The Hidden Danger of Faulty Surge Protectors: Fire Risks in South Shore Homes?

11/12/2024 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in Chicago.

Our local Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville teams are leaders in fire damage restoration services in South Shore. Surge protectors shield your home's electronics from power surges, but when they fail, they can cause fires. A faulty surge protector may overheat, leading to electrical shorts that can ignite nearby flammable materials, such as carpets or curtains. These devices are often overloaded by plugging in too many high-wattage appliances, increasing the fire risk.

One common issue with surge protectors is their wear over time. Internal components can degrade, leading to overheating, even if the external case appears intact. Surge protectors used in humid or dusty environments may also malfunction due to internal corrosion, making them even more prone to failure.

Avoid using damaged or outdated devices to prevent surge protector-related fires, and never exceed their wattage limits. Make sure surge protectors are plugged directly into a wall outlet, and avoid using them with extension cords, which can increase the load.

Additionally, consider purchasing surge protectors with built-in safety features, such as thermal fuses and automatic shut-off capabilities. Regularly inspect your surge protectors for any signs of damage and replace them as needed to protect your home from the risk of fire damage.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in South Shore has fire damage from a failed household appliance, our Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville will restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 312-509-5000.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Streamlining Commercial Property Restoration: The Benefits of Using One Qualified Company in Bronzeville?

11/5/2024 (Permalink)

We provide commercial reconstruction services in Chicago.

When commercial property damage occurs, time is of the essence. Every day a business remains closed represents lost revenue, making quick and efficient restoration essential. Hiring our local Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville teams means you’ll have one qualified restoration company handling every phase of the reconstruction process—from initial cleanup to the final rebuild.

First, the cost savings are significant. One company managing the entire project eliminates the need for multiple contractors, reducing labor costs and preventing delays due to vendor miscommunication. More importantly, this unified approach simplifies the insurance claims process. With our team assisting with the insurance process and documentation, a faster resolution is ensured, further enhancing the cost-effectiveness of this approach.

Also, the convenience of having a single project manager oversee the entire restoration process is a significant advantage. This streamlined approach eliminates the need for business owners to juggle multiple contacts and schedules, ensuring everything runs smoothly and on time. This reduces stress and allows the business to focus on getting back to business and reopening as quickly as possible.

We understand that time is money for commercial property owners. Our experience managing complex projects allows us to minimize downtime, helping businesses return to preloss conditions swiftly and efficiently.

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home in Bronzeville needs reconstruction services, our Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville will restore your property damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 312-509-5000.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

The Importance of GFCI Safety and Testing for Fire Prevention in Bridgeport?

10/29/2024 (Permalink)

We are trained and certified to restore fire damage in Chicago.

Our local Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville teams are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration services. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) are critical safety measures in homes, especially in areas with water exposure, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoors. These outlets prevent electrical shocks and reduce the risk of electrical fires by automatically shutting off power if a ground fault is detected. However, like any electrical component, GFCIs can fail, particularly those installed outdoors and exposed to the elements.

Regularly testing your GFCI outlets is essential to ensure they are functioning properly. To test, press the "test" button on the outlet; if the reset button pops out and the GFCI is working, press "reset" to restore power. If the outlet fails to trip during testing, it may be defective and should be replaced immediately.

Outdoor GFCIs are more prone to failure due to weather conditions such as moisture and temperature fluctuations. Over time, outdoor GFCIs may corrode or wear down, increasing the risk of electrical malfunctions that can lead to fire hazards. Homeowners should periodically inspect outdoor GFCIs for signs of wear and replace them if they show deterioration. These actions can help reduce the risk of electrical fires and ensure your home's safety.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Bridgeport needs fire damage restoration services, our Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville is always Here to Help. ® Call us today at 312-509-5000.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Cooking Safely: How to Prevent Fires from Ovens and Stoves in Hyde Park?

10/22/2024 (Permalink)

We are fire damage restoration leaders in Chicago.

Our local Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville teams are trained and certified to restore fire damage “Like it never even happened.” According to the National Fire Protection Association, unattended cooking is the leading cause of residential fires in the United States.

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, but it can also be a source of danger if not managed carefully. Ovens and stoves are among the most common appliances that can cause household fires. A fire can start from something as simple as leaving food unattended while cooking or malfunctioning the appliance's electrical components.

Grease fires are particularly hazardous and can spread quickly if not handled properly. Always watch your cooking closely, and never leave the kitchen while using the stove or oven. It's also wise to keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it in an emergency.

By routinely checking your oven and stove you may prevent potential malfunctions that could lead to a fire. Clean your oven regularly to avoid the buildup of food debris and grease, which can ignite during cooking. You can prevent fires and keep your home safe by staying vigilant and maintaining your kitchen appliances.

Call Us Today!

When your Hyde Park home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, our Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 312-509-5000.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire Prevention Week 2024: Focus on Smoke Alarm Maintenance in Douglas?

10/15/2024 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24/7 in Chicago.

Our local Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville teams are fire damage restoration leaders in Douglas. “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” is the theme announced by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for Fire Prevention Week 2024. Scheduled for October 6–12, this year’s campaign centers around the critical importance of smoke alarm maintenance in preventing fire-related tragedies.

The NFPA’s data reveals a troubling reality: a significant number of home fire deaths occur in residences with no smoke alarms or non-functional ones. This year’s theme is a call to action for homeowners to take smoke alarm maintenance seriously. The NFPA advises placing smoke alarms in key areas of the home, testing them monthly, and replacing them every ten years or when they fail to respond.

Fire Prevention Week is a time to educate and remind the public about the importance of fire safety. By following the NFPA’s guidelines; you can ensure that your smoke alarms are ready to protect your home and loved ones, providing a crucial early warning in the event of a fire.

Call Us Today!

You never know when a fire will cause damage to your home or business in Douglas, but when you need fire damage restoration services, our Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 312-509-5000.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

The Importance of Working Fire Extinguishers in Preventing Household Damage in South Shore?

9/24/2024 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24/7 in Chicago.

Our local Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville teams are trained and certified to restore fire damage in South Shore. A working fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a minor incident and a full-blown disaster in your home. Whether it’s a kitchen grease fire or an electrical malfunction, having a fire extinguisher on hand and knowing how to use it can prevent extensive property damage and potentially save lives.

Fire extinguishers should be placed in easily accessible locations, such as the kitchen, garage, and nearby fireplaces. It’s important to regularly check the expiration date and ensure the pressure gauge needle is in the green zone. This simple step can ensure that your extinguisher is ready to use when you need it most.

Also, every household member should know how to operate the fire extinguisher. A quick demonstration can help everyone feel confident in responding to a small fire, minimizing panic and preventing the fire from spreading.

A working fire extinguisher is a small investment in safety that can prevent significant residential property damage. Regular maintenance and proper placement are key to ensuring this essential tool effectively keeps your home and loved ones safe from fire-related hazards.

Call Us Today!

When you have fire damage in your South Shore home or commercial business, our local Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 312-509-5000.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Preventing Residential Fires: Essential Tips for Home Safety in South Shore?

9/3/2024 (Permalink)

We are fire damage restoration leaders in Chicago.

Our local Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville teams are trained and certified to restore fire damage in South Shore. Preventing residential fires is crucial for safeguarding your home and family.

Start by regularly inspecting and maintaining electrical appliances and wiring. Faulty wiring and overloaded circuits are common causes of house fires. If you notice frayed cords, flickering lights, or frequent circuit breaker trips, you must address these issues promptly by hiring a qualified electrician.

Another key prevention strategy is practicing safe cooking habits. Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when using high heat. Keep flammable items like towels and paper towels away from the stove, and always turn off appliances after use. Additionally, avoid using portable heaters near combustible materials and ensure that candles are never left burning unattended.

It's crucial to have functional smoke alarms installed in every part of your home. Make sure to test them each month and replace the batteries at least once a year. Smoke alarms provide early warning of a fire, giving you valuable time to escape. Finally, keep a fire extinguisher accessible in critical areas of your home, such as the kitchen and garage, and ensure everyone in your household knows how to use it. Following these preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of a residential fire.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in South Shore has fire damage, we’ll restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Contact us today at 312-509-5000.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Kitchen Safety Alert: Dish Towel on the Stove Sparks a Fire in Hyde Park Home?

8/20/2024 (Permalink)

We are fire damage restoration leaders in Chicago.

A seemingly harmless dish towel left on a stovetop can quickly ignite, causing a devastating kitchen fire. When a towel comes into contact with a hot burner or an open flame, it can catch fire within seconds, spreading flames and smoke throughout your home. This scenario underscores the importance of fire safety in the kitchen and the need for prompt, professional fire damage restoration services if an accident occurs.

Our local team in Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville is your top choice for fire damage restoration services. Our 24-hour emergency service ensures we are always ready to respond, day or night. With a fast emergency response time, our highly trained technicians arrive quickly to assess and mitigate the damage to begin the restoration process. We are a trusted leader in the restoration industry, known for our reliability and expertise. As an independently owned and operated business, we are committed to serving our local community with dedication and care.

Our advanced restoration and cleaning equipment allows us to tackle even the most challenging fire damage scenarios efficiently. From removing soot and smoke odors to repairing structural damage, we have the training, equipment, and experience to restore your home to its pre-fire condition. Trust our local team in Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville to handle your fire damage restoration needs with professionalism and compassion.

Call Us Today!

When your Hyde Park residence or commercial business has fire damage, we’ll restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Contact us today at 312-509-5000.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Avoid Cooking Up Flames in your Chicago Kitchen | SERVPRO of Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville

6/22/2023 (Permalink)

Has your kitchen been impacted by a fire? Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville to help restore your space!

Whether you own or rent your home, the hazard of fire is just the same. Flames can spark in any room in the home, but the kitchen is an area you should be extra mindful of.

No matter where flames spark, being aware of hazards and taking precautions to prevent disaster is the key to keeping your Chicago home safe. The kitchen has many obvious dangers you can be mindful of to ensure calamity doesn’t occur when you are cooking up a storm.

Avoid igniting flames as you cook by keeping these tips in mind as you work to fireproof your Chicago kitchen:

Fire Damage Assistance When You Need It in Chicago

3/27/2023 (Permalink)

We want to help you erase some of the memories of fire damage in your Chicago home. Call us today.

SERVPRO Helps Chicago Properties Owners 24/7 with Fire Damage Restoration

If you have a small blaze in your Chicago home or business, it might be tempting to go the DIY route yourself or utilize your janitorial staff. However, many pitfalls come with handling fire cleanup on your own. The last thing you need is an increased interruption, enhanced secondary damage, and the potential for immense costs to fix what goes wrong. SERVPRO wants all area customers, commercial and residential, to know that working with skilled technicians ensures high-quality, long-lasting results for any fire-related emergency. 

SERVPRO is here around-the-clock with proven fire damage techniques in Chicago. We can handle all restorations, including any water and moisture left from first responders dousing the flames. Our efforts come together to ensure we can bring your property back to life “Like it never even happened.”

Not only does DIY take longer if you are unsure of where to begin and how to address every issue, but you will also see that the results will be lacking. IICRC-certified cleaning and restoration cuts back on your fire damage claim costs and drastically cuts down on time to get your life back to normal. Additionally, our restore versus replace mindset helps you recover items that you may otherwise deem a loss when approaching house fire cleanup with DIY methods alone. 

What Happens After the Fire has Been Extinguished?

We are here at SERVPRO 24-hours a day, seven days a week, for all fire and water restorations to give you added peace of mind after an emergency. Our crew arrives to handle all debris, and airborne threats throughout your property are too tricky to address with DIY methods alone. The crew chief assigned to our team inspects and assesses all damage to determine the right processes and equipment to use and identify any unique challenges.

Do not enter your property unless first responders deem it safe until we arrive. Keep in mind that any foot traffic leads to tracking of soot and soiling throughout the property, including areas unaffected by the fire. 

It is never good to clean anything before our fire and smoke restoration technicians (FSRT). Letting our skilled and experienced team handle everything is better because:

• We wear all the proper personal protection equipment (PPE) due to any toxic residues and debris left after a fire.
• Our crew thoroughly assesses your structure to ensure safety and stability, including flooring, walls, and ceilings.
• All cleaning measures and products used depends on materials burned or saturated. We consider composition and fire/heat impact on everything before we begin.
• Any moisture inside the building gets addressed with the help of our extraction tools and drying equipment. 

All Fire Restorations Involve a Multi-faceted Approach

No two fire cleanup projects are the same, which is where our perfected techniques come in extremely handy. We combine each method to create a tailored plan to restore your home or business to pre-fire condition, including contents and inventory. Some of the techniques may include:

• Agitation uses movement, cleaning solutions, or both to loosen soils and wash them away. Options include rotating brushes, air or water pressure, scrubbing, sandblasting, and wiping.
• Chemical action with cleaning solutions using the ‘like dissolves like’ mentality. Water-based soils get water-based solutions, and so on.
• Suspension and dispersion to loosen soils on items deemed safe to get submerged in water/cleaning solutions. 

SERVPRO of Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville is here whenever you require professional fire damage cleanup and restoration. Call our customer care team and dispatch a crew to your door by dialing (312) 509-5000.

Chicago Fire Damage Restoration Cleans Interior Surfaces and Air

3/26/2023 (Permalink)

Has your home suffered from a recent fire? Contact SERVPRO for the certified technicians and tools and equipment to handle the cleanup.

Cutting-Edge Fire Damage Restoration in Chicago

Cleaning up and restoring fire-damaged properties in Chicago involves removing both residues from household surfaces and smoke particles from interior air. Of course, these essential efforts require the proper training and equipment to do the job right the first time. Fortunately, for local residents, there is an extensively-trained team of experts in our city that have everything it takes to deal with even the worst fire-related damage.

For over a decade, SERVPRO has been doing fire damage restoration work for Chicago homeowners. We have provided them with complete fire restoration services, including skilled house fire clean up, smoke remediation, and fire and smoke damage repairs. In performing their work, company technicians have successfully: 

• Disposed of unsalvageable contents and materials that have been irreparably fouled by residual, fire-related substances
• Removed harmful acidic residues from household furnishings and surfaces using innovative, wet, dry, and abrasive methods
• Used high-velocity box fans and air movers to remove smoke particles from indoor air 
• Cleansed the air further by employing state-of-the-art ozone machines and air scrubbers
• Minimized the spread of smoke particles from contaminated areas to unaffected spaces by sanitizing air ductwork with HVAC cleaning systems
• Eliminated persistent unpleasant, fire damage-related smells by thoroughly fogging impacted homes and treating affected materials with powerful, industrial-grade deodorants 

These measures help limit additional damage to your household interiors and contents, restore your home’s air quality, and ultimately return your property to its pre-fire state. In fact, our efforts are often so effective that it might even be difficult to imagine that your residence ever experienced a fire event.

As your dedicated neighbors, SERVPRO of Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville wants you to know that we are always ready to serve you. So, if you ever need any fire damage restoration work done on your home, remember us. Contact us at (312) 509-5000 whenever you need our help.

Stopping Kitchen Fire Damage Before it Happens in Chicago

9/18/2022 (Permalink)

You don’t ever want your kitchen looking like this. Contact SERVPRO for tips and tricks to help you be prepared for any fire emergencies in your home.

SERVPRO Advice to Prevent and Mitigate Fire Charring in Your Home

Kitchen fires consistently rank among the most prevalent and costly residential fires nationwide. Moreover, yet, at the same time, most Chicago kitchen fire damage can be prevented by watchful eyes and proper preparation. Keeping your kitchen and dining area safeguarded against fires is essential, as failing to do so may end up costing you thousands if a fire hits. Follow our advice, and the risk of your kitchen incurring fire damage in the future should sharply decline.

Smoke Detectors

Positioning smoke detectors well and keeping them charged is the first step in mitigating fire damage in your Chicago kitchen. Smoke detectors are often the first thing in the room to notice when something is wrong, providing an unmistakable warning when something has overheated or caught fire. Ideally, smoke detectors should be linked to a sprinkler system, but these are uncommon in most homes. For most, smoke detectors only serve as an alert to the presence of fire.

 Fire Extinguishers

To put out fires, you need something capable of smothering the flames. The best option for this is a modern fire extinguisher, which can put out a blaze without any risk of harming your home or appliances. Modern fire extinguishers do not use water as a smothering agent, instead opting for chemical mixtures or carbon dioxide foams to deny oxygen to the fire. Keep at least one in the kitchen and be sure to inspect it regularly. Typically, an ABC type extinguisher is handy to have in the kitchen. Also, keep a fire blanket nearby to smother a flaming frying pan.

 Keep Appliances Clean

Upon inspection, SERVPRO IICRC-certified technicians find dirty appliances as a probable cause for many of our fire damage cases. While many fires start with overcooked food, much more preventable disasters often arise from the presence of extra grime and grease on stovetops, ovens, and other heating devices. These films and organic materials can smoke or catch fire if they are allowed to build up, causing fire damage even to vigilant homeowners who never leave the kitchen unattended. Be sure to clean your cooking equipment to eliminate this threat from the kitchen entirely.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is there for you when a fire strikes your home. Call us at (312) 509-5000.

Can Smoke Odors be Removed After Chicago Fires?

8/21/2022 (Permalink)

Dealing with any remaining odors after a fire will take some expertise and know-how. Call SERVPRO come out and help with the situation.

SERVPRO Improves Indoor Air Quality in Your Fire-Damaged Chicago Home

While fires in Chicago homes can present many effects and obstacles for homeowners looking to recover their properties quickly, indoor air quality concerns present a significant risk to the wellbeing of those entering the home after the disaster occurs. While many of these effects can be resolved with the advanced equipment available to our professionals, cleaning the air inside your house and deodorizing all affected areas, materials, and contents does not happen instantaneously.

While deodorization might be one of the final steps in the restoration process for your Chicago home, fire odors can begin to get addressed in other ways from the time that our professionals first arrive. Our SERVPRO team understands the potential risks of airborne threats including carcinogens, soot, smoke residue, ash, and debris. We have machines that can begin cleaning the environment throughout our mitigation process, including ozone machines and hydroxyl generators. Both of these machines have onboard filtration and an ability to reduce or even eliminate harsh odors present noticeably.

Deodorization is also a vital component of the pack-out process. When our SERVPRO technicians designate contents and belongings in your house for removal to our nearby facility, this happens to allow focused cleaning and odor removal for each item. In many cases, odor removal for removed items takes place in a sealed ozone chamber in our facility. This practice is unsafe for humans and pets to get directly exposed to, much like the use of the portable ozone generators for use inside your home, but both are effective in neutralizing harsh odor molecules.

For lingering fire odors in softer fabrics and surfaces, our professionals can also utilize our thermal foggers. These machines release a dense chemical compound that breaks odor molecules apart, rendering them inert.

There are many effects that a homeowner faces after a fire in their home. Our SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville team knows that We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, and we can arrive quickly with the experienced technicians and advanced equipment to get your home back to preloss condition. Give us a call anytime at (312) 509-5000.

Fire Damage Restoration in Chicago Homes Is Possible with Professional Help

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning a home after a fire is not a do-it-yourself project and using the wrong cleaning solution may even cause a bigger problem for you.

SERVPRO Offers Its Chicago Clients the Latest in Fire and Smoke Remediation

Most of us don’t appreciate how widely smoke and soot can travel in a Chicago home until we face fire damage and need to restore it. As overwhelming as it feels, one of the best resources available to you is quick action and involving a professional fire restoration technician as quickly as possible. Cleaning a home after a fire is not a do-it-yourself project and using the wrong cleaning solution may even cause a bigger problem for you.

In Chicago, fire restoration of single-family homes and condos is possible thanks to SERVPRO and our team of experts. Not only is our staff reachable around the clock, but we concentrate on lessening disruptions to your daily life while achieving the most optimal cleanup results. 

Our staff understands the scientific principles that govern how a fire burns and what its residue looks like. This knowledge helps us match cleaning solutions to suit your needs.

Some of the Most Common Methods We May Use in Your Home can Include:

• Wet cleaning to help remove stickier residue typical of grease fires 
• Dry cleaning helps us when the deposits are more ash-like and starts by using a dry sponge to pre-treat each surface and ready it for the next steps.
• Application of odor-sealing primer to help trap offending odors resulting from the fire

The techniques above are a few of all available to our team of certified experts. 

Our full suite of solutions is available when you call us, and we keep careful records of each step. As needed, we can perform repairs and provide move-out services to protect your belongings and speed up the fire cleanup process.

Fire damage restoration is best left to the experts. A call to SERVPRO of Hyde Park/ E. Bridgeport/ Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000 is an invitation for our staff to leave your home “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Cleanup Is a Job For Professionals In Chicago

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Covering up with air fresheners is ineffective and deludes you temporarily that all necessary cleanup is complete.

Fire Cleanup

Today, many folks take on tasks as do-it-yourself projects, learning from videos and classes at home improvement stores. Although a DIY approach works for many minor remodeling jobs, landscaping and fire damage recovery is a job for trained experts. The staff at SERVPRO have the education, experience, and equipment to restore your home safely after a fire.

After a fire damages your Chicago home, all necessary restoration steps need fast completion. The longer fire damage stands without abatement, the more likely it is that permanent harm to structures, contents, and air quality may make part or all of a home dangerous to inhabit. Our team trains to Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) standards, the benchmarks for safe and efficient procedures to return your home to preloss condition.

Our staff react within hours of your call and arrive with all equipment and specialized products necessary onboard our full-service trucks. SERVPRO sends a crew large enough to begin and complete a full-scale fire damage cleanup swiftly before the acid residues of ashes and soot deteriorate building structures, fixtures, and your belongings. The technicians assess safety first and then design a comprehensive plan that includes cleaning, sealing, and odor removal. Both chemical and water damage from the firefighting efforts are part of the restoration package. Some structures may be too charred to be restored, and decisions to remove and replace need evidence transmitted to your insurance company to limit your out-of-pocket costs. We work with you and your insurer.

The technicians we send proficiently use professional-grade equipment and are certified and experienced. A homeowner who is trying to accomplish the same with rental steamers or carpet cleaners risks making the situation even worse. SERVPRO employees also assess hidden areas, such as your HVAC system and recesses between and behind walls, under floors, and above ceilings for damage. Even small amounts of fire damage left unabated allow smells to linger and deteriorate the structures attached to them or items near them.

Odor elimination is particularly complex. Covering up with air fresheners is ineffective and deludes you temporarily that all necessary cleanup is complete. SERVPRO has odor elimination specialists on staff who use various strategies to neutralize odors for good.

A fresh-smelling, restored home is the result when SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville takes on your fire damage restoration. Call (312) 509-5000 immediately after the firefighters leave to get the process started.

How Can Chicago Homeowners Help Restoration After Fire Damage?

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Space heater fires will cause major havoc to your home. SERVPRO fire damage specialists have all the tools and experience needed for the help you need

Chicago SERVPRO Fire Damage Cleanup Specialists Remediate Space Heater Damage

Home structure fires, even small ones, can leave behind a considerable amount of hard-to-remove stains and residues in every nook and cranny of a given property. While cleaning it may be tempting, property owners can help themselves more by documenting the damage in photos and videos and contacting certified fire damage restoration techs to perform the cleanup.

SERVPRO fire damage cleanup specialists can respond to Chicago homeowners’ cleanup needs 24/7, regardless of the scale of the damage. They keep separate documentation of materials affected to aid property owners with claims filing.

Fire Damage Cleanup After a Living Room Fire

Space heater fires are among the most common types of electrical fires and can leave behind dry soot on walls and ceilings and wet, oily soot from burnt plastic and rubber.

SERVPRO can:

• Remove unsalvageable contents and structural materials, particularly burnt items that contribute significantly to fire damage odors.
• Wipe down surfaces with dry cleaning sponges and mild detergents to mitigate light-to-medium smoke residues
• Clean sheet metal vents and registers with agitation tools such as whips, augers, and brushes. These components can be deodorized with ultra-low volume (UJLV) foggers, which emit water- or solvent-based deodorizers. Flex duct vents filled with soot are more cost-effective to replace due to the number of crevices and the fragility of the material.
• Remove smoke damage from carpeting with HEPA filter vacuums, extractor units with carpet wands, EPA-registered antimicrobial solutions that target soot, and injections for spot treatments of salvageable carpet and pad. 
• Heavily charred carpeting may require replacement in areas where cleanup does not seem feasible.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville renders “Like it never even happened,” home restoration for property owners who call (312) 509-5000.

Is It Possible To Remove All Traces Of Soot Damage From Trusses?

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

You can contact our professionals 24/7. Our fire damage experts are trained in fire & smoke restoration, odor control, upholstery and fabric cleaning.

SERVPRO Understands the Unique Challenges of Cleaning Smoke Damage in Chicago Properties If It Involves Unfinished Wood.

As fire burns, smoke drifts upwards, depositing layers of soot and other smoke residues on elevated sections of your property, such as the ceiling. Some smoke might also find a way into the ceiling void, thus soiling trusses and other structural supports. SERVPRO can help remove the soot and odor, restoring your Chicago property to its pre-damaged state.

Why is it Challenging to Clean Smoke Damage Affecting Trusses in Chicago Properties? 

• Most trusses are made of unfinished wood
• They are located in elevated and hard-to-reach areas
• Cleaning must address odor

Cleaning smoke residues from your Chicago properties surfaces will require various procedures such as chemical agents and thorough agitation of the surfaces. However, the effectiveness of these processes is affected by the state of the surface involved. Structural supports such as frames and trusses mostly involve rough, unfinished wood, making agitation less effective in loosening residues. The materials are also porous, so cleaning agents do not strip away soils as expected. However, our SERVPRO technicians have various resources that counter these problems.

Which Resources Help When Cleaning Smoke Residue From Trusses?

• Specialized cleaning processes such as soda blasting
• Cherry pickers to ease access
• Sealing agents to manage odor

Since the difficulties in cleaning trusses and other structural support are multifaceted, the solutions must also tackle different angles. Our SERVPRO technicians look for ways to ease access to the affected surfaces. We bring cherry pickers or portable ladders to improve access. 

We also use advanced cleaning techniques that help strip away residues and manage odor. For instance, soda blasting, a cleaning technique in which sodium bicarbonate particles are blown onto a soiled surface using compressed air, is mildly abrasive, removing all traces of soot. It also has deodorizing properties. 

It is possible to remove smoke residues from unfinished surfaces with the proper approaches. Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000 to help. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why is SERVPRO a Trusted Name Among Chicago Homeowners for Fire Damage Restoration?

11/16/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can neutralize pungent smoke odors in Chicago attics, but if the rafters and joists are badly fire-damaged, they must be replaced

SERVPRO techs use advanced deodorization techniques during fire damage restoration of Chicago homes 

Fire damage restoration of your Chicago home involves both removing the smoke and soot residues as well as deodorizing the smoke odors. SERVPRO is an Official Licensed Downtown Chicago Operator and has years of experience in restoring commercial and residential buildings.

SERVPRO techs use several advanced techniques to combat odors while restoring fire damage to Chicago properties. The actual deodorizing method used varies depending on the amount and nature of the smoke residue. Once the basic deodorization steps have been performed, the SERVPRO techs perform additional steps to eliminate odors from confined areas. 

How do SERVPRO techs deodorize attics during fire damage restoration of Chicago homes?

Attics present a unique challenge during the deodorization of your fire-damaged Chicago home. The two materials in the attic that are affected the most by smoke residues include-

• Insulation, and
• Structural materials such as rafters

The extent to which smoke has penetrated these structures determines the deodorization technique that SERVPRO techs use.

Fast burning fires can cause smoke particles to penetrate the insulation deeply, and in such cases, the technicians consider removing and replacing the insulation material. However, if the fires are slow burning, the smoke particles usually stay on top of the material, and a ULV fogger is used for deodorization.

In case of smoke residue deposited on the rafters, technicians focus on cleaning them with vacuuming or wiping with a damp cloth, then applying a water-based deodorizer. If the smoke residue is heavy, meaning slight charring of the wood surfaces, wire brushing, or abrasive blasting is used to remove the residue. Technicians then apply a deodorizing pre-sealer that forms a film on the surface to lock in the odors. Mechanical devices like ozone machines and hydroxyl generators are often used to neutralize the chemical composition of the odor-causing molecules. Removing, deodorizing with masking, are two of the processes to restore good indoor air quality.

Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000; We are available round-the-clock to answer your calls. 

Need Fire and Odor Removal After a Fire in Chicago Homes – Call SERVPRO

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is here to extinguish any issues you have with fire damage.

SERVPRO Provides Fast Response to Fire and Odor Removal Calls in Chicago

Homeowners in Chicago have lots to think about after a fire in their homes. The damage caused by the fire is immediate and obvious; however, water and chemicals used by first responders to extinguish the fire can cause additional damage. There is smoke residue throughout the home, and smoke odor permeates the house and contents. Homeowners also have to think about where they will live while their home is being cleaned, and restored along with all of the items that must be replaced. How much will their insurance cover? It is a stressful time for the entire family.

SERVPRO provides fire and odor removal to Chicago homeowners, coordinates with insurance companies, and responds in four hours after your initial call to our company. We understand the concerns and issues many homeowners face after a fire, and we are here to help our customers.

We remove all excess water and chemical materials, demolish structural materials that must be replaced, clean and sanitize all non-porous items and structures, as well as those porous items that can be cleaned and dried. We set up a staging area to protect all items that are not affected by the fire or smoke odors and those cleaned. Odors are removed using the latest techniques by our odor removal technicians. Our building services can also help with the reconstruction and restoration of all areas affected by the fire.

Our services to Chicago homeowners include:

• Fire damage restoration and reconstruction
• Smoke remediation and odor removal
• House fire cleanup

Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville for fire and odor removal in Chicago and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (312) 509-5000.

What SERVPRO Looks for in Smoke Damaged HVAC Systems

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Downtown Chcago property owners breathe easier after fire damage cleanup and air quality control by SERVPRO

Smoke Damaged HVAC system in Downtown Chicago? Our SERVPRO Professionals Can Assist!

Smoke is one of the most common, pervasive, and challenging parts of most fires to remove. It works its way through cracks, holes, and especially ventilation systems to cause damage throughout the home. SERVPRO takes care to inspect and adequately treat ventilation to keep the spread of smoke and its odors to a minimum. Without careful attention, vents may spread smoke particles back out across the home after restorations have been completed. Here's a brief overview of what our inspectors look for when evaluating fire damage and potential cleaning techniques for ventilation in your home.

Visible Smoke Residue

When our technicians can see smoke residue smeared, coated, or piled in a ventilation system, this is a sign of extensive smoke and fire damage in Downtown Chicago homes. If there is no visible residue, this usually indicates that the vents are mostly free from damage and require little to no treatment. However, if the inspector finds visible residue, they note its color, composition, volume, and extent throughout the ventilation system. Depending on the smoke's specific characteristics, an action plan is then developed to remove it in a timely fashion.

Obvious Smoke Smells

In many cases, SERVPRO employees can identify problems in ventilation by the smell alone. Smoke usually creates heavy odors in a home and is thus easy to detect by smell. If smoke can be smelled inside a vent but not seen, this may be a sign of damage in an out-of-sight location or perhaps more extensive damage to the ventilation system.

Filter Quality

Sometimes, filters in the vent system may collect smoke and debris in apparent volumes. Typically, these are replaced after a fire no matter their condition, but it is worth inspecting them to determine the extent of damage to the ventilation system. In some instances, filters may even catch smoke particles that would have otherwise caused problems inside the vents, acting as effective barriers to further damage.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is a local branch of a national restoration company that helps homeowners to overcome fire, water, and mold damage to their homes. Call us 24/7 at (312) 509-5000.

Call The Best in Downtown Chicago for Fire Damage Restoration

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Rely on us, SERVPRO to make your fire damaged Chicago property appear "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Can Get You Back into a Clean Structure Quickly After a Fire

Residential fires are a devastating event for all members of the family. They can cause significant damages to property. The results of a fire are just as damaging as the fire itself. There is damage from the water used to fight the fire; mold can appear, and there is penetrating smoke, soot, and odors.

Due to the many factors involved in Downtown Chicago fire damage, homeowners require quality and experienced restoration experts. SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day. Our IICRC certified technicians are highly trained to help restore families' homes to their preloss condition. We believe in a motto of cleaning and restoring your property quickly to help you get back to everyday life.

Water & Fire Damage Restorations

SERVPRO skilled technicians arrive at your property to make the necessary assessments. We remain with you even after the fire trucks have departed. Not only do we remove standing water, but we also have the skills to tarp and board up if needed. Our specialized equipment and training enable us to sanitize and deodorize your property.

If your residential fire damage is slight, we believe in saving as much of your property as possible. We can clean, repair, and restore as much of your valuable property and belongings as is required. Our compassionate Contents Claim Inventory Service specialists also provide a detailed and accurate list of your belongings for insurance adjusters.

As your professional restoration company, SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is locally owned and operated. This means that we can arrive at your home quickly. We are happy to be a part of our Downtown Chicago communities. If you have the misfortune of having fire damage to your property, call us quickly at (312) 509-5000 to help you begin to restore your life.

Why Downtown Chicago Residents Trust SERVPRO with Fire Damage Restoration of Their Properties?

6/18/2021 (Permalink)

For Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Downtown Chicago--Call SERVPRO

SERVPRO Can Handle Any Size Fire Damage Restoration in Downtown Chicago

Fire damage restoration in the busy neighborhood of Downtown Chicago can be a challenge if the restoration company you hire does not have the right resources. SERVPRO has the necessary expertise and experience to deliver emergency fire damage cleanup to commercial and residential buildings, big or small.

SERVPRO can also involve a Large Loss Team during the fire damage restoration of your Downtown Chicago property in case of extensive damages. We are also a member of the network of Disaster Recovery Teams that can mitigate fire damage in Downtown Chicago. Our fire damage restoration experts use various methods to restore various aspects of fire and smoke damage aftermath.

How Does Smoke Affect Fire Damaged Homes in Downtown Chicago?

Smoke particles can settle on various surfaces and adhere, causing long-term damage. SERVPRO technicians use their knowledge of how smoke behaves during a fire to locate and mitigate damage in the affected areas. Two factors affect the behavior of smoke in a fire-damaged home-

• The temperature of the smoke- As fire blazes on, the hot air surrounding it produces convection currents. Smoke particles are carried along with these currents to ceilings and upper levels of the structure. Fire produces a driven smoke that is forced against the surfaces causing the particles to penetrate deeper. In multi-unit buildings in Downtown Chicago, SERVPRO understands that your neighbors do not appreciate smoky odors or fire damage affecting their units. That is why SERVPRO is the right choice. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.
• The temperature of the surface- One of the factors determining the damage caused by the smoke particles is the temperature differential between the smoke and surface. The higher the temperature differential, the higher the soot deposition.

Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000 for any size fire disaster in Downtown Chicago.

Who can Best Handle Fire Damage Restoration In Downtown Chicago After Electrical Fault Causes Fire?

5/23/2021 (Permalink)

Was your home affected by the fire? Our technicians are standing by to take your emergency fire damage remediation call.

Involve Reliable Fire Damage Restores in Downtown Chicago Like SERVPRO to Help Get Your Home to Its Pre-Loss State “Like it never even happened.”

After a fire in your residence, it is not just what is burned that requires restoration. The unfortunate incident can cause various damages caused by smoke and extinguishing the fire. Experienced restorers like SERVPRO can restore your property depending on the extent of these damages.

Smoke and soot can spread throughout the property, including areas not affected by the fire, especially if not handled on time. If you involve certified restorers like SERVPRO, we can handle any magnitude of fire damage in your Downtown Chicago home effectively. Our team of responders gets to our customer’s property within a brief period since we understand how fast the secondary damages of fire can spread.

How much can it cost to restore my property?

It is essential to understand that smoke and soot residues continue to damage various surfaces even after extinguishing the fire. Firefighters also break doors or windows and put holes in ceilings and walls when putting out the fire. The water used to extinguish the flames can also cause considerable damage to your floor and drywalls. At SERVPRO, we base the cost of repair on:

• The number of affected rooms
• Damage intensity
• Repairs required

These factors and many more may affect the cleanup and restoration cost.

Our restorers have gone through thorough training in using various cleaning products. We can use a stain absorber mixed with a solvent spotter to clean fragile materials or surfaces that cannot withstand direct water-based products or aggressive agitation. 

We can also identify and eliminate hazardous chemicals, gases, and odors using hi-tech equipment. We can use air scrubbers to extract airborne particles, gases, and odors.

Fast restoration by professional restorers can help get your property to a better state than its preloss condition. Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville immediately at (312) 509-5000.

Fire and Smoke Restoration During Cold Weather in Chicago

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

Short of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871--SERVPRO Can Restore and Build Back Your Fire Damaged Home--even during the Freezing Winter Weather!

SERVPRO fire and smoke restoration teams respond during Chicago’s freezing temperatures

Even a small fire in cold weather can cause extensive damage. There is the damage from

• The fire burning inside your home
• Smoke and odors distributed throughout the building, and then there is damage from
• Water and chemicals used to quell the fire are now frozen outside and inside of the house

Colder temperatures certainly present challenges to SERVPRO teams providing fire and smoke restorations to our Chicago customers. Our skilled professionals have dealt with these situations in the past and can help meet every need.

Skillfully Deployed Equipment and Products

Our team assesses the situation and the requirements before marshaling the tools, equipment, and staff to begin restoration. Freezing temperatures with the electricity turned off after a fire may present some unusual conditions. For example:

• Windows, doors, and even the roof may need to be boarded up to retain heat and keep precipitation out
• We can provide temporary heating to thaw the house, water, and contents

Once your home is thawed, SERVPRO can remove fire and smoke damaged structural components and content

• Next, water removal and drying can commence
• Removal of soot and smoke, cleaning and sanitizing
• Repairs to doors, windows, the roof, and the heating system can proceed.

Contact SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville for fire and smoke restoration services in Chicago and surrounding areas. We can help 24/7. Call (312) 509-5000.

Who Can Homeowners Trust for Chicago Fire Cleanup?

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and soot damage should be left to the professionals. Call SERVPRO with their IICRTC certified technicians for the job.

Chicago fire mitigation and remediation is a SERVPRO focus. 

Most people recognize references to the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Many would be surprised to learn that other fires also had significant impacts on the Windy City area over the past 150 to 200 years. A noteworthy fire even took place at the site of the city's predecessor, Fort Dearborn, during the War of 1812. 

What Happened During the Great Chicago Fire?

Tradition blames a clumsy cow, which has since been exonerated, but the fire of 1871 did ignite on October 8 in a barn on Chicago's southwest side. The wooden structures making up the residential and commercial housing stock of the period burned swiftly. Flames also spread because of:

• Recent drought conditions
• Fierce fanning by southwest winds
• Tired firefighters due to a significant blaze fought the previous day

The fire burned from Sunday night until Tuesday, causing roughly 300 deaths and razing 18,000 properties in the vicinity of the central business district.

How Did the People and Businesses of Chicago Respond After the Fire?

As happened many times over the decades, Chicago rebuilt. Changes in technologies support the construction of properties better able to withstand the heat, flames, and smoke. Unfortunately, advances in fire-proofing buildings proved not foolproof. On December 30, 1903, the Iroquois Theatre burned, killing more than 600 people during a well-attended performance of "Mr. Blue Beard." The fire started when a lighting fixture shorted, setting fire to a curtain. Tragically the configuration caused the most deaths ever of both a theater and any single building in United States history. Risks to theatergoers heightened for many reasons, including:

• Building plans provided only one entrance and inadequate exits for the three viewing levels within
• Failure to build an intake, or stage draft shaft
• Exposed flammable reinforcement of the proscenium arch
• Excessive use of wood trim on everything 
• Complete lack of proactive protections, of note:
• Lack of sprinklers
• Zero alarms or telephones
• No water connections

Are Any Other Chicago Fires in the History Books?

A heartbreaking incident occurred on December 1, 1958, in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. Before the end of the school day, a blaze trapped staff and students on Our Lady of the Angels School's stairway. Although the fire department responded swiftly, 92 children and three nuns lost their lives in the crisis. Others were injured as they jumped from windows to avoid the fire and smoke.

Where Can Current Chicago Homeowners Find Reputable Fire Recovery Services?

Obtaining reliable fire cleanup for Chicago residences today requires reaching out to our highly qualified team of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT).

We offer customers:

• Thorough safety hazard assessment and recommended controls
• Emergency services, including
• Firefighting water removal
• Clearing of charred debris
• Evaluation of residues followed by professional matching with effective products, tools, cleaning methods
• Implementation of the residue removal plan
• Deodorization, the ultimate fire aftermath cleaning

Rely on SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville for top-notch smoke and soot cleanup. Call (312) 509-5000 to set recovery in motion.

Where Can I Find Removers for Fire Debris?

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

You may be tempted to DIY this damage. Don't go it alone. Call us today!

SERVPRO Offer Chicago Residents Fire Damage Cleanup for Disposal and Salvage of a Burnt Property

Are qualifications necessary for fire restoration?

At SERVPRO, our technicians hold qualifications from the Institute of inspection, cleaning, and restoration (IICRC) certifications. Our services assure that the cleanup of your Chicago home is professional, accountable, and expert. Typically, a house fire produces significant amounts of non-salvageable debris. Technicians can identify cleanable, disposable items as well as areas that may require additional inspection through demolition. Accurate assessments can reduce the overall cost of your claim by restoring things rather than resorting to replacements. The restoration process can involve cleaning items back to a usable state or mechanical Esporta washing.

What factors influence fire damage cleanup for Chicago residents?

• Salvageable contents or structure
• Non-salvageable contents or structure
• Demolition to expose hidden areas

Is odor control a part of a restoration?

When we perform fire damage cleanup in your Chicago home, we take responsibility for contents, structure, and indoor air quality. Fire odors can be among the most challenging remnants of a property fire to remove without professional equipment. SERVPRO technicians can bring in portable air-scrubbers to the property to filter out dust or other odor-causing particles. This equipment can be especially in situations where demolition may be necessary to assess the home's inner cavities. If there are signs of smoke damage within the cavity, it may be required to remove porous materials such as insulation from the wall cavities. Equally, we may need to clean interior walls within cavities to ensure that odors do not last beyond the cleanup.

What can other methods be used to control fire odors?

• Ventilation or air moving device
• Negative air pressure or vacuuming using high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters
• Direct application of deodorant solvents

Bringing a home back to its preloss condition requires expertise and patience. Contact SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000.

More about Chicago.

What are the Best Ways to Deodorize After a Fire in Chicago?

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Even a small fire in your home might need restoration services to fix some of the damage. Call SERVPRO for fire damage remediation services.

Our Chicago-Based SERVPRO Team Effectively Removes Odors from Your Property

When dealing with the aftermath of a fire, no matter how big or small, it is overwhelming to any Chicago homeowner. After assessing the damage and removing dangerous hazards, one of the most challenging issues is the long-lasting odor. Simply turning on a fan or opening a window typically does not suffice in removing the offensive smells caused by smoke residue seeping into every nook and cranny of your house. Our team creates a mitigation plan which includes serious multi-step deodorization techniques.

What Should I Do if Odor is Extremely Offensive?

Fire Restoration Specialists Use Specialized Equipment, Techniques, and Products

In Chicago, fire damage restoration projects take patience and expertise. If the fire occurred during the harsh winter months, any open ventilation might be out of the question, mainly if you dwell within the property. In addition to closed ventilation, SERVPRO technicians use masking agents like deodorizing beads in conjunction with odor counteractants that absorb odors. However, some fires like a protein kitchen fire cause much more potent malodors requiring additional measures.

What Kinds of Heavy-Duty Equipment Do Technicians Use to Rid My Home of Strong Smoke Odors?

• Thermal Foggers such as the Electro-Gen™ Thermal Fogger; These foggers apply dry fog at a rate of 1,000 cubic feet per minute and can reach and attack odors where less aggressive methods cannot. 
• Air purifiers like the Titan Photocatalytic Hydroxyl Generator emit UVA rays to form electron-hole pairs, causing a reaction to the H2O and O2 present in the air. Hydroxyl radicals form, the fan disperses them, producing decomposition of the air pollution into carbon dioxide and water. 

For 24/7 assistance after a fire, contact SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville (312) 509-5000. We make it, "Like it never even happened."

Click here to learn more about Chicago.

How Can I Prevent a Kitchen Fire from Getting Out of Hand?

8/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy--Prevent Fire Damage to Your Chicago Home--and Save Money!

Certified Mitigation Professionals Offer Fire Damage Cleanup Services to Restore Your Home

Kitchen fires make up an estimated half of home fires in the United States, but many of these incidents can go unreported., However, soot and residues can continue to cause property damage over time, which can affect appliances, kitchenware, and even your HVAC system.

Homeowners in need of Chicago kitchen fire damage cleanup can call SERVPRO to begin the restoration process in as little as several hours.

Quick Ways to Suppress Small Kitchen Fires

• Baking soda or salt. Both of these can smother small, quick-burning flames in your kitchen without spreading damage. Sugar and flour may look similar, but both are more prone to burning instead of suppressing fires.
• Limiting oxygen exposure. Something in your oven accidentally caught fire? Keep the oven door closed. Fires need oxygen as well as combustible material to keep spreading. A lack of oxygen and access to flammable material can put flames out quickly and limit the damage. Ovens are typically salvageable after such fires.
• Kitchen fire extinguishers. There are many different kinds of kitchen fire suppression devices on the market today for homeowners, including Type B extinguishers for grease fires and magnetic range hood units designed to disperse extinguishing materials quickly in the event of a stovetop fire.

SERVPRO Restores Fire-Damaged Structures in Your Kitchen

SERVPRO’s fire damage cleanup approach starts with removing light soot deposits before moving on to heavy-duty cleaning methods. This approach is not only more efficient for cleanup, but it can minimize damage to your property that can otherwise come from the use of alkaline cleaners or abrasion cleaning methods designed for substantial damage and charring. Technicians also thoroughly clean vents with augers, whips, and brushes to remove soot deposits and soils that can spread odors throughout the home.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville supports the community with a cleanup service that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call (312) 509-5000 to have a team at your home within hours.

Here is Chicago.

Do Agitative Practices Help with Cleaning Fire Damage?

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

Homeowners have to deal with many things which may include fire damage. Contact SERVPRO right away.

Agitative and abrasive cleaning methods can reduce cleaning times and make restoration more cost-effective for customers. 

Even though We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster, our SERVPRO team is always looking for ways to make fire loss recoveries more efficient for Chicago homes and businesses. Because cleaning is such a vital part of the restoration of your property after a structure fire, it is crucial to take preventative steps to lessen the severity of residues, soiling, and debris settling on surfaces and contents throughout the residence. 

We have multiple options regarding pretreatment, and all of these options ensure that fire damage restoration for Chicago homes goes as quickly and cost-efficiently as possible. Agitative cleaning efforts are specifically designed to lessen the thickness and severity of residues and soiling present throughout the property after a structure fire. Especially with damages like soot, effectively reducing this threat can protect the occupants of the house and our responding technicians from the health hazards they present.

Among the most popular agitative cleaning steps are:

• Brushing
• Vacuuming
• Steel Wool Scrubbing
• Soda/Media Blasting
• Pressurized Water/Air

Is It Faster to Rebuild Than to Restore? 

Assessing the structural integrity of exposed elements in your house is one of the objectives of pre-job scoping. Certain materials can become affected by migrating conditions like smoke residue and soot that will cost more to restore than to replace. Drywall and particle board cabinetry are often within these categories. With the low cost of replacement materials against the expense of restoring these same materials from thick residues, controlled demolition is usually the desired path. We make these decisions based on the most efficient solution to get your property back to preloss condition.

We offer a comprehensive approach to restoring your home after a fire. Give our SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville team call whenever disasters strike at (312) 509-5000.

See more about Chicago.

What is One of the Best Fire Prevention Tools in Chicago?

5/5/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke Detectors Can Prevent Fire Damage in Chicago and Save Lives

SERVPRO Tip: Install Smoke Detectors to Reduce Fire Damage in Chicago

Looking on as firefighters busily address fire damage occurring on your property, you see flames billowing out of the window in the room where it all began and smoke everywhere else. When they get done putting this fire out, you hope that you have something left to call home.  
  
Once out, firefighters leave, declaring the area safe and granting entry. However, having fire damage in your Chicago area home leads to a variety of hazards that you probably are not aware of, making it necessary for you to seek professional help from a restoration company you trust. 
 
At SERVPRO, we find that the majority of home fires occur in the kitchen, where without the proper cleaning and maintenance, most appliances become dangerous over time. Other machines, such as crock pots, toasters, microwaves, and coffee pots pose an extreme risk to you and your family if not taken care of properly, leading to injury and even death under the most unfortunate circumstances.  
  
SERVPRO can provide you with many helpful suggestions to prevent fire damage in your home. We can help address electrical distribution problems, where you have too many devices plugged into the same sockets or teach you how to inspect these devices properly to avoid electrical fires.  
  
SERVPRO technicians often find that debris buildup in ventilation systems, around water heaters, candles, or the use of smoking products cause severe problems that you can prevent by simply changing things up a bit to help protect your family from harm.  
  
Smoking materials cause the most casualties out of any other home fire hazard, where smokers fall asleep or do not extinguish cigarettes properly, leading to catastrophic loss of life. Having the proper smoke alarms, detectors, or extinguishers available in your home can help get things under control quickly and reduce losses that you suffer. 
  
However, when faced with larger situations, professional restoration services help return things to normal quickly and efficiently. We can help remove smoke and soot residues that fill your entire home after a fire. Using cleaning and deodorization methods to sanitize the entire area, returning your property to a quality pre-damage condition you can enjoy for years to come.  

Count on SERVPRO for Cleanup of Chicago Fire Damage

Restoration companies provide you with many of the services you need to get damages under control and save furniture and other personal belongings caught up in a fire that occurs on your property. They manage your entire restoration process and make repairs on your property as stress-free as possible. 
 
If fire damage happens in your Chicago area home, contacting a quality company with expertly trained technicians may be the answer, the right company can provide you with technicians that have several years of experience dealing with situations just like yours. 
 
A company, like SERVPRO, has IICRC certified professional fire damage restoration technicians. These technicians follow EPA and OSHA safety and restoration guidelines to protect your property and restore many of the contents of your home, including personal items that you may have thought were lost forever. 
 
You should avoid touching anything on your property after being told it is safe to enter by local authorities. Contact SERVPRO and let our expertly trained technicians inspect your property for hazards and assess the damages that exist. Never count an item as lost before a restoration specialist has an opportunity to inspect it, we may be able to save things that you never thought possible. 
 
SERVPRO technicians make every effort to restore items caught in a fire, rather than replacing them. We want to save you as much time and money as possible, while also returning your home to a quality pre-damage condition that is safe for you and our family. 
 
Our technicians try to make the fire restoration process as bearable as possible. Promoting safety while on the job and protecting everyone involved. We manage your entire restoration process and keep you and your insurance company informed along the way. 
 
We understand how devastating a fire incident in your home can be, so we treat you, your family, and your property with respect. While also providing you with the services you need to return things to normal as quickly and efficiently as possible, with the least amount of interruptions to your daily lives. 
 
SERVPRO of Hyde Park – E. Bridgeport – Bronzeville can provide you with the fire damage restoration services you need to get things under control quickly and return your property to a quality pre-damage condition, call today. (312) 509-5000

More about Chicago.

Are You Struggling With Fire Damage in Chicago? Let's Chat

3/22/2020 (Permalink)

Whether it's an apartment, condominium or single family home that has been affected by a fire, contacting team SERVPRO can be very helpful.

Saving Your Belongings Starts with Professional Fire Cleanup in Your Chicago Condo

The compactness built-in to most condominiums makes them extremely energy efficient, but this type of blueprint can also mean Chicago condo-dwellers share more than common areas. The ventilation system shares air, even when tenants can control their individual unit’s heating and cooling. Natural air currents also circulate air through one area and into (and through) other spaces.

Although the response time is very short for firefighters in Chicago, fire damage cleanup of your belongings should begin as soon as possible to protect them from corrosive molecules in the soot. Abrasiveness is not the only issue, either, as volatile organic compounds or VOCs and other harmful substances end up on surfaces during and after a fire takes place. 

Soot comes in two main types, dry/powdery and wet/oily. SERVPRO uses specific methods to cleanup messes. The makeup of the items we clean also can lead to further refinements of the methods we use.

For example, books might sustain additional damage if cleaned with a water-based method. Brushes and sponges, in addition to vacuuming, can remove dry soot. We might also use a dry soot sponge on glossier covers. We can add these to a chamber used to deodorize using either ozone or hydroxyl. 

A fabric wallhanging or quilt given to you by a favorite relative needs special care to remove stains, or prevent them altogether, as well as remove odors. We use a vacuum to remove as much as possible from the surface, and check for other damage. We can wash many items in one of our Esporta machines to remove stains that are more stubborn. It also removes odors.

Items easily damaged by water and fabrics, especially heavier items, such as blankets and comforters, exist in your condo amongst other belongings. Many of these are made of washable materials. We can quickly clean these up and remove soot. If persistent odors affect your entire condo, we can deodorize with hydroxyl as we continue working to restore your dwelling.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is always near Bridgeport, IL, South Shore, IL, and Woodlawn, IL, to help with soot and fire cleanup, with or without physical charring. We can cleanup any level of destruction and help get your living situation back to normal again. Call (312) 509-5000 for fast, professional service that can help put the mess of a fire behind you.

Click here for more information about Chicago.

Smoke and Fire Damage in Your Chicago Condo

1/31/2020 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Getting Rid of Smoke and Fire Damage in Your Chicago Condo

Living in a condominium and having a small grease fire break out in your kitchen does not just impact your living space, but potentially those around you. The smell of smoke can easily penetrate through walls, making your neighbors less than thrilled by the unpleasant smell wafting into their homes.

If you have fire damage in your Chicago condo, it is essential to tackle the permeating smoke odor right away so that it does not linger and create longer-lasting damage. There is no one size fits all approach to removing odors after a fire. Typically, several different types of equipment and products work together to resolve the situation.

One way to attack the odor is through the use of a photocatalytic oxidizer that uses ultraviolet (UV) rays to shine on titanium dioxide producing hydroxyl radicals that immediately oxidize to break down bad odors into harmless carbon dioxide and water. Another standard piece of equipment is an Ozone Generator. This portable machine irradiates odors by generating an unstable gas of oxygen molecules (ozone) and, in turn, reacts with odor-causing molecules. It works to oxidize residues and remove the strong odor of smoke.

SERVPRO technicians may also opt to use an air scrubber to remove airborne particles, odors, and gases from the air. Air scrubbers pull dirty air through filters, then exhaust the clean filtrated air back into the room. Commonly, technicians use HEPA filters, which catches tiny particles as small as 0.3 microns and activated carbon and potassium permanganate filters to remove a range of gases and malodors by attracting those molecules and moving them through the filters. It is also vital to use ventilation equipment to create airflow, in turn removing odors and fumes.

These machines help in communal living situations since they are portable, and SERVPRO technicians can set them up in a neighboring condo if needed. The project manager may also choose to use other ways to eradicate bad odors such as thermal fogging, and removal of contents to clean offsite. Not every machine or deodorizing product is always necessary to restore your home to its preloss condition.

For 24/7 assistance, contact SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Chicago click here.

Our Experts Can Save Your Possessions After A Fire In Chicago

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Cleaning Your Contents After a Fire in Chicago

Even a tiny fire can cause a great deal of damage to the building as well as the contents. Many clients are overwhelmed and wonder how their families can ever recover from a fire. Which items have been destroyed? What can be retrieved? Where should the family move to until repairs are completed? Who is going to help their families recover? These are just a few of the questions that many clients have after a fire has damaged their homes.

SERVPRO provides fire damage restoration in Chicago and surrounding areas. Our experience has shown that restoring fire-damaged content is less costly than replacing an item. Clients treasure many family heirlooms and things that remind each family member of happier times. Homeowners prefer that these items are cleaned and restored instead of being replaced. We can help and make sense of the chaos after a fire.

How do We Restore Fire Damaged Contents?
Many items can be dry cleaned to remove light debris and particulate soiling. Heavily coated items can be cleaned by fully immersing the piece in water with a cleaning agent. Hard surface items are sprayed with a cleaning agent and wiped with clean white towels. Spraying the cleaning agent onto the piece allows the restorer to mist the object and control how much is applied. This approach is useful for materials that could be damaged by the cleaning product.

We use foam cleaning for fabrics and delicate items that are lightly coated. Couches, mattresses, and box springs respond well to foam cleaning. We use abrasive cleaners as needed. SERVPRO carefully applies these products to avoid damaging the finish. We use scrubbing pads in these situations. These products are available in numerous grades of abrasiveness.

SERVPRO uses full immersion cleaning for many items that can withstand immersion without further damage. We use high-frequency sound waves produced in an ultrasonic tank filled with water and a cleaning solution to effectively clean many items.

SERVPRO evaluates every item to be cleaned and applies the appropriate cleaning solution to remove residue and odor.

Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve South Shore, Washington Park, and surrounding areas. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Chicago click here.

Fire Damage In Your Chicago Home

12/29/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000 to help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Thorough Cleaning Effort Leaves Chicago Home Spotless After Fire Damage

A fire that only burned for a few minutes before it was contained left contents and surfaces in a Chicago home blackened with residue and charred material remnants. Luckily, the owner knows about the restoration services SERVPRO offers and informed us immediately so that we could take over the site from emergency services.

After scoping the fire damage site in Chicago, we realized minimal structural damages had occurred, but soiling was substantial, necessitating considerable cleaning efforts. Our SERVPRO technicians set the ball rolling by performing some critical steps to ensure the cleaning efforts would be fruitful.

    •    Identifying the soil types
    •    Identifying the surfaces
    •    Removing the dry soils
    •    Removing deeply embedded soils
    •    Drying the property
    •    Deodorizing

While most of the soils left by fire are black, they differ in many ways, including the level of penetration and other aspects such as oiliness or dryness. Our SERVPRO technicians identified the areas in the house where there were dry smoke residues so that we could use dry cleaning sponges to remove it. For areas with impinged residues, we used chemical action to remove the residues.

The house had different types of surfaces affected by soot and other smoke residues. The walls with glossy paint were easier to clean since we could wipe off residues easily with chemical sponges. Other surfaces, such as the interior parts of cabinets, where most of the smoke residues concentrated because of colder temperatures during the fire, would require a different approach because of the unfinished wood. Our SERVPRO technicians used denatured alcohol to remove all reside traces. Other wet cleaning procedures helped clean the walls, ceiling, and floors.

Once the cleaning was over, our crews started drying and deodorizing procedures immediately to prevent secondary problems such as mold development because of the excessive moisture left over from cleaning. We set up air movers and dehumidifiers in the wet areas to run for some hours, lowering the moisture levels that could lead to problems.

Seeing your property spotless in the aftermath of fire loss is highly reassuring. Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000 to help. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

For more about Chicago click here.

Another Chicago Fire? Yikes! Call SERVPRO for Recovery

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Chicago Fires Generator Damage, Smoke, and Odors--Call Us, SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

Get Help Removing Foul Odors after Fire Damage in Chicago

A fire in your Chicago home can bring on tremendous damage due to not only the flames but also the production of smoke and soot residue. Get in front of the fallout of fire damage; cleanup should start immediately to make sure that your property is free of foul odors from smoke and soot.

After fire damage in your Chicago home, foul odors are cause for contacting fire restoration professionals at SERVPRO to assist with the cleanup. Smoke smells permeate building materials as well as carpeting, throw rugs, upholstered furnishings, clothing, and more. The following are the factors that determine smoke odor severity:

The Scale of the Fire – A more significant fire brings on more smoke, burning more materials than a much smaller fire. A hotter flame is superheated and propels the smoke plumes deeper into porous materials.

Home Size – Homes with smaller rooms often have a more potent smoke odor due to scent concentration.

Materials Burned – If materials like vinyl, clothing, wood, and plastics, or kitchen protein-based fires, the foul odors are much more pungent.

Our professionals at SERVPRO have the equipment and cleaning products necessary for the removal of odors and soot from your home. It is a crucial goal to improve indoor air quality. We can come in to assess the space and offer advice on the best course of action, including which items are fit for restoration and what should be replaced. Our team uses high-powered vacuum technology for soot removal from walls, furniture, carpeting, and other surfaces as the first step to remove combustible debris.

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRT)
SERVPRO can come in with counteractant chemicals that break up smoke molecules to eliminate odors. The products that we use depend on the materials burned in the fire. Such counteractants may be applied to draperies, furnishings, and carpets as well as for laundering clothing. You should know that over-the-counter deodorizers can sometimes mask smoke odors or even interact to make the smoke stronger.

Advanced equipment like HEPA and charcoal filtered air scrubbers, hydroxyl generators, and in a more challenging situation, ozone machines can be deployed for physical and molecular alterations to subdue the smells.

Do you need smoke removal from the ductwork in your home? Chemical sealers can be used to keep the smoke secured to the duct interior, making for a more effective way to trap the odors.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park/E. Bridgeport/Bronzeville is here for you whenever you need to remove unpleasant odors due to a fire. Call us today at (312) 509-5000 for efficient fire damage and smoke odor removal.

What to Expect During the Fire Damage Remediation Process in Your Chicago Home

9/8/2019 (Permalink)

Don’t get overwhelmed when fire damage affects your home or apartment. Contact SERVPRO to handle the situation!

How SERVPRO Handles Smoke Residue Cleanup in Chicago Properties

Fire damage is one of the most devastating things a homeowner experiences. The charred items and loss, along with the lingering odor, make for an overwhelming situation.

There are many steps to handling fire damage in a Chicago home, among them, are the testing of the residues left behind, so technicians choose the correct cleaning methods without causing further damage. As a fire burns in a home, there are varying temperatures and combustible objects it consumes. This leaves behind various types of residues to remove from surfaces. Testing is an important way to discern the kind of deposit and the surface it resides upon so the technicians apply the correct cleaning products and methods.

Initial Inspection Actions

During the preliminary review of the property, SERVPRO does initial scoping for damage and testing of residues to evaluate the nature of the damage done to the property as well as the necessary actions to restore it to its preloss condition.

Elimination of Residues

The removal of smoke residues is a two-step process. For a removal to occur, the residues require capturing using different methods such as liquid cleaners, vacuuming light, powdery residues that contain small carbon particles. The use of wet cleaners on this type of deposit results in absorption more in-depth into the surface and exacerbating the issue.

Wet smoke results mostly from the burning of rubber and plastics and require dissolving before it loses adherence to the surface and then wiped away.

Dissolving is an exacting process that has three main steps — washing the surface which loosens the residue and holds it in suspension for removal. Rinsing to ensure removal occurs and finally drying to complete the cleaning process.

Unique Surface Qualities Must Be Considered

Some surfaces cannot tolerate the application of water, and others cannot tolerate any type of solvents. This is just one reason is why pretesting is vital to a good outcome for restoration services.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is available 24/7 to handle any size smoke and fire damage to your property. Contact our technicians at (312) 509-5000, and we arrive within an hour of your initial call because We're Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Click here to see more info about the city of Chicago.

Don't Let A Fire Destroy Your Chicago Home This Summer

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

If a sudden fire interrupts your summer, never hesitate to get help.

What You Can Do When Fire Damage Throws Off Your Summer Plans In Chicago

Summer is the time of year that families spend time with each other, and go on vacation, but those plans can be quickly interrupted when sudden fire damage breaks out on your property. In the case of your home, an electrical fire caused quite significant damage inside of your small upstairs half-bathroom. For any homeowner, this is a nightmare, but the situation becomes even more challenging for you.

It is never a fun time when the fire damage in your Chicago home makes it so you must cancel your plans. Sudden, and last minute, cancellations often have fees attached to them, so you are already stressed about the lost investments. However, now you must also reach out for help promptly, to ensure that the fire damage inside of your home can be remediated smoothly.

Here, at SERVPRO, we understand that you want the nightmare of the fire damage in your home to be over as fast as possible. For this reason, SERVPRO always gathers a team of highly trained technicians and sends them to your property swiftly as soon as we receive your call. Fire damage can be incredibly time sensitive, but we also understand that you, as a homeowner, can feel very anxious sitting on such intense damage inside of your home.

When SERVPRO gets to your home, we can take inventory of everything lost in the fire and help you with making an insurance claim. Furthermore, we can help you look into the possible coverage of your lost trip through your insurance agency, as the expenses were wasted by the sudden fire in your home. From there, SERVPRO can begin remediation by removing any damaged materials that are not salvageable.

SERVPRO can clean the soot caking your bathroom sink, toilet, and bathtub using a house-made chemical cleaner. The solution was designed with breaking down the chemical composition of the greasy soot in mind. Afterward, we can use the same process to clean the floors and remove soot from any surface that has been impacted. SERVPRO can also use a thermal fogger to address the malodor caused by fire. Moreover, finally, we can help you hire a contractor for the sections of drywall that were removed.

If a sudden fire interrupts your summer, never hesitate to get help. Speak with SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville by calling (312) 509-5000. Whenever you need us, we're here for you.

Click here for more about Chicago.

We Can Restore Your Property In Chicago To Pre-Damage Condition

4/6/2019 (Permalink)

You can reach us at (312) 509-5000 any time.

How Different Levels Of Fire Damage In Chicago Affect Restoration

Cases where fire consumes everything in a Chicago property, are rare, and there are numerous reasons for this since even a small fire has the potential to turn into a massive blaze. One reason is the reaction time and effort put in extinguishing the fire. Another reason is what fuels the fire once it starts. There are several other reasons so, in the end, each incident results in different types of damages. The different levels of damage might necessitate unique restorative action so involving a professional is a good idea.

Cases of fire damage in Chicago fall into three levels – minor, medium and major damage. At the minor level, most of the loss is from smoke residue. The deposits are also light to moderate in nature, so restoration mostly involves cleaning the affected surfaces. Our SERVPRO technicians can either use dry or wet cleaning techniques to get rid of the residues.

In medium level fire incidents, there is both smoke and heat damage on different surfaces and items, but it is moderate. Heat damage might affect cabinets, drywall, and other contents. Odors might also be more noticeable. Our SERVPRO team can help clean up and refinish surfaces. We clean contents at the job site too and carry out any necessary deodorization procedures eliminating traces of the fire “Like it never even happened.”

In fires categorized as major, heat damage is more severe especially in the areas close to the source. Such blazes leave some of parts of the structures such as framing charred, so part of the restoration process involves structural repairs. Smoke damage is also widespread reaching different sections of the property. Our SERVPRO team can help with the extensive cleanup and removal of debris from the structure. We also help board up the house or winterize it if the incident happens during the cold season. It is still possible to salvage some contents, but in most cases, they require extensive cleaning which we do offsite.

Proper restoration efforts can help restore your home to preloss state. Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville for assistance. You can reach us at (312) 509-5000 any time.

Click here for more about Chicago.

Our Professionals Explain The Importance Of Safety After A Fire In Your Chicago Kitchen

3/18/2019 (Permalink)

We want to help you erase some of the memories of the event by restoring your residence when you call us at (312) 509-5000.

Fire Prevention Safety And Fire Damage In Your Chicago Kitchen

Kitchens in Chicago are the most common rooms in the home where fires begin. Whether prepping for a big dinner with your family or fixing a snack, knowing safe cooking behaviors can help in keeping everyone in your residence safe.

If you are unfortunate to experience a fire and fire damage in your Chicago kitchen, your home needs cleaning and restoration, no matter the size of the fire. Your best option is to contact the technicians at SERVPRO to help you, as we have the training and advanced equipment needed to restore your home as quickly as possible before more damage can be done from settled soot and smoke.

When cooking, do not leave your stove unattended. If you leave the area, turn off the burners you are using. Wear clothing that is close-fitting and short, or tightly roll up your sleeves. Clothing that is loose can hang low onto surfaces that are hot and then catch fire if it becomes in contact with an electric or gas burner.

The goal of structural cleaning after a fire means SERVPRO technicians remove the smoke residues from the structural components of your home and deodorize any odors given off by the residues. We consult and advise you as the property owner on which components of the structure can be cleaned, and which cannot be. Replacement or repair is needed for anything that does not respond well to cleaning.

When cooking, also make sure that the area you are working in is free of any materials that are combustible. Oven mitts, food wrappers or other materials left near the stove can catch fire. Be sure to clean up any splattered or spilled grease. Built-up grease can catch fire on the cooktop itself or inside your oven.

Don’t store things in your oven, including leftover food. It is easy to forget it is in there, and it may catch fire when you go to preheat the oven the next time. Also, make sure to keep a fire extinguisher available and nearby. Make certain you have the correct type and that you know how to use it properly.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville understands that a fire of any size in your home in Woodlawn, Kenwood, or South Shore is scary and unsettling. We want to help you erase some of the memories of the event by restoring your residence when you call us at (312) 509-5000.

Click here for more about Chicago.

Our Professionals Explain The Fundamental Steps In Our Fire Cleanup Process In Your Chicago Home

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster!

Essential Steps In Fire Cleanup In Chicago

From casual observation, property fire is only a single event, but on evaluating the damages left for cleanup, a different picture emerges. You have to combine different skills and tools to clean the place thoroughly. We have certified FSRT, Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians that can clean up your fire-damaged property removing all debris and residues “Like it never even happened.”

Evaluating the level of damage is essential before starting the process of fire cleanup in Chicago. When our SERVPRO technicians evaluate your property, we identify the best methods to use depending on the affected material, what caused the damage, and the level of deterioration. Fires cause damages through heat action, flames and accumulation of smoke residues. The harm caused by heat and smoke is easier to renovate through restorative cleaning unlike damage by the flames.

It is essential to remove any large debris from the house before doing a thorough cleanup. Debris can form from charred contents or parts of the structure. In case the smoke in the fire was too intense, it is possible to confuse soot-covered items with those charred by flames from the fire. Our SERVPRO technicians overcome this by separating debris into groups of salvageable, unsalvageable and questionable items. This allows us to take additional measures such as removing questionable items to our offsite facility for thorough restorative cleaning.

In most properties affected by a fire, smoke residues spread all over the property because smoke moves through convection currents in which hot air displaces cool air. Smoke filters even through the small space left by closed doors or windows. Our SERVPRO technicians use different approaches to remove smoke residues including applying professional cleaning agents that dissolve, disperse or suspend the residue. We also rely on mechanical agitation with brushes or use of power washers which helps quicken the process and remove any stubborn residues.

Restorative cleaning helps make properties habitable soon after a fire incident. Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville  at (312) 509-5000 to assist you. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

Click here for more about Chicago.

Let Our Team Help You After A Fire Destroys Your Chicago Home

11/17/2018 (Permalink)

Our fire damage restoration services can help restore your home.

Fire Damage Restoration In Chicago Can Restore Your Home

The fire in your basement fireplace did not destroy your property, but there are strong smoke odors and heavy soot residue on many furniture items as well as on the floor, walls, and ceiling. Contacting professionals for a job like this can help prevent further damage to your personal belongings and your home. We can restore your residence to its pre-fire state when possible.

SERVPRO fire damage services in Chicago are reliable. Our certified technicians can use dry sponges to remove soot and ash from tables and other surfaces in the affected areas in the basement. If necessary, we may use cleaning solutions to remove dirt and residue from various surfaces like floors, walls, and ceilings. Burned contents such as curtains, clothing, and throw rugs can cause odors, which is why we remove them from the structure. With your permission, the crew can throw away all burnt items. The team can clean and sanitize any items we save and pack-out, categorize, label and store them off-site until they finish the restoring your home.

Removing charred furniture and cleaning surfaces may not always eliminate smoke odors. The techs may also have to utilize industrial-strength odor removal deodorizers to get rid of pungent smells from soft materials such as drapes, carpet, and upholstery. We may also use air movers and air scrubbers to force out smoke odors and to enhance the air quality inside the structure. Thermal foggers can also be put to use to eradicate thick smoke aromas. It may become necessary to employ a portable ozone machine to neutralize and remove lingering smoke smells. If we use this piece of equipment, you must vacate the home until we complete the job. You can trust our crews to deem the air quality inside your property to be at a safe level before you return home.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville can help restore your fire damaged home. If you experience a fire emergency in the area, call us right away at (312) 509-5000. We are close by and are here to serve you in your time of need.

Click here for more about Chicago.

Fire Damage Technicians From Chicago Talk About Communication And Reporting

7/25/2018 (Permalink)

After a fire starts on your property in Chicago the damage may seem overwhelming and devastating.

Communication And Reporting

After a fire starts on your property in Chicago the damage may seem overwhelming and devastating. Any time a disaster affects you, the entire process can be very stressful. The various types of work required can get confusing to keep track of and retain a good understanding of the situation.

Insurance companies can also sometimes be difficult to work with because agents and adjusters often have a heavy workload. From the time our SERVPRO technicians respond to fire damage call in Chicago, to the day we complete the project, we work hard to demonstrate good communication and reporting. We feel that the entire mitigation process goes more smoothly if we strive to communicate well on our end to both you and your insurance company.

After we do our initial inspection and before we start any work, we explain the process to you in detail. Within eight hours of beginning a project, we brief your insurance adjuster and inform them of the initial scope of the restoration process. Our IICRC certified SERVPRO estimators come up with a first rough draft estimate right away. This way your adjuster stays informed from the beginning of the project and gets more time to review the loss. These days, advances in technology have helped streamline our chain of communication with you and your insurance agent and adjuster. We can now prepare estimates easily and save them in digital form. This allows us to transfer the estimates and any updates made to them easily via e-mail.

As soon as our SERVPRO technicians arrive at your residence, we begin keeping a hard copy job file. The job file contains all of the important information regarding the project. Contact information and policy numbers are the first to get recorded followed by a job overview, crew instructions and physical evidence and documentation of the affected areas. Included in the file is a place for any subcontractor information and any adjuster verbal briefing notes.

The last important document kept by our crew is a job diary. The diary describes each work day and keeps track of the customers’ questions or concerns they expressed for each day. A job diary also outlines exactly what type of work was conducted every day our team was at your house. To get help from a company that stays organized throughout the remediation process, call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville at (312) 509-5000 all hours of the day.

Click here for more about Chicago.

Why You Should Never Panic After Experiencing Fire Damage In Chicago

5/8/2018 (Permalink)

After experiencing fire damage, there specific professional services which can help to lower the costs of a claim.

Never Panic After Experiencing Fire Damage

After experiencing fire damage, there specific professional services which can help to lower the costs of a claim. Restoration services work towards reducing the number of replacements which may be necessary after such incidents. If you live in Chicago, apart from being prepared to counter such situations, knowing your options counts and there is every reason to treat such issues with the urgency they deserve.

Let us begin by understanding the underlying cleaning principles that our SERVPRO technicians employ when dealing with fire damage in Chicago. When we are working for you, we always aim to return the materials to their preloss state, and we start off by inspecting the area and locating the smoke residues. When carrying out the inspection, we usually begin from the place where the fire originates from and analyze how far the smoke particles have moved.

After locating the smoke residues, it is time to identify the kind of smoke residues at the site. Given that fire consumes different types of materials, there is a possibility of finding a number of smoke particles within the same location. That helps our SERVPRO technicians to choose a suitable cleaning procedure. Before the cleaning process starts, it is equally important to identify the surface type. While some surfaces can allow abrasive cleaning methods, some area can deteriorate further if we subject them to such cleaning methods.

Certain restoration cases require move-outs before the restoration starts. Our SERVPRO team readily moves your items to a remote location if such a process is likely to protect your contents from further damage. On the same like, there are specific items such as guns, ammunition, and jewelry that we encourage owners to remove from the site before our team can start working.

Odors are a big challenge after a fire, and our team performs deodorization to neutralize the smells. To spread the deodorants, we may either use thermal foggers or ULV (Ultra Low Volume) Foggers. The equipment can also apply disinfectants and fungicides which help prevent chances of bacteria and fungi growth.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is a proven leader in fire, mold, storm, and water damage restoration. Call us today at (312) 509-5000 when you need us to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Click here for more about Chicago.

Cleaning can make A Big Difference after Experiencing Fire Damage in Chicago

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

After a fire soot damage can remain throughout your home

Cleaning, a vital step after fire damage.

The steps you take after experiencing a fire damage incident have a direct impact on your property. Given that such events are traumatic, you need to seek for professional services if you need your concerns addressed in the right manner. There is a lot you can salvage in your Chicago property when the proper procedures are put in place to mitigate the damage.

Our SERVPRO technicians perform emergency services with the aim of limiting the secondary damages that your Chicago property is likely to suffer after a fire damage event. We start by pretesting and in the process find out the contents that you need to replace, items that do not require any form of cleaning and those to clean. Once we complete the pretest, we let you know the scope of the restoration process so that you know what to expect.

Let us discuss some of the cleaning techniques that our SERVPRO technicians use when restoring your property. When it is necessary, our team can employ immersion techniques when we need to apply the cleaning solution to all parts of the material. With this technique, we can control the quantity and temperature of the cleaning product as well as the time of exposure to the cleaning agent.

When we do not need the cleaning product to saturate the material and prevent overwetting, we can decide to use surface techniques. For instance, we can wipe after spraying the cleaning agent on hard surfaces such as furniture. It is also appropriate to use foam cleaning if excessive moisture is likely to damage the materials.

After cleaning all the surfaces, it is time to perform deodorization. This process improves the quality of air and sterilizes surfaces to lower the chances of bacteria and fungi growth that are likely to cause health effects. Our SERVPRO technicians always put on protective gear such as masks, gloves, and overalls as a safety measure during the restoration process.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville attends to all forms of storm, mold, fire, and water damage. Call us at (312) 509-5000 if you want to work with a proven industry leader, and we can make “Like it never even happened.”

Information on the City of Chicago here.

Levels Of Fire Damage Possible After An Electrical Fire In Your Chicago Home

3/27/2018 (Permalink)

Your home in Chicago is filled with electrical appliances and wires, but when they malfunction, they can create massive fires.

Fire Damage After An Electrical Fire

Your home in Chicago is filled with electrical appliances and wires, but when they malfunction, they can create massive fires. The worst part about this is that most electrical fires cannot be doused with water. They instead require special fire extinguishers that are water-free to fight them. To prevent these types of fires in the first place, make sure that you do not plug in an overabundance of appliances into the same outlet and fix any outlets or wiring which you think could be damaged.

If you have experienced an electrical fire, there is plenty of fire damage in your Chicago home which needs to be repaired and cleaned up. It can be an overwhelming thing to deal with, and that is why our staff at SERVPRO is ready to help you anytime you need. We are professionally trained to handle damage after a fire, and we work efficiently and promptly so that you can get back to your usual way of life.

Not every fire results in the same level of damage, and not all fires need the same kind of procedures for restoration. Any loss can have a range of damage from minor to major. Minor fire damage affects only specific areas or rooms. How much smoke residues are left behind is light to moderate. Restoration involves dry and wet cleaning of walls, ceilings, contents, and floors. Only minor items need replacing, and a few areas might need repainting.

The amount of smoke residues in medium fire damage is moderate. More materials require our SERVPRO team to wet clean them to remove residues. How many areas need repainting and replacement increase, and floors might need refinishing. Heat damage to cabinets, drywall, and contents might need more replacing. We can clean contents on the job site. Smoke odors are also more noticeable, so it may require additional deodorization after we finish cleaning.

Heat and fire damage is severe near the fire source with significant fire damage. There could be charring to structural finishes and framing, making a need for structural repairs. Smoke residues are spread throughout a significant portion of the home, and smoke odors are strong and maybe even pungent. Emergency services like boarding up the structure, establishing temporary electricity, and removing charred and smoke-filled debris could be necessary. Restoration involves extensive cleaning in this case, and multiple methods of deodorization are needed to get rid of smoke odors.

No matter the level of fire damage in your home in South Shore, Kenwood, or Douglas, SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville works hard to get your home restored. Reach out to us at (312) 509-5000 as soon as the fire is out so we can help you.

Click here for more about the city of Chicago.

Fire Damage In Your Kitchen Should Never Stress You When In Chicago

2/26/2018 (Permalink)

No property owner loves to experience any fire damage since such incidents lead to massive losses.

Fire Damage In Your Kitchen

No property owner loves to experience any fire damage since such incidents lead to massive losses. That means it is vital to understand the various causes of fires and how to prevent them. Additionally, Chicago residents need to know the right actions to take to control the resulting effects. These are very stressing moments where a simple mistake will cause more destruction to what is salvageable.

Kitchens are the sources of most domestic fire damage incidents in Chicago. If your oven malfunctions or you use a stove that is not in a good working condition, there is a possibility of starting a fire. Before you know it, it has spread to the napkins or cooking tools, and soon everything gets out of control. That is why it is necessary to work with our SERVPRO technicians to mitigate the damage.

The first thing that we do when we arrive at our property is to assess the level of the damage. At this point, we examine whether your furniture, walls, and other areas need attention after getting into contact with the soot, smoke, and fire. The step is so essential since it helps us to plan and give our clients accurate quotes. During the planning process, we decide on the right tools and procedures to use when restoring your contents.

Remember, there is a lot of destruction that results during combustion. For instance, the fire can burn part of your roof and leave behind a hole. When it rains, things can get worse as the water mixes with the soot and other particles. Some of the residues decompose, and the result is unpleasant odors. Our SERVPRO team can clean the mess and perform deodorization to neutralize the odor-causing sources. Our technicians are certified by IICRC, and we follow all state regulations when restoring your property.

SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is an industry leader in mold, fire, water and storm damage restoration. Call us at (312) 509-5000 if you want to turn that incident to appear “Like it never even happened.”

For more about Chicago click here.

How Fire Damage in Chicago Happens in the Middle of Winter

1/21/2018 (Permalink)

Having a working smoke detector in the house is very important and can save lives. Should you have a fire in your home, contact SERVPRO.

SERVPRO Technicians Remediate Fire Damage and Offer Preventative Tips

While hotter summer temperatures increase fire damage risk in Chicago homes relative to the other seasons, plenty can still go wrong around the home that might lead to a fire, even in the deepest winter months. With enough fuel and oxygen, fires can burn even in the coldest conditions, and even when the air is relatively humid. Here are a few typical ways fires may start in local homes this winter and early spring season.
 
Electrical Fires
 
In the 21st century, one of the most prominent sources of home damage is fire damage in Chicago from electrical mishaps. As our homes fill with ever-increasing numbers of gadgets, devices, and appliances, more and more electrical fires occur each year. Although newer electronics are usually safer and less fire-prone than older devices, the sheer number of them present in most modern households means that disaster of some sort can often be an inevitability. Water cannot often extinguish an electrical fire, and many electrical fires are in fact caused by contact with a water source. Always use a chemical or foam-based fire extinguisher in these emergencies.
 
Cooking Disasters
 
American kitchens remain the most consistent points of origin of large house fires across the country. In the typical kitchen setting can be found multiple heating appliances, electronic devices, and sources of open flame. Any of these can be prone to malfunction or user error and start a fire. Be sure to equip your kitchen with at least one well-placed smoke detector and check its batteries on a semi-regular basis.
 
Fireplaces
 
It is cold outside, and those with a hearth may be inclined to use it in the earliest and latest months of the year. While fireplaces can be a great addition to the room and source of extra warmth, they also carry a great deal of risk with them. Always treat a fireplace with caution, and consider adding a barrier of some sort in front of its flame for added safety.
 
SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville is ready 24/7 to respond to calls of fire damage in the area. Contact us at (312) 509-5000.

For more information regarding Chicago, click here.

7 Helpful Tips In Avoiding Fire Damage Caused By Portable Electric Heaters In Bronzeville

1/26/2017 (Permalink)

Fire damage from your portable electric heater can be devastating.

Fire Damage And Portable Electric Heaters

You settle yourselves in for the night, lights-out and all is well. At 1 a.m. you are roused by the smell of smoke. While making your way to safety, you gather your family. Glancing back, you notice the flames coming from where you usually keep your electric heater. Thinking that your home in Bronzeville is immune to fire damage can cost you dearly. Take it from professionals that deal with these kinds of situations on a near daily basis; every home is susceptible to these kinds of situations, you will be happier taking the proper precautions to protect your family.

Electric heaters offer homeowners a portable, efficient, inexpensive way to heat specific areas, without requiring any added maintenance. However, SERVPRO receives quite a few calls every year from homes that have received fire damage due to the improper use of portable electric heaters. At SERVPRO, we would like to offer some helpful hints for those of you who own and operate these types of heaters:

1.) Only purchase heaters that are properly tested and certified for safety. Search for heaters with unique features, such as automatic shutoff when the unit becomes unlevel, timed shutoff, or specific heat setting adjustments.

2.) Read any warning labels and the manufacturer's instruction booklet carefully before you use your heater.

3.) Always inspect your heater for damages before use each year. Loose connections, cracked casing, and broken or frayed cords are red flags. Do not use the heater if these or other hazards exist.

4.) Turn your heater off or unplug it when leaving the room or going to sleep. Taking the time to store your heater properly when you are away for extended periods.

5.) Keep a close eye on the proper placement of your space heater. You should maintain at least three feet of space between the unit and anything that can catch fire.

6.) Never place a heater in high traffic areas, or in any location where children or pets often play, both can trip and tip over the heater, without realizing the hazard they just created.

7.) Always plug your heater into a wall socket directly. Extension cords or power strips can overheat and cause a fire. If you cannot find a unit with a long enough cord, several professional electricians can assist you with installing a longer one safely.

In most of the cases, we experience at SERVPRO; our clients neglect to place their heater on a smooth solid surface. Remember, heat rises; you will want it close to the floor to get the most efficient use out of it. If your home has full wall-to-wall carpeting, stop by a local hardware store and purchase a flat, stable, fire resistant base big enough to set your heater on when in use. Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park - E. Bridgeport - Bronzeville today, for more helpful tips (312) 509-5000.

Review Your Home Insurance Coverage Yearly

10/13/2016 (Permalink)

Homeowner's insurance can pay for your home restoration after damage. SERVPRO will deal directly with insurance on your behalf.

Illinois Offers Unique Home Insurance Options to its Residents

When a disaster strikes, like a fire, your homeowner's policy provides support to rebuild or repair your home. If you have an “actual cash value” policy, you are entitled to the amount of money it will take to restore your home or its contents to a pre-fire market value. If you have “replacement cost” coverage, then you are entitled to the cost that it would take to replace your home or its contents, up to a limit that is specified in your policy.

Illinois is a state that offers its property owners who have experienced fire damage in Douglas or other communities, an extended coverage called “guaranteed replacement” coverage. Guaranteed replacement coverage states that if the damage exceeds the limits on your policy, the insurance company is required to fully replace or rebuild your property without any deduction for depreciation.
 
Replacement coverage in your policy offers other benefits. For instance, if you want to rebuild your home in a different location, you can do so. However, the small print states that if you move to a location where it will cost you more to build, you will pay the difference. Another benefit involves your use of the money for something else. If you want to use your replacement insurance money to start a business, your policy will change to an “actual cash value” policy which means that you will get about 15% less.

For either type of coverage, you will need an estimate of the prior market value or what it will cost to replace your damaged area or items. Your insurance company will offer its own estimates based on their adjusters. If you feel their numbers are too low, hire your own independent adjuster. Also, choose SERVPRO who is experienced in restoration and repair of buildings, as well as with claim insurance paperwork.
 
Fire disasters also involve water damage, smoke and soot damage and possibly mold growth. SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville has professional technicians who specialize in fire and water damage restoration. As a leader in the restoration industry, we use specialized equipment, and we have specific IICRC training and certifications, that allow us to restore your home to a pre-fire condition.
 
Restorations from fire, water, mold or storm disasters are the cornerstone of our business. We are locally owned and operated with 24-hour damage relief services. Call us before something happens to your property and let us explain our services. In this way, if a disaster occurs, you will know who to call – (312) 509-5000.

Fire Damage Bridgeport - What Should I do after a fire?

3/17/2016 (Permalink)

According to an NFPA survey, only one-third of Americans have both developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.

What Should I Do After A Bridgeport Residential Fire?

A Devastating Situation 

A Fire in Bridgeport can be devastating. You may have lost possessions, property, pets, or even loved ones. This can be a difficult and trying time for you and your family. The last thing that you want to do is to create more damage or make your situation worse by using amateur cleaning and restoring methods. Though well-meaning, these solutions are temporary fixes and may make the damage worse. 

Steps to Take after a Fire 

1. After your fire damage in Bridgeport call your insurance company right away. 

2. Call a fire damage restoration company 

3. Try to ventilate the building as much as possible 

4. Remain outside of the building or at a safe location if possible 

5. Develop a plan of action for moving forward 

6. Stay in contact with the company you hired 

A Quick Response 

When you have big or small fire damage in Bridgeport, call a highly trained professional company that responds day or night quickly. From small fires to major blazes, a fire damage restoration company can remediate all of your fire damage problems and restore your home or business safely and efficiently. 

Can smoke odors be removed? 

You can become sickened by smoke and soot odors if they are left untreated. Only commercial treatment products by trained experts should be used to treat and remove smoke and smoke odor damage. Don't try to remove it with a home method. These methods could make the damage worse. It may cost you additional later to pay for a professional to undo the damage you caused by trying to clean it up. 

What about water damage? 

Fire damage can lead to water damage. After the extinguishing efforts, water damage can be left behind. Experts in fire damage restoration know that water damage must be remediated quickly. For your fire damage needs in Bridgeport, you need a trusted reliable company that can address this damage immediately. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

When fire damage occurs in Bridgeport, South Shore, or Lake Park, we have the personnel and resources to help. Call SERVPRO of Hyde Park / E. Bridgeport / Bronzeville today at (312) 509-5000.