Fire Damage Restoration Services Chicago | Blog | servicemaster-qrs.com

Discarded Latex Gloves Are Not Welcome in Our New Changing World

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Uncategorized.

The way that discarded latex gloves are revolving into a typical sight shouldn’t come as a surprise.

As a common sight nowadays all across Chicago, latex gloves litter our city walkways and parking areas. In the current situation of the pandemic, which is creating an ever-changing maze of problems. It’s difficult to tell when things will eventually get back to normal.

Until then, disposal of latex gloves is a new normal issue which we have to solve right now.

THEY CLOG OUR SEWER SYSTEMS

Take a solitary ride along with your favorite bike across the streets of the city. You’ll most likely observe latex gloves thrown to the ground. They’re normally simple to spot. Generally bright blue or yellow, we see them hurled aside in the parks and dropped in front of supermarkets.

Now consider all the discarded latex gloves that we don’t see.

Blocked Sewage Lines

They advance into the city drainage framework where they overload and clog the sewer system. Someday even after we get out the COVID pandemic, many people may well keep wearing gloves for personal protection.

The potential for latex gloves to overpower and defile a community’s framework is immense.

DISPOSED LATEX GLOVES ARE MEDICAL WASTE

The coronavirus can live for a few days on surfaces and materials. A disposed of glove can pass along the infection to any individual who may contact it. A latex glove that has been left on the ground after contact with COVID-19 contamination turns into a sort of clinical waste.

At some point when the same glove washes down to storm gutter, it can convey the dangerous pathogens into the metropolitan sewerage framework. For our worse, if heavy rain floods the area, the coronavirus can be present in floodwaters and sewage reinforcements.

The outcomes could have devastating effects on our water treatment facilities.

THINK ABOUT WHO WE PUT INTO DANGER

We put on latex gloves because we have to protect ourselves from COVID-19. Our families rely upon us and we do everything we can to guard them. They wear gloves as well. Containment against the infection is demanding for everyone.

When utilized latex gloves aren’t discarded appropriately, they can breach our control techniques and can no longer secure us from the pandemic.

Rather, a disposed latex glove can become a genuine risk to who might come in contact with them. The list of conceivable outcomes is very concerning.

  • Waste administration laborers
  • City Health division personnel
  • City grounds-keeping groups
  • Essential workers at supermarkets
  • Professional cleanup and restoration groups
  • Anyone picking up gloves without PPE

THINK ABOUT THE IMPACT ON OUR PLANET

While disposed latex gloves represent a hazard to our health, they can additionally drag many long-term problems for the planet. Depending upon how the gloves are manufactured, they’re very well can be viewed as biodegradable.

However, the procedure will take years.

 WE’RE ALL PART OF THE SOLUTION

Every last one of us has a straightforward, ground-breaking approach to battle disposed of latex gloves. Whenever you go out wearing protective gloves, take along a sealable plastic sack for disposal. Pack the pre-owned gloves and hurl in a close-by garbage can, or discard them when you return home.

Imagine your activities increased by countless others. Harness the collective strength of social media with a hashtag that brings attention to the problem. Share your thoughts on how to mitigate the coronavirus in your work environment or how to deal with it by staying at home.

Here at ServiceMaster-QRS, our groups are in the field each day. By working with others across Chicago, we’re chipping away at New Normal arrangements. We realize you are as well, and we thank you for doing your part.

It’s only one set of latex gloves, yet it has such a major effect.

Contact Us Now!

Contact Us Now & Let our Experts Handle it.

7 conspicuous signs that show your water pipe has burst

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Water & Flood Damage, Water & Flood Damage Restoration.

It’s an awkward situation where you find your carpets soaked, walls wet and for help you hurry to contact a water damage restoration expert agency. While taking a look at the damage done and in the process of initiating water damage repair most of the Chicago property owners ask themselves the same question.

How could I miss the warnings of a busted water pipe? Were there any obvious signs that I simply didn’t notice?

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF A PIPE HAS BURST? 7 SERIOUS WARNING SIGNS

Not all busted water pipes flood the house very quickly. Sometimes, a break results in a slow leak, and that, in the end, causes major water damage to your property and belongings. This sort of plumbing issue isn’t constantly emotional, but it can turn out to be an intense problem. Be on the alert and note these seven symptoms of a slowly leaking burst pipe.

Frozen Burst Pipes Damage

  1. Water Pressure Goes Up And Down:

In a situation when you notice that water pressure begins to fluctuate don’t assume this to be the city’s fault. They might be unnoticeable busted pipe somewhere in the home. Pressure changes are hard for your home’s pipes framework, and they can harm your pipe fittings.

  1. The Water Doesn’t Look Right:

After a time, a latent burst pipe starts to rust. Even the damaged PVC and PEX throws out tiny rust particles that give water an earthy tint. Additionally, the unhealthy biofilm sets up a breeding ground for bacteria.

  1. Water Smells Like Rotten Eggs:

This busted pipe symptom is a consistent cause for concern. Even the faint odor of rotten egg is the major sign of sewage leakage. In some cases, you will smell hydrogen sulfide which is naturally occurring gas that forms in sewer pipelines. We recommend never to attempt to take care of this sort of plumbing issue by yourself. We here strongly suggest to call experts who can deal with this situation.

  1. Consistent Forming Of Puddles Under Sinks:

You’ve done everything you can to stop leaks in pipes under a sink, yet puddles keep returning? Cautiously inspect the wall just above the cover plates, and search for sodden spots. Burst pipe water leaking through these regions can gather and give off an impression of dripping from uncovered pipelines.

  1. You Can Hear The Water Running:

If it isn’t running someplace in your house, you shouldn’t hear the water. On the off chance of that you notice hissing and gurgling sounds inside the walls, and this is because water reacting to fluctuating pressure in leaky pipes. The sounds tend to be stronger in pipes with small diameters.

  1. Pipes Making Noises:

A busted pipe influences the water pressure throughout the entire house, and that generates movement in the pipeline framework. Pipes Start to rub and bang at the pressure point, and that causes grinding and clanging sounds behind the walls. The friction in the long run can cause more breakage.

  1. The Water Bill Is Too High:

Small drips from faucets can squander over 100 gallons of water a year. In the event that you increase that misfortune by slow leakage from a busted pipe, you begin to see disturbing spikes in the month to month water bill.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN A WATER PIPE BURSTS?

Before you pinpoint the problem and begin cleaning up the water leak, you have to make sure that you stop the stream. Finding the burst pipe can be challenging so start by killing the water supply at its main shutoff valve. Drain water and pressure from the water pipe framework by opening up all the faucets.

In most cases it recommended to appoint the restoration contractor immediately. In severe scenarios you need professionals who handle plumbing repairs, water damage clean-up, and offers mold remediation services. If you are knowledgeable about the repair process or comfortable with DIY plumbing projects, find and fix the breaks. These tips can help.

  • Whether you’re dealing with frozen burst pipes or a summertime break, make sure you turn off your home’s power at the breaker box before starting any busted pipe restorations.
  • You need to defrost frozen channels before you begin, be cautious while doing it. Play it safe to protect yourself and your property.
  • If the busted pipes are behind a kitchen wall, you make sure all adjacent cabinets and drawers are completely dried out, post repairs and clean up.
  • Document water damage to property and belongings by taking pictures. This soothes out the process when you’re ready to file your property insurance claim.

WE’RE HERE 24/7, WHENEVER YOU NEED US

Once you are in a situation and you know what to look for, it is quite simple to find a burst pipe leak before it causes severe damage. Knowing how to deal with this pipe issue can keep the bad situation from getting worse.

Sometimes, fixing a burst pipe break can turn into a major DIY headache. We’re here for you with a full line of water damage and home restoration services, and we answer our telephones 24/7. At any point when you feel the need emergency water leakage repair in Chicago or suburbia, simply call us here at ServiceMaster-QRS.

Contact Us Now!

10 Crucial Steps To Restore Your Property From Fire Damage

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration, Fire Damage.

Soon after the fire is out and ensuring everyone’s safety, the next thing on the chart is dealing with aftermath of the fire damage.

Water and smoke damage influence every room of your residence or working place. In this scenario, one mostly needs is the proper fire damage restoration guidelines from the experienced professionals from the industry. We as the team of experts in the business know how to make the recovery process little easier and simpler.

Follow our professional guide and restore your living or working place before it causes you a greater loss.

 

Fire Damage Restoration Steps:

In spite of have a decent fire evacuation plan most of the Chicago property owners and managers find themselves in a difficult situation in fixing next upcoming damages. This is the place we come in; with the help of our given guide you can stay on the track with everything from initial clean up to filling your insurance claims.

  1. Contact your Insurance Company:

Begin the fire damage recovery procedure by calling your insurance agency. Give our insurance provider the detailed information about the loss and collect your claim number provided by them. In case you need help with cleaning they will recommend you one of the Chicago Fire Damage Restoration Contractor.

  1. Ensure Safety Of Your Property:

We strongly recommend not to go inside your property before you get all clear confirmation from the first responders. After inspecting thoroughly Chicago Fire Department will determine your property’s structural safety and advise you accordingly. Follow the safety steps given by the fire extinguishing staff before re-entering your house.

  1. Be Alert and Away From The Danger:

For the following few days after the fire break out think twice before you plan to live in your house. The Interior damage to your property and belongings is contaminated with unhealthy soot particles. Additionally, water damage carpet and heat warped floor can cause other health damaging hazards. We suggest to limit your restoration work for few hours a day.

  1. Find Important Documents:

 

 

Spot and gather all your important documents and paper records. Don’t assume that water or smoke damaged paper can’t be recouped. Disaster reclamation professionals are well trained and equipped to regularly rescue most of these significant paper records, which includes

  • Marriage and Birth Certificates
  • Your Vehicle Registration Titles
  • Property Deeds
  • Business Paper Records
  • Tax Related Documents etc.
  1. Now Start The Restoration Process:

The restoration team assigned will set up heavy duty equipment in the areas influenced by the water damage, yet it is never too early to begin the drying procedure. In this event, if Chicago’s weather cooperates, open up the windows and allow cross ventilation by running all the fans through the house.

  1. Take Record Of The Water And Fire Damage:

Take pictures of everything influenced by the fire. Record the list of damages that happened in each room. For instance, take close-up snaps of furniture in the living room, appliances in the kitchen and electronic gadgets in your working areas. Save all the snaps in your digital device so that it can be useful for you when sharing them with your insurance agency.

  1. Set Up A Loss Inventory:

Make an inventory of water and fire damage items throughout your home. Create a checklist that incorporates brand names, serial numbers and their original costs. Track down the proof of purchase (Eg: Receipts) through online bank or credit card transactions.

  1. Leave Things In the Place As They Are:

As you work up with the stockpile, leave the seriously damaged furniture and other things where they are. Not all things covered with stains and soot particles are really damaged. Most of the things including furniture and clothing can be redeemed from the fire damage by the experienced restoration agencies.

You additionally need the insurance inspector to see the full degree of water and fire damage through your home. Plan to accompany with the policy inspector during the assessment, and have your documentation and stock list prepared for sharing.

  1. Clean Out The Kitchen:

Try not to take any chances with food and drinks stored in your fridge and kitchen cup-boards. Make sure you follow these significant sanitizing steps after the fire in your property.

  • Clean all dishes and utensils with a bleaching solution.
  • Don’t attempt to save fresh or packed food stored in your refrigerator.
  • Throw out all the stored food and drinks in cupboards and storerooms.
  • Don’t cook food in the kitchen until after it’s properly cleaned and sanitized.

 

  1. Count On Your Restoration Company:

The certified expert teams that work on the restoration of your house are no doubt the reliable source of support. You can also rely on them for references to other trades in Chicago city, for example they can provide you with plumbing contractors and also authorized electricians.  You can likewise depend on the quality restoration organizations to help with process and record your Insurance claim.

If you are dealing with the aftermath of fire damage, we can help you we have the expertise that can restore your house or business as quickly as possible. The years of experience has made us one of the most successful organisations in helping many Chicago property owners with the aftermath of the fire damage. Our fire damage restoration services cover everything from cleaning smoke and soot damaged interiors to rescuing most of your personal belongings.

Protect your business from the ill effects of Coronavirus

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Cleaning & Disinfecting.

Corona Virus Decontamination

For those who don’t know, an outbreak of respiratory illness was announced in Wuhan, China in 2019. The WHO (World Health Organization) labeled this illness COVID-19, where the “CO” means Corona, “VI” stands for the virus, as well as “D”, refers to Disease. “19” means 2019, when this virus was first disclosed. 

To keep your business Covid-19 free, choose experts who have years of experience in disinfecting and cleaning businesses & homes and any other facilities that have been at the risk for exposure to several infectious diseases. They should have a common scientific approach that is cost-effective and thorough. The right experts offer protective measures for their staff and take privacy as well as security into consideration to safeguard the customers along with their facilities. 

Business Cleaning Business Disinfect Services

 

Only those disinfectants should be used that are effective as per the Emerging Pathogen Standard by EPA. Upon request, you can also avail the list of these items as well as the professionals follow CDC’s protective personal equipment (PPE) along with security suggestions. 

Procedure

  • We follow precautions before we proceed further with proper protective personal equipment (PPE). 
  • Isolate the facility and then disinfect crucial points of exposure and high touch parts
  • Disinfect every other area as appropriate
  • We use EPA registered and approved items for disinfection as per the situation
  • Appropriately dispose of the contaminated cleaning items

Take preventive measures for avoiding Coronavius (Covid-19) spread

  • Wash hands more often with water and hand wash for a minimum of 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching mouth, eyes, and nose with the unwashed hands
  • In case water and hand wash are unavailable utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizer with more than 60% alcohol. 

While you should always hope for the best, make sure to go for qualified cleaning experts that are equipped with the much-needed processes and protocols if in case any harm comes to your firm. 

Contact Us Now!

How to protect your home against mold?

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Mold Remediation & Removal.

how to protect your home from mold

The growth of mold can take place anywhere, on clothing, carpet, paper, food, and even in those places where you can’t see, like the drywall’s backside, areas inside the walls around condensing or leaking pipes, as well as above the ceiling tiles. Not only is this problem expensive and difficult to fix, but it can also generate irritants and allergens (as well as, toxins, rarely) that might compromise your wellness. For preventing mold, remove moisture and make your house unwelcoming to its growth. Also, check for those areas in the house where there might be high water damage or humidity, like the crawl space or a damped basement.

What are the tools to clean Mildew and Mold?

Here is the list of tools to be used for cleaning Mold and Mildew –

• Brushes and Buckets

• Rubber or Latex gloves

• Sponges or Mop

• Hepa Vacuum along with brush attachment

• Disinfectant chlorine bleach

• Non-Ammonia detergent, soap, or the commercial mildew and mold cleaner

• Furniture polish

How to reduce the mold-friendly conditions?

1. Clean as well as dry the wet areas within 48 hours.

2. Check the pipes in your roof for any leaks and fix them as soon as possible.

3. Daily check your kitchen sink, fridge ice makers as well as other water sources for leaks.

4. Use air conditioners or dehumidifiers to restraint humidity in your house.

How to prevent Mildew and Mold in your bathroom?

Here are some tips for preventing mildew and mold in the bathroom-

• Minimize the containers left in the shower for better circulation and ease in cleaning.

• Hang the towels out after use so that they can dry instantly.

• Use shower curtains that clean and dry easily so that you can avoid soap residue that fosters mold.

• Wipe down your shower with a clean squeegee or towel after the last daily use.

Why is it necessary for improving airflow in your house to eliminate mold and how can you do that?

As the temperatures drop, the air becomes capable of holding less moisture. Without having good airflow in the house, that extra moisture might appear on the walls, floors, and windows. For increasing circulation, move furniture away from the walls, open the doors between rooms, as well as open the doors to your closets which might be colder as compared to those rooms they are in.

Needless to say, mold can damage your possessions as well as the home and that is why you must learn how to protect your house against this issue. When mold attacks the house, it can turn out to be an irksome housemate.

However, mold is a lot more than only an insignificant irritation and its presence can cause problems ranging from minor damage to your property to serious health problems. Follow the right steps to look for mildew and mold, avoid these conditions which might lead to a disaster.

 

How to Prevent Water Damage

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Water & Flood Damage.

Flooded Basement Severe Water Damage

Water damage hits at your house’s core strength, consequently causing severe structural damage. Damp wood results in carpenter ants and termites and, along with this, it causes mildew and mold.

Always remember that water damage is not always caused due to dramatic events such as floods and hurricanes. Houses usually are ruined through pinhole-sized pipe leaks, blocked gutters, the sump pump that won’t turn on or the poorly graded soil.

Safeguard your residential/commercial property against the problem of water damage through the best insurance coverage as well as these useful tips – 

  • Clean Downspouts and Gutters – Make sure to clean the gutters at least twice a year for avoiding ice dams and blockage.
  • Inspect water leaks and fix them – Check for the dark spots under pipes, under the sink cabinets, toilets that rock, stains on the ceilings, and drips.
  • Monitor the water pressure for any leaks – A more credible tactic is to buy an electronic water leak detection system which directly installs on the main water supply line to the house. The sensors monitor water pressure, temperature, and flow.
  • While on the vacation, make it a point that you shut off the water supply to your washing machine as well as never leave the home while the dishwasher or washer is running.
  • Install the gutter guards – Gutter guards are attachments utilized for preventing clogging of roof gutters so that water from the roof can easily flow away from the house.
  • Examine showers, water heaters, toilets, showers, sinks, dishwashers, and tubs annually, as well as have them repaired in case there are signs of corrosion or leaks.
  • Maintain vegetation and trees – It is imperative for minimizing landscaping near the utility pipes or, if needed, removing shrubs and trees which have grown too big.
  • Switch to PEX pipes from copper pipes – Changing out the copper pipes for the plastic corrosion-free PEX pipes makes sure that no pinhole leaks will destroy your home.
  • Inspect the roof for damaged, aging, and missing shingles as well as make the necessary repairs.
  • Change the soil grade – Add soil around the foundation for creating the downward slope away from your house of at least 6 inches covering the 10-foot span.

In case your fridge has a water dispenser or an ice machine, the hose between your refrigerator and the wall must be made of the braided copper as it has greater corrosion and cracking resistance.

Monitor the Water Bill

At times, the single way to know that water is leaking is by taking a closer look at the water bill. In case the usage relevantly jumps from one month to another without any solid reason, put your hat of “water detective” on. Is there any leak in the crawlspace? Or, is it the pipe in the front yard? Ensure the fact that no mystery leaks stay unattended.

Needless to say, water damage comes under the category of the most expensive and common disaster a building can experience that might cost you billions of dollars annually. Follow the above-mentioned tips for preventing water damage and adding years as well as lower maintenance charges to your residential/commercial buildings.

How to maximize your claim for water damage

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Claims.

Insurance Claims

As the homeowner, you should know about how to best maximize the water damage claim. Once the ceiling begins dripping or the plumbing starts to leak, you will feel grateful for possessing a house owner’s insurance. The most general reasons for house insurance claims are the problem of water damage.

Without appropriate maintenance, important areas in the houses deteriorate as well as fall apart. Anything can go wrong in this situation, and you would not know about it unless the damage becomes evident. In a situation like this, it is a must for you to know about your insurance claim and maximize the same.

  •     Collect the evidence – For assessing the water claim, the concerned insurance company will need you to show evidence. Thanks to technology advancement, it is simple for documenting evidence with Smartphones. Take pictures of all the damage completely. Also, consider taking a video and generate an inventory of what has been destroyed as well as include each item’s value and the approximate cost for replacement.

How does reporting the damage helps in maximizing one’s claim?

For this, all you need to do is contact the insurance company and it is suggested to do it as fast as possible as any delay will risk the claim. You might be inquired about the policy number, hence keep it with yourself before making the call. You will also be asked to fill the “proof of loss form”. Make sure to have a copy to yourself for future reference and if you want, you can also take the help of restoration specialists for the entire procedure. · Control damage – After realizing that you are facing water damage, you should take steps for limiting the same or else, the insurance company might have the right of refusing part of the entire claim because you didn’t interfere. You can also hire specialists for the same. Windstorm? Board the windows up. Plumbing leak? Turn off the water to your house. Roof leaks? Put up the tarp for temporarily blocking rain from coming in.

Why is it important to mention whether it is water damage or flood damage?

It is imperative for checking the kind of water damage you are encountering with the concerned insurance company as water damage and flood damage are 2 different things to the officials. The former one includes everything else from broken pipes to leaking HVAC equipment while the latter one is caused by nature as well as impact more than a house. Though a majority of the house owner’s insurance policies cover water damage, flood damage is not covered by all. · Hire a public adjuster – The procedure for water insurance can take a bit of time as there are 15 days only for the insurance company to send you the adjuster, who will be examining the extent of the damage. Taking the help of a public adjuster is a better option, specifically, in case, your claim is large. A fair evaluation of the damage is done by them as well as they will only aim at looking for the damage’s cause, rather than focusing on concentrating on minimizing the payout of the insurance company.

In case the insurance firm denies any of the claims, make it a point to ask for the comprehensive, full explanation. Following the procedure of maximizing the claim for water damage can turn out to be quite stressful as well as you could be panicked about doing it alone. In this case, you should take the help of professional water damage experts who will, from the beginning to the end, manage the claim for you.

What happens if you paint over the mold?

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Mold Remediation & Removal.

Mold Cleanup & Remediation

Painting over mold is one of the most usual methods for hiding mold. However, that is the issue, the mold is being hidden temporarily.

A lot of people opt for this situation as it is the instant solution for hiding ugly signs of mold on their walls. Usually, when people go for painting over mold it is due to ignorance.

They are just not educated about the severity of mold in the house. Painting over the mold will only be successful permanently in case you first fix the mold problem’s source.

Along with this, you should purchase the mold killing paint instead of the resistant variety since this is the only method to deal with the existent mold.

  • The mold inhibitor paint assists you in preventing mold’s future development, however, it is not the most suitable option for eliminating mold.
  • In case you have decided to paint over the mold or you are suspecting that the walls potentially have mold under paint, there is a high probability of you seeing visible signs in the affected areas.
  • Your wall’s might or might not get affected entirely, however, even the smallest amount of mold can cause a serious issue.
  • The paint would be cracked, chipped, or bubbled and light or white-colored paint will turn yellow or the yellow tinge (a symbol of water damage).
  • In case you have immense mold growth in your commercial or residential property, it should be proactively eliminated with the help of suitable mold remediation, as well as you are required to search for the water source which is the major reason behind the mold.
  • Painting over mold is not only ineffective but by doing this, you could also be creating more expensive and serious problems for yourself down the road.

One of the most important things that many people forget is that mold is the actual microorganism that grows on the walls as well as other surfaces and that is why it can eat through the painted surfaces without any hassle.

You should remove the mold before painting. Feel free to take the help of paint stores and local hardware which sell mold-resistant or mold killing paint.

In case you do the research, you will realize that often, these claims are not true. In case you do not remove the mold before painting, it will keep growing as well as will eat through paint.

Also, make sure to first identify the type of mold you deal with and then start the remediation process as soon as possible.

In case the water leak’s source has not been found, the mold issue can be provoked. As the paint is only the covering for the wall, the mold will gradually show through.

It will grow into the paint and soon be displayed once more on the surface.

If you continue to paint over the same, the spore will still be released into the air as well as spread through the house.

How to clean your basement after a flood?

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Water & Flood Damage.

Flooded Basement Severe Water Damage

After a flood, the task of basement cleanup is always considered as the most dreaded one.

However, it is important to get started as soon as possible because it is not only effective but also relevant from a health standpoint.

After you are assured that the flooding is settled, now it is time to begin thinking about the cleanup procedure.

There are a lot of hazards coming up with the cleanup process of a flooded basement, such as gas leaks, electric shock, structural damage, and raw sewage.

Irrespective of the amount of water in the basement, flooding can cause serious safety and health risks for you as well as your family and that is why they should be taken care of as soon as possible.

  • There are several water removal services accessible to hire, but, in case there is the widespread problem of flooding in the area you live, they could not be capable of getting to your house for some days.
  • In case you are prepared to do it by yourself, make sure to get yourself equipped with the important equipment which is not highly expensive as well as is generally available for the temporary utilization from the construction rental store.
  • Those floods which are less than 1 inch deep as well as cover the small amount of space can be dealt with through using a dry/wet vacuum.
  • Large and moderate floods will be required to be dealt with through using the sump pump, or a submersible pump.
  • After the removal of water, it is significant to start the basement cleanup job as quickly as possible so that you can prevent mildew and mold.
  • Always put the safety first as a flooded basement can bring a lot of health dangers into your house.

Wear protective clothing, like rubber boots, overalls, and gloves. In case sewage water was involved, do not forget to wear face masks as well as protective eyeglasses for safeguarding yourself from dangerous gases.

Remove personal belongings damaged by the flood

Remove all the furniture as well as other basement objects which were destroyed by the floodwater. Take all of them outside and then clean the salvageable items. However, most things must be thrown away in case they were in contact with contaminated water.

Remove Basement Sheetrock if contacted the flood water

Now the basement must be empty and that is why you should remove all the basement carpet. Tear out all the paneling or sheetrock damaged by the floodwater.

Disinfect as well as sanitize

Thoroughly disinfect as well as sanitize the entire basement and any articles that you are attempting to save. Be careful while working with the bleach as well as other cleaning supplies as basements generally have the problem of poor ventilation and also, the fumes can turn out to be dangerous.

In case you are searching for an organization to supervise the entire procedure beginning to end, get the help of restoration experts and enjoy peace of mind in terms of managing the flooded basement situation.

How to prevent fire damage in your home?

Written by ServiceMaster Deia on . Posted in Fire Damage.

Prevent Fire Damage

Your house is the place where you build your life and make memories.

This is the major reason why it is hard to even imagine your house ever suffering from a disaster like a fire.

Losing the house to fire is, needless to say, a scary thought, however, there are many things to be done for preventing fire before it begins as well as keeping the family and house safe.

Most of the people know about the basics of preventing fire damage at home, like installing smoke alarms, not leaving the cooking unattended or beware of the burning candles, as well as keeping the fire extinguisher.

Below-mentioned are some major tips on how to prevent fire damage in your house – 

  1. Inspect all the heating sources – Ensure the fact that air filters are thoroughly cleaned out, and in case you are using a space heater, it should be positioned away from anything flammable.
  2. Test the smoke detectors – Appropriately maintain the smoke alarms through testing batteries once a month.
  3. Remove the lint from a dryer filter after every use – The clogged filters as well as lint traps make the dryer less productive, reduce the needed airflow for keeping heat from building up in the vents, as well as force the lint onto heating coils.
  4. Never leave the food unattended while you are cooking as it is one of the topmost causes of the home fires. Burning the food can be the major reason behind smoke damage as well. In case you are not in the kitchen, make sure to turn off the elements as well as be aware while cooking with oils or grease.

Fireproof the house

It is essential to do everything in your power for reducing the risk of having a fire in the home. It involves checking everything from bedrooms, garage, kitchen, living room, chimney and roof.

  • In case you smoke in the garage, ensure the fact that no flammable material is present nearby.
  • Do not smoke in the home at all.
  • In case you are smoking outside, make it a point that there is no flammable debris that might catch fire from the spark.

Keep the oven and stove clean

Not only food particles are the reason behind a house fire. A pot that is not set right on the burner correctly can cause melting of the pot handle if exposed to the stove flames or, if you leave the cookbook or dishtowel near the hot burner that can also catch fire.

Maintain the electrical cords

Check the electrical cord’s condition regularly and watch out for the frayed wires.

Fireplace safety

In case you have the chimney, make sure to get it cleaned frequently. When the chimney is not cleaned, it can start accumulating creosote which is highly flammable as well as can become the reason behind a chimney fire.

Also during winters, you must make it a point that the heating appliances are not located near anything combustible.

High-Quality Services

The best choice for restoration and cleaning services in the Chicago area.

© All Rights Reserved.  ServiceMaster QRS 

1945 S. Halsted St. Suite 401 Chicago, IL 60608 | 773-388-9200