Winter Weather has Arrived - Be Prepared Now

1/18/2024 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day.

Winter has arrived in the Midwest, and SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale wants everyone to be prepared for the next big winter storm and offers these tips from the Red Cross: 

Winter Storm WARNING: Life-threatening, severe weather conditions have begun or will begin within 24 hours.

Blizzard WARNING: Sustained winds or frequent gusts of 35 miles per hour or greater are expected, plus considerable falling or blowing snow reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile, expected to prevail for three hours or longer.

Other winter storm words to listen for:  

• WIND CHILL Temperature: How cold people and animals feel when outside. As wind increases, heat is carried away from your body faster, driving down your body temperature and making you feel much colder. The wind chill temperature is not the actual temperature but how wind and cold feel on exposed skin.
• Winter Storm OUTLOOK: Winter storm conditions are possible in the next two to five days. Stay tuned to local media for updates.
• Winter Storm WATCH: Winter storm conditions are possible within the next 36 to 48 hours. Review your winter storm plans and stay informed about weather conditions.
• Winter Weather ADVISORY: Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous but not life-threatening if you are cautious.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has a storm damage emergency, SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 630-920-9334.

Be Prepared for Colder Weather

11/29/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day.

Winter has arrived in the Midwest and now is the time to prepare for colder weather.  SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale offers these tips from the American Red Cross to protect your pipes from freezing:

• Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
• Drain water from swimming pools and water sprinkler supply lines following the manufacturer's or installer's directions
• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the garage and under the kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold-water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes, like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼ inch of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.
• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business has a water damage emergency, SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale is available 24-hours a day. Call us today at 630-920-9334.

Heavy Rains can cause Flash Flooding

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day.

The Midwest has experienced some severe weather events that have caused significant damage to homes and commercial properties in our area. SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale is trained and certified to restore storm damage by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Heavy rains can cause flash flooding, so it is a good idea to know what to do when faced with a flash flood situation. Here are some flash flood safety tips from the National Weather Service: 

• During periods of heavy rains, stay away from flood-prone areas such as stream beds, drainage ditches, and culverts
• Move to higher ground if flooding threatens your area
• If you live or work in flood-prone areas, remain alert during periods of heavy rain
• Be especially cautious at night as it is harder to recognize flood dangers
• Never drive your car into water of unknown depth. Most flash flood deaths occur when people drive their vehicles into flood waters. Remember: Turn Around Don’t Drown!
• If your vehicle stalls, abandon it immediately and seek higher ground. Flood water may rise quickly, cover the vehicle, and sweep it away.
• Stay out of flooded areas. The water may still be rising and very swift. A rapidly flowing stream can sweep you off your feet and sweep your vehicle downstream.

Call Us Today!

If your home or commercial business has experienced flooding damage, SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 630-920-9334.

Use Technology to Create a Home Inventory

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale can handle your storm damage emergency.

SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale can help you clean up after a storm. 

We know that having an up-to-date inventory of household items and belongings helps insurance claims to settle faster. Here are some tips from the Insurance Information Institute for using technology to make your home inventory easier.

• Take pictures – Create a photo record of your belongings. Capture important individual items as well as entire rooms, closets, or drawers. Label your photos with what’s pictured, where you bought it, the make or model—whatever information might be important to replacing and/or getting reimbursed for the item. Use your smartphone or digital camera—some give you the capability to put in the description of the item when saving the photo.
• Tape it – Walk through your house or apartment videotaping and describing the contents. For example, you might describe the contents of a kitchen cabinet: “Poppies on Blue by Lenox, service for 12 that includes a dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, cup, and saucer. Purchased in 2015.”
• Use an app – There are many mobile app options that can help you create and store a room-by-room record of your belongings.

Call Us Today!

If you experience storm damage, SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale is available 24-hours a day to help.  Call us today at 630-920-9334.

Flood Safety - Be Ready

6/13/2022 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24-hours a day.

Floods are among the most frequent and costly natural disasters.  Flooding often occurs following a hurricane, thawing snow, or several days of sustained rain.  Flash floods occur suddenly, due to rapidly rising water along a stream or low-lying area. 

Know the Difference between a flood watch and a flood warning.

A flood/flash flood WATCH means a flood or flash flood is possible.

A flood/flash flood WARNING means flooding or flash flooding is already occurring or will occur soon.

Here are a few tips from Ready.gov to know about how to stay safe during a flood:

• Find safe shelter right away.
• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters.
• Remember, just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water.
• Depending on the type of flooding:
  • Evacuate if told to do so.
  • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.
  • Stay where you are.

If you are dealing with flood, storm or water damage from thunderstorms, the experienced team at SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale is ready to respond quickly.  Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small.  You can reach us at 630-920-9334.

Stay Safe after a Flood

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

We are available 24-hours a day to respond to storm or flood damage.

Heavy rain caused by thunderstorms can lead to flooding at your home or business.  It is important to be prepared for unpredictable weather.

Here are a few tips from Ready.gov to stay safe after a flood:

• Return home only when authorities say it is safe
• Avoid driving except in emergencies
• Wear heavy work gloves, protective clothing, and boots during clean up and use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris
• Be aware that snakes or other animals may be in your house
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. Turn off the electricity to prevent shock if it is safe to do so.
• Avoid wading in floodwater as it can be contaminated or charged with electricity from downed power lines
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows

SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale can respond immediately to storm and flooding conditions.  We are available 24 hours a day – Call us today at 630-920-9334.

Storm Season is Approaching

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale will respond to your storm damage emergency.

The weather in the Midwest can change quickly and bring powerful storms into our area.  Here are a few tips from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prepare for storm season:

Tornadoes often accompany thunderstorms. Pay close attention to changing weather conditions when there is a severe thunderstorm watch or warning.

• A severe thunderstorm watch means severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
• A severe thunderstorm warning means severe thunderstorms are occurring in your area.

Know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning

Tornado watch

A tornado watch means that a tornado is possible. A tornado watch is issued when weather conditions favor the formation of tornadoes.

During a tornado watch, you should

• Stay tuned to local radio and TV stations, or your mobile phone for further weather information.
• Watch the weather and be prepared to take shelter immediately if conditions worsen.

Tornado warning

A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. You should immediately take shelter during a tornado warning.

When your home or commercial business needs storm restoration services, SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale has a team of highly trained technicians that can respond 24-hours a day, call us at 630-920-9334.

Be Ready for the Wind

5/19/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale can handle your storm damage emergency.

Spring weather in the Midwest can bring thunderstorms and high winds into our area quickly.  It is important to be aware of the dangers that are associated with them.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offer some information about wind warnings, watches, and advisories:

High Wind Warning: Take Action! Sustained, strong winds with even stronger gusts are happening. Seek shelter. If you are driving, keep both hands on the wheel.

High Wind Watch: Be Prepared! Sustained, strong winds are possible. Secure loose items and adjust plans as necessary so you are not caught outside.

Wind Advisory: Take Action! Strong winds are occurring but are not so strong to warrant a High Wind Warning. Objects outdoors should be secured, and caution should be taken if driving.  

Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Take Action! A thunderstorm is happening or is imminent in the warning area. Severe thunderstorms have 58 miles per hour wind gusts and/or hail one inch or larger. Seek shelter inside a sturdy building.

Preparing for High Winds

• Remove any dead trees or overhanging branches near structures
• Remove loose objects outdoors, on patios, roofs, or balconies that could blow away
• Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors
• Bring in unsecured objects from outside and secure things that could blow away and cause damage or injury

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business needs storm damage restoration services, SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale has a team of highly trained storm damage specialists available 24-hours a day to help.  Call us today at 630-920-9334.

Power Outage - Plan Now!

5/18/2022 (Permalink)

Plan now - be prepared for a power outage.

Power outages can happen when you least expect them.  Plan now to have what you need in the event of a power outage.  Here are some tips from the American Red Cross to stay safe:

Create a support network. Identify people who can help you stay at home or evacuate during an extended power outage. Keep a paper copy of your contact list.

Stay connected and alert. Sign up for alert systems and apps for text alerts. Have communication devices that work without home power, including a crank or battery radio, a non-cordless home phone, chargers/batteries for your cell phones and your computers.

Stock food and water. Store non-perishable food and water supplies for at least two weeks. Plan to use coolers and ice to extend food refrigeration and keep a thermometer in the fridge, freezer, or cooler to monitor the food temperature.

Know and plan for your personal and medical electrical needs. Take an inventory of your electrical needs. Consider both back up and non-power alternatives for lighting, communication, medical devices and refrigerated medicine, cooking, garage doors, locks, and elevators. Discuss a plan with your doctor for your medical needs.

Plan how to decide to stay or go. Plan how and when you will evacuate safely to maintain needs such as power-dependent medical devices. Keep your car gas tank at least half full.

If your home or business suffers from storm damage, SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale has a team of highly trained technicians on call 24-hours a day to handle your storm damage.  Contact us at 630-920-9334. 

Know the Signs of a Tornado

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale can help with storm damage restoration.

Tornadoes often accompany thunderstorms. When there are thunderstorms in your area, being prepared can help you stay safe from the storm.

Here are a few tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be prepared for a tornado:

Know the signs of a tornado

Some tornadoes strike quickly without time for a tornado warning, so it is important to know the signs of a tornado.

Signs that a tornado may be approaching include the following:

• Rotating funnel-shaped cloud
• Approaching cloud of debris
• Dark or green-colored sky
• Large, dark, low-lying cloud
• Large hail
• Loud roar that sounds like a freight train

If you notice any of these signs take cover immediately.

Identify the safest place to take shelter

Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are safer than others. Safe places include a storm cellar, a basement, or an inside room without windows on the lowest floor (such as a bathroom, closet, or center hallway).

If you have suffered storm damage caused by a tornado or a powerful thunderstorm, SERVPRO of La Grange / Burr Ridge / Hinsdale can help, call us at 630-920-9334.

Lightning Safety

7/13/2019 (Permalink)

An article on weather.gov provided some recent statistics on how to stay safe when lightning is your area.  Following these precautions when a storm is nearby, and lightning or thunder is present will help insure your safety:

There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. Just remember, When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors. Too many people wait far too long to get to a safe place when thunderstorms approach. Unfortunately, these delayed actions lead to many of the lightning deaths and injuries in the United States.

There is little you can do to substantially reduce your risk if you are outside in a thunderstorm. The only completely safe action is to get inside a safe building or vehicle.

If you absolutely cannot get to safety, you can slightly lessen the threat of being struck with the following tips. 

• Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top.
• Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.
• If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members.
• If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine or other low area. Remember, a tent offers NO protection from lighting.
• Stay away from water, wet items, such as ropes, and metal objects, such as fences and poles. Water and metal do not attract lightning but they are excellent conductors of electricity. The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances.

Storm Warning vs Storm Watch

7/8/2019 (Permalink)

Storm warning vs Storm watch, (photo courtesy of weather.gov)

There have been a high number of storm warnings lately affecting a wide area around Hinsdale, Western Springs, Burr Ridge and LaGrange. If you are unfamiliar with the difference between a flash flood warning, flood warning, and flood advisory; then read below! 

According to noaa.gov:

The difference between a Flood Watch and a Flood Warning issued by the National Weather Service is:

• Flash Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flash Flood Warning is issued when a flash flood is imminent or occurring. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground. A flash flood is a sudden violent flood that can take from minutes to hours to develop. It is even possible to experience a flash flood in areas not immediately receiving rain.

• Flood Warning: Take Action! A Flood Warning is issued when the hazardous weather event is imminent or already happening. A Flood Warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring.

• Flood Watch: Be Prepared: A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for a specific hazardous weather event to occur. A Flood Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. It does not mean flooding will occur, but it is possible.

• Flood Advisory: Be Aware: An Flood Advisory is issued when a specific weather event that is forecast to occur may become a nuisance. A Flood Advisory is issued when flooding is not expected to be bad enough to issue a warning. However, it may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.