Preparing Your Business for Restoration After a Disaster

7/2/2024 (Permalink)

If a fire, flood or any other cause damages your business, you can always count on us for restoration assistance.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned as the owner of a business? 

Many business owners say they have found it’s not always possible to plan for the future—or to see an event that will impact your business coming. Others say they’ve had to find new ways to engage with their customers and continue providing services.  These are essential lessons that carry on to other parts of the business, too. It’s crucial to have a plan in place to help you deal with the different types of disasters that business owners can face, like fires, flooding or severe storms. 

Because SERVPRO® of Southern McHenry County wants to be a resource for business owners in our area, we’ve put together some powerful tips to help you if you ever need commercial restoration services. 

What You Need to Know About Starting a Restoration Project 

The majority of business owners can open their doors again after a fire or flood damages their business. It’s possible to not only open again but also to be more successful. 

Here’s how we recommend you start the process: 

• Your disaster plan is a crucial component. Invest in a disaster plan before you need it and do everything you can to follow it in the aftermath of a fire, flood or another type of natural disaster. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your business is damaged, so knowing what you will do in advance helps. You may want to think about moving your business to a backup location so you can continue operating. 
• Document all your damage. You’ll want to take plenty of pre-cleanup photos of your property to show your insurance company. It’s smart to inventory the items inside your business that were damaged, compromised or destroyed. Include the values of these items on your inventory list. 
• Don’t forget to update your community. Providing your suppliers, your employees, your customers and your wider community with regular updates about your progress, a temporary location or your reopening is essential. 
• Set up an ERP with Team Miller. We can prepare an Emergency Response Profile to prevent unpredictable seasonal weather from catching you off guard. The profile sets up priority response, a customized restoration plan before an emergency occurs, a single point of contact for multiple facilities and provides local as well as national coverage. 

If a fire, flood or any other cause damages your business, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

Post Construction Services

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO helps ensure your finished projects always look their best.

SERVPRO helps ensure your finished projects always look their best.  

Post Construction Cleaning  

Once the floors are down and the drywall is up, it is time to remove the debris and dirt in order to lay carpet, paint and decorate. SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County can provide debris removal services to prepare the building for interior design.  

Dehumidification and Drying  

During the construction phase, a building can trap moisture. Excessive moisture could result in mold growth. If you think one of your projects may have a moisture issue, rely on our professionals to provide the help you need to eliminate moisture and prevent the potential for mold growth.  

Final Cleaning  

You want the facility to look its best when the doors open. SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County provides cleaning services to give the building that extra shine. Services include:  

• Carpet, resilient and non-resilient floor prep, and finish  
• Ceiling, walls, and fixture cleaning  
• Air duct cleaning  
• Debris removal (if necessary)  
• Window cleaning  

The last thing you need is a fire intrusion, water intrusion, or mold growth slowing down or stopping the completion of one of your projects. SERVPRO provides 24-hour emergency mitigation, cleanup, and schedule quickly. In addition to fast response, our crews utilize industrial grade equipment, training, and electronic communication to help ensure the job is done right the first time, saving your time and money. 

Deodorizing Southern McHenry County Shops After Small Fire Damage Disasters

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Call the professionals at SERVPRO to help with fire restoration to your property.

Air Quality is a Factor in Fire Damage Cleanup

Small fires and flare-ups in your boutique or store could leave behind more than some singe marks and smoke. Air quality plays a considerable part in the safety of those in your business and how easily cleanup and restoration actions to come can be successful. We prioritize improving air quality after a fire gets extinguished. 

Counteracting Harsh Malodors

One of the first steps toward overcoming fire damage to Southern McHenry County shops is working to influence the environment and reduce harsh odors that can develop during combustion. Counteractant materials and actions lessen the severity of offensive malodors while helping often helping the fire-damaged property in other ways:

• Removing Soils – Surface cleaning is an essential early step in managing airborne contaminants and odors. The less soot and smoke solids present on surfaces, the less influence these deposits have on the environment. 

• Safe Debris Disposal – SERVPRO professionals must also prioritize removing heaped bulk materials, charred remnants, and ash from the floors where combustion has occurred. 

• Counteracting Agents – We have several products designed to lessen the strength of malodors, such as absorbent beads and granules that can hold odor molecules and allow them to be conveniently removed. 

Removing Smoke Smells

Counteractant measures are only partially effective, however. We must remove harsh smells using deodorization equipment like foggers, oxidation units, and hydroxyl machines.

Treating Imaginary Odors

The greatest obstacle to air quality is the odor that does not exist. Whether it is your staff or your customers, the sight of fire damage can often create an imaginary burning smell even if deodorization was a success. We have masking agents to help those in your shop breathe easier. 

After a fire, count on Southern McHenry County teams to help your business keep running. Call us today at (847) 516-1600.

Is Professional Water Cleanup Best for Commercial Emergencies?

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Should water damage 'check into' your hotel, call SERVPRO. Our Green Fleet is standing by to handle your water restoration emergencies.

Save Time and Overhead in Southern McHenry County by Calling SERVPRO to Handle Your Commercial Water Cleanup

A water emergency often causes downtime and unexpected costs when you manage a production facility or hotel. The best way to mitigate the damage and ensure you get the most cost-efficient results, calling in skilled technicians is the way to go. SERVPRO is available to handle the cleanup at your Southern McHenry County commercial location should you have any water emergency type.

There are several reasons to look to skilled water restoration technicians to address your water cleanup needs in Southern McHenry County, including:

• Certifications –All of our technicians have been through training following guidelines set forth by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification). This knowledge allows our team to select the right equipment, the appropriate number of units, and methods to get the project done right the first time.
• Insurance Liaison –We understand the insurance claims process concerning water damage events. We are happy to ensure all of the proper paperwork is in place, photos get taken, and details are covered to satisfy your insurance provider.
• Streamlined Processes –We arrive with a fleet of trucks equipped with tools to remove water fast. Not only that, but we have proven methods to speed up the cleaning and drying of your commercial property.

By calling (847) 516-1600, you will have all the water cleanup help that you need in your commercial space. SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County is available 24/7

Flood Insurance

12/11/2021 (Permalink)

Preparing your building in advance can save you a lot of time and money.

Many businesses in Southern McHenry County are not prepared for floods or even have a plan for one. Disasters can strike anytime and anywhere, whether you are ready or not. Preparing your building in advance can save you a lot of time and money. One of the best ways to do this is by having the right flood insurance. Here are some things to know before confirming your policy though.   

3 Things to Consider for Commercial Flood Insurance 

  
What Kind of Damage Does Flooding Cause? 
You may be wondering what exactly you are protecting your building against. During heavy rainfall, water gets in through small cracks in the walls or foundation. It can also enter through small openings in the windows or through weak spots in the roof. This small amount of liquid can lead to a lot of damage. In addition to soaking the floors, it can also seep into the furniture, office equipment, important documents, and electronics.   

 
What Does Insurance Cover?  
Always check your policy, but commercial insurance typically covers damage to the structure of the building and the contents that were affected by the storm. External damage is usually caused by fall trees, while internal damage is more likely to be from flooding. Most policies pay for a restoration company to come handle the repairs and cleanup.   

 
Is Your Building Really at Risk?  

Unfortunately, weather is unpredictable, so you cannot know in advance whether you will ever use your flood insurance or not. However, it is best to be safe than sorry when it comes to your business. No building is ever truly safe from the dangers that storms bring, so most companies choose to get the insurance.  While getting flood insurance may not be at the top of your to-do list, getting it sooner rather than later is important because you never know when a storm may hit. If you aren't sure how much coverage you need or what type of policy to get, talk to your insurance company to find out what is right for you. 

SERVPRO Offers Content Pack Out, Pack Back, & Storage Services to Your Commercial Property

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

For more info & to verify that content cleaning and restoration services are offered in your area, contact SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County

If your business suffers water, fire, smoke or mold damage, the cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO are the premier choice for content restoration and pack-out.

Content Pack-Out

There are scenarios that require business content removal and relocation for prompt and thorough cleaning and restoration. If a business suffers fire and smoke damage, for example, it is often easier, more secure and cost-efficient to take certain contents to another location for restoration work.

SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County provides complete pack-out services. We will carefully and respectfully take the contents of your home or business to be restored, packed, and delivered to an off-site facility. The pack-out process involves meticulous documentation to ensure your items receive the best possible care, including photo documentation, identification numbers and detailed lists.

• Artwork
• Documents
• Books
• Photographs
• VHS and DVD media
• Clothing
• Electronics (televisions, computers, stereos, etc.)
• Furniture
• Rugs
• Retail Inventory

Storage

Meanwhile at a SERVPRO restoration location, your items are stored in a secure, climate-controlled environment. They remain there until the cleaning and restoration process is complete.

Content Pack Back

After content cleaning and restoration, items are returned to your business using the same inventory procedures and documentation employed in the pack-out process. Your items are loaded, transported and delivered with great care and then reconciled with original pack-out inventories.

Content cleaning and restoration is offered at SERVPRO locations and on select jobs and services performed. The availability and scope of content cleaning and restoration varies by location, job, insurance provider (if applicable) and other factors.

Your Business After A Fire

8/20/2021 (Permalink)

Presentation is important for any business, and doubly so in the service sector. If you own or manage a store or restaurant, your customers will likely be discouraged or even scared off by obvious signs of damage and visual blemishes on your property. SERVPRO knows first-hand that some of the most thorough visual damages to a building can come from fires, whether through the burn itself or any associated events and factors. These blemishes and issues are commonly cleaned up by our restoration teams, to ensure that once a company's doors get back open, they stay open. 
 
Burn Marks 
 
Burns and char easily rank among the most visible types of commercial fire damage immediately giving away to any observer the fact that a fire has burned in the area. Blackened or darkened materials, even if they have no other major damage beyond discoloration, can still be resource and time-intensive to cover up, often requiring a wide cleaning and repainting job to make sure colors blend well and no burn material remains. 
 
Smoke and Ash 
 
smoke and ash leave a profound impact on a building, to both the sight and smell of anyone nearby. Smoke is a pervasive scent and easily noticeable in most cases, but can also leave behind a great deal of smearing and coat surfaces. Depending on the type of smoke and conditions of this fire, this may be a relatively easy cleanup job, or a more thorough repainting may be in order. 
 
Structural Damage 
 
SERVPRO can also help to restore mild structural damage caused by a fire, rebuilding walls, floors, supports, and other elements of a building if they have been burned through or collapsed on. We always aim to restore before replacing, and in this way can potentially save you thousands in reconstruction costs where they are not necessary. 
 
SERVPRO of Sothern McHenry County helps businesses to get back on track after a disaster. Give us a call at 847-516-1600.

Two years after

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

If disaster strikes, will you still be in business a year from now?  According to FEMA 40% of businesses never reopen after a major disaster, and only 29% will still be open two years later. They go on to say that if the technology is down for nine days the business will likely be bankrupt within a year. By having a comprehensive disaster plan, the odds of survival are much greater.  All of these factors need to be considered when formulating your disaster plan: 

• Natural Hazards 

• Human-Caused Hazards 

• Technology-Related Hazards 
• Health Hazards 

 Natural Hazards: Floods, rockslides and mud-slides, earthquakes and high winds just to mention a few.  Human-Caused Hazards: Floods, fires, damaged sprinkle systems, or violence. Technology-Related Hazards: I don’t know of a business that doesn’t rely on communication systems including telephones and the internet.  Health Hazards: It seems like the flu is the big one. Are there plans in place in the event of major outbreak? How much of the staff can be out sick at the same time before it harms the business?  What to do. 

• Identify the Risks 

• Develop a Plan 

• Take Action 

Every business has risks, but they are not all the same. Plans need to be tailored to the specific location and type of business. SERVPRO has developed the Ready Plan. It is a great asset to add to the emergency plan. 

Taking action could be the only thing preventing a bankruptcy. However, after a plan has been put in place, it needs to work! PRACTICE it and work out the bugs. I participated in an evacuation drill for a care facility unrelated to Community Action Resource Enterprise, Inc... On paper it was flawless, but in reality it was deadly. Turned out the hospital beds were too big to maneuver though the evacuation route. In discussing the ideas for this month’s Tip of the Month with Erin Skaar, the Executive Director of Community Action Resource Enterprise, Inc., she suggested using high school students as stand-ins for residents for care center drills. I thought this was a great idea. Finally, plans need to be effective. I remember hiding under my school desk during the Air Raid drills. I’m still not sure that was a particularly effective plan. 

4 Commercial Water Damage Steps to Take After a Disaster

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded Commercial Property

Protective shoes and gear can protect you from hidden hazards you can not see in the water.

Hopefully, you never experience a major commercial water damage disaster in your business. With that being said, it is critical to know how to handle a water damage situation before it happens so you are adequately prepared if it does. Flooding can cause a variety of issues including structural damage. As a business owner, you can avoid additional disasters by ensuring the following steps are taken immediately after water damage occurs.

1. Protect Yourself

The safety of you and your employees should be your first priority. Make sure to never put your hands anywhere you cannot see first. Wearing sturdy shoes when walking in flood waters can protect your feet from hidden debris in the water that can trip or cut you. Flood waters can be contaminated so wearing hip waders is also a good idea. Look out for snakes or other creatures that may have been displaced by the flood.
If you are unsure or concerned about your safety at any point in time, remain outside of the property and wait for your restoration company to arrive. They will know all of the procedures and safety precautions to take in order to keep themselves and others safe. They will also have protective gear to wear as they are assessing the situation.

2. Shut Off Potential Hazards

If it is safe to do so, you will want to make sure that you turn off any electricity to the affected areas. You don’t, however, want them to be turned on before you are ready. Doing so can potentially mix electricity and water or create a gas leak before the flood damage can be corrected.

Your restoration company will have access to special tools that can detect moisture. This is key to ensuring the property is completely dried out and preventing any mold from growing. For example, a digital moisture meter is able to find signs of moisture behind walls

3. Take Plenty of Photos

For insurance purposes, it is a great idea to be as thorough as possible when documenting the water damage in your property. Taking lots of pictures will help you when filing a claim with your insurance company. Get photographic evidence of the damage that was left behind by the water, plus any water that is still there. Document all that you can and then speak with your insurance company as quickly as you can to get the claims process going.

4. Salvage What you Can

Keep in mind that it is extremely common for any property affected by a water disaster to experience mold growth. Mold only needs about twenty-four to forty-eight hours to start growing. Drying out the entire property as fast as possible is essential to preventing it from doing so.

The professional restoration company can assist you in this, but you will need to throw away anything that has been saturated for over forty-eight hours and figure out on a case to case basis what else can be saved or needs to be thrown away. Rugs and padding will always need to be tossed if they are damaged by flood waters. 

Southern McHenry County Businesses - Does your business have water damage?

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

You can trust the professionals of SERVPRO of Southern Mchenry County will get your business back up and running after a water damage

Water intrusion in one room can mean water damage in other rooms. This can only be the start of other damages. 

Water intrusions invade floors, ceilings and walls to find the lowest point in your business’ structure. Water from an overflowing bathroom stall or other water incidents will search for pinhole crevices and cracks in your floors and walls looking for a way to travel down in the building.

Some common signs of water damage in your business include:

• Water rings on the ceilings or walls
• Warped or cracked flooring
• Rust on the hot water heater
• A smell could develop

If your business has recently fallen victim to water damage, you may be wondering what you can do to mitigate your damages.  There is a critical period in which certain actions must be taken to preserve as much of your property as possible. SERVPRO focuses on keeping the business operational or getting the business back up and running quickly.

You can depend on SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County to provide reasonable prices for water damage and other services in the Southern McHenry County area.  Our restoration services include cleanup after water damage, fire damage and storm damage.  Our trained and certified IICRC technicians are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to begin your business’s restoration.  Whether the water damage is big or small, call us at (847)-516-1600.

The Benefits of Interruption Coverage

12/9/2020 (Permalink)

4 Ways an Interruption Policy Can Protect Your Business

A fire or flood in your commercial property in Southern McHenry County, can leave you scrambling not only for the money to repair your building and the surrounding area but also for the revenue to pay the bills while operations are slowed or suspended. Interruption insurance covers the costs of your basic operations. It can mean the difference between slowing business down for a little while and going out of business altogether. Here are four ways an interruption policy can protect your business.

1. Income Compensation

Your business interruption policy is likely to replace most of the income you would have earned during the designated time. The amount you are eligible to receive often depends on financial statements and projections from your company. It protects your business from going bankrupt while you are getting back to normal.

2. Temporary Relocation

If the repairs your building needs are extensive, you may have to relocate your operations for a little while. Interruption insurance will often cover the expense involved in doing so. It may pay rent and utilities for an additional business operations center so that productivity does not have to suffer.

3. Utilities and Property-Related Expense

While fire restoration services are underway, you may still have to pay for basic utilities and property tax or rent in your own building that is being repaired. If that is the case, you will need an interruption policy that can pay those costs.

4. Employee Payroll

Just as your coverage protects you, you want to protect your employees. Many workers fear that their jobs will be in danger when the building is in jeopardy. An excellent business interruption policy supports you by supporting your staff and covering their paychecks.

Your interruption insurance allows you to protect your business while leaving yourself plenty of time to make sure repairs are done expertly and thoroughly. With proper coverage, you don't have to rush the recovery process.

3 Reasons Water Damage Is Significant After a Fire

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Fire and Water Damage

Three Ways Water Can Wreak Havoc On Your Business During A Fire

Fire restoration companies in McHenry County understand that property restoration requires more than smoke cleanup, it also needs water cleanup. Many business owners do not understand the connection between fire and water, but if you think long enough, it is easy to make a connection. However, not all damage comes from expected places. There are at least three ways water can wreak havoc on your business during a fire.

1. Broken pipes
2. Fire hoses
3. Suppression systems
   

Broken Pipes.
Fires can reach temperatures of 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit or more, depending on the materials in the facility. PVC pipes melt around 176 degrees Fahrenheit, which pipes are likely severely damaged. However, you are likely safe if your facility's pipes are copper. Even if your pipes don't melt, the heat causes pressure to build inside the pipes, which may cause pipe breaks or bursts.

Fire Hoses
Most of the water cleanup after a fire is because of the use of fire hoses. These essential fire-fighting tools can expel hundreds, if not thousands, of gallons of water while putting out a blaze. While some water will evaporate because of the heat, the majority will stay in your facility.

Suppression System
The fire suppression system you use will also impact the fire cleanup process. If you have a selective system, only the rooms affected by the fire will have significant water damage. However, if your system is all-or-nothing, your entire building will experience some water loss.
Water cleanup is a significant part of fire restoration. While losing equipment to water damage is disappointing, it is likely less destructive than flames. If a fire is extinguished fast enough, the structure of your facility may survive. If you would like more information about water losses related to fires or are interested in learning about fire suppression systems, then consider contacting a local fire restoration company or your local fire department.

SERVPRO's Relationships

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

Relation Building

Involvement by our SERVPRO at all levels in the community cannot be understated. One of these levels is at the city and county economic level. Every town and city has a vested interest in trying to help their local business survive and thrive, providing much needed jobs to the members of their communities and also providing economic stimulus and tax revenue generation. 

These needs get interrupted when disaster strikes a business and it is vital to get their operations back up and running, as quickly as possible, "Like it never even happened." This is where the relationships you form with SERVPRO prior to the disaster striking are so important. Does your business already have a SERVPRO Representative (SMR) assigned to you? If not, complete a internet search for your local SERVPRO franchise and ask for one to be assigned to you. This SMR will go through the process of educating your business about all that they can do in advance of the coming disaster, to help you prepare so that when it happens, it is not as costly to you in downtime and lost production.       

There are many different ways to get involved with your community business members. Building relationships with our local businesses is key for when large events happen at this level, those leaders run in small circles and great relationships are needed here, so those business leaders can get their business's back up and running and restore their communities to like it was before the disaster.... "Like it never even happened." 

Your Commercial Needs

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

Your Commercial Needs

SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 - (503) 648-8513

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our Professionals have extensive cleaning and restoration training. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to affect your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services:

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial Storm Damage Restoration

McHenry County Area- Protect Yourself

7/26/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Says Beware of Insurance Fraud

Don't Let Insurance Fraud Burn Up Your Money

After a disaster, everyone involved is looking to put it behind them and try to rebuild their life as quickly as possible. This rush to get back to normalcy leaves victims of a disaster open to being victimized again in an insurance scam.

One of the most common scams is pretending to help speed up the process, rush you into making a quick decision. From McHenry County Area the con-men (or women) claim to be a private organization that helps victims through the insurance filing process and speed things along. They deceive you about being able to decrease the time by half or even more. They succeed at this because they basically dangle the victim's own insurance settlement on a much shorter string. 

Another common scam is claiming to be from a federal agency. If anyone states they are from FEMA or the SBA (Small Business Association) and tries to direct you to one company, even SERVPRO, it's very likely they're not with either agency. Neither is allowed to make a recommendation. 

The best way to combat these scams is to stay alerted and get all the information possible on every person that contacts you. There are three key pieces that you should obtain from anyone who calls or speaks to you in person:

1) Business License - Every agency, contractor or other private organization has to have a license to operate. Ask for it and if the individual won't give it to you or claims that they have some type of special agreement, hang up the phone immediately or close your door in their face. Out of state contractors must register with the State of Illinois.

2) Physical Address - If someone calls you or leaves a business card that only has a website, be suspicious. Every local agency should have a brick and mortar address. In some rare cases, a local representative may be operating out of their home. If that is the claim, then you should get the address of the regional or national office. 

3) Phone Number - Not a cell phone if possible, but a land line that leads to an administrative office where you can talk to a supervisor. 

4) If the "contractor" states that he will work "under the table," steer clear of him. Never do a cash deal or down payment during a time of emergency. Step back, evaluate your circumstances and use common sense.

Once you have this information, contact your local or state government and verify that everything is legitimate. Only after you do this, should you listen to any offer.

SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County is fully licensed in every state we operate in and have decades of experience dealing with both natural disasters and supporting you with insurance claims. Call us today at (847) 516-1600; we're here to help. 

Are you Ready for a Disaster?

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

ERP application is accessible on almost any device and can help when disaster strikes.

We know there is a lot of uncertainty at this time, and we would like to help take some of the stress away. Call us to find out about our cost-free Emergency Readiness Profiles (ERPs) and how they can help you, especially during this time. We are continuing to operate at this time and are here to help. We offer a service of helping businesses develop an emergency ready profile for their property at no cost.  We offer a free app for all phones to also maintain this critical contact and property information electronically prior to any incident or unexpected disaster. Everything can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if a disaster strikes. This information can be shared very easily with staff and whoever else needs to be ahold of the information and contacts. An ERP includes information about emergency contact numbers, priority and high/risk area, shut off valve locations, insurance contacts, and more. If also details the location and directions for the different parts of the building. This is essential since every building is different in one way or another.  We believe in helping to reduce property damage when a disaster occurs.  We provide a paper copy, emailed copy, and the app copy of the Emergency Ready Profile for easy access by all employees. We here at SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County stand by being proactive not reactive to an emergency situation.  These profiles are proven to help reduce the amount of damage that occurs if kept current and utilized. Call and schedule your appointment with one of our team members to help develop your FREE Emergency Ready Profile at 847-516-1600.

We are here to help your business

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

In manufacturing, assembly of the finished product, water from flooding or a major leak can stall lines and keep production halted, making your plant late with orders.

No matter where the water comes from, plant managers and business owners can solve the situation with SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County. We are ready 24-hours a day, quickly remove standing water with the proper equipment. When the water is extracted we do our best to make sure our equipment is out of the way as much as possible given the situation. So your business can continue to operate while also drying the structure as effectively as possible.

Wherever absorbent or porous materials exist within your plant, water fills the pores and holes. Using water's own properties against it, we heat different areas to speed up evaporation. We also create air currents with large air movers to direct moist air, so it goes exactly where we want it – outside through open windows or toward a desiccant machine or large dehumidifiers.

Without professional water removal services, your plant's interior might seem dry after your employees take care of the problem with mops, squeegees, and towels, but this often results in a more significant problem later if microbial growth starts to occur in areas that didn’t dry properly. SERVPRO professionals can help your plant avoid this much more costly situation. Doing so and quickly responding to your business emergency situation can eliminate a substantial amount of future downtime, financial expenses, and other issues.

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage limits further damages and reduces the cost. Our professionals make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (847-56-1600

We are Cleaning and Disinfecting Specialists

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

Picture of SERVPRO is Here to Help!

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we at SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County  847-516-1600

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

The Benefits of Interruption Coverage

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Building In Industrial park in Cary

4 Ways an Interruption Policy Can Protect Your Business

A fire or flood in your commercial property in Southern McHenry County, can leave you scrambling not only for the money to repair your building and the surrounding area but also for the revenue to pay the bills while operations are slowed or suspended. Interruption insurance covers the costs of your basic operations. It can mean the difference between slowing business down for a little while and going out of business altogether. Here are four ways an interruption policy can protect your business.

1. Income Compensation

Your business interruption policy is likely to replace most of the income you would have earned during the designated time. The amount you are eligible to receive often depends on financial statements and projections from your company. It protects your business from going bankrupt while you are getting back to normal.

2. Temporary Relocation

If the repairs your building needs are extensive, you may have to relocate your operations for a little while. Interruption insurance will often cover the expense involved in doing so. It may pay rent and utilities for an additional business operations center so that productivity does not have to suffer.

3. Utilities and Property-Related Expense

While fire restoration services are underway, you may still have to pay for basic utilities and property tax or rent in your own building that is being repaired. If that is the case, you will need an interruption policy that can pay those costs.

4. Employee Payroll

Just as your coverage protects you, you want to protect your employees. Many workers fear that their jobs will be in danger when the building is in jeopardy. An excellent business interruption policy supports you by supporting your staff and covering their paychecks.

Your interruption insurance allows you to protect your business while leaving yourself plenty of time to make sure repairs are done expertly and thoroughly. With proper coverage, you don't have to rush the recovery process.

We Will Communicate With You!

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Communication Is Important

You will know what is happening with your facility every step of the way. From the first telephone call within the first hour following damage notification, until the job is complete, SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County professionals are dedicated to effectively communicating with property owners and managers.

You will be aware of job status and the progress toward project completion. Jobs are documented with itemized estimates, digital photographs, signed work authorization forms and regular progress reports. SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County professionals utilize technology developed for documenting insurance claims, electronically collect and store project information which is accessible to you via a secure e-mail link 24-hours a day.

Upon project completion, a signed customer satisfaction form is the final piece of information needed for the job to officially be done. The customer satisfaction for is something we take very seriously. We strive to do the best work and be the best in our industry. Therefore, we need your input. This keeps us in check with our goals.

Timing is Everything

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

"Like it never even happened"

Water leaks within a business can seep into flooring, carpets, baseboards and walls while moving throughout the structure, potentially creating mildew and staining walls.

Quick action is critical in avoiding costly repairs and expensive downtime. The faster you call SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County, the faster we can get there, and the cheaper it will be for you.

Our SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County team understands that a water damage event can not only disrupt your facility, but it can also interrupt day-to-day business functions- possible closing the business and ultimately affecting your revenues. Our goal is to get in there and take care of your facilities damage as quickly as we can.

Even small fires must be addressed quickly in order to limit secondary damage and to lessen business interruption.

By arriving quickly, mitigating the damage to the structure and contents, and providing effective cleanup and restoration services. SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County will help you reopen the doors as soon as possible.

Call 847-516-1600.

Commercial Bio-hazard Damage

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO BioHazard Cleanup Team

A bio-hazard is defined as any biological or chemical substance that is dangerous to humans, animals or the environment. This includes body fluids (blood, human waste) and human tissue (skin and other organs) among other threats. What makes a bio-hazard so dangerous is that it has the potential to infect any person who is exposed to it, not merely someone who comes into physical contact with it.

Because of this potential, a bio-hazard requires a professional response team to rapidly begin and complete the cleanup process. Technicians at SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County are trained according to strict IICRC standards and CDC safety requirements. They understand that every hour is valuable and the faster they can get you back into your business is one less hour that you have to pay them and lose customers.

SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County provides an extensive number of bio-hazard cleanup services. Our customer services include animal waste removal and helping individuals and families deal with the potential health threats that come when a person develops a hoarding disorder.

Some of the key services include the following:

• Accidental Death Cleanup
• Advanced Odor Reduction
• Body Fluid Remediation
• Crime Scene Cleanup (Homicide and Suicide)
• Gross (Large Amount) Filth Cleanup
• H1N1 Decontamination
• Hoarder Cleanup
• MRSA Decontamination

Sewage Cleanup And Sanitization

Another service that we provide which has, unfortunately, become very popular is cleaning up after a drug lab arrest. The chemicals used to create methamphetamine and other illegal substances can quickly render a home or commercial structure uninhabitable. Prolonged exposure can even force county or state officials to condemn a structure, leaving the cost of demolition to a property owner that has no opportunity to restore the building or recover any costs.

Regardless of the bio-hazard, SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County will handle it with a professional attitude. Call today (847) 516-1600

Help your apartment residences coup with water damages in Lake In the Hills/Algonquin

5/18/2019 (Permalink)

Help your apartment residences coup

In an apartment community residence will share walls from the sides and from above and below, sharing spaces. If a water damage occurs, it can get out of hand quickly. As a water damage could not only affect one residence but multiple residences. You can never know when an emergency situation will occur, but it’s in your best interest as a property manager, as well as in the best interest of your residents, to always be prepared for anything. Taking these measures today to help prevent water damage in the future.

1. Check On Aging Appliances Regularly – If the property you manage includes a fridge, dishwasher, and/or washer/dryer in unit, you should closely monitor the age of the appliances as well as routinely checking them for cracked or damaged hoses or connections. Washer hoses should be replaced about every five years. It’s a good idea to replace washers and dryers before there’s a problem. It may cost more money now, but it could save you a lot of money and a headache or two in the future.
2. Repair Old or Damaged Roofs When It’s Dry – Don’t wait for a big rainstorm to find out that the roofing at your unit(s) needs replacing. Make routine checkups to monitor the condition of the roof(s) at your property. Make time and room in the budget to make any replacements or upgrades necessary during the dry season so that you can avoid water damage in the wet season.
3. Stay in Touch with Your Residents and Know When they’re traveling – Many people go on vacations during the summer. Talk to your residents about having their water shut off while they’re gone or, alternatively, having someone check on their apartment from time to time while they’re gone. If a water leak occurs while they’re away and no one is checking in, a small problem could potentially turn into something much worse.

We're faster to any disaster

We are dedicated to responding immediately when you contact us. A fast response lessens the damage, limit further damages and reduces the cost. Our professional make disasters, "Like it never even happened."

If your home or business suffers from an emergency, call (847) 516-1600 SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County.

5 Ways Commercial Restoration is Different from Residential

5/18/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial restoration jobs typically require more equipment on-site due to larger affected areas.

 There are many ways that a commercial restoration job can be different from a residential job. Today, we share our five most important differences. Whether the job involves water, fire, or mold, knowing what to expect as a commercial client can go a long way for your restoration process and experience.

1. Open Business Hours

An important factor to consider in a commercial job is if the business will continue to operate on-site during the restoration process. Many businesses cannot afford to cease operations during this time. In these cases, the restoration company should be mindful of working employees by keeping noise to a minimum and even creating accessible walkways and work areas. For mold removal jobs, all parties must understand the importance of keeping contained areas sealed. Clear communication between the restoration professionals, clients, and their employees can make all the difference in these situations.

2. Size of the Area Requiring Services

The most common difference between a commercial job is the size of the area that requires services. The actual size varies from job-to-job based on several factors. For example, a pipe burst on an upper floor of a building can affect the lower floors and cause damage that may not even be visible. On the other hand, a mold removal job in the ballroom of a hotel would require the entire room being sealed and contained.

3. Multiple Insurance Claims

Another difference comes in the form of insurance claims. Aside from the claim itself being larger in most commercial cases, clients such as apartment property managers can have multiple residents and their belongings affected. This can lead to the need for multiple individual insurance claims being filed. More claims mean more claim handlers in need of continual job updates along with the tenants and property manager.

4. Additional Furniture and Objects

With larger affected areas, usually comes a higher amount of furniture and objects that must be removed. These objects can include filing cabinets, desks, various types of machinery and more. To properly dry carpets these items should be removed. In cases where objects cannot be moved, the restoration company must work around them, making the process trickier.

5. Different Specifications

Buildings are oftentimes built with different specifications and can cause delays or complications of the restoration process. During the process of cleaning water, additional challenges can include removing excess water and even testing for dryness levels. If a commercial unit has firewalls, drywall could be twice as thick making it more difficult to locate and extract wet insulation.

Best Commercial Restoration Company

The 5 differences between residential and commercial restoration listed above show just how important it is to choose a company that knows what they are doing and what to expect. SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County is available 24/7 to respond to your emergency restoration call. Our highly trained professionals understand what it takes to get the job done right. We are Faster to Any Size Disaster and even have a warehouse that can store your business’s belongings. Give us a call at 847-516-1600 and get started today!

Tips to Prevent Smoke & Fire Damage to Your Business

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

Tips to Prevent Fire & Smoke Damage to Your Southern McHenry County Business

Reduce Stacks of Paper Items in Your Office

Do you have a stack of papers lying in the corner of your office that is growing bigger every day? Items like papers, magazines, boxes, and other paper products in your office is fuel for a potential fire. Stacks of paper items not only provides fuel for a fire but it can also hide potential fire hazards. Storage boxes in closets and storage areas rather in the corner of your office or blocking stairwells. Try keeping your desk and office clean and free of all items to reduce the risks of fire. Use file cabinets and drawers to store papers and documents.

Safely Store Flammable Chemicals and Liquids

If you’re working with flammable liquids, chemicals, and/or solvents, make sure you store them in the proper area accordingly to OSHA or fire department regulations. Some flammable materials and chemicals may need to be stored in specialized cabinets according to local rules and regulations. For flammable liquids and materials that don’t require specialized storage, you still should ensure that they are stored away from any heat source. You also need to make sure that if the liquids or materials off-gas creating flammable vapors that you have proper ventilation. If you don’t have proper ventilation, the vapors can build up and ignite from a small spark like a light switch being flipped on or a plug being inserted into an outlet.

Designate a Smoking Areas

If you have employees who smoke, designate an area where smoking is only allowed. It’s preferable that the area is located outside to reduce smoke odors in the business and fire risks from cigarettes that weren’t fully extinguished. You also need to make sure that you have a proper receptacle for employees to discard their extinguished cigarette butts. Also, make sure that the designated smoking area is away from flammable liquids and materials, as well as, landscaping that could fuel a fire like dried grasses, mulch, and dead leaves.

Report Electrical Problems

It’s important to let your employees know to report any electrical problems immediately before they result in a potential fire. This could be exposed wiring, frayed cords, faulty wiring, electrical equipment and sockets near water sources, etc. If you notice an electrical problem in your business, call an electrician to fix it if needed. Don’t try to fix any wiring issues yourself as this can also lead to an increased risk of fire due to inexperience and mistakes. It’s also important to keep access to electrical boxes clear so you can quickly cut the power to an area if there is a risk of fire.

Don’t Overload Electrical Outlets

One of the most common causes of fire in a business is an overloaded electrical outlet. An overloaded outlet can cause an increase of heat to the outlet, plugs, and wires. The heat can melt the insulation around the wires causing them to touch and cause sparks. The best scenario is that the circuit breaker flips before the wires short and cause sparks. If the circuit doesn’t flip off, then the heat and the sparks can quickly lead to an electrical fire. If you’re always tripping a circuit or notice your desktop lights dimming, then you might be overloading the outlet. To reduce the load, move some electronics to other outlets.

Be Safe & Be Smart

These are just a few tips that you can follow to reduce the risks of smoke and fire damage to your business. The best advice to keep your business safe from fire is to be smart and be aware. Use common sense when at your business. For instance, while some businesses allow scented candles to be burned by employees, it might be smart to not permit this. The same goes for space heaters. While you don’t want to be a mean business owner by prohibiting things like candles and space heaters, you also don’t want to increase the risk of fire occurring at your business. I think most workers will understand that safety is more important than convenience and comfort in these situations.

Contact the Fire & Smoke Damage Professionals if a Fire Does Occur

Hopefully, your business will never experience a fire. Not only can a fire cause a lot of property damage, it can also lead to a lot of downtime and loss of revenue. If you should, unfortunately, experience a fire at your Southern McHenry County business, contact the fire and smoke damage experts at SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County. They’ll be able to quickly clean up and restore any damage that has occurred to your business from fire. SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County has the resources and knowledge to handle any size disaster. Contact them today for fire damage restoration.   

How Your Insurance Is Important in a Commercial Build Back

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Restore and Rebuild Your Business in Algonquin, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Marengo, or Woodstock

SERVPRO Provides Emergency Services, Build Backs, and Communication

When severe damage strikes a business, it can be difficult for owners to cover the costs of repairs. In addition to material losses, expenses of new materials, safety and preventative fixtures, labor, and many other factors must be considered, quickly adding up before the business ever gets a chance to reopen. Insurance companies are critical in these scenarios, as their prompt delivery of payment and quick processing may mean life or death for a business trying to overcome its damages. SERVPRO works in close cooperation with insurance companies, providing them with regular updates on the situation by any means necessary, and in many cases acting as a go-between with the agency and the claimant.    Commercial build back in Algonquin, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Marengo, Woodstock, or Union can vary widely on time and resources spent before the business can reopen, depending on what reconstruction efforts are needed. Removal or rebuilding of walls, pillars, and other structural elements can take lots of time, as can full replacement of aesthetic elements such as flooring materials and wallpaper. These types of repairs not only add days or weeks to restoration times but rack up thousands in material costs. SERVPRO works to make sure that the insurer understands both forms of financial loss, helping to keep your business open during the crisis, if at all possible.    If your business has been recently hit by damages, by far the most important step in reducing costs and headaches related to your insurance is in calling us early for a fast response. By contacting us immediately, we can respond to the damages and begin mitigation within hours, reducing any co-payments or demands the insurer might make. This fast initial action is contingent upon the signing of our SERVPRO Service Authorization Form. You must also contact your insurance provider as soon as possible. We do emphasize that we are not an insurance company and will always follow the suggestions or demands of the client and the insurer.    We have staff, project managers, and an established protocol to rebuild many damaged facilities. We can also partner with other companies whom we have a working relationship with or other companies of your choosing.

  SERVPROof Southern McHenry County has a strong reputation and relationship with all local insurance companies, helping businesses to build back as quickly and with as little cost as possible. Call us as soon as trouble strikes at (847) 516-1600.

Negotiating with Insurers After Commercial Water or Fire Damage in Southern McHenry County

7/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Helps with Your Insurance Claims After Water Damage in Your Southern McHenry County Office

SERVPRO Often Interfaces With Your Carrier in Algonquin, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Marengo, Woodstock, and Union Concerning Commercial Water Damage.

Depending on your insurance provider, acquiring a payout after a disaster can either be very easy or relatively difficult. In general, it is best to take insurance proceedings slowly and to hire a lawyer to negotiate on your behalf. Some insurance companies will be unwilling to pay if you do not follow instructions, make small violations, or even fail to respond to their documents. At SERVPRO, we make an effort to work with business owners and insurance companies alike to ensure that the store has to pay as little as possible for repairs and employ a mitigation and restoration strategy designed to minimalize the costs of expensive replacements. In general, an insurance company may make very specific demands related to the initial steps towards repairing your commercial water damage in Southern McHenry County. Many insurers will want to choose a restoration company for you, which may be how you found out about SERVPRO. Our corporate brand is on the rosters in municipal, state, and Federal agencies as a preferred vendor. This list also includes management companies, insurance agencies, and the like. 

Or, they may have given specific guidelines regarding certifications and equipment, and we commonly meet even the strictest of these requirements. Typically, an insurance company won't ask you to make any repairs yourself, and in fact, may specifically request that you avoid making any significant changes without their express approval.    Of course, most insurers will want to be notified of any important developments or costs that arise during restorations.

In general, our representatives will be able to handle these types of calls, but you should be prepared to answer any questions and sign documents if additional approval is required on your part. Once again, it is probably best to consult a lawyer for any major decisions you may be asked to make. On small levels of damage caused by fire or water, the process may not require an attorney. 

SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County is proud to offer quality restoration services at an affordable price and has a strong relationship with most local and national insurance companies. We can even help with the paperwork. 

Call us at (847) 516-1600 to find out more about our services or how we help business owners like you in times of crisis.

Commercial Restoration Services Fire/Water Cleanup McHenry County

5/15/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage

No one wants to discover water or fire damage on a Monday morning. Unfortunately, a commercial facility is more likely to have a larger, more significant damage than a residential home. This is not only because of the facility's size, but it is also because commercial facilities generally have longer periods without anyone there (i.e. overnight, weekends, holidays). Because of this, it is important to have a plan in place in case a disaster does happen. 

Call Us Today 847-516-1600.

Did you know that we do commercial damage restoration? We know the stress and anxiety that water or fire damage can bring to your business. At SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County, we are dedicated to limiting your business interruption by being faster to any size disaster. We can be on-site within a few hours to help reduce future damage water can cause. We have the right equipment,

Four Benefits of Tile and Grout Cleaning

5/2/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial kitchen floor restaurant tile floor non-slip and anti-clip tiles

Running any business can be a very demanding job. Sometimes owners get so caught up in the day-to-day running of the business that they forget about some other very important things, such as a spectacularly clean floor. There are huge benefits to having your tile and ground cleaned. If you have never experienced professional tile and grout cleaning, then you are in for a treat.

•  Benefit #1: The largest benefit to investing in this service, is that it will change the look of your whole business.
•  Benefit #2: The floor will look brand new, and your customers will take notice.
•  Benefit #3: When your tile, and grout is clean, it changes the whole atmosphere of your business.
•  Benefit #4: When you properly clean your tile and grout you show your employees, and customers, how much you care about their safety and health because clean floors means that you properly removed the dirt and buildup from them and made your overall building much healthier.

The floors will be cleaned, and then the grout would be sealed so that the dirt doesn't easily creep back into the grout. It is well worth the investment. Having your floors cleaned is an investment that will pay out over, and over again.

 With proper maintenance, your floors will never get back to the dull, dirty look that they had before the cleaning. With the noticeable change of your tile and grout, the confidence in the way you do business may change forever. Your confidence is not the only thing that will increase, your customer’s confidence will increase also.

 For more information on having your tile, and grout professionally cleaned, please contact us. We would be delighted to help you give your business a new look that you, and your customers will feel great about.

 For more expert tips and information about our cleaning services, visit http://www.SERVPROsouthernmchenrycounty.com/ or like us on Facebook.  We provide emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. Call us at 847-516-1600

Commercial Restoration Services

4/1/2018 (Permalink)

No Job is too Small. If your business suffers a loss CALL SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County 847-516-1600

There is never a good time for fire or water damage to strike your business. 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 ad with the help you need.

Your commercial properties appearance speaks volumes to your clients.  So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County professionals have the training and expertise to make it "Like it never even happened."

• Retail Facilities
• Education Facilities
• Property Management
• Healthcare Facilities
• Hospitalities Facilities
• Food Service Facilities

Commercial Building Restoration Services

We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage.  We are also your businesses best resource for mold remediation.

Commercial Building Cleaning Services

Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County get the job done right the first time.  They'll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best.

Have Questions? Call Today 847-516-1600

Commercial Buildings Southern McHenry County

2/1/2018 (Permalink)

Ready to Help

Commercial restoration is a nuanced industry. That's why you can trust SERVPRO of Southern McHenry with your building and business. We care about your livelihood. SERVPRO of Southern McHenry has the experience necessary to handle any size commercial disaster, whether it is fire damage, water damage, mold damage, or a crime scene cleanup. Every commercial building is different, but SERVPRO of Southern McHenry knows how to handle them all.

Call us today with any commercial emergency and you can rest assured that our team will take great care of you and your business. SERVPRO of Southern McHenry is a diverse company with many specialties, but we are unsurpassed in our restoration ability. We know the ins and outs of the industry and are prepared to assist you in any way possible. We know that when disaster strikes, you can't afford to be out of business. We want to get you back in as quick as possible. Put your trust in SERVPRO of Southern McHenry and you won't be disappointed.

We serve Algonquin, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Marengo, Woodstock, and Union.     Have Questions? Call Today 847-516-1600

How To Handle Southern McHenry County Fire Damage for Commercial Businesses Fire

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Business owners must also have preventive measures in place that will limit the likelihood of fire damage.

How To Handle Property Damage From A Commercial Fire

Unfortunately, no business owner is immune from a Southern McHenry County commercial fire damage. When fires damage property, a plethora of environmental and health risks can surface. However, knowing how to handle property damage that results from a commercial fire can help business owners restore their property. Learn more about commercial fires and how you can limit their adverse effect on your property by reviewing the following information:

Commercial Fires: A Brief Overview When a business's property is subjected to Southern McHenry County commercial fire damage, recovery can be challenging. Fire threats can come from a plethora of places, including an electrical fire, lightning strike, or an adjoining business. When a commercial fire occurs, the damage can be significant. In some cases, the company cannot continue functioning after the fire. In most cases, this is because the business did not have the proper insurance. Businesses that did maintain business interruption insurance will usually find it much easier to recover from the loss. Because every commercial building is susceptible to fire, it is prudent for commercial business owners to purchase insurance. Business owners must also have preventive measures in place that will limit the likelihood of fire damage. Some of those measures should include:

- Avoiding the storage of flammable materials - Ensuring that smoke alarms are working properly - Creating and practicing a fire evacuation plan - Making sure appliances and machinery are turned off when not being used - Keeping machinery in working order - Making sure your backup drives and paperwork are in a safe location

Although taking these precautions can decrease the likelihood of fire damage, it's important to know that no business is entirely immune. Since this is the case, it's important that you develop good working relationships with a commercial insurance attorney as well as an experienced lawyer. These individuals will be able to assist you in the event that a fire takes place.

Conclusion While a Southern McHenry County commercial fire damage can have an adverse impact on your business, taking, preventive steps can help you avoid unwanted property damage and business-related complications that deplete your finances and productivity. In the event that a commercial fire transpires on your business property, it's important that you gain access to high-quality restoration services. As a remediation company that consistently works with excellence and expediency, you can count on the SERVPRO professionals to get the job done fast and well. Contact us today to obtain an information-packed consultation!

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County is locally owned and operated and we are proud to be part of this community. We are also part of a national network of over 1,650 Franchises with special Disaster Recovery Teams placed strategically throughout the country to respond to large-scale fire, water, and storm disasters.

 We are here in Southern McHenry County and are ready to help you. Just call us. 847-516-1600.

What You Should Know About Commercial Fire Damage

8/11/2017 (Permalink)

Commercial Building Fire

Commercial fire damage is one of the most devastating experiences that a business owner can experience. In addition to doing severe damage to the structure of the building, fires can lead to excessive, standing water on the property as well as mold invasions. For these reasons and more, business leaders find it difficult to recover from a natural disasters or man-made accidents. However, learning more about commercial fires and how fire damage remediation specialists can assist you is the first step towards limiting damages and preserving your equilibrium in the face of the disaster. Below is some information to help you:

Fire Threats – There are several factors that can place a commercial property in harm’s way leading to burning and fire damage.  Some of these include:

• Lightning strike
• Electrical fire
• Blown fuse, overloaded circuits
• An adjoining business fire

Preventing Commercial Fire Damage and Strategies You Can Use:

In addition to purchasing business interruption insurance, there are several strategies you can implement to decrease the impact of fire damage to your business. Some of them include:

• Avoiding the storage of flammable items on site
• Check your smoke alarms regularly to ensure they are functioning properly
• Have your fire extinguishers in accessible areas
• Implement a fire evacuation plan
• Turn off appliances and machinery when no one is on site.
• Ensure all machinery is in good condition
• Have backup drives for computers
• Important paperwork should be kept in a fireproof safe
• Use a cloud for document back up storage
• Call SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County today for any commercial needs.

Commercial Buildings And Mold

7/30/2017 (Permalink)

Mold In A Commercial Building

Are you an Southern McHenry County business owner looking for information on how to fix water damage in your commercial property? If so, don’t put it off, hoping that the damage will dry off and things will go back to normal.

Water damage should be dealt with as soon as possible. What may begin as a small leak can quickly and unexpectedly turn into an unexpected flood, creating extreme property damage and even leading to toxic mold growth. As a result, your business can become inoperable, losing hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars.

Commercial buildings face a greater risk of incurring water damage on weekends or during the holiday season when no one is around to notice potential problems that could lead to flooding.

Imagine coming in to work and realizing that a pipe has burst, a toilet has leaked or your office has flooded. Sometimes, expensive equipment like computers and fax machines can get damaged, and important business documents can get destroyed. If you’re particularly unlucky, your leak or flood may even cause damage to the offices next door. So what do you do?

What to Do If Your Office Is Flooded

The first and most important thing you should do is to call a water-damage specialist to get rid of the water and check for any mold growth. This first step is crucial because it takes only 24 to 48 hours for mold to form after a flood. Acting quickly can prevent major structural degradation due to mold and water damage.

Needless to say, business owners cannot afford to take water damage lightly. If that’s you, call in a professional water restoration company like SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County to deal with the flood quickly and effectively. You’ll be glad you did!

Water intrusion is a cause for concern for any commercial property owner. Water damage leads to mold in many cases, which will cost you financially and put the health and safety of the building’s occupants at risk.

Don't try to tackle a mold situation yourself call the pros at SERVPRO.

(847) 516-1600.

Commercial Building Restoration

7/27/2017 (Permalink)

This commercial building in Crystal Lake became flooded when a water line burst on the wall. They didn't even have to miss a day of business

Commercial buildings are very different than residential buildings. The way they are constructed and the materials used are very different. Commercial buildings can prove difficult to work on for vendors and mitigation companies that do not understand this.

Luckily, your business has SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County on its side! SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County handles residential and commercial losses of all sizes. Our technicians are experienced in the intricacies of commercial restoration and have worked on every variety of commercial building: apartment complexes, retail shops, office units, warehouses, churches, and many more. Not only do we have the personnel to handle these jobs, but we also have the equipment to assist you in your time of need.

SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County is ready to assist you with any fire, flood, mold, crime scene, trauma scene, or biohazard damage that needs remedying. Call us today. We are here to help. Call 847-516-1600.

Should Commercial Carpet Cleaning be Done By a Professional

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

Cleaning Commercial Carpeting

With regular commercial carpet cleaning, office flooring can remain in excellent condition for many years. Any professional brought in to clean the carpet should have be properly trained or ceritifed.

You should be regularly vacuuming and cleanup this very important and will greatly extend the life of the carpet. However, deeper treatment is needed periodically. This consists of cleaning near the entry points of the building, and any other high traffic areas. Regular maintenance should also include complete cleaning at least twice a year. SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County professionals use hot water extraction for this process.

SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County technicians are trained on various carpet construction, are exposed to a variety of soiling conditions, and different common cleaning methods providing a wealth of experience and knowledge.

If you have any questions please contact us at 847-516-1600.

Emergency Readiness Program (E.R.P.)

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

Emergency Readiness Program

The SERVPRO^® Emergency READY Profile serves as a quick reference of important building and contact information or can be an ideal supplement to any well-designed emergency preparedness or existing contingency program. Rather than simply reacting to disaster situations, most prefer proactive measures to establish a relationship with a restoration services company.

By working with SERVPRO^® of Southern McHenry County develop your personalized Emergency READY Profile your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster. SERVPRO^® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Call SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County at 847-516-1600 today for a No Cost Assessment of Your Facility!

Helping you to be “Ready for whatever happens,”

Restoring Your Southern McHenry County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

7/12/2017 (Permalink)

This flooded basement was caused by a recent storm.

Flooding and water damage events at Southern McHenry County commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re 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 Southern McHenry County
SERVPRO of Southern McHenry County 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.

http://www.SERVPROsouthernmchenrycounty.com/employee-photos

Certifications

    JSR - Journeyman Fire & Smoke Restorer
    OCT - Odor Control Technician
    CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
    UFT - Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
    JTC - Journeyman Textile Cleaner
    ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
    SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
    RRRP - Lead-Based Paint Activities and Renovation
    WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
    Successful Subrogation for Restoration Contractors
    IICRC Certified Firm
    AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
    American Drying Institute
    ECTP - Employee Certification Training Program
    RRT - Carpet Repair & Reinstallation Technician

Affiliations

    Huntley Chamber
    Algonquin/Lake In The Hills Chamber
    Cary Grove Chamber
    Crystal Lake Chamber