Fires Caused by Household Appliances

7/8/2024 (Permalink)

Although convenient, many household appliances can often malfunction and lead to home or apartment fires. Whether it be a washer and dryer, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, or other cooking appliances, these items are used routinely and help our lives, but can also have detrimental effects if used carelessly, left unattended or malfunctioning. SERVPRO of Joliet can be there to restore a commercial or residential property following fire and smoke damage and is always Here to help. To prevent a possible fire due to a household appliance and protect your property, here are three things you can do.   

1. Never leave heated cookware on overnight such as crockpots. Use of these appliances should be supervised in case of a heating element or wiring malfunction. 
2. Never leave an appliance running while away. Coming home to clean dishes from the dishwasher may sound nice after being away, but electrical issues may stem from heating elements which can cause fire.  
3. Do not overload your washer or dryer, and always make sure to clean out the lint trap.

Fires Caused by Household Appliances

2/16/2024 (Permalink)

Although convenient, many household appliances can often malfunction and lead to home or apartment fires. Whether it be a washer and dryer, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, or other cooking appliances, these items are used routinely and help our lives, but can also have detrimental effects if used carelessly, left unattended or malfunctioning. SERVPRO of Joliet can be there to restore a commercial or residential property following fire and smoke damage and is always Here to help. To prevent a possible fire due to a household appliance and protect your property, here are three things you can do.   

1. Never leave heated cookware on overnight such as crockpots. Use of these appliances should be supervised in case of a heating element or wiring malfunction. 
2. Never leave an appliance running while away. Coming home to clean dishes from the dishwasher may sound nice after being away, but electrical issues may stem from heating elements which can cause fire.  
3. Do not overload your washer or dryer, and always make sure to clean out the lint trap.

Different Types of Home Fire Extinguishers

8/9/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke and fire damage is something all of us at SERVPRO of a would like to see you avoid. In the event that the worst happens and you're faced with this kind of disaster, you can count on us to lend a helping hand.

We have a team of highly trained professionals to walk with you each step of the way when repairing the damage from smoke, water, and fire in your home or office.

SERVPRO of Joliet recommends you have at least one fire extinguisher and know how to use it in case of a fire. 

Types of Home Fire Extinguishers: 

Classes A, B, and C fire extinguishers are found in both homes and businesses

• Class A is for cloth, wood, and paper
• Class B is for liquids that can burst into flame or explode, such as grease, gasoline, oil, or oil-based paints
• Class C is for electrical equipment like computers, tools, or anything else that is plugged in
• Most home-improvement stores sell multi-purpose fire extinguishers: Classes A:B:C

A fire-extinguisher may prevent fire damage and smoke damage from spreading throughout the home.

If you are faced with a small fire, use the following tips. Remember: If you aren't sure you can put it out yourself, everyone should exit the building and call 9-1-1 when you are outside.

SERVPRO of Joliet wants you to know that you should try to fight a small fire only if:

• You can get to the fire extinguisher quickly. Fire is fast. Fire damage and smoke damage are less painful than personal injuries
• You know how to use the fire extinguisher
• You have the correct class of fire extinguisher

Common Fires And How To Stay Safe

7/12/2023 (Permalink)

Every day homes and businesses in and around the Joliet area experience an accidental fires. It may not seem like it, but structure fires happen often. These are often smaller fires that are extinguished quickly by either the owner or the fire department. We don't usually hear about the smaller fires; it's the more massive fires that make the news where significant damage has happened, or worse when someone might have been injured.

These fires disrupt the lives of homeowners, tenants, and businesses and can cause thousands of dollars to repair. Even the smaller fires can cause severe smoke and soot damage throughout the building. The flames are often extinguished quickly, but the smoke moves everywhere, getting into every nook and cranny. While there will be flame damage right near the source, most of the damage will be from the smoke of the fire.

The smoke will cause some discoloration on the ceiling and walls nearby. Smoke will often gather in the corners of the room, causing discoloration and smoke webs or soot tags. These webs or tags are often in corners and look like a spider web that caught the smoke and soot. So while it seems like a lot of soot got stuck on a pre-existing spider web, it is actually a whole new structure that happened because of the fire.

A fire in your home can be devastating financially and emotionally for your family. Many times the occupants are displaced, and their entire lives disrupted. Although there is no way to prevent every fire, there are steps that you can take to minimize your family's risk of being victims.

Install Smoke Alarms

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside sleeping areas, and outside every bedroom. Check once a month to be sure these alarms are functioning and replace batteries as needed. To reduce false smoke alarms, you will want to make sure the smoke alarm in the kitchen area is 10 feet away from the stove and cooking appliances.

Develop A Fire Escape Plan

Decide on a fire escape plan with your family members and practice this plan often. This plan should outline a safe way to get out of every room and every level of the structure. Establish a safe place to meet outside of your home in case of fire or smoke. This might be across the street at a neighbors house or at least a safe distance away from the house.

Install A Fire Extinguisher

Having a fire extinguisher in your kitchen is essential. This will can help you in case a fire starts while cooking. The best place for the fire extinguisher is away from the higher risk fire areas like the oven and stovetop. A good storage area would be under the kitchen sink, or in the food pantry.

Close Bedroom Doors

It is recommended to close the bedrooms doors while sleeping. If a fire should start outside your bedroom, you want to lower the risk of smoke inhalation by keeping your door closed while sleeping. By closing your bedroom door, the smoke alarm located nearest to the fire should wake you up before smoke has had a chance to infiltrate your bedroom.

Electrical Fires

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

Electrical failure or malfunctions account for an estimated 34,000 home fires, on average, per year and result in roughly 440 deaths and $1.3 billion in direct property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This threat is higher in older homes built before the 1950's due to lower electrical wiring standards, however; even newer homes are at risk. Older homes were built to handle 30 amps of power, but most newer homes demand 100 to 200 amps. Listed below are some of the warning signs that may indicate an electrical problem in your home:

• Flickering or dimming lights.
• Switches or outlets that are hot to touch and/or give off a strong burnt rubber odor.
• Discolored cords, outlets and switch plates.
• Repeatedly blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers.

If you have any any of these, contact a licensed electrician immediately to examine and repair any electrical problems and if the need for fire restoration is required, we are there to make it "Like it never even happened". SERVPRO of Joliet, 815-436-5735.

Call Us For Help After A House Fire

6/14/2023 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks are gone, your home and belongings likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Joliet has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet.

Fire damage can be devastating for you and your family. Feelings of confusion and stress are common, and you need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We always treat your family with the greatest empathy and respect, and we’ll treat your property with great care.

Call SERVPRO of Joliet (815) 436-5735

What To Do Immediately After A Home Fire

3/8/2023 (Permalink)

In the scary aftermath of a housefire, it's hard to know what to do first. While waiting for help to arrive, safety should be your number one concern. 

• Assess whether it’s safe to stay in the house.
• Look out for electrical and “slip and fall” hazards.
• Only attempt activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
• If safe to enter, and weather permits; open windows and doors to “air out” structure and reduce smoke odors.

We understand you have many questions about what to do next. The restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Joliet has the experience and training needed to assess your situation and help you through the process of returning your property to its preloss condition. Call us anytime day or night at 815-436-5735. 

The Fire. Stops. Here!

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

We typically experience very humid summers which causes the ground to dry out making it more capable of igniting. Although wildfires aren’t a common issue in Joliet, IL we wanted to make sure you all know how to prevent fires from spreading to your home.

1. Clear the home’s surroundings of any debris or combustible materials.
2. Maintain your lawn by trimming all trees and bushes.
3. Practice safety measures when having campfires. (Make sure you see if there is a fire ban, dryness of campfire area, etc.)
4. Create a Fire Safety Plan. 

Our SERVPRO of Joliet Promise is that we will have someone there for you, all you have to do is call!

Smoking Hazards in the House

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Smoking materials, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, are the cause of starting more than 17,000 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments every year! Fires from cigarettes and smoking materials cause nearly 1,000 deaths and 3,000 injuries each year in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association. Find out what you need to know about keeping your home and family safe from smoking hazards in your home.

Smoking Hazards

Smoke is a mixture of heated particles and gases, and it’s impossible to predict its exact make up. The items burned, the temperatures reached, and the amount of oxygen available all play a part in determining the type of smoke produced. While smoke may seem to dissipate quickly, the quick cooling of the particles leave a film and odor able to penetrate the contents of a building, and its structure.

The Importance of Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors allow people to get up see what’s going on. Most the time when we have a fatal fire, there is not a working smoke detector. It’s important to have a safety plan that prepares you to think about where that fire is and how you’re going to get away from it, or get out of the house.

As the seasons change over into the next one, make sure to take the time to change out the batteries in your smoke detectors and test them as well. You don’t want to be in the position where you’re not able to detect massive amounts of smoke in your home until it’s too late.

Smoke Damage

Smoke damage is the physical damage caused by smoke that’s generated by a fire, not the damage caused by the fire itself. Smoke doesn’t destroy items like fire does, it just coats them with soot and a foul smelling odor.

Smoke damage is also a major health risk, whether it’s the result of a full on house fire or a localized fire that was contained to one room. During smoke inhalation, you have more carbon monoxide in your lungs which prohibits oxygen into your body.

Getting your Home Back After a Fire

No matter how a home fire occurs, it can be devastating for a homeowner to shoulder. If you are a smoker or live with a smoker, make sure to practice safe smoking habits to deter the onset of a home fire.

What To Do Immediately After A Home Fire

12/10/2022 (Permalink)

In the scary aftermath of a housefire, it's hard to know what to do first. While waiting for help to arrive, safety should be your number one concern. 

• Assess whether it’s safe to stay in the house.
• Look out for electrical and “slip and fall” hazards.
• Only attempt activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
• If safe to enter, and weather permits; open windows and doors to “air out” structure and reduce smoke odors.

We understand you have many questions about what to do next. The restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Joliet, Illinois have the experience and training needed to assess your situation and help you through the process of returning your property to its preloss condition. Call us anytime day or night at 815-436-5735.

Call Us For Help After A House Fire

11/3/2022 (Permalink)

After the fire trucks are gone, your home and belongings likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also extensive water damage from firefighting efforts. SERVPRO of Joliet has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet.

Fire damage can be devastating for you and your family. Feelings of confusion and stress are common, and you need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. We always treat your family with the greatest empathy and respect, and we’ll treat your property with great care.

Appliance Fires

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

Most of us use household appliances on a daily basis. After all, these machines help to improve our lives with convenience and efficiency. Whether it be a washer and dryer, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, or other cooking appliances, these items are used routinely. Although convenient, these machines can often malfunction and lead to home or apartment fires. Even so, these fires often happen while a homeowner is away and leaves an appliance running or leaves a cooking appliance unattended. SERVPRO of Joliet can be there to restore a commercial or residential property following fire and smoke damage and is always Here to help. To prevent a possible fire due to a household appliance and protect your property, here are three things you can do.  

1. Never leave an appliance running while away. Coming home to clean dishes from the dishwasher may sound nice after being away, but electrical issues may stem from heating elements which can cause fire. 
2. Do not overload your washer or dryer, and always make sure to clean out the lint trap. 
3. Never leave heated cookware on overnight such as crockpots. Use of these appliances should be supervised in case of a heating element or wiring malfunction.  

Appliance Fires

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Most of us use household appliances on a daily basis. After all, these machines help to improve our lives with convenience and efficiency. Whether it be a washer and dryer, stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, or other cooking appliances, these items are used routinely. Although convenient, these machines can often malfunction and lead to home or apartment fires. Even so, these fires often happen while a homeowner is away and leaves an appliance running or leaves a cooking appliance unattended. SERVPRO of Joliet can be there to restore a commercial or residential property following fire and smoke damage and is always Here to help. To prevent a possible fire due to a household appliance and protect your property, here are three things you can do.  

1. Never leave an appliance running while away. Coming home to clean dishes from the dishwasher may sound nice after being away, but electrical issues may stem from heating elements which can cause fire. 
2. Do not overload your washer or dryer, and always make sure to clean out the lint trap. 
3. Never leave heated cookware on overnight such as crockpots. Use of these appliances should be supervised in case of a heating element or wiring malfunction.  

First Responders To Fires

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

Local fire and police departments, as well as Emergency Medical technicians (EMT's), are often first on the scene of an emergency. In the United States, there are more than 29,700 fire departments with 1,160,450 total firefighters, according to the National Fire Protection Association's 2015  U.S. Fire Department Profile. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are almost 245,000 EMT's and paramedics in the United States. In the U.S. there are about 18,000 federal, state, country, and local law enforcement agencies, employing more than 750,000 full time sworn officers according to he Uniformed Crime Reporting Program collected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

When fire affects your life, make SERVPRO of JOLIET, 815-436-5735 your 2nd responder and we will make it "Like it never even happened."

Smoke Webs

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know?

Residues (such as burning plastics or the soot from furnace disorders) form long chains of ionized smoke particles that assemble in corners or at junctions of walls and ceilings which are called smoke webs!

The picture is from a fire damage that our large loss division assisted with out of state. The building had 35,000 square feet that was affected, it took our team a few weeks to completely clean the facility. 

Does your business have a plan? Check out these tips:

Protect your people : Your employees are your most important business asset. These tips can help prevent them from being injured in a fire.

• Fire Plans: Make sure your employees know what to do if there's a fire, including calling 911 immediately. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year to keep employees aware of your workplace fire safety protocol. 
• Evacuation Plan: In larger buildings, post a fire evacuation plan in several spots around the workplace. Never include elevators in an evacuation plan; always use the stairs. 
• First Aid: In case of fire injuries, your employees should be familiar with the location of the first-aid kit, which should be kept where possible hazards can occur most-such as in the kitchen.

Call SERVPRO of Joliet (815) 436-5735

Recipe for Fire Safety

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Cooking Safety Tips:

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you have to leave the room for even a second, turn your stove or cooking device off.
• When you are simmering, baking, or roasting, check the food regularly or use a timer to remind you.
• Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles such as potholders, paper towels, food packaging, etc...
• Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of at least three feet around the stove.
• If an oven fire starts, turn off the oven and keep the door closed. If the fire does not go out, get out of the house and the fire department.

Please remember that education in prevention is the best way to keep you and your family safe. In the event there is a fire, call your local fire department and then call SERVPRO of Joliet at 815-436-5735 to help you with all your fire restoration needs. 

How Do Local Disaster Recovery Leaders Handle Joliet Fire Cleanup and Restoration Best?

6/8/2022 (Permalink)

IICRC Training and State-of-the-Art Products and Equipment are Why SERVPRO Should be Your First Call for Joliet Water and Fire Damage Restorations

Fire cleanup and restoration takes teamwork and a 24/7 workforce response. An investment in an extensive inventory of immediately available and cutting edge resources stocked on our ready-to-roll service vehicles is also critical:

• Proprietary cleaning and antimicrobial products 

• Tools and supplies
• Mitigation, remediation, and deodorization equipment 

What Is the Rush When Reacting to Fire Damage?

After the chaos and fear engendered by a Joliet  house fire, you might want to collect your thoughts before devising a plan after researching the issues. Realistically the clock is ticking even before the fire department takes its leave, impelled by the rapid and destructive action on building materials of both firefighting water and smoke and soot residues. Feel confident in calling us immediately as:

• Reviews confirm SERVPRO of Joliet place as a leading local smoke and fire damage restoration contractor.

• We are also rated as the #1 rated water damage restoration company in Joliet, including working with firefighting fluids.
• Our management  strives to measure our response time in minutes, so SERVPRO can pledge that our experienced crews get an essential jump on all aspects of fire restoration. 

Who Can Help Me with Insurance Documentation and Communication During My Joliet Fire Restoration Project?

We hold preferred vendor status for many insurance and property management companies because of our reputation for the highest quality customer service delivered with integrity and professionalism. Our excellent working relationships with insurers are other reasons why SERVPRO streamlines your fire damage project’s positive outcomes.

House fire clean up proceeds more smoothly when a scalable and well-equipped workforce responds fast, why SERVPRO of Joliet should help you shoulder the load from initial assessment through comprehensive restoration. Call us at (815) 436-5735 to partner with our team.

Important Do's and Don'ts for Fire and Smoke Damage

5/15/2022 (Permalink)

Important Do's and Don'ts for Fire and Smoke Damage

• Limit movement in the area to prevent further damage.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Clearly mark the area with caution signs and safety tape.
• If area is safe, list vital contents for emergency restoration/priority service. 
• Be sure your staff wears proper personal protection equipment. 
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas. 
• Wash off both sides of leaves on indoor plants.
• Change HVAC filters and tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system. 
• Do not attempt to wash walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your SERVPRO Professional. 
• Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first contacting your local SERVPRO Professional. 
• Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances, computers, television, radios, etc., that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first contacting an authorized repair service.

What To Do Immediately After A Home Fire

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

In the scary aftermath of a housefire, it's hard to know what to do first. While waiting for help to arrive, safety should be your number one concern. 

• Assess whether it’s safe to stay in the house.
• Look out for electrical and “slip and fall” hazards.
• Only attempt activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
• If safe to enter, and weather permits; open windows and doors to “air out” structure and reduce smoke odors.

We understand you have many questions about what to do next. The restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Joliet have the experience and training needed to assess your situation and help you through the process of returning your property to its preloss condition.

What To Do Immediately After A Home Fire

4/17/2022 (Permalink)

In the scary aftermath of a housefire, it's hard to know what to do first. While waiting for help to arrive, safety should be your number one concern. 

• Assess whether it’s safe to stay in the house.
• Look out for electrical and “slip and fall” hazards.
• Only attempt activities that are safe for you to perform.
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!
• If safe to enter, and weather permits; open windows and doors to “air out” structure and reduce smoke odors.

We understand you have many questions about what to do next. The restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Joliet have the experience and training needed to assess your situation and help you through the process of returning your property to its preloss condition. Call us anytime day or night at 815-436-5735. 

Preventing Cigarette Fires

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

People frequently will do something even when they know they shouldn’t. One more significant problem is smoking cigarettes inside the home, which increases the risk of starting a fire. We aren’t going to tell you to stop smoking, but we hope you consider not smoking inside the home for the following reasons.

• Overloaded Ashtray
• Smokers commonly sit the ignited cigarette down while inhaling nicotine if they can’t finish it in one sitting. This becomes a potential fire waiting to happen as most ashtrays have some accumulated reminisce of last cigarettes. When you have an ignited cigarette sitting, it collects hot ash, which gets naturally ashed, creating the perfect conditions for a fire. We suggest that if you can’t finish a cigarette, you put it out by lightly pushing the ignited end against a quarter. 
• Catching Z’s with an Ignited Cigarette
• Believe it, or not more people have fallen asleep while smoking than you would think. One in twenty (5%) home fires are started when someone falls asleep with a cigarette still ignited. The scary part is that most of those fires were created at an unsafe distance which doesn’t leave the person with much time to react, causing severe burns and death in some cases. 
• Discarding Properly
• One of the most common fires starts when the person smoking doesn’t properly put out the fire. This includes smoking outside as an ignited cigarette butt can easily ignite a bush.

We understand that it is tempting to smoke inside your property due to winter. We don’t advise this as there are health concerns when smoking inside, but the risk of starting a fire also increases. Knowing the common ways cigarettes create home fires helps you understand how to prevent falling victim to a house fire.

SERVPRO of Joliet Content Packout Services

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Content Vaults For Packouts

Efficient Content Cleaning Solutions After Kent House fires

Content management is one of the most discussed actions taken in your home during fire recovery. Each decision made about the belongings in your residence can have a substantial impact on the salvageability of these items and how soon they can be back in your possession. Taking the time to determine the best approach ensures that the entire management process is as efficient and cost-effective as possible.

Because there are multiple approaches for what can happen with damaged contents when our team contends with fire damage in homes, understanding all of these potential choices can put you more at ease. Your belongings are what turn a structure into a home, and when these fall victim to effects like soot and smoke, it can be a stressful situation. We can offer multiple solutions to give each of your possessions the treatment they deserve to avoid being another loss from the disaster.

In-House Cleaning Solutions
Our SERVPRO team has an entire line of potent cleaning products capable of both deodorization and surface cleaning for hundreds of lightly damaged items in your home after a fire. In some situations, these items do not even need to get relocated with the right focused attention.

Relocation Services
Moving your belongings to a different area of the house is a reliable option to prevent exposure to migrating fire damages. If there is a room or region of your house unaffected by the fire loss, many of your at-risk possessions could get moved here to avoid further damages.

Pack-Out Procedure
While it is among the costliest of options for your belongings, contents can get moved to our 20,000 square foot state of the art facility at SERVPRO of Joliet's warehouse for cleaning, drying, deodorization, and other restorative efforts. With in-house tools like immersion tanks and ozone chambers, we can protect many of the heavily soiled items to keep them from becoming losses.

Content management is one of the most significant considerations that restoring professionals like ours must make when recovering your damaged home. Our SERVPRO of Joliet team can help with many potential cleaning and protective practices that can restore the things that matter most in your fire-damaged home. Give us a call today at (815) 436-5735.

Ways To Protect Your Joliet Home From Fires

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damaged caused from an electrical outlet.

Your home is a special place, full of happy family memories and history. You have spent both time and money on your home over the years to make it truly yours, so it’s a significant investment, too. Losing any part of your home from a house fire would be costly and devastating. 

Being aware of the most significant hazards will help to keep your home safe from the damages of a house fire and help you avoid the costs associated with its recovery. Here are three ways to protect your Joliet home from a fire: 

How Can I Protect My Joliet Home From An Electrical Fire?

Electrical fires are all too common. An equipment malfunction can cause an electrical fire due to:

• An overloaded circuit
• A bad extension cord
• An overheated light bulb
• Various other types of electrical home appliances

Taking the proper safety precautions when it comes to electrical systems will help you to avoid a fire. 

Some tips to help avoid a fire includes:

• Overload outlets or electrical cords
• Leave halogen, holiday, or outdoor lights on overnight or when away from your home

You can also schedule an electrician to come and perform an annual checkup of your home’s wiring.

How Can I Avoid Fires in My Joliet Kitchen?

Another way to protect your home from a fire is to be safe in the kitchen. Ensure you have the proper tools to use for all cooking projects, such as:

• Pans and pots in good condition
• Hot pads that don’t have holes in them
• Afire extinguisher, and someone who knows how to use it properly.

There may be some people in your household that need special help when working in the kitchen, such as young children or people with physical disabilities; be sure they have a helper with them to avoid accidents that could result in a fire. 

How Do I Prevent Fires From Open Flames In Joliet?

Any type of open flame needs to be handled correctly, such as:

• A fire in your fireplace
• Candles
• Matches

A fire in your fireplace needs to be extinguished before everyone goes to bed. Matches should be stored out of the reach of children. Candles are a lovely way to add pleasant scent and ambiance to your Joliet home, but they also become a fire hazard if left alone. Always ensure that candles are not left to burn when the household is asleep or away from the house.

These three fire hazards prevention practices are just a few of the ways you can protect your Belle Meade/West Nashville home from a fire. Here at SERVPRO of Joliet, we are proud to serve the Nashville community. We restore homes and businesses after fire damage, as well as flooding, accidents, vandalism, biohazards, and more. We can get your home or business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, too. This franchise is independently owned and operated.

Smoke Vs. Soot

1/18/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot are invasive and can infiltrate various cavities within your home, furthermore, causing hidden damage and odor. Our expertise within smoke damage allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage and develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and Soot facts:

• Smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may significantly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke—wet and dry; therefore, different types of soot and residue exist after a fire takes place. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Joliet will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage is present. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting.

Here are more details about the various types of smoke and fire residue:

1. Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Signs: Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

2. Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Signs: Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rise – therefore smoke rises.

3. Protein Fire Residue – produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Signs: Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each situation is different, your fire damage requires a unique solution tailored to its specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will treat your family with empathy as well as the respect and care your property needs.

Emergency Fire Damage Tips

12/18/2021 (Permalink)

Emergency DOs AND DON'Ts

These emergency tips will assist you in taking proper action until a SERVPRO of Joliet Professional arrives. Follow these DOs and DON'Ts to help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration.

• Limit movement in the home to prevent spot particles from being embedded into carpet and avoid tracking
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and artwook.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop door open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from metal kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances.

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first consulting your SERVPRO of Joliet Professional.
• Don't attempt to shampoo carpet, rugs or upholstered furniture without consultation.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting with an authorized repair service. 

If your home or business has been affected by fire, call SERVPRO of Joliet.

815-436-5735

Winter is Coming! Tips to Get Your Fireplace Ready for the Season

11/10/2021 (Permalink)

Days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping fast. With most of us spending more time at home than ever before, now is the time to get your home ready for cold weather. One way to do that is to prepare your fireplace for a winter's worth of cozy fires.

Before that first fire of the season, have your fireplace and chimney inspected by a qualified chimney inspector. They will look for signs of deterioration and be sure your fireplace is properly ventilated. The type of fuel you use and how often you use your fireplace will determine if your chimney will need to be swept. 

When it's time to collect wood to burn, use dry and well-aged wood. Wet or green wood creates more smoke and causes more soot to accumulate in the chimney. 

Clean out ash from previous fires. Only one inch of ash should remain in the base of the fireplace. More than that can create more smoke and impact proper ventilation. 

If possible, keep a window cracked while you utilize your fireplace to encourage proper ventilation in your home.

Never leave a fire burning unattended. Do not go to bed or leave your home while your fire is still burning. 

Check to be sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in good working order. Also, keep a fire extinguisher on hand and teach family members how to use it if necessary. 

Keep the area around the fireplace clear of items that could easily catch fire such as furniture, draperies, books, newspapers, rugs, etc. 

Teach children about the dangers of fires and never leave children unattended near a fire. 

Cozy fires are a joy during the winter months in Indiana. Follow these tips to keep your family safe while staying in. If your home or business is damaged by fire or smoke this winter season, call the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Joliet.

Emergency Fire Damage Tips

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Emergency DOs AND DON'Ts

These emergency tips will assist you in taking proper action until a SERVPRO of Joliet Professional arrives. Follow these DOs and DON'Ts to help reduce damage and increase the chances of a successful restoration.

• Limit movement in the home to prevent spot particles from being embedded into carpet and avoid tracking
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and artwook.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop door open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from metal kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances.

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first consulting your SERVPRO of Joliet Professional.
• Don't attempt to shampoo carpet, rugs or upholstered furniture without consultation.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting with an authorized repair service. 

What Do SERVPRO of Joliet Fire Damage Cleanup Crews Typically Encounter After a Fire?

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

When a fire ravages your home, it usually leaves behind certain kinds of damage. These fire-related scars affect surfaces around your residence, foul its air in at least a couple of ways, injure its structure and contents, and ultimately impact its overall livability.

After years of performing fire damage cleanup work in the Joliet area, SERVPRO technicians have grown accustomed to finding particular types of fire and smoke damage. While completing their house fire clean up efforts, our professionals have generally found:

• Foul, smoke particle-laden air throughout fire damaged homes
• Acidic, fire-related residues that discolor and corrode, or otherwise harm any surfaces they are deposited on
• Scorched or charred structural elements and household contents
• Seriously damaged rooms or areas of houses that require substantial reconstructive efforts.
• Smoke particle-coated HVAC ductwork that could facilitate the further fouling of interior air

After discovering such issues, SERVPRO employs its specialized fire damage restoration expertise and equipment to return your residence to its pre-fire condition as soon as possible. Some of the state-of-the-art tools that enable us to do this are air movers, air scrubbers, ozone machines, advanced foggers, and a wide array of commercial-grade deodorants.

So, if you ever suffer a house fire and need fire damage cleanup assistance, call your helpful neighbors at SERVPRO of Joliet. We are always ready for your call at (815)-436-5735.

Proven Experience for Your Fire or Smoke Damage

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire or smoke damage at your home or business, trust the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Joliet to return your property to its preloss condition. With over thirty years of experience in Central Indiana, we have a proven system to not only restore your property but to make the process as stress-free as possible for you. 

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call our office at 3815-436-5735, which is answered 24 hours a day. We will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us make a plan of action for your situation.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our restoration professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, our technicians can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Our trained professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We will also remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

We understand that when faced with a recent fire or water damage, you need help quickly. You can trust the expertise and experience of SERVPRO of Joliet to get the job done right and make your property "Like it never even happened."

Actions to Avoid Following a House Fire

5/22/2021 (Permalink)

Once a home fire has been extinguished, it’s a natural impulse to try and clean up as quickly as possible but doing so may cause more damage than good. Below is a list of actions to avoid following a house fire to help you recover quickly and safely.

Avoid using electronics

After a fire, it’s best to wait until a professional arrives on the scene to ensure electronics are safe to use. This includes TVs, computers, and DVD players. Even the A/C needs to stay off until you get the all-clear. Turning on electronics can create greater damage.

Don’t try to clean possessions on your own

While it’s tempting to grab a bucket of water and get to work, it's best if you do not clean walls, ceilings, and other similar surfaces, and wait to clean your clothing and similar garments. A professional should examine them first and provide advice. In some cases, different types of approaches to cleaning are necessary for different items to avoid causing further damage, so it’s best to wait for a fire remediation professional to give you advice before trying to clean on your own.

Toss all food in your home

Never eat anything that was in the home during the fire. Smoke, soot, and chemicals can get into everything and it’s better to be safe than sorry. It is most likely not safe to consume due to contamination from smoke, soot, or contaminants introduced to the environment when the fire was being extinguished. That includes canned goods. Heat damage may not be seen on the outside of canned goods, but the heat can re-cook the ingredients in the can causing harm.

Refrain from cleaning up after firefighters

Unfortunately, extinguishing a fire can cause a mess on its own as fire retardants and other foams or powders may have been used to stop the flames. Forgo trying to clean up any staining from the powder discharged by a fire extinguisher. It is best to let professionals guide the cleanup of these areas as they have the equipment to handle different types of chemical cleanup on a variety of surfaces.

It’s always tempting to start the cleanup process immediately and do as much as possible. The best course of action is to hire a certified professional to provide expert knowledge and service. The situation requires specialized tools and knowledge that only a professional can provide. A trusted professional will offer an after-fire checklist that will help speed along the fire and smoke damage cleanup process. Consulting a professional will help you restore your property back to like-new condition as quickly as possible.

Proven Experience for Your Fire or Smoke Damage

4/10/2021 (Permalink)

After a fire or smoke damage at your home or business, trust the restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Joliet, IL in to return your property to its preloss condition. We have a proven system to not only restore your property but to make the process as stress-free as possible for you. 

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call our office at 815-436-5735, which is answered 24 hours a day. We will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us make a plan of action for your situation.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our restoration professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, our technicians can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Our trained professionals use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. We will also remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business.

We understand that when faced with a recent fire or water damage, you need help quickly. You can trust the expertise and experience of SERVPRO of Joliet to get the job done right and make your property "Like it never even happened."

Fire Extinguisher Readiness

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

It’s also a great time to review your fire extinguisher knowledge.

1. Do you have a fire extinguisher? Do you know where it is?
2. Do you know when your fire extinguisher expires? “You can tell the difference between the two by the head; a rechargeable extinguisher has a metal head with a gauge that reads Charge/Recharge, and a disposable extinguisher has a plastic head with a gauge that reads Full/Empty.”
3. Do you know how to use your fire extinguisher? The time to read the instructions is not when you reach for it in an emergency.

You should always familiarize yourself with the instructions for your specific extinguisher, but there arefour basic steps to follow with a standard foam model. You can remember them with the acronym PASS:

• P—Pull the pin on the fire extinguisher.
• A—Aim the nozzle or hose at the base of the fire. Keep a safe distance away.
• S—Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing materials.
• S—Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Continue directing the foam at the base of the fire until it is completely extinguished.

If you have experienced fire damage, call SERVPRO ofJoliet to find out how we can help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

Important Fire Safety Tips

4/9/2021 (Permalink)

According to statistical data from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), in 2012 an estimated 1,375,500 res were responded to in the United States. These blazes caused 2,855 deaths and 16,500 civilian injuries while costing more than $12.4 billion in damage.

Though some fires are unavoidable acts of nature or unpredictable accidents, many fires in the home and workplace are avoidable. The following tips, courtesy of the NFPA, can help reduce the likelihood of a fire in your business or home.

1. Watch your cooking - Stay in the kitchen if you are frying, grilling or broiling food. Never allow young children around the stove or oven, especially if they are not closely attended.

2. Give space heaters space - Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn.

3. Smoke outside - If you must smoke inside, have a sturdy, deep ashtray. Never smoke in bed.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach - Keep matches and lighters in high cabinets, preferably under a child lock.

5. Inspect electrical cords - Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

6. Be careful when using candles - Keep candles at least one foot from anything that can burn. Blow them out before you leave the room or go to sleep.

7. Have a fire escape plan - Make a fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.

8. Install smoke alarms - Install alarms on every level of your of ooffice or home and inside bedrooms. Interconnect them so they all sound at once.

9. Test smoke alarms - Test alarms once per month. Replace batteries once per year or as needed.

10. Install sprinklers - Sprinklers can help maintain and sometimes even extinguish fires, giving your local fire department a better chance of saving your property.

And always remember SERVPRO of Joliet is available 24/7. 815-436-5735

The Do’s and Don’ts with Fire and Smoke Damage

4/1/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage can be scary , until help arrives here are some tips to help minimize damage.

Do’s:

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpet.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator completely and prop doors open to help prevent odor.
• Wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets, trim and appliances, then protect these surfaces with a light coating of lubricant.
• If heat is off during winter, pour RV antifreeze in sinks, toilet bowls, holding tanks and tubs to avoid freezing pipes and fixtures.
• Wash both sides of leaves on the house plants.
• Change HVAC filter, but leave system off until a trained professional can check the system.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

Don’ts

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of North Central Austin.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances (TV sets, Radios, etc.) that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Consume any food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire, heat or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged and cause electrical shock, and air movement may create secondary damage.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set in smoke odor.

Contact the Experts at SERVPRO of Joliet @ 815-436-5735

Fire Fears

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

A backdraft of emotions often sweeps over the homeowners after a fire ravages a home.  Fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt can overwhelm the homeowner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared.  The first 48 hours after a fire damage can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings. SERVPRO of Joliet can help prevent fire damage from creating long term problems.  SERVPRO of Joliet provides timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal to contents claims inventory and document restoration.  These services help ensure your property, belongings and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

So after the first wave of heroes have rescued the property, let SERVPRO of Joliet help you restore it.  With the industry approved training to employ rapid response, the utmost professionalism, cutting edge technology and open communication, we strive to restore not only the home, but the customer's peace of mind as well.

SERVPRO of Joliet is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you regain control quickly.

Fireplace Safety

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

45% of all home-heating fires and hospital visits can be attributed to improper or unsafe use of fireplaces. Therefore, we at SERVPRO want to keep you informed about safe fireplace practices. Remain warm in the crackling heat and celebrate the holiday season by comforting flames, but do so while minimizing the threat of an uncontrolled fire.

1. Burn safe materials – It is important that you only burn natural materials in your fireplace. This includes tinder (e.g. pine needles or tiny sticks), kindling (e.g. small sticks or pinecones), and fuel (e.g. large logs). Never introduce foreign substances such as cardboard, newspaper, and paper trash as they burn poorly, produce a lot of smoke, and release chemicals into the air.
2. Avoid using flammable liquids to start fires – The volatile nature of gas means that you should never put it in your fireplace as it could easily cause an uncontrolled fire. It is best to simply use matches and tinder, however, if you require an accelerant to start your fire, use a small amount of lighter fluid.
3. Clean out the ashes after every fire – Regularly clearing your fireplace of ashes will prevent live coals from burning while you are away while simultaneously keeping your fireplace clean and visually attractive.
4. Keep a fireplace screen in front of the fireplace when in use – A fireplace screen (3 ft. high or taller) will catch live sparks that leap out of the fire and prevent large logs from falling out. This ensures that the fire does not spread beyond its non-flammable containment and that nearby persons are not injured.

We understand that while temperatures remain in the upper 90s, fireplace safety seems unnecessary. However, we are soon to experience cooler weather and hope to preemptively equip you with the knowledge necessary to safely operate your fireplace.

If your home is affected by a fire, due to a fireplace mishap or otherwise, call SERVPRO of Joliet at 815-436-5735 for fire cleanup and reconstruction services.

5 Ways To Prevent Your Pet From Causing a Fire

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Pet Preparation Measures

When working to avoid a fire emergency from breaking out in your residence, remember that there are steps you can take to prevent your pet from triggering an inferno. Here are five pet preparation measures that will reduce the chances your fur baby inadvertently sparks a blaze.

1. Reduce Flames
Open fires create pleasant atmospherics but always contain an element of danger. Place candles away from tables that might be jiggled by wagging tails or knocked down during overzealous rounds of fetch. Consider substituting electric candles, which also come with fun features, like dimmers and funky colors. Whatever you do, never leave your pet alone with anything that is burning.

2. Address Cords
Puppies and kittens chewing on electrical wires can cause a fire emergency. Cord protectors help keep temptation at bay. Pet stores also offer bitter sprays that can be applied to inhibit your feline’s gnawing impulses.

3. Take Away Oven Knobs
Despite lacking opposable thumbs, curious canines are capable of switching on stoves. If the dials on yours are removable, set them aside every time you leave home. Safety covers are another option that may prevent wayward paws from switching on burners.

4. Institute Monitoring Technologies
Install a camera to observe Fido in your absence. Using your phone, you can easily see what is going on at any time. Have a responsible neighbor on speed dial in case you detect a threatening situation.

5. Restrict Your Pet’s Movement
Use gates to bar animals from entering rooms where danger resides. Knowing Fluffy’s exact location during a fire also enhances pet safety. Quick access to your dog or cat during a crisis is essential. Leave hiring a residential fire restoration expert to repair your home’s damage until after your creature’s safety has been secured.
A fire emergency threatens your pet as much as it does the rest of your family. Inhibit your beastie from triggering a blaze in Joliet, IL by observing the above precautions.

Thanksgiving Day Tips for Emergency Prevention

11/20/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires, followed by Christmas, and Christmas Eve? We want you to enjoy these days with your loved ones, so here are a few safety tips for when you are cooking that scrumptious meal.

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stovetop so you can keep an eye on the food.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently.
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay 3 feet away.
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
• Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids or toys.
• Keep knives out of the reach of children.
• Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
• Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
• Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

Be especially aware when Deep Frying a turkey, people tend to put too much oil in which causes overflow and spreads to the open flame causing a mass fireball. Also putting in a frozen or very wet bird can cause major problems which they call B.L.E.V.E which stands for Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion.

• Always use fryer outside away from any structure
• Keep oil under 350 degrees, the hotter the oil the more combustible it is
• Don’t overfill the pot with oil
• Thoroughly defrost turkey(24 hours for every 10 pounds the turkey weighs)
• Turn off flame before putting turkey in
• Keep grease fire approved extinguisher on hand
• Lower turkey into pot slowly

If by unfortunate event you have an emergency this Holiday Season please know your SERVPRO of Joliet, IL is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even on Holidays. Contact us if need be at 815-436-5735 and we will be there to help. Happy Holidays!

Halloween Safety

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

With a season full of tricks and treats, SERVPRO wants to provide with fire safety tips to ensure a safe and fun Halloween. Halloween decorations are the first thing to ignite in over than 1,000 reported home fires each year. Whether you are trick or treating, throwing a party, or staying inside, decorations can be a lurking fire risk and it is important to be aware.

From the National Fire Protection Association, here are five Halloween fire safety tips:

• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns.
• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric.
• Teach young children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
• Keep all decorations away from open flames, especially cornstalks, dried flowers, and crepe paper.
• Provide young children with glow sticks or flashlights to carry with their costume.
• Remember to keep all exits clear of decorations so escape routes are not blocked. Also, make sure all smoke alarms are working properly.

Everyone one is entitled to one good scare on Halloween but let’s keep a house fire out of it. Don’t be haunted with fire damage. Follow these steps to enjoy your spooky season with tricks and treats.

Your friends at SERVPRO are wishing you a happy and safe Halloween. As always, if the unexpected happens, SERVPRO is here to help with fire and water damage.

Understand Your Commercial Insurance Rates

7/5/2020 (Permalink)

It's important to understand what factors are involved in determining your commercial insurance rates before a disaster strikes

Damages from a fire can be devastating to your commercial property in Crest Hill, IL. A fire damage assessment is critical in getting your business up and running again. It's also important to understand what factors are involved in determining your commercial insurance rates before a disaster strikes.

How Are Insurance Costs Determined?

There are a few considerations involved in deciding your insurance costs.

Type of business - If your business has a high risk of being unsuccessful, your insurance rate will be higher than for a business with lower risks.
Location - If your property is located in a high crime area, your rates may be high. In addition, if your business is near a large body of water or in an area prone to natural disasters, this will increase your insurance costs.
Revenue - The money that your business brings in each year impacts your insurance premiums.
Length of time - The longer you've been in business, and your business is successful, the lower your commercial insurance rates will be.
Building construction - Buildings that are constructed with materials that are potentially combustible can expect higher premiums than those made with fire-resistant materials.

If you are considering adding to your existing building, talk with your insurance agent before you begin the remodeling project. Any additions or changes may affect your fire rating. Make sure to use walls and flooring that reduce the risk of fire damage.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Location?
Check how far the closest fire hydrant is located to your potential property. Determine how far away the fire station is situated as well. Other important considerations that reduce your insurance premiums include the installation of fire alarms and sprinkler systems. A good security system will also reduce your insurance rates.
Speak with your insurance agent about the circumstances involved in determining your commercial insurance rates. It will help you keep costs down.

Cleaning Electronics After a Fire

6/4/2020 (Permalink)

The team can save electronics even when there is extensive damage

The thought of a fire raging through your home is enough to cause nightmares. You never hope this disaster occurs. You may think of the scorching flames as being the biggest concern you'll face. Indeed, the fire itself can devastate your home. While the fire cleanup may be extensive, you also have to think about what the smoke can do to your electronics. Fortunately, a professional smoke cleanup company has the skills to restore your items.

What You Should Do About Damaged Electronics

If you're like most people, you rely on electronics every day for entertainment, work, and other conveniences. You may find it difficult to manage without your televisions, computers, stereo system and other belongings. If there is a fire in your home, you'll probably face smoke damage as well. To reduce the risk of losing your electronics, the following steps will help:

• Unplug all electronics.
  
• Carefully wipe off all electronics with a damp cloth.
  
• Do not attempt to move badly burned or damaged materials.
  
  

Why Call the Pros
When there is extensive damage to your electronics, more advanced cleaning will be necessary. Professional technicians in Joliet, IL, have experience in fire cleanup and electronics restoration. The team will have the necessary skills and tools to thoroughly clean all items. Technicians will use proven techniques to safely restore your electronics.

What the Pros Will Do
Technicians will begin by evaluating the extent of the damage. There will likely be soot and ash over the electronics. Many items may also be wet from the water that firefighters used to put out the fire. The cleanup company will clean off the smoke damage with safe chemicals. Technicians will also dry the outside and inside of each electronic device. The team can save electronics even when there is extensive damage.
For all your fire cleanup needs, make sure you call a professional company. You don't want to lose your electronics. Luckily, the pros can salvage most items.

Smoke Webs

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know?

Residues (such as burning plastics or the soot from furnace disorders) form long chains of ionized smoke particles that assemble in corners or at junctions of walls and ceilings which are called smoke webs!

The picture is from a fire damage that our large loss division assisted with out of state. The building had 35,000 square feet that was affected, it took our team a few weeks to completely clean the facility. 

Does your business have a plan? Check out these tips:

Protect your people : Your employees are your most important business asset. These tips can help prevent them from being injured in a fire.

• Fire Plans: Make sure your employees know what to do if there's a fire, including calling 911 immediately. Conduct a fire drill at least once a year to keep employees aware of your workplace fire safety protocol. 
• Evacuation Plan: In larger buildings, post a fire evacuation plan in several spots around the workplace. Never include elevators in an evacuation plan; always use the stairs. 
• First Aid: In case of fire injuries, your employees should be familiar with the location of the first-aid kit, which should be kept where possible hazards can occur most-such as in the kitchen.

Call SERVPRO of Aurora (630) 862-3930

Kitchen Fires

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

While the kitchen is the heart of the home, it is also the most likely place for fires to begin.

Kitchen Fires: Four Risk Factors

While every home should have a smoke detector in the kitchen, there are several other tips for keeping your home and yourself safe when cooking. From rolling up your sleeves and tying back your hair to keeping flammable materials, like paper towel and dish towels, away from the stove, cooking safety is essential when it comes to fire prevention. However, many homeowners can be complacent about the following four risk factors.

1. Appliances  Fire Damage is devastating, but the fact that so many fires are caused by faulty or mishandled appliances is shocking. Appliances, if not maintained, are a leading cause of home fires. Be sure to service all your appliances properly. Additionally, unplug small countertop appliances as they draw electricity even when not in use, which can lead to overheating.

2. Too Much Oil or Grease One of the most overlooked cooking tips is to use less oil and grease. In cooking, a little goes a long way when it comes to these two substances. Using too much of either can lead to grease fires which, if left unattended, can get out of hand quickly. It is important to remember not to throw water on a grease fire because it will only splash the pan and cause the fire to spread, instead use salt or baking soda. 

3. Spills Another common cause of many kitchen fires is a dirty stove or oven. Always wipe up spills immediately and clean cooktops after use. Leftover grease, oil or food can ignite on the burner, causing a fire. This is another reason why it is essential to keep an eye on food as it cooks because these types of fires require a quick response, or they can spread quickly. Unfortunately, while the kitchen is the heart of the home, it is also the most likely place for fires to begin. The above tips offer several suggestions for helping you maintain a safe and fire-free home.

SERVPRO of Joliet (815) - 436-5735

Fires are Preventable

4/14/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure all extension cords are in good working condition.

When it comes to your property, certain safety precautions can be taken to help prevent fires. Below are some tips that can help you to prevent a fire.

Electrical and Appliances Safety

• Replace frayed and old worn electrical cords on appliances. Also make sure all extension cords are in good working condition and do not run cords under rugs or furniture.
• If an appliance has a three prong plug, use it only in a three slot outlet. Never force it into a two slot outlet or extension cord.
• Immediately shut off light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker and have replaced by a trained professional.

Fireplaces and Woodstoves

• Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check for damage or obstructions monthly.
• Always use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop a burning log from rolling out and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying embers.
• Make sure that the fire is completely out before leaving your home or going to bed.

For more fire safety tips, visit ready.org and if a fire should occur call SERVPRO of Joliet at 815-436-5735 and our trained professionals will make it "Like it never even happened."

3 Tips For Avoiding Kitchen Fires

2/18/2020 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire in New Lenox, IL

3 Tips For Avoiding Kitchen Fires

According to the NFPA, kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires in New Lenox, IL. It often starts with a damaged cooking appliance or an unattended pot and ends up in expensive fire damage or worse. While you can never be prepared for a disaster of this magnitude, there are things you can do to prevent it.

Here are some safety tips for avoiding cooking fires in your home:

• Never leave cooking food unattended
  
• Wear fitting clothes while cooking
  
• Clean the cooking area and remove combustibles
  
  

1. Stay in the Kitchen
Leaving cooking food unattended is the most common blunder most fire victims make. When you get distracted, oil or grease overheats and might end up catching fire. However, the situation is still manageable until the flames get to the cabinets and walls. Please turn off the appropriate heat source or leave someone else in charge if you have to leave.

2. Avoid Loose Clothing
Loose clothing is the number one cause of burns in the kitchen. Flowing sleeves can catch fire fast, especially when using all the burners on a stove. Try folding them whenever you get into the kitchen and also don’t forget to tuck in long shirts too. These safety tips will help you avoid nasty burns.3.

Remove Combustibles From the Cooking Area Always keep the cooking area free of any combustibles. That includes wooden cooking sticks, pot holders, and towels as they can easily catch fire.
Additionally, clean the oven regularly to remove any food debris as it can spark a fire in the oven if they burn long enough. It is also advisable to clean grease from the outside of pots to avoid a grease fire.
That said, it is worth noting that a kitchen fire can happen to anyone. That’s why it’s important to keep these tips in mind to avoid expensive damage.

The Science of Deodorization

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

When you’re dealing with a bad smell in your home or office, it can be downright distracting.

And depending on what’s caused the smell, it might be really tough to get rid of it. If the odor was caused by a fire and/or smoke damage, for example, the scent can linger for months, if not years.

If this is something affecting your home or business, you might be tempted to spray an air freshener and try to forget about it, but we have some bad news: you won’t be able to forget. The air freshener won’t make the smell go away.

The good news is, team SERVPRO of Joliet has the equipment and scientific know how to eradicate those bad odors. And we mean ERADICATE them. We don’t try to cover up the smell with perfumes, we use scientifically proven methods to get rid of them.

Here’s a few of the odors we can deal with:

• Cigarette Smoke
• Pet Odors
• Decomposition
• Mold

And we deal with those using a few different methods. One is by using a piece of equipment called an “ozone generator.”

An ozone generator works by pumping ozone into the affected area. Ozone is a gas that’s made up of three particles of oxygen. (Ozone is different from the “oxygen” or O2 humans need to breathe, which is made up of two oxygen particles). When the ozone comes into contact with the particles making the bad odors, whether they be smoke, bacteria, etc., the ozone will literally change the chemical makeup of those particles through oxidization. Changing the odor-causing particles’ chemical makeup destroys the smell. After use, the ozone then turns into O2, which we’re eventually able to breathe.

Another method our technicians use to destroy stinky smells is thermal fogging.

Through this method, a deodorizer is put through a machine that turns it into a fine fog. That deodorizer fog can then get into every nook and cranny of the affected area, even the smallest, most porous spaces. The fog is even able to reach under floors, into ceilings and behind walls. The fog is then able to alter the particles causing the bad odors and destroy them.

Do's & Don't After a Fire

6/5/2019 (Permalink)

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting SERVPRO of Joliet.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Make a Fire Escape Plan for Your Home

4/15/2019 (Permalink)

You had fire drills growing up at school, (hopefully) you have the occasional fire drill at work now that you are an adult, but do you ever have fire drills at home? Coming up with and practicing family safety drills can help to make sure your family is prepared in the event of an emergency. It is an important topic to discuss with your family, especially children.

The National Fire Protection Association has a helpful section on how to create a family fire escape plan. It includes how to draw a fire escape path for your home, how to reinforce fire safety to younger children, and tips how to stay as safe as possible during a fire.

Some of the tips include:

• Call 911 as soon as possible, even if you think you can contain the fire
• Know at least 2 ways out of each room
• Have a designated outside meeting place a safe distance from the home
• Assign “partners” for young, elderly, or family members with mobility issues
• Close Doors behind you as you leave each room to slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire

Your family’s safety is the first priority. After emergency services have done their job SERVPRO will be here to help you repair, restore, and recover your belongings.

Fire Clean-up

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Joliet - (815) 436-5735

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Joliet will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (815) 436-5735

"Power to the People"

1/9/2019 (Permalink)

December and January are peak months for electrical fires due to holiday decorations and the usage of space heaters, however; with the increase in electronics per household, such as computers, wide screen televisions, and video and gaming systems, circuit overloads can happen at any time.

Electrical circuits in your home or businesses are designed to take a limited amount of electricity. Overloads occur when you draw more electricity than a circuit can handle. Overloaded outlets and circuits carry too much electricity which generates heat in undetectable amounts. The heat causes wear and tear on the internal wiring system and can start a fire. All wiring systems have circuit breakers or fuses to disconnect power when circuits become overloaded, however; an improperly sized fuse or breaker can cancel this built in safety feature.

Signs of overloaded circuits are:

1-Buzzing from outlets or switches.

2-Outlet or switch covers that are warm to touch.

3-Burning odors from outlets or switches.

4-Scorched plugs or outlets.

5-Power tools, appliances, or electronics that seem to lack sufficient power.

Prevention is the best way to eliminate an electrical fire to your home or business. You can never be too careful when it comes to the safety of your family, pets or customers. If you feel you may have circuit problems or want to check your electrical system before a problem occurs, remember to call a reliable licensed electrician and if a fire should occur, know that SERVPRO of Joliet is there to get your life back in order and make it “Like it never even happened.” Call 815-436-5735.

"Baby it's Cold Outside!"

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

Once again the cold weather is upon us and in an effort to stay cozy and warm, people turn to alternative heat sources such as fireplaces, wood burning stoves and portable heaters to provide that warmth. Heating is the second leading cause of home fire deaths making it important to review ways to reduce the risk of a heating-related fire.

Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.

Use heating equipment that has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.

Keep flammable objects at least three feet away from heating equipment.

Plug space heaters directly into outlets. Do not use extension cords or power strips.

When using fuel-burning heaters, use only the type of fuel specified by the manufacturer.

Never use kitchen stove burners to provide heat, they were made for cooking only.

Install and maintain carbon monoxide and smoke alarms inside your home. Test alarms monthly.

Stay warm and be safe. Start the New Year out the right way and if needed, call SERVPRO of Joliet at 815-436-5735.

Turkey Frying Safety Tips

11/13/2018 (Permalink)

If you plan to deep fry your holiday bird, be sure you know how to safely use the fryer, and take these precautions to protect yourself, your guests and your home.

• Fryers should always be used outdoors on a solid level surface a safe distance from buildings and flammable materials.
• Never use a fryer on wooden deck or enclosed space.
• Purchase a fryer with temperature controls and watch the oil temperature carefully.
• Make sure the bird is completely thawed before it is placed in the fryer.
• Do not overfill the fryer. 
• Choose a bird no heavier than 12 lbs.
• Never leave a fryer unattended.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer.
• Use well insulated pot holders or oven mitts and wear long sleeves and safety goggles to protect from splatter.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby.
• Once finished, carefully remove the pot from the burner, place it on a level surface and cover to let the oil cool overnight before disposing.

By following the above tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving. Everyone at SERVPRO of Joliet would like to wish you and your family a "HAPPY THANKSGIVING".

Fire Prevention Week October 7-13, 2018

9/12/2018 (Permalink)

This year's theme for Fire Prevention Week is "Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware-fire can happen anywhere." 

"LOOK" for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home and identify potential fire hazards and take care of them.

"LISTEN" for the sound of your smoke alarms. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm goes off. Go to your outside meeting place which should be a safe distance from your home and where everyone should meet.

"LEARN" two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside can be easily opened and are clutter free.

People need to be educated about these three basic but essential steps to reduce the likelihood of having a fire and how to escape safely in the event a fire should a occur.

For further information visit www.firepreventionweek.org and learn how to keep you and your family safe.

Unfortunately fires do occur. When fire and water damage take control of you life, we help you take it back. Call SERVPRO of Joliet at 815-436-5735.

Warning Signs of Faulty Wiring or Electrical Systems

7/17/2018 (Permalink)

Electrical failure or malfunctions account for an estimated 34,000 home fires, on average, per year and result in roughly 440 deaths and $1.3 billion in direct property damage according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). This threat is higher in older homes built before the 1950's due to lower electrical wiring standards, however; even newer homes are at risk. Older homes were built to handle 30 amps of power, but most newer homes demand 100 to 200 amps. Listed below are some of the warning signs that may indicate an electrical problem in your home:

• Flickering or dimming lights.
• Switches or outlets that are hot to touch and/or give off a strong burnt rubber odor.
• Discolored cords, outlets and switch plates.
• Repeatedly blown fuses and tripped circuit breakers.

If you have any any of these, contact a licensed electrician immediately to examine and repair any electrical problems and if the need for fire restoration is required, we are there to make it "Like it never even happened". SERVPRO of Joliet, 815-436-5735.

Legal or Not, Fireworks are Risky!

6/12/2018 (Permalink)

Each 4th of July, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks which includes sparklers and firecrackers. 

Sparklers burn hot enough to cause third degree burns. Sparklers account for roughly one quarter of the emergency room firework injuries.

Fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 16,900 outside and other fires. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries and an average of $43 million in direct property damage as per the NFPA's Research, Data & Analytics Division.

Be careful and be safe by not using consumer fireworks. If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show put on by experts in your town and keep a close eye on children at events where fireworks are being used.

Let's keep the spark in our patriotism and not on our homes, friends and family members.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!!!!! 

SERVPRO of Joliet

Self Cleaning Oven Safety Tips

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

As one of the most hated household chores, oven cleaning ranks among the top; which is why so many people invest in self-cleaning ovens. There are some downsides and possible hazards to be aware of before using your self cleaning oven such as smoke, fumes, and even possible fires if the oven contains a lot of grease or food particles.

The self cleaning ovens use a process called Pyrolytic cleaning which burns off grease and food particles by reaching temperatures of up to 500 degrees. The food particles turn to ash and then can be wiped away.

Some important tips to follow before using your self cleaning oven are:

1. Make sure there isn't an over abundance of grease and food particles in your oven.
2. Make sure the oven door seal and other sealing mechanisms are working perfectly.
3. Make sure the kitchen is well ventilated while using the self cleaning oven.
4. Make sure to follow all instructions from the manufacturers.

Your first priority is to keep you, your family and your pets safe. Your second priority is too know that SERVPRO of Joliet will be there for you to make everything "Like it never even happened" 815-436-5735.

When fire strikes calll SERVPRO of Joliet

3/16/2018 (Permalink)

This home suffered a fire after being struck by lightning. SERVPRO of Joliet did the mitigation and full rebuild on the home.

Mitigation requires quick action.  The faster the SERVPRO of Joliet professionals arrive on-site to perform fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration, the better the results - including lower claims costs.  Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of Joliet will be on-site to help ensure a fire damage is handled by utilizing the following services.

Structural cleaning

After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting and floors will often need a thorough cleaning.

Contents cleaning

All of the restorable content in affected areas will be professionally cleaned.  This includes area rugs, furniture, draperies and upholstery.

Deodoriztion 

SERVPRO of Joliet professionals provide specialized services that rid your home or place of business of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage.

If your home or business is affected by fire or smoke damage SERVPRO of Joliet will make it "Like it never even happened."

Every Second Counts

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Every second counts during a fire.  Fire experts agree; people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it's too late to get out.  In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place.  A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan.  Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year.  Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing the escape plan.

Fire!!

2/19/2018 (Permalink)

Mitigation requires quick action.  The faster we arrive on site to perform fire, smoke, and soot cleanup and restoration, the better the results - including lower claim costs.  When we are called to a fire loss we ensure a fire damage is handled by utilizing the following services.

Structural Cleaning - After a smoke or fire damage, ceilings, walls, woodwork, carpeting, and floors will often need a thorough cleaning.  We will pretest to determine the extent of damage, then use specific equipment and cleaning products required to clean and protect the different types of surfaces within the structure.

Contents Cleaning - All of the restorable contents in affected areas will be professionally cleaned and deodorized.  

Deodorization - We provide specialized services that rid your home of offensive odors left by fire or smoke damage.

Thanksgiving

11/12/2017 (Permalink)

November - when cooler temperatures arrive, and the leaves change, and family-oriented get-togethers, like Thanksgiving, begin the holiday season.  While you are busy whipping up delicious dishes in the kitchen, it is also important to take time to remember safety.

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires and home-fire-related injuries in the United States. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports "Cooking equipment was involved in almost half (48%) of all reported home fires...and tied with heating equipment for the second cause of home fire deaths."

SERVPRO of Joliet wants you, your family, and your property to stay safe.  If you do experience a fire or water damage during the holidays, or any time of the year, we can make it "Like it never even happened."

Five Dangers of Deep Frying a Turkey

11/12/2017 (Permalink)

A deep-fried turkey: delicious, but worth it?  If you've seen any of the numerous videos of turkey fryer explosions and fires online, you may have asked yourself this question before.  Running the risk of bodily injury or property damage is something to consider when menu plannning this holiday season.

* Turkey fryers can easily tip over, spilling hot cooking oil over a large area.

* An overfilled cooking pot will cause cooking oil to spill when the turkey is put in, and a partially frozen turkey will cause cooking oil to splatter when put in the pot.

* Even a small amount of cooking oil spilling on a hot burner can cause a large fire.

* Without thermostat controls, deep fryers can overheat oil to the point of starting a fire.

* The sides of the cooking pit, lid, and pot handles can get dangerously hot.

A Business Plan

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

An emergency escape plan is not required for all businesses; however, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends building an emergency action plan to protect yourself, your employees, and your business during an emergency.      OSHA suggests the following steps when developing such a plan.

  Organize an Emergency Preparedness review with your employees to review your company's emergency plans.  You may wish to select an individual or team of individuals to lead and coordinate your emergency plan.

  Once a plan is developed, post evacuation procedures, including routes and exits, where they are easily accessible to all employees.  Ensure all exits and routes are clearly marked and well lit.

  Conduct office evacuation exercises and drills.  Once completed, evaluate how well the plan worked and if additional training or exercises are needed.

Recipe for Safety

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) research, cooking is the leading cause of home fires. Two of every five home fires begin in the kitchen-more than any other place in the home. Cooking fires are also the leading cause of home fire-related injuries. Most of these fires start because people aren't paying attention. While a few minutes may not seem like much time to be away from what's cooking, that is all it takes to start a fire. 

Leaving cooking unattended and other unsafe kitchen practices are a recipe for disaster. Review the cooking safety tips provided below to learn how to help prevent kitchen fires before they start.

- Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. 

- When you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly, stay in the home, and use a timer to remind you. 

- Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles such as towels, drapes, and pot holders. 

- Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid free zone" of three feet around the stove. 

- If an oven fire starts, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If the fire does not go out, get out of the home and call the fire department. 

- If you have a fire in your microwave, turn it off and keep the door closed. Don't open the door until the fire is completely out. If in doubt, get out of the home and call the fire department. 

- Always keep an oven mitt and a lid nearby. If a small grease fire starts in a pan, smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan (wearing the oven mitt). Do not move the pan. To keep the fire from restarting, do not remove the lid until it is completely cool. NEVER pour water on a grease fire. 

Fire Prevention Week

10/6/2016 (Permalink)

Smoke alarm usage and maintenance is key to fire safety.

Did you know that if a fire starts in your home you may have as little as two minutes to escape? During a fire, early warning from a smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives.

This October, in recognition of Fire Prevention Week (Oct.9th-15th), the Red Cross will focus their efforts on raising awareness about fire safety nationwide, and by canvassing local communities to install smoke alarms in homes that need them, teaching people about what they can do now to be prepared should a fire break out in their home.

Some top tips for fire safety:

- Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.

- Test smoke alarms every month and replace batteries as needed.

- Talk with family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

- If a fire occurs in your home, Get out, Stay out and Call for help. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

For more fire safety tips, checklists and fact sheets go to www.redcross.org. Also, like and follow our SERVPRO of Joliet and SERVPRO of Lockport/Lemont/Homer Glen Facebook page for more fire prevention ideas all month long.

Fireworks Safety

6/30/2016 (Permalink)

Fireworks are synonymous with our celebration of the Fourth of July.  Yet, the thrill of fireworks can also bring pain and damage.  On average, 230 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday.  Not to mention countless number of fires started by fireworks, causing structural and vehicle damage.  As we approach the Fourth of July holiday weekend, The National Council on Fireworks Safety encourages consumers to review all safety tips before puchasing and using fireworks.

First and foremost, know and obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.  In many cities, including Joliet, fireworks are illegal.

* know your fireworks; read labels and warnings

* an adult should supervise all fireworks activities

* wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks

* use fireworks in a clear area, away from buildings and    vehicles 

* never relight a "dud" firework; wait 20 minutes then soak it  in a bucket of water before discarding

*always have a water source nearby

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to leave them to the professionals. Our communities have several opportunities to view professional fireworks displays.  What better way to celebrate but to sit back and enjoy the show!

Happy Fourth of July! Enjoy the long weekend and be safe!