Ever Thought About Becoming A Storm Spotter?

Name: SERVPRO of Kankakee County
Address: 1725 N. Boudreau Road, Manteno, IL, 60950
Telephone: (815) 935-0077

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

It’s that time of year when weather conditions can become hazardous in a matter of minutes, why not consider becoming a Storm Spotter.

Q. What is a storm spotter?

A. The National Weather Service's (NWS) primary mission is to save lives and protect property through the issuance of warnings for hazardous weather. The WSR-88D Doppler Weather Radar is a great tool for detecting and tracking potentially severe storms and essentially all strong and violent tornadoes. However, NWS meteorologists also depend on real-time reports from trained spotters to know exactly what is occurring on the ground under a storm. The NWS trains people to identify severe storms and tornadoes and report them via organized communications networks (primarily local and county emergency management, law enforcement and amateur radio).

Q. What is the difference between a storm spotter and a storm chaser?

A. A storm spotter is volunteer or paid county or municipal employee who is spotting as a community service. Most spotters work as part of an organized network and are in communication with their community or organization, which is in turn in communication with the NWS. Some spotters are "mobile" spotters in vehicles, but most spot from fixed, strategic locations around the community or county. The purpose of spotting is to alert community officials and the NWS and assist them in warning the public. Schools, hospitals, and other facilities are encouraged to have spotters to alert people in their care of impending severe weather.

Storm chasing involves following a developing thunderstorm to view or photograph severe weather phenomena. Chasing may be done for educational purposes or scientific research but is mostly done for personal fulfillment.

Q. I want to be a storm chaser. What should I do?

A. College of DuPage in Glen Ellen offers storm chasing field trips that are open to students and the public. The Valparaiso University Meteorology Department offers storm chasing as an educational tool to 3rd and 4th year meteorology students. There are private firms, mostly in the Great Plains, that offer storm chase tours/vacations. Many can be found through an internet search.

Q. How do I become a spotter?

A. Attend a basic tornado and severe weather spotter class. Classes are held throughout the area, they are free and open to the public. The class takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours. Most classes are held weekday evenings, but there are a few daytime and Saturday classes. The training is generally done in late winter and early spring - before severe weather season. The training consists of a slide and video program which teaches potential spotters about severe storm structure, and how to identify cloud features and other environmental clues to identify severe storms and tornadoes. Communications systems and spotter networks are explained so the spotter knows where to report, and how that information is used by the NWS and local officials. A complete schedule of classes can be found on our website from about late January through April.

Q. Is there a minimum age requirement to become a spotter?

A. Because of the complexity of severe thunderstorm structure and development, and the potential danger involved, spotting is recommended for adults. People of all ages attend spotter training classes. Those ages 10 and up are likely to get the most from the class. Youth who are interested inattending a spotter training class are welcome to attend with a parent or other adult.

Q. I have already taken a spotter class. Where can I learn more?

A. The National Weather Service encourages spotters to be retrained every 2 years. In addition, spotters can attend the Advanced Severe Weather Spotter Workshop at Lisle . The Advanced Spotter class is usually held on a Saturday in early March. It is an all-day class. There is a registration fee that covers the cost of the speakers, lunch and refreshments. More information will be given when the date is set.

Q. Does the NWS issue a certificate or spotter ID number?

A. The NWS does not issue spotter ID numbers. Certificates are available on request. Some county emergency management agencies issue IDs and/or certificates. Please check with your local officials.

Q. Does the NWS have any training material?

A. In the past, the NWS has been able to hand out copies of the Basic Spotters' Field Guide. However, due to limited printing this year, the NWS has made the Field Guide available online. You can find it at: https://www.weather.gov/media/lot/spotter/basicspotterguide.pdf. There is also a version of the Weather Spotter's Field Guide in Spanish too.

SERVPRO of Kankakee County is proud to be a sponsor of the Battle of the Badges Charity Basketball Event

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Flyer for the charity basketball game showing the name of the event on top and the sponsors, including SERVPRO on bottom

Join us as the police and fire take on each other in a charity basketball game!

All proceeds will go towards the First Responders Children Foundation. This foundation works with families across the country, including police, fire, Forest Service, Border Patrol, EMS and all other forms of responders. They help provide college scholarships to children whose first responders' parents have either died in the line of duty or have become permanently disabled due to their line of work.

‍Monday, January 31

7:00-9:00 pm

KVPD Rec Center (150 N. Indiana Ave. in Kankakee)

$5 per person

(Sponsored in part by SERVPRO of Kankakee County)

https://www.kvpd.com/events/police-dept-vs-fire-dept-fundraiser-basketball-game

Supporting locally owned businesses is vital to our community

1/16/2021 (Permalink)

large group of SERVPRO staff in front of a tan building

Locally owned and operated SERVPRO of Kankakee County staff

You may often see and hear local community members talking about hire local or buy local. In our area, the Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce has a slogan "shop small, shop local, shop Kankakee County. Well that's not just a tag line. It's a necessity in order for small businesses to survive and thrive. Every job completed locally helps employees via pay checks. Using local companies also helps the local tax base via sales tax and income tax for those working at these locally owned businesses.

SERVPRO of Kankakee County is locally owned and operated by the Nichols family. Bobby Nichols has spent over 25 years in the restoration and construction industry. His wife, Kata is a veterinarian by trade and has worked in the business since 2010. Their SERVPRO franchise consistently ranks in the Top 100 franchises in the United States and Canada. They also own 3 other SERVPRO franchises to the north.

SERVPRO of Kankakee County employs over 50 locals and nearly 100 local subcontractors. Our reputation locally is unmatched. Our green trucks can be seen buzzing around town every single day helping our friends, neighbors and local businesses clean up all kinds of messes.

We are members of the following chambers of commerce

In addition, we are members of the following local associations.

SERVPRO provides cleaning support for nearly every large company in town. From our schools and hospitals to our houses of worship and warehouses. From our smallest towns like Grant Park, Bonfield, Herscher, Limestone, St. Anne, and Aroma Park to our larger cities like Bradley, Bourbonnais, Kankakee, Manteno, and Momence. You can usually find one of our trucks at a Friday Night High School Football game in nearly every one of these towns. You will find our trucks in the parades and at the local diners every Sunday. That's because we don't just service this area, we are from Kankakee County. We invite you to call our office with any of your cleaning needs. Rest assured, we will be there quickly because we won't have to get on the highway to get to you!

Deep Cleaning Needs In Kankakee County- SERVPRO Is Here!

5/3/2020 (Permalink)

man with a mask standing in front of a SERVPRO green truck

Always Here To Help, SERVPRO owner Bobby Nichols

As Kankakee County officials begin discussing re opening businesses, SERVPRO stands ready to assist local businesses, municipalities, and educational facilities protect the public and employees. Per the CDC recommendations, deep cleaning high touch surfaces of gross filth and then disinfecting with a hospital grade EPA registered disinfectant is key. SERVPRO has OSHA certified technicians and carries the proper liability insurance to perform the work quickly and safely.

During last week's meeting at the County building located at 189 E. COURT ST., KANKAKEE, IL 60901, local leaders reiterated how important it is for the residents to remain diligent in their efforts to "flatten the curve". We have worked closely with multiple businesses and residents directly affected to the COVID19 outbreak and recognize the importance of sharing any information that may help residents be safer and healthier. Questions regarding the latest information in our area can typically be answered by going to the Kankakee County Health Department website. Questions about re opening your business and properly cleaning and sanitizing recommendations can be answered by calling our office (815)935-0077. Our trained project managers have been responding to restaurants, retail, assisted living and other buildings for proactive and reactive COVID19 cleanings.

Our processes include a thorough fogging prior to a complete cleaning of all touchable surfaces. Our clients from Banks on Main Street in Bourbonnais IL to apartments on Broadway in Bradley IL all recognize that SERVPRO is the community leader in Cleaning and Sanitation

Bourbonnais Fire Protection District

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Bourbonnais Fire Protection District sign adjacent to Fire Station

The Bourbonnais Fire Protection District serves approximately 36 square miles wherein are over 36,000 patrons be it residential, commercial, industrial, educational, including rail, interstate highway, and pipelines.

Bourbonnais Fire Protection has one fire station which houses 14 vehicles including 3 ambulances, 3 engines, 1 ladder truck, 1 brush truck, 3 command vehicles, a boat, and a tactical rescue semi-trailer.

We here at SERVPRO are proud supporters of the Bourbonnais Fire Protection District and we are so grateful for them for all they do.

SERVPRO a Proud Supporter of The Fire Departments in Kankakee County

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

Reddick Fire Protection District Engine 1012 with SERVPRO vehicle in foreground

We here at SERVPRO are proud supporters of the various Fire Departments in Kankakee County.

The MABAS Division 7 / Kankakee Valley Fire Chief’s Association is composed of 17 fire departments and 21 associate members.

SERVPRO takes a lead role in providing assistance to those great Professionals in MABAS Division 7.

The acronym MABAS The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System encompasses emergency rapid response along with sustained operations when an area is stricken by an overwhelming event generated by manmade, technological, or environmental threats.

SERVPRO - Proud Member of MABAS 37

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vehicles at Crescent-Iroquois Fire Protection District - Crescent City, Illinois

SERVPRO vehicles at Crescent-Iroquois Fire Protection District in Crescent City, Illinois

SERVPRO of Kankakee County is a proud Associate Member of the MABAS 37. This division has 21 Fire Departments and we here at SERVPRO are honored to be associated with these Departments.

First Responders Bowl Contest

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kankakee County is proud to support our local first responders

SERVPRO of Kankakee County is a proud supporter of our local first responders. Firefighters, police, EMTs and radio dispatchers sacrifice plenty to serve their communities. We are having a contest where local citizens can nominate a local hero before kick off of the SERVPRO First Responders Bowl. At half time, a random winner will be chosen from the nominees and they'll win a tail gate party for their office or station. No purchase is necessary.

Go to our facebook page for more details

https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROK3/

SERVPRO In The Comunity

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Marketing Representative Angela Kuelper with future SERVPRO employee, her son Vincent.

This past weekend SERVPRO of Kankakee County had the chance to take part in an event for area fire fighters and police! Peotone Fire Department held their 7th annual Fire & Police Swap Meet at the Will County Fair Gounds in Peotone. This swap meet has been a great success over the years attracting people from as far away as California! We were very proud to be able to support such a great event and our local Police and Fire departments. SERVPRO of Kankakee County marketing representative Angela Kuelper was onsite to answer questions and get to know more about the community that we serve.

“I meet people from St. Luis, Chicago, Pennsylvania and California while at the event. It was so nice to see the turn out of both vendors and attendees. The Peotone Fire Department did a great job putting on the event! I was told by one person that the event just Kees growing ever year, a sure sign of success!” -Angela Kuelper

At SERVPRO of Kankakee County we love to do these local events. Community involvement is one of the biggest things that sets us apart from out competitors.

To see where we will be next or other past events visit us and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SERVPROk3. Also be sure to check back to the page for more news, tips, and events or call our friendly office staff at (815) 935-0077 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

#Fire #Police #PlanetSERVPRO #Likeitneverevenhappened #KankakeeCounty

Glad to be a part of the recent Beecher Fire Dept Open House

10/24/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Kankakee County took part recently in the Beecher Fire Dept Open House.

MOVING DAY - SERVPRO OF KANKAKEE

3/28/2017 (Permalink)

Finishing Touches at Manteno Warehouse for SERVPRO of Kankakee County

The crew spent all day on Friday, March 24th moving equipment and preparing our brand new warehouse location in Manteno that will enable us to work harder and respond faster for any size and type of disaster.

FREE Continuing Education Classes for Insurance Industry Professionals!!

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

Free Ethics and Fire Restoration Continuing Education Classes March 8 & 9

We are offering two free CE Classes on two separate days - Day 1 will be in Matteson, and Day 2 will be in Bourbonnais. Breakfast and Lunch will be provided, and all of this is free of charge to Insurance Agents and Adjusters!

All we need to process your renewal is your NPN#, your email address, your phone number and fax number. Please follow the link below to print the application form. After filling in the information scan and email it to Marketing@SERVPROKankakeeCounty.com, or fax it to 815-935-1301.

Link to Application Form

DAY 1 CLASSES

Date: March 8

Class 1: Ethics - 3 Credit Hours

Time: 9 am to 12 pm

Class 2: Where There is Smoke There is Fire - 4 Credit Hours

Time: 1 pm to 5 pm

Location: Matteson Community Center

20462 Matteson Avenue

Matteson, IL

(708) 441-4500

Directions

DAY 2 CLASSES

Date: March 9

Class 1: Ethics - 3 Credit Hours

Time: 9 am to 12 pm

Class 2: Where There is Smoke There is Fire - 4 Credit Hours

Time: 1 pm to 5 pm

Location: Holiday Inn Express

62 Ken Hayes Drive

Bourbonnais, IL 60914

(815) 932-4411

Directions

New Facility in Manteno highlighted in local paper

4/4/2016 (Permalink)

The owners of SERVPRO of Kankakee County, Bobby Nichols and Kata Nichols, were highlighted in an article last week in the Daily Journal. The new facility will be located in Manteno, Illinois and could be open as soon as August 2016.http://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/SERVPRO-plans-new-m-digs-in-manteno/article_7f5e2c4f-6032-5c6a-95ad-332a55f8f92a.html

The Daily Journal's Lee Provost has done many articles and features on our SERVPRO franchise

How to make your pumpkin last.

10/29/2015 (Permalink)

Want your pumpkin to last longer after carving? Check out this link...

Pumkins

Beecher Fire Department Open House

10/19/2015 (Permalink)

Beecher Fire Department Open House

SERVPRO was out to support the Beecher Fire Department Open House. SERVPRO provides Restoration Services for Board Up, Fire, Soot, Smoke, Water, Sewer, Mold, & Bio-Clean. As well as provides Carpet Cleaning, Tile Cleaning, Duct Cleaning, and Upholstery Cleaning.

Beecher Fire Department

SERVPRO of Kankakee County – is hosting our first Blood Drive

4/19/2015 (Permalink)

Sponsored by SERVPRO of Kankakee County And the American Red Cross of Kankakee County

Where:

Bradley Moose Lodge
730 N Kinzie Ave
Bradley, IL 60915

When:

Saturday, May 16, 2015 from9:00AM to 3PM

How:

For an appointment, callMary Arellano at 815-386-0341or visitredcrossblood.org

All presenting donors will receive a free Red Cross T-shirt, Goodie Bags, and be entered into a raffle to win an IPAD and Gift Baskets.

New Facebook page for SERVPRO of Kankakee County

1/6/2015 (Permalink)

Happy to be joining the social media world

SERVPRO of Kankakee County has a new facebook page and we invite you to LIKE our page in you live in the area. We will be having exciting contests this year.

Also, friendly tips to avoid freezing pipes and water damage can be found on our page.

Here's the link: https://www.facebook.com/SERVPROK3

Bradley Christmas Parade

12/6/2014 (Permalink)

Crews took a day off from cleaning up after water damage in Bradley and Bourbonnais Illinois to participate in the Christmas Light Parade.

Olivet Nazarene University Christmas Luncheon

12/5/2014 (Permalink)

The Olivet Nazarene University of Bourbonnais, Illinios held its Christmas Luncheon today. SERVPRO of Kankakee County was a guest at this event.

Olivet Nazarene University is a private, Christian liberal arts university located in the village of Bourbonnais Illinois

2014 SERVPRO Employee Appreciation Day - Paint Ball

12/1/2014 (Permalink)

SERVPRO employees enjoy a day of fun and fellowship.

Twice during the 2014 year, SERVPRO of Kankakee took its employees out to BAD LANDS Paint Ball, located in Crete, IL. Employees were treated to a chartered bus ride and a full day of entertainment and fun, blowing off steam and shooting each other with paint balls. A good time was had by all.

SERVPRO of Kankakee County provides the following services: Board Up & Tarp Off, Fire, Smoke, Soot, Water Damage, Sewer Damage, Mold, Bio-Haz Remediation, Carpet Cleaning, Duct Cleaning, Tile Cleaning, & Upholstery Cleaning.

We provide services to: Armoa Park, Ashkum, Beaverville, Bonfield, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Braidwood, Buckingham, Cabery, Campus, Chatsworth, Chebanse, Cissna Park, Clifton, Crescent City, Cullom, Danforth, Dwight, Emington, Essex, Fairbury, Forrest, Gilman, Grant Park, Herscher, Hopkins Park Iroquois, Kankakee, Kempton, Manteno, Martinton, Momence, Onarga, Papineau, Pembroke, Peotone, Piper City, Reddick, St. Anne, Sheldon, Stelle, Sun River Terrace, Union Hill, Watseka, Wilmington, and surrounding areas.

2014 Bourbonnais Friendship Festival Parade

12/1/2014 (Permalink)

Our smiling faces are ready to hand out candy to all parade goers.

2014 Bourbonnais Friendship Festival Parade

Some of our SERVPRO employees with their family and friends get ready for the start of the parade.

SERVPRO of Kankakee County offers the following services: Board Up & Tarp Off, Fire, Smoke, Soot, Water Damage, Sewer Damage, Mold, Bio-Haz Remediation, Carpet Cleaning, Duct Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, & Tile Cleaning.

6th Annual Brian Munz Golf Outing - MABAS 23

12/1/2014 (Permalink)

Four male SERVPRO employees posing in front of a square canopy in the grass

Pictured (from left to right) are SERVPRO employees: Jake Laue, Bob Patula, & Bill Wilczynski.

On July 19th, 2014 SERVPRO of Kankakee County participated in the 6th Annual Brian Munz Golf Outing at Indian Creek CC, located in Fairbury IL. Brian was killed in the line of duty responding to a residentail fire in Forrest, IL on July 22, 2008.

SERVPRO provides services for: Board Up & Tarp Off, Fire, Soot, Smoke, Water Damage, Sewer Damage, Mold, Bio-Haz Remediation, Carpet Cleaning, Duct Cleaning, Upholstery Cleaning, and Tile Cleaning.

SERVPRO of Kankakee County services Fairbury, Forrest, Saunemin, Chatsworth, Piper City, Cullom, Emington, Dwight, Campus, Kemptom, Cabery, Stelle, Aroma Park, Ashkum, Beaverville, Bonfield, Bourbonnais, Bradley, Braidwood, Buckingham, Chebanse, Cissna Park, Clifton, Crescent City, Danforth, Essex, Gilman, Grant Park, Herscher, Hopkins Park, Iroquois, Kankakee, Manteno, Martinton, Momence, Onarga, Papineau, Pembroke, Peotone, Reddick, St. Anne, Sun River Terrace, Union Hill, Wastseka, Wilmington, Sheldon, and surrounding areas.