SERVPRO is here to help with any disaster big or small In East RIverside City

1/5/2023 (Permalink)

Having an immediate action plan with the help of your SERVPRO team, we can minimize business interruption.

When disaster strikes, it is critical  for you to know where to turn for disaster recovery services.  SERVPRO of East Riverside City  has a tradition of helping local home  and commercial property owners and managers recover from property  disasters big and small. 

SERVPRO provides valuable  knowledge to help plan for the recovery of your business following a  fire, water, storm or mold property disaster. Our remediation specialist work  with customers to  develop both preventative and response-ready plans to keep safety for  staff and patrons a top priority.

Our SERVPRO Emergency  Ready Plan, combines our knowledge and experience dealing with disaster  restoration and the valuable details you or your team can contribute about your home or facility.

According to the latest industry research, when it comes to businesses; as many as  50% may never recover following a disaster. Of the  businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a  preparedness plan in place. Planning ahead is key to helping you act quickly, minimize damage and maximize recovery.

While  an emergency readiness plan can’t stop a disaster from happening, it  can help a business be ready to handle a disaster during the event, and  be better prepared to recover after. Developing a personalized SERVPRO  Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP) is a proactive step you can take in  collaboration with our team to minimize the effect of a disaster and  expedite your recovery process.

During your ERP walk-through, one  of our managers visits your site, and becomes familiar with your layout  and operations. An evaluation of your commercial property’s strengths  and vulnerabilities permits us to make recommendations that could save  you from severe damage to the building’s structure, equipment, and  contents in the event of a disaster.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishes your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Identification of the proper contacts for authorizing work to begin.
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

Preparation  is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether  it's a small water leak, a large fire, or a hazardous flood. The best  time to plan for any event is not when the water or flames are  interrupting your routine, but well before it happens. By developing a  SERVPRO Emergency READY Plan and Profile (ERP) for your business, you  minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action.  Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely  mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect  your business.

Call us today!

SERVPRO Of East Riverside City is here to help.

Building An Emergency Kit

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Discussing and researching important items to have in your emergency kit is essential.

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Download a printable version to take with you to the store. Once you take a look at the basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.

https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-02/ready_checklist.pdf

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Additional Emergency Supplies

Since Spring of 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Masks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications. About half of all Americans take a prescription medicine every day. An emergency can make it difficult for them to refill their prescription or to find an open pharmacy. Organize and protect your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins to prepare for an emergency.
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person

• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher

• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

<h2survey-processed" href="https://www.ready.gov/food">food in a cool, dry place.

• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
• Replace expired items as needed.
• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

<h2survey-processed" href="https://www.ready.gov/car">in your car.

This Information was taken from ready.gov under the Disasters and Emergencies. 

When You Have Water Damage from a Sprinkler System

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

Sprinkler system water damage can happen to any commercial property in California

Sprinkler systems are designed to protect your property from fire, but they often end up causing commercial water damage instead. In this blog post, we will discuss what types of sprinklers can cause water damage and how these systems work so that you know what to do when water damage from sprinkler systems occurs!

What types of sprinkler systems use water?

Perhaps you recently acquired a new commercial property in California and are curious what type of sprinkler system to install, or you are curious about your current sprinkler system. There are two main types of sprinkler systems, dry and wet systems. If you are looking to avoid water damage from a sprinkler system, it would be best to install a dry system.

Wet pipe systems are the most common choice but they can cause commercial water damage. Wet pipe systems work by heat activation. When a fire begins, a sprinkler head will release water that is stored in the pipes.

How can water damage from a sprinkler system occur?

The professionals at SERVPRO receive many calls a year regarding water damage from sprinkler systems. We receive calls when a commercial property has a fire, and the sprinkler system puts the fire out, and for accidental water damages from a sprinkler malfunction.

A common reason when a sprinkler system will accidentally cause water damage is when the system is overheated. Sprinkler systems are designed to put out a fire and when they detect high heat levels. An overheated sprinkler system assumes that the property has a fire and goes off, causing gallons of water damage. A positive attribute of wet pipe systems is that not all sprinkler heads go off at once because each sprinkler head is activated independently. Other common reasons why water damage from sprinkler systems occur are: 

How to respond when there is water damage from a sprinkler system?

When a commercial property has water damage from a sprinkler system, the property manager or building owner must act quickly by turning off the sprinkler water sources so that further damages do not occur. It will also be an excellent time to turn off the electricity to avoid electrocution and elevator issues from water damage.

After the appropriate valves have been shut off, you need to call a reliable restoration company to come and mitigate the damage.

After you call a water restoration company, call the insurance company that covers damages for the commercial property. The assigned insurance agent may ask for pictures and videos of the damages for their records. It will also be a good time to create a list of all of the damaged items during this time.

Don't Hesitate to call the professionals at SERVPRO of East Riverside City 24 hours/7days a week. We are here to help!

Follow These Fire Safety Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

According to the American Red Cross, home fires are the most common disaster they respond to - and also the most preventable. Planning ahead is the best way to promote the safety of the people and animals in your home. From preventative caution to making an evacuation plan which should include pet safety.

Here are some steps to protect your pets:

• They should have their own disaster supplies kit ready in advance which should include food, water, pet records, spare collars and/or leashes in case you need to control or calm them from being frightened.  
• Have a safe place for them to stay if you need to leave your home.
• Include your pets and take them with you when you practice your escape plan.  Train them to come to you when you call for them. 

Following these steps can lower the risk of your pets being harmed in a fire

Electrical Fire Safety Tips

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Always Remember to make sure all electrical work in your home is done by a qualified electrician!

Electricity helps make our lives easier. There are times though when we can take its power and its potential for fire-related hazards for granted. Here are a few electrical safety tips to follow to keep your home fire-safe. 

When it comes to Appliances

• Always plug major appliances, like refrigerators, stoves, washers and dryers, directly into a wall outlet. 
• Never use an extension cord with a major appliance — it can easily overheat and start a fire. 
• Use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the lamp or fixture. 

When if comes to Outlets

• Do not overload wall outlet
• Insert plugs fully into outlets
• Install tamper-resistant electrical outlets if you have young children

When it comes to Extension Cords, Power Strips and Surge Protector

• Replace worn, old or damaged extension cords right away
• Use extension cords for temporary purposes only
• Use power strips that have internal overload protection

Thank you to U.S. Fire Administration for sharing these tips for us to share with our customers!

Pay Attention to Your Commercial HVAC System

5/25/2022 (Permalink)

Mold resulting from high humidity in a commercial building

Making sure you properly and regularly have your commercial HVAC systems checked is crucial to your indoor air quality.  

Though we are not experts with commercial heating and air conditioning units, there are a few things that everyone can check to ensure that their commercial unit is functioning properly. As always, if you have a question about your HVAC system, the first professional that you need to call is your local HVAC company.

5 Common Commercial HVAC Functions To Check:

1. Odors or poor indoor air quality
2. Strange, or odd sounds
3. Unexpected change in heating and cooling cost
4. Inconsistent airflow
5. Loss of system efficiency

If you notice any of these HVAC problems, the fix can be fairly simple. There could be dirty or clogged filters, leaking refrigerant, thermostat malfunctions. Be sure to have your HVAC system checked regularly.

Is Your Tub or Shower Leaking?

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Leaks in bathroom can be hard to find.

4 easy ways to determine if you have a leak in your bathroom.

Since bathtubs can hold many gallons of water, a bathtub leak can be a major cause of concern for a homeowner. If you suspect a leak in your bathroom, it is important to figure out where it is coming from to avoid further damage. Here are four things you can do to determine if you have a water problem in your bathroom.

1. Smell the Room

Excess water can lead to mold and mildew, both of which have musky odors. If your bathroom smells like an old carpet shortly after cleaning it, you could have mold or mildew lurking in your surroundings.

2. Look for Signs of Mold

Mold exists in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Regardless of the species, mold indicates a moisture problem and should be dealt with promptly. A bathtub leak can leave the floor moist, and mold can begin forming in moist areas in as little as 24-48 hours.

3. Inspect Your Shower Pan

Visually inspect your shower for obvious signs of a shower pan leak. If your shower pan looks fine, but you suspect a leak in the area, perform a shower pan test by plugging the drain and filling the pan with water. Check the water after 24-72 hours. If the water level is not the same as the original, you may have a leak in your shower pan.

4. Check for Symptoms of Water Damage

Water often leaves visible signs of damage. Common indicators of water damage include warped walls, baseboards, floors, and linoleum that is coming loose from the sub-floor.

As a homeowner, you will want to keep your home in as good of shape as possible. Since a bathtub leak can cause additional damage over time, it is important to fix any problems as soon as you notice them. A professional water remediation company can help restore your home to its pre-damaged condition as quickly as possible.

Your Local Disaster Restoration Company

Water damage can disrupt lives, but by calling in professionals immediately, you can mitigate the impact it has over the long term. If you have water damage don’t hesitate to call us at SERVPRO of East Riverside City today!

Where to Find Local Fire Damage Remediation Services?

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO technicians know exactly what to do after your home suffers a fire incident. Call us today!

SERVPRO of East Riverside City Can Provide Your Home With Fire Damage Remediation Services!

Many people imagine that if fire damage ever occurred inside their Riverside homes, it would be a grand disaster. However, many fire-losses are quite small in comparison. Statistically, there are many potential causes of fire inside of your home; however, not every fire may rage out of control.

Imagine a scenario where your Riverside home suffers a small degree of fire damage. Picture plugging in an electric kettle with the intention of brewing tea. When you turn your back to look for which type of blend you would like, the electrical socket sparks a small fire. You hear the popping and smell the burning of plastic and act quickly, extinguishing the small blaze before it gets out of control.  

If the Fire is Small, Do I Need to Call For Remediation Services? 

Even small fires can leave behind an impressive amount of damage that could be hard for a non-professional to clean. For example, a small fire in your kitchen could leave behind: 

• Smoke residue 
• A foul smell
• Scorch marks 

Even if fire damage is concentrated in a small section of your home, it can still cause tough stains and rancid malodors. The best thing you can do for your home is to contact professional remediation services. 

How Can SERVPRO Remove the Soot Stains and Bad Scent? 

Here at SERVPRO, our technicians are highly trained and have access to advanced technological equipment. To remediate the evidence of fire damage, we can: 

• Use hydroxyl generators or thermal foggers to reduce the malodor in your home
• Use specially formulated cleaning agents to remove tough smoke-residue and stains
• Remove anything that is beyond repair so that it can be replaced

At SERVPRO, our goal is always to leave your home feeling as if the damage inside did not happen. Trust our Institution of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration-certified (IICRC) technicians to help return your home to its preloss state, "Like it never even happened."

If your home needs fire damage restoration, get help now! We're always open and ready to help you, call today (951)222-2224 

When a Pack-Out is Necessary Due to Fire Damage

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Your home is going to need a lot of work after a fire damage, let us help!

Fire damage will need SERVPROs assistance.

Many of the fire damage sites that SERVPRO works on only have charring and damage in a portion of the home. The techs use different methods to stop the rest of the house and furnishings from taking on smoke odors.

During a fire damage mitigation, containment using either plastic barriers or in some cases, negative air chambers to keep soot from spreading throughout the home. This stops the potential for cross-contamination to areas of the house currently unaffected by soot and smoke damage. 

Why SERVPRO?

The technicians at SERVPRO undergo extensive training and come to each job to save the homeowner as much loss as possible through their learned restoration methods. They also have a diverse array of equipment for specialized cleaning and drying processes to give each loss site the best outcome.

When Containment is Not Enough

In some cases, putting up barriers during mitigation of fire loss is not enough. In those situations, a pack-out is often the best course of action to minimize damage. The technicians perform this task in a very organized fashion and photograph and note the location and condition of each item removed. So when the cleanup efforts complete, each piece can return to the exact spot where they removed it.

Smoke Damage and Odor Control

After a fire, the smoke residues and soot require removal from surfaces through careful hand-cleaning. Running an air scrubber fitted with HEPA filtration is another common during fire loss mitigation to keep airborne soot particles to a minimum.

Ductwork Inspection

Because soot travels through the air so readily, if the HVAC was running post-fire, there is an excellent chance the ductwork may require inspection and cleaning to render it smoke-odor free. SERVPRO technicians complete any needed ductwork cleaning before returning the packed-out items into the residence. Turning around fire damage in homes quickly with their experience and equipment to make the fire loss "Like it never even happened."  SERVPRO of East Riverside is here to help 24/7 call us today!

What Parts of a Structure are Salvageable After Flooding?

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

An unexpected flood can quickly lead to flood damage in your home. Call the experts at SERVPRO immediately to prevent additional water loss.

A Sudden Flood Can Affect the Building and Assembly of your Home. SERVPRO Technicians are On-hand to Help Riverside Residents Overcome Flood Damages.

What are building assemblies, and how do they affect drying?

The building assembly is everything in the structure of your Riverside home, excluding the exterior walls. During intense storms and heavy rainfall, some or all of the building may begin to take on water. These can come from flooding into the property or through a roof that may become damaged by strong winds. Once water enters the property, it begins to negatively affect some, or all, of the building assembly, including drywall, crawlspaces, foundations, and framework. Each property has unique characteristics and material build. Our technicians have a strong understanding of how materials affect drying, which allows us to tailor our drying strategy to each situation we encounter. 

How are drying procedures decided?

When confronted with flood damage in your home, a professional water restoration technician has to make hundreds of decisions in a small space of time. Knowing which items can be dried cost-effectively and inexpensive to replace can help speed up the timeframe of restoration. Fitted cabinets are commonly made from particle boards with a veneer finish. These can take on lots of moisture in a short period of time, and the cost of drying them often outweighs the cost of replacement with cabinets of similar quality. SERVPRO makes decisions based on the most time-efficient solution to restore your home to its preloss condition. 

What is the process of deciding to restore or replace wet building materials?

General information covering the type of material, porosity and responsiveness to drying

Inspection to determine the length of exposure as well as the area of wetness (some materials, like drywall, have multiple layers to test)

Restorability is a combination of the above two results, which is the deciding factor in whether to restore or replace

Are wet ceilings and walls expensive to replace?

Walls that become wet through flooding need to be carefully inspected to understand the extent of the damage. A wall or ceiling has several layers of assembly, some of which may be wet while other parts may remain dry. SERVPRO technicians need to inspect layers of drywall, plaster, wallpaper, and framing to see how far the moisture has migrated. To examine these multiple layers a commonly used tool is a penetrating moisture meter. Items like drywall are often restorable, providing that there is little water contamination present. In these situations, we can use dehumidification and air-movement equipment to dry these materials successfully. 

When does the wet drywall need replacing?

Check the seams of the drywall. If they are intact, restoration is still possible.

If areas of the drywall begin to swell, they may need replacement.

Inspect the drywall for signs of mold growth. If present, replace the drywall

How far can water migrate after flooding?

Floodwaters can reach the framing of your home, providing that there is no intervention. It takes time for capillary suction to take place in drywall and plaster. However, with massive amounts of water, the time may be reduced. Some properties that flood show signs of damage to the framing of the property. The frames are usually dimensional lumber with a light finish. If water restoration technicians suspect that the frames are wet, we may need to demo some parts of the wall to access drying equipment. Wet structures can lead to extensive mold growth throughout the home and should always have an inspection after flooding.

What are some necessary procedures for drying walls and ceilings?

Ventilation through the wall using structural cavity drying equipment

Demolition of materials to speed-up the drying process through extra ventilation and access for larger equipment

Temperature and humidity control to speed up the drying process

When is demolition necessary to restore flood damage?

Sometimes demolishing a part of a building's assembly can help to accelerate drying. When there are excessive amounts of moisture found in a structure removing inexpensive materials, like drywall, to gain access to more valuable materials, like dimensional lumber, is a good option. Ultimately, the cost of replacing lumber is high, and it has among the highest rates of repairability For these reasons, it may be necessary to sacrifice plaster, wallpaper, or drywall in order to allow maximum drying focus on the structural framework of your home. SERVPRO technicians have experience conducting controlled demolitions in residential properties and can ensure all materials are replaced "Like it never even happened."

Floodwaters can permeate every aspect of a building's assembly. For expert drying, contact us today!