Preventing Wind Damage

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

During a storm, heavy winds can end up causing massive damage to your home. Damage to
your roof, windows, or doors can also end up letting water in, which can lead to flooding and
water damage. Although damage from wind is difficult to prevent, there are a few steps you
can take to protect your property and minimize the changes of damage. One option is to
reinforce doors and windows. You can install steel or aluminum storm shutters on glass
windows and doors to protect them from projectiles. Although this can be expensive, it can
save money in the long run. To protect your roof, you can reinforce shingles with additional
nails and stables, and you can install waterproof underlayment underneath them. This can be
difficult, and if you do not have experience working on roofs, it is best to hire roofers to get the
job done. Lastly, removing potential hazards can also help. Removing nearby trees and
fastening objects that might be picked up by the wind can prevent objects from damaging your
property.
If disaster does happen and you do experience storm, water, or fire damage, SERVPRO of
Northbrook / Wheeling / Glencoe is here to help. Give us a call at (847) 498-8889 if you have
any questions or concerns. We’re available 24/7 for emergency services.

What to do about flood damage

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Although other disasters might first come to mind when you think of destruction and
damage, such as tornadoes or fire storms, flooding is in fact the most common and deadly
weather-related disaster. According to the National Weather Service, flash floods kill the most
amount of people per year compared to other disasters. Even if you take safety precautions,
evacuate the area, and shelter in secure location, your home can still suffer from immense
damage. There are a few precautions that you can take to protect yourself.
- Check if you live in a high-risk area. If you do, consider getting flood insurance to protect
yourself. Flood damage can be incredibly costly, and it might be worth it depending on
your level of risk.
- Keep all important documents, such as IDs, insurance forms, and certificates in a water-
proof storage area.
- Keep electrical devices at least one foot above where a flood might rise. This includes
sockets, furnaces, water heaters, and other electrical devices.
- If necessary, look into ways to adjust your home, either by making it “wet-proof” or
raised on piers. This can be incredibly expensive and should only be a last resort.
If your home or property suffers water damage from flooding, don’t hesitate to call us at SERVPRO
of Northbrook / Wheeling / Glencoe, (847) 498-8889. We’re available for emergency services 24
hours a day, seven days a week.

SERVPRO Storm Teams: Ready for Anything

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Whenever a large-scale disaster hits, SERVPRO’s Disaster Recovery Team is on the scene and
there to help. During catastrophic events, the number of homes and commercial properties are
too great for small operations and require elite teams from all over the US to come in and assist
the community. SERVPRO of Northbrook / Glencoe / Wheeling makes up one of the many
branches that travels to help during extreme storms and other disasters.

SERVPRO has tackled some of the most dangerous and damaging storms, including:
Hurricane Irma, 2017
Hurricane Harvey, 2017
The 2015 Carolina Floods
The 2014 Polar Vortex
Hurricane Sandy, 2012

Being part of the Disaster Recovery Team means that we’re able to handle the biggest, hardest
hitting storms in the country. Our team members are qualified and equipped to handle storm
damage of any scale, and we’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have any
questions, give us a call at (847) 498-8889.

High-Risk Areas for Storms and Preparation

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

It’s well-known that some places are at a higher risk than others during a storm. Living
near water or at a low altitude can potentially increase the risk of extreme flooding. Although it
might be more dangerous, these factors should not necessarily prevent you from living where
you want or need to. There are a few steps you can take to prepare your home or business so that
severe damage is less likely.
One resource you can use to see if you’re in a high-risk area is the Storm Prediction
Center. Following this link, you can see areas that are marked as being especially susceptible to
storms in a 30-year period: https://www.spc.noaa.gov/new/SVRclimo/climo.php?parm=anySvr.
Moreover, you can find also check it to see if any more immediate concerns are on the way. This
is a great tool to see how your area might be affected and what you can do to prepare.
While you should evacuate if dangerous weather is coming your way (extreme flooding,
tornadoes, etc.), there are some steps you can take to lower the chances of property damage.
- Have sandbags stored to barricade doors or other possible gaps that water might get
through.
- Build wind-shutters for doors or other protective barricades.
- Clear tree limbs that might break off and cause damage.
- Have an emergency kit on hand. This should include water, non-perishable food, a radio,
flashlight, first aid kit, and a cell phone with a charger.
- Create an emergency plan.
- Make sure you have a good insurance policy.
Taking these measures can help your chances. There’s always the possibility of water and
structural damage, but you can at least give yourself the best odds. Whenever there is damage
though, SERVPRO of Wheeling / Glencoe / Northbrook, (847) 498-8889, is available 24 hours a
day, seven days a week for emergency services.

Storm Preparation and Water Damage Prevention

6/9/2020 (Permalink)

Preparing yourself for storms and other meteorological disasters can prevent damage that could
otherwise be devastating. Here, we’ll provide you with a few important and easy steps that you
can take to keep your home and yourself safe during a storm.

Although its difficult to know when a thunderstorm is going to hit, and when it will lead to
power outages and flooding, but there are a few items that you can keep stored away in case of
emergency.
Keep and maintain an emergency kit
FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends having the following supplies
in case of emergency:
? Water (one gallon per person, per day)
? Food
? A Flashlight
? A battery-powered or hand-crank radio (FEMA recommends a NOAA Weather Radio)
? Extra batteries
? A first aid kid
? A seven-day supply of medication
? Sanitation and personal hygiene items
? Personal Documents
? A cell phone + charger
? Emergency contact information
? Extra cash
? Extra fuel (for both generator and car)
Avoiding Disaster
Once the storm has hit, there are a few steps you can take to keep you and your loved ones safe:
? Unplug electronics before the storm
? Stay inside and secure windows and doors as best as possible
? Avoid any electronics that use cords
? Avoid metal objects, such as plumbing fixtures, that could conduct electricity
? Keep pets indoors after the storm
? Avoid areas near downed power lines
When storm damage hits, whether its water or fire damage, you’ll want the top professionals
there to help. At SERVPRO, we’re available for emergency services every hour, every day of the

week with expertly trained team members and the best possible equipment for the job. At
SERVPRO of Northbrook / Wheeling / Glencoe, we’re ready to come out and return your home
to how it was before the storm, “Like it never even happened.” ®

SERVPRO is here to help

5/26/2020 (Permalink)

The last few days in Chicagoland have been wet, to say the least and, unfortunately, with heavy rain comes heavy flooding. If your home or business has suffered from water damage during the pandemic, you might be concerned about calling a specialist to come and clean-up the mess. We’re here to tell you that SERVPRO is taking every precaution to mitigate not just water and fire damage, but contagion too. We want to assure you that we’re doing all we can to help with the current situation while doing our job to keep your home safe from environmental damage.

            Our expertly trained team members are all equipped with masks and PPE, that’s protective personal equipment. PPE includes the protective gear necessary for the job, whether that includes face-gear, coveralls, gloves, or even a full protective body suit if need be. We strive to maintain a safe environment for both our staff and customers, and so it is our priority to make sure we take every necessary preventative measure. If your home has experienced water damage, the effects will only grow worse with time as mold and odors settle into flooded material. It’s important to make sure that damaged areas are professionally cleaned so that they do not exacerbate and become another health concern.

            If you have any questions, you can always call us at SERVPRO of Northbrook / Wheeling / Glencoe, (847) 498-8889. We’re here to assist you in these difficult times and will do all that we can to keep both you and your home safe.

Keeping your Pets Protected During Storms and Other Emergencies

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

It’s hard to know just how bad a storm will hit, and even harder to know what kind of damage it will cause to your home. Amid all the chaos that a leaking roof, a power outage, or a flooding basement can cause, it can be easy to forget your pets could be in danger.

Here are some simple and easy steps that you can follow to make sure your pet is as safe and secure as can be during emergency storms:

• Make sure that your pet is microchipped and has an ID. Of course, it’s important to keep pets indoors and in a safe environment, but sometimes loud noises can frighten them and, depending on the pet, lead them to attempt an escape.
• Keep extra food and clean water in a safe, water-proof area. It’s possible that your water supply could be shut off or contaminated, and so you should keep some handy just for your animal friend.
• Give your pet medication, a thunder vest, or whatever else they need to keep their anxiety down. Make sure you check in with a vet before you decide on any medications. If they have a space where they feel safe, make sure it’s available to them.
• Have a contingency plan for their bathroom needs. In extreme cold, rain, or storms, you won’t be able to take your pet out. If you have a cat, keep a clean box, and for dogs you can use sanitation pads in the bathroom or any other water-proof areas.

These guidelines can help you create a safe environment for your pet during emergency situations. Still, you know your pet and their needs best, and you can always adjust what you need to do based on the context. After a flood, it’s always a good idea to call a professional in case any dangerous molds (which are harmful to both pets and humans) might creep up. Feel free to ask any questions here at SERVPRO of Northbrook / Wheeling / Glencoe, (847) 498-8889.

When It is Raining in your Basement!

6/25/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe has been the leader in storm and flood restoration for years!  Our highly trained and dedicated teams will treat your home like their own. 

Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

We have the fastest response time for your home in Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe!

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right

resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further

damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe, we can scale our resources to handle a large

storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650

Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 847-498- 8889

Storm Tips: How To Prevent Basement Flooding

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes when it rains… it floods. Basements are particularly vulnerable to flooding during severe storms and while there are some things that you can do as a homeowner to protect your property. Here are a few tips to prevent basement flooding:

Wall well covers

There are a variety of these you can get. Some are clear, so that you can still get light in if yours has a window. I can personally attest to these, as I installed them after my basement flooded a few times about a year ago during a storm, and it has never happened again.

Keep valuables in plastic bins with lids

Often these bins will help to protect your possessions from water damage in the case of
flooding and can save you some heartache.
Clean sewers, drains, gutters, and downspouts
If you have a door that leads outside in your basement, make sure it is properly sealed

Have a sump pump ready at hand

Following these guidelines will prevent many instances of water damage. However, there are always unforeseeable circumstances, like cracks in the foundation. Of course, if water does get into the basement or the rest of the house, SERVPRO of Northbrook / Wheeling / Glencoe is ready to answer your call. Our team is expertly trained to handle water damage and our machines are equipped to help dry out your home and prevent further damages, from either water or mold. We will also analyze any potential dangers to the structure of the building and work quickly to clean and sanitize flooded areas.

Finally, after we have cleaned and removed any hazardous material, we will restore your home to its previous state.

Mitigation vs. Restoration

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

Building owners and property managers are likely to hear about mitigation when arranging for damage restoration. Mitigation should precede restoration, and storm or water damage may become more difficult and costly to restore without timely mitigation. 

Limiting Damage

The goal of mitigation is to limit the severity of damage to a structure. In the event of storm damage, this phase may involve the following measures:

• Boarding up broken windows
• Tarping over roof damage
• Extracting standing water
  
  

The first two methods can prevent more contaminated water from leaking into a structure and keep out debris. Standing water from a flood or sewer backup is contaminated and will continue to degrade until it is pumped out of a structure.

Preventing Secondary Damage

A flood cleanup company can eliminate the types of primary damage that are prone to cause secondary damage. Clean water and contaminated water can both lead to the following forms of damage:

• Corrosion
• Mold growth
• Rot
• Ruined building materials or contents
  
  

Rely on the expertise of trained professionals to determine whether porous contents or materials such as drywall or insulation should be torn out and replaced. A mitigation and restoration company can provide a variety of cleaning methods and rebuild a damaged structure.

Restoring Damage

Restoration can commence as soon as the area affected by storm or water damage is completely dry. This phase of the process involves rebuilding, returning cleaned contents or replacement items and taking other measures to restore a structure to pre-damage condition.

Some companies specialize in either mitigation or restoration. An all-in-one company provides both services. It is easier to guarantee a seamless transition from mitigation to restoration and a more accurate estimate when the process is started and finished by a certified flood cleanup company in.

If you need any help with mitigation or restoration, call the professionals of SERVPRO of Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe at (847)498-8889.  

Recent Rainfall

5/20/2019 (Permalink)

Over the past month, Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe has had an enormous amount of rainfall.  This stress that is put on your home can cause serious issues!  SERVPRO of Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe has stepped up to the plate this past month, and helped as many people as we could take on (and then some).  

Some of the issues that we encounter on the road are not always covered by insurance, and many do not realize this.  If you have water coming in from the foundation, you are almost always not covered for this loss in IL.  It is so crucial to act quickly and call a water proofing company to seal the leak, and get SERVPRO out immediately to restore the property, assuring no mold grows in the future.

Another big issue we see with heavy rains, is sump pumps malfunctioning or being overloaded.  Make sure to always check your sump pump during heavy rains!  Also, talk to your insurance agent about assuring that you have coverage for sump pump failure, it could save you a lot of time, money, and hassle in the future!  

If you ever need help with a flooded basement, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe at (847)498-8889 today!

Have you checked your basement lately?

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. 

Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its

pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right

resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further

damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,700

Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

With all the rain we have been experiencing lately, have you checked your basement or crawlspace for water? 

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 847-498- 8889

Big Storm, No Problem!

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. 

Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its

pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right

resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further

damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe, we can scale our resources to handle a large

storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650

Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located

throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 847-498- 8889

Health risks posed by standing flood waters

5/16/2018 (Permalink)

After a storm hits, and the area is flooded, there are a number of risks that you need to keep in mind before wading through the water.  The health risks associated with dirty water are well known.  This type of water has an abundant amount of germs, bacteria, viruses and other contaminates.  It is crucial to protect yourself when dealing with flood waters.  

Not only do you have to worry about illness caused by contaminated water, but because the water is not clear, you have to worry about what is underneath the water.  Flood waters are known to carry insects, and other critters that you really dont want to come in contact with.  Depending on where you live, alligators are known to relocate after a flood and can easily hide unnoticed.  

Another issue with flood waters is that they can sweep glass, metal and other objects that can cause injury.  

Before dealing with flood waters, be sure to protect yourself!!

SERVPRO of Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe is ready when the storm hits!

5/9/2018 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – (847) 498-8889

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded?  Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (847) 498-8889

April Showers brings FLOODS!

4/24/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. 

Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its

pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right

resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further

damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe, we can scale our resources to handle a large

storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650

Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located

throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 847-498- 8889

Replace or Repair Your Damaged Roof? In the Eyes of Your Insurance Company

4/9/2018 (Permalink)

Wind Damage to a roof

Roof damage can be a huge headache after a storm rolls through your area.  Roof damage is the most common storm claim in the insurance industry.  The wind from hurricanes and tropical storms can cause extensive damage to the roof of your home.  The worst part of roof damage, is the secondary damage that can occur to your home from rain entering and causing water damage to the interior of your home.

It is crucial to fix your roof as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the interior of your home.  Mold can develop very quickly, and depending on how much water is entering your home, can develop very quickly. 

So how do insurance companies decide whether you are lucky enough to get a new roof?  Well, there are a few tests that they will perform in order to get an idea of what they are going to pay out. 

The 25% Rule:  This is kind of an easy way to determine whether insurance companies will replace your roof.  Now, every state is different, and every insurance company is different, but this is a rule of thumb.  If more than 25% of the roof is damaged, they will most likely replace the roof.  If less than 25% of the total roof is damaged, they will typically pay to patch a certain section up. 

Other tests include the Brittle Shingle Test, which measures the strength of the individual shingles.  The person performing this test will take a shingle, and try to bend it to a 90 degree angle.  If the shingle breaks, then they should be replaced. 

So why do insurance companies perform these tests?  BECAUSE ROOFS ARE EXPENSIVE!  Be careful when filing roof claims, there are plenty of scammers out there that go door to door claiming that you have hail damage to your roof and that they will help you with the insurance company to get your roof replaced.  There are plenty of ways to determine if you need a new roof, get plenty of opinions and do the research!

What is a Nor'easter?

3/23/2018 (Permalink)

A picture of the Storm from above!

For those of you who have not been watching the news lately (I know its hard), the east coast just experienced its FOURTH Nor'easter this season.  These storms cause heavy damage to the coast and can drop a ton of snow mixed with high winds. 

So what exactly is a Nor'Easter?

A Nor'easter is a macro-scale cyclone!  The winds travel northeast to southwest and typically will hit the states in New England and Mid-Atlantic states.  These storms can cause severe costal flooding, coastal erosion, hurricane force winds and even blizzard like conditions.  They will typically occur between October and March. 

The storms begin to form when warm Gulf stream current meets the cold Canadian air masses. When the two meet, it causes a massive drop in pressure, thus forming a massive cyclone.  These storms can have devastating effects on homes and businesses as well as transportation. 

Thankfully, we don't get those out here in Chicago! 

Emergency Kits for the Upcoming Cold Weather

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

Cold Weather Ahead! Source: http://likesuccess.com/topics/11061/cold-weather

Tips for Putting Together Cold Weather Emergency Kits

If you’re left without power during a heavy winter storm, it’s important to have a cold weather emergency kit prepared for your home to stay warm and safe until the heat comes back on. Depending on the severity of the storm and length of the power outage, you may need to seek alternate shelter, but in most cases you will only be without power for several hours. Whatever the case, having a plan in place and an emergency kit on hand will alleviate some of the stress of the situation.

Stock your emergency kit with the following items. You may not need every item in the kit, but being prepared is the best way to cope with an emergency situation.

• Non-perishable food
• Bottles of water
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Battery-operated radio
• Heavy plastic sheeting
• First aid kit
• Duct tape
• Blankets
• Kerosene space heater
• Wood and kindling for the fireplace
• Home generator

In addition to preparing a cold weather emergency kit for your home, it’s also a good idea to prepare one for your vehicle. If your car breaks down and you have nowhere to go, a cold weather emergency kit for your car will ensure you stay warm until help arrives. Because the temperature inside your car will drop much more quickly than inside your house. It’s even more critical to be prepared with an emergency cold weather kit. Your kit for your vehicle should include:

• Jumper cables
• Compass
• Flashlight
• Chemical light stick
• Blankets
• Folding shovel
• Cat litter
• Weather-proof jacket
• Extra gloves, hat and scarf
• First aid kit
• Utility tool/knife
• Bottles of water
• Protein bars
• Extra cell phone battery
• Distress flag
• Reflective tape or reflective triangles

Most of these items are inexpensive and easy to find, and having them on hand during an emergency can make a bad situation a little safer and less stressful. Before the heavy lake effect snow that we’ll be getting arrives, put together your home and vehicle winter safety kits and ensure you’re prepared for whatever winter brings your way. 

When Storms or Floods hit Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe, SERVPRO is ready!

5/18/2017 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe.

SERVPRO of Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. 

Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its

pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right

resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further

damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Northbrook/Wheeling/Glencoe, we can scale our resources to handle a large

storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650

Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located

throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 847-498- 8889