Staying Safe During Residential Flooding: What to Do While Waiting for Help in Griffith?

9/10/2024 (Permalink)

We are trained and certified to restore flood damage in Lake County.

Our local Western Lake County team is a leader in flood damage restoration services in Griffith. When your home is threatened by flooding, safety should be your top priority while waiting for professional help to arrive. Taking the right precautions can prevent injuries and reduce further damage to your property.

First, avoid walking through floodwaters, as they may be contaminated with sewage, chemicals, or hidden debris. If you must navigate through water, wear waterproof boots and use a stick to test the ground ahead of you. Turn off the electricity to your home if it's safe to do so, especially if water is near electrical outlets or appliances.

Move valuables and essential items to higher ground to protect them from water damage. It's also a good idea to gather important documents and keep them in a waterproof container. Stay informed by listening to weather updates and following any evacuation orders from local authorities.

If the water levels are rising rapidly, seek higher ground immediately, such as an upper floor or attic. Avoid using your phone unless it's an emergency, to conserve battery power. By taking these steps, you can keep yourself and your family safe while waiting for professionals to arrive and assess the situation.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Griffith has flood damage, our local team in Western Lake County is Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 219-922-9300.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

The Importance of Having a Fire Escape Plan for Your Home in Munster?

9/3/2024 (Permalink)

We clean and restore fire damage 24/7 in Indiana County.

Our local Western Lake County team restores fire damage in Munster yearly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, your ability to safely escape a fire hinges on early detection from smoke alarms and careful planning.

Fire can spread quickly, so installing smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the house is crucial.

A closed door may help slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Creating an escape plan involves the entire household; mark two exits from each room, including windows and doors, and note the location of smoke alarms. Ensure that escape routes are unobstructed and that doors and windows open easily.

Choose a safe meeting place outside your home, like a neighbor’s house or a street sign, and make sure your home number is visible from the street. Everyone should know the fire department’s emergency number.

For homes with infants, elderly, or those with mobility limitations, assign someone to assist them during an escape and have a backup helper. If your home has security bars, ensure they have emergency release devices.

Inform guests about your fire escape plan and inquire about plans in places where your children stay overnight. In an actual fire, exit immediately and never re-enter a burning building.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Munster has fire damage, our local team in Western Lake County is Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 219-922-9300.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

How to Safeguard Your Home from Summer Flooding in Schererville?

8/27/2024 (Permalink)

We restore flood damage 24/7 in Indiana County.

Our local team in Western Lake County responds to flood damage emergencies 24 hours a day. Schererville, Indiana, located in a region prone to summer storms and heavy rainfall, faces a significant risk of flooding during the warmer months. When these storms hit, the town's homes can experience rapid water accumulation, leading to extensive property damage.

Residential properties with poor drainage systems are particularly vulnerable. Floodwater can quickly inundate basements, damaging walls, flooring, and stored belongings. Even a few inches of water can ruin carpeting, drywall, and insulation, leading to costly repairs. Furthermore, standing water can weaken the foundation, causing long-term structural issues.

Beyond the immediate damage, lingering moisture creates the ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold can spread rapidly, and it can damage building materials, necessitating extensive remediation efforts.

It's important to inspect and maintain your drainage systems regularly, including ensuring that your sump pump is in good working order. Installing a sump pump with a battery backup and waterproofing the basement can provide additional protection. By being proactive, homeowners can reduce the risk of flood damage and keep their homes safe and dry during the summer months.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Schererville has flood damage, our local team in Western Lake County is Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 219-922-9300.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Our Local Team in Western Lake County: Leading the Way in Residential Fire Damage Restoration in Griffith?

8/20/2024 (Permalink)

We are fire damage restoration leaders in Lake County.

When disaster strikes, our local team in Western Lake County stands ready to help homeowners in Griffith recover swiftly and effectively. Independently owned and operated, we are known for our fast emergency response time, ensuring no family has to wait long for the assistance they need.

As a residential fire damage restoration leader, we bring unparalleled experience to every project. Our highly trained and certified team excels in handling the complexities of fire damage, from soot and smoke removal to structural repairs. We understand that fire damage extends beyond what the eye can see, and we can manage every restoration from the initial cleanup phase to the final stages of rebuilding needed to restore a home to pre-fire condition.

One of the standout aspects of our team is the comprehensive support we provide throughout the insurance process. Our experienced staff assists homeowners every step of the way, ensuring that all documentation is accurate and timely. Our dedication to total customer satisfaction makes us a trusted partner in the community. We are ready to help homeowners rebuild and move forward after a fire.

Call Us Today!

When your Griffith home or business has fire damage, our local team in Western Lake County is Here to Help. ® Contact us today at 219-922-9300.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

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)

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)

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.