Recent Fire Damage Posts

Clogged Lint Trap Causes Clothes Dryer Fire in Lindenhurst Home?

12/27/2023 (Permalink)

A clothes dryer vent is being cleaned with a round brush. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County!

Our local Northwest Lake County team is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration services in Lindenhurst. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the leading cause of home clothes dryer fires results from not cleaning them. Here are some safety tips from the NFPA to prevent a clothes dryer fire:

  • Have your dryer installed and serviced by a professional
  • Do not use the dryer without a lint filter
  • Make sure you clean the lint filter before or after each load of laundry. Remove lint that has collected around the drum.
  • Rigid or flexible metal venting material should be used to sustain proper air flow and drying time
  • Make sure the air exhaust vent pipe is not restricted and the outdoor vent flap will open when the dryer is operating. Once a year, or more often if you notice that it is taking longer than normal for your clothes to dry, clean lint out of the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.
  • Keep dryers in good working order. Gas dryers should be inspected by a qualified professional to make sure that the gas line and connection are intact and free of leaks.
  • Make sure the right plug and outlet are used and that the machine is connected properly
  • Follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions and don’t overload your dryer
  • Turn the dryer off if you leave home or when you go to bed

Call Us Today!

When your Lindenhurst home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7772.

SERVPRO® Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.

Halloween Decorations Erupt in Flames from Burning Jack-o'-lanterns on Grayslake Porch?

10/24/2023 (Permalink)

Many lit Jack-o’-lanterns cover the street of a Halloween display. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County!

Our local Northwest Lake County team has the training, equipment, and experience to restore fire, soot, and smoke damage, no matter how extensive the damage is. Halloween is a fun and spooky celebration that children and adults look forward to every year, and we want everyone to be safe from fire damage.

Here are some Halloween safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep your little (and big) monsters safe:

  • Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns
  • Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
  • When using electrical lighting to decorate your home, make sure it is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.
  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights, so the cords do not get damaged
  • Remember to keep exits clear of decorations, so nothing blocks escape routes. Make sure all smoke alarms are working. 

For families planning to attend Halloween parties or go trick-or-treating:

  • When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric that could come in contact with open flames or other heat sources
  • Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them
  • Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costumes

Call Us!

When your home or commercial property in Grayslake has fire damage, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Lithium Battery in Smart Phone Explodes and Starts Fire in Round Lake Beach Home?

10/3/2023 (Permalink)

A charred and smoking smartphone is seen. We restore fire damage 24 hours a day in Lake County!

Our local Northwest Lake County team wants everyone in Rou7nd Lake Beach to be fire-safety conscious at home. Each year, October is dedicated to Residential Fire Awareness Month, a month focused on helping people prevent home fires. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), lithium batteries, commonly found in cellular phones, are more sensitive to physical stress than alkaline batteries and need to be handled with care. Here are some lithium battery safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Safety Tips

  • Purchase and use devices that are listed by a qualified testing laboratory.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Only use the battery that is designed for the device.
  • Put batteries in the device the right way.
  • Only use the charging cord that came with the device.
  • Do not charge a device under your pillow, on your bed, or on a couch.
  • Do not keep charging the device or device battery after it is fully charged.
  • Keep batteries at room temperature when possible. Do not charge them at temperatures below 32° Fahrenheit or above 105° Fahrenheit.
  • Store batteries away from anything that can catch fire.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Round Lake Beach has fire damage and you need fire damage restoration services, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Lighting Equipment Causes Fire Damage in Lake Catherine Home?

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

A frayed electrical cord is shown. We are certified to restore fire, smoke, and soot damage in Lake County.

Our local Northwest Lane County team responds to fire damage emergencies every year in Lake Catherine. Every fire event leaves behind a unique smoke, soot, and debris signature that requires professionals to completely clean and remove the smoke odor. Our technicians have the training, equipment, and experience to restore fire damage to pre-damage conditions effectively.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution and lighting equipment were responsible for an estimated average of 32,160 home fires every year from 2015 to 2019.

  • These fires caused an estimated average of 430 civilian deaths and 1,070 civilian injuries each year in 2015-2019, as well as an estimated $1.3 billion in direct property damage a year
  • Home fires involving electrical distribution and lighting equipment most often originated in a bedroom
  • Wiring and related equipment were involved in just over two-thirds of home fires caused by the electrical distribution and lighting equipment
  • Approximately one-quarter of these fires occurred between midnight and 8 a.m., but they accounted for just over half of the deaths

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Lake Catherine has fire damage, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Comprehensive Fire Damage Restoration Process in Fox Lake?

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

A house with fire damage is shown. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Fox Lake residents and businesses rely on our local North Eugene and Northwest Lane County teams to restore fire damage “Like it never even happened.” We follow this seven-step restoration process for every customer we serve:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Our representative will ask questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us respond immediately with the appropriate equipment and resources. 

Step 2: Inspection and Assessment

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

We will board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs. 

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes most of the water. We then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process. 

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot

We use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces. 

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

We clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items. We’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

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

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Fox Lake has fire damage, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Clothes Dryer Catches Fire in Antioch Home?

6/13/2023 (Permalink)

A person removes lint from a lint trap. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Our local Northwest Lake County team responds to fire damage emergencies in Antioch 24 hours a day. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), electrical fires are one of the leading causes of fire damage in the United States. Even a small, contained dryer fire machine can cause lots of smoke and soot damage to the rest of the house. Here are some clothes dryer fire statistics from the NFPA:

  • In 2010-2014, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated average of 15,970 home structure fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year
  • These fires caused annual averages of 13 civilian deaths, 444 civilian injuries, and $238 million in direct property damage
  • The vast majority of fires (92 percent) involved clothes dryers
  • The leading items first ignited in dryer fires were dust, fiber, or lint (26 percent of the total) and clothing (26 percent), while items first ignited in washing machine fires were part of the appliance itself, including wire or cable insulation (26 percent), appliance housing or casing (24 percent, and drive belt (11percent)

 Call Us Today!

When you have fire damage in your Antioch home or commercial business, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Soot Damage From Furnace Puff Back in Grayslake Home?

3/28/2023 (Permalink)

Oily soot covers a wall. We are leaders in soot damage restoration services in Lake County.

If you have an oil-burning furnace that hasn’t been serviced lately, you may find your walls covered in soot from a furnace puff back. A severe puff back can send soot throughout your home or business, covering everything with oily soot. Our local team in Northwest Lake County cleans and restores properties compromised by furnace puff backs.

Furnace puff back symptoms:

·      Odors, noises, and soot around the boiler or furnace room

·      Visual signs of debris. The heating system needs to be cleaned and serviced if you see soot, rust flakes, and debris in the flue vent connector.

Factors that affect how far the soot can travel include:

  • The connection between the heater and the building
  • The layout of the building
  • Open and closed doors
  • The routing of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning ducts

Fire Damage Restoration Services

Every fire damage situation is unique and requires a different solution, but the general process stays the same.

  1. Emergency Contact
  2. Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
  3. Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service (if needed)
  4. Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
  5. Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
  6. Cleaning and Repair
  7. Restoration

Call Us!

Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help ® when you have soot damage in your Grayslake home or commercial property. Our technicians are highly trained and certified to restore soot damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Candle Causes Fire Damage in Round Lake Beach?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

A burning candle starts a fire. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Round Lake Beach Residents Need to Know

Candles can create a festive atmosphere for any occasion, but they can also cause fire damage. Our local team in Northwest Lake County offers these candle safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association

  • Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep. 
  • Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn 
  • Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily 
  • Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface Light candles carefully, and keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame 
  • Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container 
  • Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home 
  • Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles. 
  • Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles. 

Call Us Today!

Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help ® when you have fire damage in your Round Lake Beach home or commercial business. Our technicians are on call and ready to respond to your emergency 24 hours a day. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Equipment is Used to Remove Smoke Residue and Odor in Antioch?

1/10/2023 (Permalink)

Smoke alerts a smoke detector in a home. We restore smoke damage quickly and efficiently in Lake County.

Antioch residents need to know about these services.

Our local team in Northwest Lake County restores smoke damage using a variety of cleaning methods, techniques, and specialized equipment. The smoke residue leaves a unique signature based on what burned in the fire, so we pretest every item before cleaning to ensure we are using the most effective cleaning method. Here are some examples of the equipment we use to restore smoke damage:

  • Air Scrubber or Filter: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system air scrubber or HEPA air purifier captures larger smoke molecules. There will still be some residual odor from smaller molecules or surface residues.
  • Ozone Generator: An ozone generator is a fast and highly effective smoke odor restoration method. These machines emit ozone, which follows the same paths through the air as smoke and oxidizes any residual traces in the air or on surfaces.
  • Thermal Fogging: An intensive treatment involving fogging machines. After residents evacuate, smoke cleaning professionals fill a structure with petroleum distillates that neutralize odors, and then they ventilate the area.
  • Hydroxyl Generator:These machines rely on ultraviolet light to generate hydroxyl radicals that eliminate smoke odors. It will take about three to five days of continuous operation to achieve the same results as a single ozone treatment.
  • Vapor Modification: This odor elimination method relies on aromatic compounds and a blower or fan to neutralize smoke odor.

Call Us Today!

Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® when you have smoke damage in your Antioch home or commercial business. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Are the Top Causes of Fire Damage in Round Lake Beach?

12/6/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke fills a room. We are leaders in fire damage restoration services in Lake County.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that most home fires and fire casualties result from five sources: cooking, heating, electrical distribution, lighting equipment, intentional fire setting, and smoking materials. Our local team in Northwest Lake County has been restoring fire damage for Round Lake Beach residents for years. Here are some more statistics from the NFPA related to fire damage:

  • More than one-quarter (26 percent) of reported fires in 2015-2019 occurred in homes. Even worse, three-quarters (75 percent) of civilian fire deaths and almost three-quarters (72 percent) of all reported injuries were caused by home fires.
  • During these five years, United States fire departments responded to an estimated average of 346,800 home structure fires per year. These fires caused an annual average of 2,620 civilian deaths, 11,070 civilian fire injuries, and $7.3 billion in direct property damage.
  • Over the five years of 2015–2019, cooking was the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries, while smoking was the leading cause of home fire deaths.

Call Us Today!

When you have fire damage in your Round Lake Beach home or business, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore your fire damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Creosote Buildup Causes Wood Stove Fire in Fox Lake Home?

11/15/2022 (Permalink)

A person sits in front of a lit fireplace. We restore fire damage in Lake County 24-hours a day.

Our team in Northwest Lake County wants Fox Lake residents to be safe around the fireplace this fall and winter. As temperatures cool, we spend more time indoors in front of the fireplace. Creosote buildup in a fireplace or wood stove chimney is one of the leading causes of chimney fires in the United States. Here is some helpful information for minimizing the chances of creosote buildup from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Limited air supply and unseasoned wood encourage the buildup of creosote. To avoid that buildup, do not restrict the air supply by:

  • Closing the glass doors
  • Not opening the damper wide enough
  • The longer the smoke is in the flue, the more likely it is that creosote will form
  • Closing down the stove damper or air inlets on a wood stove too soon or too much
  • Do not burn unseasoned wood
  • In the case of wood stoves, overloading the firebox with wood in an attempt to get a longer burn time also contributes to creosote buildup

Fireplace and Woodstove Safety

  • Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out
  • Do not burn paper in your fireplace or woodstove
  • Put ashes in a metal container with a lid outside, at least three feet from your home
  • Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home

Call Us Today!

When you have a fire damage emergency in your Fox Lake home or business, our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Pets Starting Fires on Halloween in Round Lake Beach?

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

A dog dressed as a ghost for Halloween holds a trick-or-treat jack-o-lantern in his jaw. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lake County.

Our furry friends are curious and can start a fire by bumping into, turning on, or knocking over cooking equipment. Our local team in Northwest Lake County wants everyone to have a safe, fire-damage-free Halloween in Round Lake Beach. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that pets and wild animals play a role in starting over 750 home fires each year.

Here are some pet fire safety tips from the NFPA to keep your pets safe around fire:

  • Keep pets away from stoves and countertops
  • Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters
  • Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place
  • Keep pets away from a chimney’s outside vents
  • Have a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet away from the fireplace. Glass doors and screens can stay dangerously hot for several hours after the fire goes out.
  • Some pets are chewers. Watch pets to make sure they don’t chew through electrical cords. Have any problems checked by a professional.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Round Lake Beach has fire damage and needs our services, our local team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help.® Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Wildfire Prevention Tips for Round Lake Beach Residents?

8/16/2022 (Permalink)

Meadow grass is on fire. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lake County.

Round Lake Beach residents must be extra vigilant about fires during wildfire season. Our local team in Northwest Lake County responds to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day, 365 days a year. We have the training, equipment, and experience to mitigate and restore fire damage quickly and efficiently. Creating defensible space around the perimeter of your property is one way to minimize the potential for wildfire damage.

The defensible space around your home should be a 100-foot radius from any structure. You are not required to cross your property line to clear the 100 feet, and the neighboring property owner may be required to clear the additional distance by the fire agency.

The National Fire Protection Association suggests choosing fire-resistant building materials and to limit the amount of flammable vegetation in three home ignition zones.

  • Trim branches that overhang the home, porch, and deck
  • Prune branches of large trees up to 6 to 10 feet from the ground
  • Remove plants containing resins, oils, and waxes
  • Use crushed stone or gravel instead of flammable mulches o to 5 feet around the house
  • Keep your landscape in good condition

Call Us Today!

When your Round Lake Beach home or commercial business has fire damage, our local team in Northwest Lake County’s technicians will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Can I Protect My Ingleside Shore Home From Windblown Embers?

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

Burning embers are shown We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration services in Lake County.

Our team in Northwest Lake County has the training, equipment, and experience to restore fire damage in Ingleside Shore “Like it never even happened.” Windblown embers can travel up to five miles ahead of a burning fire. Here are some tips from the National Fire Protection Association for preventing windblown embers from entering attics and crawl spaces through vents:

Inlet Vents

Gable end vents and other vent openings are vulnerable to windblown embers when the face of the vent is perpendicular to the wind flow, while embers are less likely to pass through vents with a face that is parallel to the wind flow. Therefore, soffited eave construction is preferred to open eave.

Outlet Vents

Opt for a ridge that is rated to resist wind-driven rain. These vents have an external baffle at the vent inlet.

Turbine Vents

Turbine vents also help keep embers out, but you should attach a piece of 1/8 inch mesh to the bottom of the roof sheathing at the opening for the vent.

Call Us!

Fire damage can happen anytime and especially during the Colorado wildfire season. When you have fire damage in your Ingleside Shore home or commercial business, our local team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help.® Our technicians typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call for help. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Kids Playing With Fire Causes Fire Damage in Round Lake Beach?

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Kids are playing with matches. We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Lake County.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), playing with fire incidents causes $205 million in direct property damage each year. Our team in Northwest Lake County offers these tips from the NFPA for preventing children from playing with fire in Round Lake Beach:

  • Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children, up high, preferably in a locked cabinet
  • Closely supervise children, making sure that they are kept away from other fire sources, including lit candles, cigarettes, bonfires, and stoves
  • Explain that fire moves very fast and can hurt as soon as it touches them. Tell them that this is why matches and lighters are tools for adults only.
  • Teach young children never to touch matches or lighters. They must tell a grown-up when matches or lighters are found.
  • Establish clear rules and consequences for unsupervised and unauthorized uses of fire
  • Be a good example! Always use fire sources — matches, lighters, candles, fireplaces, and campfires — in a safe manner. Never treat them as toys, or children may imitate you.
  • Talk with children about what their friends or other children are doing with fire. What do they see online in video games, TV, movies, and social media? Teach them specific ways to resist the peer pressure to misuse fire.
  • Give praise for showing respect and age-appropriate responsible behavior toward fire

Call Us!

When your Round Lake beach home or business has fire damage, our local team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Pets Starting Fires in Fox Lake Homes?

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

A cat is mesmerized by candles burning on a tabletop. We restore fire damage in Lake County every day of the year.

Our team in Northwest Lake County responds to fire damage emergencies every year in Fox Lake, and some have been pet-related. Pets are curious and can bump into or knock over cooking equipment, candles, lamps, and space heaters. Here are some pet fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association to keep your furry friends safe around fire:

  • Keep pets away from stoves and countertops
  • Keep pets away from candles, lamps, and space heaters
  • Always use a metal or heat-tempered glass screen on a fireplace and keep it in place
  • Keep pets away from a chimney’s outside vents
  • Have a “pet-free zone” of at least three feet away from the fireplace. Glass doors and screens can stay dangerously hot for several hours after the fire goes out.
  • Some pets are chewers. Watch pets to make sure they don’t chew through electrical cords. Have any problems checked by a professional.

Call Us!

Fire damage can happen at any time of the day or night. When your Fox Lake home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, our local team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® We typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call for help. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips for Fox Lake?

3/29/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke is rising towards a smoke alarm. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lake County.

Fox Lake Residents Need to Know

Can you recall the last time you replaced the batteries or tested your home’s smoke alarm system in Fox Lake? Working smoke alarms can help you get out of the house quickly when there is a fire. Our team in Northwest Lake County responds to fire damage emergencies every year and offer these tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

Smoke Alarm Safety
  • A closed-door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. 
  • Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one sounds, they all sound. 
  • Large homes may need extra smoke alarms
  • Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
  • Today’s smoke alarms will be more technologically advanced to respond to a multitude of fire conditions yet mitigate false alarms
  • When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
  • Replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years

Call Us!

When your Fox Lake home or commercial business needs fire damage restoration services, our local team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Contents Restoration Services in Round Lake Beach?

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Soot covers a wall in a home. We restore fire damage 24-hours a day in Lake County.

When a fire broke out in my Round Lake Beach home, many of our household belongings were damaged by smoke, soot, and the water used to extinguish the flames. Fortunately, SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County’s technicians are trained and certified to clean and restore fire-damaged belongings to pre-fire condition. They pretest everything before cleaning to ensure they are using the more effective cleaning method. Here are some of the cleaning methods we may use to clean and restore your fire-damaged belongings:

  • Dry Cleaning - used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
  • Wet Cleaning - an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
  • Spray and Wipe - effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
  • Foam Cleaning - used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
  • Abrasive Cleaning - involves agitation of the surface being cleaned 
  • Immersion Cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product 

Call Us Today!

You never know when you may need our fire damage restoration services, but when you do, Round Lake Beach residents and businesses can count on SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County to clean and restore your belongings, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Electrical Fire in Fox Lake?

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

A hand is plugging a cord into an electrical outlet. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lake County.

Fox Lake residents and commercial businesses rely on the professionals at SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County to restore fire damage. Here are some electrical safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

  • Have all electrical work done by a qualified electrician
  • Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time
  • Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet. Extension cords and plug strips should not be used.
  • Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) shut off electricity when a dangerous condition occurs. Consider having them installed in your home.
  • Use ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) to reduce the risk of shock. GFCIs shut off an electrical circuit when it becomes a shock hazard. They should be installed inside the home in bathrooms, kitchens, garages, and basements. All outdoor receptacles should be GFCI protected.
  • Test AFCIs and GFCIs once a month according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  • Check electrical cords to make sure they are not running across doorways or under carpets. Extension cords are intended for temporary use. Have a qualified electrician add more receptacle outlets, so you don’t have to use extension cords.

Call Us Today!

When you need help with fire damage in Fox Lake, SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County will restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Fire-damaged Home in Antioch?

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke is coming out of a window. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lake County.

SERVPRO®?of Northwest Lake County?wants Antioch residents to stay safe while waiting for help to arrive. Here are some fire damage emergency tips from our website:  

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first: 

  • Is it safe to stay in the house? 
  • Electrical and “slip and fall” hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns. 
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform. 
  • Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful! 

What?NOT?To Do After A Fire 

  • Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us 
  • Don’t attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat, or water without consulting an authorized repair service 
  • Don’t use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat, or water 
  • Don’t turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged. 
  • Don’t send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor. 

Call Us Today! 

Fire damage never happens at a convenient time. Antioch residents and commercial businesses can rely on SERVPRO®?of Northwest Lake County to clean and restore their fire damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.  

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated. 

Fire Safety Tips for Fox Lake Residents?

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

A fire is lit in a fireplace. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lake County.

Fox Lake residents need to know.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths in the United States. However, by taking some precautions, most heating fires can be prevented. SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County offers these tips home heating safety tips from the NFPA:

  • Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater
  • Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters
  • Never use your oven to heat your home
  • Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters, or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions
  • Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional
  • Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
  • Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters
  • Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop sparks from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home
  • Test smoke alarms at least once a month

Call Us!

Fox Lake residents and businesses can rely on SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County to restore fire damage. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Cooking Fire in Lake Villa?

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

People are cooking in a kitchen. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lake County.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), ranges or cook-tops account for three out of every five reported home fires involving cooking equipment. SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County responds to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lake Villa and offers these cooking safety tips from the NFPA:

What you should know about home cooking safety
  • Be on alert! If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stove or stovetop
  • Stay in the kitchen while you are frying, grilling, boiling, or broiling food
  • If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and remain in the kitchen while food is cooking
  • Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop
If you have a cooking fire
  • Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
  • Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number after you leave
  • If you try to fight the fire, be sure others are getting out, and you have a clear way out
  • Keep a lid nearby when you’re cooking to smother small grease fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
  • For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed

Call Us Today!

SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County technicians are on call 24-hours a day to respond to fire damage emergencies in Lake Villa. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Contents Restoration Services for Round Lake Beach?

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Family heirlooms are shown. We restore fire-damaged heirlooms and keepsakes in Lake County.

Round Lake Beach residents want to know.

Fires cause many types of damage. Smoke, smoke odor, soot, and water left from the firefighting efforts all require different cleaning methods. SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County’s restoration technicians have the advanced training, equipment, and experience to safely clean and restore your precious keepsakes and belongings to the pre-damage condition in most cases. We pretest every item to ensure we are using the most effective cleaning method. Here are some of the methods we may use to restore your home’s contents:

  • Dry Cleaning - used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning
  • Wet Cleaning - an effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues
  • Spray and Wipe - effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning
  • Foam Cleaning - used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned
  • Abrasive Cleaning - involves agitation of the surface being cleaned
  • Immersion Cleaning - contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product

Call Us!

When you need contents cleaning and restoration services for your Round Lake Beach home or business, SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Our technicians have the training to restore your belongings to preloss condition, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Candle Fire in Grayslake Home?

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

A candle is shown burning. We restore fire damage in Lake County 24-hours a day!

Candle Safety Tips for Grayslake

My daughter left a candle burning on a wooden shelf and went to bed. She woke to the sound of the smoke detector beeping and was able to put out the fire herself. Even though the fire was contained to the bedroom, there was smoke odor and fire residue all over the walls, and the whole house smelled like smoke.

 SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County is a trusted leader in fire damage restoration. Here are some candle safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA):

  • Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily
  • Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface
  • Light candles carefully
  • Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame
  • Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container
  • Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home
  • Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles.

Call Us!

When you need fire restoration services for your Grayslake home or business, SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Our technicians are on-call 24-hours a day to respond to fire damage emergencies. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire Escape Planning Tips for Lake Villa?

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

A family is shown having a discussion. We are trusted leaders in fire damage restoration services in Lake County.

SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County responds to fire damage emergencies in the Lake Villa area 24-hours a day and can be onsite within four hours of your call in most cases. Having a fire escape plan that all members of the household have tested can save lives. Here are some tips for making a fire escape plan from the National Fire Protection Association:

  • Draw a map of your home. Show all doors and windows.
  • Visit each room. Find two ways out.
  • All windows and doors should open easily. You should be able to use them to get outside.
  • Make sure your home has smoke alarms. Push the test button to make sure each alarm is working.
  • Pick a meeting place outside. It should be in front of your home. Everyone will meet at the meeting place.
  • Make sure your house or building number can be seen from the street
  • Talk about your plan with everyone in your home
  • Learn the emergency phone number for your fire department
  • Practice your home fire drill!
  • Make your own home fire escape plan using grid paper

Call Us!

When you need fire restoration services for your home or commercial business, SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Our technicians are on-call 24-hours a day in Lake Villa to respond to fire damage emergencies. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Fire Escape Planning for Lake Villa?

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

A family is having a meeting to review fire their fire escape plan. We have trusted fire damage restoration specialists in Lake County.

Fire Escape Planning for Lake Villa Families

Do you have a fire escape plan for your household, and have you practiced it lately? According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), while 71 percent of American households have developed a fire escape plan, only 47 percent have practiced it.

SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County responds to fire damage emergencies in Lake County 24-hours a day, and offer these fire escape safety tips from the NFPA: 

  • Make a home escape plan. Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
  • Know at least two ways out of every room, if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
  • Have an outside meeting place (like a tree, light pole, or a mailbox) a safe distance away from the home where everyone can meet
  • Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home, twice a year
  • Practice using different ways out
  • Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them
  • Close doors behind you as you leave

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business is damaged by fire, SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Our technicians are on-call 24-hours a day in Lake Villa to respond to fire damage emergencies. Call us today at 224-372-7772. We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Smoke Alarm Safety Tips for Grayslake?

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

A person is replacing a smoke alarm. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lake County.

Smoke Alarms Save Lives in Grayslake

Do you know when the last time you inspected your smoke alarm system was? SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County responds to fire damage emergencies in Lake County 24-hours a day, and we have witnessed firsthand the lives saved by smoke alarms. Here is some information from the National Fire Protection Association about smoke alarms:

Smoke Alarms Safety Tips

  • A closed-door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire
  • Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area
  • Install alarms on every level of the home 
  • Smoke alarms should be interconnected so when one sounds, they all sound 
  • Large homes may need extra smoke alarms
  • Test your smoke alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.
  • When a smoke alarm sounds, get outside and stay outside
  • Replace all smoke alarms in your home every 10 years

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business is damaged by fire, SERVPRO® of Northwest Lake County is Here to Help. ® Our technicians are on-call 24-hours a day in Grayslake to respond to fire damage emergencies. Call us today at 224-372-7772. We’ll restore your fire damage, “Like it never even happened.”

Franchises are Independently Owned and Operated.

Wildfire Safety Plan for Young People in Northwest Lake County?

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

fire evacuation plan We are trusted leaders in fire damage mitigation in Northwest Lake County

Home Alone in Northwest Lake County

Do you have an evacuation plan in place for your kids in the event they are home alone when a wildfire or home fire breaks out? SERVPRO of Northwest Lake County wants Northwest lake County families to know that having an evacuation plan in place for your loved ones to follow when you aren’t home can save lives. Here are some tips from the National Fire Prevention Association for developing a plan:

  • Work with a trusted neighbor close by who know your children and can evacuate them
  • Set up a schedule with other working parents in the neighborhood so that someone is always at home and can make sure the children are safe
  • Pack a “Go Bag” with treasured items, water, food, prescriptions they can grab and leave with quickly
  • Practice together with their pets if time allows to crate them for removal
  • Have a designated contact, like an out-of-town family member programmed into their cell phone so you can find each other quickly

Call Us Today!

When you have a fire damage emergency, SERVPRO of Northwest Lake County is ready to respond 24-hours a day.  We’ll clean and restore your fire damage in Northwest Lake County “Like it never even happened.” 

Franchisees are is Independently Owned and Operated.