Archived General Blog Posts
Here To Help - SERVPRO of Lombard/Addison
7/6/2018 (Permalink)
Whatever life throws at you, SERVPRO of Lombard/Addison is here to help!
Residential and Commercial Services
Whether your home or business needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential and commercial services:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Storm Damage Restoration
- Cleaning Services
- Building/Reconstruction Services
If you need any of these services, we are always here to help, no matter how big or small the job is. We can help make your home or property look "Like it never even happened." after a disaster. Do not hesitate to call us at (630) 543-1700, as we are open 24/7 to help with any disasters or cleaning needs you might need.
Christmas Lights Safety Tips
1/2/2018 (Permalink)
Seasonal decorations, including lights, trees and wreaths, can help put your household in the holiday spirit. However, when not used properly, decorations can create safety hazards or cause fires. Follow this Holiday light safety check list to make sure your holiday lights are safe this holiday season.
- Inspect your light strings to make sure that there are not any damaged, frayed, or cracked electrical cords. Also, be sure to check to make sure there are not any broken sockets because broken sockets can lead to fires.
- Check to see if all lights are working properly, if not be sure to replace any burned out light bulbs. Leaving empty sockets on a string of lights can cause the whole string to overheat.
- Make sure to check that any lights or extension cords that are going outside are safe to use outside. They need to be weather resistant.
- When hanging lights only use approved hangers. Do not use staples or nails, they can cut through the wire insulation and cause a fire.
- Do not keep lights hanging outside for too long. Having lights hanging outside for too long can cause a safety hazard due to weather damage.
If you do happen to experience any Christmas lights disasters, be sure to call SERVPRO of Lombard/Addison as we are always here to help.
How to Prevent Pipe Freezing
11/10/2017 (Permalink)
How to Prevent Your Homes Pipes From Freezing and Causing a Disaster
Water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. This expansion puts a lot pressure on whatever is holding it, including pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.
- Make sure pipes in your attic, basement and crawl space are insulated. The more insulation the more protected the pipes will be. Bare pipes are more likely to freeze.
- Make sure all leaks that can bring cold air into the home are sealed. You can use caulk or insulation to seal the leaks. Common places to check are: dryer vents and pipes.
- Make sure to disconnect all garden hoses from the inside valves, if possible Make sure to drain the water from the pipes that lead to outside faucets.
If your pipes happen to freeze and you experience a water loss call SERVPRO of Lombard/Addison. (630) 543-1700
We are always here to help.
The Silent Killer
7/28/2017 (Permalink)
Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer because it is a gas that you can't see. According to the CDC each year 20,000 people visit the emergency room, 4,000 are hospitalized, and 400 Americans die from Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs mostly in the winter time because as we burn fuels to heat our house, these fuels give off carbon monoxide. Not having and maintaining proper appliances in your house can cause a carbon monoxide build up in your home. Buying and maintaining a carbon monoxide detector in your home can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Replace and the batteries in your detector once and year and make sure your detector work once a month. Learning to operate appliances safely is another big prevention tip. Never run a generator in your home or garage because the generator does not get the proper ventilation it needs, even opening up the windows and doors will not prevent carbon monoxide build up. When using a generator the safest place for it is outside.
Using a Fire Extinguisher
7/28/2017 (Permalink)
Fire extinguishers are like insurance: you have it in hopes of never needing it. There are three different types of fire extinguishers class A, class B, and class C. Class A is for fires that involve combustibles such as wood, paper, plastic, cloth, and trash. Class B is for fire that are caused by flammable liquids such as gas, kerosene, and oil(not cooking oil). Class C is for fire that start by an electrical spark.
even though there are different types of fire extinguishers, they all operate basically the same way. They all use the P.A.S.S. system which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
STEP 1: Pull the pin, usually attached to a metal or plastic ring, used so that no one hits the lever by mistake. Do not pull the lever after you pull the pin, if you pull the lever you could break the canister's seal and decompression will begin.
STEP 2: Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. This is important because blasting the flames will not stop the source of the fire. Stand at least 6 feet back from the fire. Most extinguishers have a range of 6-20 feet and you can check yours by looking at your extinguisher.
STEP 3: Squeeze the lever to spray the extinguishing agent . Usually, extinguishers have an average spraying time of 10 seconds, so you will need to do be precise and fast.
STEP 4: Sweep the nozzle from side to side until the fire has been put out. Close in on the fire as it dies down, and make sure to watch closely for re-ignition. If there is still smoke that means that there is still fire, so if you see any smoke that means that the fire isn't completely out yet. The best way to make sure that the fire is out is to feel for heat. Slowly and cautiously holding your hand out to feel if there is any heat coming from the surface before actually touching the charred surface.
STEP 5: After using your fire extinguisher, you will need to refill it. Contact the manufacturer or local fire department to see where you can refill your extinguisher. If you can not refill the extinguisher, let it sit for a few days to make sure it is completely depressurized. You can also contact your local fire department for information about recycling the extinguisher and purchasing a new one.
Make sure you check you extinguisher monthly to make sure the pin is in place and the pressure gauge shows either between 100 and 175 psi, or the needle is in a green ready zone.
Steps to Take After a Sewage Backup
6/26/2017 (Permalink)
One of the most inconvenient and foul events that can happen in a home is a sewage backup. The amount of damage it can cause is huge, not only to your home but also to your health. If a sewage backup is to occur in your home
What to do if Sewage Backup Occurs in your Home.
- Do not try to clean it up unless you have the proper protective equipment such as: rubber gloves, rubber boots, protective eye wear, and even a face mask.
- Guard off the affected area so that children and pets cannot get to it.
- Do not use the central air system the sewage could contaminate your HVAC system.
- Open windows and doors to get as much fresh air in there as possible.
- Take all non-contaminated items away.
If a sewage backup is to occur in your home give SERVPRO of Lombard/Addison a call at (630) 543-1700
SERVPRO of Lombard/Addison
10/3/2016 (Permalink)
Residential Services
Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:
- Water Damage Restoration
- Fire Damage Restoration
- Mold Remediation
- Storm Damage Restoration
- Cleaning Services
- Building/Reconstruction Services
If you need any of the services done we are always here to help, no matter how big or small the job is. We are always here to help make your home or property look "Like it never even happened" after a disaster. Do not hesitate to call us at (630) 543-1700, as we are open 24/7 to help with any disasters or cleaning needs you might need.
24/7 Emergency Service
