Emergency Storm Tips

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

What to do and don't when a storm strikes.

Do:

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and table to items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. 
• Turn air conditioner on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove Orientals or other colored rugs from wet wall to wall carpeting.
• Remove valuable paintings and art objects to a safe, dry place.
• Open suitcases and luggage to dry, in sunlight, if possible.
• Pick up loose items, toys, ECT. off of floors.

Don't

• Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
• Use your house hold vacuum to remove water.
• Use TVs or other house hold appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceiling are sagging from retained water.

For additional information or questions call SERVPRO 619-447-7776

Why SERVPRO

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

So why SERVPRO: Why Choose us We here at SERVPRO of El Cajon know that your situation is unique.  This is why we will give every damage and every structure, we are certified to give every attention to our customer to come up with the best solution possible to make you happy. We will not leave you in the dark, communication is our number one goal to a successful atmosphere.  We will guide you every step of the way through each and every process.  Our goal is to restore your house to its original condition as quickly as possible.  We will keep working until you are satisfied with the results.  WE here at SERVPRO of El Cajon strive to do the best for our customer. WE strive to do the best work to please our customers. WE strive to lessen the stress for our customers. And WE strive to make every customer feeling satisfied.  We work with all insurance companies and offer free mold inspections.

Human Waste (Sewage, Blood and other/or bodily fluid)

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO does more than water and fire restoration. This why you should choose SERVPRO

Reduce, reuse, recycle or treat waste instead of disposing of it. Try to reduce, reuse, recycle or treat your waste instead of disposing of it. If you must dispose of it, make sure it ultimately goes to a permitted hazardous waste management facility, also called a treatment, storage or disposal or recycling facility.

Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Call emergency personnel if a life threatening situation is occurring.
• Treat all bodily fluids as if they are contaminated.
• For sewage damages, turn off the HVAC system.

Don't:

• Attempt cleanup of any kind.
• Touch or handle items that might be contaminated with bodily fluids.
• Eat, drink, smoke, apply cosmetics or handle contact lenses in affected area.

If exposed to any type of harmful waste, OSHA recommends a post-exposure medical evaluation. Please consult your local health department or physician.

A Smokers Lasting Legacy

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

This was SERVPRO team cleaning the wall to show what was left behind

Cigarettes smoke contains a variety of chemicals, some cling and build up on surfaces that are exposed to it. In your home, cigarette smoke can build up. 

Besides clinging to walls, curtains and other household items, cigarette smoke can also cling to electronic components (especially computers) and have disastrous effects over time. For example, with computers, the smoke will cling to anything that’s emitting heat like fans and processors. This heat already attracts dust but the dust just magnifies when you add cigarette smoke to the mix. Also, cigarette smoke carries moisture with it and can lead to both a corrosion of parts and a dangerous build-up of dust. 

Researchers have known for some time that third-hand smoke, as this leftover residue is known, sticks around in the environment long after the smoke has cleared.

If you have fire a damage or just a simple clean up due to a fire that left residue call us here at SERVPRO of El Cajon at 619-447-7776. Our commitment is to come in and get the job done "Like it never even happened."

Why Take the Risk? Call SERVPRO

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Fires can be extremely disruptive for business owners, their tenants and even their customers. For this reason, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer 24 hour emergency response, and under normal circumstances, will have trained, uniformed technicians on site of a fire damage within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services. By responding quickly with a full line of fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration services, your local SERVPRO Franchise Professional can help get your facility back into operation quickly, saving you time, money and stress.

So before you risk doing more damage to your most valuable business assets by attempting to clean it up yourself, call your local fire, smoke and soot cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO of El Cajon 619-447-776

               Orders Removed 

Following a fire, all of your restorable items will be professionally cleaned and deodorized to preloss condition, including:  furniture, draperies and upholstery, electronics, art, flooring. walls, ceiling. HVAC, and so much more. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals seek out seek out the sources of order and remove them. 

shut off valves

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Do You Know Where your Shut-off Values are? Well you Should?

All homes are equipped with gas and water emergency shut-off valves. They are an important part of your home’s mechanical system, and it’s vital that you know where they are located before an emergency occurs.

How to Locate Your Home’s Shut-Off Valves

Shut-off valves are often hidden from view, and they vary in location, shape, and number based on the age of your home, your community’s local codes, and more.

• Gas Valve: If your home has natural gas, the main shut off valve is located just before the gas meter. Also called a street-side valve, it’s typically rectangular in shape. Gas companies would prefer that you not touch this valve but, rather, use the house-side main shut-off valve located after the meter. If you live in a newer home with a high-pressure gas system, you’ll see a flexible copper pipe that runs from the meter to another location in your house. In this case, your shut-off valve is most likely next to your furnace or water heater.
• Water Valve: Just about all water meters have one main shut-off valve that cuts off all water to the main house. Water meters can be in the basement, crawl space, or near the furnace or water heater. For much older homes without a meter, the shut-off valve will be located on the main water supply pipe that comes into your home.

We offer these free to all our customers call us today to pick up your tag. 619-447-7776

Precautions to take During a Storm

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

With the recent thunderstorms and heavy winds in our area, it is important to be alert and take care during such conditions, both indoors and outdoors.

Here are a few precaution tips one can take when a heavy thunderstorm occurs: 

• If you’re planning an outdoors trip, postpone the trip or any activities that include being outdoors to a more suitable time.
• Avoid driving during stormy conditions. Roads will be slippery and wet during bad weather conditions
• Always try to go indoors when there is a heavy thunderstorm
• If you cannot find suitable shelter, get in a car with a metal roof and sides. Make sure all windows are rolled up and doors are closed.
• Keep away from concrete floors or walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
• Avoid water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.
• Switch off all electronic equipment. This includes television sets, kitchen appliances, radios, etc. Lightning can travel through electrical systems.
• Bring your pets indoors. Doghouses and other pet shelters are not suitable protection against lightning strikes
• Stay away from isolated objects such as trees and light posts.
• If you are fishing or swimming, get out of the water immediately, and move away from the body of water. Being near water is extremely dangerous during a lightning storm.

If you have any questions or need any advise, or just inspection.  Please give us a call. SERVPRO of El Cajon a call at 619-447-7776.

Thank you

Drying out an Attic

5/13/2022 (Permalink)

The owner helping out

This home suffered from a water damage, which was due from a pipe leak coming from the air conditioner.  As a result it led to damages to the flooring in the kitchen and dining room area. This home owner wanted to save as much carpeting as possible to restore it if it was possible at all. SERVPRO of El Cajon was to do this successfully thank to Chuck our owner of SERVPRO. The team were able to savage the carpet by removing the pad and pacing the fans underneath  to dry out.

SERVPRO of El Cajon came in and took action "Like it never even happened." The attic, kitchen and dining room area never looked this good. Customers were proud and happy with our services. 

Should you have a water loss, contact SERVPRO of El Cajon at (619) 447-7776.  We are open 24/7 and would love to help you through this experience.

SERVPRO Tips

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

Safety tips with dealing with a flooded home

If you’ve never dealt with a flooded home before, the cleanup process can be a scary prospect. However, before even thinking about restoring your flooded home, it’s vital that you take the following safety precautions

1. Don’t go back until it is safe. Wait for a broadcast saying it is safe to return to your area. When returning home, make sure to pay close attention to all caution and do not enter signs – they mean what they say. Entering a flooded area is dangerous even after the flood has passed.
2. Notify your emergency contact. Make sure to contact a close friend or family member and let him or her know you are okay. It doesn’t hurt to let them know that you are returning to your home to assess damages, too. This should be a top priority on your flood safety checklist.
3. Watch for wildlife. After a flood, wild animals will likely be dislocated – some may even enter your home. Make sure to check your surroundings, and beware of poisonous snakes or other critters in your area.
4. Prepare for a collapsed floor or roof. When entering your home for the first time after a flood, be sure to use caution. A section of the roof might have collapsed, or could be close to collapsing. Similarly, the floor will be wet and weak, putting it at a high risk for giving out beneath you. Don’t let young children venture into your home before you have thoroughly checked all rooms.
5. Be aware of gas leaks or electrical damage. Leaking gas can lead to explosions, and exposed electrical can mean shock if you touch standing water. Flood safety means staying clear of your home if you smell gas or see damaged electrical wires.
6. Dispose of chemicals properly. Once inside your home, make sure to dispose of household chemicals and cleaners properly. Don’t dump them into the street, since this will contaminate the water and prove dangerous for your home and those of your neighbors.
7. Protect your body. According to the Red Cross, proper flood safety measures involve wearing protective gear during cleanup. You should wear gloves, a face mask, long sleeves, and heavy footwear when handling objects that have seen flood damage.
8. Throw out contaminated foods. Even canned goods that have been immersed in water are no longer safe for consumption. You must throw out all water damaged food items in order to protect your family from food poisoning or exposure to toxic chemicals that were transferred by the flood water.
9. Check your water supply. Your water supply could be contaminated as a result of a flood. In order to adhere to flood safety measures, call your local health department for more information.
10. Take pictures. Document all damages you come across in your home so you have an accurate estimate of your losses.
11. Call your insurance company. Share with your flood insurance company all photos and documentation related to your flood damages.
12. Find out if you can get financial assistance. If your location has been declared a disaster area by the government, you will likely have access to public aid and financial assistance when it comes to repairing your home.
13. Get the water out. If your home saw flood damage to only a small portion of a room, you can likely remove the water yourself with a wet vac. More serious amounts of water require a sump pump, and you should leave the job of removing large quantities of water up to a professional. Just be sure to remove all standing water, or to call a company that can do it for you. Standing water can quickly become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other dangerous pests.
14. Prevent or remove mold. Mold happens fast, within the first 24 to 48 hours. If an item has been wet for less than this time frame, it can be salvaged. However, it’s hard to dry out larger items like couches and mattresses. It is likely that these will need to be gotten rid of. Take pictures of all water damaged items before discarding so you have a record for insurance purposes.
15. Seal off the damage. If you have broken windows or collapsed sections of roof, it’s your job to seal off those areas of your home to prevent further damage. Plywood and tarps are good temporary solutions in times of crisis.

When fire or water damage take control of your life, we help to take it back.

8/3/2021 (Permalink)

we will walk with you, step-by-step, with your insurance company and literally leaving your property “Like it never even happened."

No disaster is small when it's your property.

When fire or water take control of your life, nobody helps you take it back like SERVPRO Professionals. You have access to a 24 hour response team highly trained in caring for both structure and contents. Because even it is just a small fore or it does not look like much water the clean up can be way over your head. Don't risk cleaning it up your self, as improper handling can lead to more serious problem later.

Service Response Guidelines

1  Within one hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Professional will contact you to arrange for service.

4  Within four hours of loss, a SERVPRO Professional will be on site to start mitigation services (if necessary).

8  With eight business hours, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to the appropriate person be a SERVPRO Professional.

When fire or water take control of your life, we help you take it back. "Like it never even happened."