Water Damage From Storms Can Wreak Havoc In You Home

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding home? Call SERVPRO!

Water Damage From a Storm Can Be Catastrophic to your home or business

O.K., A midwest storm just hit the area and dumped 5 inches in an hour overwhelming the sewer systems in your community. The result is 3 inches of gray water in your finished basement. The longer you wait after having water damage from a rain event the more damage you are causing to your home.

When you have water damage the best thing to do is to mityigate the source that is causing the damage. It could be a clogged sewer line, debri clogged gutters or a sump pump failure. If the damage is coming from something you are unable to cut off, you may need to contact a plumber in your area. Once this is completed, you will want to call the professionasl here at SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston. No matter how big or small, we will be able to help get it under control. If not remedied rapidly, here is some of the damage that can happen:

• Water rings on your ceiling or walls
• Soft or sagging on your ceiling or walls
• Wet or soggy carpets
• Warping in your wood flooring
• wicking of walls the longer the water is present
• wet insulation inside the wall cavities

The best thing to do is call an expert right away before the problem gets worse. Our highly trained technicians are waiting for your call. We have our specialized equipment ready to use to get to your emergency mitigated as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the problem gets worse, call our team here at SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston at (217) 536-6655.

We Are Your Storm Damage & Reconstruction Specialist

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

Sotm Damage? Call SERVPRO.

We Specialize in Storm Damage Restoration & Reconstruction!

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston specializes in storm and flood damage cleanup, restoration and reconstruction in the S. Central Illinois region.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to mitigate the damage and then restore your property completely with our own in-house construction division to its pre-storm condition.

We Have a Faster Response Time

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost dramatically.

Resources to Handle Midwest Floods and Storms

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is one of the only certified Disaster Recovery Team in the midwest region!  When storms hit S. Central Illinois, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster at a moments notice. 

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (217) 536-6655.

Our Rapid Response to Storm Damage is Essential to Restoring Your Property

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

South-Central Illinois Storms

When it comes to south-central Illinois storms SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is “Faster to any size disaster,” and due to the speed we get onsite can provide many benefits for homeowners and business owners with water soaked storm damage. When a roof has been breached from wind and rain, a sewer drain has backed up and overflowed into a finished basement, or water intrusion has entered the home or business from malfunctioning gutters, your home and business need to have that excess water removed as quickly as possible.

Homes and businesses in St. Louis, Bridgeton and Florissant that have excessive water damage from disasters brought on by storms need an industry leader in restoration when water removal services are needed immediately as the first step in restoring your property. Pumping out any water that is visible upon our arrival helps us gain a better visual so we can more easily assess the extent of the overall damage and put together a plan of attack to restore the damage.

Larger amounts of porous materials require more aggressive drying methods than materials that are less porous. Our experience benefits homeowners and businesses in all sorts of disasters by giving us insights into how best to proceed in almost any type of situation imaginable, not only in storm events but overflowing toilets and tubs, exploding water heaters, burst pipes, and flooding from natural sources are only a few of those catastrophes.

Removing water starts the mitigation process. Moisture can find its way into every part of your home or business and creates enormous problems later unless it is captured and removed. Dehumidifiers and air movers can work wonders when used together. Moisture meters provide us with initial readings of wet areas in your home or business that are compared to later readings, showing us our progress in the drying process.

When dry, remaining problems can still exist, such as unusual odors. This is because odors are caused by particles, that although tiny, produce smells when they have been disturbed. We can rectify this problem with odor control methods such as ozoning and the use of deodorants. Other problems that can remain behind include over-stretched carpeting, and we can fix that problem, also.

Because floors are always saturated in a situation where standing water exists, we take great care in ensuring that these surfaces are completely dry. This prevents warping of wooden floors and sub-flooring. Otherwise, walking in your home or business may soon become hazardous for your family and guests.

We can begin water removal efforts so that your home or business is once again as it should be, perfectly dry and back to its preloss condition. Storms and/or water damage can occur at all hours of the day and night, and because of this, we are available 24/7 to take your call. 

When a Storm Damages Your Property, the Initial Cleanup is Just the Beginning

6/24/2021 (Permalink)

Monitoring

There are many steps to properly dry out a water damage after a storm.

Here is just a brief overview of the process:

We begin with a detailed inspection of the property, including a damage assessment. At this stage, our professionals are trying to determine the scope of the damage so that we can develop an appropriate plan of action.

After the inspection and damage assessment step, the water extraction process begins. This step removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water from your property.

Once the excess water has been removed, the floors and walls may appear dry, but a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Nearly all building materials, like wood, drywall, and flooring materials, are porous and therefore retain water. This retained water can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.

Monitoring (Extremely Important):

Monitoring after the initial mitigation and building stabilization of the job site on a daily basis is important. After 24 hours, equipment is manipulated to ensure optimal drying is occurring. This is why we will return to your property regularly to test water damaged materials for moisture and monitor the drying process. We will adjust the water damage restoration equipment and begin removing equipment as soon as areas have reached the proper drying of materials. This will help save you money on unnecessary rentals as well as assure that materials are not over dried causing secondary damage. Every step of the water damage restoration process is monitored and documented thoroughly, and you will have access to these water damage reports at any point during the process.

This is just a brief overview of some of the steps what we do to dry out a building. If you want to learn more about this process click: Water Damage Process

Trained Up for the Storm Season

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Trainer

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston are highly trained individuals in storm related property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications, to our own in-house training refresher courses so rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property when a storm hits the region and damages homes and businesses. Our training program assures all of our team has the knowledge to restore your property right the first time and to prel-oss condition! We want our employees to get the "best in industry" training to make sure you choose SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston each and every time when a storm disaster strikes. Here at TEAM WOLFE, we know what we are are doing and we do it right each and every time we are called upon! Call us at (217) 536-6655 for all your restoration needs!

SERVPRO is your Storm Damage Service Provider

4/22/2021 (Permalink)

severely damaged roof.

Water Damage, wind, hail, strong storms including straight line winds and tornadoes are some of the most common reasons individuals find themselves in need of a structural damage restoration contractor, but that doesn’t make it any more routine for the people involved.

A major storm can turn your home or business into a disaster a disaster area overnight. Thankfully, SERVPRO can help you with all the repairs that your home or business will need to return it to its preloss condition and make it "Like it never even happened."

TEAM WOLFE can provide you with the full service experience so there is no need to call multiple specialty contractors. Our team of mitigation and reconstruction specialists perform all the services that you possibly could need. From debris removal, roofing, plumbing to painting. We handle it all. 

TEAM WOLFE is your "Full Service" restoration service provider.

Don't Wait for An Adjuster to Address Storm Damage

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Waiting on a Adjuster is not the best option

Don't Wait For a Property  Adjuster to Arrive After a Storm Damages Your Property

With Spring just a few weeks away, the potential of heavy storms can start to form in the South-Central and Southern Illinois region. With that elevated risk of a major storm sweeping through the Effingham and Coles County region, your home or business can experience wind, hail or water damage that will require immediate building stabilization to reduce the affects of secondary damage. By waiting for adjuster to arrive onsite which could takes days if the region received widespread storm damage, you might think it's to just wait for an adjuster to arrive to make any major decisions. However, this might not be the best decision. Here are just a few reasons why.

1. You May Be Waiting Several Days Before an Adjuster can inspect You Property

During a large storm or a disaster, there will likely be many people who have suffered major storm damage to their homes or businesses. Because of this, it might take a while before an adjuster is able to get to you. There will be quite a few people who are in the same situation that you are, so waiting around while your property is wet and/or exposed can create additional secondary damages that will escalate the cost of repairing it back to preloss condition.

2. Water Damage Only Gets Worse by procrastination

While you are waiting for an adjuster to arrive, the water will continue to affect your house and belongings. If the water is not removed and your property stays wet, you will end up with a much larger problem to deal with. When it is exposed to water for long periods of time, wood can begin to warp and may end up rotting which can affect the structure of the building. Mold damage can occur quickly as well and may begin to spread within 24 hours.

3. It Can Affect Your Insurance Claim by Thousands of Additional Dollars by Waiting

In some cases, doing nothing to prevent further damage can affect the results of your storm insurance claim. You might not be approved for as much as you would have otherwise, and your claim might be denied altogether. Paying for repairs on your own can be expensive, so you want to avoid this if possible.
Instead of waiting for your insurance adjuster, the best thing to do after a storm is to document the damage. Take pictures and make lists of affected areas and items to provide as evidence. Once this has been done, a cleanup and restoration service like SERVPRO can begin mitigation to prevent the damage from worsening while you wait to file your claim.

Call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston for all your Spring Storm cleanup & restoration problems at (217) 536-6655. We promise to make them disappear "Like it never even happened."  

Minimizing Secondary Roof Damage After A Storm

12/31/2020 (Permalink)

storm damaged roof

When it comes to severe weather events like Thunderstorms along with high winds in south-central Illinois, these conditions are often the leading cause of structural damage to residential property and local businesses. While prevention and routine inspections are extremely helpful to avoiding a roof leak, sometimes mother nature is still often too powerful to avoid her visiting your home or business with a major blow to your property. If during or right after a catastrophic storm event causes damages to your roof, getting it taken care of immediately is necessary to avoid extensive water damage remediation and repairs. If the storm was big enough, unfortunately, you may not get instant relief.

Temporary Repairs:
Temporary fixes should be made to ensure the damage doesn’t spread. These include:

Tarps – Simple, inexpensive and easy, waterproof tarps can do wonders to keep more moisture from getting inside the property. From the interior of the building, since it is unsafe to walk on a wet roof, smooth the tarp out and attach it, ensuring the entire area is covered.

Caulk, Temporary Roof Patch – For small leaks, a little caulk or sealant can block the water from coming in. Even though it may be small, it can easily become a much bigger problem if not addressed immediately. These products can be found at your local home improvement store.

Replace Shingles – Depending on the structure, a roof leak often is a result of missing shingles or ones that are cracked or becoming unattached. Once it safe to go on the roof, it is important to repair or replace shingles to limit the damage. Loose shingles shout be smoothed and shifted back into place before being nailed or stapled. If shingles are missing but there are no replacements available, sheet metal or wood can be used as a temporary fix.

Professional Help
While these fixes are designed to limit the spread of damage, they are not permanent repairs. Regardless of the size of the leak, contacting a professional like SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston to inspect and repair the roof is vital to maintaining its longevity and protecting what it covers. Our company is a full service contractor so one call to SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is all you need to do. We handle all aspects of the restoration and repairs needed to restore your property to its preloss condition. 

A roof leak is a hassle, but it can quickly become much more than that if gone unchecked. Taking immediate action and getting it properly repaired are keys to avoiding damage to the rest of the structure.

Flash Flood Warning!

7/30/2020 (Permalink)

Stay safe during a flash flood

Rain, rain go away, come again another day! Over the past few weeks, mother nature has decided to let loose of the rain in our area. To make sure you stay safe, here some suggestions to follow so you can stay safe in flash flooding situations.

If you are under a flood warning:

• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
  • Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.
• Stay off of 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

Survive During a Flood:

• Go to the safe location you previously identified.
• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.
• Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
• Stay off bridges over fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
• If your car is trapped in rapidly moving water stay inside. If water is rising inside the car get on the roof.
• If trapped in a building, go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there, signal for help.

Surviving After a Flood:

• Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving except in emergencies.
• Snakes and other animals may be in your house. Wear heavy gloves and boots during clean up.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
• Avoid wading in floodwater, which can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.
• Use a generator or other gasoline-powered machinery ONLY outdoors and away from windows.

How to Prepare for a Storm

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is your local storm cleanup and mitigation company

Storm season is in full swing here in Illinois. As we all know, they can be very destructive to both your property and your own well-being. Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself when a storm hits.

Create a Storm Safety Plan

The first step takes place even before the storm happens. Creating a storm safety plan includes information about where you and your family will meet if separated in a storm. It sets up a plan that everyone will follow if there is a necessary evacuation of the property. The reason you create a plan is so that everyone in the home is informed and on the same page.

Create an Emergency Kit

An emergency kit can help you get out on short notice or survive if utilities are taken out by the storm. The bag should be a backpack or a smaller overnight sized bag. Everyone in the home should know where the bag is and what is inside.

Things to include in your kit:

• Battery powered flashlight
• Portable batter powered radio
• Extra batteries
• List of emergency phone numbers
• Prescriptions and essential medicines
• First aid kit
• Nonperishable emergency food
• Bottled water
• Non-electric can opener
• Disposable camera
• Credit cards and cash
• Change of clothing
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Important papers, identification and bank information

As always, if you experience damage to your property due to a storm, give SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston a call at:

217-536-6655

Is Storm Damage Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston today for help with your storm damage

It is storm season in Illinois which means your home could be at risk of damage. Do you know what your insurance policy does and does not cover?

Most homeowners insurance policies cover these types of damages:

• Water and ice damage
• Lightning strikes and power surges
• Wind, hail and fallen trees

Water and Ice Damage

Most homeowners' insurance policies help cover water damage if it is “sudden or accidental,” meaning a burst pipe or a failed fitting with a washing machine. The ice aspect comes into play with extreme cold weather damaging your roof causing leaks.

Lightning Strikes and Power Outages

Lighting coverage comes into play if your home is directly struck by lightning. A direct strike can cause fire damage, smoke damage or power surges. Power surges caused directly by a lightning strike, in most cases, will cover damaged electronics and appliances.

Wind Hail and Fallen Trees

Storms tend to have very high wind and hail which can be damaging to the exterior materials of your home. Under a normal homeowners policy, these types of exterior damages along with interior water damages are typically covered. Most policies also cover damage caused by a tree that is knocked over by the high wind.

If you are unsure of what is covered by your insurance, now would be a great time to call your agent and check your policy. It is better to know what is covered before something happens so that you can be prepared.

And as always, if you experience a loss related to storm damage:

CALL SERVPRO OF Effingham, MATTOON, CHARLESTON TODAY: 217-536-6655

Managing a Storm Damage

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

No job caused by a storm is to big or small for SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston!

Many things come along with a violent storm. We live in an area of the world where extreme weather happens every year. We have tornadoes, heavy rain, lightning, hail, etc. All of the acts of nature are powerful and can cause a lot of damage to our homes and businesses. Luckily, you have SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston to help you make your storm damage “Like it never even happened.”

Let’s say that the windows at your property have been broken due to high winds or hail. We can handle that. What if your roof is partially or fully blown off by a storm? We are also capable of replacing your entire roof. SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is dedicated to making sure that the transition from preloss to post-mitigation is as seamless and easy as possible for the property owner.

Most all storm damages are more than one kind of damage all in one. Thinking back to the roof example in the last paragraph, there is at minimum reconstruction to be done, but there will also be water damage from the rain involved in the storm. You can rely on SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston’s highly trained professionals to make sure that all aspects of the damage are recognized and documented properly.

What We Offer:

• Reconstruction Services
• Water Mitigation
• Fire Restoration
• Cleanup Services
• Document Drying
• Move Outs and Contents Restoration
• Mold Removal and Mitigation

As soon as the damage occurs, it is important to get the opinion of a professional before moving forward. That way secondary damage does not occur, and the proper procedures can be followed. For that professional opinion you can trust SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston!

Call Today: 217-536-6655

4 Reasons Why Sump Pumps Fail

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston can handle any size water damage! We are your local water damage experts!

Let’s take a moment to talk about one the most important pieces of equipment in your home that is, more times than not, forgotten. The sump pump in your basement is a crucial piece of equipment that keeps your basement from flooding when heavy rains are coming down outside. The sump pump diverts water from your basement and foundation to a safer place where it can drain properly. Sump pumps have many moving parts and variables that make sure they run properly. If one of those variables goes bad, then the pump will fail.

4 Reasons Why a Sump Pump Can Fail:

1. Power Outage

A power outage is the most common reason for a sump pump failure. That is because sump pumps are not typically connected to their own power supply. They are most commonly connected to the home’s electrical system the same way lighting and the HVAC system is. Having a backup generator for your home in this case can be a lifesaver and prevent future headaches.

2.Sump Pump is the Wrong Size

Seeing this may make you think, “Let’s get the biggest pump so that it can handle any amount of water.” This thought can get you in trouble though, because sump pumps that are too big overwork and actually will wear out faster. While a pump that is too small will not be able to keep up with the waterflow that it encounters. The best course of action is to consult with a professional to make sure you have the proper sized sump pump.

3.Improper Installation

Installing a sump pump must be done exactly right. Manufacturer’s instructions must be followed carefully for the installation in order to avoid severe water damage down the road. Most manufacturers recommend or require a check valve to be installed on the discharge line. If not installed, the back-flow of water can cause the pump impeller to rotate backwards and unscrew off the motor shaft. In this scenario, you will still hear the pump motor running, but it would not be pumping any water.

Most manufacturers require the drilling of a small air relief hole in the discharge line between the pump and the check valve which is intended to prevent the pump from having to overcome the air pressure in the discharge pipe. The discharge pipe must be of the required diameter.

Lastly, the sump pump pit should not be set in dirt or gravel. This causes debris to enter into your pump and can result in interference with the pump’s on/off switch or float arm.

4. Lack of Maintenance

Depending on the pump manufacturer, it is recommended that from every 2-3 months to once a year. To be safe, it is best if the pump is checked before rainy season starts. That way, you are not caught with a faulty pump when it is pouring down rain outside.

Like all equipment, a sump pump can also just unexplainably fail. This is the reason why preventative maintenance and routine checks are key so that you never get caught in a bad situation. Remember that even though a sump pump may seem expensive, but it doesn’t come close to comparing to how much a water damage can cost you both financially and emotionally after losing sentimental items.

Call SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston today for any water damage needs!

217-536-6655

With Winter Storms comes Winter Hazards

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

Many destructive impacts can come out of a single winter storm. Are you prepared for the coming winter? The array of hazards that can come from a winter storm are sometimes countless.

• Ice: Accumulations of a half inch or more, because of its weight can cause widespread destruction and power outages and can have a crippling impact. 
• Wet Snow: Much like ice accumulation, wet snow adds extra weight and stress, increasing the chance of damage. Moist snow sticks easily to trees and power lines.
• Snow on Roofs: Several feet from one or multiple storms accumulating on a roof can add stress, causing them to collapse.
• Flooding After the Snow: A rapid warm-up or rain following a winter storm with an expansive snow pack can set the stage for major flooding.

Melting snow and ice after a storm can also cause damage to the inside of your home or business. Call the professionals at SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston to assess the situation and put you to Pre-Winter condition, "Like it never even happened."

Call us (217) 536-6655

SERVPRO is You Disaster Recovery Specialist

1/9/2020 (Permalink)

F-5 Tornado Damage

TEAM WOLFE has the resources, the manpower and the know how to restore your property after a major storm event. Whether it be from a category 5 hurricane or an F-5 tornado, we have the expertise to get you back on the road to recovery.

TEAM WOLFE has been dispatched for over a decade to numerous events across the Unites States to help with the cleanup efforts in states like Texas, New Jersey and Florida just to name a few.

Out team of IICRC trained specialists can get you back to the road of recovery in a timely manner.

CONSTRUCTION SERVICES:

Our team here at SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston has a fully staffed team of reconstruction specialists that can deploy at a moments notice. We coordinate with our people to get you rapid response faster than you can imagine after a catastrophic event occurs.

With a dedicated staff including a travelling team of onsite project managers, reconstruction managers and a host of resources with the backing of SERVPRO Corporation, we have your back!

April Showers Bring May Flowers

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

April showers help to bring us the most vibrant May flowers and we are so happy with this change of season.

However, when April showers are more like torrential, relentless downpours we could face a flooded basement and other water damage causing costly repairs. Flooding generally occurs in the springtime as the result of heavy rains that cannot be adequately absorbed by the still thawing earth. Particularly formidable are the flash floods resulting from thunderstorms, swiftly melting snow and ice jams in creeks. Consider if more than one of these circumstances happens at the same time, you have the potential for a catastrophe with flooding waters and raging mudslides.

Homeowners you can take some simple precautions to secure your property and keep your possessions safe.

Elevate: Keep your furnace, water heater, electrical panels above predicted water levels to protect yourself from costly home replacements.

Install check valves: These valves close to prevent the backward flow of liquid and prevent water from backing up into the drains in your home.

Build barriers: Use sandbags to create flood walls to prevent or reduce flow of water into your home.

Waterproof the basement: Use a waterproofing compound to seal the walls of your basement.

Clean: Clean gutters, drains and downspouts for proper water flow.

Purchase flood insurance: Most standard homeowners' and business insurance policies unfortunately do no cover flood damage. In the event of a flood, you would be responsible for covering the full cost of repairs and replacing items damaged.

We provide emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE HELP ARRIVES

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

In the event of a storm water damage, SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston wants our customers to stay safe and sound.  Here are some important emergency water damage tips that SERVPRO encourages our customers to review:

Shut off your water source or contact a qualified person to do it for you.

Turn off circuit breakers when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock.

Mop up as much of the excess area as you can.

Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

Move paintings, art objects, computers, documents, and other sensitive valuables to a dry place.

Don't enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water.  You want to avoid electrical shock hazards.

Don't use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water; this could cause electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.

Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; and do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Have An Emergency? Call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston! 

 (217) 536-6655

Tornado Preparedness Week in Illinois - Be Ready!

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Are you ready for severe weather in Illinois? Now through March 10 is Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Illinois, and coinciding with the siren testing that occurs on the first Tuesday of each month will be a statewide tornado drill. At 10 a.m. today, March 6, outdoor tornado sirens will go off.

In addition to making sure the sirens work properly, Tuesday's drill is a great time to review your severe weather plan: Where would you take shelter at home, work, school or while driving? The NWS encourages families to talk about their severe weather plan together.

Along with the outdoor sirens, a tornado warning will be broadcast on NOAA Weather Radio Tuesday morning, and many commercial TV and radio stations will broadcast a test alert.

According to the State of Illinois Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois ranks fifth in the U.S. for the number of tornadoes per square mile. The majority of Illinois tornadoes have occurred between April 1 and June 30 between the hours of 3 and 10 p.m. However, tornadoes have happened nearly every month of the year and at nearly all hours of the day. In February 2017, a tornado killed three people in LaSalle County. An average of 50 tornadoes occur each year in Illinois.

The IEMA also reminds residents to be sure to know the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning:

• Tornado Watch: This means tornadoes are possible near your area. Stay alert for the latest weather information. Be prepared to take shelter. If you live in a mobile home, this is the time to move to a more substantial structure. If you see any rotating funnel-shaped clouds, report them immediately by telephone to your local emergency management or law enforcement agency.
• Tornado Warning: This means a tornado has been sighted by someone or indicated by weather radar. The storms may also produce damaging winds in excess of 60 mph and/or hail one inch or larger. Take shelter immediately. Turn on a battery-operated radio or television and wait for updated information for your area. Many smartphones automatically receive tornado warnings to alert you about a tornado nearby, even if you're traveling.

If the forecast indicates tornadoes are possible, families should monitor the radio, TV or Internet for the latest information. If the sirens go off:

• Go immediately to your predetermined shelter, such as a storm cellar, basement or the lowest level of the building. In a basement, go under the stairs, under a heavy piece of furniture or a work bench. Stay there until the danger has passed.
• If in a mobile home, get out and seek shelter elsewhere, well before the storm arrives. A mobile home can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. If there is not a substantial shelter nearby, go to a low-lying area and shield your head with your hands.
• If there is no basement, go to an interior hallway or a small interior room without windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Stay away from outside windows and walls as they may be penetrated by high speed, wind-borne debris.
• Get under a piece of sturdy furniture, such as a workbench or heavy table, and hold onto it. If sturdy furniture is not available, make yourself the smallest target possible. Squat low to the ground. Put your head down and cover your head and neck with your hands.
• Use pillows, mattresses or cushions to protect your head and neck

Find more tornado preparedness information on the IEMA website.

SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston are Flood Damage Experts

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

No place is immune from the threat of flooding, and Effingham, Mattoon & Charleston Illinois neighborhoods is not an exception. Our area of South Central Illinois experiences waves of heavy rainstorms, the combined strength of which can result in flooding situations. If water fills the lower levels of your home due to extended periods of rain, a call to us can turn the tide toward recovery.

When a home in the Effingham region suffers flood damage, the inhabitants do not have the luxury of waiting until the water recedes to make decisions. Large quantities of water inside your home’s foundation or basement risk significant harm to your building’s structure and contents. It is crucial that rapid removal of the water occurs, followed by complete drying of floors, walls, ceilings, and other building components. Our teams of flood damage specialists train for the opportunity to complete these tasks for you.

Flood damage is a water event that requires professional help. A bucket and mop or shop vacuum are not up to the challenge. The sheer amount of water quickly overwhelms any do it yourself attempt. The experienced technicians from SERVPRO employ powerful, industrial strength pumps and extractors to evacuate the water fast. Speed is critical because of the progressive nature of water damage.

Many structures, items, and surfaces can emerge nearly good as new if water does not have the chance to soak into and begin the process of disintegration. Although building materials like finished wood, concrete or cinder block may be able to shed water without much change, drywall, insulation, ceiling tiles, carpeting, and other porous components risk swelling, crumbling, and delamination if soaked for any period of time.

SERVPRO employees learn dozens of targeted strategies to quickly and successfully remove water from you place of business or home. Once the obvious water is gone, the crew uses high-efficiency fans and dehumidifiers to complete the job, drawing residual moisture out of contents and structure.

If severe weather threatens your property with flood damage, SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston is ready to help you recover from this catastrophe completely. One call to (217) 536-6655 sets a process in motion that returns your home to you “Like it never even happened.”