The Surprising Fire Risk of Ants Entering Outdoor GFCI Outlets in Munster?

10/29/2024 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage 24/7 in Lake County.

Our local Western Lake County team has been restoring fire damage in Munster for years. Outdoor Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) outlets offer great protection against electrical shocks but can also be susceptible to an unexpected issue: ants. In search of warmth and shelter, ants sometimes enter GFCI outlets, leading to serious fire risks. When ants invade these outlets, they can disrupt the electrical components, causing the outlet to malfunction. In some cases, this interference can prevent the GFCI from tripping, increasing the chances of an electrical fire.

To prevent ants from entering outdoor GFCI outlets, homeowners should ensure the outlet covers are secure and intact. They should also inspect the area around the outlet for signs of ant activity and apply appropriate pest control measures to deter them. Keeping the area dry and debris-free can make it less attractive to ants.

If you suspect ants have invaded an outdoor GFCI, it's crucial to inspect the outlet and consider replacing it to avoid any potential electrical issues. Regularly testing outdoor GFCIs for proper functionality can help detect problems early, preventing small pests from causing larger fire hazards. Protecting your outdoor GFCI outlets from ants is essential for maintaining electrical safety in and around your home.

Call Us Today!

When your Munster home or commercial 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.

Preventing Fire Hazards: The Hidden Dangers of Clothes Dryers in Highland?

10/22/2024 (Permalink)

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

Our local Western Lake County team restores fire damage in Highland every year, and many of these fires could have been avoided by taking preventative measures. Clothes dryers are essential appliances in many households but can also be a hidden fire hazard if improperly maintained. One of the most common causes of dryer fires is the buildup of lint in the dryer vent. Lint is highly flammable, and when it accumulates in the vent or filter, it can ignite and cause a fire that spreads quickly.

To prevent dryer fires, clean the lint filter after every load and periodically check and clean the dryer vent. This not only improves the efficiency of your dryer but also significantly reduces the risk of fire. Additionally, avoid overloading the dryer, which can cause the motor to overheat.

Regular professional inspections of your dryer and its components can help prevent fire damage and ensure everything is in working order. By taking these simple precautions, you can keep your home safe from the potential dangers of a dryer fire and ensure that your appliance continues to operate efficiently.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Highland has fire damage, our local team in Western Lake County is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Contact us today at 219-922-9300.

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

The Vital Role of Smoke Alarms in Fire Safety in Schererville?

10/15/2024 (Permalink)

We restore fire damage in Lake County “Like it never even happened.”

Our local Western Lake County team is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration services in Schererville. The theme for Fire Prevention Week 2024, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” announced by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), highlights the essential role of smoke alarms in home fire safety. This campaign, running from October 6–12, aims to raise awareness about the need for functional smoke alarms in every home.

According to the NFPA, homes without smoke alarms or with non-working alarms account for the majority of fire-related deaths. Smoke alarms are the first line of defense, providing critical early warning that can give residents the time they need to escape safely. The NFPA recommends installing alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home.

In addition to installation, regular testing and maintenance are crucial. Fire Prevention Week is an excellent opportunity to check your smoke alarms and ensure they are in good working order. By prioritizing smoke alarms, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire fatalities in your home.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Schererville 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.

Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector Safety Tips to Protect Your Home in Highland?

9/24/2024 (Permalink)

We are leaders in property damage restoration services in Lake County.

Our Western Lake County team restores property damage in Highland every year. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent threat in the home, as it is colorless, odorless, and deadly. CO detectors are essential in warning early about elevated CO levels resulting from faulty appliances like furnaces, stoves, or gas-powered generators. Following these CO detector safety tips is necessary to protect your home:

Along with smoke detectors, install CO detectors on every level of your home, especially near sleeping areas. This ensures that you’ll be alerted even while you’re asleep. Avoid placing detectors near fuel-burning appliances, which can result in false alarms.

Regular maintenance is also critical. Test your smoke alarms and CO detectors monthly to make sure they are functioning properly, and replace the batteries at least once a year. Most detectors have a lifespan of 5-7 years, so be sure to replace them according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Finally, evacuate your home immediately and call emergency services if your CO detector alarms. Do not ignore the alarm, as high CO levels can lead to serious health risks or even death.

By following these CO detector safety tips, you can help protect your family and home from the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Call Us Today!

When your Highland home or commercial property has property 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Have Smoke Or Soot Damage - Call SERVPRO!

11/14/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke and Soot Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Home. Talk about stinky!

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate every nook and cranny in your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise allows us to inspect and assess the extent of the damage to develop a plan of action.  

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.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – (219) 922-9300.

SERVPRO Tip - How To Prevent A Kitchen Fire

11/14/2021 (Permalink)

If you ever experience a fire in your home call SERVPRO of Western Lake County (219) 922-9300. We have a highly trained team and we are always here!

Cooking fires are the most common house fire.  They are also the most dangerous.  Follow these tips to keep your family and home safe while in the kitchen.

Never leave the kitchen

While you are cooking or even while you are just preheating the oven, never leave a hot stove or oven unattended.  The most common kitchen fires are caused by leaving cooking food unattended.  If for some reason you have to leave the kitchen, be sure to remove all pots and pans from the hot stove top and from inside the oven. 

Be aware of your surroundings

While you are cooking, try to avoid wearing long-sleeves or any clothing that might be too big for you.  Also, if you have long hair try to keep it tied back while cooking.  Be aware of where you place kitchen towels and oven mitts, make sure to keep them away from the hot stove top.  Make sure there is not anything flammable near the stove top while it is on.

Be prepared

If there ever should be a fire in the kitchen, make sure you are prepared.   Make sure to check and change the batteries in the smoke detector regularly.  Make sure your fire extinguisher is up to date and not damaged.  Also, if a fire was to occur in your home make sure to go over a fire escape plan with your family so that they know where to go and what to do.

If you ever experience a fire in your home call SERVPRO of Western Lake County (219) 922-9300.  We have a highly trained team and we are always here to help.  

Ask The Experts: What Is A Web Soot?

1/10/2021 (Permalink)

Being fire restoration specialists we have seen a lot of fire damaged homes and businesses over the years. Sometimes the extent of the damage is very evident especially when the damage is on the walls and ceilings of homes. Other times the most extensive part of the damage is in the attics, or trapped between walls where it is unseen until we dig in with our inspection. 

One of the most common visible instances of fire damage are the black spider webs that seem to spring out of nowhere after a fire. These spider webs are actually called “Soot Tags” and actually don’t have anything to do with spider webs. So you can put your worries to rest because there is no such thing as “fire spiders” as one customer put it. 

Soot Tags form in areas of low circulation when petroleum/synthetic based sources burn. In a fire the heat of the fire moves into colder areas since the air seeks to create equilibrium. Since that soot is riding the air with that heat soot particles follow the air into those colder areas with low circulation and are able to concentrate. Since that soot is a product of combustion the particles themselves are charged which makes it quite easy for them to create long chains of soot or soot tags. So while it looks like a lot of soot got stuck on pre-existing spider webs it is actually a whole new structure. 

If your home or business is affected by smoke or fire damage give us a call so we can start making it “Like it never even happened.” 

We are faster to any disaster and are ready and waiting to put our experience to work for you! 

The Importance of the first 48 hours after a fire

12/19/2020 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours after fire damage occurs can make the difference between restoring versus replacing your property and personal belongings.  SERVPRO can help prevent fire damage from creating long-term problems.  Our trained professionals provide 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.  

A back draft of emotions often sweeps over the homeowners after a fire ravages a home.  Fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of the property can overwhelm the homeowner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared. 

After the first wave of heroes have rescued the property, let SERVPRO help you restore it.  

So, before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage yourself, call us! We are faster to any disaster and are here to use our expertise to help you get back to preloss condition! 

When fire hits your business, SERVPRO is here for you!

12/18/2020 (Permalink)

If your property has experienced a fire, there are several reasons why you might want to board up structural damage or windows. In addition to keeping the external elements out of a building with fire damage, boarding up can also prevent additional losses due to looting and make the fire cleanup process easier.  SERVPRO offers full-service restoration specialists who can also assist in board-up services.  

Here are four reasons to board-up after a fire.

• In a commercial setting, there may still be viable stock on the premises. If products that appear viable remain in the building, you should consider boarding up. These items may require assessment and cleaning and may not be fit for sale, but having them properly processed rather than stolen can be helpful for insurance purposes.
• You want to protect electronics and other valuables. Depending on the extent of the fire damage, you may be able to restore some electronics or other valuable property to working condition.
• You need to keep out the elements. If the structure of your property has sustained extensive damage, you should try to keep the elements out to prevent additional damage. Exposure to additional water, wind, or sunlight can compound the damage caused by smoke residue and soot.
• You want to limit soot damage. It is generally a good idea to reduce foot traffic on the scene of a recent fire. When soot gets embedded into carpeting or upholstery, it can be much more difficult to restore these materials to a pre-fire condition.

Talk to our experts at SERVPRO about whether boarding up is a good strategy for preventing loss and limiting damage after a fire. Your major concern is likely to be how to recover from fire damage as quickly and completely as possible. Preventing looting and exposure to the elements can make fire cleanup more successful. 

So give us a call! We are faster to any disaster and are ready to take our expertise and put it to work for you! 

The Unpredictability Of Fire

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Fires can be unpredictable and can unleash a significant amount of damage to homes or businesses. Big or small, no matter what the size of the fire is, the destruction that it can cause can be chaotic, disheartening and can cause a huge inconvenience by forcing you to move out of your home or business temporarily. It will have you questioning what to do next once the smoke clears and the fire department leaves. That’s when you can call on SERVPRO of to provide fire and smoke damage cleanup and restoration. Our SERVPRO technicians are have all the necessary equipment, experience, and are highly trained in all the latest techniques to restore your property back to its previous condition so that you can get back under your own roof.

If you are experiencing fire damage, give our office a call. We are available 24/7 to help make it “Like it never even happened.” We are faster to any disaster and look forward to taking our expertise and putting it to work for you! 

Ask The Experts: How Often Should I Clean My Dryer Vents

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

Fires caused by a clothes dryer are more prevalent than you might think, with approximately 2,900 dryer fires reported each year. A lint fire that results from not regularly cleaning the dryer is the leading cause of clothes dryer-related fires. Every time you dry your clothes, lint is collected in your dryer’s vent and lint traps. It is important that you know when to clean them to prevent a fire from starting in your home.

How Often Should You Clean Out Your Vents?

• Empty Filter Before Every Load: Lint is extremely flammable and can quickly overheat and start a lint fire.
• Clean Filter Every Six Months: It is also a good idea to clean the filter with a nylon brush to help combat clogging.
• Clean Out Vent Pipe Every Three Months: Make sure there is no lint in the pipe and check the outside opening for any debris.
• Have a Technician Visit Once a Year: During the visit, the technician will completely clean your vent system and ensure air can flow freely. 
  
  

How Can You Tell If Your Vent Needs To Be Cleaned? 

Your dryer will often let you know if there is an issue with the vents, but it is up to you to quickly take action and prevent a dryer fire. One common indicator that your dryer’s vents are clogged is that your clothes are not drying quickly. Clogged vents can also trap air and moisture inside your laundry room, making it feel hot and humid inside or even produce a musty smell. If your dryer feels hot to the touch after a load, this also is a sign your vents need to be cleaned. 

A lint fire can be very dangerous and can cause extensive damage to your home, so regular cleaning and maintenance of your dryer are key. However, if a fire does occur, a fire cleanup company can help address any damage.

Squeaky Clean? Absolutely!

9/5/2018 (Permalink)

Before & After Ultrasonic Cleaning

Why, this cleaner is auto-matic. It’s system-matic. Its hyyyyydro-matic. Why, it’s our omegasonic - ultrasonic cleaner!

If your home or business is damaged by fire, you want your valuables to be restored. As if it never happened! At SERVPRO of Western Lake County, we use the latest technology to ensure your items are sparkling clean. Maybe even cleaner than before the fire :)

Our ultrasonic cleaner uses cavitation bubbles to gently clean dirt and grime in the tiniest crevices. We use a water-based solution, which allows us to clean more parts more effectively without hand scrubbing or exposing your home or business to toxic chemicals. It's also great for cleaning non-fire damaged window blinds. 

If you've had fire damage, call SERVPRO of Western Lake County today. We're open 24/7. Call us at (219) 922-9300.