Flood Restoration Chicago 773-885-8528

It seems a never ending battle.  The fight against allowing unnecessary water from flooding infiltrate our basements and cause damage to our walls, floor boards, doors, door trims, electrical outlets, all our belongings and more.  While there is no fool-proof method of stopping it, we can be prepared in case it does.  In most cases, we as the homeowner, or property owner have not given much consideration to the possibility because we think it could never happen to us, right?  WRONG!  Any property that has a level floor surface can flood from overflow of water.

Someone can mistakenly leave a tub running.  A pipe in the property can burst wide open cause flood damage to your property.  A garden hose left running can cause considerable damage to a property if left on for even minutes.  Window wells of basements can get clogged and not allow for flow of water off a property and backup into your basement, therefore it is imperative to get those cleaned regularly to prevent a possible and backup into the basement causing the need for flood restoration services.

It's all too often that we put off thinking about it because there are so many other things in life that seem more important.  That is, until it strikes.  And if and when it does, have your game plan in place.  Have your numbers ready!  Know who to call.  Get names.  Get as much information as you can about what will be done and how fast it can be done.  You aim is to save your property.  And while calling around for estimates is good in and of itself, don't waste too much time at it.  Get on the matter immediately.  As the water sits in your basement, it is starting to slowly evaporate and creep behind walls space and hide.  It is rising up the drywall and into the insulation where mold can start to develop and it becomes hard to detect.  Flood water knows no boundaries.  It travels in a T format.  That is horizontally all directions and down if it can find cracks and holes to travel through. 

You are going to need a systematic, professional approach to getting this done and done right.  The water needs to be removed fast and drying needs to happen immediately.  Sometimes there is the need to discard much cherished items that have long been in the family or property for years.  A professional flood restoration company can assist with this.  As painful as it may seem, if you alive to talk about it later you have been very fortunate and you can always accumulate more things.  The first thing is to save your property and fast!

Flood Basement Cleaning and Cleanups 773-885-8528

FLOODED BASEMENT CLEANUPS

HELPFUL TIPS:

When inside a flooded basement or building, wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles and boots.
Hose down the inside of the basement/structure to remove health hazards from possible flood water mud. Shovel out as much mud as possible. Quickly remove the water you use during this cleaning.  When basement cleaning is needed you can never be too cautious.

Clean and dry out basement or structure thoroughly, and optimally within 24 to 48 hours after flooding, to help prevent the growth of mold.

Help the drying process by using blowers, air-conditioning units and dehumidifiers.
If flood water did not get behind the structure’s walls, you can reduce the chances of mold and mildew formation in basements and homes by wiping down all flood water-affected surfaces..

Never turn power on or off or use an electrical tool or appliance while standing in water.
Throw away any food that has come in contact with flood waters and dented or damaged canned goods that may have become contaminated.

Replace any drywall and insulation that has been soaked by flood waters.

Remove and discard carpeting, rugs, drywall, mattresses, furniture and other items that cannot be washed and disinfected if it is believed that they came in contact with flood water mixed with raw sewage.

When cleaning, never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach or ammonia or other cleaning products can produce dangerous, toxic fumes causing serious injury or even death. Keep windows and doors open to provide fresh air for ventilation during the cleaning process.

Keep children and pets out of work area. Do not eat, drink, chew gum, or smoke while cleaning because of risk of ingesting bacteria.

Wash clothes used while cleaning in hot water and detergent separately from family laundry.

In the weeks and months following clean-up, watch for the growth of mold, which can cause illness. Mold appears as spots that can be many different colors and gives off a musty odor.  If mold removal is needed it is best to consult a local professional mold remediation company.

Fire Damage and Smoke Damage Chicago 773-885-8528

It just takes a few seconds to destroy what has been built up over a lifetime.  Everyday, children are caught striking matches, playing with fire, or tipping over electrical heating units.  Needless to say, it is a very sad situation when children are left alone, unsupervised.  Fire is a friend if used properly.  But, it is deadly when it is out of control, and not set for the right purpose.  Especially, when there is a child involved.  Children are curious and want to know how it works.  They are fascinated with the way it looks and lights up.

I recall years ago when I was oh about 6 or 7 maybe.  I was in my mother's bedroom striking matches and watching them burn.  Why I chose her bedroom, I don't know.  But there I was, on the side of her nice big bed striking matches and fascinated at how they would ignite and fizz out.  My mother, dear, hardworking Mom, was at work at the time.  You know what happened?

Well, one of those match sparks decided it wasn't happy just burning on the matchstick.  It somehow jumped onto the nice comforter my Mom had on her bed.  It all happened so fast!  Before I knew it, the bed was starting to be engulfed in fire.  The bed was literally a fire damage mess.  I ran to get a big bathroom towel and started hitting the fire repeatedly to try to put it out.  The fire said, OK, I like towels too.  It consumed the towel in seconds.  I was horrified to say the least.  What was I going to do?  The smoke filled the room so quickly! 

Before I knew it there was a full blaze and the bed was usable no more.  I was going to be in a heap of trouble.  As this is racing through my mind, the fire department showed up and extended a ladder up to the window after calling out to me.  We were on the second floor of the apartment building.  They came up the ladder, grabbed me and gently put me down.  Fire damage restoration is not a happy thing.  All your valuables kept for years just goes up in flames and smoke all at once, never to be used again.

There I stood.  Watching the firemen do their thing.  Thankful that they were close enough to get there in time to save our place.  It is ironic that I'm in the cleanup business now doing that very same thing.  Handling water damage, flood cleanups and fire damage cleanups too.  I guess I learned my lesson because I never did that again!

Now, you're probably wondering what did his Mom do when she found out?

As I recall, she came home gave me that look when they call your full name.  And then she promptly said well, I guess you will be sleeping on the floor now, because I'm taking your bed.  And I thought Wow, is that all?  But, I eventually ended up missing my bed and hating to sleep on a makeshift mattress on the floor.  A lesson well deserved.  Thanks Mom for that object lesson.  So, kids never, ever play with fire.  Never use it unsupervised.  Always make sure there is an adult present.  Namely, Mom or Dad.  You don't want to have to get a terrible punishment or worse, sleep on the floor like I did.