SERVPRO can Help with a Chemical Spill

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to chemical and biohazard emergencies 24-hours a day.

SERVPRO of Ravenswood is trained and certified to clean and restore chemical spills and biohazards.  Ravenswood residents and businesses can rely on us to arrive quickly and immediately begin the cleanup process.

Along with the cleanup and safe removal of chemical spills, we offer a full range of biohazard cleaning services, including: 

• Chemical spills
• Sewage backups
• Crime scene residues
• Suicide/death accidents
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanup
• Accident cleanup
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Tear gas cleanup

The safe decontamination of a home or business after any form of chemical or biohazard exposure is critical.  Our technicians are trained and certified to mitigate these kinds of dangerous situations. Here are some tips from our website on what to do after a contamination:

What to Do After a Contamination

• Stay out of affected areas
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated
• Turn off the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system if there is sewage damage

Call Us Today!

When you need help cleaning up a chemical spill, SERVPRO of Ravenswood is available to help.  Our technicians are on-call 24-hours a day to respond to chemical and biohazard damage emergencies.  Call us today at 773-878-5200.

Mold Remediation Process - SERVPRO

2/23/2023 (Permalink)

When you discover mold, SERVPRO of Ravenswood can help!

When you discover mold growing in your Ravenswood home or commercial business, fast action is required to mitigate the damage before the mold can spread to other areas in the home or workplace. SERVPRO of Ravenswood can mitigate the mold damage and the mold remediation process usually follows the steps below:

Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment

Identifying and addressing the source of the moisture that is causing the mold growth. This step usually involves the use of various technologies to detect mold growth and water sources that may be hidden. We follow local and state laws regarding inspection and documentation based on your unique situation.

Mold Containment

We may use advanced containment procedures like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to prevent mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.

Air Filtration

We utilize powerful “air scrubbers” and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores while mold remediation is in process.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials

We use antifungal and antimicrobial treatments to eliminate mold colonies and to help prevent new colonies from forming. We remove and dispose of mold-infested porous materials when remediating heavy mold growth.

Cleaning Contents

We clean your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We also remove odors and deodorization using fogging equipment.

Restoration

Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet, or it may require the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. 

Call Us Today!

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation. Call us today at 773-878-5200.

SERVPRO can provide Reconstruction Services

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ravenswood provides reconstruction services.

In addition to water mitigation, fire cleanup, and mold remediation, SERVPRO of Ravenswood also offers reconstruction services.  After our professionals are done with drying out a property or removing smoke-damaged materials, we can put your home or business back together just like the way it was before the damage occurred.

Here are just some of the reconstruction services SERVPRO of Ravenswood offers:

• Drywall repair and installation
• Baseboards
• Floor repair and replacement
• Kitchen and bath installation and remodeling
• Cabinet and trim replacement
• Insulation installation
• Ceiling repair
• Fixture replacement
• Painting

The convenience and savings of working with one company to assist with mitigation and repairs can be significant.  We are a one stop shop for all of your construction needs. SERVPRO of Ravenswood has experienced professionals that believe in delivering quality workmanship. Please contact us at 773-878-5200.

Big or Small Disaster - SERVPRO Offers 24-Hour Service

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ravenswood can respond to your disaster 24-hours a day.

When disaster strikes your home or business, SERVPRO of Ravenswood will respond quickly to bring you the help you need.  We are a trusted leader in the restoration industry serving the Chicagoland area.  We provide 24-hour emergency services including Water Damage Restoration, Fire Damage Restoration, and Mold Remediation for both residential and commercial properties.  Our highly trained technicians have the training, specialized equipment, and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.  We are a locally owned and operated business that is proud to serve the Chicagoland area. 

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

SERVPRO of Ravenswood is close by and ready to respond to your cleaning or restoration needs.  Call us at 773-878-5200.

SERVPRO - Count on us to Help

3/10/2022 (Permalink)

Count on SERVPRO of Ravenswood to help with all of your restoration needs.

A storm, flood or plumbing problem can leave your home or business with extensive water damage.  Immediate action is necessary to mitigate the damage.  SERVPRO of Ravenswood specialize in repairing and restoring your property. 

• Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

We specialize in water damage restoration, with training focused on restoring salvageable items, accelerating drying time with documenting the entire restoration process.

• Customer Care

We have years of experience in the cleanup and restoration industry.  We care about you and your property and want to help you get back to normal after you have water damage to your home or business.

• # 1 in the Cleanup and Restoration Industry

We’ve earned the reputation as a trusted leader in the restoration industry and specialize in fire and water damage, specialty cleaning, mold, and so much more.

• Easier Insurance Claims Process

We will help you navigate the insurance process and coordinate the necessary paperwork for a quicker, easier experience.

SERVPRO of Ravenswood has a team of highly trained technicians that are available 24-hours a day to help with all of your restoration needs.  Please contact us at 773-878-5200.

Mold Problem - SERVPRO can Help

3/7/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ravenswood can help if you discover mold.

A musty smell is often the first sign of a mold problem.  SERVPRO of Ravenswood will respond quickly and work fast to manage the situation.

If you discover mold in your home or business, here are a few facts from our website to consider:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

What to Do

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Ravenswood for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

If you suspect that your home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Ravenswood has the training, equipment, and expertise to handle the situation.  Call us at 773-878-5200.

Biohazard Contamination Tips to Stay Safe

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Ravenswood is trained to safely remove biohazards.

Biohazard contaminants should be considered very dangerous as they can pose a serious health risk. Sewer backups and flood water are two common biohazard scenarios that can affect homes and businesses. SERVPRO of Ravenswood has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to safely clean and restore this type of contamination.

Here are a few tips from our website that can help while you are waiting for help to arrive:

What to Do After a Contamination

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency service personnel if the situation is life-threatening.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
• Turn off the HVAC system if there is sewage damage.

What Not to Do After a Contamination

• Don’t leave wet fabrics in place. Hang leather goods.
• Don’t leave books, magazines, or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
• Don’t use your household vacuum to remove water.
• Don’t use television or other household appliances.
• Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging.

When your home or business needs biohazard remediation services, SERVPRO of Ravenswood has a team of highly trained technicians on-call and ready to respond 24-hours a day. Call us today at 773-878-5200.

Meet Our New Mascot

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Hi I'm Socks! I need a home. Will you play with me?

Last week during a residential cleanup our crew came across this cute little feline.  Poor thing was hiding in a closet. Though the owners were no longer present at the job location we did not want to leave this sweet cat on it's own, so we adopted her (temporarily)!  

Meet Socks! She is approximately 3 years old and is looking for a good home.  We love her activeness and her speed as she races between the warehouse and office areas. Thought we love having her in our office we do not feel she will receive the 24-hour, well deserved attention she needs.  Therefore, we are seeking a family who is willing to adopt Socks.

The cleanup went smoothly.  We were able to put the home back into a livable status and is officially hoarder free.  We care about our customers and we care about animals too!

Call us today if you are interested in either adopting sweet Socks, or if you require a cleanup!

Thank you!

Happy Halloween

9/30/2021 (Permalink)

Trick or Treat? I say Trick!

Dear School Engineer,

There is no better time than now to start planning your special projects for the year.  School holiday breaks are an excellent opportunity to take care of your cleaning agenda.

SERVPRO of Ravenswood is happy to help! As a preferred vendor we can serve you in the following capacity:

• Water Damage cleanup and demolition
• Odor Removal and Deodorization
• Calcium Buildup Removal
• Paint Chip Removal
• Vandalism Cleaning
• Document Restoration
• Biohazard and Sewage Cleanup

All service estimates are FREE!  Call today and schedule your complimentary inspection!  773-878-5200

Have a Spooktacular Month!

P.s. Did you receive your SERVPRO key tag?  Earlier this month we mailed you a key tag to your office. If you did not receive it, please let Donna know and she will get one to you right away!

We Are Hiring

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

Be part of the solution by keeping our communities clean.

Primary Role: Perform all office administrative tasks related to customer calls, job management and tracking, scheduling of jobs and customer satisfaction activities. Perform basic accounting duties relating to accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and banking. Perform general office duties such as drafting correspondence, filing and creating reports.

Results Expected: All administrative work is processed and documented accurately and timely. Customers, COIs (Center of Influence), Production Team, Marketing Reps/ Estimators and the Office Manager/Owner are communicated to in a timely and accurate manner. Customer satisfaction is maintained at a high level. Processing of accounts payable and receivables are current. All files and reports are maintained and provided as required. All administrative tasks are completed as assigned.

PRODUCTION TECHNICIANS (2 OPEN POSITIONS) - $16.00/HR

Primary Role: Perform services as assigned, following SERVPRO production guidelines. Communicate with the customer to make sure that all needs are met. Support crew chief and other production personnel as needed. Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse and office areas as needed.

Results Expected: Production processes are performed according to guidelines and work orders. Communications to crew chief and customer are timely. Jobs are completed at or beyond customer expectations. Vehicles, equipment, and facilities remain clean, orderly, and working properly.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, national origin, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

SERVPRO Convention 2021

8/4/2021 (Permalink)

Convention 2021

Each year SERVPRO Industries LLC invites all 1800+ franchises throughout the US to their annual convention. The location is hosted in a different city each summer. Though 2020 threw us a (COVID) curveball which forced us to move convention from Boston to Online - we still made it work! Convention is an important time for our teams, as we are able to congregate in a non-emergency situation and learn, play and share experiences collectively. This year our hosts chose sunny Orlando, FL! 

It was a wonderful time to learn, collaborate, to build relationships, and to celebrate successes of the past year. In the next few blogs we will be highlighting some of the headliners on what we at SERVPRO of Ravenswood are excited about this year!

We Want You On Our Team!

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

ALS Walk

We are participating in the Chicago Walk to Defeat ALS on June 5, 2021 in honor of those stricken by this life-changing illness, and we need you on my team!! Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS — it robs a person of the ability to walk, speak, eat, and eventually breathe. And what’s even worse is that right now, there’s no cure. Will you join us and join the movement to cure ALS?

Our team is committed to raising money to support people in our community with ALS and spread awareness of the urgency to find treatments and a cure. Please consider joining our team in the Walk to Defeat ALS® or choose a team member from the list or DONATE to our cause. 

We plan to walk on Saturday June 5th around the Ravenswood neighborhood.

Thank you!

Donna & Maggie, SERVPRO9758@hotmail.com

773-878-5200

Getting Back to Work and School

5/3/2021 (Permalink)

Spring Special $ .25 cents per square foot

Now that we are gradually returning to our daily routines we are preparing ourselves to answer your calls for fast response should you be hit with a COVID case. You can rely on us to disinfect your infected space with our Spring Special; $ .25/SF!! What’s the Difference?

• Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt and impurities, including germs, from surfaces. Cleaning alone does not kill germs. But by removing the germs, it decreases their number and therefore any risk of spreading infection.
• Disinfecting works by using chemicals, for example EPA-registered disinfectants, to kill germs on surfaces. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs. But killing germs remaining on a surface after cleaning further reduces any risk of spreading infection.

Why SERVPRO, Because It's Personal

3/19/2021 (Permalink)

Picture of burnt charger

Many of you have seen the SERVPRO commercials on television which markets our 1-800-SERVPRO phone number. But did you know that when you dial the 800# those reps turn around and call the closest SERVPRO-owned franchise to your location to expedite your emergency?  That’s because there are over 1800 SERVPRO individually owned and operated branches throughout the USA.  Each one of those branches (or franchises) – though all following industry-standard cleaning protocols – like to make themselves stand out.  SERVPRO of Ravenswood likes to stand by sharing personal stories of their own by blogging about it.  Today I share my personal story to help educate families on what could happen to you.

Like many residents across Chicago, my home is on technology overload! Between working from home on my laptop for months, my daughters Zooming in and out of classes throughout the days, and the cable television always on in the background so not to miss the latest breaking news our WiFi has been tested to the max this past year.  As are our charging cables. 

Over the weekend my daughters and I were just doing our own weekend thing in our condo playing with the cats, streaming shows and of course snacking throughout the day when we noticed an odd burning smell in the air.  It was a sunny fresh Saturday, so we opened the balcony door for fresh air, checked our oven to make sure it wasn’t on and made sure the curling iron wasn’t left on in the bathroom.  All checked out on our end so we brushed it off thinking our neighbor must have accidentally burned something next door.  But I kept smelling it throughout the morning, hmm?  A few hours later I sat down on my couch and went to plug in my phone to charge when I noticed my charging station was super hot to the touch, odd!  I picked up one of the cords that laid down onto the carpet below only to find the end completely burned and melting.  BINGO!  We found our culprit.  Apparently, our charging station had reached its capacity and began the very scary and real process of burning.  Not only was I lucky to find it in time, but I also found this to be an excellent teachable moment.  I called my daughters over and showed them what had happened.  They were shocked, because they too knew that this could have been a fire hazard.

So, I post my little story today to encourage our readers to always pay close attention to odd burning smells, and to look further than just the standard oven or curling iron checks.  We now have technology to watch out for in the background.  My takeaways to you are: 1. Don’t Buy Cheap Chargers! 2. Don’t Charge Devices on Carpets or Couches (or any cloth-type areas for that matter) and 3. Should you encounter a fire or smoke damage, call SERVPRO of Ravenswood (773-878-5200) to get rid of that awful odor!

For more helpful tips, click HERE.

Water Damage Continuing Education Virtual Event

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

MARS CREDIT HOURS

INSURANCE COURSE CREDIT: 2 HOURS COURSE NUMBER: 6000075714 Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar (MARS) IICRC S500 Water Damage Restoration

About this Event

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

The insurance professional or property manager will gain a better understanding of:

• what to expect from a good restoration professional aka SERVPRO of Ravenswood
• how a SERVPRO professional inspects a water-damaged buildings and contents
• emergency procedures performs by the restoration crew
• how the SERVPRO's monitor the drying process
• how the SERVPRO's complete restoration of the building
• the tools used the clean and restore smoke-damaged contents and structure
• cost comparison of restoring vs. replacing
• what is takes to remove odors and deodorize

SIGN UP TODAY! Class begins on Friday, March 12th at 10AM.

Why Reviews Matter

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Our franchise industry average review rate chart 4.23 of 5.0!

More than ever before we are relying on the internet to provide feedback on specific service industries.  Today you can gather quick information on food, clothes, books, movies, music, commodities, and professional services.  With a simple click you can make informed decisions based on the public’s opinion and their experiences.  SERVPRO of Ravenswood also relies on such feedback for future client business.  Here are several reasons why review matter.  We hope this information will help provoke you to leave behind your story about the services that SERVPRO of Ravenswood provided for you during a time you needed help most!

1. Social Proof Drives Purchases. We are more likely to make a purchase if others say (or write) it’s a good idea.  If you experience a flood or fire in your home or business, we understand that you want things to get back to the way things were before – quickly, safely and correctly.  SERVPRO of Ravenswood can and will do that for you!
2. They Make Your More Visible. The more we feed the internet content machine, the more brand algorithms will increase in your favor.  We just LOVE to see 5 Stars across the board!
3. They Make You Look Trustworthy. Positive reviews build significant trust and brand credibility.  SERVPRO is a brand you should be able to trust, especially during times of crisis.  We value your trust and we stride not to ever let you down.
4. Conversation About You. Positive online presence promotes a good reputation.  The more good stuff people have to say, the more likely others will utilize your brand.  Let’s face it, we like it when people talk about us!
5. They Are Increasingly Essential to Decision Making. Almost two-thirds of shoppers that that online reviews are an essential part of the decision process. This is Huge! Your opinion matters, even to complete strangers.
6. They Have a Clear Impact on Sales. From our perspective we agree with this point.  Doing a phenomenal job in the beginning will bring re-turning customers.  We are fortunate to have a solid client base of customers who call us repeatedly for their cleanups.  We take those gestures as the greatest compliment of all!
7. They Give You An Open Line to Consumers. Positive and negative reviews are an excellent opportunity to open a dialogue about how we operate.  The more stories (good or bad) we put out there the more able we are to educate on our processes and cleaning methods, so that every situation is analyzed and corrected to better serve our consumers.

Please share your experience with us, as well as the world-wide-web, and help us help others!  We appreciate you and we appreciate your time!

Click HERE to leave your review.

Source:  Mention, Blog, Media Monitoring, “7 Reasons Online Reviews are Essential for Your Brand”. Smith Wallas, March 6, 2020, https://www.SERVPROravenswood.com/testimonials/fire-smoke-damage-restoration.

Disaster Recovery Teams Located Conveniently in your Chicago Neighborhood

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

Wind Storm Diagram Development

When disasters hit it is common for you to feel hopeless and overwhelmed. In Chicago disasters can cause large losses and cost you a lot of money to restore your property. But you should know that not all hope is lost when it comes to disaster recovery. There is no better restoration company for the job than one of our SERVPRO Storm Teams, our nation’s BEST restoration recovery team – who has a franchise located locally in Andersonville Chicago. For business and residential communities SERVPRO of Ravenswood’s restoration teams can handle any fire or water loss, BIG or small.

Damaging Natural Disaster Examples are:

• Tornadoes and Wind Storms
• Hurricanes and Heavy Rain
• Blizzards and Snow Storms
• Earthquakes

As with the recent event, Hurricane Laura, you can be certain that SERVPRO Storm Teams were there from the beginning to help remedy the situation for so many victims of that terrible storm. 

When it comes to disaster recovery, you want to seek a professional service to effectively restore your property in a timely manner. SERVPRO of Ravenswood follows the 1-4-8 Rule.  Within the 1st hour, we will dispatch a Restoration Manager to assess the situation.  Within 4 hours, crews will begin to mobilize.  And within 8 hours, our technicians will be fast at work beginning the cleanup process.  

These are the business verticals SERVPRO of Ravenswood has experience helping:  

• Schools & Daycares (secondary and post-secondary)
• Hospital and Senior Living Facilities
• Property Management Buildings (Rentals/Leases – residential and commercial)
• Government Buildings
• Churches and Worship Centers
• Municipalities and First Response

Available 24/7, SERVPRO of Ravenswood can help clean up the damage to your buildings caused by a natural disaster. We are standing by to ensure that they meet your needs, regardless of the time or day. 773-878-5200

Emergency Ready Plan - Are you ready when disaster strikes?

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

"ERP" Emergency READY Profile

SERVPRO of Ravenswood Recognizes National Preparedness Month with a Reminder to Home and Business Owners:

“Disasters Don’t Plan Ahead. You Can.”

Local disaster restoration specialist offers no-cost tools to help property owners prepare a comprehensive emergency readiness plan

September is National Preparedness Month (http://www.ready.gov/September), an annual event sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to raise awareness about the importance of preparing—in advance—for the unexpected. In support of this initiative, Tom Williams, owner of SERVPRO^® of Ravenswood, encourages Chicago property owners to take the following two steps now to protect their family, home, and business in the aftermath of a disaster.

1. Review and update your emergency preparedness plan, including business and life continuity plans. If you don’t yet have a plan, use the tools provided by FEMA to get started.
2. Collect and store time-critical information, like the location of shutoff valves, fire suppression system controls, and emergency contact numbers electronically, where it is immediately available to assist first responders.

Because SERVPRO knows the time to create a disaster readiness plan is before you need it, they have developed the SERVPRO Emergency READY Program to help business owners create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for their facility, at no charge.

“Evacuation plans and emergency supply kits help you survive a disaster, but a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan helps you recover from a disaster,” said Williams. “The most effective response to any emergency is a fast response. That’s why having critical system and contact information at your fingertips is so important. A quick and effective response helps minimize repairs and downtime, helping both businesses and families get back on track in less time, with less stress.”

SERVPRO offers tools for both commercial and residential property owners to help them minimize damage and recover quickly from emergencies. The SERVPRO READY app stores essential contact and property information electronically where it can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if disaster strikes. Both home and business owners can download the free app at https://ready.SERVPRO.com/home/mobileapp. Local business owners can take an additional preparedness step by designating SERVPRO of Ravenswood as their disaster mitigation and restoration provider. SERVPRO professionals will conduct a no-cost assessment of the facility and assist the owner in completing a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile^® (ERP) and storing that profile in the READY app.

“Rapid response from a disaster cleanup and restoration specialist can help the property owner evaluate options, start the insurance process, and take the right steps from the beginning to bring their property back to normal,” said Williams. “Even in the confusion and panic that often surround a disaster, a property owner or manager using the SERVPRO READY app can reach out for expert help right from the scene, using a cell phone.”

SERVPRO^® of Ravenswood specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO^® of Ravenswood, please contact Tom Williams at (773) 878-5200 or SERVPRO9758@hotmail.com. For more information on SERVPRO^® and the SERVPRO^® Emergency READY Program, please contact Marketing Manager, Donna Bugosh, donna@SERVPROravenswood.com

About SERVPRO^®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO^® Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO^® System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Disaster Recovery Teams Located Conveniently in your Chicago Neighborhood

8/28/2020 (Permalink)

Wind Storm Diagram Development

No one is ever ready for a disaster. When disasters hit, it is common for you to feel hopeless and overwhelmed. In Chicago disasters can cause large losses and cost you a lot of money to restore everything back to normal. But you should know that not all hope is lost when it comes to disaster recovery. There is no better restoration company for the job than the SERVPRO’s Storm Teams, our nation’s BEST restoration recovery team – who has a franchise located locally in Andersonville Chicago. For business and residential communities SERVPRO of Ravenswood’s restoration teams can handle any fire or water loss, BIG or small.

Damaging Natural Disaster Examples are:

• Tornadoes and Wind Storms
• Hurricanes and Heavy Rain
• Blizzards and Snow Storms
• Earthquakes

These disasters wreak havoc on buildings and neighborhoods. However, with the onslaught of disasters you can be certain that SERVPRO Storm Teams will come to help remedy the situation for you. Thus, this can help reduce your stress levels. It also helps you with working towards rebuilding your life and business.

When it comes to disaster recovery, you want to seek a professional service to effectively reconstruct your building in a timely manner. A skilled business can strategically dispatch technicians to sites and help businesses reduce the cost of repair and restoration. They conduct services that also include temporary labor to ensure your space is refurbished either to its original state or better.

There are many businesses and establishments in Chicago that many people rely on. Without them, they may not have an alternative, which is why it is so important to restore them as soon as possible. Typical Chicago businesses that may need immediate restoration services are the following:

• Schools & Daycares (secondary and post-secondary)
• Hospital and Senior Living Facilities
• Property Management Buildings (Rentals/Leases – residential and commercial)
• Government Buildings
• Churches and Worship Centers
• Municipalities and First Response

As these establishments are restored, people who rely on them can slowly reincorporate them back into their lives, post-disaster.  Plus SERVPRO works with all insurance companies directly to help ease your mind of financial burdens turning a dire time.

Available 24/7, SERVPRO of Ravenswood can help clean up the damage to your buildings caused by a natural disaster. They are standing by to ensure that they meet your needs, regardless of the time or day. We realize that disasters can trigger at any time so it is important you know that our teams are prepared and ready to answer your call for help – 773-878-5200

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/19/2020 (Permalink)

logo

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of Ravenswood today at  773-878-5200 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Vehicle Disinfecting

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning vehicles too!

SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and households to perform the necessary viral pathogen remediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. SERVPRO of Ravenswood is expanding their efforts and opening their warehouse doors to vehicle disinfecting as well!

If you want your personal or work vehicle cleaned of decontaminates come spend 15 minutes with us.  We will use our EPA-approved solvents to wipe down the hard surfaces of your vehicle and apply an additional mist to the interior of your vehicle.  Both methods will eliminate any viral pathogens that may have landed in your vehicle.  Our technicians will be in full PPE making your visit a safe one.

We are located at the corner of Wolcott and Balmoral Avenues.  For more information please call 773-878-5200 or visit www.SERVPROravenswood.com

We are Cleaning Experts

3/19/2020 (Permalink)

Here To Help COVID-19 Cleanup

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today SERVPRO of Ravenswood, 773-878-5200.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

Upcoming CE Course: Ethics

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Course Offering Announcement

AGENTS & ADJUSTERS WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

The premise for this ethics course is that although we may have solid ethical foundations and usually make rational ethical decisions, ethical lapses are likely to come when we are stressed, angry, upset, worried, or otherwise disengaged.

Each and every day we are faced with decisions that could cause harm to others or ourselves. Facing ethical decisions can be very difficult, especially when we make decisions that may seem correct at first, but we later find out were not so great. As we explore what “Ethics” is, you will be challenged to become involved in hourly group activities. The group activities will help reinforce what has been learned, as well as the ability to better deal with ethical decision-making in our own lives.

Date And Time

Fri, March 20, 2020

9:00 AM – 12:30 PM CDT

Location

Northcenter Chamber of Commerce

4054 North Lincoln Avenue

Chicago, IL 60618

Post-Fire Next Steps – What Now?

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

Logo with fire background

Often times the victims of a fire loss have lost all forms of identification and money. This blog will assist you with the means to understand how you can start putting their lives back together. SERVPRO of Ravenswood’s intention is to provide you with a reference tool to better assist you during such trying times.  We hope this helps!

Take Care of Yourself and Family

Contact your local disaster relief service, such as the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army.  They will help you find a place to stay and to find food, clothing and medicine.  Make sure that you have a safe place to live temporarily. Get plenty of rest and ask for help. Do no try to do it all alone.

Do Not! Eat, drink or breath in anything that has been near the flames, smoke, soot, or water used to put out the fire.

Help Your Pets

Try to leave pets with family members, friends or a veterinarian temporarily. Keep your pets out of the house until the cleanup is complete to keep them safe.

Contact Your Insurance Company

Contact your insurance agent right away. Your property will have immediate needs such as covering windows, doors and more.  Avoid signing any documents with strangers until after you have spoken to your trusted insurance agent.

Security and Safety

DO NOT enter a damaged property unless the fire department says it is safe to enter. Watch for damage caused by the incident. Roof and floors may be damaged and could fall.  The fire department will make sure the utility services (water, electricity and gas) are safe to use. If they are not safe, firefighters will have your utilities turned off or disconnected before they leave.  DO NOT try to turn them back on by yourself.  Contact your police department to let them know that you will be away from your property.

Finances

Get in touch with your landlord or mortgage lender ASAP. Contact your credit card company to report credit cards that were lost in the incident and request replacements. Save all of your receipts for any month you spend. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company. You will need the receipts to prove any losses claimed on your tax return.

Handling the Damage

SERVPRO of Ravenswood is a trusted expert in cleaning and restoring your personal items. Whether you or your insurer buys this type of service, be clear on who will pay for it. Be sure to ask for an estimate of cost for work and agree to in writing.

STEPS TO FOLLOW: THE FIRST DAYS

• Contact your insurance agent right away – Don’t sign any papers until you’ve spoken to them first
• Notify utility companies of incident
• Contact your child(ren)’s school of temporary address awareness
• Contact local police departments to let them know your property is temporarily vacant
• Allow SERVPRO of Ravenswood to help you cleanup the mess and make it “Like it never even happened” Call 773-878-5200

QUICK STEP REFERENCE:

• Safely take pictures of the damage
• Ensure your property is secured
• If you rent, contact the owner or landlord right away
• Contact family or friends to let them know you are okay
• Secure emergency accommodations
• Keep all your receipts (for insurance reimbursements)

MULTIPLE INSURANCE CONTACT PHONE NUMBERS

Alfa, 800-964-2532

Allstate, 800-255-7828

American Family, 800-692-6326

Cincinnati, 877-242-2544

Famers, 800-435-7764

Hartford, 877-805-9918

State Farm, 800-732-5246

Nationwide, 800-421-3535

Travelers, 800-252-4633

Liberty Mutual, 844-339-5299

MetLife, 800-854-6011

Safeco, 800-332-3226

USAA, 800-531-8722

Replacing Documents and Records

Driver’s License ~ Birth/Marriage/Death Certificates ~ Debit/Credit Cards ~ Passports ~ Social Security/Medicare Cards ~ Banking Information ~ Titles/Deeds ~ Insurance Policies ~ Prepaid Burial Contract ~ Wills/Testaments ~ Mortgage Papers ~ Medical Records ~ Auto Registration ~ Military Papers (DD-214) ~ Investment Documents

The Importance of Renters Insurance

5/10/2019 (Permalink)

We deal direct with insurance claims, so that you won't have to!

Recent natural disasters from tornadoes to wildfires have left hundreds of thousands of people with lost or damaged belongings. This devastation is awful, but those who rent their homes are too at great financial risk.

Most home owners are able to protect their property and belongings thanks to policies that were put into place when they purchased their homes. However, less than half of renters in America lack the insurance that can protect them in the same way. If this describes you, then it might be time to rethink if you should purchase renters insurance. It can be an important way to protect your belongings and finances in a time of devastation, because cleanup and restoration can be costly.

What It Covers

When you think about renters insurance, it is possible that you are imagining it as financial burden, something that will ask you to fork over more money than it could save you. However, that is not the case. On average, renters insurance costs less than two hundred dollars a year, and the benefits it offers can be a lifesaver.

In the event of a fire or water disaster renters insurance can cover the cost of lost belongings and arrange accommodations for you if your home becomes uninhabitable. It even offers liability if there is ever an accident that happens on your rented property. It is important to keep in mind that this type of insurance does not cover earthquakes or floods, usually, so a separate policy might be needed if those are natural disasters that present a risk in the area of which you reside.

Business Coverage

While renters insurance will typically cover any of your lost belongings, it does not extend to anything business related. Anything work related that you store at home is not covered, and if someone visits you for business reasons and gets hurt, your renters insurance will not offer liability. It is suggested that if your rented property is a place where you conduct business or store business items you should get a different type of insurance policy in addition to your renters insurance.

Standard policies tend to be pretty similar across the board, no matter what company you turn to, but the amount of coverage you get is up to you. When it comes to renters insurance, your policy will cover the actual-value of your items, or the replacement value. Actual-value coverage will cover the cost of your belongings, even if those belongings lost or gained value over time. With replacement value, your policy will cover the cost of you buying new belongings. Deciding on actual-value coverage might save you on premium cost, but replacement value will help you out more in the long run.

Policies tend to limit what insurers will pay you for some valuable items, but you can up your policy to increase coverage on them. If you own a lot of valuable items, it may be in your best interest to add more coverage on them, though it will cost more.

Not all landlords require you to have renters insurance, but it is good coverage to take advantage of. You never know when it might help lessen the financial burden that comes with fire or water damage Chicago.  

If your home has been impacted by a disaster such as a house fire restoration, water damage, mold mitigation, or large storm events, you can reach out to SERVPRO of Ravenswood. We are there to help and we work with ALL insurance companies! Contact us today with questions; 773-878-5200.

SERVPRO of Ravenswood CE Course Vote

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

2018 Course: Ready to learn photo!

As many of you know, SERVPRO is well known for offering free continuing education classes to property managers, insurance agents and adjusters to help stay abreast to ever-changing cleaning technology in our industry, as well as keep IL insurance licenses updated.  This year's Continuing Education course will be held on August 21st.  Save the date and location & time will be announced in the forthcoming months. At this time we would like to receive your input on which course you are most interested in learning about.  Help us decide which subject to choose. Below is a list of SERVPRO-sponsored course offerings. TELL US which course is important to you. We will tally your votes and pick the one with the most responses. Your opinion is valuable - thank you for casting your vote! 

1. Understanding the Restoration Industry: Property Fire Damage Restoration
2. Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
3. Restoring Contaminated Buildings
4. Restorative Drying for Water Damage
5. Cleaning & Restoring Smoke-Damaged Contents
6. Deodorization of Malodors
7. Mitigation Awareness and Response Seminar (MARS)
8. Ethics
9. Biohazard Cleanup