AT SERVPRO, WE NEVER SLEEP

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

One of our many Loss Semi Trailers

Here at SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston, we have a team of well trained restoration professionals that can tackle any size disaster, 24/7 and 365 days a week! Our team has proven to provide an industry best service to our clients with expedited service that does not compromise on value!

WE ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE

Whether it is 2:00AM in the morning or the evening hours, SERVPRO is able to dispatch a team of professionals to quickly address any issue you may have. Burst pipes? Fire damage? Flooding? No matter what the damage or the situation you are experiencing, we have a team standing by to serve you with one of the industry's best restoration services in the nation. 

THERE IS NO JOB TOO BIG

Did you know OUR SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team is both prequalified and strategically positioned to handle a natural disaster of any size within the United States? Our SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is uniquely positioned to help in case of any large loss with urgency and unmatched mitigation efforts. Whether flood or tornado, hurricane or storm, the Disaster Recovery Team is prepared for the unpredictable 365 DAYS A YEAR! 

Proven Track Record

At SERVPRO we are a trusted franchise that has been the leader in the cleanup and restoration industry for 50 plus years. In that time, our services have been trusted by businesses, homeowners, the insurance industry, and the government! 

No matter how big your disaster, we will make sure it looks "Like it never even happened." Call today for more information and help. 

SERVPRO Giving Back to the People We Serve

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

One Stop Community Christmas

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston was privileged and blessed to participate in the "One Stop Community Christmas" on December 11th in Mattoon, Illinois. This charitable event serves families in a 7 county region in South-Central Illinois! Our Marketing representative Howard Manuel and his wife volunteered their Saturday on behalf of SERVPRO. TEAM WOLFE's donation to One Stop Community Christmas helped reach over 2,500 children and gifted them with new undergarments and socks to over during this Holiday event. What a blessing to participate and to give back to the communities that we serve! One of the main goals of One Stop Community Christmas is to have many local businesses, organizations, and civic groups combine their resources in a collaborative way to help the needs of families in the region so they have a positive experience for them and their children during the Holiday season. Our team is commited to helping support charitable events like the One Stop Community Christmas and others just like it. Giving back feels so good!

The benefits of Air Filtration in your home.

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

HEPA FILTRATION

Did you know that Air filtration is a great way to keep harmful impurities from effecting your Effingham home and protecting the health of your family? Using an air purifier has numerous benefits as well, but you need to know which one is best capable of removing noxious (harmful, poisonous, or unpleasant) mold spores. Find out which types  of air purifiers are most effective at accomplishing a clean and healthy environment.

Air Purification Health Benefits

Besides removing mold spores and floating fungal particles, air purifiers generate atmospheres that are:

• Clean
• Odorless
• Dustless
• Free From Pet Dander
  
  

HVAC attachments reduce the burden placed upon your device, subsequently extending its life.
Although most purifiers can achieve the above objectives with ease, not all are as effective at eliminating mold spores. Making the right choice of air filtration is crucial if you want to keep your St. Louis home free from a situation requiring the services of a mold removal service provider.

Styles of Air Purification
Assuming your primary goal is to remove aerial fungi, one of your best options is a purifier that includes a HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filter. These filters are able to remove 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger and machines equipped with a HEPA filter can dramatically improve your home’s air quality. Be certain to regularly change you HEPA filter on a regularly scheduled basis, as failure to do so can result in captured spores escaping.
Your other superior choice is a Photo Electrochemical Oxidizer. Using light activation to destroy air particles, an oxidizer is capable of actually eradicating airborne offenders instead of merely trapping them.
Many other systems exist, but none are better than either of the above selections. Photocatalytic oxidizers, for instance, can expunge some organic molecules, but they are highly inefficient. Ozone generators flood your residence with this peculiar-smelling form of oxygen on purpose, a bad idea for those with certain sensitivities. Carbon filter purifiers, which trap gasses, are totally incapable of removing fungus spores.
Keep your Effingham, Illinois residence clear of mold growth through the use of effective air filtration, making sure that whichever model you pick is capable of handling the job.

Safe Ladder Usage 101

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Ladder Safety

When it comes to climbing ladders please consider the safety risk involved before climbing up. Falls from portable and extension ladders are one of the leading causes of occupational injuries and fatalities. The following is a list of safety tips and guidelines to make sure you, and everyone around you, stay safe.

• Make sure you read and follow the instructions on the ladder, pay close attention to weight limits to whatever ladder you are getting ready to scale.

• Look for overhead power lines before moving the ladder. Don’t use metal ladders near power lines or exposed energized electrical equipment.

• Always do an inspection on your ladder before use. If something is broken or bent, either replace it, or get it repaired. If it’s a commercial ladder, make sure you tag it and pull it off line so another co-worker doesn’t grab it and use it.

• You should always keep a 3-point contact when climbing (two hands and a foot, or two feet and one hand). Keep your body near the middle of the step and always face the ladder while climbing.

• Make sure you use the right ladder and accessories for their designed purpose.

• The ladder must be free of any slippery material on the rungs, steps, or feet.

• Don’t use the top step/rung of a ladder as a step unless it was designated for that purpose.

• Use a ladder only on stable/level ground, unless the ladder is secured to prevent displacement.

• Don’t use boxes, barrels or other unstable bases to gain extra height for the ladder.

• If the ladder needs moved or shifted, make sure that everyone and equipment is off of it.

• The proper angle for setting up a ladder is to place its base a quarter of the working length of the ladder from the wall or other vertical surface.

• If using the ladder in a place where it can get displaced by other work activities, make sure it’s secured.

• Keep all traffic away from the area around the ladder.

• Make sure that the locks on the on the extension ladder are properly engaged.

• Be aware of the weight capacity of the ladder, and don’t exceed the maximum load. You need to take into account your weight and anything you carry on it.

Take a few minutes before getting on your next ladder by doing that inspection, and being mindful of its placement. By following these suggested ideas, serious injury can be prevented.

Have a cleaning project that requires climbing on a ladder? Why not leave the ladder climbing to SERVPRO! Give us a call at (217) 536-6655.

Want to learn more about ladder safety? Check out this OSHA link: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.1053

Why choose SERVPRO for Commercial Trauma Scene Cleanup

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO protects their technicians when onsite of a trauma scene cleanup

Accidents and trauma scenes rank among the most stressful events a a business can encounter. If the situation involves traumatic injuries, you and your employees endure anxiety, grief, fear, and a host of other emotions. Health risks associated with exposure to pathogens carried by blood and other bodily fluids are of great concern, not to mention the liability of properly cleaning up the scene. OSHA regulations demand adherence to specific research-based protocols to ensure safety during cleanup and to provide a thoroughly disinfected environment for your business operations.

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster

The need for biohazard/trauma scene in a commercial building can encompass everything from simple human error or equipment malfunction to criminal activity. an event like a trauma scene requires immediate assistance. Our biohazard cleanup crews are available 24/7, with the appropriate training, skills, experience, and resources to respond fast and efficiently.

Biohazard & Trauma Scene Cleanup Best Practices

Specially trained and certified technicians must respond to a trauma or crime site leaving the cleanup to contracted or in-house janitorial & maintenance teams that could jeopardize their health, both physical and emotional. Containment of the affected area and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the cleanup process are required. We observe local rules concerning biohazard disposal for safety and to ensure that your business does not face sanctions. SERVPRO technicians complete comprehensive training and our products, protocols, and equipment exceed expectations.

Transferability of Skills

Often the areas contaminated in a commercial building has porous building materials. To be sure we remove all blood and fluids, intensive flushing and/or removal of building materials is critical. SERVPRO’s proven proficiency in containment processes and removal of contamination permits us to eradicate biohazards safely and completely. Our crews are experts in disinfection and structural drying, as well.

Care and Compassion

SERVPRO employees are acutely aware of the need to balance speedy and biohazard & trauma scenes with sensitivity for the ordeal experienced by those touched by the tragedy. We work hard to respond with respect and compassion in the aftermath of a devastating event. Taking care of the details helps streamline the process.

SERVPRO provides proper cleaning, application of EPA-registered disinfectants, and lawful biohazard disposal, after a severe trauma event at your business. Count on a fast and discreet response when you call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston at (217) 536-6655.

Why You Should Choose SERVPRO

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Our Team

Did you know that SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is a IICRC Certified company? So, what does IICRC stand for you ask? The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies like ours.

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 and maintaining the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, Advanced structural drying and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take many 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 Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston 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 company. We believe in continuous training of our employees 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 to its preloss state.

How We Respond When You Need SERVPRO

8/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO administrative assistant in office answering a phone call and taking down vital information.

When You Need a Rapid Response to Your Damage, We Respond Immediately

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston knows that when you call our company, you may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through the crisis you have just endured. SERVPRO has specific fire, water and smoke damage training and the expertise to help you through your dilemma. We specialize in fire, water, smoke and storm damage cleanup and restoration. In fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect When You Call

When you call, our friendly representative will ask several questions regarding the type of damage you have incurred. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring with us when we deploy, including how many trained SERVPRO restoration specialists that may be needed for your particular situation.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information including your phone number and email address
• Your insurance carrier (if applicable)
• Has a claim been turned in?
• Name of Adjuster (if assigned)
• The street address of your home or business
• When did the damage occur?
• What caused the damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity and water available (on-site)?
• Is there standing water (if applicable)?
• What year was the home or business built?

About SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage. SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston can also mitigate mold and mildew from your home or business.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. With a nationwide system of qualified franchises, no damage is too large or too small for SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston.

How Containment Prevents Further Contamination

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Containment can help prevent the spread of mold during removal

If a part of your home or business is contaminated with mold, our professionals may decide to section off your property in an effort to contain the spread of mold throughout the rest of the property. The containment efforts are used for several reasons including:

1. Containment Isolates the Contaminated Area from the Rest of the Property

Once all the contaminated areas are identified, plastic is hung in doorways and on walls. This creates a barrier between the contaminated area and the “clean” area. The plastic does not let air in or out which leads to the next reason.

2. Containment Prevents Spreading Airborne Spores

One of the ways mold can spread is through the air. Think of how flowers grow and fertilize using pollen. Mold is similar in the way that, when disturbed, mold can release small spores that fly through the air and land in a new place to spread.

3. Containment Mitigates Carrier Spreading

Other than airborne spores, mold can also spread by getting stuck in clothes and/or skin which can carry them to a new location. This is why, in severe situations, we will fully suit up when removing mold. 

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is your local expert in mold removal, fire and water damage services. You can trust us to handle your property professionally and with care, no matter the size. Call today to make your loss “Like it never even happened.”

217-536-6655

TEAM WOLFE is your "Full Service" Contractor

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

When you have damage that was caused by fire, water, smoke or a storm event, we not only clean it up, we truly restore it to it's preloss condition. Our team of restoration specialists stay with you until the job is complete!

We are a Full Service Construction Contractor

We are more than just a "cleanup company." Our in-house construction project managers under the direction of our Director of Construction Scotty Harvey will see your complete reconstruction of your property to the very end!

Need an addition added to your existing home? We handle everything! There is no need for multiple service providers like plumbing, electrical or roofing. We handle the whole project.

Just one call to SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston at (217) 536-6655 starts the whole process to getting your property back to normal. 

We Are Hiring Production Technicians

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Production Technician

Production Technician

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston has been serving the area for over 20+ years.  We are dedicated to helping our commercial and residential clients handle the cleanup that goes along with fire and water damage and we are looking to grow our award winning team.

Primary Responsibilities

• Inventory and load the work vehicle with equipment, products, and supplies needed for each project
• Perform production process following SERVPRO production guidelines per work order per management directions
• Ensure clear two-way communication with supervisor and other technicians (especially regarding customer needs and concerns)
• Perform end of day/end of job cleanup breakdown. Leave job-site with a clean and orderly appearance
• Experience in cleaning/restoration preferred
• Ability to work locally and out of state when necessary

Position Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED
• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds regularly, occasionally up to 100 pounds with assistance
• Ability to climb ladders, work at ceiling heights, work in tight spaces (e.g. crawlspaces, attics)
• Ability to sit/stand/walk for prolonged periods of time
• Ability to work with/around cleaning products
• Ability to repetitively push/pull/lift/carry objects

Pay based on education, experience, and certification.

What to do

If you would like to apply for this position at SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston, please send your resume to teamwolfehr@yahoo.com

Being Prepared!

5/3/2019 (Permalink)

Gary Whitehead

I used to not be prepared until............

Seven years ago, I started working at SERVPRO. After accepting the position with TEAM WOLFE, I had no idea what I would experience over these years. Before working at SERVPRO, I was one of those people that never listened to the news and weather forecast. My spouse would always remind me that a snow storm was in the forecast, heavy rains were coming, severe thunderstorms and tornado watches were being issued, etc.  Always before the winter months, she would make me a list of emergency supplies needed just in case we would need them: Kerosene for the heater, ice scrapers, ice melt, heat for the gas tank, jumper cables, GPS app updates on the cell phone, etc.

When I applied for a position at SERVPRO and was hired, little did I know that our company was a nationwide large loss team for national disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes and flooding events. I never dreamed that I would get the chance to travel on the large loss team across the country, but I did.

One of the first large loss events I was part of was October 24, 2012 when hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast around the New Jersey area. Our storm team went out a few days before I did. I was sent out to follow one of our semi-truck drivers and then I was to stay out there and assist our crew. Upon arriving in New Jersey at midnight and not knowing there was a curfew that started at dusk, I was greeted by the National Guard with not so happy faces. I didn’t realize what I was about to experience.

After several minutes explaining to the National Guard that I was part of a SERVPRO Emergency Response Team, they finally let me through the gates so I could get back to the damaged building that we were working on from all the flooding. The crew was quick to bring me up to speed on the fact that there was no electricity, no restaurants, gas stations or supply stores open in the general region of our location. Reality was starting to set in that this was going to be a serious logistical situation. I started to have flashbacks of what my childhood friend from our Boy Scouts troop told me to always be prepared at all times. I was always having thoughts of my wife asking me to get the supplies before the storm hit and I didn’t.

When we headed back to the hotel and pulled up in the driveway, it hit me that there was no electricity and all the windows and doors were boarded up. I knew that hotel rooms were very hard to come by as so many were displaced due to the hurricane. Then one of the managers stated, “I hope you don’t mind sharing a room with 4 to 6 co-workers.”  As the sun came up the next morning it was like I was watching a bad movie. I witnessed things I never seen before and I felt so sorry for everyone involved in the region.

In closing, I can safely say that I am now prepared when the weather forecast warns that potential bad storms are coming. Like my friend Calvin always told me, “Gary, always be prepared!” Now, when I head out on deployment to help others from a natural disaster, I know now, from watching what others have experienced, to make sure I pack my bags with everything I may need in the event of an emergency. I will never forget all the tears, the emotion, and the hugs from all the victims that went through this event telling us how thankful and proud of us being there to help them in their time of need.

 - Gary Whitehead

Key Accounts Manager

The Insurance Industry Chooses SERVPRO

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

Why Many Insurance Carriers And Adjusters Use SERVPRO

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston has worked with many insurance agents and claim adjusters. We understand your situation. As an agent or adjuster, you have a responsibility to keep claim costs down while providing the best services possible for your clients. Here are a few reasons why so many insurance agents and adjusters trust us:

Fast Emergency Response
Restoring commercial or residential property is the first priority at SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston. Your insurance client will appreciate our immediate response and you will know we’re doing everything we can to limit the damage and the costs.

Pretesting Reduces Claims Expense
Like insurance agents and claim adjusters, we know restoring property is less expensive than replacing property. Our goal is always to restore whenever possible and replace only when necessary. That’s why SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston performs pretesting on every loss so we can determine if it can be restored.

Claims Inventory Service
SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston can provide insurance agents and claim adjusters with an itemized loss inventory. We give you a report and pictures of important items. Your work is made simpler and clearer because we provide you with a complete and accurate picture of the incident.

Serving Adjusters and Your Clients
A SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston professional's job is to reassure your clients, perform quality service, and report to you quickly. We know your job is to interpret the policy and adjust the claim. We don’t want you to have to deal with problems from vendors. Working with you, we strive to save you time so you can focus on priority files, while having complete control of every loss you’re assigned. We offer you 24-hour emergency response, damage mitigation, loss assessment, and an electronic file within hours. SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston's documented, measured performance increases value for you, your agency, your managers, and your clients.

Here To Help 
The job of SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is to reassure the customer, provide excellent service and communicate with the insurance agents and adjusters quickly. We work together with the agents to provide quick and effective property restoration and make it “Like it never even happened.” We are a one-stop shop for all of your needs!

Call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston at (217) 536-6655.

Constant Communication With Your Adjuster

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

When It Comes To Communication, We Shine!

when it comes to communication & customer service, we make continual efforts to make sure that not only you are satisfied by all parties involved are happy with the services we provide. We stay in constant contact with your insurance adjuster, agent and carrier to make sure all parties involved are informed with the services we provide and the progress that is made during the claim. This is paramount to us! A perfectly satisfied customer is a repeat customer! The relationships that are forged by premier customer service provided to each and every home owner, business owner and insurance agent mean so much to us. It only takes one bad job to cancel out a thousand "great outcomes." We strive to make sure that doesn't happen. 

We Work Closely with Your Insurance Provider

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

When it comes to customer service, we make continual efforts to make sure that not only you are satisfied by all parties involved are happy with the services we provide. We stay in constant contact with your insurance adjuster, agent and carrier to make sure all parties involved are informed with the services we provide and the progress that is made during the claim. This is paramount to us! A perfectly satisfied customer is a repeat customer! The relationships that are forged by premier customer service provided to each and every home owner, business owner and insurance agent mean so much to us. It only takes one bad job to cancel out a thousand "great outcomes." We strive to make sure that doesn't happen. 

SERVPRO's Highly Trained Restoration Specialists

1/15/2019 (Permalink)

We have always put a high priority into educating our team. That need is more important than ever today. SERVPRO is an IICRC certified firm with certified technicians. That means you can expect the very highest in standards and protocol to be used in your home or business.

IICRC Training and Certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) certifies and sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our Professionals study IICRC standards and best practices in water restoration, fire restoration, mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and other cleaning and restoration courses.

Employee Certification Training

The Employee Certification Training is a voluntary, self-paced program designed for SERVPRO Franchise employees. Certification is awarded after successful completion of course materials and an examination. Modules include:

• Crew Training
• Fire Restoration
• Water Restoration
• Advanced Structural Drying