Upgrade Your Plumbing: Reasons to Replace Your Supply Lines Within your Riverside Home

4/30/2025 (Permalink)

By proactively replacing supply lines, you can prevent unexpected plumbing emergencies and enjoy the reassurance of a well-functioning plumbing system

Supply lines play a critical role in your plumbing system, delivering water to fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and appliances. Over time, these supply lines can deteriorate, corrode, or become worn out, potentially leading to leaks, water damage, and even plumbing emergencies. In this blog post, we'll explore some compelling reasons to consider replacing your supply lines, ensuring a reliable and efficient plumbing system in your home.

Prevent Leaks and Water Damage

Supply line failures are a common cause of water leaks and subsequent water damage in homes. As supply lines age, they may develop cracks, fractures, or weakened connections, leading to leaks. Replacing old and worn supply lines with new ones reduces the risk of leaks, minimizing the potential for costly water damage and associated repairs.

If your current supply lines are made of outdated or inferior materials, it's advisable to upgrade to high-quality options. Modern supply lines are often constructed using materials such as braided stainless steel or reinforced PVC, which offer improved durability, flexibility, and resistance to corrosion. Upgrading to these superior materials ensures a longer lifespan for your supply lines.

Enhance Water Efficiency

Older supply lines may have restricted flow or inadequate water pressure, resulting in inefficient water usage. By replacing your supply lines, you can improve water flow and pressure, optimizing the performance of your fixtures. Upgrading to more efficient supply lines can also contribute to water conservation, reducing your environmental impact and potentially lowering water bills.

In some cases, outdated or non-compliant supply lines may not meet current building codes or insurance requirements. When renovating your home or making plumbing upgrades, it's crucial to ensure that your supply lines meet the necessary standards. By replacing outdated lines, you can ensure compliance, safeguard your insurance coverage, and meet the safety regulations in your area.

Minimize the Risk of Contamination

Older supply lines made from materials such as galvanized steel or lead can pose health risks. Galvanized steel supply lines can corrode over time, potentially introducing rust and contaminants into your water supply. Similarly, lead pipes, commonly found in older homes, can leach lead into the water, posing serious health hazards. Replacing these outdated supply lines with safer, modern alternatives is essential for maintaining a healthy water supply.

If you're planning a remodeling or renovation project that involves plumbing work, it's an ideal time to replace your supply lines. Upgrading the supply lines before the project ensures that you have a reliable and efficient plumbing system in place, reducing the likelihood of disruptions or issues during the renovation process.

Investing in new supply lines provides peace of mind, knowing that your plumbing system is equipped with reliable and high-quality components. By proactively replacing supply lines, you can prevent unexpected plumbing emergencies, reduce maintenance needs, and enjoy the reassurance of a well-functioning plumbing system.

Replacing your supply lines is a proactive step toward maintaining a reliable and efficient plumbing system in your home. From preventing leaks and water damage to upgrading to high-quality materials and improving water efficiency, there are compelling reasons to consider replacing old and worn supply lines. Prioritize the safety, performance, and longevity of your plumbing system by consulting a professional plumber and investing in new supply lines. By doing so, you can enjoy a worry-free plumbing experience while protecting your home from potential water-related issues.

Clearing the Air: Can Air Purifiers Help with Mold in your Riverside Home?

4/28/2025 (Permalink)

If you have a mold problem in your home, it's best to consult with a professional mold remediation service to identify and address the issue at its so

Mold is a common problem in many homes and can cause a variety of damages to your property.

It thrives in damp and humid environments, making it a persistent problem in areas with high humidity levels or water damage. Many people turn to air purifiers as a potential solution to combat mold growth and improve indoor air quality. But do air purifiers really help with mold? Let's explore this topic in more detail.

Understanding Mold and Its Dangers

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in the form of multicellular filaments called hyphae. It can be found both indoors and outdoors, and there are many different species of mold, some of which are more harmful than others. Mold reproduces by releasing spores into the air, which can then settle on surfaces and grow into new colonies.

Mold needs moisture to grow, and it can thrive in areas with high humidity levels, leaks, or water damage. Common areas where mold can be found in homes include basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and areas with poor ventilation. Mold can produce a musty odor, and visible signs of mold growth include discoloration, black spots, and fuzzy or slimy textures on surfaces.

Air Purifiers and Their Role in Mold Prevention

Air purifiers are devices designed to remove airborne contaminants from the indoor air, including particles like dust, pollen, pet dander, smoke, and mold spores. They work by drawing air through a filter or other purification technology, trapping particles, and then releasing clean air back into the room. Air purifiers come in various types, such as mechanical filters, activated carbon filters, UV-C purifiers, and ozone generators, among others.

So, can air purifiers really help with mold? The answer is yes and no. While air purifiers can be effective at capturing mold spores from the air, they are not a complete solution for mold remediation. Air purifiers can help prevent mold spores from circulating in the air, reducing the overall mold spore count and improving indoor air quality. 

Air purifiers can also help in preventing mold growth in certain situations. For example, if you live in an area with high outdoor mold spore counts, an air purifier with a HEPA filter can capture these spores and prevent them from entering your home. Additionally, if you have a mold allergy, an air purifier can reduce your exposure to mold spores.

Additional Tips for Mold Prevention

In addition to using an air purifier, there are other steps you can take to prevent mold growth in your home having proper ventilation. Ensure that your home has proper ventilation in all areas, including bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Use exhaust fans or open windows to allow moisture to escape. Regularly clean and dry surfaces prone to mold growth, such as shower curtains, windowsills, and other areas with condensation.

Air purifiers can be a helpful tool in improving indoor air quality and reducing mold spores in the air. However, they are not a substitute for addressing the root cause of mold growth, which is moisture. To effectively prevent mold, it's crucial to control humidity levels, improve ventilation, and promptly clean up any mold growth. If you have a mold problem in your home, it's best to consult with a professional mold remediation service to identify and address the issue at its source.

8 Tips to Fireproof the Roof on your Riverside Home

4/26/2025 (Permalink)

Fireproofing your roof is an important step in protecting your home from potential fire hazards.

A fireproof roof is a critical element in safeguarding your home against fire hazards, especially in California.

Whether you live in an area prone to wildfires or simply want to enhance your home's safety, taking steps to fireproof your roof can make a significant difference. Here’s a guide on how to fireproof your roof effectively.

Steps to Fireproof Your Roof

1. Choose Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials:

The first step in fireproofing your roof is selecting the right materials. Opt for materials with high fire resistance, such as:

2. Install a Fire-Resistant Underlayment:

A fire-resistant underlayment adds an extra layer of protection between the roof deck and the roofing material. Choose products rated for high fire resistance to enhance the overall fireproofing of your roof.

3. Maintain Roof Cleanliness:

Regularly clean your roof to remove debris such as leaves, pine needles, and branches. These materials can act as fuel for a fire. Ensure that your gutters are also clean and free of debris, as clogged gutters can lead to an accumulation of combustible materials.

4. Create a Defensible Space:

Maintain a defensible space around your home by clearing vegetation and combustible materials within a certain distance. This helps to prevent fire from spreading to your roof. Follow these guidelines:

5. Seal Roof Openings:

Ensure that all roof openings, such as vents, chimneys, and skylights, are properly sealed with fire-resistant materials. Use mesh screens over vents to prevent embers from entering and igniting your home.

6. Use Fire-Resistant Landscaping:

Landscaping can significantly impact your home's fire safety. Use fire-resistant plants and materials in your landscaping, and keep trees trimmed to prevent branches from hanging over your roof.

7. Apply Fire Retardant Treatments:

Consider applying fire retardant sprays or coatings to your roof and surrounding structures. These treatments can help slow the spread of fire and provide additional protection.

8. Install Spark Arrestors:

If you have a chimney, install a spark arrestor to prevent sparks and embers from escaping and landing on your roof. Ensure it meets the appropriate safety standards for your area.

Fireproofing your roof is an important step in protecting your home from potential fire hazards. By choosing fire-resistant materials, maintaining your roof, creating a defensible space, and using fire-resistant landscaping, you can significantly enhance your home's safety. Regular maintenance and proactive measures are key to ensuring your roof remains fireproof.

For more information on fireproofing your home or assistance with fire damage restoration, contact SERVPRO of East Riverside. Our experts are here to help you protect your East Riverside home and ensure it remains safe and secure against fire risks.

How Does SERVPRO of East Riverside City Work with My Insurance When I Have an Insurance Claim?

4/8/2024 (Permalink)

We work directly with your insurance company to help facilitate, navigate, manage, and coordinate the necessary paperwork.

Whether your home is damaged by a flood or a fire, getting things back to the way they were can take time—and money.

However, when you have the support of your homeowners insurance policy and a trusted restoration company, you can save yourself from the heavy stress and high expenses that are associated with water and fire damage repairs. Since navigating restoration insurance claims can be complex, SERVPRO® of East Riverside City answers a few common questions homeowners have about the process.  

5 FAQs About Using Home Insurance for Water & Fire Damage Repairs

Will Water & Fire Damage Repairs Be Covered By My Policy?

Technically, most home insurance providers cover restoration work related to fire and water damage. However, this damage typically has to be connected to an event that is covered by your policy—also known as a “peril.” For instance, plumbing emergencies and electrical fires may be acceptable perils, but floods may require additional coverage.

Will Putting Off Repairs Affect My Insurance Policy?

In some cases, fire and water damage may seem minor enough to put off repairs. But, if more damage occurs as a result of negligence, your insurance company may not cover those future claims. By staying proactive and making repairs as soon as possible, you can protect yourself against denied claims down the road.

Should I Call My Insurance Company Before the Restoration Company?

When you have a water and fire damage repair company in mind, it is often best to call them before reaching out to your insurance provider. These professionals will fully document the damage, making it easier to file an accurate claim. They will also provide the proactive care to keep your home safe, as well as prevent further damage.

Can I Choose My Own Restoration Provider?

If you do call your insurance provider first, they may recommend a company for your home repairs. While it’s perfectly acceptable to use these references, it is not required. In fact, it is your right as a policyholder to choose who repairs your property.

When Should I Pay Out-of-Pocket?

If your insurance deductible is higher than the cost of the repairs, it is generally best to pay out-of-pocket. In these instances, you would have been required to pay the whole price anyway without any coverage from your provider. However, many water and fire restoration jobs will exceed the cost of the deductible.

In a perfect world, homeowners would always be able to avoid these situations—but accidents still happen. Fortunately, it’s easy to stay prepared when you have SERVPRO of East Riverside City at your side. Providing everything from mold remediation to fire damage repairs, this restoration company will ensure you receive fast, expert care. Visit them online to learn more about their services or call (951) 222-2224 to request 24/7 emergency assistance.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO of East Riverside City recognizes the necessity for prompt and accurate response and offer 1-4-8 Response Guidelines to help minimize additional, secondary or permanent damage and contamination. In addition, SERVPRO of East Riverside City is available for emergency response 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
• Knowledge and training are key elements in effective water removal and moisture damage. SERVPRO of East Riverside City applies their industry knowledge, training and understanding of how relative humidity, temperature, vapor pressure and air movement influence drying conditions.
• Powerful and professional equipment is essential for proper mitigation and efficient restoration of water damaged areas. SERVPRO of East Riverside City is outfitted with state-of-the-art industrial grade equipment and products to measure the extent of moisture saturation and offer proper drying, deodorizing and disinfecting of water damaged areas.
• SERVPRO of East Riverside City offers content restoration to restore water damaged contents and personal belongings. Often when water damage occurs, personal possessions are also damaged by water or moisture. SERVPRO Technicians work diligently to try and return personal contents to pre loss conditions.
• SERVPRO of East Riverside City works with insurance, real estate, contracting and property management companies to offer complete file management, estimates and detailed explanations of work, including status updates, changes and feedback to keep companies fully aware of a property’s drying, cleaning and restoration status. We know you want quality information and proof of results. SERVPRO technology is designed to support your efforts!
• Timely mitigation is key to the restoration process. Restoring property is the SERVPRO Professional’s first priority. You will appreciate the immediate response, and you will know everything possible is being done to limit the damage. Even if a loss is below the deductible amount, fast action helps assure the event will stay small!

Call SERVPRO of East Riverside City, we are Here to Help® you with your needs, visit our website for a description of our services.

Why is it Important to be Selective When Choose a Biohazard Cleanup Service in East Riverside City

4/3/2024 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of East Riverside City has the proper certification to handle bio-hazard clean up.

Always Choose a Trained Professional

• Because it’s traumatic: No one should have to deal with the personal impact of cleaning up after the traumatic loss of a loved one. A professional SERVPRO® can get a situation cleaned up quickly, compassionately and discreetly.
• Because it’s safer: Federal regulations classify all human and animal remains, including blood, urine, feces, vomit and bodily fluids, as biohazards. This is because they have the potential of carrying life-threatening pathogens. The safe cleanup and removal of biohazardous materials involves extensive analysis and detailed work, and the use of state-of-the-art cleaning and odor removal technologies.

Licensed Bonded & Insured

• It is important to use licensed professionals because they conduct safe cleanup, removal and disposal of biohazardous waste. Additional considerations include being registered and compliant with OSHA and FEMA, federal agencies that oversee disasters and workplace safety. Cleanup crews will be coming into your home or the home of your loved one, so be sure the professional you choose is bonded and insured.

Will Work with Insurance Companies

• In most cases, insurance will cover much or all of the cost of traumatic even cleanup. You can minimize or eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses by working with licensed and bonded professionals such as SERVPRO of East Riverside City who will deal directly with insurance companies, saving you one more headache in this already difficult process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can I just use my regular cleaning or janitorial service for biohazard cleanup of blood or bodily fluids?

A: Not unless your regular cleaning or janitorial service has been properly trained and equipped to handle biohazard cleanup and waste such as blood or bodily fluids, and has a legal place to dispose of the recovered biohazardous waste.

Q: Who pays for bio-recovery services?

A: In many cases home, business or auto insurance will pay for bio-recovery services. Ultimately the property owner may be responsible for cost of the service.

Q: Can I have an employee of my business clean the scene?

A: Federal Regulation states that no employee can be placed in a position to be exposed to biohazard cleanup of blood spills without first:

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• Receiving Blood Borne Pathogen (BBP) training.
• Having a written BBP exposure control plan.
• Having been provided personal protective equipment.
• Having been offered Hepatitis B vaccine and exposure evaluation and follow-up.
• Being provided with a method to remove and properly store the bio-hazardous waste in properly marked containers for disposal at an approved site.

Do you have a Bio-hazardous situation?

How do you know when you have a biohazard on your hands? The first thing you need to know is the definition of a biohazard. Biohazards are infectious agents or hazardous materials that create a risk for the health of humans or animals. Often this is associated with the possibility of material being considered infectious to anyone in the environment. Now that we know the definition, we must now look at what types of situations can cause infections.

Different Types of Biohazards

     Death - When an individual dies, their body shuts down losing the ability to contain its fluids and wastes. All of these fluids would be considered biohazard waste, since the fluids might have bacteria or viruses that are still alive. Hence the precautions that are taken when dealing with those situations. Without the proper protections the risk of infection is greatly increased.

     Sewage Backups - Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a structure.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

     Hoarding - Biohazards are arguably the most dangerous threat to homeowners and their pets. It is no secret that many hoarding cases are plagued with biohazards. Biohazards, or pathogens, are any harmful agents that pose an immediate risk to human beings, animals, or the environment. Biohazards usually rear themselves in the form of toxic or infectious diseases or agents.

     Health - Health biohazard cleanup is needed when these agents are presented in two major forms within a hoarded home: Airborne and blood borne.

• Airborne biohazards are any pathogens (bacterial, viral, or allergenic) that can be absorbed through the lungs or enter the body in other ways like the ears, nose, throat, and eyes.
• Blood borne biohazards are commonly more deadly and quicker to infect a person or pet. Able to enter the bloodstream in many similar ways as an airborne pathogen, blood borne biohazards can also infect someone through open cuts, sores, and any major orifice.

Biohazard Cleanup Services

     Here are a few of the benefits we provide during each biohazard cleanup:

• Our services are provided to you with compassion, respect and integrity. We are committed to provide you immediate professional services.
• We are a preferred vendor for the top insurance companies; this shows we have met their strict criteria to be ethical in conduct, performance and in billing.
• We remove and decontaminate most all biological hazards. All items deemed unsafe will be cleaned or removed and disposed of properly.
• We are a Certified Professional Mold Remediation Contractor; meeting the guidelines IICRC S520 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation.
• We have the proper certification to handle bio-hazard clean up.
• You can rest assured that we follow all state and federal guidelines and regulations in the transportation, incineration, or disposal of all bio-hazardous materials.

You can also visit SERVPRO Biohazard Cleanup to learn more about some of the other bio-hazardous cleaning services we offer.

Tips to Start Spring Cleaning On Your East Riverside Home

3/21/2024 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of East Riverside City, we can help you with some of your cleaning needs.

Spring is here! Do you lack the motivation to spring clean your home? 

Traditionally, people feel the need to deep-clean their homes once they feel the warm air arrive and can open their windows to welcome the new season. There are many areas in your home that you will want to clean once you begin tackling this spring-time chore. Here are a few tips to help you get started that you may not have considered.

Wash Your Curtains and Drapes

When you start your spring cleaning, one of the first things you should do is clean your window coverings. This includes blinds, shutters, curtains or drapes. This should be done early on in the process as dirt and dust from the coverings can fall to the floor below, so you don't want to clean your floor before the drapes.

Test Your Smoke Detectors

Another step that should be included in spring cleaning is testing your smoke detectors. Most detectors have a test button on them that allows you to ensure they are working. If they don't work, you probably just need to replace the batteries.

Replace Water and Air Filters

As part of your spring-cleaning checklist, be sure to replace water filters and air filters. Filters catch debris from water and air. When they get full, they cannot filter as effectively as they should. The filters should be routinely replaced to ensure that they can work efficiently.

Clean Your Dryer Vent

Your dryer vent can easily become filled with lint and debris. Clean the dryer vent to help improve drying time and energy efficiency and also to prevent a fire. The vent inside your dryer should be cleaned with each load, but in the spring, you should check your exterior vent as well, making sure there is nothing accumulating in the tubing from the dryer to the outside.

Clean Your Grill

Once it begins to get warmer, people start thinking about cooking and eating outside. Now is the perfect time inspect your grill, refill your tanks if it is a gas grill, and clean all the cooking surfaces so it is ready to use when you want to make delicious meals.

Check Your Windows and Doors For Leaks

As you spring clean, take the time to check your windows and doors for leaks or air drafts. If you feel outdoor air seeping in, the seals may need to be replaced.

Check Your Plumbing for Leaks

Take the time to check your plumbing for leaks. Look for leaks under your sinks and for leaking faucets. If you notice any leaks, call in a plumber to make the needed repairs.

Make doormats welcoming

Shake 'em, wash 'em, swat 'em with a broom. Give them the toughest cleaning they can take. They’re your front line against tracked-in dirt—so keep them clean enough to function at peak efficiency.

Clean carpets and upholstery

Fabrics that have absorbed a winter’s worth of dirt, body oil, and germs will need a deep cleaning to get them ready for another year of wear—and for that close inspection by your relaxing guests. Move furniture just slightly—not out of the room or against the wall, as the old rules dictated—and place the legs of each piece back on top of small wax paper squares after shampooing. The wax paper will protect your carpet and keep the furniture legs from getting wet as the carpet dries. Open the windows to speed the drying process, which can take a day or more. If you’re not the furniture-shifting and machine-renting type, use a professional carpet and upholstery cleaner like SERVPRO®.

Finish your floors

To protect the floors in your kitchen from another year of wear and tear, wax or apply a sealer following label directions. The simplest method: Use a combination wash-and-wax floor cleaner. No-wax floors don’t need a polishing treatment, but an occasional makeover will keep them looking fresher and add a protective buffer that could help them last longer. Use a floor cleaner that cleans, shines, or both. If you have wood floors, move furniture and rugs aside, then apply a wood cleaner and either liquid or paste polish to clean and add a new wax coating.

Wash walls, cabinets, baseboards, and woodwork

The walls may not look as if they need a bath—dust and soot fall to the floor, right? Most of it does, but just enough clings to vertical surfaces to warrant a seasonal or pre-holiday bath. Use a sponge and hand dishwashing detergent, washing the surface in sections. A sponge mop makes it easier to reach higher spots. Use two buckets: one for dishwashing detergent solution and another for wringing your sponge. Dry the walls and woodwork with a clean cloth.

Vacuum with intelligence

The old rules mandated that you go through the labor-intensive task of dragging every stick of furniture off the carpet, just so the vacuum cleaner could cover every nook and cranny. Instead, simply move those big items a little to the left or to the right. Vacuum the area previously occupied by the furniture and then move it back into place.

Clean ceiling fixtures

Remove dust and dirt from ceiling fans and air-conditioner vents with a cloth and a vacuum with a soft nozzle attachment.

Clean your light fixtures

A few minutes with a stepladder, all-purpose cleaner, a sponge, and a polish cloth will give new light to your life. If your home has skylights or tall ceilings, consider investing in a stepladder and extended-reach dust-and-dirt-removal tools, all of which are available at your local hardware store and at home supply stores.

Check your coils

You should clean the refrigerator’s condenser coil, usually found behind the toe grille, with a long-handled bottle brush and a vacuum cleaner with an attachment hose to remove dust and lint. Built-up dust can shut down the unit by causing it to overheat. To remove dust from coils attached to the hard-to-reach back side of the fridge, carefully pull the refrigerator out several feet (newer models roll on casters) and vacuum thoroughly; finish by sweeping or vacuuming the floor area you’ve revealed. Expect to rediscover coins, bottle caps, and twist ties that you and the cat knocked over the past year.

Are you looking to get your home clean for spring but lack the time to do it all yourself? Here at SERVPRO of East Riverside City, we can help you with some of your cleaning needs. We offer many services including fire and water clean-up services, mold remediation, deep cleaning, including carpet cleaning. Give us a call at 951-222-2224 so we can get started today.

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