Recent Posts

Property mgrs: need help cleaning vacant apartments?

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

Need to get this unit cleaned and ready for rental? Give us a call today!

Attention all property managers:  A vacant apartment does not make you any money.  And an unit that is dire need of cleaning and deodorizing will never be rented.  What will you do?

Well, help is on the way!  SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has already cleaned and deodorized units, so that they can be rented out.  And, we will work within your budget and time frame to do the best job we can.

Keep this number handy, because you just might need it in case of emergencies as well:  708-430-3600.

So, whether the unit in question had water damages, or the walls are stained with soot and smoke, or you suspect that mold may be present, we are the team for you!  We can pack out and store any items that need to be saved (furniture, household goods, storage boxes, etc), and clean and deodorize not only those contents, but the structure as well.

To get the process started, simply call the number 708-430-3600, and we will come out and inspect your areas of concern.  Then, we'll give you a verbal estimate and the processes of how we will get the job completed.  If that's agreeable to you, then a written estimate is prepared, and the job is scheduled.  Again, we will work within your schedule!

There's more to life than sunshine and rainbows

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

Even when the sun is shining, SERVPRO is preparing for the next storm!

Everyone enjoys it when the sun shines and the temperatures are pleasant.  Unfortunately, there are times when the weather turns more destructive.

Especially in the spring and summer, storms can appear literally out of nowhere and create havoc in a very short period of time.  Winds, lightning, and heavy rains can disrupt not only picnics, but possibly your plans for the next couple of days.

The last few years have shown us that rain rates are becoming so much that it overwhelms our sewage systems.  Sump pumps that work properly are simply being asked to do too much in such a short period of time, causing flooding in the lower levels of our homes.

If sewage has invaded your home, there's no need to panic!  Simply call the water damage experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We can come out to inspect, find what areas have been affected by the intrusive waters.  Then we can extract the standing water, set up drying equipment (to dry both contents and structure), and spray an antimicrobial to keep mold at bay.

Before that storm rolls through, plug our number into your mobile device right now:  708-430-3600.  We have live operators to answer your call 24/7/365, so the work can start ASAP.

Keep standing water away from foundation

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

Ensure that water runs AWAY from your home's foundation, otherwise you risk it entering your home.

As we experience a wet Spring, with its persistent rains and damp weather, now may be a good time to make sure that water runs AWAY from your home's foundation.  Standing water next to your foundation may find its way inside your home.

Make sure that the landscaping grade runs away from your home, carrying its possible flooding water with it.  If you see standing water next to your home, figure out ways to greatly reduce/eliminate the problem.

  • Are the gutters and downspouts clean and functioning properly?
  • Are there mounds of garden dirt or mulch preventing water to flow away from the foundation?
  • Are there foot traffic spots worn down so that they need to be built up again?

Anything you can do to reduce the amount of standing water next to your foundation will greatly reduce the chance of it entering your home and damaging structure or contents.

If you notice that water has invaded your castle, don't panic.  Simply call the water clean up experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We can come out and inspect the damaged area(s), come up with a game plan that fits into your budget and schedule, and then enact that plan.

Bridgeview Chamber Job Fair

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Looking for a first job, or wanting to switch careers? Here's your chance.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank's SMR Rick Gauger is a Bridgeview Chamber Vice President, and is spearheading the Chamber's Job Fair, to be held on Friday, May 20th, 2022.  This is the first time the Chamber has held this event.

"I've seen too many help wanted signs around the area, and I though what better way to fill those voids than with a Job Fair," said Rick.  "I've also invited my insurance agents to check with their commercial clients, and see if any of them would like to participate."

There is a good selection of companies looking for employees.  There are industrial, office, as well as the hospitality industry already signed up, looking for manual laborers and clerical workers, and everything in between.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is always looking for ways  to help the community, and helping commercial properties that need workers find willing applicants is just one way we can assist.

If you, or someone you know, is looking to help people with their water, fire, mold, and disinfecting issues, whether it's home or business, then look no further than your friends at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank.  Call 708-430-3600 to set up an interview.  

Plan your fire escape routes now

5/2/2022 (Permalink)

A fire, whether at home or work, can be dangerous if an escape route is blocked.

Most of us rely on GPS to get us from point A to point B.  But, if you’re home or at work, and a fire happens, do you know where to go, and the safest route to get there?

Once the smoke alarms or smoke detectors go off, you may panic a little bit, not knowing exactly what is happening.  Things are happening quickly, and if there’s heat and smoke in your vicinity, you may become disoriented.

Take time NOW, to know what’s the best routes out of your home and business are.  Also, does your family (when at home) or coworkers (when at work) know the routes as well?  Do they know the safest place to meet? 

You should practice the route, to make the route like second nature.  Michael Jordan didn’t get to be the best NBA player without practicing.  Practice the route, especially if you have kids, because you and they may only get one chance to be right if disaster does happen.

Have a safe place to meet outdoors, so that everyone can be accounted for.  Don’t depend on phones to text each other, because not everyone might not have had a chance to get their phone.  But, if you DO have your phone, and are unable to get to the safe place, then by all means text or call right away.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank wants everyone to be safe when disaster strikes.  Once everyone is safe and accounted for, THEN call the fire cleaning experts at 708-430-3600.

We are local, local, local!

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Just like a family hardware store or drug store, we are local and support the community.

Banks are merging to create mega banks.  Corporations are buying each other up at a record pace, in order to become “bigger and better”.  But, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is not like that.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is a locally owned franchise, hiring local employees, supporting local Chambers, and aiding the local community.  Because, we ARE local.

Being local, we know the happenings within our community.  Our social media accounts help promote local events and charities, keeps the public aware of impending good or bad weather, and provides tips and tricks that not only saves you money, but also prevent disasters from occurring at your home or business.

If a water or fire damages a home, we work with local insurance companies to ensure that the homeowner gets the best possible outcome available.  We understand that any local business that is shut down due to water or fire damages, that business is not making money, so getting it reopened as soon as possible is the top priority.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is on the Executive board of the Bridgeview Chamber, and a member of the Bedford Park – Clearing Industrial Association.  Both organizations work to improve the local community.

Have a cleanup project that is beyond your capacity?  Call the local cleaning experts (and your friendly neighbors) at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600 right away!

Are soot and smoke on the menu?

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Fire, soot, or smoke damage your kitchen? Call SERVPRO right away!

Like everyone else, I like to eat out at a nice quiet restaurant.  But the last time I checked, smoke and soot were NOT on the menu.

So, what happens when a restaurant has a fire?  Will it be closed long, or reopen quickly?

And it doesn't have to be just a restaurant, it could be your kitchen as well.

Here at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank, we understand that no one wants to be displaced for any extended amount of time, whether it's cooks and wait staff at a restaurant, or you at home.  That's why, as soon as the call comes in, we spring into action to quickly assess what was affected by not only the flames, but by the smoke as well.  Smoke and soot particles can travel some distance from the actual fire (think of the wild fires on the west coast; sometimes we see smoke in the sky here in the Midwest). 

After we determine what was damaged, we then think about how to clean it.  For example, drywall with smoke staining cannot be cleaned by simply spraying a cleaner on it and wiping it away.  The cleaner may actually set the stain, making it permanent.

If fire, smoke, and soot has damaged your kitchen, call the fire experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600.  We're available 24/7/365 to help you out.

Large commercial loss? We can handle it!

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Just a portion of the equipment at the ready, in case you need us!

You're the property manager of a commercial property, and there's been a fire, causing fire and smoke damage to various portions of the building.  Or perhaps a water pipe burst, and water has damaged several rooms, and there's standing water in the lowest level of the building.

In either case, SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is ready to handle the job.  With lots of equipment and manpower at the ready, we can get out there and begin the mitigation work as soon as possible.  Because, a business that is closed does NOT make money!

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank has handles large warehouse fires, flooded commercial basements, and just about everything in between.  If the loss is really large, we can draw more equipment and manpower with a single phone call to our SERVPRO neighbors, so we can get you back up and running as soon as possible.

So, property managers, don't forget to put our phone number into your mobile device right now; 708-430-3600.  We're at the ready 24/7/365 (yes, even holidays) to get out there, quickly assess the situation, and begin the task of getting your property back to normal quickly.

Heavy rain overwhelm your sump pump?

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

Sump pumps and even a Shop Vac were no match for Mother Nature's fury in this homeowner's basement.

Has the heavy rain during the latest "once-in-a-lifetime-storm" completely overwhelm your sump pump?  You're sure that the sump never quit, it just couldn't keep up with the deluge of rain outside.

It seems that the Spring and Summer storms are accompanied by an inch per hour rain rate (an inch per hour is okay for snow rates, but it's pretty heavy for rain).  If the ground was already saturated from previous storms, the water has to go somewhere, and it usually finds its way into homes and businesses.

SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank is already prepared to help your situation.  We have extraction equipment, to get rid of standing water plus water that's trapped in carpet and padding.  We also have several types of fans, to blow against structure and/or contents, sending moisture up into the air, where it's captured by dehumidifiers, ready to remove that moisture.  SERVPRO also uses anti-microbial solutions, to help reduce the chance of mold colonizing.

Many homeowners try to do the work themselves, but because the water got in so quickly and affected so much, and because they don't have enough equipment to adequately dry everything, they develop mold, whether it's in the walls or under the carpet.

Don't try to be a hero.  Call the water experts at SERVPRO Bedford Park/Burbank at 708-430-3600 and schedule an inspection.

Don't wait to prepare for a storm to roll through

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

Many contents or a few, take time now to prepare for the next storm.

There's an old adage: "If you don't like the weather in Chicago, wait a few minutes!"

In this area, the weather can change very quickly.  From sunny and warm, to heavy storms and the wind coming off the lake to turn everything downright cold.  It doesn't give you much time to prepare.

If you knew how bad the storm is, you could prepare accordingly.  But we don't know, at least not until it's too late.

So, our advise to you is this:  Take time now to get ready for the next big storm.  And it's not IF the next storm will hit, it's WHEN!

  • Check gutters and downspouts.  Make sure they are attached properly and clear of debris.
  • While you are outside, do a quick check of the roof.  Scan to see if there are any missing or loose shingles.
  • Recently, the storms have been accompanied by excessive rain rates, overwhelming sump pumps.  Are there any contents (furniture, boxes, etc) that would be permanently damaged by sewage water?
  • If you have an unfinished basement?  Make sure that the drain is free from clutter, so if any water does intrude, it can recede as quickly as possible.
  • Ensure that you have our emergency number plugged into your mobile device now: 708-430-3600.  After a major storm, sometimes we get a flood (pardon the pun) of phone calls, requesting service.  The sooner you call, the quicker we can get the process moving.