Fire Damage and Restoration

10/30/2023 (Permalink)

Having an event that causes fire damage in your home can be devastating, and with so many things to get in order, it is easy to become overwhelmed and not know where to start. Make sure you start off on the right path by calling SERVPRO for fire damage and restoration! From the first call to our office team, to the final walk through with the project manager, you can ensure every detail has been accounted for- including document restoration, contents cleaning, and pack out assistance. 

When the project manager gets on site, their priority is determining if the home is still a safe environment for you to live in, or if we need to help to coordinate alternative living arrangements with your insurance provider. We will help you comb through important items, keep sakes, and other valuables to give you the confidence that everything will be taken care of.  

Unfortunately, with fire losses, there is most likely to be water damage as well if the fire department was called to put out any existing fires. This causes there to be 2 separate portions of the remediation, but luckily our SERVPRO teams are trained and certified in both! After all of the contents have been packed out, inventoried, and stored in our climate-controlled warehouse, the highly trained SERVPRO technicians begin to remove all the affected materials, cleaning step by step along the way, and ensuring there is no fire damaged materials left behind- even down to the studs and framing.  

After all of the affected materials have been removed, and all areas have been cleaned and sanitized, the SERVPRO crew members will place ozone machines to run for a few days to deodorize the affected rooms and remove and smoke odor that lingers in the home. Because of how powerful these machines are, no household members or SERVPRO crew members can be in the home during this process. After this process has been completed, a final walk through will be conducted with the insured to go over all that was done and begin to discuss plans for reconstruction. We will continue to coordinate on-site visits and potential move back dates as the project progresses. For the best results- call the professionals in the Fire Damage and Restoration business- SERVPRO! See below for a glimpse into the before and after process of a fire loss! Call the professionals who are available 24/7/365 days a year!  

3 Things To Know About Fire Extinguishers

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

Choosing a fire extinguisher is one of the most critical decisions to protect your family.

Fire Extinguishers: 3 Things You Should Know

Choosing a fire extinguisher is one of the most critical decisions to protect your family. When shopping for these life-saving devices in St. Charles, IL, it helps to consider whether you plan to use them in your home or vehicle and know the difference between the three types. Here are three things to know to help you buy a suitable extinguisher and be ready for a fire.

1. Size and Location
A fire extinguisher can range in size from two to tens pounds. The two-pound disposable models are ideal for keeping secured in the trunk of your car or the toolbox of your truck. The next most common size is five pounds, which you should keep near the stove or clothes dryer. The largest extinguishers designed for home use weigh ten pounds. Mount these near the garage or other spaces containing combustible materials.

2. Types
Manufacturers classify extinguishers according to the type of fires they can put out. For example, type A is for cloth, wood and paper. Type B is for liquids like grease and gasoline, and Type C is for electrical fires. In addition to the letter categories, Underwriter Laboratories ranks extinguishers from 1 to 4 according to how well they work. Manufacturers can also produce extinguishers worthy of multiple letters and numbers. Thus, you can buy a single extinguisher capable of putting out any home fire.

3. Fire Preparedness
In addition to buying the right kind of extinguishers, it is vital to check their pressure regularly to ensure they are ready when you need them. You also can purchase a battery-powered sensor to alert you when to refill an extinguisher. Finally, for the next level in fire protection, you can connect your extinguishers to your home security system that will automatically call 911 if you discharge an extinguisher. In case of a fire, hire a fire cleanup service.
Knowing how to buy and maintain a fire extinguisher will keep your family safe. When you prepare for the worst, you will have peace of mind.

3 Ways To Protect Your Home From a Fire

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Never leave your home with a space heater or other heating appliance running.

Protect Your Home From a Fire

There are many residential fire causes, such as kitchen mishaps, heating equipment, faulty wiring and smoking. It's important to recognize possible dangers and take the proper precautions. Here are a few ways you can protect your home from a fire.

1. Cook Responsibly
Whether you're having a neighborhood barbeque in Elburn, IL, or baking a batch of cookies, it's important to always be aware of cooking equipment. A home fire can occur quickly, so it's best to be prepared for all situations. When cooking on a grill, make sure the coals are completely extinguished and the grill itself has cooled down before moving it into a garage or near something flammable. Don't leave food baking unattended for long periods of time and remember to turn off all appliances before going to bed.

2. Be Aware of Possible Combustibles
Your home is full of flammable items, so it's good to take precautions to protect yourself and your family. Never leave your home with a space heater or other heating appliance running. This is considered dangerous as combustibles like blankets, clothing and furniture can cause a home fire if they are too close to the heater. A fire can start from something as simple as stray ash from a cigarette. If you smoke, it's best to do it outside to reduce the risk of a fire.

3. Prepare for the Unexpected
Practicing fire safety is a great way to protect your family, but you should also be prepared for an emergency. Make sure your family knows what to do in case of a fire, including where to meet once you exit the home. While you may think about reaching for valuables, remember that your safety is of utmost importance. During the fire cleaning and restoration process afterward, trained professionals can preserve family photos and other keepsakes.
Much of the time, a home fire is preventable. Apply fire safety precautions in your home and create a safe environment for you and your family.

3 Tasks for Post-Fire Recovery

3/26/2022 (Permalink)

Board up services in a property in Batavia, IL.

Recovering After a Fire In Your Business

When hard times fall on your business, it can be difficult to pick yourself up. This goes especially if your property goes up in flames. For companies in Batavia, IL, fire restoration is a tough place to be in. If you take a deep breath and remember to focus on the positive, you can recover from this. Restoring your workspace can have a good head start if you remember three tasks:

Call for Insurance Claims

This is what your Business Owners Policy is for. Fire insurance should be listed as part of your coverage. When you call, make sure to have these on hand:

• A list of the property you’ve lost
  
• Dates; times of loss
  
• A police report
  
  

Keeping these close by may help speed the process. Remember, your insurance agent should help you when you call. If you have forgotten something, simply ask for a moment to collect the information.

Securing Your Damaged Property

It may seem counter-intuitive, but do not try the fire restoration on your own. At first, the damage must be displayed in its natural state for the professionals to ascertain what was lost. Of course, make an inventory, and take pictures of the damage, but try not to touch it. Also, try not to worry, for fire repairs or smoke cleaning, help can always be a phone call away.

Locating a New Workspace

During stressful times, your revenue may not be far from your mind. It should be a good choice to find a place to put the property you did manage to save. If you need a new office or storage space, consider searching online for emergency locations nearby. You may find a temporary space to operate from as repairs are underway.
For business owners, fire restoration can take an emotional toll. However, if you mark these tasks off your checklist, you should be well on your way to a successful recovery. Remember to file your claim, secure your property, and locate a safe space.

Make an Escape Plan: Two Ways for Every Room

2/6/2022 (Permalink)

Make a fire escape plan for your family and practice it.

Include the Following Three Steps In Your Fire Escape Plan

You should make sure your family knows two ways to escape every room in the event of a fire in your home in Elburn, IL. While you are making a fire escape plan, here are three important steps to include:

1. Make a plan that includes two ways to escape each room.
   
2. Practice your plan and go over some safety tips.
   
3. Designate a meet-up location and communication plan.
   
   

In the case of a house fire, you and your family only have two minutes to get out. Your family’s best chance of survival is making a fire escape plan and practicing that plan.

Safety Tips for the Escape

Your family needs two escape routes for every room because one path may be blocked by fire. Teach everyone to feel doors before opening them. If a door is hot, it’s time to use the second escape path.

Tell your family that they’ll need to stay low, crawling quickly, to avoid heat and smoke. If someone is trapped in an upper-level room, teach that the window can be opened for breathing and used to send visual signals of their location. A flashlight or bright fabric in the window can let firefighters know where they are.

Communications

Your emergency escape plan should designate a meeting location. This location should be away from the house but within good visual sight so firefighters can see that everyone is out safely. You should also designate a method of communication that lets family members know you are safe. This could include the use of social media or designating a personal contact to call.

Don’t worry about your home, it can be cleaned, restored and rebuilt with the help of professional fire restoration specialists. Focus your energy on this important preparation, a fire escape plan that will give your family the tools they need to escape a fire.

The Fire Restoration Process

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

This is the aftermath of a fire in St. Charles, IL

The Fire Restoration Process

After you've had a fire in your St. Charles, IL, home, the harm to the structure as well as the soot and smoke damage can seem overwhelming. That's why it's important to call a fire restoration company as soon as possible for damage cleaning and repair. They have the experience, know-how and equipment to efficiently take care of the problem. Following the steps outlined below, they can work to get your life back to normal as soon as possible.

1. Initial Services

Once contacted, the restoration experts will come out to do any needed emergency repairs. Exposed areas can be boarded up, any pooled water from fire hoses removed, and security fencing installed.

2. Assessing the Damage

As soon as the emergency repairs are completed, the fire restoration technicians can take a close look at the situation. They check to see what structural damage has occurred and examine any smoke or water damage to know how to best address the problem.

3. The Cleanup Process

Once the correct course of action is determined, the restoration team begins the cleanup phase. If there is water damage, the affected areas are thoroughly dried out and sanitized. Smoke damage is addressed using specialized equipment and techniques. Anything too damaged to be salvaged is removed from the structure.

4. Repairs and Restoration

At this point, any structural repairs can take place. Holes in the walls or roof are fixed, broken pipes are mended and leaks from water tanks sealed. After the structural repairs are completed, the final restoration process begins. Wallpapering, carpet replacement and painting are done during this phase.

5. Preventative Consultation

After the work is completed, the restoration specialists may want to consult with you concerning measures you can take to prevent fires in the future. This can include things like installing an alert system or storing materials more safely.

Hopefully, this outline gives you a good idea of what's involved in the fire restoration process. Calling a restoration expert right away is essential after you've had a fire in your home, both for your peace of mind and for getting your property back to normal quickly.

Banning Cigarette Odors From Your Home

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

Ozone neutralizes the foul odors caused by cigarette smoke.

Getting Rid of Cigarette Odors in Your Home

Whether you smoke cigarettes or think it is a bad habit, you probably don’t enjoy the smell of stale cigarette smoke. Unfortunately, though, smoke odors from cigarettes and cigars can linger for decades in Batavia, IL, homes. You don’t have to put up with the smell of old cigarettes. By contracting with a restoration specialist for home deodorization, you can leave your home smelling fresh and clean.

A Holistic Cleanup Process
As you probably know, smoke from cigarettes has a funny way of getting virtually everywhere inside your home. When smoke contaminates walls, ceilings, furniture and other belongings, you need a holistic approach to removing it. Restoration professionals typically do the following to remove smoke odors:

• Open windows and doors to allow fresh air into your home
• Remove and replace all heating, air conditioning and other filters
• Scrub walls with ammonia and glycol
• Use a sealant to lock-in smoke odors on the walls and ceilings of your home
• Paint walls and ceilings with a fresh coat of latex paint
• Professionally clean all furniture, fixtures and personal belongings

Ozone
Cigarette and cigar smoke smell so badly because of the gases and toxic substances they release. When odors are extreme, restoration technicians often use ozone-generating machines for home deodorization. Ozone neutralizes the foul odors caused by cigarette smoke. Professionals simply plug in the machine, set a timer, and create ozone. Note, though, since ozone can be harmful to people, you must vacate your home when the ozone machine is creating the gas. Technicians repeat the process until all lingering odors are gone.
You don’t have to live with the unpleasant smell of old cigarettes. While removing ingrained odors is not necessarily simple for amateurs, professional restoration technicians deal with home deodorization all the time. With the right cleaning process and some assistance from ozone, your Batavia, IL, home can likely smell as if no one has ever puffed on a cigarette there.

Furnace Maintenance: 3 Times To Have a Checkup Performed

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Having your unit cleaned and service can ensure it will work for you when you need it the most.

Furnace Maintenance

Your Geneva,IL home’s furnace keeps your home warm and toasty all winter long while providing you with simple and energy-efficient usage. However, a neglected furnace might result in higher energy bills, uneven heating and other issues. A fire cleaning and restoration service can advise you about the most efficient way to use your home’s furnace, and knowing when to call them in for help and maintenance might help you get the most out of your heating unit.

1. After Summer Ends

Once the warm weather ends and fall sets in, it is wise to have your furnace inspected and tuned up. Call in a heating and cooling service to clean and inspect the ducts, replace the air filters and put in a digital thermostat if you do not yet have one. Having your unit cleaned and service can ensure it will work for you when you need it the most.

2. After a Major Storm

Heavy snow and ice can affect your home’s power system and cause shorts and outages that might affect the furnace. After a serious storm, have techs come in to check that the furnace’s power supply is stable and that no major systems have been damaged. If your furnace experienced a short, ask your techs about smoke cleaning services that can eliminate any unpleasant smells.

3. When You Hear Odd Noises

If your furnace starts to make strange noises, such as banging, groaning or rattling, these could be signs of a malfunction in the making. Contact your fire cleaning and restoration service for advice and have their technicians help you find a furnace specialist, if needed, or to have them come out and inspect the unit. Not all noises are cause for alarm, but you may want to investigate any sound you do not recognize.

Keeping your Geneva,IL, home’s furnace maintained can ensure years of trouble-free service. Whether you call in a fire cleaning and safety company or a local furnace specialist, it is a good idea to include proper furnace maintenance at the top of your to-do list.

Why You Should Get Water Damage Remediation After a Fire

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

House fire damage in Geneva, IL.

Why You Should Get Water Damage Remediation After a Fire

After a fire, most homeowners focus on repairing the damage caused by the flames, smoke and soot. However, there is another pressing matter following fire damage in Geneva, IL. You also need to handle any water damage that may have occurred from the fire or from the firefighters’ efforts to contain the flames. A lot of water may come out of the fire hose to eliminate the fire, and you need to make sure you can restore your valuables from the water, too.

1. Prevent Mold

As with a flood in your basement, your biggest concern should be related to mold buildup. It only takes about 24 hours for mold to start to grow. Whether there are spots of flooding in your home from the relief efforts or from a burst pipe, you need to get rid of the moisture posthaste. You should always leave this work to the fire damage remediation professionals because it is dangerous to attempt to remove mold when you do not know what you are doing.

2. Eliminate Water Contamination

Even if everything seems to be all right on the surface, there could be contamination in your water supply. You need to have experts check the water in your pipes to ensure it is not filled with soot. You may need to check with your local and state environmental agencies to make sure the water is safe for consumption. Either way, you should avoid consuming the water or letting it come into contact with your skin until someone tells you it is safe.

It is always preferable to let professionals handle fire damage remediation so that you do not put yourself in harm’s way. Experts know how to look through an entire house to make sure every inch is secure. Professionals are also knowledgeable and know how to locate small problems that could escalate out of control if not handled properly.

Candle Alternatives That Leave Your House Smelling Fresh Without the Fire Risk

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Avoid fire damage in your home by using candle alternatives.

Three Perfect Candle Alternatives For Your Home

Some scent enthusiasts are candle-obsessed but are seeking alternatives for a decreased fire risk. Scent-producing products are being reconsidered by homeowners in St. Charles, IL, who prefer to keep their homes safe from fire hazards. These include:

• Flame candles
  
• Incense burners
  
• Tealight wax warmers
  
  

The open flame from candle products opens homes to a fire risk. Here are some candle alternatives that will keep a home smelling fresh and free from a candle fire.

Essential Oil Diffusers
Essential oils are non-synthetic fragrant oils used for aromatherapy, candles, natural soaps and lotions. Essential oil diffusers use a blend of essential oil and water to disperse a scented mist into the air. The mechanism uses an electronic method to create vapor, eliminating with it a fire hazard. Some essential oil diffusers light up to provide an imitation flicker.

Plugins and Flameless Candles
For those wanting to create a romantic environment with the look of candles, there are flameless candle alternatives. These are often made of LED lights and a wax or plastic base. They are battery-powered and can be purchased with remote controls. Some are also made with a timer installed for automatic shut-off. Flameless candles can be paired with plugins for scent.

Electric Wax Warmers
Wax warmers are usually made of a ceramic base that holds scented wax cubes to diffuse the scent without the flame. Some are made to warm the wax with a tealight candle. It is important to purchase an electric wax warmer to keep a house protected from open flames. Like diffusers, wax warmers can be purchased with a flicker option.
Candle alternatives are an excellent option to create an enhanced home environment without the hazard of an open flame. Like candles, they provide homeowners the option of infusing scent into their homes. In case of a candle fire, contact a local fire damage restoration service to repair and restore damaged property.

4 Dos and Don'ts of Putting Out a Grease Fire

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Grease fire

How To React And What To Do If A Grease Fire Breaks Out

Cooking a tasty meal in your St. Charles, IL, home can be an enjoyable way for you to express your creativity. However, stovetop cooking can present some dangers, especially when you use frying oils. If a grease fire should break out, knowing how to react and what to avoid can prevent the blaze from spreading and allow you to extinguish it quickly.

1. Do Not Move the Pan or Pot

If a pot or pan should catch fire, avoid trying to grab the handle or moving the container off the fire, even with a potholder. The movement might cause the burning oil to splash and spread the blaze. Turn off the burner instead and step away from the stove until the danger has passed.

2. Do Cover the Fire

If the fire is small, cautiously cover it with a metal lid. This should snuff the grease fire by leeching the oxygen from it. Avoid removing the cover until the pot or pan cools. If your appliance, walls or ceiling have sustained damage, call in a fire cleanup and restoration company to inspect the area and advise you about repairs.

3. Do Not Use Water on the Fire

While your first instinct may be to throw water on a stovetop fire, doing so can spread it quickly and increase the risk of burns from splashing. If the fire is contained within the pan, you can put it out with baking soda or a small kitchen fire extinguisher.

4. Do Call 911 Right Away

If you cannot stop the fire from spreading, evacuate your home immediately and call 911 from a secure location once everyone exits. Trying to contain a spreading fire on your own is highly dangerous and may result in serious injury.

Your St. Charles, IL, home’s kitchen can be a source of culinary joy and adventure. However, it also comes with potential risks, such as the outbreak of a grease fire, but knowing how to react can prevent a larger blaze and allow you to contain it safely.

4 Furnace Maintenance Tasks To Improve Efficiency and Decrease Risk of Fire

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

Don't wait until a problem occurs to start caring for your furnace

Your furnace is a useful way to heat your North Aurora, IL, home during the winter months, but it also tends to be a major expense. It probably uses more energy than the other appliances in your home. However, with the right maintenance, you can improve the efficiency of the furnace, keep your costs down, and avoid furnace malfunctions. In addition to these benefits, regular maintenance that includes fire cleaning helps prevent home fires.

Basic Maintenance Tasks

Don't wait until a problem occurs to start caring for your furnace. Perform the following steps regularly and more frequently when necessary:

• Replace the filter. Clean filters remove unwanted dust, particles, pollen, mold spores, and more. When filters are clogged and dirty, airflow to the heater is reduced, so the appliance doesn't run as efficiently and is at greater risk for starting a fire. This task should be completed about once a month.
• Clean vents throughout the home. Dirty or covered vents also reduce airflow to the furnace, decreasing appliance efficiency. This loss of airflow can also cause damage to the furnace.
• Schedule regular dust, dirt, and smoke cleaning of the heating and cooling system. Anything that gets into the ductwork, vents, and registers may get into the furnace, decreasing efficiency and increasing the risk of a home fire.
• Move any flammable objects away from vents and the furnace. Of course, keeping the area around vents and the furnace free allows for plenty of airflow. In addition to this, it further reduces the risk of fire.
• Sometimes homeowners store clothing, chemicals, or paperwork near the furnace, but these items should never be stored near this appliance or the water heater.

Experienced homeowners understand the importance of regular furnace maintenance. While some tasks need to be done once a month, others can be completed annually.

Time To Get Started
If you've missed some maintenance steps, it isn't too late to get started. If you've noticed smoke damage around your furnace, contact professionals with experience handling fire cleaning to make sure there isn't any hidden damage.

How to Repair a Damaged Roof After a Fire

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Roof damaged by fire in St. Charles, IL

Make Sure You Properly Secure The Roof

It doesn't take a large fire to cause extensive damage to a building. The roof is often one of the first parts of a structure that suffers problems. If you respond quickly and effectively, you might be able to save at least a portion of the roof as well as the rest of the building. During the fire cleanup process, make sure you properly secure the roof.

Making the Right Calls
There are some key people to get in touch with as soon after a fire as possible. If you and others are in the building when it starts, get to safety immediately. You should then make the following calls:

• Notify the fire department of the emergency.
  
• Contact your insurance company and file a fire-loss claim.
  
• Get in touch with a professional fire cleanup company to help you rebuild the structure and salvage and materials possible.
  
  

Assessing the Roof
You should never get up on the roof of a building following fire damage. Let professional crews in St. Charles, IL, evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the next steps. These experts have the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently handle all roof repair matters. The team will tear out damaged materials and clean any ash and soot that remain after the fire. Technicians will also board up windows and other gaps in the building.

Tarping
Before the repair crew can replace the roof, technicians will enlist tarp services to cover it. This will help prevent the elements such as rain, snow and hail from getting into the building and inflicting further damage. A well-placed tarp will also reduce the effects that heavy winds can have on an otherwise exposed structure. Tarping, along with boarding, will also help to fend off animals and discourage looting and trespassing.
Placing tarps over the roof is a vital part of the fire cleanup process. Hire a restoration and repair team you trust to help.

Top 5 Leading Causes of Home Fires

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Malfunctioning appliances can spark, resulting in a dangerous fire

Leading Home Fire Causes

Fire is extremely volatile and can spread quickly, consuming your entire home, if not responded to appropriately. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fire departments in the United States must respond to home fires every 24 seconds. Don't let your home in St. Charles, IL, become part of that statistic. Study the following leading home fire causes to help protect your property.

1. Cooking Fires
Cooktops generate open flames that can quickly spread out of control if they aren't watched carefully. Home cooking fires account for approximately $1 billion in property damage, 550 deaths and 4,820 injuries every year. 

2. Electrical Fires
Malfunctioning appliances can spark, resulting in a dangerous fire. These fires account for 13% of all residential fires, including 18% of all civilian fire deaths. These fires are most likely to occur in the colder months. 

3. Candle Fires
Candles may generate a small flame, but that doesn't mean that they're completely harmless. Most candle fires occur when other household items, such as furniture and curtains, are kept too close to the flame. It only takes a few seconds for them to catch fire and consume the house.

4. Careless Children
Children playing with fire are responsible for $172 million in property damages every year. 83% of these fires are caused by young boys, half of which are under the age of six. Properly fire safety education is vital when it comes to preventing these accidents.

5. Smoking
Smoking is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. These are often caused when someone carelessly smokes a cigarette, cigar or other product too close to combustible materials.
While the dangers listed above do account for the largest amount of home fire causes, they are nowhere near the only dangers you have to watch out for. Educate yourself on other common fire dangers and make the proper preventative measures. Contact fire remediation experts for more information, or if you need assistance with fire cleaning following an incident.

3 Ways Office Items Can Be Restored After a Fire

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning content after fire damage

Three Methods The Professionals Might Use

After a fire at your St. Charles, IL, business you may be worried about the possibility of restoring your office items. Fortunately, your local fire damage restoration service can offer a number of services, including dry-cleaning and content storage, which may help. Here are three methods you may see them use.

1. Washing

The most common type of content cleaning is washing items with special cleaners. Large items can be cleaned with a rag and bucket, while smaller items may be soaked in they are not mechanical. Upholstery cleaners may even be available for furniture. The exact washing method may depend on the item size, as well as the material it is composed of. After the items are washed they will be dried and moved to storage until building repairs can be completed.

2. Dry-Cleaning

This method is usually reserved as a preparatory step before washing, or used on items that may be sensitive to liquid cleaners. This can include sensitive fabrics as well as mechanical items, such as staplers, and electronics. Cleaning with a dry method may involve powders than can lay over a surface to trap smoke odors and they be wiped away, and the use of a fine scrub brush.

3. Freeze Drying

Freeze drying is part of the process for salvaging documentation that may have been damaged by fire suppression methods. This step can help remove the water from the paperwork without exposing it to the possibility of further damage. In many cases, your restoration service may also offer to help make a digital copy of any documents they restore as well

Washing the items with a cleaning solution can be used for most items, however, dry-cleaning and freeze drying methods can be used for sensitive fabrics, paper documentation, and other items that may not react well to liquid cleaners. After the office items are restored they can be moved to content storage until repairs on the property can be completed.

Make Your Home Safe With These Tips

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

A home fire can be caused by a variety of mistakes, malfunctions, and miscalculations

Ways In Which A Blaze Can Ignite In A Home

A home fire can be caused by a variety of mistakes, malfunctions, and miscalculations. The following list includes some of the ways in which a blaze can ignite in a home:

• Barbecue fire
• Faulty electrical wiring
• Candles
• Cooking mishap
• Cigarette or pipe smoke
• Appliance malfunction
  

A lint fire is another danger that homeowners and renters could face if they are not careful. A few steps can make this worry go away.

Cleaning a Dryer
The accumulation of lint makes a dryer fire a possibility. Lint can easily ignite as dryers generate heat. Pretty much all dryers have a lint screen that should be cleaned out after each load. The screen just needs to pulled out and cleaned by hand. Once every week or two the lint screen should be cleaned more thoroughly by running it under a spray of water. It's a good idea to periodically vacuum out the lint vent, too. A deeper cleaning of the dryer of lint is a little more involved but can be beneficial. This includes unplugging the dryer, unhooking the exhaust hose, and cleaning the lint from this area. At this time, the outside dryer vent should be looked at as well and any lint accumulation should be removed. A deeper cleaning of the dryer is for most people a job better left to a service person.

Restoring a Home After a Fire
Whether it is from a lint fire or some other cause, a fire causes a lot of damage to a home. The services of a fire remediation franchise ensure trained technicians handle the restoration process according to the highest professional standards. Even a small home fire in North Aurora, IL, results in a large amount of soot, smoke, and fire damage. The cleanup requires a high degree of knowledge and the best equipment. A proven process works efficiently to remove odors and restore the home to good condition again.

How To Prevent and Prepare for Home Fires

2/27/2020 (Permalink)

There should be at least one smoke detector on every floor of your house

You never want to think about the possibility of a home fire. Yet fires affect plenty of properties each year. By following proper fire preparation and prevention techniques, you can reduce the chances of a blaze destroying your Elburn, IL, house.

Fire Prevention Tips

1. Cook Safely
The kitchen is a common location for home fires. You should stay in the room while cooking so any blazes can be put out right away. Keep any pets or small children away from ovens and stoves, as well.

2. Keep Fire-Starters Away From Kids
Talk to your children about fire safety and the dangers of lighters and matches. Put those items on high shelves where kids can't reach them.

3. Check Your Wiring
Electrical wires are everywhere nowadays. Unfortunately, they are also common sources of fire. Avoid putting too many cords into one outlet. You should also replace or fix frayed cords immediately.

Fire Preparation Tips

1. Make an Escape Plan
Everyone in your family should know two ways out of each room in the house. You should also set up an outdoor meeting place where your loved ones can gather in the event of a fire. You can then practice your escape plan every six months.

2. Use Smoke Alarms
There should be at least one smoke detector on every floor of your house. Smoke alarms should also be placed outside each bedroom or sleeping area. Be sure to test the detectors regularly and to change the batteries at least once per year.

3. Store Important Contact Information
Keep emergency contact numbers near your phone so anyone in the home will have quick access to them during a fire. You may also want to keep in your cell phone or wallet the contact information for your local fire restoration company.
Homes fires can be devastating. Thankfully, there are simple fire preparation and prevention strategies you can follow to protect your house.

Home Heating Safety Tips

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

The heat and beauty of a fireplace can be dangerous if not used correctly.

Winter is in full swing and temperatures are freezing in the tri-city area of St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia, but home heater usage is rising –and so are the incidents of house fires! National studies and our professional fire damage restoration experience have shown that heating units are the number one cause of house fires during the winter months. Of course, there is no ideal time for a house fire, but in the holiday season, it seems especially bitter.

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and we at St. Charles SERVPRO couldn’t agree more. Enjoy a safe holiday season in the warmth of your home with these home heating fire safety tips.

Check The Unit

Always check your space heater, fireplace, or another heating device to make sure it is clean and in good working order. Heating units that have been in storage, or not used can accumulate a thick layer of lint and dust that can block ventilation, potentially causing the unit to overheat and ignite. Older units can also have worn or frayed wiring.

Poorly maintained fireplaces and chimneys are also to blame for many household fires. Broken chimney flues, layers of soot, and flying embers are all causes of fire damage in St.Charles homes. Have a professional clean and inspect your fireplace and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

The “3-Foot” Rule

Keep a 3-foot area around your home heating unit entirely clear. This true for flammable items such as furniture as well as for passers-by. Designate the 3-foot area as “walk-free” all the way around to avoid knocking over the unit or tripping over cords.

Watch Children

The 3-foot Rule should also be a kid-free zone. Do not allow children to sit or play near the heating unit. Also, never leave children unattended while the heating unit is in use.

Check Your Smoke Alarm

Test your smoke alarm at least once a month by pressing the test button and be sure to place them in areas where you use the heating unit. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) also recommends that you replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

Turn It Off Before Heading To Bed

Although it is tempting to keep household heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces on during the balmy nights, it’s safer to turn them off. The potential for fire damage and the risk of fatalities rises significantly with unattended heating sources.

The joys of chilly nights and family gatherings at home can suddenly be cut short by a house fire. Whether it originates from a heater or another household source, we make your fire damaged home merry and bright again. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to begin the smoke, water, and fire damage restoration in St. Charles and surrounding neighborhoods.

Explore our blog for more tips on how to keep your home smoke, water, mold, and fire damage-free. For additional information about our home and commercial fire damage restoration services, click on the fire damage tab on the menu above or call us at (630) 377-7062.

Candle Alternatives for a Safer Holiday Season

11/27/2019 (Permalink)

Use an alternative to candles during the holidays to prevent house fires

Whether hosting a large family gathering or snuggling under blankets sipping hot cocoa, lighting a candle is a sure way to get into the holiday spirit. While the ambient light and familiar scents candles emit make them a popular festive decoration, nothing is sure to dampen everyone’s mood faster than a fire in your home in St. Charles, IL. To avoid having to relocate during the holidays while a fire damage cleanup company restores your house, consider trying these three candle alternatives.

1. Essential Oil Diffuser

You won’t need to go without your favorite festive scent when you use an essential oil diffuser. There are around 100 different types of essential oils, including staple scents such as cinnamon, peppermint, nutmeg, evergreen, and vanilla. You can easily find diffusers to match your other decorations. There are even some that look just like a candle.

2. Battery-Powered Candles

If you’re really attached to the classic look of a candle, opt for flameless, battery-powered candle alternatives that come in countless sizes and designs. Some types are made from scented wax with a flickering light, so your guests will hardly tell the difference. Since you don’t need to worry about a flame, you can use these lights anywhere you like including on the Christmas tree, on top of the fireplace, or as a decorative centerpiece.

3. Simmer Pot

Use an electric simmer pot, crockpot, or a saucepan on the stove to fill your home with a variety of holiday smells. Simply fill the pot with water and ingredients of your choice. Popular options include apples, vanilla, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and cloves. While you won’t need to worry about candle fire, make sure to stay close by the pot and keep all flammable objects a good distance away.
There’s no need to light a candle to enjoy this holiday season. Ditch the matches altogether and keep your home fire-free with these great candle alternatives.

3 Alternatives to Burning Candles

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Candle warmers are excellent for putting your remaining scented candles to good use

Three Example of Candle Alternatives

A candle fire can get out of hand quickly. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association, there are an average of 23 home candle fires every single day. If you have experienced this unfortunate event, you should consider a fire damage assessment in St. Charles,IL. You should also consider candle alternatives. Here are three examples to get that warm, glowing candle effect without the risks.

1. Flameless Candles

A flame-free candle is a great alternative to the traditional candle in that it has the same look and feel but without the fire. These candles are electronic and often require batteries. They are great as decorative elements. Some are scented and can even flicker just like an actual candle.

2. Candle Warmers

Candle warmers are excellent for putting your remaining scented candles to good use. If you do not want to throw out your existing candles, a candle warmer will allow you to place one of your candles on a warming plate. This option warms the wax and generates that great smell put off by scented candles, but the wick is never even lit with these safe candle alternatives.

3. Oil Diffusers

If you are willing to pursue a completely different path, you could look into an oil diffuser, which is becoming more and more popular. Oil diffusers mix natural oils and water and create a vapor that is released. This approach is non-toxic, healthy, and you can mix and match scents to get different aromas. Because the oils are concentrated, they tend to last for quite a while.

There are several candle alternatives listed here, all of which can greatly reduce or even totally eliminate your risk of fire damage. Each has benefits depending on your love of candles, as well as your desire to either stick as closely as possible to traditional candles or to try something new. Have fun experimenting and find what’s right for you.

4 Important Items To Replace After a Fire

7/18/2019 (Permalink)

Replace your personal products after a fire

Four Items that Require Replacement After a Fire

Fire can ruin most of the contents of a home in a matter of minutes. Items that are not exposed to direct flame or high heat may benefit from content cleaning and restoration. Throw away any burnt or charred items that have significant fire damage. Documenting damage, listing losses and providing proof of purchase, ownership or condition may facilitate the insurance claim filing process. Here are four items that require replacement after exposure to heat, flames, soot and smoke.

Charred Materials

When fire causes blackens any material, chemical changes take place that can cause contamination. It is possible to remove soot and smoke residue from materials indirectly exposed to a fire, but burnt and charred building materials and contents should be disposed of during cleanup.

Food

Fire causes chemical changes to occur that can destabilize food in bags or containers without airtight seals. Rather than risking exposure to contaminants or food poisoning, you should replace damaged food stores. Canned food that was not exposed to flames or high temperatures may be salvageable. Remove labeling, clean the can and create a new label with the contents and expiration date.

Personal Products

Body, face and hair products should be free of contaminants found in burning materials and smoke. Heat also reduces the effectiveness of topical formulas.

Medicine

The temperature ranges on over-the-counter and prescription medications are among the most important factors when determining which items you should throw away or keep and try to use. It’s almost always a good idea to get new, sealed medication that is guaranteed to be effective.
Even if there is no visible charring on an item, a rapid escalation in temperature can alter most chemical compounds. If you are not sure whether to throw items away, check the labeling. Rather than running the risk of re-contamination, rely on IICRC-certified fire damage restoration experts in Batavia,IL.

Smoke, but No Fire- You Could Still Be Covered by Insurance

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

A large wildfire can spread smoke for miles and cause soot damage to nearby structures.

Smoke, But No Fire

There are plenty of instances in which you could experience smoke damage without having had a fire occur on your property in St. Charles, IL. If you have fire insurance, this may still be included in your coverage. What are some real-world scenarios where you could see this happen?

Wildfires

Depending on where your property sits, wildfires could be a recurring issue, especially during the summer fire season. A large wildfire can spread smoke for miles and cause soot damage to nearby structures. You may need to consider cleaning the soot out more than once throughout the season, so it does not build up or sit, causing more destruction. There are a handful of ways you can help reduce your building's exposure to wildfire smoke:

• air filters
  
• room air cleaners
  
• humidifiers
  
• tightly sealed windows and doors
  
  

Trouble With the Neighbors

Most people wish the best for their neighbors, but sometimes the worst happens. If you happen to be located nearby when a fire strikes, your commercial property may also be effected- smoke damage is likely. If you are close enough, you may also experience damage from fire suppression materials like water, foam and pressurized hoses. You could attempt to coordinate with your neighbors and use the same fire remediation service after calling your insurance.

Kitchen Mishaps

Not everyone can be a chef, no matter how hard you try. Another common occurrence of smoke damage, especially in the kitchen, is from small kitchen fires or burnt food. While one individual incident may not cause a lot of visible smoke, over time and with accumulating occurrences, soot can build up enough to require a more thorough smoke cleaning.

Even if you've managed to escape having any fires, you may still experience the damaging effects from they cause. However, if you are protected from fire in your insurance policy, smoke damage can easily be taken care of. It's a good idea to give your insurance company a call to clarify, if you are unsure.

How to Prevent Lint Fires by Cleaning Your Dryer

5/21/2019 (Permalink)

Clean the lint screen to prevent a lint fire in your Geneva, IL home

How to Prevent Lint Fires by Cleaning Your Dryer

It is likely that you have a washing machine and dryer in your Geneva,IL  home. You may not think much about cleaning the lint from your dryer, but failing to do so can result in a lint fire that could cause severe damage to your house and the items in it. To minimize the risk of this happening, be sure to do the following regularly.

1. Clean the Lint Screen

Removing lint from the screen is the most obvious, and the most simple, step in keeping your dryer clean and preventing a lint fire. You should wipe the screen off with your hand or a brush before and after every use. On some occasions, you may need to use soap and water to remove stubborn lint that has built up over time.

2. Clean the Vents and Exhaust Hose

While this step may be less convenient, it is important to clean the vents and exhaust hose of your dryer at least twice a year to reduce the chances of a dryer fire. Be sure to unplug your dryer before you begin any deep cleaning. A cleaning rod can help you remove hard to reach lint.

3. Clean the Interior

Keeping the interior of the dryer clean is important as well. You will need to remove the panel in the back of the appliance to access any lint that has gotten trapped inside. Wipe down and vacuum each area before replacing the panel.

4. Hire a Professional

The best way to ensure your machine is properly cleaned and maintained is to hire a professional service. They will be able to do the job thoroughly to help prevent a lint fire.

While performing routine maintenance on your unit will make a fire less likely, not all accidents can be prevented. If a fire does occur, a fire restoration service can help remove fire damage, repair your home and salvage damaged belongings to help return your home to pre-fire conditions.

St. Charles Home Care: The Professional Smoke Cleaning Difference

4/29/2019 (Permalink)

Fire aftermath.

House fires, even small ones, can leave behind a tremendous amount of damage. Flames scorch and heat can warp, but did you know that smoke is also destructive? Greasy residue and ashes corrode your home and personal belongings, while the penetrating odor of smoke reminds you of the shocking event of the fire ravaging your home. Clearing smoke damage is also important for your health. Smoke is a pollutant known to irritate airways and eyes and can cause other adverse health effects.

You may have heard that opening windows to let in fresh air, wiping down hard surfaces with household cleaners, and the passing of time will allow the smoke odor to disappear. Unfortunately, many times, that is not the case. The reasons that DIY methods may not be enough to clean out the smoke scent is that, at a molecular level, smoke particles embed deep into fabrics and crevices. The sticky grease and soot mixture that smoke leaves behind is also a formidable foe.

Smoke damage can also reach farther than you initially realize. While fire damage to you home may be contained to a small area, smoke can flow throughout your entire home. Doors and vents allow the powerful scent of smoke to penetrate into paint, drapes, and carpeting. And when smoke flows into an area of the home with poor airflow, the burned scent can become concentrated and overwhelming.

For stubborn smoke damage jobs like these, your best bet is to call a professional smoke cleaning service. While there are many St Charles fire restoration companies to choose from, only a select few carry the trusted IICRC-approval. Home restoration businesses that have The Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification follow a higher standard of service.

Training is extensive, cleaning methods are time-tested, and integrity in service is unmatched. If you want extra assurance that smoke damage restoration will be completed by the best, St. Charles SERVPRO technicians go through additional training and certification –surpassing the IICRC standards.

You may think that top professional smoke cleaning services are costly, but consider this:

• Smoke and fire continue to be destructive until it is cleaned and repaired. The sooner you call the professional, the less damage you will incur
• Generally speaking, restoring an item is less expensive than replacing it. Trained technicians, like those from SERVPRO of St. Charles / Geneva / Batavia, can help you decide which items can be salvaged and which need to be replaced.
• Smoke cleaning services may be covered under your homeowners or renters insurance –which could mean little to no cost to you. SERVPRO offers customers a free insurance claims service in which they help you to file your claim. This saves you time and worry!

Professional smoke cleaning may seem unnecessary, that is, until your home has been overtaken by it. Smoke odor is much more than a nuisance. It’s harmful to health, home, and emotional well-being. If you are in need of fire and smoke damage restoration, call SERVPRO of St. Charles / Geneva / Batavia today for a free inspection.

Watch Out for the Top 3 Leading Causes of a Home Fire

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

A fire place is an example of a possible source of a heating fire

Watch Out for the Top 3 Leading Causes of a Home Fire

For most people, their house is much more than just a building that they live in; it is a home where they make precious memories and feel the most secure. Going through a home fire that damages your home and destroys sentimental belongings can be extremely devastating. Although a fire restoration company can help reconstruct your home in St. Charles, IL, and deal with the fire cleaning, you will likely still experience some loss. It is important to be educated on how house fires often happen so you can prevent this terrible situation from every happening to you. Here are the top three leading causes to watch out for.

1. Cooking Equipment

Between oil spill, electrical appliances, open flames, and extremely hot temperatures, your kitchen is just a fire waiting to happen if you’re not careful. Keep your family and your home safe by making sure you keep the following tips in mind:

• Never leave cooking food unattended
  
• Keep flammable objects off your stovetop
  
• Check the wires on your appliances
  
• Keep oil splatter to a minimum
  
• Keep a metal lid or pan close by when frying
  
  

2. Smoking Indoors

While many people choose to smoke outdoors to keep smells and lingering smoke out of their homes, preventing a home fire is another good reason to add to the list. In fact, smoking in bedrooms is the top cause of house fire fatalities. Leftover cigarette butts and embers that accidentally fall onto the ground or furniture can quickly catch flame.

3. Heating

Portable space heaters, furnaces, boilers, and fire places are all examples of possible sources of a heating fire. Make sure to keep up on maintenance tasks for all of these types of equipment, and always keep flammable objects at a safe distance away.

Fortunately, there are many steps and precautions you can take to prevent a home fire. Start by focusing on these three top fire causes to help keep your family and home safe all year long!

Steps To Take After a Fire

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Geneva,IL

Are you Prepared?

It's hard to imagine a fire happening to you, but what if your home does catch fire? Are you prepared? Do you know what to do? When you're in the midst of the crisis, it can be hard to decide which steps should be completed first. However, as you work with fire restoration professionals, you'll be able to get your life back on track.

1. Contact Your Insurance Agent

As soon as possible, call your insurance agent. Before the smoke from the fire clears, you'll get phone calls from contractors and other professionals with services to help you. Before you sign any paperwork, however, you'll want to know exactly what your fire insurance policy is going to cover.

2. Contact a Fire and Smoke Restoration Company

The clean up that happens right after the fire can have long-term effects on the rest of the restoration process. Your insurance company may recommend specific fire restoration professionals in Geneva,IL. These experts have dealt with many fires and have the specialized training, equipment, and cleaners to protect your home.

3. Categorize Your Belongings

In addition to separating those items that have been damaged from those that are still in good condition, you'll want to take an inventory of your losses. Separating your items into groups makes this process easier. Ask your insurance company about the information they need.

4. Arrange a Place to Stay Throughout the Reconstruction Process

After the fire and smoke cleaning professionals have had a chance to inspect your property, they can give you an estimate of how long the clean up and restoration process will take. At this point, make plans to stay at a Geneva,IL, hotel or with family and friends who are willing to host you. In some cases, fire insurance policies will pay for food, clothing, and shelter.

Before you need to worry about fire restoration services, take steps to prevent fires. Make sure you have adequate insurance policies in place. Plan ahead to avoid trouble in the future.

How Many Fire Alarms Do You Need?

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

A fire alarm can alert you to the presence of a fire in your Batavia,IL home

A fire alarm can save lives in the event of a house fire. You will likely need more than one smoke alarm to protect your family from harm. These three considerations will help you determine the number of alarms to install in your home in Batavia,IL.

1. How Many Bedrooms Does Your Home Have?

The National Fire Protection Association recommends installing a smoke alarm in every bedroom of a home. Fires can pose a major threat when your family is sleeping. These alarms can ensure that every family member awakens in the event of a fire.

2. How Many Sleeping Areas Are in Your Home?

Advance warning can save lives. Installing more fire alarms outside of sleeping areas increases the chances that you will wake up or be apprised of the presence of fire and do so with enough to time to consider the best evacuation options. Be sure to develop a fire safety plan with primary and secondary escape routes from every room.

3. How Many Levels Does Your Home Have?

Every story of a home needs a fire alarm, including the basement. A two story home with a basement and three bedrooms will need at least five alarms. Make sure to replace the batteries in each alarm at least once a year and replace the alarms every eight to 10 years.

A fire alarm can alert occupants to the presence of a fire and enable them to attempt suppression, evacuate, or seal in. If a fire is raging by the time you discover it, either evacuate or seal into a room with a window and a phone. Close the door and cover cracks and air vents with duct tape or towel. Call firefighters and provide your exact location. If your home sustains fire damage or smoke damage, contact a residential mitigation and restoration company in Batavia,IL.

First Aid Tips for Minor Burns

8/20/2018 (Permalink)

Serious injury on the job could require urgency in care

If you or your employee has suffered a minor burn after fire damage at your St. Charles, IL, business, you will want to follow some basic first aid steps to ensure that the burn is well taken care of and the victim’s safety is being considered. There are five steps that should alleviate pain and suffering associated with minor burns while keeping the skin as healthy as possible.

1. Remove Jewelry

Tight-fitting items such as rings and watches need to be carefully taken off of the victim so they do not get stuck if the burn swells up. Objects worn around areas such as necks are especially important to remove.

2. Cool Burned Skin

This is a crucial burn first aid tip. Run the burned skin under cool water, making sure that the temperature is not too cold. You can also use a wet compress. Once the pain settles, cease cooling efforts.

3. Apply Aloe Vera

Aloe vera or similar moisturizers can provide burn relief as well as keep the area from getting dry. If a broken blister is found during this process, clean it and apply antibiotic.

4. Loosely Bandage

Make sure to use gauze that is sterile. Bandaging will keep the burn dry and protected.

5. Take Pain Medicine

It can be easy to forget to take care of personal comfort after fire damage, but if a burn victim is still in pain after applying cold water, aloe vera or a bandage, it is really a good idea to look for a pain reliever to alleviate his or her suffering. Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or aspirin should help.

Know When to Get Help

Burns that seem more serious or that are causing the victim an alarming amount of complications should be checked out by a medical professional. Most property destruction can be corrected by a fire damage restoration company in St. Charles, IL, but a human’s needs are a little more complicated. If something seems urgent with the burn, trust your instincts and seek help.

For more on St. Charles click here. 

Tips for Removing Cigarette Smoke Odor From Your Home

7/28/2018 (Permalink)

Cigarette smoke stains and odor in St. Charles home

As a new homeowner in St. Charles, IL, there may be a few things about your new house that you want to upgrade. Some people start thinking about remodeling and renovation. However, if your home smells of cigarettes, your first priority will likely be home deodorization. Working with a smoke and odor removal company can help you have a fresher smelling space. You can also keep these tips in mind as you go through this vigorous cleaning process.

• Wash Fabrics: Any curtains, rugs and carpets left behind need to be thoroughly washed. Fabrics can soak up particles from cigarette smoke. These particles make the odor linger longer. The type of fabric will dictate whether you use a dry-clean or wet method.

• Store Content: Once your belongings have been cleaned, you need to make sure they remain odor free. Putting your clothing, furniture, curtains and other cleaned items into a storage unit can help you ensure they do not get smelly again.

• Clean Walls: Even the walls and ceiling in your new home need to be properly cleaned for a thorough home deodorization. If these surfaces are left untreated, you may notice that the aroma still permeates your house. The professional cleaning crew will likely use a special solvent and equipment to clean the permanent fixtures in your house.

• Incorporate Filters: Commercial-grade air filters can help remove odor particles from your space. While air filtration may not remove the odor on its own, it is an important part of the overall cleaning process.

• Use Machines: Another machine commonly used to help remove cigarette smoke odor is an ozone machine. This device emits ozone molecules that act similarly to the smoke molecules. The new particles attach themselves to the surfaces in your home to start the deodorization process.

Home deodorization may not happen overnight. Sometimes it takes trial and error to fully remove bad smells from your house. Cleaning every surface and item in the building helps make sure you completely remove the foul aroma.

For more on St. Charles click here. 

How To Recover After A House Fire

5/4/2018 (Permalink)

St. Charles Home Health: How to Recover after a House Fire

A house fire is one of the greatest fears for every homeowner and parent. To protect your family and your home from a fire, smoke detectors must be properly installed and tested monthly, fire extinguishers need to be placed in strategically throughout the home, and your evacuation drills need to be practiced regularly. These safety precautions can help to prevent house fires, minimize fire damage, and protect your family. ] However, if your home is damaged by fire, smoke, and water damage, SERVPRO of St. Charles/Geneva/Batavia can help you recover quickly.

After a fire, once you and your family is safe, the first step is to call your insurance company. The sooner you make contact and start the claims process, the quicker you and your family can resume your lives. Most insurance companies have a 24-hour emergency claims numbers; however, if you are unable to reach a live agent, leave a clear message explaining the damage, and provide a phone number where you can be reached. SERVPRO of St. Charles/Geneva/Batavia can work with you to file a claim allowing the recovery and restoration process to begin immediately.

 
Once the fire department has deemed your home is safe to enter, proceed with due caution and wear proper protective clothing and footwear. In your initial walk through, take photos and videos of the damage. If you have an inventory of items in your home, you can begin the process of checking off items that have been affected by fire or smoke damage. Meticulously cataloging each damaged item helps hasten the insurance claims process allowing you and your family to get your life back to business as usual. The SERVPRO of St. Charles/Geneva/Batavia team is highly trained to assess the damage to the contents of your home, and its structure, and can assist you throughout the inventory process.  We can quickly determine if items are a total loss, or whether they can be restored to pre-fire condition. Even items that may seem hopelessly lost to the devastating effects of the fire damage may be recovered and restored by a professional fire restoration team. 

The final steps are cleaning and rebuilding, and yes, SERVPRO of St. Charles/Geneva/Batavia is here to help with you throughout these steps as well. Cleaning up after a fire can be daunting, and even dangerous. Weakened structure, standing water, charred household items, damaged electrical appliances, and soot-covered keepsakes make it difficult to know where to begin. And, don’t discount the emotional side effects that a fire in your home will have on you, and your family. Allow your locally owned SERVPRO of St. Charles/Geneva/Batavia to assist you throughout the clean-up and rebuilding process, and you focus on attending to you and your family’s immediate needs and healing.

Seeking support throughout the fire recovery process is important too. Reaching out to friends, extended family, your worship community, and professional counseling are essential to the house fire recovery process. In fact, while fire damage restoration can take a few weeks to a few months with SERVPRO of St. Charles/Geneva/Batavia, the emotional recovery may take several more months. This is particularly true for the children in the household; be sure to consult a grief counselor if your children begin to show signs of fear and anxiety.

In the days and weeks after a house fire it may seem life may never return to normal. However, it most certainly can and your local SERVPRO of St. Charles/Geneva/Batavia is here to help you every step of the way.

For more information, please visit us at http://www.SERVPROstcharlesgenevabatavia.com/.

St. Charles Fire Services

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Home fire in Geneva, IL

St. Charles Fire Damage Services for Your Home

While we hope you will never need our services, please know that SERVPRO of St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia stands at the ready in the event of an emergency. We specialize in fire damage restoration. From the moment the smoke clears, our professional and efficient specialists work diligently to clean and restore your home. Providing fire damage service in St. Charles, Illinois as well as Geneva, Batavia and the surrounding areas - SERVPRO is a name you can trust.

Here is a brief list of the services we provide:

1. Water Removal: After a fire, the damage to a property is not limited to just charred walls and furniture; the water damage is typically as extensive. Using a variety of methods, from water pumps to commercial fans to dehumidifiers, SERVPRO of St. Charles/Geneva/Batavia works to eliminate this excess water and moisture from your property, furniture, carpet, and other items. This helps to prevent the development of mold and mildew, as well as protects the integrity of the structure. This is why it is in your best interest to contact SERVPRO, your local experts in fire damage restoration and water damage restoration.
2. Smoke Removal: Stains from the soot generated by the fire and the smell of smoke lingers in furniture, clothing, carpet, drapes, and drywall if the smoke damage is not professionally remediated. SERVPRO’s specialists can efficiently remove the aftermath of fire damage allowing you to return the normalcy of life as quickly as possible.
3. Determine Salvageable Possessions:  When fire damage is extensive, it can seem as though all of your possessions, from couches to clothing to electronics must be thrown out.  That is a costly mistake that SERVPRO of St. Charles/Geneva/Batavia can help you avoid. Our fire damage salvaging experts can assist you item by item to determine whether a particular piece is salvageable or needs to be replaced.  With your approval, salvageable items are taken to our specialized facility where we begin the delicate process of restoring the items you desire.

Getting life back to normal quickly and efficiently by restoring and repairing your fire, water, and smoke damaged home is what the technicians at SERVPRO do best.  When you are looking for experts to assist with fire damage restoration and repair near Batavia, IL, make the right call to SERVPRO of St. Charles/Geneva/Batavia at (630) 377-7062. Don’t delay; we are available 24x7 for just such emergencies. The sooner we begin the process, the sooner you and your family will be enjoying your home once again.

If Your Building Catches Fire, Will You Be Prepared?

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

Whether you own a multi-million-dollar corporation that operates out of a large commercial building or run a small, family-owned business that works out of a one-room retail store, it is important that you have a fire contingency plan in place. Your emergency plan should be well thought out; otherwise, you risk disorganization, chaos, confusion and injury in the event of a real emergency. To minimize damages and increase emergency response time, your evacuation plan should include the following:

• Minimum requirements
• An evacuation route
• A safe zone
• Emergency contacts

Minimum Requirements

Your contingency plan should, at the very least, include an action plan that is specific to your industry and worksite. An insurance agency can help you assess your risks, and the local fire department or a Geneva, IL fire damage control team can help you draft a plan that addresses both those exposures and any obstacles posed by your building itself (e.g., layout, structural features, etc.).

Plan an Evacuation Route

Your evacuation plan should include a map of the best evacuation routes for each area of the building. In addition to showing occupants how to safely exit the building, your plan should also give clear directions to the nearest safety zone.

Establish a Safe Zone

Once all of your building’s occupants have made it out safely, they’ll need somewhere to go. Pick one location per emergency route where all occupants can gather. You will want to get a headcount and assess damages, which can be difficult to do if everyone is scattered across town.

Include Emergency Contacts

Your evacuation plan should include a list of emergency contacts, such as the local fire department, the Geneva, IL fire restoration team, local medical centers, a burn unit and an organization that deals in chemicals and hazardous waste.

Every business’s contingency plan is going to be different, but every business should have one. For more tips on what makes a strong evacuation plan, visit the United States Department of Labor. Visit http://www.SERVPROstcharlesgenevabatavia.com for more information on commercial fire damage.

Restoring Your Home After a Fire

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

Having your home and belongings damaged by a fire can be devastating for everyone involved. However, by getting content cleaning and fire restoration services on the job right away and investing in a few things like dry-cleaning and content storage, you can help to bring your home back to its former glory. There are a few steps you should follow to get everything on track for recovery:

• Getting in touch with your insurance company
• Locating a reliable fire and smoke cleanup crew
• Finding a storage space for undamaged belongings

Contacting Insurance

After dealing with emergency services, your insurance company should be the first call you make. Your insurance professionals can help estimate how much your repairs will cost and direct you to fire cleaning professionals in St. Charles, IL who are covered by your homeowners insurance. This can help you get the financial support you need during the recovery process.

Choosing Your Crew

While your insurance company will likely suggest and endorse a number of cleanup crews, it’s ultimately up to you to decide who you want to trust with your home content cleaning. Do your research and find a company that has a reputation for getting the job done right and for following up on their results after you’re settled back into your home.

Finding Storage Solutions

During your cleanup process, crews are likely to use machines and chemicals that rid your home of smoke smells. It’s always a good idea to move undamaged belongings into a storage unit until your home is completely repaired to protect them from dust, debris, and even water from damaged roofing or pipes. Dry-cleaning may be appropriate for some minimally damaged belongings.

Between dry-cleaning, working with insurance agents and all of the other steps of content cleaning after a fire, the home recovery process can be a long one. However, it’s well worth it to feel safe and secure in your own home again.


Visit http://www.SERVPROstcharlesgenevabatavia.com for more information on fire damage.

Steps Toward Fire Damage Restoration

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

Apartment Complex Fire

Smart Steps Toward St.Charles Fire Damage Restoration 

Fire damage to your St. Charles Illinois home or office is devastating, but you should not wait to take steps towards restoring your property. Thanks to your fire alarm system, everyone got out of the building, but now you have to deal with your burned and heat-damaged possessions. When the flames are gone, soot and smoke can continue to cause fire damage. This is why it is important to start restoration as soon as you can.

The First Step To Fire Restoration

You should make notes about what items are ruined or damaged and take photographs too. You’ll be contacting your insurance company and a restoration contractor, so you want to be sure about your circumstances. Misunderstandings are common, but if you have photos and notes, you’ll be in a better position to know the extent of the St. Charles Fire IL, and what needs to be restored or replaced. This should be done within hours after the fire is extinguished.

Once you have a clear picture of the damage, call your insurance company. Hopefully, you can do this the next day. It is important to call them as soon as possible, so they will send an insurance adjustor to your home or office quickly. 

Call SERVPRO St.Charles/Geneva/batavia Reputable Fire Damage Restoration Experts

When searching for a local cleaning and restoration contractor, make sure they are Institution of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certified. These professionals have been trained in the latest restoration technology and have health and safety certification. They will have experience in a wide range of fire damage St. Charles IL, restoration projects. You should also ask for proof or the proper licenses and insurance. 

You may be able to locate a restoration contractor who also does reconstruction. This will save you a lot of time and money. They will first board up your home or office so vandals or thieves cannot enter. They will also work directly with your insurance company to create a restoration plan that will return your property to its pre-fire condition. They’ll inform your adjustor about the items that can be cleaned and restored and the ones that need to be replaced. Your restoration contractor should also be able to safely store some of your possessions during recovery. 

Fire damage includes much more than burning. There can also be extensive water damage St. Charles/Geneva/Batavia when the fire department puts out the fire as well as smoke damage that can go into every part of the house including places that were untouched by the fire.

Let SERVPRO the Professionals Handle It

You may be tempted to get the restoration process started by cleaning things yourself. This is not recommended because it may only make it worse. Some things to avoid are:

• Wiping walls, ceiling tiles or any absorbent material
• Reusing carpet and upholstery that have smoke damage
• Using any food item including canned goods that were exposed to heat and smoke
• Turning on your computer, TV, or electrical appliances before they have been professionally cleaned

The restoration process after a fire can be stressful, but if you have a certified professional handling your insurance company and the construction, there is a good chance you’ll have a full recovery.

What to do While Waiting for the Fire Damage Restoration Company

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

What to do While Waiting for the Fire Damage Restoration Company

When a fire has left your home in ruins, knowing what to do until a professional fire restoration company arrives to clean things up can make a tremendous impact on the overall loss you sustain. Fire damage restoration adds a bit of assurance to an uncertain situation, but fire cleanup is always the first step. Smoke damage and soot damage are two of the unseen dangers lurking after a fire. Both soot damage and smoke damage can have a massive impact. But, how can you avoid smoke damage and soot damage? What do you do to minimize the dangers left behind after a fire has devastated your home? The following tips make it easier to restore your home after a fire, before the professionals arrive on the scene.

Is it Safe to Go Inside?

Your safety -and that of family and friends -is of great significance after a fire. Do not return inside the home until given the green light to do so by the fire company. The smoke smell is one danger left behind after a fire, but there's a variety of additional risks of returning inside the house after a fire in home. Fire damage restoration saves the day!

Board Up the House

You should board up the house after a fire, if the fire department doesn't handle this task. You can use large, sturdy boards for the board up. When the house is boarded, you prevent intruders from coming inside, but also gain additional benefits such as minimizing fire damage and injuries when you board up.

Choose the Best Restoration Company

Fire damage restoration companies are a dime a dozen, but you shouldn't hire the first restoration company that comes your way for a fire in home or fire in business. Instead, choose a trustworthy, reputable restoration company who will exceed expectations. After a fire in home, the last thing you want to do is deal with a company lacking professionalism or who cares about making money and nothing more. Choose an experienced, certified company with a good reputation, free estimates and competitive pricing. Residential and commercial fire damage professionals who care about your needs are out there waiting for you to find them.

What About a Fire in Business?

A fire in business is just as scary as a fire in home and should be handled with the same care and attention. If you are a business owner dealing with a fire in business, ensure that you do not let employees inside the building until it is safe to do so. Salvage any items that are safe to handle, and hire a professional fire cleanup crew to clean the mess that is left behind. The smoke smell is easy-to remove from many items in your business, so don't allow the smoke smell prevent you from grabbing items left behind. A fire in business may leave you unable to operate for a few days, but the assurance offered when you hire a commercial fire damage company puts thins back into perspective. Commercial fire damage is no match for the experts at a fire cleanup company. A commercial fire damage company charges minimal fees for thorough fire cleanup, saving you time, headache and hassle. Find the right commercial fire damage restoration company for confidence and peace of mind.

Points to Ponder After Fire Damage

Although you want to save as much as possible after fire damage, some things may have sustained damage due to the fire and shouldn't be salvaged. Canned goods, beverages, and frozen foods are items that you should toss after a fire. If electrical items were in the home, check with a professional before attempting to use the items again. When cleaning damaged clothes, choose a dry cleaner specializing in fire damage to ensure the smoke smell, soot damage, and smoke damage are all removed from the items. Change the HVAC filters in your heating and cooling unit, and ensure that you limit movement in the home to avoid the spread of soot and other particles left behind from the fire.
Visit http://www.SERVPROstcharlesgenevabatavia.com for more information on fire damage.

Immediate Fire Damage Restoration Is Necessary After a Fire In a Home

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Immediate Fire Damage Restoration Is Necessary After a Fire In a Home

When a fire occurs in a building, a property owner might wonder what she needs to do to repair the damage quickly. A fire in a home can make it impossible for the residents to remain inside the building because of the dangerous smoke damage. The smoke smell can make someone feel nauseated because it will contain gases from melted plastics and burned fabrics, but the smoke damage can also make it difficult for someone with a respiratory problem to breathe. To eliminate the smoke smell in a building, a professional fire damage remediation company will have the industrial-strength ozone purification machines and circulating fans required to purify the air inside a home or business.

Contact a Professional Fire Cleanup Team After a Fire In a Business

Contacting a professional fire cleanup team after a fire in a business or home is essential because they understand how to perform fire damage restoration according to the recommended standards. The goal of a professional fire cleanup is to have a building restored to its previous condition. Depending on the extent of a fire in a home or business, this process can require only a few hours, or it might require several weeks to repair all of the building’s problems. If a building has extensive damage such as a hole in the roof or siding, then the fire damage restoration technicians can cover the holes with waterproof tarps.

Commercial Fire Damage Repairs Are More Complex

Commercial fire damage repairs require expertise because a business’s building is larger, and the structure may contain more items that were damaged by smoke, water or soot. For commercial fire damage, the team of technicians may need to remove an assortment of goods that were burned by the flames. Some of these goods might include the products that were in a retail establishment, including buckets of combustible paint or cleansers. Alternatively, a medical facility might require fire damage restoration, and this type of building may contain sensitive equipment or volatile medications that are dangerous for a remediation team to handle.

A Remediation Team Uses Specialized Techniques While Performing Repairs

In addition to eliminating a smoke smell after a fire in a business or home, it is essential to have the soot damage repaired as soon as possible. Smoke damage and soot damage require different types of fire damage repairs. Soot is a combination of greasy creosote and other substances that will coat surfaces such as floor tiles, light fixtures and drywall. Removing soot damage is an important part of fire damage cleanups because this greasy substance is dangerous. Soot can contain chemicals that are carcinogenic, and the fire damage restoration team must wear protective gear such as suits, gloves and goggles. Not only does a fire damage team need to use caution while removing soot damage to avoid contact with their skin, but also, the substance is dangerous for them to breathe.

A Fire In a Business Causes Extensive Water, Soot and Smoke Damage

After commercial fire damage occurs, the building may also have a lot of moisture problems because businesses are typically equipped with fire sprinklers that will spill hundreds of gallons of water. For a fire in a home or business, there is often moisture damage in addition to fire damage because the firefighters douse the flames with highly pressurized water. A fire damage remediation team will have an assortment of water extraction devices to suction the water from surfaces along with removing any soot damage. It is important for a professional fire cleanup to begin as soon as possible to remove the smoke smell from the building to keep the odor from seeping into more materials.
Visit http://www.SERVPROstcharlesgenevabatavia.com for more information on fire damage.

Not All Is Lost In A Fire Loss

4/28/2017 (Permalink)

Not All Is Lost In A Fire Loss

A fire in home, fire in business or commercial fire damage can be a traumatic experience for any homeowner. When one experiences a fire in home, fire in business or commercial fire damage, it is pertinent to keep your composure and take all of the necessary steps to ensure that the life of you and other people are safe. In the aftermath of a fire, fire restoration services can assist in getting rid of the damage in your home. Companies that offer fire cleanup provide you with all of the services needed to restore your home.

After one experiences a fire damage from a fire in home, a fire in business or commercial fire damage, it is important to contact a fire restoration company immediately. By scheduling fire restoration services right away, you have the ability to minimize the losses, smoke damage, soot damage and the time needed for fire cleanup. You are also preventing a decline in air quality. The air quality deteriorates immediately after a fire. With better air quality, you are able to complete fire cleanup sooner. To begin the restoration process, a representative will ask a host of questions pertaining to the fire, smoke damage, soot damage, and fire loss. Fire loss refers to the items lost during a fire in home, fire in business or commercial fire damage.

When the fire restoration company arrives at your home, they will begin the process by assessing the severity of the fire damage, smoke damage, soot damage, and fire loss. After the fire restoration company has completed their assessment, they will initiate the restoration process by removing smoke damage. The air quality is directly tied to smoke damage and soot damage. Thus, when the smoke damage is eliminated, the air quality improves. Due to smoke odors lingering long after fire damage, it is important to remove smoke damage first.

Otherwise, it will make the fire loss more profuse and fire cleanup more of a hassle. During the initial phase of the restoration process, your home’s windows may be boarded. This is done to prevent additional damage from occurring. They may also place tarps on damaged roofs. The company will cautiously inspect to determine the severity of the fire loss, smoke damage, and soot damage. This gives the company the ability to develop a fire cleanup strategy.

The final phase of fire restoration is fire cleanup. The fire restoration company is trained to restore fire damage in a fire in home, a fire in business or commercial fire damage. After the fire cleanup finished, your home should be as good as new. Do not hesitate to schedule fire damage restoration services right away. Restoration is the final step and it may vary depending of the severity of the fire. Restoration typically involves repairs such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet. In severe cases, it may involve major repairs such as the replacement of multiple areas or rooms in a home or a business. Visit http://www.SERVPROstcharlesgenevabatavia.com for more information on fire damage.

3 Great Tips for Taking Care of Fire Damage

4/28/2017 (Permalink)

3 Great Tips for Taking Care of Fire Damage

Fire in business or fire in home can be an experience that most people will never forget. Watching a home or facility burn can be a very hopeless feeling when nothing really can be done until the fire department shows up to the site. After the fire is over, however, the next job begins. One in specific is getting things cleaned up so that everything can return to normal again. Based on the severity of the fire loss, soot damage, smoke damage and air quality issues experienced, the fire cleanup process can take a few days, several weeks or even months. So, it is very important for people to start their fire loss, soot damage, smoke damage and air quality cleanup solutions
right away. With this in mind, here are a few basic tips that people can use to get started with their fire damage restoration efforts.


Tip #1 – Find Housing for the Family and Addressing fire loss, soot damage, smoke damage and air quality problems

Fire loss, soot damage, smoke damage, and air quality problems in the fire in home and fire in business facility can be a very unnerving issue for all involved. So, one of the first things is to make sure everyone remains safe and secure during these times. Even though most people may be tempted to entire the site to see what they can do recover, it is best to proceed with care. Also, because no one may be able to enter the home until these are secure, the owner should make sure the family in a fire home situation has a place to stay for night until other arrangements have been made. (i.e. family member, friend, hotel etc.) Either way, finding a place to reside is one of the basic keys in making sure the fire loss, soot damage, smoke damage and air quality projects are planned accordingly and with ease.


Tip #2 - Contact a Commercial Fire Damage Service and Fire Cleanup Agency to Restore the Building or Facility back to new

When everyone involved in the fire has been settled in properly, another essential step in any fire damage restoration process is hiring a Commercial Fire Damage Restoration Company representative to supply the needs and requirements of a Commercial fire damage project. A commercial fire damage services can provide a number of essential needs including making an assessment of every thing that must be done to restore the burnt facility to its original state. The fire in home and fire in business services needs may vary based on its needs so it is best for the specialists to accesses and identify the commercial fire damage and the fire in home and fire in business prior to making a decision to buy.


Tip #3 - Fire in home and fire in business and Fire Damage and Fire Cleanup Procedures

Implementing the right kind of Fire cleanup procedures can be a challenge. Even for the most creditable and reputable Fire Damage and Fire Cleanup companies. So, it is very important that people do their homework first to see what will need to be accomplished in the interim. Some of the plans that the company implements can be a little difficult and daunting at times. Therefore, people can see what they can be do to alleviate all of the smoke damage in order for it to be a successful way to remove any of the fire damage that has already been done. Visit http://www.SERVPROstcharlesgenevabatavia.com for more information on fire damage.

What is Fire Loss Restoration?

3/30/2017 (Permalink)

What is Fire Loss Restoration?

Experiencing a fire loss causes stress on top of devastation. No one has to weather the situation alone though. While the insurance company helps settle the claim, call SERVPRO for help getting things back to normal. Whether fire damages a home or business due to arson, wildfire, or accidental fire, remediating the damage and restoring the structure and its contents takes time and a professional effort. The SERVPRO serving St. Charles and Batavia, Illinois can help address fire's destruction and its residual effects of smoke damage, soot damage, and water damage from fire supression efforts. Recovering from a fire loss consists of much more than gutting burned lumber and rebuilding. It extends to fire cleanup and abatement needs that address air quality issues, and mediate the potential development of mold and mildew from water damage caused by fire suppression efforts.

First Steps

From the moment of the first flame, the home or business owner mitigates damage by taking the right steps in the right order. Here's what to do.

    If present when fire breaks out, evacuate the premises. Do not try to save any items. Focus on getting safely out of the structure and away from the fire.
    Once at a safe distance, call 911 for fire suppression help. Also, request medical assistance, if needed.
    Call the insurance company that covers the home or business to get things moving on the claim.
    An insurance agent will examine the damage once fire personnel declare the structure safe to enter. The insurance agent may ask the homeowner or business proprietor to tour the structure with them.
    Request an advance against the eventual claim to address emergency needs and/or living expenses.
    Discuss whether the policy covers restoration services. If it does, the agent will probably suggest the owner obtain estimates from a few companies.
    Remove salvageable items to an unaffected area before repairmen and restoration professionals begin work.



The post-fire cleaning, repair, and restoration process requires special training. DIY efforts are not recommended. While the insurance company processes the claim, the home or business owner can jump start the return to normal by having Illinois SERVPRO professionals address the various types of damage to return the home to a safe and livable condition, or the business to an appropriate public safety level.

Fire Damage

Damage from fire consists of more than burned lumber. It includes secondary effects. Damage from fire also includes damage caused in the course of fire suppression, such as holes in the walls and broken windows. Fire fighters aren't willfully destructive. They break windows to more safely enter a structure and to vent it. They knock holes into walls to ensure that a fire which seems suppressed doesn't continue burning in the wall's interior. Fire may destroy some items inside the structure, requiring replacement, while flames merely damage others that restoration can salvage. Removal and restoration of damaged items requires a cleaning and abatement professional while wall repairs and window replacement requires a general contractor.

Water Damage from Fire

Water damage also occurs during a fire due to the methods of fire suppression used. Water damage can rot items, and cause mold and mildew. More than an unsightly mess, mold and mildew also affect the air in the structure. Water damaged hardy board or particle board requires replacement. A general contractor can demolish affected walls and replace the wall sections. Mold and mildew abatement requires specially trained personnel and equipment, including drying fans and commercial chemical treatments.

Smoke Damage

Some items not in the main fire area may incur damage from smoke or soot which forms from the debris of burned items. It causes visible damage and affects the quality of the air. Areas or items commonly affected by this secondary damage include:

    ceilings
    walls
    carpets
    fabrics
    upholstery.


Proper cleaning of damaged items removes the debris. In some cases, an item can't be recovered or restored, requiring replacement. Call a cleaning and abatement professional to address this damage.

Air Quality

As mentioned, water damage can spawn mold and mildew problems that affect the quality of the air in the structure. Debris and soot damage wreak havoc not immediately visible, too. Debris and soot collect in air vents. Re-establishing residency or re-opening for business without professional abatement creates a risk of developing respiratory issues. Fire debris spread by an un-abated HVAC system may adversely affect those with health conditions like COPD or asthma. An HVAC professional should examine and clean the structure's air systems and vents before the structure is returned to regular use. SERVPRO even provides odor control technicians. Although a bad smell might not cause disease, it does cause discomfort. Technicians thoroughly clean and freshen affected areas and items re-creating pre-fire comfort levels.

Why SERVPRO?

As complicated and stressful as recovering from a fire loss in St. Charles and Batavia, IL sounds, SERVPRO can help. The team provides complete fire cleanup, remediation and recovery teams that can address the contracting, air issues, water damage, HVAC, and damage caused by fire and smoke. The IL team works to restore the structure and contents to normal while the insurance company works on the claim. Although some companies rush the process, SERVPRO puts a premium on restoration of items rather than replacement. Each SERVPRO is locally owned and operated. It understands the importance of mementos, memories, and making things work. SERVPRO quickly addresses the owner's needs. The team arrives quickly, ready to work, armed with the latest professional equipment, cleaners, and restorative chemicals. Every technician receives specialized training in their area. SERVPRO hires experienced personnel who have stellar remediation track records. The company's quick response helps reduce further damage and that translates to a reduction of costs incurred by the owner. Together, the home or business owner, SERVPRO, and the insurance company form an unbeatable team that can efficiently, quickly restore a property to a comfortable, safe state.

Visit http://www.SERVPROstcharlesgenevabatavia.com for more information about the fire damage restoration process.

Home Heating Fire Safety Tips

12/9/2016 (Permalink)

Heating with a fireplace

Temperatures are dropping in the tri-city area of St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia, but home heater usage is rising –and so are the incidents of house fires! National studies and our professional fire damage restoration experience have shown that heating units are the number one cause of house fires during the winter months. Of course, there is no ideal time for a house fire, but in the holiday season, it seems especially bitter.

They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and we at St. Charles SERVPRO couldn’t agree more. Enjoy a safe holiday season in the warmth of your home with these home heating fire safety tips.

Check The Unit

At the beginning of the winter months, check your space heater, fireplace, or another heating device to make sure it is clean and in good working order. Heating units that have been in storage all year accumulate a thick layer of lint and dust that can block ventilation, potentially causing the unit to overheat and ignite. Older units can also have worn or frayed wiring.

Poorly maintained fireplaces and chimneys are also to blame for many household fires. Broken chimney flues, layers of soot, and flying embers are all causes of fire damage in St. Charles homes. Have a professional clean and inspect your fireplace and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

The “3-Foot” Rule

Keep a 3-foot area around your home heating unit entirely clear. This true for flammable items such as furniture as well as for passers-by. Designate the 3-foot area as “walk-free” all the way around to avoid knocking over the unit or tripping over cords.

Watch Children

The 3-foot Rule should also be a kid-free zone. Do not allow children to sit or play near the heating unit. Also, never leave children unattended while the heating unit is in use.

Check Your Smoke Alarm

Test your smoke alarm at least once a month by pressing the test button and be sure to place them in areas where you use the heating unit. The National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) also arecommends that you replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

Turn It Off Before Heading To Bed

Although it is tempting to keep household heaters, furnaces, and fireplaces on during the balmy nights, it’s safer to turn them off. The potential for fire damage and the risk of fatalities rises significantly with unattended heating sources.

The joys of chilly nights and holiday family gatherings at home can suddenly be cut short by a house fire. Whether it originates from a heater or another household source, we make your fire damaged home merry and bright again. We are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week –yes, even Christmas Day –ready to begin the smoke, water, and fire damage restoration in St. Charles and surrounding neighborhoods.

Explore our blog for more tips on how to keep your home smoke, water, mold, and fire damage-free. For additional information about our home and commercial fire damage restoration services, click on the fire damage tab on the menu above or call us at (630) 377-7062.

Fire Damage Recovery

12/9/2016 (Permalink)

House Fire

Never is the desire for an ordinary day stronger than the one day that everything is incredibly and heartbreakingly out of the ordinary –like when a fire devastates your home. We understand the urgency. SERVPRO has been coming to the aid of those needing fire damage restoration in St. Charles for some time. When SERVPRO first opened its doors in 1967, we made a pledge to our neighbors nationwide to be available day or night and to have the fastest response time.

Over 60 years later, St. Charles SERVPRO continues the legacy of dedicated customer service in the St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia area. Although every situation is unique, there are some things that similar in every in fire and smoke damage restoration job.

The first is that the destruction does not stop with the extinguished flames. Corrosive residue like soot and ashes continue to etch, stain, and permanently warp anything it touches. Another thing to expect is that there will be other damages to address too. Besides the fire and smoke damage, there will also be much water damage –and wherever there is water damage, mold damage is sure to follow.

SERVPRO’s ability to remediate and restore your home quickly is another similarity you can expect. Below is an example of a typical timeline to fire damage recovery:

• Within one hour of your initial call, we will contact you to arrange an immediate service call

• Within four hours, we are at your home beginning the initial mitigation steps

• Within 8 hours of coming to your site, we will provide you with a verbal overview of the work that must be done to restore your fire-damaged home

We work alongside your insurance company, keeping open dialogue about the services we are providing, documenting your losses, and providing them with the necessary documentation. This keeps delays at a minimum, shortening the fire damage recovery timeline.

As soon as we get the all clear, your fire damage recovery team gets to work. You will notice that we concentrate most of our effort on the clean up. This is because poorly done fire and water damage restoration will lead to having to do it again. That adds to the recovery timeline and could potentially cost more money.

Once we finish the cleanup, we focus our attention on the complete fire damage restoration of your home. Items that require a specialized environment are taken to the proper facilities, meanwhile, the ground crew continues their work at the site.

From the agents working with your insurance company to the SERVPRO technicians working in your home, SERVPRO’s response and work completion timeline is unmatched.

No matter the extent of the fire damage to your home, the faster we are on the job, the faster you are on your way to those wonderfully ordinary days. Keep our phone number on your cell and rest assured that our familiar bright green van is on it’s way to help within minutes of your call.

For a more detailed description of our smoke, fire, mold, and water damage restoration services, please explore our website. Alternatively, you can give us a call. St. Charles SERVPRO customer service agents are always happy to assist.