permalink)

Rick Gauger, CSR for SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank recently presented a mold seminar for the maintenance staff of a school district.

In early January, 2020, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank CSR Rick Gauger had an opportunity to perform an one hour presentation on Mold for School District #111; What is mold, how to identify, it, how to handle it, and also how to prevent it.  The entire maintenance staff for the Burbank School District was in attendance.  The subject of mold can be less than thrilling, but we made it enjoyable and had some fun along the way.

Mold can be very visible, literally right under your nose.  But, most times, it's hidden in wall cavities or under flooring that makes it very difficult to detect.  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has a trained staff to not only know where to look, but also what to do if/when mold is discovered.

If you suffered some water damage and suspect that mold may be lurking behind a wall, ceiling, or floor, don't hesitate to call the mold experts at 708-430-3600.  We'll come out, assess the situation, and come up with a plan to not only combat the existing mold issue, but also take preventative measures to address any possible return. 

Put that number in your phone right now: 708-430-3600.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank available 24/7/365

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

After hours, weekend, holidays, or just before the big game, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is ready for your call!

Disasters don't adhere to a Monday through Friday, 8:00 - 5:00 schedule.  Fires or water damages can happen at any time or any day; weekends, evenings, or holidays.  Perhaps the damage was caused by you hurrying to get things done before a deadline, or your attention was diverted elsewhere.  Or perhaps it was just meant to be.

Either way, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is ready to take your call and ready to help you get back to normal.

You came home from working a couple hours of overtime, only to find that a pipe behind a wall is leaking badly, and you have a couple of inches of water in your lower level.  The last thing you want is to call a restoration company to help extract the water and dry the structure and contents, only to hear a recording saying that they won't be available until Tuesday next week due to the holiday.

By calling 708-430-3600, you'll talk to a live person.  That person will ask a few general questions to help understand what happened and what needs to be done.  In emergency situations, a manager is contacted and that manager will contact you ASAP and set up an inspection to determine how much crew/equipment will be needed.  Plans will then be discussed with you, with possible options.

There have been cases where we have completed the work BEFORE the other company would have even listened to the initial phone call!

Plug the number into your phone right now: 708-430-3600.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank again helps the community

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank CSR Rick Gauger and Bridgeview Chamber President Vic Portillo take a break from unloading another van load of donations.

We're getting close to the time of year where we all make "new Years' Resolutions", where we plan to get healthier, contribute more, and generally be a better person.  And in many cases, it's a good intention that doesn't always come to fruition.

Here at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, we aim to help the community every day, whether it's helping a homeowner with a water or fire loss, working with the local chambers in collecting donations that will aid a segment of the area, or donating time and efforts to help out a local cause.

Recently, SERVPRO CSR Rick Gauger (also a Vice President of the Bridgeview Chamber) helped collect donations for the Chamber's annual Food & Toy Drive.  Several van loads of non-perishable food and unwrapped toys were collected and distributed to local churches, missions, and other sites to then in turn be dispersed to the needy.  It's Rick's third year performing such a feat, and each year it gets better and better.

If you are looking for a company that constantly give back to the community, then look no further than SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  Available 24/7/365 simply by calling 708-430-3600.

Bridgeview salon completes Emergency Ready Profile

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

This beauty salon, recently opened, completed an ERP to safeguard patrons, employees, and the business.

Most commercial properties have a contingency plan: If the power goes out, everyone reach inside their desks and pull out a candle or a flashlight.  That may be a quick and easy solution, but it does nothing to get the power back up and running again.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has an app for your mobile device, called an Emergency Ready Profile.  This app encompasses photos showing shut off locations for utilities, exits for employees and patrons to escape, plus any special equipment the property may utilize.

This app also lists the most important contacts along with their emergency numbers.  Need to call the property manager?  The number is listed.  How about the security company?  That number is listed as well.  Each property will have different types of contacts, so the profiles are adapted for that specific commercial property.

The goal of this profile is, in case of any type of disaster, is to limit any downtime, as well as start the protocols in getting the business back to 100% as quickly as possible.  A business that is shuttered makes no money whatsoever.

How much would you pay for a service like this?  How about FREE!  That's right, no cost to walk through and take pictures, no cost to compile all the information, and no cost to download the app.

If you wish to take advantage of this program, call Rick Gauger at 708-430-3600 to schedule a brief meeting and start the ball rolling.

Top causes of home fires

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

Fires can happen quickly in any part of your home, including this garage.

Now that we're in the fall season, and the holidays fast approaching, chances increase that you may suffer a fire damage inside your home.  Kitchen fires are more prevalent because of more cooking for the holidays.  Heating issues also further chances of fires.

Let's take a look at some of the major causes of fires inside homes:

• Cooking.  Cooking is far and away the most common cause of home fires in the US.  It accounts for 48%* of all fires, and averages about 172,000* fires each year.  Unattended cooking, having flammable materials too close to stoves or ovens are just a sample of why fires get started in the kitchen.
• Heating.  Space heaters or fireplaces account for about 52,000* home fires each year.  Having items too close to the heat source is just one way this may happen.
• Electrical.  Accounting for an average of 35,100* home fires per year.  Overloaded outlets or frayed extension cords are just two of the main culprits.
• Smoking.  Falling asleep while smoking is the main cause of the 18,100* home fires in an average year.
• Candles.  8,200* yearly fires is a comparatively small number compared to the others in this list, but it can be the most easily preventable as well.  Candles being knocked over, or items too close to the flame are major causes of this type of fire.

Also, 58%* of all fire injuries are caused by people either fighting the fire outright, or trying to enter/exit a fire for a rescue.  Have a plan, and practice it with children, to know what to do if there is a fire in your home.

* = NFPA statistics.

Trick or Treat hours 2019

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

Be safe when taking the little ghosts and goblins around.

Here is the list of Trick or Treat hours for some of the local communities.

• Berwyn - 4:00-6:30
• Bridgeview - 3:00 - 7:00
• Burbank - 2:00 - 6:00
• Burr Ridge - 3:00 - 8:00
• Chicago Ridge - 3:00 - 7:00
• Cicero - 3:00 - 7:00
• Evergreen Park - After school - 8:00
• Hickory Hills - 3:00 - 7:00
• Hometown - 2:00 - 7:00
• Justice - 3:00 - 7:00
• LaGrange - 3:00 - 7:00
• Oak Lawn - 3:00 - 8:00
• Summit - 6:00 - 8:00

Commercial damage? We can handle it!

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Large or small, we have the resources to handle it all!

Are you a Property Manager or Facilities Director at a commercial property?  And, did you suffer a water loss, fire and smoke damage, or any other situation where clean up is necessary and too large for your current staff?  If so, give us a call!

At SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, we have the resources and equipment to not only stabilize the situation, but also get your operation back to normal ASAP.  We understand that any commercial property that is closed for even a minute ceases to be profitable.

Whether your business is a retail shop, a large warehouse, a small mom-and-pop store, a hotel, or in the service industry, we know that any interruption in the daily flow can be harmful to the bottom line.

Also, we are available 24/7/365, so no matter when disaster strikes, we're as close as your phone.  And, when you call, you'll never get a machine; a live person will be on the line, and will ask a few questions to help streamline the initial process and get the crew(s) ready.

So, Facilities Director or Property Manager, put our number into your mobile device now: 708-430-3600.

Space heater safety tips

10/11/2019 (Permalink)

A burnt out power strip, caused by having a space heater plugged into it.

Now that the cold weather is upon us again, it may be time to bring out that portable space heater.  As a refresher, here's a few safety tips:

• Check the wiring and connections.  If you see any damage or fraying, do not use the space heater.
• Plug space heaters directly into the wall socket.  Do not use extension cords or power strips, which can overheat over time and cause a fire.
• Place space heaters on a flat and level surface.  Do not place on desks, tables, or other furniture.  Also, avoid carpeting as well.
• Keep rugs, drapes, bedding, etc a minimum of three feet away from the front of a space heater.
• Do not place in a high traffic area or doorway, where it can be accidentally tipped over.
• Keep children and pets away from the space heater.
• When leaving a room or sleeping, always shut it off; never leave it unattended.
• When leaving the building to go to work, school, shopping, etc, always unplug the machine for safety.
• When storing a space heater, always make sure it cools completely before putting it in a box, closet, etc.

Supplemental heat like this can take the nip out of the air, but then again, so could a fire.  Plan accordingly, so you can enjoy the former without suffering the latter.

Rain. Rain. Go away!

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

Should any of this water invade your home, call us 24/7/365 at 708-430-3600.

What a year it's been so far.  Let's recap it:

• Remember when the polar vortex hit, and we never thought it was ever going to get warm again?
• Then, in the spring, it rained and rained and rained.  We never thought it would be dry again.
• The summer heat dried everything very well, but we doubted it would never get cool again.
• Once the kids went back to school, it started raining again.  Will it ever stop?

Chicago had its 6th wettest September on record, with 7.61", which is 3.21" above normal.

We are currently the second wettest year on record (going back to the 1800's) with 41.69" of precipitation through October 3rd.  If it doesn't rain another drop, we would still qualify for the 25th wettest year on record.  But, somehow I think we will have more rain in the next 13 weeks.

All that water has to go somewhere.  If any ended up inside your home or business, you need to call SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank right away at 708-430-3600.  We have the tools, equipment, and crews to bring your property back to its dry state as soon as possible!

Important numbers

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Numbers are everywhere.  When we are born, there are many numbers: He was born on 12/6/1961 at 7:11 am, weighed 4 pounds 11 ounces (OK, that was all me) and then are given a number that we will have the rest of our lives; a Social Security number.

We get driver license numbers when we are old enough to drive.  We get security codes to get into our garages at home, through doors at work, or to get into our locked phones.  Addresses have numbers, we have phone numbers.  Ask someone how old they are, they give you a number (not always a true one, I found out).  The weatherman on TV tells you how hot or cold it will be tomorrow by giving you numbers.

It’s easy to get confused by all the numbers floating around.  But, when the chips are down, there’s two numbers of which you should be aware:  708-430-3600.  That’s our office number.  24/7/365.  That’s when you can reach us.

Because disasters don’t follow at 9:00-5:00, Monday through Friday schedule, you should be aware that some restoration companies aren’t always available.  You may call, but you’ll get an answering machine.

When you call SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, you’ll ALWAYS get a live person.  That person will ask some pertinent questions, so we can narrow our focus and get right to the heart of the matter.  In many cases, time is of the essence. 

So, if you suffered a water damage from the last storm, smoke damage from tonight’s failed cooking attempt, or mold in an attic or crawl space, remember the number: 708-430-3600.

Stay safe during flooding episodes

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

Use extreme caution when navigating flood waters!

Flooding.  Hearing that word, most people think of hurricanes pounding either the east coast or the Gulf coast states.  But, repeated heavy rains cause flooding issues in our community.  Here at SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank, we hope you take precautions to keep yourself safe inside your home and business.  But, did you know most people who lose their life due to flooding are in their cars?

According to NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), there have been 78 deaths due to flooding in the US this year (through July 31), and 51 of those were people trying to drive through high flood waters.  As they say, if you see water across the roadway, "Turn around, don't drown!"

Other statistics:  of the 78 deaths, 52 were male victims, 46 were between the ages of 20-59, and just five were in a boat.  In Illinois, there have been three deaths in 2019, and 30 since 2010, so it does happen here as well.

If flooding occurs in your neighborhood, and you suffer some water damages in your home or business, we hope you think of SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank.  But, if you happen to be on the road, we want you to be smart, not a statistic!

Shutoff locations in an emergency

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

In an emergency, do you know where to go to shut off that utility?

A pipe has burst in a ceiling of your business, and water is pouring out at an alarming rate.  Do you know where the water shutoffs are?  

Someone smells natural gas in your commercial property.  Do you know where the gas main shutoffs are?

These are two questions that, during an emergency, could jeopardize the health of your workers.  It also could mean the difference from a small problem to a major disaster.

SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank has a totally FREE program called an Emergency Ready Profile, or ERP.  We meet with your maintenance staff and/or safety officers, get vital information about the facility, take pictures of the control panels and shutoffs, and compile everything into one easily downloaded app for your mobile device.

Depending on the size of your building, the walk-through getting all the pictures may take 10 minutes for a regular office, to as much as 40 minutes for a major industrial warehouse.

If you need more information, or to schedule a walk-through at your facility, please call Rick Gauger at 708-439-3600.  We can schedule this process at any time (weekends, after hours, etc) to eliminate any disruption to your normal everyday work flow. 

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank prepared for severe weather

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

Severe weather damages may call for special circumstances.

When you hear severe weather is approaching, what do you think of?  Hurricane?  Tornado?  Blizzard?  Flooding?

Severe storms can be anything that far exceeds the norm.  It could mean bitter cold weather, or extremely hot weather.  It also could mean strong winds, hail, or ice.

Here in Illinois, we get all of the above with the exception of a hurricane.  So, here at SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank, we have to be prepared for a lot of different situations throughout the year.

When you have damage to your home or business, the necessities required to mitigate your property may not be available.  Generators may be needed because there is no power on site.  Heat may be needed because the furnace or other heat source may be down.  The water source may be cut, so clean water may be needed.

SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank is ready to take on any situation that may occur to your home or business due to severe weather.  A call to 708-430-3600, and our friendly operators will get some general information, information that will speed up the process of getting our crews ready for your loss.

Are you ready for the next severe weather event?  We are!  Call us at 708-430-3600.

Shortcuts versus proper protocols

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

NOT the proper way to do a packout.

Shortcuts.  They may appear to be the easy solution at first.  But, upon reflection, what seemed like the easy way wasn’t so easy after all.  Sometimes, protocols must be followed, not only because it’s the only way to completely finish the job, but keeps those involved safe during and after the process.

Take for example the woman in Dixon, IL, who was arrested for carpooling with her kids, kind of.  She bought them an inflatable pool at the local store, took it to a friend’s house to use their compressor to blow it up, then found it wouldn’t fit inside her car.  So, she put the pool on top of the car, but she had no straps to tie it down, so she put the kids in the pool on top of the car and tried to drive home.

A man in Ottawa, Canada didn’t have a booster seat for his 18 month old daughter when he went to the liquor store, so he used a case of beer as a booster seat.  The cops issued the man a ticket for an improper booster seat.

Here at SERVPRO, we understand that protocols are set for a reason; they get the job done while keeping those working on the job, and those who will inhabit the home afterwards, safe from harm.  Shortcuts are tempting, but we know the consequences could be costly.

Trust the team that is on the preferred vendor lists for many insurance companies: SERVPRO.

Have you developed a fire escape plan?

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

NOW is the time to develop a fire safety plan, be it at work or at home.

You’re sitting in your easy chair, watching TV and having a lemonade.  The kids are playing upstairs in their rooms.  Suddenly, the smoke detector goes off.  Do you know what to do?  Do the kids know what to do?

Or

You’re at your desk at work, checking emails from the weekend.  Suddenly, the fire alarm goes off.  Do you know the safest route out?

In either case, being unsure of what to do or where to go may cost valuable seconds, seconds that could mean being injured instead of being safe.  If there was a plan in place, and posted (if not practiced), this situation should have a favorable outcome, healthwise.

No one plans to have a fire at work nor at home.  But, you still need to be prepared in case it does happen.

At home, know the safest routes out from any room in the house.  Know the place safely outside where the family should meet.  And make sure the kids know the basics as well.

At work, if your business does not have a safety officer, you should take it upon yourself to know the quickest, safest routes outside.  If you are several floors up, know that the elevators should be avoided, and alternate routes have to be chosen.  Have a designated location where you and your coworkers can meet.

In case of a fire, getting out and safe should be your only priority.  Fighting the fire should only be done if it endangers you or someone you know is trapped.  No one needs to be a hero; leave the firefighting to the professionals.

Motel fire has room boarded up

6/4/2019 (Permalink)

Keeping visitors out of a room that has been affected by fire, and also keeping the elements out, are key to the cleaning process.

Recently, a local motel had a small fire, confined mostly to one room.  The fire department, in their zeal to extinguish the fire, gave the two rooms adjacent water damages as well.

SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank was called out, and we boarded up the room that suffered the fire damages.  Any water damaged rooms were quickly extracted, dried, and sprayed with an antimicrobial, so those units could be used by the business.

The reason we board up a room that has been subject to a fire is several fold:  It keeps unwanted visitors from entering a potentially unsafe room.  It also keeps soot particles from damaging other unaffected rooms.  And, in this case, it also protects the room from the outside weather, possibly causing even more secondary damages.  

There are many stages to cleaning up after a fire.  Keeping the area safe and secure is first and foremost.  Then you have to think about the physical cleaning and deodorization processes.  And finally, putting the structure back to preloss conditions.

SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank is an expert at cleaning up after fires, whether they are confined to a single room, or an entire building.  Plus, we are available 24/7/365.  Simply call 708-430-3600 to get the process started.

A very wet start to 2019

5/31/2019 (Permalink)

Don't wait until the water is this high before calling SERVPRO!

Through May 31^st, the year 2019 has been much wetter than normal.  In May, Chicago had its wettest May EVER, and we had measurable rain on 21 of the 31 days (plus two days we had fog/sprinkles, but nothing measurable).

2019 so far:

• Jan Averages 1.75” we had 1.96”
• Feb Averages 1.63” we had 2.81”
• Mar Averages 2.65” we had 2.09”
• Apr Averages 3.68” we had 6.02”
• May Averages 3.38” we had 8.25”

So, on average, we should have had 12.09” instead of the 21.12” that actually fell; that’s 174% of normal to date.  And, according to averages, August is the wettest month, with an average of 4.62” of rain.

In case you were wondering, our wettest year in Chicago ever was in 2008, when an astounding 50.86” fell.  And the wettest month here ever, was August 1987, when 17.10” of rain fell.

SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank is ready for all types of water damages, from flooding to pipe breaks to sink or bathtub overflows.  We have the equipment, manpower, and knowledge to not only get the job done quickly, but get it done correctly!  Plus we are available 24/7/365.  Call us at 708-430-3600 today, and we’ll come out to make it “Like it never even happened!”

Infamous fires throughout history

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

No one plans to have a fire, but if it happens, SERVPRO is ready to help!

Some of the more famous fires in history:

• Rome 64 AD.  Approximately 70% of Rome burned, and no, Nero did not fiddle while it burned.  The fiddle wasn’t invented for another 100 years.  But, Nero did build a huge palace for himself on the ashes in the best section in town.
• Great Chicago Fire Oct, 1871.  250 people lost their lives, and 17,000 structures were lost.  People knew they were going to lose their houses, so they dragged the furniture into the street to try and save it.  It only made the fire spread faster, and clogged the streets so Fire Departments and ambulances couldn’t get through.
• Great Boston Fire Nov 1872.  Only 20 were killed, and just 776 buildings were lost, but this fire still brought Boston to its knees.  This fire practically took out the entire business district, and no one could work for quite some time.
• Iroquois Theater Fire Chicago Dec 1903.  Just one month after it opened, a fire started above the stage, blocking the exits of the top two levels of the balcony.  602 people lost their lives.
• Our Lady of the Angels School Chicago Dec 1958.  This fire started in the basement less than an hour before school was to let out for the day.  By the time some teachers knew what was happening, it was already too late, as exits were blocked by fire and heat.  92 children and three nuns perished, some from injuries resulted from children jumping from upper floor windows.
• The Camp Fire California Nov 2018.  By far the largest wild fire in California history, this fire consumed about 240 square miles, killed 86 people, and destroyed 18,804 structures.
• Notre Dame Cathedral Paris Apr 2019. Built in the 12^th century, and repaired many times since, this structure was still mainly wood, metal, and stone.  And even though they have a fireman on site 24/7/365, the fire still spread too quickly to save the spire and one of the towers.  Current estimates state that repairs to the cathedral will take 20 years to complete.

What do these fires (and really all fires) have in common?  Not a single person planned on having a fire at that time.  Fires come with no warning whatsoever.  With storms, the weatherman can predict danger ahead of time, but not with fires.

If you had a fire in your home or business, not only will you have water damages (or fire extinguisher dust for much smaller fires), but also soot will travel and accumulate in areas far away from the actual flames.

Call the experts at SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We have the knowledge and experience to know where to look and the best way to clean it, if it can be salvaged.

The speed of water

5/24/2019 (Permalink)

The carpet needs to be extracted quickly, and standing water removed, so the walls can be dried properly.

How fast is fast?

• Speed of light: 670,616,629 mph
• Speed of sound: 767 mph
• Indy car: 237 mph
• Skydiver: 122 mph
• Bobby Hull slapshot: 118.3 mph
• Aroldis Chapman fastball: 105.1 mph

But how fast is water?

If we’re talking about how fast water falls, most raindrops fall at a rate of 20 mph.  Drizzle, with its smaller drops, falls at a rate of 4.5 mph. 

Now, how fast does water go UP?

Water, whether it’s clean water from a pipe break, or raw sewage water, will wick up (be absorbed into) drywall at a rate of about 1-2” per hour.  So, if you discover water in your finished basement, or in your bathroom, and let it sit overnight, it may have wicked up 8-12” or so.  This moisture must be removed as soon as possible otherwise mold becomes a distinct possibility.

Call SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank.  Uniformed crews will go to your house, extract any standing water, and begin setting up air movement equipment.  Besides the proper equipment, we have the protocols in place to quickly remove moisture from drywall, carpet, wood framing, etc., so it greatly reduces the chance that mold can colonize and grow.

Don’t delay – call today!  708-430-3600.

Commercial disruption kept to a minimum

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

Doing our best to keep business disruption to a minimum. Moving all this paperwork would have caused delays for this worker.

I have yet to see any business include in their budget a water damage or fire loss.  No one PLANS for it, but it still happens.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is aware that any commercial client needs to be 100% operational to be profitable.  We do our very best to work within guidelines set forth by the property manager to do our work while staying out of the way as much as possible.  When a local hotel had a water loss that affected the breakfast area, we arrived every morning at 5:00 to move drying equipment out of the way until breakfast was over, then returned and replaced the equipment.

Sometimes, though, disruption is inevitable.  We clearly define to the property manager what we have to do, timelines and deadlines, and work out a schedule that works for both parties.  

Every job brings new challenges, and we are ready to work with you to get things back to preloss conditions as quickly and efficiently as possible.

If you have suffered a loss, and wish to have a company come out, one that has expertise in every kind of loss, along with attention to details, then give us a call at 708-430-3600.

Ingredients to a fire

5/2/2019 (Permalink)

It takes the right ingredients to create a fire.

Question:  When is a fire like a cake?  Just like a cake, fires need certain ingredients to complete.  Remove just one of the ingredients, and it just doesn’t work.

The ingredients fires need are:  fuel, heat, oxygen, and an ignition source.

Fuel:  anything combustible, like paper, wood, dry grass, fabrics, etc.  Generally, anything that can burn easily.

Heat:  A fire needs the proper temperature range to not only start, but also to keep going once it has started.

Oxygen:  Like any living creature, fire needs the right air mixture to burn.

Ignition source:  Matches, lightning, a toaster, etc.  Anything to bring a fuel source close to its combustion point.

Once a fire has started, people fighting the fire have to control or eliminate one of the ingredients to stop the fire.  In church, an acolyte places a cup over a lit candle until the candle has used up all the available oxygen.  Crews fighting wildfires start a fire break; fires well ahead of the main fire, to rob the main fire of fuel.  Firefighters throw water on fires, to help lower the temperatures and possibly disperse some of the fuel.  Water also turns to steam, and it may disrupt the air mixture just enough to rob the fire.

There are other blogs on this site that deals with what type of fire extinguishers you need, as well as the different types of soot and residue left behind after a fire.

If you have suffered fire or smoke damage, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank. 708-430-3600.  We have the expertise to make it “Like it never even happened!”

Sump pump maintenance

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Take a few minutes now to ensure your house is protected from storm damages.

Sump pumps are a fairly reliable piece of equipment, something you don’t often think about, until the time it doesn’t work properly.  Regular maintenance can help extend the life of your sump pump, plus give you piece of mind when the next storm event happens.

Sump pumps last an average of 10 years; some last longer and some don’t last that long, depending on how often and hard they have to work.  If your current sump pump is older than 10 years, perhaps you should seriously think about getting a replacement.

Here are a few things you should do at least once a year to ensure your sump pump works properly.

• Check the wiring and the plug. If the wiring looks worn, or the plug has trouble staying plugged in, consider a replacement.
• Check for debris in the sump pit. Occasionally, debris can get into the pit, causing the float mechanism to be blocked, and may create an unwanted issue later on.
• Remove the sump pump from the pit and clean the bottom grate. During normal operation, strong suction from your sump may pull small stones up from the bottom and get wedged in the grate.
• Make sure the pump is sitting upright. After checking for debris and the bottom grate, place the sump pump back in the pit, sitting as upright as possible.  You want to avoid the pump tipping when storm water starts to flow into the pit.
• Add water to the pit to check for normal operation. Using a five gallon bucket, add water to see if your sump pump both starts when it should, and shut off when it should.  Any deviation from normal, think about replacing the pump.  If you have to shake the pipe to either get the pump started or stop, replace the pump.
• Finally, check the outlet piping to make sure it is connecting properly, and not leaking anywhere.

If you have a backup sump pump, and/or back up power source, take a moment to check and make sure they are working properly as well.

If you suffer water damage from sump pump issues (sump pump not working or couldn’t keep up with extreme rain rates), call the water damage experts at SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We can extract the water, dry contents and structure, and check for possible mold.

Boiler malfunction creates moderate damage in local apartments

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

This laundry room was one of several that was hit by water damage.

A boiler malfunction in a local apartment complex caused moderate water damages to three units, plus the laundry room, three hallways, two stairwells, as well as the boiler room itself.  Even though this occurred on a weekend, SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank was out there, extracting water, cutting some moldy walls (from a previous water damage that was not mitigated properly), and drying out flooring, structure, and contents.

SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank is 24/7/365, and is aware that any commercial property (retail, industrial, sports complex, etc) must be mitigated as soon as possible to reduce down time and possible loss of revenue.  We can work as a separate unit,  or work along with your existing maintenance staff to get the job done as quickly and completely as possible.

No job is too small or too big.  SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank is part of a network of local SERVPROs, all who can assist if the need arises.  So, if you suffer a loss in one room, or greater than 100 rooms, one call can do it all!

If you are a property manager, you'll want to load our number into your phone right away: 708-430-3600.  From then on, you'll be secure in the knowledge that if something does happen to your facility, experienced help is simply a phone call away.

Lightning facts and myths

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Lightning can travel far outside of the storm.

An average lightning bolt has enough power to light a 100-watt bulb for more than 3 months straight.  It also has enough power to send Doc Brown and Marty McFly in a DeLorean from 1955 to 1985 (in the movie Back to the Future).

“Width of your thumb, hotter than the sun”.  The actual bolt of lightning is about the width of your thumb (or about the size of a nickel).  It looks larger because it’s shrouded in intense light.  The heat generated from a single bolt is about five times the temperature of the surface of the sun, >30,000 degrees.

Approx. 60 people are killed each year in the US from strikes.  Most of those killed and injured are participating in/attending sporting events.

There are approximately 1800 thunderstorms happening any minute of any day throughout the world, generating more than 1.4 billion lightning strikes per year.

OUTDOOR MYTHS:

Myth:  If I crouch, I avoid getting struck by lightning.  Although lightning does normally hit the tallest object in the area, it can jump to other objects, like from a tree to a fence.  If you are outside, you are still in danger of being struck.

Myth:  I am safe under a tall tree.  A tree may protect you from some rain, but it offers zero protection from a lightning strike.

Myth:  Lightning never strikes the same place twice.  Lightning bolts are nature’s way of trying to even out the electrons in an area, delivering positive charges to a negatively-charged object.  But, that doesn’t mean once a bolt hits it will not hit again.  Buildings, mountains, and other tall objects may be struck many times in a single year.

Myth:  It’s not raining, so I’m safe from lightning.  A bolt can travel many miles outside of a thunderstorm, so just because it’s not raining yet does not mean you are safe from being struck.

Myth:  If I remove metal (watch, jewelry, etc), I won’t get struck by lightning.  Lightning is NOT attracted to metal, so having no metal around you does not make you any safer.

Myth:  Rubber tires on a car protects you from lightning strikes.  A car is a safe place to go if you cannot get inside before a thunderstorm, but not because of the tires.  The metal body around you is the answer.  It gives the bolt an avenue towards the ground that protects you.  If you happened to be touching metal when a strike hits your car, you will be hit as well.  Also, rubber tires will not protect motorcycle riders either; they are just as susceptible to be hit as if they were standing outside.

Myth:  I saw a person get struck by lightning.  I cannot touch him for fear I will be electrocuted as well.  The human body cannot hold electrical charges, so a person struck is safe to touch.  Help them as quickly as you safely can.

INDOOR MYTHS:

Myth:  I am 100% safe inside a home.  Being inside a building is the safest place to be during a thunderstorm, but there are still ways you can get hit.  Being in a shower or bath is one; the bolt hitting your house can travel through the water pipes and find its way to you.  If you are on a corded phone or video game, the lightning can travel through the wiring and get to you.  And stay away from windows as well, as lightning going down siding may jump through a crack around the window and hit you.

Myth:  I have surge protectors on all my electronics, so they are safe.  Surge protectors are great for a minor sudden surge in electricity, but are no match for the power of a lightning bolt.  It’s best to unplug such devices before the storm comes into your area.

Spring storms = SERVPRO's busy season?

4/10/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank gets calls year round, not just in Spring.

It’s Springtime again, and here at SERVPRO we get asked all the time if Spring is our “busy” season.  While it’s true, the transition from Winter to Spring gives us many opportunities for helping people with disasters, there really isn’t a “busy” season nor a “slow” season.

When the calendar gets close to Spring, melting snow, or rain over frozen ground, threatens water damages in many homes and businesses.  But we can get water damage calls just about any month of the year.

• When extreme cold weather hits the area (like a polar vortex), frozen and burst pipes could be the result.
• Freezing and thawing weather, or ice storms, can cause ice damming issues, causing water to back up your roof, under shingles and then work its way into your home.
• Repeated heavy rains can cause localized flooding in susceptible areas and could finds its way into your home.
• Sudden, extreme downpours with huge rain rates can overwhelm sump pumps and cause minor flooding issues.
• High winds may cause loose roof shingles to come off, thereby allowing precipitation to find a way inside.

On top of all that, there are many ways you can suffer non-storm related water damages, such as: bathtub or sink overflows, pipe leaks, water heater malfunctions, aquarium leaks, condensation issues, etc.

If you have suffered any type of water damages, call SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600 right away to set up an inspection.

Spring storms are the norm

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

Don't let this happen to you. Prepare now.

Well, it’s Spring here in the Midwest.  That means it can be 70’s one day, then in the 40’s the next, followed by another stretch of 70’s. 

The old adage: “If you don’t like the weather in Chicago, wait ten minutes!” isn’t too far from the truth.  The weather can change in a hurry here.  It can be sunny and warm in the morning, cloudy with big storms in the evening, and did they mention a possibility of snow tonight?

Most people take precautions when they hear storms are approaching.  They bring in their tender plants from the outside, move the patio furniture closer to the house so it won’t blow away, and reattach the downspouts that blew off from the last storm.  But, did they take any precautions inside?

Heavy rain in a short period of time can overwhelm a sump pump, even when it’s running properly.  That water has to go somewhere.  It spreads out across the floor in your basement or lower level, causing water damage to anything susceptible it touches: drywall, carpeting, boxes, shelves, etc can all be damaged by this water.

Take time NOW to get ready for that possibility.  Remove boxes and store them in a higher place where they won’t get hit with the water.  Roll up throw rugs and put them in a safe place, along with any contents on the floor.

If you do get hit with water in your lower level, just call the experts at SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank.  We can extract the water, dry out the structure, check for hidden moisture in walls, ceilings, or flooring, and spray an antimicrobial to all affected areas.

Put this number in your phone NOW!  708-430-3600.  We are available 24/7/365, and have equipment ready to do the job!

Use caution in smoke filled rooms

4/2/2019 (Permalink)

Avoid or limit moving through heavily smoke damaged rooms such as this.

You've had a fire.  Luckily, no one was injured.  But, several rooms in the house suffered smoke and soot damage.

Your first reaction is to start going through your belongings, to see how much damage they have incurred during the fire.  You start moving boxes around and rummage through drawers and closets.

But beware!  Going from room to room could drag soot particles into rooms that did not have any initial damage.  Repeated walking in soot-filled rooms could also embed the smoke particles into the carpets and flooring, making them harder (if not impossible) to clean.

Also, touching the walls, whether on purpose or by accident, could cause the smoke particles to stain the drywall permanently, because of the oils in your fingers.  

We understand that you are in a hurry to check the status of your belongings.  But just haphazardly checking items from room to room can cause more secondary damages than necessary.

Calling SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank and scheduling an inspection is the correct option.  We can walk through the home with you, assess the damaged areas, recommend options that you can do safely, and set up a cleaning plan.

Don't delay!  Call us today!  708-430-3600.  

I've dried the structure; will mold go away?

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

Moldy spots on the wall, but how much is hidden inside the wall cavity?

So, you've had a water damage.  Your walls got wet, perhaps some carpet as well.  A couple days pass, and you notice a small amount of mold on your drywall.

The water damage was fixed, and you're pretty sure the walls are now dry.  You can still see the mold spots, but do not smell any of that musty smell you normally get when you have active mold.  Is the mold now gone?

The answer is no.  Mold does not simply go away.  

Once it has eaten into the drywall, wood, cardboard, paper, or anything organic, it will stay there until physically removed.  If the musty smell has gone away, it simply means that the mold has gone dormant.  Once the moldy areas encounter more moisture, the mold will re-energize.

And remember, there can be more mold INSIDE the wall that you can't see!

If you know someone who suffered a water loss (pipe break, roof leak, sump pump failure, etc), and you tried to dry it yourself, and now you have a possible mold issue, call the experts at SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We will come out, assess the situation, give you options to fit your budget, and answer all your questions.

To what extent does water damage structure?

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

Water is a powerful thing.  It can move cars off the road.  It can put out fires.  It can also damage of lot of your belongings when it unexpectedly comes into contact with them.

Pictured below is the bottom floor of an apartment building.  The pipe broke on the third floor, and water not only damaged the third floor, but if flowed down the wall and through the floor into the second floor, and then migrated into the bottom floor.  At each level, the water spread out on the floor/ceiling before working its way lower.

You’ll notice from the picture that a portion of the ceiling had to be removed, the wall on the right had to be removed, as well as the carpet and pad.  Wet insulation had to be taken out as well.  You’ll also notice that only the affected areas had to be removed; unaffected areas were left as before.

When SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank gets called out to handle a water loss, we know how to check for water migration, as well as the proper techniques in drying the materials that can be saved.  If you have suffered a water loss, and need that type of expertise, then call today at 708-430-3600.

Frozen pipes damages Chicago commercial buildings

2/27/2019 (Permalink)

Water damaged cabinet in this commercial property created mold. Call us ASAP to keep this from happening to you!

We hear it every winter:  “We’ve been here twelve years, and we’ve never had a pipe freeze before!” OR: “We took almost every precaution, and the pipes still froze!”

When cold weather invades the area, there’s always a danger to have frozen pipes.  Any time the air temperatures plunge to the -25 to -30 range, some frozen pipes are almost inevitable.  This winter, with its cold November followed by a warm December, then followed by a brutally cold January, SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank saw its share of commercial frozen pipes. 

Hotels, banks, condominiums, and even apartment buildings were not spared from the winter’s wrath.  And with any commercial job, SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank will make every effort to keep them open and operating as efficiently as possible as we dry and disinfect.  We understand that even a dollar of lost revenue that could have been prevented is a dollar too much.  We also know that taking shortcuts now can lead to a different kind of disaster later on, like mold.

If your home or business suffered from any kind of water loss (broken pipe, leaky faucet, water heater malfunction, etc), call the experts at SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We’ll come out, assess the damage, and create a plan to keep you up and operating while we systematically extract, dry, and disinfect.

Prevent frozen pipes this winter

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around piping.

Water damages can be very expensive, not only in terms of cash but also the objects that get damaged and have to be discarded (collectibles, photos, etc.).  With winter upon us, here are a few tips to help prevent your pipes from freezing:

• Open cabinet doors around sinks. This allows warm air to circulate around the water pipes.  This greatly reduces the chances that those pipes will freeze.
• Leave a trickle of water running, especially on pipes that are on an outside wall inside your home. Moving water cannot freeze, so as long as the water continues to flow, your pipes will not freeze over.
• Check insulation around piping. In areas that tend to get very cold, like crawl spaces, wrap water lines with insulation.  There are many types of pipe wrap, and can be found at any hardware store.
• If you are going away for an extended period of time in the winter, do not shut your heat off. Leave the thermostat at a minimum of 55 to provide enough adequate heating to keep indoor pipes from freezing.
• Place a spigot cover over your outdoor spigot. These are generally made of foam, and provide a layer of insulation from the brutal cold winds of winter.  You can find these at any hardware store, and they cost a couple of bucks.

If your pipes have frozen, do NOT use a blowtorch or any excessive means to thaw the pipe out.  The recommended way to thaw out your pipes is with a hairdryer.  The ice in the line has probably expanded the piping.  A slow, gentle thawing should not put any more strain on the material.  The rapid thawing using a blowtorch may cause the welds to fail, creating yet another problem.

If you discover that a pipe has burst, shut the water off and call a plumber, then call the water cleanup experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  We can dry your structure, contents, etc.  708-430-3600.

A Midway hotel has a pipe break

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO quickly on the scene of a hotel pipe break.

During a recent cold snap, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank received a call from one of the hotels near Midway Airport due to a burst pipe in a ceiling, causing water damages in several rooms.  We received the call because this hotel had the foresight to prepare an ERP, or Emergency Ready Profile, this past autumn.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank had a crew on site in about an hour, extracting water, moving wet furniture, etc.  We understand that it’s imperative for a business like this to be fully operational as quickly as possible; areas and rooms closed do not make money.

Hotel management prioritized the areas that needed to be available first, and we made every effort to accommodate these wishes.  Keeping the client in the loop and happy are goals we strive for with each and every job.

If you suffer some sort of damage: water damage, soot or smoke damage, mold, or anything else that needs to be cleaned up, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, who will put your best interests in mind when planning and executing the restoration process.

Call us 24/7/365 at 708-430-3600.  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank – your LOCAL source for damage restoration!

Can I paint over mold?

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

Though it's tempting to simply paint over mold like this, the better way is to remediate it properly.

Everyone looks for the quick, easy solution.  So, after you discovered you had a water damage due to a leaky pipe, you fixed the pipe.  Unfortunately, mold started to colonize and grow where the leak was.  Now you’re wondering if you can simply paint over the mold.

If you are seeing mold on drywall, all you’re seeing is the exterior of the wall.  What about the interior wall cavity?  The framing?

Painting over the mold hides the mold, but does not eradicate nor remediate the mold.  It can trap moisture behind/under the paint, giving the existing mold more moisture to work with. 

If you just bought or rented a house, signs that someone has painted over mold in the past are:

• Bubbled, cracked, or chipped paint.
• Water staining has returned.
• Signs of mold coming through the paint. Active mold can actually eat through the paint.
• Musty smell has returned, especially on humid days.

Steps to properly remediate mold are to:

1. Correct the water issue.
2. Remove all moldy materials (affected drywall, for instance) where mold cannot be removed cost effectively.
3. Dry all remaining structure thoroughly.
4. Spray an anti-microbial to help prevent mold growth.
5. Repair all damaged areas.

Or you can:

1. Call SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600. We are the mold experts!

Water damages ceiling in a commercial building

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage caused this drop ceiling to collapse.

A faulty pipe lead to an extensive water damage to a commercial property's ceiling.  Several ceiling tiles were too wet to stay up, and fell to the floor.  This area was unusable until the water leak was fixed and the area disinfected and cleaned up.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank was called in, and with the use of our specialized tools, we determined exactly where the water migrated and which walls, floors, and ceilings were affected.  Meeting with the building manager, a plan was put in place where SERVPRO could work AND that portion of the building could remain open and productive.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank knows how important it is to keep commercial properties running at 100%, so we will work with the manager to be able to perform our tasks while staying clear of the day-today operations as much as possible.  If an area does have to be closed, we make every consideration to do our work causing the least interruption possible (after hours, weekends, etc).  We're here to help, not get in the way.

If your business suffered any type of disaster (fire, smoke, water, mold, etc), call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We have your best interest in mind!

Moisture found under tiles

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

Checking for, and finding, moisture where the homeowner was sure there wasn't.

A homeowner had a slow refrigerator leak that went undiscovered for quite some time.  He shut the water off, moved the fridge, and mopped up the water sitting on his tile floor.  But, he was concerned about moisture inside the walls, so he called SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.

The homeowner's concerns proved true; there was water inside the walls.  But, he was amazed to find that we discovered moisture under his tile floor as well.  He was also surprised to find out that the water migrated through the wall into a closet on the other side.  Left to dry on its own, mold growth was a definite possibility in this case.

Checking for water migration is just one of the protocols that SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank knows to do on all water damages.  It only takes a few moments to rule in or rule out certain areas, when using the proper inspection tools.

If your home or business has suffered from a water loss, be it large or small, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  Call 708-430-3600 and you will talk to a live person 24/7/365.  Peace of mind is simply a phone call away!

SERVPRO uses the proper tools and equipment

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

It can be unwise and unsafe to rig up solutions yourself. Call the experts!

You wouldn’t use a hand grenade to kill a mosquito, would you?  Sure, it may be fun, but I think you’d do more damage than what it’s worth.  How about using a water pistol to put out a house fire?  Of course not!

So, if you have suffered a water damage to your home, then why would you use some rigged up solution to just “get by”?  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has all the proper tools and equipment, each one SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED to properly mitigate your water damage.

No more ruining bath towels trying to mop up sewage water.  Forget using box fans to try and dry saturated drywall or carpets.  The only tool you need is your phone; pick it up and dial: 708-430-3600.

Here at SERVPRO, no matter what time of day you call or even what day of the week, you’ll talk to a live person, never an answering machine.  We’ll get the necessary information needed to begin the mitigation process, such as:

• Where did the water originate from?
• When did you discover the damage?
• What rooms were affected?
• What structure or contents were affected?

Once onsite, we will stabilize the situation, then begin to make your water damage “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank helping the community

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

Bob Wehn Sr delivering a check to Burbank Fire Chief David Gilgenberg, after a recent fundraiser.

Making the community better.  That is SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank's mission. 

Whether it's ringing the bell for Salvation Army during the holiday season, or helping the Bridgeview Chamber in collecting food and toy donations for their annual Food & Toy Drive, or working with homeowners who have suffered water or smoke damage, we are here to grant aid as best as we can to as many as we can.

Local schools are another facet that SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank supports.  We performed a free ERP, or Emergency Ready Profile, evaluation to each of the Burbank schools in District #111.  We are a part of their Career Day, with marketing rep Rick Gauger as a speaker to the kids.  We also support St. Baldricks fundraiser each year.  We attended the Argo High School Higher Education Foundation's casino night at Toyota Park.

SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank is now involved in two local chambers; we have a director on the Bridgeview Chamber, and is also a member of the Bedford Park Clearing Industrial Association.

Each year, we host Continuing Education classes for the insurance industry, granting them free courses to help them retain their licenses.

If you want a company that believes in YOUR community, then SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank is the right choice!

Chicago Midway Hotels complete ERP

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

The Midway Airport hotels are now better prepared for any disaster.

Recently, the hotel complex near Midway Airport completed an ERP for each hotel.  What's an ERP, you ask?

ERP stands for Emergency Ready Profile.  It's a free service that SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank provides for all commercial properties.  It consists of:

• A brief history of the building (when it was built, year of renovations, etc).
• Pictures and descriptions of where the emergency shut valves are, who has access to them, and if keys or codes are needed.
• Pictures of entrance ways and exits.
• Emergency contact information, complete with after-hours phone numbers.
• Contact information of all vendors you use.
• Pictures of any special equipment used in your company's operation.
• Pictures and descriptions of any fine art or antiques located on the property.

The Emergency Ready Profile can be geared to any type of commercial property: retail, industrial, warehousing, service oriented, etc.

Your company may have a contingency plan, which is good for when a disaster strikes, but does very little to help get you back up and running again.  If your company does not have a free ERP, give SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank a call at 708-430-3600 right away, to schedule a walk through your facility.

Discovered water in your Chicago home?

11/23/2018 (Permalink)

You've worked hard to obtain these possessions, let us work hard to save them!

It's taken years to get the basement looking like you have always wanted.  Drywall has been put up.  Carpet on the floors.  Pictures on the walls.  An entertainment center with a large screen TV to relax and get away from it all.

And then you came downstairs, and found that the carpet's wet.  And not only by the steps, but just about everywhere.  Where did this water come from?  Is it still getting into the basement?  What can I do?

Call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank!  We have the equipment necessary to find exactly where the water migrated, check any walls and/or ceilings to see if they have been affected, and take precautions that furniture is protected from any further damages.

Once we know what all has been affected, a plan is instituted to begin the drying process.  We need to dry the area(s) as quickly and efficiently as possible, to inhibit mold growth.

We work with most insurance companies, so the drying process meets their standards as well.

So, whether the water came in from the outside or from a source from inside your home, we are ready to put your life back together again.

Call us today!  708-430-3600.

We can handle any job size!

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

Whether your home suffered a cracked water line that leads to your refrigerator, or was impacted by a hurricane (like the home shown below, from Hurricane Michael), or anything in between, SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank has the resources to handle it!

Of course, any disaster that befalls your home we can handle, be it fire, smoke, water, or mold.  But, if needed, such as in the case of a large commercial property loss where the business needs to be up and running as soon as possible, we can call our network of SERVPRO professionals so that the job can be done right and as quick as possible.

The SERVPRO network is far reaching; that's why we are down in the panhandle of Florida helping out the local SERVPRO franchises there get homes, businesses, and lives back together again after the devastation of Hurricane Michael literally tearing apart the entire region.

If your home or business suffered any type of damage, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank at 708-430-3600 today.  Then, you can relax, knowing the industry leader in restoration and remediation is on the case.

SERVPRO.  As close as your phone, and available 24/7/365.

Use caution when deep frying turkeys

11/16/2018 (Permalink)

Take extra precautions during the holiday cooking season!

The holiday season is fast approaching.  Images of a golden brown turkey, stuffing, cranberries, corn, and other items on the dinner table will always bring a smile to your face.  And, I'll bet if you close your eyes, you can still smell the pumpkin pie fresh from the oven, cooling in the kitchen.

But, all these preparations take a lot of work.  And cooking fires are the number one cause of fires during the holiday season.

SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank almost always get a call from a cooking disaster on Thanksgiving or Christmas.  And many times it's from deep frying a turkey.

Here are some safety tips:

• Always place your deep fryer away from your home, garage, decks, and even trees.  If there's a flare up, you don't want to inadvertently catch anything nearby on fire.
• Make sure the ground the deep fryer is on is level.  Uneven ground may cause tipping once the turkey's weight is added to the fryer.
• Make sure your turkey is COMPLETELY thawed.  Any part of the turkey still frozen will cause dangerous flare ups.
• Make sure the turkey is dry.  Any moisture or drops will cause flare ups.
• Use heavy duty oven mitts when handling the turkey or the fryer.
• Have a fire extinguisher (or 2) handy and close by.
• Have our number, 708-430-3600, already inputted into your phone, in case you need us for any fire or smoke damage.

Musty smell in your Chicago home?

10/24/2018 (Permalink)

Some mold is easy to see, while there might be mold behind the walls as well.

We've all experienced it.  Go down into your basement, crawl space, or even up into the attic and you encounter a musty smell.  Some days it smells worse than others.

That smell most likely is active mold, and it is currently flourishing.  It can be out in plain sight, or it can hidden in walls, ceilings, or even under your flooring.

When mold is active, it consumes wood, paper, cardboard, or fabrics, and it is throwing off this smell.  If conditions cause the mold to go dormant (like take away moisture), little to no smell can be detected.

Mold has to be physically removed to help prevent further growth.  Cutting out affected drywall, for instance.  But care must be taken with these pieces as to not cross contaminate other areas of the home.

Call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  708-430-3600.  We have the knowledge and experience necessary to help get rid of your mold problem.  We can tackle the actual mold and odors, all while protecting you and your home from further exposure.

Don't risk you or your family's health by trying to do it yourself.  Call 708-430-3600 today and schedule an inspection.  After SERVPRO is done, you'll be able to breathe a sigh of relief!

October is Fire Prevention Month

10/15/2018 (Permalink)

No one plans for a fire, but you can plan FOR a fire.

In October 1871, there were many fires burning in the Midwest.  The largest and deadliest was NOT the Great Chicago Fire, even though the folklore is deep with that fire, with a cow supposedly kicking over a lantern.

Since 1922, the U.S. has observed a Fire Prevention Week, the second week of the month.  In 2000, we added a Fire Prevention Month.

Are you prepared for a fire, either to prevent one or escape one if one starts?  Here are a few helpful tips to keep your family safe:

SMOKE ALARMS:

• There should be one on every level of your home.
• It is recommended that there be one in every bedroom, and at least one outside of sleeping areas.
• Smoke alarms should either be mounted in a ceiling, or no greater than 10" from a ceiling on top of a wall.
• Try to keep smoke alarms at least 10' from cooking areas, as there would be numerous false alarms.
• They should be cleaned periodically, and the batteries changed regularly.  A good rule of thumb: when you change your clocks in the spring and fall, also change the batteries in your smoke alarms, and clean the to keep dust and grease away from openings.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

• There should be one on every level of the home, plus the garage if you have one.
• There should be at least one in or near the cooking area.
• Fire extinguishers come in different purposes, so make sure you have the proper type.  Type A = all purpose, while type K = kitchen use.  There are other types as well.
• When using a fire extinguisher, remember PASS - Pull pin, Aim at base of fire, Squeeze trigger, Sweep from side to side.

ESCAPE PLAN:

• Have an escape plan, where there's at least two exits from every room.
• Have a meeting place outside, and away from the house, so everyone can be accounted for.
• Practice this plan with children, so they know what to do if a fire alarm goes off.

Water hidden in/behind walls

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

Water pooling on the floor is easy to see.  Water sitting in carpet is easy to feel.  But what about water in and behind walls?  Or ceilings?  Or floors?

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has all the proper tools to check for moisture behind walls, under flooring, or in ceilings.  And we don't have to make inspection holes.  

Moisture meters are designed to check or moisture where you suspect it may be.  In the picture below, the wall looked dry; there wasn't any obvious signs of it being wet.  But, the meter shows that the window well indeed leaked, and the wall is very wet.  If not properly mitigated quickly, mold will soon colonize and grow in the affected wall cavities.

Thermal imaging cameras are also used to help confirm what the moisture meters have found.  They also can help detect where the water migrated, especially under flooring.  You can read more about thermal imaging cameras on a previous blog:  www.SERVPRObedfordparkburbank.com/blog/post/41700/water-damage-restoration/finding-hidden-water-damages

We also utilize another meter designed especially for wood studs, checking the moisture content in the framing.  We need to ensure that all structure, framing, walls, floors, and ceilings (and any affected furniture) are dry, preventing any mold from growing.

If you suffered any water damages, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We have the detection methods and drying procedures to make your property good as new.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank helping Midwest flooding

9/6/2018 (Permalink)

The trucks are staged, and ready to roll!

In August, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank made a couple of short trips, one to Iowa and another to Wisconsin.  Both trips were to help businesses and residents with flooding issues, due to repeated heavy rains.

The first trip was to northern Iowa.  Wave after wave of heavy rains caused widespread flooding in many areas.  Within hours of the call for assistance, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank was on their way.

A few days after returning from Iowa, central Wisconsin got hit with heavy downpours, with more than a foot of rain falling in about a day's time in areas just west of Madison.  Again, just hours after the call came in, SERVPRO was back out on the road.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank prepares for storms, but not quite in the same manner you would do at home.  Sure, we make sure nothing of value is at risk from getting storm water damage inside our building.  We also prepare for the next call, be it from the Storm Team directing us to visit a hard hit community, to having the necessary equipment and tools to handle water or sewage that infiltrated your home or business.

If water has invaded your home or business, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank 24/7/365 at 708-430-3600.

Prepared for the next storm?

8/15/2018 (Permalink)

Equipment at the ready, awaiting your call!

It seems lately that we are having “Once-in-a-lifetime” storms just about every year.  Hurricane Harvey is a prime example.

Now, no one can prepare for 50” of rain in just a few days.  But, are you ready for 10” of rain?  5” of rain?  Even 1” of rain? 

These are just a few of the things you can do now to prepare for the next storm:

• Are your gutters clean and free of debris?
• Do you have downspouts to direct water away from your foundation?
• Did you remove any low spots along the sides of your home, so water will not pool there?
• If your home is susceptible to flooding, are your appliances and furniture in lower levels raised up on blocks?
• Did you remove all cardboard boxes from your lowest level?
• Are all your irreplaceable items stored in a safe, dry place?

If you said yes to all these questions, then you are prepared for the next storm event.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is also prepared for the next storm event, and the one after that, and the one after that.  We have machines at the ready to extract standing water, dry structure, and dehumidify inside air.  We have meters and cameras to check for hidden moisture, behind walls and under floors.

If Mother Nature was an uninvited guest inside your home, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We’re ready for that call!

SERVPRO Bedford park/Burbank helps Bridgeview Chamber

8/14/2018 (Permalink)

Part of the Bridgeview Chamber Executive Board along with volunteers pose at the golf outing.

Recently, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank helped the Bridgeview Chamber during their biggest fundraiser of the year, their annual golf outing.  Our Marketing Rep Rick Gauger ran the closest to the pin contest.  There were other contests as well, such as longest drive and lowest score.

Monies raised for this fundraiser went to the Chamber's Scholarship Fund, which aids local kids pay for their college tuition.  Besides the golf, there were many raffle prizes.  This year's golf outing was the best fundraiser the Chamber has had in many years.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is always willing to help the community!  Whether it is volunteering at a church, helping local Chambers, or cleaning up after storms, you can count on SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank to lend a helping hand.

SERVPRO has guaranteed pricing and protocols

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Can you pick out the commercial building that was prepared for the storm?

SERVPRO Corporate has sat down and struck a deal to certain commercial accounts, setting up specific pricing and protocols established and agreed to by both parties.  This ensures that the same consistent and even service is given to those commercial properties, whether it was called into the local SERVPRO franchise (like SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank) or to the SERVPRO National call center.  Water, fire or smoke damages, or any restoration or mitigation services needed, are included.

So, whether you own, manage, or insure a commercial property, you can rest assured that your commercial property will be given the best quality service, the quickest response times, and fair pricing.  There won’t be any wasted time haggling about procedures or pricing.  Just let SERVPRO do its thing to get you back to normal ASAP.

If you’re interested in checking to see if your commercial property is already on the list, call SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.

How to clean cigarette smoke

7/30/2018 (Permalink)

Cigarette smoke has turned this white cover gold.

What can you find in cigarette smoke?  There are some toxic compounds, and some compounds that are carcinogenic.  The most abundant compounds found in cigarette smoke are: tar, nicotine, and carbon monoxide.  You will also find traces of acetone, ammonia, benzine, and formaldehyde.

A person who smokes will not leave a great deal of smoke damage to walls, furniture, drapes, etc, from just ONE cigarette.  But, over time, the smoke accumulates on these objects, and will continue to stain until it is cleaned.

Tobacco smoke will adhere to all surfaces it touches, leaving a sticky, yellowish-brown substance where the smoking has taken place.  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank can clean years of accumulated smoke residues.  Also, along with the cleaning, SERVPRO will also deodorize the affected areas.  In the end, it will feel clean, smell clean, and be clean!

If you know someone who needs smoking residue removed, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.

Who's hungry, for food and knowledge?

7/19/2018 (Permalink)

FREE lunch and FREE knowledge; who could ask for anything more?

Would you and your coworkers like to know more about mold?  Or like to know the best practices when it comes to a sewage backup?  Or what to do after a fire loss?

Now, no one PLANS to have a disaster of any magnitude strike their place of business, but wouldn't you feel better knowing what to do in case something DOES happen?  Or, perhaps ways to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank would love to come out to your facility and discuss any of these topics (and more), and we'll even bring lunch for those in attendance.  And it's all FREE!

Simply call today at 708-430-3600, and we can schedule a date and time convenient for everyone.  These presentations could be as short as 15 minutes, or we could present for an hour if needed.

Removing water to speed up drying process

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

The carpet looks wet. Padding? Walls? Insulation? They ALL could be wet too.

Water.  It could be pleasant to look at, such as fountains or waterfalls.  It’s also necessary, like to bathe, wash clothes or dishes, and used as a power source.  Water also is needed to help us survive, as in consuming water and cooking.

But, unnecessary water, such as flooding, seepage, plumbing malfunctions, and sink overflows are not only a nuisance, but can also be dangerous.  Tackling unwanted water in your home or business should be addressed as soon as possible, to help cut down the possibility of secondary damages.

Standing water is much easier to remove than simply waiting for evaporation.  Scientists say it’s 1200 times easier.  Imagine taking two identical washcloths.  Soak both in water, and lay them both flat to dry.  But, wring as much moisture from one washcloth before laying it down.  Which washcloth will be dry first?

If you suffer a water damage in your home, do you know where all the water goes?  Is the carpet wet?  If so, then perhaps the padding underneath is soaked.  Is the carpet next to a wall wet?  Then, your wall structure could be wet as well.  Water can wick up drywall as fast as an inch per hour.  Now the insulation inside that wall cavity might be wet as well.  And the wood studs might have captured some moisture too.

If you have water damages in your home, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  We have meters and thermal imaging cameras to find water and moisture hidden in ceilings, floors, and behind walls as well.  Peace of mind starts by calling 708-430-3600.

Machine used to get rid of odors

6/8/2018 (Permalink)

Another machine to help eliminate odors.

Mother Nature cleans the outside air by using a process called hydroxyl.  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank can replicate that process indoors by using a hydroxyl generator.

A hydroxyl generator would be used to combat odors from: fire and smoke damages, deceased body situations, sewage losses, skunk or pet odors, etc.  Any time you need aggressive odor removal, this machine will do the trick.

A hydroxyl generator creates radicals (molecules) that temporarily changes the molecular property of nearby air for less than two seconds.  These radicals attack the odor causing particles and help cleanse the air.  Because these radicals only exist for less than two seconds, they need a constant stream of air passing through the generator to completely eradicate the offending odors.

Also, because the radicals last less than two seconds, it’s safe to have people, plants, and pets in the work area.  Insurance companies and homeowners both like this aspect; there is no need to shelter elsewhere when using the hydroxyl generator.  Another machine used in restoration purposes, ozone, has radicals that last much longer, and is thereby unsafe to use in areas where people, plants, or pets are around.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has all the latest techniques and equipment to mitigate fire or water damages, remediate mold, or handle any type of cleaning necessary to get you back to normal living again, as soon as possible.  A call to: 708-430-3600 will get the process started.

Local Youth Center has sewage damages

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Raw sewage causes business disruption to a local youth center.

When storms cause raw sewage to flow back into a youth center, that youth center calls the mitigation experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.

Recently, heavy rains overwhelmed a south-side sewer system, and raw sewage came up through the drains, toilets, and sinks of a neighborhood youth center.  A couple of inches of this foul-smelling water and muck threatened to close the facility for several days.

Fortunately for this youth center, they had the foresight to have a SERVPRO ERP, or Emergency Ready Program, in place.  They knew the protocols necessary and the people to call, to get the center up and running as soon as possible.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank received the call mid-morning, and just after noon we were on site doing all what was necessary to mitigate the sewage.  Even though two hallways and several rooms were affected, we were able to finish the job in the same day!

If your business does not have an ERP in place, the next disaster could cause your business to be closed longer than necessary.  To start the process of protecting your business, call 708-430-3600 and set up a meeting.  Most businesses take less than an hour to get the information needed to complete the ERP.

Will my air purifier prevent mold?

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

Air purifiers can help eliminate single mold spores, but will not prevent mold growth.

Air purifiers have improved in many details over the years.  They can reduce/eliminate dust particles, pollen, bacteria, as well as mold spores.

There are two types of air purifiers: Active and Passive types.  Active air purifiers use ionization to clean the air.  Passive air purifiers use filters to capture particulates traveling through the air.  There are some newer models that perform a combination of both.

Ionization occurs when the purifier creates negative ions, allowing the airborne particles to be attracted to a plate or grid, similar to static electricity.  These particulates can be cleaned off at a desired time.

Most purifiers that use filters use HEPA filters, or High Efficiency Particulate Air filters.  These filters, first designed in the 1940’s for use on the Manhattan Project, collect very tiny particles moving through the air.  How tiny?  Particles as small as .3 microns are captured by the series of filters.  To put that size in perspective:

• A human hair is approximately 60 microns wide.
• Mold spores range from 3-10 microns wide.
• Red blood cells are about 5 microns wide.

Remember, mold spores are everywhere; they are on the trees, bushes, and plants outdoors, and get carried indoors each time a door or window is opened.  This also means that mold spores are trapped behind paneling, drywall, under carpets, etc inside your home.  Once excess moisture triggers those mold spores, colonies will begin to develop.

So, even though air purifiers have improved indoor air quality, it doesn’t mean it sterilizes the air completely.  If you have suffered a water damage, or have excess condensation in a particular area, mold will continue to be an issue.

If you suspect you have mold in your home or business (a musty smell could mean you have mold actively growing), call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600 and schedule an inspection.

Using a box fan to dry structure?

5/23/2018 (Permalink)

Box fans will not dry this carpet and walls quick enough to prevent mold.

Eventually, it will happen to almost all of us.  A storm rips through the area, causing heavy rains and power outages.  Since the sump pump has no power, the rain fills the pit and then overflows into your lower level.

Years ago, the lower level was the basement, where there was a cement floor, water heater and furnace, the old refrigerator, and a sanitary tub for the washing machine.  But today, lower levels are now completely finished, with carpeting, drywall, electronics, furniture, exercise equipment, and etc.

Because of the storm, the carpeting got wet, and the water transferred over to the walls, getting them wet as well.  You hope that putting a box fan down there to dry the carpeting and the walls will be good enough.

To prevent mold, all wet items (contents and structure) MUST be dried so mold will not grow/prosper.  One or two box fans just aren’t enough to do the job properly.

At SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, we use fans specifically designed to dry the structure with enough speed and power to help prevent mold growth.  These fans, in conjunction with dehumidifiers, remove moisture from the structure and the air in the room to keep mold in check.  Also, we have to get air movement inside wall cavities to prevent mold growing there.

When it comes to water damages in your castle, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We’ll set up an inspection, assess the damaged areas, and give you an estimate of the cost and time needed to make it "Like it never even happened.”

Are you prepared for the next disaster?

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

Is your business ready for the next storm, or fire?

You’re at work.  You’re in the office at your desk, or in the warehouse hard at work, or in the breakroom having lunch.  Suddenly, the fire alarm goes off.  Or the tornado sirens go off.  Do you know where to go or what to do?

Your business should have an emergency plan in case either of these situations occur.  The plan should include: a safe place to congregate, who is in charge there, and a way to communicate once the all clear has been sounded.

Once all employees are accounted for at the assigned meeting place, the next question is:  Are there needed supplies available?  Is there a first aid kit?  Bottled water? Fire extinguisher?

Keeping employees safe should always be the number one concern.  Having a well-designed plan is vital, not only in business but also in case of emergencies.  Also, ensure that all employees are aware of that plan, and exit routes must be clearly marked.

Now, the all clear has been sounded, and employees are allowed back into the building.  But, parts of the building has suffered some sort of damage, whether it’s smoke damage from the fire, or storm damage.  Is there a plan in place to take care of this problem?

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has a plan, called the Emergency Ready Profile, or ERP.  The ERP is designed to kick in at exactly this point.  It sets the wheels in motion to get your business running at 100% again, and as soon as possible.

The ERP is a free app for your electronic device, and management shares it with only those employees who will need the information necessary, so it’s safe and secure.  This ERP lists contact information for anyone that may be needed at this point.  Calls can literally be made as damage assessment is still be collected.

If you would like more information about this totally FREE service, please contact SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  Until then, ask yourself this question: Are we ready?

Ways to prevent mold growth

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

Having moisture levels in check helps prevent mold growth.

Mold is everywhere.  Mold is on the trees, bushes, and plants outside.  Mold spores use air currents to travel, so each time you open a door or window, mold spores are entering your home.

How can I prevent mold from growing in my home?  Mold primarily needs two things to grow: a food source and moisture.  Since you cannot eliminate every food source for mold to grow (drywall, paper, wood, cardboard, etc), you can work on keeping moisture in check.

Here are just a few ways you can curb moisture indoors:

1. Check problem areas inside the home and correct them. Go through your house and identify the problem areas.  Does the basement have seepage issues?  Is there frequent condensation on upstairs windows? Are there water stains on the ceiling, and is the area getting larger? Fixing these issues may cost money upfront, but it can be far less than having mold grow unchecked in your home.
2. Immediately dry wet areas. Having even small water damages or issues can lead to mold if not dried quickly.  “Leaving it to dry on its own” is never a good strategy.  Whether it’s drying the basement after a storm, mopping up a spill on the carpet, or drying wet clothes from the wash machine are ways to help eliminate excess moisture.
3. Ensure your home has proper ventilation. Throw open the windows when the weather is nice outside.  Use the vents/fans when cooking, taking a shower, or doing laundry.  The more moisture that gets vented outside means there is less inside for mold to utilize to grow.
4. Monitor indoor humidity. During the winter months, air that is heated dries out.  That is why some people use humidifiers.  But, if condensation is collecting on the windows near the humidifier, then there is an excess amount of humidity.  Refrain/reduce its use until the condensation disappears.
5. Improve indoor air flow. To increase the air circulation inside your home, open doors between rooms, open closet doors, open dresser drawers (especially if the dresser is on an outside wall), and move large furniture away from outside walls (where possible).
6. Check problem areas outside too. If the gutters are full of leaves and debris, rain water or snow melt may back up and cause roof damage.  And even if the gutters are clean, if the yard is pitched so that water runs back towards the house, water may find a way inside your home.  Correct the pitch so water flows away from the structure.

Remember, if you smell a musty smell, that could mean you already have active mold growing in your home.  Call the mold experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600 to set up an inspection.

Major causes of electrical fires

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Electrical fires can be anything from a minor distraction to a major loss.

Electrical fires in your Chicago home or business can be from any of several sources.

• Faulty outlets.  If cords plugged into an outlet falls out easily, but doesn't do that anywhere else, that outlet may need to be replaced.  Over time, like anything else, normal wear and tear can cause failure.
• Light fixtures.  If you use a bulb that needs too much wattage for the fixture to handle, that can cause a malfunction or an electrical fire.
• Appliances.  Appliances sit in the corner, and you really only think about them when you are using them.  When was the last time you checked the cords, tubing, etc?  When was the last time you cleaned behind that appliance (I'm talking to you, dryer)?  Check the cords, and ensure that all appliances are clean of dirt and debris.
• Extension cords.  Just like outlets, normal wear and tear can cause failures.  And people tend to overload extension cords during the winter holiday season.  Know the capacity of that extension cord, and do not exceed that number.
• Wiring.  Wiring in homes >20 years old may not be able to handle the electrical capacity of today's homes.  Today's computers, big screen TVs, microwaves, etc all have more power than their predecessors. Be safe; know how much is too much for the cords, outlets, etc.

If you have suffered an electrical fire, call the clean up experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We can handle the soot clean up and deodorization!

Take actions now to limit flooding's damage

4/30/2018 (Permalink)

Furnishings lost due to extreme flooding.

You don’t need to be near a body of water (lake, river, or stream) to experience flooding.  Hurricane Harvey is a recent example of that; areas around Houston, TX received 50 inches of rain!

In this area, we can have excessive snow melt, severe storms, extensive power outages, etc., that can cause flooding.  It seems lately that more and more extreme weather is the new normal.

What can you do to protect your property from the hazards of flooding?

• Know the risks. Is there any part of your property where the slope is incorrect; water slopes towards your home instead of away from your home.  Try to correct that issue as soon as possible.
• Have an emergency kit already prepared. You can read more about making an emergency kit in another blog on this website, or you can go to Ready.gov for more information.
• Check your insurance policy. Most insurance policies do not cover floods, or water that doesn’t come up from the drains nor from a broken pipe.  Talk it over with your insurance professional.
• Direct as much water away from your foundation as possible. Downspout extensions are a cheap and easy way to accomplish this feat.  And keep your gutters clean of debris.
• Put utilities on blocks if located in lower level.  Place your wash machine, dryer, water softener, etc up on blocks to keep them out of the water in case your lower level sustains flooding issues.
• Plug SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank’s number into your phone. When you have discovered water damages in your home, time is critical!  By having 708-430-3600 already installed on your phone means you can talk to us while the water damages are still in the early stages.  Our trucks are loaded with equipment and ready to assist extracting, removing, and/or drying out your home as quick as possible!

May is Building Safety Month

4/29/2018 (Permalink)

Large or small, we can handle it all!

May is 2018 Building Safety Month, as sponsored by the ICC, or International Code Council.  Also, May 13 - May 19 is Preparing for Natural Disasters Week, something that we here at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank feel strongly about.

This is the 38th year that the ICC has designated May as Building Safety Month.  And, according to their website:

"All communities need building codes to protect their citizens from disasters like fires, weather related events, and structural collapse.  Building codes are society's best way of protecting homes, offices, schools, manufacturing facilities, stores, and entertainment venues."

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank believes that preparation is the key.  That is why we have been working with commercial clients using the Emergency Ready Program.  You can read about the ERP in another blog on this website: (SERVPRObedfordparkburbank.com/blog/post/34308/commercial/free-program-for-commercial-clients).

If you are a property manager or owner, take a few minutes to look around your facility and ask this question: "Are we ready if a fire, storm, or other unforeseen event would strike?" Whether the answer is a yes or no, make sure you have our phone number plugged into your phone: 708-430-3600, because we are ready to take your call and assist you, regardless of the event!

Build an emergency kit

4/26/2018 (Permalink)

This time of year, the weather itself adds to the list of disasters that can befall you.  Tornadoes, severe storms, lightning strikes all can hit around your home, many times with very little notice.

Be prepared at your home or business for that unexpected disaster, with an emergency kit.  You should have enough supplies in your kit to last at least three days.  Some of the suggested items:

• Three day supply of non-perishable foods
• Plastic utensils and plates
• Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day)
• First aid kit plus a dust mask
• Prescription medications
• Hygiene products
• Sleeping bag and/or blankets
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Phone charger
• Change of clothes
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Whistle/Glow Stix to signal for help
• Unique supplies for an infant or senior citizen (if necessary)
• Extra cash
• Tool to shut off utilities (wrench, vice grips, pliers)
• Manual can opener, if you have canned food
• Garbage bags, for sanitation and to possibly wear

Have these items (and more, if you have any specific needs) at a handy place, if you need to leave in a hurry or to shelter in place.

For more information about emergency kits, check out Ready.gov.

Tornado facts

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

Tornadoes strike anywhere, even in a city!

Our cool weather this late winter/spring has kept severe weather away from the area so far.  But, did you know we are in the heart of tornado season?

Illinois has had tornadoes strike every month of the year, as early as January, and as late as December 23rd (Merry Christmas!).  Though the vast majority of tornadoes strike in the March, April, and May months.

The time of the day doesn't matter either, but the 3:00 - 7:00 pm time slight is slightly favored.  Tornadoes after dark are the worst because you cannot see them coming.

The weather service has greatly improved getting watches and warnings out to the public.  If you watch the Weather Channel, they even tell you DAYS in advance where the prime areas might be.  On our Twitter page, we even keep you apprised of possible hazardous weather.

Some tornado myths have been debunked:

• Do NOT open your windows.  Scientists thought that the uneven pressure caused homes to collapse, which is doesn't.  Take that time to take shelter instead.
• Stay in the southwest corner of your building.  The thinking was that most tornadoes move southwest to northeast, and the southwest corner would be the safest spot.  Find a secure spot in your lowest level.
• A tornado will not hit the same community twice.  Tell that to the people of Codell, KS, who suffered a tornado on May 20th in each year of 1916, 1917, & 1918!

The strongest tornadoes can hit wind speeds of >300 mph, be two miles wide, and travel >20 miles on the ground.  The infamous Tri-state tornado, March 18, 1925, traveled >200 miles and lasted three hours! 

SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank traveled to Massachusetts!

4/20/2018 (Permalink)

Snow Storm in the Northeast area!

It wasn’t a good start of the year for many Massachusetts residents, the beginning of January of 2018 we were asked to travel to the state of MA as a lot of people had water damage due to broken pipes and Ice Daming damage in their homes due to freezing temperatures.

Some customers had no electricity or heat available, these conditions made the restoration process a little difficult, but as soon as these issues were resolved, we immediately started the demolition/drying process.

Unfortunately, after we left town a couple more snow storms hit the northeast area. 

SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Bubank has the capability to travel to any part of the country, thankfully we count with professional employees and specialized equipment to assist to any size disaster in the United States

It's grilling season again!

4/5/2018 (Permalink)

Keep the fires INSIDE the grill!

If you’re anything like me, you LOVE BBQ grilling.  There’s nothing as delicious as food that has been prepared on an outdoor grill.

As you get your grill and apron ready for another mouth-watering season, please remember these safety tips:

• Do NOT use an outdoor grill indoors. That includes the basement, garage, or any structure that can catch fire.
• Never leave your grill unattended. Accidents, such as pets or a gust of wind can cause the grill to tip over, and ignite nearby items on fire.  Also, keep young children away from grills.
• Clean your grill when an accumulation of grease appears. Grease fires start quickly, and can get out of hand just as quickly.
• If you are using charcoal, ensure that every coal is completely out before attempting to remove it from the grill.
• If you are using propane, make sure all fittings are secure before lighting the grill.
• Always have a fire extinguisher nearby, in case fire spreads outside of the grill.
• Place the grill where the smoke will not enter an open door or window. Smoke from a grill can stick to door frames, walls, etc, and then catch other pollutants.

Have a safe grilling season, from your friends at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank!

Mold in the attic

4/1/2018 (Permalink)

The attic is one place where mold can grow, but how often do you get up there?

Sometime during the winter, you had a roof leak.  Perhaps it’s because of missing shingles, or perhaps you had some ice damming.  Either way, water invaded your attic.  And since you were unaware of its presence, it was left to dry on its own.  But before it could dry, mold started to grow.

You had the windows and doors open for a couple of really nice Spring days, and then closed everything up when the rains came.  Once everything was closed up, you noticed a slight musty smell in the upstairs bedroom and bath.  Upon investigation, you found the culprit; mold in the attic.

The roofer came in and repaired the roof.  The roofers did a great job repairing/replacing only what was needed.  You’re convinced the roof will not leak again.

A couple of months later, that moldy, musty smell returned, especially after another rainstorm.  You check the attic area, and cannot see any obvious wet spots.  But the smell is worse there.

Even though you spent a great deal of money on the roof, you failed to get rid of the mold in the attic.  In essence, you treated the symptom and not the disease.

That musty smell means you have active mold, mold that at this minute is eating drywall, insulation, paper, cardboard, anything and everything it can.  You need to call in the mold experts.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has the experience and expertise dealing with mold.  We know what can be treated and what needs to be removed.  We even have treatments that can help prevent mold from occurring again.

If you suspect mold has infiltrated your home, call us at 708-430-3600 and set up a no-obligation inspection.  You’ll be glad you did!

Preventing mold in storage areas

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Many times there's more mold hidden behind the walls than hat you can see.

It’s time to put away the winter clothes and get out the summer gear, and get ready for some fun in the sun!  But, the storage area you put the summer clothes in now has a musty odor, and you can see some mold staining on a few of the clothes.

But, don’t make the same mistake this season, pack the winter clothes away carefully and perhaps avoid a repeat in the fall.  Here are some tips:

Don’t pack wet/damp clothes or items away.  Anything damp will not dry quickly in the confined space of a closet, attic, crawl space, or any storage area.  Ensure that everything to be packed away is completely dry.

Don’t pack items too tightly.  Air currents help prevent mold from finding a cool, damp place to hide, and then colonize.  Try to leave space in between hangers in a closet, and don’t pack plastic tubs full to near overflowing.

Keep closet/storage areas doors open (when possible).  Just like above, you need air to circulate as much as possible.  So, if you have the doors and windows open on a nice, Spring day, also open your closet doors and dresser drawers, to let the air circulate in those areas as well.

If you see mold, or smell a musty odor, do NOT ignore it.  Mold will not simply go away; it will go dormant until another shot of moisture triggers it again.  Mold can be dormant for many years.

If you think you may have a mold situation, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  We can come out and inspect the areas, and, if you do have mold, give you options on how to combat it.

Ways water can get into your home

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

Just a few examples of how water can cause damages in your home

Water can get into your home many ways, and not just through the pipes.  Just a few examples of ways water can cause damages:

• Roof leak. Well-worn or missing shingles can allow water to infiltrate the roofing materials, and thereby can damage your upper level or attic.
• Sewage back-up. Raw sewage can back up through the drains and/or toilets in your home, causing damage, not to mention a terrible odor.
• Water can find even the smallest cracks in your foundation and find its way inside your home.
• Bathtub or sink overflows. Although unintentional, filling up a bathtub or sink beyond its capacity can also cause damages to your home.
• Pipe breaks. Age and everyday wear and tear will cause pipes to have a catastrophic break, leaking or spraying water that many times will go unnoticed for several days.
• Little or missing insulation in an outside wall sometimes will cause condensation to develop, especially in the Spring and Autumn seasons.

If you have suffered a water damage to your home, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank 708-430-3600.  We have the proper moisture detection and drying equipment to make it "Like it never even happened.”

The science of drying

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

Water invaded your castle? Call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank

There is a science to drying structure, called Psychrometrics.  In a nutshell, it means that there are several factors to take into account when determining how to dry a structure, and just how much equipment would be needed to complete the process.

Some of the factors are:

• Amount of water needing to be extracted.
  • In the affected area, is there an inch of water that needs to be removed, or several feet?
• Air temperature.
  • Warm air does two things: it can hold more moisture than cool air, and it also helps the evaporation process. Both are essential in getting the moisture out of structure and into the air.
• Relative humidity.
  • Outdoor relative humidity can have an adverse effect on the humidity inside the home.
• Air movement.
  • Air movement aids the drying process, and gets the moisture up and into the air.
• • Now that the moisture is in the air, dehumidifiers can collect that moisture and dispose of it properly.
• Area size.
  • The size of the area that needs to be dried can vary the strategy. It’s much easier to dry a closet than it is to dry a gymnasium.
• Material type.
  • Some things dry very quickly, while others cannot. Where drywall takes up to a couple of days to dry, a plastic tote will not.  And what about insulation?

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank are experts in not only drying out structure, but also help prevent mold from becoming an issue.

So, if you have suffered a water damage, fret not!  Call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We can come out and determine the best way to dry the damaged areas in your home.

Ice damming can lead to more damages

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

A pretty scene, but things could be ugly inside your roof.

Icicles hanging from your roof and gutters can be pretty, and the kids love playing with them.  But, seeing icicles hanging from a roof can be a symptom of a much more serious issue.

When your gutters get full of snow and ice, water and ice accumulates on your roof.  The water can work its way back up the roof and under the shingles on your roof, thereby causing water to drip into your attic or any room near the dam.  Water can migrate several feet from the actual intrusion of the roofing shingles.

If you happen to see wet spots in your ceiling close to an outside wall, its possible you have water inside dripping from your roof.  If you see water drops falling from inside your house, then it's conformed you have water intrusion!

Call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank.  We can check for water migration using a thermal imaging camera, so we won't have to make any inspection holes or remove any trim.  Then, we can dry the structure, and spray an antimicrobial to help prevent mold.

Having an air test to check mold levels

1/22/2018 (Permalink)

Collecting an air sample in a room formerly affected by mold.

Sometimes in mold remediation, protocol calls for an air test after the work has been completed, to ensure mold levels inside the home or business closely match the levels outside.  If levels inside the home or business are higher than those outside, the remediation is not complete.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has an independent company come in and perform the air test.  The tech will collect an air sample outside the structure, and usually do 2 inside.  The samples are then sent to a lab.  Results are generally known in a couple of days.

The tech also uses a thermal imaging camera inside the structure, to ensure all moisture has been mitigated as well I the affected areas.

Making sure the job is done, and done well, is all part of the SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank strategy!  Results you can count on!

If you think you have mold issues in your home or business, call the experts at SERVPRO.  708-430-3600.

Packing out when local realtor suffers water damages

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Files from a local realtor stored securely at SERVPRO.

When a local realtor had a couple of pipes burst during a cold snap, SERVPRO was there to not only extract the water, but dry the structure as well.  But, what about the contents?

Like most businesses, this realtor had lots of paper files stored in filing cabinets. Most stayed dry, away from the water spraying throughout the office, but some files did get wet/moist, luckily, none too serious.

As the structure was drying, SERVPRO packed out the files, putting them in boxes for easy storage and labeled so a single file would be easy to find.  These files are shown stored in our secure warehouse until the realtor's office is ready to be put back together again.  If the realtor suddenly needs a particular file, we can find the boxes that came from that person's office, which cabinet drawer it came from, and presto!

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  Ready to help your commercial or residential loss 24/7/365.

Graffiti removal at a Burbank school

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Removing graffiti from a Burbank school.

Some kids don't want to be at school; as soon as the bell rings, they're gone!  But, there are some kids who don't mind being at school, and unfortunately it isn't for studying purposes.

Some kids entered school grounds after hours and spray painted some graffiti on one of the walls.  The school knew just what to do, because earlier in the year they initiated an Emergency Ready Program, a FREE service offered to all commercial clients by SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  By checking under the category: Graffiti Removal, they saw that we can handle it.

The same morning of the call, we were on site and beginning the restoration process.  And, in no time at all, the job was complete, without any disruption to the school day!

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is aware that any commercial client, a school, church, retail or service shop, cannot be shut down unless it was absolutely necessary.  We make every attempt to do our work without hindering the regular work flow at your place of business.

If you would like more information on the Emergency Ready Program,  http://www.SERVPRObedfordparkburbank.com/blog/commercial#34308

If you are a residential or commercial client, and need clean up, restoration, or mitigation services performed, give SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank a call at 708-430-3600 any time 24/7/365.

Smoke detectors can save your life!

11/22/2017 (Permalink)

This little item can alert you to danger!

As Autumn transitions into Winter, now is the time to make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home.  Why?  Because there are so many ways your house can host a fire:

• From having a burning log rolling out, or a missing screen allowing sparks to fly out, and catch the rug or carpet on fire.
• Tipping over and catching anything flammable nearby on fire.
• Portable heaters. Placing them too close to drapes, bedding, etc.
• Many kitchen fires occur around the holidays, as people prepare more and larger meals.

Some smoke detector safety tips:

• Ensure you have smoke detectors on every level of the house, particularly near sleeping areas.
• Do NOT take out the batteries. Studies have shown that 46% of home fires in the US are in homes with smoke detectors, but had the batteries removed.
• Explain to children what a smoke detector means, and what to do when it goes off, especially at night.
• Test smoke detectors monthly. Pick a date (like the 1^st), and test each month on that date.
• Replace smoke detectors every 8-10 years.
• Change the batteries in your smoke detector when you change the clocks in the Spring/Fall. And as your changing the batteries, also take your vacuum and clean the dust from around the detector.
• Some smoke detectors now have lights to highlight your exit routes.

Check with your insurance carrier to see if they have discounts for having one or more smoke detectors in your home.

Smoke and soot particles can travel far from the actual flames.  If your home has suffered some smoke damage, call SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600, and we will come out, assess the damage, and clean and disinfect all the affected rooms and materials.

Using containment when battling mold

10/26/2017 (Permalink)

Using containment to keep unaffected areas safe from mold and dust.

As you were putting away the seasonal clothes, and getting ready for the next season, you smelled a musty smell in the room.  Upon investigation, mold is discovered behind the drywall and on the framing.

Before tearing out the affected materials, SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank sets up containment to prevent the unaffected areas of your home from getting contaminated with a barrage of mold spores.  Keeping the spores contained reduces the chance of having mold spread to unaffected areas.

Containment is simply a plastic barrier that divides the areas that free from mold growth from the areas where the work will be done.  This way also, people will be able to utilize these areas without risk of ingesting an elevated amount of mold spores.

As the affected materials are removed, mold spores will fly off and drift around, looking for another easy target to settle and colonize.  SERVPRO also uses an machine to capture those loose mold spores, called an "Air Scrubber".  These machines have a series of filters that clean the air of mold spores, particulates, dust, and other debris floating around.  The air goes in contaminated, and comes out >99% clean.

SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank takes great care in keeping the occupants safe, and also preventing secondary damages in your home.

If you suspect you have mold in your home or business, call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank (708-430-3600), and we'll come out and investigate.

Winter home heating tips

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

Some common sense tips to keep you warm and safe this winter season.

Old Man Winter is fast approaching, bringing cold, snow, and miserable weather along with him.  The following are a few home heating tips to keep you safe and warm this winter season:

PREPARATION:

• Clean out your fireplace, placing the ashes in metal containers.  Always keep these containers away from your house.
• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned by a professional annually.
• Have your heating equipment checked by a qualified heating professional yearly.

DURING THE HEATING SEASON - GENERAL:

• Never use a stove to heat your home.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.  Pick a date (the 1st, the 5th, or whatever) and check your detectors that day each month.

DURING THE HEATING SEASON - FIREPLACES:

• Keep a 3' zone around fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood stoves.  Keep items that could burn away from this zone.  Explain to children the meaning of the zone to keep them safe.
• Ensure fireplaces have a screen to prevent sparks or hot ash to fly out and catch the rug, drapes, or furniture on fire.
• Ensure fire is out, and ashes cool before attempting to clean fireplaces.  Place ashes in metal containers.

DURING THE HEATING SEASON - SPACE HEATERS:

• Place space heaters on a stable surface, like the floor.  Do not put space heaters on a tray table or ledge, where it can easily tip or fall.
• Turn off space heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Keep pets away from space heaters.

And remember, if you are burning candles this winter season, keep anything that can burn at least 1' away from a lit candle, and extinguish all candles when leaving a room or going to bed.

Stay warm and safe this winter season, from your friends at SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank!

Storm preparation

10/17/2017 (Permalink)

Advance preparation can limit water damages.

As you watch the weather forecast on Monday, the weatherman says that there will be heavy rain on Thursday and Friday.  Forecasting isn't an exact science, but rest assured you'll get SOME rain those days.

Take a few moments now to prepare for the possible storm.  It could save you time and money in the long run.

Outside:

• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Ensure downspouts point away from your home.
• Remove any dead branches from trees, especially if they overhang your house.
• Clean city drains from around your property.
• Spot check roof for missing shingles. 

Inside:

• Check sump pump and back up (if you have one).
• Make sure nothing of value sits vulnerable on the floor of your lowest level.
• Ensure all windows are closed and locked.
• Know the locations of mop, bucket, shop vac, etc, in case they are needed.
• If possible, raise appliances such as washer, dryer, storage freezer, etc by placing bricks or blocks underneath.

Lately, we have seen rain rates so heavy that sump pumps cannot keep up, even though they are working properly.  A little preventative maintenance now can be the difference between a minor annoyance and a major heartache.

If you have suffered a water loss, call SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank at 708-430-3600, and we will come out, inspect the damage, and give you a battle plan to give you back your normal life again.

How quickly does mold grow?

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is visible in this photo. But, how about INSIDE the walls?

Mold is naturally occurring.  It's primary existence is to help nature break down dead or decaying organic materials, such as leaves, trees, etc.

Mold reproduces by spreading tiny mold spores throughout the air, to be carried until it encounters a moist or wet area.  These spores are so tiny, you could fit 10-15 spores across the width of a human hair!

Some people have reactions when they encounter mold; sneezing, coughing, illness, etc.  Tom Skilling gives us a mold allergy report each night during his weather segment.

Mold will grow large enough to be spotted with the naked eye in just a couple of days, depending on the amount of moisture present.  Remember, though, that mold can also grow BEHIND walls, wallpaper, or under flooring!

As mold eats and digests the moist organic material, it will emit mycotoxins (that's the musty smell you detect on humid days in your basement or crawl space).  It's these mycotoxins that can make you sick.

Simply removing the moisture source will not kill the mold; it will simply go dormant until it is re-energized by more moisture.  Some molds can go dormant for many years.

The only true way to get rid of mold is to physically remove it.  Care must be taken as to not throw more mold spores into the air and cross-contaminating non-affected areas of your home or business.

The experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank will set up containment as we remove affected items.  We also use machines to clean the air, capturing loose mold spores as the travel through the room.

If you suspect you have mold in your home or business, call us at 708-430-3600 and schedule an inspection.

What's a Flash Flood?

9/29/2017 (Permalink)

Flood waters can devastate your home or business.

By definition, a flash flood is flooding within three to six hours, caused by heavy rain locally, or flooding near rivers, streams, etc with heavy rains upstream.  It can also be caused by rapid snow melt.

Urban areas are prone to flash flooding, due to lack of runoff areas and/or lack of absorption areas.

The following are advisories and warnings, put out by the National Weather Service:

• Urban and Small Stream Advisory - Low-lying areas, underpasses, streets, and near rivers or streams flooding is occurring.
• Flash Flood Watch - Flooding possible in the watch area.  Make sure you have an escape route accessible, so if the situation becomes worse, you have  way out.
• Flash Flood Warning - Flooding is now occurring or is imminent.  Seek higher ground immediately!

At home, make sure you have any valuables off the floor, particularly those in your lowest level.  Move anything that is in danger of being damaged in flood waters to a higher level of your home.

Always remember, safety first!  Do NOT drive through flooded streets, especially those streets that are new to you and you cannot see the pavement.  It takes less than a foot of moving water to pick up a car!  The majority of people killed in floods are those trying to escape in their vehicles.

Heading for Texas!

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

Just 1 of 3 trucks loaded for Texas!

SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank is proud to be a member of the SERVPRO Storm Team, traversing the United States and helping those who have been affected by large, destructive storms.  Now, we are heading to the deep south, helping the flood victims of Hurricane Harvey.

In the past, we have helped those who were hit with Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Matthew, as well as large but more localized storms, like the storms that hit the Midwest (Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio) earlier in 2017.  Our goal is to get them cleaned up and dried out, so those home owners can get back to living a normal life as fast as possible.

But, it is not just us; SERVPRO corporate will have hundreds of crews from all areas of the Untied States, working to help those flooding victims in Texas, Louisiana, and elsewhere. 

If you wish to make a donation to help the cause, please make sure that you are donating to a legitimate entity, such as the American Red Cross, to whom SERVPRO is a proud partner!  You may text the word HARVEY to 90999, and you just made a $10 donation!  You can also donate to the American Red Cross at your local Walgreens pharmacy.

Bank's in the Waukegan, IL area extremely affected with water damage.

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

Bank's basement in Waukegan flooded due to recent heavy rains and flash flooding in their area.

When it comes to your commercial property, we mean business. You need a company that can minimize the disruption to your clients while delivering superior results and that’s when SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank comes in and takes care of all the damage (Water, Fire, Mold or Biohazard Clean Up).  We have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Last month, heavy rains and flash flooding impacted the Waukegan, IL area.  A Bank suffered massive water damage in their basement.  The maintenance Manager knew who to call right away, he knew that if he called us, we were going to send our crews to assist them immediately with the problem.  This is who we are, we assist your emergency quickly like if it was ours, whether the damage occurs in a small business building or a big box store, we have the training, experience, and equipment to handle the situation.

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. 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 at 708-430-3600 and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

Differences in fire extinguishers

8/21/2017 (Permalink)

Not all fire extinguishers are created equal. Knowing the difference can save a life!

There are five different types of fire extinguishers, and each one has a specific purpose.  Let's look at each type:

• Type A:  This fire extinguisher is for fast burning combustibles, like wood, paper, plastics, and cloth.  This is great to have around your fireplace or in your bedroom.
• Type B: Best used for flammable liquids, such as gasoline, petroleum, paints, or oils.  You may wish to have this one in your garage.
• Type C:  For electrical fires.  If you have several motors, appliances, or transformers at your home or business, this fire extinguisher would be best.
• Type D:  This fire extinguisher works best for combustible metals, such as aluminium, sodium, magnesium, or potassium.  If you have a metal shop, this is one you should have around.
• Type K or Kitchen:  This is best for cooking oil fires, containing animal or vegetable fats, or grease.  This is ideal for your food preparation areas.

Note:  fire extinguishers must be maintained annually in accordance with local, state, and federal codes and regulations.  Don't take a chance; have your fire extinguisher(s) checked every year by a certified professional.  You can find your local professional in the yellow pages.

In the unlikely event you have to use a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS, which stands for:

Pull the pin.

Aim at the base of the fire.

Squeeze the trigger slowly.

Sweep the spray from side to side.

If the fire is already fully involved, a fire extinguisher should only be used as a last resort.  Otherwise, get out and call 911 immediately!

Once everyone has been accounted for, and the fire is out, remember that SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank is ready to clean up the soot, smoke, and/or the fire extinguisher residue left behind.

Shutting off water to limit damages to your home

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Knowing where your shut off valves are will reduce water damages to your home.

You wake up in the morning, and go down to your basement to get something out of the dryer before taking your shower in preparation for work.  As you reach the last carpeted step, you realize something is amiss.  You can feel the wet carpet beneath your feet, and you hear a hissing sound.  You conclude that you have a split water pipe, and everything in your basement is soaked.

You want to stop the flow of water immediately, so knowing the location of and how to use your water main shut-off valve can help prevent more damages from occurring. If you are able to reach the shut off valves carefully (standing water in any room can be hazardous when mixed with electricity), shut off the supply of water to prevent further damages.  If permissible, also turn the power off to the affected room(s).

Now that it’s safe to move about the affected rooms, where do you start?  The longer it takes to remove excess water, the more likely your home is to develop secondary damages. Many problems like mold, rust, corrosion, and biohazards only occur if given time to develop. Making the call to SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank ensures that you receive a level of excellence that reduces risks associated with water damage to your property and protects your family from harm.  

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank will not only arrive quickly, but has the trained staff to efficiently remove excess water, dry out contents and structure, and return your home to its preloss condition.  Make sure our number is programmed into your phone: 708-430-3600, and you can call us 24/7/365.

Flooded basement in your Chicago home?

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has equipment ready to handle your water damage!

SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank is ready to handle whatever Mother Nature has thrown you.  We have plenty of equipment to remove the water and dry out your structure and contents, even if it's more than one room or even more than one floor!

• Water extraction equipment - to remove the standing water on floors, and pull as much water and sewage from carpet and pad.
• Moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras - to detect the migration of water under floors and inside wall cavities.
• Dehumidifiers - to remove as much moisture from the air in affected rooms to speed up the drying process.
• Air scrubbing machines - to aid in removing mold spores floating in the air of rooms affected by mold.
• Anti-microbial sprayers - used to help prevent new mold growth on all affected structures.

Being a part of the SERVPRO team means that we work with most insurance companies, with predetermined pricing and protocols, giving you the peace of mind knowing that all our work is approved.

We are available 24/7/365, because we know that storms don't happen only between 8:00 & 5:00 Monday through Fridays.  So stop mopping!  You can reach us at: 708-430-3600.

Home fire aftermath: Do's & Dont's

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

Let the professional assess the situation, and come up with a game plan to battle this fire damage.

If your home has suffered a fire damage, here are some Do's & Dont's to help prevent further damage:

DO:

• Limit movement in your home to prevent soot particles getting embedded into your carpet or rugs.
• Saving the plants?  Wash both sides of the leaves with milk.  Milk neutralizes the acidic soot particles.
• Carefully wipe soot from chrome on appliances and faucets.
• Place cheesecloth over air registers to help keep soot in or out of your HVAC system.

DON'T:

• Touch drywall with your fingertips.  The oil from your hands can set the stain permanently.
• Try to wash walls, ceilings or other painted surfaces.  Again, this could actually set the stain.
• Turn on any ceiling fans if the ceiling is/was wet.  The wiring may be damaged, causing an electrical shock.  And, air movement may create secondary damages.
• Consume any food or medications that may have been affected by flames or heat. These may be contaminated.

SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank has trained personnel dealing with fire / smoke damages.  

From drying structure and contents left behind by the firefighters, to cleaning up fire extinguisher residue, to removing smoke odors, a simple call to 708-430-3600 can get the process started!

Car into building

6/9/2017 (Permalink)

This business wasn't prepared for drive through service.

Accidents can happen anytime and to anybody! And SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank can help you when those situations arise.

What you see in the picture was an unfortunate incident when one of our commercial customers experienced a car crashing directly through the front of their business, taking out a large window and most of the surrounding brick. Thankfully no one was hurt.  SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank responded immediately after the call came in and stabilized the situation, thereby allowing the business to open ASAP.

This is just an example of what we can do, and we board up a lot of businesses as well as homes for many different reasons, no matter the size of the damage. 

Keep in mind we are available for service 24/7/365.  So, if the unexpected has happened to you, call SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank at 708-430-3600.

Cleaning Commercial Vandalism

6/7/2017 (Permalink)

From boarding up broken windows to removing graffiti, SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank is here to get your commercial property back to normal.

We are aware of how stressing and upsetting vandalism and graffiti can be, but SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank can assist you in the unfortunate event that your home or business has been vandalized. Our highly trained cleaning technicians can clean up your property and remove vandalism or graffiti, plus any potential hazards left behind.

The first thing you want to do if you experience any of these issues is to search for professional help. Trying to do the job yourself may make the situation worse, and it can be potentially dangerous!  But remember, the more time that goes by without it being treated the worse the situation can get!

SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank is ready to make it "Like it never even happened."  Simply call us 24/7/365 at 708-430-3600 to start the process right away.

Prepared for the next storm!

6/6/2017 (Permalink)

Waiting until the last minute usually is NOT the best advice.

Preparation is the key for any task to be efficient and cost effective.  Storm damage restoration is no different.

SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank is already prepared for the next storm to roll through the area, no matter when it decides to hit.  We have meters and thermal imaging cameras charged, ready to find any hidden moisture in walls, ceilings, or flooring.  Our extraction equipment is at the ready, prepared to pick up any standing water.  Air movers and dehumidifiers are staged on the trucks, ready to dry out any size water damage, residential or commercial.  

We have seen first hand what damages storms can produce.  We were able to help those so inflicted in Louisiana, South Carolina, Virginia, New York, as well as those here in the Chicago area.  Being prepared ahead of time allows us to initiate the battle plan as quickly as possible, thereby keeping secondary damages to a minimum and getting the homeowner or business owner back to normal as soon as possible.

Probably the best preparation you can do today is put our phone number into your phone or mobil device:  SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank  708-430-3600.  If you suffer any kind of storm damage, you can call us 24/7/365, and we will come out, assess the damage, and start the mitigation process.

Commercial water damages in Chicago

5/30/2017 (Permalink)

If water damaged one room, an entire warehouse, or several floors in your building, SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank is ready to get you back open ASAP.

Ask some business owners to visualize water damage, they will often picture a massive storm wiping out power lines, flooding offices, and shutting down blocks of businesses for days at a time. It is true that commercial water damage is often the result of floods and other weather events. However, many business owners forget that storms and severe weather aren't the only causes of floods and water damage. 

Commercial water damages in Chicago are surprisingly common year-round, and they can drastically affect the operation of any business. Here are some of the more typical causes of water damage to commercial buildings:

1. Malfunctioning sprinkler systems 
   There are many older office and retail buildings that still have outdated sprinkler systems working in conjunction with fire protection systems. While such sprinklers can come in handy during a fire emergency, they can also cause considerable water damage if they fail or in need of replacement. This could easily damage inventory and business assets, and cause disruption of business.
2. Damaged appliances and equipment 
   Generally more common in restaurants, this cause of commercial water damage can also affect any business that has appliances or equipment that make use of water. If the appliance fails and sends water across your building, especially during late hours when no one is around, you may come back to work and face a water emergency. 
3. Plumbing failure                                   Just like in a home, if the plumbing system in your workplace fails, water damage could be the result. And, unlike a storm, you normally won’t see this coming. 
4. Sewer back ups 
   Should the sewer line to your building back up or become damaged, realize the potential dangers of contaminated raw sewage, which not only can cause health effects but ruin products and office furnishings. SERVPRO has certified AMRT technicians to deal with this type of water damage.

So, if you have suffered a commercial water loss, please call SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank at 708-430-3600 and we will come out ASAP and assess the damage.

Storm Watches vs Storm Warnings

5/26/2017 (Permalink)

Stay informed, and take appropriate action!

A THUNDERSTORM WATCH:

Means to “BE ALERT”; severe thunderstorms are possible in/or around the watch area.  The watch area can be large, covering numerous counties or even states, and usually encompasses several hours.  But that doesn’t mean not to be prepared to act in case of a severe thunderstorm warning is issued.  The best thing you can do when a thunderstorm watch is being issued is to stay informed, try to get multiple ways to get weather info. Don’t just rely in one method of weather info, plan for things like power outages or poor reception. And, always keep an eye to the sky.

A THUNDERSTORM WARNING:

Means to “TAKE ACTION”; severe weather has been reported in the immediate area and requires prompt action. Warnings usually encompass a much smaller area (around the size of a city or county) and a shorter time frame, usually an hour.  Be ready to take protective measures. Warnings indicate imminent danger to life/property, so take appropriate shelter immediately.

Encountering mold in your Chicago home

5/23/2017 (Permalink)

Mold like this can also be hidden inside the walls!

Winter is finished for another year.  As you put the winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves away, you notice a musty smell in your storage area.  And those Spring/Summer clothes you are dragging out also smell a bit musty.  What you smell is active mold!

Mold spores are floating around everywhere, indoors and out.  When they land on something they can digest (wood, drywall, paper), and encounter a bit of moisture, they start to grow and colonize.  As they eat that substance, they release toxins in the air; that's the musty smell you detected.

If you simply take away the moisture without removing the mold, the mold will simply go dormant and sit and wait for more moisture to energize again and grow.  Mold has to be physically removed to prevent that from happening.

Call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank, and a qualified mold technician will come out, assess the situation, and give you the best course of action.  Waiting or postponing the situation will only bring temporary relief, not a permanent solution.

So, if you encounter musty smells in your attic, crawlspace, basement, or storage area, call SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank right away!

Completing a home inventory

5/23/2017 (Permalink)

Storms arrive quickly, so plan now to help save time, money, and heartaches.

Do you have a Home Inventory Ready?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifkWOMhQDJ8

Spring Season is storm season, and it could be the right time to start one! Being prepared ahead of time could save you thousands of dollars, time and headaches, because you will have something to give your insurance company in the event of a disaster.

In the event you suffer storm damages, SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank specializes in the restoration of contents damaged by water, fire or mold.  And, working together with you and your insurance company, we can help make it “Like it never even happened”.

Here a few steps that will help you create your Home/apartment/office inventory:

1- Take pictures. Make sure you take pictures of all your belongings, heirlooms, and prized possessions in every room of your house/apartment/office. Once the pictures are taken, label them with a description, including where you bought each item along with the make, model and serial numbers.

2- Video record it. Video record every room in your house/apartment/office specifying the contents/valuables you record in the video.  Narrate the video as to the particulars of each item.

3- Keep and store an electronic file. Use your computer or mobile device to create and store your inventory list and keep your inventory along with receipts in your safe deposit box, on a disk or at a friend or family member’s home.  You can also email the file to yourself.

Here is a website that is a great place to start:  https://knowyourstuff.org/

You may also utilize this time to purge those items that are no longer needed.

The pitfalls of DIY storm damage cleaning

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

Water not mitigated quickly and properly has caused mold to grow.

Recently, a large complex of storms rolled through the area.  Lots of rain fell.  Your sump pump works fine, but it just couldn’t keep up with the rain rate; the heavy rain simply overpowered your pump.  Now, you have raw sewage in your basement.

You look at your spouse, and say: “Get the buckets and the rubber gloves!  Time to roll up our sleeves and get to work!”  Working through the night, you get as much standing water off the floor and out of your carpet, you open the windows and set up a box fan or two to help dry the area.  It was hard work, but you are satisfied at the job you both did.  Until,…

Several days later, a musty smell begins to move from the basement to areas upstairs.  Was there water you missed?  Did the carpet always smell like this?  And why is the paneling on the wall starting to buckle?

Well, even Superman had an off day!

Sewage water contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and that water is now trapped in your drywall, in your carpet, even in your wall framing.  By not getting rid of enough moisture, you have allowed mold to grow, especially in wall cavities.  A relatively simple problem of water damage in your basement has now become water AND mold damages.

NOW LET’S REPLAY THE SAME SCENERIO AGAIN

The storm is over and you go downstairs only to realize the sump couldn’t keep up with the rain rates, and now you have sewage water in your basement.  You look at your spouse and say: “Call SERVPRO!  They know exactly what to do!”

SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank arrives on the scene.  Affected areas in the walls and flooring are noted, using a thermal imaging camera and moisture meters.  Trained crew members extract as much standing water as possible, then discard affected materials that can’t be cleaned (drywall, carpet, pad, cardboard boxes, etc).  They spray an antimicrobial on the floors, walls, and framing to help inhibit mold growth.  Then they bring in drying equipment, including fans and dehumidifiers, and set them in a pattern that best dries the basement quickly.

SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank is available 24/7/365, and is as close as your phone.  One simple call to 708-430-3600 gets the ball rolling, and before you know it, you’re back living a normal life again.

Trust SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank to be your “superhero” on your next water related damage, be it one room or an entire apartment complex.  We have the knowledge, the experience, to save you time, money, and to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Different types of fires

5/15/2017 (Permalink)

No signs of structural damage, but there is some smoke/soot damage in this room.

All fires are unique, from the different ignition sources to the types of materials and structure affected.  The trained staff at SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank can determine the type of fire and the best way to clean it up.

Different types of soot

A fire that mostly wood and paper products burn will have high heat and will create a dry soot; lots of ash that is relatively easy to clean.  Think of a fireplace once the season is over, and you have to clean the ash that is left over.

A fire that has lots of rubber or plastic products that burn will have a stickier residue with a more pungent smell.  This type of soot is harder to clean, and also tougher to get the odor out.

If you have a fire that has animal fats and/or proteins (like leaving chicken to cook on the stove and then forget about it until it's too late), that fire leaves a very sticky and smeary type of soot that is very difficult to clean and deodorize.

Don't take a chance trying to clean smoke or soot damage yourself; trust the experts at SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank to come out and assess the damage and determine the best course of action.

Finding hidden water damages

5/3/2017 (Permalink)

Thermal Imaging Camera used to detect water damage in a home. The blue areas are wet/moist, while the yellow/orange areas are dry.

During the recent rains, did your home or business suffer a water loss, and now you suspect there might be water hidden behind a wall or trapped in the ceiling?  No need to panic!

SERVPRO of Bedford Park /Burbank utilizes a thermal imaging camera, able to detect moisture behind drywall, paneling, or wallpaper.  This, used in conjunction with moisture meters, enables us to pinpoint exactly where the water travelled, and also confirms which areas have not been affected.  This means we do not have to make inspection holes to see if the insulation is wet, nor waste time to find the path the water took.

With a simple point and click, we can determine the areas that need to be dried, and areas completely unaffected by water, thereby saving time and any unnecessary destruction to the home or business.  And that will save money as well.

At SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank, we strive to make that water damage “Like it never even happened.”  Call us at: 708-430-3600.

Mold in a Car

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Milk left for months while this vehicle was in storage.

Milk.  It does a body good.  Unless you find it in a back of a vehicle, and it's been sitting there for months.  Six months.

This vehicle was involved in an accident upon returning from a supermarket.  A couple gallons of milk was in the back, and the containers leaked milk all over the back carpet and into crevasses down deep.  The vehicle was stored in an impound lot for months.  Mold grew, and flourished, inside the closed up vehicle.

When the litigation was complete, and it was time to put the vehicle back together again, there was an incredible stench inside, along with mold all along the back carpet.

SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank was called in, and we not only performed the mold remediation, but also deodorized the inside so well, there wasn't even a trace of moldy milk left.

SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank has had some unique calls over the years, but it's hard to find a situation that we can't handle! 

Major causes of home fires

4/11/2017 (Permalink)

This room may not have been directly in the flames, but is covered in soot.

There are about 365,000 home fires every year, continuing a steady decline from the 1970’s, when there were about 723,000 home fires in the US.

Below is the list of causes of home fires in the US:

#5 Appliances.  They account for nearly 14,000* fires every year.  When was the last time you cleaned out the back of your dryer and not just the lint trap?

#4 Smoking.  Smoking accounts for more than 17,000* fires every year in the US.  If you must smoke, extinguish and properly discard your materials.

#3 Electrical.  Electrical fires account for more than 28,000* US home fires annually.  Is that old extension cord frayed or safe?

#2 Heating.  More than 57,000* US home fires are traced back to heating causes.  Space heaters placed too close to combustible objects are just one of the causes.  Fireplace rollouts are another cause.

#1 Cooking.  Cooking fires make up more than 160,000* fire calls each year in the US.  Unattended cooking is one of the major causes of this fire.

Ask yourself these questions:  Are all the smoke detectors in the house working properly?  When did I last test them or change the batteries?  When was the last time the fire extinguishers were checked?

* NFPA figures.

Difference between mold and mildew

4/11/2017 (Permalink)

The room sustained several inches or water damage, and mold was the result in this case.

Both mold and mildew are part of the fungi kingdom, very similar in appearance.  They both need a moist environment to thrive.  They both throw off a musty smell, a telltale sign that you have active mold or mildew.

Mold can be found anywhere in your home or business, living on some organic material (wood, drywall, paper, etc) that is moist enough to have it continue to colonize. It has a root system that gets into the material as it eats it. 

Mildew can be anywhere in the home as well, but primarily found in the bathroom. Mildew does not have a root system, so you can find it on tile, say in the shower, living on the soap residue. And since it does not have a root system, it is easily cleaned off. Outside of the bathroom, you will find mildew generally on plants. 

In either case, simply removing the moisture is not the answer; it needs to be completely removed. Without moisture, it will simply go dormant, waiting for another source of moist conditions to energize it again. They can be dormant for years!

If you have any questions about mold or mildew in your home or business, simply call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank and schedule an inspection.

Water damage in the Chicago area

4/5/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank is ready to tackle your water damage!

When you think of water damages, you first think of a flooded basement, with a couple of inches to maybe a foot (or more) of sewage.  And, we get those types of calls.  But water damage can occur from many other sources:

• Broken or split pipe


• Sink or bathtub overflow


• Roof leak


• Condensation


• Accident (an aquarium tipped over)


• Plus many more!

SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank has the tools necessary to pinpoint the damaged areas, assess the damages, and come up with a plan to get you back to a normal life as soon as possible!

From thermal cameras to non-penetrating and penetrating meters, we can find exactly where the water traveled.  No need to make guesses and inspection holes in your walls.

We can extract the standing water, and remove as much as possible from carpet and pad, if necessary.

Fans are then placed, to get the air moving, throwing the moisture up in the air to be captured by large dehumidifiers.  Air movement also helps prevent mold from colonizing.

Once dry, a mold inhibitor is sprayed as an extra defense against any possible mold growth.

So, if you have suffered water invading your home or business, relax.  A call to SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank at 708-430-3600 will make it “Like it never even happened.” 

SERVPRO Bedford Park a sponsor at CYC Fundraiser

3/13/2017 (Permalink)

Chicago Youth Center fundraiser at Wintrust Banking Center in downtown Chicago.

Friday, March 10, 2017, SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank was one of many sponsors of the CYC Fundraiser at the Wintrust Banking Center in downtown Chicago.  CYC stands for Chicago Youth Center, an amazing facility that offers children 3-18 years old for full or half day educational and recreational programs in the South Shore neighborhood.

Their goal at this black tie affair was to raise $90,000 in a single evening with many raffle prizes donated, including several items from the World Champion Chicago Cubs!  Attendees were also encouraged to make personal donations as well.

SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank is proud to support the fine work done at the CYC.  The kids do craft items, learn to play musical instruments, work as a team to build robots, and other tasks that encourage the kids to use their imagination while building team cooperation.

How do I get rid of mold?

3/7/2017 (Permalink)

Materials that get wet an are not dried quickly can develop mold.

Mold is a living thing.  It consumes materials such as drywall, paper, or wood.  As it eats these materials, it sends out mycotoxins out into the air; that's the moldy smell you detected.

Mold needs moisture to stay active.  If you remove the moisture, the mold does not go away, it simply becomes dormant.  Like a bear hibernating, it stays there, waiting for that trigger to awaken it again.  The mold can stay dormant for years, waiting for moisture to jump start it again.  To get rid of mold, it must physically have to be removed.

SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank takes great care in mold remediation.  We set up containment to prevent mold spores from cross contaminating non-affected areas in your home.  We use air scrubbers (a machine used to clean the air) to help collect floating mold spores as we remove the affected materials.  Then we spray an anti-microbial to help prevent mold from returning.

If you suspect you have mold (you see dark spots on materials that sustained some water damage, or you smell something musty in an enclosed area), call the experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank.  We'll come out and assess the area.

Water in my basement

3/7/2017 (Permalink)

This back up caused water to get the floor and walls wet. It must be dried quickly to help prevent mold growth.

Water can find its way into a home or business in many ways: roof leak, pipe break, sink overflow, sump pump failure, seepage, condensation, just to name a few.  SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank can help extract that water and dry the structure to help prevent mold growth.

Whether you have wet carpeting, a couple of gallons on water on your hardwood floor, or several feet of sewage water in your basement, SERVPRO has the all tools and equipment necessary to get you back to a normal life as soon as possible.  And there's no need to wait until business hours to call; SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank is available 24/7/365 to come out, assess the damage, go over a plan that fits into your schedule, and then start the mitigation process.  Yes, that's right, call us even on the weekends or holidays!

So, if that recent storm caused water to find a way into your home, or you suspect that pipe is leaking behind a wall, or the dog knocked over the fish aquarium, don't hesitate to pick up the phone and call us right away at 708-430-3600.  You'll be glad you did!

FREE Program For Commercial Clients

2/3/2017 (Permalink)

One business had the foresight to prepare before Hurricane Sandy. Can you guess which one?

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank offers a free program for commercial clients to help them prepare in the event of a catastrophe.  This program will help the business limit secondary damages, and start the process to get up and running, thereby shortening down time and the resulting loss of revenue.

The best part of this program is it's a FREE app!  It can be accessed quickly from your phone, tablet or computer.

The ERP, or Emergency Readiness Profile, compiles the information to shut off the water, gas, or electricity in case of emergencies.  It will show in what areas the shutoffs are, and if any special keys or codes are needed.

The ERP also has a list of emergency contacts, from electricians to plumbers to insurance contacts, all to help the process of getting the business up and running again. A closed business makes very little money!

Besides local police and fire numbers, a few of the contact numbers listed are (your categories may be different):

• Gas Company
• Internet Provider
• Sprinkler Company
• Garbage Collection Service
• Landscaping Company
• Local Hospital
• Many, many more! You can identify which categories are important to your company!

To get started on this FREE program, simply call SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.

What you need to know about cooking fires!

12/2/2016 (Permalink)

Customer contacted us after they experienced a cooking fire. Thankfully everyone is fine and they are letting us to take care of the soot/smoke damage

Is that time of the year! During the holiday season, “cooking” is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Since more fires start in the kitchen than in any other part of the home it's important to be alert to prevent cooking fires!

Let’s stay safe. Follow these easy safety tips, courtesy of the NFPA National Fire Protection Association:

What you should know 

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stove-top.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stove-top.

If you have a cooking fire

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1or the local emergency number after you leave.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stove-top. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

For an oven fire turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank help Louisiana.

9/16/2016 (Permalink)

A typical street in southern Louisiana after the flooding Aug/2016.

SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank recently participated in the Louisiana Flooding aftermath.  It was very sad to see so many people lost literally “everything”, but we proudly can say we did everything we could to save what was left of their homes.

Prolonged rain resulted in a catastrophic flooding that ended up leaving houses/businesses under water, mostly in the southern parts of the state of Louisiana.  With an estimated 146,000 homes damaged in the flooding, this disaster was characterized as the worst US natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Thousands of Louisianians were forced into shelters.  To make the situation even worse, most of the affected homes were not insured for floods; what FEMA offered is not sufficient for many families to restore their homes, and many residents are not willing to wait for Federal/Fema help and they had no option than to pay out of their pockets.

For sure this was one of the worst disasters we have provided assistance.  We will drive down the streets of Baton Rouge, LA and Saint Amant, LA and all you would have seen are resident’s belongings dumped in their front yard (Please refer to the attached picture).

Need hoarding clean up help and don't know where or how to start?

7/5/2016 (Permalink)

At one of many homes we have performed hoarding clean up.

With an experienced company like SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank hoarding clean up can be less stressing than what you think.  Hoarding remediation is a specialized service that we offer, which requires special skills and qualities to achieve a successful result. During the remediation process, we can package, transport and even store items while in the process of removing unwanted items. We can provide families a new/fresh start!

Here are some examples of Hoarding signs:

-  Confused about what to keep or where to put things.

-  Difficulty organizing possessions.

-  Collects and keeps a lot of items, even things that appear useless or of little value to most people.

-  Not inviting family or friends into the home due to shame or embarrassment.

-  Being unable to stop taking free items, such as advertising flyers or sugar packets from restaurants.

-  Buying things, they don’t need but because they are on sale.

SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank can assist you with Biohazard, Trauma & Crime Scene Cleanup

4/27/2016 (Permalink)

Don't touch! Leave it to the experts!

SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank is a highly specialized cleaning company that provides bio-harzrdous and crime scene cleanup services to people involved in horrific situations.  We provide the safe and effective cleanup of biohazards such as: blood, bodily fluids and tissue remnants all removed and surfaces disinfected to provide a clean and safe enviroment.

Our dedicated team of cleaning professionals can safely treat any crime scene involving decomposition, biohazardous or infectious wastes and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.  We work together with most of the insurance companies if insurance is used as payment for cleanup.

If you or anyone you know requires professional crime scene cleanup services contact us immediately

If you or anyone you know requires professional biohazard cleanup services contact us immediately 

SERVPRO of Bedford Park / Burbank's new addition.

4/18/2016 (Permalink)

Our new Dodge ProMaster.

Here at SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank, we have highly trained employees for all your water, fire, smoke, odor, mold or biohazard damages needs, but now we can respond to you better with our most recent purchase, our brand new Dodge ProMaster.  It's full of the equipment, tools, and crew members to help your home or business recover from your recent incident.

Keep in mind that unfortunately disasters happen, and at all hours of the day, so call us at 708-430-3600 and our Dodge ProMaster is ready to leave our warehouse to help make it "Like it never even happened."

We thank all our customer for allowing SERVPRO Bedford Park / Burbank the opportunity to grow our business. We truly appreciate it!  And we thank you in advance for trusting us to take care of your next unfortunate incident. 

SERVPRO of Bedford Park volunteers at CYC

4/6/2016 (Permalink)

The group from CYC, along with the volunteers, posing in the lobby of the South Shore facility.

Taken from a letter from CYC's Laura Robinson:

"On behalf of the Board staff, and children of Chicago Youth Centers (CYC), thank you for supporting our South Shore Shake & Stir event on March 18, 2016.  The event celebrated CYC's Rebecca K. Croen Youth Center and the crucial work we do in the South Shore Community.  Thanks to you, and donors like you, the Shake & Stir event netted more than $56,000.  The funds raised will allow CYC to continue offering year-round programming, assuring that children have access to the educational, social, and emotional resources needed to succeed and persist in school, in their daily lives, and ultimately the workforce." 

SERVPRO of Bedford Park/Burbank is always glad to help in any way we can.  We not only help after disiaters, but we try to help the community in as many ways as possible.