How to Prepare for Emergencies with a Plan

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Most commercial buildings are required to provide an emergency exit strategy for their people incase an unfortunate accident were to occur. Some buildings are also required to have a contingency plan to protect the building itself, but not all properties will have this in place.

Our team here at SERVPRO of Oak Park- River Forest will provide this service to business owners in need of a water and fire preparedness plan. As restoration professionals, we have the experience and trained crew members required to show you necessary steps to limit potential damage that can occur from a water, fire, or storm like scenario.

Being a step ahead and knowing how to shut off a utility, fix a sprinkler issue, or set containment, can make the difference between shutting your doors and being able to open your business again. Every moment counts as disasters rarely happen during business hours.

During this process, a team member will document all necessary details as we walk your building with you. Important items to address will be the preferred initial point of contact, pinpointing your main utility shutoffs, locating any and all hazardous materials, documenting preferred parking and access for our team once we arrive, and priority or essential equipment that needs to be protected.

Our goal here is to provide you with a simple and easy to access plan for your team so they can react appropriately in these situations with little effort and a nominal amount of time. Knowing what to do and who to call can save you a considerable amount of money, prevent secondary damage and limit the amount of business time lost due to repairing and replacing damaged items within your facility.

Whether you have a team in place, or we are the ones to arrive onsite first, our technicians will be fully aware of the shut-off locations and can address this ourselves. Preparing this plan ahead of time will always provide quicker and more efficient results.

Feel free to reach out to our office for further information, do not feel this is something you need to explore on your own, our team is always here to help.

Why We Approach All Damages With a Restoration-First Mindset

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

If you sustain damage to your home, whether it be due to a fire, a flood or some other type of scenario, it can be difficult to know what comes next. Many people who have never had serious damages before might assume that a damaged area must be completely rebuilt and that all items must be liquidated and replaced—but when you work with us, that is not necessarily the case.

When we approach commercial damages, we do so with a restoration-first mindset. After helping countless businesses in the area recover from various damages, we understand how helpful it is to have your items restored instead of replaced.

Not only are many things irreplaceable due to sentimental value, but being able to keep your belongings also saves you time and money as your company works on recovering emotionally from the event.

The Benefits of Our Restoration-Focused Approach

We can salvage many irreplaceable items. While an insurance adjuster can easily come in and provide you with a dollar value for everything in your space, we understand that it is not always that simple. Objects could never be replaced for any amount of money, which is why we will do everything we are able to restore them instead.

We are able to work with your insurance. If you are able to claim damages on your insurance, such as in the event of water damage, you certainly should—however, this can lead to a higher premium as a result. We will work directly with your insurance to lower the costs with restoration instead of liquidation to save you money.

We can make your items safe for use again. There are many things to consider when an object is damaged by fire and water, such as lingering smoke and soot odors or the possibility of mold beginning to grow. However, we have the technology to make sure your items are totally safe to use once more. We can clean, deodorize and sanitize your items so you can be certain they are safe for your family to use.

If you have sustained damage and are not sure what comes next, you can depend on us. Contact us at any hour to see how we can help you with every aspect of the restoration process.

Cleaning vs Disinfecting in the Office

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

Many think cleaning and disinfecting are synonymous but there is a crucial difference between the two. When you clean, you’re simply removing organic dirt, debris, and general soils. Disinfecting is using a higher level of disinfectant product to remove or control the spread of viruses and bacteria. Disinfection isn’t as effective, though, if you don’t clean first prior to applying the disinfectant product!

Follow these 5 tips from our SERVPRO experts to make sure you’re properly protecting yourself and your office.

1. USE EPA REGISTERED DISINFECTANTS

There are consumer products out there that are almost as effective as professional products in the fight against the spread of infectious diseases when used according to the label. All these products are going to be registered by the EPA and will have specific directions on how long the surface must remain wet, how the product should be applied, and what surfaces they can be used on.

2. FOLLOW THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS

You can have the best cleaning product, but if you don’t know how to apply that product correctly, you’re going to be ineffective. Disinfection can be done effectively at home if you use the right products and follow the label and product instructions.

3. PROTECT YOUR HANDS WITH GLOVES

Basic hand protection when using disinfecting products is always wise. Try to use nitrile gloves or any other type of disposable gloves you can find.

4. USE A MICROFIBER CLOTH, NOT A SPONGE

Microfiber cloths are made up of fibers with multiple surfaces and allow you to have a better contact as you’re cleaning. Household sponges are not recommended, as they can often be breeding grounds for bacteria. If possible, you could even use something that you can dispose of, like disposable wipes or cloths. Otherwise a microfiber cloth is what you should use.

5. CLEAN HANDS AND SURFACES REGULARLY.

Keep your hands washed and regularly clean high touch areas in your home like door handles and light switches. Practicing basic hygiene is what’s going to continue to break the cycle of infection and reduce the virus spread.

Putting these tips into practice can help you reduce levels of contamination.

Commercial Cleaners Create a Safer and Healthy Workspace

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Safety is a priority for a business owner for their employees and customers. The right janitorial company can play a crucial role in preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. It can also help keep your business in compliant with health and safety regulations. When a customer or employee walk into a facility a key factor to prevent an injury or an illness is to make sure the following items have been done:

Help prevent slips, trips and falls inside and outside your building:

• Parking Lots and Sidewalks – Check for potholes, uneven walkways, broken parking blocks. Properly mark any changes in elevation of walkways. Correctly mark all parking spaces.
• Inside Building: Install non- slip mats in front of doors to wipe wet feet. Place same mats in front of ice machines, sinks and drinking fountains. If there are wet floors, place caution signs.

Proper Lighting and Electrical Components:

• Make sure all emergency lighting is installed and checked regularly to make sure they are working. All exit signs are always visible and illuminated.
• In bathrooms and kitchens should have ground fault breakers. Make sure workstation outlets are not overloaded which could cause a fire.

Cleanliness of Workspace:

• Daily disinfecting of bathrooms and cafeterias to stop cross-contamination of the spreading of germs from colds and flu.

Emergency Fire Equipment:

• Make sure all fire alarms, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are hardwired with a battery backup and are checked on a regular basis.
• Check fire escapes to make sure they are functioning and clear of any objects or debris.
• Sprinkler System is up to code and has been inspected and records kept on file.
• Portable Fire Extinguishers should be kept on each floor of the building and easily accessible. Teach each employee how to properly use an extinguisher. The National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) suggests remembering the word PASS: Pull the pin. Hold 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.

A safe workspace keeps employees productive, attract customers, and protects your business from potential lawsuits. Keeping employees and customers safe isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s also important for your business. 

Tips for Disinfecting Your Office

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Keeping a clean office environment should be a priority for your company. This will prevent the spread of germs and keep people healthier year-round.

Here are four tips for disinfecting your office:

1.) Wipe surfaces in one direction.

If you wipe a surface one direction and then go back the opposite direction, you are going to spread the germs right back on the surface. A swift wipe in one direction will be most effective in removing germs from a surface.

2.) Make sure you're using the right chemicals.

Make sure you are using the right chemicals for disinfecting. Each cleaning product should be labeled with its intended purpose. 

3.) Make sure you get to all of the high-tough areas.

High-touch areas should be at the top of your list for disinfecting. This includes things such as chairs, stair railings, telephones, restroom surfaces and coffee pot handles/dispensers.

4.) Make handwashing a priority in your business.

Stressing the importance of handwashing in your office will go a long ways in preventing the unnecessary spread of germs.

SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. However, we offer fogging and deep cleaning of commercial space to keep you and your business healthy!

Call us at (708) 483-8636!

3 Steps To Repair The Envelope Of Your Building

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Find Moisture Leaks

Wear and tear, damage from pests, missing roof shingles, and sagging doors and windows could all provide a way for moisture to get into your building. A visual inspection may be enough to find out how water is getting into the building. Inspect flashings, edges of doors and walls, expansion joints, and everywhere that one material meets up with another material. Remember that some water damage, such as black mold growth, can't always be found with a visual inspection. Once or twice a year, you should schedule professional inspections.

Contact Repair Professionals

Sometimes property owners are tempted to ignore leaks until substantial problems arise. This can become a very expensive mistake. Instead, it's best to contact professionals with the training and supplies necessary to repair existing rain damage and prevent more water from getting past the building envelope.

Improve Preventative Measures

One area of damage is usually a sign that there's widespread damage. It's rare that one spot of damage is an isolated occurrence. A single gap between the window corner and the exterior wall should prompt you to update the sealing around all of the windows. Make sure that routine maintenance and professional inspections are scheduled consistently throughout the year.

The best way to protect the protective envelope of your building from rain damage is regular inspections and repairs completed by water damage repair and reconstruction professionals. Be proactive when it comes to protecting your building from expensive damage.

Commercial Remediation

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Fire Remediation

Fire damage is especially devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to the fire damage and smoke damage, significant water damage from firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur. Every hour spent restoring your business to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If your business experiences a fire loss, call the fire and water damage restoration experts and we’ll respond immediately to get you back to business.

Every fire damage situation is a little different and requires a unique solution, but the general process stays the same. When various materials burn, the soot they create differs greatly and requires a specific cleaning procedures. Learn more about our fire damage restoration process.

Commercial Mold Remediation 

Besides causing a major business interruption, mold damage can present a serious health risk for people exposed to your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water damage intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you suspect your property has a mold damage problem, call SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest, who will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

Commercial Water Remediation Commercial Mold Remediation 

There’s never a convenient time for flooding or water damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency arises in your business, SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest we’ll be there fast with the help you need. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial to prevent further damages to your business. Even a delay of a few hours can greatly increase the result of water damage. 

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (708)483-8636.

How SERVPRO Handles Commercial Loss

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

When it comes to commercial restoration, property managers want to leave nothing to chance. That's why they rely on professionals like SERVPRO of Oak Park- River Forest.

What sets us apart from other restoration companies is our skilled technicians and the advanced equipment we use to take care of any-scale disaster. This use of professional equipment allows us to restore your commercial property or retail business back to its preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.

Here are some of the unique tools we have to restore your property:

• An infrared camera may be used to identify hidden water locations for the thorough removal of moisture that is hidden from the naked eye.
• Sensitive moisture meters/detectors, hygrometers, and other meters measure the extent of moisture saturation.
• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water from events like floods. 
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal.
• High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace.
• Industrial grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air.
• Trailer mounted generators and desiccants (Large Commercial Air Dryer) provide power and large scale drying capabilities.
• Air Scrubbers that are able to filter the air of contaminants and fumes.
• The use of Thermal Foggers and environmentally-safe Deodorization Agents to leave a pleasant scent upon use.

You can count on SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest to take care of any size loss you may have, so you can put your commercial business back in order and get you back to doing what you do best--serving your customers!

Give us a call at (708) 483-8636.

How Soon Should Commercial Water Removal and Restoration Services Begin After a Pipe Break?

6/2/2021 (Permalink)

Water disasters may stop business totally. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for the water mitigation services for your company

When there are plumbing issues that cause commercial water removal needs in a Chicagoland property, the answer is the cleanup efforts need to begin as quickly as possible for more than one reason. 

Water Does Not Age Well

Unlike a fine wine, water gets worse and sometimes more dangerous with age. Even clean water from an interior pipe in a building can create larger issues if it sits for too long before it gets removed. SERVPRO techs routinely run into problems such as: 

• Harmful bacteria in water allowed to degrade.
• Larger migration area requiring extraction and drying.
• More significant damage to building materials due to a delay in cleanup efforts.

Local businesses trust SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest at (708) 483-8636 with their commercial water removal needs in their Chicagoland properties.

Here To Help

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help keep your office clean.

SERVPRO® of Oak Park-River Forest professionals offer cleaning services including the removal of biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business.

SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home. Call 708-483-8636.

Business Owners Can Count on SERVPRO for Specialty Cleaning

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides several cleaning services for your business.

SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest is known for its expertise in restoration and recovery from disasters but we also provide non-emergency services, such as cleaning services. When we clean commercial properties, the surfaces are not merely clean; they are “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.”

A New Standard of Clean

We are happy to provide maintenance cleaning services for commercial clients, which include restaurants, automobile dealerships, healthcare providers and others. We also have extensive experience in cleaning biohazards, vandalism and graffiti, and crime or trauma scenes.

The recent pandemic has increased awareness of the necessity for both proactive and disaster-response cleaning.  

Call us at (708) 483-8636 to schedule an appointment. We will develop a cleaning plan designed for the needs of your business. Cleanings can be scheduled as little or as much as needed.

We are always available for emergencies

SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest is available any time 24 hours a day to respond to an emergency. Remember to call (708) 483-8636.

Commercial Cleaning Services

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial cleaning and restoration present unique challenges.  You need a company that provides results while minimizing the disruption to your business.  When the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Oak Park- River Forest has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”  We handle all types of commercial industries:

• Small Office Buildings
• Large Office/High-Rise Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Large Retail/Big-Box Stores
• High-Rise Residential
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

When it comes to commercial restoration services, SERVPRO is a leader in the industry. Available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, SERVPRO of Oak Park- River Forest responds quickly to your commercial fire, water, and mold damage emergencies.  No commercial project is too big!

Need Commercial Services? Call SERVPRO of Oak Park- River Forest at (708) 483-8636 today!

Limit Your Buildings Risk of Mold Growth

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Protect your building and employees from mold.

No one want to hear that they have mold growth in their building. It can be hazardous to your employees and visitor’s health and will cost you money to remove. We would like to give you three tips that could help limit your chance of having mold spore buildup in your building.

1. Change HVAC Filters

Regularly changing the filter of your HVAC system can help lower the concentration of mold spore in your buildings air. It is also wise to have maintenance regularly check for mold growth in the old filters, drain pans, ducts, or terminal units.

2. Air Filtration

If your commercial space is able to have an air filtration or purification system running, it could further reduce your risk of mold growth. There are different types of filters that filter out smaller sized particles. While the cheaper options seem more economically efficient, they often only catch dust particles. The more expensive filters can catch the smaller mold spores.

3. Regular Carpet Cleaning

Carpet and the padding underneath it are porous. These small spaces collect dirt, debris, and small mold spores. If humidity it too high or water that gets on the carpet is not dried properly, a perfect environment for mold to grow is created. To reduce the number of spores, a deep carpet cleaning or HEPA-certified vacuum can be used.

These are just some ways you can help your building avoid mold growth. You do not want to get to the point where you can notice a musty smell meaning possible mold growth. However, it is not the end of the world if mold is present. Call certified remediation and cleanup professionals to resolve it.

Protect Your Business' Pipes

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Don't let your company's rest rooms cause your more problems.

In commercial buildings, keeping restrooms sanitary and functional are usually top on the priority list. You can never be sure of what or how much of something someone could be trying to flush down the pipes. You may not be able to fully control what happened to the restrooms, its pipes, or septic system, but you can take a few cautionary steps to protect your property.

• Posting signs in the stalls can be beneficial for you and for visitors. A notice saying a toilet is out of order will keep someone from continuing to add to a problem before it gets fixed. A sign in the restrooms asking to put famine hygiene products into a waste bin will keep them from clogging pipes if they get flushed.
• If your building bathrooms are frequently used, consider using a thin, single ply toilet paper. Some visitors use thicker wads of toilet paper so having the thinner paper can prevent clogged pipes.
• Having an appropriate number of trash cans in stalls and by sink will make a huge difference. It gives visitor a better, more polite option for waste than flushing it down the toilet.

These are just few simple actions you can take to help prevent clogs and other water damage from happening to your property. On the chance you do experience water damage from clogged pipes, SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest will be able to assist you get back up and running. 

Our Commercial Restoration Services

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Let us help get you back to business.

When your property is damaged, it is never a fun experience. It interrupts business operations and revenue sources. At SERVPRO of Oak Park- River Forest, let us help you restore and recover from a loss so you can re-open as quickly as possible. We understand the need for immediate response to have trained professionals work to get you back up and running. We can help with any of the following:

• Emergency/after-hours board-up services to secure your property
• Water extraction and commercial drying
• Fire damage mitigation and repairs
• Smoke and soot cleaning and deodorization
• Biohazard cleaning
• Mold removal and remediation
• Any form of structural damage to your property

Call us for estimates or with your questions at SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest (708) 483-8636.

Having a Disaster Plan for Your Business

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

When your office space experiences a flood, SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest will come get you back to work in no time.

Many businesses and commercial spaces have emergency plans for what to do during a disaster, like a fire or tornado. However, all the preparations in the world cannot stop a disaster from happening so it is wise to have a course of action for what to do after.

Emergency Plans and Kits

When an emergency is happening, it can difficult to think of what to do next. It is important to have a plan in case of an evacuations for a multitude of scenarios. This will keep both you and your staff safe. It is also a good idea to have an emergency kit with first aid materials, food, and water available for those who need while you wait for emergency responders to arrive.

Insurance Coverage 

It is not uncommon to assume that your insurance will protect you from all types of damage that could occur to your business. Some policies do not adequately cover the full range of damage a disaster can cause. This could range from not covering the clean up of smoke and soot damage after a fire to revenue interruption. Understanding your policies and coverage before an emergency happens will help you better advocate for your business when it comes to how you will move forward.

Who to Call for Helping You Recover?

Restoration can be expensive and unfortunately insurance does not always cover all of it. There are options to help you such as disaster recovery loans that can help provide further assistance. When it comes to the actual restoration work, we know that there are plenty of options for you to choose from, but at SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest we guarantee fast and professional service from our trained staff that will help get your business back to preloss condition.

Give us a call at (708) 483-8636.

Protecting Your Business

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by putting the health and safety of your employees and customers first.

As we attempt to find our new normal and move forward in light of the recent pandemic, there are new habits and behaviors we are trying to adopt. We are working on being more diligent with hand washing, using hand sanitizer, wearing masks, and practicing social distancing. These all help slow the spread of COVID-19.

In your offices and businesses, we at SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest would like to help you go that extra mile in ensuring your employees health and safety. We offer a certified cleaning program that is proactive against killing viral pathogens, such as COVID-19. Our trained professionals are experienced in biohazard decontamination and adhere to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention standards.

Whether someone tested positive for the virus, or you just want to be cautious we have cleaning option for whatever your needs are. This includes cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. Many restaurant and businesses are scheduling these deep cleaning regularly so they can give their customers peace of mind.

If you would like a consultation call SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest at (708) 483-8636.

Emergency Ready Programs (ERP) Can Save Your Company After a Mitigation Loss

1/30/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO prepare your business for a disaster.

Having a SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is one of the best way to prepare you business for any disaster.  Being prepared minimizes business interruption because a plan is already set in place.

The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile (ERP) is a no cost assessment of your facility.  Your business will receive a document that contains critical information needed in an emergency event.  This document will help you get back into your building quickly after a disaster.  It outlines shut-off valve locations, priority areas in your business and important contact information.

Do not let your company shut down because of a mitigation disaster.  Call SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest and have our representative come out and inspect your business and provide you with an Emergency Ready Profile (ERP).

Restoring You Commercial Property After Water Damage

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at your commercial property are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether you are dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest

SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Chicago's Premiere Commercial Restoration Company

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

Are you a business owner in Chicago or surrounding areas?  Have you experienced a water or fire damage to your offices or warehouse?  SERVPRO of Oak Park-River Forest has the training to handle all of your remedication needs ranging from a single office to an entire warehouse.  We understand the complexities that come with commercial damages and have experience in quickly remediating your water or fire damage.  The amount of down time can be reduced by quickly calling us at 708-483-8636 the moment you notice the damage.  A quick response allows us to get on-site quickly and then begin the remediation process which may help to eliminate secondary damage.  This helps your bottom line by allowing you to get back to your operations.  If you need us, we are available day or night to help keep your business running after a fire or water damage event.