Minimize the risk of water damage this spring

4/12/2024 (Permalink)

Springtime brings with it the beauty of blooming flowers and warmer weather, but it also carries the risk of water damage to our homes. Understanding the potential sources and effects of spring water damage is crucial for homeowners to protect their properties. By taking proactive steps to prepare, detect early signs, and implement effective strategies, one can minimize the risk of costly and disruptive water damage during the spring season. This article aims to provide insights and practical tips on how to safeguard your home from spring water damage and ensure a safe and secure living environment.

Understanding Potential Sources of Spring Water Damage

Common Causes of Spring Water Damage

Spring water damage can sneak up on you like that uninvited guest who overstays their welcome. Common culprits include heavy rainfall, melting snow, and water seeping in through cracks in your home's foundation. Think of it like your house is playing a game of hide and seek with water, but nobody wants to be found.

Impact of Seasonal Changes on Water Damage
As the seasons change, so does the way water behaves. Spring brings melting snow and frequent rain showers, which can turn your home into a water park without the fun slides. This seasonal shift can lead to increased moisture levels in your home, causing dampness and potential water damage. It's like your house is trying to pull off a surprise makeover, but without your consent.

Preparing Your Home for Spring Water Damage

Exterior Maintenance Tips
Give your home some love by making sure your gutters are clear, your roof is in good shape, and your landscaping slopes away from your foundation. It's like giving your house a pre-spring spa day to make sure it's looking and feeling its best.

Interior Precautions to Take
Inside your home, keep an eye out for leaks, check your pipes for any signs of wear and tear, and consider installing a sump pump if you're in a flood-prone area. It's like your house is following a skincare routine to keep itself hydrated and glowing.

Detecting Early Signs of Spring Water Damage

Recognizing Water Damage Indicators
Look out for water stains, musty smells, or mold growth, as these could be signs that water has snuck into places it shouldn't be. It's like your house is dropping hints that it's not feeling its best and needs a little TLC.

Importance of Regular Inspections
Don't wait until water damage has made itself comfortable in your home - regular inspections can help you catch issues early and prevent them from turning into bigger problems. Think of it like giving your house an annual physical to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Effective Strategies for Mitigating Spring Water Damage

Preventative Measures to Implement
Take proactive steps like sealing cracks, installing a dehumidifier, and ensuring proper ventilation to keep water damage at bay. It's like your house is putting on its armor to defend itself against water invaders.

Action Steps in Case of Water Intrusion
If water does find its way into your home, act fast to dry out the affected areas, remove any damaged materials, and address the source of the water. It's like your house is calling in the cleanup crew to make sure everything is back in order and ready for the next round of spring showers.**Hiring Professional Help for Spring Water Damage Prevention**

So, spring is here, and so is the possibility of water damage creeping into your home like an uninvited guest. But fear not, dear homeowner! Consider calling in the pros to help keep your humble abode dry and cozy.

Benefits of Consulting Water Damage Specialists

Picture this: you're knee-deep in spring cleaning when you detect a leak that could rival the Titanic. Cue the water damage specialists to save the day! These heroes not only stop leaks in their tracks but also prevent future water disasters. It's like having a personal water shield for your home.

Not all caped crusaders are created equal, so choose wisely when picking your water damage professionals. SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa has the experience, tools, and a trusty sidekick or two to tackle any water-related woes. Because when it comes to protecting your home from water damage, you want the A-team, not the amateurs.
We accept all insurance times and our initial water damage assessment is always free. Give our office a call 24 hours a day (815)416-0075. 

Contents cleaning and inventory

4/12/2024 (Permalink)

After a fire, dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming and frustrating. Luckily, SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa is here to help make the process smoother with our contents inventory and cleaning services. We have trained professionals who know how to carefully assess all of your belongings and create a detailed inventory list to ensure nothing gets lost or forgotten in the chaos. From furniture to clothing to personal items, we will work diligently to restore as much as possible and safely dispose of anything that cannot be salvaged. Our expertise in contents cleaning ensures that your items will be returned to you in the best condition possible, giving you peace of mind during a stressful time. So let SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa take care of the dirty work while you focus on getting back on your feet after a fire.

The Thaw after the Storm

2/2/2024 (Permalink)

There are obvious water damage risks during a winter storm including frozen or broken pipes and even ice dams. However there is damage that may not be apparent until after the storm ends and temperatures start to rise. 

One major event after the ice and snow starts to thaw is the possibility of flash flooding especially for those who live close to rivers where ice jams may be present. 

Another is frozen pipes thawing after the cold snap ends. The pipe may show no sign of damage until it thaws. Once water starts to flow the damage to the pipe will become known. 

Sump pump failure is also a main concern after the winter storm is over and thawing starts. The snow and ice will start to fill the ground causing extra use of sump pumps.If the sump pump fails during the thaw it may cause a water backup in your basement or crawlspace. 

It is recommended to do daily inspections during and after the storm to look for possible damage. Some signs to look for are low water pressure, bulging pipes, discoloration on walls or ceilings, water under cabinets or on floors where water lines run. 

If you suspect you have water damage, give SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa a call right away at (815)416-0075 for a free inspection. Our highly trained team will quickly inspect your home or business and if water damage is found can quickly put a plan in place to start the dry out process immediately.

Space heater fire safety tips

11/20/2023 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association nearly 1/3 of winter house fires are caused by space heaters. 

To help reduce the likelihood of a space heater fire, follow the safety tips below. 

1. Ensure there is a working fire alarm in the room the space heater is located as well as a fire extinguisher. 

2. Do not use if the wire is frayed. If the cord of plug gets hot during use, unplug the space heater and stop use immediately. 

3. Always plug a space heater directly into the outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip.

4. Make sure the space heater is on a flat surface so it does not tip over or fall. 

5. Keep all sides of the heater a minimum of 3 feet away from walls, furniture, curtains, clothes and anything else that may be flammable. 

6. Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off before leaving the home or going to sleep. 

SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa hopes you find these safety tips helpful this winter season. 

If you need assistance with a fire or water damage this winter give our office a call 24 hours a day at (815)416-0075. Our team is available 24 hours a day to respond immediately for your fire or water damage emergency. 

Safely deep fry your turkey

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

A deep fried turkey is delicious, however there is risk involved in the cooking process. Follow these 5 safety tips while deep frying your turkey this holiday season to minimize the risk of fire or injuries. 

1. Deep fry outdoors, away from the house. Stay at least 10 feet away from the house. This includes staying out of the garage (even with the door open), and off of the porch. If a mishap does occur, you’ll be glad that at least you didn’t burn your house down. That leads us to #2…
2. Have a fire extinguisher at your side. Don’t just have it in the house or garage, have it readily on hand. An oil fire can get out of hand in seconds, so you’ll need to be ready to act immediately in the event something goes awry. And by the way, never throw water on an oil fire! This will cause a violent reaction, resulting in an explosion; not advisable. Speaking of water…
3. Use a thawed turkey. Excess moisture in a frozen can cause the oil in your frying pot to boil furiously and spill over on to the burner below. If oil from your pot spills onto the burner it will burn violently and can cause a fierce fire instantly. Also, to keep oil from spilling over…
4. Set up on level ground. The oil in your pot must be level to prevent it from boiling over and spilling on the burner.
5. Do not over fill your deep fryer pot. To determine how much oil is needed for frying, place the thawed turkey in the fryer basket and place it in the fryer. Add water until the top of the turkey is barely covered. Mark the water level with the turkey OUT OF THE POT. This is the level you will fill your pot to before you put your turkey in to deep fry it.

Follow these tips and enjoy your delicious deep-fried turkey! For complete instructions on how to deep fry your turkey let me suggest you go to www.butterball.com/how-tos/deep-fry-a-turkey.

SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs

Properly using a fire extinguisher

11/15/2023 (Permalink)

A portable fire extinguisher can be a life and property saving tool when used correctly. In order to operate a fire extinguisher, the 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 fire extinguisher at the base of the fire.
-Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.
-Sweep the nozzle from side- to-side.

Read the instructions on the fire extinguisher and become familiar with them before a fire breaks out. Encourage your family members and co-workers to do the same.
Remember, extinguishers do have their limitations! It is also important to ensure you have the correct type of extinguisher for your home or facility. 

SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa professionals are trained to assist with any fire no matter the size. If you should sustain fire damage in your home or business give us a call today. (815)416-0075

Lithium Ion Battery Fire Prevention

7/31/2023 (Permalink)

D 

Lithium ion batteries are used in many things these days such as tools, electronics, battery powered toothbrushes and even kids toys such as scooters and hoverboards. Since having these items increases the amount of lithium ion batteries in homes it also increases the risk of fire from lithium ion batteries. 

To help prevent lithium ion fires follow the recommendations below

1. Never charge batteries near exits. If a fire should start, you do not want your exit to be blocked. 

2. If possible charge in the garage rather than inside the home. If a fire does happen due to charging batteries, a garage fire can be less devastating than a home fire. 

3. Only use chargers that are intended for that specific device or battery. 

4. Once the battery is fully charged, unplug the charger. 

5. Store the batteries away from anything that can burn. 

6. Immediately stop using the device or battery if you notice a change in the batteries size, color, smell or sound. 

SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa has the training, expertise, and equipment to quickly and properly help restore your home to preloss condition after a fire. 

Our team is available 24 hours a day to provide a free fire damage restoration estimate as well as provide board up services to secure your property after a fire loss. Our office can be reached at (815)416-0075 anytime day or night. 

Do you have water damage?

7/28/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen at any time and for many reasons. From large obvious damage that comes from water pipe breaks to smaller leaks that may be hidden behind a wall. 

The question that is asked often is, How do I know if I have water damage? 

Sometimes it is not that easy to determine if there is water damage, below are some tell tail signs to help you decide if you have damage to your home. If you see any of the signs below, or suspect water damage give SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa a call at (815)416-0075 for a free water damage assessment. 

1. Stains- If a wall or floor has stains or discoloration, if it possible there is water damage from a leak behind the wall. 

2. Mold- If you see mold growth on a wall, floors, or baseboard, this can be a sign of moisture in the area and possibly water damage. 

3. Sound of water- If you hear dripping behind a wall, there may be a pipe leaking behind the wall. 

4. Paint peeling, warped walls or floors, or soft walls- If you see any of these things this is a tell tail sign that the wall or floor has taken damage due to water. 

Summer cooking fire tips

7/3/2023 (Permalink)

Summertime is upon us and with that comes more outdoor cooking. Enjoying delicious foods cooked on the grill are enjoyable, but do come with fire risks. Below are a few tips to help prevent the risks of outdoor cooking fires this summer. 

-Always cook on flat nonflammable surfaces such as concrete or asphalt

- Keep your grill away from structures and never cook on a deck, in a garage, or under an awning. 

- Check your gas grill for leaks before use

- Always keep your grill clean and free from grease build up

-Always keep a fire extinguisher close incase of a fire

SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa hopes everyone has a safe and happy grilling season. 

If you need fire or water damage restoration services our office is available  24 hours a day and can be reached at (815)416-0075

Safety while walking on ice

11/21/2022 (Permalink)

With winter quickly approaching, SERVPRO of Morris/Ottawa would like to provide a few tips to help keep you safer while walking around when ice is possible. 

1. Wear snow boots or slip resistant footwear when possible. 

2. Walk slowly. Take shorter steps and shuffle your feet. 

3. Keep your hands free. Whenever possible try not to carry items or have your hands in your pockets. A helpful suggestions is to utilize a backpack during winter months when ice is possible. 

4. Avoid uneven surfaces such as curbs as much as possible. 

5. Use caution when entering and exiting your vehicle. Use the vehicle to hold on to if possible to reduce the risk of slipping.

6. Test an area with one foot before attempting to walk on a surface to determine if it is icy or not. Remember black ice cannot be seen. 

7. Be attentive and use caution when entering your home or a business. Water may be on the floors which can make them slippery.