Archived Blog Posts
O, Christmas Tree!
12/18/2020 (Permalink)
O, Christmas Tree!
O, Christmas Tree! O, Christmas Tree! How lovely are your branches…
Families are decorating their holiday trees, many purchasing fresh trees, some for the first time. They are lovely and fragrant and offer a wonderful touch of nostalgia, often remembering the holidays at the grandparents.
If you are enjoying a fresh tree, please remember that they need special attention. Place it away from heat sources to keep it from drying to quickly – and from possibly catching fire.
Place it out of traffic patterns in your home in order avoid tripping hazards of a bump in the night. So many times, the furniture is rearranged to make the appropriate space for the tree in the room and family members must retrain themselves to new traffic patterns.
Beware of electrical hazards! Although a fresh tree, as it dries throughout the season, is at greater risk of catching fire with faulty wires in strings of lights, artificial trees are not exempt from this danger. Make certain that all wires are in good condition before hanging them on the tree. If it is a pre-lit tree, check the safety of those wrapped wires and connections.
No matter what type of tree you are using to decorate for the holidays, DO NOT OVERLOAD CIRCUITS!! This is one sure way to set things ablaze and ruin the holidays.
When leaving the house for holiday shopping or other festivities, it is a wise thing to unplug or turn off the holiday electrical elements: cords, strings of lights, the train set under the tree, etc.
Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the Holidays!
We wish you Happiness and many Blessings in the coming year!
May 2021 bring us good health and a return to the loved ones we are missing!
It's Virtually the Holidays
12/8/2020 (Permalink)
Happy Holidays!
As we came out of our first month donning the world of virtual family gatherings, we step into a second month of those possibilities. Many of us find ourselves questioning how we are going to make the festivities we celebrate in December feel joyous. We find ourselves struggling with what it will all look like, how the logistics need to line up and work out, and it's causing additional holiday stress.
As we have been organizing things with our families we have pondered many questions. How? When? Will we have a meal together somehow? Open gifts? Share some spirits? What platform will we use? How much time do we need to set aside? How are we going to feel?
Keep this in mind. The season is meant to bring cheer, don't lose sight of that. Try not to stress all the little details of your time together, they will fall into place. You will ultimately feel what you want.
As someone who is adjusting to their best friend moving thousands of miles away during a pandemic (making it impossible to physically visit), we have learned how to make things seem more like we are still together. Here are some suggestions to make it feel a little more "normal".
- Virtually bake together
- Prepare a meal together
- Build a gingerbread house together
- Watch a movie together (we stream and try to just start at the same time)
- Open gifts together on a video platform
- Take turns opening them
- Host a virtual secret santa
- Cheers a virtual drink the same way
- Setup a video gaming campaign
There are several video chatting services available. FaceTime, Facebook video, Alexa Show, Zoom, Teams, and Google connect are just a few.
Remember, it's a time for cheer. We hope you all have happy holidays, however possible!
COVID and Region 1
11/9/2020 (Permalink)
Our Region 1 is designated for “Resurgence Mitigations” after the rise in Covid-19 cases above the state threshold!
Outwitting the Pandemic Takes Patience.
It is apparent to all that Covid-19 will be with us for quite some time to come. The anticipated flu season could bring even more unwelcome concerns. It is certainly not a time to become complacent about our health routines, no matter how frustrated we may become. Keep wearing your mask; continue to physical distance; avoid large gatherings; cover your cough – and your sneeze (those of us with allergies can clear a space in a hurry!); wash your hands thoroughly; stay home if not feeling well.
Remember that cleaning and disinfecting high-touch areas in shared space will help to keep others safe, too. Not sure what to do or continue doing to maintain the health of home or workplace? Follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn or contact us for information or a consultation.
The only way we will ALL come through this world-wide health calamity is to follow the science and deeply care about one another.
Falling for Leaf Burning
11/4/2020 (Permalink)
For some of us, fall is the favorite time of year. There is a crispness in the air that rouses a sluggish body from the stifling days of heat and high humidity. The colors of fall foliage fill the air with almost fluorescent colors. The smells are pungent as Mother Nature drops leaves, seeds and nuts to find their new homes to ready for winter shelter and new life in the spring. There are apples and cider and pumpkins and squash and heady spices used in baking and mulling. And for many, there is the fall ritual of burning leaves.
With any type of burning, SERVPRO of Rockford would like you to remain safe in this leaf-burning activity:
- Where will you burn that hefty pile? Make certain that it is far enough away from buildings and other flammable materials.
- Be prepared! Make certain that you have a handy water supply, a metal rake to keep the leaves contained and a shovel to control escaping flaming materials.
- Be courteous of neighbors. Smoke that smells delightful to our senses, may contribute to another’s allergies, including asthmatic responses. Also, don’t burn with a breeze towards the neighbor’s house.
- Don’t burn on a windy day! This will send sparks and burning leaves to places you will not wish them to be, placing your property and possibly the neighbor's at risk.
- Be aware of local regulations regarding burning. Each community or county has its own regulations. Here are the links for the City of Rockford and Winnebago County:
Stay safe and enjoy your fall activities!
Here to Help during this time of need
3/18/2020 (Permalink)
Covid-19: Here to Help
SERVPRO of Rockford is Here to Help during this time of need
Why turn to SERVPRO?
We are Cleaning Experts
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
- Kitchen/Food Areas
- Bathrooms
- Schools/Classrooms
- Offices
- Retail Spaces
- Water Fountains
- Shelving/Racks
- Sales Counters
- Carpets and Rugs
- Stair Handrails
- Elevator Cars
- Playground Equipment
- Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –
SERVPRO of ROCKFORD, 815-964-0599
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer
2/25/2020 (Permalink)
Did you know that more than fifty thousand people visit the emergency room each year, and of those people 400 will die from carbon monoxide poisoning? There are even rare occasions where carbon monoxide is used as a suicide measure. Often times the individual will sit inside a running car with nothing allowing air circulation.
Carbon monoxide can be very hard to detect as it is colorless and odorless (hence the name "silent killer"). Symptoms can be very similar to every day ailments: headache, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, and other flu like symptoms. It can represent the flu without the fever. It can also mask itself so that you feel better when you leave an environment. So, if you are feeling ill inside, and you go outside and find your symptoms going away, then it may be CO poisoning. Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin and prevents those cells from carrying oxygen. Those with weakened immune systems (such as elderly and infants) can have an increased risk of getting sick from carbon monoxide. It can be fatal.
What kinds of things can emit carbon monoxide? Portable space heaters, gas heaters, an old furnace, or a gas oven can all emit the gas. You can also risk exposure if you use outdoor camping related products indoors; such as a camping stove, or charcoal grill.
Adequate ventilation is the key when using one of these types of entities. It is also wise to install carbon monoxide detectors in your home (or business) when using these types of appliances.
*photo from CDC website
Fall Preparation for Winter
12/9/2019 (Permalink)
Did you get those gutters cleaned and cleared before the cold weather came upon us? Did you disconnect the outdoor hoses? And shut off the outside spigots? There will still be some above freezing days coming our way in order to get that done. They just won’t be warm tasks to complete!
If you do not get these outdoor chores completed, the brutal cold of a polar vortex could make your life even more inconvenient and uncomfortable. Those clogged gutters won’t allow the melting snow from the roof to flow easily or freely. Since water seeks the path of least resistance, it will cascade over the gutters onto sidewalks, landings and other walkways. This makes for dangerously icy walking spaces. As it makes its way closer to the foundation of your home, it may find a way through your foundation into your home… Remember the note about the path of least resistance?!
That snow on the roof that spills over the gutters can become ice dams, damaging roofing, soffits, facia and gutters from the sheer weight of ice and snow. The water from this can often make its way along the inside walls of your home. Wet ceilings, walls, insulation, flooring and baseboards can make such a mess. Left to dry on their own, they can soon harbor mold. The roof itself can be damaged and continue to have leakage problems. (NOTE: Do not use standard rock salt on your roof! Calcium Chloride based products are safer for roofing materials and will work at lower temperatures.)
If that hose is still connected or the water has not been shut off to those outside spigots, freezing weather causes the water in those lines to expand. Breaks and cracks are frequently the result. Where does the water from those broken lines go? Back into the house, of course, where it is warmer and the water can flow freely! What a mess!
Yes, “Baby, it’s cold outside!” But it will only get colder as winter progresses. Take advantage of the next warmer – above freezing – day and get those outside chores completed. Otherwise, you will find yourself needing to call SERVPRO of Rockford to make those water damages “Like it never even happened.”
Business ERP
10/17/2018 (Permalink)
Most businesses will not be able to open their doors after a disaster strikes. Unfortunately, disasters can happen anytime and can be completely unexpected. The best way to get back on your feet after a disaster is having a plan already prepared.
SERVPRO offers an ERP app/prgram. The ERP stands for Emergency Ready Plan, and helps business owners consolidate any important information that could be needed during an event.
We will have one of our marketers come out and walk you through the steps and prepare a binder with all your information.
You will be able to have a written copy of your plan as well as an online option to edit when needed. Included in the plan is information on electric, water, gas, and alarm shut offs. You can even customize where we park when you have an emergency.
If you want more information give SERVPRO of Rockford a call and we can provide all this free of charge!
Ways to Prevent Water Damage & What to do if Water Does Intrude
11/28/2017 (Permalink)
Commercial Water Damage from burst pipe
It’s starting to become that time again. Those of you who enjoy the cold and snow, I’m happy for you. Those of you, like me, that do not enjoy it, will just have to think warm happy thoughts.
With the strange weather patterns in our Midwest area, we need to be prepared for burst pipes that may happen in our homes and businesses.
Most people believe that when the weather gets below freezing temperatures is when pipes tend to burst. Pipes actually burst when there happens to be a warmer winter day and anything that has been frozen starts to defrost.
To prevent burst pipes, you need to start with stopping them from freezing in the first place!
PREVENTION TIPS
- Turn your water off if you are going to be gone for more than a day! - especially when you go on vacation to escape the freezing temperatures.
- Keep your pipes warm! Open up cabinets if you are going to be leaving, or if you know that a below-freezing day is upon you.
- Insulate any exposed piping! Again, keep your pipes warm. If your kitchen sink is on an outer wall, you might want to consider throwing in some extra insulation. Check your basements for any exposed piping that might need extra warmth.
- Keep the water moving. Let water drip steadily from faucets, the more the water is moving, the less chance it has of freezing.
- Caulk any holes or cracks near your pipes. You don’t want any more cold air getting in your home anyway!
- Turn off your outside spigots! One of the biggest water jobs can come from being forgetful. Many people forget about their spigots, and suddenly there’s a new indoor swimming pool where your basement used to be!
Well, what if you didn’t follow ANY of these tips? Oops! There is now water in your home! Oh no! What to do? (Hint: flip this page over)
UNTIL YOUR LOCAL SERVPRO ARRIVES
- Stop the source of water/Determine source. Shut. Your. Water. Off. Don’t just leave water spewing into your home. Make sure you know where the source is coming from so you can have it professionally fixed, but until then, turn off your water. Please.
- Remove as much excess water as possible. Shop vac, mop, even throwing towels down will help slow the spread of water.
- Wipe any wood furnishings, or any delicate surfaces. Think of what you have in your basement. Is it antique? One of a kind? Or just extremely important to you? Try to wipe it dry and remove it from the affected area.
- Be aware of electrical hazards. If your basement is filling up with water, and the water line is above your outlets, that water could now be electrified. DO NOT try and test the water. Have a professional, like us, come and pump it out.
- Or if water came from above, look up at your light fixtures. Do they seem damp, or dripping? Turn them off and inform your professional technician.
- Pad or block wood furniture. If you can remove them from the affected area, that’s even better. If you don’t have much room you can always use foil to wrap and protect wooden legs, if moving them isn’t an option.
- Remove contents from the affected area. I hope that is self-explanatory. The less that gets wet, the less that gets damaged.
- If you have any fans set them to blow air on the affected areas. If you have any dehumidifiers, that’s even better! Tip: Living in the Midwest with the humidity and rain, everyone should have a dehumidifier stashed somewhere! It wouldn’t hurt to have it on hand.
Hopefully you now feel prepared to tackle this winter weather! Keep your home and your possessions safe from disasters!
As you know, if something does happen to your home or business, give us a call! SERVPRO of Rockford, we make it “Like it never even happened.”
-Angi
Does your home have a mold Problem?
9/13/2016 (Permalink)
Mold on a wall in the basement of a home
Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:
- Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
- Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
- Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
- Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
- Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
- Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (815)964-0599
24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service
8/11/2016 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Rockford provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service.
SERVPRO of Rockford is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.
We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - 815-964-0599
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Rockford has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.
What to Expect
When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.
Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:
- Your name and contact information
- Your insurance information (if applicable)
- The street address of the water-damaged home or business
- When did the flooding or water damage occur?
- What caused the water damage (if known)?
- Is there electricity available (on-site)?
About SERVPRO of Rockford
SERVPRO of Rockford 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.
24/7 Emergency Service
