Archived General Blog Posts
Happy Birthday to Our Owner, Jeff Thompson!
4/14/2021 (Permalink)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JEFF!!!
Happy Birthday to our fearless leader, Jeff!
If you have a moment, please wish Jeff a Happy Birthday via a message or comment on one of our social media channels!
facebook
instagram
LinkedIn
twitter
And if you've been at a loss for what to get Jeff, here's the perfect gift: Head over to Google or Yelp and leave a review! Or maybe recommend us on our facebook page! Jeff loves hearing how SERVPRO of Glenview has helped our friends & neighbors and impacted our community! Thanks for sharing your SERVPRO story with us!
Daylight Saving Time begins! Move your clocks forward 1 hour!
3/13/2021 (Permalink)
Can you believe it's already time? "Spring ahead, fall behind" means we lose an hour of sleep time tonight!
Today's PSA is a reminder to move your clocks FORWARD 1 hour tonight!
If you are in an area which observes Daylight Saving Time, don't forget to get to bed earlier tonight because we lose an hour of sleep time by morning!
Happy Birthday to Our Office Manager, Donna!
3/8/2021 (Permalink)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DONNA!
Join us in wishing a very special Happy Birthday to our office manager, Donna Thompson!
Here's hoping your birthday wishes come true and you're able to celebrate your special occasion with your family!
Happy New Year! Welcome 2021!
1/1/2021 (Permalink)
Welcome 2021!
Looking forward to a great year!
Wishing for you a safe, healthy, and happy new year!
Happy Holidays from SERVPRO of Glenview!
12/23/2020 (Permalink)
Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!
Wishing you and yours a very warm, very merry holiday season!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Team at SERVPRO of Glenview - Jeff, Saul, Suzie, Ron and Donna
Happy Hanukkah
12/16/2020 (Permalink)
Happy Hanukkah!
Wishes of peace and light to you and your loved ones during this season of miracles! Happy Hanukkah!
Happy Birthday to Our Office Manager, Suzie!
8/3/2020 (Permalink)
Happy Birthday, Suzie!!!
Sending birthday wishes to the best and busiest gal at our Glenview office, office manager Suzie Koivun!
Moldy Food
2/20/2020 (Permalink)
Once bread mold sets in, it spreads quickly and often consumes the whole loaf in a matter of days.
How does mold begin to grow on food?
What turns those leftovers in the back of your fridge from tasty next-day work lunch into a creepy science project? Mold!
Mold is a microscopic fungus - a plant - that is commonly found everywhere on earth... and that includes right here in Glenview We are surrounded by mold spores as they travel through the air looking for a home.
Home, Sweet (Bread), Home
Bread is a very inviting host for traveling mold spore. White bread is made of simple carbohydrates that turn to sugar, which is a very efficient food source for mold. Once a colony gets established, bread mold grows quickly. The best environment for mold growth is cool, damp, and dark, with poor air circulation -- in other words, your refrigerator!
Chill Out
As with other plants, mold has a limited range of circumstances in which it can survive. If temperatures are too cold, such as in the freezer, growth stops. Warm conditions, such as baking in an oven, have the same effect: mold growth stops. But the humid, dark, and still interior of a refrigerator is the perfect place for mold. The best way to prevent mold growth is to eat food while it is still fresh before fridge mold begins to grow.
Useful Mold?
Mold is not always bad. Did you know that it's actually saved lives? How, you ask? Well, everyone has heard about or used penicillin. Did you know that penicillin was first cultured from mold?
Sometimes, mold growth on food is actually needed or desired. Some soft cheeses, such as blue cheese or Roquefort, rely on mold for their distinctive flavor and appearance.
Mold is Everywhere
The next time you open a bag and find that bread mold has set in, remember that mold is everywhere in the air around us. The only way to prevent mold on food is to buy smaller amounts of food more frequently so they can be eaten before mold growth starts. Failing that, you can freeze leftovers instead of refrigerating them.
In the even that you have a more serious mold problem in your home, such as mold growth on drywall or flooring after a flood, then that situation warrants calling in a professional mold remediation service such as SERVPRO® of Glenview. We are Here to Help!® 847-832-9300
Happy New Year!
12/31/2019 (Permalink)
From our SERVPRO® family to yours, Happy New Year!
SERVPRO® of Glenview would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!
Here's looking forward to a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2020!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
12/25/2019 (Permalink)
Merry Christmas!
From our home to yours, SERVPRO® of Glenview wishes a very Merry Christmas to all our family, friends, customers, and vendors!
#merrychristmas #happyholidays #warmestholidaywishes #seasonsgreetings #SERVPROglenview
Happy Hanukkah!
12/24/2019 (Permalink)
Happy Hanukkah!
Warmest wishes from SERVPRO® of Glenview for a Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year!
Winterizing Your Vehicle
11/2/2019 (Permalink)
Don't be caught unprepared! Take precautions now to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter!
We barely flipped the calendar over to November, and winter weather has already arrived here in the areas served by SERVPRO of Glenview.
Don't be caught unprepared! Take the time to get your vehicle tuned up and ready for winter!
If you aren't comfortable doing so yourself, then make sure a mechanic checks the following items on each of your vehicles:
- battery is running and in good condition;
- there is plentiful antifreeze and the vehicle does not need a coolant flush;
- brakes are good and aren't showing wear and tear;
- the tires are properly inflated, have good treads, and are capable of handling the increased stopping distances on slippery roads. Consider getting dedicated winter tires;
- the oil and oil filter have been replaced recently;
- the windshield wipers are functioning and can adequately clear your windshield of rain, snow, slush, or ice;
- the windshield fluid reservoir has been topped off;
- the heater and defroster are working properly;
- all lights have been checked and have working bulbs: headlights, brake lights, emergency flashers, and turn signals.
In addition to keeping your fuel tank as full as possible to avoid frozen fuel lines, consider keeping the following emergency supplies available in your vehicle:
- windshield brush and ice scraper
- small shovel
- battery-powered flashlight
- battery-powered radio
- extra batteries (for flashlight and radio)
- booster/jumper cables
- emergency flares
- first aid kit
- non-perishable snacks
- extra hats, gloves, jackets, socks, or other warm clothing
- a spare pair of boots
- blanket
- matches
- phone-charging cable
- card with phone numbers for your close family members or friends, in case your phone dies and you need to call them
You may want to keep a portable power bank on your person, as leaving such an item in your vehicle in frigid temperatures is not advised. A portable power bank can be used to power your phone in a situation where your vehicle may be dead and would not be capable of charging your phone. There are even portable power banks which are capable of jump-starting your vehicle for about $100, which may be something you consider investing in.
We hope this serves as a handy reminder for our customers and helps everyone be better prepared for the winter and successfully maneuvering through a winter emergency in your vehicle.
Remember: if you have a water or storm related emergency at your home, call SERVPRO® of Glenview at 847-832-9300. We're your local cleanup and restoration specialists.
SERVPRO of Glenview is Hiring!
8/12/2019 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Glenview is currently hiring Production and Cleaning Technicians.
Primary Role: Respond to service calls as needed. Perform services as assigned, following SERVPRO® Production Guidelines. Communicate with crew chief and/or production manager to make sure all customer needs are met. Support crew chief and other production personnel, as needed. Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, warehouse, and office areas, as needed.
Expectations: Production processes are performed according to SERVPRO® Production Guidelines and work orders. Communications to crew chief (or production manager) and customers are timely and accurate. Jobs are completed at or beyond customer expectations. Vehicles, equipment, and facilities remain clean, orderly, and in proper working order.
Requirements for our Technicians include but are not limited to:
- Must place high priority on customer satisfaction
- Must have valid driver's license with a reasonable driving record
- Must have a professional appearance and a great work attitude
- Able to pass a criminal background check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft
- Must be able to pass a drug test
- Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs
- Must have high school diploma or a GED certificate
- We provide 24-hour emergency services, so we require that our technicians be willing to work on call as needed. Some night and weekend work may be required.
Please call 847-832-9300 for more information or email your resume to suzie.koivun@SERVPROglenview.com
Happy New Year from SERVPRO of Glenview
1/3/2019 (Permalink)
Have a Safe and Happy 2019!
Ringing in the New Year means new resolutions for many, such as living healthier lives, dropping bad habits or developing better organizational skills. Our goal at SERVPRO of Glenview is to have a team of quality people that will always provide excellent customer service to help our clients in their times of need. Our New Year’s resolution is to be committed to continuing to improve on the services we provide. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction. We know that by staying up to date on the latest techniques, equipment and resources, we will be ready for whatever happens. With open minds and continued training we will become even more efficient at making it “Like it never even happened.”
Happy New Year from SERVPRO of Glenview! We hope 2019 brings success, happiness, and prosperity!
'Tis the Season...for Accidents: Preventing Holiday Home Mishaps
12/18/2018 (Permalink)
Be mindful and safe during this holiday season.
Things change around the house during the holidays. One family member is perched on a sky-high ladder hanging up festive lights on your home's exterior. Another is slaving over a hot stove for hours on end. Youngsters are playing on all sorts of unfamiliar, newfangled toys. And there's often a huge, flammable tree in the living room. Needless to say, the opportunities for accidents are many during this time of year. While we hope to let a sense of joy and gratitude reign over this month in Illinois, it's also prudent to be cautious and take a few steps to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property during this vulnerable time.
Decorative Lights, Candles, or Dried-Up Conifers = Recipe for a House Fire:
Forbes.com has reported that over 400 Americans die in holiday-related house fires every year. To avoid becoming a statistic, do the following:
- Carefully examine your decorative lights for any loose connections or frayed wires. If anything looks amiss, invest in a new set.
- Never use an indoor extension cord outside; indoor cords aren't waterproof, and in wet climates this could spell disaster.
- Unplug decorative lights when you're away.
- Never let candles burn unattended. If you aren't going to be in the room where they are burning, blow them out. Keep them on stable, flat surfaces at a safe distance from anything flammable (i.e. wrapping paper).
- Set up your Christmas tree in a location that is distant from your fireplace or wood stove, as well as any candles. Don't allow a dried-up tree to remain in the house.
Poisonous Plants and Perilous Climbs:
Some of the things we do in the name of décor-bringing all kinds of flora indoors and climbing tall ladders in order to deck the halls-are quite dangerous. According to The Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are 1,200 holiday decorating-related accidents every year. In addition to taking extra care when you ascend that latter or wield that staple gun, you should also know this:
- Christmas cacti, holly berries, and mistletoe (everyone's favorite holiday plants) are all poisonous if swallowed. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
- While not as potently poisonous as the other plants, poinsettias can make both pets and people sick, so keep them out of reach, too.
Opportunistic Thieves:
Burglars like to take advantage of the holidays. Not only do many homeowners leave town for extended periods, they also often leave their houses full of newly purchased treasures. To dissuade burglars from entering your home in your absence, take these steps:
- Set a handful of indoor lights to a timer, so that they will turn on and off at regular intervals, giving the impression that someone may be home.
- Ask a neighbor to remove your daily morning paper from the front stoop every day, as well as remove your mail from the box. Doing so will also create the impression that someone is home.
We wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season and a wonderful new year.
Winter Storm Preparations
10/15/2018 (Permalink)
Keep your home safe and snug against the ravages of Winter.
More often than not, as homeowners, the last thing we want to do is home repairs. Not only do they take time (and many of us don't have a lot to spare), but they can also be costly and sometimes tedious. Small repairs such as changing a light bulb or fixing a leaky faucet can be put off until it is absolutely necessary to fix, but there are some repairs that should never be put off. Unfortunately, many of these involve major things (and can come with an even more major price tag), but avoiding the two repairs listed below could actually cause bigger problems down the road when the cold freezing temperatures and snow hit us shortly.
Roof Issues
Every home has a roof. This is one of the most important parts of any building because it protects what is inside. The roof is a major player when it comes to keeping up on repairs. If you notice any leaks, missing or damaged shingles/tiles or any kind of sagging this should be fixed as soon as possible. Leaks mean water will get into your home and then may lead to mold, structure damage and even possibly fire if it comes in contact with anything electrical. Missing or damaged shingles can lead to a number of issues if not fixed and create weak spots in a roof. A sagging roof could signify moisture in the attic and could be a sign of poor ventilation, broken or cracked joists, rafters or the ridge line itself.
Foundation Issues
The foundation of your home is extremely important-it holds up your home's entire structure. Cracks in the foundation are definitely something not to overlook when it comes to repairs. The last thing you want as a homeowner is for a crack to spread. Checking your home's foundation in the fall will help prevent water from thawing snow or ice getting into your home in the spring.
Plumbing Issues
Water anywhere other than in a pipe or sink basin is bad, especially for your home. Plumbing issues and leaks anywhere in your property should be addressed as soon as possible. Winter in the Chicago area is known for its below freezing temperatures. This can sometimes take a toll on the plumbing and pipes in your home. Checking them now will be a great step towards prevention.
If you should experience Winter related damage in your home, we are here for you at SERVPRO of Glenview. Call us at 847-832-9300 and we will make it right to you again "Like it never happened".
Make Your Home a Safe Place for Your Family!
9/20/2018 (Permalink)
Child Proof Your Home
From overly hot faucets to tipped-over coffee cups, burns are a potential hazard in every home. In fact, burns (especially scalds from hot water and liquids) are some of the most common childhood accidents. Babies and young children are especially at risk — they're curious, small, and have sensitive skin that needs extra protection.
Here are some important ways to protect kids from burns — as well as electrical shocks and household fires — in your home.
In General
- Make a fire escape plan with two ways out of the house, plus a designated meeting place once out of the house. Practice the fire escape plan regularly.
- Keep an emergency ladder on upper floors of your home in the event of a fire. Keep the ladder in or near the room of an adult or older child capable of using it.
- Make sure you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home and in each bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and remember to change the batteries twice a year.
- Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older.
- Install a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.
- Keep matches, lighters, chemicals, and lit candles out of kids' reach.
- Don't smoke inside, especially when you're tired, taking medication that can cause you to be drowsy, or in bed.
Electrical Equipment and Appliances
- Put child-safety covers on all electrical outlets.
- Get rid of equipment and appliances with old or frayed cords and extension cords that look damaged.
- Bind excess cord from lamps or other electrical equipment with a twist-tie to prevent injury from chewing on cords. You also can purchase a holder or spool specially designed to hide extra cord.
- Position television and stereo equipment against walls so small hands don't have access to the back surfaces or cords. It's best to secure TVs by attaching them to the wall.
- Make sure all wires to seasonal lighting, such as holiday tree lights, are properly insulated (for example, make sure they don't have exposed or broken wiring). Bind any excess cord and unplug lights when they're not in use.
- Check electronic toys often for signs of wear and tear; any object that sparks, feels hot, or smells unusual must be repaired or thrown away immediately. Replace batteries in electronic toys regularly and look for any signs of corrosion in the toys.
- Clean the clothes dryer vent of lint after each use.
- Don't run electrical wires under rugs or carpet.
- Don't overload electrical sockets.
- Keep any decorative items away from windows, doors, and ceilings. Make sure anything you have near the ceiling is not blocking any sprinklers you may have installed.
Living Room
- Screen fireplaces and wood-burning stoves and always keep kids 3 feet away from them. Radiators and electric baseboard heaters also might need to be screened.
- Teach kids never to put anything into the fireplace when it is lit. Also make sure they know the doors to the fireplace can be very hot and cause a burn.
- Make sure to have all chimneys inspected and cleaned regularly.
Bedroom
- Choose sleepwear that's labeled flame-retardant (either polyester or treated cotton). Cotton sweatshirts or pants that aren't labeled as sleepwear generally aren't flame-retardant. If you use cotton sleepwear, make sure that it fits your child snugly.
- Make sure any nightlights aren't touching fabric like bedspreads or curtains.
- Keep electric space heaters at least 3 feet (91 centimeters) away from kids and away from beds, curtains, or anything flammable.
- If you use a humidifier or vaporizer, use a cool-mist model rather than a hot-steam one.
Bathroom
- Set the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120°F (49°C), or use the "low-medium setting" — a child can be scalded in 5 seconds in water at 140°F (60°C). If you're unable to control the water temperature (if you live in an apartment, for example), install an anti-scald device, which is relatively inexpensive and easily installed by you or a plumber.
- Always test bath water with your elbow or the inside of your wrist before putting your child in it.
- Always turn the cold water on first and turn it off last when running water in the bathtub or sink.
- In the tub, turn kids away from the faucet or fixtures so they're less likely to play with them or accidentally turn on the hot water.
- Install grounded circuit breakers in the bathroom.
- Make sure older kids are especially careful when using irons or curling irons. Unplug these items after use and, when cool, store out of reach of young children.
Kitchen/Dining Room
- Have a 3-foot "no play" zone around the stove where kids are not allowed to be.
- Don't let a child use a walker in the kitchen (experts strongly discourage any use of walkers).
- Don't drink hot beverages or soup with a child sitting on your lap, or carry hot liquids or dishes near kids. If you have to walk with hot liquid in the kitchen (like a pot of soup or cup of coffee), make sure you know where kids are so you don't trip over them.
- Don't hold a baby or small child while cooking.
- Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove every time you cook.
- Block access to the stove as much as possible. (It's a good idea to install a stove lock and stove knob locks.)
- Don't warm baby bottles in a microwave. The liquid may heat unevenly, resulting in pockets of hot breast milk or formula that can scald a baby's mouth.
- Keep hot drinks and foods out of reach of children.
- Avoid using tablecloths or large placemats. A small child can pull on them and overturn a hot drink or plate of food.
- Unplug all kitchen appliances when not in use and keep cords far from reach.
- Make sure to use cabinet locks on cabinets containing cleaning products. Many can cause burns. Always store cleaning products in their original containers, never in milk or plastic jugs.
Outside/In the Car
- Don't use fireworks or sparklers.
- Use playgroundequipment carefully. If it's very hot outside, use the equipment only in the morning, after it's had a chance to cool down during the night.
- Remove your child's safety seat or stroller from the hot sun when not in use because kids can get burns from hot vinyl and metal. If you must leave your car seat or stroller in the sun, cover it with a blanket or towel.
- Before leaving your parked car on a hot day, hide the seat belts' metal latch plates in the seats to prevent the sun from hitting them directly.
- Don't forget the sunscreen when going outside. Use a product with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before going out and reapply every 2 hours or more often if in water.
- Keep infants under 6 months out of the sun.
Be Prepared
If you have young kids in your home, childproof as much as you can. Get down on your hands and knees in every room of your house to see things as kids do. Be aware of your child's surroundings and what could be dangerous.
Of course, childproofing shouldn't take the place of parental supervision. Keeping an eye on kids is the best way to prevent accidents.
It's always a good idea to:
- Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the Heimlich maneuver.
- Keep these numbers near the phone (for yourself and caregivers):
- toll-free poison-control number: (800) 222-1222
- child's doctor's number
- parents' work and cellphone numbers
- neighbor's or nearby relative's number (if you need someone to watch other children in an emergency)
- Make a first-aid kit and keep emergency instructions inside.
- Teach your kids how and when to call 911 or other emergency numbers for help.
- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Even with these precautions in place, kids still can get hurt and accidents do happen. But being prepared will help you to act quickly and confidently in the event of an emergency.
FASTER TO ANY DISASTER!
7/2/2018 (Permalink)
You can count on us!
Unexpected emergencies like severe weather call for immediate action. SERVPRO of Glenview knows that immediate reaction to the disaster is important to helping you get your life back to normal.
We strive to:
- Contact you within 1 hour from notice of loss to arrange for your service.
- Be-on-site to begin mitigation services within 4 hours of notification.
- Provide verbal briefing of scope to you within 8 business hour of on-site arrival.
Exceptions to our service response times may apply under certain conditions, such as a local catastrophic event or storm situation.
We also perform pack-out services, which is removing salvageable personal property from the affected area for off-site cleaning and storage.
If you have storm damage to your home or property, call us today 847-832-9300. Timely mitigation is the key to minimize secondary damages caused by severe storms.
SERVPRO of Glenview is Hiring!
6/14/2018 (Permalink)
Are you interested in working with a great crew of people for a super company? Not afraid to get a little dirty? Enjoy doing something to help people who have just gone through disaster? Consider checking out this position with SERVPRO of Glenview. Call today and you could start working tomorrow!
Location: Glenview, ILL
Pay: $13-$15/HR. DOE $15-$18/HR if IICRC Certified
Hours: Guaranteed 30 hours-40 hours a week
Requirements: Flexible to accommodate 24/7 business needs but not limited to pushing, pulling, lifting up to 50 lbs as needed.
Call Jeff at 847-832-9300 or Saul at 847-571-4117 for an interview today!