Guidelines For Food Safety During a Power Outage in Wauconda?

4/23/2024 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours daily in Lake County.

Our Mundelein and North Wauconda teams restore storm damage every year in Wauconda. After a power outage, ensuring food safety is crucial to prevent illness caused by spoiled or contaminated food. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Check the Temperature: Discard perishable foods stored above 40°F for over 2 hours. Food thermometers can be used to check the temperature of refrigerated foods.

Inspect Food: Examine perishable items such as meat, poultry, seafood, dairy products, and leftovers for signs of spoilage, such as an off odor, unusual texture, or discoloration. When in doubt, throw it out.

Keep Freezer Closed: A full freezer will keep food frozen for about 48 hours, while a half-full freezer will maintain temperature for about 24 hours if the door remains closed. Avoid opening the freezer unnecessarily to preserve the cold.

Consume or Cook Perishables: Consume refrigerated perishable foods like meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and leftovers within 4 hours if stored above 40°F. Alternatively, cook these foods thoroughly to kill any bacteria before consumption.

Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food to prevent cross-contamination. Clean and sanitize utensils, countertops, and surfaces that may have come into contact with spoiled food.

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business in Wauconda has a storm damage emergency, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Wauconda Home Damaged in March Storm?

3/5/2024 (Permalink)

We restore winter storm damage in Lake County 24 hours a day.

SERVPRO of Mundelein/North Waucond is always ready to respond to storm damage emergencies that occur every winter in Wauconda, Lake County, IL. During March, the transition from winter to early spring weather can bring about various types of storms and weather events in the area.

Snowstorms: March is still considered part of the winter season in Lake County, and snowstorms are possible. Heavy snowfall can lead to snow accumulation, slick roads, and travel disruptions.

Rainstorms: As temperatures gradually rise in March, rainstorms become more common. These can bring heavy rain, leading to localized flooding, especially if the ground is frozen or saturated from melted snow.

Mixed Precipitation: Lake County can experience mixed precipitation events in March, including snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain. These conditions can make driving hazardous and create slippery surfaces.

Thunderstorms: As the atmosphere becomes more unstable with increasing temperatures, thunderstorms become possible in March. Thunderstorms can bring lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain, increasing the risk of power outages and flooding.

Flooding: The combination of melting snow and spring rains can lead to the potential for flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, near rivers, and in areas with poor drainage.

It's important for Lake County, IL, residents to stay informed about weather forecasts and any severe weather warnings or advisories issued by local authorities during March.

Call Us Today!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business in Wauconda is damaged by a storm. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Wauconda Residents Brace for Powerful Winter Storm?

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

We restore winter storm damage in Lake County.

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams want everyone to stay safe during a winter storm. Here are some precautions from the American Red Cross that can help you weather winter storms safely:

• Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
• Before the winter season begins, make sure you can heat your home safely. Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping.
• Consider using an indoor thermometer or thermostat to monitor the temperature inside
• Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies.
• Drink plenty of warm fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Avoid travel if you can.
• If you must go outside, plan to dress properly. Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes covered in warm, dry clothing. These areas are the first to be at risk for frostbite.
• Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
• Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house, a public library, or a warming center.

Call Us Today!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when your Wauconda home or commercial business needs winter storm damage restoration services. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Wauconda Home Damaged by Recent Snowstorm?

1/3/2024 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Our Mundelein and North Wauconda teams respond to storm damage emergencies every winter in Wauconda. Snowfall during a winter storm can cause structural damage to homes, leading to costly repairs. One major concern is snow accumulation on roofs. Heavy snow can add significant weight to a roof structure, potentially exceeding its load-bearing capacity. This excess weight can lead to roof collapse or other damage, especially in older homes or those with existing weaknesses.

Snow can also affect a home's foundation. As snow accumulates around the base of the house, it can melt and seep into the foundation, leading to cracks and leaks. The freeze-thaw cycle can exacerbate these issues, causing further damage over time.

Additionally, exterior components like gutters, downspouts, and siding can suffer damage from heavy snow and ice. Gutters and downspouts can become clogged with ice and debris, preventing proper drainage and potentially causing them to detach from the house. Siding can crack or warp due to moisture and freezing temperatures.

In Wauconda, where winter storms are common, proactive measures such as roof inspections, adequate insulation, and proper drainage systems are crucial for homeowners to protect their homes from potential snow-related damage.

Call Us!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are leaders in storm damage restoration services. When your home or business has storm damage, we will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchise is independently owned and operated.

Wauconda Community Takes Part in National Preparedness Month?

9/26/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are trusted leaders in storm damage restoration services. Disasters can occur for many reasons, so it is good for everyone in the community to be prepared for any eventuality!

In September each year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hosts National Preparedness Month, and this year’s theme focuses on meeting the needs of elderly populations when a disaster occurs. According to the Red Cross, several factors make older adults more vulnerable, including:

• A greater prevalence of chronic conditions, multi-morbidity, cognitive impairment, and medication concerns during disasters.
• A greater dependence on assistive devices (i.e., walkers, glasses) and support. requirements, from caregivers and others, during disasters.
• Likelihood of social isolation.
• Potential for psychological distress
• Gaps in how prepared the caregivers of older persons are, especially those who care for older adults with dementia.

When individuals and communities are prepared, they are better equipped to handle emergencies, reducing the burden on first responders and emergency services. This allows these organizations to focus their resources on the most critical areas and provide assistance to those who need it the most.

Call Us Today!

When your home or business in Wauconda has a storm damage emergency, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Expect When I Call for Emergency Storm Damage Services in Mundelein?

8/14/2023 (Permalink)

Lake County trusts us to restore storm damage 24 hours a day.

When you have a storm damage emergency, you’ll want to hire a team of professionals that can mitigate and restore the damage quickly and efficiently. Our local SERVPRO of Mundelein and North Wauconda teams have the training, certification, equipment, and experience to restore storm damage to pre-storm conditions. We are on call and ready to respond to your emergency 365 days a year, at any time of the day or night.

When you call us for help, we will ask you a series of questions to determine the kinds of equipment and resources to send.

Here are the questions we will ask:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Emergency Contact

Step 2: Inspection and Damage Assessment

Step 3: Water Removal/Water Extraction

Step 4: Drying and Dehumidification

Step 5: Cleaning and Repair

Step 6: Restoration

Call Us Today!

Storms can cause property damage at any time. When your home or commercial business in Mundelein sustains storm damage, our local SERVPRO of Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help. ® We’ll restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Blocked Strom Drain Floods Mundelein Home?

8/1/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in storm damage restoration services in Lake County.

When it rains and stormwater is blocked from flowing through a storm drain, the water can back up quickly, causing water intrusion issues in homes and commercial businesses. Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are on call and ready to respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We invest in powerful, industrial-grade water extraction and drying equipment so we can rapidly remove thousands of gallons of water and dry the damaged areas quickly. We monitor and document the drying process to ensure the area is returned to pre-damage conditions.

Here are some examples of the kinds of equipment we use to restore flood-damaged properties:

Water Extraction Equipment

We use powerful extraction equipment to speed the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

• Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
• Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

• High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Mundelein has flood damage, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Is Your Home Ready for a Summer Storm in Wauconda?

7/11/2023 (Permalink)

We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County.

If you live in Lake County, you know that summer storms can range from light showers to powerful weather events. On average, Wauconda gets 36 inches of rain each year. Thunderstorms and lightning, hail, rain, and tornadoes have all occurred in the village during the summer months. Fortunately, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are on call and ready to assist you with storm damage emergencies day and night.

When you call us with a storm damage emergency you can rely on our teams of professionals to arrive on site quickly to immediately begin the mitigation process. We will prevent further damage by tarping and boarding up any parts of the structure that are damaged and exposed to the elements. When there is water damage, we will extract the water using powerful, industrial-grade equipment to remove the water rapidly. Then we will set up air movers and blowers and document the drying process to ensure the area is dried thoroughly.

Call Us Today!

You never know when a storm will blow through and cause property damage, but when your home or commercial business suffers storm damage, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Stormwater Intrusion Damages Wauconda Business?

6/27/2023 (Permalink)

We mitigate storm damage 24 hours a day in Lake County.

When a summer storm damages your commercial property in Wauconda, our local Mundelein, and North Wauconda team is Here to Help. ® Water is invasive and can cause serious damage to anything in its path quickly. Here are some tips from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety for protecting your business from stormwater intrusion:

Inspect and clean the roof drainage system

Do this at least twice a year, ideally during spring and fall. This includes all gutters, interior drains, and scuppers.

Trim trees

Keep trees trimmed and away from the roof to prevent branches from rubbing against the roof and leaves from accumulating and clogging the drainage system

Remove debris

• Remove loose objects and accumulated debris—including anything left by contractors—from the roof that could end up in the drainage system
• Also, check under and around all roof-mounted equipment, satellite dishes, antennas, and solar panels for debris that could disrupt the drainage system’s water flow or cause ponding

Inspect roof drains

Check for, and repair cracks around roof drains.

Re-check drainage systems

• After severe weather, check all drainage systems for leaks and ensure they are properly secured and operating
• When re-roofing, ensure that all drains, scuppers, and gutters are returned to their original operating conditions

Call Us Today!

When your commercial business or home has a storm damage emergency, our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team will restore your storm damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Storm Knocks Power Out in Mundelein?

5/23/2023 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Lake County!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team responds to storm damage emergencies throughout the year in Mundelein. When a storm knocks out power in your home, your food supplies may be compromised. Here are some tips from the United States Department of Agriculture for things you can do to protect your food if you have a temporary power outage:

• Monitor Temperatures: Keep an appliance thermometer in both the refrigerator and freezer. Make sure the refrigerator temperature is at 40 F or below and the freezer is at 0 F or below.
• 4-Hour Window: Your refrigerator will keep food safe for up to 4 hours during a power outage. After 4 hours without power, discard refrigerated perishable food. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers must be thrown out.
• When in Doubt, Throw it Out: Never taste food to determine its safety.
• Food Keeps Longer in a Freezer: If the doors stay closed, food will stay safe for up to 48 hours in a full freezer and 24 hours in a half-full freezer.
• Use a Cooler: Transfer food to a cooler and fill it with ice or frozen gel packs. Make sure there is enough ice to keep food in the cooler at 40 F or below. Add more ice to the cooler as it begins to melt.

Call Us!

When your home or commercial business in Mundelein needs emergency storm damage restoration services, our Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help. ® We typically arrive onsite within four hours of your call for help. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Flooding in Lake County Damages Homes and Roadways?

5/2/2023 (Permalink)

We are leaders in storm damage restoration services in Wauconda!

Rainstorms flooded streets throughout Lake County, making it difficult to drive. Our local teams in Mundelein and North Wauconda are trained and certified to restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Wauconda. Here are some tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on things you can do to stay safe during a flood:

• If told to evacuate, evacuate immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• Contact your health provider if you are sick and need medical attention. Wait for further care instructions and shelter in place, if possible. Call 9-1-1 if you have a medical emergency.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current information and instructions regarding flooding
• Get to the highest level if trapped in a building. Do not climb into a closed attic space and only get on the roof if necessary and once there is a signal for help.
• Stay off bridges and out of fast-moving water. Turn Around. Don’t Drown!
• Say inside your car if it is trapped in rapidly moving water. Get on the roof if water is rising inside the vehicle.

Call Us Today!

When your Wauconda home or commercial business has water damage from flooding, our Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Generator Safety Tips for Wauconda Residents?

4/18/2023 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Lake County!

Our local teams in Mundelein and North Wauconda respond to storm damage emergencies every year. Having a working generator can be a lifesaver when inclement weather causes a power outage. Here are some tips from the Red Cross for using a generator at home:

• To avoid electrocution, keep the generator dry and do not use it in rain or wet conditions. Operate it on a dry surface under an open canopy-like structure, such as under a tarp held up on poles. Do not touch the generator with wet hands.

• Be sure to turn the generator off and let it cool down before refueling. Gasoline spilled on hot engine parts could ignite.

• Store fuel for the generator in an approved safety can. Use the type of fuel recommended in the instructions or on the label on the generator.

• Store the fuel outside of living areas in a locked shed or another protected area.

• Plug appliances directly into the generator, or use a heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cord that is rated (in watts or amps) at least equal to the sum of the connected appliance loads

• Never try to power the house wiring by plugging the generator into a wall outlet. Known as “back feeding,” this practice puts utility workers, your neighbors and your household at risk of electrocution.

• If necessary, stagger the operating times for various equipment to prevent overloads

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Wauconda needs storm damage restoration services, our Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Wauconda Home Suffers Damage from Ice Dam?

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

We restore water damage 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Our local teams in Mundelein and North Wauconda are Here to Help ® when you have ice dam damage. Wauconda, Illinois gets an average of 40 inches of snow each year and temperatures fall below freezing for 137 days, making the area colder than most places in the state.

According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, ice dams occur when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and refreezes when temperatures drop overnight. After several days of melting-freezing cycles, it's common for the melted water and ice to work up under the shingles until water enters the attic and eventually does damage to the ceilings, walls, and contents.

Most ice dams form on the roof’s edge but may form in other locations depending on the slope. Look closely at the icicles around your house. If there is no water trapped behind them, then an ice dam has not formed. Whenever possible, and if safe to do so, remove icicles from the exterior of your home, making sure not to stand directly beneath them. Hire a contractor to remove them if you cannot do so safely.

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Wauconda has water damage, our Mundelein and North Wauconda team will restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Worst Snowstorm in Mundelein History?

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Lake County.

When you have a storm damage emergency in your home or business in Mundelein, our local teams in Mundelein and North Wauconda are Here to Help. ® According to the National Weather Service, one of the worst snowstorms to hit the Chicagoland area occurred on February 2, 2011, on Groundhog Day, the day when the people of Illinois experienced about six weeks' worth of winter weather in three days, from January 31st to February 2nd.

If you get caught outside in a blizzard, the City of Chicago’s website recommends the following courses of action:

Avoiding overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor of snow shoveling could cause a heart attack at any age which is a major cause of death in the winter. Don’t ignore chest pain or tightness in your chest.

If you become stranded outdoors:

• Seek shelter to stay dry
• Cover all exposed parts of the body
• If no shelter is nearby, prepare a lean-to, windbreak, or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
• Do not eat snow as it will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Mundelein has a storm damage emergency, our Mundelein and North Wauconda team will mitigate and restore the damage “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do To Prepare for A Power Outage in Mundelein?

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

We restore storm damage 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Lake County weather can be severe, and power outages do occur. Our local teams in Mundelein and North Wauconda respond to storm damage emergencies throughout the year and offer these tips on preparing for a power outage from the Red Cross:

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

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

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

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

Call Us Today!

When your home or commercial business in Mundelein has a storm damage emergency, our Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are Here to Help. ® Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

Franchises are independently owned and operated.