What to Do When Water Damage Strikes Your Kenosha Home | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

If you discover water damage in your home or business, call SERVPRO of North Kenosha County right away.

Most water we use in our daily lives is kept well-controlled. You turn on the faucet in the bathroom to wash your face, then cut it back off. The water kicks on automatically when you turn on the washing machine or the dishwasher. And there’s always water in the water heater.

Contrast that water use with the water you see in nature. Water in the ocean or even in a lake can be wild and wavy. When rain fills up a body of water during a storm, the water can quickly become overwhelming.

That same thing can happen inside your house when water gets into places it doesn’t belong. This can happen when that bathroom faucet springs a leak, or when the washing machine malfunctions. It can also happen when a storm blows through and a tree busts through your roof.

While we do everything we can to prevent these things, it’s also important to know what to do when water damage occurs. Our SERVPRO® team fills you in on the details below.

Your Best First Move

When water damage strikes in your home, the faster you can respond, the better your outcome will be. Because water damage can quickly compound as water continues to flow in or sits for a while, it’s essential to act quickly.

Your first move should be to find the source of the water damage. Sometimes, like in that aforementioned roof leak, the source will be obvious. In other cases, though, like faucet links, you may have to search a bit to uncover the issue.

Once you find the source, stop it. That may include cutting off your water supply to stop leaks, or it may require tarping the roof to keep rain from coming inside. You’ll also need to cut off electrical outlets near the water to avoid creating additional hazards.

Once you and the family are safe and secure, give us a call! Our water damage restoration team is ready to jump into action ²⁴⁄₇.

A Look at Our Process

When you call, we’ll first ask you questions to better understand the type of damage you’re facing and the extent of the damage. We will ask you to snap a few pictures of your damages that can later be provided to your insurance provider to ensure your claim is swiftly resolved.

From there, we handle the damage itself. Our team of water damage restoration specialists will bring industry-leading drying equipment into your home to dry up every drop of water. That includes both the puddle of water in the floor and the microscopic droplets we can’t see that can encourage mold growth. We will also remove soft materials and your belongings and dry them out, too.

Once we have mitigated the water damage issue, we will focus on completing restoring your home. This can include everything from installing new flooring to replacing drywall and comprehensive construction services.

We won’t leave until you are entirely satisfied with the work and your home is back to preloss condition.

Do you have water damage in your home? Call us for fast and complete restoration.

How to Handle the Aftermath of a Storm | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Summer storms affecting your property? Call SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to restore your space in no time!

Weather is unpredictable, which means that storms can strike at any notice and leave a trail of damage and destruction behind. Despite preparing and getting ready as much as you can in advance, the sheer force of a severe storm can catch us off guard, leaving our homes in disarray.

In the aftermath of such an event, knowing what steps to take can make a big difference in how you move forward.

Prioritizing Safety First

Above all else, prioritize safety—for yourself and your family. If you’ve barely managed to reach your shelter with minutes to spare, take a moment to catch your breath and gather proper clothing, including sturdy shoes, before assessing the situation.

Once you’re in a secure position, take measured steps to ensure a swift recovery while continuing to safeguard your loved ones. This means avoiding further danger, thinking critically and helping others when possible.

Taking Immediate Measures After a Storm

Even as the storm fades, stay alert. Lingering rainfall, hail or lightning could still pose a threat. Keep your radio, phone and other communication devices within arm’s reach to stay updated.

Contact family and friends if communication channels are available once the immediate threat has subsided. Text messages are often an easier means of communication during emergencies, as storms can disrupt cell towers and phone lines can become flooded with calls.

If you can’t reach anyone on the phone, go to your neighbors’ homes, taking care on the way to avoid damaged buildings or paths. There’s always safety in numbers!

Moving Forward and Getting to Work

To get a jumpstart on your restoration work, document the damage to your home and property extensively through videos and photographs. You can reach out to our SERVPRO® team immediately to get work underway as well. We have plenty of experience dealing with insurance providers and can offer valuable insight throughout the process.

Though the aftermath of a storm can be disorienting, we know what it takes to restore order and we’re dedicated to seeing your home returned to its original condition! Our technicians can help you discuss all the ways to move forward, including how to future-proof your home against the potential for repeat storms. We can provide remodeling services to rebuild damaged structures and fortify existing ones so they can hold up over time.

Above all else, try to remain calm throughout the entire process. Storm damage can be heart-wrenching, but with a crew of well-trained professionals on your side, your property will be restored in no time. 

If a storm leaves your home damaged, contact us for fast recovery. We’re here ²⁴⁄₇ when you need us.

What to Do Next After the Rain Pours In | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage in your home? Not for long with SERVPRO of North Kenosha County on the case!

We need rain to make flowers, gardens, yards and trees grow and be healthy! Rain washes away debris and helps keep our community healthy, vibrant and beautiful. Most people think of rain as gentle, calming, and even relaxing!

However, extreme rainfall is the opposite of calming. Strong rain can result in strong winds, hail and even flash flooding. It can contribute to home damage, like roof leaks, or other catastrophes.

At SERVPRO of North Kenosha County, we want you to feel as safe and prepared as possible for all kinds of weather-related disasters, including storm situations. Here are some of our pro tips for what to do when the skies open up and heavy rainfall arrives.

Hazards of Intense Rain 

Flash flooding is what happens when rivers overflow or roads don’t have available drainage. It can make travel dangerous or even impossible, affecting everything from the ground to trees, plants, cars and homes.

While you can’t prevent a flash flood from happening, you can feel more confident that you know what to do should one arrive. Stay alert and keep in contact with your local authorities once a flash flood alert has been set for your area.

Safety First

Preparing your home and family is the top priority in a flooding situation. If you’re caught in a flood while you’re away from home, avoid any low-lying areas. If you feel you can, try to get home immediately, avoiding any roads prone to flooding on your route back.

With any extra time, prep your yard and lawn. Move cars into the garage. Take deck furniture and lawn equipment indoors for safety. Strong flooding can sweep away belongings.

In the interior of your home, move any valuable or sentimental belongings to higher ground. If rain gets inside your house, always stay above the water line. After the flood, call us for water damage restoration services, and avoid moving through any standing water until we can drain the area and evaluate the structural damage to start on repair work!

Prevention Strategies to Know

There’s no preventing the weather, but you can take steps to plan for it! In the aftermath of a storm, it’s important to take a few moments to review ways you can strengthen your property to defend against future weather catastrophes. For example, you might consider investing in professional lawn grading to help direct water away from your home’s foundation.

You might also look into adding a sump pump to your home. If your property is in a low-lying area, a sump pump can help remove water from around your foundation, which can prevent leaks that ruin walls, floors, and ceilings.

When it comes to water damage restoration services, we’ve got your back! Our team at SERVPRO of North Kenosha County can help with all your water damage restoration needs, from drying your home to preventing mold growth.

Remember that we are always here if you need assistance recovering from water damage. Our SERVPRO® water damage restoration specialists will help dry out the excess moisture, repair whatever was damaged and sanitize your space to prevent mold growth. 

You’re not alone in facing water disasters. Contact us at any time for water damage restoration services.

The Ins and Outs of Backyard Fires | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

9/19/2023 (Permalink)

Bonfire season is upon us! SERVPRO of North Kenosha County has your back with these helpful fire safety tips.

The summer season is coming to a close and it is time to start embracing the chill in the air already. It’s the fall season in Kenosha County! While you are busy pulling out fall decorations, indulging in all the pumpkin spice and enjoying lazy Sundays watching football, we bet you also like to spend more time outdoors enjoying the changing seasons.

Bonfires can be a really great way to unwind and relax outside, but they can be dangerous at this time of year if not taken seriously.

Our SERVPRO of North Kenosha County wants you to enjoy your fire, s’mores and family time without the risk of starting a wildfire, so read on to learn more about fall fire safety.

Starting Your Fire

Do find a safe location for your fire pit. Permanent pits may not be able to be moved, but you can ensure any brush or log piles are moved away and the trees are trimmed above the ring.

Do keep a water source close by just in case. A hose or a bucket of water can quickly extinguish any flames and should be ready to use at any time. If you don’t have water close by to use, keep a shovel on hand so you can shovel sand or dirt on any growing flames.

Do keep an eye on the weather conditions or any local burn bans. Windy days or dry conditions can make it really easy for even the smallest of fires to grow too fast or out of control. Choose another day if the conditions aren’t safe.

Tips for Maintaining the Fire

Don’t use gas or lighter fluid to revive a dying fire. Yes, these substances are really flammable but they are also unpredictable, so using them in an uncontrolled setting is really dangerous.

Don’t let your children play near the flames, especially if you aren’t close by. Accidents happen in seconds and can lead to injury or a situation that causes the fire to spiral out of control.

Don’t let your fire grow too large. The taller and wider the flames, the harder they are to control. Keep it small and only feed it with necessary tinder to keep it going.

Don’t head inside until you are sure the fire is completely out. Pour water over the flames and embers until everything is cold to the touch and extinguished.

Preventing Wildfires in Your Community

While we all know that Mother Nature can be brutal and can start wildfires in any manner of ways, the unfortunate truth is that most wildfires are caused by humans. Reduce your risk of starting a wildfire by being responsible with flames and ensuring they are extinguished at night.

We are here for you if your home or property is ever damaged by a fire. Just call us and we will jump into action to help you recover faster.

Fire can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Contact us day or night for immediate assistance.

Make Fire Safety Fun for Your Kenosha Kiddos | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

6/14/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is here for you and your family if you experience a fire in your home or business.

Raising children comes with a number of challenges, and ensuring your child’s safety stands out as one of the biggest priorities. Even as children grow older and become adults, fire safety is a vital topic that should never be overlooked.

Teaching fire safety to young children may seem overwhelming initially, but it is an important step toward keeping everyone in your home safe and informed. There are numerous approaches to the topic that will not overwhelm you or your kiddos!

Fire safety can be a fun and informative lesson that the whole family can get in on. Here are some ideas as you work to keep you Kenosha household fire-informed:

Explain the Dangers of Fire

While it can be difficult for them to understand outcomes without seeing the real repercussions, children learn topics best through exposure. Talk about the typical places where fires might start in your home, and show your kids the rooms and items (like the stove or a fireplace) that are the most dangerous.

Talk about the dangers of matches and lighters so they understand how to handle these hazardous items. Tell children to bring any matches or lighters they find right to you, emphasizing the havoc even a single tiny match or lighter might start.

Familiarize Them With Authority

Seeing a firefighter in full uniform can be scary for children (and even adults), so it helps to regularly expose kids to books and videos about firefighters to help alleviate any fears they may have. Look for meet-and-greet events near you that will allow your child to interact with these essential heroes in an open setting.

These exposure exercises will teach your children to trust these people, especially when they need them the most, such as during a house fire. You can prepare kids for an event like this without putting them under too much strain by incorporating a game into the mix, such as seeing who can stop, drop and roll the fastest!

Make a Game Plan Together

To ensure everyone in your household is prepared for a fire emergency, you’ll need to put together a fire escape strategy. Involve your kids in the making of your escape plan to make them more likely to retain the essential information you brainstorm as a family.

You should also explain how your windows work so that your children know how to open them in an emergency. This is valuable knowledge to remember in the case of a fire, but it could potentially endanger a young child. Remind kids that opening windows should only be done as a last option during a fire emergency.

To wrap up your fire safety lesson, let your kids choose a safe location you can all reach after escaping during a fire emergency. After running over the plan, go through the process of contacting authorities so they know who to call when flames emerge.

Fires can cause widespread damage. Call us for a thorough and efficient restoration.

Don’t Let Extreme Winds Ruin Your Day | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

6/9/2023 (Permalink)

If you've suffered from storm-related damage to your home or business, make SERVPRO of North Kenosha County your first call.

A cool breeze can be a lifesaver on a sweltering hot day. A nice gust of wind is a welcomed surprise when it’s muggy out, but at times it can take you by surprise for the worse.

Wind can either be a huge relief or a major hazard, and you can never tell when it might blow in and wreak havoc. You might expect dangerous winds to only strike on a cloudy day, but they can blow in on a clear day, too!

Be aware of the destruction severe winds can cause and learn how you can safeguard your home when they blow your way.

The Different Kinds of Wind

The NOAA claims that nearly half of reported severe wind events strike during thunderstorms. This is a danger that is worth preparing for, especially in the upcoming months.

Alongside a plethora of risky weather hazards, thunderstorms can produce winds of up to 60 miles an hour. Wind that blows this fast can pick up and toss around heavy debris.

Straight-line winds are one of the types of winds you might see during a thunderstorm. These winds can move insanely fast, at around 100 miles per hour, and they can wreak havoc on just about any region.

When you think of severe winds, tornadoes are probably the first thing that comes to mind. Tornadoes can also produce a variety of destructive winds such as straight-line winds, downdrafts and micro- and macro-bursts.

Tornadoes are uncommon in Kenosha, but our area is still vulnerable to threats such as thunderstorms and high winds. While tornadoes aren’t as widespread in our area, strong winds are something you can plan for to avoid damage.

Wind Damage and Prevention

Toppled trees, flying debris and downed power lines are just a few of the ramifications of dangerous winds. When these rampant winds reach up to 80 miles per hour, they can even pick up an anchored mobile home!

To keep yourself safe when severe winds blow, you’ll need to be able to receive and interpret local weather alerts Beyond staying weather-aware, it’s smart to fasten any outdoor furniture so you can keep it from being picked up by strong winds.

Cut down any trees or overhanging limbs that might be a danger to you and your home when winds get heavy. Keep extreme gusts from throwing outdoor debris at your Kenosha home by cleaning up any limbs outside too.

Once the wind has come and gone, search your entire property to make sure no damage has occurred. The roof is a good place to start since broken or missing shingles can quickly lead to water damage. If you do experience destruction after a severe wind event, our expert SERVPRO team can rapidly get your home back to its former glory!

Has your home been damaged by wind? Call us and get things cleaned up fast.

Locate the Source of Hidden Residential Water Damage

5/9/2023 (Permalink)

Think you may have water damage in your home? Here are some tips from SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to find the source.

Many water troubles in the home are unavoidable, but it is far more typical for problems to lurk for a while and then turn into a major problem. Concealed water damage can be found deep within your home, allowing it plenty of time to cause problems such as mold, excess moisture and of course, costly damage.

The best approach to safeguarding your Kenosha home from catastrophic damage is to detect hidden water damage before it develops. If you know where to look, it’s simple to keep your entire property safe from issues like mold, excess moisture and a future water emergency.

Be cautious of these areas in your home as you try to avoid hidden water damage:

Your roof. You might not like climbing up on your roof to check for damage, but this chore is essential to catching hidden water damage!

Small leaks on your roof can go undetected until they grow into a massive water damage disaster that seeps into your Kenosha home.

Even bigger problems might arise when roof water damage flows down from your roof straight into your Kenosha attic. Roof leakage doesn’t just lead to water damage; it can also lead to the spread of mold growth in your dark, humid attic!

In your bathroom. It should come as no surprise that water damage frequently occurs in bathrooms. Water fixtures like your toilet can form leaks that can be hard to catch without a thorough inspection.

Search around your sink for wet spots and your faucet for excess water droplets. You might notice similar issues near your toilet and bathtub, like water puddles and increased bathroom moisture.

Problems that start in the bathroom won’t always be apparent, so you’ll need to examine your appliances often. It’s also helpful to keep your plumbing in good shape and schedule repairs as soon as they are needed.

Other appliances. Appliances can be a big help in the home, but when they break down, they can cause concealed water damage. These big machines can cover water leaks and mold, making it hard to spot damage once it forms.

Pulling your appliances away from the wall regularly will allow you to inspect them for any hidden damage.

Remember to check for damage before and after using your appliances so you don’t miss any warning signs. You can avoid issues altogether by retiring your aging appliances before they get the chance to malfunction.

Dealing with a water emergency? Our SERVPRO specialists can be on the scene of the disaster ASAP to restore your water-damaged home!

SERVPRO Is Equipped to Handle All of Your Restoration Needs

5/4/2023 (Permalink)

Is your home or business in need of restoration? SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is ready to help you recover around the clock.

Making changes to your home can be a great way to express your personality while also improving safety and comfort. Some changes, such as a bedroom makeover, can be completed on your own, but others, such as repairing storm damage, will necessitate the assistance of a reputable professional.

When you hire a local company to repair your compromised Kenosha home, the last thing you want is an inexperienced crew that only causes more damage.

When you team up with SERVPRO, you’re getting help from the best in the business. We receive extensive initial and ongoing training ensuring we show up to every emergency prepared, as well as certifications to get the job done safely.

We Adhere to Industry Trainings

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County adheres to the IICRC standards, and our specialists abide to the restoration and cleanup training and regulations. Here are just a few of the courses we offer to our team:

• water damage restoration

• fire damage restoration

• mold remediation

• carpet and upholstery and cleaning

We also offer Employee Certification Training to ensure that our employees have the resources they need to do their best work. These courses are self-contained, allowing our team to devote the time necessary to fully comprehend our practices and methods.

We Never Stop Learning

Once our employees have finished their initial training, we provide plenty of ongoing learning courses and e-learning classes to guarantee that their knowledge is always current.

Our crew is committed to ensuring that we have the resources needed to support every family and every home in Kenosha in overcoming a residential disaster—and our training is the foundation of this.

Keeping up with the most recent data and technologies enables us to ensure our training and practices are always up to date. This enables us to arrive at every household emergency with the necessary experience, training and tools.

Why This Matters for You

Trusting in a team that is qualified to get the job done is just what you need when you’re faced with damage. We work hard from beginning to end, all while keeping you informed, so that we can provide you with the restoration you and your home deserve.

Selecting an untrained and careless restoration crew can have disastrous consequences and leave you with more distress than you anticipated. Working with SERVPRO guarantees professional services every single time.

When you need help recovering from a disaster, SERVPRO is here for you. Get in touch 24/7 to start your disaster recovery.

Home Restoration Is Achievable with SERVPRO

8/14/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is your local restoration expert. We are the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration.

As a SERVPRO franchise, we have the advantage of learning from the best in our industry. While it is great to have the national brand behind us, we are also your neighbor down the street.

When tragedy strikes, you may not know where to begin, but SERVPRO can help. Our team gets to work right away, assessing the damage and determining what we need to do.

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County can help your home or business recover from damage in any of the following areas:

Water Damage

Regardless of its size, flooding can cause serious damage at any time. To that point, floods cause more than $10 billion in damages nationwide every year.

Kenosha County is an area prone to flooding, and its homes and businesses often see water damage. In Kenosha County over the course of a decade, five emergency declarations were issued for the Fox River Floodplain.

If a water damage incident occurs in your building, and it’s not attended to as soon as possible, further damage is likely to take place. When that happens, materials like drywall and flooring may weaken and cause possible structural hazards.

We start by performing an inspection of your property before offering appropriate water restoration and mitigation services. Our experts will also assist you in developing a water damage restoration plan to ensure that you can get your home back to its original condition.

Fire Damage

Fires happens far more frequently in the United States than you might think. Every 23 seconds, a department is responding to a fire. In 2020, there was about $8.1 billion in direct property damage and losses nationwide from fire.

After your entire household has made it out of your home safely and the fire has been put out, you should go ahead and call SERVPRO to assess your property and come up with a strategy. No matter what time of day you call, our team will be ready with 24-Hour Emergency Service to get your home back to normal.

Storm Damage

Floods, wildfires, hurricanes, blizzards and tornadoes are just some of the things that are brought about by storms. But no matter the storm, we will act fast. We aim to have you back in your newly restored home as soon as possible.

If your home is damaged by a storm, don’t try to fix it yourself. Call SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to help you get your home back to normal. We have years of experience repairing damage from all kinds of storms, and we’ll work quickly and efficiently to get your home back to the way it was before the storm hit.

What Sets SERVPRO Apart?

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is the premier restoration company in the area, and it all starts with the experience. When you need us, we’re here to help.

Call our Emergency Line at any time of day or night, and we’ll act fast.

Regardless of the type of damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when you need a dependable team to help you rebuild your life.

Water Damage in Your North Kenosha Home

8/13/2022 (Permalink)

No matter the damage sustained, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County has the tools and team to help your home return to a normal state quickly.

A defective fixture, like a leaky faucet, might appear irrelevant right now. However, you don’t want to ignore any issues in your home that have to do with water. The average household leak can waste up to 10,000 gallons of water in a year.

Water damage advances quickly, saturating floors and delicate surfaces. It’s vital to resolve the issue immediately to get the best outcome.

Here is a timetable of how water damage progresses:

In the First 24 Hours

Your North Kenosha County home has a one in four chance of a flood in a 30-year time span in a high-risk region. Because of this, you need to know what to do next.

The first 24 to 48 hours after flooding or water damage are essential because the damage sets in so quickly. Delicate items and upholstery will soak through, and wooden structures can swell from moisture. Possessions like books and photos are particularly vulnerable to water and may be ruined immediately.

We operate with a “restore vs. replace” mindset to save any precious keepsakes. On the off chance any materials can’t be salvaged, we will let you know.

Within a First Week

After the initial 24 hours, water damage will advance rapidly. Permeable surfaces like wood or upholstery will become increasingly compromised, and metal surfaces will start corroding.

Following One Week

You want to avoid letting moisture sit for an extended period at all costs because some effects may be catastrophic or irreversible. As time goes on, the costs and efforts to restore the structure will increase significantly, and the risks associated with structural damage are greater.

How SERVPRO Will Help

SERVPRO’s restoration process begins with the first call, preferably within the first 24 hours. Service work normally starts with a thorough extraction of water.

This helps prevent the spread of water in the structure and reduces drying time. After the bulk of the water has been removed, our specialists will use industry-leading drying equipment to remove the water you can’t see.

After these initial steps, your home may need construction work to get your property back to its preloss condition. This step could include minor repairs or rebuilding entire areas of your home.

We can help you through this arduous process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. SERVPRO will keep you up to date on every step and have you back in your home or business in no time.

Regardless of the type of water damage sustained, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover. Contact us ²⁴⁄₇ when you need a dependable team to help you recover.

How Different Types of Flooding Could Affect You

4/9/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County has the team to help you recover from any disastrous event.

In the United States, flooding is the most common natural disaster, killing more people every year than hurricanes, tornadoes, or lightning. Depending on how much excess water accumulates in an area, it can affect everything from individual homes to entire communities.

Each state and every U.S. territory are affected by flooding, but their types and causes are similar. There are three common types of flooding, and a variety of reasons can cause them.

3 Types of Natural Flooding

Flash floods are common, and they happen when heavy rain passes or sits over an area and overwhelms the ability of the ground to contain the moisture. Excess water runs off and takes garbage cans, cars and more with it.

River floods are exactly what they sound like. When there’s too much water for a river’s banks to hold, the water spills over the sides and causes destruction. In the span of just 10 years, FEMA issued five emergency declaration for the Fox River Floodplain in Kenosha County. The Fox River Flood Mitigation Program removed 56 structures with the help of grants from several organizations to temper flooding from Fox River. FEMA estimates the program helped avoid hundreds of thousands of dollars in flood damage.

Coastal floods happen in areas next to large bodies of water, when storm surges or cyclonic activity causes ocean or gulf levels to rise to flood levels.

The Most Common Causes of Natural Flooding

Heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms with excessive rainfall or storms that sit and rest over an area for an extended period of time can cause flash floods or river flooding. Rain floods in urban areas are more likely, as there is a lack of soil to soak up all that water due to the higher percentage of concrete and asphalt.

Oceanic activity. Storm surges, hurricanes and rising tides can cause waves to rise, which can wreak havoc on coastal towns.

Dams and levees failing. The most notable example of this in recent history would be the disastrous levee breaks during 2005’s Hurricane Katrina. Whenever cracks develop or excess pressure exceeds the dam’s ability to contain a flood, levees and dams fail.

Snowmelts and ice dams. In areas of the United States where snowfall and prolonged freezing temperatures are common, snow and ice can build up over a winter’s time, causing rivers of water to flow through communities. Ice dams or ice jams happen when rivers become blocked by built-up ice being carried downstream, causing the banks to overflow.

Regardless of the cause of the flooding, SERVPRO has the tools and teams to help your home or business recover from its disastrous effects. Contact us anytime when flooding or water damage makes a mess in your life.

The Business Partner You Didn’t Realize You Needed

3/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County are your local commercial restoration experts. Contact us today should you experience any damage.

When it comes to keeping a business viable, you can use all the assistance you can get. As a property manager or owner, you are well aware of how challenging it is to just keep things running. For enterprises like yours, significant disruptions or losses might mean permanently shutting your doors.

However, your organization already has a built-in silent partner for all of its cleaning and recovery needs, and it’s right here in Kenosha County. SERVPRO can handle various business needs to the extent that it’s as if you have a committed ally in charge of an entire part of your corporation’s operation.

Consider what we mean:

Large loss recovery. Fires, storms and flooding are among the most common causes of financial loss for businesses around the nation, and they may cause much more harm if action is not taken quickly. When you call SERVPRO, you are contacting a top-tier expert team that is accessible 24 hours a day to provide proven emergency services and assist you in rapidly regaining your footing.

Emergency Ready Plan. If your business is prepared, rehabilitation starts prior to the occurrence of a disaster. We can help you in developing the most effective approach for implementation of an Emergency Ready Plan when the time comes. During a crisis, you may need an emergency chain of command, alternate meeting or work locations, temporary suppliers, or other services—and we’ll get you set up with a single button push that launches all of those plans into action.

Cleaning of All Kinds. We have a solution for every situation, from trauma site cleanup and safe biohazard removal to routine cleaning and restoration in high-traffic areas. We’ve been doing this for a long period of time and have seen and cleaned everything that can be cleaned.

Restoration Services. Flash flooding may occur as a result of storms. Interns may inadvertently spark a fire. A ruptured water line could cause flooding. All of these situations require cleanup and restoration, which SERVPRO is an expert at. You can rely on us to restore the sparkle to your company after a property damage incident, from water removal through restoration.

Industry Specialization. We are capable of assisting any company, having spent decades learning the ins and outs of each industry. We can handle any cleaning or restoration needs your business may have, regardless of how specific or uncommon they are.

Whatever your recovery need may be, and whatever your commercial property may require, trust SERVPRO to get the job done. Contact us today to get started on an Emergency Ready Plan or find out how we can serve your business.

SERVPRO’s Emergency Preparedness Plan for Businesses

3/12/2022 (Permalink)

If the day comes where your business is hit with disaster or emergency, you can rest assured SERVPRO of North Kenosha County will be there to help.

Managing a company requires a full-time commitment. Actually, running a business is often an overtime job. You manage personnel, handle payroll and stay current with an ever-changing environment, all while competing in the marketplace, attempting to innovate and present a professional image on social media. It’s a lot, and walking this tightrope is quite difficult.

That is why it often only takes one setback to permanently derail a business for good. According to FEMA, 40% of small businesses do not reopen after a natural disaster hits, and a quarter of those that do end up shutting down again within a year.

And with the fresh memory of pandemic shutdowns and anxieties uncertainties about the future, it is more critical than ever for organizations to have a strong emergency plan in place. Around 75% of small businesses do not have a strategy in place, and this must change.

SERVPRO is delighted to assist companies in our area in becoming and being prepared for emergencies by developing an Emergency Ready Plan. We’ll assist you by doing an assessment of your location’s and industry’s unique demands and concerns.

We’ll cover everything from extreme weather events to data recovery, so that if your organization ever faces a crisis, you essentially just press “go” and the plan immediately begins working to minimize downtime and effect. You and your teams will understand the line of command, what to do and when to do it, as well as alternate suppliers and working locations.

Don’t allow inadequate preparedness to make your business journey even more difficult than it currently is. Allow the SERVPRO specialists in our area to get you back on track with an Emergency Ready Plan. It may be the difference between your firm making a comeback from a disruption and closing down for good.

When your business is ready to prioritize planning and safety to prevent extended downtime, contact SERVPRO to get the Emergency Ready Plan underway from the folks who know all there is to know about disaster and recovery.

Weather Hazard Diversity in the United States

3/12/2022 (Permalink)

Extreme temperature changes can lead to the possibility of severe weather. SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is near if you experience any damage

Due to the size of the United States, the weather trends are extremely diverse from region to region. Because of varying seasonal weather patterns from region to region, there are many distinct kinds of weather threats.

We’re going to explore what each of the nation’s major areas, including here in Wisconsin, may expect as spring approaches and warm and cold air masses collide throughout the country.

In the spring, flooding and water damage are common in the Pacific Northwest due to heavy rains. In higher elevation areas, it may also be difficult to deal with melting and runoff from spring snowfall.

In the Upper Midwest, including here in Wisconsin, and Northeast, winters are the longest and coldest in the country (as you are surely well aware of). It can be very cold all the way into late spring and early summer for the entire region, from Maine to the Dakotas. There will be a lot of snow during the winters and as the snow melts and warm air moves through, this area can anticipate flooding, severe storms and tornadoes all through the spring. Although tornadoes are not as common in Wisconsin as in other midwestern states, they do occur occasionally, particularly during the spring and summer months.

People and property in the Southwest and southern West Coast may be at risk during this season due to extreme heat waves that often approach triple digits. Tsunamis might potentially be caused by tectonic activity in the South Pacific, including Hawaii.

Wildfires are also a concern throughout the central United States, from Iowa to Texas, where they may spread quickly when conditions are dry and windy. Tornado Alley is also located in this region, which is particularly subject to severe spring storms.

Thunderstorms and tornadoes are prevalent in the Southeast, especially inland. Additionally, the region may encounter early-season storms and hurricanes along the coast.

It’s important to be prepared for severe weather regardless of where you live, even if your risk is different than that of a friend or family in another state. Each area of the United States has its own set of extreme weather threats that pose dangers to everyone.

If extreme weather leaves you with damage from water, fire or other elements, help is a click away. Contact SERVPRO for fast, expert recovery.

The Broad Range of SERVPRO Services

2/5/2022 (Permalink)

When you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to get the job done.

The big green truck is rolling through town—perhaps you have an understanding of what’s going on. Maybe someone had a flood at home, and the truck is on its way to clean the mess.

SERVPRO is well-known as a restoration company. While that’s true, it is a portion of what we really do. We provide full-service cleaning, restoration and reconstruction. We’re your insurance company’s favorite restoration service, at that!

The following is a broader look at SERVPRO’s services:

Water damage recovery. We are there to dry up leak or flood water damage, no matter how bad it is. We’ve got what it takes.

Fire damage recovery. In the United States, fires occur every 23 seconds and that’s a 40-year downward trend. Fires can cause substantial damage, but we’ve got great experts to help.

Mold removal. Mold crops up soon after a leak, flood or other water damage, and could even threaten the structure of your home if left untreated. Because it isn’t safe for you to remove mold without proper training and expertise, you could endanger yourself and likely spread it further. Let us handle it for you.

Storm recovery. Tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires and more can cause massive damage and destruction, but we take care of your recovery needs from the day of the disaster to the day you move back in.

Commercial needs. Did you know that businesses and commercial spaces of all kinds have access to all the services we provide homeowners? There are also a few more business-specific services, including specialized cleaning that is sure to instill confidence and pride in you and your customers.

General cleaning. Homes and commercial spaces need some help with cleaning here and there, especially with the big stuff. Carpets, upholstery and pretty much everything between need some extra attention, but you’ve got better things to focus on. We’ll provide the heavy clean you need so you can focus on your real life.

Specialty cleaning. Some of the specialized services we provide include document restoration, duct cleaning and biohazard cleanup. Skeptical that we can clean it? We’d love to prove you wrong!

Construction. Every now and then the worst happens and areas of your space unfortunately can’t be restored. You can trust SERVPRO to rebuild your space to preloss condition. 

Add 24-hour service and an easy insurance process to all this, and the picture becomes clear—when you need cleanup and recovery of any kind, you can trust SERVPRO to get the job done.

The Components a Fire Needs In Order to Survive

1/30/2022 (Permalink)

If your home or business has any damage, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is ready around the clock to help you recover.

Imagine a three-dimensional triangle. If it has a square base, you’ve got yourself a pyramid. But if it has a triangular base, you’re thinking of a tetrahedron. Forgive the geometry lesson, but we’re going somewhere.

Fire agencies and scientists use the fire tetrahedron to visually depict the four essential elements of every fire.

These are the things that must be present in order for a fire to begin—and all four must continue in order for a fire to grow and continue. Let’s look at the sides and see what we can learn about fire safety from them.

The 4 Things a Fire Needs to Live

Fuel. If a fire happens in the forest, but there’s nothing for it to burn, well then it can’t happen—it won’t happen. A fire can’t start without a combustible material to devour.

Heat. If the combustible material doesn’t reach a certain temperature threshold, it won’t ignite. This is why a sudden burst of flame from, say, a gas grill, may not necessarily ignite other things around it.

Oxygen. In the same way a fire can’t start with no fuel source, it couldn’t start in a vacuum. Oxygen feeds the hungry flames and allows the fire to continue.

Chemical Chain Reaction. All three of the previous elements have to keep happening, and the oxygen in particular is necessary for the chain reaction, which perpetuates the churning and expansion of the fire.

The 4 Ways to Stop a Fire

Cool it. We say fire, you say water—it’s that engrained in us. The most common way to fight a fire is by dousing it with water, but it’s more about temperature than substance. Water is the quickest accessible way to cool the burning material and restore a thermal balance—that is, a temperature at which the rate of cooling is greater than the rate of rising heat.

Smother it. Most fire extinguishers accomplish the task of smothering a fire by depriving it of access to the oxygen in the atmosphere. This is also how “stop, drop and roll” works—it’s not just a thing to make you look silly while you’re also on fire.

Starve it. This happens when there’s nothing left for a fire to consume, either because it’s totally obliterated whatever it was feasting on, or because surrounding fuel sources get removed before they can combust.

Interrupt the chain reaction. This one’s a little more intensely scientific, but certain chemical agents, such as halon, can be introduced into the atmosphere surrounding a fire, and they can actually interact with the oxygen and break up the chain reaction that keeps a fire going. Halon is actually great at this, but its production has been halted because it has a negative impact on the ozone layer.

If the fire tetrahedron makes a wreck of your home or business, we’re ready around the clock to help you recover. Contact SERVPRO anytime for fast, thorough cleanup and recovery after a fire.

How SERVPRO Gets Your Home Dry After a Water Incident

1/22/2022 (Permalink)

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO of North Kenosha County for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration.

Here’s a quick math problem for all the numbers folks: If 14,000 Americans on average deal with a water issue every day, how many does that make a year? Let’s see…carry the one…and…well, it’s a lot.

In fact, it’s estimated one in every 50 homeowners will be on the wrong end of a water insurance claim this year.

We always hope the odds will fall in your favor. But if the unfortunate occurs and you need some serious work to get dried back out, you can call your local SERVPRO team. And when you do, here’s what you can expect.

Emergency Contact. We’re going to want to quickly understand what’s going on, so we’ll get right into some questions to help guide us to that understanding. Then we’ll determine a time that’s right for us to meet with you on site to get our hands dirty.

Inspection and Water Damage Assessment. Once we get to your home, we’ll survey the damage, stopping any water that’s still flowing, and solidify the plan for cleanup and recovery. We’ll let you know if we see any items or areas that appear to be beyond restoration, and we’ll make sure you know about any lingering hazards that have resulted from the water damage.

Water Removal. Bring in the pumps! Our teams will let the machinery do the heavy lifting, so you can put that bucket away and rest your back. You’ll be amazed at the amount of water that comes out of your basement or home after a water incident—it could easily be thousands of gallons.

Damaged Material Removal. As we’ve discussed previously, it’s likely that there will be some items that sustain such damage as to make them impractical or impossible to restore. We’ll haul these items away and clear the way for the drying process to begin.

Cleaning, Sanitizing and Deodorization. Water leaves stains and makes a mess of everything, and depending on your particular situation, it could also introduce or spread contaminants and chemicals into your home. We’ll see to it that everything is restored to its safe, clean state.

Drying. The water may be gone, but there’s still moisture in the air and in your stuff. Mold will find any available organic surface and set up shop, leading the way to potential dangers like respiratory issues. So we’ll go through with a fine tooth comb (actually a HEPA vac) and remove the moisture hiding on surfaces and in the atmosphere.

Monitoring. The eyes of SERVPRO will be on your property for the duration, and we’ll make any necessary adjustments to the approach or equipment.

Repairs and Construction. Once all is dry again, reconstruction can begin. We’ll take those areas that sustained permanent damage and rebuild, until your home is back to its preloss condition.

When water damage strikes, make the call to SERVPRO for A-to-Z cleanup and restoration. We’ll make your damaged property look "Like it never even happened."

Fires at Home Start in These 5 Ways

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO of West Milwaukee are here for you if your home is affected by fire.

Well over a million fires are reported to local agencies each year, and while most of them occur in natural or industrial settings, more than 25% of all reported fires happen at home, and so do over 75% of all home fire fatalities.

Statistically speaking, it’s interesting to know what the causes of these home fires are, and it can help you know where to focus your energy regarding fire safety. So let’s take a look.

Cooking. Add any two whole numbers together, and the chances that your result will be either even or odd are a statistical tie. The same goes for predicting whether a home fire will start in the kitchen: It’s the kitchen vs. the rest of the field. Half of all fires start here, and the main culprit is unattended cooking.

Heating equipment. When the weather cools down, the heaters come out. While your HVAC or natural gas can malfunction and cause fires, a main cause of fall and winter fires is the plucky little appliance called the space heater. Known to overheat, tip over or overload power supply lines, these little devices create a surprising number of issues. Make sure to upgrade to a newer model with safety feathers, and always heat safely away from flammable materials, regardless of the source.

Electrical fires. It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and with all the wiring running through your home, there’s plenty of opportunities for sparks to ignite. Never plug appliances into loose or troublesome outlets, be careful not to overload lighting fixtures with high-watt bulbs, and routinely let a pro examine your system for needed maintenance or upgrades.

Intentional fires. A reported 28,000 intentional home fires are set each year by someone purposely using ignition sources to set a piece of property ablaze. It’s almost as sad as…

Smoking materials. The leading cause of home fire deaths is the least common cause of home fires. Though only 5% of house fires begin this way, the circumstances often surrounding the fires, plus the added effect of carbon monoxide poisoning, create a deadly combination. If you smoke, always do it with utmost caution, and never smoke in bed or while you’re impaired or groggy.

Regardless of the cause, SERVPRO is here for you if your home is affected by fire. Contact your local team today to see how we can help.

It’s Time to Prepare for Winter Storms and Extreme Weather

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

If winter weather should bring damage to your home or business, contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County for fast, restorative solutions.

Winter on Lake Michigan is an event that requires preparation. A casual approach to winter weather will leave home and business owners dealing with unwanted fallout from snow, ice and other winter hazards.

The risks of winter weather should never be overlooked. So whether you’re new to the area, or a Kenosha County lifer, let’s review a few of the most important items you need to be thinking about as we head into another harsh winter season.

Protect Your Family

When Old Man Winter comes out swinging with both fists, you’ll be glad you have an emergency action plan in place to keep your family safe. Your plan, when crafted and rehearsed, can set your family on a safe course of action in a heavy winter storm or weather event.

Prepare your cars as well—check every tire for excessive wear, and rotate or replace any as needed. Top off all your fluids, especially that antifreeze, and check your battery for good life. A healthy car in late fall can keep you running through winter.

It’s also time to check the stock of your emergency kits at home and in the car, ensuring you have water, food and first-aid supplies necessary for everyone should a crisis arise.

Protect Your Home

Frozen pipes are every cold-weather homeowner’s nemesis, so make sure you’re doing everything you can to avoid them. Let faucets drip when the cold gets bitter, and insulate every pipe you can.

Speaking of insulation, check the insulation in your attic and the sealing of your windows—these can let unnecessary cold air inside if they’re lacking.

Have your HVAC checked, and allow a pro to perform maintenance on it if necessary. Better to have a little work done now that to have it fizzle on you in the dead of winter.

If you use wood-burning sources for heat, get yourself some extra firewood in case you get shut in at any point. Use your fireplace or furnace safely every time, and make sure it stays clean and well-ventilated.

Protect Your Pets

Bring your pets indoors during the cold—the vast majority of dogs and cats aren’t created to withstand the harsh extremes of winter. If you have horses or livestock that have to stay outside, make sure they have reliable sources of shelter and water, and make sure their water stays fresh and doesn’t freeze.

Watch for Melts and Flooding

Dangerous floods and ice dams can occur during and after Great Lakes winters, and they can present serious risks for both homeowners and municipal areas.

If winter weather should bring damage or flooding to your home or business, contact SERVPRO for fast, restorative solutions.

There’s No Time for Waiting When Your Home Is Damaged

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

If a fire issue pops up during the holidays, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County.

Nobody likes to wait, and being made to wait is even worse. If you’ve ever had a 10-minute doctor visit extended to an hour or more due to time spent in the waiting room, you know exactly what we mean.

Waiting can be a simple matter of inconvenience, or in some cases it can be a matter of potential harm. Such is the case when it comes to sudden damage to your home or business—waiting not only means your cleanup and recovery starts later, but it also means the damage is made worse in the meantime.

That’s why SERVPRO never closes up shop. We’re available every hour of every day, because we know water and fire don’t wait for office hours and business days.

After a fire. The initial destruction from the flames is only the beginning. Once the fire settles, you’ve got to deal with soot, the black sludge that covers walls, furniture and more in the wake of a fire. Soot takes hold in minutes, its microscopic particles clinging to every molecule.

In a few short hours, the hold of soot and the stench of smoke are made permanent on affected surfaces in your home, meaning they can’t simply be cleaned; they have to be replaced. Fast action can save or prevent this.

After water damage. Once water invades, there’s a short window that exists between initial soaking and further issues, mold being one of those. In only 48 hours (and possibly less), your home has mold growing in dampened areas.

Left unchecked, mold can cause or worsen respiratory issues and cause structural damage to your home.

What’s more, sudden storms or natural disasters can open the door to a wide variety of issues for which immediate care is needed. You can’t afford to wait, and you shouldn’t have to. Your friends at SERVPRO are here, so that we can be ready when you call. We won’t keep you waiting.

When you need help after a home or business disaster, fast service is a priority, and there’s nobody faster or more prepared than SERVPRO. Call us anytime to take advantage of our 24-hour emergency service.

How You Can Tell Your Service Company Will Take Care of You

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

You can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County.

Moments come in life that require both immediate action and trust. Such is the case when your home or business is struck by a natural disaster or damaged in a fire.

A single event rushes you into a whirlwind of decisions, which all require quick but critical thinking. Anything you can consider ahead of time, such as which service company you will use, will save you mental space when times like these arrive.

When it comes to service and restoration companies, there are fine decisions, bad decisions and great decisions. Ask yourself these questions to make sure you’re choosing wisely.

Are They Legit?

Some unfortunate home and business owners face the frustrating situation of being both damaged and taken advantage of by unscrupulous contractors and flat-out scammers. These types often swoop in on the heels of a natural disaster and make lofty (and/or cheap) promises, which then go unfulfilled.

When you call SERVPRO, you’re the beneficiary of a 50-year mission to be the best and most trustworthy service company in existence. We’ve worked for decades to develop methods that are fast, effective and reasonably priced, and the reason we’re on top of every satisfaction list in the industry is that we continue to progress and innovate with your benefit in mind.

Will They Be There When I Need Help?

Sometimes availability is every bit as important as ability. When you have an issue on a weekend, holiday or other non 9-to-5 time, you can be sure we’ll be standing by with 24-hour service for emergencies.

You’re never left without help when you choose SERVPRO.

Where’s a Fleet When You Need One?

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is a local small business, operated right here in Kenosha, which means you get local expertise and fast service. But the secret sauce for SERVPRO is that we can call on our nationwide network of teams and resources when things get hairy.

An armada in green can be on site when big troubles or area-wide events occur, so each homeowner gets the attention and care they need.

When you call SERVPRO, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got the trusted leader in the restoration industry on the other end of the line. When disaster hits home, contact us to get our local experts and nationwide network on your side.

Plan for Fall With Fire Safety in Mind

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Be mindful about fall fire safety. Always remember that SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is the trusted leader in the restoration industry.

The Pack is back on the field, mornings and evenings are brisk once again, and suddenly everything is flavored with pumpkin spice. Yes, all the signs are here—fall has arrived in Kenosha.

Campout opportunities abound, fall decorations come out of storage and you’ve finally got good reasons to wear your favorite hoodie again.

But with each new season we should remind ourselves of basic fire safety needs, and fall is no different. Let’s go over a few of the most important things to remember this fall.

Campfire Safety

When you head out to the campsite, it’s equally important to know both how to build and how to put out your fire.

Any campfires should be at least 25 feet away from cars, tents or any structures, and not underneath any low tree branches. Use only safe ignition tools like matches or lighters with kindling—never use kerosene or lighter fluid. They may burn fast, but they can quickly get out of control.

Don’t leave your fire unattended at any point, and definitely don’t break camp until it’s completely extinguished—that means every last ember needs to be soaked through until any wood and all ash is cool to the touch.

Open Burning

Leaves are changing and falling, and when you end up with a yard full of dry, brown ones you may choose to burn them. You’ll need to check with your local fire department and get a permit first.

Only include organic yard waste like leaves and sticks in your burn—anything else is illegal and potentially toxic. Keep your burn pile at least 50 feet from your home, and never leave it unattended.

Space Heaters

Portable space heaters are always a risk because of their electrical draw and intense heat. Make sure your heater is a newer model with tip-over and overheat sensors, and keep it away from anywhere children might be active.

Operate your heater on a flat, level surface. Plug it directly into an outlet, as it can short an extension cord. Turn it off whenever you leave the room, and always unplug it when you go to bed.

Halloween

We’ll discuss this later in more detail, but decorating with candles, cobwebs or hanging lights can all be dangerous. Celebrate big, but celebrate safely.

If a fire hazard should turn from potential to reality in your home, remember the trusted leader in the recovery industry and contact SERVPRO to get your property fully restored right down to the smell of smoke.

Where to Find Potential Water Threats at Home

9/7/2021 (Permalink)

A water leak can turn into a big problem. Contact the SERVPRO of North Kenosha County team if you are dealing with any water damage

The water in your home is out to get you. You think you’ve got it under control, because you have it contained in your plumbing system.

But in every hose, pipe and appliance, that water is looking for a way out, and it will seize any available opportunity to escape and cause damage.

Your best chance of avoiding these potential problems at home is keeping an eye on a few strategic areas. From time to time, examine your home for signs of these impending leaks.

Toilets. Rubber seals are likely to be your issue when it comes to the toilet—keep an eye on the valve seal under the main tank and the flapper, which raises when you push the handle.

Appliances. Toilets, refrigerators and any appliances that use hoses to send water from one place to another are prone to develop leaks because of worn-out washers or problems with the hoses. And mind the age of your water heater—older tanks are liable to explode.

Clogged gutters. You have more control over this than any other water situation, because it’s really up to you to keep this from happening. Without your occasional presence on a ladder, this will happen, and it will eventually send water backing up into places in your home you don’t want it to be flowing.

Roof damage. This is a broad topic, but for our purposes today, let’s say you should visually inspect your roof regularly and after any major storm. Damaged shingles, flashing or sealants can allow water to damage your roof and cause structural weakness or mold in your attic.

Pipes. Even new pipes with poor insulation or badly installed joints can fail, and older pipes are prone to oxidation. If that’s not enough, outdoor pipes can actually be invaded by tree roots.

Blocked garbage disposals and sinks. Too much food, or the wrong kinds of food, can stop up your disposal or dam up your pipes, causing backups or issues under your sink. And never put any non-food items down the disposal—it doesn’t often end well.

Keeping up with the state of these areas may be able to help you see some household leaks before they happen. You can’t prevent everything, but getting a leg up where you can helps you lessen the likelihood and frequency of water damage in the home.

If a water leak erupts into a big problem at home, you’ve got the best team in the business on your side. Contact SERVPRO today so we can get started.

Why to Trust SERVPRO With Your Cleanup and Recovery

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

When you are dealing with any damage, immediate action is crucial. SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is your local restoration expert.

Think about all the hats you have to wear as a home or business owner to keep things running smoothly. There’s the Finance Officer hat you put on when it’s time to pay bills or plan a budget, the Carpool Leader hat for getting the kids to school on time, the Meetings hat, the Laundry hat…the list is nearly bottomless.

But there’s a hat you probably don’t have, and it’s the one you need when a flood takes over your house or a fire sparks up in the wiring behind that old paneling. You need a Disaster Recovery Expert hat for that. You may not have one, but SERVPRO does.

Here’s why you should make us your choice you need cleanup and recovery from disaster.

We’re Always Ready and Faster to Any Size Disaster

All day, every day, there’s an elite team of SERVPRO emergency service professionals standing by to be where you need us.

We know that waiting for cleanup to start means worse buildup of toxic mold, baked-in smoke smell or another set of soured belongings. A rapid response makes all the difference, and having a SERVPRO franchise right here in North Kenosha County means you get the double advantage of having a lively, local team familiar with the needs of the area plus the mammoth nationwide network of SERVPRO resources.

We’re Trained to Handle Residential and Commercial Services

Homes and business have different setups, materials and needs, and we’re fully equipped to take care of both. We’ve spent decades forging techniques and developing methods to take the sting out of any disaster in any setting.

We’ll Make It "Like it never even happened."

While our methods are sophisticated, our methodology is simple: We’ll provide you with excellent service, expertly executed, and we’ll leave your work area uniform and pristine. You’ll get fast, seamless recovery that focuses on restoring your original property and possessions.

We Offer the Services You Need in a Changing World

In a heightened era of disease consciousness, business owners have to show customers that they’re putting consumer welfare above all else. That’s why we pioneered the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program. Now you can let your customers know before they even walk in that they’re safe inside, and they’ll thank you with repeat business and loyalty.

Regardless of why you need cleanup or disaster recovery, SERVPRO has the tools, the technicians and the training to get your situation under control. When you’re ready to get help from the best, get in touch with SERVPRO.

Summer Storm Readiness

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is on the line, ready to make things right.

It’s summer in Kenosha, and many of us have a calendar full of plans. The longer, sun-filled days beckon us to outside activites—maybe you’re heading to Milwaukee to catch some baseball (you wouldn’t sneak south to Chicago for that, would you?), or maybe you’re taking the kids to the Kenosha Splash Pad for some cooling off.

Whatever your plans are, though, you might want to pack an umbrella.

It definitely sounds strange, but the sunniest portion of the year is also a very active time for thunderstorms. The highest month of rainfall in Kenosha is August, and the atmospheric conditions of humidity and warm air are more likely to produce thunderstorms as part of that rain.

Be Storm-Alert

Storms can pop up on about any summer afternoon. Pay attention to local alerts or notifications from your weather app. An NOAA Weather radio can keep you up on the latest information as well, even if power or cell service drop out.

If flood watches or warnings are issued, you should rethink those travel plans and postpone outdoor activities. Make a check around the house as well, because there may be items which need to be tied down or moved so they don’t blow away or get washed down the street.

Preparing for a storm is much less exciting than watching Christian Yelich swat, but it’s essential if you want to stay safe. Storms result in a number of deaths every year, and most of those fatalities could have been prevented with some extra caution or prevention.

Be Storm-Safe

Being outdoors is dangerous during a storm, so keep it inside. Lightning is a threat until the storm has moved 10 miles or so away. You’ll know you’re safe when you haven’t heard thunder for a full half hour.

Showers and baths are dangerous inside, because the water and metal can conduct electricity if lightning strikes the house. Windows are sketchy as well, as they can shatter because of lightning (or even debris in heavier storms).

Keep an emergency kit stocked and ready, with supplies, food and medicine you may need if power loss is extended. A mobile kit in the car can keep you ready as well if evacuation becomes necessary.

In the case of flooding, stay inside and stay on high ground. Don’t risk driving in floodwater, because it can cause or conceal all sorts of danger. Avoid coming in contact with flood water as well, because it is full of contaminants.

There are any number of dangers that can come into play in a thunderstorm, and it’s always best to be cautious and put things on hold until storms safely pass. If storms cause damage to your home or business, SERVPRO is on the line, ready to make things right again.

The Increasing Cost and Frequency of Severe Storms

8/5/2021 (Permalink)

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to start the restoration process.

2020 was a year that inflicted all sorts of punishment. Many of us were affected by the pandemic in one way or another, and almost all of us felt the effects of an extended national quarantine.

And on top of all that, the year also turned into one of the most violent in history in regard to extreme weather. In fact, 2020 saw more weather disasters than any previous year for which we have data.

Storms or weather events are officially classified as disasters when they cause a billion dollars in damage. There were 22 of these unfortunate occurrences in 2020, crushing the previous mark of 16, which was set just a few years prior.

And of course there were many other weather calamities that didn’t reach the billion-dollar threshold—there were so many cyclones in the Atlantic, for example, that the National Weather service ran out of names and had to use Greek letters to name the rest of the year’s storms.

Not Just Hurricanes

It’s common to point the finger at hurricanes when it comes to financially disastrous storms. But last year, it happened that the most expensive disasters of 2020 in the contiguous United States were thunderstorms and tornadoes: More than 60% of the disasters on record were thunderstorms or storm-related events.

In August, a single storm system that began in Nebraska took out over 100 million acres of corn fields—an area more than 150,000 square miles—jeopardizing over 11% of the entire country’s corn production, and half the crop of the state. That same storm reached us all the way in Kenosha and Racine, causing flooding, downed trees and a sizable sinkhole at Quarry Lake Park.

Not Just 2020

While we certainly hope for gentler years to come, it does seem that 2020 was part of an unfortunate trend of extreme weather years. Every year since 2011 has brought at least eight billion-dollar events, and several of those years have set records of their own, including 2017, when storms caused over $300 billion in total damages.

Thunderstorms and extreme weather are possible year round, and precautions against storm and water damage should be a regular part of every homeowner’s preparations. But if extreme weather overwhelms your preparation or causes other damages, remember SERVPRO is on call 24 hours a day for emergency help.

When storms do damage, we go to work to make things right. Contact SERVPRO today to see how we can help.

Defensible Space: Star Wars or Wildfire Protection?

7/29/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged by fire or any other reason, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is ready and able to repair any damage.

One of any home or property owner’s greatest fears is having things go up in flames, and wildfires are a more frequent perpetrator of property loss than you might imagine. Wildfires are seemingly inexhaustible, and with so much of our world being made of organic or combustible material, it’s quite a feat that we can even manage to contain them.

But there are some passive ways we can protect our homes and stop wildfires, aside from the simplest and most impactful, which would be simply being more careful.

Let’s look at a concept called “defensible space.”

<h3is-defensible-space">What Is Defensible Space?

It’s not a new Star Wars movie—“defensible space” is a series of buffer zones you can create around your home by getting rid of wildfire fuel like brush and dead trees, adding gravel, concrete or flame retardant plants near your house, pruning your plants to prevent fire from spreading easily between them, and keeping trees and shrubs at a safe distance from one another.

Think of it as a protective barrier (aka defense), designed to shelter your home in the event of a wildfire by depleting a fire’s fuel sources as it comes near. Defensible space also gives firefighters their best chance of stopping a wildfire before it breaches your home’s perimeter.

Defensible space isn’t required by law in Wisconsin, but it’s a good fire safety principle to consider all the same.

<h3defensible-space-matters">Why Defensible Space Matters

You may think of wildfires as primarily a problem in western states, but they can happen anywhere. There were over 59,000 wildfires across the United States in 2020.

Even if we negate California’s 10,000+ fires, the average number of wildfires per state in 2020 was almost 1,000, and every state experienced at least a few.

Wisconsin suffered 781 wildfires last year, destroying almost 1,800 acres of land. And there has been a 25% increase in the number of fires so far in 2021.

We should take any opportunity to make it more difficult for wildfires to consume our property, and defensible space is a reasonable step to take that could yield home-saving results.

If your home is damaged by fire of any sort, wild or not, SERVPRO is ready and able to repair the damage caused. Get in touch today to get the pros on your team.

Creating Confidence in a Post-Pandemic Business Environment | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

7/11/2021 (Permalink)

If you’re business has sanitation and cleaning needs, get in touch with the SERVPRO of North Kenosha County team.

With major metro areas like Milwaukee and Chicago finally making significant progress in the area of COVID-19 recovery, hopes are rising that “real life” will be reemerging soon, and business owners are highly anticipating a return to normalcy in the economy as well.

But customers returning to physical locations to shop, as well as employees coming back to the office for on-site work, are freshly aware of the need for a healthy business environment, and it falls to business owners to make sure one is provided.

That’s why your business needs to be Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned.

Get Certified: SERVPRO® Cleaned

The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program uses high-grade biohazard solutions and technologies far beyond what typical cleaning and janitorial services can offer to give your customers the assurance they need when they return to your location. By removing worries about sanitation, we can provide your teams and patrons with valuable and loyalty-building peace of mind. They’ll feel good about returning to your business without having to worry about potential contagious diseases of any kind, not only COVID-19.

What makes this program stand out? It’s the three C’s:

Consult. We’ll work together to customize a sanitation plan that adapts to the needs of your business context. It helps that SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is locally owned and operated, so we are already accustomed to many of the complexities of southeastern Wisconsin.

Clean. Once our plan is in place, we’ll get to work right away giving your business a cleaning your clients and employees will notice and value. We’ll be equipped with proprietary, hospital-grade cleaning solutions that have already proven effective against dangerous threats like anthrax and MRSA, and your building will receive a thorough cleaning that meets or surpasses CDC’s guidelines. And it’s more than COVID-19 prevention; we focus on a holistic solution to make sure your business environment minimizes the transition of a host of diseases and viral pathogens.

Certify. Now you can display the Shield. The Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield tells employees and customers before they even walk inside that you’ve gone the extra mile to provide a safe shopping or working experience for them, and they’ll value the fact that you’ve put their health in the forefront of your business strategy. You’ll be equipped with other physical and digital goods as well, for display inside and on your website or social outlets.

If you’re ready to get serious about sanitation and have your business Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, get in touch today to get the best team in cleanup and restoration on your side.

Fire Safety for Barbecue Season

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

Restoring fire and smoke damage is one of our specialties. Contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to learn more.

So much about spring and summer months are wonderful. The air is warm, the days are long, and nature is putting on an absolute show.

And maybe one of the best reasons to love these months is the fact that they give us an excuse to spend long hours at the grill in the backyard.

Yes, the season of barbecue is upon us once again, and once again men and women all over the country are trying out new rubs and sauces in search of the perfect brat, steak or chicken recipe. But all this extra activity at the grill and around the fire pit brings with it an unfortunate rise in accidental home fires.

In fact, spring sees more daily fires on average than any other time of year. So what can you do this barbecue season to avoid these kinds of incidents? Let’s look at a few things to take care of.

The grill. The grill presents the greatest risk for fire, because it combines a number of combustible elements. Make sure your grill is on stable ground and in good working condition, with no leaks of gas or grease. Never leave the grill going without your steady hand nearby (those patties are going to need a flip soon anyway). And don’t forget to give it a good cleaning! Almost 20% of grill fires are due to poor cleaning.

The fire pit. When you congregate around the backyard fire pit, make sure you’re operating with extreme caution—it is, after all, a literal open flame. Keep a full bucket of water close, with which you can douse any errant flames or accidental ash spills. Use this same bucket to extinguish the fire at evening’s end, but do it slowly, so as not to create any flying embers. Speaking of embers, don’t add leaves, paper or pine needles to the fire, as they present a great risk of uncontrollable embers that put your property in danger. And of course, never leave the fire pit unattended or allow children or pets near without supervision.

Chimneys and dryer vents. A couple more things while we’re talking fire safety—now that you’re done with your fireplace for the time being, have it cleaned so you’re not setting your first fall fire in a giant tube full of ash and soot. And check your dryer’s pipe vent, because sometimes lint can sneak past your lint trap and create an easily combustible hazard in the vent.

Your local SERVPRO technicians are on hand ²⁴⁄₇ for emergencies. If you encounter fire damage at your home or business, no matter the cause, we will be there faster and have it cleaned up sooner. Call or click today and experience the SERVPRO difference.

How Can I Tell if My Basement Has Water Damage?

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is a restoration company. Our team of experts are on call and ready to help you determine the best course of action.

Having a basement in one’s home can be a great addition (or perhaps, rather, a great foundation). You can choose to finish and furnish, and it becomes additional living space or a hangout room for the kids. Or perhaps they’ve moved out and it’s time to build that dream home theater you’ve always wanted.

Versatile though they may be, however, basements run an inherent risk of taking on water and thus water damage, due to the fact that they are dug out of the moist soil in the building process.

While there’s no guarantee your basement will ever have this issue, it would do well for any homeowner to know the risks and signs of water damage if the time should come that it becomes apparent. So let’s look at the most typical signs you might find that water has invaded your basement—and if you need someone to take a look, our water restoration technicians are always here to take your call.

Typical Symptoms of Basement Water Damage

Unpleasant, musky odors. You know the smell. Almost everyone does. Many people have the misconception that all basements smell musty, but this really should not be the case. This smell will only arise when mold and mildew are present in the environment, and while these are often hard to see, they are easy to smell.

Flaking paint on masonry or walls. Waterproof paint may sound like a once-and-for-all solution to keeping moisture out of your home’s interior, but truthfully this isn’t the case. Over time, water seeps in anyway and causes the paint to bubble, crack and flake—the waterproof paint just holds it back longer, so that when the water does break through you’ve got a bigger problem.

Foundational cracks. Homes are known to shift over time, but significant cracks in your foundation may point toward a significant water leak that has gone unnoticed or unhandled. Cracks can show up in the floor, the ceiling or in your walls, and are often an indicator that your structure is under undue pressure because of a crack in your foundation. Hairline cracks on the ceiling are no cause for alarm, but if they become any larger, you should call for assistance immediately.

If you notice any of these signs in your basement, let us take a look. Our expert water restoration technicians can help you determine what is causing these issues and how to treat it properly. Contact us today to learn more.

How Thunderstorms Impact Wisconsin

5/23/2021 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can pop up at any moment. Contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County if you experience any damage.

The dark, gray clouds and rumble from the sky only means one thing: A storm is coming our way. But how serious is the storm expected to be and what necessary precautions do you need to take? This all depends on the classification of the storm: thunderstorm or severe thunderstorm.

A thunderstorm is defined as any storm that has thunder and lightning. These types of storms are commonplace, happening about 40 days of the year in Wisconsin.

However, a severe thunderstorm not only has thunder and lightning, but also contains hail that is at least one inch in diameter and has straight-line winds of 58 miles per hour, at minimum. The National Weather Services issues on average five to 10 severe thunderstorm warnings per county per year in the southern counties. How does this type of storm affect your home and how can you keep it safe?

The 3 Major Elements That Make a Severe Thunderstorm Dangerous

Lightning. These bolts are commonly considered the most dangerous element of a thunderstorm because of its unpredictability. They have been reported to cause about 300 injuries every year, and that doesn’t even include the damage it can do to homes, like starting a house fire or felling trees.

Damage from hail. Due to its size (at least one inch or larger) and speed, hail can do damage to just about anything, particularly vehicles that are exposed, people or pets that are not under a sturdy shelter, and the sidings and roofs of houses. Statistically, Kenosha County doesn’t experience as much hail as the rest of the state, but the damage is still felt when it does happen.

Flash flooding. Flash flooding can occur at any time for a variety of reasons, including heavy rain, a backed-up storm drain or overflowing ditches on the roadside. These things can turn flooded roadways into a life-threatening scenario in a matter of minutes. Damage to vehicles is common if someone tries to cross a flooded road, but it’s also possible for a car to be taken away with the tide in a little as 12 inches of water.

While severe thunderstorm season is approaching, it’s time to prepare your business or home. But if these dangerous storms cause damage to your property, we will be there to help. Contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to restore your home back to pre-storm condition.

Find the Right Home Restoration Experts I SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

5/1/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County today. We work with you and your insurance company to get things back to normal quickly.

Find the Right Home Restoration Experts I SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

There’s a lot to think about when you’re buying or renting a home. You may consider what works for your budget, whether or not the property has an HOA or the school zone that works best for your family.

But have you put any thought into a home restoration service? If not, now is a good time to start considering it.

Home Damage Is Common

Most people believe that home damage is rare. But that just isn’t the case. The facts don’t support that thought. But instead of letting that scare you, use it as a reason to already have a plan in place.

The Insurance Information Institute says that about one in every 20 homeowners will file a claim this year. That includes all types of claims.

But certain types of home damage culprits are more common than others. For example, about one out of every 350 American homeowners will file a claim fire claim for issues ranging from lightning strikes to appliance fires. Water damage is much more common. About one in 50 homeowners will file one of these claims.

That is why we train our teams extensively, so homeowners can trust in our team’s expertise and quality of work when they choose to work with us.

Education Empowers Our Technician to Do Great Work

Beyond the training offered by SERVPRO at a national level, our technicians earn valuable certifications through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. This non-profit group provides various certifications to ensure restoration and cleaning technicians can use the latest proven techniques when restoring your home.

Our commitment to training means you can trust that everything we offer and suggest is in line with the industry’s best practices. It will give you added peace of mind when you reach out to us. You can be sure we’ll do everything possible to restore your home.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Protecting Your Kenosha Home From Heavy Rain Can Be As Easy As Taking These Simple Steps | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

4/24/2021 (Permalink)

If you need help dealing with any damage caused by water, contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County today.

Protecting Your Kenosha Home From Heavy Rain Can Be As Easy As Taking These Simple Steps

Water damage is so common that one in every 50 American homeowners will file a claim in 2021.

If something unexpected happens and you realize that you need water damage restoration help, you won’t be alone. Depending on your social circle, more than one friend, acquaintance, family member or coworker might need to file a water damage claim, too.

Water damages the home in many ways. You probably know a few of them. Most homeowners have a few of the most common causes on their mental list. That includes problems like a flash flood or a burst pipe.

But heavy rains can be a significant cause of water damage. This is especially true if there are home maintenance issues that go unaddressed over time.

It’s not possible to prevent every type of water damage your home could suffer. But there is a lot you can do regarding maintaining your home to help ensure it’s not vulnerable to damage caused by heavy rains.

Getting Your Home Ready to Withstand Wet Weather

Our staff includes a dedicated team of water damage experts, so we have valuable insights into how you can protect your home from suffering water damage now and in the future. The good news is that basic home maintenance can help you stay safe from water damage.

Learn how your yard drains. Knowing how your yard drains is vital to protecting your home. If you notice that your yard is draining toward your home, then you might want to get in touch with a landscaping expert to look for ways to protect your yard.

Invest in native plant landscaping. Many people don’t realize that the right landscaping at your home can make a big difference when it comes to preventing water damage. Native plants, trees and bushes can be vital in protecting your home from water damage. Talk with landscaping experts in the area or visit a native plant sale for tips and ideas.

Explore sealing your roof. Experts estimate that almost 95% of damage is caused by water finding its way through gaps in your shingles, which can be prevented with this step.

If you need help dealing with damage caused by water, fire or any other issue, we’re here to help you restore your home. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about us and how we can help you restore your home to its original state.

Assistance for Paris Business Owners | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

3/27/2021 (Permalink)

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. Contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to learn more.

Assistance for Paris Business Owners 

We know you’ve put a lot of work into making your dream business in Paris (or one of the communities nearby) a success.

The services and jobs you provide are important to all of us. We know your business is important to you personally, too. If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you’ve done a lot of work to get to where you are now.

So we want to be sure you know how much the members of your locally owned SERVPRO team support you during these uncertain times.

Over the past year, we’ve been dealing with the unpredictable challenges caused by COVID-19. It has changed how most of us interact with clients, add value and meet our customers’ needs.

Many businesses have already opened their doors again or found ways to serve their customers digitally. Regardless of how you and your employees are moving forward, you can find help and resources for your situation.

Navigating Difficult Times With the Right Tools

Resources with information about business loans and tips, advice and more are available from sources you can trust.

Ensuring that your business is clean and sanitary is vital, too.

Our team can help you get your business “Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.” That means our technicians will use the latest technology to ensure your business is safe for everyone.

Here’s how the service works:

We start by talking with you. The team will consult with you about ways to help you clean and prepare your business.

Next, we’ll clean your space using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions. Plus, we use cleaning and decontamination standards directly from the CDC.

Finally, we’ll certify your business. And you’ll be ready to serve your customers.

If you need cleaning assistance at your business, we’re here. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our cleaning services and how we can help you.

You Can Make Your Home Safer When Spring Thunderstorms Hit | SERVPRO® North Kenosha County

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

If you experience any property damage from spring storms, contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County.

You Can Make Your Home Safer When Spring Thunderstorms Hit 

Is your family ready for spring yet? If so, no one could blame you. Another cold and snowy Wisconsin winter has many of our friends and neighbors in Kenosha and the surrounding communities dealing with a serious case of spring fever.

Here’s some good news. It’s already March, so spring is getting closer and will be here before we know it. And now is a good time to plan for how you’ll spend warm and sunny Saturday afternoons.

If you haven’t thought about adding home maintenance to the list of activities, we’d like to ask you to reconsider. This is a great time to take steps to protect your home against the threat of spring thunderstorms.

We can’t stop a storm from hitting our neighborhood. But we can take steps to protect our homes from the damage they can cause. Here’s how you can do it.

Spring Projects for Your Family’s To-Do List

Make these projects one of your priorities this season:

Get your roof ready for stormy weather. Don’t let the first time you realize your shingles are loose or your roof is leaking be when it starts storming. You can take steps to prevent this by checking your roof on a sunny Saturday. Look for missing shingles and signs of leaks. Then you can repair them.

Be sure your gutters aren’t cluttered with winter debris. Clean gutters allow water around your home to flow the right way. When they’re full of trash, they can overflow and cause water damage.

Check your home and garage for overhanging limbs. Mature trees are beautiful, and many people enjoy having them in their yards. But they can cause damage if limbs are overhanging your home or garage during heavy winds. Cut them early.

If a fire, flood or any other cause damage to your home, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

Walking Through the Restoration Process With Kenosha Business Owners l SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

2/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County knows the commercial restoration process. Here are some of our best tips in choosing the right restoration company.

Walking Through the Restoration Process With Kenosha Business Owners l SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

We’re proud of our work as a Kenosha County business.

And our team wants other business owners in Kenosha to grow—even after a natural disaster has impacted them. To help aid them in the process. Our team has put together a list of our best advice to guide local businesses through the disaster restoration process.

You Can Succeed After a Natural Disaster

Here are some of our team’s best advice members can offer to help local business owners through the steps to restore their business after a fire, flood or other natural disasters:

Review your disaster plan. Focusing after a disaster impacts your business can be difficult. That’s why your disaster plan is an essential part of moving forward. Review the steps you laid out and follow them.

Have photos and an inventory ready. Take plenty of pictures of the damage your business suffered. You’ll also want to make a list of any items that were lost and damaged during the disaster. This is the type of information your insurance company will ask you to provide.

Find ways to support your employees. The people who work in your business will be affected by the disaster, too. You can find resources through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and other avenues to ensure your employees have access to assistance.

Keep the people who matter to your business in the loop. Don’t neglect reaching out to your suppliers, your employees, your customers and your community.

Be selective when choosing who will work on your restoration project. If you work with a trusted restoration resource, you’ll feel more confident that the work is getting done to the highest standard. And that can help you sleep easier after a disaster.

If your business is damaged due to fire, water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help you.

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We’re Right Here if You Need Home Restoration Services Fast l SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

2/20/2021 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged due to a disaster, Contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County. From start to finish, we will be here to help.

We’re Right Here if You Need Home Restoration Services Fast l SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

Do you know the most common reasons your neighbors in Kenosha call us for home restoration services? The answers might surprise you.

Many homeowners call us when they’re dealing with damage from severe weather issues, such as wind, hail and rain. Accidents and appliance malfunctions can also cause significant damage to your home.

No matter why you need restoration services this year, or how large or small the job is, we’ve found that all restoration projects have one thing in common. Timing can make all the difference.

How Timing Makes a Difference to Homeowners

When you’re dealing with damage to your home, starting sooner can ensure your home can be quickly and efficiently renovated and repaired.

Realistically, the sooner you start the process, the easier it is to stop the damage process. And that can move more quickly than you might think. The first signs of water damage, for example, can appear within a few hours or days.

How SERVPRO Makes a Difference

Because we’ve spent years perfecting our home renovation and restoration processes, we know that it’s vital to start quickly.

We’re dedicated to providing homeowners the best service we can, so we are always here to answer your call. Our teams are available ²⁴⁄₇. That means you can reach us on nights, weekends or holidays.

We’re always available to help you, but we also pride ourselves on being a partner who will do the best work possible. Our technicians are all highly trained and hold the proper certifications to restore your home up to the best standards.

Because we’re a national company, we also have access to the newest and latest restoration technology. We bring that mix of skill and technology to every job we do.

If your home is damaged due to fire, water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Restoring Your Kenosha Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

2/20/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

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

Can You Pass a Fire Safety Knowledge Test? | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

House fires tend to peak during the winter. SERVPRO of North Kenosha County are available 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

Can You Pass a Fire Safety Knowledge Test? | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

If you’re like most homeowners, you want to do everything you can to protect your investment, your family heirlooms, and, most importantly, the members of your family.

House fires caused by unpredictable natural disasters or certain appliance and heating system failures can’t always be prevented. But many of the most common house fire culprits can be prevented by taking extra safety measures and doing regular, basic maintenance on your home.

See How Much You Know About Fire Safety

How you answer these questions can let you know how well you’re managing your home’s fire safety risk. They can also help guide you toward lowering your fire risk.

Do you know what a natural gas leak smells like? Natural gas has a distinctive smell, like rotten eggs, and it’s the main sign you’ll likely notice if there’s a gas leak in your home. If you smell it, then it’s best to shut off the gas immediately.

Do you know how to stop a grease fire? Grease fires can happen in any home. A fire extinguisher is the best way to put out a grease fire. If you don’t have one handy, baking soda or a metal pan lid or a cookie sheet can help you put out the fire. Experts recommend buying and learning to use a fire extinguisher if there isn’t one in your home.

Do you clean the ashes and debris from your fireplace Dirty, clogged fireplaces with old ashes are a fire hazard. Instead, be sure you’re cleaning your fireplace and that you’re disposing of the ashes correctly.

If your home is damaged due to a fire or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have crews who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

You Can Know the Signs of Water Damage l SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

1/23/2021 (Permalink)

Do you have any water damage to your walls or ceiling? Contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County, we will help guide you through the restoration process

You Can Know the Signs of Water Damage l SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

Can You Find Signs of Water Damage?

You Can Know the Signs of Water Damage l SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

Do you know how to look for signs of water damage—and what to do if you find them?

If you’re living in Brighton, Paris or Kenosha, there’s a team of local water damage specialists who are ready to help you find the signs you need to know and fix any damage that needs an expert touch.

Sometimes leaks that are caught early can be handled by a homeowner. A mop and bucket or a few old towels might be enough to clean up after you notice a little water leaking from your dishwasher or accidentally overfill a bathtub.

Knowing when you need to call in more help may be a more difficult question to answer. Here are some signs you might see when you’re dealing with water damage:

Your home smells different—and not in a good way. Does your home have a musty odor? That can be among the first signs of mold damage, meaning if you notice that scent, it’s time to call in a professional to help you deal with remediation issues.

Your windows or walls are warped. Like your floors, your window panes and walls can start to warp if the water damage is severe enough. That means it’s vital if you notice these signs to get remediation help.

Your furniture or floorboards are stained or damaged. Wet wood will begin to warp within just a few days. It’s best to start seeking help from professionals who can help you restore your home as soon as you notice these changes.

Water damage gets worse over time, so the sooner you can call, the better your home will recover. Call a professional team as soon as you notice issues like these.

Water Damage Claims Are Growing

Did you know that water damage claims are growing?

Water damage claims the most common claims homeowners file. One in 50 American homeowners will do it, and that’s not just because all types of claims are growing. Fire damage claims have been falling over the years.

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available ²⁴⁄₇ in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.

Dealing With Fire Damage? Help Is Right Here in Kenosha l SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

12/19/2020 (Permalink)

If you have fire damage due to a heating malfunction or other issue, count on SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to fully restore your home.

Dealing With Fire Damage? Help Is Right Here in Kenosha l SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

Home fires are common during the winter, especially in cold places like Wisconsin, where it takes more effort to make our homes warm and comfortable.

Many of the winter’s seasonal hazards are linked to how we heat our homes. For example, space heaters that don’t have the automatic shutoff function can topple over and start a fire while they’re still running. Additionally, furnace malfunctions and issues involving home appliances happen, too.

With the holidays approaching, you should also be aware of the additional hazards linked to this season. Christmas tree issues are a leading cause of house fires.. Kitchen fires happen more often during the holidays because more people are at home cooking large holiday meals.

<h2SERVPRO-is-the-right-partner-for-you">Why SERVPRO Is the Right Partner for You

Kenosha residents know they can call us when they need our help. Here’s why we’re their choice:

We can help with any restoration project. House fires can damage your walls, your furniture’s upholstery and more. Other issues homeowners deal with after a fire include smoke and water damage. We have the tools and resources to remediate these issues and more.

We prioritize restoration over replacement. Our team helps families recover from fire damage in a way that’s both logical and economical. We work to keep repairs affordable and insurance premiums down.

We are available any time. Getting started early on restoration efforts can make a difference. That’s why our team is here to help you, ²⁴⁄₇. Just reach out when you need our team’s support.

Our location is a local business.Because we’re a SERVPRO location, we can use the resources, equipment and training you would find at a large, thriving company with the advantage of choosing a partner here in the community.

If you have fire damage in your home due to a kitchen, heating or other fire, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Our team is always ready to meet your needs and help you restore your home. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.

Do You Know What to Do in the Event of a Burst Pipe? | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

12/12/2020 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, contact us right away. SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is available 24/7

Do You Know What to Do in the Event of a Burst Pipe? | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County 

No one wants to experience any type of water damage, but if you discover a burst pipe in your home, it can be exceptionally difficult to deal with. Pipes can discharge extreme volumes of water, leading to a significant amount of damage in a short amount of time.

Water damage is a difficult thing to plan for as it seems quite hypothetical, but it happens quite frequently and having a plan is key. There are about one out of every 50 homes that have damages annually, but those who have a plan tend to have a much better time recovering.

Are You Ready in the Event of a Burst Pipe?

Shut off your water main. If there is a pipe that burst in your home that is not attended to, it can continue to gush water indefinitely. Making sure to find and turn off your water main in the house can prevent water from continuing to saturate the area.

Shut off your electricity. Keeping water far away from electricity is key, so if it is safe to do so, turn off your home’s power from your breaker box to prevent the soaked area from becoming a shock or fire hazard.

Contact your restoration company. One of the things you can do to plan for water damage in advance is decide which restoration company you will be working with. This way, you can call them immediately when you discover water damage to have the restoration started right away.

Take a record of the damages. For those who are eligible to file an insurance claim, keeping good records is key. Taking photos and videos is a great way to document the damages for your records.

Contact your insurance company. Every type of insurance coverage will vary, so it is best to reach out to your provider as soon as you can to determine if and how to file a claim if you are eligible to do so.

Open windows and doors if possible. If you can, aiding the drying time by opening windows or doors around the impacted area can aid the drying time, as can drying up water with towels if you are sure that it is safe to do so.

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services.

Be Certain You Are Choosing the Right Storm Restoration Company | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

12/12/2020 (Permalink)

Choosing the right restoration company is crucial to getting things back to normal. Call SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to set up an appointment.

During any type of severe weather event, it can be frightening if you are in its path—and if you experience damage in the aftermath, it can be a compounded source of stress. Damages from storms have gotten more severe in recent years. In the event that you have damage, you will want to know exactly who to call in order to get it restored.

Picking the best restoration company for your needs is so important, though it can feel overwhelming. However, it is wise to make certain you are getting your money’s worth and are using a company you can depend on to be entrusted with your buildings and belongings.

Picking a Storm Restoration Company You Can Count On

Make sure they are reputable. If a company has a good reputation both locally and within the restoration industry, that is probably a good sign you will get good service. Many scammers surface following storm damage, which is why doing your research and ensuring the company you are choosing is legitimate is so important. We are proud of the reputation we have built over the years, both with local customers and on a national scale.

Determine their plan for spikes in demand. Because the damage caused by storms is generally widespread and sudden, companies without ample resources can often struggle to keep up with the influx in business. That is why we have a nation of SERVPRO® partners on our side—we can call for backup whenever it is needed so we can always guarantee exceptional service regardless of how widespread the damage is in the area.

Be certain you can get in touch with them when you need. It is never convenient to discover storm damage, but if it occurs after hours or on a holiday, it can be difficult to get the help you need. With us, we have a ²⁴⁄₇ emergency line, so you can call us no matter when damage is discovered and receive a quick response from our expert technicians.

When you have damage from a storm to your home or commercial building, you can always depend on us to handle it. Contact us at any hour to see our exceptional service in action.

The First Step to Take in Workplace Fire Preparedness | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

12/12/2020 (Permalink)

If your business experiences any fire damage, you can count on us. SERVPRO of North Kenosha County specializes in commercial fire restoration.

Regardless of the industry you own a business in, planning for workplace fires is something that is wise to do. While some industries carry more risk than others, fires impact so many businesses every year, but some simple planning can significantly reduce how much danger they can cause you.

Ensuring the safety of your staff and yourself are of the utmost concern when planning for fire safety, which is why we always recommend starting your fire plan with evacuation drills. Giving everyone the tools they need to safely get out of the building will reduce the damage a fire can cause and allow firefighters to move in and extinguish it as quickly as possible.

Start Your Business’ Fire Plan With Evacuation Drills

Consult with your local fire officials. There is plenty of great information online regarding how to increase workplace fire safety, but do not forget to make use of your own local resources as well. You can generally get in touch with your local fire department to have them pay your business a visit and instruct you on how to plan drills and evacuation routes to best serve your needs.

Communicate and mark fire evacuation routes. Once you have mapped out the evacuation drills for your building, mark them well so they are visible and discuss evacuation procedures with the staff. Preparing everyone in advance for a drill is the best way to ensure that no one panics and everyone remembers exactly what to do from their pre-drill briefing.

Have fire drills frequently. Every business will have different needs regarding the frequency of their fire evacuation drills, but the general guidelines to keep in mind are to have them frequently enough that they stay fresh in the minds of employees, but do not do them too regularly that they are not taken seriously.

Run different fire scenarios. There are many possibilities for how a fire could start in a workplace, so it is important to take all of this into account when doing your planning. Mix it up when planning your drills so staff are comfortable with different mock origins of your fire scenario and can handle changes to evacuation routes and available exits with ease.

If your business has experienced fire damage, you can count on us. We specialize in commercial fire restoration and will be here for you at any hour—contact us today.

Tips for Recovering After a House Fire | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

12/12/2020 (Permalink)

If your home is damaged in a house fire, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is here to help. Contact us for any fire restoration needs.

Falling victim to a house fire is never a simple process, and it is important to follow the right steps as you work to recover in order to make the process as smooth as possible. We have helped many local families pick up the pieces in the aftermath of a fire, and we are happy to provide how-tos and compassionate service to help people recover.

In order to make sure that you feel confident in your house fire recovery plan, here are some of our top tips:

Feel Confident in Your House Fire Recovery Plan

Prepare yourself for what to expect. Every house fire and fire fight causes damage in different ways, but it is important to have a general idea of what to expect before you see it firsthand. Damage from fires can be widespread—between smoke and soot traveling through the home and the somewhat destructive process of putting a fire out, it is important to understand that things may look way different than what you are expecting.

Wait to enter your home. Though most of us want to be proactive right after a frightening event, it is important to not rush back into the building after a fire until officials have deemed it safe. Because of the unique ways that fires cause damage, they can actually make buildings unstable. Always listen to official guidance regarding what is safe to do.

Contact your insurance company. The claims process varies depending on your insurance company, but getting in contact with them regarding the situation is generally the first step. From there, they can walk you through how to proceed and what documentation you need to provide to begin your claim process.

Document the damages. Oftentimes, damage documentation is required for insurance purposes, but even if it isn’t, it is a good thing to prioritize. A detailed inventory list and full photographs will help you make sure that you have not overlooked anything and have a record of any items or rooms that have sustained damage as you work to rebuild.

Contact your restoration company. Handling the emotional aftershocks of experiencing a house fire can be especially difficult as you work through the aftermath. That is why working with a reputable restoration company is highly recommended, as it will take much of the burden off of your shoulders.

If your home is damaged in a house fire, you can count on us to help you. Get in touch at any hour for a quick response.

What Kinds of Dangers Result From Flash Floods? | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is your local water & storm restoration expert. We will get the job done right, contact us today.

What Kinds of Dangers Result From Flash Floods? | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

Flash floods are an extremely dangerous weather event, more so than many other types of severe weather. As far as weather-related deaths go, floods are the second leading cause of fatalities, second only to heat. While all floods are extremely dangerous, flash floods create even more cause for concern.

Flash floods come about suddenly, and there is often little notice if one is on the way. Fortunately, if you know what to do ahead of time, you can make much safer choices if a flash flood becomes a threat so you can protect yourself and your family.

The Reason Why Flash Floods Are So Concerning

No matter what type of flood you may encounter, avoidance is always advised—but because flash floods come about so suddenly, there is often little room for mistake. Flash floods must occur within six hours of rainfall by definition, but generally, they occur much more quickly than that and give little indication that they are likely to begin.

The Weather Alerts Surrounding Flash Floods

If it is possible that a flash flood may come along, staying tuned into your weather alerts is the best thing you can do in order to have as much notice as possible if you are in danger. Officials will issue a flash flood watch if conditions are favorable for one to develop.

If there is a flash flood warning issued, that means that a flash flood is likely to occur (or is already occurring nearby) and you should get to safety quickly. If there is a flash flood emergency, get to high ground as fast as you can.

The Safety Tips to Keep in Mind for Flash Floods

Quick decision making is a must for a flash flood event, as you may only have moments to make choices if one is nearby. To help you determine what decisions will keep you and your family the safest, we have some of the best flash flood safety tips below.

• Keep up with your local weather forecasts and any watches or warnings.
• Be sure you and everyone in your household is aware of the evacuation plan.
• Do not drive or travel through floodwater, even if it appears to be shallow.
• Do not touch floodwater if it is possible to avoid it.
• Have multiple paths for evacuation in mind in case water blocks your main exit.

If your home or business has been damaged due to a flood or other severe weather, you can depend on us. Contact us at any hour to learn more about our services or to report damage to your property.

Celebrate the Holidays With Fire Safety in Mind | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

11/19/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure your fire risk is low during the holidays. If you experience any damage, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County will be here to help.

Celebrate the Holidays With Fire Safety in Mind | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County 

There is no time when it is safe to not be concerned with house fires, but during the winter, it is wise to be extra cautious during your regular activities. Winter is the leading time for house fires to occur based on Red Cross data, and while many activities can present heightened risks, preceding with caution can help you stay safe.

An increase in cooking and baking surrounding winter holidays is partially to blame for this trend, but the use of heaters, fireplaces and decorations also plays a factor. While these activities are integral to a winter well spent, it is important to do them safely to avoid increasing your chances of experiencing a fire in the home.

Enjoy Winter Activities Without Increasing Your Fire Risk

Keep safe when cooking. Cooking and baking routinely cause the most amount of fires every year, but during the winter is when the frequency of these incidents peak. It is important to always practice fire safety in the kitchen, even when things are hectic. Watching out for flammable objects near the stove, always having a fire extinguisher on-hand and never cooking when tired or when things will be unattended are all key for safety.

Heat the house with proper precautions. In the chilly weather, using a fireplace or space heater is a cozy way to make your home more comfortable, as long as safety precautions are followed. Be sure you use a space heater with the latest safety features such as tip-over and overheating sensors, and never use the fireplace when the fire may be left unattended. As with any heating element, never keep flammable objects near a space heater or a fireplace, too.

Decorate with care. Decorations such as lights and other various electronics bring a festive feel to the home, but using them safely is a must. Christmas tree fires are caused by lights 25% of the time. Fortunately, you can enjoy decorations safely by not overloading outlets and power strips, never using frayed wires and ensuring that lights are not left on when you are sleeping or away from home.

If you have damage due to a house fire, you can depend on us to help. Contact us 24 hours a day to report damage and receive a quick response from our certified restoration technicians. Get in touch today.

Considerations for Recovering From a Disaster at Your Business | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is your go-to in case a disaster occurs. Get in touch with us to learn more.

Considerations for Recovering From a Disaster at Your Business | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County 

Every business owner understands how crucial it is to plan ahead and be prepared for anything, but for many, these considerations have not yet impacted their disaster recovery efforts. While there is no way to tell when a disaster will strike, planning for recovery is key to preserving your business and ensuring you can reopen your doors even after an emergency. Considering your recovery plan in advance is a great way to make sure you are prepared for anything that comes your way.

Considering the safety of you and your staff is the most important aspect of disaster planning, but once you do that, you can begin thinking through your recovery as well. By being prepared for how to overcome whatever happens, you will be able to execute your recovery plan more quickly and get your doors reopened much faster than if you had not planned ahead.

Disaster Recovery Steps for Business Owners

Contact your providers for insurance and restoration. No two commercial insurance policies are the same, which is why it is so important to make sure you get in touch with your insurance provider quickly after a disaster in order to understand if and how to file a claim. Once you do this, it is wise to get in touch with the company you have chosen for your commercial restoration so you can set that process in motion as well.

Get in touch with customers quickly. Keeping in touch with your customers is easier than ever before thanks to social media, so it is wise to make use of it to give them pertinent details following a disaster. Keeping them aware of changes to operating hours and closures is helpful, as is setting up programs like online ordering or gift card sales so they can still give you support as you work to get back to full operations.

Be aware of what resources are out there for you. After a disaster, many resources are made available to small businesses through the Small Business Administration. Financial assistance for disaster recovery is often easy to qualify for and can be applied to a number of expenses you might incur as you work to get your doors reopened once more.

If your business has been damaged due to a disaster, we’re here to help. Contact us at any hour to report your damage or to learn more about our commercial restoration services.

Have you sustained property damage and feeling overwhelmed? We are here to help, contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County.

11/5/2020 (Permalink)

We Focus on Restoration, Not Replacement | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

We Focus on Restoration, Not Replacement | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County 

When an emergency or disaster strikes, the safety of your family is the top concern—but the safety of your home is a close second. Enduring a disaster such as a fire can be difficult to recover from, and working toward recovery can be a long-term process for you and your family members.

When you are ready to begin the recovery process, calling us for restoration can make it much easier. We are committed to a restoration-first mindset, meaning we will save all of your items we are able to instead of recommending costly and impractical replacements. Our main goal is to save you time and money while restoring your home to its pre-damaged condition so you can begin to heal.

We Are Committed to a Restoration-First Mindset

We can help you save money on your insurance. Depending on your insurance policy, many types of household losses can be claimed after a disaster—but they can often be quite expensive, which can result in higher premiums. By focusing on restoration of your home and belongings, we can reduce the overall cost of restoration, thus reducing the amount you have to file with insurance.

We can protect your sentimental items. When you have to quickly leave the home to preserve your family’s safety, there are many irreplaceable items that must be left behind in the process. Photographs, heirlooms and other sentimental objects could never be bought in a store, and while you may assume these items may be totally lost, our high-tech restoration equipment allows us to save many objects that have become damaged.

We make sure your home feels like home again. Returning home after restoration can be an emotional and nerve-wracking time, but when you trust us with your restoration, you can be certain you will be walking back into your home. We focus on restoring everything we can, from the paint color to the floorboards, to make sure you feel at home as soon as you walk in the door.

If you have damages and are feeling overwhelmed, we are here to help. You can call us as soon as you need to in order to begin the restoration process. Contact us today to learn more.

Check Appliances to Prevent Water Damage | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

If your home experiences any flooding or other water issue, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is here to dry, clean and repair any damage.

Check Appliances to Prevent Water Damage | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County 

Though natural causes can lead to household water damage, one of the most common reasons that water damage occurs is due to household leaks from appliances.

When appliances leak, it can often go unnoticed for an extensive amount of time—this can create a problem as water damage is best treated quickly. However, by performing regular checks, this can be prevented.

Appliances Known to Cause Water Damage

Hot Water Heater
Despite the official lifetime of a hot water heater being around 10 years, leaks can start much sooner than this. As parts grow worn from usage, they can begin to break down and let water escape, which can lead to a serious issue if it is left untreated.

Refrigerator
The lines connecting the refrigerator to a household’s water supply can often experience micro-tears or seal issues that can create leaks when they are used. While these leaks are typically small, because refrigerators are rarely moved, the damage they cause can compound and lead to far more serious issues. Check behind the refrigerator as part of your regular home maintenance to be sure that all is well.

Dishwasher
As with refrigerators, dishwashers can also create hidden damages, which are often worse because of how much water a dishwasher requires. Water damages from dishwasher leaks are not always covered by insurance, so checking in your dishwasher’s cubby is also a good regular practice to uphold.

Washing Machine
The washing machine hoses have one of the biggest reputations for leaking, requiring monthly inspection to ensure everything is operational. Additionally, experts recommend that these hoses are replaced every five years regardless of their outward appearance.

Air Conditioner
The moisture created from an HVAC unit is a byproduct of its operation and is generally drained away. Unfortunately, any issue with this drainage system will not cause a performance problem right away, but can lead to water damage in and around the unit. Check your manufacturer’s instructions and be sure to follow regular maintenance and inspection schedules for the most effective prevention for this.

If your home has been impacted by water damage or you’d like to put a plan in place in case it happens to you, contact us to learn how we can help.

Business Owners and Disaster Preparations | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

Having a disaster plan in place is crucial. SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is your full service commercial restoration company.

Business Owners and Disaster Preparations | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County 

Anticipating future risks your business will be exposed to can be difficult due to many factors, but one thing business owners should certainly prepare for is a natural disaster.

While often not discussed in a business-focused manner, natural disasters have grown increasingly common in recent years and the way businesses handle them can often make or break future operations.

While there is no way to know for sure if a natural disaster will strike your commercial property, understanding your insurance coverage, action plan and the process for reopening afterward will help ensure you can recover quickly if it does.

Disaster Preparations Especially for Business Owners

1. Double-Check Your Insurance
Unfortunately, not every business policy is designed with natural disasters in mind. Often, excessive damages from natural causes will not be fully covered, leaving business owners to foot the bill for recovery from their own capital. However, starting this dialogue with your agent and researching the types of supplemental policies business owners may be eligible for will help you be certain you are fully covered.

2. Create Your Action Plan
When you are faced with a scenario where you must evacuate from your business right away, it is important to have a plan in place and all necessary supplies in order to do so in as little time as possible. Documenting local shelters, evacuation routes and medical facilities will be helpful, as well as any key actions such as shutting down machinery on your way out the door.

3. Rehearse Drills and Prepare Staff
It is important to not only make an emergency action plan for yourself but to also include your staff in the procedures. Once you have your details determined, sharing the plan with your employees and designating those in leadership roles to host regular and varied disaster drills with the team can help everyone stay safe and know what to do in a frightening scenario.

4. Choose a Restoration Company to Work With
All aspects of disaster planning are important, but one vital thing is knowing how you will get your business property suitable to reopen following the disaster. The best way to do that is to work with a restoration company that has expertise in commercial jobs in order to get your damage restored and your doors reopened as quickly as possible.

If you need to pick a commercial restoration company that’s right for you, call us today! We can tell you all about what sets our process apart.

How Fires Break Out in Cool Weather | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

Practicing prevention is the best way to reduce the chance of a fire, however if you do experience a loss contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County.

How Fires Break Out in Cool Weather | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County 

As the weather turns cooler for the wintertime, the chance of fires begins to increase. Winter sees the highest occurrences of house fires due to several factors, which is why it is important to understand the reasons why fires occur more frequently and how to prevent them.

Reasons Behind Cool Weather Fires

An Increase in Cooking
Cooking is always found to be the No. 1 cause of house fires during the year, so it is no surprise that it is also the top cause of winter fires. Many winter holidays are celebrated with big meals, leading to an increase in cooking, baking and having multiple people working in the kitchen at once, giving a fire more opportunity to occur.

The Risk of Heaters
Many families implore the use of space heaters or a fireplace to cut down their heating costs in the winter, but it is important to exercise caution if you do so. Heating errors cause fires at the second-highest rate during the winter, which is why it is important to ensure the safety features on any heaters are working and that a fireplace is never used without its protective grate.

Candles and Decorations
There are many ways to decorate for the winter holidays, but if you choose candles or electronics, be sure to exercise caution. Any time a candle is lit, there is an opportunity for the flame to spread, and this is multiplied if it is near fake greenery or other synthetically made decorations. Additionally, many electrical components of decor can deteriorate if they are used only once per year, leading to an increased opportunity for electrical fires.

Tips for Avoiding Cool-Weather Fires

For the reasons listed above, it is important to be extremely cautious concerning house fires when the temperature drops. Here are some of the best fire prevention tips for the cooler months to keep you protected and to keep your home fire-free:

• Check smoke alarms once every 30 days and replace every 10 years.
• Always monitor open flames.
• Select space heaters with automatic shut-offs in case they tip over.
• Utilize a screen every time you use a fireplace.
• Draft and practice an emergency escape plan with your household.

If your home has been impacted by a fire, call us right away. We are leaders in restoration and can help you recover quickly after a fire occurs.

A Flood’s Effect on Homes | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

Do you have water damage or flooding? Let SERVPRO of North Kenosha County guide you through your water-related issues.

Though homeowners must protect themselves and their homes from many hazards, flooding is often overlooked. However, flooding rates are continuing to increase around the country, so it is important to be prepared just in case.

There are many reasons floods occur and many ways they can cause damage, but we hope that providing an overview will allow you to understand some of the risks and better prepare you for a flooding event near your home.

The Ways Flooding Affects Homes

Foundation Damage. The foundation of a home sets upon the soil, which can move and swell in unpredictable ways when it becomes saturated with a high volume of floodwater. This can cause the foundation to shift unevenly, leading to problems within the home’s structure.

Drywall Damage and Mold. Damage done to drywall is often obvious as it will begin to deteriorate, but occasionally it will look perfectly intact after being soaked. Because of how well drywall hides mold, replacement is typically still recommended.

Insulation Saturation. The majority of insulation used in residential homes are highly susceptible to flood damage as they are quite absorbent and do not dry quickly. Not only can this cause insulation issues with your home, but it can also lead to mold damage in the walls.

Temporary Frame Swelling. Built with solid lumber, most house frames are quite resilient to water exposure. While some swelling will likely occur when the lumber is soaked through, the structure can typically maintain its integrity again once the swelling is reduced.

Appliance Ruining. Many appliances rely on insulation to regulate the temperature inside of them, and this insulation is vulnerable to water exposure. However, it is worth discussing this with a trained professional as not all appliances are built this way and some can be salvaged.

Furniture Damage. Furniture that is made of solid material such as glass or metal generally fares well in a flood, simply requiring a thorough sanitization. However, furniture made from particleboard or upholstery can often become dangerous to reuse due to contact with floodwater.

If your home has been affected by a flood, we’ll be here to help you! Give us a call ²⁴⁄₇ to learn about our certified flood restoration process.

Preparing for Floods When You Own a Business | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

A flood can happened when you least expect it. If your business experiences any water damage, contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County.

Preparing for Floods When You Own a Business | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County 

When most people think disaster, they likely think fires or thunderstorms, but planning for a flood is just as important for business owners. Because of the high amount of flooding during natural disasters, even those not in commonly known flood-prone areas should be prepared.

Planning specifically for a flood is also a great way for business owners to keep their employees safe, thus reducing liability, and decreasing the timeline in which they can reopen. Advanced planning will help you know exactly what to do when a flood occurs so you can overcome it.

How to Prepare Your Business for a Flood

When planning for flooding, it is important to make sure you are not overlooking anything, which is why we have assembled some must-read tips for flood preparations:

• Access the Flood Map on FEMA’s website in order to find your location and understand any specific geographic struggles you might face at your business.
• Have copies of all your important documents stored securely in another location, such as a safety deposit box or in a waterproof safe.
• Utilize OSHA’s guidelines to draft an official emergency action plan as a way to educate employees.
• Host regular evacuation drills to ensure everyone knows exactly what to do.
• Research your insurance options—many business policies do not include coverage for water damage and flooding.
• Make room to store office emergency kits in case you must await help.
• Consider elevating electronics if flooding is imminent and there is time.

Preserve Important Documents Before a Flood

It is better to preserve as much as you can than to discover you have forgotten something after a flood. Some of the best documents to copy are:

• An outline for your plan to reopen and steps to get there
• Any supply companies, vendors and other parties that need to be contacted quickly
• Your business insurance policy and flood policy, if applicable
• Recovery instructions for digital files
• Any loan agreements, leasing documents and banking files that could be relevant

If your business has experienced a flood, we are always here to help. Call us ²⁴⁄₇ to get our team of professionals to your business quickly so you can get back on track.

Where Water Damage Can Hide | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

9/23/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can happen at any time. SERVPRO of North Kenosha County will ensure that each water mitigation job is done correctly and completely.

Where Water Damage Can Hide | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County 

When it comes to water damage, severe weather is not the only cause. Many things can cause water damage in a home, independent of the type of weather involved.

Treating water damage that has been long undiscovered can be costly, as well. There are many insurance policies that do not extend coverage to water damage, and for ones that do, an average claim amounts to nearly $7,000. Understanding where water damage can hide is helpful for homeowners to avoid costly repairs.

Where to Look for Potential Water Damage

• Under a sink. Cabinets provide a hiding place for pipes, but they can also conceal leaks that can cause big problems.

• Between a tub and a wall. Caulk is generally used to seal a tub casing to a wall, which can deteriorate and weaken over time.

• Behind drywall. Because drywall is designed to hide a home’s structural elements, it can also hide water damage to the structure after flooding or pipes bursting.

• Around roof seals. Where chimneys and vents intersect with the roof can often be a perfect spot for water damage, as the seals that protect them begin to wear.

• The interior of an HVAC unit. AC units must drain away their condensation, but if there is an issue with the drain line, they can begin depositing water into the unit itself instead.

• Below appliances. Because washing machines and dishwashers are so rarely moved, it is common for homeowners to discover they have been secretly leaking when they are.

• Around exterior faucets. The exterior spigots of a home can start to leak with time, but the masonry or siding on the exterior of the home can hide this well.

If your home has suffered water damage (even in a hidden place like one of these), we are happy to help! Give us a call right away, and we’ll get there quickly.

Types of Damages Lightning Can Cause | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

9/9/2019 (Permalink)

Storm and lighting damage require specialized restoration techniques and equipment. When a storm hits your home, you need the company with experience

Types of Damages Lightning Can Cause | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

Because of the rain, winds and other aspects that surround thunderstorms, there are many ways in which they can cause damage. Lightning strikes, one of the most dangerous thunderstorm occurrences, can lead to fire outbreaks, electronic damage and even structural damage when they strike a building.

Because of the high temperatures and shock waves associated with lightning strikes, they can be highly dangerous if they are nearby.

What Causes Lightning to Form?

Every thunderstorm contains electricity, which is the powerful force behind thunder and lightning. Lightning bolts are a brief, visible discharge of this energy, either striking across the clouds or below the ground.

The Earth’s atmosphere is not an ideal conductor, so lightning attempts to reach the ground quickly once it leaves the clouds. This is why it will opt to strike objects as it heads toward the ground. If the object in question is a building, it travels through the water and electrical systems, which is part of why it is so dangerous.

What Damages Can Lightning Cause?

The way a lightning strike can damage a home and how to stay safe during a storm is important to know.

Fires can start. A bolt of lightning can be up to 500,000 degrees, meaning it can often start a fire on impact if it strikes the wood of a home. Additionally, lightning can damage electrical wiring and lead to fires that break out within the walls. If your home is struck, the fire department will be able to run tests to determine if you’re at risk for an electrical fire.

Electronics may be damaged. As lightning courses through a home’s wiring, it can transfer its charge into anything connected to an outlet. Because this can cause significant damage, routing electronics through a surge protector is a wise idea.

Shock waves can cause property damage. Lightning produces shock waves each time it strikes, which typically manifest as thunder. However, these shock waves are also present when lightning strikes the ground, causing windows to shatter and foundations to crack. It is important to inspect your home’s structure for faults if lightning has struck nearby.

If your home has been affected by storm damages or lightning-related fires, give us a call today! We are experts in damage cleanup and can restore your damage quickly.

National Preparedness Month

8/28/2019 (Permalink)

September is National Preparedness Month. The theme for 2019 is “Prepared, Not Scared.”

Each week in September has a different focus to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning now and throughout the year.

Week 1: Save Early for Disaster Costs

                -According to the Federal Reserve, 40% of Americans don’t have $400 in savings. Learn some tips to become more financially prepared: https://www.ready.gov/financial-preparedness

                -Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Learn more about flood insurance at www.FloodSmart.gov

Week 2: Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters

                -Be prepared. Make an emergency plan today and practice it with your family: www.ready.gov/plan

                -Learn how to turn off utilities like natural gas in your home. www.Ready.gov/safety-skills

                -Be prepared for a power outage by having enough food, water and meds to last for at least 72 hours: https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit

Week 3: Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters

                -Talk to your children about what to do in an emergency if they are at home or away from home. Ready.gov/kids

                -Get your kids involved in building their own emergency kit: www.ready.gov/kids/build-a-kit

                -Ask your child’s teacher about the plans the school has in place for emergencies

Week 4: Get Involved in Your Community’s Preparedness

                -Take classes in lifesavings skills, such as CPR/AED and first aid, or in emergency response, such as CERT.

                -Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) trains volunteers to prepare for the types of disasters that their community may face. Find your local CERT: https://community.fema.gov/Register/Register_Search_Programs

                -If you have a disability contact your city or county government’s emergency management agency or office. Many keep lists of people with disabilities so they can be helped quickly in a sudden emergency. www.ready.gov/disability

These are just a few tips and resources you can use to make sure you are prepared for the unexpected. Additional information can be found at: https://www.ready.gov/september

If you experience the unexpected, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is always available 24/7/365. We are #HereToHelp and always #ReadyforWhateverHappens. 

It’s a Smart Business Decision to Choose Us | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

8/20/2019 (Permalink)

Consider choosing SERVPRO of North Kenosha County for your business restoration needs. You won't be disappointed!

It’s a Smart Business Decision to Choose Us | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

As a business, sustaining damage from a natural disaster puts the business owner in a vulnerable position. FEMA completed a study about how damage from disasters affects businesses and found that 40 to 60% are left unable to reopen after the damages.

Because of these dismal odds, it is important to make smart business decisions during the period of disaster recovery. By working with a trustworthy commercial restoration company, you can ensure that repairs to your business are done as quickly and efficiently as possible, so you can get your doors open again more quickly.

Here are some reasons why working with us for commercial restoration is a smart business decision:

1. You’ll Receive a Faster Response

Damages do not stick to a schedule, but no matter what hour of the day you discover them, we will be here to help. Our slogan “faster to any size disaster” is more than just something we say. Because of our 24-hour emergency service line, we are able to live up to that slogan and jump into action right away so business owners can focus on other aspects of getting their business practices restored.

2. You’ll Get Service From a Highly Trained Team

Hiring and training a top-notch team is of the utmost importance to us. Our training includes information from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to ensure everyone is up-to-date on industry practices and the current developments in the field. Our technicians are also given access to certification programs and online learning classes so they can continue to develop their expertise.

3. You’ll Get the Best Equipment

Because of the rapid advancements in the last few years have brought to the restoration industry, the IICRC has developed guidelines for the most effective equipment. We’re equipped with the top tools in the industry, so we are prepared to tackle anything from removing toxic soot particles after a fire to extracting water rapidly after a flood.

If you’re in need of commercial restoration, do not hesitate to make the call so you can get your business back faster. Our trained experts are here to help 24/7—contact us today.

First Responder Bowl

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

#firstresponders #SERVPROnorthkenoshacounty

Mark your calendars for December 30, 2019! Why might you ask? The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl! In our line of work, we work with First Responders quite a bit. It is our privilege to honor the brave men and women who protect our communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year.  They put their lives on the line and sacrifice time with their families every day to protect all of us.

First Responders to be honored include police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, correctional officers, search and rescue, dispatchers, security guards, federal agents, border patrol agents and military personnel. If you get the opportunity, thank a First Responder in your community. Without their dedication and selfless acts, a lot of us wouldn’t be here today.

Emergency Ready Profile - SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

8/12/2019 (Permalink)

It’s the middle of the night and your phone rings, because you’re the one that gets the calls when something goes wrong. The company you work for, well, they had a sprinkler head burst and the facility is filling up with water. What do you do first and who do you call? Do you have a plan?

Some of the things that might cross your mind are:

                -I need to get the water shut off and maybe, where is that?

                - Who is our insurance carrier?

                -Who can clean up a mess like this?

                -Are we going to be able to open the facility and operate business as usual?

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster, according to the latest research. Of the ones that survive, the majority of them had a plan in place for events such as this. No one ever plans on a disaster to happen, but when it does, the best time to prepare is long before that. Ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever happens?”

SERVPRO of North Kenosha can help you with a property management tool that we’ve developed also known as our Emergency Ready Profile. And the best part is it costs you NOTHING. It is a no cost assessment of your facility that has an immense amount of value. This profile includes information such as where your shut-off valve locations are, priority areas and priority contact information so when you get that call in the middle of the night, you know what to do and who to call.

And best of all is we give you this information in a free app on your smart phone or tablet. We want to help you minimize your down time as much as possible.

Give SERVPRO of North Kenosha County a call today to schedule your absolutely FREE assessment or visit SERVPRO.com/Ready. We are always Here to Help.

Prevention Tips for House Fires | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

#firedamage #SERVPROnorthkenoshacounty #firerestoration #heretohelp #firesafetytips #fireprevention

Prevention Tips for House Fires | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County 

Not only are house fires extremely dangerous, but they also can cause expensive damages. The most effective house fire prevention tip is installing and regularly testing smoke alarms, but there are many other ways to stop house fires before they start.

The Numbers Surrounding House Fires

House fires occur far more often than one would estimate. In fact, at least two house fires are reported every minute, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

About half of the house fires reported are cooking-related incidents, but that is not the only cause to spark a flame.

Tips for the Prevention of House Fires

Fires are incredibly fast-spreading, and one simple mistake can lead to a devastating amount of flames in an instant. Learning the steps for preventing house fires is the best thing to do to keep flames from starting:

Maintain smoke alarms. Working smoke detectors are the best defense against fires because they are the most efficient way to alert the household that smoke is present. Monthly battery tests should be performed, and the entire unit should be updated every 10 years.

Clean the dryer. Dryer lint is the perfect combustible material when combined with the heat from the dryer. The lint tray should be cleared after each load to avoid a build-up of lint.

Watch open flames. Candles, cooking and fireplaces are just some of the reasons most people are exposed to open flames every day—making it easier to normalize them and forget their risk. Because of how quickly flames can spread, it is advised to never leave them unattended.

Maintain wiring. Household wires and cables can become a fire hazard if they are used when frayed or otherwise compromised. Check them often and replace once they become worn.

Shelter household chemicals. Household products often contain chemicals that are highly flammable, especially when stored in aerosol cans. Keep any of these products protected from sunlight or heat to avoid combustion.

If your home has suffered damage from a house fire, give us a call. We are certified in fire and soot remediation, and here to help ²⁴⁄₇.

Understanding Damage Done by Thunderstorms | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

The cost of hail damage can reach $1 billion a year.

Understanding Damage Done by Thunderstorms | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

Thunderstorms are not a rarity during the spring and summer—and storm damage is often the result.

Do you know the different types of damage that thunderstorms can cause?

The Storm

Each year in the United States, around 100,000 thunderstorms occur, but that’s overshadowed by the estimated 16 million thunderstorms each year worldwide. Of the United States’ storms, 10% are considered to be severe.

For a storm to develop, several components must be in play. There must be moisture and unstable air, along with a lifting mechanism. This lift can be caused by hilly or mountainous terrain or warm/cold or wet/dry air bumping together, causing a rising motion.

Thunderstorms have three phases—the developing stage, the mature stage and the dissipating stage. During the mature stage, hail, heavy rain, frequent lightning, strong winds and tornadoes can occur.

The Damage

Thunderstorms can damage your home and property in many ways. But one of the greatest risks is the chance of flying debris due to extremely high winds.

Wind speeds can gust in a severe thunderstorm over 57.5 mph, which is enough to cause damage to your property.

Any item that is loose in your yard, even those that seem harmless, can turn into dangerous projectiles. You should take care to make sure tree branches, gravel, mailboxes, fencing, lawn furniture, potted plants and garbage are secured prior to any storm activity in your area.

The following damage can also be produced during a thunderstorm in addition to wind damage:

Lightning damage. If lightning strikes a home or building, that electricity can pass through the wiring of the home. This could severely damage any electrical appliances that are plugged into an outlet and also increases the risk of fire.

Tornado damage. The higher on the Fujita Scale, the more damage a tornado can do. With wind speeds that can sometimes reach 200 mph or more, the damage done by them is extreme and occurs fast.

Hail damage. Small but mighty, hail can wreak havoc on crops, homes and vehicles alike. Did you know that according to NOAA, the cost of hail damage can reach $1 billion a year?

Flood damage. From houses to trees, flooding can do much damage when the conditions are right. Heavy rain can bring about flash flood conditions quickly.

If a thunderstorm has resulted in damage to your home or business, know that the team at SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County is available ²⁴⁄₇ to help with cleanup and restoration.

What to Do Before a Flood

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

What to Do Before a Flood

What to Do Before a Flood | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County 

It is everyone’s wish that they will be able to live their lives without worrying about flooding, but even if your home is not located on a historically flood-prone area that may not be the case.

Natural disasters involve floods around 90% of the time, so it is essential for homeowners be aware.

Your To-do List Before a Flood

While disaster-related floods cannot be prevented, there are steps homeowners can take to limit the damage a flood could cause:

Know your risk. Understanding your risks and precautionary measures is essential for staying safe. Get in contact with your local emergency management office branch and utilize the Flood Map Tool that FEMA provides to gain vital information about your local area’s risks.

Turn off electricity. Even if you feel it’s unlikely that the waters would reach electrical appliances or outlets, it is best to cut electricity to any rooms that might be affected in order to prevent current transfer and shock.

Elevate valuables. Items that cannot be or are difficult to replace, such as passports, family photos or household documents, should be elevated or kept off site.

Discuss emergency procedures. Ensure your entire household is aware of what to do should a flood become a possibility, including evacuation procedures and the location of emergency supplies.

Elevate chemicals to prevent spills. Elevate things such as oil, paint and cleaning supplies to prevent dangerous spills into the floodwater.

Secure propane and fuel tanks. If a fuel tank tips over due to a flood, it can lead to a dangerous spill or even a fire. Remove fuel tanks from the property or anchor them securely.

Disasters are not preventable, but damages to your home can be with certain precautions. By planning ahead, you can keep your home and your family safe from floods and water damage.

If you’ve experienced water damage due to a flood or other causes, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is Here to Help®. Our technicians are fully trained in water remediation, and our ²⁴⁄₇ Emergency Line means we’ll be there for you when you call.

We Can Help Restore Your Property Following Disaster

6/21/2019 (Permalink)

We Can Help Restore Your Property Following Disaster

We Can Help Restore Your Property Following Disaster | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

We take pride in the fact that when disaster strikes, we can get there quickly, but there is another reason why SERVPRO should be one of your first calls if you are faced with a disaster.

Our highly trained technicians have a “restore first” mentality when it comes to your property, which benefits from the use of the latest equipment and cleaning techniques. This mentality also helps reduce the inconvenience to your life and makes it possible for your home to get back to pre-fire condition quickly.

Restore First for Fire Damage

Figuring out who you should call first after a fire has damaged your property can be a major stressor, but that’s why you need us. Contact us and know that our team will leap into action right away to service your cleanup and restoration needs.

Our team will develop a unique plan, tailored to your needs, because every fire damage event is different. However, the general process will remain the same.

Here are the steps that are included in our process:

1. Emergency contact. After contacting us, you’ll be able to detail the fire damage situation to us through a series of questions. By answering these questions, we’re able to make sure the team is sent out with the equipment and resources needed for the job.

2. Inspection and assessment. Once our team reaches your home or business, they’ll get to work on inspecting the damage. They will inspect and test adjoining rooms of the property to determine the extent of damage from the fire, which includes smoke and soot damage. This assessment helps us know what plan to take moving forward.

3. Immediate board-up and roof-tarp service. Part of the moving forward process includes making sure your property is secure and not at risk for further damage. This is accomplished by boarding up missing windows and walls and placing a tarp on damaged roofs that were damaged or destabilized during the fire.

4. Water removal and drying. This is an “as needed” step, but when a fire occurs and is extinguished, water damage is usually present. We start by removing water and then make use of dehumidifiers and air movers. This makes sure remaining water is handled and aids in the drying process.

5. Removal of smoke and soot from all surfaces. The smoke and soot from a fire can wreak havoc on your ceilings, walls and other surfaces. Due to this, we bring in our specialized equipment and techniques to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

6. Restoration. Our final step in the process involves making sure your property is back to its pre-fire condition. The restoration needed can include minor repairs like drywall replacement, paint jobs and new carpet installation, or it could require major reconstruction of the damaged areas.

Remember, if you need us, we’ll be there—no matter the time or day. The team of highly trained restoration experts at SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is available for emergency cleanup and restoration services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You Can Avoid Fire Hazards in the Kitchen

5/23/2019 (Permalink)

Putting out a Kenosha kitchen fire

Even though the kitchen can be a wonderfully versatile place where family and friends gather to catch up or enjoy preparing and eating a meal together, it is also a place where many home fires occur.

Cooking fires are the No. 1 cause of home fires and injuries. The leading cause of these kitchen fires is unattended cooking.

State Farm paid out a whopping $130 million for homeowners insurance claims related to grease and other cooking fires in 2017. According to the insurance company, these are the worst states for kitchen fires:

• North Carolina
• Texas
• Pennsylvania
• California
• Ohio
• Illinois
• Maryland
• New York
• Alabama
• Georgia

Avoiding Fire Hazards

Staying in the kitchen while cooking is not the only fire safety precaution you should observe. Take a look at these other helpful tips to observe while cooking:

1. What type of clothing are you wearing? Does your outfit have long, flowing sleeves or is it big and baggy? It could catch on fire if you aren’t careful while cooking over the stove. It’s best to wear short or close-fitted sleeve shirts and make sure any baggy shirts are tucked in or tied back.

2. What type of items are you placing around or on the stovetop? Make sure you don’t have kitchen towels, oven mitts, appliance cords or even curtains too close to the stovetop when cooking. Ideally, anything flammable will be moved away from it.

3. Do you have a fire extinguisher in/near the kitchen? Hopefully you have at least one fire extinguisher located in your home, ideally one that is near your kitchen. Make sure you know how to properly use the extinguisher, just in case it is ever needed.

4. How are you disposing of hot grease? While the grease may not be on fire, it could be hot enough to cause something in the trash to burn. You should let the grease cool a bit and then dispose of it in an old coffee can. Also, know the smoke points of the oils you cook with. Be sure to never subject a low-smoke point oil to high heat when cooking, as it could catch fire.

5. Do you have a fire escape plan established? Thinking about the worst-case scenario is never fun, but it’s better to be prepared than unprepared if an emergency were to occur. Go over exit routes and designated meeting points with your family, making sure that everyone knows what to do.

Fire safety in the kitchen is an absolute necessity, as it can help prevent dangerous and destructive cooking fires. If your home has experienced damage from a cooking fire, know that SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is here to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Is Your Business Prepared to Handle Potential Disasters? | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

5/7/2019 (Permalink)

Is Your Business Prepared to Handle Potential Disasters?

Is Your Business Prepared to Handle Potential Disasters? | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

Business owners have many things to think about, but emergency preparation should be near the top of the list.

Having an emergency preparedness plan in place will not protect your business from all disasters or emergencies. However, it can offer peace of mind knowing that you have put together a plan to ensure that you have given the safety of your employees priority should a disaster or emergency situation occur.

Creating a Plan

Have you prepared an emergency preparedness plan that encompasses various disaster situations? If not, it should be a priority!

There are numerous emergencies your business should have a preparedness plan in place for, including:

• Fire
• Severe weather, including thunderstorms and winter storms
• Other natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes
• Human-caused hazards, including accidents or acts of violence
• Technology-related issues like power outages and equipment failure

A disaster is a disaster, and an emergency is an emergency. It doesn’t matter if it’s a man-made incident or a natural disaster. If you have no emergency plan for your business, you are opening your business and your employees up for more problems than you would need in a stressful situation.

You should make sure that safety training and familiarization of emergency preparedness plans are included in the company onboarding process, team-building activities and continuing education opportunities. By helping employees familiarize themselves with proper safety protocol and emergency procedures, you’re not only giving them the tools to protect themselves, but you are also setting them up to help protect guests/visitors and the business itself.

Where to Start

As you are beginning to set up an emergency plan for your business, you should first perform an evaluation as to which scenarios are most likely to occur—and even consider the longshots. After all, it’s better to be prepared for all the worst-case scenarios and not be caught off guard.

There are plenty of online resources to help guide you through this process, including Ready.gov, the American Red Cross, FEMA and the CDC.

Perform a business impact analysis (BIA), which will help predict the potential effect a disaster may have on your business. This would include lost or delayed sales and income, increased expenses from repairs, and delayed implementation of business plans. Don’t forget to make sure a crisis communications plan is in place, too.

After you have done all of the above and have prepared an emergency preparedness plan, be sure to go over it and practice with employees. Reviewing and rehearsing various scenarios can help ensure the process remains fresh in their minds and can help employees feel more empowered.

Disaster can strike when you least expect it, but by being prepared and having a plan in place, your business will be better suited to handle whatever Mother Nature has in store. If the worst should happen and your business is damaged, know that SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe During a Tornado | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe During a Tornado

Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe During a Tornado | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

Springtime brings balmy weather that can sometimes be unpredictable. So it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the chance of severe thunderstorms that lead to the perfect conditions for a tornado.

April and May are the months of spring that, traditionally, have the highest occurrences of tornadoes at 30% and 24%, respectively. This means we are currently right in the midst of tornado season throughout the United States.

Read on as we share some tips and information on tornadoes that can help keep your family prepared for the worst possible scenario.

The Right Conditions for a Tornado

Roughly 1,200 tornadoes occur in the United States every year, and they are a direct result of severe thunderstorms known as “supercells.”

A tornado comes into being when changes in wind speed and direction create a horizontal spinning effect within a storm cell. This is then tipped vertical by rising air moving up through the thunderclouds.

You will usually not see the tornado’s signature funnel cloud at first because it is transparent, but it becomes more visible when water droplets from the storm’s moist air condense or when dust and debris are picked up.

A typical tornado can grow to be 660 feet wide and will move at 10 to 20 miles per hour, although larger and faster tornadoes have been observed. Hail and intense winds of more than 200 mph can accompany tornadoes.

Typically, tornadoes occur in the spring and summertime during the late in the afternoon, but that isn’t the only time. So it is important to remember that they can occur anytime and anywhere.

What to Do in Tornado Weather

Make it a point to understand the difference between tornado watches and tornado warnings. Tornado watches are issued when the conditions are favorable for tornadoes, while tornado warnings are issued when a tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated by radar.

If a warning has been issued for your area, it is vital to take action to find safe shelter, especially if you are in the path of the tornado. Shelter options include:

• Underground options like a basement or storm shelter.
• The lowest part of your home, in an area that is away from outside walls, doors and windows. Interior closets and bathrooms can be ideal options.
• If you are outside, try to get to a sturdy building. Mobile homes and trailers are not a safe option.
• If on the road and no building access is available, do not get under an overpass or bridge. Instead, find a low, flat location and use your arms to protect your head and neck.

You should make sure that you have flashlights, a battery-powered weather radio and extra batteries in your selected tornado shelter at home. When you are taking shelter in your home, furniture items like couch cushions, mattresses or blankets can be used to protect your head and neck.

If you find yourself caught in a tornado out on the road, DO NOT try to outrun it.

Tornadoes can be devastating and life-threatening in the areas they touch down. While meteorologists and weather services can provide some advanced warning to potential threats, tornadoes can still occur with little to no warning at all.

If your home or business has been damaged by a tornado, know that SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is ready and waiting to jump into action and get cleanup and restoration of your property underway.

How to Prepare for Unpredictable Spring Weather | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

How to Prepare for Unpredictable Spring Weather

How to Prepare for Unpredictable Spring Weather | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

Welcome to long-awaited spring! Now we can enjoy spring-like weather…and all that Mother Nature has in store for us during this season.

Spring and Increased Severe Weather Threats

We can now enjoy longer days and more sunshine with the arrival of spring, but unfortunately, spring also brings with it the threat of severe weather throughout the country. You never know what kind of weather a spring day is going to bring, which means the weather may change at moment’s notice.

Spring brings unstable temperatures, which cause changes in the weather, going from warm to cold even in the same day. Those temperature changes can result in extreme weather changes as well.

Thunderstorms become more prevalent throughout the spring and are the main cause of severe weather. A thunderstorm can occur whenever warm, moist air collides with cool, dry air, which is most common in the spring and summer.

Severe thunderstorms were the most common cause of natural catastrophe losses in the U.S. for 2017 and produced some of the costliest results. Out of 50 events, there were 85 fatalities and an estimated total of $25.4 billion in overall losses.

With these storms comes the threat of flooding, high winds and even tornadoes if the conditions are right. It has been found that in modern history, 10% of all violent tornadoes have occurred in March, with April, May and June taking the top spots at 30%, 24% and 15% respectively.

Preparing for Spring Weather

Even though we may not be able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy, forecasters do have the technology at their disposal to at least warn us of severe weather that could occur. Advanced warnings, along with the right preparation, can greatly improve overall safety for your family.

Here are some things you can do to your home to prepare for the chance of severe weather:

1. Clear out your home’s gutters, drains and downspouts.
2. Trim trees of precarious limbs or branches that could break off in a storm.
3. Secure or store outdoor belongings if severe weather is in the forecast.

Having an emergency kit on hand is always advised. These kits should include the following:

• Battery-operated flashlight and NOAA weather radio, with extra batteries for both
• Emergency evacuation or shelter plans
• Important personal info, like telephone numbers of neighbors, family and friends, insurance and property info, numbers for the utility companies, and medical info
• A first-aid kit with things like non-latex gloves, adhesive bandages, tweezers, sterile gauze pads, aspirin packets, adhesive cloth tape and scissors
• 3–5 day supply of bottled water and nonperishable food
• Personal hygiene items
• Blankets or sleeping bag

Despite its unpredictability, there is one thing that always remains true of the spring weather season: It always happens. If your home or business is damaged in a storm, you can depend on SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to get the cleanup and restoration process started fast.

The Right Equipment

4/5/2019 (Permalink)

Using the right equipment makes a substantial difference in reducing claims loss expense. When time means everything, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. Our water damage professionals here at SERVPRO of North Kenosha County thoroughly understand how to dry a structure and personal property effectively.

Psychrometrics is the study of the air and its properties. The properties of temperature, humidity, vapor pressure and dew point are measured to evaluate air conditions in a structure enabling our technicians to create the proper atmosphere for more efficient drying. Water can damage materials both by absorption through direct contact with water and through absorption of moisture from the air.

Here is the equipment we use here at SERVPRO of North Kenosha County at various stages of the mitigation process.

                Detection Equipment

                                Moisture Sensors – used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls

                                Moisture Meters – used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials

                                Thermohygrometers – measures both temperature and relative humidity

                Extraction Equipment – both portable or truck-mounted, extractors are used in cleaning carpets and upholstery and in removing water from floors following water damage

                Air Moving Equipment – used in water damage restoration to enhance evaporation at the surface level, thereby reducing drying time. As airflow at the surface level increases, the moisture in the air increases.

                Dehumidification Equipment – by extracting water vapor from the air, dehumidifiers lower the relative humidity, which in turn increases the rate of evaporation. Dehumidifiers pull in the moist, humid air and then discharge dry, warm air. The dry air acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from wet materials. SERVPRO of North Kenosha County uses two types of dehumidifiers:

                                Refrigerant Dehumidifiers – work similarly to air conditioners

                                Desiccant Dehumidifiers – use chemicals, called desiccants, that readily absorb moisture from the air

                Deodorization Equipment

                                Ultra Low Volume (UVL) Foggers – will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that easily penetrates sites where odor-causing residues accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other difficult to access areas

                                Thermal Foggers - dispenses solvent-based products in large volume, dense fogs suitable for confined areas. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that pair and neutralize odor-causing particles.

When it comes to mitigating water damage in your home or business, you can rest assured that the team here at SERVPRO of North Kenosha County has the knowledge and equipment to get the job done right.

We’re Here to Quickly Respond to a Disaster at Your Property | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Faster to any size disaster

We’re Here to Quickly Respond to a Disaster at Your Property | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

When disaster strikes your home or business, time is of the essence when it comes to cleanup and restoration. When it is your home or livelihood on the line, you don’t have the luxury of waiting for help—you need it right away.

We understand that a fast response is crucial, which is why responding faster to any size disaster is more than just a slogan to us.

<h4a-fast-response-matters">Why a Fast Response Matters

When it comes to your belongings or business, time is not a luxury you have regarding disaster cleanup. This is especially true when water damage has come into play, which can be through various means such as flooding, appliance and/or plumbing failures, storm damage and fire damage, as water is used to put out the fires.

It only takes a matter of minutes for water to begin spreading throughout your property, where it will saturate everything in its path. Everything from the walls, the floors, upholstery and your belongings become water damage casualties.

The effects of water damage within the first 24 hours include:

• Drywall beginning to swell and break down
• Metal surfaces beginning to tarnish
• Furniture beginning to swell and crack
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper items spreading and staining
• The beginning of a musty odor

The damage continues to worsen as time goes on. Between 48 hours and a week later, you could begin to see:

• The growth and spreading of mold and mildew
• Swelling and warping of doors, windows and studs
• Metal beginning to rust and corrode
• Paint beginning to blister
• Wood flooring swelling and warping
• The possibilities of serious biohazard contamination

Water damage that is left to stand for more than a week leads to much higher costs and restoration times, and it can impact structural safety.

<h4re-here-to-help">We’re Here to Help

We can provide an immediate response to any size disaster, which can help minimize the damage and help keep the cleaning and restoration costs manageable.

Our trained cleanup and restoration specialists can be dispatched to your property or business at any time, no matter what day or time it is.

We are a locally owned and operated franchise close by, ready to respond whenever the call comes in. As a major perk of being part of a national network of over 1,700 franchises, we have access to more resources for the cleanup and restoration projects that may be larger or stem from major storm situations.

Remember, if you need us, we’ll be there—no matter the time or day. The team of highly trained restoration experts at SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County is available for emergency cleanup and restoration services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Is Spring Finally Here?

3/12/2019 (Permalink)

Schedule your Spring cleaning appointment for your home with SERVPRO of North Kenosha County today! 262-764-7231

Maybe the groundhog didn’t lie after all. This week has given us a little taste of Spring after a very long, snowy, frigid winter. I don’t know about you, but doesn’t this sunshine and snow melting make you want to start thinking about Spring cleaning in your home? Did you know that SERVPRO of North Kenosha County does so much more than just water mitigation, mold remediation and fire restoration?

We offer a number of residential cleaning services to spruce up your home and rid it of all the dirt and grime that can be tracked inside throughout the winter months.

Residential Cleaning Services:

• Air ducts and HVAC
• Carpet & Upholstery
• Ceilings, floors and walls
• Drapes & blinds
• Odor removal

Think of how great it will feel to have your home cleaned from top to bottom without having to do any of the work. Not to mention those hard to reach areas that we all avoid like the plague. We can give your home a deeper clean than your basic house cleaning service.

Call SERVPRO of North Kenosha County today to schedule your residential cleaning appointment and let us make the dust and dirt from the winter “Like it never even happened.”

Fire Safety Tips for Your Business | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Putting out a fire

Fire Safety Tips for Your Business | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

When you are a business owner, there are plenty of safety factors that you must take into consideration regarding risks to your business, staff and visitors. One of those risks you need to spend some time on is planning for and working toward preventing a fire.

Top Causes of Commercial Structure Fires

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that the leading causes of structure fires in office properties from 2007–2011 were (in order):

1. Cooking equipment, 29% of fires
2. Electrical distribution and lighting equipment, 12% of fires
3. Heating equipment, 11% of fires
4. Intentional, 10% of fires
5. Smoking materials, 9% of fires
6. Exposure, 4% of fires
7. Electronic, office or entertainment equipment, 3% of fires

Three of those causes—intentional, exposure, and electrical distribution and lighting equipment—were responsible for the most property damage with 20%, 18% and 15% respectively.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that in 2007, fires and explosions accounted for 3% of all workplace fatalities.

The NFPA estimates that in more recent numbers during the period from 2007–2011, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 3,340 fires in office properties per year. Those fires were solely responsible for an annual average of four deaths, 44 injuries and $112 million in direct property damage.

How to Protect Your Business

So what are some of the many steps you can take to protect your business from the risk of fires? By focusing on fire risk assessment, fire prevention and staff education, you will be working to reduce the chance of a fire breaking out.

First, you must assess the risk of fire hazards. In some areas, the local government may even offer a visit from a fire marshal to help identify these risks and provide guidance on your fire prevention plan.

You’ll want to make sure that the right fire protection equipment is in place. This includes an automatic sprinkler system, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers on each floor.

Finally, you must provide for the safety of your employees. By creating a fire plan and regularly reviewing it with your staff, you’ll be taking steps to ensure everyone knows what to do in the case of a fire. Conduct fire drills at least once a year to keep the fire safety protocol fresh, and take time to review evacuation plans and where the first-aid kits are.

Despite best efforts with fire prevention and safety tips, the worst could always happen at your business. If a fire has damaged your business, SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County is available to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Do You Know How Water Damage Is Classified? | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

Clean, gray or black water?

Do You Know How Water Damage Is Classified? | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

When there is a flood, it is easy to think that all water causing damage is the same. However, that is not the case because there are three different classifications of water involved with flooding: clean, gray and black. It is a good idea to understand the differences in these types of water so that you can understand how to handle the situation.

The most important thing you need to do after a water damage situation is remove all moisture and damp items quickly to inhibit the growth of mold. Understand, too, that no matter what type of water has caused damage, there will always be a cleanup and restoration process that follows.

This Is Clean Water

Much like the name indicates, this water is considered “clean” because it is not the type to pose an immediate health threat. This water is free of contaminants and can come from:

• Broken water lines
• Malfunctioning appliances
• Toilet holding tanks
• Snow melt and rainwater

If this is the type of water that is involved in a water damage situation, it will be the easiest type of water damage to clean up after as there will be fewer microbes living in the water. That will not be true, however, after 48 hours and following contact with the surfaces of a building, as clean water can move up to category two, which is gray water.

Sewage is highly contaminated with microbes, including bacteria, protozoans, molds, fungi and more, which pose a great health risk to humans.

Some of the diseases that can be transmitted by black water are:

• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis
• Gastroenteritis-type illnesses

It is important to remember that when it comes to floods, all waters are to be assumed to be black water since it picks up contaminants along its path.

All of the above classifications of floodwater are recognized by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Remediation Certification (IICRC), which is an organization that certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our technicians all study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration and are available to help determine the steps to take to get your home back to normal.

It doesn’t matter what type of water has caused damage to your home or business, SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is here to help get the situation under control and make it "Like it never even happened." Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you need emergency cleanup and restoration services!

Don’t let Water Damage Impact Your Home | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

2/15/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded property in Kenosha

Don’t let Water Damage Impact Your Home | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County - SERVPRO OF NORTH KENOSHA COUNTY Blog

Water damage from burst pipes, malfunctioning appliances or even storm damage is one of the most common and costliest disasters your home may experience.

But there are plenty of ways to safeguard your home from this common issue that homeowners deal with. Read on for some helpful suggestions.

<h4your-home">Protecting Your Home

Not only will you be dealing with the damage caused by water, but it can have a long-term impact on your home. Since mold begins to grow 24–48 hours after moisture exposure, mold is one of the most common side effects of water damage.

When coming up with ways to protect your home, it may be helpful to break your plan down by areas of impact, such as by basements, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring and ceilings.

You can help prevent water damage in the basement by making sure water drains away from our home’s foundation and preventing water seepage. To prevent water seepage, reseal vulnerable areas of the basement. Also look into installing a backwater valve if your home does not have one.

Your kitchen and bathrooms can experience water damage due to plumbing issues and appliance failures.

Be sure you:

• Regularly inspect all appliances, checking hoses and faucets
• Ensure that your tubs and showers are watertight by checking the seals and caulking around them
• Know the location of the main water shut-off valve is in your home
• Run your washing machine and dishwasher when you are home

It will be difficult to protect the possessions in your home from water damage, but there are things you can do to at least decrease the amount of destruction. The use of waterproof bins for storing items is always advised, as is storing items up off of the floor on shelves, especially in basements and garages.

<h4from-water-damage">Recovering From Water Damage

In the unfortunate event your home does experience a water damage situation, you can stand a good chance at salvaging items if they can be dried out within 48 hours.

Make sure that you immediately contact your insurance agent and evaluate the extent of the water damage in your home. You will need to identify the type of water that is involved.

The three types of water are:

1. “Clean” water. Can be from rain, condensation, leaky pipes, etc.

2. “Gray” water. Slightly dirty water from dishwashers, washing machines, clean toilets, etc.

3. “Black” water. Water from sewage or serious flooding from nearby rivers, etc. This water can cause serious health problems.

Following a water damage disaster, you will need to remove wet objects, get your home dried out, dehumidify the area and disinfect any remaining materials.

Pro tip: Place any wet books, photos and papers in a frost-free freezer, which will allow you time to get your home back in order, preventing mold and mildew from developing and causing more deterioration. Once able, you can remove them from the freezer and air-dry or fan-dry the pages.

It may seem like recovering from water damage is an overwhelming and slightly impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. You can call on the highly trained experts at SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County, who are here to make it "Like it never even happened."

How to Deal with Ice Dams

2/12/2019 (Permalink)

Ice dams forming on Kenosha Roof

If you live in Wisconsin, ice dams are a reality, especially when we have had large amounts of snow and temperatures that have fluctuated as much as they have this winter season.

How do Ice Dams form?

• Winter storms build up snow on the roof
• Heat from the building escapes through insulation, chimneys and roof vents or heat from the sun which causes the snow to melt
• The melted snow runs down roof lines to valleys and eaves
• The melted snow refreezes at the base of the valley and at the eaves or gutters
• As day/night time temperatures cycle up and down and heat loss melts the snow, the ice dams and icicles continue to grow

Once these roof and gutter ice dams form, subsequent water ponding behind the ice dam can lead to roof leaks, internal building damage and possible mold issues. Icicles can also cause lower roof damage, deck damage and people safety issues.

How do you deal with an existing ice dam?

• Remove the ice dam by breaking it free in small chunks. Do NOT use an ax or other sharp tool. You could cut through your shingles. Instead, tap lightly with a blunt mallet. This can be dangerous and take a while, so it’s recommended that you hire someone who is experienced in roofing.
• Clear out gutters and downspouts carefully. This work can cause damage to plastic or metal gutters and spouts
• Melt troughs through the ice dam with calcium chloride ice melter. Rock salt can damage paint, metals, and plants beneath the eave and wherever the salty water drains.
  • A good trough maker is a tube of cloth (a leg from an old pair of panty hose works well). Fill it with calcium chloride, tie off the top, and lay it vertically across the ice dam. It will slowly melt its way down through the dam, clearing a path for the underlying water to flow free.

How can you prevent an ice dam?

The above methods will treat the symptoms of an ice dam, but won’t fix the underlying issue, which is a warm roof caused by poor insulation and venting of the space under the roof. Here are some tips on how to prevent an ice dam from forming in the first place.

• add insulation to your attic
• remove attic heat sources
• insulate attic access doors
• check the exhausts
• check flashing around chimney

If you experience water damage in your home or business due to an ice dam, call in the experts at SERVPRO of North Kenosha County and we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Creating a Severe Weather Plan With Your Family | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

Having an emergency plan in place can give you valuable time to act in sever weather situations. #preparedness #emergency #safety

Creating a Severe Weather Plan With Your Family | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

How do you ensure the preparedness of your family before an unexpected severe storm situation when we are caught off-guard by Mother Nature?

Fortunately, there are actions you can take and safety tips to follow that will give you the peace of mind you deserve in various severe weather occurrences.

The best way to win at the severe weather game is to compile a family emergency plan and have it available at all times.

If your family does have an emergency plan in place, be sure that it is often practiced and reviewed prior to each weather season so everyone, both young and old, knows exactly what to do.

If you’ve not yet created your family emergency plan, here are some things to think about and take into consideration when creating a plan:

1. How will emergency alerts and warnings be received?

Not only does today’s technology include radio and television broadcasts that alert us as to emergency situations, but thanks to smartphone technology, it is easy to quickly receive emergency alerts and warnings by way of Google or a weather app, giving you valuable time to act in severe weather situations.

2. What type of storm shelter do you have?

A storm shelter should, ideally, be in the lowest part of your home, like a basement, especially if you live in an area where tornadoes are common. But if there is no basement available you’ll want to use an interior room that is away from windows and doors. Check out ready.gov for other situations requiring storm shelters besides tornadoes.

3. What is our evacuation route?

When planning for evacuation, you should always have routes mapped out that can serve for evacuation before situations like hurricanes, floods and fires force you from your home in a hurry. It’s wise to have multiple routes just in case one is impassable, and don’t forget to check where you can stay with your pets along the way if you have furry family members also evacuating with you.

4. How will the family stay in touch?

Staying in touch with your family members during an emergency is important. It’s normal to expect to rely on cell phones for this purpose, but in some circumstances, that just isn’t feasible.

Cell phone towers are often damaged during severe weather, phones could be lost or left behind, and how will batteries be charged on your phones if there is no power? Your family must have an emergency communication plan in place for peace of mind and a safe meeting place for your family to gather in the event you are separated during an emergency.

If a storm does cause damage to your home or business, don’t hesitate to call your friends at SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County to get the cleanup and restoration process started.

Communication is Key

1/24/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® has built great relationships over the years with insurance companies, agents and adjusters who all play a big part in the property claims process. We have years of experience from the moment the loss occurs to putting everything back together.

SERVPRO uses Xactimate which is the industry’s most comprehensive software solution for property claims. This software is well known in the insurance industry, therefore making the claims process more efficient. We work closely with you, your agent and your adjuster to make sure everyone understands the status of the job and the scope of work. Communication is key, this can be a stressful time for you!

Take a look at what some of our customers have said about their experience throughout the whole process with SERVPRO of North Kenosha County. Give us a call and we will take excellent care of you and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Space Heater Safety

1/23/2019 (Permalink)

Millions of people use space heaters to keep warm in the winter. They are small, cost efficient and can keep your family warm. During the colder months, space heater fires increase. Improper use of a space heater can cause your home to go up in flames. With subzero temperatures approaching the end of this week here in Kenosha, we wanted to share some safety tips with you should you choose to use a space heater.

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully
• Only use a heater that has a recognized testing laboratory on the label
• Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. Do not use the heater if they are frayed, worn or damaged.
• space heaters need space, keep everything clear of them by at least three feet
• space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes
• Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place them on cabinets, tables, furniture or carpet which can overheat and start a fire.
• plug it directly into a wall outlet and you should never plug a space heater into an extension cord or power strip. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater. This can cause it to overheat and result in a fire.
• Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close
• When not in use, unplug and safely store the heater
• make sure you have smoke alarms installed on every floor of your home and outside all sleeping areas

You can count on SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to provide you with the tips that you need to help protect you, your home and your belongings from fire damage. Should fire damage occur, we are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. 

Dryer and Washing Machine Fires

1/14/2019 (Permalink)

Remember to have your dryer vent pipe cleaned at least annually.

Between 2010 and 2014, U.S fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fire involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. These fires resulted in annual losses estimated at 13 deaths, 440 injuries and $238 million in property damage. Clothes dryers accounted for 92% of these fires, with the leading factor being failure to clean them.

Here are a few simple safety tips that can help prevent a clothes dryer fire from the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association).

• Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional
• Do not use a dryer without a lint filter
• Make sure you clean the lint filter before after each load of laundry
• Remove lint as collected around the drum
• Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating
• Clean lint from the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it one a year or more often if you notice it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry
• Follow manufactures’ instructions and don’t overload your dryer

In the event you do experience a fire, call the professionals at SERVPRO of North Kenosha County right away and we will get to work to restore your home to its preloss condition.

Making a Disaster Plan for Your Business | SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

1/11/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Property damage restoration services in Kenosha

Making a Disaster Plan for Your Business | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County 

How about that Mother Nature! She can prove to be quite a formidable foe by throwing everything from floods, hurricanes and tornadoes to wildfires and earthquakes at us. The best defense is a good offense, and that is being prepared in advance for a multitude of worst-case scenarios.

Being prepared for those scenarios involves creating a natural disaster plan for your business. Let’s take a look at some of the aspects to consider when designing that plan.

How to Begin

There are many factor and things you will need to consider and include in a disaster plan for your business, your employees and your assets.

Included in those considerations are the following:

1. Protecting your employees
2. Securing your assets
3. Getting your business up and running again

There are many checklists available from sources like the Red Cross, FEMA and Ready.gov that can guide you in identifying areas that need to be included in your natural disaster preparedness plan. These sources can also help you figure out just how prepared you truly are.

Providing Safety for Employees

If a disaster should strike without warning, your plan should provide for the protection of employees and visitors.

It is extremely important to make sure evacuation routes and exits from your facility are all properly marked, that there is an area available where people can take shelter, that emergency lighting has been installed, and that staff are available to volunteer to serve as “safety wardens” who are properly trained and ready to guide and assist with all emergency efforts.

When you are deciding on a sheltering area, a basement or storm cellar is ideal in case of tornadoes or other high-wind situations. If that type of space is not available, you should designate a small interior room, such as a closet or interior hallway, on the lowest level of the building.

Steps to Take for Asset Protection

If you have a brick and mortar location for your business, you’ll have to make mindful choices about how to protect the assets inside it. From equipment to merchandise, there are thousands of dollars at risk when a natural disaster strikes.

Keep a complete and current inventory of your equipment and merchandise and, if possible, having photographs prior to a disaster is always helpful during an insurance claim process. If your assets are saved on a computer server, take the steps necessary to ensure that regular backups are performed by the backup system and that the storage system cannot be damaged.

If you own your building, work with a contractor to locate areas that may need improvement and strengthening. The contractor can also discuss with you possible safety upgrades and advise on any areas that may not withstand certain weather situations.

Getting Business Up and Running Again

If you find yourself a victim of a natural disaster, it is quite possible that your business will have to be closed for repairs due to damage. And every day you remain closed is another day of lost profits. It is wise to have a “rainy day” fund available to help with additional costs not covered by your insurance.

Make a list of contractors available for construction and repair needs, and familiarize yourself with a cleanup and restoration service will be available to quickly respond to your emergency situation.

With SERVPRO of North Kenosha County, you can count on us to get to the disaster faster and make it "Like it never even happened." Our training and expertise have prepared us to help with water damage, storm damage, fire damage and mold remediation quickly and effectively.

Knowing what to do when disaster strikes your business is of the utmost importance. When it comes to the cleanup and restoration aspects, depend on SERVPRO of North Kenosha County to be there for you.

A Breakdown of Mold Remediation | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation

When there is a water damage situation that occurs in a home or commercial property, you can be sure mold growth is likely to follow. In fact, mold will begin to grow within 48 hours of moisture exposure.

If you experience water damage and are faced with a mold issue, it is important that you know what steps to take, which is why we’re discussing the subject of mold remediation and what it is in this blog.

Understanding Mold Remediation

It’s quite possible that you’ve already seen or heard ads for mold remediation and promising mold removal, but the latter of the two is a fallacy. Removing all mold from a home or business simply will not happen. What a qualified restoration company will focus on is mold remediation, the goal being getting mold levels back to normal and natural levels.

Both inside and outdoor, mold spores occur naturally almost everywhere. The serious issue occurs when a minor mold problem is left untreated, allowing it to become a major infestation.

During the mold remediation process, technicians will isolate the contaminated areas. Depending on the level of remediation, this will be done by either closing all doors and windows or totally sealing off all doorways and openings with a polyethylene sheeting. Dust in the contaminated areas will then be suppressed by misting.

Wet and mold-damaged materials will be removed and discarded using plastic bags. Any areas exposed to and affected by the mold are then thoroughly cleaned and dried. A HEPA vacuum may also be used in some cases to help with removal of contamination and debris.

The mold area is treated with a biocide and then left overnight to get to work, killing the mold spores. The mold remediation crew returns the following day and will encapsulate the affected and surrounding areas.

Think There’s Mold in Your Home? Do This.

If you suspect that your home or business may have a mold problem, you’ll want to act quickly. Measure and evaluate the size of the problem area and, if the moldy area covers more than 10 square feet, it is time to call in the professionals.

The professionals you hire should be highly trained and certified in the areas listed below:

• Applied microbial remediation
• Water damage restoration
• Applied structural drying

While there are homeowners and business owners that feel they can successfully resolve some minor mold issues on their own, the safest method is to talk to the professionals to ensure a quick resolution to the problem.

At SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County, our mold damage specialists are trained and certified experts in mold remediation. If your home or business is experiencing a mold issue, contact us to begin the mold remediation process.

Watching for Causes of Water Damage in Your Home | SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County

12/7/2018 (Permalink)

Kenosha Water Damage

Even though severe weather and flooding are usually the first things that come to mind for many when thinking about water damage, weather conditions are often not the main culprits.

Instead, there are items and systems in your home that can be responsible for many situations that result in water damage.

<h4you-need-to-know-about-water-damage:e9de4e486bee07c9bb924e49ba4e6570">What You Need to Know About Water Damage

Water damage is something that many homeowners will face. It was the third most common reason that homeowners filed a homeowners insurance claim between 2011 and 2015, with an average payout per claim of $8,861.

There is a significant difference between water damage and gradual water damage, which has an impact on homeowner’s insurance claims. Examples of gradual damage are circumstances that have been happening over time, like plumbing issues in the walls causing damage to the walls, ceilings or floors, or water damage caused by cracks in the foundation, for example. Unfortunately, many gradual water damage issues are not covered by homeowners insurance, while storm-related water damage usually is.

<h4can-be-a-common-culprit:e9de4e486bee07c9bb924e49ba4e6570">Plumbing Can be a Common Culprit

According to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), the leading causes of water damage are:

• Plumbing supply system failures. This involves frozen pipes that can burst because the water pressure builds up due to freezing water in the pipes or when the supply system materials fail, causing pipes to leak or burst. Per the study conducted by IBHS, plumbing supply system failures were the leading source of residential water losses and cost an average of $5,092 per incident after the deductible. They also found that homes with ages of 16 to 40 years made up a larger portion of supply system material failure claims.

• Plumbing drain system failures. This can occur when a sewer drain backs up and overflows into a home, or from material performance issues. In their study, IBHS found that 52% of drain system failures were caused by sewer backups and 37% were related to material performance issues. They also found that the average drain system failure was more expensive in southern region states than in northern region states.

• Toilet failures. Toilets cause the second highest number of residential water damage losses after plumbing supply system failures and are the result of faulty fill valves or clogged drain lines. According to IBHS, toilet failures on the first floor of a home created more costly insurance claims than those that occurred in basements or upper floors.

• Water heater failures. If your water heater has reached its life expectancy, the tank begins to rust and corrode, which can result in leaking or bursting issues. IBHS found that 69% of all water heater failures resulted from a slow leak or sudden burst and, on average, cost $4,444 per incident following the deductible.

• Washing machine failures. These are typically caused by supply hose failures, machine overflows and drain line failures. This situation is one of the top 10 sources of residential water damage losses and, per IBHS, supply hose failures accounted for over half of all washing machine-related losses.

If your home has experienced any water damage, the team at SERVPRO® of North Kenosha County is available to help with cleanup and restoration and make it “like it never even happened.”

Winter weather has arrived!

11/26/2018 (Permalink)

Winter has arrived! SERVPRO of North Kenosha County wants you to be prepared.

We’ve seen our first big snow storm of the season and it is only November. Is your home or business ready for winter weather?

Here are some tips to get you prepared.

HOME:

• Keep cabinet doors open during cold spells. This allows warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninsulated areas of your home.
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut-off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to “off.
• If you follow the previous step, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.
• Ensure gutters are clean and secure. Leaves and debris accumulate, causing a damming effect on gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage.
• Proper maintenance of your furnace can help reduce the risk of puffbacks.

 BUSINESS

• Check your business property for downed tree limbs and branches. Weather, such as wind, heavy rain, ice and snow, can cause branches to fall, which could cause damage to the property and potentially cause personal injuries
• Inspect property, especially walkways and parking lots, for proper drainage to alleviate flood hazard potential.
• Inspect all handrails, stairwells and entryways to address and correct potential slippery or hazardous areas. Install mats or non-slip surfaces and post caution signs where water could be present.
• Ask SERVPRO of North Kenosha County about starting an Emergency Ready Profile for your business.

 If you do experience water damage or soot damage, call SERVPRO of North Kenosha County and we will make it “Like it never even happened.”

October is Fire Prevention Month

10/9/2018 (Permalink)

Fire prevention month raises awareness about fire safety and home safety to help ensure your home and family are prepared in the case of an emergency.

Fire Safety Tips:

• Install smoke detectors throughout your home, on every floor and close to bedrooms, test/clean them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year
• Install fire extinguishers in your home, keep them in the kitchen, garage and any workshop area and check them regularly to ensure they are working properly
• Teach kids about the dangers of fire
• Create a plan for escape and practice it with your family

Common Causes of Fires at Home

Clothing Dryers

• Inspect the air exhaust pipe to the outside of the home yearly to ensure that there is no blockage and clear the lint filter after each load

Flammable Liquids

• Liquids such as cleaning agents, paints, gasoline and adhesives are highly flammable and should be stored in a ventilated, cool area away from heat sources

Smoking

• If you must smoke, step outside and make sure the embers are completely out

Portable space heaters

• These account for 1/3 of heating fires. Keep any flammable items at least 3 feet away, keep the space heater on a flat and stable surface and never leave it on overnight or unattended

Electrical appliances

• Faulty appliances can also result in a fire, check them regularly

Cooking

• Most house fires occur as a result from using cooking oils, fryers, microwaves and unattended cooking. To avoid potential hazards, never leave the kitchen unattended while cooking and hot items should be kept away from loose clothing, dish towels and other fabrics that could potentially cause a fire

Fireplaces

• Have your fireplace checked yearly to ensure it is working properly. Only use when you are home and make sure the fire is out before you go to bed. To prevent sparks, use a fireplace screen.

You might think that these fire safety tips are common sense, however it can be easy to overlook them. Taking the necessary measures will save a lot of hassle, your belongings and most important, your loved ones.

Commercial water loss at large grocery store in Kenosha

7/27/2018 (Permalink)

Photo showing ceiling tiles that were removed due to water damage from a malfunctioning sprinkler head.

This past week we were called in for a large commercial water loss at a local grocery store here in Kenosha due to a sprinkler head blowing. Although there wasn't an extensive amount of free standing water on the floor, a large section of ceiling tiles were affected right above most of the checkout aisles. This posed some challenges for our crew as the store manager wanted the majority of the aisles reopened in just a few hours time for their rush of customers.

We pulled the damaged ceiling tiles and removed all contaminated product from the aisles. Everything was thoroughly wiped down with a cleaning agent and the area inspected by the fire marshal before customers were able to use the aisles again. We worked quickly and efficiently to get them reopened and "Like it never even happened."  

Hurricane Harvey Storm Travel

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

One of many Houston neighborhoods where all of the houses were affected.

In September of 2017 our franchise traveled to Houston to help with the Hurricane Harvey damage. We sent 3 vans full of equipment, a full crew of production technicians, 2 crew chiefs and our production manager. I also joined the team there to sign new customers and continue to sell jobs after all the hard work began.

In total we spent a month there and worked on 19 houses and 1 commercial job. Storm Team Wilson, who managed everything in Houston, was great to work with. From job assignment to collecting payment everything was very organized and ran smoothly.

Entire neighborhoods were affected by the hurricane and the water level inside the homes was pretty overwhelming. Due to the humid climate and the fact that the water sat in some of the homes for 2+ weeks the mold growth was extensive, but we were able to get the homes dried out properly and the demo completed.    

Burst pipe causes damage to entire first floor

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Full first floor demo of water damaged home in Racine, WI.

A beautiful 1920's built home in Racine was badly damaged when a frozen pipe burst causing water to pool between the 2nd and 1st floor and eventually come through the ceiling and walls. The homeowner was out of town at the time and the damage was discovered by a neighbor who was checking on the house. Unfortunately the original solid hardwood beams on the ceiling could not be saved, along with the baseboard and trim. 

We received the call directly from the customer and were there within the hour to assess the damage and place dehumidifiers. We boxed up some important documents and sent them to the corporate office for document drying, compiled the loss list and began the demo. Everything had to be removed from floor to ceiling. We were able to salvage and dry the built-in cabinets in the living room. 

Day of Caring with Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

Demo and removal of stage in Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha Teen Center

At SERVPRO here in North Kenosha we like to be involved with the local community and are always willing to lend a hand! Besides sponsorship with the Boys and Girls Club we gave our time and sweat to demo a stage in their Teen Center. The space was being used for theater skits, but the kids really wanted to use the space as a dance studio.

Some of our wonderful crew spent a good part of their day tearing out the stage, hauling away the materials and cleaning the space so the new hardwood dance floor could be installed. 

The club was fortunate enough to have the new wood floor, mirrors and installation donated. The end product turned out beautiful and we are all very happy to know the new Teen Dance Room is used everyday.

Commercial Restaurant Clean

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

Cleaning dust and grease off of a restaurant ceiling here in North Kenosha.

Some cleaning jobs are best left to the professionals. SERVPRO North Kenosha was contacted by a local restaurant in our territory to clean 5+ years of dust and grease from their metal ceiling grid. Although the overall square footage area of the job was not large, the ceiling height was approximately 15 feet tall.

The tall ceiling and relatively small space provided some challenges as far as getting the correct length ladder, reaching the areas needing to be cleaned and working around existing items in the restaurant. We were able to get the proper ladder and equipment in the space as well as contain the bar and cooking area to avoid further cleaning. We efficiently and expertly cleaned the ceiling, maintained a safe job site and ultimately pleased our customer, the restaurant owner!

Restoring Your Kenosha Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

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

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

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

About SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

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

When Storms or Floods hit Kenosha, SERVPRO is ready!

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in North Kenosha County.

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Kenosha, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams http://www.SERVPROnorthkenoshacounty.com/commercial-storm-cleanup that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today at 262-764-7231

Residential Biohazard Cleanup

3/19/2018 (Permalink)

Residential Biohazard Cleanup

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is fully trained and specialized in the cleaning and disposal of biohazard contents and affected materials. 

When it comes to a biohazard situation, protection is the name of the game. Protection for our employees, protection for the home or business owner and protection of the environment during the disposal process. We never know what type of call we might get so our crews are always ready with Tyvek suits, industrial-grade gloves and full face respirators.

This Kenosha resident knew to call the experts at SERVPRO of North Kenosha who would be able to properly clean his home with chemicals that cannot be purchased in your local hardware store. We were able to restore his home back to it's original state and make it "Like it never even happened."

North Kenosha County: 24 Hour Emergency Restoration Service

2/12/2018 (Permalink)

With multiple vans, highly trained crew members and a warehouse stocked full of equipment SERVPRO North Kenosha County is ready 24/7.

For Immediate Servicein North Kenosha County, call SERVPRO® today.

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Kenosha. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

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

Residential Services

Whether your North Kenosha County home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your North Kenosha County commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business. Learn more about our commercial services: http://www.SERVPROnorthkenoshacounty.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

North Kenosha Smoke and Soot Cleanup

8/28/2017 (Permalink)

Soot from even a small fire can cause pervasive odor damage in your home or business.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive 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.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke; wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of North Kenosha will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke - Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke - Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue - Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

MOLD Damage In your Home or Business?

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

Extensive mold growth in a North Kenosha home

Kenosha County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of North Kenosha County 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.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it's a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today.

When Storms or Floods hit SERVPRO of North Kenosha County is ready!

3/21/2017 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in North Kenosha County.

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Kenosha County, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 262-764-7231

Water Loss-Veterinary Clinic in Kenosha

2/7/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of North Kenosha County provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Kenosha and all of Southeastern WI.

Sample Blog Posts

Faster to your Kenosha Water Damage Event

Category: Water Damage

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of North Kenosha County provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of North Kenosha County arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – 262-764-7231

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of North Kenosha County

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

Large house fire in Racine

8/8/2016 (Permalink)

Outside of Racine house

A 90 minute blaze unfortunately took out an entire second story of this beautiful house in Racine. The homeowners and their dogs were luckily not injured in this massive fire. The homeowners, local business owners, were absolutely devastated. We were called in the following day to start working on their house. We had to first board it up and tarp the roof to make sure no more damage could come to this beautiful estate. We then started cleaning up all the damage. We quickly realized that the house unfortunately was to badly damaged by the fire departments water to save any of the interior. We then began a full demo. Currently we have finished with the demo of the house and is down to the framing. Our friends at Elcano Construction are working with the homeowners to get this house back to its previous glory. When they are done it will look "like it never even happened." 

Extreme Mold Growth in Racine

6/28/2016 (Permalink)

Mold in Racine

When we got the call back in April for possible sump pump failure we quickly dispatched a crew to extract the water and start the drying process. A fairly normal call to receive in the rainy season. However when our mitigation manager Alex arrived first he quickly realized this was not a sump pump failure, actually this was not the normal water damage job by any means. He quickly called the rest of the crews to arrive immediately. The house was completely drenched with walls and ceilings hanging on by a thread. There was about a foot of water in the basement and another 3 inches on each the first and second floor. The water has been running for months without anyone noticing. The family was on a winter vacation and had never turned their water off. Later on it was found out to be a few broken water pipes due to freezing. This house unfortunately had well water so the city had no idea there was an excess ussage and the well water also fed mold growth with the extra minerals in the water. The water also acted as a heat source (think geothermal heat) after the furnace stopped working. Unfortunately this was about as bad as it gets for mold and water damage. We were able to dry out the frame of the house and mitigate the mold on all the framing as well. Next up is rebuilding it to its former beauty.