Recent Posts

With Spring, comes tornadoes and other strong storms

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

 

With Spring, comes tornadoes and other strong storms. Tornadoes can destroy well-made structures, uproot trees and send objects through the air like deadly missiles and they can happen anywhere.

Here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.

  • Identify a save place in your home where family and pets will gather during a tornado: a basement, storm cellar or an interior room on the lowest floor with no windows.
  • In a high rise building, if you don't have have enough time to go to the lowest floor, pick a hallway in the center of the building.
  • In a mobile home, choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your safe place. No mobile home is safe in a tornado.

Know the difference between a Tornado Watch &  Warning: 

  • Watch means a tornado is possible.
  • Warning: means a tornado is already occurring or will occur soon. GO TO YOUR SAFE PLACE IMMEDIATELY.

Always remember to play it safe and we are always here, if you need us. SERVPRO of Western Lake County(219) 922-9300

 

Water Damage Causes Numerous Issues Which Requires Knowledgeable & Flexible Response

3/31/2022 (Permalink)

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

Does Your Business Have A Business Continuity Plan?

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Tips: How quickly your company can get back to business after a tornado, fire or flood often depends on the emergency planning before the devastation of these tragedies. The regular occurrence of natural disasters demonstrates the importance of being prepared for any emergency. While each situation is unique, your organization can be better prepared if you plan carefully, put emergency procedures in place, and practice for all kinds of emergencies. Protect your business investment and give your company a better chance for survival with the following preparation:

Develop a Business Continuity Plan
Your organization's risk needs will vary depending on the specific industry, size, scope, and location. Begin by reviewing your business process flow chart, if one exists, to identify operations critical to survival and recovery. Carefully assess your internal and external functions to determine which staff, materials, procedures, and equipment are absolutely necessary to keep the business operating. You should also establish procedures for succession of management.

Review Insurance Coverage
Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed, or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary; check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage, and business interruption. Understand what your policy does and does not cover.

Prepare Your Emergency Plan
Your employees and co-workers are your businesses' most valuable asset. Communication is essential before, during, and after a disaster. Include emergency information in newsletters, on your company intranet, in periodic employee e-mails and/or other communication tools.

Practice the Emergency Plan
Some disasters will require employees to leave the workplace quickly. The ability to evacuate workers, consumers, and visitors effectively can save lives. If your business operates out of more than one location, establish evacuation procedures for each individual building. If your company is in a high-rise building, an industrial park, or even a strip mall, it is important to coordinate and practice with other tenants or businesses to avoid confusion and potential gridlock.

Secure Your Facility and Equipment
Install fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and detectors in appropriate places. Secure all entry and exit points and plan for mail safety. Plan what you will do if your building, plant, or store is not usable. Secure valuable equipment.

SERVPRO Answers - Can You Be Proactive About Flooding?

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

 

A mishandled flood can mean dire damage to your business. Not only is the building itself at risk, but important inventory stands to be lost. Preparation is a very important part of stopping any flooding from becoming financially detrimental. These four steps are essential preparation for reducing flood-related problems.

1. Evaluate Special Considerations for the Area

While every business is at risk of an unexpected pipe burst leading to flood damage, some areas may also be at high risk of nearby bodies of water overflowing. A specialty flood insurance policy offers a way to recoup losses in an environment where water can rise and flood the streets.

2. Secure All Computers and Their Data

Networks and computers contain important business or customer data. They should be relocated to an elevated place near no pipes or water-connected utilities. By being high up, they are more protected from ground level flooding.

If the data is extremely important for operations, the computers should be regularly backed up and stored on a secure, remote server or external drive kept off the premises. By doing so, a backup is always available to prevent catastrophic data loss.

3. Keep the Building Maintained

Plumbing and utilities should regularly be inspected by a professional. Any problems identified during an inspection are best treated as soon as possible. If these problems are ignored, a resulting burst pipe can lead to extensive water damage.

4. Plan for Any Imminent Floods

Having a plan for the event of an oncoming black water flood can save your business time and money. This plan should include relocating company vehicles and products, identifying waterproof locations to store important documents, and providing instructions on how to shut off every utility.

Despite stellar planning, water may still damage a commercial property. If damage occurs, an expert water damage restoration crew is worth contacting to remove the water and restore the building back to its original condition. Planning ahead is key for completely preventing or, at the very least, lessening the consequences of flooding. Knowing what to do before will help you after. 

If disaster does strike, give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are here to help get you back to "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO Uses The Most Cost Conscious & Effective Tools Of The Trade

1/15/2022 (Permalink)

You can trust the in the event of fire or water damage SERVPRO is dedicated to use the best technology on your space.
 

Here are SERVPRO of Western Lake County we bring you the best tools of the trade to make it "Like it never even happened." Our goal is to always use the most cost conscious and effective tools.

Here's a look at some of the technology we use!

  • Commercial Dehumidifier: This is used to prevent secondary damage, mold, and wet walls that won’t dry with a semi-gloss paint. We use this often to dry out rooms. We even drill holes in the baseboards to make sure we get the water out from behind them, where mold can grow.
  • Injecti-Dry Equipment: We inject warm, dry air and dry the walls instead of having to cut the walls out.
  • Hardwood Floor Drying Mat System: This special hardwood floor drying mat system allows the mats to go on the floor and suck the water out of the floor. They are perforated to soak up the water quickly. Customers can save $1,000’s by drying the floors instead of having to replace them. 
  • Deodorization: We use air scrubbers for air quality. They contain HEPA filters and deodorizers.

You can trust the in the event of fire or water damage we are dedicated to use the best technology on your space. 

Which Fire Extinguisher Is Right For You?

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

A fire extinguisher is a first line of defense. Be prepared, know how to use it and understand which one is right for your home.
 

While you can't prevent all fires, homeowners can take steps to mitigate them. One such action is ensuring that your family is armed with the proper fire extinguisher to knock out or lesson the flames. It's not as simple, though, as grabbing one from the shelf. You'll want to consider several factors when you make your purchase. Don't leave the store without looking at the size, cost factor and efficiency of the canister.

1. Size

In this case, bigger doesn't always mean better. For example, you could purchase a large ten pound can; however, it might be too heavy for you to use. Therefore, while you're at the store, try lifting it. If it's too heavy, opt for a smaller five-pound extinguisher instead. If a home fire occurs, you need to be able to move it quickly to the location.

2. Cost

After a while, a fire extinguisher can lose effectiveness, and replacing them can add up. Many homeowners purchase disposable one-time use cans. This would require a completely new investment. A rechargeable extinguisher, on the other hand, seems expensive at first, but only require refills. In the long run, it could save you some money.

3. Labels

Before you walk out of the store with a can, read the label carefully. Extinguishers handle three different fires: combustible (A), flammable (B), and electrical (C). As part of your fire preparedness plan, you want one that handles all three, so verify that you see all three letters on the canister. Then, read up on how to use the device properly. If the extinguisher cannot eliminate the flames, then leave the building and allow the fireman to handle the situation. Your life is too important. Locate a fire restoration company to evaluate your fire damage and clean up the area. 

A fire extinguisher is a first line of defense. Be prepared, know how to use it and understand which one is right for your home.

SERVPRO Explains - What Is Dry Rot?

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.
 

Dry rot can happen to any time or wood and in any climate. It can ruin the structure of your home and is most commonly found in attics, basements, and under sinks.

What causes dry rot?

Despite the word “dry” in its name the fungus that causes dry rot grows when the moisture in the wood exceeds 20% or when the wood is exposed to sitting water and extreme humidity. Dry rot can leave wood weak and brittle.

The primary clues to look for in dry rot:

  • Yellow tinge to the surface
  • Deep cracks in the wood
  • Wood will crumble

Since moisture is necessary for the fungus to grow, you can typically find dry rot when:

  • After a flood or natural disaster
  • After a plumbing accident or water damage
  • In humid climates
  • When wood is not properly dried

How can I protect my home from dry rot?

  • Have a roofing company inspect your roof annually to check for leaks or holes that can let water in and cause dry rot.
  • Make sure your gutters are installed properly and are directing water away from your home.
  • Check your plumbing to make sure you don’t have any noticed leaks.
  • Make sure your ventilation in bathrooms, kitchen and attics is working properly and can remove excess moisture from your home.

Why Choose SERVPRO of Western Lake County?

Properly restoring your home after a water damage event requires specialized equipment and products. This advanced equipment helps us to remove the water, even hidden moisture, quickly and efficiently. We then dry the structure with powerful dehumidifiers. We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Winter Fire Hazards At Your Business

1/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has the experience & know how to complete a cleanup project quickly and efficiently, getting you back in business!
With the changing of the seasons comes cold weather. Who doesn’t love snuggling up before a warm fire at this time of year? We’ve pulled out the sweaters and fluffy blankets to stay toasty, and most of us will employ a space heater or two before spring comes around again.

In your place of business, you will be taking those extra steps to make sure your staff is comfortable during the colder months, as well. Let’s make sure they stay fire safe! Here are some winter fire hazards to be aware of:

  • In your offices, the use of space heaters will be helpful. Inspect every unit used to make sure that cords and plugs are in good working condition, and enforce a policy that ensures they are never left running when the room is unoccupied or when the workday is over. Designate someone to oversee this; they should be the person who is normally last out the door. As the owner, it may very well be you.
  • Employ a landscape company to remove leaves and dead vegetation from your property. In the event of a fire in your building, space that is cleared from the foundation and exterior walls will help firefighters to gain access as well as prevent a fire from spreading further.
  • When repairing or renovating your offices or outbuildings, use fire-resistant materials whenever possible. Flooring, furniture, and paint can all be produced or treated after purchase to make them more fire safe.

We are always available to help you keep your business fire safe. In the event of damages sustained from fire or water, we have the experience and know how to complete a cleanup project quickly and efficiently, getting you back to work as soon as possible.

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service SERVPRO of Western Lake County

11/14/2021 (Permalink)

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help Call Today - (219) 922-9300
SERVPRO of Western Lake County is located in Griffith, IN and provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Dyer, Schererville, Griffith, Highland, and Munster.

SERVPRO of Western Lake County is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 
(219) 922-9300

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Western Lake County has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

  • Your name and contact information
  • Your insurance information (if applicable)
  • The street address of the water-damaged home or business
  • When did the flooding or water damage occur?
  • What caused the water damage (if known)?
  • Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Western Lake County

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

Flooding Damage & What To Do About It - Call SERVPRO

11/14/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding is a phenomenon that can humble a homeowner. Take it slow and assess your situation before moving forward.
 

Flooding is a phenomenon that can humble a homeowner. The power of water is always intimidating to face. Take it slow and assess your situation before moving forward.

Why Is It Flooded?

A basement flood can come from a lot of different places. Oftentimes those sources are out of your control. If the flood is weather related, you will need to wait until the storm has passed and your yard is no longer flooded before you can do anything about your basement. Some common examples of sources of flooding are:

  • Heavy rain or storm
  • Pipe rupture
  • Appliance malfunction
  • Improper basement sealing

What Can You Do?

The first thing you should take care of is stopping the flow of water, if possible, by turning off the main water line. Then you can minimize the hazard to your safety by turning off the electricity and wearing protective gear like boots and gloves. You can rent submersible pumps from hardware or construction stores to get all the water out of there. Be sure to point the loose end of the pump away from the house, preferably into a storm drain. Then you will need thoroughly dry everything so that you don't end up growing mold, as well.

Who Should You Call?

If you don't have any experience with pumps, it's probably a good idea to call a professional water damage remediation company. They have specialized knowledge and tools to thoroughly remove all signs that there was a flood. They can handle every aspect of the situation, including pipe repair. They will also know exactly what will need to be thrown away, and what can be restored. You should also call your insurance to find out if they will cover the costs.
Each and every flooding scenario is different, depending on the circumstances of its origin and the capabilities of your household. Exercise precaution and don't make any hasty decisions. Your basement is counting on you!