National Fire Prevention Month 2014: Some Fire Safety Tips for Chicago Homeowners
Sam Simon
October 12, 2014ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons helps you create a fire safety plan in Chicago, IL.
The National Fire Protection Association and Boy Scouts of America have deemed October National Fire Prevention Month, and for good reason. As we switch seasons into fall and winter, the risk of fire damage increases greatly. Furnaces, jack-o-lanterns, and holiday lights all contribute to the added need for a fire prevention plan. ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons provides fire restoration to Chicago, IL and has seen first-hand the effects of having a plan versus being caught unprepared.
Step One: Have an evacuation plan.
The most important part of any fire prevention plan in your home or office building is that you and everyone else gets out safely. Plan where to meet up a safe distance from your building. Make sure everyone in your home or office knows the plan.
Step Two: Know where the important documents are.
After the flames have been put out, you’ll need to start the claim process with your insurance company. It’s always a great idea to have these documents in one place, preferably a fire-proof box. You’ll need your policy, your insurance agent’s contact information, and the most recent inventory of your home or office. Best practices suggest taking a photo inventory of your most valuable items, including jewelry, appliances, and new renovations.
When you gather documents for your fire preparedness box, make sure you put in the business card for ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons. For years, we have been providing fire restoration services for Chicago homes and businesses, and we have a track record of getting your building back up and running as quickly as possible. We have a 24/7/365 emergency hotline, so our fire restoration process can start almost immediately.
Fire damage can be avoided, but it is not always 100% preventable, even with every precaution taken. When you need fire restoration in Chicago, IL, just call ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons. We’ll help you get back on your feet and ease your mind during this stressful time.
Sam Simon
Sam Simon is the Co-Owner and Managing Director of ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, a certified MBE/WBE disaster restoration and specialty cleaning firm proudly serving Cook, Lake, and DuPage Counties in Illinois. With over 30 years of experience in restoration project management, field operations, and emergency response, Sam plays a vital leadership role in overseeing service execution, technician development, reconstruction, and subcontractor coordination.
He holds the IICRC’s highest technical designation as a Master Fire & Water Restorer, a distinction achieved by fewer than 1% of professionals in the restoration industry. His technical scope includes water and flood damage restoration, fire and smoke recovery, mold remediation, and post-disaster reconstruction across both residential and commercial sectors.
Sam has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to helping communities in crisis. He has participated in large-scale disaster recovery efforts across the U.S., providing boots-on-the-ground leadership during Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, and Harvey, as well as catastrophic floods, wildfires, and deep freeze events throughout Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Ohio, Texas, and beyond. His dedication to serving distressed families and businesses in the wake of national catastrophes reflects both his personal values and ServiceMaster’s mission of restoring peace of mind.
In 2019, Sam was selected for the HACIA Contractor Training Program, a competitive six-month construction management cohort offered by the Hispanic American Construction Industry Association. The program delivers intensive instruction in blueprint reading, estimating, project management, and construction law—skills that support the company’s continued growth in emergency build-back and general contracting services.
Before co-founding ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons, Sam built a successful creative career, contributing to notable film and television productions including Chicago Fire (2012), Juvies (2007), and Image Union (1978). His media and videography background continues to shape ServiceMaster’s marketing strategy, digital training resources, and brand storytelling.
→ IMDb Profile
Sam is also the co-author of RESTORE: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Home As Your Most Valuable Asset—a practical guidebook for homeowners navigating the challenges of water, fire, and mold damage.
Under the direction of majority owner and President & CEO Nasutsa Mabwa, and with Sam’s operational leadership, ServiceMaster Restoration By Simons has earned numerous regional and national accolades, including:
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