Recent Posts
How to Manage Storm Damage Before Professional Help Arrives
1/2/2022 (Permalink)
Especially on the Central Coast, the thunderstorms that come rolling across the coast can cause severe damage, leaving homes and businesses upset and at risk in their wake. Coming home to an uprooted or fallen tree (or two) can inflict costly damage, particularly if you don’t know how to ensure it doesn’t get worse before it can be properly cleaned up. That’s why it’s important to know how to manage storm damage before professional help arrives.
Storm damage comes in all shapes and sizes—it doesn’t fit into one clear box, but there are a few general steps to take to manage storm damage immediately after it happens:
- Don’t Go Outside Until You Hear the Okay
Whenever severe storms, tornadoes, or other natural disasters have watches or warnings around you, take caution! Make sure you monitor your radio and your phone to hear the okay to leave your home when the threat of the storm has passed. Your safety and well-being always should come first.
- Document the Damage
Before doing anything else, take out your phone and snap pictures of all the damage. This is essential to make any insurance claims on property damage that you have sustained due to a storm. By having photos of the damage before any cleanup has occurred, you’re more likely to be able to claim the maximum amount of coverage from your insurance that you can in order to cover the costs.
- Cover Any Areas Where More Water Could Enter
If your roof or home has any holes or damage that allows water to continue to enter your home, make sure you cover them to the best of your ability with a tarp or something else to prevent more water from entering. Chances are, rain may still be pouring down after you sustain some storm damage, and you never know when it may start up again even if it has stopped.
- Remove Excess Water
Is your basement now a mini-ocean? Do your best to remove any excess water you can by the bucketful or with a shop-vac. However, don’t attempt to do this until you are certain that there is no electrical damage and you aren’t at risk of your power channeling itself through the standing water.
In all that you do after storm damage occurs, be sure to take caution and keep your safety in mind first and foremost. Once you have the time and signal to do so, call a local professional restoration company like SERVPRO of E. Fullerton / Placentia to get your place looking back to normal. You can reach us at 714-525-0158.
Why Should You Choose SERVPRO?
12/28/2021 (Permalink)
Every day at SERVPRO we get asked by our customers: “Why SERVPRO?” We, of course, can give you statistics and show you our outstanding reviews from Google. But that just paints a picture of what we do – and how we do it. But to us, the answer of “Why SERVPRO” goes a bit deeper and we can find it in our staff.
Our staff is filled with amazing people, and each person brings unique qualities to our team. You’ll be hard pressed to find a day where someone isn’t laughing or telling some sort of story. We’re so much more than just a team, we’re a family here at SERVPRO of E. Fullerton / Placentia and we are proud of that fact. In the following blog posts we will be showcasing members of our family – letting you learn a little more about them, and why SERVPRO is the best team to handle your disaster.
Commercial Property Water Loss and Extraction
12/27/2021 (Permalink)
Commercial Property Water Loss and Extraction
Water is the single most long-term destructive substance in the indoor environment. It can dissolve or weaken building materials, damage floors and ceilings, and can also cause microbial growth if you don’t fix water damage quickly and professionally.
The faster the water is extracted the less damage to the building structure and contents.
The first thing to do if you are dealing with water damage at your place of business is to remove the water immediately. The faster the water is extracted the less damage to the building structure and contents. In situations, this is not enough. Standing water from carpet, flooring and walls can cause permanent damage if not taken care of in a timely manner
Extracting water in commercial buildings or properties, is a very important part of any large water loss. Fire sprinklers, used to stop fire from spreading, can leave you with wet and soggy office spaces.
Water extraction is used to assist in the prevention of microbial growth from expanding and growing. Extraction of water is also needed to keep floors from buckling. The dehumidifiers and air movers will be placed by the technicians in the necessary areas of the building.
A SERVPRO manager will walk the property with the owner/manager and adjuster explaining the process and to answer any questions they may have about removal of property, items and demo.
At SERVPRO of E. Fullerton / Placentia we are here for your water and fire needs 24 hours day seven days a week. Call us at 714-525-0158
Helping to make it “Like it never even happened.”
Restoring Commercial Property After Water Damage
12/26/2021 (Permalink)
Restoring Commercial Property After A Water Damage
Commercial Buildings Flood and Water
Commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response when dealing with flood and water damage in the E. Fullerton / Placentia area. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, SERVPRO ofE. Fullerton / Placentia works quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.
Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges
SERVPRO ofE. Fullerton / Placentia technicians specialize in the water damage cleanup and restoration of commercial property after a water damage event. Our technicians are highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So, when an emergency arises in your business, give us a call!
SERVPRO of E. Fullerton / Placentia
714-525-0158
Helping to make it
“Like it never even happened.”
We are IICRC Certified
12/26/2021 (Permalink)
The IICRC, or Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration, is the most trusted independent name in the restoration industry. They have developed industry-accepted standards, language, and terminology that enables the industry to communicate more effectively and make sure the correct procedures are being followed. SERVPRO ofE. Fullerton / Placentia has taken special classes and exams as part of our IICRC certification. This certification helps you rest assured that your damages and losses are being handled by some of the industry’s most dedicated professionals.
No matter the size of the loss, we always complete every single job to meet the IICRC’s lofty standards. Whether you live in Fullerton or Placentia or anywhere in the area, your job will be completed to the highest standards in the industry. When you are trying to protect your home or business from water damage or fire damage, you need to be sure that every step has been completed correctly. Call us today at 8714-525-0158 to see how our expert technicians can make any damage look “Like it never even happened.”
SERVPRO of E. Fullerton/Placentia Can Clean Up Your Hotel Rooms!
12/21/2021 (Permalink)
If you run a hotel in the E. Fullerton / Placentia area then you know how important it is to provide the cleanest rooms possible to your patrons. Your business runs on a solid first impression and customer approval. When your guests enter into one of your rooms for the first time, it’s imperative that it looks clean and smells great. This encourages people to come back time and time again plus promotes outstanding reviews. Allowing SERVPRO of E. Fullerton / Placentia to deodorize your rooms helps create the amazing first impression you want them to experience.
We Identify Odors
Hotels and many commercial buildings do not always have the ability to open windows and let in clean fresh air. This is one reason SERVPRO of E. Fullerton / Placentia has special deodorization techniques. We have a highly trained staff that knows how to identify and eliminate stubborn odors.
We Handle Odors
The techniques we use to handle odors are specifically designed to restore your rooms to a desirable state. Unwanted smells can be trapped in upholstery, carpets, draperies and even hard surfaces. Using fragrance or air fresheners is not the answer to an odor problem. There have been state of the art advances in proprietary cleaning that has changed the way deodorization works.
The professionals here at SERVPRO of E. Fullerton / Placentia are ready to take your hotel to the next level of clean. We would be honored to work with you to even schedule routine cleanings to prevent offensive odors from becoming excessive in any room.
SERVPRO of E. Fullerton / Placentia is here to help!
Our phones are answered 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.
Give us a call! 714-525-0158
We Offer a Wide Variety of Services
12/21/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of E. Fullerton / Placentia encompasses a large area that includes the cities of Fullerton and Placentia and the surrounding communities. We offer many different services to handle any problems that might arise on your property!
- Water Damage: Water damage is a common problem in homes and businesses, so we know exactly how to deal with it. From burst pipes to rain water and flooding, our team has seen it all! A fast response is critical to preventing further damage, so we pride ourselves on our ability to respond rapidly to water disasters. We use specialized equipment to extract the water and dry out the property.
- Fire Damage: Fires can be devastating, and they often leave homes and offices covered in a thick layer of soot. In addition to the soot and smoke, water damage is also common due to firefighting efforts. We know how stressful and traumatizing dealing with the aftermath of a fire is, so we are here to guide you through every step and give you peace of mind. We can remove soot from surfaces and get rid of the lingering smell of smoke. We can also use our Esporta machine to restore textiles and fabric such as your favorite shirts or your child’s favorite stuffed animal so that you can get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.
- Mold Remediation: Mold growth inside a home or office can be hazardous to those living or working inside of the building if it is not left treated. Mold is a tricky thing to get rid of, so you should leave treating the microbial growth to the professionals. Our technicians have been specially trained to get rid of mold and keep it from returning; we even have formulas that have been specifically created to treat the problem.
- Biohazard Cleanup: Substances such as blood, bile, urine, and other similar fluids can be extremely dangerous to clean up on your own, especially if you are not wearing the proper protective equipment. The technicians at SERVPRO of E. Fullerton / Placentia have the proper protective equipment and training to handle anything from crime scenes to kitchen accidents. Biohazard materials also need to be disposed of according to EPA and OSHA standards, or there is a risk f exposing others to harmful substances. Stay on the safe side and let us handle the mess for you.
Catastrophic Events: Hurricanes, tornadoes, winter storms, wildfires, and other large disasters cause millions of dollars in damage, and they are often too much for the SERVPROs in the local area to handle. SERVPRO of E. Fullerton / Placentia is a certified Large Loss Team, so we are part of a group that is able to travel to affected areas and assist communities in recovering and rebuilding after a large event. We have extra staff, vehicles, and equipment that allows us to handle over $100,000 in damages. Whenever disaster strikes, we are “Here to help.”
Fire Damage to Your Fullerton Business Needs Our Professional Remediation
12/2/2021 (Permalink)
The possibility of a fire in your Fort Worth restaurant kitchen cannot help but be always in the back of your mind as an owner. Although the devastation a fire can cause might seem impossible to overcome in the immediate aftermath, our highly-qualified technicians have great success using our inventory of state-of-the-art equipment and restoration best practices mastered in Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) courses.
The safety of both diners and employees is your priority if a fire damages your Fort Worth restaurant. Ensuring that your business recovers from the disaster fulfills our mission to provide industry-leading remediation services to the businesses in our community. Our crews mobilize fast, traveling to your site as soon as possible after your call.
Speed is crucial when mitigating the effects of fire damage. Within the first minutes and hours after the flames extinguish, fire residues pose the risk of progressive and permanent harm to structural components and the contents of your restaurant. SERVPRO crew members evaluate the types of residues found throughout your kitchen, dining rooms, storage areas, and other spaces.
We match appropriate products and methods to the different characteristics of soot coating surfaces. Protein-based soot is common in kitchen fires, depositing a thin and highly malodorous film that is hard to remove without solvents and abrasive tools. SERVPRO technicians can use barriers and air scrubbers to contain the cooking area, preventing the spread of debris to other spaces.
Even if your quick-thinking staff knocked down the flames with chemical extinguishers, secondary effects of the fire could linger. Persistent odors are particularly troublesome in an eating establishment as they interfere with the enjoyment of diners as they order and eat from your tempting menu. SERVPRO employees who complete the IICRC Odor Control Technician (OCT) course follow a research-based protocol to eliminate the stench in your establishment.
If clearing away charred items and thorough cleaning does not do the trick, SERVPRO turns to innovative techniques like thermal fogging or hydroxyl generators to eradicate the noxious smell. Thermal fogging recreates the fire environment, combusting deodorizers at high temperatures, so they attach to odoriferous particles and neutralize them. Hydroxyl radicals produced when ultraviolet rays react with water vapor (H2O) and oxygen (O2) dismantle the odor-bearing molecules. We this cutting-edge technology as a more successful and sustainable alternative to masking agents.
Contact SERVPRO of E. Fullerton Placentia as soon as firefighters release your commercial property for abatement assessment. Call (714) 525-0158 day or night to schedule an inspection and develop a remediation and deodorization plan.
What are the common causes of home fires in winters?
12/2/2021 (Permalink)
As the winters and the holiday season arrives, fire safety becomes an important issue. During this time, there is an increased risk of fires and other hazards, including carbon monoxide and electrical fires. SERVPRO, a fire damage restoration company, discusses the various causes of winter fires that homeowners must watch out for.
Heating is the second leading cause of US home fires and home fire injuries and the third leading cause of home fire deaths. The winter months of December, January, and February are when fires peak in the country. These fires can spark when a heater is too close to combustible materials or when the device malfunctions mechanically or electrically. Space heaters account for more than two of every five fires (44%), as well as the vast majority of deaths and injuries in home fires caused by heating equipment.
Turn off space heaters before leaving a room and make sure space heaters have at least three feet of clearance from everything in the house.
Furnaces need a special mention here. To avoid chimney fires, a qualified professional should inspect the chimney and vents every year. The cooled ashes from the fireplace must be stored tightly covered in a metal container and the container should be placed outside, at least 10 feet away from the house and any other buildings. The fireplace must be cleared of anything that might catch flame, and should never be left with fire, unattended.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas created that builds up in enclosed or partially closed spaces by burning fuel such as gas, wood, and propane in various appliances and machines. These appliances include stoves, fireplaces, gas ranges, lawnmowers, electric generators, cars, and more. Installing a CO detector and regular inspection of all heating appliances is recommended to protect from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Portable generators are indispensable when power outages occur during winter storms. However, the improper use of portable generators can lead to dangers such as carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock or electrocution, and fire hazards. Statistics show that half of the generator-related deaths happened in the four coldest months of the year, November through February.
The holiday season brings in a lot of candle burning with December being the peak time. Each year between 2013-2017, an average of 7,900 home candle fires were reported each year. Homeowners must never leave candles unattended, and make sure they’re in a safe place where they can’t be tipped over. Candles must be extinguished before going to bed.
Electrical home fires are the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. Almost half of all home electrical fires were caused by electrical distribution or lighting equipment, while the other half involved other known types of equipment like washer or dryer fans and portable or stationary space heaters. Don’t overload electrical outlets or run extension cords under carpets, across doorways, or near heaters.
The 7-step Fire Restoration Process for Commercial Buildings
12/2/2021 (Permalink)
Fire damage restoration for commercial buildings
Immediate action after a commercial fire is important to prevent further damage and foster swift restoration of the business to preloss condition. Any delay can cause the soot, smoke, and water damage to worsen and increase the cost of restoration. SERVPRO shares the fire restoration process for commercial buildings.
Step 1: Emergency Contact
Calling the fire damage restoration professionals such as SERVPRO immediately can ignite the restoration process quickly. The representatives will ask relevant questions about the fire damage event to gauge the resources and equipment needed to begin the restoration process. SERVPRO’s 24x7 emergency service and franchisee across the country enables a quick turnaround time.
Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment
SERVPRO technicians will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of the property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action. The team will document the extent of damage, a detailed list of the contents, and the recommended restoration processes. It is important to hire a certified, licensed, insured, and reputable team to clean, repair, and rebuild the property.
Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service
Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. A professional team like SERVPRO can board up the vulnerable areas of the property to maintain security, prevent further structural damage, and protect against further damage from weather, debris, and vandalism. This boarding up and tarping also allows safer access for the insurance assessor to visit and evaluate the fire damage and begin the claim process quickly.
Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)
Any commercial building would generally have the standard commercial-grade sprinkler system installed. This implies that each sprinkler head would have discharged between 20 and 40 gallons of water each minute from the time it detected fire until a firefighter turned it off. The likelihood is that there are almost 200 gallons of water in the building that need to be removed and the property and its contents need to be dried and dehumidified. The water removal process must begin almost immediately to avoid further damage such as mold and mildew infestation. SERVPRO uses the latest technology and methods to remove the water and dry the property completely.
Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces
The byproduct of any fire event is smoke and soot. The carcinogens present in soot and smoke can cause health effects. SERVPRO professionals can clean the walls, floors, ceilings, and any other parts of the building’s structure using specialized equipment and techniques. Some items affected by smoke and soot can be restored at the specialized facility at SERVPRO.
Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing
The technicians at SERVPRO will clean, sanitize, and disinfect all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. This ensures that the building is habitable and that everything in the building is clean, structurally sound, and safe. The team will use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore the belongings to pre-fire condition. The deodorization process will be carried out to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.
Step 7: Restoration
The final step is the restoration that may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. With a professional team like SERVPRO, business owners can be assured of a swift and efficient restoration of their property.
Why SERVPRO?
SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of E. Fullerton Placentia is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Fullerton, Placentia or anywhere else can quickly access the services.
With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.
The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in fire damage restoration and other restoration services. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.
For commercial fire damage restoration services, call SERVPRO of E. Fullerton Placentia today at (714) 525-0158
24/7 Emergency Service