Avoiding Spring Fire Damage to Your Home in Illinois

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

As spring arrives, bringing warmer temperatures and outdoor activities, it's crucial to stay aware of potential fire hazards that could endanger your home. Here are three important fire hazards to keep in mind during the spring season:

1. Grill Safety: With the onset of warmer weather, many people look forward to grilling outdoors. However, it's essential to exercise caution to prevent accidents. Position your grill away from flammable materials like overhanging branches or wooden decks. Always have a fire extinguisher nearby and never leave the grill unattended while in use.

2. Proper Yard Debris Disposal: Spring cleaning often involves clearing away yard debris such as leaves, branches, and dead vegetation. While cleaning up your outdoor space is important, it's equally important to dispose of these materials safely. Avoid burning yard waste on windy days and follow local regulations for outdoor burning. Consider composting or using designated disposal methods to reduce the risk of accidental fires.

3. Safe Use of Electrical Equipment: As spring brings increased outdoor activities, there's a higher demand for electrical equipment like lawnmowers, trimmers, and power tools. Before using these devices, inspect their cords and outlets for signs of damage or wear. Avoid overloading circuits and keep electrical equipment away from water sources at all times.

By staying vigilant and addressing these common fire hazards, you can protect your home and family throughout the spring season. Remember to install and maintain working smoke detectors in your home and develop a fire escape plan for emergencies. In the event of fire damage, you can rely on SERVPRO for professional restoration and cleanup services. Stay safe and enjoy the spring season!

Avoiding Springtime Water Woes in Illinois

3/25/2024 (Permalink)

As the temperature rises and spring showers arrive, it's crucial to shield your home from potential water damage. Here are some steps you can take to avoid water-related issues during the spring season:

1. Roof Inspection: Harsh winter weather can cause damage to your roof, resulting in loose or damaged shingles. Conduct a thorough inspection to identify any signs of wear and tear, such as missing shingles or cracks. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent water from seeping into your home during spring rains.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Gutters and downspouts are essential for directing water away from your home's foundation. Ensure they are free of debris like leaves and twigs, which can cause clogs and lead to water overflow. Regular maintenance can help prevent water damage to your roof, siding, and interior walls.

3. Foundation Maintenance: Fluctuating temperatures and increased moisture levels in spring can worsen existing foundation cracks or create new ones. Inspect your home's foundation for signs of cracking or shifting, and seal any cracks promptly to prevent water intrusion into your basement or crawl space.

4. Plumbing Inspection: Spring thawing can stress your home's plumbing system, increasing the risk of leaks or burst pipes. Watch for signs of water leaks, such as damp spots, water stains, or unexplained increases in water bills. Address plumbing issues promptly to prevent costly water damage repairs.

5. Sump Pump Maintenance: If your home has a sump pump, ensure it is in good working condition before the spring thaw. Test it regularly to ensure proper activation and consider installing a battery backup system to keep it running during power outages.

By taking proactive measures to protect your home from water damage this spring, you can enjoy the season worry-free. In case of water damage, rely on SERVPRO for prompt and professional restoration services. Don't let water issues ruin your spring – safeguard your home today!

Conquer Water Damage with SERVPRO Team McGuire in Illinois

3/15/2024 (Permalink)

Water damage can wreak havoc on homes and businesses, causing extensive damage to property and belongings. However, with the help of SERVPRO Team McGuire, water damage is no match. Our state-of-the-art equipment and expertise allow us to restore your property to its pre-damage condition quickly and efficiently. In this blog, we'll explore how our team tackles water damage and gets you back to "Like it never even happened."

State-of-the-Art Equipment:
At SERVPRO Team McGuire, we understand the importance of using the latest technology and equipment to effectively mitigate water damage. Our team utilizes state-of-the-art extraction tools, drying equipment, and moisture detection devices to identify and remove water from your property efficiently. By using advanced equipment, we can minimize damage and prevent secondary issues such as mold growth.

Expertise and Experience:
In addition to advanced equipment, our team brings years of experience and expertise to every water damage restoration project. Our technicians undergo rigorous training and certification programs to stay up-to-date on the latest industry standards and best practices. With their extensive knowledge and skills, our technicians can accurately assess the extent of the damage and develop customized restoration plans to restore your property quickly and effectively.

Comprehensive Restoration Services:
SERVPRO Team McGuire offers comprehensive water damage restoration services to address all aspects of the damage. From water extraction and drying to mold remediation and structural repairs, our team handles every step of the restoration process with precision and care. Our goal is to make the restoration process as seamless and stress-free as possible for our customers, so they can focus on getting back to their normal lives.

"Like it Never Even Happened":
At SERVPRO Team McGuire, our motto is to make water damage "Like it never even happened." We take pride in our ability to restore properties to their pre-damage condition and ensure that our customers are satisfied with the results. Whether you've experienced a minor water leak or a major flooding event, you can trust SERVPRO Team McGuire to handle your water damage restoration needs with professionalism and expertise.

When it comes to water damage restoration, SERVPRO Team McGuire is the team you can trust. With state-of-the-art equipment, expertise, and comprehensive services, we have the tools and resources to tackle any water damage emergency. If you're facing water damage in your home or business, don't hesitate to contact SERVPRO Team McGuire for prompt and professional restoration services. We're here to help you every step of the way.

Is Your Business Prepared for an Emergency?

3/3/2024 (Permalink)

Be prepared for a flood or fire damage in Piatt or Dewitt counties with an Emergency Ready Profile.

SERVPRO® of Piatt/Dewitt is here to help you get a plan in place for free!

Advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

Schedule and ERP

SERVPRO of Piatt/Dewitt can put together an Emergency Ready Profile for your business for free. There are no contracts or obligations, we just want to help your business. Preparation is key for making it through any size disaster. Schedule an appointment today with SERVPRO of Piatt/Dewitt by calling (217) 935-2992.

Steps to take in the aftermath of a commercial fire

1/23/2024 (Permalink)

If your business has ever experienced a fire then, you understand how devastating the aftermath can be.  Issues created by flames and soot, additionally your business can suffer more loss due to water damage that occurred when firefighters put out the flames.  Mix in lingering smoke odor and you are looking at a lot of issues to deal with after the final flame is extinguished.  No need to panic. When a fire impacts your business, the best thing to do is to follow the steps listed below that will help you get things back to normal as quickly as possible.

• Be sure to document any damage- Once the firefighters give the okay to reenter the building, go inside and assess the damage. Don’t remove anything. Instead, take note of the damage and document it with pictures, videos, and lists of what you lost in the blaze. Don’t move anything or try to salvage items before your insurance adjuster is able to assess the damage and document it for business purposes. Simply taking note of the damage and preparing it for your insurance company is what is needed at this point.
• Contact your insurance agent– Call your insurance provider immediately. If it is after business hours, call the corporate number or get the claim started via the corresponding app if possible.  Informing your insurance company as quickly as possible will help with the claims process.  Even while firefighters are still battling the blaze, placing a call to your insurance company is a good idea.  The SERVPRO associate on-site can assist you with this.

• Contact your local SERVPRO- We want you to be able to get back to business just as badly as you do. At SERVPRO our employees are certified experts who know exactly what needs to be done to get your business back on track following a fire.  Other damage restoration work we can do for you and your business includes Commercial Water Damage, Board Ups, Content Restoration, and Biohazard Restoration.

To get in touch with SERVPRO, simply call one of our friendly staff at 217-355-0077 24/7 and we will send someone over to help you with what you need.  We are in the business of helping people!

Understanding Water Sources

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt Counties, we are faced with water from a variety of sources. Knowing where the water came from and the precautions to take, helps us ensure the safety of our customers and our team members.

Category 1: "Clean Water"

Category one is when a leak comes from a clean source such as a toilet with no urine or feces. In this category, it's important to remember that it will progress into category two or three in this category. Our team will work as hard as possible to ensure that the category doesn't escalate.

Category 2: "Gray Water" 

Contamination becomes a concern for our staff and the client during this step. We suggest that the client not enter or ingest any of this water because it can cause health effects. 

Category 3: "Black Water" 

We will tell our clients not to ingest this type as harmful pathogens that can create health effects with this category.  This is because water from this source comes from an unsanitary source which means our crew will be wearing full hazmat suits to ensure their health and safety aren't compromised. This water is created from a source such as water from beyond the toilet trap, a toilet bowl with feces, or standing water that has microbial growth starting to grow. 

If you find yourself dealing with water in your home, call the professionals at SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt Counties. We have the training and expertise to safely extract water and get you back to “Like it never even happened.”

Warm Weather Fire Risk

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Rainy, cold and dreary weather is finally gone, and the warmer months are here for a while! Thinking about warmer weather can be exciting, but it’s also a time to think about fire safety for your home or business.

Did you know that spring and summer sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year? It’s true, but there are steps you can take to lower your risk.

Here are some common fire threats and ways to protect yourself:

The Grill.

Almost 9,000 fires a year are related to grilling accidents. They create the perfect combination of flames, heat, grease, and gas, which can make things escalate quickly. Make sure you are taking care of the essentials to help prevent a fire. Verify that the grill is in good working condition, have it placed at least three feet away from everything and clean it before each use. Cleaning the grill before each use is critical because [almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning]. (https://hgi-fire.com/blog/spring-has-sprung-fires-safety-tips-for-the-warmer-months/).

Fire Pits.

Campfire accidents spike as soon as summer rolls around. Usually burns account for three out of four camping injuries in children younger than 16. So, never leave your children unattended near a fire pit. It’s also a good idea to keep a bucket of water or drag a water hose close to the pit. You should never add leaves or pine needles to the fire, and finally, put the fire out slowly to avoid scattering embers.

Chimneys and Dryer Vents.

 Warmer months are the perfect time to do your annual chimney inspection. Having your chimney inspected and cleaned helps avoid a potentially dangerous buildup of ashes. Another yearly maintenance service to consider is having your dryer vent pipe cleaned out. Lint, even if you clean the filter in the dryer every time, can build up quickly in the pipes.

At SERVPRO, we have technicians on hand 24/7. These technicians are ready and waiting, no matter the cause of fire, to help you make it “Like it never even happened.”  Contact SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt Counties today to talk with a specialist.

Why SERVPRO of Piatt Dewitt Counties

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

Why Choose SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt Counties?

Unfortunately, a home or business can be damaged by any number of unforeseen natural and accidental occurrences. Events such as fire, various weather phenomena, and structural issues like leaking windows and pipes or failing appliances could result in incalculable harm. 

Fortunately, however, restoration services exist to help those impacted by such happenings recover, clean up, and restore their home and property to its preloss conditions.

SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt Counties is a privately owned and operated establishment that has garnered significantly favorable ratings from our customer base for the following reasons:

Variety of Services Offered

The restoration professionals employed at SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt Counties offer prospective customers more services than do many restoration entities. In addition to the prototypical water removal, we offer cleanups for fires, crime scenes, commercial entities and organizations, biohazards, and mold development.

Additionally, we perform thorough COVID-19 disinfecting. This is a unique type of remedial effort designed to meet the standards set by health watchdog agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and involves the use of specialized cleaning agents geared towards eliminating dangerous viral pathogens.

More Than Cleanup

We believe that cleanup is only the first stage of the restoration process. Therefore, the team of SERVPRO of Piatt/DeWitt Counties participates in build-back projects. Should a customer wish, we will help them completely rebuild their property or establishment after safely completing the original restoration efforts.


A Large Staff

We employ a large staff of highly-trained and experienced technicians. In accommodation, we also possess a large fleet of equipped trucks. This ensures our employees always have access to the materials needed to perform any type of cleanup and respond as quickly as possible.

Ample Storage

We own a large storage warehouse. This facility allows our customers to house their possessions until their home or business is considered safe and healthy enough to return to.


Effective Communication

Not only do our team members possess extensive skill and experience but are polite, professional, and effective communicators. We are committed to keeping our customers informed and will clearly and succinctly explain every step of the restoration process.

Favored by Major Insurance Companies

We enjoy positive professional relationships with several well-known insurance companies. Many home and business policy providers recommend us to their customers. In many instances, we deal with their adjusters directly.

Numerous Satisfied Customers

Those who conduct online searches about our company will find countless positive reviews about our level of competence and commitment to customer service.

When Lightning Hits a Building

6/12/2022 (Permalink)

Lightning is the occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud. This violent and sudden electrostatic discharge generates a bright flash and sometimes thunder. There are about 25 million lightning strikes a year in the United States. A cloud to ground lightning bold will find the path of least resistance.

Most houses have a path that the lightning can follow, causing damage in its wake. Gas lines, water pipes, electrical lines, phone, and cables lines, to gutters and downspouts and metal window frames. 

 It is important to understand some of the damages that can occur when lightning strikes. Shock wave damage, the lightning can crack and bust masonry bricks, concrete stone, and cinder blocks. It can damage your homes chimney, shatter glass and plaster walls and crack foundations. Power surges can damage the electrical system of a house. When lightning strikes a nearby power line it can travel from the power line to the meter and then into the homes electrical panel. This can be a potential fire hazard as lightning travels through a house it can ignite a fire. The attic or the roof is the most common area that lightning fires start.

 There are some preventative measures you can take. Having a professional install a lightning protection system can prevent a direct lightning strike. Trimming trees, tall objects attract lightning. Unplug computers and other appliances. During a storm avoid direct contact with potential lightning routes. The best way to protect yourself and your family from the dangers of lighting and thunderstorms is to be prepared. Purchase a portable NOAA Weather Radio. Seek shelter in the event of a thunderstorm.

 If your home has been damaged by storms it is crucial to act quickly as this will lessen damage, limit further damage, and reduce restoration costs. Our highly trained crews at SERVPRO of Vermilion County have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential, and commercial.

Importance of Cleaning Electronics after a Fire

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Why Should You Have Your Electronics Cleaned After a Fire?

If you have experienced a fire, you may not be sure whether electronics are safe to use. Even if a device was not destroyed, intense heat may have warped or otherwise affected delicate internal components. Restoring computers and devices filled with smoke and coated with soot is an important part of fire cleanup. Smoke damage poses several risks to electronics:

• Acidity: The acidity of smoke destroys metals and can cause them to disintegrate. Exposure to corrosive acids in the air may cause devices to fail or behave unpredictably in ways that may be dangerous. Electronics restoration experts can make sure that devices are safe to use and identify which items you should replace.

• Coated Components: Any device found near a fire is likely to require fire cleanup to remove all traces of smoke and soot. The black film which develops over internal components may insulate the heat-producing parts of an electronic device and cause circuits to short. In addition to causing a device to overheat, the chemicals in smoke and soot will adhere to any dust or debris already in a machine and intensify the damage.

• Lost data: Smoke or fire damage may wipe out hard drives, memory, and storage volumes. Even backup drives may be ruined. Electronics restoration professionals can help you retrieve as much data as possible. Keep in mind that the extent of the fire or smoke damage may limit how much can be salvaged.

You may be able to clean the exterior of your device by wiping it down, but you should depend on the professional expertise of a certified fire cleanup service Piatt/DeWitt County to restore electronics to working order. You should also take pictures or video to document the extent of the damage to your devices in case some of these items are beyond repair and you need to file claims for replacements.