Happy Birthday to Our Owner, Jeff Thompson!

4/14/2021 (Permalink)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEFF!!!

Happy Birthday to our fearless leader, Jeff!

If you have a moment, please wish Jeff a Happy Birthday via a message or comment on one of our social media channels!

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And if you've been at a loss for what to get Jeff, here's the perfect gift: Head over to Google or Yelp and leave a review! Or maybe recommend us on our facebook page! Jeff loves hearing how SERVPRO of Glenview has helped our friends & neighbors and impacted our community! Thanks for sharing your SERVPRO story with us!

What are the Differences Between Mitigation and Restoration?

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

Look for the SERVPRO of Glenview sign on our building on the south side of Willow Road just east of the bridge between Patriot Blvd and Old Willow Rd.

Small business owners have a lot to deal with, but dealing with a disaster in the workplace is the last thing a business owner wants to do. Despite your best efforts and preparation, you cannot prevent all types of incidents from occurring. If a major storm or other water loss causes excessive damage to your building, you will need to rely on a skilled professional flood cleanup company such as SERVPRO of Glenview to help your business get back on its feet. There are two major components of this process: mitigation and restoration.

Advantages of Calling the Pros

For minor damage issues in the workplace, you can probably handle the cleanup yourself. However, you should call a restoration company like SERVPRO when there is standing water or when the damage covers a large area. Professional crews offer the following:

• Experience and expertise cleaning up after storm or other water damage
• The right tools and equipment to clean up and mitigate the damage so restoration to your building can begin
• Timely response and quick results from our professional crew

Understanding Mitigation

Disaster response companies will first inspect the affected area and formulate a plan, to be approved by you before mitigation begins. Depending on the size and scope of the damage in your building, technicians can complete the mitigation process in a matter of hours or it may take several days. Crews will remove all water from the building and also any water-damaged materials (including contents as well as structural material such as drywall, ceilings, or flooring) which cannot be salvaged by the drying process. Then, using high-powered fans and dehumidifiers, team members will totally dry the affected area. After the cleanup and mitigation is complete, SERVPRO will sanitize all surfaces to kill any remaining bacteria and cleanup the mitigated area.

Understanding Restoration

Compared to the mitigation process, the restoration effort typically takes much more time. The restoration is the entire process of restoring your building to its previous pre-disaster condition. Restoration includes rebuilding and replacing that which was removed during mitigation. This can include: rebuilding structural components such as the roof, ceilings, walls, or floors; repairing or replacing drywall that was torn out and finishing it (priming and painting it); replacing flooring or installing new carpet. None of the restoration will begin until crews have completed all aspects of mitigation, including the drying process.

In catastrophic flooding and storm damage, the company may have to rebuild your building from scratch. If you choose the right flood cleanup company in Glenview, you can feel good about returning to your building and getting back to business. The company you choose will help make your workplace safe once more, even after the most severe damage. Trust the experience and expertise of the team at SERVPRO of Glenview to take care of your business because we are Ready For Whatever Happens.

Call SERVPRO of Glenview at 847-832-9300.

Do you have the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan Mobile App?

3/26/2021 (Permalink)

Call 847-832-9300 to have us help you create your Emergency Ready Profile, accessible on the phone app

SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan Mobile App

There are plenty of things small business owners have to worry about when running a business. However, how to handle an emergency should not be one of those concerns. Take a look at SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) and see how your small business can be better prepared.

What is the SERVPRO ERP?

Disasters. Accidents. Catastrophes. They all happen. Unfortunately, they cannot be prevented, which means it is imperative to have an emergency plan set, just in case an unexpected event occurs. The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan application works to prevent an emergency situation from escalating. The app, designed for commercial use, is marketed towards business owners as well as property and risk managers. The SERVPRO ERP works on the premise that the more you know what to do and what to expect in advance of any kind of emergency is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water, storm, and fire damage can affect your business. Our ERP includes the following:

• A no-cost assessment of your facility/property
• A concise Profile Document which contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster
• SERVPRO of Glenview is established as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin
• Facility details provided, such as water shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information

Is it necessary for small businesses to have a plan?

As many as 50% of businesses experiencing a disaster close down, according to the latest research. Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees, that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they do not necessarily have to be impacted. If you prepare for the future, you will save early for disaster costs. Utilizing tools to prevent damage, to prevent loss, and to prevent losing your business to a disaster is one of the best ways to ensure the "health" of what you own or manage.

Can SERVPRO help with commercial damage?

SERVPRO of Glenview has a highly trained staff that is able to help with any remediation needs you may have! We offer remediation for water, fire, mold, and storm damage, and more. We can also help with other situations, such as vandalism, crime scene cleanup, COVID cleaning, or other biohazard issues. In addition, we can assist with your everyday commercial cleaning needs.

Call us today! 847-832-9300

If you are a small business owner, consider adding SERVPRO's ERP to your overall business emergency preparedness plan. You can learn more about the program by contacting us at 847-832-9300, or visit ready.SERVPRO.com Be prepared for any emergency event or disaster. Let SERVPRO help you be Ready for whatever happens!®

We Can Create a Navigable 3D Model of Your Property

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Glenview is excited to announce that our team of professionals now has the capability to produce 3D images that show much greater information in the spaces and details of areas scanned, using professional 3D imaging camera and software.

After extreme water or fire damage, our team can use Matterport's technology to scan a residential or commercial property to create a seamless, navigable 3D model. This scan can be utilized from start to finish in the mitigation and restoration process, to help maintain continuity and awareness for all involved, not only during the mitigation process, but during the insurance claims assessment process, as well as during the reconstruction.

Alternatively, our team can create 3D models for show purposes and portfolios, such as companies who want to showcase their company properties online or to prospective employees, realtors selling a property, contractors who built, painted, or reconstructed rooms or a home, or designers who have provided decorating services for a location. 3D models would be particularly useful for those who provide custom work for clients which may include one-of-a-kind work, such as murals painted in a client's home.

While the commercial applications of a 3D model of a space are more obvious, we would like to point out there are applications for a 3D model of residential spaces. A homeowner could use the 3D scan to document the interior of their home, contents, and belongings. If you own property which can be rented out, whether by tenants or for vacation purposes, a 3D model of your available property can be toured by prospective tenants or renters (such as those on AirBnB, VRBO, or other similar sites).

The completed 3D model is accessible online and provides users a visual tour of the space. It is fully navigable to help users see virtually the space around them, as if they were really there. The applications for such a 3D model are quite extensive and we hope to work with both homeowners and professionals from a wide variety of specialties to create 3D models for their business needs.

Check out the innovative technology we use to produce 3D images for our customers on the Matterport YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6k7BrgeUkA&t=15s

While we encourage Homeowners to consider documenting their homes in 3D, Realtors, Insurance Agents, Property Owners, Property Managers, Architects, Building Contractors, Remodelers, Painters, Decorators, and Artists are some of the professionals whose businesses could benefit from having 3D images available for their clients. Call our office to learn more about our 3D Imaging Service. Call 847-832-9300 today.

Do You Know Where Your Water Shut-Off Valves Are?

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

A smart homeowner or business owner will always be prepared by learning where the shut-off valves are located

One of the things many of us take for granted is our home, or more specifically, how our home just always "works" and doesn't fail us.

Until that unfortunate day when your home does fail you. There are many ways you might experience a breakdown in your home, but one of the most damaging is when your plumbing, piping, or water delivery system fails. Or perhaps it's not even the plumbing itself that failed, but a water-fed appliance, such as your dishwasher, washing machine, refrigerator, or even your water heater.

It is mind-boggling to see the amount of untold damage and the speed at which damage happens when a pipe or appliance breaks. Think what damage could happen when you are in the home when the failure occurs. Now think how much initial damage and secondary damage will occur if you aren't there? What will happen and how long will it go on if you are gone on for several hours or even out of town over the weekend?

Water will continue to flow through your piping and out at the point of failure until it is stopped, or turned off. Water will continue to pour into your home, damaging the room, the floor, the walls, perhaps the ceiling, and all the contents, furniture, and belongings in that room. And possibly even flowing into and damaging the next room or the floor below.

If ever a pipe bursts or a water-fed appliance fails in your home (or business), the very first step you must take is to turn off the water! This could be a localized shut-off valve, such as below a sink or behind a toilet or refrigerator or other appliance, or you may need to turn off the main water valve to your home.

Unfortunately, very few homeowners (or business owners) take the time to learn where their emergency shut-off valves are, but knowing where the valves are and how to turn them off can greatly minimize the amount of damage done to property and belongings if a pipe bursts or appliance fails. 

Turning your water off before you leave for an extended period of time such as a vacation or the weekend can seem like such a small and unlikely preparation, and yet that act alone can be the difference between avoiding disaster entirely or thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in damage to your home or business.

Take the time to educate yourself where these shut-off valves are. Remember to shut the water off before you leave for prolonged periods of time to give yourself that extra measure of protection.

Whether you are home if it happens or not, should disaster strike and you find a burst water pipe or failed appliance has left you with a soggy mess, FIRST SHUT OFF YOUR WATER VALVE, then call on the professionals of SERVPRO of Glenview to mitigate, cleanup, and restore your home or business.

Be Prepared for Spring Storms

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Severe Weather Preparedness Can Help Minimize Storm Damage to Your Property

Throughout the Midwest, Northern Illinois, the Chicagoland suburbs, we experience winter and spring much the same, but there is a good chance there are still great differences among the different areas.

Specifically here in the North Shore suburbs where SERVPRO of Glenview calls home, we may see snow as late as April, yet we may see temps in the 70s before St. Patrick's Day! The transition from winter to spring here in Glenview, Northbrook, and surrounding areas can be a volatile one indeed.

And few things are more volatile than severe weather in the spring! Severe weather is not something we can stop or control. From thunderstorms to lightning, tornadoes to floods, we cannot control when or where they develop or strike. However, there are things we can do to minimize the impact of severe weather. Protecting your family and your property begins with staying informed, having an emergency plan in place, and preparing yourself and your home or business for an emergency.

1. Stay informed! Have various means of being alerted of severe weather in your area! Monitor a weather alert radio. Listen to local radio broadcasts. Watch local TV. Follow NWS (National Weather Service) web pages and apps for updates. Sign up for and receive alerts and notifications from various weather apps on your computer and smart phone. The important thing is to NOT rely on just one method! Even though storm sirens are a great alert system, they are not designed to be heard indoors by everyone.
2. Have an emergency plan! Whether at home, at work, or at school, or when you travel, there should be an emergency evacuation plan in place. Not only should there be a plan - but you should practice your plan too! Designate places to go to seek safe shelter from a tornado or severe thunderstorm. Pick two places to meet, in case the first is not available or accessible - and meet your family, friends, or co-workers there in case you are separated. If you are traveling, know the names of locations you are visiting - and make sure your children know them too.
3. Prepare yourself AND your home for an emergency! Inspect your home for potential hazards (such as weakened tree limbs, worn roofing, cracked windows, improper landscape grading) and address these issues before storms magnify the damage. When you build a new structure or renovate an existing one, there are ways to prevent wind damage to roofs, upper floors, and garages. Rafters, trusses, walls, and doors can all be reinforced. Learn how to react in an emergency: learn how to administer CPR; learn how to use a fire extinguisher; learn how to turn off the electricity, gas, and water supplies in your home.

Everything boils down to that old scouts' motto: BE PREPARED!

Be prepared and take steps to be fully informed about the dangers of severe weather in the area you call home. Put that knowledge to use and create an emergency plan for yourself and your family, for home, school, or work. And prepare your property with thorough inspection for potential hazards and addressing those issues.

Knowing that you have prepared your home to fare through spring's severe weather will help to minimize the damage should your home be faced with storm damage, be it water damage or wind damage.

If your home or business is impacted by spring's severe weather, call on the professionals at SERVPRO of Glenview to mitigate, cleanup, and restore your property. Call us at 847-832-9300. We are Ready for Whatever Happens.

SERVPRO - Ready for Whatever Happens

3/13/2021 (Permalink)

WE ARE READY FOR WHATEVER HAPPENS

From repairing fire damage to cleaning carpets; from addressing a biohazard situation at your business to mitigating and restoring your home after flooding, SERVPRO of Glenview has the equipment, training, and expertise to help.

We are a trusted leader in the restoration industry. As a locally owned and operated business, we provide 24-hour emergency service to Glenview and the surrounding areas. Our trained crews are dedicated to responding immediately to both commercial and residential calls. That makes us a smart choice to clean up, mitigate, and restore your property. Explore our website to learn more about what we can do for you.

Residential Services

SERVPRO® is a trusted leader in the restoration industry with over 1,800 Franchises in the U.S. and Canada. Whether you need help with emergency flood damage or you need your carpet and upholstery cleaned, you can depend on SERVPRO of Glenview. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services.

Commercial Services

Your property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. When it’s impacted by fire or water damage, you need professional help. Every hour spent restoring your business is lost revenue and productivity. When you need professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, we have the training and resources to get your property back to business quickly. Learn more about our commercial services.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

SERVPRO of Glenview is locally owned and operated, so we are part of this community too. Our owner, Jeff Thompson, raises his family here and has lived in Glenview for nearly two decades. When you have a cleaning or restoration need, we’re already nearby and ready to help. We take pride in being a part of the Glenview community and want to do our part in making it the best it can be.

SERVPRO of Glenview is proud to serve our local communities by providing:

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Crews which are Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly-Trained Restoration Technicians
• Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Have Questions? Call Us Today – 847-832-9300

Daylight Saving Time begins! Move your clocks forward 1 hour!

3/13/2021 (Permalink)

Can you believe it's already time? "Spring ahead, fall behind" means we lose an hour of sleep time tonight!

Today's PSA is a reminder to move your clocks FORWARD 1 hour tonight!

If you are in an area which observes Daylight Saving Time, don't forget to get to bed earlier tonight because we lose an hour of sleep time by morning!

Calling Us for Water Damage? Here's What to Expect

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

Call Today – (847) 832-9300
When we answer the phone, we are ready to help!

Our staff understands that when you call us, you may be feeling upset, stressed, vulnerable, or confused.  You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO® of Glenview has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration — in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect When You Call

When you call us, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions are necessary to determine whether we need to respond immediately or whether we will first come out to perform an inspection for estimate. If we are responding by sending a crew immediately, the questions asked will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO® professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO® representative will ask several questions, including:

• Personal information
  • Your name
  • The address of the water-damaged home or business
  • Your phone number(s)
  • Your email address
  • Whether you are calling on someone else's behalf or if you are the homeowner / business owner
• Insurance information (if applicable)
  
  • Your insurance provider
  • If known, your insurance claim #
  • If known, your insurance adjuster's info
  • If known, the amount of your deductible
• When the flooding or water damage occurred
• What caused the water damage (if known)
• Whether the source of water has been addressed
  • For example, if your sump pump failed, we'll need to know if the plumber has been out to fix the pump.
• If the power was out, we'll ask whether electricity is available on-site
• What you can see that has been damaged by the water
  • Flooring
  • Walls
  • Ceiling
  • Contents & belongings
• What steps you may have already taken in responding to your water emergency
• If possible, estimate the area of water-damage, either in square footage or in room measurements. Knowing how large an area that has been affected may directly impact the need for an immediate response.

Based on your individual situation, we will set a time to come to your home or business, either for immediate response or to inspect and provide an estimate.

Actions You Can Take Before We Arrive

Additionally, you can count on our staff to reassure you and to provide you with guidance on what measures you can take while you wait for us. For instance, if your sump pump failed and your basement has flooded, you can minimize damage by taking immediate action. This may include removing contents and belongings which are getting wet or are in the path of the rising waters; removing or raising furniture above the water by placing the furniture legs on blocks or risers; removing water-absorbing materials such as carpeting, cushions or pillows, blankets, or other linens, as well as books, papers, or cardboard boxes. While these actions may seem like common knowledge, in a crisis situation, it is easy to draw a blank on what needs to be done.

Any measures you can take to minimize the damage to your contents and belongings should be taken. However, if you are unable to move your contents on your own, be sure to let our office staff know this during your initial phone call. Our technicians will remove your belongings from the location of water-damage if you are unable to do so. If for any reason you do not feel safe or comfortable in doing any tasks in the water-damaged area of your home, please let us know and leave it for us to do. We want you to stay safe and unharmed.

If you have any questions or concerns about the inquiry process, please reach out to us and we will gladly address your concerns and answer your questions. Call our office at 847-832-9300.

We pride ourselves in being understanding, professional, and kind to our customers, and we strive to be thorough in our assessments and straightforward in what we recommend be done for your situation.

We have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to handle your water damage mitigation, cleanup, and restoration. And we are proud to have over 50 years' experience standing behind the SERVPRO® name.

SERVPRO® -- Here to Help® -- Ready for Whatever Happens.

Happy Birthday to Our Office Manager, Donna!

3/8/2021 (Permalink)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DONNA!

Join us in wishing a very special Happy Birthday to our office manager, Donna Thompson!

Here's hoping your birthday wishes come true and you're able to celebrate your special occasion with your family!