Restoring Your DeKalb County Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

8/16/2023 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at DeKalb County 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 DeKalb County

SERVPRO of DeKalb 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.

Fire safety for your DeKalb Commercial Building

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage experts.

Did you know fires can be the costliest incident for a business? Approximately 10% of small businesses are affected by a fire with an average cost of $35,000 according to an analysis of The Hartford’s small business claims. The National Fire Protection Association states there are five top reasons for fire in a commercial building: Cooking equipment, Heating equipment, Electrical & lighting equipment, Smoking materials, and Intentional. There are several ways for a fire to start in your Dekalb business, but luckily, there are four core elements to help you and your company practice fire safety. Please consider the following to implement into your Dekalb business for the safety of you and your employees:

• Fire Alarms are the first defense against the potential risks of fires and are perhaps the most important element for your commercial building’s fire safety system. Your Dekalb business should always have routine inspections and maintain for all fire alarms to ensure they continue to properly work.
• Emergency lights and exit signs are designed to come on when the main power supplies are lost. These are very helpful because during a fire, conditions can be chaotic and confusing. Emergency lights and signs will make it more likely that individuals will be able to see well enough to get out of the building.
• Fire extinguishers are required by most fire codes. In general, they should be mounted on walls at distances of less than 75 feet. This means no one should have to travel more than 75 feet to get to a fire extinguisher. When using a fire extinguisher, remember “PASS”. It stands for Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
• Installing a fire sprinkler will help extinguish fires before the fire department arrives. This is made possible because fire sprinklers are always “on-call”. There is a network of piping filled with water under pressure which is installed behind walls and ceilings. If a fire were to break out, the air temperature rises and once it gets hot enough, that activates the sprinkler system. After installing them, routine inspections should be done to ensure they are working properly.

If a fire were to happen to your commercial building in Dekalb, do not worry about tackling fire debris and cleanup on your own. SERVPRO of Dekalb is “Here to Help”. For us, the goal is to return each home in Dekalb to a clean, odor-free environment as quickly as possible. As the fire restoration experts, we are confident to get the job done every time. To schedule a service and begin the restoration process for your Dekalb business, call our office today: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

Prevent Water Damage in Your DeKalb Commercial Property

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings for your Dekalb Business already require high costs for daily operations. If an accident, such as water damage, were to happen to your Dekalb business, repair costs can quickly add up. To help prevent accidents from happening, it important to maintain your property to keep it functioning. Upkeep for your Dekalb business can save you both time and money.

One of the biggest costs a commercial property can face is water damage. This can be devastating to any business and cost thousands of dollars. To help prevent your Dekalb County business from water damage, follow these tips on ways to maintain the function of your commercial property. These simple tips to prevent water leaks will go a long way to save your business from water damage. Here is how to keep your business safe:

• Assess your property. This means being aware of areas where flooding could pose a problem and make the necessary repairs or amendments as needed. Also pay special attention to basements and install a pump because it will go a long way towards keeping your building dry.
• Insulate exposed pipes. When temperatures drop during the winter, especially at night, exposed pipes are vulnerable to freezing. Most hardware stores carry pipe insulation and doing this can save you in the long run.
• Keep heat at sufficient levels. To prevent pipes from freezing, you’ll want to keep an eye on your business’s thermostat. Make sure it is never set to lower than 50 degrees. This includes weekends and after hours.
• Inspect gutters and drainage. Fallen leaves and other debris in gutters and downspouts can lead to water damage to the exterior walls of a building.
• Clear your roof. Snow and ice accumulation on the rood of your commercial property can weaken roofing materials and create “ice dams”, which prevent melted ice and snow from properly draining.

SERVPRO of Dekalb County wants your business to be safe too. We can help protect your Dekalb property if something were to happen by providing an Emergency Ready Profile. An Emergency Ready Profile is a one-stop-shop for what to do and who to call if an emergency were to happen. This plan is completely free to you and your business. Call us today to get your free Emergency Ready Profile or have any questions: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

A Silent Cold Weather Killer in DeKalb: Carbon Monoxide

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Often called the invisible killer, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, or propane do not burn completely. Every year, more than 400 people in the United States die from accidental non-fire related Carbon Monoxide poisoning. To know these risks are especially important during Dekalb's winter months when your commercial building is using heating equipment more frequently. Common sources of CO around your commercial building include gas space heaters, generators, water heaters, and furnaces.

            Did you know any heat producing item can produce Carbon Monoxide? Therefore, installing a detector can be a lifesaving decision for your Dekalb commercial building. it is recommended to place it near any high-risk equipment. This location is most ideal because it will serve as an early warning if any CO is leaking into your Dekalb commercial building. The more accurate a Carbon Monoxide alarm, the greater your chances of appropriately responding to the problem.

            The science behind why Carbon Monoxide is so dangerous is explained by American Council on Science and Health. “Carbon Monoxide loves to bind to iron. This also means that it loves to bind to hemoglobin, the iron-based protein that is responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the body. The affinity of CO to hemoglobin is so strong that the gas binds 240x more tightly to than does oxygen”. This means Carbon Monoxide does not just compete with oxygen for free hemoglobin, it displaces oxygen which inhibits your body’s ability to distribute oxygen.

            Even if your commercial building has a Carbon Monoxide detector, be aware of Carbon Monoxide Symptoms:

• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is very serious and can happen in your Dekalb business. Fortunately, this is very preventable for you and your employees. In addition to installing detectors throughout your commercial building, consider the following tips for avoiding a dangerous situation:

• If your company stores vehicles in a warehouse, do not run vehicles inside the building. If you need to warmup the vehicle, pull it out of the warehouse or garage first
• Always have proper ventilation throughout the building
• Schedule regular maintenance for your fuel-burning equipment. Make sure it is kept clean and working properly

Learn more about Dekalb

A Silent Cold Weather Killer in DeKalb: Carbon Monoxide

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Often called the invisible killer, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, or propane do not burn completely. Every year, more than 400 people in the United States die from accidental non-fire related Carbon Monoxide poisoning. To know these risks are especially important during Dekalb's winter months when your commercial building is using heating equipment more frequently. Common sources of CO around your commercial building include gas space heaters, generators, water heaters, and furnaces.

            Did you know any heat producing item can produce Carbon Monoxide? Therefore, installing a detector can be a lifesaving decision for your Dekalb commercial building. it is recommended to place it near any high-risk equipment. This location is most ideal because it will serve as an early warning if any CO is leaking into your Dekalb commercial building. The more accurate a Carbon Monoxide alarm, the greater your chances of appropriately responding to the problem.

            The science behind why Carbon Monoxide is so dangerous is explained by American Council on Science and Health. “Carbon Monoxide loves to bind to iron. This also means that it loves to bind to hemoglobin, the iron-based protein that is responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the body. The affinity of CO to hemoglobin is so strong that the gas binds 240x more tightly to than does oxygen”. This means Carbon Monoxide does not just compete with oxygen for free hemoglobin, it displaces oxygen which inhibits your body’s ability to distribute oxygen.

            Even if your commercial building has a Carbon Monoxide detector, be aware of Carbon Monoxide Symptoms:

• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is very serious and can happen in your Dekalb business. Fortunately, this is very preventable for you and your employees. In addition to installing detectors throughout your commercial building, consider the following tips for avoiding a dangerous situation:

• If your company stores vehicles in a warehouse, do not run vehicles inside the building. If you need to warmup the vehicle, pull it out of the warehouse or garage first
• Always have proper ventilation throughout the building
• Schedule regular maintenance for your fuel-burning equipment. Make sure it is kept clean and working properly

Learn more about Dekalb

Will your company survive that fire?

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Planning can be the thing that saves your company.

Did you know that over 50% of businesses that have a major event such as a severe water damage or fire, never recover?! The loss of key customers due to delays in getting your operation back up and running could be the difference between success and never opening your doors again.

It is a scary thought.

Help your company by having SERVPRO schedule an ERP inspection. Our Emergency Ready Program will help facility managers prepare for the unthinkable. We start by identifying important facility information, such as water shut offs, and critical areas of importance within the building. By doing this we can allow our emergency restoration professionals to concentrate their efforts on the areas that will provide you the flexibility to stay in operation and maintaining your important clients needs until the entire cleanup is completed.

A little planning today can provide a lot of reassurance in the future.

Contact SERVPRO of DeKalb County at 815.758.3900 to schedule an inspection!

How to deal with sewer backups

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage cleanup in commercial pump room.

You are the facilities manager for a large commercial building. you get a call from one of your maintenance staff that your pump room has standing water. What do you need to do?

The first consideration is determining the source of the water. The cleanup requirements change dramatically depending on the source of water. If it was a small pipe break, maybe all you need to do is shop vac up the water and place a fan or two. 

However, if you suspect that the water is potentially sewer water, you will need to take precautions to ensure that you don't make the situation worse.

Making sure your cleanup crew is using proper PPE (personal protective equipment is very important. Even if the water appears "pretty clear" if it came back into your building through a plumbing "p-trap" you MUST treat it as sewage. The waste water needs to be put back into a sanitary sewer line and the affected area needs to be cleaned properly.

Call SERVPRO of DeKalb County when you need to get things done right! 815-758-3900

Restoring your commercial property after a water damage event.

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

This business suffered a water loss due to a large rainstorm that hit the area. We were able to limit down time to the staff by working efficiently.

Flooding and water damage events at DeKalb County commercial properties can be 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 to its preloss state.

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 DeKalb County

SERVPRO of DeKalb County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water or fire 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.

Keeping our DeKalb companies open!

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Open for business

SERVPRO of Dekalb is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. We have helped a tremendous amount of offices, hospitals, and education facilities, but that does not mean we are not here for our Dekalb area business owners for our core services! This means we are here for you when your Dekalb business or commercial space experiences a water or fire loss, mold, or damage from a storm event.

At SERVPRO of Dekalb, we are prepared to continue providing our clients with a safe and comfortable experience. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and their businesses, we implemented additional steps recommended by the CDC into our job processes. This includes all technicians and SERVPRO employees to wear face masks during client visits. We also place an air scrubber into the affected area to promote clean air in the client’s home. Lastly, every employee has their temperature taken each morning to verify they are eligible to perform work for our clients.

SERVPRO of Dekalb will continue to answer your phone calls, provide estimates, and help with any restoration services you might need. Restoration is defined as essential as our services are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operation for the people of the Dekalb area. Per our mission, we will be “Here to Help” when you need us most and provide a service that keeps your business functioning. We will continue to monitor this situation with the goal of keeping you and your business, staff, and customers comfortable during these uncertain times.

Whether you need deep cleaning services or water restoration, we are here to service you on your schedule as we are a 24-hour emergency business. If you or your family has any additional questions about our services or protocol, please do not hesitate to call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Fire safety for your Sycamore building

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Fire safety tips

Did you know fires can be the costliest incident for a business? Approximately 10% of small businesses are affected by a fire with an average cost of $35,000 according to an analysis of The Hartford’s small business claims. The National Fire Protection Association states there are five top reasons for fire in a commercial building: Cooking equipment, Heating equipment, Electrical & lighting equipment, Smoking materials, and Intentional. There are several ways for a fire to start in your Dekalb business, but luckily, there are four core elements to help you and your company practice fire safety. Please consider the following to implement into your Dekalb business for the safety of you and your employees:

• Fire Alarms are the first defense against the potential risks of fires and are perhaps the most important element for your commercial building’s fire safety system. Your Dekalb business should always have routine inspections and maintain for all fire alarms to ensure they continue to properly work.
• Emergency lights and exit signs are designed to come on when the main power supplies are lost. These are very helpful because during a fire, conditions can be chaotic and confusing. Emergency lights and signs will make it more likely that individuals will be able to see well enough to get out of the building.
• Fire extinguishers are required by most fire codes. In general, they should be mounted on walls at distances of less than 75 feet. This means no one should have to travel more than 75 feet to get to a fire extinguisher. When using a fire extinguisher, remember “PASS”. It stands for Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
• Installing a fire sprinkler will help extinguish fires before the fire department arrives. This is made possible because fire sprinklers are always “on-call”. There is a network of piping filled with water under pressure which is installed behind walls and ceilings. If a fire were to break out, the air temperature rises and once it gets hot enough, that activates the sprinkler system. After installing them, routine inspections should be done to ensure they are working properly.

If a fire were to happen to your commercial building in Dekalb, do not worry about tackling fire debris and cleanup on your own. SERVPRO of Dekalb is “Here to Help”. For us, the goal is to return each home in Dekalb to a clean, odor-free environment as quickly as possible. As the fire restoration experts, we are confident to get the job done every time. To schedule a service and begin the restoration process for your Dekalb business, call our office today: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

Steps taken to keep everyone safe during Commercial visits

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

We are always open for business

SERVPRO of Dekalb is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. We have helped a tremendous number of offices, hospitals, and education facilities, but that does not mean we are not here for our Dekalb area business owners for our core services! This means we are here for you when your Dekalb business or commercial space experiences a water or fire loss, mold, or damage from a storm event.

At SERVPRO of Dekalb, we are prepared to continue providing our clients with a safe and comfortable experience. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and their businesses, we implemented additional steps recommended by the CDC into our job processes. This includes all technicians and SERVPRO employees to wear face masks during client visits. We also place an air scrubber into the affected area to promote clean air in the client’s home. Lastly, every employee has their temperature taken each morning to verify they are eligible to perform work for our clients.

SERVPRO of Dekalb will continue to answer your phone calls, provide estimates, and help with any restoration services you might need. Restoration is defined as essential as our services are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operation for the people of the Dekalb area. Per our mission, we will be “Here to Help” when you need us most and provide a service that keeps your business functioning. We will continue to monitor this situation with the goal of keeping you and your business, staff, and customers comfortable during these uncertain times.

Whether you need deep cleaning services or water restoration, we are here to service you on your schedule as we are a 24-hour emergency business. If you or your family has any additional questions about our services or protocol, please do not hesitate to call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

ERPs will help you reopen after a disaster

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

ERPs are essential for business continuity.

Businesses big or small face a variety of possible disasters every day. Disasters and resulting business interruption can devastate companies. Did you know only 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster ever reopen? And of those reopened businesses, 75% of them had an emergency plan. This proves having an Emergency Ready Profile can be lifesaving to a business.

No one plans on having a disaster hit their business, but fortunately, you can plan for it with an Emergency Ready Profile. This plan includes what to do, who to call, and what to expect, which are key aspects of timely mitigation. More specifically, it includes details such as shut-off value locations and all primary contacts. Timely mitigation will minimize the effects of damages and allow your business to be restored at an advanced rate with minimal downtime.

SERVPRO® of Elgin can provide your business with an Emergency Ready Profile for no charge. In addition, the entire plan will be located on an app. The app not only gives you convenient access, its layout will keep all the information in an organized fashion.

Call SERVPRO of DeKalb today to get your Emergency Ready Profile started: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about DeKalb.

Safety precautions during your commercial visit

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Open for business

SERVPRO of Dekalb is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. We have helped a tremendous amount of offices, hospitals, and education facilities, but that does not mean we are not here for our Dekalb area business owners for our core services! This means we are here for you when your Dekalb business or commercial space experiences a water or fire loss, mold, or damage from a storm event.

At SERVPRO of Dekalb, we are prepared to continue providing our clients with a safe and comfortable experience. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and their businesses, we implemented additional steps recommended by the CDC into our job processes. This includes all technicians and SERVPRO employees to wear face masks during client visits. We also place an air scrubber into the affected area to promote clean air in the client’s home. Lastly, every employee has their temperature taken each morning to verify they are eligible to perform work for our clients.

SERVPRO of Dekalb will continue to answer your phone calls, provide estimates, and help with any restoration services you might need. Restoration is defined as essential as our services are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operation for the people of the Dekalb area. Per our mission, we will be “Here to Help” when you need us most and provide a service that keeps your business functioning. We will continue to monitor this situation with the goal of keeping you and your business, staff, and customers comfortable during these uncertain times.

Whether you need deep cleaning services or water restoration, we are here to service you on your schedule as we are a 24-hour emergency business. If you or your family has any additional questions about our services or protocol, please do not hesitate to call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Helping keep businesses open for business

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Open for business

SERVPRO of Dekalb is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. We have helped a tremendous amount of offices, hospitals, and education facilities, but that does not mean we are not here for our Dekalb area business owners for our core services! This means we are here for you when your Dekalb business or commercial space experiences a water or fire loss, mold, or damage from a storm event.

At SERVPRO of Dekalb, we are prepared to continue providing our clients with a safe and comfortable experience. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and their businesses, we implemented additional steps recommended by the CDC into our job processes. This includes all technicians and SERVPRO employees to wear face masks during client visits. We also place an air scrubber into the affected area to promote clean air in the client’s home. Lastly, every employee has their temperature taken each morning to verify they are eligible to perform work for our clients.

SERVPRO of Dekalb will continue to answer your phone calls, provide estimates, and help with any restoration services you might need. Restoration is defined as essential as our services are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operation for the people of the Dekalb area. Per our mission, we will be “Here to Help” when you need us most and provide a service that keeps your business functioning. We will continue to monitor this situation with the goal of keeping you and your business, staff, and customers comfortable during these uncertain times.

Whether you need deep cleaning services or water restoration, we are here to service you on your schedule as we are a 24-hour emergency business. If you or your family has any additional questions about our services or protocol, please do not hesitate to call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Fire Safety for Your DeKalb Commercial Building

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage experts

Did you know fires can be the costliest incident for a business? Approximately 10% of small businesses are affected by a fire with an average cost of $35,000 according to an analysis of The Hartford’s small business claims. The National Fire Protection Association states there are five top reasons for fire in a commercial building: Cooking equipment, Heating equipment, Electrical & lighting equipment, Smoking materials, and Intentional. There are several ways for a fire to start in your Dekalb business, but luckily, there are four core elements to help you and your company practice fire safety. Please consider the following to implement into your Dekalb business for the safety of you and your employees:

• Fire Alarms are the first defense against the potential risks of fires and are perhaps the most important element for your commercial building’s fire safety system. Your Dekalb business should always have routine inspections and maintain for all fire alarms to ensure they continue to properly work.
• Emergency lights and exit signs are designed to come on when the main power supplies are lost. These are very helpful because during a fire, conditions can be chaotic and confusing. Emergency lights and signs will make it more likely that individuals will be able to see well enough to get out of the building.
• Fire extinguishers are required by most fire codes. In general, they should be mounted on walls at distances of less than 75 feet. This means no one should have to travel more than 75 feet to get to a fire extinguisher. When using a fire extinguisher, remember “PASS”. It stands for Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
• Installing a fire sprinkler will help extinguish fires before the fire department arrives. This is made possible because fire sprinklers are always “on-call”. There is a network of piping filled with water under pressure which is installed behind walls and ceilings. If a fire were to break out, the air temperature rises and once it gets hot enough, that activates the sprinkler system. After installing them, routine inspections should be done to ensure they are working properly.

If a fire were to happen to your commercial building in Dekalb, do not worry about tackling fire debris and cleanup on your own. SERVPRO of Dekalb is “Here to Help”. For us, the goal is to return each home in Dekalb to a clean, odor-free environment as quickly as possible. As the fire restoration experts, we are confident to get the job done every time. To schedule a service and begin the restoration process for your Dekalb business, call our office today: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

A Silent Cold Weather Killer in Dekalb: Carbon Monoxide

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Often called the invisible killer, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, or propane do not burn completely. Every year, more than 400 people in the United States die from accidental non-fire related Carbon Monoxide poisoning. To know these risks are especially important during Dekalb's winter months when your commercial building is using heating equipment more frequently. Common sources of CO around your commercial building include gas space heaters, generators, water heaters, and furnaces.

            Did you know any heat producing item can produce Carbon Monoxide? Therefore, installing a detector can be a lifesaving decision for your Dekalb commercial building. it is recommended to place it near any high-risk equipment. This location is most ideal because it will serve as an early warning if any CO is leaking into your Dekalb commercial building. The more accurate a Carbon Monoxide alarm, the greater your chances of appropriately responding to the problem.

            The science behind why Carbon Monoxide is so dangerous is explained by American Council on Science and Health. “Carbon Monoxide loves to bind to iron. This also means that it loves to bind to hemoglobin, the iron-based protein that is responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the body. The affinity of CO to hemoglobin is so strong that the gas binds 240x more tightly to than does oxygen”. This means Carbon Monoxide does not just compete with oxygen for free hemoglobin, it displaces oxygen which inhibits your body’s ability to distribute oxygen.

            Even if your commercial building has a Carbon Monoxide detector, be aware of Carbon Monoxide Symptoms:

• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is very serious and can happen in your Dekalb business. Fortunately, this is very preventable for you and your employees. In addition to installing detectors throughout your commercial building, consider the following tips for avoiding a dangerous situation:

• If your company stores vehicles in a warehouse, do not run vehicles inside the building. If you need to warmup the vehicle, pull it out of the warehouse or garage first
• Always have proper ventilation throughout the building
• Schedule regular maintenance for your fuel-burning equipment. Make sure it is kept clean and working properly

Learn more about Dekalb

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned: The Program Your Business Needs

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Illinois has successfully reached Phase Three and we're getting ready for Phase Four! This means we are starting to see businesses reopen their doors and the community is moving towards a new kind of normal. Research indicates 89% of consumers are concerned to go back to brick and mortar stores. This makes staying safe a top concern for visitors, customers, and employees. The global pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, so SERVPRO of Dekalb has launched the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program with the goal to provide businesses a safe and clean environment.

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

With the stakes being this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify:

• Consult- Every Dekalb business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, number of touch points, foot traffic, and congestion points.
• Clean- Based on your specific Dekalb business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our SERVPRO of Dekalb employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of equipment, tools, and supplies, and dispose hazardous materials. We also guarantee a cleaning within 24-hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible
• Certify- Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communications that you’ve selected a higher standard of cleaning. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location has been cleaned to a higher standard

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation! We’re Here to Help as we fight to bring daily life back to normal in the Dekalb community. Please feel free to reach out to our Dekalb office (815) 758-3900 for question or request a consultation.

Learn about more about DeKalb: https://www.cityofdekalb.com/

Safety Precautions During Your Commercial Visit

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO branding

SERVPRO of Dekalb is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. We have helped a tremendous amount of offices, hospitals, and education facilities, but that does not mean we are not here for our Dekalb area business owners for our core services! This means we are here for you when your Dekalb business or commercial space experiences a water or fire loss, mold, or damage from a storm event.

At SERVPRO of Dekalb, we are prepared to continue providing our clients with a safe and comfortable experience. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and their businesses, we implemented additional steps recommended by the CDC into our job processes. This includes all technicians and SERVPRO employees to wear face masks during client visits. We also place an air scrubber into the affected area to promote clean air in the client’s home. Lastly, every employee has their temperature taken each morning to verify they are eligible to perform work for our clients.

SERVPRO of Dekalb will continue to answer your phone calls, provide estimates, and help with any restoration services you might need. Restoration is defined as essential as our services are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operation for the people of the Dekalb area. Per our mission, we will be “Here to Help” when you need us most and provide a service that keeps your business functioning. We will continue to monitor this situation with the goal of keeping you and your business, staff, and customers comfortable during these uncertain times.

Whether you need deep cleaning services or water restoration, we are here to service you on your schedule as we are a 24-hour emergency business. If you or your family has any additional questions about our services or protocol, please do not hesitate to call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Fire Safety for Your Commercial Building in Dekalb

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know fires can be the costliest incident for a business? Approximately 10% of small businesses are affected by a fire with an average cost of $35,000 according to an analysis of The Hartford’s small business claims. The National Fire Protection Association states there are five top reasons for fire in a commercial building: Cooking equipment, Heating equipment, Electrical & lighting equipment, Smoking materials, and Intentional. There are several ways for a fire to start in your Dekalb business, but luckily, there are four core elements to help you and your company practice fire safety. Please consider the following to implement into your Dekalb business for the safety of you and your employees:

• Fire Alarms are the first defense against the potential risks of fires and are perhaps the most important element for your commercial building’s fire safety system. Your Dekalb business should always have routine inspections and maintain for all fire alarms to ensure they continue to properly work.
• Emergency lights and exit signs are designed to come on when the main power supplies are lost. These are very helpful because during a fire, conditions can be chaotic and confusing. Emergency lights and signs will make it more likely that individuals will be able to see well enough to get out of the building.
• Fire extinguishers are required by most fire codes. In general, they should be mounted on walls at distances of less than 75 feet. This means no one should have to travel more than 75 feet to get to a fire extinguisher. When using a fire extinguisher, remember “PASS”. It stands for Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
• Installing a fire sprinkler will help extinguish fires before the fire department arrives. This is made possible because fire sprinklers are always “on-call”. There is a network of piping filled with water under pressure which is installed behind walls and ceilings. If a fire were to break out, the air temperature rises and once it gets hot enough, that activates the sprinkler system. After installing them, routine inspections should be done to ensure they are working properly.

If a fire were to happen to your commercial building in Dekalb, do not worry about tackling fire debris and cleanup on your own. SERVPRO of Dekalb is “Here to Help”. For us, the goal is to return each home in Dekalb to a clean, odor-free environment as quickly as possible. As the fire restoration experts, we are confident to get the job done every time. To schedule a service and begin the restoration process for your Dekalb business, call our office today: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

A Silent Cold Weather Killer in Dekalb: Carbon Monoxide

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Often called the invisible killer, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, or propane do not burn completely. Every year, more than 400 people in the United States die from accidental non-fire related Carbon Monoxide poisoning. To know these risks are especially important during Dekalb's winter months when your commercial building is using heating equipment more frequently. Common sources of CO around your commercial building include gas space heaters, generators, water heaters, and furnaces.

            Did you know any heat producing item can produce Carbon Monoxide? Therefore, installing a detector can be a lifesaving decision for your Dekalb commercial building. it is recommended to place it near any high-risk equipment. This location is most ideal because it will serve as an early warning if any CO is leaking into your Dekalb commercial building. The more accurate a Carbon Monoxide alarm, the greater your chances of appropriately responding to the problem.

            The science behind why Carbon Monoxide is so dangerous is explained by American Council on Science and Health. “Carbon Monoxide loves to bind to iron. This also means that it loves to bind to hemoglobin, the iron-based protein that is responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the body. The affinity of CO to hemoglobin is so strong that the gas binds 240x more tightly to than does oxygen”. This means Carbon Monoxide does not just compete with oxygen for free hemoglobin, it displaces oxygen which inhibits your body’s ability to distribute oxygen.

            Even if your commercial building has a Carbon Monoxide detector, be aware of Carbon Monoxide Symptoms:

• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is very serious and can happen in your Dekalb business. Fortunately, this is very preventable for you and your employees. In addition to installing detectors throughout your commercial building, consider the following tips for avoiding a dangerous situation:

• If your company stores vehicles in a warehouse, do not run vehicles inside the building. If you need to warmup the vehicle, pull it out of the warehouse or garage first
• Always have proper ventilation throughout the building
• Schedule regular maintenance for your fuel-burning equipment. Make sure it is kept clean and working properly

Learn more about Dekalb

Prevent Water Damage in Your Dekalb Commercial Property

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings for your Dekalb Business already require high costs for daily operations. If an accident, such as water damage, were to happen to your Dekalb business, repair costs can quickly add up. To help prevent accidents from happening, it important to maintain your property to keep it functioning. Upkeep for your Dekalb business can save you both time and money.

One of the biggest costs a commercial property can face is water damage. This can be devastating to any business and cost thousands of dollars. To help prevent your Dekalb County business from water damage, follow these tips on ways to maintain the function of your commercial property. These simple tips to prevent water leaks will go a long way to save your business from water damage. Here is how to keep your business safe:

• Assess your property. This means being aware of areas where flooding could pose a problem and make the necessary repairs or amendments as needed. Also pay special attention to basements and install a pump because it will go a long way towards keeping your building dry.
• Insulate exposed pipes. When temperatures drop during the winter, especially at night, exposed pipes are vulnerable to freezing. Most hardware stores carry pipe insulation and doing this can save you in the long run.
• Keep heat at sufficient levels. To prevent pipes from freezing, you’ll want to keep an eye on your business’s thermostat. Make sure it is never set to lower than 50 degrees. This includes weekends and after hours.
• Inspect gutters and drainage. Fallen leaves and other debris in gutters and downspouts can lead to water damage to the exterior walls of a building.
• Clear your roof. Snow and ice accumulation on the rood of your commercial property can weaken roofing materials and create “ice dams”, which prevent melted ice and snow from properly draining.

SERVPRO of Dekalb County wants your business to be safe too. We can help protect your Dekalb property if something were to happen by providing an Emergency Ready Profile. An Emergency Ready Profile is a one-stop-shop for what to do and who to call if an emergency were to happen. This plan is completely free to you and your business. Call us today to get your free Emergency Ready Profile or have any questions: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

water in our commercial building

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

I am a property manger that has a small strip mall type building that I manage. It recently had a water loss from a pipe freeze in the small basement bathroom. I called SERVPRO of DeKalb County to come and take care of the problem. They came right out and started the work. The crews were very through and solved the problems not only with the water but our contents also. We had referred some of the buildings tenants to them also for their contents.  My building tenants were just as satisfied with them as we were and for that I am thankful. The building is now back to normal and ready to receive customers. I was impressed with the speed and knowledge of SERVPRO of DeKalb County.

Needs a good cleaning

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

I recently purchased a small commercial building. I knew it had potential but also knew the mountain of "stuff" left in it needed to go to see that potential by potential customers. I called SERVPRO of DeKalb County and they came out with a team to get to work. They boxed up what needed to be boxed and tossed what needed to be tossed.  The amount of stuff that was removed was certainly that of a hoarders space.Once they had the space cleared out we discovered some mold in one area. Well they took care of that too for me. They went right to work and followed the plan they had gone over with me prior to starting. I am glad that I can now rent this location with confidence. 

Local Hospital needs help

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Our local hospital contact SERVPRO of DeKalb County recently for a water pipe in their storage area/hallway. A 9 inch round pipe broke and water was everywhere. SERVPRO of DeKalb county came in during the afternoon and started work. They spent 4 days working with the client and had them back up and running in no time. SERVPRO taking care of this problem left the maintenance staff to continue to take care of all their day to day responsibility and didn't disrupt patient care. The efficiency and knowledge of the technicians was much appreciated and the client would call them again in the future.They appreciated the efficiency in which the crew worked and their care to not disturb patient care or day to day flow of the hospital.  One of the technicians even saw a man struggling to get into the facility and set his equipment down to assist him. This gesture didn't go unnoticed and was so appreciated.

Frozen sprinkle head

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

We have a large warehouse building. In this most recent storm and cold snap despite our best efforts we had our sprinkle water lines freeze. We tried to thaw them out slowly but when the weather thawed faster we had a huge mess on our hands. We called SERVPRO of DeKalb County and they were the best. They came out in the middle of the night and went right to work. They worked with precision and got the water removed quickly and set equipment to start the drying process. We couldn't be more happy with them and our call to them. 

New Business- New Building

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

I am a small business owner in my hometown. I recently purchased a older budilng to rehab and expand my business. I needed help with removing the contents left behind from the previous owners and after all of that was removed I found mold in the space. I knew that time was important so as not to lose money so I called SERVPRO of DeKalb County. Their crews came right out to help and go right to work. The first took care of removing and disposing all of the contents, They even had the idea to clean some of them so I could sell the larger items and help with my renovation costs. They took care of the mold that we discovered also. The whole process was quick and seamless. I was impressed with the knowledge the entire crew had and the final results was exactly what I had invisioned. 

Water during construction

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

I am the plant the manager at a cold storage facility. We had been putting on an addition to our main building during the late fall of this year. As sometimes happens in the midwest it turned very cold very quickly. The construction crews hadn't had a chance to button up the addition before the cold and we had some pipes break in the adjacent wall. We had a lot of water in the new construction. We had to have the water extracted before the construction could continue. We called SERVPRO of Dekalb County and they came out right away. They did a fast and through job in extremely cold conditions. They didn't let it bother them and did great work. We have sinced finished the construction and the mishap barely slow down our schedule. 

Water damage due to pipe in next retail space

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

I am the owner of a small strip mall that has 4 tenants. One tenant is a music store. They had an employee that came into a pipe break one winter Saturday morning. I had frantic calls from the other tenants and had to get them back up and running. After my plumber came out and fixed the source of the water my agent asked that I call SERVPRO of DeKalb County. Their bright green trucks rolled in and got right to work. Their lead person was going through each unit and the crew was getting right to work implementing his directions. All said and done after a week or so everything was dry and ready for my contractor to come in to build the spaces back to their original floor plans. They definitely helped me out in a bad situation and my tenants also.

Why are our employees getting sick so often?

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

I manager a large garage door manufacturer in a small town in Northern Illinois.After what seemed like the longest winter in history our employees continued to call in sick and complain of respiratory issues in the warehouse. We could't figure out why they would have such issues at work but were better when they were at home or anywhere outside the plant? We first thought mold? But we couldn't find any? We contacted SERVPRO and asked them to bring their equipment to help us come up with an answer and fast. We were losing a lot of man hours due to illness. They came out and told us that we did not in fact had mold but they did find that behind the padding of our docks doors animals and birds had built nests during the long  cold winter! We had never thought of this. The feces and nesting had gotten in the air intake system and had caused all this trouble. We need them to take care of this problem right away will still keeping trucks running and us open for business. They were great in rotating their schedule and ours to get it all done. We have no employees with any issues any more and we now know what to check if it happens again.

Muddy carpets in your business?

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Heavy rains make muddy conditions

Well as spring hits we look forward to the trees starting to bud again and the leaves to form and all the flowers starting to come to life again and of course the warmer weather. As any in the Midwest region here know that also means April showers as they say. Truth is it is usually March, April, May showers and all that rain means mud. And of course muddy shoes on customers that come in to your business. Well we here at SERVPRO of Dekalb County can take care of those muddy carpets for you. The problem isn't the first customer that tracks in the mud it is that multiple track in mud and it dries and then others step on it and the dirt then crumbles because the mud dried and gets further into the carpet. We use multiple processes depending on the type of carpet, how it is constructed and dirt or spot levels. We have spotters that are very effective at removing stubborn spots. Our Hot water extraction can get to those deeper layers and moisten and suck up those chunks of dirt that have been ground in. We would love to show you how great your carpets could look again with our carpet restoration services.

More Questions or Need Your Carpet Cleaned? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Keep falls from happening.

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

So many ways to fall

Before the customer even gets inside your business falls are waiting to happen. It is important to get the snow or ice removed and get salt or sand down to give the customer grip on their way into your business. Some businesses prefer to do this themselves and a good way to not overload one person is to give several employees each a task such as one shoveling the sidewalk and another salting it. If you choose to hire out make sure it is a reputable company that is always on the ball for getting it done. The last thing you want is shoddy work or worse yet several inches of snow and they are nowhere to be found. Once inside the store if you do not already have carpeting you will want to put down mats or rugs for people to kick snow off on and give them some acquisition steps to change surfaces. Tile in particular gets very slippery when stepping on with snow all over the bottom of the shoes. Being the floor is wet it never hurts to put up the wet floor sign just as a reminder to people. They can be so focused on what they came in the business for that they aren't really thinking about the floor being wet. Also just look around your business for other fall hazards and see what needs to be fixed. If one person slips somewhere be sure another will slip there as well. If you have carpeting and it has been heavily soiled because of snow and salt and dirt being tracked in this winter we can professionally clean it for you.

Carpet need cleaning? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

Winter Muck

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

It's everywhere

With winter comes snow and with snow all the things that go along with it. One of them is shoes saturated with snow. And as a business you have customers come in loaded with snow on their shoes and many kick it off before walking around but it is almost impossible to get it all off and even when they do the shoes or boots are still wet. They now walk all over the store and the carpets and they do get messy. Maybe some salt from the streets gets tracked in. I know after I have salted my house I will inevitably end up having salt sticking to my shoes and ends up on the carpeting just inside my door. All this is a small price to pay as a business owner as it is more important to have the customer than the floor getting wet and dirty. However you also want to keep the business looking nice. That is where we come in. We are happy to help and can take care of those dirty carpets and floors. We have treatments to deodorize and clean those carpets and keep them looking and smelling good so when customers come in they are presented with the business looking like you want it to be. A welcoming, inviting place to go to.

Dirty floors? Need your carpets cleaned? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Services to help your commercial business

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dekalb County provides commercial cleaning and restoration services and they are trusted by many local businesses for building maintenance services. Some of the many commercial services that SERVPRO offers are: 

• Mold remediation 
• Water restoration
• Fire restoration
• Floor cleaning
• Carpet cleaning
• General cleaning
• Biohazard cleanup

SERVPRO of Dekalb County is licensed and trained to handle all of your commercial cleaning and restoration needs and the team is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 

Our team is always ready to assist with any of commercial services we offer and will do it in a polite way so as to not disturb your customers should your business be open and operating while we are performing services. 

Have a need for our commercial services? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

SERVPRO is ready to help

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Program

SERVPRO offers a complimentary Emergency Ready Profile for your business. This is to make an all in one spot for various disasters should they happen. An employee can bring up the profile and then know what to do. For example a pipe bursts within the business but no one is sure where the shut off valve is. Within the profile is a location as well as a photo that shows them what they are looking for. The employee now knows I have to go to this section of the building and I am looking for this dial and it will shut off the water so the leak can then be repaired. The nice thing about this is it is free and accessible to all employees and contains just a nice concise detail to getting it done so they do not have to go through tons of info to find what they need to know now. We can do a no cost assessment of your business. Here are a couple links to give you more info and get you started with your Emergency Ready Profile and become a part of our Emergency Ready Program.

Emergency Ready Program Overview

Getting Started 

Healthy Commercial Cleanliness

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

Unhealthy Cleanliness

While you can clean superbly with some cleaners out there they may not be the most people friendly or healthy for the people. You can use bleach to clean spots but needs to be used in good ventilation. There are even more caustic chemicals you can buy over the counter but then agagin you must have ventilation plus gloves to use and then dangers if you have kids of them getting into them. It is very important to be clean but be careful. know the cleaners you are using and use them as directed. You would think this is a given but we all know someone that uses things other than intended and in an unsafe manner. Most of us have likely done this ourselves because we get focused on the goal instead of on what is going on in front of us. 

Healthy Cleanliness

We at SERVPRO of Dekalb County are focused on Healthy Cleanliness. We use people friendly cleaning agents. We handle getting your commercial business clean and doing it in such a way it doesn't affect you or your customers in an unhealthy way. We want our employees to be safe because they are very valuable to us and we want you and your customers to be safe as well because you are also very important to us. 

Need Commercial Cleaning? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Workplace Safety

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

Our common goal

We all want workplace safety. An injury is no good for anyone. The employee that is injured has their life affected by the injury and is possibly out of work for a while. The employer loses a valuable employee that is needed to complete jobs at work. The more hazardous the job the more important the safety. Many businesses will put up safety posters and slogans to encourage safety. 

A reward for safety

A good idea for job safety is to reward employees that come up with valuable safety ideas. Being each job is different makes it hard to cover all the bases with posters etc. so we can utilize a resource we already have. An employee sees the weak points in safety every day and has possibly almost been injured by something. Well rewarding them encourages the free thinking about safety. People may watch themselves but it would be better if all employees were benefiting from it. It may be an escalating scale so the bigger the idea the bigger the reward. Or just a flat rate item if the idea gets used you get the reward. Some possible reward ideas

• monetary
• leave work early on a Friday
• gift card for a local restaurant
• or something applicable to your area

 Our Commercial Services

One thing that always helps with safety is the cleanliness of the work environment. A dirty area can be a fire hazard and should you experience a fire we do offer fire restoration services. Should you have a person get injured we offer biohazard services as well in case their was blood or bodily fluids that ended up on surfaces. We also offer our full commercial services including hvac and duct cleaning, carpet cleaning, odor removal and vandalism restoration. If you have need any of our services here at SERVPRO of Dekalb County please feel free to contact us.

Have Questions about our Commercial Services?
Call Us Today – (815)758-3900

importance Of Cleanliness

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

Carpet Cleaning at an area business to maintain the look.

Personal experiences

We've all been traveling and had to make a quick pit stop. We walk in to use the bathroom and grab some snacks and we walk into the bathroom and it is so bad we want to run away screaming or we go in and find it is absolutely spotless. We will remember it for each of these two reasons one to avoid and one that we know this is a place with a really nice restroom. And you mind when it is bad goes right to if its that bad in here what about the rest of the store?

Things people notice

• Is the outside clean because they may not come in if its not
• Is there a nice pleasant aroma or is it stale, smoke filled, dirty smelling 
• Remove clutter that will get in the way of people in your business. Dress the business for success
• Just being clean helps employee safety as well as customer safety by the eliminating possible trip hazards etc.
• Most of us have been in a business and noticed the dirty floor and it affected our opinion of that business. When clean we don't think much of it but a dirty floor and we notice it.
• Number of customers. 2 similar businesses side by side and one is packed and one is empty so people will wonder why the empty business - is it because of cleanliness?
• They notice dirty glass, counters and other shiny or reflective services

And most of these things are cumulative or in other words build on one another. Someone may let one thing go but then they see another and another and you may have lost a repeat customer.

Our Commercial Restoration Services

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. So whether it is tile and grout cleaning, carpet cleaning, biohazard, or other cleaning you need or it is restoration from a disaster like water or fire damage we at SERVPRO of Dekalb County are here to help. 

Have Questions about our Commercial Services?
Call Us Today SERVPRO (815)758-3900