Have A Large Loss?

11/10/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Danville has the capability to provide water mitigation, mold restoration and fire restoration for your commercial building quickly and efficiently? Our SERVPRO franchise has approximately 20 employees that will mobilize quickly when you need our services.

Should your commercial building experience a large loss, we can quickly activate more SERVPRO trained teammates from other SERVPRO franchises to help us get your building back in order so that you don’t lose revenue. SERVPRO has mobilization teams that travel across the country as needed to support recovery after large storm or disaster events. These teams are familiar with handling the work that goes into a large loss project and are trained to work as efficiently as possible. In the 24 years our franchise has been in business we have brought the mobilization teams in to help a handful of times. Each time, we have had successful outcomes.

Timely mitigation is the key to controlling damage, downtime and recovery costs. Our crews are available 24/7, 365 days a year. We are dedicated to providing detailed and consistent communication to make our customers aware of job status and progress toward completion.

If you’re dealing with a large commercial loss call us today at (925) 856-8180. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SERVPRO Assistance During Flood Damage

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

Still recovering portions of your small office building from the torrential rainstorms that struck our area last October? We took a pounding from the weather, but the repairs do not need to be an overly time-consuming endeavor. You just need to find someone who cares. 
 
There are many quality services available to assist with the restoration of your building suffering from commercial flood damage in Danville. However, our staff takes the relationships with customers beyond providing excellent services. We live and work in the same community; we may know each other on a personal level, our children may go to the same schools, support the same local sports teams and beyond. 
 
Calling your local SERVPRO is like calling a neighbor for help. Our staff assesses the situation by asking a series of pertinent questions to determine the proper amount of equipment and personnel necessary for the job. Next, we set an appointment that fits your schedule to have our technicians begin your restoration. 
 
Once SERVPRO technicians arrive, an onsite manager will walk you through an initial inspection, discuss the options that are available to restore your business and give you an approximate time frame for completion. They will also answer any questions that pop up throughout the restoration process and address any concerns you may have. 
 
With a plan in place, the repairs on your business begin by extracting any standing water and eliminating moisture hidden in hard to reach areas. SERVPRO’S certified technicians receive training in effective drying techniques, cleaning and deodorization methods, as well as the quality performance of quick, efficient repairs to return your property to a quality pre-flood damage condition. 
 
We look forward to building a solid, stable history with our clients that keep them coming back to us, should they ever need future repairs to get their businesses back on track after a natural disaster, fire, mold, or vandalism incident strikes. You can count on us to perform the services you need and get things back to normal as fast as possible. 
 
Contact SERVPRO of Danville to receive the quality services your business deserves. (925) 856-8180.

Choosing SERVPRO 24/7 Emergency

11/8/2022 (Permalink)

4-Hour Emergency Response

Rapid response is crucial to controlling damage, downtime, and recovery costs.

You’re informed from start to finish

Communication helps keep everyone informed and puts nerves at ease during more stressful times.  You will be aware of the job status and progress along the way to completion.

Shorter Recovery Time

We understand anytime your business’ doors are closed, there is a negative impact on everyone. We arrive to the site as quickly as possible and begin mitigation. This allows cleanup and restoration to happen in an efficient time which will have your doors open as soon as possible.

Saves You Money

When our team is able to properly restore items to preloss conditions not only saves you money on replacing those items, it also salvages treasured belonging.

Protection Against Fires In The Workplace

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

Fire prevention in the workplace is a serious matter, and not just because your livelihood is on the line. A fire can put your business at risk, but it can also do the same for the lives of you and your coworkers. Luckily, there are some basic steps you can take to ensure workplace fire safety for everyone who helps keep your business running. Check out the following seven expert tips to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your business and coworkers safe.

1. Create a fire prevention plan. Take the time to create a plan for workplace fire safety. Create guidelines for employees, make a calendar with inspection dates and important maintenance, and share it with everyone at your business.
2. Set a smoke policy. Smoking but it also introduces potential fire hazards. Consider the following as you create a safety-minded workplace smoking policy:
   • Designate smoking and non-smoking areas.
   • Have ashtrays available and make sure people use them.
   • Keep ashtrays clean of other material and away from flammable items.
   • Clean all ashtrays regularly.
3. Place and check fire extinguishers. Like sprinklers, fire extinguishers can sometimes prevent a minor fire from turning into a major disaster. Buy enough fire extinguishers as appropriate for the size of your building, and make sure they’ll be accessible when it matters. That means no junk or equipment making them hard to reach. Putting them under cabinets or on high shelves won’t do much good when a room is full of smoke, either.
4. Check for hazards. Make time on a regular basis to inspect equipment, areas where chemicals are stored and other identified high-risk areas. Perform maintenance on electrical equipment as soon as problems are spotted. Fires are often preventable, and the last thing you want is for your business to be destroyed by a fire that could have been averted through proactive maintenance.

Commercial Carpet Cleaning Services

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

What message are your business’ carpets sending to your employees and those who come into your workplace?

The importance of commercial carpet cleaning is often underestimated. Dirty carpets can have a bigger impact on companies and their employees than most people realize.

A successful business must consider not only the appearance of their building, but how dirty carpeting can affect the health of employees. Also it’s worth mentioning; a dirty office with soiled carpets creates an uncomfortable work area and can kill motivation. If you own or manage a business that has customers or clients that enter your work space, it is crucial to make a good impression. What are your carpets saying about you?

You might not even realize how services like commercial carpet cleaning can benefit your business. Here are seven advantages of the service.

Gain Customers and Keep Them Coming

Let’s face it, appearances matter when it comes to attracting and keeping customers. Your products or services may be amazing, but as long as your business looks dirty, grungy, and unkempt it will deter customers. After all, you don’t take care of your business then its likely customers will get the impression your services or products are second-rate.

Higher Quality Cleaning by Professionals

Some companies attempt to make their employees do the carpet cleaning. You take the risk in damaging or tearing carpets if the process isn’t done properly. Every style of carpet requires specific chemicals and water temperature that only professional carpet cleaners have access to and are trained on how to use.  Having a professional clean the carpets typically entails a more thorough cleaning process then someone who has no training and will end up having a more lasting effect.

The SERVPRO of Danville team specializes in cleaning – and one thing our team likes to clean is carpets for your commercial business! A dirty carpet isn’t something any business wants to have. It looks unprofessional and unkempt. Luckily, our SERVPRO of Danville team is here to help.

What Is A Water Timeline?

11/7/2022 (Permalink)

We all get very busy with our day to day schedules and water damage can really put a wrench in your plans. As inconvenient and time consuming as it may be, leaving water damage for even 1 day can make things significantly worse.

Within minutes water will spread throughout your property soaking into drywall, upholstery and other belongings. 

Within the first 24 hours drywall will spread and break, metal surfaces begin to tarnish and a musty odor becomes present.

Within 48 hours to a week mold and mildew grow and spread, paint blisters, wood flooring swells and doors and windows swell and warp.

After 1 week of being untreated, the time and money needed for restoration significantly increase and the home or business may no longer be structurally sound.

If you travel south for the winter have a friend or family member check on your home every few days and if your business has a basement be sure to check it regularly.  

If you're dealing with water loss, SERVPRO of Danville is here to help! Call us at SERVPRO of Danville at (925) 856-8180. 

Create That Storm Check List

11/4/2022 (Permalink)

During storm season with heavy rains and thunderstorms it’s incredibly important to be prepared. Here are a few items that are good to have in your home in case of a storm:

• Battery operated radio
• First aid kit
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Cash and important documents (such as insurance policies, IDs, bank information)
• Nonperishable food for several days
• Water for several days
• Extra clothing and shoes
• Pocket knife with tools attached
• Sanitation wipes and hygiene products.
• Manual can opener
• Matches in a waterproof container

If you experience any damage to your home from a storm, call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Precautions To Take During An Earthquake

11/4/2022 (Permalink)

Earthquake is the shaking of the Earth’s surface resulting from the sudden release of energy in the lithosphere that creates seismic waves. It  range in size from  weak that they cannot be felt to those violent enough to toss people around and destroy whole cities. When the epicenter of a large earthquake is located offshore, the seabed may be displaced and cause tsunami. Earthquakes can also trigger landslides, and volcanic activity.

Things to Do Before an Earthquake

1. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.
2. Learn first aid.
3. Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
4. Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.
5. Don't leave heavy objects on shelves (they'll fall during a quake).
6. Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.
7. Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.

Things to Do During an Earthquake

1. Stay calm! If you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.
2. If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors.
3. If you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you).
4. Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix.
5. If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.
6. Don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway).

Things to Do After an Earthquake

1. Check yourself and others for injuries.
2. Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. Turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.
3. Stay out of damaged buildings.
4. Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet.
5. Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
6. Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
7. Stay away from damaged areas.
8. If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge.
9. Expect aftershocks.

It is important to think about what you will do to protect yourself, wherever you are, when the earth begins to shake.

Fire Sprinklers For Commercial Buildings

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

No business, wants to deal with the destruction caused by fire. One of the best ways to minimize potential damage and associated expenses is to maintain a commercial fire sprinkler system. A sprinkler system is a highly effective fire suppression strategy that can prevent many significant losses.

They’re Activated by Heat, Not Smoke

A sprinkler system is not activated by smoke. The heat generated by a fire rises to the ceiling, where the sprinklers heads are located. Sensors recognize the change in temperature and trigger the release of water. Only sprinklers in the area of the fire will be activated. It is possible that only a single sprinkler head will deploy. 

They Use High-Pressure Water

The pipes that feed the fire sprinkler system are filled with pressurized water at all times. There will be no delay between the activation of the system and the release of water. The volume of water from even a single sprinkler can help contain a fire, which reduces fire and water damage to the rest of the structure. By the time the fire department arrives, the fire will likely not have spread further. It may even be extinguished by the sprinkler system.

They Can Minimize Cleanup After a Fire

Minimal fire sprinkler cleanup is another key advantage of a sprinkler system. While there will still be fire and water damage, it is likely to be much less extensive than what you’d find in a building without a sprinkler system. The first damage should be limited to the area where sprinklers activated. The water damage from sprinklers is far less intrusive than water damage cause by fire hoses.

Any fire will cause structural and water damage. The primary benefit of a fire sprinkler system is that inevitable damage will be kept to a minimum, resulting in saved dollars and saved lives.

Professional Carpet Cleaning Services For The Business

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

What message are your business’ carpets sending to your employees and those who come into your workplace?

The importance of commercial carpet cleaning is often underestimated. Dirty carpets can have a bigger impact on companies and their employees than most people realize.

A successful business must consider not only the appearance of their building, but how dirty carpeting can affect the health of employees. Also it’s worth mentioning; a dirty office with soiled carpets creates an uncomfortable work area and can kill motivation. If you own or manage a business that has customers or clients that enter your work space, it is crucial to make a good impression. What are your carpets saying about you?

You might not even realize how services like commercial carpet cleaning can benefit your business. Here are seven advantages of the service.

Gain Customers and Keep Them Coming

Let’s face it, appearances matter when it comes to attracting and keeping customers. Your products or services may be amazing, but as long as your business looks dirty, grungy, and unkempt it will deter customers. After all, you don’t take care of your business then its likely customers will get the impression your services or products are second-rate.

Higher Quality Cleaning by Professionals

Some companies attempt to make their employees do the carpet cleaning. You take the risk in damaging or tearing carpets if the process isn’t done properly. Every style of carpet requires specific chemicals and water temperature that only professional carpet cleaners have access to and are trained on how to use.  Having a professional clean the carpets typically entails a more thorough cleaning process then someone who has no training and will end up having a more lasting effect.

The SERVPRO of Danville team specializes in cleaning – and one thing our team likes to clean is carpets for your commercial business! A dirty carpet isn’t something any business wants to have. It looks unprofessional and unkempt. Luckily, our SERVPRO of Danville team is here to help.

Keeping The Bathroom Mold Free

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

A nice warm shower or bath can be a great way to end the day or re-energize in the morning. You aren’t alone in being drawn to the comforts a bathroom can provide. Lingering dampness after bathing and potential water damage create welcoming environments for mold growth.

While sometimes obvious, mold damage can also be sneaky. Hidden water damage may likely be the culprit if you notice the distinct musty odor without the visual cues. When finding the source, check the following areas:

• Inspect toilets, sinks and pipes for signs of a leak or mold.
• Check caulking around tubs and showers.
• Remove ventilation fan cover to look for signs of growth.
• Inspect walls, grout, wallpaper, drywall, rugs, and other porous materials for dampness.

The pesky fungus may be annoying, but luckily mold prevention is easy. Incorporating a few daily habits and regularly checking for damage can keep it at bay. Some tips include:

• After bathing, squeegee walls to eliminate lingering water.
• Always use the ventilation fan when bathing and keep it running for 30 minutes afterward.
• Mold loves humidity. Try to keep levels below 50% in the home via a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
• Keep bathrooms clean. Washing the rugs and towels and cleaning toilets, sinks and showers can eliminate conditions that mold and mildew love.

Water Damage Around The Toliets

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

Common toilet problems and plumbing issues can lead to water damage. Plumbing problems can be prevented by regular plumbing maintenance. Taking care of a toilet repair as soon as toilet plumbing problems occurs is the best way to prevent toilet-related water damage. Follow the IBHS recommendations below to avoid costly water damage repair and water damage restoration.

Water damage in your bathroom can drain your wallet, which is why IBHS urges property owners to complete preventive maintenance before trouble strikes. IBHS conducted a study of closed water damage insurance claims and used that information to identify the leading causes of water damage and develop solutions.

Toilet Failure

• The study found that toilet failures cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid.
• One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, lift off the tank cover and lift the float to shut off water flow to the tank, and then turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line. Make sure that you can turn off the supply. If you have older screw type valves that are hard to turn or start leaking, consider replacing them with simpler ball valves that are easy to shut off quickly.

Tip: It is a good idea to look over your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with any exclusion to your water damage coverage. For instance, most policies cover sudden damage, like water damage from a really bad storm or from an overflowing washing machine. On the other hand, any water damage that happens because you didn’t maintain the property may be excluded, as well as gradual leaks that caused water damage over time.

Invisible Enemy Smoke

11/2/2022 (Permalink)

No property owner wants to experience a commercial building fire. The fire can be devastating, not only because of the damage the fire does but from the odor and discoloration the smoke leaves behind. Furthermore, while the building is closed, you can lose a great deal of money. However, before you hire a professional service in Danville, CA, to begin smoke cleaning, it can be important to understand exactly how the smoke damage can impact your building, your clients, and you.

Invisible Assailants

Although smoke can often be seen during a fire, the damage causing the lingering smoke odor can often be a result of components that are not always visible. These can include:

• Invisible and toxic gasses can contaminate the air. These gases can include carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and phosgene. The gases can be a highly foul-smelling contribution to the smoke.
• Particles of carbon called soot can cover the floors and walls. The fragments can float long distances from the fire and be deposited in unusual areas such as the cracks of bricks or under the heads of nails.
• Vapors of poisonous smoke can look like mist. The gaseous droplets can be poisonous and can cover items in your building with contaminates.

Cover Particles

Signs of smoke are often evident after a fire. Black stains covering the walls and ceiling of some rooms, soot covered floors, and an unpalatable odor are often visible signs of pollution left behind by the fire. But the acrid smell that lingers for weeks after a fire is often caused by a cloud of invisible particles left over from the flames. That is why smoke cleaning can be a tedious and unpleasant job.

Timely Restoration

Removing the smoke damage that can be seen may be easily done by a fire restoration and smoke cleaning team. On the other hand, removing the often acrid and unpleasant odor left behind can be difficult even when using scientific means. Sadly, the longer the odor lingers, the more difficult it can become to remove it completely.

If you’re dealing with smoke, soot, or fire damage call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180.

Protect The Business From The Storm

10/31/2022 (Permalink)

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes might seem like the most dangerous natural hazards you could ever face, but floods and droughts cause more fatalities to Americans over time.  SERVPRO warns that whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river, or even in the desert, there is always great potential for flood damage from a storm.  A natural disaster is characterized by a great deal of damage and/or loss of life. The most destructive natural disaster in economic terms in the United States was a storm on August 29, 2005.  Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the Gulf Coast early Monday morning August 29th, 2005 as a large category four hurricane.  Sustained winds were around 145 MPH in Southeast Louisiana.  Katrina continued northward, affecting areas from near New Orleans, Louisiana to near Mobile, Alabama. 

Flood damage can affect your business in a variety of ways and can range in size from being isolated to a single room to entire floors being fully submerged.  Knowing how to prepare and deal with potential flooding in advance can affect how much of your property can be restored and how much has to be replaced.  Remember, Faster to Any Size Disaster is not merely a slogan. It is a reality.  It is an honest description of SERVPRO ability to receive a call and respond to a client in need, regardless of property size or type.  Learn how to be prepared BEFORE a storm affects your business and your life.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster.  Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile 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 storm and flood damage can affect your business.

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference for what to do, how to do it, and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

The Crazy Truth About Laundry

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

Most of us pride ourselves on being incredibly talented multi-taskers, going through life, and getting stuff done. That’s great and all, but there comes a time where it’s actually dangerous to multi-task. For instance, laundry is not something you want to do while you’re away from home because two major disasters can happen the minute you leave your home.

Water Loss Potential

The first one being a water loss when your washing machine’s water line breaks or starts leaking. Another possibility is the hose hooked up to your washer can actually become detached due to the shaking and shifting of the machine. Wouldn’t that be a fun surprise to come home and see your entire laundry room floor is covered in water? Actually, no. It’s not fun. We would know.

Fire Loss Potential

The second major disaster that is likely to occur is a fire sparking from the clogged lint in your dryer vent. With fires being so unpredictable, we strongly advise you do not hit the start button before you run some errands in town. An extra precaution we advise is cleaning out your lint trap before and after each use, and on a yearly basis, clean out the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.

Lesson Learned

We know it’s tempting to get two things done at once, but this is one task that needs more of your attention and presence.

Critical Response Is Important

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Danville is on call 24/7/365 and is ready to respond to your water loss. We understand that it is very critical that you get back to focusing your attention on getting your home back to preloss condition as soon as possible. Our staff is trained to respond quickly and to assume responsibility for as much of the restoration activity as possible. No matter the size of your home we understand it is important to you to have your home back to its normal condition. We are proud to say we are faster to any size disaster.

SERVPRO takes pride in it’s highly motivated, trained, and professional staff. We employ the latest technology in restoration equipment to assure you receive state of the art services.

If you require service, SERVPRO is always here to help. Call us here at SERVPRO of Danville at (925) 856-8180.

Timeline For Water Damage

10/26/2022 (Permalink)

We all get very busy with our day to day schedules and water damage can really put a wrench in your plans. As inconvenient and time consuming as it may be, leaving water damage for even 1 day can make things significantly worse.

Within minutes water will spread throughout your property soaking into drywall, upholstery and other belongings. 

Within the first 24 hours drywall will spread and break, metal surfaces begin to tarnish and a musty odor becomes present.

Within 48 hours to a week mold and mildew grow and spread, paint blisters, wood flooring swells and doors and windows swell and warp.

After 1 week of being untreated, the time and money needed for restoration significantly increase and the home or business may no longer be structurally sound.

If you travel south for the winter have a friend or family member check on your home every few days and if your business has a basement be sure to check it regularly.  

If you're dealing with water loss, SERVPRO of Danville is here to help! Call us at SERVPRO of Danville at (925) 856-8180. 

Maintenance List For Fall

10/26/2022 (Permalink)

1. INSPECT THE ROOF, SOFFITS AND FASCIA BOARDS.

Using binoculars is a safe alternative to climbing a ladder. Check for damage to shingles, nail pops and wood rot.

2. CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS!

improperly channeled water can compromise the structural integrity of your property, including the foundation and sheet rock inside. Water damage can quickly lead to mold growth, which is a hazard health.

3. CLEAN UP THE YARD

Prune bushes, trim the trees and climbing plants. Thinning dead or overgrown tree branches can prevent catastrophic roof damage in the event of a storm. Don't let weeds, ivy or other plants' roots exploit your foundation or siding. Remove debris from your yard; properties with well-kept lawns are less inviting to thieves and vandals.

4. REPAIR CRACKED, BROKEN OR UNEVEN DRIVEWAYS, WALKWAYS AND STAIRS

The expansion and contraction caused by freezing and thawing can lead to significant damage to exterior walkways. If kept unchecked, these hazards can cause slips and falls.

5. PREVENT BUGS AND RODENTS FROM ENTERING YOUR PROPERTY

Seal or caulk cracks, gaps or holes near baseboards, windows and doors. Cable, plumbing and electric service entry points should also have a tight seal. Any hole the size of a dime or larger may allow rodents to squeeze through.

6. WINTERIZE ALL WATER SYSTEMS

Drain, disconnect and store garden hoses. Install a faucet cover to help prevent outdoor faucets from freezing. Drain your sprinkler system and swimming pool pump. Turn off the water and fully drain the plumbing systems on any vacant properties!

7. INSPECT YOUR SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS; ONE SHOULD BE INSTALLED ON EACH FLOOR Test alarms monthly. Change the batteries twice a year or more frequently as needed.
8. MAKE SURE YOUR MULTIPURPOSE FIRE EXTINGUISHER IS FULL AND PROPERLY PRESSURIZED

Store the extinguisher in an accessible location and follow the manufacturer's instructions for routine maintenance.

9. GIVE YOUR FURNACE A TUNE UP

HVAC systems should be checked at least twice a year-before winter or summer arrive. Have the ducts professionally cleaned to prevent fires resulting from dust buildup. Change furnace filters on a monthly basis.

10. HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED AND INSPECTED

A $300 inspection will cost much less than an insurance deductible in the event of a fire. A professional can repair any cracks, remove soot and other buildup, and make sure the flu and gas lines are in good condition.  

Zero Tolerance For Mold In The Bathroom

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

A nice warm shower or bath can be a great way to end the day or re-energize in the morning. You aren’t alone in being drawn to the comforts a bathroom can provide. Lingering dampness after bathing and potential water damage create welcoming environments for mold growth.

While sometimes obvious, mold damage can also be sneaky. Hidden water damage may likely be the culprit if you notice the distinct musty odor without the visual cues. When finding the source, check the following areas:

• Inspect toilets, sinks and pipes for signs of a leak or mold.
• Check caulking around tubs and showers.
• Remove ventilation fan cover to look for signs of growth.
• Inspect walls, grout, wallpaper, drywall, rugs, and other porous materials for dampness.

The pesky fungus may be annoying, but luckily mold prevention is easy. Incorporating a few daily habits and regularly checking for damage can keep it at bay. Some tips include:

• After bathing, squeegee walls to eliminate lingering water.
• Always use the ventilation fan when bathing and keep it running for 30 minutes afterward.
• Mold loves humidity. Try to keep levels below 50% in the home via a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
• Keep bathrooms clean. Washing the rugs and towels and cleaning toilets, sinks and showers can eliminate conditions that mold and mildew love.

Mold remediation professionals can quickly fix your mold problem and get your home back to its preloss condition. SERVPRO of Danville is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 925-856-8180.

Smoke The Invisible Enemy

10/18/2022 (Permalink)

No property owner wants to experience a commercial building fire. The fire can be devastating, not only because of the damage the fire does but from the odor and discoloration the smoke leaves behind. Furthermore, while the building is closed, you can lose a great deal of money. However, before you hire a professional service in Danville, CA, to begin smoke cleaning, it can be important to understand exactly how the smoke damage can impact your building, your clients, and you.

Invisible Assailants

Although smoke can often be seen during a fire, the damage causing the lingering smoke odor can often be a result of components that are not always visible. These can include:

• Invisible and toxic gasses can contaminate the air. These gases can include carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and phosgene. The gases can be a highly foul-smelling contribution to the smoke.
• Particles of carbon called soot can cover the floors and walls. The fragments can float long distances from the fire and be deposited in unusual areas such as the cracks of bricks or under the heads of nails.
• Vapors of poisonous smoke can look like mist. The gaseous droplets can be poisonous and can cover items in your building with contaminates.

Cover Particles

Signs of smoke are often evident after a fire. Black stains covering the walls and ceiling of some rooms, soot covered floors, and an unpalatable odor are often visible signs of pollution left behind by the fire. But the acrid smell that lingers for weeks after a fire is often caused by a cloud of invisible particles left over from the flames. That is why smoke cleaning can be a tedious and unpleasant job.

Timely Restoration

Removing the smoke damage that can be seen may be easily done by a fire restoration and smoke cleaning team. On the other hand, removing the often acrid and unpleasant odor left behind can be difficult even when using scientific means. Sadly, the longer the odor lingers, the more difficult it can become to remove it completely.

If you’re dealing with smoke, soot, or fire damage call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180.

New Home Improvement Ways

8/31/2022 (Permalink)

There’s a YouTube tutorial or how-to article for pretty much any and every do-it-yourself home improvement project you could possibly want to take on. But just because you can DIY something doesn’t mean you should. In some cases, your time, money and safety may be worth more than what you’d pay a professional to do the same job.

Pros could do it for less

Calculate how much your time is worth per hour (or how much you think it’s worth) and how long the project will take, add the cost of materials and tools, and compare the total to how much a professional would charge for the same job. Of course, this approach breaks down if you’re doing home projects entirely on personal time that doesn’t have the same value as your professional time—or if sticking to a budget is your top priority.

Pros could do it faster

If time is money, or if you have limited hours to complete a DIY project, it may be worth paying a professional, who can almost certainly do it faster.

Pros could do it more safely

Some projects aren’t so easily tackled via a YouTube education or without training or hands-on experience. You probably want to avoid DIY when it comes to:

• Electrical work (beyond changing a switch or replacing a light fixture)
• Anything with tension springs (garage doors, for example)
• Gas plumbing
• Roofing

If there’s a chance that you’ll electrocute yourself, crush yourself, fall off a ladder, or burn down your house, consider hiring someone else for the job.

Creating Fire Safety Awareness

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

1. Test Your Alarms

Though your smoke alarms should inform you when they’re low on batteries, it doesn’t hurt to check them periodically. Test them once a month, and to err on the side of caution, replace their batteries at least once a year.

2. Plan an Evacuation Route

This should be at the top of your fire preparation list. Identify all possible exits for each room in the home and make sure that each family member is aware of where those exits are. Designate a family meeting spot outside.

3. Teach Your Children

If you have young children, show them what the fire alarm sounds like and advise them on what to do if they hear one. Inform them of evacuation routes as well.

4. Plan a Way to Communicate

Put together an emergency contact list and make sure that all family members know who to contact if they cannot find one another. Have your young children memorize important phone numbers, beginning with 911.

5. Practice

The best way to ensure that all family members know what to do in the event of an emergency is to practice. Host a fire drill every couple of months and devise different scenarios. In doing so, you can increase the odds that everyone knows what to do and how to escape in a real life emergency.

SERVPRO of Danville is here to help with any fire damage you may be dealing with! We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 925-856-8180.

What Is A Fire Summer? How Can You Prevent It

8/30/2022 (Permalink)

Each summer, families and friends across the country enjoy the summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooling off in a pool or lake. In order to enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety top of mind to ensure you have fun in the sun.

According to the United States Fire administration, just under 8,600 Americans are injured by fireworks and almost 5,000 are injured by charcoal/wood burning and propane grill fires, annually. A barbecue grill should always be supervised when in use. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the grilling area to prevent accidental burns or tipping off the grill.

If you enjoy lounging by the pool or going for a boat ride to cool off from the summer sun, make sure you exercise caution, especially when children are present. Only swim in approved areas and supervise children at all times when near the water.

Summertime should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors. The following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), will help keep you safe all summer long.

• When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluid designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
• When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (personal floatation device) when boating, jet-skiing, tubing or water-skiing. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings or inner tubes, are not substitutes for approved PFDs. An adult should always supervise children using these devices.
• Be sure to extinguish all smoking materials and shut down motors and heating devices before fueling a boat. In case of a spill, wipe up fuel and check for fuel leakage and odors.
• When camping, always use a flame retardant tent and setup camp far away from the campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent, not liquid-filled heaters or lanterns.
• Always build a campfire down wind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your campfire. Always extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish, cover with dirt or pour water over the fire.
• Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
• Consider leaving firework use to trained professionals. Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.

Steps To Handle Water Damage

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Unexpected things happen and we've all experienced something unexpected sometime or another. In the same vein, water damage happens. It's not a matter of If, but When. We all need to be prepared when it does strike. Follow these 4 steps and lessen the damage of water.  

Cut Off the Source:

Take for example a toilet overflowing. You come home to find water all over the bathroom. The first thing you may want to do is clean it up, but we'll get to that part later. Shut the water off to the toilet first. Now, no more water can cause damage. If the source isn't an appliance like a toilet, find the shut off valve to the house and turn that off.

Preserve Your Home: 

Now, if the extent of the water is small enough, you can proceed to clean up the water. Rags, mops, & buckets will be useful. You may need to move around furniture to prevent damage. Sewage water should be left alone to prevent further contamination to other parts of the home. 

Contact Remediation Company:

Water often causes unseen problems like Mold. To the naked eye we may have dried and cleaned everything. However, under the surface various materials can still be wet. Whether the extent of the water was minor or major, contact a Water Remediation Company. The situation can be assessed by professionals and tested with specialized technology.

Do Not Panic:

Lastly, don't panic. It may be hardest thing to do on this list, which is understandable. Panicking may cause us to make decisions we might regret. We don't want to remove any flooring or carpeting. When all seems lost, professional restoration experts can restore items such as flooring and carpet.  If walls are opened, possible exposure to lead and/or asbestos could result.

-

Water damage happens, don't be caught off guard when it does. Follow these 4 steps to help minimize the damage and help ease the restoration process. 

Tackling Smoke Invaders

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Invisible Assailants

Although smoke can often be seen during a fire, the damage causing the lingering smoke odor can often be a result of components that are not always visible. These can include:

• Invisible and toxic gasses can contaminate the air. These gases can include carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and phosgene. The gases can be a highly foul-smelling contribution to the smoke.
• Particles of carbon called soot can cover the floors and walls. The fragments can float long distances from the fire and be deposited in unusual areas such as the cracks of bricks or under the heads of nails.
• Vapors of poisonous smoke can look like mist. The gaseous droplets can be poisonous and can cover items in your building with contaminates.

Cover Particles

Signs of smoke are often evident after a fire. Black stains covering the walls and ceiling of some rooms, soot covered floors, and an unpalatable odor are often visible signs of pollution left behind by the fire. But the acrid smell that lingers for weeks after a fire is often caused by a cloud of invisible particles left over from the flames. That is why smoke cleaning can be a tedious and unpleasant job.

Timely Restoration

Removing the smoke damage that can be seen may be easily done by a fire restoration and smoke cleaning team. On the other hand, removing the often acrid and unpleasant odor left behind can be difficult even when using scientific means. Sadly, the longer the odor lingers, the more difficult it can become to remove it completely.

If you’re dealing with smoke, soot, or fire damage call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180.

COVID Cleaning For You

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

COVID-19 has hit multiple businesses in many different ways. Some are slowly beginning to re-open, while others have closed their doors for good. Here at SERVPRO of Danville, we are committed to getting your business as clean as possible. The first step to keeping you safe, is to keep our workers safe as well. Before we clean your infected or possibly infected area, we ensure that each of workers are wearing the following:

-Facial protection (at minimum a N-95 respirator)

-Nitrile gloves

-Protective eye wear

After we are properly equipped with the required gear, we move on to the next step, the cleaning process. When dealing with a virus like COVID-19, it is crucial to pay extra attention and be thorough with our procedures. 

Some materials cannot be cleaned with detergent and water without being damaged. Cleaning methods typically used on water sensitive materials such as vacuuming or dry sponging would not be capable of removing enough soil and residue to be effective. Carpets can be sanitized with SERVPROXIDE, and other porous materials like rugs, upholstered items, and draperies can be wet cleaned using a Hot Water Extraction and rinse method. 

ServpOXIDE is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against similar viruses like SARS-CoV-2. It is EPA-approved, and proper PPE use is of the utmost importance. 

All tools and supplies are properly cleaned and disinfected to ensure there is no potential contamination to other parts of the structure. 

We want your business to be back on its feet in no time, trust us with your cleaning precaution needs. Please call us at (925) 856-8180 to answer any of your COVID-19 cleaning related questions. 

When The Lights Go Out, What To Do?

7/19/2022 (Permalink)

When power lines are down, you need a way to continue your business without losing important information. A power outage doesn’t have to bring your business operations to a halt. Here are three ways you can continue working even if you are temporarily without your normal power or internet sources.

1. Seek Alternate Locations

One convenient thing about the internet is that you can access it from almost anywhere. If you know your business is going to be without power for a few hours, use some creative restructuring to get work done. Allow employees to work from home until power is restored in your building. Take a working lunch to a restaurant with a strong Wi-Fi signal. There are many places where you can work comfortable while technicians are repairing power lines and restoration experts are fixing anything wrong within the building.

2. Use Backup Power

If you are able to stay in the building to work, a backup power source can help you do so. A portable generator or battery backup can get you through a temporary power outage. Use an uninterrupted power supply to avoid losing data on an unsaved document during a sudden outage.

3. Follow Internet Tips

If you have a limited data plan on your phone, you can use Wi-Fi if available. If you have unlimited data on your phone plan, you can use your phone as a mobile hotspot by turning on the “mobile hotspot.” This can help you finish what you have started if you experience a momentary lapse of service in your building. If power is limited, make sure that you only using the essential services you need. You may be tempted to log on to check social media or play games while you are waiting on the power to come back, but this can drain your battery quickly. Conserve energy by only using what you need until you have full service again.

A power outage can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be devastating. Having a backup plan can save data and allow your business to continue functioning.

Business General Cleaning Services

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

What message are your business’ carpets sending to your employees and those who come into your workplace?

The importance of commercial carpet cleaning is often underestimated. Dirty carpets can have a bigger impact on companies and their employees than most people realize.

A successful business must consider not only the appearance of their building, but how dirty carpeting can affect the health of employees. Also it’s worth mentioning; a dirty office with soiled carpets creates an uncomfortable work area and can kill motivation. If you own or manage a business that has customers or clients that enter your work space, it is crucial to make a good impression. What are your carpets saying about you?

You might not even realize how services like commercial carpet cleaning can benefit your business. Here are seven advantages of the service.

Gain Customers and Keep Them Coming

Let’s face it, appearances matter when it comes to attracting and keeping customers. Your products or services may be amazing, but as long as your business looks dirty, grungy, and unkempt it will deter customers. After all, you don’t take care of your business then its likely customers will get the impression your services or products are second-rate.

Higher Quality Cleaning by Professionals

Some companies attempt to make their employees do the carpet cleaning. You take the risk in damaging or tearing carpets if the process isn’t done properly. Every style of carpet requires specific chemicals and water temperature that only professional carpet cleaners have access to and are trained on how to use.  Having a professional clean the carpets typically entails a more thorough cleaning process then someone who has no training and will end up having a more lasting effect.

The SERVPRO of Danville team specializes in cleaning – and one thing our team likes to clean is carpets for your commercial business! A dirty carpet isn’t something any business wants to have. It looks unprofessional and unkempt. Luckily, our SERVPRO of Danville team is here to help.

Avoiding Cigarette Smoke and Odor

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Though there are various reasons residential fires occur, cigarettes are one of the most common causes of home fires in Danville, CA.

Keep Ashtrays Outside

Properly extinguishing and disposing of cigarettes is often a helpful way to prevent a fire. Though many people keep ashtrays in their home, it can be wise to place your ashtray outside of your home if you want to decrease the chance of a fire occurring. If a cigarette isn’t properly extinguished, an ashtray fire can easily start in your home, especially if the ashtray is near flammable materials. Keeping an ashtray outside and away from flammable objects can be a useful way to keep your home safe.

Don’t Smoke When Sleepy

In order to reduce the likelihood of a cigarette fire in your home, it’s usually best not to smoke when you are tired. Many fires from cigarettes occur when a person is smoking on a sofa or bed and then they fall asleep. When asleep, it’s easy to drop a lit cigarette without noticing, and if the cigarette remains lit, mattresses, cushions, and other materials can quickly catch fire. Avoiding smoking when you’re tired is an easy way to decrease the chance of a home fire.

Smoke Outside

When a person smokes inside a home, a fire is often more like to occur. With so many flammable items in homes, setting a lit cigarette down momentarily can result in a fire. Homeowners whose homes have been damaged by fires may find it helpful to contact fire restoration experts. However, smoking outside of your house can help to prevent a home fire, eliminating the need for restoration and fire cleanup.

Instead of restoring your home after a fire, it’s generally easier and less time-consuming to take precautions to prevent a cigarette fire. Keeping ashtrays outside, not smoking when tired and only smoking outside are helpful ways to prevent a cigarette from causing a fire in your home.

Having A Strategy

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

Every SERVPRO franchise has a plan for success in their area.  They carry an internal Mission Statement, a Vision Statement and Core Values to set themselves apart from the competition.  That means there are 1700 Mission Statements, Vision Statements and Core Values that ebb and flow throughout the nation.  All with a common goal of adhering to our company slogan, “Like it never even happened."  And that, folks, is what sets us apart from the others!

I share below SERVPRO of Danville’s contributions that distinguishes us from the singularity. 

VISION STATEMENT

“To be a beacon in our community while providing disaster relief (big or small) services with efficiency and professionalism.”

MISSION STATEMENT

“To continue to provide a client experience with knowledgeable and professional restoration services for the Danville area.”

CORE VALUES

1. Be honest, respectful and caring to your team members
2. Make a good first impression by always being on time, showing leadership, and being accountable for your actions and the safety of others.
3. Creating a united work environment with communication, teamwork, and a positive mental attitude in order to succeed.

Always strive to learn new things about my job and industry, while keeping our customers informed

Inspect Roofs During The Rains

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your roof. Being exposed to all elements of weather can take a toll on your roof. What can you do if your roof is leaking? Inspecting it yourself can seem daunting, and hiring a roofer may be costly. Is there a simpler solution?

What to Do During a Storm:
If you catch a leak during a storm...

• Locate the Source of the Leak

If you don't have a leak detector, infrared camera, or infrared camera app, you can locate the source manually.

Leaks most commonly occur near roof protrusions such as chimneys, vents, plumbing, or anything protruding through your roofing material. Look closely for water staining. If it's currently raining you may be able to trace the drips.

• Prevent Further Damage

Once you've located the leak, take the necessary measures to prevent further damage. Use a bucket or pan to collect dripping water. If water is pooling in ceiling, a small puncture will relieve the pressure and allow the water to drain.

Use roofing materials such as traps, sandbags, or boards to cover the leak and prevent water from entering home.

Prevent Future Leaks to Your Roof:
1. Check the Attic

Common attic problems could be a direct culprit to your roof leaks. During your next roof inspection, don't forget to check the attic. Signs of Mold, Soaked insulation, Stains around Nails, or Clogged Intake Vents will be clear signs.

2. Inspect, Inspect, Inspect!

Gutters, Shingles, and Protruding Parts can all lead to leaks. Clogged gutters can cause a water back up under your shingles or other roofing materials. Shingles need to be properly secured, and missing/broken shingles need to be replaced. As we learned earlier, protruding parts are the main culprits of roof leaks. Make sure the seals are tight so water can't leak through.

No Mold In The Home

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

A nice warm shower or bath can be a great way to end the day or re-energize in the morning. You aren’t alone in being drawn to the comforts a bathroom can provide. Lingering dampness after bathing and potential water damage create welcoming environments for mold growth.

While sometimes obvious, mold damage can also be sneaky. Hidden water damage may likely be the culprit if you notice the distinct musty odor without the visual cues. When finding the source, check the following areas:

• Inspect toilets, sinks and pipes for signs of a leak or mold.
• Check caulking around tubs and showers.
• Remove ventilation fan cover to look for signs of growth.
• Inspect walls, grout, wallpaper, drywall, rugs, and other porous materials for dampness.

The pesky fungus may be annoying, but luckily mold prevention is easy. Incorporating a few daily habits and regularly checking for damage can keep it at bay. Some tips include:

• After bathing, squeegee walls to eliminate lingering water.
• Always use the ventilation fan when bathing and keep it running for 30 minutes afterward.
• Mold loves humidity. Try to keep levels below 50% in the home via a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
• Keep bathrooms clean. Washing the rugs and towels and cleaning toilets, sinks and showers can eliminate conditions that mold and mildew love.

Mold remediation professionals can quickly fix your mold problem and get your home back to its preloss condition. SERVPRO of Danville is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 925-856-8180.

The Cleaning Crew Is Here

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Make Fire Prevention

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

A fire can destroy your property and cause serious, irreversible damage. The flames move from one item to another, burning everything into ash. The heat created by the flames radiate, causing the surrounding items to crack, melt, and in some cases shatter. After the flames are put out, you have to deal with smoke damage.

If smoke damage is not addressed, it can devastate your home along with everything inside it. Smoke damage can even occur in rooms the fire never reached. For example, during wildfires, businesses and homes have been totally ruined just from the smoke while the building stayed untouched by the flames.

Even a small fire that is put out quickly may still cause smoke damage to the items inside. Also, smoke can impact your home’s structure. That is why cleaning up soot and smoke right away after a fire is so crucial. Smoke acts like an acid and can start to corrode many different materials if left too long.

If fire strikes a structure or home, or if you live near areas that are prone to wildfires, you must act fast to reduce the damage that occurs. Professional smoke damage restoration specialists can quickly assess the damage and create a customized mitigation plan to make sure your home is clear of all fire related damages.

What Can You Salvage?

The answer to this question depends on the extent of the damage and what something is made of. You also need to consider the cost of salvaging some items. You can work with a smoke damage specialist to figure out what items you should clean and which ones you should replace or discard.

How Will Smoke Impact Your Home?

Smoke affects materials in unique ways. Also, the type and temperature of the fire will result in different types of smoke damage through your home. One of the worst ways smoke can cause damage is if it gets into small crevices and cracks, since the particles are so small.

In fact, these issues often go undetected for a long time, leaving that lingering smell of smoke that may last for several months. The best way to remove the smell from your home is by removing or cleaning the affected items and to clean the building materials in the home with agents that are designed to remove the smell. Having this handled as quickly as possible will reduce the potential of cross-contamination.

How Quickly Do You Need to Act?

Time is something that is of the essence when you are talking about smoke damage. The sooner that you act, the more likely you will be to prevent serious damage. For example, there are some materials like porous items and synthetic fires that need intervention within hours of exposure to be saved.

Summer time prep against fires

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

Each summer, families and friends across the country enjoy the summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooling off in a pool or lake. In order to enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety top of mind to ensure you have fun in the sun.

According to the United States Fire administration, just under 8,600 Americans are injured by fireworks and almost 5,000 are injured by charcoal/wood burning and propane grill fires, annually. A barbecue grill should always be supervised when in use. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the grilling area to prevent accidental burns or tipping off the grill.

If you enjoy lounging by the pool or going for a boat ride to cool off from the summer sun, make sure you exercise caution, especially when children are present. Only swim in approved areas and supervise children at all times when near the water.

Summertime should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors. The following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), will help keep you safe all summer long.

• When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluid designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
• When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (personal floatation device) when boating, jet-skiing, tubing or water-skiing. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings or inner tubes, are not substitutes for approved PFDs. An adult should always supervise children using these devices.
• Be sure to extinguish all smoking materials and shut down motors and heating devices before fueling a boat. In case of a spill, wipe up fuel and check for fuel leakage and odors.
• When camping, always use a flame retardant tent and setup camp far away from the campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent, not liquid-filled heaters or lanterns.
• Always build a campfire down wind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your campfire. Always extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish, cover with dirt or pour water over the fire.
• Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
• Consider leaving firework use to trained professionals. Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.

Storm Maintenance

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your roof. Being exposed to all elements of weather can take a toll on your roof. What can you do if your roof is leaking? Inspecting it yourself can seem daunting, and hiring a roofer may be costly. Is there a simpler solution?

What to Do During a Storm:
If you catch a leak during a storm...

• Locate the Source of the Leak

If you don't have a leak detector, infrared camera, or infrared camera app, you can locate the source manually.

Leaks most commonly occur near roof protrusions such as chimneys, vents, plumbing, or anything protruding through your roofing material. Look closely for water staining. If it's currently raining you may be able to trace the drips.

• Prevent Further Damage

Once you've located the leak, take the necessary measures to prevent further damage. Use a bucket or pan to collect dripping water. If water is pooling in ceiling, a small puncture will relieve the pressure and allow the water to drain.

Use roofing materials such as traps, sandbags, or boards to cover the leak and prevent water from entering home.

Prevent Future Leaks to Your Roof:
1. Check the Attic

Common attic problems could be a direct culprit to your roof leaks. During your next roof inspection, don't forget to check the attic. Signs of Mold, Soaked insulation, Stains around Nails, or Clogged Intake Vents will be clear signs.

2. Inspect, Inspect, Inspect!

Gutters, Shingles, and Protruding Parts can all lead to leaks. Clogged gutters can cause a water back up under your shingles or other roofing materials. Shingles need to be properly secured, and missing/broken shingles need to be replaced. As we learned earlier, protruding parts are the main culprits of roof leaks. Make sure the seals are tight so water can't leak through.

While Making The Claim

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

There’s never a good time for water damage to strike in Danville, CA. You must deal with a wide range of problems: bursting pipes, discolored walls, ruined furniture and more. It’s the second most frequent type of home insurance claim, but there are often complex details impacting whether or not a claim is paid. Before you contact your insurer with a claim, you should review some helpful tips.

1. Understand Your Homeowner’s Policy

Claims for damage resulting from water can be tricky. Whether they’re paid or denied often depends on the nature of the incident and the policy’s provisions. For instance, a policy may not cover the cost to fix a broken pipe but could reimburse you for resulting damage from bursting pipes. Also, your coverage may not include reimbursing you for gradual damage that happens due to problems that have slowly developed over time. Read through your policy carefully and make sure you understand its coverage and exclusions.

2. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance

Seasonal maintenance is one important key to catching and fixing problems before they get worse. Perform a thorough check each fall and spring, focusing on critical areas. Pay attention to areas through which water can leak: window panes, thresholds, door seals, exterior walls, insulation, gutters, drains and even your roof. Your plumbing is especially important since bursting pipes can easily result in expensive damage.

3. Keep Complete Records

Comprehensive documentation is your friend when it comes to home insurance claims. Your files should include records of repairs and maintenance services you’ve paid for over the years. Detailed invoices from the contractors you’ve hired are especially beneficial. If you have records from prior insurance claims, hold onto those as well.

When making a claim, both knowing your coverage and doing your due diligence are critical. Working with a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Danville is also vital to getting your home and life back on track. For best results, choose a responsive and trustworthy professional that’s faster to any size disaster!

Toilet Leak

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Common toilet problems and plumbing issues can lead to water damage. Plumbing problems can be prevented by regular plumbing maintenance. Taking care of a toilet repair as soon as toilet plumbing problems occurs is the best way to prevent toilet-related water damage. Follow the IBHS recommendations below to avoid costly water damage repair and water damage restoration.

Water damage in your bathroom can drain your wallet, which is why IBHS urges property owners to complete preventive maintenance before trouble strikes. IBHS conducted a study of closed water damage insurance claims and used that information to identify the leading causes of water damage and develop solutions.

Toilet Failure

• The study found that toilet failures cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid.
• One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, lift off the tank cover and lift the float to shut off water flow to the tank, and then turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line. Make sure that you can turn off the supply. If you have older screw type valves that are hard to turn or start leaking, consider replacing them with simpler ball valves that are easy to shut off quickly.

Tip: It is a good idea to look over your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with any exclusion to your water damage coverage. For instance, most policies cover sudden damage, like water damage from a really bad storm or from an overflowing washing machine. On the other hand, any water damage that happens because you didn’t maintain the property may be excluded, as well as gradual leaks that caused water damage over time.

Fire Preparation Prevention

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Test Your Alarms

Though your smoke alarms should inform you when they’re low on batteries, it doesn’t hurt to check them periodically. Test them once a month, and to err on the side of caution, replace their batteries at least once a year.

Plan an Evacuation Route

This should be at the top of your fire preparation list. Identify all possible exits for each room in the home and make sure that each family member is aware of where those exits are. Designate a family meeting spot outside.

Teach Your Children

If you have young children, show them what the fire alarm sounds like and advise them on what to do if they hear one. Inform them of evacuation routes as well.

Plan a Way to Communicate

Put together an emergency contact list and make sure that all family members know who to contact if they cannot find one another. Have your young children memorize important phone numbers, beginning with 911.

Practice

The best way to ensure that all family members know what to do in the event of an emergency is to practice. Host a fire drill every couple of months and devise different scenarios. In doing so, you can increase the odds that everyone knows what to do and how to escape in a real life emergency.

SERVPRO of Danville is here to help with any fire damage you may be dealing with! We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 925-856-8180.

Storm Prevention For Floods

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

In the Occurrence of a Flood:

1. Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
2. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
3. Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
4. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
5. Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.

The Don'ts:

1. Do not leave wet fabrics in place, Hang furs and leather goods.
2. Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
3. Do not use your house hold vacuum to remove water.
4. Do not use the television or other household appliances.
5. Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging. 

If you experience damage to your home after flood, call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Doesn’t matter if the damage you see is big or small.

Earthquake Prevention with Storm Damage

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

Earthquake is the shaking of the Earth’s surface resulting from the sudden release of energy in the lithosphere that creates seismic waves. It  range in size from  weak that they cannot be felt to those violent enough to toss people around and destroy whole cities. When the epicenter of a large earthquake is located offshore, the seabed may be displaced and cause tsunami. Earthquakes can also trigger landslides, and volcanic activity.

Things to Do Before an Earthquake

1. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.
2. Learn first aid.
3. Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
4. Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.
5. Don't leave heavy objects on shelves (they'll fall during a quake).
6. Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.
7. Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.

Things to Do During an Earthquake

1. Stay calm! If you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.
2. If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors.
3. If you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you).
4. Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix.
5. If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.
6. Don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway).

Things to Do After an Earthquake

1. Check yourself and others for injuries.
2. Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. Turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.
3. Stay out of damaged buildings.
4. Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet.
5. Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
6. Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
7. Stay away from damaged areas.
8. If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge.
9. Expect aftershocks.

It is important to think about what you will do to protect yourself, wherever you are, when the earth begins to shake.

Priority Is Guests

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

It is important to think about what you will do to protect yourself, wherever you are, when the earth begins to shake.

When disaster strikes at a hospitality facility, the help of a specialized team is critical in assuring that normal operations resume as quickly and safely as possible. Whether the cause is a coat hanger on a sprinkler head, a fire, a traumatic event, or a natural disaster, our team will coordinate with your management and maintenance staff to prioritize spaces, isolate the damage, and restore the area to your complete satisfaction, while minimizing the inconvenience to you and your guests. 

Types of Facilities:

• Hotels
• Convention Centers
• Resorts
• Casinos
• Entertainment Venues

Our professionals are available 24-7/365 to help remediate any damage, regardless of the cause, scale of the loss, or the size of your facility. 

From small entertainment venues to large convention centers and everything in between, we work quickly to assess your restoration needs and work with your staff to prioritize spaces so that basic operating functions can continue normally, and your guests can enjoy your services with minimal impact.

Our Experience Includes:

• Facilities Cleaning and Restoration
• Flooding and Water Damage Cleanup
• Biohazard
• Odor Removal
• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
• Smoke and Soot Cleanup
• Mold Removal
• Vandalism Cleanup
• Document and Records Recovery
• Total Project Management

Fire In The Workplace

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Fire prevention in the workplace is a serious matter, and not just because your livelihood is on the line. A fire can put your business at risk, but it can also do the same for the lives of you and your coworkers. Luckily, there are some basic steps you can take to ensure workplace fire safety for everyone who helps keep your business running. Check out the following seven expert tips to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your business and coworkers safe.

1. Create a fire prevention plan. Take the time to create a plan for workplace fire safety. Create guidelines for employees, make a calendar with inspection dates and important maintenance, and share it with everyone at your business.
2. Set a smoke policy. Smoking but it also introduces potential fire hazards. Consider the following as you create a safety-minded workplace smoking policy:
   • Designate smoking and non-smoking areas.
   • Have ashtrays available and make sure people use them.
   • Keep ashtrays clean of other material and away from flammable items.
   • Clean all ashtrays regularly.
3. Place and check fire extinguishers. Like sprinklers, fire extinguishers can sometimes prevent a minor fire from turning into a major disaster. Buy enough fire extinguishers as appropriate for the size of your building, and make sure they’ll be accessible when it matters. That means no junk or equipment making them hard to reach. Putting them under cabinets or on high shelves won’t do much good when a room is full of smoke, either.
4. Check for hazards. Make time on a regular basis to inspect equipment, areas where chemicals are stored and other identified high-risk areas. Perform maintenance on electrical equipment as soon as problems are spotted. Fires are often preventable, and the last thing you want is for your business to be destroyed by a fire that could have been averted through proactive maintenance.

Cigarette Prevention In The Home Is Important

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

Though there are various reasons residential fires occur, cigarettes are one of the most common causes of home fires in Danville, CA.

Keep Ashtrays Outside

Properly extinguishing and disposing of cigarettes is often a helpful way to prevent a fire. Though many people keep ashtrays in their home, it can be wise to place your ashtray outside of your home if you want to decrease the chance of a fire occurring. If a cigarette isn’t properly extinguished, an ashtray fire can easily start in your home, especially if the ashtray is near flammable materials. Keeping an ashtray outside and away from flammable objects can be a useful way to keep your home safe.

Don’t Smoke When Sleepy

In order to reduce the likelihood of a cigarette fire in your home, it’s usually best not to smoke when you are tired. Many fires from cigarettes occur when a person is smoking on a sofa or bed and then they fall asleep. When asleep, it’s easy to drop a lit cigarette without noticing, and if the cigarette remains lit, mattresses, cushions, and other materials can quickly catch fire. Avoiding smoking when you’re tired is an easy way to decrease the chance of a home fire.

Smoke Outside

When a person smokes inside a home, a fire is often more like to occur. With so many flammable items in homes, setting a lit cigarette down momentarily can result in a fire. Homeowners whose homes have been damaged by fires may find it helpful to contact fire restoration experts. However, smoking outside of your house can help to prevent a home fire, eliminating the need for restoration and fire cleanup.

Instead of restoring your home after a fire, it’s generally easier and less time-consuming to take precautions to prevent a cigarette fire. Keeping ashtrays outside, not smoking when tired and only smoking outside are helpful ways to prevent a cigarette from causing a fire in your home.

Losses

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Danville has the capability to provide water mitigation, mold restoration and fire restoration for your commercial building quickly and efficiently? Our SERVPRO franchise has approximately 20 employees that will mobilize quickly when you need our services.

Should your commercial building experience a large loss, we can quickly activate more SERVPRO trained teammates from other SERVPRO franchises to help us get your building back in order so that you don’t lose revenue. SERVPRO has mobilization teams that travel across the country as needed to support recovery after large storm or disaster events. These teams are familiar with handling the work that goes into a large loss project and are trained to work as efficiently as possible. In the 24 years our franchise has been in business we have brought the mobilization teams in to help a handful of times. Each time, we have had successful outcomes.

Timely mitigation is the key to controlling damage, downtime and recovery costs. Our crews are available 24/7, 365 days a year. We are dedicated to providing detailed and consistent communication to make our customers aware of job status and progress toward completion.

If you’re dealing with a large commercial loss call us today at (925) 856-8180. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Preventing Water Damage

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

Rain is very important for the natural environment but it can become a problem if it gets into your home.  One of the most common sources of water damage in a home is rain and it can get into your home in so many ways including leaks or seepage in the foundation, poorly sealed windows, and openings in the roof or siding.  Excessive rainfall can lead to considerable damage in a home as it has the potential to flood basements, ruin foundations and building materials, and contribute to mold growth.  It is very important for every homeowner to be aware of how rain can lead to water damage in their homes and what they can do to prevent it.

Most of the time, rain is harmless to homes and buildings but when it does find its way in, it can lead to a range of problems.  Rain water can spread within a home by getting absorbed into porous building materials and if the problem is not dealt with right away, the damage can become extensive.  The following are some of the ways rain can cause damage in your home:

• Seepage: Rain commonly enters homes by seeping through cracks in the foundation. This is much more likely to happen if the gutters are not draining properly and rain water gathers near the sides of the house.  Too much seepage can begin to ruin the foundation.
• Roof Leaks:If there is any damage to the roof, rain water can leak into the attic or upper floors and cause structural damage to the walls and ceilings.
• Flooding:Excessive rain can lead to flooding in your home which causes extensive damage and brings in microorganisms that can be harmful to your health.
• Mold:Rainy or wet conditions contribute to mold growth because mold needs moisture to thrive. Mold not only causes serious property damage, but also threatens your health.

Steps for Preventing Water Damage from Rain

You can help prevent water damage from the rain in your home by taking the following actions:

• Check for Proper Drainage: Effective drainage is important for making sure the rainwater drains away from your home. Inspect your roof for structural or surface damage that could affect its drainage ability.  Any hole in the roof must be addressed immediately to avoid leaks.  Your gutters must also be cleaned and clear of debris so the rain water can flow through them and the downspouts should be pointed away from the house.  It helps if the yard is sloped away from your home.
• Install and Routinely Check Sump Pump:Sump pumps are very effective for keeping excess rainwater out of your home and draining it away from the foundation. Make sure to check your sump pump often and even have a professional inspect it once a year for any issues.  A sump pump malfunction could leave your home vulnerable to flooding.
• Locate and Repair Water Leaks: Rain water can leak into your home through holes in the roof, poorly sealed doors and windows, and cracks in the foundation. Make sure you check these common areas and repair any damage that could allow a water leak.  You may also want to remove tree branches that are close to the roof or siding of your home because they could cause damage.

Water Damage in the Bathroom?

3/17/2022 (Permalink)

A nice warm shower or bath can be a great way to end the day or re-energize in the morning. You aren’t alone in being drawn to the comforts a bathroom can provide. Lingering dampness after bathing and potential water damage create welcoming environments for mold growth.

While sometimes obvious, mold damage can also be sneaky. Hidden water damage may likely be the culprit if you notice the distinct musty odor without the visual cues. When finding the source, check the following areas:

• Inspect toilets, sinks and pipes for signs of a leak or mold.
• Check caulking around tubs and showers.
• Remove ventilation fan cover to look for signs of growth.
• Inspect walls, grout, wallpaper, drywall, rugs, and other porous materials for dampness.

The pesky fungus may be annoying, but luckily mold prevention is easy. Incorporating a few daily habits and regularly checking for damage can keep it at bay. Some tips include:

• After bathing, squeegee walls to eliminate lingering water.
• Always use the ventilation fan when bathing and keep it running for 30 minutes afterward.
• Mold loves humidity. Try to keep levels below 50% in the home via a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
• Keep bathrooms clean. Washing the rugs and towels and cleaning toilets, sinks and showers can eliminate conditions that mold and mildew love.

Avoiding Residential Fire 101

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Your home is your safety net, that's why it's so scary to imagine anything happening to it. House fires take an average of 3,000 lives per year and we don't want you to become one of those statistics. Although you can't control everything, here are some tips to prevent house fires.

1. Test Your Smoke Alarms

Simple enough, yet so many households fail to check their alarms regularly. To test it, just press the little button on it. If the beep is weak, change it! Smoke alarms can be your best friend during sudden house fires. 

2. Inspect All Heating Sources

Malfunctioning heat sources can spark and cause a fire. Always clean your air filters, and make sure to dust around heat sources often. 

3. Keep Your Stove and Oven Clean

Keep a look out for towels, cookbooks, or clothing that's too close to your burners. Also, make sure to get all the food and crumbs out from underneath the burners. Those could also cause a sudden stove fire. 

4. Store Flammable Products Carefully

Keep any type of aerosol away from any heat sources. They could combust if they become too hot. Make sure you keep candles in a proper spot away from blankets and curtains as well. 

5. Always Have A Fire Extinguisher Handy

Everyone in your household should know where the extinguisher is, as well as know how to use it. 

Things happen, even if you try to prevent it. If a fire has damaged your home, don't forget to give us a call. 

Rain, Storm, Flood, Oh My!

12/7/2021 (Permalink)

With the relentless series of storms we've seen since last December, SERVPRO of Danville has seen a marked increase in water damage from roof leaks. Roof leaks can be a challenge to deal with! A roof leak generally happens at the worst possible time, typically during the peak of a heavy rain/windstorm.

Roofs will leak for a number of reasons, including shoddy construction, holes made by animals, missing shingles thanks to intense wind and rain, problems with plumbing vents, damaged flashing, and clogged and overflowing gutters. Consider the age of the roof, too. It may be so old and worn that it’s time for a proper replacement. Additionally, skylights and chimneys traditionally leak because they’re essentially sealed holes in the roof! There's a phrase: there's 2 types of skylights, those that leak and those that will....

Typically you’ll see a stain on a wall or ceiling that’ll give you an idea you have a leak coming from somewhere. In extreme cases SERVPRO has been called out when the ceiling has already come crashing down. The insulation in attics is very absorbent and can hold quite a bit of water; a slow leak can sometimes take weeks to reveal itself, usually with a loud crash and ceiling drywall and insulation covering everything in the house!

The best time to trace where the leak is coming from is to examine its trail as best you can when it’s raining outside. SERVPRO has the tools to help track the leak to its source. Once it's found a roofer can come by and either temporarily tarp the roof or get it repaired if the rains stopped!

Preventing Storm Damage

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Rain is very important for the natural environment but it can become a problem if it gets into your home.  One of the most common sources of water damage in a home is rain and it can get into your home in so many ways including leaks or seepage in the foundation, poorly sealed windows, and openings in the roof or siding.  Excessive rainfall can lead to considerable damage in a home as it has the potential to flood basements, ruin foundations and building materials, and contribute to mold growth.  It is very important for every homeowner to be aware of how rain can lead to water damage in their homes and what they can do to prevent it.

Most of the time, rain is harmless to homes and buildings but when it does find its way in, it can lead to a range of problems.  Rain water can spread within a home by getting absorbed into porous building materials and if the problem is not dealt with right away, the damage can become extensive.  The following are some of the ways rain can cause damage in your home:

• Seepage: Rain commonly enters homes by seeping through cracks in the foundation. This is much more likely to happen if the gutters are not draining properly and rain water gathers near the sides of the house.  Too much seepage can begin to ruin the foundation.
• Roof Leaks: If there is any damage to the roof, rain water can leak into the attic or upper floors and cause structural damage to the walls and ceilings.
• Flooding: Excessive rain can lead to flooding in your home which causes extensive damage and brings in microorganisms that can cause health effects.
• Mold: Rainy or wet conditions contribute to mold growth because mold needs moisture to thrive. Mold not only causes serious property damage, but can also cause health effects.

Steps for Preventing Water Damage from Rain

You can help prevent water damage from the rain in your home by taking the following actions:

• Check for Proper Drainage: Effective drainage is important for making sure the rainwater drains away from your home. Inspect your roof for structural or surface damage that could affect its drainage ability.  Any hole in the roof must be addressed immediately to avoid leaks.  Your gutters must also be cleaned and clear of debris so the rain water can flow through them and the downspouts should be pointed away from the house.  It helps if the yard is sloped away from your home.
• Install and Routinely Check Sump Pump: Sump pumps are very effective for keeping excess rainwater out of your home and draining it away from the foundation. Make sure to check your sump pump often and even have a professional inspect it once a year for any issues.  A sump pump malfunction could leave your home vulnerable to flooding.
• Locate and Repair Water Leaks: Rain water can leak into your home through holes in the roof, poorly sealed doors and windows, and cracks in the foundation. Make sure you check these common areas and repair any damage that could allow a water leak.  You may also want to remove tree branches that are close to the roof or siding of your home because they could cause damage.

Be On Storm Watch

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

If one is, you should always be prepared. Although violent storms can strike anytime, the fall and winter months typically mark an increase in the threat of sudden, severe storms that sometimes include wind, rain, lighting and even hail.

Authorities issue a storm 'watch' when the potential for severe weather exists. A storm 'warning' will be issued when danger from a severe storm is imminent. The following tips will help prepare you to better protect yourself and your property when a storm is on the horizon. 

• Put a communication plan in place and prepare an emergency supply kit, including a battery-powered NOAA weather radio.
• Postpone outdoor activities; secure outdoor objects that could become airborne.
• Don't use corded phones or any appliances that are "plugged in." Use cell or cordless phones instead.
• Seek shelter in a home, building or hard top automobile. The steel frame of a vehicle (not the rubber ties) can help protect you from a lightning strike if you avoid touching metal or other conductive surfaces. 
• Avoid windows and doors, don't lie on concrete walls, and stay off of porches.
• If you are outside when a storm hits, quickly seek shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid small, isolated structures in open areas and steer clear of hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water. 

After A Storm

• Avoid storm-damaged areas. Stay away from downed power lines and never try to drive through a flooded roadway.
• Replenish your emergency supplies and repair property damage promptly, before the next storm strikes.

Being Storm Safe & Ready

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

During storm season with heavy rains and thunderstorms it’s incredibly important to be prepared. Here are a few items that are good to have in your home in case of a storm:

• Battery operated radio
• First aid kit
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Cash and important documents (such as insurance policies, IDs, bank information)
• Nonperishable food for several days
• Water for several days
• Extra clothing and shoes
• Pocket knife with tools attached
• Sanitation wipes and hygiene products.
• Manual can opener
• Matches in a waterproof container

If you experience any damage to your home from a storm, call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

SERVPRO Got Your Back On Services

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Rapid response time is crucial to fire damage recovery in Danville and we deliver. We arrive at your door as soon as possible after your first call, ready to assess the scenario ad develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate further harm, remediate the current damage, and assist with arranging for repairs and rebuilding.

SERVPRO crews have employees who hold either or both IICRC Water Damage Restoration Technician and Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians certifications. Water removal must proceed first for safety from electrical shock and slip and fall accidents, and other crew members are lining up the appropriate products, tools, and techniques to clear the varying types of soot from surfaces. Professional evaluation of residues is critical as they are toxic and respond very differently and often with undesirable results to ordinary cleaning methods. We also anticipate the need for deodorization services if deep cleaning and debris disposal does not eradicate odors. Our team has innovative equipment like air scrubbers, thermal foggers, and hydroxyl generators available for improving air quality after fire damage.

The contents of your home might benefit from a pack-out and treatment at our production facility while the on-site crew continues powering through the soot cleanup and remediation steps for the final restoration of badly burned and heated damaged structural components. SERVPRO production facility technicians use a broad range of strategies to transform soiled, wet, and smelly contents to “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Danville is prepared to help when your home suffers fire damage. Call on us at 925-856-8180 for caring and professional restoration services.

SERVPRO Has The Vision

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

Every SERVPRO franchise has a plan for success in their area.  They carry an internal Mission Statement, a Vision Statement and Core Values to set themselves apart from the competition.  That means there are 1700 Mission Statements, Vision Statements and Core Values that ebb and flow throughout the nation.  All with a common goal of adhering to our company slogan, "Like it never even happened."  And that, folks, is what sets us apart from the others!

I share below SERVPRO of Danville’s contributions that distinguishes us from the singularity. 

VISION STATEMENT

“To be a beacon in our community while providing disaster relief (big or small) services with efficiency and professionalism.”

MISSION STATEMENT

“To continue to provide a client experience with knowledgeable and professional restoration services for the Danville area.”

CORE VALUES

1. Be honest, respectful and caring to your team members
2. Make a good first impression by always being on time, showing leadership, and being accountable for your actions and the safety of others.
3. Creating a united work environment with communication, teamwork, and a positive mental attitude in order to succeed.

Always strive to learn new things about my job and industry, while keeping our customers informed

Protecting Yourself Against The Storm

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

It is difficult to know if a storm that is forecasted to move through an area will be severe enough to cause damage before it arrives. Storms—as well as the damage they cause—can vary wildly, which is why we always recommend taking an approach grounded in advanced preparation to remain as safe as possible.

By taking steps to protect your home, you can be certain that no matter what type of storm moves through your area, you are as protected as possible.

Be as Protected as Possible From Storms

Prepare your home as much as possible. Though the nature of storm damage might seem erratic, by doing some preparation work in advance to protect your property, you can ensure you are taking the right steps to mitigate any possible damages. Trimming back any dead or overhanging trees is a great start, as is securing any objects that could possibly become loose during a storm. Many homeowners also have whole-home generators installed, allowing for utility usage if your power is out.

Create a family communications plan. When your family is all at home when severe weather is forecasted to come through the area, you can move as a group to your designated sheltering area and be certain you are all safe. However, if a storm catches one or more of your family members while they are out and about, it is important to have a communications plan so you can check in and be certain that everyone is safe.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked. The best thing you can do to be prepared for any emergency is to have an emergency kit in your home, and storms are no exception. Your emergency kit can house everything your family might need, both during the storm and after the fact. Items like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, food and water are all good to keep on-hand just in case.

Consider getting a weather radio. Having cell phones has made it much easier to receive emergency weather alerts no matter where you are, but in case of severe weather, it is always good to have a backup such as a weather radio. Storms can cause power outages and even knock out cell towers, so having a weather radio that is either powered by replaceable batteries or a manual system is smart.

The Invisible Intruder Awaiting You

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

No property owner wants to experience a commercial building fire. The fire can be devastating, not only because of the damage the fire does but from the odor and discoloration the smoke leaves behind. Furthermore, while the building is closed, you can lose a great deal of money. However, before you hire a professional service in Danville, CA, to begin smoke cleaning, it can be important to understand exactly how the smoke damage can impact your building, your clients, and you.

Invisible Assailants

Although smoke can often be seen during a fire, the damage causing the lingering smoke odor can often be a result of components that are not always visible. These can include:

• Invisible and toxic gasses can contaminate the air. These gases can include carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and phosgene. The gases can be a highly foul-smelling contribution to the smoke.
• Particles of carbon called soot can cover the floors and walls. The fragments can float long distances from the fire and be deposited in unusual areas such as the cracks of bricks or under the heads of nails.
• Vapors of poisonous smoke can look like mist. The gaseous droplets can be poisonous and can cover items in your building with contaminates.

Cover Particles

Signs of smoke are often evident after a fire. Black stains covering the walls and ceiling of some rooms, soot covered floors, and an unpalatable odor are often visible signs of pollution left behind by the fire. But the acrid smell that lingers for weeks after a fire is often caused by a cloud of invisible particles left over from the flames. That is why smoke cleaning can be a tedious and unpleasant job.

Timely Restoration

Removing the smoke damage that can be seen may be easily done by a fire restoration and smoke cleaning team. On the other hand, removing the often acrid and unpleasant odor left behind can be difficult even when using scientific means. Sadly, the longer the odor lingers, the more difficult it can become to remove it completely.

If you’re dealing with smoke, soot, or fire damage call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180.

Cleaning Up After A Storm & What To Do

11/8/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm causes damage to your home, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure how to start the cleanup process. Due to flooding and other factors, however, there are several ways in which cleaning after a storm often differs from cleaning after different types of damage from water.

1. Water is Removed

Whereas a pipe break may only require a certain area of the house to be cleaned and likely will not result in a significant flood, storms can cause extensive water damage. Standing flood water can often be contaminated, meaning that removing the water can be hazardous if not done correctly. It’s essential to use protective equipment, like masks, boots, gloves, and other items when removing polluted water.

2. Home is Dried

Once water is removed from the home after a storm, it’s important to dry out the area. Keep the home dry will help prevent mold growth. However, it’s essential to make sure the right equipment is used while drying the area after flooding. Using a vacuum cleaner or putting on a fan when a ceiling is drooping can be hazardous and ineffective. Once the home is dry, the next process of cleaning and restoration can begin.

3. Sanitization is Required

Since storm floodwater is often contaminated, a home with sustained flood damage is often typically thoroughly sanitized. Besides cleaning items within your home, including furniture, clothes, or other personal belongings, the home itself may require special cleaning. Often, the process of disinfecting a home includes eliminating the causes of unpleasant odors and eliminating odors themselves, and the use of disinfectants as well as the use of antibacterial treatments.

Knowing the differences between pipe burst flooding and storm water damage can give you a better idea of what to expect and where to start the cleanup and restoration process. You could find it useful to work with water and storm damage professionals as you begin to restore your home.

Water Damage Danville | San Ramon Storm | Storm Damage | Water Damage Concord

COVID Cleaning Services

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

With the rise of people contracting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), facilities, where people with the virus have been present, are now faced with cleaning and disinfecting of their properties. 

Why Is Cleaning & Disinfecting Important?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), COVID-19 is thought to spread from person-to-person. This can be through personal contact or through inhaling droplets in the air from someone who sneezes or coughs. It is also thought that it can spread by touching a surface or item that has the virus on it, which is why cleaning and disinfecting are so important. The CDC has stated that since this is a new (novel) version of the virus, there is more to learn about it and how it spreads. For the latest updates on the virus, you can visit the CDC website for updated info and guidance. 

To prevent the spread of infection, it is important to have any areas that a person who has tested positive has been, professionally cleaned and disinfected. Clean up guidelines may be superseded by state and local law enforcement. It is important to contact your local law enforcement and health department if a person with the virus has visited your business or facility.  Due to how easily this virus can spread, it is important that all businesses be pro-active in isolating the contaminated area and seeking immediate cleanup and disinfection. 

The Cleaning Process for COVID-19 

There are three levels of cleaning that can be done. The three levels of cleaning are general surface cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting.  It is important to note though, that not all surfaces can be cleaned to all three levels. While every surface can be surface cleaned, not all can be sanitized or disinfected.

With general surface cleaning, dirt, bacteria, fungi, and viruses are scrubbed and removed from the surface. The goal is to physically remove the virus microbes. As noted above, all surfaces can be cleaned. By cleaning the surface, not only are you removing the possible virus microbes but you are also removing the nutrients and moisture that helps the virus survive and multiply. 

The next level of cleaning is sanitizing. Sanitizing a surface helps reduce the amount of bacteria on a surface. Though, sanitizers do not claim to clean or remove fungi or viruses. In order to be classified as a sanitizer, the product must kill 99.9% of all bacteria tested on non-food contact surfaces. Examples of these types of non-food sanitizers are air sanitizers, carpet sanitizers, toilet sanitizers, and laundry sanitizers.

The last level of cleaning is disinfecting. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to neutralize germs on surfaces. Disinfectants will not remove dirt or germs, but it will inactivate the germs. The number of microbes inactivated is determined by the disinfecting chemical and how it is used. 

What Is Cleaned After COVID-19 Contamination

According to the CDC, all high touch surfaces are encouraged to be cleaned. These surfaces include doors, countertops, tables, desks, toilets, sinks, phones, elevator buttons, keyboards, and railings at a minimum. As every facility and property is different, each location will most likely have added areas that need to be cleaned. 

For the area where a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, enhanced cleaning is required. Enhanced cleaning includes cleaning and disinfecting of all non-porous surfaces in the area and cleaning and sanitizing of all porous surfaces in the area. This includes, as an example for office spaces, the walls, carpeting, cubicles, chairs, shared office equipment, and more. Obviously, the scope of work can change depending on the space. In a commercial kitchen, cleaning and disinfecting could be a simpler process compared to a retail clothing shop, where you are dealing with a lot of porous materials that could be contaminated. 

What Can You Do To Reduce Infection and the Spread?

As you can see, the novel coronavirus can easily be spread from person to person. To reduce the risk of infection and the spread of the coronavirus, it is important that you and your staff are diligent in handwashing and cleaning. Clean your hands often and thoroughly, avoid touching your nose, mouth, and face. Avoid close contact with people. Try to stay at least 3-feet apart and avoid handshakes. It is also a good idea to increase the cleaning routine of your facilities to reduce the chance of the infection spreading from high touch surfaces.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

1. INSPECT THE ROOF, SOFFITS AND FASCIA BOARDS.

Using binoculars is a safe alternative to climbing a ladder. Check for damage to shingles, nail pops and wood rot.

2. CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS!

improperly channeled water can compromise the structural integrity of your property, including the foundation and sheet rock inside. Water damage can quickly lead to mold growth, which is a hazard health.

3. CLEAN UP THE YARD

Prune bushes, trim the trees and climbing plants. Thinning dead or overgrown tree branches can prevent catastrophic roof damage in the event of a storm. Don't let weeds, ivy or other plants' roots exploit your foundation or siding. Remove debris from your yard; properties with well-kept lawns are less inviting to thieves and vandals.

4. REPAIR CRACKED, BROKEN OR UNEVEN DRIVEWAYS, WALKWAYS AND STAIRS

The expansion and contraction caused by freezing and thawing can lead to significant damage to exterior walkways. If kept unchecked, these hazards can cause slips and falls.

5. PREVENT BUGS AND RODENTS FROM ENTERING YOUR PROPERTY

Seal or caulk cracks, gaps or holes near baseboards, windows and doors. Cable, plumbing and electric service entry points should also have a tight seal. Any hole the size of a dime or larger may allow rodents to squeeze through.

6. WINTERIZE ALL WATER SYSTEMS

Drain, disconnect and store garden hoses. Install a faucet cover to help prevent outdoor faucets from freezing. Drain your sprinkler system and swimming pool pump. Turn off the water and fully drain the plumbing systems on any vacant properties!

7. INSPECT YOUR SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS; ONE SHOULD BE INSTALLED ON EACH FLOOR Test alarms monthly. Change the batteries twice a year or more frequently as needed.
8. MAKE SURE YOUR MULTIPURPOSE FIRE EXTINGUISHER IS FULL AND PROPERLY PRESSURIZED

Store the extinguisher in an accessible location and follow the manufacturer's instructions for routine maintenance.

9. GIVE YOUR FURNACE A TUNE UP

HVAC systems should be checked at least twice a year-before winter or summer arrive. Have the ducts professionally cleaned to prevent fires resulting from dust buildup. Change furnace filters on a monthly basis.

10. HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED AND INSPECTED

A $300 inspection will cost much less than an insurance deductible in the event of a fire. A professional can repair any cracks, remove soot and other buildup, and make sure the flu and gas lines are in good condition.  

Mold Remediation

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Did you find something that looks like mold in your home or business?  Let SERVPRO of Elk Grove / Laguna ease your mind and take care of the problem. Call us at 925-856-8183 for 24/7 emergency service.

Learn a little more about mold testing or sampling from the EPA: 

Is sampling for mold needed? In most cases, if visible mold growth is present, sampling is unnecessary. Since no EPA or other federal limits have been set for mold or mold spores, sampling cannot be used to check a building's compliance with federal mold standards. Surface sampling may be useful to determine if an area has been adequately cleaned or remediated. Sampling for mold should be conducted by professionals who have specific experience in designing mold sampling protocols, sampling methods and interpreting results. Sample analysis should follow analytical methods recommended by the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), or other professional organizations.

Are there federal regulations or standards regarding mold testing?

Standards or Threshold Limit Values (TLVs) for airborne concentrations of mold, or mold spores, have not been set. Currently, there are no EPA regulations or standards for airborne mold contaminants.

For more information on mold visit: https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-testing-or-sampling

Fire Safety For Children

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

A home fire is a devastating event, and one that you never count on happening. Your children are most at risk when this disaster occurs. In fact, children under five are twice as likely as other people to die in a home fire. Tragically, many home fires are started by children playing with dangerous household items – especially lighters and matches. Taking sensible cautions in your home and teaching your child how to escape from a fire can help your family avoid this type of heartbreak.            

Prevent Your Child from Starting Fires

The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that 300 people are killed and $280 million in property is destroyed each year as the result of children playing with fire.

• Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of your child’s reach. Only use lighters with child-resistant features.
• Invest in flameless candles. These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your child knocking over a candle.

Help Your Child Survive a Fire

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 
• Once a month check whether each alarm in the home is working properly by pushing the test button. 
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Immediately install a new battery if an alarm chirps, warning the battery is low.
• Teach your children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.
• Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home, and where to meet up outside..
• Practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
• Emphasize “get out, stay out.” Only professional firefighters should enter a building that is on fire—even if other family members, pets or prized possessions are inside.
• Use quick-release devices on barred windows and doors. Security bars without release devices can trap you in a deadly fire. If you have security bars on your windows, be sure one window in each sleeping room has a release device.
• Consider getting escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them, and store them near the windows. 
• Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

Prevent Roof Leaks

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your roof. Being exposed to all elements of weather can take a toll on your roof. What can you do if your roof is leaking? Inspecting it yourself can seem daunting, and hiring a roofer may be costly. Is there a simpler solution?

What to Do During a Storm:
If you catch a leak during a storm...

• Locate the Source of the Leak

If you don't have a leak detector, infrared camera, or infrared camera app, you can locate the source manually.

Leaks most commonly occur near roof protrusions such as chimneys, vents, plumbing, or anything protruding through your roofing material. Look closely for water staining. If it's currently raining you may be able to trace the drips.

• Prevent Further Damage

Once you've located the leak, take the necessary measures to prevent further damage. Use a bucket or pan to collect dripping water. If water is pooling in ceiling, a small puncture will relieve the pressure and allow the water to drain.

Use roofing materials such as traps, sandbags, or boards to cover the leak and prevent water from entering home.

Prevent Future Leaks to Your Roof:
1. Check the Attic

Common attic problems could be a direct culprit to your roof leaks. During your next roof inspection, don't forget to check the attic. Signs of Mold, Soaked insulation, Stains around Nails, or Clogged Intake Vents will be clear signs.

2. Inspect, Inspect, Inspect!

Gutters, Shingles, and Protruding Parts can all lead to leaks. Clogged gutters can cause a water back up under your shingles or other roofing materials. Shingles need to be properly secured, and missing/broken shingles need to be replaced. As we learned earlier, protruding parts are the main culprits of roof leaks. Make sure the seals are tight so water can't leak through.

Hear The Storm Coming

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

If one is, you should always be prepared. Although violent storms can strike anytime, the fall and winter months typically mark an increase in the threat of sudden, severe storms that sometimes include wind, rain, lighting and even hail.

Authorities issue a storm 'watch' when the potential for severe weather exists. A storm 'warning' will be issued when danger from a severe storm is imminent. The following tips will help prepare you to better protect yourself and your property when a storm is on the horizon. 

• Put a communication plan in place and prepare an emergency supply kit, including a battery-powered NOAA weather radio.
• Postpone outdoor activities; secure outdoor objects that could become airborne.
• Don't use corded phones or any appliances that are "plugged in." Use cell or cordless phones instead.
• Seek shelter in a home, building or hard top automobile. The steel frame of a vehicle (not the rubber ties) can help protect you from a lightning strike if you avoid touching metal or other conductive surfaces. 
• Avoid windows and doors, don't lie on concrete walls, and stay off of porches.
• If you are outside when a storm hits, quickly seek shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid small, isolated structures in open areas and steer clear of hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water. 

What To Do After A Storm

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

• Avoid storm-damaged areas. Stay away from downed power lines and never try to drive through a flooded roadway.
• Replenish your emergency supplies and repair property damage promptly, before the next storm strikes.

When disaster strikes at a hospitality facility, the help of a specialized team is critical in assuring that normal operations resume as quickly and safely as possible. Whether the cause is a coat hanger on a sprinkler head, a fire, a traumatic event, or a natural disaster, our team will coordinate with your management and maintenance staff to prioritize spaces, isolate the damage, and restore the area to your complete satisfaction, while minimizing the inconvenience to you and your guests. 

Types of Facilities:

• Hotels
• Convention Centers
• Resorts
• Casinos
• Entertainment Venues

Our professionals are available 24-7/365 to help remediate any damage, regardless of the cause, scale of the loss, or the size of your facility. 

From small entertainment venues to large convention centers and everything in between, we work quickly to assess your restoration needs and work with your staff to prioritize spaces so that basic operating functions can continue normally, and your guests can enjoy your services with minimal impact.

Our Experience Includes:

• Facilities Cleaning and Restoration
• Flooding and Water Damage Cleanup
• Biohazard
• Odor Removal
• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
• Smoke and Soot Cleanup
• Mold Removal
• Vandalism Cleanup
• Document and Records Recovery
• Total Project Management

Putting A Plan In Action

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Fire escape plans are essential for any business, not only for the safety of your employees but also for those who come and go from the offices. Not having a strategy can cause confusion that can lead to unnecessary injuries and an increased amount of property damage. Include these four must-have items in your emergency escape plan.

Roles

Put together a chain of command. Delegate one person to take charge of the evacuation plan from start to finish. Pick individuals to escort employees, customers and contractors from the building to a pre-planned meeting area. Others to include in the emergency escape plan are those in charge of the shutdown of utilities and those who aid disabled or injured people.

Evacuation Routes

Design a map showing all evacuation routes. Due to the drills you have, your employees will know where all the exit doors are; however, customers and contractors who are not familiar with the building need a map that is easy to read. Several websites have templates for devising a fire escape plan.

Headcount

Choose someone to keep a headcount of everyone exiting the building. As part of your business, if applicable, use a sign-in sheet to keep track of people going in and out of your offices. The person in charge of the headcount can utilize the sign-in sheet and check off those accounted for.

Employee Training and Drills

After putting together the fire escape plan, it’s time for the drills. Practice at least twice a year, preferably more. Include medical preparation as part of the exercise. The American Red Cross provides training and certification classes in basic first aid and CPR for businesses and organizations.

When You Find Out About Damaged Pipes

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Winter can be a risky time for pipes, so keep an eye out for the signs of frozen or damaged plumbing in your kitchen:

• The most significant factor that determines whether pipes can freeze is whether the weather is at or below freezing temperatures. Have your plumbing inspected for potential vulnerabilities as soon as possible, ideally before the first frost or the next dip in temperatures.
• Check exposed pipes for frost accumulation on the outside of the pipe, especially under the kitchen sink. This is a common warning sign that the pipe is frozen.
• If water is not coming out of the faucet and there is either no water or only a slight trickle, the pipe supplying the water to that faucet might be frozen.
• One of the biggest giveaways of a blocked or frozen pipe comes in the form of strange smells. Because blockage prevents the travel of water through the pipe, the only way for odors to move is up through drains.

How SERVPRO Can Help

The most crucial step technicians take before establishing drying goals and extracting water from your home is measuring moisture with a variety of advanced tools. If you have a pipe leak behind an exterior kitchen wall, for example, technicians can use infrared cameras to detect moisture behind visible surfaces that might be affecting structural materials such as studs, insulation, and drywall. 

Other measurement tools, including penetrating and non-penetrating sensors and meters, are consistently used throughout the cleaning and drying process and compared with the ideal relative humidity for various materials.

Multiple Recovery Services From Us

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

While many cleanup and restoration companies can handle small fire and water damages, like a flooded small business or a house fire, very few can large scale disasters. The disasters like major hurricanes, massive tornadoes, and catastrophic fires can grind businesses to a halt, displace hundreds of people from their homes, and even shut down entire city blocks.

We understand when businesses are completely shut down due to natural or man-made disasters, that every second that they are closed affects their bottom line, their employees’ lives, and their customers’ lives.  We pride ourselves on our commitment to working with our clients to ensure their business and/or home is cleaned and restored as quickly as possible.

Large Loss Recovery Services

We have the technology, the equipment, and the expertise to handle any size disaster, anytime, and anywhere. Our team is ready to mobilize and start the cleanup and restoration process 24/7. Our large loss services are much like our small scale restoration services, just larger and more capable. Large loss recovery services include:

• Water Damage Restoration- Whether from a natural flood or broken water pipes, we can extract the water, dry the damaged area, clean up the mess, and restore your water damaged property quickly and efficiently.
• Fire Damage Restoration- We have the equipment and resources to handle even the largest of fires. We have the expertise to clean up the fire and smoke and restore any damage to the property. SERVPRO has decades of experience removing smoke odor and fire damage. 
• Commercial Mold Remediation- Mold can happen slowly over time or quickly after a devastating flood or sewer backup. Our team has the knowledge and training in mold remediation to ensure mold spores are removed safely and effectively.
• Commercial Cleanup- Our team can deep clean facilities that have suffered a viral outbreak, like the recent Coronavirus outbreak. We can also clean up after sewer backups, vandalism, or just from normal wear and tear. 
• Storm Damage Restoration- Major storms like tornadoes and hurricanes can bring substantial damage to businesses and homes through flooding, fires, wind damage and more. Our commercial restoration team is prepared and ready to be on the scene should a major disaster strike. 

The Power Of Invisible Smoke Damage

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

No property owner wants to experience a commercial building fire. The fire can be devastating, not only because of the damage the fire does but from the odor and discoloration the smoke leaves behind. Furthermore, while the building is closed, you can lose a great deal of money. However, before you hire a professional service in Danville, CA, to begin smoke cleaning, it can be important to understand exactly how the smoke damage can impact your building, your clients, and you.

Invisible Assailants

Although smoke can often be seen during a fire, the damage causing the lingering smoke odor can often be a result of components that are not always visible. These can include:

• Invisible and toxic gasses can contaminate the air. These gases can include carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and phosgene. The gases can be a highly foul-smelling contribution to the smoke.
• Particles of carbon called soot can cover the floors and walls. The fragments can float long distances from the fire and be deposited in unusual areas such as the cracks of bricks or under the heads of nails.
• Vapors of poisonous smoke can look like mist. The gaseous droplets can be poisonous and can cover items in your building with contaminates.

Cover Particles

Signs of smoke are often evident after a fire. Black stains covering the walls and ceiling of some rooms, soot covered floors, and an unpalatable odor are often visible signs of pollution left behind by the fire. But the acrid smell that lingers for weeks after a fire is often caused by a cloud of invisible particles left over from the flames. That is why smoke cleaning can be a tedious and unpleasant job.

Timely Restoration

Removing the smoke damage that can be seen may be easily done by a fire restoration and smoke cleaning team. On the other hand, removing the often acrid and unpleasant odor left behind can be difficult even when using scientific means. Sadly, the longer the odor lingers, the more difficult it can become to remove it completely.

If you’re dealing with smoke, soot, or fire damage call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180.

Cost Of Water Damage Repairs

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Finding the underlying cause of water damage and addressing the problem is just half the battle.

The other half of this is mitigating the damages that have occurred. Sometimes, the extent of the water damage is misleading when looking at the outside surface but, in some cases, the water will seep into the deeper materials in your home or building. Because of the unique nature of water, the damage that occurs can result in costs that range from high to low. Some of the top factors that affect the price of water damage mitigation can be found here.

Understanding the factors that impact water damage will help you know what to expect when it comes to restoring your property.

1. The Size of the Area Affected

Just as you may expect, the bigger the damaged area is, the more costly it will be to fully repair. It will take more time, manpower, and materials to fix a whole room that is flooded compared to just a few square feet of damage. However, this is not the only factor that impacts the cost of the process. Some of the other factors found here will begin to add up. This may result in even a small area coming with varying costs.  

2. If Water is Still Present in the Area 

If water is still present, it should be removed right away to prevent additional home deterioration. This can be achieved by using both truck-mounted and portable extraction units, sump pumps and once all of the standing water is removed air movers and dehumidification equipment will help complete the drying process. Removing the excess water reduces the time needed to complete the drying process as there is less moisture to evaporate.  Once the bound moisture within the building materials is dry, reconstruction can begin. can begin.

3. Damaged Materials

Depending on what was affected by the water, the mitigation costs will vary. For example, sometimes porting holes behind the baseboard vs. removing the affected drywall can save time and money to get you back into that area of your home and business.  Removing drywall unnecessarily can be more costly as it requires additional services to be performed and a longer time to reoccupy.

Avoiding Those Fires

10/18/2021 (Permalink)

Your home is your safety net, that's why it's so scary to imagine anything happening to it. House fires take an average of 3,000 lives per year and we don't want you to become one of those statistics. Although you can't control everything, here are some tips to prevent house fires.

1. Test Your Smoke Alarms

Simple enough, yet so many households fail to check their alarms regularly. To test it, just press the little button on it. If the beep is weak, change it! Smoke alarms can be your best friend during sudden house fires. 

2. Inspect All Heating Sources

Malfunctioning heat sources can spark and cause a fire. Always clean your air filters, and make sure to dust around heat sources often. 

3. Keep Your Stove and Oven Clean

Keep a look out for towels, cookbooks, or clothing that's too close to your burners. Also, make sure to get all the food and crumbs out from underneath the burners. Those could also cause a sudden stove fire. 

4. Store Flammable Products Carefully

Keep any type of aerosol away from any heat sources. They could combust if they become too hot. Make sure you keep candles in a proper spot away from blankets and curtains as well. 

5. Always Have A Fire Extinguisher Handy

Everyone in your household should know where the extinguisher is, as well as know how to use it. 

Things happen, even if you try to prevent it. If a fire has damaged your home, don't forget to give us a call. 

What do to when Power goes Out?

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

When power lines are down, you need a way to continue your business without losing important information. A power outage doesn’t have to bring your business operations to a halt. Here are three ways you can continue working even if you are temporarily without your normal power or internet sources.

1. Seek Alternate Locations

One convenient thing about the internet is that you can access it from almost anywhere. If you know your business is going to be without power for a few hours, use some creative restructuring to get work done. Allow employees to work from home until power is restored in your building. Take a working lunch to a restaurant with a strong Wi-Fi signal. There are many places where you can work comfortable while technicians are repairing power lines and restoration experts are fixing anything wrong within the building.

2. Use Backup Power

If you are able to stay in the building to work, a backup power source can help you do so. A portable generator or battery backup can get you through a temporary power outage. Use an uninterrupted power supply to avoid losing data on an unsaved document during a sudden outage.

3. Follow Internet Tips

If you have a limited data plan on your phone, you can use Wi-Fi if available. If you have unlimited data on your phone plan, you can use your phone as a mobile hotspot by turning on the “mobile hotspot.” This can help you finish what you have started if you experience a momentary lapse of service in your building. If power is limited, make sure that you only using the essential services you need. You may be tempted to log on to check social media or play games while you are waiting on the power to come back, but this can drain your battery quickly. Conserve energy by only using what you need until you have full service again.

A power outage can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be devastating. Having a backup plan can save data and allow your business to continue functioning.

Commercial Professional Cleaning Tips For Carpets

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

What message are your business’ carpets sending to your employees and those who come into your workplace?

The importance of commercial carpet cleaning is often underestimated. Dirty carpets can have a bigger impact on companies and their employees than most people realize.

A successful business must consider not only the appearance of their building, but how dirty carpeting can affect the health of employees. Also it’s worth mentioning; a dirty office with soiled carpets creates an uncomfortable work area and can kill motivation. If you own or manage a business that has customers or clients that enter your work space, it is crucial to make a good impression. What are your carpets saying about you?

You might not even realize how services like commercial carpet cleaning can benefit your business. Here are seven advantages of the service.

Gain Customers and Keep Them Coming

Let’s face it, appearances matter when it comes to attracting and keeping customers. Your products or services may be amazing, but as long as your business looks dirty, grungy, and unkempt it will deter customers. After all, you don’t take care of your business then its likely customers will get the impression your services or products are second-rate.

Higher Quality Cleaning by Professionals

Some companies attempt to make their employees do the carpet cleaning. You take the risk in damaging or tearing carpets if the process isn’t done properly. Every style of carpet requires specific chemicals and water temperature that only professional carpet cleaners have access to and are trained on how to use.  Having a professional clean the carpets typically entails a more thorough cleaning process then someone who has no training and will end up having a more lasting effect.

The SERVPRO Of Danville team specializes in cleaning – and one thing our team likes to clean is carpets for your commercial business! A dirty carpet isn’t something any business wants to have. It looks unprofessional and unkempt. Luckily, our SERVPRO Of Danville team is here to help.

Keep A Mold Free Bathroom

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

A nice warm shower or bath can be a great way to end the day or re-energize in the morning. You aren’t alone in being drawn to the comforts a bathroom can provide. Lingering dampness after bathing and potential water damage create welcoming environments for mold growth.

While sometimes obvious, mold damage can also be sneaky. Hidden water damage may likely be the culprit if you notice the distinct musty odor without the visual cues. When finding the source, check the following areas:

• Inspect toilets, sinks and pipes for signs of a leak or mold.
• Check caulking around tubs and showers.
• Remove ventilation fan cover to look for signs of growth.
• Inspect walls, grout, wallpaper, drywall, rugs, and other porous materials for dampness.

The pesky fungus may be annoying, but luckily mold prevention is easy. Incorporating a few daily habits and regularly checking for damage can keep it at bay. Some tips include:

• After bathing, squeegee walls to eliminate lingering water.
• Always use the ventilation fan when bathing and keep it running for 30 minutes afterward.
• Mold loves humidity. Try to keep levels below 50% in the home via a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
• Keep bathrooms clean. Washing the rugs and towels and cleaning toilets, sinks and showers can eliminate conditions that mold and mildew love.

A Speedy Response Is Vital

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Danville is on call 24/7/365 and is ready to respond to your water loss. We understand that it is very critical that you get back to focusing your attention on getting your home back to preloss condition as soon as possible. Our staff is trained to respond quickly and to assume responsibility for as much of the restoration activity as possible. No matter the size of your home we understand it is important to you to have your home back to its normal condition. We are proud to say we are faster to any size disaster.

SERVPRO takes pride in it’s’ highly motivated, trained, and professional staff. We employ the latest technology in restoration equipment to assure you receive state of the art services.

If you require service, SERVPRO is always here to help. Call us here at SERVPRO of Danville at (925) 856-8180.

Timeline of Water Damage

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

We all get very busy with our day to day schedules and water damage can really put a wrench in your plans. As inconvenient and time consuming as it may be, leaving water damage for even 1 day can make things significantly worse.

Within minutes water will spread throughout your property soaking into drywall, upholstery and other belongings. 

Within the first 24 hours drywall will spread and break, metal surfaces begin to tarnish and a musty odor becomes present.

Within 48 hours to a week mold and mildew grow and spread, paint blisters, wood flooring swells and doors and windows swell and warp.

After 1 week of being untreated, the time and money needed for restoration significantly increase and the home or business may no longer be structurally sound.

If you travel south for the winter have a friend or family member check on your home every few days and if your business has a basement be sure to check it regularly.  

If you're dealing with water loss, SERVPRO of Danville is here to help! Call us at SERVPRO of Danville at (925) 856-8180. 

How To Make A Water Damage Claim

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

There’s never a good time for water damage to strike in Danville, CA. You must deal with a wide range of problems: bursting pipes, discolored walls, ruined furniture and more. It’s the second most frequent type of home insurance claim, but there are often complex details impacting whether or not a claim is paid. Before you contact your insurer with a claim, you should review some helpful tips.

1. Understand Your Homeowner’s Policy

Claims for damage resulting from water can be tricky. Whether they’re paid or denied often depends on the nature of the incident and the policy’s provisions. For instance, a policy may not cover the cost to fix a broken pipe but could reimburse you for resulting damage from bursting pipes. Also, your coverage may not include reimbursing you for gradual damage that happens due to problems that have slowly developed over time. Read through your policy carefully and make sure you understand its coverage and exclusions.

2. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance

Seasonal maintenance is one important key to catching and fixing problems before they get worse. Perform a thorough check each fall and spring, focusing on critical areas. Pay attention to areas through which water can leak: window panes, thresholds, door seals, exterior walls, insulation, gutters, drains and even your roof. Your plumbing is especially important since bursting pipes can easily result in expensive damage.

3. Keep Complete Records

Comprehensive documentation is your friend when it comes to home insurance claims. Your files should include records of repairs and maintenance services you’ve paid for over the years. Detailed invoices from the contractors you’ve hired are especially beneficial. If you have records from prior insurance claims, hold onto those as well.

When making a claim, both knowing your coverage and doing your due diligence are critical. Working with a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Danville is also vital to getting your home and life back on track. For best results, choose a responsive and trustworthy professional that’s faster to any size disaster!

Little Knick Knacks Only A Pro Should Do

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

There’s a YouTube tutorial or how-to article for pretty much any and every do-it-yourself home improvement project you could possibly want to take on. But just because you can DIY something doesn’t mean you should. In some cases, your time, money and safety may be worth more than what you’d pay a professional to do the same job.

Pros could do it for less

Calculate how much your time is worth per hour (or how much you think it’s worth) and how long the project will take, add the cost of materials and tools, and compare the total to how much a professional would charge for the same job. Of course, this approach breaks down if you’re doing home projects entirely on personal time that doesn’t have the same value as your professional time—or if sticking to a budget is your top priority.

Pros could do it faster

If time is money, or if you have limited hours to complete a DIY project, it may be worth paying a professional, who can almost certainly do it faster.

Pros could do it more safely

Some projects aren’t so easily tackled via a YouTube education or without training or hands-on experience. You probably want to avoid DIY when it comes to:

• Electrical work
• Anything with tension springs (garage doors, for example)
• Gas plumbing
• Roofing

If there’s a chance that you’ll electrocute yourself, crush yourself, fall off a ladder, or burn down your house, consider hiring someone else for the job.

Toilet Water Damage

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Common toilet problems and plumbing issues can lead to water damage. Plumbing problems can be prevented by regular plumbing maintenance. Taking care of a toilet repair as soon as toilet plumbing problems occurs is the best way to prevent toilet-related water damage. Follow the IBHS recommendations below to avoid costly water damage repair and water damage restoration.

Water damage in your bathroom can drain your wallet, which is why IBHS urges property owners to complete preventive maintenance before trouble strikes. IBHS conducted a study of closed water damage insurance claims and used that information to identify the leading causes of water damage and develop solutions.

Toilet Failure

• The study found that toilet failures cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid.
• One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, lift off the tank cover and lift the float to shut off water flow to the tank, and then turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line. Make sure that you can turn off the supply. If you have older screw type valves that are hard to turn or start leaking, consider replacing them with simpler ball valves that are easy to shut off quickly.

Tip: It is a good idea to look over your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with any exclusion to your water damage coverage. For instance, most policies cover sudden damage, like water damage from a really bad storm or from an overflowing washing machine. On the other hand, any water damage that happens because you didn’t maintain the property may be excluded, as well as gradual leaks that caused water damage over time.

Ready Plan App from SERVPRO

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Have you heard that SERVPRO offers a *FREE* Emergency Ready Plan App?? 

You can download it from the iTunes store today!!  This SERVPRO Ready Plan “allows for the creation of an emergency ready profile containing critical property information to help speed up response time after fire or water damage.”  

We are sure that whether you are running a business or a household you have a million different decisions to make daily.  This SERVPRO Ready Plan App will help make your life a bit easier by walking you through creating a plan of action if you ever were to have an emergency disaster situation on your business or personal property.   

It's crucial to be prepared and have a plan for your business or home *before* an emergency occurs so that everyone knows what to do if a disaster were to happen.  When water is pouring through the ceiling into your workspace you don't have time to check references or read online reviews of a particular restoration company which is why we strongly encourage you to download this app.  

Types of damages after a fire to cleanup?

10/5/2021 (Permalink)

When dealing with fire damage, there is more to be cleaned up than just what is affected by the flames.

Long after the flames are extinguished, soot and smoke left behind can continue damaging property and can give rise to other issues such as mold and rust as well. If left untreated, this damage can compound over time, becoming more difficult and costly to remediate.

If you’ve been affected by a fire, it is important to call your restoration team right away to prevent giving rise to other issues such as:

Mold Damage: After a fire, affected areas are often left without any artificial or natural lighting. If the fire was doused with water or set off a sprinkler system, this creates mold’s ideal environment to thrive. Mold can quickly begin growth on almost any surface, leading to discoloration and damages to items and structures.

Corrosion and Rust Damage: Rust and corrosion might not be the first thing you think of when you consider fire damage, but water left untreated on small electronics can cause it to develop and greatly increase the risk for short-circuits or electrical shock.

Soot Damage: Soot is the most common form of carbon byproduct that materials produce when they burn. Most home and commercial fires consist of multiple burned materials, leading to soot that is highly acidic. This acid can cause damage to nearly any surface it comes into contact with, with porous or textured surfaces being the most at-risk. Any soot allowed to remain in the affected area can lead to the damage of carpets, walls and unburnt portions of the house. The longer the soot is allowed to sit, the more unlikely the damage can be reversed.

Questions to Help You Find a Fire Restoration Company

Finding a fire restoration company that you can trust to restore your home to pre-damaged conditions is difficult if you are unsure what to look for. These questions are worth taking the time to ask as you shop around:

• Will they fully clean and sanitize the area to prevent mold growth?
• Do they use industrial-grade air scrubbers to remove odors?
• Do they have a Master Fire Restorer on staff?
• Can they do all levels of restoration, from cosmetic to construction?

Contact us today to learn how we’re able to make it “Like it never even happened.” (925) 856-8180.

5 Ways To Prepare for a fire

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Test Your Alarms

Though your smoke alarms should inform you when they’re low on batteries, it doesn’t hurt to check them periodically. Test them once a month, and to err on the side of caution, replace their batteries at least once a year.

Plan an Evacuation Route

This should be at the top of your fire preparation list. Identify all possible exits for each room in the home and make sure that each family member is aware of where those exits are. Designate a family meeting spot outside.

Teach Your Children

If you have young children, show them what the fire alarm sounds like and advise them on what to do if they hear one. Inform them of evacuation routes as well.

Plan a Way to Communicate

Put together an emergency contact list and make sure that all family members know who to contact if they cannot find one another. Have your young children memorize important phone numbers, beginning with 911.

Practice

The best way to ensure that all family members know what to do in the event of an emergency is to practice. Host a fire drill every couple of months and devise different scenarios. In doing so, you can increase the odds that everyone knows what to do and how to escape in a real life emergency.

SERVPRO of Danville is here to help with any fire damage you may be dealing with! We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 925-856-8180.

Smoke The Invisible Intruder

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

No property owner wants to experience a commercial building fire. The fire can be devastating, not only because of the damage the fire does but from the odor and discoloration the smoke leaves behind. Furthermore, while the building is closed, you can lose a great deal of money. However, before you hire a professional service in Danville, CA, to begin smoke cleaning, it can be important to understand exactly how the smoke damage can impact your building, your clients, and you.

Invisible Assailants

Although smoke can often be seen during a fire, the damage causing the lingering smoke odor can often be a result of components that are not always visible. These can include:

• Invisible and toxic gasses can contaminate the air. These gases can include carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and phosgene. The gases can be a highly foul-smelling contribution to the smoke.
• Particles of carbon called soot can cover the floors and walls. The fragments can float long distances from the fire and be deposited in unusual areas such as the cracks of bricks or under the heads of nails.
• Vapors of poisonous smoke can look like mist. The gaseous droplets can be poisonous and can cover items in your building with contaminates.

Cover Particles

Signs of smoke are often evident after a fire. Black stains covering the walls and ceiling of some rooms, soot covered floors, and an unpalatable odor are often visible signs of pollution left behind by the fire. But the acrid smell that lingers for weeks after a fire is often caused by a cloud of invisible particles left over from the flames. That is why smoke cleaning can be a tedious and unpleasant job.

Timely Restoration

Removing the smoke damage that can be seen may be easily done by a fire restoration and smoke cleaning team. On the other hand, removing the often acrid and unpleasant odor left behind can be difficult even when using scientific means. Sadly, the longer the odor lingers, the more difficult it can become to remove it completely.

If you’re dealing with smoke, soot, or fire damage call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180.

Which Home Improvements Will Be Worth It?

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

There’s a YouTube tutorial or how-to article for pretty much any and every do-it-yourself home improvement project you could possibly want to take on. But just because you can DIY something doesn’t mean you should. In some cases, your time, money and safety may be worth more than what you’d pay a professional to do the same job.

Pros could do it for less

Calculate how much your time is worth per hour (or how much you think it’s worth) and how long the project will take, add the cost of materials and tools, and compare the total to how much a professional would charge for the same job. Of course, this approach breaks down if you’re doing home projects entirely on personal time that doesn’t have the same value as your professional time—or if sticking to a budget is your top priority.

Pros could do it faster

If time is money, or if you have limited hours to complete a DIY project, it may be worth paying a professional, who can almost certainly do it faster.

Pros could do it more safely

Some projects aren’t so easily tackled via a YouTube education or without training or hands-on experience. You probably want to avoid DIY when it comes to:

• Electrical work (beyond changing a switch or replacing a light fixture)
• Anything with tension springs (garage doors, for example)
• Gas plumbing
• Roofing

If there’s a chance that you’ll electrocute yourself, crush yourself, fall off a ladder, or burn down your house, consider hiring someone else for the job.

Staying Safe in the Summer

7/22/2021 (Permalink)

Each summer, families and friends across the country enjoy the summer months with barbecues, camping trips, or by cooling off in a pool or lake. In order to enjoy these occasions, it is important to keep safety top of mind to ensure you have fun in the sun.

According to the United States Fire administration, just under 8,600 Americans are injured by fireworks and almost 5,000 are injured by charcoal/wood burning and propane grill fires, annually. A barbecue grill should always be supervised when in use. Keep children and pets a safe distance from the grilling area to prevent accidental burns or tipping off the grill.

If you enjoy lounging by the pool or going for a boat ride to cool off from the summer sun, make sure you exercise caution, especially when children are present. Only swim in approved areas and supervise children at all times when near the water.

Summertime should be a time to make memories and enjoy the great outdoors. The following tips, provided by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), will help keep you safe all summer long.

• When using a charcoal grill, only use starter fluid designed for barbecue grills; do not add fluid after coals have been lit.
• When using a gas grill, ensure the hose connection is tight; check hoses for leaks. Applying soapy water to the hoses will easily and safely reveal any leaks.
• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD (personal floatation device) when boating, jet-skiing, tubing or water-skiing. Air-filled swimming aids, like water wings or inner tubes, are not substitutes for approved PFDs. An adult should always supervise children using these devices.
• Be sure to extinguish all smoking materials and shut down motors and heating devices before fueling a boat. In case of a spill, wipe up fuel and check for fuel leakage and odors.
• When camping, always use a flame retardant tent and setup camp far away from the campfire. Only use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns inside the tent, not liquid-filled heaters or lanterns.
• Always build a campfire down wind from the tent area. Clear vegetation and dig a pit before building your campfire. Always extinguish the fire before going to sleep or leaving the campsite. To extinguish, cover with dirt or pour water over the fire.
• Store liquid fire starter (not gasoline) away from your tent and campfire and only use dry kindling to freshen a campfire.
• Consider leaving firework use to trained professionals. Stay back at least 500 feet from professional fireworks displays.

Sump Pump Failure & Homeowner's Insurance

7/17/2021 (Permalink)

We recently talked about sump pumps; how they work and why they’re important.  Now imagine the potential damage to your home should your sump pump stop working for any reason; whether it be due to a power failure during a spring storm, or the simple mechanical failure of the pump itself.  Without a functioning pump to pump the water out of your sump crock, and up out of your home, the crock will overflow into your basement, soaking your carpet and drywall if your basement is finished, and possibly destroying furniture, important documents and anything else you may have stored in your basement.  And depending upon things like the water table and soil conditions in your area, the elevation of your home, and the amount of time the pump is out of order, the amount of water can be significant, causing havoc even in an unfinished basement.        

Many people may assume that their homeowner’s insurance will cover this type of damage.  But did you know that in most cases, a standard homeowner’s insurance policy does not provide coverage for water damage caused by sump pump failure.  However, this type of coverage can be very affordable and can easily be added on to your standard homeowner’s policy in the form of what’s called an endorsement.  When this type of endorsement is active, it provides for coverage of property damage caused by water that has managed to back up and into your home from pipes, sewer systems, drains, sump pumps, water-service, or any additional system that transfers fluids to and from your home.  Now is a perfect time of the year to check with your insurance agent to see if you have this important coverage.

What's Up With Your Laundry?

7/16/2021 (Permalink)

Most of us pride ourselves on being incredibly talented multi-taskers, going through life, and getting stuff done. That’s great and all, but there comes a time where it’s actually dangerous to multi-task. For instance, laundry is not something you want to do while you’re away from home because two major disasters can happen the minute you leave your home.

Water Loss Potential

The first one being a water loss when your washing machine’s water line breaks or starts leaking. Another possibility is the hose hooked up to your washer can actually become detached due to the shaking and shifting of the machine. Wouldn’t that be a fun surprise to come home and see your entire laundry room floor is covered in water? Actually, no. It’s not fun. We would know.

Fire Loss Potential

The second major disaster that is likely to occur is a fire sparking from the clogged lint in your dryer vent. With fires being so unpredictable, we strongly advise you do not hit the start button before you run some errands in town. An extra precaution we advise is cleaning out your lint trap before and after each use, and on a yearly basis, clean out the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.

Lesson Learned

We know it’s tempting to get two things done at once, but this is one task that needs more of your attention and presence.

Restore Your Business After A Water Loss

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage to commercial properties can be very complex, requiring a knowledgeable yet flexible response to solve the numerous issues that can quickly present themselves. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large-scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate any and all areas affected. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we work diligently to restore the damaged areas.

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. SERVPRO understands that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. When an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there with the help you need.

SERVPRO can also help your business prepare for a disaster with an ERP (Emergency Response Preparedness Plan).

Call us today: 925-856-8180

3 Cooking Tips to Reduce Fire Hazards

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

It is not difficult to prevent kitchen fires, but awareness and attention are necessary. Here are three fire damage prevention tips to avoid a kitchen fire.

1. Organize the Kitchen

A kitchen should be organized with basic fire safety in mind. Avoid storing cooking utensils, oven mitts, or pot holders anywhere near the stove. It is also a good idea not to hang curtains or leave towels or other combustible textiles close to heating elements.

2. Monitor Cooking Food

A key safety tip is to remain in the kitchen to monitor food while it is cooking. This will ensure that you see and smell smoke and can suppress a fire as soon as it starts. If you do need to leave the room, set a timer that will remind you to check on food and prevent it from getting burned or starting a fire.

3. Use Grease Safely

Grease fires are very hot and can cause extensive damage in a kitchen. Heat any cooking oil or grease slowly to a safe temperature and exercise caution when adding food. Remove as much moisture from food as possible before cooking in fat, and never cook frozen food in hot grease. Keep a Class K extinguisher between the kitchen and the nearest exit. Baking soda and salt can cause a chemical reaction that can put out grease fires, or you may be able to smother a fire with a cookie sheet or metal pot lid.

These tips can significantly reduce the risk that a grease fire will start in the kitchen of your home in Danville, CA. If a fire does break out, do everything you can to suppress it without compromising your safety. You may definitely want to call firefighters to ensure that the fire is extinguished and poses no further danger. A residential fire damage mitigation and restoration service can fix any damage to you home. Call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180.

Mold In Your Commercial Building

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is one of those things that you do not give too much thought to in life except for when for some reason, an area of your commercial building starts to smell a little musty or you notice the tell-tale dark patch on your drywall.  The truth about mold is that it is everywhere.  Like dust or pollen, mold spores are just a part of our natural biosphere and they actually do serve a useful purpose.  Mold is nature's great decomposer and is valuable in recycling any organic waste.

Whether you like it or not, your commercial property is currently filled with microscopic mold spores. It doesn't pose any problem until the day that the mold spores are introduced to a little bit of moisture. With just a little introduction to moisture, that mold spore can grow into a colony.  That is when you might start to notice a musty odor or start to see the dark shadows.  First things first, you need to contact a plumber to find the source of the water.  Cleaning the mold without fixing the leak will just lead to more mold. 

SERVPRO Rises To All Occasions

7/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated

Residential Services

Whether your home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

• Water Damage Restoration
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation
• Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

• Commercial Water/Storm Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
• Commercial reconstruction
• Mold Remediation

Which Phone Should You Use In An Emergency - Landline or Cell Phone?

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

In the event of an emergency, most people know that they should call 911.  This patches us through to our local emergency responders who are dispatched to a specific location.  But with the introduction of cell phones into our daily lives in the 1980’s, a crinkle was added to the 911 dispatch system. 

Previously, all 911 calls coming from cell phones were automatically routed to the California Highway Patrol 911 dispatch centers, which overloaded the call centers and slowed down responses to potential victims.  Now cell phones use either GPS or cell tower triangulation so that a dispatch center can be identified and the call is routed to the proper location. 

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) does have jurisdiction over state freeways and handles emergency calls on these roadways.  So some cell calls made from city streets that are near a freeway will be routed to the CHP.

One way to ensure that a 911 operator can pinpoint your location is to use your landline to make a 911 call whenever possible.  A landline is plugged into a specific address, so an Emergency Response Team will know exactly where to respond. 

However, if you find yourself in an emergency situation and you only have your cell phone, use it to call 911.  Your call will be routed to an emergency response team who will send help to your location no matter how you place your call.

Remember, don't delay calling 911 in the event of an emergency.  The professionals who are answering the phone will find you help whether you are calling on a landline or a cell phone.  Reach out, call and stay safe.

SERVPRO Can Provide So Many Services

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is on call and available 24 hours day/7 days a week to respond to your emergency.  We specialize in fire and water restoration services along with mold remediation, but we also provide so many other services.  Here are just a few of the services we can provide: 

• Odor Removal
• Trauma & Crime Scene Cleanup
• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
• Biohazard Cleanup
• COVID Cleaning
• Commercial Cleaning Services
• Board-Up Services

SERVPRO works closely with many large and small insurance companies, property management companies, and government entities.  We also have experience working in:

• Small Office Buildings
• Apartment Buildings
• Restaurants
• Hotel/Motels
• Small Retail Stores
• Manufacturing & Industrial
• Government/Military

 Call Us Today!

SERVPRO is on call 24-hours a day to respond to residential and commercial property damage emergencies. Our highly trained technicians have the experience and equipment to mitigate property damage. Call us today at 707-724-8977. We’ll restore your property and make it “Like it never even happened.”  

Protecting Your Commercial Building From Water Leaks

6/15/2021 (Permalink)

Undetected water leaks can cause a great amount of damage, especially if they continue for an extended period of time.  Here are a few of the most common types of leaks in commercial properties and how to fix them.

• Faucet Leaks – With frequent use, faucet parts can wear out over time and when the seal or other components begin to leak, it can lead to water loss. This can substantially increase your water bill as well as cause major damage to your building.  In order to avoid loss, prepare any dripping sinks as soon as you see them start to leak.
• Toilet Leaks – Like faucets, toilets have a number of parts that can deteriorate and lead to issues. One faulty or leaking part leads to other damage, so be sure to replace toilet components as soon as you see them begin to deteriorate. 
• Underground Leaks – These types of leaks can often go undetected, but there are tell-tail signs of their existence, such as areas of wet soil, areas where grass or plants are growing faster than surrounding areas (due to increased water supply from your leak), and a significant rise in your water bill.
• Hidden Leaks – These types of leaks are the most difficult to detect, but can cause the most damage because they remain undetected for long periods of time. If you notice water marks or swelling of walls, ceilings and floors, you likely have a hidden leak. 

If any of these types of leaks are detected in your commercial building, call the professionals at SERVPRO

Help Protect Your Commercial Building From Fire

6/10/2021 (Permalink)

Fires in Commercial Buildings can cause a great amount of damage, but there are three easy things a business can do to prevent the most common commercial building fires. 

1. Surprisingly, the top cause of commercial building fires is cooking fires. But a fire extinguisher placed near the kitchen area can give employees the power to stop a small cooking fire from spreading.  Be sure to train your employees on how to use the extinguisher and make sure they are still in good working condition.
2. Fire alarms can save lives and property from damage, yet many are left unchecked and are not properly maintained. Be sure to check the fire alarm in your building or office to make sure that it working correctly.
3. A commercial fire sprinkler system can put out a potentially deadly fire in a commercial building. Have the one in your commercial building tested annually.

Be sure that your business has what it needs to protect itself from a crippling fire and be proactive in helping prevent damage to your business by following these three easy guidelines.

If you do experience a fire in your commercial building, call the experts at SERVPRO

CONCORD | DANVILLE | EAST BAY | FIRES | WATER DAMAGE | RESTORATION

Make Sure You Have A Fire Extinguisher In Your Commercial Building

6/4/2021 (Permalink)

Fire extinguishers are required in all commercial buildings in California, and there are specific requirements regarding training of your employees in many areas of fire prevention and safety.

Cal OSHA regulations stipulate that fire extinguishers must be placed in areas that the employees can easily access, such as in a cabinet or mounted to a wall.  They should be placed near exits to reduce the risk that people will be trapped by fire inside a building.  OSHA regulations also mandate that all employees must be trained on the basic principles of using fire extinguishers, as well as the hazards that are typically involved with firefighting.  They should also be trained on the process for reporting a fire, how to evaluate the size of a fire, and how to keep an exit route in good condition in your place of work.

Training must be provided to every new employee, for employees assigned to emergency response teams, and to all other employees on an annual basis.  In order to be safe, make sure your company is following all of these guidelines.

In the unfortunate event that your business does experience a fire, call the professionals at SERVPRO

DANVILLE | CONCORD | BAY AREA | FIRE DAMAGE | RESTORATION

Smoke and Soot Cleanup

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we understand that fires can be especially devastating to your home or business. After the fire trucks leave, your property will likely suffer from not only fire and smoke damage, but also widespread water damage and flooding from firefighting efforts.  SERVPRO  professionals have specialized fire and water damage restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to its pre-fire condition.  Our technicians are experts in knowing the processes and protocols required to remove the pervasive smoke odor and deep-clean soot from upholstery and carpet.  We strive to leave your home or business "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO is faster to any size disaster.

Why is this important?  Our professionals are dedicated to responding immediately when you need help with a fire or water damage event. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces cost.  All insurance companies specify that the policyholder (you) have a duty to mitigate any further damage or vandalism to your property.  To do this, you need a professional fire and water cleanup and restoration expert like SERVPRO.

We specialize in fire and water damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. Our technicians have extensive training and equipment to get your property back to pre-fire condition. 

• Fire & Smoke Restoration Technician
• Odor Control Technician
• Upholstery & Fabric Cleaning Technician
• Water Damage Restoration Technician

We will clean and restore your property using specialized equipment and cleaning techniques.  Our "restore first" mentality reduces interruption and gets you back to your life.

The Fire Damage Restoration Process

We understand how devastating a fire can be. Fire and water damage can leave your house unsafe and unlivable.  Listed below is the fire damage restoration process which will guide you during this difficult time:

Step 1: Emergency Contact

The restoration process begins when you call SERVPRO. Our staff will ask a series of questions regarding the fire damage event that will help us dispatch our crews with the appropriate equipment and resources.

Step 2: Inspection and Fire Damage Assessment

Our professionals will carefully inspect and test adjoining rooms of your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. This step is crucial to developing a plan of action.

Step 3: Immediate Board-Up and Roof-Tarp Service

Fire damage can often compromise windows, walls, and roofs. To maintain security and to protect against further damage, our technicians can board up missing windows and walls and place tarps on damaged roofs.

Step 4: Water Removal and Drying (if water damage is present)

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. They will then use dehumidifiers and air movers to remove the remaining water and complete the drying process.

Step 5: Removal of Smoke and Soot from All Surfaces

Our technicians use specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

Step 6: Cleaning and Sanitizing

Our technicians will clean all of the restorable items and structures that were damaged by the fire. They use a variety of cleaning techniques to restore your belongings to pre-fire condition. They’re also trained to remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Step 7: Restoration

Restoration is the final step—getting your home or business to its pre-fire condition. Restoration 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.

We are 24 Hours Emergency Water Damage Service

5/22/2021 (Permalink)

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Call us today: 916-525-1241

Water Categories Based on The Level of Contamination

5/14/2021 (Permalink)

There are three basic categories of water damage, based on the level of contamination.

Category 1 Water - Refers to a source of water that does not pose substantial threat to humans and classified as "clean water". Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows or appliance malfunctions that involves water supply lines.

Category 2 Water - Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminated and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to. Known as "grey water". This type carries microorganism and nutrient of micro-organisms. Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic failure and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.

Category 3 Water - Known as "black water" and is grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 category are contaminated water sources that affect the indoor environment. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, storm surge, ground surface water or standing water. Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from the structure and or have remained stagnant may be re classified as Category 3 Water. Toilet back flows that originates from beyond the toilet trap is considered black water contamination regardless of visible content or color.

PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS FROM STORM AND WATER DAMAGE

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States.  Hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes might seem like the most dangerous natural hazards you could ever face, but floods and droughts cause more fatalities to Americans over time.  SERVPRO warns that whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river, or even in the desert, there is always great potential for flood damage from a storm.  A natural disaster is characterized by a great deal of damage and/or loss of life. The most destructive natural disaster in economic terms in the United States was a storm on August 29, 2005.  Hurricane Katrina made landfall along the Gulf Coast early Monday morning August 29th, 2005 as a large category four hurricane.  Sustained winds were around 145 MPH in Southeast Louisiana.  Katrina continued northward, affecting areas from near New Orleans, Louisiana to near Mobile, Alabama. 

Flood damage can affect your business in a variety of ways and can range in size from being isolated to a single room to entire floors being fully submerged.  Knowing how to prepare and deal with potential flooding in advance can affect how much of your property can be restored and how much has to be replaced.  Remember, Faster to Any Size Disaster is not merely a slogan. It is a reality.  It is an honest description of SERVPRO ability to receive a call and respond to a client in need, regardless of property size or type.  Learn how to be prepared BEFORE a storm affects your business and your life.

The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster.  Of the businesses that survive, the overwhelming majority of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. And knowing you are "Ready for whatever happens" speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile 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 storm and flood damage can affect your business.

• A no-cost assessment of your facility.
  This means there is no need to allocate funds, giving you a great value at no cost.
   
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.
  It will only take a little time to complete and will not take you away from current projects. But it will save a lot of time if ever needed.
   
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
  This can help minimize the amount of time your business is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.
   
• Establishes SERVPRO as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
  You have a provider that is recognized as an industry leader and close by.
   
• Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.
  This saves time so we can begin the work of mitigating the damage which can save you time and money.
   
• Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information.
  Having a quick reference for what to do, how to do it, and who to call provides solutions in advance of an emergency so that during the emergency you are "Ready for whatever happens."

Ready for any Storm

4/30/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO  specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit Sacramento and surrounding areas, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams in our area that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Are You Storm Prepared?

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Keep Emergency Kits on hand

There are many things you can do to prepare for a bad storm or other emergency.  One of these is to have a Home Emergency Kit/Car Emergency Kit on hand.  These kits are usually a collection of basic household/automobile items that you will need in an emergency, whether it’s a bad storm, a fire, or any other unexpected emergency. Try to assemble your kit as soon as possible so that it will be ready in case of an emergency and don't forget to rotate new items in so when you need it there will not be expired or out-of-date items.  You can also purchase premade kits from The Red Cross or other resources.

Have an emergency plan prepared

Depending on the severity of a storm or other event, it may take some time for help to arrive. Services like electricity and phone might be cut off for over a week. Emergency plans should be prepared with this information in mind. In addition to your emergency kit, which should include flashlights, batteries, and water, make an overall emergency plan with your family. Determine a place to meet if you need to leave your home in a hurry. Assign each member of your home with a task to make sure everyone gets out safely, including pets. SERVPRO offers an Emergency Readiness plan for businesses, but households should have a plan as well.

Know who to call to help with storm damage

Should your home experience significant damage during a storm, know who you can contact quickly to come out and assess and repair the damage. SERVPRO offers storm damage cleanup and restoration. With 24-hour emergency services offered, we’re “faster to any disaster”, with our highly trained technicians ready to help. Locally owned and operated, SERVPRO can help with storm, water, fire, or mold damage. Keep our information on hand as part of your emergency preparedness.

What Does IICRC mean anyway for your commercial facility?

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.
• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.
• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.
• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.
• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

• AMRT - Applied Microbial Remediation Technician
• OSHA - 30-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• CCT - Carpet Cleaning Technician
• IICRC Certified Firm
• ASD - Applied Structural Drying Technician
• SRT - Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician
• OSHA - 10-hour General and/or Construction Industry Training Program
• WRT - Water Damage Restoration Technician
• OCT - Odor Control Technician

Cleaning After a Storm

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

When a storm causes damage to your home, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure how to start the cleanup process. Due to flooding and other factors, however, there are several ways in which cleaning after a storm often differs from cleaning after different types of damage from water.

1. Water is Removed

Whereas a pipe break may only require a certain area of the house to be cleaned and likely will not result in a significant flood, storms can cause extensive water damage. Standing flood water can often be contaminated, meaning that removing the water can be hazardous if not done correctly. It’s essential to use protective equipment, like masks, boots, gloves, and other items when removing polluted water.

2. Home is Dried

Once water is removed from the home after a storm, it’s important to dry out the area. Keep the home dry will help prevent mold growth. However, it’s essential to make sure the right equipment is used while drying the area after flooding. Using a vacuum cleaner or putting on a fan when a ceiling is drooping can be hazardous and ineffective. Once the home is dry, the next process of cleaning and restoration can begin.

3. Sanitization is Required

Since storm floodwater is often contaminated, a home with sustained flood damage is often typically thoroughly sanitized. Besides cleaning items within your home, including furniture, clothes, or other personal belongings, the home itself may require special cleaning. Often, the process of disinfecting a home includes eliminating the causes of unpleasant odors and eliminating odors themselves, and the use of disinfectants as well as the use of antibacterial treatments.

Knowing the differences between pipe burst flooding and storm water damage can give you a better idea of what to expect and where to start the cleanup and restoration process. You could find it useful to work with water and storm damage professionals as you begin to restore your home.

Water Damage Danville | San Ramon Storm | Storm Damage | Water Damage Concord

Everything You Need to Know About Flood Damage

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

If there's any good news about flood damage, most people know it could and probably will occur in advance. While flash floods and other water damage from leaks and burst pipes are often unpredictable, flood damage from storms is almost easy to predict. Storm surge, torrential rain, and rising water levels cause massive water damage for those who live along the coast or in other low-lying areas. Flood damage is terrible in every instance, but the good news is many homeowners and business owners have enough time to adequately prepare their home and/or business for the impending water damage as best they can.

When a storm ends, and it's safe to return home or to work, many people are shocked to see how much water in the home or water in the business they find. It seems impossible water levels can rise so high, but it's entirely possible. When floodwater causes the water in a home or water in an office to damage things, it's devastating. Before anyone decides to handle this situation, they must learn how to properly handle this kind of water damage.

Do Not Go Back Without Permission

Anyone who evacuated would like to know how much water is in the property or the kind of water they're dealing with; never return to the property without being notified first that it's safe to return. Flood damage is hazardous, and it's easy to forget it's so much more than just water on the road or in a home. Water in a home is dangerous, water in a business is dangerous, and water is dangerous. Wait for the green light when proper authorities give it. No one ever knows if a power line is down, active, and just waiting in the water to electrocute the next person who walks through.

Beware of the Many Dangers

Before anyone enters a home or office with water damage to begin the water cleanup process, they must know how much danger potentially awaits. The water cleanup process should begin as quickly as possible to prevent more damage from occurring, but it cannot be done until people check for proper dangers. The first is live electricity. Don't assume just because the power is out in a specific neighborhood or city; there's nothing to worry about. The power could come back on at any given moment, which means it could cause serious bodily harm to anyone working out of their home or office. Turn off all electricity before entering any building with standing water.

The second danger is what might be waiting for people in the water. There could be alligators, snakes, dangerous water creatures, or even bacteria or other harmful stuff. Always let the local authorities do a neighborhood sweep before beginning the water cleanup and drying process.

Call the Pros

Finally, anyone can do the most crucial thing when water damage occurs and call a professional restoration and mitigation company to handle the drying process. Restoration companies have powerful equipment designed to allow adequate drying to occur in minimal time. Professional mitigation and restoration are imperative because any missed moisture leads to much larger problems.

It's not uncommon for people to want to begin the water cleanup and drying process independently. Still, it's the help of a professional restoration and mitigation company that provides the best possible results. Restoration is designed to clear out all the water in places others might not realize it's hiding. The more prolonged moisture sits in a home or business, the more dangerous it becomes. It can cause mold to form; it can cause further damage to furniture, flooring, and even walls. Call for professional restoration and mitigation rather than handling the drying process without a pro's help to remove water in a business or home.

Water damage Danville | Damage Danville | San Ramon Water Damage | Storm Damage Danville

Fast Response Essential After Storm Damage

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

After a storm wreaks havoc on a commercial property, time is of the essence. The longer flood damage sits, the more costly the storm restoration process will be. For both the property owner and insurer, minimizing damage and replacement is key to a smooth claim and getting back to “Like it never even happened.”

Reliable, 24/7 Service
When choosing a storm damage and restoration company, you want to feel confident that you are turning to a professional provider that understands every aspect of the process. As you decide where to turn to help, a national franchise company is an easy choice for a number of reasons.

24/7 national call center
1,700 local franchises
IICRC-certified and trained professionals

In extreme situations, trusting in a national network means knowing that a disaster team is just a phone call away. Teams are strategically placed and ready to handle whatever Mother Nature may be doling out. No matter what kind of storm restoration is needed, you can trust that only thoroughly vetted professionals will heed the call for help.

Fast Recovery
Fast storm response is essential for a faster and more cost-effective recovery. The right restoration provider will know the importance of a sticky to a speedy timeline. After the first call is made, you can expect:

• The client will be contacted for an on-site inspection within one hour.
• In under four hours, a professional will be on-site to assess and inspect the damage, including pretesting restorability.
• The insurance provider will be contacted within eight hours and given a detailed overview of the findings and a restoration plan.

A lot of questions arise when dealing with storm restoration, for both the owner experiencing the loss and the insurance provider. Counting on a professional dedicated to quickly providing help and backed by a national network minimizes those questions and ensures the loss is minimized.

Home Fire Safety Tips

3/3/2021 (Permalink)

The rate of home fire accidents has been rising for so many years. There have been many incidents related to Fire Safety Tips that have claimed the lives of so many people. It just goes to show that a lot of families didn’t pay attention to taking preventive measures. And that’s really very worrying. Although it sounds so simple it is really important for every family.

Everyone knows that fires are usually caused by an accident. However, this does not mean that it is inevitable. If you are fully aware of the security measures in your home, you can always prevent this from happening. Remember, fire can be stopped. You just have to know how to do it before it gets worse.

It is important to observe proper preventive measures because it can save lives not only for you but also for your family. Nothing bad can happen in a person’s life without putting your house on fire. So if you are not a victim of this horrific incident, check out the rest of this article for more fire safety advice.

The best way to avoid a fire is to reduce or eliminate the risk of fire in your area. In case of emergency, fire tactics should be done which you should be fully aware of. You should also inform all family members who are with you. That way, they won’t panic whenever an emergency occurs.

It helps to install fire alarms and smoke detectors in your home. These devices can help give you an early warning. There are different types that you can choose from. There are water sprinklers and fire extinguishers. For others, they thought these alarms were only for businesses. This is not entirely true; These can actually be installed in your home.

All electrical devices and applications should be plugged in to secure. Do not leave them in the still mode as they still use a small amount of energy. Check regularly to see if they are still in good condition. There are many times that electrical gadgets are already broken but still used can cause fatal events like fire. So don’t ignore the condition of your tools.

If there are no leaks, always check your gas tank and gas limit. You should monitor when the tank needs to be replaced and the gas controller installed correctly. This can be really dangerous as you can smell the leaking gas which is harmful to your health.

There may be plenty of fire safety tips that every family should consider. But regardless of what these preventive measures are, homeowners should not underestimate the importance of getting to know them. It is very important to learn how to stay away from dangers and how to prevent them from happening. Doing so will not only save your house from burning, but you will also save your family and family.

Constant Rain and Leaky Roofs

12/17/2020 (Permalink)

With the relentless series of storms we've seen since last December, SERVPRO of Danville has seen a marked increase in water damage from roof leaks. Roof leaks can be a challenge to deal with! A roof leak generally happens at the worst possible time, typically during the peak of a heavy rain/windstorm.

Roofs will leak for a number of reasons, including shoddy construction, holes made by animals, missing shingles thanks to intense wind and rain, problems with plumbing vents, damaged flashing, and clogged and overflowing gutters. Consider the age of the roof, too. It may be so old and worn that it’s time for a proper replacement. Additionally, skylights and chimneys traditionally leak because they’re essentially sealed holes in the roof! There's a phrase: there's 2 types of skylights, those that leak and those that will....

Typically you’ll see a stain on a wall or ceiling that’ll give you an idea you have a leak coming from somewhere. In extreme cases SERVPRO has been called out when the ceiling has already come crashing down. The insulation in attics is very absorbent and can hold quite a bit of water; a slow leak can sometimes take weeks to reveal itself, usually with a loud crash and ceiling drywall and insulation covering everything in the house!

The best time to trace where the leak is coming from is to examine its trail as best you can when it’s raining outside. SERVPRO has the tools to help track the leak to its source. Once it's found a roofer can come by and either temporarily tarp the roof or get it repaired if the rains stopped!

SERVPRO Ready Plan App

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Have you heard that SERVPRO offers a *FREE* Emergency Ready Plan App?? 

You can download it from the iTunes store today!!  This SERVPRO Ready Plan “allows for the creation of an emergency ready profile containing critical property information to help speed up response time after fire or water damage.”  

We are sure that whether you are running a business or a household you have a million different decisions to make daily.  This SERVPRO Ready Plan App will help make your life a bit easier by walking you through creating a plan of action if you ever were to have an emergency disaster situation on your business or personal property.   

It's crucial to be prepared and have a plan for your business or home *before* an emergency occurs so that everyone knows what to do if a disaster were to happen.  When water is pouring through the ceiling into your workspace you don't have time to check references or read online reviews of a particular restoration company which is why we strongly encourage you to download this app.  

Storms Can Quickly Become Destructive

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Storms can quickly become not only dangerous, but extremely destructive, especially when the right conditions all line up. 

Just as recently as a couple of weeks ago, the mid west suffered tremendous damage from a “derecho” that blew through.  According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a derecho is “a widespread, long-lived wind storm associated with a band of rapidly moving showers or thunderstorms... and...while derecho winds typically are less than 100 mph, gusts as high as 130 mph have been recorded --- equivalent to those with strong EF2 tornadoes.”

SERVPRO was pulled in to help provide aid and relief to homeowners suffering from punctured rooftops and significant water losses inside their homes since the need is so vast!

Storm damage most typically leads to water damage, but fires can also result if the electricity is left on.  

Be safe after storm damage while you await our arrival and take these precautions: 

• Shut off the source of damage.
• Turn off electrical panel/electricity
• Try to get up as much of the standing water as possible
• Do NOT go into any area of your home where electricity and water have mixed
• Pick up magazines/newspapers that can cause stains on carpet
• Do NOT use your household vacuum cleaner since it could result in electrical shock or ruin your vacuum.

How to Prevent Roof Leaks

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your roof. Being exposed to all elements of weather can take a toll on your roof. What can you do if your roof is leaking? Inspecting it yourself can seem daunting, and hiring a roofer may be costly. Is there a simpler solution?

What to Do During a Storm:
If you catch a leak during a storm...

• Locate the Source of the Leak

If you don't have a leak detector, infrared camera, or infrared camera app, you can locate the source manually.

Leaks most commonly occur near roof protrusions such as chimneys, vents, plumbing, or anything protruding through your roofing material. Look closely for water staining. If it's currently raining you may be able to trace the drips.

• Prevent Further Damage

Once you've located the leak, take the necessary measures to prevent further damage. Use a bucket or pan to collect dripping water. If water is pooling in ceiling, a small puncture will relieve the pressure and allow the water to drain.

Use roofing materials such as traps, sandbags, or boards to cover the leak and prevent water from entering home.

Prevent Future Leaks to Your Roof:
1. Check the Attic

Common attic problems could be a direct culprit to your roof leaks. During your next roof inspection, don't forget to check the attic. Signs of Mold, Soaked insulation, Stains around Nails, or Clogged Intake Vents will be clear signs.

2. Inspect, Inspect, Inspect!

Gutters, Shingles, and Protruding Parts can all lead to leaks. Clogged gutters can cause a water back up under your shingles or other roofing materials. Shingles need to be properly secured, and missing/broken shingles need to be replaced. As we learned earlier, protruding parts are the main culprits of roof leaks. Make sure the seals are tight so water can't leak through.

Smoke Damage to Your Contents

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

A fire can destroy your property and cause serious, irreversible damage. The flames move from one item to another, burning everything into ash. The heat created by the flames radiate, causing the surrounding items to crack, melt, and in some cases shatter. After the flames are put out, you have to deal with smoke damage.

If smoke damage is not addressed, it can devastate your home along with everything inside it. Smoke damage can even occur in rooms the fire never reached. For example, during wildfires, businesses and homes have been totally ruined just from the smoke while the building stayed untouched by the flames.

Even a small fire that is put out quickly may still cause smoke damage to the items inside. Also, smoke can impact your home’s structure. That is why cleaning up soot and smoke right away after a fire is so crucial. Smoke acts like an acid and can start to corrode many different materials if left too long.

If fire strikes a structure or home, or if you live near areas that are prone to wildfires, you must act fast to reduce the damage that occurs. Professional smoke damage restoration specialists can quickly assess the damage and create a customized mitigation plan to make sure your home is clear of all fire related damages.

What Can You Salvage?

The answer to this question depends on the extent of the damage and what something is made of. You also need to consider the cost of salvaging some items. You can work with a smoke damage specialist to figure out what items you should clean and which ones you should replace or discard.

How Will Smoke Impact Your Home?

Smoke affects materials in unique ways. Also, the type and temperature of the fire will result in different types of smoke damage through your home. One of the worst ways smoke can cause damage is if it gets into small crevices and cracks, since the particles are so small.

In fact, these issues often go undetected for a long time, leaving that lingering smell of smoke that may last for several months. The best way to remove the smell from your home is by removing or cleaning the affected items and to clean the building materials in the home with agents that are designed to remove the smell. Having this handled as quickly as possible will reduce the potential of cross-contamination.

How Quickly Do You Need to Act?

Time is something that is of the essence when you are talking about smoke damage. The sooner that you act, the more likely you will be to prevent serious damage. For example, there are some materials like porous items and synthetic fires that need intervention within hours of exposure to be saved.

Prepare in Advance for Severe Weather

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

It is difficult to know if a storm that is forecasted to move through an area will be severe enough to cause damage before it arrives. Storms—as well as the damage they cause—can vary wildly, which is why we always recommend taking an approach grounded in advanced preparation to remain as safe as possible.

By taking steps to protect your home, you can be certain that no matter what type of storm moves through your area, you are as protected as possible.

Be as Protected as Possible From Storms

Prepare your home as much as possible. Though the nature of storm damage might seem erratic, by doing some preparation work in advance to protect your property, you can ensure you are taking the right steps to mitigate any possible damages. Trimming back any dead or overhanging trees is a great start, as is securing any objects that could possibly become loose during a storm. Many homeowners also have whole-home generators installed, allowing for utility usage if your power is out.

Create a family communications plan. When your family is all at home when severe weather is forecasted to come through the area, you can move as a group to your designated sheltering area and be certain you are all safe. However, if a storm catches one or more of your family members while they are out and about, it is important to have a communications plan so you can check in and be certain that everyone is safe.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked. The best thing you can do to be prepared for any emergency is to have an emergency kit in your home, and storms are no exception. Your emergency kit can house everything your family might need, both during the storm and after the fact. Items like flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, food and water are all good to keep on-hand just in case.

Consider getting a weather radio. Having cell phones has made it much easier to receive emergency weather alerts no matter where you are, but in case of severe weather, it is always good to have a backup such as a weather radio. Storms can cause power outages and even knock out cell towers, so having a weather radio that is either powered by replaceable batteries or a manual system is smart.

Storm Damage Tips

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Storm Damage Tips 

• Listen to the radio for advisories
• Do not venture outside until it’s declared safe 
• Stay away from downed power lines, standing water, and metal objects near downed wires
• Watch out for snakes and wild animals 
• If you smell gas, turn gas off at the meter 
• Avoid using candles or open flames indoors
• Operate generators outside
• Be careful when entering or leaving buildings with structural damage. It is best to avoid entering until the damage has been assessed 
• Once things have been properly assessed, make sure you have plenty of pictures of storm damage to your property 
• Contact SERVPRO of Danville to come out for board up and get started on water mitigation. 

Large Scale Commercial Cleanup

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

While many cleanup and restoration companies can handle small fire and water damages, like a flooded small business or a house fire, very few can large scale disasters. The disasters like major hurricanes, massive tornadoes, and catastrophic fires can grind businesses to a halt, displace hundreds of people from their homes, and even shut down entire city blocks.

We understand when businesses are completely shut down due to natural or man-made disasters, that every second that they are closed affects their bottom line, their employees’ lives, and their customers’ lives.  We pride ourselves on our commitment to working with our clients to ensure their business and/or home is cleaned and restored as quickly as possible.

Large Loss Recovery Services

We have the technology, the equipment, and the expertise to handle any size disaster, anytime, and anywhere. Our team is ready to mobilize and start the cleanup and restoration process 24/7. Our large loss services are much like our small scale restoration services, just larger and more capable. Large loss recovery services include:

• Water Damage Restoration - Whether from a natural flood or broken water pipes, we can extract the water, dry the damaged area, clean up the mess, and restore your water damaged property quickly and efficiently.
• Fire Damage Restoration - We have the equipment and resources to handle even the largest of fires. We have the expertise to clean up the fire and smoke and restore any damage to the property. SERVPRO has decades of experience removing smoke odor and fire damage. 
• Commercial Mold Remediation - Mold can happen slowly over time or quickly after a devastating flood or sewer backup. Our team has the knowledge and training in mold remediation to ensure mold spores are removed safely and effectively.
• Commercial Cleanup - Our team can deep clean facilities that have suffered a viral outbreak, like the recent Coronavirus outbreak. We can also clean up after sewer backups, vandalism, or just from normal wear and tear. 
• Storm Damage Restoration - Major storms like tornadoes and hurricanes can bring substantial damage to businesses and homes through flooding, fires, wind damage and more. Our commercial restoration team is prepared and ready to be on the scene should a major disaster strike. 

Coronavirus COVID-19 Cleaning & Disinfecting of Facilities

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

With the rise of people contracting the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), facilities, where people with the virus have been present, are now faced with cleaning and disinfecting of their properties. 

Why Is Cleaning & Disinfecting Important?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), COVID-19 is thought to spread from person-to-person. This can be through personal contact or through inhaling droplets in the air from someone who sneezes or coughs. It is also thought that it can spread by touching a surface or item that has the virus on it, which is why cleaning and disinfecting are so important. The CDC has stated that since this is a new (novel) version of the virus, there is more to learn about it and how it spreads. For the latest updates on the virus, you can visit the CDC website for updated info and guidance. 

To prevent the spread of infection, it is important to have any areas that a person who has tested positive has been, professionally cleaned and disinfected. Clean up guidelines may be superseded by state and local law enforcement. It is important to contact your local law enforcement and health department if a person with the virus has visited your business or facility.  Due to how easily this virus can spread, it is important that all businesses be pro-active in isolating the contaminated area and seeking immediate cleanup and disinfection. 

The Cleaning Process for COVID-19 

There are three levels of cleaning that can be done. The three levels of cleaning are general surface cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting.  It is important to note though, that not all surfaces can be cleaned to all three levels. While every surface can be surface cleaned, not all can be sanitized or disinfected.

With general surface cleaning, dirt, bacteria, fungi, and viruses are scrubbed and removed from the surface. The goal is to physically remove the virus microbes. As noted above, all surfaces can be cleaned. By cleaning the surface, not only are you removing the possible virus microbes but you are also removing the nutrients and moisture that helps the virus survive and multiply. 

The next level of cleaning is sanitizing. Sanitizing a surface helps reduce the amount of bacteria on a surface. Though, sanitizers do not claim to clean or remove fungi or viruses. In order to be classified as a sanitizer, the product must kill 99.9% of all bacteria tested on non-food contact surfaces. Examples of these types of non-food sanitizers are air sanitizers, carpet sanitizers, toilet sanitizers, and laundry sanitizers.

The last level of cleaning is disinfecting. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to neutralize germs on surfaces. Disinfectants will not remove dirt or germs, but it will inactivate the germs. The number of microbes inactivated is determined by the disinfecting chemical and how it is used. 

What Is Cleaned After COVID-19 Contamination

According to the CDC, all high touch surfaces are encouraged to be cleaned. These surfaces include doors, countertops, tables, desks, toilets, sinks, phones, elevator buttons, keyboards, and railings at a minimum. As every facility and property is different, each location will most likely have added areas that need to be cleaned. 

For the area where a person who has tested positive for COVID-19, enhanced cleaning is required. Enhanced cleaning includes cleaning and disinfecting of all non-porous surfaces in the area and cleaning and sanitizing of all porous surfaces in the area. This includes, as an example for office spaces, the walls, carpeting, cubicles, chairs, shared office equipment, and more. Obviously, the scope of work can change depending on the space. In a commercial kitchen, cleaning and disinfecting could be a simpler process compared to a retail clothing shop, where you are dealing with a lot of porous materials that could be contaminated. 

What Can You Do To Reduce Infection and the Spread?

As you can see, the novel coronavirus can easily be spread from person to person. To reduce the risk of infection and the spread of the coronavirus, it is important that you and your staff are diligent in handwashing and cleaning. Clean your hands often and thoroughly, avoid touching your nose, mouth, and face. Avoid close contact with people. Try to stay at least 3-feet apart and avoid handshakes. It is also a good idea to increase the cleaning routine of your facilities to reduce the chance of the infection spreading from high touch surfaces.

4 Factors That Affect the Cost of Water Damage Repairs

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Finding the underlying cause of water damage and addressing the problem is just half the battle.

The other half of this is mitigating the damages that have occurred. Sometimes, the extent of the water damage is misleading when looking at the outside surface but, in some cases, the water will seep into the deeper materials in your home or building. Because of the unique nature of water, the damage that occurs can result in costs that range from high to low. Some of the top factors that affect the price of water damage mitigation can be found here.

Understanding the factors that impact water damage will help you know what to expect when it comes to restoring your property.

1. The Size of the Area Affected

Just as you may expect, the bigger the damaged area is, the more costly it will be to fully repair. It will take more time, manpower, and materials to fix a whole room that is flooded compared to just a few square feet of damage. However, this is not the only factor that impacts the cost of the process. Some of the other factors found here will begin to add up. This may result in even a small area coming with varying costs.  

2. If Water is Still Present in the Area 

If water is still present, it should be removed right away to prevent additional home deterioration. This can be achieved by using both truck-mounted and portable extraction units, sump pumps and once all of the standing water is removed air movers and dehumidification equipment will help complete the drying process. Removing the excess water reduces the time needed to complete the drying process as there is less moisture to evaporate.  Once the bound moisture within the building materials is dry, reconstruction can begin. can begin.

3. Damaged Materials

Depending on what was affected by the water, the mitigation costs will vary. For example, sometimes porting holes behind the baseboard vs. removing the affected drywall can save time and money to get you back into that area of your home and business.  Removing drywall unnecessarily can be more costly as it requires additional services to be performed and a longer time to reoccupy the space.  Another important factor to consider that will impact the mitigation cost is the materials that must be repaired or replaced.

4. The Type of Water Present

The water that caused the damage also comes into play. The varying classifications of the category of the water are always important to understand as with some types of water such as a sewer back up many materials have to be replaced for health and safety reasons. This also results in a higher cost. The worst case would be black water, which is sewage water that has come in contact with human waste. Grey water is water that has been used for dishes or showering, but not sewage. Mitigating issues related to black and grey water than a clean water source is usually more expensive because the area must be treated for contaminants.

Signs of Damaged Pipes in Your Kitchen

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

Winter can be a risky time for pipes, so keep an eye out for the signs of frozen or damaged plumbing in your kitchen:

• Temperature. The most significant factor that determines whether pipes can freeze is whether the weather is at or below freezing temperatures. Have your plumbing inspected for potential vulnerabilities as soon as possible, ideally before the first frost or the next dip in temperatures.
• Frost. Check exposed pipes for frost accumulation on the outside of the pipe, especially under the kitchen sink. This is a common warning sign that the pipe is frozen.
• Water. If water is not coming out of the faucet and there is either no water or only a slight trickle, the pipe supplying the water to that faucet might be frozen.
• Odors. One of the biggest giveaways of a blocked or frozen pipe comes in the form of strange smells. Because blockage prevents the travel of water through the pipe, the only way for odors to move is up through drains.

How SERVPRO Can Help

The most crucial step technicians take before establishing drying goals and extracting water from your home is measuring moisture with a variety of advanced tools. If you have a pipe leak behind an exterior kitchen wall, for example, technicians can use infrared cameras to detect moisture behind visible surfaces that might be affecting structural materials such as studs, insulation, and drywall. 

Other measurement tools, including penetrating and non-penetrating sensors and meters, are consistently used throughout the cleaning and drying process and compared with the ideal relative humidity for various materials.

Why We Focus on Restoration Instead of Replacement

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

If you have damage done to your home, it is a difficult thing to process and recover from. Dealing with the emotional impact of the actual emergency in addition to the recovery process can be a long and uphill battle, but the sooner you can get back into your home, the sooner you can begin to rebuild your life.

Though it can always be difficult to begin the recovery process, working with a good restoration company can make a tremendous difference. We will focus on restoring your home and belongings, instead of simply recommending a replacement, so you can save time and money and get back home more quickly. This can help you feel more at home when you return to your household, helping your family heal.

How Restoration Can Lead to Saving Time and Money

We can help you save money on your insurance. Thankfully, homeowners insurance will often cover major losses from emergencies or disasters, but an expensive claim can raise your premium as well. By restoring what we are able to instead of fully liquidating your home and belongings, we can keep the claim costs low, saving you money over time.

We can protect your sentimental items. When you have to quickly leave the home in the event of an emergency, there are likely many precious, irreplaceable items that are left behind. With our fleet of restoration equipment, however, we can restore many of these items to look exactly as they did before the damage. We have restored photographs, art, heirlooms and many other irreplaceable items over the years.

We make sure your home feels like home again. Going home after a disaster is quite an emotional experience, but by restoring your items when possible, we can ensure it truly feels like home when you walk in the door. From furniture to cosmetic touches, we can handle all the elements of restoration that make a difference in the way your home feels.

We are Cleaning Experts

10/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

5 Steps to Prepare Your Home for a Fire

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

1. Test Your Alarms

Though your smoke alarms should inform you when they’re low on batteries, it doesn’t hurt to check them periodically. Test them once a month, and to err on the side of caution, replace their batteries at least once a year.

2. Plan an Evacuation Route

This should be at the top of your fire preparation list. Identify all possible exits for each room in the home and make sure that each family member is aware of where those exits are. Designate a family meeting spot outside.

3. Teach Your Children

If you have young children, show them what the fire alarm sounds like and advise them on what to do if they hear one. Inform them of evacuation routes as well.

4. Plan a Way to Communicate

Put together an emergency contact list and make sure that all family members know who to contact if they cannot find one another. Have your young children memorize important phone numbers, beginning with 911.

5. Practice

The best way to ensure that all family members know what to do in the event of an emergency is to practice. Host a fire drill every couple of months and devise different scenarios. In doing so, you can increase the odds that everyone knows what to do and how to escape in a real life emergency.

SERVPRO of Danville is here to help with any fire damage you may be dealing with! We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 925-856-8180.

The Invisible Impact of Smoke Damage

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

No property owner wants to experience a commercial building fire. The fire can be devastating, not only because of the damage the fire does but from the odor and discoloration the smoke leaves behind. Furthermore, while the building is closed, you can lose a great deal of money. However, before you hire a professional service in Danville, CA, to begin smoke cleaning, it can be important to understand exactly how the smoke damage can impact your building, your clients, and you.

Invisible Assailants

Although smoke can often be seen during a fire, the damage causing the lingering smoke odor can often be a result of components that are not always visible. These can include:

• Invisible and toxic gasses can contaminate the air. These gases can include carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and phosgene. The gases can be a highly foul-smelling contribution to the smoke.
• Particles of carbon called soot can cover the floors and walls. The fragments can float long distances from the fire and be deposited in unusual areas such as the cracks of bricks or under the heads of nails.
• Vapors of poisonous smoke can look like mist. The gaseous droplets can be poisonous and can cover items in your building with contaminates.

Cover Particles

Signs of smoke are often evident after a fire. Black stains covering the walls and ceiling of some rooms, soot covered floors, and an unpalatable odor are often visible signs of pollution left behind by the fire. But the acrid smell that lingers for weeks after a fire is often caused by a cloud of invisible particles left over from the flames. That is why smoke cleaning can be a tedious and unpleasant job.

Timely Restoration

Removing the smoke damage that can be seen may be easily done by a fire restoration and smoke cleaning team. On the other hand, removing the often acrid and unpleasant odor left behind can be difficult even when using scientific means. Sadly, the longer the odor lingers, the more difficult it can become to remove it completely.

If you’re dealing with smoke, soot, or fire damage call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180.

Natural Disasters for Small Businesses

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Natural disasters have an enormous impact on small businesses, especially start-ups and cash-only businesses. The livelihood of both the owner and employees are jeopardized, an a plan must be in place to protect all parties involved. The Federal Emergency Management Agency estimates that 40% of small businesses fail to re-open after a natural disaster. With preparation, you can greatly increase the chance of your business recovering.

An emergency plan should be formed when the business is formed. Insurance becomes a key component of this plan, requiring careful consideration of all assets and deciding on the best insurance policy. For example, will natural disaster or looting insurance be included or added on later? Use the following steps as a guide to develop a post-disaster plan to keep your business running after an emergency.

• Follow up with employees: Address their concerns, and note if they are able to find temporary work or aid in the recovery process.
• Develop a communication strategy: Delegate someone trusted to communicate with disaster relief services, suppliers, and financial institutions
• Keep your data safe: Have a back-up of your business' files in multiple locations. Consider cloud based services since the data is stored remotely and can be accessed from multiple devices.
• Seek a restoration expert: Restoration companies such as ours will come to your aid to listen to your concerns, minimize loss, fix damages, and find the best value out of your insurance coverage.
• File an insurance claim: Examine policy and make sure there are no gaps. Also ask the questions, "Are additional damages covered? What are my deductibles?"
• Disaster loan assistance: There are various government agencies and organizations that can help your business recover. Visit the U.S. Small Business Administration website to learn about their Disaster Loan Program to help fix property and restock supplies.

Preventing Water Damage From Rain

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Rain is very important for the natural environment but it can become a problem if it gets into your home.  One of the most common sources of water damage in a home is rain and it can get into your home in so many ways including leaks or seepage in the foundation, poorly sealed windows, and openings in the roof or siding.  Excessive rainfall can lead to considerable damage in a home as it has the potential to flood basements, ruin foundations and building materials, and contribute to mold growth.  It is very important for every homeowner to be aware of how rain can lead to water damage in their homes and what they can do to prevent it.

Most of the time, rain is harmless to homes and buildings but when it does find its way in, it can lead to a range of problems.  Rain water can spread within a home by getting absorbed into porous building materials and if the problem is not dealt with right away, the damage can become extensive.  The following are some of the ways rain can cause damage in your home:

• Seepage: Rain commonly enters homes by seeping through cracks in the foundation. This is much more likely to happen if the gutters are not draining properly and rain water gathers near the sides of the house.  Too much seepage can begin to ruin the foundation.
• Roof Leaks: If there is any damage to the roof, rain water can leak into the attic or upper floors and cause structural damage to the walls and ceilings.
• Flooding: Excessive rain can lead to flooding in your home which causes extensive damage and brings in microorganisms that can be harmful to your health.
• Mold: Rainy or wet conditions contribute to mold growth because mold needs moisture to thrive. Mold not only causes serious property damage, but also threatens your health.

Is A Storm Coming?

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

If one is, you should always be prepared. Although violent storms can strike anytime, the fall and winter months typically mark an increase in the threat of sudden, severe storms that sometimes include wind, rain, lighting and even hail.

Authorities issue a storm 'watch' when the potential for severe weather exists. A storm 'warning' will be issued when danger from a severe storm is imminent. The following tips will help prepare you to better protect yourself and your property when a storm is on the horizon. 

• Put a communication plan in place and prepare an emergency supply kit, including a battery-powered NOAA weather radio.
• Postpone outdoor activities; secure outdoor objects that could become airborne.
• Don't use corded phones or any appliances that are "plugged in." Use cell or cordless phones instead.
• Seek shelter in a home, building or hard top automobile. The steel frame of a vehicle (not the rubber ties) can help protect you from a lightning strike if you avoid touching metal or other conductive surfaces. 
• Avoid windows and doors, don't lie on concrete walls, and stay off of porches.
• If you are outside when a storm hits, quickly seek shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid small, isolated structures in open areas and steer clear of hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water. 

After A Storm

• Avoid storm-damaged areas. Stay away from downed power lines and never try to drive through a flooded roadway.
• Replenish your emergency supplies and repair property damage promptly, before the next storm strikes.

Fire Safety In The Work Place

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

No matter what type of business you conduct at your workplace, fire safety should always be a main concern. Here are a few fire safety tips you can distribute to your staff.

Fire Prevention

• Keep your work area free of waste paper, trash, and other items that can easily catch fire.
• Check on your electrical cords. If a cord is damaged in any way, replace it. Try not to lay cords in places where they can be stepped on, as this will contribute to deterioration of the protective outside coating.
• Don’t overload your circuits.
• Turn off electrical appliances at the end of each day.
• Keep heat producing equipment away from anything that might burn. This includes copiers, coffee makers, computers, etc.

In the Event of a Fire

• Upon finding a fire, call 911 immediately and don’t hang up with the emergency responder until told to do so.
• Close doors when exiting to help limit the spread of smoke and fire throughout the building.
• Never use elevators during an evacuation.
• Follow the escape plan and meet at a pre-determined place outside of your building and away from danger. Conduct a headcount to ensure all of your staff has evacuated.
• The best way to ensure the safety of your staff is through fire prevention and preparation. Talk with your staff about fire safety in the workplace today.

SERVPRO of Danville is always here to help. Our experts are available 24/7. If you’re dealing with fire damage at your business call SERVPRO of Danville at (925) 856-8180.

How to Prevent Roof Leaks

10/25/2020 (Permalink)

Maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your roof. Being exposed to all elements of weather can take a toll on your roof. What can you do if your roof is leaking? Inspecting it yourself can seem daunting, and hiring a roofer may be costly. Is there a simpler solution?

What to Do During a Storm:
If you catch a leak during a storm...

• Locate the Source of the Leak

If you don't have a leak detector, infrared camera, or infrared camera app, you can locate the source manually.

Leaks most commonly occur near roof protrusions such as chimneys, vents, plumbing, or anything protruding through your roofing material. Look closely for water staining. If it's currently raining you may be able to trace the drips.

• Prevent Further Damage

Once you've located the leak, take the necessary measures to prevent further damage. Use a bucket or pan to collect dripping water. If water is pooling in ceiling, a small puncture will relieve the pressure and allow the water to drain.

Use roofing materials such as traps, sandbags, or boards to cover the leak and prevent water from entering home.

Prevent Future Leaks to Your Roof:
1. Check the Attic

Common attic problems could be a direct culprit to your roof leaks. During your next roof inspection, don't forget to check the attic. Signs of Mold, Soaked insulation, Stains around Nails, or Clogged Intake Vents will be clear signs.

2. Inspect, Inspect, Inspect!

Gutters, Shingles, and Protruding Parts can all lead to leaks. Clogged gutters can cause a water back up under your shingles or other roofing materials. Shingles need to be properly secured, and missing/broken shingles need to be replaced. As we learned earlier, protruding parts are the main culprits of roof leaks. Make sure the seals are tight so water can't leak through.

Quick Response is Critical

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Danville is on call 24/7/365 and is ready to respond to your water loss. We understand that it is very critical that you get back to focusing your attention on getting your home back to preloss condition as soon as possible. Our staff is trained to respond quickly and to assume responsibility for as much of the restoration activity as possible. No matter the size of your home we understand it is important to you to have your home back to its normal condition. We are proud to say we are faster to any size disaster.

SERVPRO takes pride in it’s’ highly motivated, trained, and professional staff. We employ the latest technology in restoration equipment to assure you receive state of the art services.

If you require service, SERVPRO is always here to help. Call us here at SERVPRO of Danville at (925) 856-8180.

We have a Strategy

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

Every SERVPRO franchise has a plan for success in their area.  They carry an internal Mission Statement, a Vision Statement and Core Values to set themselves apart from the competition.  That means there are 1700 Mission Statements, Vision Statements and Core Values that ebb and flow throughout the nation.  All with a common goal of adhering to our company slogan, “Like it never even happened."  And that, folks, is what sets us apart from the others!

I share below SERVPRO of Danville’s contributions that distinguishes us from the singularity. 

VISION STATEMENT

“To be a beacon in our community while providing disaster relief (big or small) services with efficiency and professionalism.”

MISSION STATEMENT

“To continue to provide a client experience with knowledgeable and professional restoration services for the Danville area.”

CORE VALUES

1. Be honest, respectful and caring to your team members
2. Make a good first impression by always being on time, showing leadership, and being accountable for your actions and the safety of others.
3. Creating a united work environment with communication, teamwork, and a positive mental attitude in order to succeed.

Always strive to learn new things about my job and industry, while keeping our customers informed

Putting Together A Fire Escape Plan

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

Fire escape plans are essential for any business, not only for the safety of your employees but also for those who come and go from the offices. Not having a strategy can cause confusion that can lead to unnecessary injuries and an increased amount of property damage. Include these four must-have items in your emergency escape plan.

Roles

Put together a chain of command. Delegate one person to take charge of the evacuation plan from start to finish. Pick individuals to escort employees, customers and contractors from the building to a pre-planned meeting area. Others to include in the emergency escape plan are those in charge of the shutdown of utilities and those who aid disabled or injured people.

Evacuation Routes

Design a map showing all evacuation routes. Due to the drills you have, your employees will know where all the exit doors are; however, customers and contractors who are not familiar with the building need a map that is easy to read. Several websites have templates for devising a fire escape plan.

Headcount

Choose someone to keep a headcount of everyone exiting the building. As part of your business, if applicable, use a sign-in sheet to keep track of people going in and out of your offices. The person in charge of the headcount can utilize the sign-in sheet and check off those accounted for.

Employee Training and Drills

After putting together the fire escape plan, it’s time for the drills. Practice at least twice a year, preferably more. Include medical preparation as part of the exercise. The American Red Cross provides training and certification classes in basic first aid and CPR for businesses and organizations.

Professional Carpet Cleaning For Your Business

10/22/2020 (Permalink)

What message are your business’ carpets sending to your employees and those who come into your workplace?

The importance of commercial carpet cleaning is often underestimated. Dirty carpets can have a bigger impact on companies and their employees than most people realize.

A successful business must consider not only the appearance of their building, but how dirty carpeting can affect the health of employees. Also it’s worth mentioning; a dirty office with soiled carpets creates an uncomfortable work area and can kill motivation. If you own or manage a business that has customers or clients that enter your work space, it is crucial to make a good impression. What are your carpets saying about you?

You might not even realize how services like commercial carpet cleaning can benefit your business. Here are seven advantages of the service.

Gain Customers and Keep Them Coming

Let’s face it, appearances matter when it comes to attracting and keeping customers. Your products or services may be amazing, but as long as your business looks dirty, grungy, and unkempt it will deter customers. After all, you don’t take care of your business then its likely customers will get the impression your services or products are second-rate.

Higher Quality Cleaning by Professionals

Some companies attempt to make their employees do the carpet cleaning. You take the risk in damaging or tearing carpets if the process isn’t done properly. Every style of carpet requires specific chemicals and water temperature that only professional carpet cleaners have access to and are trained on how to use.  Having a professional clean the carpets typically entails a more thorough cleaning process then someone who has no training and will end up having a more lasting effect.

The SERVPRO of Danville team specializes in cleaning – and one thing our team likes to clean is carpets for your commercial business! A dirty carpet isn’t something any business wants to have. It looks unprofessional and unkempt. Luckily, our SERVPRO of Danville team is here to help.

Water Damage Can't Wait

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, ceilings, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

4 Steps to Minimize a Water Damage

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Unexpected things happen and we've all experienced something unexpected sometime or another. In the same vein, water damage happens. It's not a matter of If, but When. We all need to be prepared when it does strike. Follow these 4 steps and lessen the damage of water.  

Cut Off the Source:

Take for example a toilet overflowing. You come home to find water all over the bathroom. The first thing you may want to do is clean it up, but we'll get to that part later. Shut the water off to the toilet first. Now, no more water can cause damage. If the source isn't an appliance like a toilet, find the shut off valve to the house and turn that off.

Preserve Your Home: 

Now, if the extent of the water is small enough, you can proceed to clean up the water. Rags, mops, & buckets will be useful. You may need to move around furniture to prevent damage. Sewage water should be left alone to prevent further contamination to other parts of the home. 

Contact Remediation Company:

Water often causes unseen problems like Mold. To the naked eye we may have dried and cleaned everything. However, under the surface various materials can still be wet. Whether the extent of the water was minor or major, contact a Water Remediation Company. The situation can be assessed by professionals and tested with specialized technology.

Do Not Panic:

Lastly, don't panic. It may be hardest thing to do on this list, which is understandable. Panicking may cause us to make decisions we might regret. We don't want to remove any flooring or carpeting. When all seems lost, professional restoration experts can restore items such as flooring and carpet.  If walls are opened, possible exposure to lead and/or asbestos could result.

-

Water damage happens, don't be caught off guard when it does. Follow these 4 steps to help minimize the damage and help ease the restoration process. 

Your Guests Are Your Top Priority

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

When disaster strikes at a hospitality facility, the help of a specialized team is critical in assuring that normal operations resume as quickly and safely as possible. Whether the cause is a coat hanger on a sprinkler head, a fire, a traumatic event, or a natural disaster, our team will coordinate with your management and maintenance staff to prioritize spaces, isolate the damage, and restore the area to your complete satisfaction, while minimizing the inconvenience to you and your guests. 

Types of Facilities:

• Hotels
• Convention Centers
• Resorts
• Casinos
• Entertainment Venues

Our professionals are available 24-7/365 to help remediate any damage, regardless of the cause, scale of the loss, or the size of your facility. 

From small entertainment venues to large convention centers and everything in between, we work quickly to assess your restoration needs and work with your staff to prioritize spaces so that basic operating functions can continue normally, and your guests can enjoy your services with minimal impact.

Our Experience Includes:

• Facilities Cleaning and Restoration
• Flooding and Water Damage Cleanup
• Biohazard
• Odor Removal
• Air Ducts and HVAC Cleaning
• Smoke and Soot Cleanup
• Mold Removal
• Vandalism Cleanup
• Document and Records Recovery
• Total Project Management

Commercial Mold remediation

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Mold Remediation Presents Unique Challenges

Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any organic substance, as long as moisture and oxygen are present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, foods, and insulation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or unaddressed. As in this case when the builder unknowingly put a few holes in the pipes during construction. 

Commercial property can quickly become infested with mold if a source of water is present. Mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 72 hours. Since mold can produce allergens and irritants, you should call us 24/7  to inspect your building if you suspect you have a mold problem. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation quickly, which will keep your business running and loss of revenue to a minimum. 

Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO of Antioch can respond quickly, working to first contain and isolate the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Which is essential when you need to keep business going. 

Next, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to pre loss condition.

Which Home Improvement Projects Should Never Be DIY?

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

There’s a YouTube tutorial or how-to article for pretty much any and every do-it-yourself home improvement project you could possibly want to take on. But just because you can DIY something doesn’t mean you should. In some cases, your time, money and safety may be worth more than what you’d pay a professional to do the same job.

Pros could do it for less

Calculate how much your time is worth per hour (or how much you think it’s worth) and how long the project will take, add the cost of materials and tools, and compare the total to how much a professional would charge for the same job. Of course, this approach breaks down if you’re doing home projects entirely on personal time that doesn’t have the same value as your professional time—or if sticking to a budget is your top priority.

Pros could do it faster

If time is money, or if you have limited hours to complete a DIY project, it may be worth paying a professional, who can almost certainly do it faster.

Pros could do it more safely

Some projects aren’t so easily tackled via a YouTube education or without training or hands-on experience. You probably want to avoid DIY when it comes to:

• Electrical work (beyond changing a switch or replacing a light fixture)
• Anything with tension springs (garage doors, for example)
• Gas plumbing
• Roofing

If there’s a chance that you’ll electrocute yourself, crush yourself, fall off a ladder, or burn down your house, consider hiring someone else for the job.

Preventing Water Damage From Toilets

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

Common toilet problems and plumbing issues can lead to water damage. Plumbing problems can be prevented by regular plumbing maintenance. Taking care of a toilet repair as soon as toilet plumbing problems occurs is the best way to prevent toilet-related water damage. Follow the IBHS recommendations below to avoid costly water damage repair and water damage restoration.

Water damage in your bathroom can drain your wallet, which is why IBHS urges property owners to complete preventive maintenance before trouble strikes. IBHS conducted a study of closed water damage insurance claims and used that information to identify the leading causes of water damage and develop solutions.

Toilet Failure

• The study found that toilet failures cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid.
• One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, lift off the tank cover and lift the float to shut off water flow to the tank, and then turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line. Make sure that you can turn off the supply. If you have older screw type valves that are hard to turn or start leaking, consider replacing them with simpler ball valves that are easy to shut off quickly.

Tip: It is a good idea to look over your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with any exclusion to your water damage coverage. For instance, most policies cover sudden damage, like water damage from a really bad storm or from an overflowing washing machine. On the other hand, any water damage that happens because you didn’t maintain the property may be excluded, as well as gradual leaks that caused water damage over time.

Is A Storm Headed Your Way?

10/16/2020 (Permalink)

If one is, you should always be prepared. Although violent storms can strike anytime, the fall and winter months typically mark an increase in the threat of sudden, severe storms that sometimes include wind, rain, lighting and even hail.

Authorities issue a storm 'watch' when the potential for severe weather exists. A storm 'warning' will be issued when danger from a severe storm is imminent. The following tips will help prepare you to better protect yourself and your property when a storm is on the horizon. 

• Put a communication plan in place and prepare an emergency supply kit, including a battery-powered NOAA weather radio.
• Postpone outdoor activities; secure outdoor objects that could become airborne.
• Don't use corded phones or any appliances that are "plugged in." Use cell or cordless phones instead.
• Seek shelter in a home, building or hard top automobile. The steel frame of a vehicle (not the rubber ties) can help protect you from a lightning strike if you avoid touching metal or other conductive surfaces. 
• Avoid windows and doors, don't lie on concrete walls, and stay off of porches.
• If you are outside when a storm hits, quickly seek shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid small, isolated structures in open areas and steer clear of hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water. 

After A Storm

• Avoid storm-damaged areas. Stay away from downed power lines and never try to drive through a flooded roadway.
• Replenish your emergency supplies and repair property damage promptly, before the next storm strikes.

Timeline of Water Damage

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

We all get very busy with our day to day schedules and water damage can really put a wrench in your plans. As inconvenient and time consuming as it may be, leaving water damage for even 1 day can make things significantly worse.

Within minutes water will spread throughout your property soaking into drywall, upholstery and other belongings. 

Within the first 24 hours drywall will spread and break, metal surfaces begin to tarnish and a musty odor becomes present.

Within 48 hours to a week mold and mildew grow and spread, paint blisters, wood flooring swells and doors and windows swell and warp.

After 1 week of being untreated, the time and money needed for restoration significantly increase and the home or business may no longer be structurally sound.

If you travel south for the winter have a friend or family member check on your home every few days and if your business has a basement be sure to check it regularly.  

Keeping Your Bathroom Mold Free!

10/13/2020 (Permalink)

A nice warm shower or bath can be a great way to end the day or re-energize in the morning. You aren’t alone in being drawn to the comforts a bathroom can provide. Lingering dampness after bathing and potential water damage create welcoming environments for mold growth.

While sometimes obvious, mold damage can also be sneaky. Hidden water damage may likely be the culprit if you notice the distinct musty odor without the visual cues. When finding the source, check the following areas:

• Inspect toilets, sinks and pipes for signs of a leak or mold.
• Check caulking around tubs and showers.
• Remove ventilation fan cover to look for signs of growth.
• Inspect walls, grout, wallpaper, drywall, rugs, and other porous materials for dampness.

The pesky fungus may be annoying, but luckily mold prevention is easy. Incorporating a few daily habits and regularly checking for damage can keep it at bay. Some tips include:

• After bathing, squeegee walls to eliminate lingering water.
• Always use the ventilation fan when bathing and keep it running for 30 minutes afterward.
• Mold loves humidity. Try to keep levels below 50% in the home via a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
• Keep bathrooms clean. Washing the rugs and towels and cleaning toilets, sinks and showers can eliminate conditions that mold and mildew love.

Fire Prevention Month 2020

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Month

October is Fire Prevention Month! The goal of Fire Prevention Month (and week October 4^th – 10^th ) is to raise fire safety awareness, and help ensure your home and family has a plan and is ready for the unexpected. In 1922, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) named the second week of October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising fire safety awareness and educating families, students and communities across the United States. During this month, fire departments provide education to their communities, and encourage parents and loved ones to practice fire safety and whole home safety.

The NFPA's 2020 campaign for Fire Safety Month is "Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen." At First Alert, we are proud to support their mission and this year’s theme to 'Be Ready for the Unexpected', especially while cooking. For Fire Safety Month this year, First Alert is urging families to improve their home’s safety. Be ready at home by installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as having fire extinguishers at home. First Alert is dedicated to helping protect what matters most because a home emergency can happen at any time, and we want to help you be ready.

Are You Ready at Home?

First Alert has been protecting homes and families since 1958. We urge you to practice whole home safety, so you and your family are ready for the unexpected this Fire Prevention Week and Month . Having functioning alarms installed throughout your home is the first line of defense for fire prevention. They work around the clock to provide your family an early alert in the event of an emergency, providing you time to safely escape. Smoke and CO alarms should be placed on every level of the home, including the basement, as well as inside and outside each bedroom. Fire extinguishers should also be placed on every level of the home, especially in the kitchen and garage.

Fire Safety for Kids

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Fire safety

A home fire is a devastating event, and one that you never count on happening. Your children are most at risk when this disaster occurs. In fact, children under five are twice as likely as other people to die in a home fire. Tragically, many home fires are started by children playing with dangerous household items – especially lighters and matches. Taking sensible cautions in your home and teaching your child how to escape from a fire can help your family avoid this type of heartbreak.            

The U.S. Fire Administration estimates that 300 people are killed and $280 million in property is destroyed each year as the result of children playing with fire.

• Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of your child’s reach. Only use lighters with child-resistant features.
• Invest in flameless candles. These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your child knocking over a candle.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. 
• Once a month check whether each alarm in the home is working properly by pushing the test button. 
• Replace batteries in smoke alarms at least once a year. Immediately install a new battery if an alarm chirps, warning the battery is low.

• Teach your children what smoke alarms sound like and what to do when they hear one.

• Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape from every room of your home, and where to meet up outside..

• Practice your fire escape plan at least twice a year and at different times of the day. Practice waking up to smoke alarms, low crawling and meeting outside. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.

• Emphasize “get out, stay out.” Only professional firefighters should enter a building that is on fire—even if other family members, pets or prized possessions are inside.

• Use quick-release devices on barred windows and doors. Security bars without release devices can trap you in a deadly fire. If you have security bars on your windows, be sure one window in each sleeping room has a release device.

• Consider getting escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second or third floor. Learn how to use them, and store them near the windows. 

• Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

Pet Fire Safety

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Protect you and your pets

Home fires are the most common disaster that the American Red Cross responds to – and also the most preventable.

• The best way to protect your pets from the effects of a fire is to include them in your family plan. This includes having their own disaster supplies kit as well as arranging in advance for a safe place for them to stay if you need to leave your home.

• When you practice your escape plan, practice taking your pets with you. Train them to come to you when you call.

• In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. But remember: never delay escape or endanger yourself or family to rescue a family pet.

Prevent Your Pets from Starting Fires

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners' pets. The American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services have joined forces to provide the following tips:

• Extinguish Open Flames - Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.

• Remove Stove Knobs - Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house - a stove or cook top is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.

• Invest in Flameless Candles - These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.

• Secure Young Pets - keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.

Help Firefighters Help Your Pets

• Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.

• Affix a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.

The Scary Truth About Your Laundry

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Most of us pride ourselves on being incredibly talented multi-taskers, going through life, and getting stuff done. That’s great and all, but there comes a time where it’s actually dangerous to multi-task. For instance, laundry is not something you want to do while you’re away from home because two major disasters can happen the minute you leave your home.

Water Loss Potential

The first one being a water loss when your washing machine’s water line breaks or starts leaking. Another possibility is the hose hooked up to your washer can actually become detached due to the shaking and shifting of the machine. Wouldn’t that be a fun surprise to come home and see your entire laundry room floor is covered in water? Actually, no. It’s not fun. We would know.

Fire Loss Potential

The second major disaster that is likely to occur is a fire sparking from the clogged lint in your dryer vent. With fires being so unpredictable, we strongly advise you do not hit the start button before you run some errands in town. An extra precaution we advise is cleaning out your lint trap before and after each use, and on a yearly basis, clean out the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.

Lesson Learned

We know it’s tempting to get two things done at once, but this is one task that needs more of your attention and presence.

Taking on COVID-19 Safely

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

Bringing you effective and proper COVID-19 cleanup

COVID-19 has hit multiple businesses in many different ways. Some are slowly beginning to re-open, while others have closed their doors for good. Here at SERVPRO of Danville, we are committed to getting your business as clean as possible. The first step to keeping you safe, is to keep our workers safe as well. Before we clean your infected or possibly infected area, we ensure that each of workers are wearing the following:

-Facial protection (at minimum a N-95 respirator)

-Nitrile gloves

-Protective eye wear

After we are properly equipped with the required gear, we move on to the next step, the cleaning process. When dealing with a virus like COVID-19, it is crucial to pay extra attention and be thorough with our procedures. 

Some materials cannot be cleaned with detergent and water without being damaged. Cleaning methods typically used on water sensitive materials such as vacuuming or dry sponging would not be capable of removing enough soil and residue to be effective. Carpets can be sanitized with SERVPROXIDE, and other porous materials like rugs, upholstered items, and draperies can be wet cleaned using a Hot Water Extraction and rinse method. 

ServpOXIDE is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against similar viruses like SARS-CoV-2. It is EPA-approved, and proper PPE use is of the utmost importance. 

All tools and supplies are properly cleaned and disinfected to ensure there is no potential contamination to other parts of the structure. 

We want your business to be back on its feet in no time, trust us with your cleaning precaution needs. Please call us at (925) 856-8180 to answer any of your COVID-19 cleaning related questions. 

Avoiding House Fires 101

7/14/2020 (Permalink)

Your home is your safety net, that's why it's so scary to imagine anything happening to it. House fires take an average of 3,000 lives per year and we don't want you to become one of those statistics. Although you can't control everything, here are some tips to prevent house fires.

1. Test Your Smoke Alarms

Simple enough, yet so many households fail to check their alarms regularly. To test it, just press the little button on it. If the beep is weak, change it! Smoke alarms can be your best friend during sudden house fires. 

2. Inspect All Heating Sources

Malfunctioning heat sources can spark and cause a fire. Always clean your air filters, and make sure to dust around heat sources often. 

3. Keep Your Stove and Oven Clean

Keep a look out for towels, cookbooks, or clothing that's too close to your burners. Also, make sure to get all the food and crumbs out from underneath the burners. Those could also cause a sudden stove fire. 

4. Store Flammable Products Carefully

Keep any type of aerosol away from any heat sources. They could combust if they become too hot. Make sure you keep candles in a proper spot away from blankets and curtains as well. 

5. Always Have A Fire Extinguisher Handy

Everyone in your household should know where the extinguisher is, as well as know how to use it. 

Things happen, even if you try to prevent it. If a fire has damaged your home, don't forget to give us a call. 

We are Cleaning Experts

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –SERVPRO of Danville (925) 856-8180. 

How to Prevent Water Damage Caused by Rain

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Rain is very important for the natural environment but it can become a problem if it gets into your home.  One of the most common sources of water damage in a home is rain and it can get into your home in so many ways including leaks or seepage in the foundation, poorly sealed windows, and openings in the roof or siding.  Excessive rainfall can lead to considerable damage in a home as it has the potential to flood basements, ruin foundations and building materials, and contribute to mold growth.  It is very important for every homeowner to be aware of how rain can lead to water damage in their homes and what they can do to prevent it.

Most of the time, rain is harmless to homes and buildings but when it does find its way in, it can lead to a range of problems.  Rain water can spread within a home by getting absorbed into porous building materials and if the problem is not dealt with right away, the damage can become extensive.  The following are some of the ways rain can cause damage in your home:

• Seepage: Rain commonly enters homes by seeping through cracks in the foundation. This is much more likely to happen if the gutters are not draining properly and rain water gathers near the sides of the house.  Too much seepage can begin to ruin the foundation.
• Roof Leaks: If there is any damage to the roof, rain water can leak into the attic or upper floors and cause structural damage to the walls and ceilings.
• Flooding: Excessive rain can lead to flooding in your home which causes extensive damage and brings in microorganisms that can be harmful to your health.
• Mold: Rainy or wet conditions contribute to mold growth because mold needs moisture to thrive. Mold not only causes serious property damage, but also threatens your health.

Steps for Preventing Water Damage from Rain

You can help prevent water damage from the rain in your home by taking the following actions:

• Check for Proper Drainage: Effective drainage is important for making sure the rainwater drains away from your home. Inspect your roof for structural or surface damage that could affect its drainage ability.  Any hole in the roof must be addressed immediately to avoid leaks.  Your gutters must also be cleaned and clear of debris so the rain water can flow through them and the downspouts should be pointed away from the house.  It helps if the yard is sloped away from your home.
• Install and Routinely Check Sump Pump: Sump pumps are very effective for keeping excess rainwater out of your home and draining it away from the foundation. Make sure to check your sump pump often and even have a professional inspect it once a year for any issues.  A sump pump malfunction could leave your home vulnerable to flooding.
• Locate and Repair Water Leaks: Rain water can leak into your home through holes in the roof, poorly sealed doors and windows, and cracks in the foundation. Make sure you check these common areas and repair any damage that could allow a water leak.  You may also want to remove tree branches that are close to the roof or siding of your home because they could cause damage.

How to Stop a Roof Leak During a Storm

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Roof leaks are a problem in any weather, but a roof that starts to leak during a heavy rainstorm can quickly turn into a major emergency. Unfortunately, rainy weather is when a roof leak is most likely to happen–and when roofers become inundated with calls from panicked homeowners.

Your roof is leaking and you’ve contacted a roofer for help, but if they can’t get there immediately there are some things you can do to minimize the damage to your home’s interior as well as the roof. And since roofing companies often charge extra for emergency calls, you doing work ahead of time may save you money on your repair bill.

The Inside of Your House

The first thing you want to do, is deal with the leak inside your house so you can minimize interior damage.

Most of the time, a roof leak will form a small puddle in the attic and/or ceiling until it finds an escape route–usually something like a light fixture or heating register. Ceiling joints or corners are other spots where leaks will often occur. Sometimes these leaks happen in multiple places from one source, making it look much worse than it usually is.

If the ceiling is holding water or you see a bulge in the drywall, poke a hole in the center with a screwdriver or other similar object in the middle of it. This will drain water to that one spot, which will help lessen the damage to the ceiling and help collect the water into one stream.

To collect the water, you can always use buckets or large cooking pots, but the best idea is to use the garbage pail you put outside for waste disposal. These containers are large and most have wheels, making them easier to move even if they are filled with water.

If you have time beforehand, move any articles in the room that could be damaged by moisture off of the ground or into a different room. You may also want to put down drop cloths, garbage bags or tarp on the floor to make sure that carpeting and flooring stay dry as well.

Try to do this as soon as possible after “draining” water from the ceiling. This will also make any cleanup easier and protect surfaces from not just water, but from dust and debris created by removing any damaged drywall or ceiling tiles.

Now that you have done damage control and done the most to keep the interior of your home from the least amount of damage possible, it is time to try to find the source of the roof leak.

Go to the Attic

The best place to start is the attic. Your roofing materials are most likely over a layer of plywood, which means that water will often travel from the leak in the roofing material to the nearest joint in the plywood.

Grab a flashlight. You may also want to take another bucket or large container with you to capture the water closer to the source. If your attic insulation is fiberglass, wear gloves and eye protection as well.

If you are catching any water in the attic, don’t put your container right on top of the ceiling tile or drywall because it could fall through when it fills up. Instead, put a piece of scrap wood across the joists and put the bucket on that to catch any leaks.

Clear off any wet insulation that you find. If there is any standing water, soak it up with a sponge or rag.

The location of the entry point into the attic may be in a different area than where the leak is coming through your ceiling, so be sure to make a wide search of the attic to locate the source. You can usually trace the path along a rafter, but water sometimes also follows the underside of the roof deck.

If it is still raining look at the active leak and note what surface the leak is dripping from. Examine the underside of the rafters and sheathing. Look for water spots, drips or stains on the woods, or signs of mold growth. Check the insulation in between the floor joists to see if there any signs of water damage, mold or stains. This is most likely the source of your roof leak.

Source: https://roofrevivers.com/roof-leak-during-storm/

Our Certified Professionals are Ready to Restore Your Danville Home

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Rapid response time is crucial to fire damage recovery in Danville and we deliver. We arrive at your door as soon as possible after your first call, ready to assess the scenario ad develop a comprehensive plan to mitigate further harm, remediate the current damage, and assist with arranging for repairs and rebuilding.

SERVPRO crews have employees who hold either or both IICRC Water Damage Restoration Technician and Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians certifications. Water removal must proceed first for safety from electrical shock and slip and fall accidents, and other crew members are lining up the appropriate products, tools, and techniques to clear the varying types of soot from surfaces. Professional evaluation of residues is critical as they are toxic and respond very differently and often with undesirable results to ordinary cleaning methods. We also anticipate the need for deodorization services if deep cleaning and debris disposal does not eradicate odors. Our team has innovative equipment like air scrubbers, thermal foggers, and hydroxyl generators available for improving air quality after fire damage.

The contents of your home might benefit from a pack-out and treatment at our production facility while the on-site crew continues powering through the soot cleanup and remediation steps for the final restoration of badly burned and heated damaged structural components. SERVPRO production facility technicians use a broad range of strategies to transform soiled, wet, and smelly contents to “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Danville is prepared to help when your home suffers fire damage. Call on us at 925-856-8180 for caring and professional restoration services.

Four Reasons Why You Should Choose SERVPRO

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

24-Hour Emergency Response

Rapid response is crucial to controlling damage, downtime, and recovery costs.

You’re informed from start to finish

Communication helps keep everyone informed and puts nerves at ease during more stressful times.  You will be aware of the job status and progress along the way to completion.

Shorter Recovery Time

We understand anytime your business’ doors are closed, there is a negative impact on everyone. We arrive to the site as quickly as possible and begin mitigation. This allows cleanup and restoration to happen in an efficient time which will have your doors open as soon as possible.

Saves You Money

When our team is able to properly restore items to preloss conditions not only saves you money on replacing those items, it also salvages treasured belonging.

We Have a Strategy

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Every SERVPRO franchise has a plan for success in their area.  They carry an internal Mission Statement, a Vision Statement and Core Values to set themselves apart from the competition.  That means there are 1700 Mission Statements, Vision Statements and Core Values that ebb and flow throughout the nation.  All with a common goal of adhering to our company slogan, “Like it never even happened."  And that, folks, is what sets us apart from the others!

I share below SERVPRO of Danville’s contributions that distinguishes us from the singularity. 

VISION STATEMENT

“To be a beacon in our community while providing disaster relief (big or small) services with efficiency and professionalism.”

MISSION STATEMENT

“To continue to provide a client experience with knowledgeable and professional restoration services for the Danville area.”

CORE VALUES

1. Be honest, respectful and caring to your team members
2. Make a good first impression by always being on time, showing leadership, and being accountable for your actions and the safety of others.
3. Creating a united work environment with communication, teamwork, and a positive mental attitude in order to succeed.
4. Always strive to learn new things about my job and industry, while keeping our customers informed.

Small Businesses Look to SERVPRO for Assistance with Flood Damage

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

Still recovering portions of your small office building from the torrential rainstorms that struck our area last October? We took a pounding from the weather, but the repairs do not need to be an overly time-consuming endeavor. You just need to find someone who cares. 
 
There are many quality services available to assist with the restoration of your building suffering from commercial flood damage in Danville. However, our staff takes the relationships with customers beyond providing excellent services. We live and work in the same community; we may know each other on a personal level, our children may go to the same schools, support the same local sports teams and beyond. 
 
Calling your local SERVPRO is like calling a neighbor for help. Our staff assesses the situation by asking a series of pertinent questions to determine the proper amount of equipment and personnel necessary for the job. Next, we set an appointment that fits your schedule to have our technicians begin your restoration. 
 
Once SERVPRO technicians arrive, an onsite manager will walk you through an initial inspection, discuss the options that are available to restore your business and give you an approximate time frame for completion. They will also answer any questions that pop up throughout the restoration process and address any concerns you may have. 
 
With a plan in place, the repairs on your business begin by extracting any standing water and eliminating moisture hidden in hard to reach areas. SERVPRO’S certified technicians receive training in effective drying techniques, cleaning and deodorization methods, as well as the quality performance of quick, efficient repairs to return your property to a quality pre-flood damage condition. 
 
We look forward to building a solid, stable history with our clients that keep them coming back to us, should they ever need future repairs to get their businesses back on track after a natural disaster, fire, mold, or vandalism incident strikes. You can count on us to perform the services you need and get things back to normal as fast as possible. 
 
Contact SERVPRO of Danville to receive the quality services your business deserves. (925) 856-8180.

Using Chemical Agents for Commercial Water Removal in Danville? Stay Safe with SERVPRO!

10/28/2019 (Permalink)

The consequences of water damage can be huge, particularly for small businesses. Ultimately, every day that you can’t operate represents lost profits. This is why a fast and efficient restoration service is essential. At SERVPRO, we have a broad range of techniques that we can use to dry, clean, and repair your property quickly. In some instances, this does involve the use of strong chemicals.

They might be cleaning products, chemical agents, or water treatments. If our technicians do plan to introduce any kind of chemical element to the restoration process, you will be fully informed. Do be aware, however, that your employees will not be allowed to access the affected area during this time. Commercial water removal is a complex process, and it requires your full cooperation.

This simple guide to the most commonly used restoration chemicals will give you some information so that you can keep your workers safe.

Antimicrobial Agents 
This describes any chemical that is used to prevent the spread of microorganisms in water or on moist, damp materials. We will use these agents if we believe that black or gray liquid has entered the building, as it can be toxic.

Disinfectants 
Our disinfectant products are not too dissimilar from the ones that your cleaners may use, but they are substantially stronger. They are able to kill 99% of all the organisms that they encounter, and they leave surfaces close to sterile. We may use formaldehyde, alcohol, or chlorine based products.

Sanitizers 
The job of a sanitizer is to lower the number of microbes to a level that has been considered safe for ‘public use.’ Usually, sanitizing chemicals are combined with other cleaning agents, because they are not powerful enough to eradicate all organisms on their own. If bacteria remains and only sanitizer is used, there is a chance of it returning and we won’t take it.

Sterilants 
Sterilants are very effective because they eradicate fungi spores as well. This prevents the spread of mold in areas that have been affected by water damage. The downside to these chemicals is that they can’t be applied to every surface. Some materials will become damaged if brought into contact with sterilant, so we’re very careful about how we use them.

Cooperation And Collaboration Will Keep You Safe 
We’ll keep you in the loop at all times and explain what is happening throughout the restoration process. In exchange, we expect you to listen to our recommendations and vacate areas containing strong chemicals when advised. This is for your safety. You must inform all employees as to which spaces they can and cannot use during the repairs.

Don’t forget that SERVPRO of Danville is a local company. We are based in your area, so you can access our services at any time. We have access to state of the art drying equipment, and we can restore severely damaged items at our special facility. Call the experts’ 24/7 at (925) 856-8180. We are ready!

Large Loss

10/24/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know that SERVPRO of Danville has the capability to provide water mitigation, mold restoration and fire restoration for your commercial building quickly and efficiently? Our SERVPRO franchise has approximately 20 employees that will mobilize quickly when you need our services.

Should your commercial building experience a large loss, we can quickly activate more SERVPRO trained teammates from other SERVPRO franchises to help us get your building back in order so that you don’t lose revenue. SERVPRO has mobilization teams that travel across the country as needed to support recovery after large storm or disaster events. These teams are familiar with handling the work that goes into a large loss project and are trained to work as efficiently as possible. In the 24 years our franchise has been in business we have brought the mobilization teams in to help a handful of times. Each time, we have had successful outcomes.

Timely mitigation is the key to controlling damage, downtime and recovery costs. Our crews are available 24/7, 365 days a year. We are dedicated to providing detailed and consistent communication to make our customers aware of job status and progress toward completion.

If you’re dealing with a large commercial loss call us today at (925) 856-8180. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Storm Supply Checklist

10/23/2019 (Permalink)

During storm season with heavy rains and thunderstorms it’s incredibly important to be prepared. Here are a few items that are good to have in your home in case of a storm:

• Battery operated radio
• First aid kit
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Cash and important documents (such as insurance policies, IDs, bank information)
• Nonperishable food for several days
• Water for several days
• Extra clothing and shoes
• Pocket knife with tools attached
• Sanitation wipes and hygiene products.
• Manual can opener
• Matches in a waterproof container

If you experience any damage to your home from a storm, call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Teach Youth to Prepare for Disasters

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

If you are a parent, no doubt your child's safety is of upmost concern to you. You worry about them at school, at their friends house, and when they play outside. 

When it comes to safety, your preparedness has a direct impact on your child. If you are not prepared, your child isn't prepared. So how can you teach your child about preparedness?

Review Your Emergency Plan with Your Children

Have a plan, and be sure your children are aware of it. Help them prepare their own Go Bag, and include their favorite toy or book. If they have medication, be sure that's included too.

Keep your children prepared with this Activity Book, or with these Ready 2 Help cards.

Create a Communication Plan

If your children are teens or pre-teens, teach them how to communicate in case the family isn't all together. Who will they contact? Do they have an emergency back up contact? Include their social media and that of their schools in the communication plan. These allow you to get fast updates.

In case of a disaster, your children can be safe. Teach them to #BeReady and #PrepareNow!

What to Do Before, During, and After an Earthquake

10/20/2019 (Permalink)

Earthquake is the shaking of the Earth’s surface resulting from the sudden release of energy in the lithosphere that creates seismic waves. It  range in size from  weak that they cannot be felt to those violent enough to toss people around and destroy whole cities. When the epicenter of a large earthquake is located offshore, the seabed may be displaced and cause tsunami. Earthquakes can also trigger landslides, and volcanic activity.

Things to Do Before an Earthquake

1. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, a battery-powered radio, a flashlight, and extra batteries at home.
2. Learn first aid.
3. Learn how to turn off the gas, water, and electricity.
4. Make up a plan of where to meet your family after an earthquake.
5. Don't leave heavy objects on shelves (they'll fall during a quake).
6. Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor.
7. Learn the earthquake plan at your school or workplace.

Things to Do During an Earthquake

1. Stay calm! If you're indoors, stay inside. If you're outside, stay outside.
2. If you're indoors, stand against a wall near the center of the building, stand in a doorway, or crawl under heavy furniture (a desk or table). Stay away from windows and outside doors.
3. If you're outdoors, stay in the open away from power lines or anything that might fall. Stay away from buildings (stuff might fall off the building or the building could fall on you).
4. Don't use matches, candles, or any flame. Broken gas lines and fire don't mix.
5. If you're in a car, stop the car and stay inside the car until the earthquake stops.
6. Don't use elevators (they'll probably get stuck anyway).

Things to Do After an Earthquake

1. Check yourself and others for injuries.
2. Check water, gas, and electric lines for damage. Turn on the radio. Don't use the phone unless it's an emergency.
3. Stay out of damaged buildings.
4. Be careful around broken glass and debris. Wear boots or sturdy shoes to keep from cutting your feet.
5. Be careful of chimneys (they may fall on you).
6. Stay away from beaches. Tsunamis sometimes hit after the ground has stopped shaking.
7. Stay away from damaged areas.
8. If you're at school or work, follow the emergency plan or the instructions of the person in charge.
9. Expect aftershocks.

It is important to think about what you will do to protect yourself, wherever you are, when the earth begins to shake.

Commercial Fire Sprinklers System

10/19/2019 (Permalink)

No business, wants to deal with the destruction caused by fire. One of the best ways to minimize potential damage and associated expenses is to maintain a commercial fire sprinkler system. A sprinkler system is a highly effective fire suppression strategy that can prevent many significant losses.

They’re Activated by Heat, Not Smoke

A sprinkler system is not activated by smoke. The heat generated by a fire rises to the ceiling, where the sprinklers heads are located. Sensors recognize the change in temperature and trigger the release of water. Only sprinklers in the area of the fire will be activated. It is possible that only a single sprinkler head will deploy. 

They Use High-Pressure Water

The pipes that feed the fire sprinkler system are filled with pressurized water at all times. There will be no delay between the activation of the system and the release of water. The volume of water from even a single sprinkler can help contain a fire, which reduces fire and water damage to the rest of the structure. By the time the fire department arrives, the fire will likely not have spread further. It may even be extinguished by the sprinkler system.

They Can Minimize Cleanup After a Fire

Minimal fire sprinkler cleanup is another key advantage of a sprinkler system. While there will still be fire and water damage, it is likely to be much less extensive than what you’d find in a building without a sprinkler system. The first damage should be limited to the area where sprinklers activated. The water damage from sprinklers is far less intrusive than water damage cause by fire hoses.

Any fire will cause structural and water damage. The primary benefit of a fire sprinkler system is that inevitable damage will be kept to a minimum, resulting in saved dollars and saved lives.

How Professional Carpet Cleaning Impacts Business

10/19/2019 (Permalink)

What message are your business’ carpets sending to your employees and those who come into your workplace?

The importance of commercial carpet cleaning is often underestimated. Dirty carpets can have a bigger impact on companies and their employees than most people realize.

A successful business must consider not only the appearance of their building, but how dirty carpeting can affect the health of employees. Also it’s worth mentioning; a dirty office with soiled carpets creates an uncomfortable work area and can kill motivation. If you own or manage a business that has customers or clients that enter your work space, it is crucial to make a good impression. What are your carpets saying about you?

You might not even realize how services like commercial carpet cleaning can benefit your business. Here are seven advantages of the service.

Gain Customers and Keep Them Coming

Let’s face it, appearances matter when it comes to attracting and keeping customers. Your products or services may be amazing, but as long as your business looks dirty, grungy, and unkempt it will deter customers. After all, you don’t take care of your business then its likely customers will get the impression your services or products are second-rate.

Higher Quality Cleaning by Professionals

Some companies attempt to make their employees do the carpet cleaning. You take the risk in damaging or tearing carpets if the process isn’t done properly. Every style of carpet requires specific chemicals and water temperature that only professional carpet cleaners have access to and are trained on how to use.  Having a professional clean the carpets typically entails a more thorough cleaning process then someone who has no training and will end up having a more lasting effect.

The SERVPRO of Danville team specializes in cleaning – and one thing our team likes to clean is carpets for your commercial business! A dirty carpet isn’t something any business wants to have. It looks unprofessional and unkempt. Luckily, our SERVPRO of Danville team is here to help.

Fire Safety Tips for the Workplace

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

No matter what type of business you conduct at your workplace, fire safety should always be a main concern. Here are a few fire safety tips you can distribute to your staff.

Fire Prevention

• Keep your work area free of waste paper, trash, and other items that can easily catch fire.
• Check on your electrical cords. If a cord is damaged in any way, replace it. Try not to lay cords in places where they can be stepped on, as this will contribute to deterioration of the protective outside coating.
• Don’t overload your circuits.
• Turn off electrical appliances at the end of each day.
• Keep heat producing equipment away from anything that might burn. This includes copiers, coffee makers, computers, etc.

In the Event of a Fire

• Upon finding a fire, call 911 immediately and don’t hang up with the emergency responder until told to do so.
• Close doors when exiting to help limit the spread of smoke and fire throughout the building.
• Never use elevators during an evacuation.
• Follow the escape plan and meet at a pre-determined place outside of your building and away from danger. Conduct a headcount to ensure all of your staff has evacuated.
• The best way to ensure the safety of your staff is through fire prevention and preparation. Talk with your staff about fire safety in the workplace today.

SERVPRO of Danville is always here to help. Our experts are available 24/7. If you’re dealing with fire damage at your business call SERVPRO of Danville at (925) 856-8180.

When Your Business Loses Power, Here's What You Can Do

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

When power lines are down, you need a way to continue your business without losing important information. A power outage doesn’t have to bring your business operations to a halt. Here are three ways you can continue working even if you are temporarily without your normal power or internet sources.

1. Seek Alternate Locations

One convenient thing about the internet is that you can access it from almost anywhere. If you know your business is going to be without power for a few hours, use some creative restructuring to get work done. Allow employees to work from home until power is restored in your building. Take a working lunch to a restaurant with a strong Wi-Fi signal. There are many places where you can work comfortable while technicians are repairing power lines and restoration experts are fixing anything wrong within the building.

2. Use Backup Power

If you are able to stay in the building to work, a backup power source can help you do so. A portable generator or battery backup can get you through a temporary power outage. Use an uninterrupted power supply to avoid losing data on an unsaved document during a sudden outage.

3. Follow Internet Tips

If you have a limited data plan on your phone, you can use Wi-Fi if available. If you have unlimited data on your phone plan, you can use your phone as a mobile hotspot by turning on the “mobile hotspot.” This can help you finish what you have started if you experience a momentary lapse of service in your building. If power is limited, make sure that you only using the essential services you need. You may be tempted to log on to check social media or play games while you are waiting on the power to come back, but this can drain your battery quickly. Conserve energy by only using what you need until you have full service again.

A power outage can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be devastating. Having a backup plan can save data and allow your business to continue functioning.

What to Do After Your Business Suffers Fire Damage

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

A fire is a devastating incident, and you may feel overwhelmed if your business in Danville, CA has been affected by fire damage. There are some key steps you should take in the aftermath of a fire in order to ensure that your business is up and running again as seamlessly as possible. Here are some tips to guide you through the fire restoration process and ensure that everything returns to normal again.

Stay Away From Danger

While you may be tempted to try to repair objects that have been damaged by the fire, it is best not to touch any damaged items in your business. Take the following precautions when surveying the effects of the fire:

• Avoid washing walls or painted surfaces
• Do not turn on lighting fixtures if walls or the ceiling is wet.
• Keep your hands clean to avoid spreading soot particles.
• Refrain from cleaning damaged electronics.

Call Your Insurance Company

Make sure to call your insurance company as soon as possible to report the fire damage. The faster you inform them of your loss, the faster you can focus on fire restoration and the less likely you are to miss important deadlines. Once you’ve spoken with an agent, you can make a fire insurance claim. Taking care of the logistics after an incident can help you be well informed during a stressful situation.

Turn off Utilities

Until help arrives, it is crucial to do what you can to minimize further damage. Turn off all the utilities in your building, including gas, electricity, and water. You can shut off the water at the main valve and turn off gas and electricity at the meter. Once you’ve done this, refrain from using any utilities until a professional has inspected them properly. Whether you need smoke cleaning services or water removal from firefighting efforts, a skilled fire restoration professional can conduct a fire damage assessment and help bring your business back to normal.

Protect Against Workplace Fires

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

Fire prevention in the workplace is a serious matter, and not just because your livelihood is on the line. A fire can put your business at risk, but it can also do the same for the lives of you and your coworkers. Luckily, there are some basic steps you can take to ensure workplace fire safety for everyone who helps keep your business running. Check out the following seven expert tips to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your business and coworkers safe.

1. Create a fire prevention plan. Take the time to create a plan for workplace fire safety. Create guidelines for employees, make a calendar with inspection dates and important maintenance, and share it with everyone at your business.
2. Set a smoke policy. Smoking but it also introduces potential fire hazards. Consider the following as you create a safety-minded workplace smoking policy:
   • Designate smoking and non-smoking areas.
   • Have ashtrays available and make sure people use them.
   • Keep ashtrays clean of other material and away from flammable items.
   • Clean all ashtrays regularly.
3. Place and check fire extinguishers. Like sprinklers, fire extinguishers can sometimes prevent a minor fire from turning into a major disaster. Buy enough fire extinguishers as appropriate for the size of your building, and make sure they’ll be accessible when it matters. That means no junk or equipment making them hard to reach. Putting them under cabinets or on high shelves won’t do much good when a room is full of smoke, either.
4. Check for hazards. Make time on a regular basis to inspect equipment, areas where chemicals are stored and other identified high-risk areas. Perform maintenance on electrical equipment as soon as problems are spotted. Fires are often preventable, and the last thing you want is for your business to be destroyed by a fire that could have been averted through proactive maintenance.

How to Avoid a Cigarette Fire in Your Home

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Though there are various reasons residential fires occur, cigarettes are one of the most common causes of home fires in Danville, CA.

Keep Ashtrays Outside

Properly extinguishing and disposing of cigarettes is often a helpful way to prevent a fire. Though many people keep ashtrays in their home, it can be wise to place your ashtray outside of your home if you want to decrease the chance of a fire occurring. If a cigarette isn’t properly extinguished, an ashtray fire can easily start in your home, especially if the ashtray is near flammable materials. Keeping an ashtray outside and away from flammable objects can be a useful way to keep your home safe.

Don’t Smoke When Sleepy

In order to reduce the likelihood of a cigarette fire in your home, it’s usually best not to smoke when you are tired. Many fires from cigarettes occur when a person is smoking on a sofa or bed and then they fall asleep. When asleep, it’s easy to drop a lit cigarette without noticing, and if the cigarette remains lit, mattresses, cushions, and other materials can quickly catch fire. Avoiding smoking when you’re tired is an easy way to decrease the chance of a home fire.

Smoke Outside

When a person smokes inside a home, a fire is often more like to occur. With so many flammable items in homes, setting a lit cigarette down momentarily can result in a fire. Homeowners whose homes have been damaged by fires may find it helpful to contact fire restoration experts. However, smoking outside of your house can help to prevent a home fire, eliminating the need for restoration and fire cleanup.

Instead of restoring your home after a fire, it’s generally easier and less time-consuming to take precautions to prevent a cigarette fire. Keeping ashtrays outside, not smoking when tired and only smoking outside are helpful ways to prevent a cigarette from causing a fire in your home.

Creating a Fire Evacuation Plan

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Planning for a fire may not be something you want to think about, but for the safety of you and your family it is crucial to have a plan. If a fire does happen the pre-planning can make a huge difference in swiftly getting you and your family to safety.

Creating a Fire Evacuation Plan: 

• Include everyone in planning: be sure to assign someone to help kids, pets, and elderly to safety if a fire occurs. If that assigned person is out of town assign a backup person.
• Check smoke alarms: Be sure that smoke alarms are working and are properly placed in key areas. NFPA suggest that a smoke detector is placed in all sleeping rooms, outside each sleeping room and on every level of the home.
• Keep Important Documents Safe: be sure to keep copies of identification cars and insurance cards in a fireproof safe, or have them uploaded to the cloud.

When creating a Fire Emergency Plan it is crucial to pre-plan what you will do to restore your property if there is damage. SERVPRO of Danville can help you in your planning efforts by outlining all of our services. No one plans for a disaster, but you can prepare! 

If you need help in restoring your property after a fire, our SERVPRO of Danville team will arrive and get to work restoring your home to preloss condition. We're available 24/7, 365 days a year, including holidays. (925) 856-8180. 

Four Must Haves for your Business's Fire Escape Plan

10/16/2019 (Permalink)

Fire escape plans are essential for any business, not only for the safety of your employees but also for those who come and go from the offices. Not having a strategy can cause confusion that can lead to unnecessary injuries and an increased amount of property damage. Include these four must-have items in your emergency escape plan.

Roles

Put together a chain of command. Delegate one person to take charge of the evacuation plan from start to finish. Pick individuals to escort employees, customers and contractors from the building to a pre-planned meeting area. Others to include in the emergency escape plan are those in charge of the shutdown of utilities and those who aid disabled or injured people.

Evacuation Routes

Design a map showing all evacuation routes. Due to the drills you have, your employees will know where all the exit doors are; however, customers and contractors who are not familiar with the building need a map that is easy to read. Several websites have templates for devising a fire escape plan.

Headcount

Choose someone to keep a headcount of everyone exiting the building. As part of your business, if applicable, use a sign-in sheet to keep track of people going in and out of your offices. The person in charge of the headcount can utilize the sign-in sheet and check off those accounted for.

Employee Training and Drills

After putting together the fire escape plan, it’s time for the drills. Practice at least twice a year, preferably more. Include medical preparation as part of the exercise. The American Red Cross provides training and certification classes in basic first aid and CPR for businesses and organizations.

It is ultimately your job to ensure the safety and well-being of those in the building. A fire escape plan can make your staff more confident they can get themselves and others out of a dangerous situation. A fire damage specialist in Danville, CA is a great person to speak with to organize the best safety plan for your business. SERVPRO of Danville is available 24/7, 365 days a year and would be more than happy to have a fire damage specialist come out and create a safety plan for your business. 

The Invisible Impact of Smoke Damage

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

No property owner wants to experience a commercial building fire. The fire can be devastating, not only because of the damage the fire does but from the odor and discoloration the smoke leaves behind. Furthermore, while the building is closed, you can lose a great deal of money. However, before you hire a professional service in Danville, CA, to begin smoke cleaning, it can be important to understand exactly how the smoke damage can impact your building, your clients, and you.

Invisible Assailants

Although smoke can often be seen during a fire, the damage causing the lingering smoke odor can often be a result of components that are not always visible. These can include:

• Invisible and toxic gasses can contaminate the air. These gases can include carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and phosgene. The gases can be a highly foul-smelling contribution to the smoke.
• Particles of carbon called soot can cover the floors and walls. The fragments can float long distances from the fire and be deposited in unusual areas such as the cracks of bricks or under the heads of nails.
• Vapors of poisonous smoke can look like mist. The gaseous droplets can be poisonous and can cover items in your building with contaminates.

Cover Particles

Signs of smoke are often evident after a fire. Black stains covering the walls and ceiling of some rooms, soot covered floors, and an unpalatable odor are often visible signs of pollution left behind by the fire. But the acrid smell that lingers for weeks after a fire is often caused by a cloud of invisible particles left over from the flames. That is why smoke cleaning can be a tedious and unpleasant job.

Timely Restoration

Removing the smoke damage that can be seen may be easily done by a fire restoration and smoke cleaning team. On the other hand, removing the often acrid and unpleasant odor left behind can be difficult even when using scientific means. Sadly, the longer the odor lingers, the more difficult it can become to remove it completely.

If you’re dealing with smoke, soot, or fire damage call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180.

5 Steps to Prepare Your Home for a Fire

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Test Your Alarms

Though your smoke alarms should inform you when they’re low on batteries, it doesn’t hurt to check them periodically. Test them once a month, and to err on the side of caution, replace their batteries at least once a year.

Plan an Evacuation Route

This should be at the top of your fire preparation list. Identify all possible exits for each room in the home and make sure that each family member is aware of where those exits are. Designate a family meeting spot outside.

Teach Your Children

If you have young children, show them what the fire alarm sounds like and advise them on what to do if they hear one. Inform them of evacuation routes as well.

Plan a Way to Communicate

Put together an emergency contact list and make sure that all family members know who to contact if they cannot find one another. Have your young children memorize important phone numbers, beginning with 911.

Practice

The best way to ensure that all family members know what to do in the event of an emergency is to practice. Host a fire drill every couple of months and devise different scenarios. In doing so, you can increase the odds that everyone knows what to do and how to escape in a real life emergency.

SERVPRO of Danville is here to help with any fire damage you may be dealing with! We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 925-856-8180.

Fires and the Residual Damage They Can Cause

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

When dealing with fire damage, there is more to be cleaned up than just what is affected by the flames.

Long after the flames are extinguished, soot and smoke left behind can continue damaging property and can give rise to other issues such as mold and rust as well. If left untreated, this damage can compound over time, becoming more difficult and costly to remediate.

If you’ve been affected by a fire, it is important to call your restoration team right away to prevent giving rise to other issues such as:

Mold Damage: After a fire, affected areas are often left without any artificial or natural lighting. If the fire was doused with water or set off a sprinkler system, this creates mold’s ideal environment to thrive. Mold can quickly begin growth on almost any surface, leading to discoloration and damages to items and structures.

Corrosion and Rust Damage: Rust and corrosion might not be the first thing you think of when you consider fire damage, but water left untreated on small electronics can cause it to develop and greatly increase the risk for short-circuits or electrical shock.

Soot Damage: Soot is the most common form of carbon byproduct that materials produce when they burn. Most home and commercial fires consist of multiple burned materials, leading to soot that is highly acidic. This acid can cause damage to nearly any surface it comes into contact with, with porous or textured surfaces being the most at-risk. Any soot allowed to remain in the affected area can lead to the damage of carpets, walls and unburnt portions of the house. The longer the soot is allowed to sit, the more unlikely the damage can be reversed.

Questions to Help You Find a Fire Restoration Company

Finding a fire restoration company that you can trust to restore your home to pre-damaged conditions is difficult if you are unsure what to look for. These questions are worth taking the time to ask as you shop around:

• Will they fully clean and sanitize the area to prevent mold growth?
• Do they use industrial-grade air scrubbers to remove odors?
• Do they have a Master Fire Restorer on staff?
• Can they do all levels of restoration, from cosmetic to construction?

If you’ve been affected by a fire, know that SERVPRO of Danville hits all the above qualifications and more. Contact us today to learn how we’re able to make it “Like it never even happened.” (925) 856-8180.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

10/14/2019 (Permalink)

1.  INSPECT THE ROOF, SOFFITS AND FASCIA BOARDS.

Using binoculars is a safe alternative to climbing a ladder. Check for damage to shingles, nail pops and wood rot.

2. CLEAN YOUR GUTTERS!

improperly channeled water can compromise the structural integrity of your property, including the foundation and sheet rock inside. Water damage can quickly lead to mold growth, which is a hazard health.

3. CLEAN UP THE YARD

Prune bushes, trim the trees and climbing plants. Thinning dead or overgrown tree branches can prevent catastrophic roof damage in the event of a storm. Don't let weeds, ivy or other plants' roots exploit your foundation or siding. Remove debris from your yard; properties with well-kept lawns are less inviting to thieves and vandals.

4. REPAIR CRACKED, BROKEN OR UNEVEN DRIVEWAYS, WALKWAYS AND STAIRS

The expansion and contraction caused by freezing and thawing can lead to significant damage to exterior walkways. If kept unchecked, these hazards can cause slips and falls.

5. PREVENT BUGS AND RODENTS FROM ENTERING YOUR PROPERTY

Seal or caulk cracks, gaps or holes near baseboards, windows and doors. Cable, plumbing and electric service entry points should also have a tight seal. Any hole the size of a dime or larger may allow rodents to squeeze through.

6. WINTERIZE ALL WATER SYSTEMS

Drain, disconnect and store garden hoses. Install a faucet cover to help prevent outdoor faucets from freezing. Drain your sprinkler system and swimming pool pump. Turn off the water and fully drain the plumbing systems on any vacant properties!

7. INSPECT YOUR SMOKE & CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS; ONE SHOULD BE INSTALLED ON EACH FLOOR Test alarms monthly. Change the batteries twice a year or more frequently as needed.

8. MAKE SURE YOUR MULTIPURPOSE FIRE EXTINGUISHER IS FULL AND PROPERLY PRESSURIZED

Store the extinguisher in an accessible location and follow the manufacturer's instructions for routine maintenance.

9. GIVE YOUR FURNACE A TUNE UP

HVAC systems should be checked at least twice a year-before winter or summer arrive. Have the ducts professionally cleaned to prevent fires resulting from dust buildup. Change furnace filters on a monthly basis.

10. HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY PROFESSIONALLY CLEANED AND INSPECTED

A $300 inspection will cost much less than an insurance deductible in the event of a fire. A professional can repair any cracks, remove soot and other buildup, and make sure the flu and gas lines are in good condition.  

Why You Should Not Clean Mold with Bleach

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

Mold is not a topic that most homeowners want to think about. If they are discussing mold, it is likely because they have discovered some mold in their home, and as it can be both dangerous and costly, the chances are if you have found some you are desperately trying to determine how to get rid of it as soon as possible.  SERVPRO of Danville is here to help with all your mold needs!

You should avoid using bleach during fungus cleanup because bleaching mold does not actually destroy mold. This liquid cleaner is actually only designed for non-porous surfaces. It does not go deep into drywall or wood to kill the source of the issue. Mold, in particular, can grow roots deep within porous materials. Bleaching mold does not eliminate these roots, so the mold will continue to grow back.

Another reason to avoid bleaching mold is that the chlorine in the cleaner evaporates over time, making the product less effective. Even if your bottle has just been sitting in your cabinet for months, it may not work as well. You thus may not even be able to clean the entire surface mold.

Fungus cleanup should help limit the spread of the mold spores and reduce the odor. However, you need to make sure the infestation is completely contained before you allow employees or customers to return to your Danville property. Mold remediation professionals can quickly fix the problem and get your home back to its preloss condition. SERVPRO of Danville is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 925-856-8180.

Prevent Water Damage from Toilets

10/13/2019 (Permalink)

Common toilet problems and plumbing issues can lead to water damage. Plumbing problems can be prevented by regular plumbing maintenance. Taking care of a toilet repair as soon as toilet plumbing problems occurs is the best way to prevent toilet-related water damage. Follow the IBHS recommendations below to avoid costly water damage repair and water damage restoration.

Water damage in your bathroom can drain your wallet, which is why IBHS urges property owners to complete preventive maintenance before trouble strikes. IBHS conducted a study of closed water damage insurance claims and used that information to identify the leading causes of water damage and develop solutions.

Toilet Failure

• The study found that toilet failures cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid.
• One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

• Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, lift off the tank cover and lift the float to shut off water flow to the tank, and then turn off the supply valve.
• Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line. Make sure that you can turn off the supply. If you have older screw type valves that are hard to turn or start leaking, consider replacing them with simpler ball valves that are easy to shut off quickly.

Tip: It is a good idea to look over your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with any exclusion to your water damage coverage. For instance, most policies cover sudden damage, like water damage from a really bad storm or from an overflowing washing machine. On the other hand, any water damage that happens because you didn’t maintain the property may be excluded, as well as gradual leaks that caused water damage over time.

Keep Bathrooms Mold Free

10/12/2019 (Permalink)

A nice warm shower or bath can be a great way to end the day or re-energize in the morning. You aren’t alone in being drawn to the comforts a bathroom can provide. Lingering dampness after bathing and potential water damage create welcoming environments for mold growth.

While sometimes obvious, mold damage can also be sneaky. Hidden water damage may likely be the culprit if you notice the distinct musty odor without the visual cues. When finding the source, check the following areas:

• Inspect toilets, sinks and pipes for signs of a leak or mold.
• Check caulking around tubs and showers.
• Remove ventilation fan cover to look for signs of growth.
• Inspect walls, grout, wallpaper, drywall, rugs, and other porous materials for dampness.

The pesky fungus may be annoying, but luckily mold prevention is easy. Incorporating a few daily habits and regularly checking for damage can keep it at bay. Some tips include:

• After bathing, squeegee walls to eliminate lingering water.
• Always use the ventilation fan when bathing and keep it running for 30 minutes afterward.
• Mold loves humidity. Try to keep levels below 50% in the home via a dehumidifier or air conditioner.
• Keep bathrooms clean. Washing the rugs and towels and cleaning toilets, sinks and showers can eliminate conditions that mold and mildew love.

Mold remediation professionals can quickly fix your mold problem and get your home back to its preloss condition. SERVPRO of Danville is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 925-856-8180.

Making a Water Damage Claim? Read This First

10/12/2019 (Permalink)

There’s never a good time for water damage to strike in Danville, CA. You must deal with a wide range of problems: bursting pipes, discolored walls, ruined furniture and more. It’s the second most frequent type of home insurance claim, but there are often complex details impacting whether or not a claim is paid. Before you contact your insurer with a claim, you should review some helpful tips.

1. Understand Your Homeowner’s Policy

Claims for damage resulting from water can be tricky. Whether they’re paid or denied often depends on the nature of the incident and the policy’s provisions. For instance, a policy may not cover the cost to fix a broken pipe but could reimburse you for resulting damage from bursting pipes. Also, your coverage may not include reimbursing you for gradual damage that happens due to problems that have slowly developed over time. Read through your policy carefully and make sure you understand its coverage and exclusions.

2. Keep Up with Regular Maintenance

Seasonal maintenance is one important key to catching and fixing problems before they get worse. Perform a thorough check each fall and spring, focusing on critical areas. Pay attention to areas through which water can leak: window panes, thresholds, door seals, exterior walls, insulation, gutters, drains and even your roof. Your plumbing is especially important since bursting pipes can easily result in expensive damage.

3. Keep Complete Records

Comprehensive documentation is your friend when it comes to home insurance claims. Your files should include records of repairs and maintenance services you’ve paid for over the years. Detailed invoices from the contractors you’ve hired are especially beneficial. If you have records from prior insurance claims, hold onto those as well.

When making a claim, both knowing your coverage and doing your due diligence are critical. Working with a water damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Danville is also vital to getting your home and life back on track. For best results, choose a responsive and trustworthy professional that’s faster to any size disaster!

Is a Storm Coming?

10/12/2019 (Permalink)

If one is, you should always be prepared. Although violent storms can strike anytime, the fall and winter months typically mark an increase in the threat of sudden, severe storms that sometimes include wind, rain, lighting and even hail.

Authorities issue a storm 'watch' when the potential for severe weather exists. A storm 'warning' will be issued when danger from a severe storm is imminent. The following tips will help prepare you to better protect yourself and your property when a storm is on the horizon. 

• Put a communication plan in place and prepare an emergency supply kit, including a battery-powered NOAA weather radio.
• Postpone outdoor activities; secure outdoor objects that could become airborne.
• Don't use corded phones or any appliances that are "plugged in." Use cell or cordless phones instead.
• Seek shelter in a home, building or hard top automobile. The steel frame of a vehicle (not the rubber ties) can help protect you from a lightning strike if you avoid touching metal or other conductive surfaces. 
• Avoid windows and doors, don't lie on concrete walls, and stay off of porches.
• If you are outside when a storm hits, quickly seek shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid small, isolated structures in open areas and steer clear of hilltops, open fields, the beach or a boat on the water. 

After A Storm

• Avoid storm-damaged areas. Stay away from downed power lines and never try to drive through a flooded roadway.
• Replenish your emergency supplies and repair property damage promptly, before the next storm strikes.

Quick Response is Critical

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Danville is on call 24/7/365 and is ready to respond to your water loss. We understand that it is very critical that you get back to focusing your attention on getting your home back to preloss condition as soon as possible. Our staff is trained to respond quickly and to assume responsibility for as much of the restoration activity as possible. No matter the size of your home we understand it is important to you to have your home back to its normal condition. We are proud to say we are faster to any size disaster.

SERVPRO takes pride in it’s highly motivated, trained, and professional staff. We employ the latest technology in restoration equipment to assure you receive state of the art services.

If you require service, SERVPRO is always here to help. Call us here at SERVPRO of Danville at (925) 856-8180.

Water Damage Timeline

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

We all get very busy with our day to day schedules and water damage can really put a wrench in your plans. As inconvenient and time consuming as it may be, leaving water damage for even 1 day can make things significantly worse.

Within minutes water will spread throughout your property soaking into drywall, upholstery and other belongings. 

Within the first 24 hours drywall will spread and break, metal surfaces begin to tarnish and a musty odor becomes present.

Within 48 hours to a week mold and mildew grow and spread, paint blisters, wood flooring swells and doors and windows swell and warp.

After 1 week of being untreated, the time and money needed for restoration significantly increase and the home or business may no longer be structurally sound.

If you travel south for the winter have a friend or family member check on your home every few days and if your business has a basement be sure to check it regularly.  

If you're dealing with water loss, SERVPRO of Danville is here to help! Call us at SERVPRO of Danville at (925) 856-8180. 

Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

There's nothing like when a good plan comes together. One of the best plans someone can make is to plan for disasters.

Ask yourself these questions: What will I do if there's a fire at my home or work? What if there's an extended power outage? If my family isn’t together, how will we regroup? Am I prepared to evacuate and leave?

Your answer to those questions might say whether you need a plan or not. What's the first step? 

Have a conversation with your family, make a plan, and practice it. Follow alerts on social media from emergency & weather responders. 

We never know when a disaster will happen, being prepared will help reinforce our families safety. 

The Do's and Don'ts After Flooding Occurs

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

In the Occurrence of a Flood:

1. Remove excess water by mopping and blotting.
2. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
3. Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions.
4. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
5. Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.

The Don'ts:

1. Do not leave wet fabrics in place, Hang furs and leather goods.
2. Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors.
3. Do not use your house hold vacuum to remove water.
4. Do not use the television or other household appliances.
5. Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging. 

If you experience damage to your home after flood, call SERVPRO of Danville at 925-856-8180. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Doesn’t matter if the damage you see is big or small.