Is Security Fencing Worth the Investment?

10/4/2022 (Permalink)

Is Security Fencing a Good Investment?

If you own a business in Park Ridge, IL, you know that fires can ruin your business in a matter of minutes. It can be hard to recover from the aftermath of a fire, especially when it happened at your place of business. There are many things you need to consider—such as fire insurance, rebuilding your building and repairing any damage—but one thing not often considered is how to secure the property after a fire. A security fence is one way to help keep your building safe after an incident like this occurs; however, many people don't know what makes them so effective or why they're important for commercial buildings. This article will explore some reasons why security fencing is necessary for commercial buildings, as well as explain how it works in detail so you can decide if this would be a good investment for your specific needs!

You need to protect your property after a fire.

Regular security fencing is a great way to protect your property against theft and other damage. When you have been affected by a fire, you will want to make sure that the area is properly protected before reopening for business. You should also consider using a temporary or permanent fence as part of your ongoing security measures, depending on how long you plan on staying in one location.

Security fencing can help protect employees and customers from intruders who might try to break into your building after a fire. It will also help prevent theft of equipment and property while repairs are being made or if there is no return date yet set at all

Security fences fit in with your business style.

Security fencing can be designed to fit in with the architecture and style of your building. The fences can also be designed to blend in with the landscape and surroundings, so they're not always visible from a distance. This allows them to be an attractive feature rather than a massive barrier that makes people feel unwelcome or uncomfortable.

When you're looking at security fencing options for your business, take a look at how well it fits into the overall setting -- this will help ensure that you get something that looks good and prevents intruders from getting close enough to cause damage or injury.

Security fencing can help ensure the safety of your commercial building, even after a fire.

Security fencing is a great way to help keep your employees safe from harm, as well as ensuring the safety of your commercial building and its contents. Security fencing can also prevent vandalism and theft by keeping undesirable individuals away from areas that are not meant for public access. Additionally, security fencing helps improve your business image by making it clear that you go out of your way to ensure the safety of employees and customers alike.

Security fencing is required in many areas where there is high risk of fire. Fire codes require that buildings be protected with a certain amount of space between them and other structures or objects; this space should be unobstructed so that firefighters can access any part of either building quickly during an emergency such as a fire outbreak. In order to comply with both local ordinances regarding zoning restrictions and federal statutes regarding workplace safety regulations such as OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration), businesses must install appropriate measures such as security fences around their facilities.

Security fencing helps protect your commercial building and its contents, even after a fire. If you want to keep your employees safe and the building secure after a fire or other emergency, security fencing is an important part of that. Security fences can also fit in with your business style, so they’re a great choice no matter what type of business you run.

How to Stop A Commercial Toilet That Won't Stop Flushing

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

How to Stop A Commercial Toilet That Won't Stop Flushing

If the toilets in your Park Ridge, IL, building are equipped with flushometers, you know that they do a great job most of the time. Sometimes, however, a flushometer can get stuck in a cycle of endless flushes, which could lead to a toilet overflow or even a toilet flood. The best way to stop a toilet from flushing repeatedly depends on the type of flushometer.

Automatic Flushometer
To fix an automatic flushometer that won’t stop flushing, first shut the water off to the device. You can usually do this using a large flathead screwdriver. Next, press and hold the manual flush button.

If you hear a series of two clicks, then the problem is most likely with the diaphragm assembly. You will need to remove the top of the flushometer and clean any dirt or debris from the diaphragm. Check your manual for the exact steps for your flushometer model. If the flushing persists, you may need to replace the diaphragm assembly.

If you do not hear clicks, the issue may be with the solenoid. Follow the instructions in your flushometer’s manual to remove the top of the flushometer and locate the solenoid. Tighten all connections and check for any missing or improperly stacked bowl rings.

If the toilet continues to flush, try replacing the quad seal to avoid a toilet overflow.

Manual Flushometer

Shut off the water to the device as described above. Using a wrench, loosen and unscrew the cap on the top of the flushometer and remove the cap. Next, remove the flange cover to reveal the gasket. Remove the gasket and clean it thoroughly under warm water. Use a small pin or needle to ensure that the gasket’s weep hole is completely clear of any sediment. Return the gasket and reassemble the flushometer. If the flushing continues, you likely need a new gasket.

If your building has a toilet that won’t stop flushing, make sure you repair it right away. Otherwise, you could find yourself dealing with water damage restoration as a result of a toilet overflow.

What's the First Step To Take After a Burst Pipe?

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

What Is the First Step After a Burst Pipe?

After the initial shock of a broken pipe wears off, many business owners begin to realize the enormity of the pipe burst cleanup process. As these feelings settle in, don't wait to call a sewer cleanup company in Chicago, IL. In fact, some insurance companies tell their clients to call cleanup and restoration specialists first. This is because the sooner you begin cleaning up, the better able you'll be to limit the damage.

What To Expect During Cleanup

Professionals who handle water damage restoration can prevent significant destruction, keeping your restoration costs down and protecting your building from secondary damage. The cleanup process entails several steps:

• Removing standing water
• Installing specialized dehumidifiers and equipment to dry the area
• Assessing moisture levels with thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters
• Repairing water damage to drywall, carpeting, air ducts, etc.
• Mold prevention and protection

How To Clean Items After Water Damage

The contents of businesses often need specialized attention during and after pipe burst cleanup efforts. For example, upholsteries may require dry cleaning. Residue from water can be cleaned with wet rags or abrasive materials. Some items, such as certain electronics, should be sprayed with appropriate cleansers and wiped down. Carpeting and some upholstery should be treated with foam cleansers. There may be other items that require complete immersion in a cleaning solution. Whether you tackle these tasks on your own or turn them over to professionals, it's important to establish the right tactic for different items.

When To Call the Professionals

There are some items that should only be treated by professionals in Chicago, IL. For example, televisions, computers, and other electronic equipment pose serious risks to your safety. An electrical device that has been damaged by water could cause injury. Running that equipment before it has been repaired could lead to further damage, corrosion, and other risks.

You don't have to deal with pipe burst cleanup on your own. Share the work and the worry with professionals who know how to handle the damage.

Eliminating Smoke Damage and Fire Damage After a Commercial Fire

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

After A Commercial Fire, Removing Smoke And Fire Damage

While commercial property owners might believe that a fire is the most devastating and challenging event of the disaster, they might find it surprising that the aftermath can be more traumatic and difficult to manage. Fire and smoke damage are not run-of-the-mill issues, and they often require the experienced hands of skilled employees working for a fire remediation service in Rosemont, IL. These professionals understand the four-step remediation process better than any property owner ever could.

1. Mitigation

Before you can deal with soot damage, you will most likely need to protect your property from any further damage. Mitigation is when a company comes into board-up, fence off, tarp, and secure your property. Mitigation procedures are essential to most insurance claims.

2. Initial Cleanup

Aside from protecting your property, remediation specialists will get to work performing any initial cleanup tasks, such as removing excess water from the rescue or throwing away any clear debris. The initial cleanup phase allows you and the service to understand any structural damage better.

3. Smoke Cleaning

Eliminating smoke damage is easier said than done. The substance can infiltrate and penetrate nearly every surface and material in a facility. It is not unusual for companies to find appliances, computers, and other machinery irreparable after a significant fire disaster because of smoke and soot.

4. Restoration

When all the cleaning stages are complete, it is time to restore the business to pre-disaster conditions. The remediation service will ensure that all integral and structural components of the facility are in working order before covering the walls and refinishing floors and other surfaces.

Commercial recovery from fire and smoke damage is time-consuming and involved. Professional remediation services can remove some of the pressure from business owners, allowing them to focus on operational and employee issues and traumas, which should be their primary focus.

The Absolute Necessity of Good Commercial Storm Insurance

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

The Unavoidable Need For Good Commercial Storm Insurance

If there is one thing a business owner or manager knows, it is that nothing can be taken for granted. Stuff happens every day, and it is not always good. Storms have the potential to inflict serious damage to your company in Park Ridge,IL. With the right precautions, you can limit or eliminate some instances of storm damage, but no safeguards are infallible.

This is why commercial storm insurance is mandatory to protect your company and manage risks. Powerful storms can break windows, rip off roofing systems, start fires and cause flooding.

Understanding the Aspects of Your Insurance Coverage

Your policy is structured in a fairly straightforward way. It is important that you understand the policy so you won't be surprised by large bills. Your insurance agent can explain your policy in detail. In the simplest terms, a storm insurance policy has the following features:

• The annual premiums your pay for coverage
• The deductibles for each storm damage event
• The areas of coverage and the exceptions

In most cases, the damage caused by a storm will be covered by your policy. You still have a responsibility to act quickly and appropriately when scheduling cleanup and restoration services. Some situations, such as flooding from the rising waters of streams, lakes and oceans, require specific flood insurance.

Acting Quickly for Storm Restoration Services

Water coming into your business from a storm can cause damage in many different ways. It is important to act quickly. A SERVPRO franchise can arrive Faster to Any Size Disaster. Its workers are experts in storm remediation. Highly-trained technicians will use powerful vacuums to remove standing water, and they will use industrial fans to dry out areas of your building, preventing mold growth. They can also restore structural damage to your facility.

All things considered, storm insurance and expert restoration are cornerstones of protecting your company from storm damage.

3 Flood Prevention Strategies for Your Business

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

3 Flood-Prevention Techniques For Your Company

If you live in Chicago,IL, then flood prevention for your business is probably a concern. However, there are a few things you can do help prevent flooding from becoming an inconvenience. Here are three tips you may want to consider.

1. Keep Gutters Clean

In many cases flooding can occur when blocked gutters cause water to pool onto the roof or against the building. The water can then seep into the business and cause damaged. A flood restoration team can perform any flood cleaning that may be required, however keeping the gutters clean may prevent the flooding in the first place. When maintaining your gutters look for sticks, dirt or other debris that may be blocking the water flow. Many experts recommend having a cleaning done biannually, but you may also want to check your gutters after a large storm.

2. Utilize Retaining Walls

Another tip for flood prevention is the utilization of retaining walls. These structures are designed to help hold water away from the business property, and in some cases can even help redirect its flow. Professionals in your area may have recommendations for which type of walls have the best success rate.

3. Slope Landscaping

One prevention trick that often gets overlooked is the sloping of landscaping away from the building. This can help prevent water from pooling against your foundation, and seeping into your business. Sloped landscaping may also help direct water into drainage areas. You may also want to choose to include plants known for absorbing water around your building, as these also can help prevent water from settling against the foundation.

When it comes to flood prevention, these tips can help protect your business. Keeping your gutters clean can help prevent water overflow onto your roof. Sloping your landscaping away from the building can help water drain away from your foundation. You may also choose to utilize retaining walls to help protect your property.

Beyond Flooding: 3 Types of Weather-Related Damage That Could Impact Your Commercial Building

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

Beyond Flooding: Three Types Of Weather-Related Damage That Could Affect Your Business

As a Chicago, IL, business owner, you might think of rainstorms and other types of flood damage when it comes to the kind of harm bad weather might cause to your commercial building. However, trouble can come from other sources as well, even from those you did not expect. Before the storm season hits your area, it may be helpful to understand what kind of weather-related harm could befall your building, especially those that are not flood related.

1. Impact Damage

Storm damage can be common during high winds, when large tree branches, neighborhood objects like trash cans and other debris might strike your building. This can be especially damaging if a falling branch or projectile breaks a window. If you are expecting high winds to hit your area, consider covering your windows with thick sections of wood or treated rubber, especially at ground level.

2. Electrical Damage

While flooding is a common cause of damage to commercial buildings during bad weather, other types of events could impact their electrical systems to the point where they might need replacing. For example, ice and hail storms can affect fuse boxes and heating, ventilation and air conditioning units, rendering them inoperable. If your HVAC and electrical controls are on the exterior of your building, consider protective covers that can withstand all different types of weather.

3. Roofing Damage

Flood damage would likely affect the lower floors of your business; however, heavy rains and wind that often accompany flooding could impact its roof as well. Wind may pry tiles off your roof or tear away sections of protective material, exposing the underside to moisture. Contacting a flood damage and restoration company may be useful when it comes to finding out how to protect your roof from the kind of harm powerful storms can cause.

Bad weather and flood damage are likely sources of worry for you as a Chicago, IL, business owner. However, when you know how to protect your property, you may feel greater peace of mind when wind, rain and floods threaten your area.

A Plan for Your Business

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

When water is present in your business, our team can quickly respond to assess and begin the clean up process. We are here to help anytime 24/7.

A Strategy For Your Company

A flood event or other disaster in Park Ridge,IL, can quickly go from a setback to a serious problem if left unchecked. Learn how to keep your company online and thriving by developing a business continuity plan.

1. Defining the Plan

No business owner can afford to go without some kind of continuity plan, since the loss of revenue due to a major disruption can be catastrophic. Some businesses never recover from such an event due to a combination of damaged infrastructure and customer defection. The first step in any such plan is an assessment module, whereby a team is created to analyze the damage and identify the most important processes needed to keep the company running while repairs take place.

2. Allocating Resources

The various pieces of the business continuity plan will need to be submitted for review and implementation by managers and other heads of departments. New information about missing elements may be necessary to amend the recovery strategy at this stage. Tools for developing your emergency response plan are available on various websites, such as ready.gov and drii.org, including workshops and seminars.

3. Implementation Steps

Depending on the nature of the business, the owners and operators may have backup equipment and staff available in case of an emergency. For example, if a part of a heating system was adversely affected by a flood event, there may be a redundant unit elsewhere in the building that can fully heat the property until a qualified restoration professional can assess the water damage. However, if no such options are available, operations and employees must be prepared to move offsite temporarily. This will require additional expenditure and must be accounted for in the response plan.

While an emergency event or natural disaster can throw a wrench in your normal workplace flow, with proper planning, it doesn’t have to bring the entire company to a halt. Create and share a business continuity plan by reviewing the relevant resources.

3 Factors To Consider When Creating an Evacuation Plan for Your Business

10/21/2021 (Permalink)

Three Things To Think About When Making A Business Evacuation Plan

As a Chicago, IL, business owner, one of your priorities might be to keep your employees and customers as safe as possible. One way to accomplish this is to have an evacuation plan in place in case of an emergency. If you ready to open a business or want to create a more effective fire escape plan for your building, there are several factors you may want to consider as you do so.

1. The Size of Your Building

If you own a building with one or two floors, your emergency escape plan will probably be simple to create. Be sure to mark any exits clearly and provide anyone inside with directions to the exits closest to them. For larger buildings, remind your employees to use the stairs in case of a fire and help those unfamiliar with the building follow the escape plan.

2. The Number of Exits

As you form a fire escape plan for your commercial building, consider how many exits are available and how people would escape if these doors were blocked by flames during a fire. If your building lacks additional exits, you might want to consider having a contractor install them. Not only can additional doors provide a means of escape during an emergency, they may make formulating an evacuation plan simpler.

3. Handicap Access

When an emergency arises, it may be more difficult for handicapped individuals to escape the building. This is a factor you might want to consider, especially if you own a retail business. A fire damage and restoration company may be able to assist you with a viable escape plan by noting where limited access might create a dangerous situation for the handicapped and advise you about how to modify these areas.

The thought of a sudden fire in your commercial building can be frightening. However, being prepared with an effective fire escape plan for your Chicago, IL, business can help save the lives of your employees and customers if disaster strikes.

Speedy Response: The Key to Mold Prevention

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is a harmful, invasive fungus that thrives in moist, warm environments.

Mold Prevention Requires Quick Action

Mold is an invasive, destructive fungus that thrives in a moist, warm environment. Left unchecked, mold can begin to grow and spread on even slightly wet surfaces within building materials during the first 24–48 hours following an incident of water damage or water leakage. Such a fungal infestation can wreak havoc on the interior structure of a building, often resulting in thousands of dollars of damage.

Unfortunately, many property owners don’t know they have a problem until it is too late. If you do suspect an issue with your building in Chicago, IL, it is important to act quickly.

Trigger Points

Many events can trigger mold growth, and, while some aren’t always obvious, other incidents should always raise a red flag. Here are some of the main causes of mold infestation which must never be overlooked:

• Flood
• Fire
• Roof or plumbing leak
• Damp basement
• Extremely high humidity
  
  

If your building has been impacted by any of these events, it is important to act immediately. Successful mold prevention begins upon the discovery of any water damage — no matter how small — or any event that could foster the dangerous combination of moisture and warmth.

Action Plan

Upon discovery of a potential mold-causing event, call a restoration specialist in Chicago, IL, for an emergency assessment. While waiting for professional help, dry the affected area with mops and rags, remove wet rugs or carpeting, prop wet upholstery and cushions. Wipe any dampness from tables or objects. Mildew (the precursor to mold) can form on any wet surface, no matter how small.

By acting quickly within the first 24 hours following the discovery of water damage, it is possible to prevent mold growth. Once this window of opportunity is closed, the question of mold prevention is likely to be moot and the far more expensive process of tearing down, removing and replacing the damage caused by mold begins.

Your Business and Hail Damage: What You Should Know

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Types Of Hail Damage

If you are a business owner in Rosemont, IL, chances are that you have worried about hail storms at one point or another and wondered what roof damage they could cause. There are some types of hail damage that you need to be aware of so you can protect your building from it and understand how to make repairs if this unfortunate destruction should occur. The two main types are as follows.

1. Superficial Damage

Damage to your roof that affects how it looks but does not necessarily harm the building in any way is superficial damage. Some examples include spots on the roof that are darker than they should be and areas that simply look battered. Surface-level problems such as these may not be as alarming as ones that affect the more fundamental areas of the structure, but they should still be repaired so you can get your business back to looking good as new.

2. Critical Damage

Damage that affects the usefulness of your roof could be classified as critical damage. It is usually more crucial to have such issues corrected sooner than more superficial damage, as they can lead to other troubles with your roof’s as well as your building’s overall integrity. Things such as cracked or missing shingles, as well as wet insulation, could lead to problems such as water leaks, which could cause mold growth in the future.

Your best defense against roof damage to your Rosemont, IL, business is to equip the premises with the most hail-resistant roofing material available. You will want to do some research, as there are many roofing supplies available to meet different businesses’ needs. If you have had the misfortune of already facing hail damage, a commercial storm damage restoration company will be your best bet for assisting you in correcting any problems that a hail storm has caused. Being prepared and knowing what resources are available to allow you to be in a better position to handle any weather-related mishaps that could come your way.

Essential First Aid Steps

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

Burn First Aid Steps

If your commercial building in Chicago, IL, is impacted by a fire, there are a lot of fire damage steps to go through before going back to normal. However, your first priority should always be the safety of the building's occupants and yourself. Call in fire restoration experts to help you deal with the aftermath and ensure everyone is safe and any injuries are treated.
However, in the event someone is burned, it's important to tend to it promptly to avoid further issues. Learn these essential burn first aid steps to be prepared for any burns in the event of a fire. No matter how minor the burn, it's still important to get medical attention just in case.

1. Remove Jewelry or Outer Items
Before being able to treat a burn, you need to make sure that any outer items, such as rings, watches or bracelets are removed. In the event the burn swells up, this will stop these items from getting stuck or causing discomfort.

2. Cool the Skin
Any skin affected by any fire damage injury should be cooled immediately to prevent further burning. To cool the skin, simply use cool water on the skin directly or with a cold compress until the pain either decreases or goes away completely. If the pain is not completely gone after this step, consider applying a moisturizer like aloe vera to relieve pain.

3. Use Loose Bandages 

Loosely bandaging the skin will keep the area clean as it begins to heal. Be sure the gauze you are using is sterile to prevent any infections and loosely wrap the affected area.

4. Relieve Lingering Pain
With more severe or painful burns, these steps may not fully ease the pain. Although you should be sure to seek medical attention to address any further issues, over-the-counter pain medication may begin to help you deal with the pain.
Although a fire damage incident can be overwhelming, it's important to go through these first aid steps and get medical attention if necessary before beginning building restoration.

3 Things To Expect After a Partial Loss Fire

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Fire loss in Rosemont, IL

3 Things To Expect After a Partial Loss Fire

When a fire loss is large enough that it is not economically feasible to restore the damaged property or the property has been damaged beyond the point where it can be restored, the loss is deemed a total loss. However, most losses are partial losses. These are three things to expect after a partial loss fire.

1. Some Property Will Be Replaced and Some Will Be Restored.
With most partial loss fires, some property will be damaged to the point where it can not be restored or it is cheaper to replace. Other properties will be able to undergo fire restoration that may include repairing the damaged structure and cleaning smoke damage.

2. You Will Probably Need Smoke Cleaning.
Porous objects, such as upholstered furniture, rugs, clothing and curtains may be undamaged by fire, but need cleaning to remove smoke stains and smell. Most homeowners policies cover smoke damage, so your fire loss insurance may pay for a fire restoration company in Rosemont, IL, to clean your smoke damaged property.

3. There May Be Disputes Over Repairs.
Homeowners and insurance companies frequently do not agree about which property can be restored and which needs to be replaced. For example, the insurance company may be willing to pay for smoke cleaning for a homeowner's upholstered furniture that the homeowner feels needs to be replaced with new furniture. Another common dispute is matching the color of the siding or interior walls that needed to be replaced to the siding or walls that were not damaged in the fire. Most disputes can be resolved by negotiating with the insurance company; however, it may be worthwhile to hire an independent inspector or third party adjuster to assist.
A partial fire loss can be more complicated to resolve than a total loss because decisions will be made about which property can be restored and which should be replaced. Be ready to negotiate with your insurance company should any disputes arise.

Surprising Ways Mold Growth Can Water Down Your Business

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

If you notice mold growth in your building is a good idea to reach out to a local mold remediation expert.

Why You Should Mitigate These Problems?

Commercial businesses in Park Ridge, IL, have a plethora of daily tasks to worry about, but mold growth is often not at the top of business owners' minds. However, it's a crucial threat to consider. You may have a mold problem on the rise if there are any areas of excess water present in your building. Here are some issues to watch out for, as well as reasons why you should mitigate these problems as soon as you notice them.

Possible Signs and Causes of Mold Overgrowth
High-moisture environments are a recipe for mold disaster. Keep on the lookout for potential indicators of excess mold:

• Musty odors
• Roof leaks
• Humidity level exceeding 45%
• Excess condensation on windows
• Unvented water heaters
• Gutters funneling water toward the building
• Wet walls or ceilings with paint buckling

If you notice any water damage on materials, smell mold, or detect high humidity levels, it's a good idea to reach out to a local mold remediation expert. Sometimes, mold growth issues can go undetected. Be vigilant to reduce the possibility of structural and property damage.

Mold Damage to Commercial Buildings
The integrity and aesthetics of your commercial structure may be at risk if you have undetected mold. A number of issues may arise for your business if you aren't swift with mold cleanup:

• Peeling paint
• Damaged goods and products
• Unsightly spots and stains
• Structural damage
• Heating and vent damage

Too much mold can lead to unnecessary costs to repair fixtures, appliances, and property. The mold can eat away at carpets, wood, and more. Often, the infestation of mold can be hard to reach, even by professionals. This could warrant complete replacement of appliances, such as water heaters and ventilation systems. It's even possible that indoor mold issues can remain unseen.
As a business owner, you need to be cautious of damage to your property. Mold growth does not have to be a source of a financial burden if you catch it quickly. Routine maintenance and an eye for the signs of overgrowth are key to safeguarding your building.

2 Reasons You Need Business Insurance

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

Reasons To Purchase Business Insurance

Building a business is the culmination of someone's dreams, passion and vision. You may invest your entire life savings into a venture you believe can help customers. That's why business maintenance is key. Unexpected situations occur daily in Chicago, IL. From broken pipes and water damage to fires and other unexpected natural disasters, the protection provided by business insurance is essential for any owner's peace of mind.

1. Your Company Looks More Credible
Some people deeply analyze a company before deciding to give it their business. In some cases, their decision comes down to factors well beyond your products and services on offer. Having solid business insurance is one way to make prospective customers and clients feel safer investing in your company. If something goes wrong on site, you'll be protected, and ultimately, they'll be protected, too. This creates a security blanket that's essential for you and your customer's peace of mind.

2. You Can Stay Afloat During an Unexpected Situation
If water damage does hit your commercial property, you'll be left with a water cleanup job you never planned — or budgeted — for. Work will likely have to be put on the back burner as you wait for a professional water restoration company to return a sense of normalcy to the premises and create a safe working environment for you and your staff.
Fortunately, business insurance can pay your bills and expenses during this time when you would be working at your business but are unable to. It keeps payments processing and doesn't put you in a deeper hole. You're able to maintain relations with creditors and other business partners while you work to get your business back to normal.
From water damage to fire or even falling trees, every day has the potential to bring unexpected challenges and situations to your business's door step. With the right protection, however, your business can weather any storm.

Who Pays for Damages in a Rental Fire?

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

In an office fire, your first concern is your safety and well-being and that of everyone you work with. You also need to be mindful of the repair, cleanup and restoration costs and what responsibilities you have. If your office is in a rented apartment building in Chicago, IL, it’s important to understand that your insurance coverage may not take care of all the damages. Make sure you understand what you face in the aftermath of this apartment fire.

Insurance Options

If you rent office space for your company, the landlord will purchase property insurance to cover damages to the structure. To protect anything you own, it’s a smart idea to get additional commercial renter’s insurance. This will come in handy if an apartment fire starts, even if you accidentally caused it. This insurance can compensate you for the following:

• Damaged or destroyed furniture you purchased
• Décor or pictures you purchased
• Personal knick-knacks and memorabilia
• Personal equipment you used for work but purchased yourself

Property Insurance Payments

Regardless of the cause (unless it was on purpose), the property insurance should cover all fire damage to the building itself, including walls, ceilings, flooring, the roof, electrical equipment or other building systems. Make sure your landlord has comprehensive coverage against fires.

When You Have to Pay

Fires are not only destructive because of the scorching flames, but water damage and smoke damage can be significant as well. If you happened to have caused the fire due to an accident or mishap, the respective insurance coverages should kick in. However, if you intentionally caused the fire, not only will you be held financially liable for damages and to pay for professional fire restoration teams to clean up and rebuild, but you may be prosecuted.
An apartment fire has the potential to damage or destroy a significant amount of your work materials. It’s a wise idea to supplement the property coverage with commercial renter’s insurance.

Does Commercial Property Insurance Cover Fire Damage?

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Damage Insurance Coverage

Commercial property insurance can cover any structure zoned for commercial use. Depending on the level of coverage and any additional endorsements, this insurance should pay for damage resulting from burst pipes, fire, explosions, storms, or theft and vandalism. Commercial insurance can shield businesses from bearing the extensive costs of fire damage alone.

The pricing of these policies depends on several factors.

• Fire protection levels: The cost of a business insurance policy that covers fire may vary depending on the distance of the closest fire station. You may pay higher premiums if you are far from assistance or do not have suitable fire suppression safety equipment in your place of business.
• Building materials: The materials used to build a commercial property may also play a major role in determining how much commercial insurance for your business will cost. Is the building built out of fire-resistant materials or combustibles like wood? Do newer structural features or updates maintain the same level or a higher level of fire safety than the rest of the building? Insurers will factor in any additions and modifications as well as the original structure, which may either raise or lower premiums.
• The type of business: When it comes to buying property insurance or policies that compensate for business interruptions, offices are generally considered to be safer commercial properties than restaurants or businesses that work with potentially hazardous substances.

Fire is a common risk covered by commercial property insurance no matter where your business is located. Some policies may require endorsements for other less common disasters such as earthquakes or floods. If you are considering purchasing commercial insurance for your property in Chicago, IL, you should carefully assess the fire risks of your property and determine the best policy for your needs. If a fire does occur, this coverage may offset the cost of fire damage mitigation.

How Fire Can Damage Different Parts of Your Business's Computers

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

How Fire Can Damage Different Parts of Your Business's Computers

Computers are one of the most important pieces of electronic equipment your business in Chicago, IL, needs to run its everyday operations. When damaged in an electrical fire, how the computer cleanup process goes depends on the different parts affected by the heat, soot, and smoke.

1. Metal
Different metals, such as aluminum, silicon, lead, copper, and tin, make up a large majority of computer components. Although most of these metals remain intact even when exposed to higher temperatures, the longer exposure to heat continues in a fire, the more the metals will continue to break down.
2. Platters
The platters within a computer are disks that store the device's data, and they are typically made from cobalt, ceramic, aluminum or glass. These disks can withstand high temperatures and smoke damage for a certain period of time, but after prolonged exposure to an electrical fire, they will start to bubble, melt and warp.
3. Rubber Seals
Some solid-state drives and most hard disk drives include metal casings that protect the disks within the computer. An industrial-strength rubber gasket seals these cases to prevent damage, but during a fire, it will begin to melt when the surrounding environment reaches approximately 620 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Plastic Parts
The exterior case, the insulation within the exterior case, the keys in the keyboard and even some of the electronic circuits within a computer are plastic. Even if fire cleanup professionals can salvage most of your business' computer parts, it is unlikely the plastic components will survive, as they typically start to melt soon after exposure to a direct flame or indirect heat.
The sooner you can save your business's computers from exposure to heat and flames during an electrical fire, the better. While you may not be able to use the devices again, you may be able to recover some of the important data stored within them.

Some Commercial Storm Damage May Be Tax Deductible

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Some Commercial Storm Damage May Be Tax-Deductible

Chicago, IL, has seen its share of storms. Ideally, all the storm damage would be covered by insurance, but in real life, circumstances can leave you with no coverage. Those situations include, but aren’t limited to

Lapse in coverage
Excluded type of damage
No insurance

Occasional Good Reasons for Not Having Insurance
Flood damage is specifically excluded from most commercial insurance policies. It’s usually better to get the added coverage available through the National Flood Insurance Program, but that can be expensive, so the premiums should be weighed against the potential of a flood and the possible losses.
In certain limited cases, having no commercial insurance may be advisable for smaller operations. For example, if a business consists of a sole proprietor who works from home, insurance for their business makes no sense.
A lapse in insurance can come from several sources. It’s not unusual to forget to send in a check – a situation often discovered at a bad moment indeed. However, a check really can, just like the old joke, get lost in the mail, also leading to a lapse. Hopefully, your insurance company will notify you if that happens.

Uninsured Damage to Businesses May Be Tax Deductible
If your business does have insurance, but you choose not to file a claim, that may complicate writing the damage off your taxes. For homeowner’s insurance, whether you can write off storm damage is quite complicated. However, business casualty losses are usually tax deductible.
To qualify, the damage must be from an identifiable event, such as severe thunderstorms, wildfires or floods. You need to save all your receipts and, if you have insurance, be able to show the loss wasn’t covered by the company.
One additional possible benefit is that major catastrophes may be declared a disaster by the federal government. In those cases, businesses may be allowed to write off the losses for the present tax year or the next – whichever is more advantageous for the company.
Once you have serious storm damage, call a professional restoration company to inspect and protect everything left. This should be done as soon as possible to avoid further loss.

4 Ways To Prevent Mold Growth in the Office

1/10/2020 (Permalink)

Ways to Prevent Mold Growth in the Office

Mold can have a major impact on your Park Ridge, IL, business. If your office sustains extensive mold damage, you may have to shut it down for cleaning. Black mold cleanup, in particular, is a costly process that could affect your company's profits.
While mold can appear anywhere, it is most commonly associated with water damage. Therefore, the best way to prevent mold growth is to limit the excess moisture on your property. Below are some tips for doing so.

Limit Humidity

Your local store should sell monitors for checking humidity. If your building has a humidity level above 60 percent, take steps to lower the amount of moisture in the air. You should also look out for other visible signs of excess humidity, including condensation on walls or windows.

Check Office Plants

Indoor plants can be a great way to brighten up an office. Unfortunately, their moist soil can also encourage the growth of mold. You don’t have to throw out these plants, however. Instead, add some Taheebo tea to the water you use to feed them. This tea, which is sold in natural food markets, hinders mold production.

Address Leaks and Floods Immediately

If you do find water damage, such as a leak or flood, don’t wait to address the problem. The longer the water sits there, the more mold will grow. Dry any wet items as soon as possible. Anything that cannot be completely dried should be removed from the premises.

Inspect Roof Gutters

A leaking roof is also a common source of mold. Damaged or clogged gutters can cause these leaks. You should have the roof inspected regularly and repair any problems if necessary.
By following the above mold prevention tips, you can protect your business and its assets. Still, these methods are not fool-proof. If your property does sustain water damage, you should contact mold remediation specialists immediately. They can inspect your building and perform mold cleanup services.

Can You Declare Storm Damage on Your Tax Return?

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Storm Damage poses business owners in Chicago, IL, several major hurdles. First of all, it can shut down the institution, creating a loss of revenue and turning customers to another location. Secondly, costs of repairs can escalate rather quickly, especially if you need a water restoration company's services. You may wonder whether the government offers assistance in these cases, giving stores a helping hand. Yes, it's possible at times to file remediation costs on your annual tax return. This does have some rules though. Here are a few tips to consider.

What Types of Situations Are Covered?

Is your situation tax deductible? Not all insurance claims fall under federal mandates. According to recent guidelines, your business could declare losses if FEMA has labeled it as a national disaster. That means any of the following weather systems might be included:

• Floods
  
• Hurricanes
  
• Earthquakes
  
• Blizzards
  
• Tornadoes
  
  

When you file, you'll need the information for the disaster claim, including FEMA's assigned number for the storm. Losses from deterioration and lack of care are not permissible.

Are There Any Other Requirements?

Storm Damage met from any of the above must be first processed through an insurance claim. If it isn't, the government does not grant a tax break. Therefore, before you see an accountant about your receipts, make sure you've spoken with your insurance agency. Once that is done, save your documentation. You can submit the total casualty loss that exceeded the insurance payment. While personal losses require a deductible, business owners are given more leniency.

Do You Need To Wait?

Having a tax deductible is usually beneficial; however, can the shop afford to wait? In addition, new rules allow for proprietors to place the loss on the previous year's return or the current year. This could help offset costs, giving the establishment cash to reopen the doors sooner. This is a choice, so you'll have to weigh what works best for you. If you want to apply it to last year, you'll need to file for an amendment or reconsideration.
The government offers those affected by Storm Damage some assistance. First file with insurance. Then, claim anything that was not covered.

How To Restore Your Company’s Water-Damaged Documents

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

If you’ve experienced water damage in your business, you know how disruptive the cleanup can be. Whether from a flood or a burst pipe, water can cause significant destruction to your property. Wet documents can be particularly vulnerable because paper quickly deteriorates when wet. If your Rosemont, IL, business has sustained water damage, and your documents were affected, this brief discussion may help you understand where to start.

Documents That Can Be Restored

When water damage occurs, a hierarchy develops as you attempt to protect and save your valuable property. It’s important to work with your water remediation expert to address water-damaged documents right away. The following types of documents can be professionally restored:

• Paper items such as contracts, financial records and certificates
  
• Film-based items such as X-rays and photographs
  
• Books and periodicals
  
• Maps, posters and blueprints
  
  

It may help to mention upfront what types of wet documents you have. Your remediation professionals can guide you with the next steps to take.

Restoration Methods That Work

Most document specialists use state-of-the-art equipment for document drying, sanitization and restoration. A team will gather and transport your items to a facility with large, industrial freeze dryers. Freezing slows down the deterioration of paper products and buys some time to prepare the restoration process.
The frozen documents will then be dried through a specialized warming and evaporation process. As moisture evaporates, it is vaporized and diverted to prevent further contamination. Finally, the documents can be sanitized using an irradiation method.
Since security is a critical element of document services, a HIPAA certified staff member will likely oversee the process. It’s important to trust that your items will be handled confidentially.
If a flood or a plumbing problem has caused water damage to your company’s documents, you may benefit from contacting a restoration specialist right away. If the wet documents were contaminated by flooding or sewage, professional help is essential due to the high level of contamination. If you act quickly, document restoration teams can help you dry and restore your valuable paper-based items. You might even end up feeling “Like it never even happened”.

3 Ways To Minimize Sewer Blockages in Commercial Buildings

6/19/2019 (Permalink)

Three Steps to Minimize the Risk of a Blocked Sewer

Maintaining both small and large commercial buildings can be a challenge, especially as infrastructure ages. Plumbing issues may, for example, be a common concern inside many Park Ridge,IL, facilities. In addition to pipe breaks and clogs, many properties may also experience a sewage backup or an unsanitary toilet overflow. Although some problems may be unavoidable, there are three key steps every property manager can take to minimize the risk of a blocked sewer and contamination requiring prompt and professional attention.

1. Make Wise Landscaping Decisions

Planting attractive bushes and shrubs can add curb appeal to your building, enhancing its appearance to both customers and staff. Unfortunately, roots can pose a threat to the integrity of external water and sewage lines.
To access water, roots may infiltrate nearby pipes. This can result in both obstructions and detrimental damage. To minimize this risk, determine the location of vital supply lines and plant vegetation away from those areas.

2. Have Accessible Trash Cans

Flushing trash, such as paper towels, diapers and feminine hygiene products, can result in a blocked sewer line. To avoid this scenario, place trash receptacles in every stall and post signs asking patrons to avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper.

3. Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners

Sometimes minor sink and toilet clogs may develop. To minimize the potential for a toilet overflow and sewage contamination, you should routinely clean and inspect your restrooms. If you suspect an obstruction, employ a plunger, a drain snake or call a licensed plumber.

Chemical drain cleaners can warp pipes or send the clog farther into the system, potentially causing additional problems. Because of this, you should avoid using these products.

Protecting your building from a blocked sewer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Taking simple proactive measures can help you avert unsanitary contamination, a costly plumbing bill and a time-consuming professional water and sewage cleanup.

The Aftermath of a Pipe Break

5/30/2019 (Permalink)

Damage in flooded homes is not uncommon. It can lead to the loss of your property and even the dreaded mold growth. Water in business premises can cause a standstill in the company’s operations, and this will be a major cost to the corporation. That is why mitigation of water in home and business environments is important. So, how exactly do professional water damage companies handle pipe breaks?

Water Damage Due To Pipe Break

Analysis of the situation

Professionals will arrive at the flooded home after a short while and will thoroughly inspect the damage caused by the supply line break. This will allow them to devise a plan for mitigation of the water damage. With water in business or home buildings, you need to carry out simple and prudent mitigation procedures after making the call to a professional flood damage company. For example, you can move some items out of the house and even carry out a simple water cleanup. This will reduce the overall losses that result from the water in business premises.

Water Cleanup

Water in home and business premises will cause mold growth and lots of other problems if left for long. That is why professionals invest in powerful water cleanup machinery that sucks water from your floor and carpet. For this procedure, the company will probably require you to clear the area so that they can perform thorough drying. You may need to hire a moving company.

In some cases, the water damage restoration company will require you to dispose of items such as carpets to protect the other surfaces of the house. Of course, this depends on the level of damage caused.

For these purposes, the company will use moisture detectors to determine the wetness in the area. They may also use infrared cameras to inspect the walls and other surfaces that can hide water from normal view. Once this is determined, powerful gas-powered pumps will be used to get rid of the water.

Drying the Area

Water in home and business environments will leave some moisture even after the water cleanup process. Professionals use air movers or other efficient equipment to dry up the house. Besides drying the floor, this will help to remove moisture from other surfaces and items that may have been affected by the flood damage, supply line break, or pipe break.

They will only leave once normal moisture levels are recorded on their equipment. Drying the house to this extent will prevent secondary water damage and, therefore, preserve your home and make restoration successful.

Repair of the Business

Water in home and business environments can necessitate some repairs and cleanup procedures, depending on the severity of the matter. A supply line break or pipe break has to be handled as soon as possible. Otherwise, you can expect the flood damage to recur in the future.

A restoration company can help you move out of the premises and will provide you with a temporary storage area for your items. This will allow the business to be restored. The process will mostly involve the repair of the walls, floors, tiles, and carpets. It may also be necessary to repaint the building. Early mitigation of the flood damage will make the restoration process simpler.

Conclusion

Water in business and home environments can cause inconveniences, and these can be reduced by quick mitigation of the situation. A professional water damage restoration company can effectively handle the damage caused by supply line break in your house or corporate premises. Your overall costs can be lowered by taking some necessary mitigation steps before the company arrives.

Rain Isn’t the Only Source of Storm Damage

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial office Suffered from Storm Damage.

A burst pipe is common in the winter season. Often, businesses will close during a winter storm. While it is important to keep you and the employees safe, you should also consider your building. When it comes to dropped temperatures or power outages, the building can severely drop in temperature. This extreme level of cold can cause a frozen pipe to burst.

What to do when that happens.

Shut off the Water

Once a pipe bursts, the first step that you should take is to turn off the water. The more water that floods your building, the worse the damage might be. Standing water is a haven for mold growth and only gets worse as it rises. Turning off the water gives you the ability to control the depth.

Assess the Damage

Once the pipes burst, your building can become quickly flooded. This leads to standing water. Some people have spread the misconception that mold does not grow in colder water, but it still can. The moisture will seep into the walls and carpeting and leave you with black mold and mildew. Once you have drained the water, it is time to assess the damage done.

Call a Mitigation Company

A professional service will be able to judge the work that needs to be done on your building. Without a professional, it is difficult to test what can and cannot be salvaged. In addition, a company will be able to tell you if the flood damage from the burst pipe will require a complete restoration of different areas.

Winter storms are dangerous for a number of reasons. What most people do not consider, however, is how storms lead to flood damage. The best way to prepare for floods during a winter storm is to make sure your pipes are taken care of. A burst pipe not only costs you money with the plumber, but it can also lead to damage throughout your Chicago, IL, building.

What To Expect From Fire Remediation Professionals

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial restoration in Chicago, IL

The work completed as part of fire damage restoration services can leave your property in pre-fire condition. In some cases, much of this work can be completed while you continue to operate your business. Most of the time, fire and smoke damage remediation professionals will work quickly to allow you get back to normal operations as soon as possible.

Professionals Services Include …

What can you expect from these professionals?

• Emergency Response
  
• Damage Assessment
  
• Roof Tarping and Security
  
• Cleanup Services
  
• Repair and Restoration
  

These five steps are conducted efficiently to prevent further damage from occurring. The professionals may also work closely with your insurance company.

Types of Damage

In addition to flames, your property may be at risk from water, smoke, and soot damage. Hidden behind the stains and smoke damage, there may be structural damages. As professionals complete the assessment part of their work, they will take note of walls, ceilings, and floors that have been affected by the fire.

Attention for the Roof

The roof gets special attention because the work of the firefighters often involves holes for ventilation. The holes make the building vulnerable to damage from the weather and from looters or vandals. The professionals use tarps and plywood to temporarily patch the openings.

Repair and Replace

As part of the cleanup, repair, and restoration services, professionals will address stains and smells with specialized smoke cleaning procedures. Some items may be removed for cleaning, and others may be treated while on the property. Some of your furnishings and possessions should be thrown out and replaced for the continued safety of your workers and clients.

Final Consultation

Fires are often preventable. After working through the previous steps, fire restoration professionals may discuss fire safety and prevention with you. They may offer valuable insights into where to position smoke detectors to prevent future fires.

If your business has been affected by fire, knowing what to expect can help. Once Chicago,IL, professionals are involved, you can return your focus to keeping your business active.

4 Ways To Avoid Secondary Damage

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can result in major problems at a building in Rosemont,IL. Additional damage, such as black mold or structural issues, may be caused by primary damage. Here are four ways to limit the risk of secondary damage.

1. Clean Up Primary Damage

The best way to prevent additional damage is to mitigate primary damage as quickly as possible. Water damage can make a structure and contents more susceptible to corrosion, mold, insect infestations, and rot.

In situations involving minor damage from a pipe leak, a building owner or manager may be able to call a plumber and dry the affected area. For major damage or incidents involving contaminated water, it can be beneficial to call in a service that specializes in water damage cleanup.

2. Dry the Damaged Area

In addition to removing water and cleaning or disinfecting the affected area, it is crucial to dry water damage in a timely manner. Most additional damage is due to residual moisture. Restoration professionals may recommend lowering high humidity levels or increasing ventilation.

3. Check For Signs of Mold

Once an area has been cleaned and dried, a building owner or manager should regularly check for any signs of fungus growth. Stachybotrys or black mold is only one of over 100,000 varieties of mold. Fungi can grow in a variety of colors or patterns, but will generally have a fuzzy texture. A telltale odor may indicate the presence of hidden mold.

4. Rely on Damage Restoration Experts

Restoration professionals can make the best choices from the start of the mitigation process onward. This can prevent aspects of primary damage from going undetected and causing further damage.

Secondary damage may range from structural issues or infestations to black mold. These methods can help property owners and managers stop additional damage from occurring after water damage at a building in Rosemont,IL.

Why Are Flood Waters Classified as Black Water?

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

When flood water washes through a community, officials quickly warn residents to stay away from the area. Why isn't it okay for commuters to travel their normal route to work? Why not conduct business through shallow areas? There's more at risk than damage to vehicles and the threat of being washed away, although both are significant risks. The primary danger may be the health hazards lurking in the water.

Water Categories

There are three classifications for water:

• Category One - Clean: Water that is safe to touch, such as rainwater and tap water.
• Category Two - Gray: This water may come from dishwashers or aquariums. It must be treated for contamination before it is consumed.
• Category Three - Black: This water contains bacteria, chemicals, and biological hazards. Sewage is a familiar example of black water.

Flood water is treated as black water because it may have picked up many contaminants as it traveled through the community. It may have come into contact with sewer mains, waste dumps, ditches, septic tanks, and toilet backflows. When water floods into your building, you can't tell where it's been or what it has picked up.

Dangers of Black Water

Black water may have been contaminated by fecal matter or by dangerous chemicals. It may carry bacterial or viral diseases. During floods, water may carry toxic waste or raw sewage. If your building has been affected by flood water and storm damage, contact an emergency restoration service immediately. These professionals can assess the level of danger and provide safety guidelines and a plan for remediation. These professionals have the equipment and training necessary to move through the cleanup plan in compliance with guidelines established by the EPA.

Don't plunge into cleanup efforts on your own. If flooding has filled your Park Ridge,IL, property with water, stay out of the area and wait for professionals to handle the mess. There are plenty of other recovery efforts you can undertake.

Salvaging a Flooded Company: How to Ensure Your Employees Are Protected during the Cleanup Process

9/16/2018 (Permalink)

A flooded company is a devastating thing that can stem from a broken pipe or a flood in the Chicago, IL, area. When this type of disaster occurs, it can be second nature to want to begin the cleanup process immediately with all hands on deck; however, there are certain precautions that you may want to take to protect the health and well-being of your employees.

1. Enforce Hygiene Practices

Standard practice when cleaning up any water damage should be the washing of hands before eating or touching your face. Depending on the type of water damage, you may be working in a contaminated space that can pose health risks just from contact.

2. Enforce PPE Requirements

As to avoid any further health risks, workers should wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This equipment includes facemasks, waterproof gloves, rubber boots, goggles, and water repellent coveralls.

3. Enforce Vaccination Requirements

In addition to any protective clothing, employees should be up-to-date on their tetanus shots as well as hepatitis A and B vaccines. You can speak to an emergency manager to find out if there are any other vaccinations required.

4. Ensure Appropriate Training

Before entering a flooded company, you may want to provide employees with the appropriate training necessary for the particular damage they will encounter. This training should cover the above requirements and practices, ensuring that everyone is aware of their risks and responsibilities.

5. Call in the Calvary

Depending on the level of damage and the significance of the health risks, it may be beneficial for a company to pursue restoration specialists with the appropriate certifications, training, and experience to protect their employees and their business. While a burst pipe may result in a small flood, corrected with wet vacs and a dry cleaning delivery, that is simple enough for an in-house team to handle, large floods may require more skilled hands.

A flooded company, while devastating, can provide opportunities for team building; however, it is essential to prepare employees for the cleanup process by ensuring they abide by the appropriate requirements, practices, and training. Their safety is your ultimate responsibility.

For more on Chicago click here. 

How To Create a Fire Escape Plan

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

Disaster and calamity can strike your home at any time. No matter how diligently you prepare, you can’t always prevent accidents and mishaps such as fires. It is possible, however, to be ready to get out of your home safely if a fire starts. Every family should have a fire escape plan. If you haven’t developed one yet, there are resources to help you. Once you’ve created and practiced your emergency escape plan for your home in Chicago, IL you can have peace of mind.

1. Meet and discuss what you’ll do in case of emergency. The nature of emergencies is they often come with little or no warning. To help prevent major injury, you must be prepared to act immediately. To begin your fire escape plan, meet with the members of your family and talk about things such as what emergency alerts you have in the home and which ones you need; what the best route is out of the home and where you will go once you’re safely outside.

2. Evaluate your specific needs. Every family is different, so your emergency escape plan won’t be like the next person’s. Consider the ages of those in your family and think about physical limitations anyone may have. Include pets in your plan as well. Give every family member an assignment.

3. Practice your escape. If you practice your plan, chances of success are better in the real event. Time how fast you can get out of your home and to your safe spot. Then, work on shaving the seconds off that time. The more you practice, the more confident and comfortable everyone will feel.

A good fire escape plan from your home in Chicago, IL will help minimize the confusion and panic if a real fire occurs. If you need help with your emergency escape plan, the American Red Cross has some excellent resources. Visit http://www.SERVPROparkridge.com for more information on commercial fire damage.

Facing a Winter Storm as a Property Owner

11/20/2017 (Permalink)

Facing a Winter Storm as a Property Owner

Winter storms are often the biggest cause of commercial property damage. Wind, precipitation and freezing temperatures all do a number on commercial buildings under the right circumstances. There are a few types of storm damage that commercial property owners should watch for.

Burst Pipes

Sudden drops in temperature can quickly result in frozen pipes or even a devastating pipe burst. Inadequate insulation and a failure to turn on the heat early enough are the usual causes of frozen pipes and the resulting collateral water damage.

Roof Damage

Another frequent point of failure for a typical commercial property during a winter storm is the roof. High winds can easily rip off asphalt shingles and corrugated metal panels if they're not secured properly. Furthermore, ice dams that form along the eaves allow substantial amounts of water to seep into the structure.

Mold Growth

Commercial properties that suffer from burst pipes and roof damage are far more likely to develop mold that festers behind the scenes for years. While mold is an obvious health hazard, it's also a threat to the structural integrity of a building when left untreated.

Protecting Commercial Properties from Winter Weather

Before the winter arrives, it's wise to prepare a commercial property for the storms that will come. Performing a little preventative maintenance ahead of time is a lot easier than dealing with a pipe burst or a leaky roof while the weather is at its worst.
Visit http://www.SERVPROparkridge.com for more information on commercial storm damage.

Elements Necessary for a Fire to Start

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Park Ridge, IL

Elements Necessary for a Fire to Start

A fire in home is the result of a build-up and mixture of elements. It was requires fuel, air, and the right spark to get a fire going. But once it has flames, smoke, and heat begin to spread inexorably throughout the home. The flames of a fire are particularly destructive. They burn up, consume, and leave nothing but ashes of everything within their path. But the flames, and the destruction caused by them, are not the only things to worry about after the blaze has been put out.

When dealing with the aftermath of a fire, you will of course be upset while viewing the charred remains of what you loved and cherished. This is a perfectly reasonable response, and it is right that a considerable part of your recover efforts be focused on reclaiming as much as you can from what has been burned. However, if you are to do fire damage restoration properly you must take a larger view of the potential damage.

Fire damage restoration includes a thorough fire cleanup. The fire will have no doubt left a great mess. If you are to regain control of your house, you will need to clean out the refuse caused by the outbreak. A professional fire damage restoration company can help you plan and execute a fire cleanup strategy that will ensure you are able to save as much as you can, and remove the charred and damage parts of your home from the premises quickly and safely.

Just as important in your fire damage restoration and fire cleanup efforts is dealing with the effects of heat and smoke. These are aspects of a fire that people tend to forget about, but they can be just as destructive and dangerous as the flames.

A fire in home will inevitably lead to smoke damage and soot damage as well as fire damage. These tend to manifest themselves as black streaks on the walls and other surfaces. The stains left by smoke damage and soot damage can only be removed through the use of special chemicals and solvents. The fire damage restoration and fire cleanup service you work with will be the only ones equipped with such solutions. Smoke damage and soot damage can permanently mar the appearance of your home. The longer they are allowed to remain the harder it will be to remove the stains and recover the affected walls and furnishings. You should ensure that the company you work with gives due attention to reversing the effects of smoke damage and soot damage.

An additional worry of fire in home is the possible warping of its infrastructure by heat. Fire does a great deal of damage that is not seen. The restoration company you work with must possess the technology to examine the internal structure of your home—to look beneath floors and through walls and assess what if any heat and fire damage has been done.

A fire in home will also leave a smoke smell. This is one of the hardest things to deal with. The release of smoke and chemicals will put a terrible stench into the air and into your furnishings. Such a smoke smell can only be eliminated with special solvents and treatments. And these can only be expertly applied by the professionals employed by a restoration company. The smoke smell is not something you will be able to live with. It is much too unbearable for any human nose to contend with. As soon as your fire cleanup is well underway, you should have the experts from the restoration company deal with the smoke smell.

Parts of your home might be unsalvageable. If that is the case, then you should get a professional board up done. Your home will be unsightly until you are able to do a complete renovation. But you don’t need to settle for a bad board up. Don't allow fire damage to completely ruin the community. The professionals you work with can do a board up that looks neat. They can do a board up that will give some order and tidiness to your damaged home.

Commercial fire damage or fire in business can also be handled by restoration company professionals. The have experts trained to deal with the fire damage incurred by corporate entities. If you are trying to cope with commercial fire damage or fire in business, you should call them. They can provide you the right expertise and service. A commercial fire damage or fire in business can come with additional complications. But working with the right company can help you sort out the consequences of a commercial fire damage or fire in business
Visit http://www.SERVPROparkridge.com for more information on fire damage.

What You Should Know About Commercial Fires

10/25/2017 (Permalink)

What You Should Know About Commercial Fires

What happens in case of a fire accident at home or business premises? Fire causes monetary severe fire damage to properties when not contained in time. Fire damages may reduce one to zero when not careful. However, some features may not necessarily burn into ashes like the building or furniture which now will require the hiring of commercial fire damage restoration company to help recover the property and bring it back to normal state. The fire restoration companies may even assist in putting off the fire since they have firefighters, fire truck and a fire hose that will be of great help if you contact them in good time. Informing the fire restoration firms in time will help in fire suppression before more damage occurs to the properties.

What to do after fire erupts at your premises

In case if the electrical fire starts at your house don't try to put off the fire alone since it may be strong and end up burning. Here are the tips on what to do the fire starts immediately;

• Ensure everyone is in a safe place –quickly think of getting people inside the house under fire into a safe place. Life is more important than any property. Call for help from neighbors when it becomes difficult to save the family members alone.

• Now call the professionals to put off the electrical fire –it's essential always to have contacts of the firefighters in the nearest town who can respond quickly. The utility room fire firefighters have reliable equipment such as fire truck, fire hose and fire sprinkler system that will overpower the fire soon.

• After the fire is put off, now call the fire damage restoration company for fire restoration services and restore the fire damages from soot damage to smoke damages. Also, inform the insurance company of the loss which is the primary policy after an accident occurs to make them aware of the cost to start making plans for compensation.

How does the fire damage restoration companies' work?

The utility room fire property restoration work starts immediately receiving a call from a client; they quickly respond since they understand the danger of delaying which may lead to extreme damages. The restoration companies work in following ways;

1. Calling step

This is the point the fire suppression process begins after calling the company they will ask client some questions to make them understand the cause of fire so that they can send the right professionals and tools to restore the property.

2. Inspection

The restoration agency professionals after arriving at the scene of a fire they will first evaluate the level of utility room fire damage to help them plan the next action. The fire suppression inspection determines the smoke damages, soot damages, and other damages also the cause of fire like the electrical fire which require special treatment. Even the fire sprinkler system and a fire truck or fire hose may cause some commercial fire damage while firefighters were at work, determination of all losses happens at this stage.

3. Removal and sorting of burnt properties

The removing of properties consumed and sorting them into more damaged to less damaged takes place and keep them in a secure location free from further commercial fire damage. The sorting includes also putting aside properties with soot damage or smoke damage and the electrical fire damage.

4. The removing of smoke and soot from all surfaces begin

The cleaning of the surfaces affected now starts from the walls to furniture with smoke damage, soot damage, and electrical fire damage. Cleaning includes scrubbing the walls from the utility room fire to other commercial fire damage rooms affected during the fire suppression by professionals or by the fire sprinkler system.

5. Real restoration process

The final stage of the fire restoration process includes the repair of furniture and replacement of drywalls by repainting and installing new carpet in your house. At this level, the home and the assets get full treatment returning them to the previous look before the fire damage.

Lastly is advisable to seek the fire restoration service from a credible company with relevant equipment to get quality services. The removing the soot damage or smoke damage require professionals for productive work. Also, it can be of great help to be in contact with the nearest firefighters company which can help in time of fire accidents they should have fire hose or fire truck and fire sprinkler system to put off fire easily and avoid extreme damages.
Visit http://www.SERVPROparkridge.com for more information on commercial fire damage.

Professional Water Damage Restoration Techniques

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

Professional Water Damage Restoration Techniques

Water damage. Restoration. A pipe break. These are things no home owner or business manager wants to have to think about. Unfortunately, these things can happen whether you live in an area prone to flooding or not. Hurricanes, flash floods, and storms can affect anyone, so it's important to know when it's time to call a professional about the water damage in your area.

After you experience a flood, restoration becomes an important part of water cleanup and recovery. While you might feel like drying and mitigation will come naturally, the truth is that both water mitigation and restoration often require additional help. Dealing with water in home isn't easy. You might feel overwhelmed or nervous about the cost of mitigation and restoration, but keep in mind that a professional can help restore even the most damaged of homes.

When you decide to contact a restoration company, understand they can help you with a variety of mitigation and restoration techniques. A restoration company can help you with:
Water in home
Water in business
Water cleanup
Drying
Mitigation
A supply line break
Preparing for future flooding

You don't have to deal with water cleanup on your own, and you shouldn't. Water damage affects businesses and homes across the globe, and the right professional can assist with water cleanup and mitigation to prevent future flooding, as well.

How can you tell when it's time to call a professional?

Is there water in home? How about water in business? Is there standing water near the exterior of your building? Have you experienced a supply line break? How about a pipe break? Has your area experienced recent storms that have caused water to leak into your building?

Flood damage doesn't always mean you have a flooded home. Flood damage could appear on the exterior of your building or even in your yard. Many homeowners experience water in home after a flood.

For some homes, a supply line break may have caused a flooded home. If you suddenly notice large amounts of water in your home, you may be dealing with a pipe break or supply line break. This can lead to a flooded home and flood damage inside your house.

When it comes to water in business, understand that a restoration company can help with flood damage and drying. Water in business can affect your company's earnings, so it's important to deal with drying as quickly as possible. If you're experiencing local flooding or you've experienced a pipe break, don't wait to call a restoration company.

Remember that dealing with a flooded home or business isn't something you have to do alone. The right professional can help you manage these issues quickly, effectively, and safely so you can continue to lead a normal, productive life and get back to your regular activities as quickly as possible.

If you're facing water issues, make sure you deal with them as quickly as possible. Never postpone repairing flood damage simply because you're busy or don't want to pay for it. Water damage can not only lead to issues with your building's foundation and structure, but can lead to physical health problems for you and your employees, as well. Did you know that water damage, when left untreated, can lead to mold growth in your building? Because of this, it's vital that you seek assistance from a restoration company as soon as you notice you're experiencing flood damage in your building. The right professional can help remove flood waters, repair pipes, and assist you in drying your building quickly.
Visit http://www.SERVPROparkridge.com for more information on water damage.

What to do After a Commercial Fire

9/28/2017 (Permalink)

What to do After a Commercial Fire

Most buildings have fire suppression mechanisms, such as fire sprinkler systems. The system plays an important role in reducing the spread of fire damage. The fire sprinkler system has the ability to put off or contain the fire from spreading. It sprinkles a lot of water on the fire, thus reducing its effect. However, there are still buildings that have not adopted the fire sprinkler system to handle instances of utility room fire and electrical fire. In this case, a commercial fire damage is more devastating.

Burning items create a strong odor that spreads in all the rooms and becomes absorbed in porous items. It requires deodorization to remove odors and make the office habitable again. Soot damage is visible from the black painting and ashes that are left on ventilations. It requires a professional approach to remove soot damage during fire restoration.

A professional approach to fire restoration is the most effective and efficient way to ensure that your business does not suffer excessive loss recovery time. They ensure that everything goes back to near normal of what it was before the utility room fire or electrical fire outbreak. Hiring professional services is easy and ensures a faster completion of the job.
Visit http://www.SERVPROparkridge.com for more information on fire damage.