Archived Blog Posts
Every Second Counts
3/31/2021 (Permalink)
Time is of the essence in a fire. Seconds can mean the difference between members of our community escaping a fire safely or tragically losing their lives.
Everyone should have a fire escape plan in case of emergency.
- Mark two exits from each room and a route to the outside from each exit on a map of your home with all members of your family.
- Twice a year, practice the home fire drill. Conduct one at night and one during the day with your whole family, and practice using various escape routes.
- Teach your children how to escape on their own if you are unable to assist them.
- Make sure your house number is visible and easy to locate for the fire department.
- When you leave, close doors behind you to slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire.
- Stay outside! Never return to a burning building.
via http://www.nfpa.org/
Your Home Should Be Your Safe Haven
3/31/2021 (Permalink)
Your home should be a haven for you to unwind. When water leaks, even minor leaks in places you can't see, your home can easily become a source of stress. The presence of potentially harmful mold, rot, and hidden damage can have an effect on the value of your home as well as the health of your family.
SERVPRO of Naperville professionals realize how disturbing water damage can be for your whole family, and they'll work with you to make sure the water is detected, no matter where it hides. SERVPRO of Naperville has the experience to make your house feel like home again.
After all, when it comes to your home and your family, even small disasters can feel like huge problems. So, if a water damage occurs in your home, just call us (630) 428-3700. We'll be there to help!
Soot and Smoke Cleanup
3/31/2021 (Permalink)
Smoke and soot are very invasive, and they can enter your home through different cavities, causing concealed harm and odor. Our crew will examine and reliably determine the extent of the damage using our smoke damage qualifications and experience to establish a detailed plan of action.
Facts About Soot and Smoke:
- Hot smoke rises to the upper levels and cooler areas of a building.
- Smoke seeps into the holes used by pipes to travel from floor to floor, circling plumbing systems.
- The type of smoke can have a significant impact on the restoration process.
Different Kinds of Smoke
Wet and dry smoke are the 2 types of smoke. As a result, various forms of soot residue are left behind after a burn. SERVPRO of Naperville will test the soot to assess the type of smoke damage that has occurred before starting the restoration process. The cleaning procedures would then be determined by the information gathered during the pre-testing. Here's a bit more information:
Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber
- Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood
- Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire
- Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Since every smoke and fire damage scenario is different, each one requires a custom solution tailored to the particular circumstances. We have the tools, expertise, and experience to restore fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with compassion and reverence, as well as your belongings.
Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 630-428-3700
Hotel Fires
3/31/2021 (Permalink)
The inconvenience to the guests, who are left with soot and smoke loss, is a challenge during a hotel fire reconstruction. Mitigation - Our technicians work to protect your hotel and prevent secondary harm from occurring. Board-ups, providing a temporary source of energy, and emergency drying of buildings that are wet during firefighting procedures are all examples of this. Structural Cleaning - Cleaning is one of the most time-consuming and labor-intensive phases in the restoration process. To clean the smoke and soot residues from your hotel, SERVPRO technicians use some of the best equipment and chemicals available. Rather than replacing it, our priority is to restore it. Contents Cleaning- SERVPRO experts will disinfect the contents of your hotel that have been polluted by smoke and soot. While some contents may be cleaned on-site, others can need to be relocated to a separate location for cleaning and reconstruction. While at our office cleaning site, we make certain that all contents are transported and cleaned properly. Specialty Restoration - Certain material, such as furniture, valuable artwork, or upholstery, requires professional cleaning.
What to Expect With SERVPRO of Naperville
3/31/2021 (Permalink)
What should you expect when you contact us?
First and foremost, you can count on our availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! You should still expect to talk with a real person about the emergency you are having, whether you call during the day or night, weekdays or weekends, or even during the holidays.
Here is what you can expect during the first several hours after contacting SERVPRO of Naperville:
Quick Response - When a building is damaged, the time it takes to respond determines how long it will take to restore it and how much it will cost. SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can expect a response within an hour of informing them about the emergency. We will begin planning to meet your client's needs once you have provided them with the required details.
Arrival Time - Within four hours, our technicians will be on-site and begin the restoration process. If your home or business has been severely damaged, this quick response will make all the difference. Starting the process sooner would result in less harm overall, which will save the insurance company money.
Inspection/Verbal Briefing - Once the damage restoration experts arrive, they will assess the property to ascertain the extent of the damage and determine the best course of action going forward. Our team will even tell you whether or not an emergency is claimable. They'll give you a verbal briefing, so you know what's going to happen next. Our team's swift 24-hour response will enable us to begin mitigation as soon as possible, preventing further damage while we focus on the required repairs.
SERVPRO Understands
1/5/2021 (Permalink)
We at SERVPRO of Naperville understand that this year has been tough, and that that COVID-19 stayed much longer than we were all expecting. In order to return to any form of normalcy, we need to continue safe practices. This includes social distancing, wearing your mask, and checking in on yourself and your loved ones.
If you ever feel as if your body is telling you something make sure that you listen. If you are unsure about how you are feeling it is always a smart idea to self-isolate and quarantine for 14 days.
SERVPRO of Naperville is here to help you feel as safe as possible 24/7. You can always reach us at (630) 428-3700
Why SERVPRO is Right For the Job
1/5/2021 (Permalink)
It is incredible, and often overlooked by homeowners, the amount of damage water can cause. Excess moisture is bad enough, but the situation can easily get out of control when a home is flooded or struck by a plumbing catastrophe (like a burst pipe). There's a reason why these events are among the costliest issues a homeowner might experience. Tainted water can produce immediate systemic problems.
The composition of most homes, which are packed with organic materials, aggravates this problem. Just a few examples are drywall, wood and the matter that is stuck in carpet fibers, and they can give space for pathogens to develop. Within 48 hours, mold will begin to slip behind the walls and release spores, and normally any organic materials that have been soaked by contaminated fluid will be destroyed.
For help restoring your commercial or residential space after a water loss, call SERVPRO of NAPERVILLE at (630) 428- 3700. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”
Accidents Happen
12/29/2020 (Permalink)
Accidents happen and here at SERVPRO of Naperville we understand!
If you do experience any fire damage call SERVPRO of Naperville immediately. With a 24/7 response time we will get our crew out there as soon as possible to try and prevent any further damage.
Listed below are some emergency fire damage tips in case something happens.
- Limit movement in the home to prevent soot from being embedded into the carpet
- Wipe soot from metal kitchen appliances
- Keep hands clean to prevent soot from spreading on walls
- Don’t attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces until contacting SERVPRO of Naperville
Why SERVPRO of Naperville
12/22/2020 (Permalink)
In a time of a crisis, it may be hard to choose the right company but SERVPRO of Naperville is here to make that decision. Easy for you. We are on call 24/7 with a speedy fast response time. From water damage, storm damage to cleaning services, we at SERVPRO of Naperville are here to take care of you. Whether you are a homeowner or a business owner we can tackle the job.
No matter how big or small, SERVPRO of Naperville will make it "Like it never even happened."
Protect Your Home
12/4/2020 (Permalink)
Protect Your Home
Winter is approaching in the Midwest. With cold weather comes freezing pipes. To protect your home or business from pipes freezing this winter take these precautionary steps.
- Insulate Your Pipes. The best way to keep your pipes from freezing is to purchase pipe insulation. Buying these now will save you more money, compared to the price it takes to fix a busted water pipe.
- Keep Garage Doors Closed. This is important if your water supply lines go through your garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to keep the warm air circulating around the plumbing.
- Let the faucets drip. By creating any flow of water through the pipes it creates a small amount of heat that will make the pipes harder to freeze.
- Keep your thermostat at the same temperature during the day and night. The steady temperature will help keep your pipes free of ice.
- If you plan on leaving your home during the winter, make sure to leave your heat on while you are away.
SERVPRO of Naperville is here to help when you need us. Please call any time 630-428-3700
Are You Prepared With an Emergency Storm Kit?
8/22/2020 (Permalink)
These august months are primitive to receiving tornado warning and severe weather emergency notifications, SERVPRO of Naperville wants you to be prepared. We want to share some tips to keep in mind when putting together an emergency kit in the event a storm is approaching. Your storm kit should include but not limit:
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Emergency food and water
- Any medicine you may need
- Extra change of clothes
These are just some things we recommend that you should have in your kit. However, you may put in whatever you deem necessary. There should be an emergency kit in every residential space, also in all commercial properties. There should also be designated storm areas inside your home or office that you should go with your emergency kits.
SERVPRO of Naperville wants you to be well prepared in any situation!
Protect Your Business From a Storm
8/18/2020 (Permalink)
Thunderstorms in the Chicagoland area can potentially cause extensive damage to your business and property surrounding your business. Power outages, fallen down trees, and flooding are all possibilities when we experience a storm. SERVPRO of Naperville has a few preventative steps you can take to ensure you are able to protect your business during these times.
- Maintain all trees on property
- High winds can turn tree branches into projectiles that may fall on or potential shatter your buildings windows or cause injury to customers or employees. They may also do damage to the property surrounding your business. Make sure your landscape is being maintained. Trim your trees away from your property as well as the power lines to protect your power source during a storm.
- Have a flood plan in place
- Having a proper flood plan in place can possibly prevent or minimize damage done to your property. If your business does experience flooding call SERVPRO of Naperville immediately at (630)428-3700
The Three Levels of Commercial Losses
8/11/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Naperville specializes in handing all damage to commercial properties including water damage, fire damage, mold, or even property damage after a storm. We understand that no matter what the damage is, it is a stressful time for you.
We are able to use a tool to assess the damage to your property and begin the mitigation process. This tool is a grading system. Commercial properties are graded on a scale from one to three based on size of affected area and extent of the damage that has been done.
Level 1:
level one commercial losses involve properties with affected areas of around 15,000 square feet give or take. Examples of a level one loss would include but not limit: small warehouses, small churches, or a stand-alone restaurant.
Level 2:
A level two loss is usually for affected areas of around 15,000 - 60,000 square feet. Examples could include small multi-family homes, medium size churches or schools, small shopping center, or medium size warehouse.
Level 3:
Level three commercial losses are properties of 60,000+ affected area. These may include, but are not limited to, large buildings such as hospitals, schools, warehouses.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned
8/3/2020 (Permalink)
As the pandemic continues, we realize that we are all moving into a new kind of normal. The expectations of customers and employees have changed. COVID-19 has modified the definition of what it means to be clean, and here at SERVPRO, we have developed a plan to help your business reach the new standard. We offer our customers a superior cleaning defensive program to commercial locations. By choosing SERVPRO of Naperville you are giving your customers, employees, and your community peace of mind that you have selected a higher cleaning standard. You are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Call us today to get Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help you in your time of need.
Call SERVPRO of Naperville today at (630)428-3700 to get a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. consultation.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience. Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.
We Are Here To Help
8/3/2020 (Permalink)
The impact that the Coronavirus pandemic can have on our lives is very personal. Each individual has their own story that shapes who they are. Here at SERVPRO of Naperville, we understand that this can be a hard time in everyone’s life. However, we want our customers to know we are still here to help.
At SERVPRO of Naperville we are taking every precaution to make sure all of our customers as well as all of our employees are staying safe. Our employees take every precaution on and off the job to make sure they are staying safe, wearing a mask, and following social distancing guidelines.
However, through everything that is going on right now, we want to ensure our customers know that they are our priority. We understand that it is not “just another job”. What is important to you is important to us.
SERVPRO of Naperville is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give us a call at (630)428-3700 today!
How We Take Care of Mold
8/3/2020 (Permalink)
When there is water in your home, mold can quickly become an issue. It can cause health effects and damage to your property.
SERVPRO of Naperville has the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment to handle your mold problem.
Call SERVPRO of Naperville
The mold cleanup and restoration process begins when you call us. Someone on our team will need to ask a series of questions to help determine the necessary equipment, resources, and personnel needed.
Assessment
Your property will be carefully inspected for mold using various technologies to detect mold and hidden water sources. Mold can sometimes be hidden from plain view.
Containment
Different containment procedures will be placed to prevent the spread of mold, like negative air chambers to isolate the contaminated area with physical barriers and negative air pressure to keep the mold spores from spreading during the cleanup process.
Air Filtration
Specialized filtration equipment captures microscopic mold spores out of the air. SERVPRO of Naperville technicians will then use air scrubbers and HEPA vacuums to prevent the spread of these mold spores.
Removing
The process of mold remediation depends on the amount of mold growth and the type of surface it's on. Removing and disposing of mold-infested porous materials, like drywall and flooring, may be necessary.
Cleaning
SERVPRO of Naperville cleans your furniture, decorative items, curtains, and other restorable items affected by mold. We use a variety of cleaning techniques to clean and sanitize your belongings.
Restoration
Depending on the level of mold damage, some building materials may have to be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs or major repairs such as reconstruction.
How We Handle Water Damage
7/29/2020 (Permalink)
Our Number one goal at SERVPRO is returning damaged areas and items to preloss condition. We aim to make it “Like it never even happened.” But sometimes water damage is inevitable. It can happen to anyone at any time to your home or business. However, with the right tools and proper equipment out team at SERVPRO of Naperville will dry out your home or business quickly. These are the precautionary steps we will take to make it “Like it never even happened.”
- Identify source
- Identify type of water
- Survey extent of damage and inspect premises
- Identify signs of visible mold growth
- Move furniture
- Emergency water extraction
- Treatments
- Dispose damaged materials
- Floor and wall inspection
- Examine carpet
- Measure temperature
- Use drying equipment
Why Realtors should choose SERVPRO of Naperville
7/25/2020 (Permalink)
We are currently at a time where the real estate market is huge! As the suburbs of Chicago continue to grow in population, the number of houses being built/put on the market are also on the rise. Having a reputation for quality listings is important during this time. Here at SERVPRO of Naperville we understand that you want to move a sale through quickly to get your commission. How your listing looks is key to getting a potential buyer. Whether your property is commercial or residential SERVPRO of Naperville will have your listing looking brand new. No matter how big our small our team can help assist you in inspecting your property and fixing the damages efficiently. We are able to do onsite estimates for your convenience.
Home Fire Pit Safety Tips
7/20/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Naperville wants you to have a safe summer!
Everyone loves a good bonfire on a summer night! Many of us are looking forward to gathering around the campfire and enjoying s'mores with family and friends. But before your fun filled night starts make sure you follow these safety tips from Allstate!
- Check wind direction before lighting a fire.
- Don’t use flammable fluids (gasoline, lighter fluid, etc.) to light or relight fires.
- Don’t wear flammable clothing (like nylon) or any loose-fitting clothing.
- Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from the fire.
- Avoid using soft woods like pine or cedar, because they can “pop” and throw sparks.
- Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of water nearby.
Firework Safety
7/1/2020 (Permalink)
Fourth of July is right around the corner! I know everyone looks forward to the beautiful light display in the sky this time of the year. However, The National Safety council does recommend that we leave the fireworks to the professionals! If not properly trained on how to light fireworks it could cause serious injuries as well as damage to property. we have created a list of a few safety tips in case you do decide to partake in firework activities.
- Never allow young children to play with fireworks.
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities.
- Do not place any part of your body directly over a firework.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire.
- Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
If disaster does strike SERVPRO of Naperville will be here to help.
Summer Storms
7/1/2020 (Permalink)
Illinois weather can be quite unpredictable in these summer months. When the rain starts, sometimes it can feel like it it will stop. Are you prepared to weather the storm?
At SERVPRO of Naperville we are always ready to help!
If disaster does strike and your home or business experiences flood or storm damage give SERVPRO of Naperville a call at (630)428-3700. Our team is available 24/7 to help you. We are able to do on site estimates or work with insurance companies directly. No matter how big or small the job is, you can always count on SERVPRO of Naperville to make it "Like it never even happened.”
Mold Safety Tip
6/9/2020 (Permalink)
Mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business due to water intrusions. Mold can be a hazard and can create significant damage to your property.
If you are faced with the problem of mold damage in your home or place of business, please consider the following
- There are certain conditions for the risk of mold including but not limiting:
- Temperatures above 70
- High humidity
- Water damage
- Dampness
- Mold can grow quickly; it only takes 48 hours for mold to grow and spread
- Mold can be undetectable
- You may have moisture behind walls, in cabinets, and under floors
If you suspect that your home or business is experiencing a mold problem, contact SERVPRO of Naperville at (630)-428-3700
SERVPRO of Naperville is an IICRC firm
6/9/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Naperville is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.
IICRC Certified Firms must:
- Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
- Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
- Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
- Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
- Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.
The IICRC Develops the Standards for The Restoration Industry
The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.
Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.
About SERVPRO of Naperville
SERVPRO of Naperville specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.
What to do in a Water Emergency
5/5/2020 (Permalink)
If you find that your home of business has been faced with an water emergency, please call SERVPRO of Naperville at (630) 428-3700
At SERVPRO of Naperville we understand that accidents can happen and things don't always go as planned. So in case you are faced with a water emergency, here are some helpful tips.
- Shut off the water source if possible. If you cannot find the source seek professional help
- Turn off the power in areas that may be affected by the water. But, if turning off the power requires you to enter or stand in wet areas it is best to leave it alone and call an electrician.
- Move all valuable items into a safe dry space
- Asses the damage and take pictures to show the insurance company
- If you have any items of the floor you should move to a dry area.
- For heavy furniture place aluminum foil under the legs to prevent additional damage.
If you find that your home of business has been faced with an water emergency, please call SERVPRO of Naperville at (630) 428-3700
24/7 Services
5/5/2020 (Permalink)
If you find that your home of business has been faced with any storm damage, please call SERVPRO of Naperville at (630) 428-3700
Summer months in Illinois can be quite unpredictable. We never know when the next storm will hit. That being said we have to be prepared to weather the storm.
Should you fall a victim to disaster flooding or unpredictable storm damage, just know, SERVPRO of Naperville is here to help. We offer 24/7 emergency response services to help mitigate and restore your home.
Our team is able to provide you with on site estimates and work with you to ensure your home is restored into better than before conditions.
SERVPRO of Naperville are cleaning experts
5/5/2020 (Permalink)
Give us a call at (630)428-3700.
SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.
The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:
- Kitchen/Food Areas
- Bathrooms
- Schools/Classrooms
- Offices
- Retail Spaces
- Water Fountains
- Shelving/Racks
- Sales Counters
- Carpets and Rugs
- Stair Handrails
- Elevator Cars
- Playground Equipment
- Fitness Equipment
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Naperville at (630)428-3700
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/guidance-prevent-spread.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fguidance-prevent-spread.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html
SERVPRO of Naperville supports college kids
8/24/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Naperville is big on getting college kids from around the area involved in their community. By giving these college kids a chance to display their work ethic it also gives them the chance to build their resume.
All of them have different roles in the work place. That can range from being on a job site, to completing office tasks. This keeps all parties productive over the summer months as well as on longer breaks.
SERVPRO of Naperville currently has 4 college students working part time and are always looking for more dedicated employees.
Starting with Victoria, she is a sophomore marketing major that attends Howard University.
She previously attended Plainfield North Highschool. She currently is on the women’s soccer team at Howard. Victoria plans on working in sports marketing. She helps in the office completing paperwork and filing. She has been with the company for 4 years now, coming back for summer and winter breaks.
Next, we have Jayson. Jayson is a Junior supply chain management and Logistics major.
He currently attends The North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University.
Previously Jayson attended Plainfield North High School and played on varsity basketball. Jayson works on the job’s sites in the area. He has been working for SERVPRO of Naperville for 6 years now coming back for summer and winter breaks.
Next is Justin. Justin is a junior that currently attends University of Dubuque as a criminal justice major. He also plays a major role on the university’s basketball team.
Justin previously attended Plainfield East Highschool. He prides himself in helping his community teaching at basketball camps to kids. Justin also works on the job sites in the area. He has been working for SERVPRO of Naperville for 6 years now coming back for summer and winter breaks.
Last but not least is Devon. Devon currently attends Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He is a junior Engineering major. He previously attended Neuqua valley Highschool where he played varsity basketball. Devon also works on the job sites in the area. He has been working for SERVPRO of Naperville for 6 years now coming back for summer and winter breaks.
Winterizing Your Home
8/20/2019 (Permalink)
As you know we are located in Naperville, IL. That being said we can have some very cold and bitter winter months. To prepare you and your home to the harsh weather we have curated some tips to help minimize damage.
- Protect your pipes
Water expands when it freezes, that being said when water is inside your pipes, there is also a chance of your pipe cracking or bursting.
- drain the water from outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems
-disconnect outdoor hoses
-cover outdoor facets with foam insulators
- Check the heat
-Change your furnace filter at the start of the season and then every two to four months. Clogged or dirty filters are less efficient, which means your home might not warm up properly
- install programmable thermostat. By changing g the temperature to be cooler at night, could possibly save you money.
- Prevent ice dams
Ice dams form when heat escapes through the roof and melts snow that's settled there. That snowmelt flows to your roof's edge and refreezes, usually at the eaves. The problem with an ice dam is that snow that later melts can't properly drain, so it has to go somewhere… and that might be through a leak in your roof, causing water damage in your home.
Luckily for you there are ways to prevent this from happening:
- Clean out clogged gutters and downspouts
- Seal places that may allow warm air to leak from your home to your attic, such as vent pipes, chimneys, attic hatches, and light fixtures.
- soffit vents, which are along the eaves of the house and allow air to flow into the attic, are clear
- clean and store lawn equipment in a safe place
-empty all of the fuel. You can remove what’s left with a meat baster. By allowing the gas to sit it can damage fuel lines.
-Clean the machine of oil and yard debris and sharpen the blades.
-Store them for winter in a basement, garage, or covered storage shed where they're safe from the weather.
- Inspect chimney/fireplace
A professional chimney sweep can clean out soot and other debris that could catch fire. You shouldn't be able to feel any cold air coming down the chimney. You can also install glass fireplace doors or a chimney inflatable that blocks cold air from coming down the chimney and keeps in warm air.
- Seal all windows and doors
Having gaps will make it hard for your house to stay warm during the cooler months. Caulk around windows and install weather stripping around doors as needed. This minor and inexpensive task can help you save on heating costs.
If your windows and doors are older, they may be inefficient single-pane windows or uninsulated doors. Consider upgrading to double- or even triple-pane windows and insulated doors and garage doors to boost the energy efficiency of your home.
- Stock up on the cold weather essentials
Winter storms may call for power outages. That being said you can never be too prepared.
Stock up on things such as:
-A working, fully charged fire extinguisher
-An alternative heat source such as a generator, wood-burning stove, or fireplace.
-Sand, ice melt, and a shovel if where you live is prone to ice and snow
- emergency kit
Never Forget
9/13/2016 (Permalink)
This past Sunday marked the 15year anniversary of 9/11 one of the most tragic moments in this countries history i found myself lost in a moment of reflection,while most of the country was tuned into the start of the football season i couldn't help but drive home in silence after dropping my daughter off and thinking about the way i felt that faithful morning. An 18 year old kid fresh out of high school i went through of an array of emotions that day. It took a few days before i really snapped back to reality when i did I realized that life as we knew it would change for ever. Fast forward 15 years now i'm a 33 year old man/father life did change but we did not let those despicable acts by a select few destroy us we stood strong and rebuilt bigger and better! So to all our armed forces, police and fire departments THANK YOU for all that you do...