Safety Tips for Smoke Alarms

11/18/2024 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day.

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast. Working smoke alarms give you early warning so you can get outside quickly.  Here are some helpful tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) about smoke alarms:

SAFETY TIPS

• Install smoke alarms in every bedroom. They should also be outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home. Install alarms in the basement.
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• It is best to use interconnected smoke alarms. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound.
• Test all smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Current alarms on the market employ different types of technology including multi-sensing, which could include smoke and carbon monoxide combined.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet (3 meters) from the stove.
• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business needs fire restoration services, SERVPRO of Downtown Chicago / Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 773-935-6750.

Fire Damage - Call SERVPRO

2/22/2024 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day.

Even small fires will cause smoke and soot damage to other areas of the house. The professionals at SERVPRO of Downtown Chicago / Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview are trained and certified to clean and restore fire damage quickly and efficiently. Here are some tips from our website on things you can do while waiting for help to arrive:

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open
• Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves
• Change HVAC filter
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without consulting an authorized repair service
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat, or water
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has fire, smoke, and soot damage, SERVPRO of Downtown Chicago / Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview is available to help.Call us today at 773-935-6750.

Safety Tips for Patio Heaters

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day.

SERVPRO of Downtown Chicago / Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview responds to commercial fire damage emergencies throughout the year. More businesses are using propane heaters to keep customers and employees warm on chilly days and nights. Here is some information from the National Fire Protection Association for using outdoor propane heaters safely:

Propane Patio Heaters

For patio heaters that use integral LP-Gas containers with a capacity greater than 1.08 lb. (0.49 kg), NFPA 1 requires that the heaters be listed by an organization acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Propane heaters need to be used in accordance with their listing and manufacturer instructions. Prior to using a propane heater, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for information such as the following:

• Necessary clearances from the heating element
• Proper ventilation required
• Proper inspection, cleaning, and maintenance procedures
• Lighting and shutdown procedures
• Where the heater can and cannot be used (for example, heaters cannot be used in enclosed locations)
• Procedures for properly storing heaters

The restrictions for using propane heaters are also based on the occupancy in which they are used. For example, in assembly occupancies, such as restaurants with 50 or more occupants, heaters cannot be located within 5 ft (1.5 m) of the exits. Regardless of where they are used, if a heater uses propane hoses, they must be as short as possible, visible, and protected from damage.

Call Us Today!

When your Gold Coast home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO of Downtown Chicago / Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 773-935-6750.

Soot and Smoke-Damaged Clothing in Gold Coast?

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

We clean and restore fire-damaged belongings in Chicago.

Our local Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview team is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration services. Our technicians are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration (IICRC), the nonprofit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry. We always try to salvage and restore belongings damaged by fire, and we use several different methods and techniques. We pretest every item before cleaning to ensure we use the most effective cleaning method.

• Dry Cleaning - used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
• Wet Cleaning - an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
• Spray and Wipe - effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
• Foam Cleaning - used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
• Abrasive Cleaning - involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
• Immersion Cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Call Us!

Fire damage can happen at any time, and all fires leave behind soot and smoke residues that are difficult to clean. Our local team in Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview can help when you need contents cleaning and restoration services. We’ll restore your fire-damaged belongings in Gold Coast, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 773-935-6750.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Candle Fire in Lakeview Apartment?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Chicago!

Candles make everything festive, and they create a beautiful ambiance. However, candles left unattended can cause fires. According to the  National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than one-third of home candle fires start in the bedroom. Our local team in Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview responds to fire damage emergencies each year in Lakeview and offer these candle safety tips from the NFPA:

·      Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid using candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep.

·      Keep candles at least one foot away from anything that can burn

·      Use sturdy candle holders, and won’t tip over easily

·      Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface

·      Light candles carefully, and keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame

·      Don’t burn a candle all the way down. Put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container.

·      Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home

·      Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

·      Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.

Call Us!

When your Lakeview home or commercial business has fire damage, our local team in Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview will restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 773-935-6750.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

9-Volt Battery Fire in Lakeview?

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Chicago.

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/Lakeview offers these tips from the National Fire Protection Association for using, storing, and discarding 9-volt batteries.

The problem

·      9-volt batteries can be dangerous because the positive and negative posts are close together. If a metal object touches the two posts of a 9-volt battery, it can cause a short circuit and make enough heat to start a fire.

Storing 9-volt batteries

·      Keep batteries in original packaging until you are ready to use them. If loose, keep the posts covered with masking, duct, or electrical tape. Prevent the posts from coming in contact with metal objects.

·      Keep them someplace safe where they won’t be tossed around

·      Store batteries standing up

·      9-volt batteries should not be stored loose in a drawer. Do not store them in containers with other batteries.

Disposal

·      9-volt batteries should not be thrown away with the trash. They can come in contact with other batteries or pieces of metal.

·      9-volt batteries can be taken to a collection site for household hazardous waste

·      To be safe, cover the positive and negative posts with masking, duct, or electrical tape before getting rid of batteries

·      Some states do not allow any type of battery to be disposed of with trash. Check with your city or town for the best way to get rid of batteries.

Call Us!

If you have fire damage in your Lakeview home or business, SERVPRO® of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/Lakeview is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 773-935-6750.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips for Lincoln Park?

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Chicago!

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoke alarms play an essential role in reducing fire deaths and injuries in homes in the United States. SERVPRO® of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/Lakeview responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year in Lincoln Park and offer these smoke alarm safety tips from the NFPA:

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions yet mitigate false alarms
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years

Call Us Today!

When your Lincoln Park home or commercial business has fire damage, SERVPRO® of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/Lakeview is Here to Help. ® Our technicians typically arrive within four hours of your call. Call us today at 773-935-6750.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

After Christmas Fire Safety Tips for Lakeview?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage in Chicago 24-hours a day.

My sister’s Christmas tree was bone dry. While she was at work, I took down the old tree and replaced it with a new, fresh tree so I wouldn’t have to worry about her tree going up in flames. I dragged the old tree out to the balcony and tossed it over the side. When the old tree hit the ground, all of the needles flew off the tree, leaving behind a skeleton!

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more home fires happen during the winter months than at any other time of the year. Taking down the holiday lights and disposing of the old Christmas tree are two ways of reducing your chance of having a post-holiday fire emergency.

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/Lakeview offers these after Christmas safety tips from the NFPA:

• Get rid of the tree after Christmas or when it is dry. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage or placed outside against the house.
• Check with your local community to find a recycling program
• Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer

Lakeview residents will benefit from the City of Chicago’s Christmas tree recycling program. This recycling program offers many locations throughout the city to drop off your old tree.

Call Us Today!

When your Lakeview home or commercial business has fire damage, SERVPRO® of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/Lakeview is Here to Help. ® Call us at 773-935-6750.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Electrical Safety Tips for Gold Coast Residents?

12/14/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Chicago.

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/Lakeview wants Gold Coast residents and businesses to have a safe and fire-free winter. Here are some electrical safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician
• Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time
• Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
• Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected.
• Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets, so you don’t have to use extension cords.

Call Us Today!

When your Gold Coast home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/Lakeview is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at 773-935-6750.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

CG 11/16/21

Fire Safety Tips for Streeterville?

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Chicago.

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/Lakeview responds to fire damage emergencies in Streeterville 24-hours a day. Here are some heating safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Never use your oven to heat your home
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
• Install wood-burning stoves following the manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional do the installation. All fuel-burning equipment should be vented to the outside to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.
• Install and maintain CO alarms to avoid the risk of CO poisoning. If you smell gas in your gas heater, do not light the appliance. Leave the home immediately and call your local fire department or gas company.

Call Us Today!

When your Streeterville home or business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/Lakeview is Here to Help. ® Call us at 773-935-6750.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Kitchen Fire in Lincoln Park?

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Chicago.

Cooking Safety Tips for Lincoln Park

The leading cause of cooking fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview offers these cooking safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Cook with Caution

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food
• If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time, turn off the stove
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking
• Use a timer to remind you that you are cooking
• Keep anything that can catch fire — oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains — away from your stovetop

If you have a small grease cooking fire and decide to fight the fire...

• On the stovetop, smother the flames by sliding a lid over the pan and turning off the burner, and leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview has a team of emergency fire restoration technicians ready to respond to your call 24-hours a day. Call us today at 773-935-6750. We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in Lincoln Park, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview is Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire Extinguisher Safety Tips for Lakeview?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration in Chicago.

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/Lakeview responds to fire damage emergencies every year, and we see the difference having a home fire extinguisher can make. Here are some fire extinguisher safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Use a portable fire extinguisher when:

• The fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket
• The fire is not growing
• Everyone has exited the building
• The fire department has been called or is being called
• The room is not filled with smoke

To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:

• Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.
• Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly
• Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side
• For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher (can be used on all types of home fires) that is large enough to put out a small fire but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle
• Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory
• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out

Call Us!

When your Lakeview home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, SERVPRO® of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park/Lakeview is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at 773-935-6750.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Pet Fire Evacuation Plan in Lincoln Park?

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Chicago relies on us to restore fire-damaged homes and businesses.

Our pets are part of our families, and they’ll need our help when a fire breaks out. SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year in Lincoln Park and offer these pet fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association for situations when you need to evacuate due to fire:

• Make sure your pets are included in your family’s evacuation plan
• Build an evacuation kit for each pet in your household
• Ensure each kit is a size and weight that can be quickly loaded into a vehicle when packing to evacuate.

Include supplies for your pet in your emergency kit or assemble an emergency kit for your pet. Here are some pet emergency kit tips from the American Red Cross:

• Sturdy leashes and harnesses
• Food, drinking water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and a manual can opener
• Medications and copies of medical records
• A first aid kit
• Current photos of you with your pet(s) in case they get lost
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets
• Pet beds and toys, if easily transportable

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview is Here to Help. ® Call us at 773-935-6750. We’ll clean and restore your  fire damage in Lincoln Park, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

How to Recover After a Commercial Kitchen Fire in Bucktown

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Chicago.

A commercial kitchen fire can cause a lot of damage to your business, and you may have some “burning” questions about where to start when it comes to restoration! According to the National Fire Prevention Association, during a five-year national study, fire departments responded to close to 3,500 commercial fires annually. It’s important to keep safety in mind, and to be prepared in the event a fire occurs.

What to do after a commercial fire?

• After a fire in your Bucktown commercial kitchen, make sure that your staff and customers are safe
• Call your insurance company immediately post-disaster to report the incident and start your claim process
• If you are leasing the space, let the owner or property manager know so that they are aware of the severity of damage and possible repair costs 
• Wait for the fire department to give you the all-clear to go inside the building, before assessing the damage, and removing necessary items
• Document everything by taking photos and videos of the damage for your insurance claim
• Be sure to keep all of your receipts to track the extra expenses post-fire

How can SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview Help? 

When your commercial business experiences fire damage, it is important to get back to business quickly to avoid lost revenue and productivity. SERVPRO of Gold Coast/Lincoln Park /Lakeview has years of experience restoring commercial properties damaged by fire, and we will help you make the right decisions to get your business up and running as soon as possible. Our team will:

• Board-up and tarp the affected areas to minimize further damage
• Remove and dry the water used to put the fire out
• Clean any soot and smoke left behind
• Clean and sanitize all restorable items
• Remove any odors on soft surfaces 

With years of experience under our belt, SERVPRO of Gold Coast/ Lincoln Park/ Lakeview is a trusted leader in commercial fire damage restoration. Call us at 773-935-675. A fire damage specialist can assist you with getting the cleanup and restoration process started! 

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Will Homeowners Insurance Cover Fire Damage In Lakeview?

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

A fire can be devastating to you and your family. The aftermath can leave you feeling confused and stressed. Having to make an insurance claim only adds to an already stressful fire damage restoration process. Homeowners insurance can be complicated, and every policy is different and will have different coverage and limits. According to the Insurance Information Institute, educating yourself about policy options will help ensure your home is fully covered. 

What Does Fire Damage Insurance Normally Cover?

Most homeowner’s insurance in Lakeview covers fire and smoke damage as long as the fire was sudden or accidental. Fires caused by lightning strikes, wildfires, faulty electrical work, or accidents, like knocking a candle over or a kitchen fire, fit into the sudden or accidental category. If your property suffers fire or smoke damage, your insurance coverage should include:

• The physical structure of your home, costs of repairs or rebuilding
• Personal belongings, like furniture, clothing, and the items that make your house a home, insurance will either cover the cost to replace or restore the items
• Temporary housing arrangements while your home is being rebuilt or repaired are usually covered. It could include a rental property or hotel stay, extra fuel expenses, or groceries

What Isn’t Normally Covered By Fire Damage Insurance?

Your insurance won’t normally cover all types of fire damage. Make sure to read your policy for specific provisions, but generally, insurance will not cover:

• Arson
• Intentionally set fires
• Fires as a result of war
• Fires caused by poor maintenance

If you need to file an insurance claim, read your insurance policy. Make sure you understand what your insurance company will need to process your claim and the particulars of your policy. 

With years of experience under our belt, SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview is the leader in fire damage restoration. Our team is knowledgeable about insurance claims and will work with your insurance provider to manage the claims process and paperwork. Call us at 773-935-6750. 

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated. 

Soot and Smoke Damage in a Gold Coast Home?

4/19/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Chicago.

The soot is on the wall.

The soot and smoke-streaked wall in this picture resembles something you would see in a prehistoric cave, but it is actually fire damage caused by a heating system fire in a Gold Coast resident’s basement!

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview has been responding to fire damage emergencies for years in the Gold Coast area of Chicago, and we know that even a small, contained fire can cause smoke and soot damage to other parts of the home. When we arrive, we will conduct an assessment of the damage by carefully inspecting and testing adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the damage.

Specialized Training

Our highly trained technicians are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, the nonprofit certifying body for the cleaning and restoration industry, and have the experience and specialized equipment to quickly restore your property to preloss condition.

• Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

Call Us!

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview has a team of fire restoration technicians ready to respond 24-hours a day to any fire damage emergency in the Gold Coast area. Call us at 773-935-6750. We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview is Independently Owned and Operated.

Invisible Killer in Lakeview?

4/6/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Chicago.

Not in my Lakeview house!

Carbon monoxide (CO) is also referred to as the “invisible killer” because there are no warning signs you can see or smells that alert you to the hidden danger. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), CO is an odorless, colorless gas that is created when fuels like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas, propane, or methane do not burn completely. Heating, cooking, and equipment that burn fuel are common causes of CO poisoning in the home, as well as vehicles or generators running inside a garage.

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview responds to fire damage emergencies throughout the year in Lakeview, and offer some carbon monoxide safety tips from the NFPA:

• CO alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other locations where required by applicable laws, codes, or standards.
• If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door.
• A generator should be used in a well-ventilated location outdoors away from windows, doors, and vent openings.
• Gas or charcoal grills can produce CO — only use outside.

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview has a team of fire restoration technicians ready to respond 24-hours a day to any fire damage emergency in the Lakeview area. Call us at 773-935-6750. We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview is Independently Owned and Operated.

Electrical Fire Danger in the Gold Coast District?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Chicago.

Knob and Tube Fire Danger

While restoring a beautiful Queen Anne-style home in the historic Gold Coast District in Chicago, we found some of the original knob and tube wiring buried in the insulation. Knob and tube wiring is not grounded, and amazingly, a fire had never happened.

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview responds to fire damage emergencies in the Gold Coast district throughout the year and has seen evidence of the old knob and tube wiring in these historic homes. Most of these homes have been rewired, but many still contain some of this wiring that ranges from seventy to one-hundred and thirty years old!

Here are some electrical safety reminders from the National Fire Protection Association:

Call a qualified electrician or your landlord if you have:

• Frequent problems with blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers
• A tingling feeling when you touch an electrical appliance
• Discolored or warm wall outlets
• A burning or rubbery smell coming from an appliance
• Flickering or dimming lights
• Sparks from an outlet

Call Us!

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview has a team of restoration technicians on-call 24-hours a day to respond to fire damage emergencies. Call us at 773-935-6750. We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in the Gold Coast, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview is Independently Owned and Operated.

Keepsake Restoration for Gold Coast Fire Damage?

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Chicago residents trust us to restore their fire-damaged jewelry and keepsakes!

Gold Coast Gold

Gold Coast residents call on SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview to respond to their fire damage emergencies throughout the year. Even small, contained fires can cause damage to other areas of the house because the smoke, soot, and water from the firefighting efforts can intrude on other areas of the structure.

We know how important family jewelry and other keepsakes are to a family. Our fire restoration technicians are specialty-trained to pretest belongings damaged by fire as wood, metal, fabric, glass, and fabric and upholstery will require different methods and techniques for cleaning during the restoration process. Depending on the item being restored, we may use one or several of these cleaning methods:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

Call Us!

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview is ready to respond to fire damage emergencies in the Gold Coast area 24-hours a day. Call us at 773-935-6750. We’ll clean and restore your precious keepsakes, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview is Independently Owned and Operated.

Space Heater Fire in Lakeview?

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Our technicians are on call 24-hours in Chicago.

Space heater blues

Space heaters are a great way to take the chill off of a room during the freezing winter months in Lakeview, but if they are improperly used, they become a fire hazard. According to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), two in five deaths in space heater fires involve electric space heaters. SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview responds to fire damage emergencies often during the winter months and knows the damage even a small fire can cause to a home or business. Our fire restoration technicians have the advanced training, equipment, and experience to restore damage caused by small and large fires. Here are some safety tips from the NFPA to help you prevent a space heater fire this winter:

• Purchase a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.
• Keep the heater at least 3 feet away from children, pets, people, and anything that can burn.
• Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.
• Plug the heater directly into the wall outlet, and never use an extension cord.
• Turn off the space heater when leaving the room or when going to bed.

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview is on call 24 hours a day to respond to fire damage emergencies. Call us at 773-935-6750. We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in the Lakeview, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Gold Coast /Lincoln Park /Lakeview is Independently Owned and Operated.

Keeping your Pets Safe from Fire

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Follow these tips to keep your pets safe from fire in your home.

Pets are a big part of our lives; they are often considered part of our family.  We need to make sure that we keep our pets safe inside our homes.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) pets and wild animals are responsible for starting 750 home fires each year.  The following are a few sources that your pet may have exposure to:

• Cooking equipment
• Fireplaces
• Chimneys
• Space heaters
• Lamps
• Bulbs
• Wiring
• Candles

Here are a few safety tips from NFPA to keep your pets safe in your home:

• Pets may bump into, turn on, or knock over cooking equipment so keep them away from stoves and countertops.
• Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters.
• Use a heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place.
• Keep pets away from chimney’s outside vents.
• Create a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet away from the fireplace.
• Use battery-operated, flameless candles.
• Keep pets away from electrical cords that they might want to chew.
• Make sure your pets are included in your emergency evacuation plan.

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview will respond to any fire damage emergency 24 hours a day.  Call us today at 773-935-6750. 

Tips for Outdoor Grilling

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

Enjoy outdoor grilling with these safety tips.

As the warm days of summer begin to fade, there will be cooler fall days to still enjoy the taste of a meal cooked outside on the grill.  Here are some safety tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association to keep in mind when grilling:

General Grill Safety Tips:

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.
• Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.

If you have a Charcoal Grill:

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

Please stay safe with your outdoor grilling with the help of these safety tips.  If you have any questions about Fire or Smoke damage, please contact SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at 773-935-6750.

Tips for Candle Safety in your Home

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Follow these tips when using candles in your home.

Candles may be pretty to look at and provide a great fragrance in your home, but they can also be a cause of a house fire.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of every 5 candle fires start when things that can burn are placed too close to the candle.  Here are some tips that you should follow for candle safety:

• Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed
• Keep candles one foot away from anything that can burn
• Use a sturdy candle holder, that will not tip over easily
• Put candle holders on a sturdy and unclutter surface
• Light candles carefully, keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame
• Do not let the candle burn all the way to the bottom; put it out before it gets too close to the container or holder
• You should not light a candle if oxygen is used in the home
• During a power outage, use a flashlight or battery-operated lighting instead of a candle

Remember candles are an open flame which means they can easily ignite.  As an alternative, consider using flameless candles.

If you have any additional questions about fire or smoke damage, please feel free to contact SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at (773) 935-6750.

Be Prepared for a Fire - Make a Fire Escape Plan

4/23/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your family safe in case of a fire - Have a fire escape plan in place.

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview knows that having a plan is the best way to prepare your family in case of a fire emergency.  It does not take a great deal of work, but it can be the difference in being able to protect your family.

Your plan should be simple and easy to follow.  Here are some suggestions from Ready.gov to help make a plan for your family in case of a fire:

• Involve your children when making the plan so that they are ready in case of a fire.
• Teach children not to hide from firefighters.
• Find two ways to get out of each room.
• Practice the plan so your children know what to do in case of a fire.
• Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark.

Taking the time to come up with a plan is an important part of protecting your family in the event of a fire.

Home fires can happen at any time, but you can make sure that your family is ready in case it happens.  If you need additional resources, call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at (773) 935-6750 and we can help!

Extension Cord Safety Tips

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Extension cords can be a fire hazard when used improperly.

An extension cord can come in handy from time to time to help you solve a temporary power issue, however they should not be used for a long-term solution.  Extension cord misuse can cause damage to your home or business.  According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) here are some tips to keep your extension cords safe:

•  Do not overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.
• Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring.
• Do not run through walls, doorways, ceilings or floors.  If cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
• Do not use an extension cord for more than one appliance.
• Make sure the extension cord or temporary power strip you use is rated for the products to be plugged in.
• Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way.  Touching even a single exposed strand can give you an electric shock or burn.
• Never use three-prong plugs with outlets that only have two slots for the plug. Do not cut off the ground pin to force a fit.  This defeats the purpose of a three-prong plug and could lead to an electrical shock.

Fire Damage?  Please call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at (773) 935-6750.

Electrical Safety Tips

2/25/2020 (Permalink)

Be cautious with electricity.

Most of the things we do each day involve electricity.  From the time we get up in the morning by using the alarm clock to turning off the lights as we go to sleep, we use electricity repeatedly.  Electricity makes our lives easier, but we do need to keep safety in mind.

Here are some electrical safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

• Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician.
• When you are buying or remodeling a home, have it inspected by a qualified private inspector or in accordance with local requirements.
• Only use one heat-producing appliance (such as a coffee maker, toaster, space heater, etc.) plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time.
• Major appliances (refrigerators, dryers, washers, stoves, air conditioners, microwave ovens, etc.) should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
• Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages and basements.  
• Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use.
• Use a light bulb with the right number of watts. There should be a sticker that indicates the right number of watts.

If you experience fire damage in your home or business, please contact SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at (773) 935-6750.

Fire Restoration in Chicago

2/12/2020 (Permalink)

If you experience damage caused by fire, SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview can help!

After the fire trucks leave, your home likely suffers from fire and smoke damage and extensive water damage from firefighting efforts.  SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview have the specialized fire restoration training needed to restore your home to pre-fire condition.

Every fire damage event is a little different, and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same.  The steps listed below illustrate our process for the “typical” fire damage emergency.

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call us.  Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

We carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage.  This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. 

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs.  To maintain security and to protect against further damage, we can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water.  We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition.  We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition.  Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

Have questions about Fire, Smoke or Soot Damage?  Call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at (773) 935-6750.

Smoke Alarm - Safety Tips

1/23/2020 (Permalink)

A smoke alarm is an important safety device in your home.

Smoke alarms save lives.  Smoke alarms that are properly installed and maintained play a vital role in reducing fire deaths and injuries.  If there is a fire in your home, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out.  According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) here is what you need to know about smoke alarms:

• A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area.  Install alarms on every level of the home. 
• Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
• Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.
• Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
• When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside.
• Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years.

If you have any additional questions about Fire or Smoke Damage, please contact SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at (773) 935-6750.

Fire Damage - Safety Tips

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview is always ready to help with any size Fire Damage. Please call us today (773) 935-6750.

What you can do until help arrives

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety:

• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Have A Fire or Smoke Damage Emergency? 
Call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at (773) 935-6750.

The Importance of a Smoke Alarm

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Keep your Smoke Alarm Working!

Smoke alarms save lives when properly installed and maintained, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

In homes, smoke alarms should be in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level, including the basement.  Extra smoke alarms may be needed in large homes.

Test smoke alarms monthly using the test button.  Smoke alarms with non-replaceable batteries need the entire smoke alarm unit replaced every ten years.  Other alarms need batteries replaced every year, and the unit replaced every ten years.  If the alarm chirps signaling low battery, take the proper steps to replace the unit or the batteries immediately.  Never disable or remove the battery from an alarm.

Be sure your home has a fire emergency plan in place and conduct regular fire drills with your family. For more information on Emergency Preparedness, contact SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview.

Have Questions About Fire or Smoke Damage? Call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview Today - (773) 935-6750.

Source: Residential Newsline Volume 15, Issue 2

Heating Safety Tips!

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

Stay warm & safe this winter!

Winter season is here and with it comes shorter days and lower temperatures.  No matter where you live, winter brings a change in the weather.  Many people use alternative heat sources like fireplaces, portable space heaters, and wood burning stoves to help keep homes cozy.  

Did you know, heating equipment is a leading cause of home fire deaths? According to the National Fire Protection Association, heating equipment fires cause an estimated $1 billion in direct property damage annually.  Keep the following safety tips in mind to help reduce your risk of a heating-related fire.  

• Keep anything flammable at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or a portable space heater. Have a three foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container.  Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.  
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Test smoke alarms monthly.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel burning space heaters.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.

If your property does suffer from fire damage, contact SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview – (773) 935-6750.

Source: Residential Newsline  Volume 15, Issue 1

Thanksgiving Cooking Safety Tips!

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Make cooking safely a priority this Holiday Season.

Thanksgiving Day is coming up soon and it is so important to celebrate with safety in mind.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking is the main cause for home fires and injuries, with Thanksgiving being the peak day for cooking-related fires.  Here are some safety tips to help ensure you can enjoy a safe holiday.

• Never leave cooking food unattended–stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or broiling food.
• Check food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking. Use a timer as a reminder that the stove or oven is on.
• Keep the kids away from the cooking area.
• Keep anything flammable–pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags away from the stove.
• Clean cooking surfaces on a regular basis to prevent grease buildup.
• Purchase a fire extinguisher to keep in the kitchen.
• Always check the kitchen before going to bed or leaving the home to make sure all stoves, ovens, and small appliances are turned off.

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview wishes you a safe and happy holiday season.  We are available 24/7 in the event of a fire emergency.  Please call us at 773-935-6750.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

Fire Prevention Week

10/2/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview can help with Fire Damage.

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

Fire Prevention week for 2018 will be on October 7^th through October 13^th 2018 and this year’s campaign is, “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. Fire can happen anywhere,” works to educate people about three basic but essential steps to take to reduce the likelihood of having a fire––and how to escape safely in the event of one:

LOOK

Look for places that a fire can start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

LISTEN

Listen for the sound of a smoke alarm.  You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet.

LEARN

Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call – SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview – 773-935-6750

Home Fire Safety Tips

8/9/2018 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Tips.

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

Here are a few tips from the American Red Cross:

Tips for Fire Safety

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

• Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.

• Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

• If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview – (773) 935-6750

Destroy Odors with DEODORIZATION

7/26/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview to remove unwanted odors caused by smoke damage.

Even a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized. Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors.

With technicians certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC), SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview provides specialized services that can rid your home or business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage.  SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview does not cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; we seek out and remove the sources of the odor.

If you or a customer suffer a fire damage or some other accident and require deodorization services, contact SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at 773-935-6750.

Whether it’s fire, water, or mold damage, or just a stubborn odor that refuses to go away, we’ll help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Fireworks Safety Tips

6/14/2018 (Permalink)

Stay Safe! Follow these Fireworks Safety Tips.

The number of Americans planning to use backyard fireworks this Fourth of July is expected to hit an all-time high.  In preparation for holiday celebrations, The Consumer Products Safety Commission encourages consumers to review all safety tips before purchasing and using fireworks.

Fireworks are dangerous! 

Follow these safety tips when using fireworks: 

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
• Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.
• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to go see a display put on by the professionals. This allows you to enjoy the show with little worry of bodily harm or property damage. SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview wants you to enjoy the festivities safely with family and friends.

If you are in need of our services please give us a call at 773-935-6750.

Grilling Safety Tips

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

Grilling Season has arrived - Please stay safe by following these tips!

Grilling Safety Tips

Summer time is upon us and there’s nothing like outdoor grilling.   

Follow these tips provided by the National Fire Protection Association to make sure you are safe when grilling.

General grilling tips

• Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
• The grill should be placed well away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Keep children and pets away from the grill area.
• Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
• Never leave your grill unattended.

Propane grills

Before you use your grill:

• Check the major connection points between the gas (propane) tank hose and the regulator and cylinder, and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.
• Check the gas (propane) tank hose for the potential (gas) leaks. To do that:
  • Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
  • Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).
  • If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
• If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

When the grill is on:

• As you are cooking, if you smell gas, turn off the gas tank and burners.
• If the leak stops immediately, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

Charcoal grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

It is important to remember these safety tips – and that you can count on SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview if you need us – Call us at 773-935-6750.

Carbon Monoxide - Beware!

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer.

Carbon Monoxide: A Silent Killer

You can’t see or smell carbon monoxide, but at high levels, it can kill a person in minutes. Often called the silent killer, carbon monoxide, or CO, is an invisible, odorless, colorless gas, created when fuels, like gasoline, wood, coal, natural gas and propane burn incompletely.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year more than 400 Americans die from unintentional CO poisoning. It is estimated another 20,000 visit the emergency room, and more than 4,000 are hospitalized due to CO poisoning. All people and animals are at risk for CO poisoning, with some groups— including unborn babies, infants, and people with chronic heart disease, anemia, or respiratory problems— being more susceptible to the effects of carbon monoxide.

An excess of CO, leading to CO poisoning, can result from faulty furnaces or other heating appliances, portable generators, water heaters, clothes dryers, or idling cars left running in garages.

Taking some basic, precautionary steps can help eliminate the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Protect yourself by reviewing the following tips, provided by the United States Fire Administration.

• Have fuel-burning appliances, like oil and gas furnaces, gas or kerosene heaters, fireplaces, and wood stoves inspected by a trained professional every year.
• Open the damper for proper ventilation before using a fireplace. Never use your oven or stovetop to heat your home.
• Make sure all fuel-burning vented equipment is vented to the outside to avoid CO poisoning. Keep the venting for exhaust clear and unblocked.
• If you need to warm a vehicle, remove it from the garage immediately after starting it. Never run a vehicle or other fueled engine or motor indoors, even if garage doors are open. Make sure the exhaust pipe of a running vehicle is not blocked with snow, ice, or other materials.
• Make sure vents for the dryer, furnace, stove, and fireplace are clear of snow and other debris.
• Only use barbecue grills outside, away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings. Some grills can produce CO gas. Never use grills inside the home or the garage, even if the doors are open.
• Use portable generators outdoors in well-ventilated areas away from all doors, windows, vents, and other building openings to prevent exhaust fumes from entering the home.

Have Questions About Fire or Smoke Damage? Call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview Today – 773-935-6750

Hoarding & Fire Safety

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

Firefighters cannot move swiftly through a home filled with clutter.

According to NFPA, many fire departments are experiencing serious fires, injuries, and deaths as the result of compulsive hoarding behavior.

What is hoarding?
Hoarding is defined as collecting or keeping large amounts of various items in the home due to strong urges to save them or distress experienced when discarding them. Many rooms in the home are so filled with possessions that residents can no longer use the rooms as designed. The home is so overloaded with things that everyday living is compromised.

Why do people become hoarders?
Hoarding is a mental disorder that can be genetic in nature, triggered by traumatic events, or a symptom of another disorder, such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, or dementia. Studies have found that hoarding usually begins in early adolescence and gets worse as a person ages. It is more common among older adults.

Why is hoarding an issue for the fire service?

• Hoarding can be a fire hazard. Many occupants die in fires in these homes. Often, blocked exits prevent escape from the home. In addition, many people who are hoarding are injured when they trip over things or when materials fall on them.
• Responding firefighters can be put at risk due to obstructed exits, falling objects, and excessive fire loading that can lead to collapse. Hoarding makes fighting fires and searching for occupants far more difficult.
• Those living adjacent to an occupied structure can be quickly affected when a fire occurs, due to excessive smoke and fire conditions.

SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview has experience with cleaning hoarding homes.  If a family member is struggling and you need assistance, please call our office at 773-935-6750. We will be happy to assist you in making your home a safe place.

Fire Damage? Call the SERVPRO Cleanup Team!

2/22/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview to help with any Fire Damage.

Mitigation requires quick action. The faster SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview arrives on-site to perform fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration, the better the results—including lower claim costs. Within four hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Professional will be on-site to help ensure a fire damage is handled by utilizing the following services.

Structural Cleaning:

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning. We will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use the specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces found in your structure.

Contents Cleaning:

All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized. This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies, and upholstery. SERVPRO can provide wet or dry cleaning services. Additionally, all the other restorable contents will be cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition. This includes electronics, art, wood furniture, kitchen items, clothing, bedding, and much more. Finally, SERVPRO can provide an inventory list of all “to be claimed” items.

Deodorization:

SERVPRO provides specialized services that rid your home or place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage. We do not merely cover up lingering odors with a fragrance; we seek out the sources of the odor and remove them.

If you experience fire damage please call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at 773-935-6750

Kitchen Cooking - Stay Safe!

2/20/2018 (Permalink)

Cooking Fires can cause damage to your home.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries. The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking. It’s important to be alert to prevent cooking fires.

• Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol don’t use the stove or stovetop.
• Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food.
• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the kitchen while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
• Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels, or curtains—away from the stovetop
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.
• If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.

If you have a cooking fire, consider the following safety protocols to help keep you and your family safe.

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave.

Source: National Fire Protection Association

If you home is damaged by a Fire – Please call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at 773-935-6750

Christmas Tree Safety

11/29/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Safety Tips for your Christmas Tree

Although Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious. Carefully decorating your home can help make your holidays safer.

Picking the tree

• Choose a tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched.

Placing the tree

• Before placing the tree in the stand, cut 2" from the base of the trunk.
• Make sure the tree is at least three feet away from any heat source, like fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents or lights.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Add water to the tree stand. Be sure to add water daily.

Lighting the tree

• Use lights that have the label of an independent testing laboratory. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use.
• Replace any string of lights with worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer's instructions for number of light strands to connect. 
• Never use lit candles to decorate the tree.
• Always turn off Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed.

After Christmas

• Get rid of the tree after Christmas. Dried-out trees are a fire danger and should not be left in the home or garage, or placed outside against the home. Check with your local community to find a recycling program. Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and make them last longer.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview  -  (773) 935-6750

Source:

http://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/By-topic/Seasonal-fires/Winter-holiday-safety/Christmas-tree-fires

Don't forget to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

11/28/2017 (Permalink)

Make sure to change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

In the beginning of November, we experienced Daylight Savings time which is referred to as "Fall Back" and changed our clocks.  Did you remember to change the batteries in your smoke detectors? Keeping the batteries fresh in your home's smoke detectors is very important in preventing fires, fire damage, and smoke damage to your home.  Please take the time to download the proper instruction manual and/or online tutorial for you individual smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Most smoke detectors take 9 volt batteries, but that can vary from detector to detector.  Many firemen say keeping the batteries fresh in your home's smoke detectors and regularly checking them to make sure they are working properly are the most important thing you can do to help keep you and your family safe from a fire.

Have Questions About Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Today – (773) 935-6750

What Is Soot And Why Does It Form After Fire Damage?

10/24/2017 (Permalink)

Fireplaces can cause Smoke & Soot Damage.

Clean Up from Fire & Smoke Damage Calls for Professional Help

Dealing with soot is one of the most time-consuming parts of fire damage restoration. Residue quickly settles on all kinds of surfaces after a fire, and the cleanup is a genuine struggle for homeowners who are dealing with the aftermath of a blaze. However, what is soot, and why does it form after the fire?

Soot is the fine brown or black powder that clings to and discolors surfaces in the home after fire damage. Soot is what gives items that charred and blackened look. Smoke is a by-product of the incomplete combustion of materials; as wood, paper, plastic and other materials burn during a house fire, they produce residues and release particles into the atmosphere. 
 
The composition of soot makes it slightly sticky, which means it clings to surfaces and is difficult to remove. A smoke-damaged house does not feel like a home, SERVPRO will help with fire damage cleanup and restore your home “Like it never even happened.” 
  
Our highly trained technicians arrive ready to thoroughly assess your property and devise the best cleaning plan for you. We advise you on which items are salvageable from soot damage and which are not. 

  
If your home has soot, smoke and fire damage call SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview at (773) 935-6750

Campfire Safety Tips

10/24/2017 (Permalink)

These campfire safety tips could save someone's life!

Campfires can be a lot of fun, whether they are in the backyard or a remote wilderness area. However, anytime there is a fire, there is a risk of fire damage. With a campfire, the two primary concerns are falling into the fire and the fire escaping and burning the surrounding area. The good news is that there are a few simple things that can help you and your family to stay safe around the fire.

Before building a fire, you should make sure that it is safe and permissible to build the fire. Though there are a number of factors to consider, a general rule is that campfires should not be built when wind speeds are above 15 mph. Campfires are at lower risk of spreading when it is raining, the ground is wet or the temperature is low. In severely dry conditions, governmental authorities may ban all burning. A quick call to a park ranger, fire department or the police should help you to determine if there is a burning ban.

Tripping and falling into the fire is one of the most serious risks of a campfire, especially when children are present. Before building the fire, the area around the fire should be cleared of logs, large rocks and anything else that may cause a person to trip. Parents should closely watch children and forbid them from running or playing near the fire. A 10-foot circle around the fire should be cleared of any flammable objects, including vegetation. Fires should only be built in fire rings that are on level surfaces to decrease the chances of injury or the fire spreading.

It is important that you make certain that the campfire is fully extinguished before leaving the fire or going to sleep. Large chunks of wood will burn for a long period of time and should not be added to the fire late at night. When putting the fire out, you should knock the wood down flat on the ground. Water should be poured over the fire and the coals and wood turned on the wet ground to extinguish both sides. Only after the fire is cool to the touch is it safe to be left alone.

Whether it’s a campfire or a home furnace fire, a little bit of fire damage prevention can help to ensure a safe experience.  The fire damage experts here at SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview are ready to help if your home or other structure is damaged by fire.

Give us a call at (773) 935-6750.

10 Key Fire Safety Tips

8/22/2017 (Permalink)

10 Key Fire Safety Tips

10 Key Fire Safety Tips

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the NFPA, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home

1. Watch your cooking - Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.
2. Give space heaters space - Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.
3. Smoke outside - If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.
4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach - Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.
5. Inspect electrical cords - Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.
6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.
7. Have a fire escape plan - Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.
8. Install smoke alarms - Install alarms on every level of your office or home and inside bedrooms. Interconnect them so they all sound at once.
9. Test smoke alarms - Test alarms once per month. Replace batteries once per year or as needed.
10. Install sprinklers - Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving your local fire department a better chance of saving your property.

Chicago Smoke and Soot Cleanup

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Chicago Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Gold Coast / Lincoln Park / Lakeview will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 773-935-6750