Fire Damage in Mundelein Home Caused by Bad Battery in Smoke Detector?

12/5/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Lake County.

Have you inspected your smoke alarms recently? Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams respond to more fire damage emergencies during the winter months and working smoke alarms are key to allowing people to get out quickly when there is a fire. Here's why it is important to inspect smoke detectors regularly:

Early Detection of Fires: Smoke detectors are designed to detect the presence of smoke, which is often an early sign of a fire, even before flames become visible or the fire spreads significantly. Early detection allows for quicker response times to extinguish the fire or evacuate the premises.

Life Safety: Smoke detectors are a critical component of a home's fire safety system. They provide early warning to occupants, giving them time to escape safely. Rapid evacuation can make the difference between life and death in a fire emergency.

Property Protection: Fires can cause extensive damage to homes and possessions. Early detection and notification through smoke detectors can help minimize property damage by allowing homeowners to take action quickly, such as calling the fire department or using fire extinguishers to control small fires.

Sleeping Occupants: Fires often occur at night when occupants are asleep. Smoke detectors with functioning alarms can wake residents, giving them the best chance of escaping safely.

Maintenance and Battery Checks: Over time, smoke detectors can accumulate dust or become less sensitive. Routine inspections involve checking the unit for proper functioning, cleaning it, and replacing batteries if necessary. This ensures that the detector is always ready to provide early warning.

Compliance with Local Codes: Many local building codes and regulations require homeowners to have functioning smoke detectors in specific locations within the home. Regular inspections help ensure compliance with these codes.

Peace of Mind: Knowing that your smoke detectors are regularly inspected and in working order provides peace of mind for homeowners and occupants, reducing anxiety and stress related to fire safety.

To perform routine inspections of smoke detectors in homes:

• Test smoke detectors monthly by pressing the "test" button to ensure the alarm sounds
• Replace batteries in battery-operated smoke detectors at least once a year, or as soon as the low-battery warning beeps
• Vacuum or dust smoke detectors periodically to keep them clean and sensitive to smoke particles
• Replace smoke detectors every 10 years or according to the manufacturer's recommendations, as they may lose sensitivity over time

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Mundelein has fire damage, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Winter Mold Outbreak in Wauconda Home?

11/27/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold damage remediation services in Lake County.

If you discover a mold outbreak in your home during the winter months, it may be the result of excess moisture or hidden water damage. Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are trained and certified to locate and restore mold damage in homes and commercial properties in Lake County. Mold requires moisture and organic material to grow, and several conditions can contribute to its development during the winter months:

Condensation: One common cause of mold growth in the winter is condensation. When warm, moist indoor air comes into contact with cold surfaces, such as windows, walls, or ceilings, condensation can form. This moisture can create ideal conditions for mold growth, especially if it occurs in hidden areas like behind walls or inside insulation.

High Humidity: Some homes may have elevated indoor humidity levels during the winter, particularly if they are not well-ventilated or have inadequate insulation. High indoor humidity can lead to increased moisture in the air, which can promote mold growth if not properly controlled.

Leaks or Water Intrusion: Winter weather can lead to ice dams on roofs, frozen pipes, and other forms of water intrusion. Leaks from roofs, walls, or plumbing systems can introduce moisture into the home, providing a breeding ground for mold if not promptly addressed.

Poor Ventilation: Inadequate ventilation in bathrooms, kitchens, and other areas of the home can contribute to moisture buildup. Without proper ventilation, humidity can accumulate and create conditions favorable for mold growth.

Wet or Damp Materials: Wet or damp building materials, such as drywall, insulation, or carpeting, can support mold growth if they are not thoroughly dried. This can occur due to leaks, flooding, or improper moisture control.

Indoor Plants: Indoor plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration. If you have a large number of indoor plants and inadequate ventilation, this can contribute to higher humidity levels and potentially create conditions for mold growth.

 Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Wauconda has mold damage, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO^® Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why Are We a Top Choice for Commercial Property Damage Restoration Services in Mundelein?

11/20/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to commercial property damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Do you know that our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams provide a full range of cleaning and restoration services for commercial businesses in Lake County? We have extensive experience working in all kinds of buildings and business settings.

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing and Industrial
• Government/Military

We provide a full range of commercial property damage restoration services, including:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Mold Remediation
• Commercial Storm Damage Cleanup
• Disaster Recovery Team

Although we are better known for fire and water mitigation and restoration services, we also provide a wide variety of commercial deep cleaning services. These deep-cleaning services exceed the scope of routine janitorial services and are designed to keep your business looking its best:

• Air Ducts and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Biohazard and Sewage
• Trauma and Crime Scene
• Carpet and Upholstery
• Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Vandalism

 Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in Mundelein has a property damage emergency or you want to schedule a deep cleaning service, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Broken Pipe Floods Mundelein Home While Homeowners Are Out of Town?

11/14/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Mundelein.

We never thought our Mundelein area home would suffer a catastrophic pipe failure, or that we would walk into a flooded house when we came home from our trip, but both happened! Our water supply line had a leak that released a large amount of water into our home, causing major flooding. Our insurance adjuster told us to call the professionals at SERVPRO of Mundelein / North Wauconda, and they sent a team out right away.

The team used powerful water extraction equipment to quickly remove the water from the floor and then the technicians set up air dryers and blowers and monitored and documented the drying process. Once the first floor was completely dried, they cleaned and sanitized the damaged area, replaced the drywall, and repainted the rooms. Now you would never know we had a flood in our home!

Why are we a leading choice for water damage restoration services?

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Call Us Today!

When you discover water damage in your Mundelein home or commercial business, SERVPRO of Mundelein / North Wauconda team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your damage “Like it never even happened

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Tips for Preventing Frozen Plumbing Pipes in Wauconda?

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in water damage restoration services in Lake County.

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams respond to water damage emergencies each fall and winter related to frozen pipes. Any type of plumbing pipe can burst under the right conditions. Here are some tips for preventing frozen pipes from the Lake County Department of Public Works:

• When traveling, set your thermostat no lower than 55° Fahrenheit.
• Seal basements and crawl spaces as tightly as possible to keep cold air out.
• Unhook any hoses that are connected to outdoor faucets.Store them indoors or in the garage during the winter. A connected hose with water in it will freeze. As the ice forms, it will expand back into your house and break the pipe. 
• Look around your home for areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas to locate the pipes most susceptible to freezing.Consider your options to insulate these pipes for better protection. 
• If temperatures fall below zero, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow for warmer air to reach the pipes.Let cold water drip from faucets that are susceptible to freezing. Running water through a pipe, even at a trickle, can help prevent pipes from freezing.

Call Us Today!

When your Wauconda home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are always Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® of Mundelein and North Wauconda are independently owned and operated.

Slow Cooker Found as Cause of Kitchen Fire in Wauconda?

10/24/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Lake County.

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are trained and certified to restore fire damage in Wauconda by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Today many households are using electric cooking appliances to prepare meals. Here are some electrical appliance safety tips for operating a slow cooker from the National Fire Protection Association:

A slow cooker is designed to be left on while you do other things, even things outside of the home. However, there are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Keep things that could catch fire away from the slow cooker.
• Make sure the slow cooker is in a place where it won’t get bumped. If the lid gets dislodged, the liquid could boil away, which could cause the appliance to overheat and create a fire.

Key Safety Tips

• Always use cooking equipment like air fryers, slow cookers, electric skillets, hot plates, griddles, etc., that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on where and how to use the appliance
• Remember to unplug all appliances when not in use.
• Check cords regularly for damage. Do not use any appliance with a damaged cord.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Wauconda has fire damage, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Mundelein Businesses Rely on Us to Restore Commercial Property Damage?

10/17/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in commercial property damage restoration services in Lake County.

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are trusted leaders in commercial property damage restoration services. When you arrive at work to find a broken window, fast mitigation is required to prevent secondary damage to the structure.

Broken windows can allow moisture and water into the building, creating conditions for mold growth. When your building is compromised by a broken window or other damage, we will immediately tarp and board up any areas exposed to the elements to minimize the chances of additional damage when we arrive. We will also clear the property of any debris, clean and sanitize the damaged area, and supervise the replacement of the broken window. This gives our customers peace of mind knowing they have one qualified team managing the entire restoration process from start to finish.

Why are we a top choice for commercial property damage restoration services?

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Independently Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in Mundelein has a property damage emergency and you need restoration services, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Comprehensive Mold Remediation Process Used to Restore Mold Damage in Wauconda?

10/10/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in mold damage restoration services in Lake County!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are trusted leaders in mold damage removal services. We follow a seven-step remediation process when restoring mold damage as follows:

1. Emergency Contact
2. Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

We follow local and state laws regarding inspection and documentation based on your unique situation.

3. Mold Containment

We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

4. Air Filtration

We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while mold remediation is in process.

5. Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. We remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials when remediating heavy mold growth.

6. Cleaning Contents

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We also remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

7. Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may require the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Wauconda has a mold outbreak and you need mold remediation services, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Overloaded Extension Cord Starts Fire in Mundelein Home?

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Electrical fires are one of the leading causes of fire damage in the United States. Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams want everyone to be safe around electrical cords and offer these extension cord safety tips from the Electrical Safety Foundation International (EFSI):

• Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.
• Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
• Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings, or floors.
• Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.
• Multiple plug outlets must be plugged directly into mounted electrical receptacles; they cannot be chained together.
• Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip is rated for the products to be plugged in and is marked for either indoor or outdoor use.
• Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way.
• Never use three-prong plugs with outlets with only two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit. Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit.
• Buy only cords approved by an independent testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), Intertek (ETL), or Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Mundelein sustains any fire damage, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Wauconda Community Takes Part in National Preparedness Month?

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are trusted leaders in storm damage restoration services. Disasters can occur for many reasons, so it is good for everyone in the community to be prepared for any eventuality!

In September each year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hosts National Preparedness Month, and this year’s theme focuses on meeting the needs of elderly populations when a disaster occurs. According to the Red Cross, several factors make older adults more vulnerable, including:

• A greater prevalence of chronic conditions, multi-morbidity, cognitive impairment, and medication concerns during disasters.
• A greater dependence on assistive devices (i.e., walkers, glasses) and support. requirements, from caregivers and others, during disasters.
• Likelihood of social isolation.
• Potential for psychological distress
• Gaps in how prepared the caregivers of older persons are, especially those who care for older adults with dementia.

When individuals and communities are prepared, they are better equipped to handle emergencies, reducing the burden on first responders and emergency services. This allows these organizations to focus their resources on the most critical areas and provide assistance to those who need it the most.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Wauconda has a storm damage emergency, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.