Nine Common Fire Starters

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park wishes safety and prosperity for our community members. Please take note of the nine most common fires starters below, and actively make strides to prevent these easy mistakes.

#1: Cooking

House fires happen most during dinner hours—between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. That’s because people are cooking. Here's what you should remember when using the kitchen:  

• For grease fires, only use a fire extinguisher or baking soda. Do not use water! It will spread the oil/grease and make your fire worse.
• Never leave your food unattended. Fires only need 30 seconds to go from a small flame to an out-of-control blaze, so even going to the bathroom could endanger your home.

#2: Heating Equipment

Almost 13% of all residential fires are caused by heating equipment. Make sure to turn off all heating equipment once you have finished using them.

# 3: Electrical Equipment

Electrical equipment causes over 6% of house fires. Look for frayed wires, surge marks in wire, and damaged cords.

#4: Carelessness

Mistakes happen. For house fires, negligence causes 5.8% of blazes. Carelessness includes not putting our cigarettes, leaving candles burning, putting heating equipment near combustible items, and more.

#5: Open flame

Candles, fires in the fireplace, and outdoor bonfires are enjoyable when controlled, but disastrous when they’re not. About 4% of all house fires start from an open flame.

#6: Appliances

Appliances cause about 4% of house fires. You can decrease the chances of something malfunctioning and catch on fire by making sure it’s approved by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

#7: Intentional

Arson is a felony and can result in up to 20 years. But, people still do it. Out of all house fires, 4.2% are intentionally set.

#8: Smoking

About 2% of fires are caused by cigarettes. Just put your cigarettes out.

#9: Natural

Nature happens. This means wildfires and those caused by lightning are unavoidable. Don’t worry though! Natural causes only account for 1.6% of all house fires.

Remember, house fires claim a life every 7 seconds. To protect yourself, home, and business, be aware of where fires are most common. #fire #firedmaage #SERVPRO #community #stormdamagerepair #restoration #waterdamagerestoration

Heat Wave Tips!

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Heat waves have been striking the San Gabriel Valley all Summer. Just like any other natural disaster, heat waves can be very dangerous!

Here are some tips to survive a heat wave:

Before the Heat Wave Hits

• Properly install window air conditioners, sealing any cracks and insulating if necessary.
• Check A/C ducts for proper insulation and clean filters.
• Install awnings, blinds, or light-colored drapes and keep them closed to keep sunlight and heat out.
• Upgrade your windows and weather-strip doors to keep heat out and cool air in.
• Make sure your first aid kit is updated and get trained in first aid relief.
• Have a plan for wherever you (and your family members/pets) spend time during a heat wave—home, work, and school—and prepare for power outages. Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household.
• Check the contents of your emergency disaster kit in case a power outage occurs.
• Be aware of weather forecasts and the upcoming temperature changes.
• It’s not just the high temperature. The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined. See our heat index chart.
• A backhome home generator is the safest and most reliable solution!  Power outages are common during heatwaves because the need for A/C puts too much pressure on the power grids. A standby generator, however, automatically keeps the A/C running, the lights on, food and medicine from spoiling, and medical devices operating.

During the Heat Wave

• Use box fans and ceiling fans to promote air circulation throughout your home. Opening doors in the house and using box fans to push hot air outdoors can function as an "exhaust" system and draw cooler evening air into the house. In the cooler evenings, open all windows and promote as much air circulation as possible.
• Take advantage of the cooling power of water. Wet towels and bandannas can have a cooling effect when worn on the shoulders or head. Consider using a spray bottle filled with cold water for refreshing spritzes throughout the day.
• Head downstairs. Since hot air rises, the upper stories of a home will be warmer than the ground floor. A basement can be a cool refuge from the midday heat.
• Eliminate extra sources of heat. Incandescent light bulbs can generate unnecessary heat, as can computers or appliances left running. Eat fresh foods that do not require you to use the oven or stove to prepare.
• Remember to maintain an adequate level of hydration, which means you'll need to consume more water than you usually do when it's hot. Thirst is the first sign of dehydration; you should drink sufficient amounts of fluids before you feel thirsty in order to prevent dehydration
• For a homemade "air conditioning" system, sit in the path of a box fan that is aimed at an open cooler, or pan filled with ice.

Hot Weather And Firestorms

8/24/2022 (Permalink)

A firestorm is an intense fire that develops its own wind system. The strong wind currents make it easy for the flames to spread and it also increases its potential to cause damage significantly. During the summer the chances of one occurring increase due to the natural hot weather. Areas close to the forest or places with dry vegetation are at a higher risk of being affected by a firestorm. It is key to always be prepared for a fire as they can begin so suddenly. Some important tips to better prepare yourself include

• Have an emergency plan in place
• Install smoke detectors, detecting a fire early on may prevent complications 
• Inspect your home for potential fire hazards; being aware of their location can prevent a fire
• Know the phone number of your nearest fire department; the sooner you call the faster they can arrive
• If a fire occurs indoors if possible you can close the door of the area. This may slow the spread of the fire
• Know the location of fire fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers
• Evacuate your home if there is a wildfire nearby that may reach your home
• Reduce or eliminate dry vegetation surrounding your home; dry vegetation is easily flammable
• Don't try to fight a large fire
• Be aware of your surroundings

No matter the location or size of a fire they are always dangerous. If you see there is a firestorm taking place then you should really remain on alert as they are very dangerous. In the event that you do receive fire damage then SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park specializes in fire damage mitigation. We have the equipment and expertise to assist you with your situation and we always want to help. We can easily be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

HVAC Leak In The Attic

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

The hole that was left after the ceiling collapsed.

We are in the middle of summer and many people have their air conditioning systems running consistently to stay cool. However, as comfortable as it may be you should always do some preventative maintenance as there is always a chance they can leak water. We recently received a job where the air conditioning unit in a bedroom ceiling was leaking consistently. The insulation in the attic was absorbing the water while at the same time the water was weakening the ceiling. Eventually the weight was enough to cause it to collapse and for some water to spill throughout the home. The leak ended up affecting the tenants bedroom walls, floors and the closet. It also affected the hallway walls and ceilings along with the living room walls. It also left a large whole in the ceiling in the room it originated. The client reached out to SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park for assistance and we were able to arrive within a day to begin the restoration process.

Air conditioning units create a comfortable setting in one's home. However, this comfort may cause one to overlook a malfunction in their unit. Signs of a defective unit include hearing or seeing unusual water dripping, or if you notice a puddle of water around your HVAC unit.  An above average electric bill is also a common sign.  A damaged unit will require more effort to run effectively thus a higher electricity bill. If you notice its not cooling as it is supposed to then that can also be a sign of a potential problem. If you haven't inspected your unit in at least 1 year it is suggested to give it a quick observation. If you do notice any signs of a malfunctioning unit it is key to take action as resolving the issue early on can save you from dealing with future complications. If you do happen to experience water damage from an HVAC leak then you can reach out to SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park. We specialize in water damage mitigation and are always willing to help. We can be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Be Careful When Smoking

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Smoking is one of the leading causes of fires taking place. Being aware of your surroundings and of the potential fire hazards is important as fire can start suddenly. Some things you can do to prevent smoking fires include:

• Avoid smoking indoors; too many materials such as your bed, carpet, wood cabinets and blinds around that can catch on fire
• Avoid smoking around flammable materials even if you are outdoors
• Don't smoke in landscape areas. Things like trees and grass can easily catch fire
• Try to stick to smoking areas; they were designed for people to smoke and to minimize the risks.
• Discard the materials in appropriate areas such as ashtrays. Don't just throw them on the ground or thrash
• Make sure the butts and ashes are completely extinguished. If no ashtrays are around you can use the concrete or dip them in water
• Always be aware of your surroundings

The small flame from the cigarette butt can easily become a large one if not careful. If so then a variety of complications will arise. Even if the fire is put away quickly it can leave your home with a bothersome smell that can linger around for days. If you do happen to need assistance in dealing with fire damage then SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is always ready to help. We specialize in fire damage mitigation and we can be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

A Water Leak in the Middle of the Home

7/21/2022 (Permalink)

The water leak affected the ceiling right below it.

We recently received a call from a tenant that experienced water damage. The home was a multi- unit three story condo where the toilet had overflowed on the second floor. Because it took place in the middle of the building the water was able to spread into the lower level as well. By the time the tenant took action, the damage had become extensive.

It affected the restroom's tile floor and vanities and the flooring in two nearby closets. It had also reached the living room and kitchen areas where the laminate flooring and lower walls were damaged. On the lower level it reached the entrance of the home and the garage; the ceiling in between the floors ended up being damaged as well. The tenants insurance reached out to us about the situation and we were happy to help. When we arrived we set up drying equipment  and packed the necessary materials. We drilled wall cavities to allow the air flow to be more effective and speeden up the drying process. We removed some of the laminate flooring that was not salvageable and set up a containment in the affected areas so that possible contamination did not spread. We kept in contact with the insurance on behalf of the property owner the entire time and our Project Manager regularly monitored the restoration process. The tenant was impressed on how rapidly we proceeded, how we were handling the situation and with the convenience of the process.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park specializes in dealing with water damage. We will aim to arrive quickly to assist and try to make the entire process as easy as possible. If you need our help just reach out to us at (626)852-9922 we always want to help. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. 

Hot Summer Storms

7/5/2022 (Permalink)

The summer is officially here. The weather is hot and the sun is out longer. It is normal to see people spending time outdoors and enjoying the long days. A few days ago the weather was at 90 degrees. One would think it was just another beautiful day. However, that day it was raining, windy, and there was a consistent lightning storm taking place. 

The moral of the story shows how even in the summer, storms can occur. During these summer storms water from the light rain can come in through a roof that has leak holes.  Your roof can be damaged if water begins ponding in a weakened area. Thus, causing it to break and allowing water to fall inside. Water can also seep in through gaps around the building and damage your floor. Sewage problems can potentially arise and lead to some overflows. Also, there is always a small chance that the lightning strikes can start a fire, thus leading to a large disaster. With all these possibilities one would think it's the rainy season that takes place during the Fall and Winter time, but in fact it is during the summer when the temperature reaches 90 degrees and above daily.

Regardless of the time of the year, it is wise to always be aware of the potential damages that can take place during storms. If you do run into a situation where water or fire damage happens feel free to reach out to SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park at (626) 852-9922. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We always want to help  and we will begin the restoration process and make it “like it never even happened.”

We Arrived Quick!!

6/27/2022 (Permalink)

We received a call from an apartment complex where water damage took place. The property manager said that they found us online and read our positive reviews, so they decided to contact us for assistance. We aimed not to disappoint and to live up to our reputation.

The damage had taken place in the kitchen area on the second floor so it was key to mitigate the damage before it affected the tenants on the first floor. While our office staff was already in contact with their insurance, one of our project managers arrived the same day and began inspecting the situation and consulting the tenant. Shortly after, our technician crew arrived and began setting up the appropriate equipment to begin the restoration process. They sealed up the area and began the removal of the surface water. They placed air movers and dehumidifiers in areas that had high moisture levels.  In some areas of the walls they cut wall cavities to speed up the drying process. By mitigating the damage they were able to decrease demolition and were able to salvage most of their material. Since we arrived quickly we were able to finish the job in a well timed manner, leaving the tenant surprised on how fast we were able to complete the entire process.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park understands the importance of arriving quickly when water damage takes place. Not doing so can result in the damage spreading.  We know how complicated the situation can become, but we are here to help you with everything from cleanup to dealing with your insurance company. You can contact us at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

We Love to Network

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park specializes in the fire and water damage restoration and mold remediation industry. Our goal is to always aid you the best possible way we can during your time of need. Besides using our personal expertise, we also aim to network with other professionals that specialize in their own industries. We do this because we want you to receive the appropriate assistance when needed.

We network alongside plumbers to fix that burst pipe or water source that led to the water damage. We also network with HVAC companies that can assist you when your system malfunctions and causes a leakage. We also communicate with roofing companies for when your roof is damaged and you're in need of repairs. If you need new cabinets, flooring, or a remodel after fire or water damage takes place; we can put you in contact with a specialist to assist you in replacing your product. Also, if you don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of communicating with your insurance agent during the entire restoration process we will save you the stress and happily do it for you. 

There are times when a job will require a service from a different profession. When this happens we do not want to leave you on your own, we understand that you will be stressed during these times. We have a variety of business to business relationships so that we can refer you to the right person so that you can get the appropriate service required and to make sure you are well taken care of. If you need our assistance feel free to contact us at (626) 852- 9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are always happy to help.

Did You Know?

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know that there are 3 categories of water damage? When water damage takes place it is important  to be able to differentiate between them because depending on the type; each can contain different amounts of bacteria and if not tended too quickly the damage can accelerate and become hazardous. The 3 categories you should be aware of are

Category 1;  known as “Clean Water”

This is the most common type of water damage. The water is mostly clear and comes from a sanitary source such as a sink or overflow.  Being around it does not usually pose a threat. However, if you leave the water lingering things like your floor, walls, cabinets and any of the wet areas can still be damaged considerably. 

Category 2; known as “Gray Water”

This type of water is contaminated with a good amount of bacteria. Exposure to this can potentially cause sickness. It has a dirty grayish color and should not be left lingering in your home too long otherwise it can turn into a category 3 within 24 to 48 hours. Gray water may originate from sources such as washing machines or a toilet overflow with urine.

Category 3; known as “Black Water”

This type of water should be tended to quickly as it is the worst possible type to have in your business or home. It is highly contaminated and can lead to severe illness as it contains harsh chemicals and bacteria. You may even be able to spot the toxins with your eye. Black water can originate from sources such as the sewage system or an ill-maintained toilet. When you see black water it should be tended to immediately.

Regardless of the category, water damage should always be taken seriously and one should be attentive towards it. SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park specializes in dealing with water damage. We have the equipment and certified professionals to arrive and begin the restoration process. Their goal is to get your life back to normal. We can be reached (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year so don't hesitate to contact us. 

Call From a Dental Clinic

6/3/2022 (Permalink)

We recently received a job at a Dental Clinic where the tenant had a water leak that damaged their flooring, carpet, walls, and other materials in one of their offices. Due to the office being damaged, they were one office space short. Thus, they were limited in their work. They reached out to us and requested immediate attention. Our Project Manager was able to be on site within 30 minutes of receiving the call. After the initial inspection and consultation, he and our team began setting up the proper equipment and taking the necessary steps to begin the drying and restoration process. Since we were able to respond quickly, we were able to minimize the damage and get their business back to running normal swiftly.

When it comes to running a business, working under limited conditions can really set you back. Clients who visit a dental office are already expecting a service to be performed. If they have to reschedule or have to wait longer than their scheduled appointment then from their point of view it may be seen as bad customer service. This can lead to bad word of mouth, potential loss of customers and overall have a negative impact on their business image. This is why it is important to be proactive if you ever receive damages to your commercial property. The faster you take action the quicker it can be resolved. Hence, you don't have to halt or limit your operations for a prolonged period.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is well established in dealing with water damages that occur at commercial buildings. We also understand the importance of keeping your business running. We can be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. So when you are in need of our services don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always willing to help and get you back on the right path.

Don't Forget About Firestorms

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Summer time is getting closer which means the weather will begin heating up. Being cautious and ready for fire storms is recommended because here in Southern California there have been some harsh wildfires in the past.  These fires often begin in the mountains or foothills but their effects can be felt by many.

Even fires that are distant still have an impact on their surrounding areas. The smoke from a wildfire can be carried by the wind for miles. Because of this, one of the first effects felt is the drop in air quality caused by smoke traveling through the area; increasing the air pollution. The smoke odor may stick to products or your home, possibly damaging or causing them to have an unpleasant smell. The embers can also be carried by the wind. These embers can land on your grass, trees, home or any flammable product around your household. The usual high summer temperatures will also be occurring, wildfires will only add on to the heat increasing the chances of a flame igniting.  A dry winter and drought, along with some cities implementing watering restrictions has led to more dry vegetation all over Southern California. Because of this, the chances of a fire beginning in these dry areas increases.

With the fire season approaching it is best to be aware of its dangers. Firestorms can suddenly begin and spread throughout the region. There is also the chance that there are multiple ones taking place at the same time. SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is aware of these fire dangers and specializes in dealing with fire damages.  We are always willing to help and we aim to be there in your time of need. You can contact us at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

Signs of Water Damage In Your Home

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

The damage of a water leak or large spill can be overlooked as soon as the water is dried and not visible. You may think to yourself that the issue is resolved. However, there is a chance the water damage is substantial but you just can’t notice it. Many times the water damage is hidden or the effects have not taken place yet. Some signs of extensive water damage include:

• Increased humidity levels or an unpleasant musty odor in the affected area
• Mold begins to grow
• The wall paint begins peeling or bubbling
• Cracks begin forming in your wall
• Your flooring begins to warp, lift, or deform
• There are stains, dark spots, or discoloration on your walls or floor
• If you hear a dripping sound or running water behind your walls, this may possibly mean the leak source has not been fixed yet and it's still causing water damage

When water damage takes place timing is important. Remember to inspect the area carefully. The faster you take action the more damage you can prevent. SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park specializes in water damage mitigation and mold removal. We respond quickly and we have experts that are always willing to help out. You can contact us  at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year so don’t hesitate to reach out to us in an emergency.

What Can Cause A Fire?

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

Your day can be completely normal one minute and then the next a fire can suddenly occur. It is easy to overlook the possibility of a fire taking place at your home, after all the odds may seem low. However, the chance of one coming about is still there. Being aware of potential fire dangers can help you prevent such a misfortune. Fires can originate from a variety of sources including

• Forgetting to turn off or unplug unnecessary electrical equipment
• Malfunctioning appliances
• Faulty electrical wiring
• Leaving candles unattended or too close to flammable objects
• Smoking close to flammable objects or not putting out the butt properly
• Overloaded electrical outlets
• Fireplaces; accidental or lack maintenance
• Defective light bulbs or other lighting fixtures around your home
• Leaving the kitchen area unattended while cooking
• Not storing flammable materials such as gasoline away properly

There are many areas and items in households that can easily be overlooked in being potential fire hazards. It is always a great idea to inspect your home and to be aware of potential fire concerns, doing so may prevent a disaster. If you do happen to experience a fire damage emergency then you can always contact SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park. We are happy to help. We specialize in fire mitigation and we aim to restore your home back to normal. You can contact us at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

We Want To Be There In Your Time Of Need

4/29/2022 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO crew setting up the van to head out

We’ve recently received a call from a tenant that arrived at her home and noticed a leak had occurred from her fridge. By the time she arrived the water had already spread and caused a flood throughout her kitchen floor. In the process her tile, walls, and some of her materials were damaged. Instead of waiting for the next day to begin resolving the issue,  she wished to call for assistance right away so that she can mitigate the situation. 

When it’s late in the day it's difficult to find aid as many companies are already occupied or closed for the day. When a water damage emergency occurs it can become stressful knowing there is not much to do but wait. However, she reached out to SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park and we were on the site within 2 hours. Because of our swift reaction, we were able to begin the mitigation process that very same day. Further damage was prevented because we began drying out the affected areas upon our arrival. This was pivotal because not tending to an indoor water flood for even a day extra can be detrimental. The tenant did not have to wait extra days to set up appointments or find out what the steps in the restoration process were. Since we arrived the same day, we were able to finish the job earlier than expected. Thus, resulting in the tenant being able to get back to her regular lifestyle quicker. 

One of the main advantages of contacting us is that we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When a water damage emergency occurs  you don't have to worry about having to wait for assistance. We are always available, so feel free to contact us at (626) 852-9922. We are happy to help and we aim to arrive as soon as we can. Our goal being to make it look "Like it never even happened."

Check Those Lawn Sprinklers!

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

It is Springtime and Summer is right around the corner! The weather is heating up for the next couple of months. This means that it is time for homeowners to begin watering their grass. The maintenance of the lawn is important for a homeowners house presentation. Not watering your grass for even a few days in hot weather can result in it drying and turning brown. Thus, giving your home an unappealing look. Sprinklers are one of the most convenient ways to water and keep your lawn looking great. However, the sprinklers you use for convenience can also be the cause of water damage to your home.

A malfunctioning sprinkler can become problematic. It can burst and cause a flood which can damage the foundation of your home or it can spray water in the wrong direction. When the water begins impacting your walls it can cause them to decay and make your home look ill-favored. The decayed wall will weaken and allow water to seep inside. Resulting in the lumber and insulation in between the walls getting damaged. If the situation is not attended to then the water will eventually make its way inside of your home. This could potentially damage your floors, cabinets, furniture, interior walls, and any valuable item. Also, keep in mind wherever the water lands there is potential for mold to begin growing. You may notice it or you may not but regardless it will begin spreading. You may then have a musty smell in your living quarters and even potential health hazards.

So remember to check your sprinkler system for any irregularities and to keep them well maintained. Not doing so can become more problematic than you think. If you do happen to receive any water damage then no worries, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park can assist you. We specialize in water damage mitigation. Just give us a call at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days per year!

IICRC Certification

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park we aim to get our technicians IICRC certified.  Certifying our technicians is a big step towards developing our team and providing prominent customer service. When customers reach out for assistance we want them to feel like they made the right decision.

Reaching out to a business that is Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certified will be beneficial. It ensures that you are being assisted by someone who has gone through training and testing to earn their credentials. The course teaches high standards relating to cleaning and restoration. It also helps them understand the elements of the procedures they use. Our technicians apply this knowledge to whatever job they are assigned in order to provide a satisfactory outcome. The training is also continual, if something new that needs to be addressed comes up, our technicians will receive training on that too. The goal being to stay up to date with the most current damage and restoration industry. Most importantly when you reach out to us you will get the peace of mind that you are being helped by qualified experts. 

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is ready to assist you when needed. We will use our knowledge and experience in the restoration industry to assist you as quickly as possible. We can be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Some Good Reasons Why

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

Why should you choose SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park you ask? Let me give you some good reasons why.

We cover a large area.

We have 3 locations located in Irwindale/Baldwin Park, South Pasadena/San Marino, and in Glendora/San Dimas. However ,this does not mean we are limited to these areas. We have performed work in Orange County, San Bernardino County, Riverside County, and in other cities located in Los Angeles County.

Corporate Support

Although we are a franchise, we get support from our national corporate office located in Gallatin, Tennessee. They constantly provide us with updates on important events and in training. They also have a 24/7 call center and whatever information you give them they will transfer right to your nearest SERVPRO. They keep in touch with over 1,700 franchise locations across the United States, if any large emergency happens to occur anywhere and more help is required, they will coordinate with other franchises to send as much aid as possible.

Training

We offer a variety of effective training to our employees. First of all, they get IICRC certified (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification). This allows them to better perform at their job. We offer year round web based training courses that allow our team members to learn anything from Sales and Marketing to dealing with water, fire, or mold damages at their own pace. Our technicians also receive hands-on training. By teaming them up with some of our most experienced technicians we give them the opportunity to learn more about the business and process of restoration. Our owner Joe McCann is also very knowledgeable and will gladly teach our team members anything they want to learn.

There are a plethora of reasons to choose SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park. If you need any assistance in dealing with water, fire, and mold damages and in mitigation don't hesitate to call us at (626) 852-9922. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Just Reach Out to Us

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO?

When water, fire, or mold damages occur unexpectedly, you are instantly left with high levels of stress and a variety of questions on what the next step in your situation should be. During these difficult times, it’s good to have a reliable mitigation company you can trust and feel comfortable reaching out too. SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park provides just that. A few reasons why you should not hesitate to reach out to us include.

Our office staff

Our office staff is friendly and approachable, and is always prepared to take your phone call. Here at SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park, we all communicate to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. We will give you advice on what your next step should be, and aim to schedule a visit as soon as possible or when it is convenient for you. We will also keep you or your representative updated throughout the entire procedure. In summary, in your moment of need feel free to reach out to any of us, as we will gladly assist you.

Our crew

We have a crew of certified professionals that are experienced in dealing with fire, water, mold damages and in mitigation. Our team will respond fast. They will arrive at your area of need and use their expertise to begin the restoration process. Their goal is to resolve your situation and get you back to your regular lifestyle as soon as possible. When the job is complete, you will see they fulfilled our slogan, “Like it never even happened”.

Sales and Marketing department

We have a Sales and Marketing department that puts immense effort in staying involved in the community. We aim to help the community grow and to make sure people know we are available in their time of need. You can catch the team attending important events, communicating with local businesses, and reaching out to you to wish you a good day and to make sure everything is going well. The team also puts a great deal of effort in learning new ways to improve the business. Everything that we acquire knowledge in then allows us to provide you with better customer service.

There are numerous reasons to pick SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park, but just know that you can trust us! If you have any questions or concerns don't hesitate to give us a call at (626) 852-9922. Did I mention we are also available 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Check That Fire Sprinkler System!

2/25/2022 (Permalink)

Do you own a commercial building? If you do, don't forget to check your fire sprinkler system. With so much going on in the workplace, you want your system to effectively go off when it is needed. Having a faulty system can result in it not going off during a fire. This can lead to property damage ranging from a simple spark that causes smoke to spread to a fire growing so widely that the entire building may potentially be lost. However, having them go off extensively can cause floods that will spread throughout the floors and into other rooms. If the building is more than one story, then the water can begin leaking into the floors below. All of this resulting in damage to the walls, floors, products and anything that the water contacts. A sprinkler system can go off at any time throughout the day, whether it's during the day when you are at the building, or during the night when you are at home resting completely unaware of what's happening in the workplace building.

So remember to be proactive and check your emergency sprinkler system. If you do happen to run into a problem where they do not go off effectively, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park has a great reputation in dealing with water and fire damage. We are ready to help you restore your business back to normal. We are available at (626) 852-9922, 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Mold Can Grow Fast!

2/17/2022 (Permalink)

Mold that was found after removing drywall.

Did you know that mold can grow in as little as 24-48 hours after water damage occurs if the water is not dried up or handled properly? Mold can grow almost anywhere that contains moisture. For example, it can grow on wet floors, drywall, cabinets, insulation and even inside your toothbrush holder. Mold can make many items inaccessible and can cause health effects. As you can see there are several areas and products that can certainly be affected in your quarters. It's advised that if you notice mold to take action right away. How does this begin? It begins by simply overlooking something as simple as a small leak in your sink which goes on to cause large amounts of water damage. Thus, resulting in stressful situations due to the sudden urge to get rid of it. It’s always better to be proactive vs. reactive

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park specializes in mold removal and water damage. If you have concerns regarding a water loss, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is here to help. We can be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Always remember, we are here to help and restore your property back to preloss conditions. 

Inspect Your Restroom

2/10/2022 (Permalink)

One of the most common areas where water damage occurs in a household is in the restroom. Due to the repetitive usage of showers, faucets, and toilets in such concised areas, there is a high amount of stress placed on the plumbing pipes. This stress creates a higher chance of water leaking through any of these sources. The steam that comes from showers also causes issues all around. It's always a good idea to inspect your restroom before severe water damage occurs.

Identifying plumbing issues can be tricky because they are under and behind walls, so if something were to happen it can be easily missed. Listening for drips or unusual pipe noises can help one identify potential problems.

The bathroom sink and toilet are used so frequently that one might overlook a simple spill of water that happens often. However, spilling water over and over is causing damage to the cabinets, walls, and floors. So it is important to dry up spills quickly and tune up any leaks you locate in the area.

When you shower and leave a room full of steam it may not seem like much, but that steam is damaging tiles, walls, ceilings, paint and possibly products in the room. If not handled properly this can also lead to mold problems. Installing a ventilation fan in your restroom will help control the humidity. If you're not able to install a fan you can simply crack open the window or door to allow the humidity to escape. 

If you have any questions or concerns you can contact SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park at (626) 852-9922.  We have a plethora of experience working with water damage and will aid you with your concerns. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Do You Own a Commercial Building ?

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Owning a commercial building comes with numerous responsibilities, one of them is understanding the importance of keeping your rental property in good condition. If you have several businesses  located within the same building, then there are also several tenants that rely on you for the maintenance of the building.  Damages from water, fire, or mold can come out of nowhere. If they do then it's important to be reactive as it won't only affect your rental business, but will also impact the companies and workers located within.

Having fire, water, or mold damage makes for uncomfortable and unsafe working conditions for tenants and visitors alike.  If the damage reaches inferior conditions then the building may even be considered unfit for service, resulting in closure. If this happens then all the businesses within will be forced to temporarily halt or quickly find a different way to continue running operations. If bad goes to worse, they may be forced to look elsewhere, thus resulting in loss of business for both the owner and the tenants, along with the reputation of the owner being impacted negatively.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park specializes in the fire, water,  mold clean up and restoration. We can be reached at (626) 852-9952, and are available 24/7/365!  We are the experts using advanced technology and techniques to identify and resolve your situation and do our best to resolve matters at the least amount of inconvenience to you.

Watch Out For Sudden Storms!

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Watch out for sudden storms in California.

Living in Southern California we can experience some of the most diverse weather changes. One day it’s sunny with mild temperatures, the next day it’s cold and windy with a sudden downpour of rain. Extreme heat can also come out of nowhere causing a fire storm. In order to avoid damages done to your property, it is key to be prepared for an upcoming storm. Fire, flood, smoke damage, wind damage can all require a reliable mitigation team to service you during the aftermath of a storm.

Some key factors to consider to prevent storm damage include:

• Keeping up with weather updates
• Inspect roof for any leaks or damages
• Evaluate any potential drainage issues
• Look around landscape for any potential erosion concerns
• Secure outdoor items that can be tossed by the wind
• Keep an eye out for dangerous trees that can fall over and cause damage
• Maintain clean gutters and ensure water flows away safely from home
• Ensure windows, doors and any point of entry are sealed properly to prevent water from flowing inside the home
• Identify any potential weaknesses around the home that can possibly succumb to a storm

If you have any questions or concerns, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is always willing to help and can be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Don't Let Water Damage Ruin Your Day

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Stairs affected by water

Don't let water damage ruin your home and your day. Typically when it rains, homeowners suddenly notice they have leaks in their roof. Water can enter through doors and windows, groundwater seepage, faulty sewage pipes, failed appliances and several other water sources that become problematic. When concerns like these arise, for your own benefit you don't want to wait too long to take action.

You may think to yourself that it's just water, but if the damage is not assessed properly it can eventually lead to mold and that is something you do not want to happen. Mold is a fungus that if not handled properly will begin to spread around your house. It will begin to decompose materials, it can lead to health issues, and cause a bad odor. It's also something you do not want visitors seeing when you plan to host events in your household.

Again don't let water damage ruin your home! We want you to feel comfortable and content in your own living quarters. If you ever have any concerns about water damage, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park has a great reputation in dealing with water damage. We can be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are always here to help with any of your water damage needs!

California Weather

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

Strong winds, rain, and chilly weather can hit out of nowhere during these winter months in Southern California. Whether it is a restaurant, office, or warehouse a business should aim to keep their commercial property well maintained for long term success. It is common for water and other types of damages to occur during harsh weather conditions. It is encouraged to resolve each situation as soon as possible before more issues arise. Ignoring or procrastinating such occurrences may result in several long term scenarios that include:

• Further damages to building
• Business reputation may be impacted negatively by show of carelessness
• Property value drops
• Hazardous and unsafe conditions can cause danger to employees and visitors
• Loss of revenue

Investing in preventive maintenance for your business may not always seem necessary or urgent but it’s beneficial and brings numerous values with it that include:

• Repair bills will be smaller due to preventing further damage
• Business place will be healthier and safer for consumers and visitors
• Visitors will not be driven away by lack of maintenance
• Shows awareness which may improve business place morale
• Elevates business image
• Most importantly it keeps a business running efficiently and effectively

So don’t wait until the last minute to resolve business issues. SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park specializes in the clean up and restoration industry and is always available to help. We can  be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Remember to be proactive vs. reactive!

Be Prepared!

1/3/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO working a job!

As businesses begin to normalize to pre-covid conditions, it is important for business places to always be prepared for unexpected events in order to keep their establishment running and thriving long term. Being unprepared and having an unfortunate event occur such as a fire, water or storm damage can retrogress a workplace and create numerous problems to an owner and its employees, thus it is important to always know who to contact for such emergencies.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park delivers fast service, uses innovative technology, and has numerous partnerships with insurance agents and other commercial businesses that will aid in identifying the complication to resolve it as quickly as possible and make it look “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park will always be ready to step in and be a solution for you. We can be reached at (626) 852-9922. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We are always here to help.

Roof Tarps and Board Ups

11/30/2021 (Permalink)

With the increase in unusually strong weather patterns, Southern California residents may eventually be confronted with property damage that needs to be addressed with temporary repairs until permanent repairs can be made.

When storm damage occurs, depending on how strong the storm is, your property can experience lifted roofing and broken windows and doors which can leave your property open for nature and intruders to enter. 

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park can help you quickly board up your property to restore security and protect contents.  Also, SERVPRO can provide emergency roof tarping to reduce the chances of additional storm damage.  Performing reconstruction and remediation services should be handled by a professional as soon as possible to reduce the recovery costs.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is a Large Loss Emergency Response company working 24/7 to serve you. We service all locations in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Restoration experts are available 24/7/365 to speak with you by calling 626-852-9922. You can always rely on Team McCann.

Preventing Sewage Backup in Your Home.

11/23/2021 (Permalink)

What is sewage you might ask or at least what is considered sewage. Sewage is known in the industry as Category 3, or “Black Water” can cause health effects. With that being said, it is crucial that you quickly get this cleaned up properly. Here are some tips and tricks as well as common causes to help you be prepared.

Causes:

• Clogs: Sewage can back up into your home if your drain pipes or main sewer line becomes clogged. This is common in toilets as they are connected to the drains. Bathtubs are another common source and if both the toilets and bathtubs create backflows, then this will clog the main sewer line. Clogs can occur from excessive combinations of hair, grease, or other solid materials that end up in the drains
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can get very long intertwine with sewer lines, puncture holes and grow inside or crush the sewer line. This is a very common problem.
• Damaged sewer lines: Aging sewer lines (in the past were made of cast iron and clay) can break down or crack which can cause sewage backup and flooded basements. Plastic sewer lines have become the new norm and you should consider updating your sewer system if they are not plastic.
• Heavy Rainfall: Large rainfalls can overstress the city’s sewer system, causing back ups.

Tips & Tricks:

• Don’t pour grease down the drain! When cooking, make sure you properly dispose of grease or fat.
• Dispose of paper products properly. Do not flush paper towels, diapers or feminine products down the toilet.
• Install a backwater prevention valve.
• Cut long tree roots and install a plastic pipe system.
• Perform a sewer line inspection using a certified plumber to examine the condition and correct any issues that could cause a back up.

We understand that sometimes it is too late to be on the preventative side and something can arise even when you are prepared. That is why SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park has got you covered. We serve all locations in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Restoration experts are available 24/7 to speak with you by calling 626-852-9922. 

Mud Slides Tear Homes Off Their Foundations

11/2/2021 (Permalink)

In Southern California this past week, we had a big rain storm. Fortunately, the Foothills did not receive enough rainfall to cause Mud Slides. Mud slides can happen when heavy rain storms occur and fast moving water run-off in the foothills begin picking up soil, dead wood, and boulders on its way down. Public Works departments from foothill communities put diversion barriers in place, but when your city puts out an alert to evacuate, make sure that you follow these instructions. It may not seem like a serious situation when heavy rains come, but city authorities will know more about the risks sheltering in place.  When mudslides do occur, anything in their path can be picked up and carried away, including cars and buildings.

Here are some precautionary tips to help prepare for these unforeseen circumstances:

• Have important documents in one spot, in a waterproof container, where you can easily grab if you need to evacuate.
• Buy emergency supplies and pack them in backpacks that you can grab when evacuating.
• If you need to evacuate your home, move to higher grounds.
• Coordinate with family members to be sure you have a rendezvous location to meet at in the event of an emergency.
• Make sure that you are actively listening to official reports during a flood to be updated on what you need to be doing in real time.

Whether you have experienced flood damage or would like to be on the precautionary side, SERVPRO Large Loss Response Team (Team McCann) and his crew are ready to be a resource for you. We offer emergency services 24/7. We service the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino areas. If you would like to set up an appointment, call our office at 626-852-9922 and someone will be happy to assist you.

We’ve got some tips and tricks up our sleeves for your fire damage needs.

10/22/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO Irwindale/Baldwin Park, we make sure that all of our workers are well equipped with the knowledge on what to do if your property has fire damage. We also want to make sure that our community has this information, located as an online resource that you can go to whenever you need to refer back to this article. Fire preparedness in your home is an important thing to know about so that you can protect our homes from being damaged or completely destroyed. You may be asking, “what are the things I can do when it comes to being prepared?”  Here are some tips and tricks to help protect you from house fires. 

1. Ensure that there are Smoke alarms in every room
2. Test the smoke alarms monthly or on a regular basis
3. Make sure that you and your loved ones have a fire escape plan and that everyone is familiar with it 
4. Buy a  fire extinguisher 
5. If a fire does occur, get out and call for help 

We hope that these tips helped you make your home safer. SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is the best choice you can make when it comes to fire & smoke damage and we serve property owner’s throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. Call us now! 626-852-9922. SERVPRO Joe is here for all your fire needs. 

Be Prepared for When Lightning Strikes!

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

During the first week of October, Southern California was struck with lightning, thunder, and rain on a cold Monday evening. It was advised that all residents take shelter and stay inside until the lightning strikes were over. 

However, this does not mean that your shelter is invincible to stormy weather.  Damage to your property could have been caused by strong wind and rain creating the possibility for water migration into your property through the roof, windows, or siding.  If you have seen any signs of damage in the past and it’s something that you have been putting off, or if you just noticed it after the last storm, NOW is the time to make repairs. The rainy season is upon us and we recommend you protect your home or business with proactive inspections to be sure your investment is secure. 

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is here for you if unforeseen circumstances arise and water damage happens. We serve all locations in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Restoration experts are available 24/7 to speak with you by calling 626-852-9922. 

Be on the Lookout for Fire/Smoke Damage!

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

Whether it was a recent fire or one that happened in the past, the smoke smell from a fire and the damage it does will not go away over time. It must be treated properly to be eliminated. If your property was down wind from a wildfire or structure fire, you must prepare for what might be a problem in your home that could pose a health risk to you and your loved ones.

We just started working with a customer in the San Gabriel Valley that believes the Bobcat Fire (December 2020) was the cause of the smell affecting his home.  Smoke from fires penetrates soft materials inside of a home, including carpet, drapes, furniture and clothing and remains there long after the fire is put out.  Also, the acids that filter into properties from fires, even if there is not direct damage, can settle onto metal fixtures and appliances and cause corrosion of the finished surfaces over time.   Here are some steps that you should take after a property has been exposed to the smoke and debris from a fire:

1. Be aware those sensitive to air pollutants could be at risk 
2. Contact your insurance agent
3. Determine if your home has in fact been affected by a local fire
4. Organize your possessions in the event temporary relocation is recommended
5. Call a restoration company you can trust to restore your property

By calling SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park, we can help determine if a fire event is the source of contamination and move forward to professionally eliminate the problem.

We serve all locations in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. Restoration experts are available 24/7 to speak with you by calling 626-852-9922.  Stay safe out there.  Sincerely,” SERVPRO Joe” McCann

It's Not My Fault! They Started It!

9/21/2021 (Permalink)

Customer's Fire Damage

It is still fire season. A lot of wildfires have been happening and are spreading into commercial and residential developments almost daily. However, that does not exclude the possibility of fires starting in your home or business, or damages from starting in structures adjacent to yours.. 

This past month, one of our customers called on us to help her with fire damage that affected her yard, 2 utility sheds, and a playroom in a detached garage. The fire started in the neighbors garage and spread, jumping across the property line. Luckily for her, after the Fire Department finished extinguishing the blaze, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park was able to help her begin the recovery of personal effects. 

Whether it’s you, a neighbor, or mother nature’s fault, we’ve got you covered. We are here for all your water, fire, mold, and restoration needs. We offer 24/7 services and you can reach us at 626-852-9922.  Someone in our office will always be able to assist you. We not only service the Irwindale & Baldwin Park area, but the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange County areas as well. 

Fleeing to Safety

8/25/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke covers the air from the wildfires.

Explosive Fire Storm Alert…

Right now, thousands of Californians are being forced to evacuate and leave their homes as 9 wildfires are burning down part of Northern California. Some officials are predicting that it may spread to the Lake Tahoe Basin because only 5% of the fire is contained. This means that all Northern Californians are being kept on their toes about whether or not they will need to evacuate their homes. Fire departments are being spread thin as troops from all over are being sent North to help contain the spread. 

With that being said, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park stands ready to help when you need it. This year’s California fire storms have already caused a record amount of destruction. Once it is safe for our teams to move into the restoration phase, those structures that can be saved will be returned to their owners and businesses safe to begin the return to a normal lifestyle and business environment.

Our Southern California Fire Season is upon us and we are ready to support if there is an emergency. If you or a loved one have a property directly affected by wildfires, including smoke damage from being downwind, do not hesitate to call us at 626-852-9922.

We serve customers all across Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties.  SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park/Glendora/San Dimas/South Pasadena/San Marino for all Emergency and Routine Property Restoration Services.

How Did That Mold Get There?

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that mold growth occurs after there has been water damage? The excess water that is not cleaned up or dried up is where the mold thrives. Moisture can be found in wood, drywall, insulation, and other materials that mold will use as food to grow and spread. Did you know it can take as little as 24 to 48 hours for mold to start to form and grow? That is extremely fast which means that it will spread quickly. It is crucial that once you spot it on any surfaces that you notify SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park so that we can take care of it properly before it has a chance to become a health threat to those with respiratory conditions or age related sensitivity.

If you think you could have a mold problem after experiencing flooding from a broken pipe or a storm, the sooner you call 626-852-9922 the better your chances we can eliminate the mold and reduce the chances of a bigger problem. We service customers throughout the Southern California region including Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties.  

If you’re concerned about Mold in your property, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park has you covered.

How to Avoid Dryer Fires in Your Home

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know that your dryer can cause a fire? It’s rare to hear this as a reason for a fire but it’s one that can be avoided. Here are some ways to avoid dryer fires.

1. The lint that is being gathered from all of your clothes is extremely flammable. It’s crucial that you clean the lint trap after EVERY SINGLE USE.
2. Check to make sure there are no loose wires and everything is plugged in properly.
3. Do not run the dryer when you are away from home or sleeping so that you can catch it faster if something were to happen. 
4. Do not overload the dryer.

These are some easy tips to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. We know that sometimes appliances are faulty or other factors may arise and cause a fire, however, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is certified to restore your property from fire damage. Joe McCann has been in the business for 16+ years so he has all of the knowledge on how to fix property damage effectively and efficiently. Call us at 626-852-9922 if you need help restoring your residential or business property. We serve customers throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, & San Bernardino Counties.  

Oh No! I Have a Burst Pipe!

7/24/2021 (Permalink)

Team working on removing affected area.

When the unexpected happens, it can be really stressful and upsetting. However, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park has a team of certified professionals that have the knowledge to address and resolve these unwanted accidents. Our team is great at their jobs, but to help make sure that everything is done as swiftly as possible, here are some Do’s and Don’ts that you should follow.

Do’s 

• Immediately, turn off the source of water
• Try to mop up all excess water as much as possible
• Open all the windows to dry out the rooms affected to shorten the amount of time with the dehumidifiers or fans
• Call SERVPRO Joe at 626-852-9922 and explain everything that has happened so our team can find the best solution for your unique situation.

Don’ts

• Do not try to remove any carpets on your own
• Do not apply any heat to the affected areas as it could results in more damage
• Do not put any products on the affected area

These are just a few Do’s and Don’ts of what you should do until help arrives. SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park services all throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. Do not hesitate to call. We want to make sure you get the help you need when an emergency strikes.

Are You Prepared for a Storm?

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Be prepared for the worst case scenario

In California, we always joke that “California doesn’t have seasons” and that is because for the most part, we are able to accurately predict the weather because it is on the milder side and rarely has extremes. However, it is still important to be prepared for anything which is why you should have an emergency plan and kit for the worst case scenarios. This is why it is recommended that you prepare a disaster supply kit in order to be ready for a worse case scenario. When a natural disaster strikes, you may need to survive on your own for several days so it is important to have water, food, and other supplies to last your household for 72 hours. To make things easier on you, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park has created a sample disaster kit list for you to follow.

Here is an Example of What You Should Include in Your Disaster Supply Kit:

• Gallons of water per person to last a few days which can be used for drinking and sanitation
• Food that is non-perishable
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight & radio with extra batteries
• Emergency cash
• Tools
• Manual can opener
• Masks to filter the air
• Prescription and any other mediation
• Extra eyeglasses and contact lenses/solution
• Important family documents
• Sleeping bags for each person
• Changes of clothes and sturdy shoes
• Personal hygiene items
• matches/candles in a waterproof container
• Paper cups, paper towels, plastic utensils, garbage bags, moist towelettes

Maintaining Your Kit 

The items listed above are guidelines for how to pack your emergency kit and what you put into yours is completely up to you and customizable to your preferences and needs. Now here are some tips on how to maintain your kit:

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

 Don't Hesitate to Reach Out When Emergency Strikes

If a storm occurs, follow all safety protocols. Once everything has settled down and it is safe, call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park at 626-852-9922 and someone from our crew will be happy to assist you. We service all throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties.

Why timely restoration following a water loss is important….

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

When a customer or an insurance carrier reports a water loss to SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin, a person to person response can be expected within one hour.  This is the start of our priority service that may result in the immediate dispatch of a crew and equipment in an emergency, or scheduling of the property for inspection prior to restoration.  

However, the complexity and cost of restoration generally increases with the amount of time that passes before the start of the job.  So a timely request for help by the affected customer is essential.

In a flooded structure, if water is allowed to pool up, wood and other building materials in contact with the water will absorb it increasing the drying time, potentially increasing the amount of work to assure proper drying, and increased costs to reconstruct the property after drying is complete.  Also, after the first 48 hours the chances of mold growth increases rapidly.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park has a standard for responding to a call in a timely manner to help keep the cost and time to recover from water damage to the absolute minimum.  This rapid reaction helps both the property owner and the insurance carrier to control for avoidable expenses and inconvenience.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is a building and property restoration business here to help home and business owners recover from disasters that have impacted their lives.  Over the years, we’ve assisted thousands of people confronting personal calamities that require a helping hand.  We pride ourselves on making the recovery from property losses a little easier by providing quality restoration services and giving back control to those affected by disaster.  We provide services all over the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Orange County areas.

Why Us?

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO trucks on the job.

At SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park, we understand that accidents happen. When a fire occurs in your residence, we know that you need professional restoration services as soon as possible.

Our crew is staffed with highly trained and experienced professionals that can restore any fire damage that has occurred. The technicians assigned to assist you will have completed a certification through the IICRC.

We also are a franchise that has advanced technology and equipment to speed up the process as much as possible. Our experts deal with soot cleanup, odor removal, air purification, water removal, and sanitization. We also use air scrubbers that help with indoor air quality concerns such as debris and particles
which are not safe for home owners or the environment. To clean up the odors left from fire damage, we use our thermal fogger and deodorizing agents to neutralize harsh odor molecules on contact.

We certainly hope that nothing ever happens to your property. But, if an accident or event occurs, we want you to know that we are here to serve and make sure your residence or business is restored to like new condition.

Please give our office a call if an emergency strikes at 626-852-9922 and we will
be happy to assist you. We service properties throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, and San
Bernardino Counties.

The Most Common Causes of Water Damage to Your Property

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Action shot of our technician restoring water damage.

Water damage is costly and stressful to you and your property. Property owners should be aware the most common water losses are preventable.

Listed below are some of the most common causes and preventative measures for dealing with water damage.

• Refrigerator Ice Maker Water Line: This occurs most often  when the water line that goes from the valve on the wall to the back of the refrigerator begins to leak from improper installation, accidental damage, or age. To prevent water damage inspect the condition of the water line periodically to assure there are no slow leaking connections that could turn into a flood. Sometimes the shut off value at the wall is the source of water leakage. Also, wireless WiFi enabled flood alarms are available to help detect water leaks under sinks, behind appliances and locations vulnerable to flooding.
• Leaky Toilets: Check the supply line that goes from the wall to the bottom of the toilet tank in all bathrooms. Make sure that it is securely in place and check for any water dripping from around the connections on either end. If you do detect water leaking from around the connections you will need to retighten or replace the line. Sometimes the shut off value at the wall is the source of water leakage. Another thing to look for is the condition of the fill valve and seal between the toilet tank and the toilet bowl. If there are cracks in the toilet tank or bowl, you may need to replace the toilet.
• Water Heaters: These tanks are what hold the hot water that supplies all the sinks, showers, and the washing machine in the property.  Because they are a large water container, when they’re full they have a lot of pressure inside. Also, because the tanks are usually made from metal, over time oxidation will corrode the tank and create small leaks that can grow larger in time. Periodically checking the floor around the hot water heater for moisture and checking the connecting lines at the top of the tank for leaking joints is a good practice. A pan is available to place under the water heater so that any small amount of water that may be leaking is contained in the pan giving the property owner a chance to correct the problem before a disaster occurs.
• Washing Machine Backups: It is important to recognize if water is not draining properly during the operation of the washing cycle. If the pipe on the wall is clogged the wastewater will back up in the standing pipe and overflow into the property. Cleaning the drain pipe will be required to allow normal operation.

Don’t Wait if Emergency Strikes

Water damage Incidents can happen even if you do your best to prevent them. If you do experience some kind of flooding in your property, you can count on SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park to provide expert advice and service all of your needs. We work with property owners throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. You can schedule an appointment by calling us at 626-852-9922.

FIRE, FIRE, FIRE!

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

An action shot of our crew working on the Pasadena job.

To bring in the new year, we received a job from a restaurant in Pasadena that had sustained a structure fire in a ventilation system. The fire originated from the main floor and worked its way to the second floor where it affected offices and the stairwell. Smoke filled up the entire building including the basement level. 

Roughly everyday there are 15-20 general laborers and 3-4 restoration supervisors on site. Starting in March, our crew was working on heavy demolition which opened up cavities to allow ventilation throughout the building. This also allowed for our crew to clean the studs and framing for odor lock. 

How can You Prevent this from Happening to You?

What can you do for preventative measures? 

• Make sure that you have installed an automatic fire-suppression system in the kitchen. 
• Have portable fire extinguishers on hand.
• Schedule regular maintenance.
• Train your employees on fire safety and have an emergency plan set in place.

If an Emergency Strikes, We are Here to Help!

In case of an emergency, call 911 first and evacuate immediately. After the fire department has completed their job, call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park at 626-852-9922 and someone from our team will be happy to serve you. We handle projects all over the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties.

Tools You Will See Us Use

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

Photograph of some of our air movers.

Air Movers 

Air movers, which are also known as floor drying fans, are used in construction and water restoration

projects. The main use is to increase air circulation, which decreases the time spent to 

remove water in the building materials, shortening the drying time. Air movers are a vital tool when our services are needed due to water damage.

3 Different Air Moving Units: 

The type of air blower affects the speed and direction of airflow and the amount of space that can be covered by the air mover. There are three major types of air blower units used in most commercial dry out scenarios:

1. Axial: Axial blowers will be used to move large amounts of air across a bigger and wider space. They are larger air movers that produce high airflow that only move air horizontally. They are great for drying walls or top-down drying treatments on carpets.

3. Centrifugal: They are used for spot treatments and can direct airflow from several directions to a specific spot. They are commonly used in restoration work to dry hard to reach areas like under cabinets and in crawl spaces and closets.
4. Compact: Compact air movers are versatile enough to be used for both large floor areas and small spot drying. Using 1/4 horsepower motors, they have the ability to quietly and quickly and effectively dry areas. Small and lightweight, compact air movers are the perfect solution for drying small, hard-to-reach spaces such as closets, corners or under counters.

When Disaster Strikes, Call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park 

We at SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park will always assess each water damage situation independently to best determine which air mover and how many to use for your specific situation. We have all the resources and knowledge to make sure that we leave your place "Like it never even happened."®

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park performs restoration services all over Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties. Call now to schedule an appointment with one of our highly experienced and trained team members at 626-852-9922.  

Warm Weather is Upon Us!

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Fire Damage to apartment building.

The sun is shining consistently these days in Southern California. Beautiful Spring weather is here! Days full of swimming, barbecuing and outdoor fire pits are finally here! 

Outdoor Fire Safety 

It is important to remember to stay safe while enjoying yourself with family and friends. 

• Always keep barbeques, smokers and outdoor fire pits away from low hanging vegetation - such as trees, or vines 
• Remove any dry weeds, flowers, bushes, or shrubs away from your home, garage or patio area - embers from outdoor fire pits or barbeques can stray 
• Keep pets and children away from hot objects to prevent burn injuries 

Call SERVPRO Joe Now.

In case of fire while participating in outdoor activities, call 9-1-1. For fire restoration services, call SERVPRO of Irwindale and Baldwin Park. Owner Joe McCann and his team are available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Joe is a plethora of fire restoration knowledge.

Staying Connected

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

House of Ruth donation box.

Being Involved:

Joe McCann and his team at SERVPRO of Irwindale and Baldwin Park pride themselves in being involved in the local community. As an owner of three SERVPRO franchises, serving the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties, Joe likes  to get involved with multiple city and community organizations as a way to stay connected and to give back.

Since December of last year, in a partnership with the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI), we have been driving our box trucks to help deliver Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to hospitals throughout Los Angeles County supporting first responders dealing with the Pandemic. We also partnered with the San Dimas Rotary to help transport food collected in a food drive to points of distribution. In another Rotary project, SERVPRO of Irwindale and Baldwin Park proudly offered to act as a drop off location for House of Ruth, a shelter located in Pomona for women and children who have been victims of domestic violence.

This month, Joe’s sales team is collecting monetary donations for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation. A non-profit, located in Pasadena that is dedicated to fire and burn injury education. Each year, for the last 35 years, the AARBF has hosted their Champ Camp: a week long summer camp for burn survivors, ages 5-17. We invite you to explore the link below and consider a donation! 

https://aarbf.betterworld.org/giveaways/alisa-ann-ruch-burn-foundation-c

Joe McCann and his SERVPRO Team have been in the property restoration business for over 16 years helping families and businesses overcome challenging times. In addition, our working  philosophy includes donating time and resources helping those less fortunate overcome the lack of basic needs.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park can be counted on when help is needed.

Stay safe and stay connected.  

Firework Season

5/11/2021 (Permalink)

The entire apartment was destroyed by a fire.

Fireworks have been a symbol of American celebration since the Revolutionary War. Loud, bright, beautiful - it’s no surprise why people love them so much. 

However, California being the “dry” state that it is, in most cities, fireworks are illegal. Keeping fireworks restricted from residential use helps prevent wildfires and home fires. 

Firework Safety 

If fireworks are allowed in your county or city, remember to practice the utmost of safety.

• Never allow children to ignite fireworks 
• Keep a bucket of water or garden hose nearby- dispose used fireworks in a bucket of water 
• Light fireworks one at a time 
• Always have adult supervision 
• Back up to a safe distance after igniting fireworks 

Take Action

In case of a fire emergency, call 9-1-1. In the event of a fire in or outside of your home has taken place, call SERVPRO of Irwindale and Baldwin Park. Joe McCann and his team have over 16 years of fire restoration experience.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

5/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Irwindale/Baldwin Park Here to Serve.

In 2019, SERVPRO Irwindale / Baldwin Park had a business owner in Pasadena contact us after he discovered a leak from the water supply line to the coffee maker located in the server area. This leak affected the server area, the hallway, and three dining rooms. Drew Weaver, the Production Manager at SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas, met the General Manager at the job site. Drew scoped the project and updated the General Manager on what to expect in the mitigation process. Soon after, our technicians arrived at the job site and began manipulating contents from the affected areas and extracting water. Water was extracted from the server area and hallway. Fortunately, these areas were hard surfaced which made it easier for cleanup. The remaining affected areas were commercial grade, glued down carpet. These areas were extracted multiple times to remove as much water as possible. Once extraction was complete, the technicians sanitized the affected area and wiped all contents. SERVPRO technicians utilized twenty fans and three dehumidifiers to effectively dry out the area. 

When it comes to our customer service, we do everything in our power to make sure you get the best service possible. Because of our quick response and restoration/ clean up time, we were able to attack the situation and restore the damaged area within hours. The general manager was satisfied with SERVPRO's restoration/ cleanup service. Alexander Steakhouse in Pasadena minimized their loss of business use by acting fast and calling SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park to expedite their drying needs. The general manager stated that he was elated with the professionalism and promptness of our team. He would definitely use our services again in the future. 

Call SERVPRO Joe

Joe McCann and his team at SERVPRO Irwindale / Baldwin have copious amounts of stories just like these! With over 16 years of experience, Joe and his team are the ones to call!

Spring Has Sprung!

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

The McCann's getting ready for Spring!

Hello Spring!

Beautiful Southern California weather is back again! The beautiful foothills of the San Gabriel Valley are green and the California Mustard flowers are blooming! Getting out of town soon? Make sure you are prepared! 

Before Leaving Town: 

It is always a good idea to reach out to a family member, friend, or neighbor that you trust to let them know you will be leaving. They can help keep an eye out on your house: mail, pets, and most importantly: water damage. A broken pipe or leaky water heater does not care if you are vacationing in Hawaii. The sooner water damage is detected, the sooner the damage can be reversed. 

Call SERVPRO: 

Joe McCann and his team at SERVPRO Irwindale / Baldwin are available for emergency water damage services 24/7! Joe has over 16 years of restoration experience, his team is friendly, knowledgeable, and reliable. No residential or commercial job is too small or too big!

Supporting the Healthcare Industry

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Face shield boxes being loaded into a SERVPRO Truck

Coordinating with LACI

For the past few months, SEVRPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park has been coordinating with LACI, Los Angeles CleanTech Incubator, to transport manufactured face shields to hospitals throughout Los Angeles County. In April of 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic was in full swing, the LACI organization quickly jumped into action. They utilized the Advanced Prototyping Center (APC) to manufacture face shield donations for healthcare workers. This collaboration brought together organizations such as the Los Angeles Public Library’s Octavia Lab, Los Angeles County’s Youth@Work program, Goodwill of Southern California, City of Baldwin Park, the Greater Los Angeles Hospital Registry, and others. LACI plans to donate 100,000 shields by June 1st, 2021. As of February 19th, 2021, LACI was able to deliver over 42,000 face shields to doctors and nurses working in 25 different LA County Hospitals, including:

• Community Hospital of Huntington Park
• Long Beach Medical Center
• Adventist Health Glendale
• MLK Community Hospital
• Lakewood Regional Medical Center
• Sherman Oaks Hospital
• Valley Presbyterian Hospital
• Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center
• White Memorial Hospital
• Centinela Hospital Medical Center
• Monterey Park Hospital
• Mission Community
• Whittier Hospital
• Beverly Hospital

Recycled Material and Incorporating the Youth

The face shield design was originally tested by ER doctors at Cedar Sinai and helps prevent infectious droplets from entering the facial area. Additionally, these shields are designed so that they may be reused from one to five years. LACI works to recycle almost all plastic remnants leftover from manufacturing into 3D print filament that is then used in 3D printers, as opposed to being thrown away. 

The LA Country Youth@Work program helps place youth in a paid job that leads to a long-term career pathway. The youth involved in this program have helped assemble and box face shields, creating jobs for over 140 people. LACI has also introduced these youth to their APC Fellowship Program, a paid fellowship that provides technical training, interpersonal skills, and industry-recognized certifications to succeed in the green economy. Due to the shortage of many entry-level employment opportunities, LACI organizers say that is grateful for the opportunity to provide paid employment and learning opportunities.

SERVPRO Delivery Trucks = More Faceshield Deliveries

At the beginning of 2021, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park’s Sales Manager, Doug Beach, connected with a member of the LACI organization at a community meeting and asked how we could help with the efforts. Previously, the Los Angeles Library had been coordinating deliveries whenever possible. Now, with the help of SERVPRO’s huge box trucks, we are helping make deliveries of over 50 boxes of face shields every other Thursday, sometimes twice in one week. All shipments consist of 50 boxes containing 100 face shields. Each delivery contains 5,000 shields per delivery. Peyton Russell, Sales and Marketing Representative for SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park accompany Doug on these deliveries and takes photos/videos of the deliveries, something that seldom happened before. Additionally, Ms. Russell and Mr. Beach help to load and unload the face shields at the facilities, track the delivery forms, and persist in social media efforts for the cause.

Dedication To The Community

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is there to help. Our owner, SERVPRO Joe, believes in giving back to the community and making a difference whenever we can. Our Sales Team is highly involved in humanitarian efforts, such as the San Dimas Rotary Food Drive in January and the upcoming House of Ruth donation collection in early May. To learn more about how to get involved with the LACI donation efforts, please visit their Instagram @laincubator, or call 310.699.5724. If you want a restoration company that is trustworthy and actively involved in the community and fighting against coronavirus, call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park today! Our estimators and office staff are happy to help you through your water damage emergencies.

Best in the Business

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Meet our owners, Joe and Danielle McCann!

Set for Success

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is a restoration company that always sets the bar high. Specializing in water restoration, fire restoration, and mold remediation, our team is equipped and trained to handle all your restoration needs. Our National Training Center has created a training program to educate restoration and mitigation skills for all of our Irwindale and Baldwin Park employees. This specialized training makes our technicians the best in the business.

Certified 

At SERVPRO Irwindale/Baldwin Park, our team is certified by The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) that sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our employees study these standards in water restoration, fire restoration, cleaning services, and mold remediation. As professionals, we strive to hit all of The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certifications best practices. 

We Have the Training

Every SERVPRO franchise technician and owner receives a fifteen-day initial training course. New franchise owners are taught in great detail about water and fire restoration, mold remediation, and other valuable cleaning practices. Afterward, franchise owners and employees have access to online training classes, courses, and webinars. There are videos available to learn from, and even tests to check your knowledge. It is a priority for franchise owners to keep their knowledge in fire and water restoration and mold remediation up to date with changing industry standards.

Privately Owned & Operated

Each SERVPRO is privately owned, and in most cases, locally owned. Our owners, Joe and Danielle McCann, only hire the best technicians for the job and treat them like family. This is a great driving force to keep standards high. Franchise owners want to be of the highest standard to serve their community to the absolute best of their ability.

A Family You Can Trust

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

The whole crew - our owners Joe and Danielle with their three boys!

Trustworthy Owners

Joe and Danielle McCann have been SERVPRO franchise owners for over 16 years now. They are an incredible representation of the SERVPRO brand in the San Gabriel Valley; including Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties. Their partnership is amazing, and they've both got your back in any type of water and fire emergency. They care immensely about both Irwindale and Baldwin Park communities because it is their community too! Joe is always just a phone call away to answer any questions about SERVPRO’s services, or to share his journey as a franchise owner! He is a plethora of restoration knowledge!

Family and Locally Owned

Together, Joe and Dani have three small children, sons Colton, Finn, and Parker. The future franchise owners of SERVPRO Irwindale and Baldwin Park. They are the “official” first line of defense for the franchise. They have big shoes to fill, but if they are anything like their hard-working parents, the cities of Irwindale and Baldwin Park will be in good hands for decades to come! They are already every team member's three favorite people to work with!

Giving Back to the Community

Joe and Dani are firm believers in giving back to the Irwindale and Baldwin Park communities as much as possible. SERVPRO Irwindale and Baldwin Park often donate their trucks to be of service for local, charitable events! Such events include food drives, distribution of Covid-19 PPE, local rotary, and the chamber of commerce events. If using the SERVPRO trucks to help take goods from point A to point B for the party organizing helps their cause, the McCann’s are always honored to do it. Their services are always just a phone call away!

Address:

SERVPRO Irwindale / Baldwin Park

14617 Ramona Blvd Suite B

Baldwin Park, CA 91706

626.852.9922

Partnering With Other SERVPROs

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Joe and Thomas from SERVPRO of Azusa/Covina at a Commercial Property

Here For You x2

When one SERVPRO isn't enough, we call in two! For many huge commercial projects, SERVPRO franchises are likely to call on another for assistance. This is one of the many benefits that SERVPRO has over other water restoration and fire restoration companies. Two SERVPRO's mean twice the team members, twice the resources, and half the time! 

Commercial Property Flood

This commercial property experienced a fire a few weeks ago. The fire caused damage to one of the rooms in this property, setting off the fire sprinkler system. If this wasn't bad enough, the fire sprinkler system poured out too much water and flooded the property! Approximately 10 other rooms experienced flooding, and residents had to be evacuated while our team restored the building. SERVPRO of Azusa/Covina called in Joe's team and we coordinated on the project right away. When one SERVPRO isn't enough, we call two!

Putting The Customer First

Putting the customer's needs before our own is one of our top priorities here at SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park. We are so committed to providing the best quality restoration services that we are open 24/7 in case one of our customers experiences a disaster in the middle of the night or on weekends. We understand that you need a company that you can trust, and JOe McCann at SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park should be your first call. 

Concerned about bathroom mold growth? Recently experience a flood from your toilet or washing machine? Leave your stove on too high and experience damage from a kitchen fire? Call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park today! 

What To Do Until Help Arrives

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Moisture Reader Checking for Moisture

If you find yourself in a situation where water is suddenly onboarding in your residence, immediately call SERVPRO of Irwindale and Baldwin Park. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

What To Do

Until the water restoration professionals are SERVPRO arrive, there are a few things you can do to help with damage to your home. 

Move anything of value out of the affected room that you are able to: photos, important documents, artwork, etc. Take old books, or pieces of scrap wood and use them to elevate your furniture. Place wood, books, or even brinks underneath the feet of your furniture to raise them above the waterline. This will help prevent any fabric or wood damage to your couches, chairs, tables, and other furniture of value. 

If you own a Shock Vac, or have a neighbor to borrow one from, use it to help remove water that has puddle in your home and help prevent further damage to your carpet or hardwood flooring. Open windows in your home, and turn on any ceiling fans. This will help start the drying process. 

It is crucial to take pictures of all the damaged areas. This includes walls, baseboards, carpets, hardwood flooring, and all valuables. This will be important to turn into your insurance company when you file your claim. 

Here For All Your Water Damage Restoration Needs

Always remember that SERVPRO has a staff of qualified professionals to answer any and all of your questions. Not only will they help you with your water damage, but they are also qualified to help with mold prevention and remediation.

Commercial Flooding in a Church

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Technician Removing Floorboards in Full PPE

First Call

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park was this church's first call when they experienced a flood in their office space. A pipe was leaking underneath the floorboard for an extended period of time, causing the boards to discolor and shift. This resulted in our team having to pull up the floorboards and save what they could. This avoided mold growth and instability should an individual try to walk across the floorboards.

Our team was in and out of the commercial building in one day, affirming that we have the manpower to handle any sized disaster. Our crew was also suited up in full PPE to protect themselves and the customer. Keeping our team and our customers safe is our top priority and will continue to be so even after the pandemic subsides.

Years of Experience

We here at SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park know that any sized disaster causes stress for our customers. That's why we do our very best to make the restoration process as streamlined as possible. If your water damage job needs to be checked for asbestos or have a plumbing issue fixed first, we have reliable contacts with local businesses in the area that will come and assess the problem quickly and with integrity. With over 16 years of experience in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park should be your first call when a restoration emergency occurs. We're faster to any disaster, and our motto is to make it "Like it never even happened." 

If you have any questions about our services, or have recently experienced a loss and would like an estimate, call our office today at (626) 852-9922 and our staff would be happy to schedule an inspection.

Winter Has Arrived in SoCal

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

Storm Front on the Foothills

Chilly Arrival

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park has been preparing for the coming winter season.  There are things you can do around your home to help assure heavy rain does not turn into a problem for your property this Winter.

A Few Tips

Make sure if you are in a flood plain you have considered Flood Insurance. The City and/or County can advise you if you are in an area that could be at higher risk. This might be the case because of your location, a recent fire in an area in the hills above your property, or projected heavier than average precipitation is expected.

Clean out the gutters along your roof.  If they or the downspouts are clogged, water may not be moved away from your foundation as intended.

Verify the Roof-Jacks (Roof-Jacks are galvanized metal covers that go around the pipes that go through your roof) on your home are sealed properly against heavy rains. It's best to have a professional go onto your roof and verify there are no unexpected problems that may need to be fixed before the weather changes.

2021 Brings New Weather

Southern California may experience relatively light Winters for several years in a row. When a heavy Winter Season does come along, it could reveal the need to repair or even replace a roof that has been slowly deteriorating. In those cases where a roof starts to leak during wet weather, there can be a significant amount of damage from roof failures as the water intrusion starts at the top of the structure and may cause damage all the way down through the building until it reaches the ground level, or even further if the property has a basement.

Here For You

Despite the change in weather, the cold won't last forever. SERVPRO of Irwindale is here for all your water restoration, fire restoration, and mold restoration needs. We work with most insurance companies and are available 24/7 for major flooding, mold growth, and electrical fire damage of any home or business in Irwindale, Baldwin Park, Glendora, San Dimas, and surrounding communities. Call our estimators today for a quote! (626) 852-9922

Home Flood From Rainstorm

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Drying Floor Affected By Flood

Flooding in your home from stormwater can feel overwhelming and frustrating. Having a plan in place in case of flooding can help prepare you.

FEMA Flood Map

To see how likely you are to suffer from a flood you can look up the FEMA Flood Map; it shows general flood risk by region. All you have to do is enter your address in the search bar on the website to see your area's flood zones.

Take note the next you have a rainstorm - does the water run towards or away from your home? Does it puddle around any doors? Any basement windows?

Floodproofing

Floodproofing renovations are helpful if you plan on building a home in a heavily flooded area. Or if your existing home is in a heavily flooded area, but was not built with flooding in mind. Installing Foundation vents is a form of "wet flood-proofing," which allows water to flow through your home, as opposed to water being trapped around it. This both provides an outlet for flood water to escape your home. Having a Sump pump on hand with a battery back up is a great tool for removing water from basements. 

Make sure all gutter runoffs are pointed away from your home. All pipes entering your home should have check valves to prevent sewage flooding from back up into your home. Coating and sealants are also great to help flood-proof your home. They can be applied around your foundation, windows, and door frames.

A Plan

If flooding in your home has already started, or if a storm is on its way, use these tips to help minimize the damage:

• Clear out gutters and drains so that water can flow freely
• Use sandbags to block any gaps that will lead to flooding
• Move rugs, furniture, electronics, and other valuables to prevent damage
• If it's not raining, open windows to allow airflow through your home
• Use a shop vacuum or sump pump to remove water quickly
• Document flooding with pictures or videos to defend your insurance claim

Here For You

Additionally, always know that SERVPRO Glendora & San Dimas is here for all of your water damage needs. The San Gabriel Valley Foothills are notorious for flooding. Wildfires in the surrounding mountains change the composition of the soil; leading to the more dramatic water runoff during the rainy season. SERVPRO Glendora & San Dimas is able to provide you flood restoration services, sanitation contaminated water, drying services for both commercial and residential properties.

Warehouse Flood - We Got This

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Technician sucking up water

Got Flood Damage?

No need to fear, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is here! We have the manpower and specialized equipment to handle any size of water damage. Take this commercial flood in Irwindale, for example. We were called in by another SERVPRO to handle this massive warehouse flood that seeped into the office space, and our guys were there in less than 30 minutes! 

Faulty Pipes

A pipe in the back of a warehouse burst, soaking hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of packaging and supplies. Once the water to the warehouse was turned off, there was water underneath The merchandise. Since the building was at a slight slant, the water flooded down into the office space in the front of the building, soaking into the carpet. We were able to get most of the water out of the warehouse within the first couple of hours because we had the manpower and supplies to do so. The carpet was a little trickier because it had soaked beneath the surface. We had to set up fans and carpet vacuums to suck up the water so mold wouldn’t develop. Water is tricky that way, moisture had immediately begun to soak into the walls due to the insulin. Our technicians are headed back there to dry out the building and make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park can handle any water damage, flooding, mold growth, and roof leaks! Call today. (626)-852-9922

Mold Doesn’t Stand A Chance

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Mold Inside Commercial Building Wall

It's Just Mold, Who Cares? We Do!

And you should too. The tricky aspect of mold is that when a building experiences a flood, it’s not solely the floors that retain the damage. If the surrounding walls contain insulation, it is highly likely that they will absorb much of the moisture. The moisture then gets trapped in the walls behind the insulation, and mold begins to grow. High amounts of mold create a dangerous atmosphere to live and work in. Inhaling mold can make you cough, make your eyes itch, and can restrict your breathing in short periods of time.

The How

When our technicians are first called to a job, the first thing they do is identify what the source of the issue is. Then, they check the moisture in the walls where the damage occurred, and also the surrounding walls to see how far the moisture has spread. Once they get a clear reading, they will go to work immediately. 

Saving the structure of your building, our technicians will remove the affected areas and flooring, and treat the remaining structure with microbial spray. The disinfectant and primer combined with our humidifier and fans will dry out and kill any remaining mold. This makes it safe for contractors from your insurance to come in and restore your business back to its aesthetic appeal.

The Why

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park cares for your home and business because it is a part of our community. We recognize the danger of living in a mold-infested environment, and the frustration that comes with water damage and flooding. We want to do our part to help, and your safety is a top priority. If you were in need of any mold remediation services caused by a flood, or have any concerns that mold growth might be apparent in the walls or flooring, give us a call today. We are open 24 hours seven days a week and on-call for whenever you need us (626)-852-9922

Team McCann To The Rescue!

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Team McCann

Meet the McCann family! Joe & Dani have individually owned and operated SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas for over 15 years, and SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park for nearly 5! Their boys Colton, Finn, and Parker keep them on their toes and are always trying to help out. The McCann's care about your home & business because it is apart of their community too, let SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park be the first to be called to handle any Residential or Large-Loss Disaster in the San Gabriel Valley or LA Basin.

Here at SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park, our team specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup, and repair services, making it “Like it never even happened.” for both commercial and residential customers.

Our team of highly trained restoration specialists is experts in restoring your home from water damage, fire damage, storm damage, and mold repair. The SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park crew is equipped with the knowledge needed to restore any property. Our crew's main goal is to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and effectively. We are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week to best accommodate your schedule and offer as little disruption to your personal life as well. Call the McCann family today!

Winter Storm Preparation

12/1/2020 (Permalink)

Snow on the Mount Baldy

Last month, a winter storm brought rain, snow, and cold temperatures to the LA area. Scattered rain showers resulted in snow dumped all over The San Gabriel Mountains, and heavy hail in many parts of Glendora. Nonetheless, weather patterns are changing and a winter pattern is settling in. Travelers need to drive slowly during this time, and due to the precipitation, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health sent out a warning to avoid the ocean near various storm drains and rivers due to the high probability of contamination by bacteria, debris, and trash.

These winter storms aren’t all bad, many forecasters hope for precipitation to dampen wildfires in the Sierra and cleanse the atmosphere. Gusty winds in Riverside and San Bernardino County were in full effect, and we should be as best prepared for this reoccurring weather pattern in the months of December and January. As the year 2020 comes to a close, who knows what the next year will bring. If you are in a county where a winter storm warning has been issued, be sure to: find shelter right away, stay off the roads, prepare for power outages, and stay indoors.

If your home has been affected by severe winds, rain damage, storm destruction, or any other types of catastrophe and you are in need of emergency services, please call SERVPRO of Glendora San Dimas. We have an outstanding commitment to our surrounding communities to provide genuine and quality assurance. We are open and available twenty- four hours a day seven days a week, and we have the manpower and equipment to handle even the worst of disasters. Call Today! (626)-852 -9922

Storm Damage Readiness

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Even though SoCal may not have the most rain during the wintertime. You never know when the next big storm is going to hit. Is your property ready for when that happens? In case of a surprise storm, it’s important to have supplies ready and on hand. Supplies that can aid in the health and safety of you, your office, or your family could make a big difference in keeping yourself safe until help arrives. Here are some things you may want to include in a Storm Preparedness Kit… 

Here are some supplies to keep in your kit:

1. First Aid Kit 
2. Vital and necessary medication 
3. Flashlights/glow sticks
4. Cash and other important documents in a waterproof case 
5. Food & Water food for several days 
6. Basic necessary tools (i.e.pocket knife with tools attached)
7. Sanitation wipes and hygiene products.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is a Large Loss, full-service fire, smoke, wind, water repair, and restoration company. We offer immediate response to residential, commercial, industrial, and commercial property owners. We are faster to any disaster and can help you when the next storm hits. 

Call us at (626)852-9922 for any more information or if you need help restoring your property.

Several Sources of Fire Damage

10/6/2020 (Permalink)

New Fire Started 10/02 in Azusa Mountains

When a fire has caused damage to a structure, there may be several sources of damage that could affect what restoration process is the best.  For instance, the fire itself will burn, char, and heat up building materials that can ultimately create the need to remove and replace these damaged areas.  Then there is consideration given to the materials or fuel the fire was burning that could determine how and what processes are used in the cleaning process. For instance, if the fire is fueled primarily by plastic or petroleum-based materials the soot and byproducts from the fire are different than if the source of fuel is predominantly wood or cellulose. Also, much of the fire damage comes from the particulates suspended in the smoke which can fill the property and saturate into the porous furnishings and surfaces inside the building.  Furniture, carpeting, drapes, and clothing are examples. These soft products are saturated with the smoke and debris from the fire resulting in surface contamination and the smell of burnt building materials. A decision will need to be made which of these items will be cleaned and deodorized. 

Because the byproducts of burning wood and manmade products are both commonly part of a structure fire, the smoke can contain a mix of high levels of acidic and oxidizing compounds.  These will settle on the surfaces of fixtures and furnishings and if not cleaned properly will begin to corrode their finishes.  Metal plated and paint surfaces should be cleaned as soon as practical to help reduce the chances of permanent damage.  In many fire-damaged structures, electronics will be contaminated and the long-term effects of these corrosive byproducts can affect their performance.  Replacement and or restoration may be recommended. 

So, the considerations and cleanup options vary with the scope and type of fires. SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park has the equipment, cleaning processes, materials, the training, and experience to determine the best approach to help property owners completely recover from a structure fire, or being caught downwind from a wildfire in the foothills.  If the property is in the San Gabriel Valley or anywhere in Southern California, Give SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park a call today for an assessment if you need a professional service with answers to your restoration questions

Bobcat Fire

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Bobcat Fire

On August 26 at 4:38pm in the foothills North of Los Angeles, close to the communities of Monrovia and Azusa you can see the start of the Bobcat fire. 

The cause is still under investigation, but as of September 20th, the fire continues to burn, blackening over 100,000 acres, displacing people, and destroying homes and infrastructure.  The low humidity, high temperature, and winds have complicated fighting this storm as the containment has seesawed between 0% -15% over the past month.  Burning embers have created extremely dangerous situations as flare-ups and spot Fires have continued increasing the size of the fire beyond the main fire lines.  

For the public, it is critical that when the notifications are sent out warning homeowners of imminent fire danger, those in the path need to respond immediately to get out. The loss of life is a very real threat and includes not only property owners, but the firefighters trying to protect properties and life. Please have a plan to leave your property in a hurry if you are in those areas prone to high fire danger. Remember, the priority of the firefighters will always be protecting people.  If they are responding to calls rescuing people in the path of the fire, no longer are they fighting the fire, and, we are certainly increasing the danger to them.  

Please be a help to these heroes, during any wildfire situation, be ready to evacuate, stay alert, and support the critical business of firefighting by following instructions.  

Stay safe and stay connected.  Sincerely, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park.

Fire Storms in Southern California

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Storms in Southern California frequently start in the foothills and are fanned by Santa Ana Winds

As the Southern California Seasons progress from mid Summer into early Fall, it has officially become “Fire Season”. 

This is a time when the vegetation that grew so robust in the mild Winter and Spring months has dried to become “fuel” ready to ignite from the slightest spark, even to ignite spontaneously under the right circumstances. 

In the Southern facing foothills of the Angeles and San Bernardino mountain ranges, residential communities, businesses, and multimillion-dollar mansions have been built to take advantage of the spectacular vistas of the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles skyline.  Of course, these properties may also be at higher risk during the Fire Season being located in areas surrounded by heavy grass and brush. 

The team at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas and Irwindale/Baldwin Park have been working with first responders for many years to help home and business owners recover from damaged property. We specialize in restoration services to repair property damage from fire, smoke, soot, and water that are all part of dealing with the annual Fire Storms in the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties.

Don’t take unnecessary chances during fire season, be prepared to leave when recommended by officials, and call on professionals like SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas if disaster does strike.

Flash Flood Warning -- Prepare Now!

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO team of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is committed to providing safety tips to its community to ensure safety and readiness when disaster strikes.

After a season of dryness, a rapid overflow of water can cause flash floods. In the United States, flash floods are the single most common natural disaster. Below are a few tips on how to be prepared before a flash flood warning is issued:

• Be sure you’re signed up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio provide emergency alerts
• Create an emergency supply kit in case you have to leave immediately or if services are cut off.
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowner’s policies typically do not cover flooding. Keep in mind it typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster strikes.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes with those living in your household & other family members/friends.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container, and create digital copies of other essential files.
• Declutter drains and gutters.
• Keep valuables at a higher level in your house/business.

If you experience any type of flooding or residential disaster in your home, trust SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call to learn more about our drying process or for additional flooding tips anytime at (626) 337-3374. Our experts are available 24/7 and are happy to help you in any way they can.

For more information on how to prepare and survive a sudden flash flood, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods 

These tips are reprinted by SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park as a part of our commitment to the community and the environment. 

Plumbing Trouble

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

We want your home to be protected just as much as you do.

If you’ve experienced flooding in your residence or business from faulty plumbing, call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park today!

Our team of experts has been serving the community for over 15 years, and are familiar with all sorts of plumbing related issues. We understand how stressful instances like this can be, and we want to reassure and inform you of the entire process. 

Plumbing failures can be easily avoided if checked regularly. We want your home to be protected just as much as you do. Most of these inspections can be without the help of a certified professional, but our lines are open 24/7 if you ever have a question or concern - we’re here for you!

Ice Maker - Keep an eye out for water by the valve behind the fridge, or along the plastic line behind your freezer

Toilet Tank - Check the water line that connects to the valve on the wall or the base of your tank

Water Heater - Signs of drippage surrounding the base or top of the heater

Underneath Sinks - Inspect connections at the wall, faucets, and dishwashers

Remember to always be on the lookout for wet flooring and moisture where the water lines connect to your appliances. In our experience, even a minor leak could quickly turn into a flood if left unchecked. If you see mold forming, call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park right away!

Inside The Action: Drying Irwindale Residences

7/9/2020 (Permalink)

The key to drying out a residence after flooding occurs is simple: heat. However, raising temperatures can cause concerns for the homeowner. A common thought many individuals have is to turn on the central heating. Warming the house will combat water damage, right? Actually, raising the temperature inside of a damp, enclosed space can raise the humidity. Air has a limit on how much moisture it can hold, so warming different rooms actually risks slowing the drying process. In fact, untreated wet indoor spaces can advocate for accelerated mold growth.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park offers professional flood damage services locally here in Irwindale and surrounding cities. We understand that floods caused by storms are alarming and can cause serious financial hardship if not treated properly. SERVPRO utilizes an advanced water pumping method and specialized equipment to swiftly dry your indoor space. Our technicians combine hot air (to increase the evaporation rate) with dry air (to maximize effectiveness) using our indirect-fired furnaces. Our furnaces take the air from outside of your home and blow hot air inside through the windows. This air exchange has been repeatedly proven to dry homes faster and reduce the risk of mold growth. While this method is highly effective, it also requires consistent monitoring.

The SERVPRO team of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is committed to walking alongside the consumer the entire process, until the flooding is “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call today to learn more about our drying process anytime (626) 337-3374.

Stress Free Family Weekend Getaway

7/2/2020 (Permalink)

A secluded weekend getaway with your family may be tempting after being in quarantine for the past four months. Before you head out, it’s essential that you check all faucets and appliances to avoid coming home to an unfortunate surprise. There’s nothing worse than escaping stress for a few days, just to come home to a flooded bathroom or a leaking ceiling. Water damage can spread vast and quickly become costly if left unattended for several days. A few common things that can go undetected include dripping water heaters, clogged pipes with built up pressure, leaking faucets or appliances, etc. SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park offers the Vincent community four tips for you in case you need to travel out of town for a few days.

• Switch Off The Water 

Shutting off your water main can help avert water pressure build up in your pipelines. Doing this lessens the chance of leaks because leaks normally occur when a stoppage develops.

• Inspect Your Appliances

Devices such as dishwashers, washers, fridges, and dryers tend to leak from time to time. Occasionally inspecting these appliances and replacing broken parts can reduce the cost and risk of a major emergency later on. 

• Clear Up Your Rain Gutters

Rain often finds its way into homes through clogged rain gutters. Clearing away debris within them can help prohibit built up blockage.

• Neighborly Check In

Having a trusted friend or neighbor check in on your home while you’re away can help detect leaks early. While they may not be able to stop water damage from occurring, they can inform you or perhaps call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park so the leak doesn’t get worse. Having someone trustworthy watching your house can contribute to the much needed peace of mind hardworking individuals need.

SERVPRO wishes the Irwindale, Baldwin Park, Vincent and surrounding communities safety and security during unprecedented times. We are here for all your water, fire, storm, and commercial needs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have any questions do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park at (626) 337-3374.

7 Tips On How To Conserve Water

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

Joe McCann & Family, Owner of SERVPRO Irwindale/Baldwin Park

Contrary to popular belief, many parts of California are still experiencing a drought. There are various ways to conserve water, while also saving money and helping the environment. Teaching children the importance of water conservation from a young age will help them develop water saving habits through adolescence and adulthood. SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park provides you with seven easy ways for your family to preserve water in your home:

1. Turning off the faucet when brushing your teeth
2. Ensuring that all valves and hoses are turned off completely
3. Shutting off shower while shampooing and conditioning
4. Encouraging family members to take shorter showers
5. Never letting the water run while you wash dishes
6. Purchasing a smaller dishwater
7. Sprinkling unused water onto plants

For more information on how to teach your children about water conservation, visit https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-kids 

These tips are reprinted by SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park as a part of our commitment to community and the environment. Assuring quality of life for generations to come is something we all must be working on together. Thank you!

Reopening Businesses And Minimizing Risk

6/7/2020 (Permalink)

Cleaning Services Available 24 Hours A Day

As businesses begin to reopen and more people venture out of their homes, the exposure of germs escalates; along with the need for disinfectant services. SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park offers a variety of full cleaning services in accordance with the CDC that can make your home or business feel safe and sanitized. Our defensive pathogen cleaning program includes sanitation of commercial spaces such as: bathroom fixtures, keyboards, tablets, door handles, light switches, offices, etc. In addition to our usual services we are also providing proactive and disinfecting treatments for verified cases in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park also recommends practicing good hygiene by: washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, covering your coughs and sneezes, increasing ventilation by opening windows, and disinfecting door knobs and handrails regularly. 

Every crew member at SERVPRO Irwindale/Baldwin Park is equipped with their Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICR), making our professionals uniquely prepared to go beyond the regular scope of work during such unparalleled times. 

If your home or office needs sanitation and cleaning services, one of our representatives at SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park would be happy to assist you at (626) 337 - 3374.

Water Damage Experts - Impact and Restoration

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Result of water damage to hardwood floors and carpet

Next to fire, water has proven itself to be one of the worst sources of damage a business can endure. So when an unexpected event interrupts your peaceful morning, rest assured that Joe McCann is here to help! Our team here at SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is professionally trained to assess the impact of water damage. Drywall, plaster, and other building materials are famously known for their ability to absorb water, even if it’s a small amount from a leaky pipe. Examples of water damage include: bursting pipes, sewer backup, rain damage, ice maker leakage, and water heater failures. 

We use  specialized equipment for drying out and  removing water rapidly, and keep in close contact with you afterwards to closely monitor the drying process and ensure the work is done properly. We understand that water damage can be alarming, which is why it is our main goal at SERVPRO to “make it like it never happened”.  Our team is available for emergency services 24 hours a day with our commitment to your family or company that we are here to support you when the need arises. Our main priority is restoring your property, and we know you need someone you can trust. Our skilled crew use proven techniques, equipment and materials when performing the work.

The owner and staff of SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park are here to serve you. 

Storm Readiness Kit Recommendations

6/5/2020 (Permalink)

Protect Your Business From The Next Big Storm

Despite Southern California’s low percentage of rain, the next big storm could be right around the corner. Ask yourself: is your property prepared for strong winds or flash flooding? It’s essential to keep vital supplies accessible at all times. Up to date equipment can save your home and office, as well as the lives of its inhabitants. Keeping yourself safe during an emergency is crucial until help arrives. 

When crafting a Storm Readiness Kit, here are some items to include:

1. Water (enough for three days)
2. Food (three day supply of non-perishables)
3. First Aid Kit
4. Flashlights (with new batteries) & Glow Sticks
5. Basic Tools such as wrenches or pliers (to turn off utilities)
6. Whistle (to signal assistance)
7. Cloth Face Coverings & Disinfectant Wipes

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park operates 24 hours a day as a standing commitment to be the most reliable restoration company in the US. We are here to support you when emergencies occur, and offer immediate response to residential, commercial, industrial, and commercial property owners. 

What To Expect From Us

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or water damage and need assistance, here’s what you can expect from us… 

24/7 Service

We know that accidents or disasters don’t wait until business hours, that’s why we have someone on call in our office 24/7, so when disasters do happen, you can call us and be assured we get some out to you as soon as possible. 

Quick Response

We’re faster to any disaster! We know that when a property has been damaged, timing is everything. Timing can affect both the extent of and cost of restoration, so it’s important to us that we get to your property as quickly as possible. Once the necessary information is provided, we can move forward with preparation to address your needs. 

Inspections and Briefings 

Once our specialists arrive, they will begin their inspection, looking for the various signs of damage and the extent of it. Included in this could be advice on whether or not it’s worth it to make an emergency claim. 

Call us at (626)852-9922 for any more information or if you need help restoring your property.

Prepared For the Unexpected

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

While no one can really be fully prepared when an emergency happens or disaster strikes, there are proactive steps you can take to help you, your family, and your business be as prepared as possible in the case of an emergency. 

First steps 

Communication as a first step can make a huge difference in the stress that can come when a disaster hits. Sitting down with friends, family, your household or co-workers and talking through the details of a plan is a good start to making sure everyone is on the same page. Some ideas to consider discussing could be  

• What are our current ways of receiving warnings and alerts? How will we continue to receive these warnings after a disaster or emergency? 
• What is our plan for shelter in case anything should happen to our home? 
• Is everyone clear on an evacuation route? 
• What is our plan as a family/household or business for communication? 

Assess Your Specific Needs 

This can be daunting but in case of an emergency, it is always best to be prepared than caught even more so off guard. If there are family members, household members, or co-workers that have certain dietary or medical needs make sure you have that necessary food or medicine on hand. If your household has pets, make sure you know the plan for them as well in the case of an emergency. Make sure you either have what they need or have a plan to get them into temporary care.  

Most Importantly 

In case of an emergency or disaster, make sure that above all, you, your family, your household, or your business are somewhere safe. Whether it’s a fire, flood, or earthquake, make sure to contact emergency services as soon as possible and do not try to handle the situation on your own.  

In the event damage does occur to your home or building, call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park, we are faster to any disaster!

What You Can Do To Prevent A Dryer Fire

5/14/2020 (Permalink)

Home fires can be caused by a multitude of things, but perhaps one of the more common causes is from dryer fires. According to the U.S Fire Administration, “2,900 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year and cause an estimated 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss.” One of the leading causes of dryer fires is from the failure to clean out dryer and lint traps. Often dryer fires can happen more often in fall and winter months. 

Here are some do’s and don'ts in regards to dryer maintenance… 

Do

• Make sure to clean your lint filter often 
• Check to see that all electrical plugs are properly plugged in 
• Ensure dryers are properly installed  
• Keep the area around dryer clean and free of anything that can burn

Don’t 

• Don’t overload the dryer
• Make sure there is no loose lint in the dryer and ensure the dryer always runs with a lint filter installed 
• When you leave your house, make sure not to leave the dryer running 

SERVPRO is certified to complete restoration for fire damage in residential and commercial properties. We are faster to any disaster and here to help 24/7. If you need our assistance, give us a call at (626)852-9922.

Giving You The Answers You Need

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Let’s assume you have just experienced a flood, fire, or sewer spill in your home or business.

How do you find a company you can trust to do a professional job at a fair price? 

This question is raised thousands of times every day across the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles Basin by those affected by a disaster that’s caused property damage.

The short answer is, this is a good question.  If you don’t already have a positive experience with a restoration company, you will probably rely on an online search or get somebody you know to refer a company based on their experience.  In any case, you are going to have to take a chance and choose a restoration company you hope will address your problem as though it was their property.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park may be able to answer some of the more obvious questions you will be asking:

1. Will you work with my insurance company? – Answer, Yes.  We work with all major Insurance Carriers
2. Will your charges be fair? – Answer, Yes.  We follow Insurance Industry Billing Guidelines to streamline the estimating process.  These charging schedules are published and help assure your insurance will review and approve our estimates quickly so we can get to work faster.
3. Are you insured and licensed to do restoration?  Answer, Yes.  SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is a corporation which is licensed and bonded to do restoration and reconstruction.  We carry all Liability, Workmans Comp, and Vehicle Insurance as required by law.
4. Will your team do the job properly? – Answer, Yes.  Our Restoration Technicians receive extensive and ongoing training by SERVPRO.  Also, most of our team members are certified by The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).  We also pride ourselves on maintaining excellent communication with the customer to be sure we meet all their expectations as the work progresses.
5. What if there is something I am unhappy about? – Answer, we make every effort to meet the high standards of our customers, our profession, and our business.  If we fail to satisfy any of those, we stand behind our commitment to do everything possible to make it right.

There are lots of choices if you are choosing a restoration contractor.  There are several good companies and there are many who can do the basic work.  Not all restoration businesses have the equipment, products and training to handle more complex or larger jobs, and not all restoration companies will stand behind their commitment to customer satisfaction and service quality.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park is a certified Large Loss Fire and Water Restoration Company that you can count on to handle any project not matter what size or specialty services may be required.

How We're Helping During This Time

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

As the world reacts to the Coronavirus outbreak (or COVID-19) here at SERVPRO, we are looking to help our community with our resources during this time. In addition to fire and water damage restoration, SERVPRO additionally offers specialized cleaning services. We adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards to ensure a safe and healthy space. 

We are prepared to help you disinfect your home or business and have experience in dealing with biological contaminants and will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis. 

Areas that we can clean and suggest considering for sanitation are… 

• Kitchen/Food Area 
• Bathrooms 
• Schools/Classrooms 
• 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 SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park today at (626)852-9922.

Why Be Proactive About Spring Cleaning

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

These days you may be spending some extra time at home and since spring is about to begin, you may be thinking about doing some spring cleaning. On average, the American typically spending 90% of their time at home. That means that whether you’re simply relaxing, sleeping, working, or doing any sort of activity, you are spending a majority of your time at home. With all of that time, it can be incredibly difficult to keep your house spotless or much less even just simply clean.  The average household collects around 40 pounds of dust, dirt, and allergens each year. Dust can live on surfaces and in a variety of materials such as rugs, curtains and pillows. 

At SERVPRO, we’re here to help we specialize in sanitation and cleaning of living spaces, furniture and rugs. Moreover, here are some tips from us about what should be on your spring cleaning list… 

• Clean and sanitize all surfaces such as counter tops, baseboards, sinks, fridges, etc. 
• Have you HVAC checked and cleaned for any buildup 
• Dust window blinds, clean curtains, and clean windows and screens 
• Unclog all drains and rain gutters 
• Make sure washer and dryer are properly clean and free of any buildup. 

As you clean, make sure to let us know if you need any help or notice any mold or water damage as you begin tidying. We can send a specialist out to help you or provide estimates, just give us a call at (626)852-9922.

Why choose SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park?

3/14/2020 (Permalink)

Disasters happen all the time, unexpectedly. You need someone, you can trust to make it “Like it never even happened”. SERVPRO is a franchise company with over 45 years of leadership in cleanup and restoration. SERVPRO’s results over the years gained the trust of the insurance industry. Our Irwindale/Baldwin Park’s franchise has maintained a good reputation in our community with high Google and Yelp ratings from our consumers. We are open 24/7 and can help restore your property.

Our most common services are fire, water, and mold restoration. In case of a fire, our SERVPRO team can help prevent fire damage creating long-term effects. We can provide timely response with mitigation services ranging from fire, smoke and soot removal. Our services can help ensure your property, belongings, and memories are restored to preloss condition when possible.

Our franchise also specializes in biohazard, vandalism and crime scene clean-up. Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health risks. Our services can help with: bloodborne pathogens, methamphetamine labs, crime scene residues, arson, vandalism, sewage backups, black water intrusions, etc. A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments. Our team is trained to safely and effectively remove biohazardous substances.

Originally, SERVPRO specialized in carpet cleaning before expanding our services. We have continued to clean carpets and restore them by removing entrapped soils over the years. We use state-of-the-art equipment to remove soils from deep within your carpet. With our cleaning techniques, we can increase the life of your carpet.

If you have a disaster or want a carpet clean, do not hesitate to call us at (626)-337-3374.

Water Damage in your Store?

3/2/2020 (Permalink)

Water can push on foundations and affect the frames of buildings in Baldwin Park. The damage can be caused by rainstorms that flood the streets. Luckily, SERVPRO is always ready to help.

For shop owners, shops need to reopen as quickly as possible after a catastrophe. However, mitigating commercial flood damage in Baldwin Park requires a significant amount of equipment. To achieve optimal results, it requires extensive training and specialized equipment. Our team of specialists are trained to be effective and time conscious. The work put in by our specialists involve substantial risks, such as health.

Our SERVPRO team will arrive in our fleet of green vehicles, loaded with the supplies and machinery, we use to mitigate buildings. Our specialists use pumps that can extract all the water effectively from floors, allowing us to start the drying process. Our specialists removing saturated materials like walls and carpets, allows it to open underlying areas for drying.

Because this water can contaminate your future merchandise, it is crucial that we remove it from the contaminated areas within your building's structure. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture detectors to find moisture hiding and at what amount.

Protecting your store and its inventory is why SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park always answers our 24-hour service line. Call us at (626) 337-3374 to protect your Irwindale or Baldwin Park retail business from flood damage.

Click here for more information about Baldwin Park.

What are Risks of Water Damage at your Business?

2/17/2020 (Permalink)

A common misconception is that if the water has dried out, the damage will be fixed. After water has damaged part of your property, mold can grow in as little as 24 – 48 hours. While the water evaporates in the area, moisture will accumulate in the walls, ceiling, and even the floor below, promoting mold growth.

If this happens, it’s important to call us to run an extensive inspection to ensure that mold has not already contaminated your property.

Excess water can lead to costly repairs in permanently damaged material if not extracted immediately. Our technicians at SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park know exactly how to remove excess water in emergency situations like flooding, burst pipes, roof leaks. Hiring our technicians will guarantee that all water damage and moisture from behind the walls and underneath the floors is removed properly to prevent the risk of mold growth.

Water Shut Off Valve

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Water shut off valves are very important if you discover a burst pipe in your commercial building. Turning off the flow of water immediately upon discovery of the leak can prevent large water damage losses.

But where are water shut off valves? Could you identify their locations in your commercial building It is important to know the location of water shut off valves before an emergency occurs. Here are a few tips for locating your water shut off valve.

Generally, water shut off valves – connecting the city water supply to your business – are located near the perimeter of a building. If your structure has a basement, it is likely there. Otherwise, look around the perimeter of your building near utility areas. Your water shut off valve might be in a plastic box.

If you cannot identify where the main shut off valve is for your building, there are likely shut off near fixtures that often cause water damage. For example, your toilet, washer, sink, and bathtub should all be connected to a water source and have a water shut off valve. These are immediately near the fixture’s connection to the wall or on tubing itself. Be careful, as some of these are plastic and can easily break.

In case of an emergency, make sure all those in your business know where all water shut off valves are. Further, ensure these valves can turn to off (generally, requiring a few clockwise turns). Sometimes, due to age and lack of use, the main water shut off valve becomes very tough to turn.

In the event water damage does occur to your commercial building, call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park, we are faster to any disaster!

Water Removal in Your Vincent Clothing Store

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Running a clothing store in Vincent can come with a significant amount of competition. You are not only competing to get customers, but you are also searching for ways to provide the ultimate shopping experience. Promptly taking care of water loss incidents that occur within your store is crucial for maintaining a healthy atmosphere and making a professional impression.

Too often business owners are tempted to try water removal and restoration on their own, which can lead to worsening conditions and continued damage to structural components if they are not experienced.

Our SERVPRO professionals are available 24/7 to help you overcome any emergency that threatens your business.  It begins with a professional inspection to assess the need for restoration services.  If necessary, water restoration technicians are sent to the property to begin the clean-up process as quickly as possible. We arrive with our Green Fleet stocked with the appropriate tools and equipment to make short work of the excess water that you may face in your building.

Protecting your investment in your stock is an essential focus of our team as well. We understand what matters to your business, we treat your inventory as a top priority. If necessary, we can remove the at-risk items to a secure facility or storage container until the restoration process is completed.

 Let our SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park team of dedicated professionals help you to clean up the mess and quickly get your doors open again. Give us a call today at (626) 337-3374.

Diablo and Santa Ana Winds

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

What are the Diablo and Santa Ana winds?

The hot, dry California winds referred to as the Santa Ana winds in southern CA and Diablo winds in northern CA have become a popular topic with the wildfires occurring all over CA. In the fall months, these strong winds whip through land that has remained dry from May through October. As the Santa Ana and Diablo winds move from high pressure, to low pressure, they build in force, achieving maximum strength upon reaching CA. While these winds are capable of clearing dense marine fog, they also spark fires across California regions with especially low humidity.  

Why are the winds a problem?

Santa Ana and Diablo winds have recently contributed to a string of fires across CA. The winds cause power lines to arc. Arcing is when an electrical current travels through the air between two points, more common to occur in high winds, low humidity, or cold temperatures. These conditions can cause an arc fault, or commonly, Arc Flash.  As the electrical current is traveling through the air sparks can result which can ignite nearby fuel (brush, tree branches, or other flammable material) and start a fire.

Not only can these winds spark fires, but they also exacerbate the magnitude of fires as the Santa Anas and aptly named Diablos quickly blow embers to other areas.

One utility, PG&E planned power outages across CA last month in conjunction with forecasted high winds in an attempt to prevent fires sparking from vulnerable electrical lines, which are more likely to arc, by turning off power to these hazardous lines.

There is a greater issue of the maintenance of exposed electrical lines which are inherently dangerous in high wind conditions. Ensuing criticism of PG&E led to a lawsuit against the company for recent CA wildfires, resulting in PG&E having to settle for $11 billion and declare bankruptcy.

How can I be prepared for high wind conditions?

Winds threatened to reach up to 75mp the last week of October in southern CA. People are cautioned to drive carefully and avoid areas with high wildfire risk. As a family, if you live in a high-risk area for wildfires, have an evacuation plan ready that everyone knows. Additionally, have all important documents easily accessible if you must leave your home. If you see a poorly maintained power line, call authorities immediately. Remember, in the unfortunate case of a fire, SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park is here to help, we are faster to any disaster!

How Our State-Of-The-Art Equipment Can Restore Your Fire Damaged Home In Baldwin Park

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

How Our State-Of-The-Art Equipment Can Restore Your Fire Damaged Home In Baldwin Park

After a widespread disaster damages your home, you need a professional restoration service. More importantly, you need a team like ours that offers not only extensively trained technicians with the knowledge to overcome the damages but also a franchise with the advanced technology and equipment to optimally restore the damages.

Our experts have extensive training and hands-on experience to combat any fire damage effect they could encounter in your home. Initially, each of the fire restoration technicians in our San Dimas/Irwindale franchise must complete certification through the IICRC. This organization is the benchmark for quality in the industry, each of our technicians on these projects has a certification for Fire and Smoke Restoration. Additionally, our employees continue training through in-house programs designed to introduce them to advanced mitigation techniques to strengthen them to become more efficient in fire recovery.

Whether it is soot cleanup, odor removal, air purification, water removal, or sanitization, our technicians have the advanced technology and industry-leading equipment to complete the task efficiently. Our air scrubbers aid with indoor air quality concerns like debris and particulates.

For removing the effects of smoke damages, we utilize our thermal fogger and deodorizing agents to neutralize harsh odor molecules on contact. This practice is safe for use on hard and soft materials such as carpeting, and clothing affected by the noxious scent throughout the property.

If a fire damages your home, you can be assured that our qualified team of highly trained restoration technicians can respond quickly to restore the impact of the disaster on your life and property. Our SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park emergency response team is available 24/7. Give us a call today at (626) 337-3374.

Diablo and Santa Ana Winds

11/4/2019 (Permalink)

A beautiful and windy day in California

What are the Diablo and Santa Ana winds?

The hot, dry California winds referred to as the Santa Ana winds in southern CA and Diablo winds in northern CA have become a popular topic with the wildfires occurring all over CA. In the fall months, these strong winds whip through land that has remained dry from May through October. As the Santa Ana and Diablo winds move from high pressure, to low pressure, they build in force, achieving maximum strength upon reaching CA. While these winds are capable of clearing dense marine fog, they also spark fires across California regions with especially low humidity.  

Why are the winds a problem?

Santa Ana and Diablo winds have recently contributed to a string of fires across CA. The winds cause power lines to arc. Arcing is when an electrical current travels through the air between two points, more common to occur in high winds, low humidity, or cold temperatures. These conditions can cause an arc fault, or commonly, Arc Flash.  As the electrical current is traveling through the air sparks can result which can ignite nearby fuel (brush, tree branches, or other flammable material) and start a fire.

Not only can these winds spark fires, but they also exacerbate the magnitude of fires as the Santa Anas and aptly named Diablos quickly blow embers to other areas.

One utility, PG&E planned power outages across CA last month in conjunction with forecasted high winds in an attempt to prevent fires sparking from vulnerable electrical lines, which are more likely to arc, by turning off power to these hazardous lines.

There is a greater issue of the maintenance of exposed electrical lines which are inherently dangerous in high wind conditions. Ensuing criticism of PG&E led to a lawsuit against the company for recent CA wildfires, resulting in PG&E having to settle for $11 billion and declare bankruptcy.

How can I be prepared for high wind conditions?

Winds threatened to reach up to 75mp the last week of October in southern CA. People are cautioned to drive carefully and avoid areas with high wildfire risk. As a family, if you live in a high-risk area for wildfires, have an evacuation plan ready that everyone knows. Additionally, have all important documents easily accessible if you must leave your home. If you see a poorly maintained power line, call authorities immediately. Remember, in the unfortunate case of a fire, SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park is here to help, we are faster to any disaster!

How To Beat The Heat in Los Angeles

10/25/2019 (Permalink)

A great place to stay cool in the Los Angeles heat is at the beach.

Southern California has been sizzling in record-breaking heat from the desert to the sea this Summer. With high temperatures shattering all-time records across the region, it has been tough to beat the heat.

Here are some fun and practical things to do while staying safe and cool as LA’s temperatures top 110 degrees:

Visit an Indoor Museum

We love the outdoors so much in L.A., that even many of our museums have partially outside campuses. The Marciano and MOCA are both solely indoors, and the Natural History Museum has enough air-conditioned galleries to occupy hours of your time. LACMA and the Hammer Museum both have outdoor courtyards between some galleries, but we’ll make an exception since they’re both such short walks in the sun.

Go to the Library

Though we often take advantage of the online benefits of a library card, this weekend might be a great time to read a good ol’ hardcover book. Many libraries double as official cooling centers—which more or less means you’re welcome to laze there during operating hours.

Treat Yourself to Ice Cream

Will it melt the second you step into the sun? Probably. But will it make you feel better? Absolutely. Ice cream and classic frozen desserts are certainly in order for this sizzling summer heat. 

Catch a Summer Movie

Put outdoor movie season on pause for a day or two and instead hole up at your favorite movie theater. Make a whole day of it if you’re really craving that sweet, sweet air-conditioning and catch a couple of this summer’s biggest movies in the same day.

Go to the Skating Rink

The skating rink — be it roller or ice — has always been a perfect place to spend a few hours cooling off and getting some exercise in the summertime. 

Visit Your Local IKEA 

The Scandinavian furniture and home goods store — with locations in Burbank, Carson, Covina and Costa Mesa, locally — is a monument to commerce so massive, we're relatively sure you could spend a day or several "testing" various ready-to-assemble sofas and beds and soaking up AC and no one would be the wiser. 

Weather causes Disaster

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

Wildfires seem as if they have become a normal occurrence.

In Southern California, atmospheric weather patterns are relatively mild and predictable.   That’s why when you speak with people from states that really have four seasons, the joke is “Californian’s don’t know what weather is”.

However, there is a case to be made that California does have dramatic weather.  The evidence starts piling up when you hear about the catastrophic fire seasons that have become more common as the weather patterns have become drier, hotter, and longer.   Severe fire seasons have become much more common recently. Case in point, the 5 largest fires recorded in California have all occurred in the last 15 years.

Late in 2017, the fire season hit with such force, the largest fire in state history (over 273,000 acres) struck the West coast of California in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

The devastation and disruption from fires like these is a cycle that Californians have come to expect.  When the fire season slows down and actually ends, there comes a high risk for mud slides from the loss of vegetation in fire damaged foothills.

If fire or water damage occurs to your property, SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park can be a helpful resource for restoration services, expert advice on unique situations, and emergency response when immediate help is needed.

Fire Damage Restoration 101

10/4/2019 (Permalink)

This house in Baldwin Park was badly affected by a fire and you can see all the smoke and soot that has been left from the fire.

A fire can obviously have considerable damage to a structure, but soot and smoke can also create just as many problems. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP PREVENT FIRES

There are many ways to protect your business or home and minimize the risk of fire damage.

• Do not leave food that is being cooked unsupervised.

• Never leave a burning candle out of sight

• Make sure your home or business has smoke alarms and test them regularly.

• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and learn how to use it.

• Install a sprinkler system in your business.

CAN FIRE DAMAGE BE REPAIRED?

To start minimizing losses, burned materials need to be removed and the affected area need to be decontaminated and dehumidified. Most of the odors from smoke do not disappear when "aired out". Soot needs to be sealed in place or removed in order to get rid of the odor. Heavy plastic sheeting can be used to seal off the burned areas and create odor barriers.

Fire Damage Restoration Protection Tips

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

Glendora CA, home affected by fire, smoke and soot damage

The Los Angeles area that we serve has been having numerous wildfires.

During a wildfire, tons of toxic chemicals, poisonous gases, heavy metals and other toxins are created by the materials, household products and vegetation that burns. These contaminants fill the air, become part of the ash, and are extremely dangerous to your health if inhaled or come in contact with your skin.

As a restoration company, we forget about the dangers involved with the different environments we enter, but safety should always be a top priority.

If entering an area affected by fire or smoke, consider the following safety tips:

1.) Minimize your exposure to contaminated areas to avoid breathing air contaminated by smoke odor.

2.) Wear proper protective equipment designed to filter vapor or gasses like a proper fitting respirator with a P-100 HEPA filter.

3.) Avoid getting ash into the air as much as possible. Do not use a leaf blower or take actions that will push ash into the air.

4.) Do not use vacuums and other common vacuums cleaners because they do not filter out contaminants, but they blow them out the exhaust into the air where they can be inhaled.

Call your local SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin park to remove all fire, smoke and soot damage from your property to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Baldwin Park Home Flood Dirty and Muddy? SERVPRO Can Restore and Disinfect Your Property

8/27/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Joe and Friends Clean and Remove Floodwaters from Baldwin Park Homes

How Much Is Cleaning Necessary after Flood Damage in Your Baldwin Park Property?

Flooding incidents generally leave property dirty, so cleanup is expected. However, the level of cleaning needed to restore the house to its preloss state might exceed your vision.  Cleaning is not just tedious, but also costly because restoring some materials and contents is not possible. Choosing a professional restoration team after flood damage helps because of the advanced training and other resources they have.

Removing Debris and Soils
The prominent part of the cleanup necessary after flood damage in your Baldwin Park home is removing debris such as mud and silt or other soils left by the floodwaters. It can be a complicated process, but since the soils are likely to be spread all over your property, it is likely to be a tedious process.  Our SERVPRO technicians use equipment such as pressure washers and different surface scrubbers to ease the process. We also use professional cleaning products which help break down soils and also eliminate contaminants ensuring restoration of sanitary conditions to your property.

Cleaning Contents
Floodwaters affect everything in a property, including contents. Black Water or groundwater, by definition, is contaminated. It is not possible to save the porous ones such as carpets and pad because they retain traces of the contaminants even after a thorough cleaning.  Cleaning can help save the rest, including wooden furniture.  Unlike surfaces such as floors, furniture items require a personalized approach. Our SERVPRO technicians use mild detergents, and brushes to reach all areas of the affected furniture.  Since exposure to high amounts of water can damage furniture, we also dry them in a controlled environment.

Concealed Spaces
Several areas you might consider challenging to reach in your home are not out of bounds for floodwaters.  These might include wall cavities and subfloors, and crawlspaces, among others. Cleaning such areas is necessary, but it might require expertise to ensure thoroughness and to avoid damaging other areas. Our SERVPRO technicians open up concealed areas safely removing soils and porous materials such as insulation.

Cleaning a home affected by flooding is a complex process. Call SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park to help. You can communicate with us at (626) 337-3374 any time. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

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Fire, Smoke, Soot, and Odors - Never Pleasant Effects for An Irwindale Home

8/14/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage can truly ruin your home if not taken care of properly. Call the professionals at SERVPRO today for remediation assistance.

Why Quick Fire Damage Restoration for Your Irwindale Home is Vital 

Fires in homes are devastating. The flames and smoke from a fire cause physical destruction to a home and its contents. After a fire, homeowners should respond quickly to prevent further damage. Responding fast can counter the extent of the fire and smoke damage, and the associated corrosive substances.

If you experience fire damage in your Irwindale home, hire professionals immediately to restore it to its pre-damaged state. Regardless of the fire damage your home experiences, quick action can ensure a less costly and successful restoration. As you wait for the experts to arrive, you can perform tasks such as:

•       Opening doors and windows to increase ventilation

•       Placing fans in the property to get clean air circulation

•       Washing fabrics, carpets, and upholstery

Fire damage is classified into two categories:

1.           Primary damage which revolves around the fire.
2.           Secondary damage which results from the smoke and bad odors left lingering in the property.

Fire damage is also classified into six categories, beginning from Class A to Class F. After a fire, the following usually occurs.

Smoke’s hidden reach

Smoke damage can occur in unexpected areas of your house. For instance, if smoke engulfs your living room, the spaces behind the drapes in your guestroom can contain a significant amount of smoke residue. Smoke can also travel quickly through the ductwork of your property.  

Bad odors

Besides the soot, bad odors still linger in the property, and they can penetrate the ceilings, walls, and furniture. The unpleasant smells resulting from smoke and fire damage should be dealt with promptly. Our SERVPRO technicians can remove the odors using thermal foggers and hydroxyl generators to help you get back to a habitable environment once again. 

High levels of Acidity

Soot has high acidity levels, and it destroys natural elements. Metals that come into contact with soot can etch and eventually discolor. Magnetically charged smoke particles can cause short-circuiting in electronic equipment. Quick restoration after fire damage is vital considering the adverse effects of smoke, fire, and their acidic by-products. Our Fire Damage Restoration Technicians (FSRT) can act speedily to lessen the ruin in your property.

We clean the structure and contents separately. We can eliminate all traces of smoke and soot from different surfaces, such as walls and ceilings. Sometimes, we move contents out of a structure and clean them in our facilities. When cleaning contents on-site, our SERVPRO technicians move them to a clean area of the house.

Our technicians use different products to clean a structure and its contents, including general surface cleaners, liquid crème cleaners, glass cleaners, and heavy-duty cleaners. We also have advanced equipment like thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, and moisture sensors that can detect hidden water damage resulting from fire-fighting efforts.

When you experience fire damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park for remediation services. Our team of professionals can handle the loss to make it look, “Like it never even happened.” Call us anytime at (626) 337-3374 for swift restoration.

Click here to see more about Irwindale.

The Difference Between Mitigating and Remediating Water Damage in Vincent

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

Plumbing Leaks in Vincent Causing Water Damage? Contact SERVPRO to Restore Your Home--"Like it never even happened."

When researching how to manage the harm a water loss causes to your Vincent home, you frequently see the words mitigation and remediation. These two terms, plus the additional mention of “restoration” can cause some confusion if used interchangeably. Understanding the concepts behind the vocabulary helps you feel more in control and part of the solution when a water disaster requires you to seek out professional assistance.

If water damage strikes in your Vincent home, it is usually because of a plumbing leak or an appliance malfunction. The water spreads from the original leak, overflow, or breakage, causing additional harm to structures or contents nearby. When the event occurs, call for professional help because water quickly destroys building materials and personal possessions. As you wait for our signature green service vehicles, you can take some steps to address the potential damage.

Mitigation can refer to actions you or SERVPRO technicians take to reduce, lessen, or decrease the damage. Your quick thinking in picking up clothing, books, and toys before the water flows to saturate them is an example of mitigation. Placing blocks or foil under furniture legs on wet carpeting is another fix a homeowner can do to minimize staining from paint or other finishes until the professionals arrive.

When the SERVPRO team arrives, we work fast to mitigate the impact of excess water in a wide range of ways. Partially saturated carpeting retain dry sections when we use wanded extractors to reduce the moisture level on the leading edge. Pack-outs of contents halt water intrusion into storage boxes and reduces humidity levels in the affected structural spaces, which has the effect of reducing drying times.

Remediation refers to efforts made to remove the disaster-causing water or other agents with pumps and truck-mounted extractors. Drying with air movers and dehumidifiers is another example. Remediation improves the circumstances so that the damage done can be corrected. 

Restoration can include repairs, rebuilding, and refinishing in addition to the mitigation and remediation tasks that come before. Returning the water damaged spaces in your home need 
a combination of mitigation and remediation approaches plus needed restoration for the SERVPRO crew to make good on our commitment to leave your home, “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park can manage your water loss through all the stages from mitigation and remediation through restoration. Call our emergency number, (626) 337-3374 day or night. We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

https://goo.gl/maps/aoUeutM1vP7ZyZye6

Contractor Licenses:
General: 944464
CSLB: 944464
Biohazard: TSW 530

The Secrets to Water Damage Remediation Are Here for Your Irwindale Home

7/23/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage can accumulate quickly. Call the remediation specialists at SERVPRO today.

Efficient Drying for Your Irwindale Water Damaged Home Can Prevent Further Destruction

Your house can sustain water damage because of leaks from a faulty appliance like a washing machine, water heater or dishwater or from an overflowing bathtub. When a water loss incident happens in your home, it is crucial to extract the water and begin the remediation process within 48 hours. By reacting swiftly, you can prevent the formation of mold and rust in your property.  

When there is water damage in your Irwindale residence, you can take a few steps to prevent the situation from worsening. One step is opening windows and doors to get the air moving naturally, allowing for enhanced air circulation. Furthermore, open cabinet and closet doors to help with drying. You can also increase air circulation by using high-speed fans. Another vital part of the drying process is using a shop vac to remove standing water. Some shop vacs can remove water effectively from rugs and carpets. If items like furniture and rugs are damp, you can remove and place them in the sun to eliminate the moisture.  

You may also use desiccant materials like calcium oxide, silica gel, and clay to absorb moisture from damp items. Place the items along with desiccant materials in airtight containers and close them. Another critical step for dealing with water loss is dehumidifying because it removes water vapor from the air. You can rent a dehumidifier and place it in the affected areas.  

Calling a professional restoration firm like SERVPRO to dry your house is also essential because its services can avert excessive destruction and minimize the risks of fungus and bacteria multiplying in your property. We have the expertise and proper equipment, including pumps, air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out your house quickly and effectively to prevent secondary damage. Our technicians also use moisture meters to measure the moisture content in wood floors, carpets, tile floors, drywall, and painted surfaces. 

 Moisture meters play a vital role throughout the water damage restoration process. All homes have a dry standard, which means the normal amount of moisture present in a surface is considered being dry. During the drying process, our Applied Structural Drying Technicians (ASDs) dry every damp surface to ensure that it has the same moisture content as the same surface in a dry area of your property. To achieve this, we use moisture meters to determine if our drying efforts are productive and to know when we have attained our drying goals. To dry a house and its contents thoroughly, our technicians control four key factors, which are: 

• Extraction 
• Humidity
• Temperature 
• Air movement 

Our SERVPRO crew can dry most of your belongings on-site with minimal disruption to your home. If there are items that we cannot restore on-site, our crew can move them to our facilities for restoration. 

 After a water loss incident in your house, call SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park at (626) 337-3374 for cleanup and drying services. We can restore your property to its preloss condition fast. 

Click here to see more about Irwindale. 

Contact Our Experts If Your Irwindale Home Experiences A Water Damage Incident

7/6/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park at (626) 337-3374 for 24/7 service.

Water Damage And Insurance Claims In Irwindale

When water inundates your home from a leaking pipe or some other water event, your focus is on recovering your possessions. Can these items be saved and restored or do you need to dispose of them due to contamination or damaged beyond repair? Can your documents and photos be recovered or are the memories they represent gone forever?

SERVPRO can help with all these questions. When you need water removal in Irwindale after a significant leak in your home, we can assess the situation and then focus on removing the water and recovering your content. Restoration plans depend on the extent of the damage and contamination.

Insurance claims are much easier when you use our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS). CCIS can simplify the process of making a claim and reduce the anxiety you may be experiencing during this stressful time. Our technicians can develop a complete list of all of the contents affected by the damage. Each room is inventoried, including digital photos, to assist in the process.

With a preloss list, consumers can establish the value of their contents. Insurance companies can settle claims quickly when your insurance company is dealing with accurate and up to date information. In many cases, digital photos can establish and confirm your claim. SERVPRO takes an inventory before removing items from your home for restoration or disposal.

SERVPRO aims to restore your home to its original condition and provide peace of mind to claimants. Personal items such as documents and photos can also be restored in many cases depending on the amount of damage. Techniques we use to restore your photos and documents include: Air drying, dehumidification, freeze drying, vacuum freeze drying and vacuum thermal drying.

Call SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park at (626) 337-3374 for 24/7 service. We serve Vincent and local communities in the area. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster in your area.

For more about Irwindale click here.

Advanced Equipment, Skilled Technicians, SERVPRO Helps Irwindale Area Homeowners with Cleanup and Restoration

6/24/2019 (Permalink)

You Have Come to the Right Place for Irwindale Restoration Services--Your Local SERVPRO Office!

Why SERVPRO Is an Irwindale Disaster Recovery Industry Leader 

Disasters rarely give Irwindale homeowners much warning. Whether the emergency involves water, fire, mold, or storm damage, it can make a house unpleasant and uncomfortable. Severe losses of any kind or failure to address less catastrophic harm quickly might move the problems with your home past inconvenience to causing so much damage that your dwelling is uninhabitable. Our team of disaster recovery experts can get things back on track fast and to the highest standards.

Water Loss
The risk of water damage in your Irwindale home climbs with exposures to aging plumbing, poorly-maintained appliances, extreme weather, and simple bad luck. A few minutes of inattention causes a tub to overfill, a cracked dishwasher hose loosens from an open supply line connection, or open windows allow a windy downpour to splash onto your hardwood floors. These types of scenarios and countless others are among those our managers and crews count among our company’s extensive resume.
 
Training, experience, and top-notch equipment are why SERVPRO should be your first call when a water crisis strikes. Our team of managers and technicians master the best practices for water damage mitigation and remediation through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Reconstruction Certification (IICRC) training. Over the past dozen years, our owners and employees gained hands-on experience, implementing strategies that bring the deterioration caused by water incursion to a halt, readying the property for restoration after the moisture is gone.
 
Our service vehicles carry all the equipment needed for water loss remediation. Submersible pumps and truck-mounted water extractors rapidly remove standing water. Thermal imaging and moisture metering devices help us locate hidden pockets of water and provide data to establish reasonable structural drying goals.  In the hands of our skilled employees, the air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers used during the drying phase bring moisture levels to normal.    
 
Fire Damage
The risk factors that can lead to Irwindale fire damage run the gamut from a candle too close to a curtain to fraying electrical cords to boiled over grease to lint in a dryer and much more. Although many things might be the source of a fire’s ignition, the initial response from firefighters is the same -- chemical extinguishers and large quantities of water. When the fire is out, however, the fire department returns your home for you to plan and manage the next steps.
 
Homeowners dealing with the aftermath of a fire need professional assistance with a range of tasks. The first is usually the firefighting water removal for safety reasons. Slip and fall accidents can injure you and your family and are a concern for disaster responders as well. Electrical shock is also an issue until the space is dried out. Then an experienced remediation project manager needs to complete an assessment of the damage done and lay out a project plan for certified technicians to implement. In the case of a more minor house fire, an SMR SERVPRO marketing rep can evaluate the conditions and act accordingly.
 
One step following the next is why SERVPRO is the answer to your fire damage restoration needs. Our technicians are multi-certified, capable of removing the firefighting water and then moving on to cleaning fire residues. We match cleaning products, methods, and tools with the different types of soot encountered throughout your home. Final remediation includes disinfecting surfaces and deodorizing spaces.
 
If the fire caused significant charring, requiring demolition, repairs, and rebuilding, SERVPRO can continue the project to completion. We hold a contractor's license for the state of California, General Contractor License #: 944464 and California State License Board (CSLB) #: 944464 and are prepared to restore your home to preloss condition.
 
Mold Remediation
Mold spores are constant yet invisible companions to residents of Irwindale, but unless specific conditions are present, they pose little concern. They float in the air and settle on surfaces, waiting to encounter a bit of moisture. When they absorb the water, they begin growing, eventually becoming rapidly multiplying colonies that spread over surfaces made of or coated with organic matter, including wood and the cellulose that covers drywall and ceiling tile. Even non-porous surfaces with bits of organic material clinging like soap scum on tile or mirror can grow mold.
 
Mold remediation in Irwindale is one of our specialties, which is why SERVPRO should be your first call when you even suspect mold damage. Signals can be dark staining on walls or ceilings or a musty smell. Because mold can damage building materials and irritate susceptible individuals, it is essential that professional remediation occurs. Complete mold removal is impossible, but we use the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocol to ensure safety and achieve the most successful results.
 
We contain the moldy area, using negative pressure air scrubbers to complete an airlock barrier system. Mechanical scrubbing and brushing and gentle abrasion of soba blasting remove the mold from most surfaces. Technicians wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and bag moldy residues and vacuum floors and surfaces with HEPA-filtered equipment to clear the area and prevent spread to the rest of your home. Final steps include EPA-registered disinfectant with an option to coat surfaces with an antimicrobial primer/sealer to inhibit mold regrowth. Moisture control also helps prevent future infestations.
 
Storm Damage
When high winds and heavy rain batter your Irwindale home shingles can rip loose, exterior walls can develop holes, and doors and windows can break. Overland flooding and the precipitation pouring into your house cause catastrophic damage if not remediated swiftly. We respond 24/7, with crews arriving as soon as possible.
 
Securing the breaches in the exterior of your home in Irwindale is storm damage task number one, followed by flood water containment and disposal. Our technicians train in the evaluation of water contamination categories, taking specific steps when collecting and discarding Category 2 and 3 waters as they are the most tainted. Mudslides and excessive silt in waters draining from higher elevations around the community require special handling, which is why SERVPRO prepares for this complication.
 
Our storm responders are familiar with the wide range of pathogens, chemicals, and other waste that can flow into your home during and after the rains and winds. If a sewer pipe backs up because municipal drainage systems are overwhelmed human waste, including blood and feces-borne pathogens can be a risk. Our technicians use EPA-registered cleaners and disinfectants to clean and sanitize storm-damaged spaces. Structural drying proceeds using our commercial-grade air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers. Our training and experience, as shown by Biohazard Contractor License #: TSW 530, assures you of a safe and secure home.
 
Rebuilding services from SERVPRO streamline the restoration process after storm damage. Our team can do it all, avoiding the need to hire separate contractors task by task.
 
SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park stands ready to help with any disaster confronting your family home. Call us at (626) 337-3374 to schedule an assessment, giving us a chance to showcase our industry best practices to restore your home.

http://www.ci.irwindale.ca.us/Index.aspx?NID=267

Our Certified Professionals Have The Expertise To Handle Water Damage In Vincent

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

We have the necessary equipment to restore your home and prevent further damage. We are available 24/7, please do not hesitate and call us right away.

SERVPRO - Restoring Water Damaged Homes In Vincent

As part of the Central Valley, Vincent is a great community outside much of the traffic congestion but still able to enjoy everything Southern California can offer. Although residents avoid the flooding that occasionally happens to other parts of the county, they still have to deal with water issues from split lines on a washing machine or another failed appliance.

Even what seems to be a small amount of water can damage a Vincent home to the cost of hundreds or even thousands of dollars. SERVPRO technicians train to meet the requirements of the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) for restoring area homes to their original, dry condition.

Since floors and carpets take the brunt of the damage after a large spill, the effects on walls and floor trim often get overlooked. Painted drywall panels make up most residential interior walls, or else they might have wood paneling mounted over them. The material performs well until it starts to absorb water. In a short amount of time, drywall panels start to crumble in place, and the thin pieces of wood that make up the floor trim begin to crack and split, making them useless.

To prevent this, SERVPRO technicians quickly remove any standing water. Eliminating the visible water is simple with a pump, but getting the water out of the panels and behind them takes a different set of tools as recommended by the IICRC. To draw out the rest of it, personnel remove the floor trim and drill holes in every affected panel. That allows water trapped behind the panels to drain and also increases the natural evaporation of water out of the panels and trim.

If the wall cavity is very humid, technicians insert a hose through the hole connected to an air mover. This device directs warm, dry air into space, further speeding up evaporation. They place one or more air movers next to the outside of the panels and trim, and direct the airflow carefully over the surfaces to dry them without further damage.

If a panel or section of trim is too damaged for restoration, other team members can quickly demolish and remove them without causing additional damage to the rest of the home. They can replace the panels in an average-sized room, and paint or panel over it, so the room looks as it did before the water issue.

For SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park, our task is to put the owner and other residents back inside their clean, dry home. If you have had any water spill in your home, call us at (626) 337-3374 today to schedule a visit and start the restoration process.

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Complications Can Occur When Your Commercial Property In Baldwin Park Experiences A Flood

6/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park is equipped to handle even a substantial, commercial flooding loss.

Commercial Flood Damage Complications In Baldwin Park

One disaster near Baldwin Park breeds another making it crucial that the restoration partner you choose is familiar with and competent in a broad range of recovery tasks. When torrential rains in our community, the surrounding mountains and Angeles National Forest combine in flash floods, it is likely that the loss suffered by your business includes not only water but also significant amounts of mud and other debris stemming from previous wildfires.

If you feel confident that your in-house or contracted cleaning crew is up to the challenge of commercial flood damage in Baldwin Park you might want to think your position through again. The intensive training our crews obtain from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) prepares us for all aspects of large loss flooding restoration. We also invest in state-of-the-art equipment that helps contain and remove the contaminated flood water filling your business.

Speed is essential when cleaning up the water and debris after flash flooding. SERVPRO responds quickly because we live and work in the communities we serve. We combine the local benefit with our access to a nationwide network of highly-qualified flood remediation technicians and additional high-efficiency water removal and drying equipment if your water loss requires an amplified response.

Clearing heavy debris and mudslides need maximum engagement from our enhanced team. The erosion suffered after drought and fire exposes commercial buildings in our region to far more than flowing water when heavy rains blow in off the Pacific. SERVPRO managers are experts in designing project plans that remove not only water but also soil, gravel, dead and damaged vegetation, and decaying organic matter. We scale up the team to manage the added debris because timelines for commercial flood damage are still limited.

SERVPRO also needs to follow up debris and flood water removal with the cleaning of affected commercial equipment and surfaces. Sanitizing the flooded spaces with EPA-registered disinfectants is mandatory before structural drying. This final step requires enough air movers and heaters to alter the interior environment of your business, drying out the air, so moisture trapped in structures moves to the warm, dry air. Commercial-grade dehumidifiers then remove water vapor from the air for permanent disposal off-site.

SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park is equipped to handle even a substantial, commercial flooding loss. Call us at (626) 337-3374 round the clock to schedule an assessment.

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Irwindale Properties, SERVPRO Equipment, and Skills Mitigate the Water Damage

5/16/2019 (Permalink)

Irwindale Homeowners Rest Easy Knowing SERVPRO Has Arrived to Mitigate the Water Damage

Water Removal Equipment and Tools Used to Mitigate Your Irwindale House

When an emergency happens at home involving water, structural elements in your Irwindale property can experience problems. SERVPRO's professionals can help mitigate the situation using equipment matched to the various aspects of the work required.

Because water emergencies like this may involve only a small portion of your Irwindale home or the entire structure, SERVPRO's Green Fleet comes filled with equipment suitable for all sized jobs. Many items make use of our large pump, mounted on one of our trucks, providing us with continuous and variable strength when extracting water and moisture from your residence.

The high-tech items that we carry do not do away with the need for buckets, mops, squeegees, and other hand tools. Our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training teaches our technicians how to use each of these efficiently and when doing so provides the optimal outcome for the customer. Removing water and moisture from your home's interior means the risks of damage decrease, making it easier to restore things, so your home is once more “Like it never even happened.”

Pumps are only one type of equipment used by SERVPRO crews to remove water from homes and businesses. Heated mats that pull water out of floors through heat also use pumps that extract moisture. Other types use air currents to remove moisture from surfaces. Because water and moisture travel from saturated to unsaturated areas, we use this to continually pull wetness out of materials by continuously removing the water vapor from the air. To do this, we rely on desiccant machines, dehumidifiers, and air movers.

When pools of water also contain sediment from disintegrated materials, we use buckets and shovels. In some areas, we might use hoses to flush the area of debris and clear floors so we can check for any damage. Getting things cleaned up thoroughly and as efficiently as possible means your home gets back to normal soon after our arrival. No job is ever too complicated or messy for SERVPRO's specialists.

If your home suffers standing water or long-term drips, you need the water removal experts at SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park. Contact us at (626) 337-3374 so we can start the process of restoring your home. We are always here, day and night, year-round, to answer your questions and set up an appointment at your earliest convenience.

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Call Our Professionals If Your Home In Baldwin Park Experiences A Fire Damage Disaster

4/30/2019 (Permalink)

For faster turnaround after fire damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park to restore it to preloss state.

Hastening Restoration Of Fire Damage In Baldwin Park

After a fire razes your property, you probably want to restore everything to the preloss state as soon as possible. In several cases, this is easier said than done because fires leave widespread damages that require several steps to restore. Working with a professional restoration service can help fast track the process because of the experience and resources such services have.

One way to fast-track restoration of fire damage in Baldwin Park is preventing aspects of the loss from ruining the property further. After the initial harm by flames, smoke and other aspects of fire, secondary damages occur from the residues deposited or access points created by the fire. Our SERVPRO crew members pre-clean surfaces to remove residues such as soot which have acidic properties preventing corrosion and staining. We also install roof tarps and board up properties to seal any openings left by the fire, which can allow rain or vandals into the property leading to secondary damages.

A fire incident is likely to leave dozens of items blackened, either through charring by flames or smoke deposits. Sorting and cleaning the items can take considerable time especially if not done systemically. Our SERVPRO technicians opt to separate items into different categories of salvageable, unsalvageable and questionable. We clean items with limited damages immediately and move out those that require additional steps to an external facility for advanced cleaning. We also dispose of unsalvageable items leaving your property clean.

Fires damage different building materials including drywall, insulation, cabinets, and ceilings. The level of damage differs in each fire incident, so there is no clear-cut way to respond. Our SERVPRO technicians evaluate damages to determine whether restorative cleaning, refinishing or replacement is appropriate. In several cases, there may be more than one viable solution, so we rely on our extensive experience in Fire and Smoke Restoration services to determine the faster approach. For example, although smoke residues do not ruin insulation apart from changing the appearance, replacement is more practical. To do it faster, we replace the top 3 to 4 inches of insulation.

For faster turnaround after fire damage in your Irwindale and Vincent area home, call SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park to restore it to preloss state. You can reach our crew at (626) 337-3374 any time. We’re Faster to Any Size Disaster.

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Want to Step Up Your Water Damage Remediation Situation in Irwindale? You Need To Read This First

4/21/2019 (Permalink)

If your home is facing water damage, many items can be affected. Contact SERVPRO for an assessment and effective remediation services.

Why SERVPRO Removes Some Items and Leaves Others During Water Damage Mitigation in Irwindale

When we work on a house in the Irwindale area, our specialists apply the knowledge and skills they gained through IICRC training. Much of this knowledge involves information that people usually never need. Because of this, we understand that many of our customers have questions about why we do certain things the way we do while working on their properties.

One of the questions we hear from customers is why do SERVPRO specialists dispose of some items and not others during water damage mitigation in Irwindale. The answer is that we look at several factors on most items, and only a few on others. Some of your belongings become damaged almost immediately when they become saturated with water. These items include furniture pieces made of particle board, as well as flooring made of wood-based products.

Other times we look at the amount of damage sustained. We compare this to the replacement costs for that item. Replacement costs also include the expense of installing the materials. When cleaning or refurbishing carries a lower price tag, we choose that option over replacing the materials.

Wood floors made from real wood lumber can look like they did before the incident that threatened your home with water damage. SERVPRO technicians can undo the damage and save the floor from permanent damage and keep the customer from needing to replace a very costly item.

Partially damaged structural components like drywall cost little compared to others but SERVPRO cuts costs wherever possible. Cutting above areas of a damaged wall means we must only replace the sections cut away. After removing the wet drywall, we can bring in new sections and cut them to size.

SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park knows how to keep costs down during water damage mitigation and still restore your property, so it looks "Like it never even happened." again. Call us at (626) 337-3374 to make sure your home is protected from water damage at a reasonable cost.

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When is the Right Time to Start Water Removal in Your Baldwin Park Home?

4/7/2019 (Permalink)

Water leaks can quickly escalate and cause water damage to your kitchen. Contact our SERVPRO team to mitigate the situation.

Why SERVPRO's Teamwork Helps with Rapid Water Removal in Baldwin Park

When your pipes break and send water gushing into your Baldwin Park home's kitchen, you need an immediate response. Depending on the diameter of the broken pipe's diameter, hundreds of gallons of water can submerge your floors in a very short period. You need a company who can fix the problem and protect your home.

Saving homes from increased damage is why SERVPRO trains their employees to work together as teams, including when water removal in Baldwin Park becomes a necessity. Our ability to work together is enhanced by our ongoing training in the latest restoration methods, as well as refresher courses on more rarely needed techniques. This specialized knowledge keeps us always ready to serve our customers when they need mitigation services the most.

Removing water with our truck-mounted pumps means we can drain off the water at the floor's level. The pumps we use can be submerged and suction off the water until the floor is once again visible. Removing water that sits in depressions in your floor with small-sized wands helps eliminate any water that became trapped like water does in the shallows at a beach.

Mops and buckets help remove additional moisture, as do our air movers that work to lift water up and into the air so our desiccant machines can grab hold of the water vapor and trap it in its tank. The way we work helps protect your property from the development of more severe damage that takes place when water remains in contact with the interior of a home.

Initial contact between water and your home's interior does little damage to many materials. However, when water remains present, the changes brought on by its presence snowball rapidly. Drywall turns soft and falls apart where saturated with other areas quickly showing signs of mold growth. Wood can also swell and warp, altering your home's structure. Calling SERVPRO as soon as possible can stop these things from happening and save your home from the majority of things that can go wrong.

SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park is located nearby and always ready to serve those living in the Irwindale, Baldwin Park, Vincent, and surrounding areas. Contact us at our 24-hour service line, (626) 337-3374, so we can send the skilled teams your emergency requires to make everything “Like it never even happened.”

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Water damaged building counts on SERVPRO

3/22/2019 (Permalink)

Count on SERVPRO if you experience water damage in your building.

A fire suppression line burst in the first floor under the concrete slab of a commercial building. SERVPRO of Irwindale/ Baldwin Park is called in to provide Emergency Services.

Fire Suppression lines are high-pressure water lines intended to safeguard the building in the event of a fire. Occasionally, these lines can break and lead to large volumes of water being released quickly, causing significant water damage to the building in Irwindale. The rupture flooded the entire 1st floor, approximately 25,000 square feet. The first floor of the facility is a mix of offices and open cubicles, conference rooms, lobby, and kitchen/break room areas.

The interior/exterior of the walls of the structure are steel framed and insulated. Standing water was found in the C-channels, and the insulation was saturated. Drywall was wet up to 24 inches throughout the facility. Upon arrival, 2-4 inches of standing water was present throughout the first floor. SERVPRO performed water extraction of the entire area, and necessary drying equipment set in place.

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park has been a “Large Loss Response Team” serving the Los Angeles Basin for many years. This project will be expertly handled, keeping the time to get back to normal as short as possible and keeping the cost to recover as low as possible.

There is no job too big or too small for SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park. Contact us today for help with your water damage emergency. (626) 337-3374

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We Can Restore Your Damaged Baldwin Park Warehouse

3/20/2019 (Permalink)

Many levels of water damage can affect your warehouse, and overcoming these potential hazards is something that trained professionals can handle.

Fast Removal And Drying For Your Baldwin Park Warehouse

Warehouses serve the vital role of storing stock and distributing goods as a waypoint in the Baldwin Park area. While you have many responsibilities to uphold when overseeing a facility like this, the safety and security of the items within this building are often the priority. When water loss incidents occur on a large scale throughout your warehouse, it can quickly get out of control from what your custodial staff and employees can manage. Our professionals are available 24/7 to provide effective mitigation services designed to keep products and your facility safe amid a widespread water emergency.

Many levels of water damage can affect your Baldwin Park warehouse, and overcoming each of these potential hazards is not something that untrained professionals can handle on their own. Our SERVPRO team goes through extensive training and ongoing education to be knowledgeable assets to our customers in the field, providing effective solutions and money-saving efficient practices. These approaches begin with our rapid response to the situation with the full measure of our restoration equipment and personnel.

When we first arrive, assessing the damage is an important first step to take. During this process, our contents department can begin packing up affected and at-risk items for removal to our nearby facility. There they can get cleaned, dried, deodorized, and protected from secondary effects like mold growth. Once the building has gotten restored successfully, we can return the stock and removed contents back to where they belong.

Extraction and drying follow the initial assessment of the damage and can showcase many of our finest pieces of equipment. Our SERVPRO technicians have many air movers and dehumidifiers at our disposal, allowing us to quickly dry very large areas simultaneously with the combination of these tools.

You cannot account for the likelihood of a water loss incident, but you can depend on the team equipped to handle these situations and protect your investment. You can reach our SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park rapid response team 24/7 at (626) 337-3374.

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Flood Damage Affects Buildings of All Sizes in Baldwin Park

3/13/2019 (Permalink)

This may look like an easy fix but it is not. Call SERVPRO today to help fix this fast and efficiently.

Commercial Flood Damage Restoration for Apartments in Baldwin Park

A natural weather event can cause flooding to your property block resulting in angry tenants and, if not remedied quickly, legal challenges. As the landlord of a block of flats restoring the ground levels quickly can often go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial team, unusually where cinder blocks have prolonged exposure to standing water. Using a professional commercial restoration service can save you unnecessary expenses and keep your tenants happy. 

Apartment blocks with commercial flood damage in Baldwin Park rely on an immediate response unit to help limit losses in an emergency. Tenants can quickly become agitated by the shutting off of power or standing water inside the property. What makes life more difficult is that cinder blocks typically used in the construction of apartments have open cells that can quickly absorb moisture.

SERVPRO is available 24 hours a day via our emergency call-line and can send an emergency response team to your property immediately upon receiving notification of loss. Our technicians set to work straight away removing hazards, creating a safe workspace for general contractors and restoring power. Wet cinder blocks can cause permanent damages especially during the winter months where the risk of water freezing and subsequently expanding, can require demolition if left unchecked.

Using industrial drilling equipment and our extensive expertise, we can get air circulating into wall cavities while draining excess moisture from the cinder block. By using a nonpenetrating moisture meter, we can efficiently detect whether a wall cavity is completely dry or may need more advanced equipment to help reduce secondary damages. Taking this measurement can be the difference between sustaining permanent losses or restoring a building to its preloss conditions. In cases where cinder blocks are not sufficiently dry, we can use injectidry systems or other advanced pieces of equipment like desiccant dehumidifiers to get the job done.

In a natural weather emergency, you need a service that can act fast, contact SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park immediately at (626) 337-3374.

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Are You Making These Types of Commercial Flood Damage Remediation Mistakes in Baldwin Park?

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Make sure to contact SERVPRO immediately after a flooding situation in your shoe store. We make it “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Flood Damage can Affect New Footwear Arrivals Long After the Flood Leaves Baldwin Park

Water that comes into an area from a river that crested and overflowed its banks comes with much more force that water that comes out of a broken pipe. The water can push on foundations and affect the frames of buildings in Baldwin Park. The damage caused by such events bring many changes to properties located in the area, but SERVPRO is always ready to help make things normal again.

Shops need to reopen as quickly as possible after a catastrophe, but mitigating commercial flood damage in Baldwin Park requires more than a few fans and a mop. Our team of specialists can make things happen faster and more smoothly than relying on your employees. The work involved also carries substantial risks, including possible health effects. To achieve the best results possible involves expertise that requires extensive training and specialized equipment.

SERVPRO teams arrive in our Green Fleet's vehicles, loaded with the supplies and machinery we use to mitigate buildings, save inventory, and prevent additional losses. Our specialists use pumps that can extract all of the water quickly from floors, allowing us to start the drying process. Removing saturated materials like walls and carpets opens up underlying areas to our air movers' currents. Heat also helps extra moisture from materials while raising the amount of water vapor that the air can hold.

Removing water from trapped areas means that moisture evaporating later cannot affect your merchandise. The risk of such problems increases significantly with flooding over clean water from a lower-pressure source. The same force that can twist a framework can also push water into enclosed spaces that overflowed water cannot match.

Because this water can contaminate your future merchandise, it is crucial that we remove it from wherever we locate it within your building's structure. Shoes and other footwear come in different materials that support microbial life. We use thermal imaging cameras and moisture detectors to find moisture hiding and at what amount.

Protecting your shoe store and its inventory is why SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park always answers our 24-hour service line. Call us at (626) 337-3374 to protect your Irwindale or Baldwin Park retail business from flood damage.

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Don't Panic After A Water Damage Disaster In Your Irwindale Home, Call Our Experts At SERVPRO!

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

You can reach us at (626) 337-3374 any time.

Why SERVPRO's Advanced Training Helps During Water Removal In Irwindale

If a pipe bursts and water leaks into your Irwindale home, you need to take immediate action because extended exposure to water or moisture causes untold problems in many structures. In most cases, the lack of resources or skills holds people back from taking the necessary steps leading to substantial repair costs. You can avoid such an outcome by involving a certified WRT, Water Restoration Technician, immediately you notice the problem.

Responding within the first 24-48 hours helps guarantee a better outcome from the effort put into water removal in Irwindale because taking longer creates an opportunity for mold growth. At SERVPRO, we are always available to respond to your call since we have skeleton crews monitoring operations during off hours. Such immediate response makes a huge difference. Also, our highly trained technicians can also advise you on which steps to take before we arrive at your premises to minimize damage.

Removing water from the property is a challenging prospect because you have to remove all traces including what may have spilled into concealed spaces such as wall cavities. Having the right equipment for detection and removal eases the burden. Our SERVPRO technicians use thermal cameras to check for water problems behind drywall or other concealed spaces. That way, we can decide whether to drill holes, teardown the area or use other techniques learned through ASD, Applied Structural Drying, training.

Removing the moisture left on materials after extracting standing water is essential. Doing such removal at the right speed is also crucial to avoid other problems. For example, drying wood too fast can lead to cracking while a low drying rate can allow mold to grow. Our SERVPRO technicians use moisture meters and thermo-hygrometers to monitor the drying process allowing us to use the right number of air movers and dehumidifiers. Monitoring also helps determine when to move the equipment to balance the process.

You should not worry when there is a water spill in your property. Call SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park to assist. You can reach us at (626) 337-3374 any time.

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What Everyone Must Know About Irwindale Mold Damage Remediation

2/17/2019 (Permalink)

Don't attempt to clean any mold that you find in your home. You may only spread the infestation further. Call SERVPRO to investigate.

Defining Mold Remediation for Irwindale Homes

While many Irwindale homeowners might be familiar with mold and the kind of damage that it can do to a property, they do not fully understand the process required to remove that threat from their homes. As many might have already seen on the Internet, there are many “mold removal” strategies that guarantee the removal of all mold in your home with simple solvents and detergents, but these are inaccurate. In truth, mold exists naturally in nearly every environment, so removing it entirely is not just improbable, it is impossible.

Our approach to mold damage in your Irwindale home is a process called remediation. This system targets the colonization and spread of mold throughout your home and removes these colonies that form. While microscopic spores on their own do not damage your house and threaten the health of its occupants, when moist conditions allow for these spores to seat into materials, the colonies can prove hazardous to the structure.

The initial steps of remediation from our SERVPRO professionals centers on containment. By removing the ability of mold colonies to spread farther throughout your home, we can work quickly on existing organisms and remove them. While remediation does often require material removal, especially on porous surfaces like drywall, our team also features licensed contractors to help make this reconstruction process seamless, time-saving, and cost-effective.

We can even remove lingering musty odors that accompany mold colonization through the use of our advanced equipment. This process is even more effective when containment strategies remain in place, as it helps to prevent the odor from spreading throughout the property. Machines such as our hydroxyl generators and thermal foggers can work to remove foul odors from damaged contents and open areas to make mold growth “Like it never even happened.”

Remediation is not the same as mold removal, but it can help you to recover your damaged property once mold colonization has occurred. You can count on our experienced SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park mold remediation specialists to arrive quickly, 24/7, by calling (626) 337-3374.

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Why Floods are Inconvenient for Your Vincent Convenience Store

2/4/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Franchise professionals can help minimize your down time after water damages your business.

Water Removal and Cleanup for Your Vincent Food Store

Food stores offer customers throughout the Vincent area ingredients, snacks, meals, and all manner of appetite sating items. While you might expect many customers from the time you open through the time you close, natural disasters like flooding can force you to close your doors to these customers until the restoration of your building completes. With so many depending on your business to be open, it is critical to work fast to get the right professionals to your store with the ability to help you recover the damage quickly.

Flood removal for the damage and higher volumes of water that affects your Vincent food store might seem unnecessary; this is not the case. Our SERVPRO Franchise professionals have the training and expertise to determine the full scope of the damage quickly so that you are not only partially cleaning and drying up damage.  Leaving moisture and dampness from flooding results in mold growth, and this can result in health effects for any humans or pets exposed to an active colony.

One of the primary concerns that a food store owner should have is the stock in the building. Investments get made into every item that ends up on the shelves and other areas of the store, meaning that prolonged flood damages can adversely affect these items. The items do not even need to fully come into contact with the water to become exposed to moisture and dampness that could render it ruined.

The SERVPRO Franchise Professionals dispatched to the store arrive with our advanced equipment that can quickly extract excess water from the damaged areas of the store. Once this pooling water has gotten removed, our team can focus their efforts on trying to locate the ideal locations to begin setting up our efficient drying tools like air movers, dehumidifiers, and similar equipment.

While there are undoubtedly some concerns when your food store gets flooded unexpectedly, one of the first of these is staying safe and protecting your investment in your store. Give our SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park team a call immediately to help begin mitigating your loss following a flood at (626) 337-3374.

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When You Have A Flood Damage Emergency In Your Baldwin Park Home Call SERVPRO!

1/22/2019 (Permalink)

Flood damage in your Baldwin Park home needs to be handled as fast as possible.

Reversing Flood Damage In A Baldwin Park Home

Flood damage to your home is devastating enough without the knowledge every second water is in the home secondary damage may be occurring. The process of removing any standing water needs to begin as soon as possible to mitigate damage to your home and possessions as well as prevent the growth and spread of mold.

When our SERVPRO technicians come to your flood damaged Baldwin Park home, they will immediately access the scale of the cleanup and determine if there are contaminants in any standing water that also need to be addressed. We use powerful equipment to quickly pull flood water out of your home. Then, industrial air movers are often employed to quickly dry surfaces and objects as fast as possible. Our team uses moisture detecting technology to determine if a room that looks dry is actually dry so the next phase of your home restoration can begin.

Our technicians use antifungal and antibacterial formulas to deep clean the surfaces and possessions affected by water. SERVPRO technicians are highly trained in the remediation of both water-damaged building materials and household items. Our goal is to restore so you can minimize the cost of replacing items affected by flood damage. We apply many different methods such as wet and dry hand cleaning, residue-lifting foam and immersion cleaning as the individual needs of each area of the home and possessions dictate. Because of the odor that can remain even after eradicating the water and moisture, we also utilize effective methods to completely deodorize your carpets and furnishings, so your home smells fresh and clean. During the restoration process, our certified technicians replace any structural damage to your home such as drywall or carpeting that could not be restored through cleaning efforts.

Flood damage in your Baldwin Park home needs to be handled as fast as possible. Contact SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park at (626) 337-3374 and speak to one of our knowledgeable technicians who are available 24/7 to begin the process of fully restoring your home to its pre-flood condition.

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SERVPRO Can Detect The Cause Of Water Damage In Your Irwindale Home

1/10/2019 (Permalink)

When you experience water damage call the experts at SERVPRO to put you at ease.

Water Damage Technicians In Irwindale Talk About The Importance Of Good Training

The older your Irwindale home gets, the more likely your plumbing system will fail. Plumbing problems are the cause of most water damage claims. Even tiny cracks inside water pipes can spill several gallons of water into your home in a short amount of time. If the crack goes unnoticed and unrepaired for a long time, then many of your contents and structural components can get negatively affected. Anytime you notice that your plumbing system has failed it is wise to call in a professional water damage restoration company such as SERVPRO.
 
When items inside a Irwindale Home experience water damage, they can lose their structural integrity and fall apart. If organic materials stay wet after a water damage problem in Irwindale, it is possible that mold growth will take place. Water can flow into tight areas and get items that are not visible to the eye wet. The vapor inside the air can also ruin things like your drywall or acoustic ceiling tiles. After water enters your home, there are many problems that may exist that you may not be able to notice.
 
Our SERVPRO technicians make up a very highly trained team. Our crew members are IICRC certified and are taught to handle several different scenarios. The certification program teaches our technicians several industry-approved methods to remove moisture from every material inside your home. Our training also gives us an experienced eye that can notice problems that might not stand out. We also learn mitigation methods that follow all rules, regulations, and EPA standards.
 
Once we determine what got wet inside your house, we figure out the best methods to quickly remove the moisture so that microbes cannot activate and form into a mold. We use a combination of our training, experience, and advanced technology to handle each unique situation. Before finalizing any project, we use specialized moisture testing instruments to make sure that moisture levels have returned to preloss conditions. If you ever notice that your plumbing system has failed, call SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park at (626) 337-3374 to receive fast, 24/7 service.

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Some of the Biggest Problems with Flood Damage in Your Vincent Business Office

1/8/2019 (Permalink)

When your business has to recover from flooding, it's best to have our IICRC certified company on your side. Call us to start water removal.

Commercial Flood Damage Technicians in Vincent Talk About The History of the Restoration Industry

Back in the day when there were problems with your Vincent grocery store after a storm, different techniques were used than professional companies like SERVPRO use today. Now flood damage restoration involves industrially advanced equipment that allows for rapid structural drying to take place much quicker than in the past. It used to be that restoration was only conducted by carpet cleaning companies. Back then, the primary focus was on getting the carpet inside the building dry. In the late 1970s, the commercial flood damage restoration industry began to make a change for the better.
 
Since then, specialized equipment and training have been introduced to the industry. Now when we conduct commercial flood damage restoration in Vincent, our SERVPRO technicians have decades of advancing technology at our fingertips. The carpet cleaning companies that pioneered the water restoration industry had steam cleaners at their disposal which worked well for extraction. These days there are more advanced tools that we can use to initially extract excessive moisture from carpet and other materials. Professionals in the industry have also learned new methods that focus on drying your store's structural components and preventing mold growth.
 
In the past, restoration companies would always place air movers so that they pushed air underneath carpet and pad inside your office or break room and created a "floating" effect. Using only this method, technicians had to place one air mover for every 200 to 250 square feet. This caused high energy consumption, and it took a long time to complete. With tile floors inside grocery store's, technicians would use massive airflow to dry out the flooring materials.
 
Today, industrially advanced air movers get placed so that they create a circular airflow motion and hit walls at a 45-degree angle. This way, the air movers are more energy efficient, and it requires fewer fans per square foot of affected area. Dehumidifiers now also get used to pull moisture out of the air and provide warm, dry air for the air movers to use in their counterclockwise circulation.

If your grocery store ever suffers problems after a storm, call SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park at (626) 337-3374 24/7.

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Use SERVPRO's Experienced Technicians to Remediate Flood Damage in Your Vincent Business Effectively

1/4/2019 (Permalink)

When flooding affects your office or building location, response time is critical. Contact SERVPRO for water removal and remediation services.

Minimize Damage From Commercial Flood Damage In Vincent

Flooding in a Vincent property can trace its cause to weather extremes or plumbing or equipment malfunctions. When significant quantities of flood water expose a school, rental property, or other commercial space to flooding issues preparing for the loss ahead of time is possible in partnership with our restoration team. Anticipating the problem and putting measures in place to limit disruption and damage is a service we offer and encourage.

Flood damage in your Vincent commercial building does far more than inconvenience you for a few days until the water and debris are removed. Other members of the community rely upon your enterprise to meet their needs for products and services. If you must close for even a short time because of a flooding disaster, you stand to lose the confidence of your customers, tenants, or other constituents. Nearly 50 percent of businesses that shut their doors because of a disaster never recover their stride and close permanently.

SERVPRO offers a unique opportunity for commercial property owners and operators to create an Emergency Ready Plan and Profile (ERP) before any disaster occurs. Flooding is one of the catastrophes we consider when building our joint response arsenal with you. Our mission is to become familiar with your operations and physical layout so that we can respond fast and efficiently in case a crisis does occur.

An experienced SERVPRO project manager visits your building, inspecting your physical plant and asking about your services or business plans. Our team evaluates the vulnerabilities to flood damage presented by your property and makes recommendations that improve your odds of minimizing damage. Storage adaptations, equipment and systems protections, and a host of other suggestions can help you avoid long-term damage and shutdowns.

We archive a blueprint of your space, including locations of utilities in a digital document. Added to the diagramming are plans based on the SERVPRO team’s training and experience in similar scenarios that jumpstart our ability to respond to the flooding. You have the chance to augment the Ready Plan with an individualized Ready Profile. Using our mobile app, you can list vendors and contractors that can help us sort out equipment and systems as we remediate. Designate key employees to act on your behalf if you are unavailable during the flooding so that delay does not interfere with our ability to remediate the situation fast.

SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park is prepared to assist commercial customers with planning for catastrophes like flooding and other water events. Call us at (626) 337-3374 to schedule an assessment of your property.


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Baldwin Park Moldy Carpets?? SERVPRO Can Try to Restore

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO Green Fleet Is Always a Welcome Sight for Baldwin Park Homeowners with a Mold Problem

Identifying and Remediating Carpet Mold in Your Baldwin Park Home

When Baldwin Park homeowners think of disastrous situations for their home, they do not often think of threats that can originate inside. While many natural disasters could potentially affect our service area throughout the years, a steady concern for homeowners in our community is mold growth. Several scenarios can cause this growth and spread throughout your home, and taking care of the situation immediately can help preserve affected elements in your house and those that live there.

As widespread as mold damage can be in your Baldwin Park home, there are many situations in which mold and mildew remain isolated to certain areas like carpeting. Overcoming these effects is rarely something that a homeowner can do on their own, but our SERVPRO professionals have the expertise and industry-leading equipment to make a significant difference right away. It is our goal to preserve mold-damaged materials like carpeting and wood floors as much as possible.

Often when mold has affected carpet flooring, the damage can spread quickly to the point that there is no realistic method of preserving it and returning it to its original condition. Instead, our SERVPRO professionals work to quickly remove the affected carpets from the damaged areas and set up our drying equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers to get to work on the subflooring and base to dry these elements out. We can reinstall carpeting to return the damaged areas to their original luster once the mold colonies have gotten safely removed and the area thoroughly dried.

The SERVPRO professionals sent out to your address can determine mold types, the full extent of the damage, and the best direct approach to take to restore the construction materials to minimize the need for reconstruction and remodeling once the mold gets removed.

Restoring your carpets that have gotten affected by mold growth might be a challenge, but our SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park remediation specialists can work quickly to preserve all possible materials and work to save our customers time and money. Often, there is not recourse, but to discard badly mold damaged carpeting. Give us a call whenever you find mold in your home at (626) 337-3374.

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How Can You Prevent Mold From Growing in Your Baldwin Park Property?

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

Is mold hiding in your home? Call SERVPRO today to remediate the mold!

Mold Removal and Prevention Techniques for Baldwin Park Homeowners

Homeowners in Baldwin Park who find moldy areas of their residence often want to avoid the problem in the future. SERVPRO technicians can help protect your property from developing more severe problems from overgrowing microbes. 

When a home in Baldwin Park develops mold, removal and prevention techniques can help keep the property healthy. Mold can cause health effects when left growing, so remediation and prevention becomes an essential and crucial method of protecting your family. 

SERVPRO specialists hold certificates from the IICRC and know the most effective methods to remove mold from your home. These also prove to be the most cost-effective ways to prevent mold from regrowing. 

Locating the water used by microbes means we can shut it off and prevent mold from remaining hydrated. Once mold dries out, it becomes dormant and quits growing. Water sources can include cracks in slab foundations over saturated soils, leaking plumbing, fixtures, or appliances, past overflows, or breaks in shower and tub surrounds that allow water to escape. When the water source is from a one-time event, we direct our efforts immediately on eliminating the remaining moisture. When continued water loss occurs, we repair the troublesome situation. 

Removing the mold happens with scraping, blasting, or removal of materials. We choose the appropriate method according to the amount of damage and which material shows infestation activity. After we finish, we move forward with preventative techniques. 

These include discussing how to alleviate situations that involve ongoing structural deficits like damp slabs and other areas that continue to produce moisture. A dehumidifier might suffice, or we can help you locate a certified and licensed contractor with experience in making these kinds of repairs. We also treat the areas affected by mold after we remove existing infestations with a very effective antimicrobial agent that not only kills any newly deposited spores but continues to make the surface inhospitable to any new ones that find their way to the treated location. 

SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park can help you protect your home and family with competent mold removal specialists. Making everything “Like it never even happened.” is one way we serve our community and make it stronger. Call us at our 24-hour service line, (626) 337-3374, 365 days a year.

Baldwin Park was incorporated in 1956. Click here to read more.

NO Wet Suits in a Vincent Haberdashery--Call SERVPRO for Water Removal

11/19/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Gets Your Vincent Clothing Shop Open after a Water Loss

Efficient Water Removal in Your Vincent Clothing Store

Running a clothing store in Vincent can come with much competition throughout the region. Not only are you competing to get the foot traffic and customers walking by the storefront, but you are looking to provide the best shopping experience for them. Keeping your facility in top form is a great way to do this, which should encourage you to take care of water loss incidents that occur within the store as promptly as possible.

While there might be a dozen different sources to what allowed the damaging event to occur that requires water removal services for your Vincent store, the critical thing is getting the job done correctly. Too often business owners get tempted to attempt water restoration and extraction on their own, and when this gets done inadequately, can lead to worsening conditions and continued damage to structural components.

Our SERVPRO professionals are available 24/7 to help you overcome whatever emergency threatens your business, and it begins with our experienced water restoration technicians. We arrive quickly with our Green Fleet stocked with the appropriate tools and equipment to make short work of the excess water that you face in your building. For significant extraction needs, we have gas-powered and truck-mounted pumps capable of pulling water from an affected area fast.

Protecting your investment in your stock is an essential focus of our team as well. We understand what matters to your business and we treat your inventory as a top priority. In mitigation work, we can remove the at-risk items to a safe facility nearby until the restoration process has completed and these items can get returned, restocked, and sold normally.

You might not get prepared for a water loss incident within your clothing store, but it does not have to be a highly damaging situation for your local reputation and profits. Let our SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park team of dedicated professionals help you to clean up the mess and get your doors open again quickly. Give us a call today at (626) 337-3374.

Stats and Info for this area by clicking here

VINCENT FLOODING?? Dry Your Home with Help from SERVPRO

11/1/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Super Heroes Save Homes in Vincent After Flooding

Restoring Your Vincent Home from Flood Damages Quickly

A Vincent homeowner might do many tasks to keep their home maintained and manage its upkeep. After disaster strikes, even the savviest of homeowners could find themselves out of their comfort zones with repairing and restoring the effects. Flooding, for example, can spread through multiple areas of a home, making it imperative to contact our professionals right away to help.

Flood damages can spread throughout your Vincent home from the moment of contact until the situation has gotten resolved by trained professionals with extraction equipment. Our SERVPRO technicians have the experience and equipment to mitigate the losses to your family and property by working quickly to extract the excess water and prevent the situation from worsening.

From the moment that you call our emergency response team, our SERVPRO Green Fleet prepares immediately with all the equipment and detection tools to assess the full scope of the damage to your residence. At this same time, we employ our portable pumps and wet-vacs with extraction wands to remove the excess pooling from areas throughout the house.

Contacting our professionals at the first sign of flood damages can ensure that the appropriate personnel reaches your home in time to preserve much of the affected materials and contents. Through pack-out procedures, our technicians can remove at-risk contents of your home to a safe location until the restoration has completed. During their time safely stored in a nearby area, our professionals can assess any need for cleanup, disinfection, deodorization, or other restorative practices to the items. Once restoration has completed or neared completion, we can return the removed items to their original positions within your home to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Flood damages in your home threaten the structural integrity and security of construction materials throughout the affected areas. Whenever disaster strikes, our SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park emergency response team can help right away. Give our experienced and professional restoration team a call anytime that you might need us at (626) 337-3374.

Statistics about this area here

SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park Sales/Marketing Job Opening

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

Now Hiring!

SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park has a job opening for a full time Sales and Marketing Lead preferably experienced in the Construction, Trades, and Restoration Industries.

The ideal candidate must have previous Sales experience and bring the following attributes to the position:

~ Self Motivation
~ Strong interpersonal skills
~ Can Make “Things” happen when called upon
~ Strong communication skills
~ Positive attitude
~ Always deliver on promises
~ Can inspire a team to execute effectively, accurately, and in a timely manner
~ Comfortable meeting new people and building relationships.
~ Be likable

Primary Responsibilities include:
~ Build and grow our core customer base by routine contact
~ Willing to expand their knowledge base with education in our field
~ Know how to professionally put the SERVPRO brand in front of our customers
~ Become articulate in our business so you can educate our customers
~ Comfortable being in front of large crowds sharing our capabilities and values
~ Available to clients during emergencies
~ Attending Business and Professional events (Chambers, Associations, Business Networks)
~ Organizing and participating in networking events

Benefits:
~ Base salary plus commission scaled on new business contracts
~ Sales Car
~ Sick time
~  Extensive B2B sales/marketing training from experts in the field
~ Progressive owner with vision to grown the business
~ Strong Teaming culture in family owned business

To apply for this role, please send your resume to jmccann@SERVPROgsd.com.

Why You Need a Professional to Restore Your Vincent Home After a Wildfire

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

Wildfires leave a path of destruction. SERVPRO has the experience to assist you with the entire restoration process.

Wildfires and Recovering Their Damage for Your Vincent Home

When you consider the proximity of your Vincent home to areas like the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, wildfires affecting your home do not seem to be improbable. Just this past summer firefighting efforts were ongoing to quell a blaze that consumed nearly twenty acres of this land, threatening homes throughout the region.

While fire damage to your Vincent home could continue to be a risk throughout certain points of the year, the effects that it can do to your home are worth preparing to face. Fires can spread quickly throughout flammable building materials like wood and drywall, causing the effects to move from room to room until the flames get extinguished by the first responders.

Our SERVPRO technicians have encountered many homes that have become significantly structurally compromised due to fires which got out of control. It is our responsibility to the community to be available to you whenever you need us, and that is why our emergency response team is available 24/7 to mitigate your loss and formulate the right plan to restore your home entirely.

Assessments play a critical role in the work that we do, as these help to determine the full extent of the damage that your home faces as well as the equipment and personnel required to restore it. Our estimator can arrive promptly to help evaluate the cost of the restoration and catalog the damage to expedite the claims process with your insurance provider. That is why many homeowners choose to call us first, as we can compile the necessary documentation to make a claim process as efficient as possible.

Wildfires are as unpredictable as they are catastrophic to homes that are in their paths. While these might seem overwhelming at first, the right professional restoration assistance can make all of the difference. Once you can return to your home safely, you can count on our SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park emergency response team to get the process started to restore your home as quickly as possible. Give us a call anytime disaster strikes at (626) 337-3374.

The Getty Museum uses goats to clear brush.  Click here for more information.

Attention Baldwin Park Homeowners!! Rely on SERVPRO for Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration

10/17/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Saves Your Baldwin Park Home from Flood Damage--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

Severe Weather Can Cause Flooding in Your Baldwin Park Home

Preparing for severe weather means safeguarding your Baldwin Park home against the pressing threats that powerful weather systems can present. While you might not be able to protect your property against high-powered winds or torrential rainfall fully, you can make sure that the materials used to construct your home are in top form to withstand these effects. Regular inspections of elements like your roof and siding can help you to ward off situations like flooding.

As unnerving as the severe weather might be, flood damages to your Baldwin Park home are often much more challenging to overcome. Once floodwaters have penetrated a vulnerable point in your home’s exterior, the damage begins to spread quickly throughout the affected area and adjacent spaces until it has impacted most of the house. In these situations, you need a fast-responding professional team like our SERVPRO technicians.

Much of these detrimental situations can get avoided by routine inspections, however. Understanding the condition of your roof or the siding on your house can alert you to problems that require immediate attention. Without this knowledge, any homeowner is waiting for the time that these defenses fail and allow runoff and torrential rainfall to couple into floodwaters that spread rapidly throughout their home.

From the moment that our SERVPRO technicians arrive at your home, we get to work on removing at-risk items from the house to prevent further damages to your possessions. We can then set our sights on extraction work using portable pumps and wet-vacs. Our Green Fleet also carried a gas-powered extractor for substantial water volume removal. The excess water poses a higher risk for continual saturation and weakening of structural components.

Generally, floodwaters are categorized as Black Water which can contain significant contaminants like bacteria, viruses, sewage, pesticides, and debris. Disinfecting areas exposed to this tainted water is included in our SERVPRO flood mitigation service. Drying follows this approach and is one of the most thorough and intricate steps in flood restoration. We document the results and inspect using moisture meters and an infrared FLIR camera for verification of dryness.

Many homeowners in the area experience flooding unexpectedly from structural failures of their home’s defenses. While routine inspections can help alert you to a problem, you should also know that our SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park emergency response team can help you overcome the damages as well. Give us a call anytime that disaster strikes at (626) 337-3374.

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WOW!! Fire, Smoke, Water, Smells in Your Irwindale Home--Call SERVPRO

10/5/2018 (Permalink)

No! Not Spacemen! SERVPRO Technicians During a Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Irwindale

Cleanup and Restoration When Fire Affects an Irwindale Residence

Some situations affect your Irwindale home and are beyond your expertise to repair or restore on your own. Widespread situations like a fire can leave you overwhelmed by the effects and worried that your house might never return to the way that it once was. Our highly trained technicians can help you through this difficult time and work to bring your home back to pre-fire condition.

One of the most troublesome points about fire damages to your Irwindale residence is that there are often far more negative effects than you can see through a visual inspection of the damage after the flames have gotten extinguished. Worse still, your home might not be safe to enter until it has gotten cleared by certified and competent parties like our SERVPRO estimator, (who got the okay from the Fire Marshall.)

In instances where a widespread fire has affected your residence, our priority is to limit the effects of this disaster from getting worse while restoration preparation is underway. One of the ways that our SERVPRO team can help to reduce the impact of this situation on your home is to work to dry up and clean up water damage that gets left behind from the extinguishment efforts.

Another approach that you can expect from our team of professionals responding to your emergency is to seal up any breaches in your home’s exterior from external threats like the weather, vermin, or other hazards. This approach typically gets achieved through boarding up or tarping over the damaged or purposefully removed portions of your house to provide a line of defense against what continues to threaten it. There are limitations to what we do in this regard. Once restoration work nears completion, appropriate measures can get taken to secure reconstruction contractors to complete the job.

Overcoming the effects of a fire is nothing that you can expect to do overnight and nothing you can expect to do on your own, either. Our SERVPRO of Irwindale / Baldwin Park fire restoration technicians are available 24/7 to help you overcome the broad effects of this disaster throughout your property. Give us a call any time that you need us at (626) 337-3374.

Here is Irwindale new resident information

Preparing a Storm Supply Kit for Your Baldwin Park Home

9/21/2018 (Permalink)

A disaster supply kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency. You should have a kit at home and also at your place of work. At work, try to include a pair of comfortable shoes in case you need to walk to a shelter area. It's best to assume that in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, roads will be inaccessible by vehicles, and public transportation will be shut down.

Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency. You may have to evacuate at a moment's notice and take essentials with you. You will probably not have time to search for the supplies you need or shop for them. After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. 

Additionally, basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones may be cut off for days, even a week or longer. Your supplies kit should contain items to help you manage during these outages.

Emergency Supplies

Water, food and clean air are important things to have if an emergency happens. Each family or individual's kit should be customized to meet specific needs, such as medications and infant formula. It should also be customized to include important family documents.

Recommended Supplies To Include In A Basic Kit:

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First Aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Infant formula and diapers, if you have an infant
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Dust mask or cotton t-shirt, to help filter the air
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Cash or traveler's checks

Maintaining Your Kit

After assembling your kit remember to maintain it so it’s ready when needed:

• Keep canned food in a cool, dry place

• Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers

• Replace expired items as needed

• Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

https://www.wunderground.com/prepare/disaster-supply-kit

https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit

Recovering from the Carr Fire

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

In 2018, fires have charred about 7,200 square miles across the USA, which is about 1,400 square miles above average, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Although it could be weeks or months away, the deadly Carr Fire and other horrific wildfires in California and across the western USA will eventually be doused.

But how long will it be before things return to "normal"?

For some folks, it could be years, or perhaps never: "In the communities where these large fires hit, there can be a decades-long impact," said Merritt Turetsky, an ecosystem ecologist at the University of Guelph in Canada. 

Fires can leave entire neighborhoods ruined. Turetsky related a story from years ago of people who moved back to a neighborhood into the only home a wildfire spared – then realized they were alone in a blackened and charred landscape, one that might never be rebuilt.

Nationally, only 25 percent of burned homes were rebuilt within five years, according to a study in 2015 in the "International Journal of Wildland Fire."

Big fires can decimate the environment. When man-made materials from houses, cars or other buildings burn, they can release toxins into the soil, rivers or streams, Turetsky said. They're also released into the air we breathe.

Overall, "the after effects of a wildfire on watershed can be drastic," according to Cal Fire. "Rates of erosion and runoff can increase to dangerous levels following wildfires in California. Normally trees, shrubs, grass and other protective ground cover help prevent soil detachment and allow rainfall to infiltrate into the soil."

Thus, landslides and mudslides can bring further misery to fire-scarred areas when winter rains come. This winter, an El Niño is likely, the Climate Prediction Center said, which generally means additional rainfall for California.

If you or someone you know are experiencing smoke damage from fires, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park  is here to help. Our services cover fire and smoke restoration. 

To everyone impacted by the wildfires in California, we are truly sorry for your loss and offer our services to you.

To read more please visit: 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/07/30/carr-fire-what-happens-when-blazes-doused/865806002/

Conserving Water in Baldwin Park

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

What is something we ALL love, especially in the summer time? Water. That's right, some would even say water makes the world go round. However, California has recently been experiencing some heat waves, meaning that we all have a part to play in helping save some WATER. Here are a few ways you can help out our state & planet by saving water! 

Step 1: Change your diet 

It takes water – a lot of it – to grow, process and transport your food. When you eat lower on the food chain, eat more whole foods and waste less food, you also save water.

Step 2: Cut indoor water use 

Every day, you rely on water for a wide variety of uses around the house. There are lots of opportunities to cut back on water use in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room and even by fixing leaks.

Step 3: Use less water outdoors 

Of all the residential water we use in the US, on average we use about a quarter outdoors. In some western states it’s half to three-quarters, primarily for lawns and gardens. A few simple steps can reduce your outdoor water consumption, so tighten those taps, eliminate those leaks and use water wisely.

Step 4: Change buying habits 

Practically everything you buy, use and consume has a water footprint because it took water to process and transport it. Being thoughtful about purchases, reusing where you can and recycling can reduce your water footprint.

Try to remember these few things this summer (and beyond) to reduce your ecological footprint and be a part of lasting change! 

Stay Storm Ready in Southern California

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

California's historic drought remains severe, and residents must continue to conserve water. At the same time, we must also prepare for the possibility of large storms and coastal/bay flooding.

Storms in California sometimes cause flooding, mud flows, landslides, electrical outages and other impacts.

Using water wisely while taking steps to prepare for winter storms and coastal/bay flooding will help to protect our households, our communities and our state.

Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death. Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Floods may:

• Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems.

• Develop slowly or quickly – Flash floods can come with no warning.

• Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

 IF YOU ARE UNDER A FLOOD WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

  • Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.

• Determine how best to protect yourself based on the type of flooding.

  • Evacuate if told to do so.

  • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.

  • Stay where you are.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A FLOOD THREATENS

Prepare NOW

• Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.

• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

• If flash flooding is a risk in your location, then monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain.

• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.

• Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.

• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you've built. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.

• Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

For more information visit: https://storms.ca.gov/

Preventing Water Damage in Your Monrovia Home

8/22/2018 (Permalink)

Most Homeowners insurance policies cover basic water damage claims up to the purchased limit.

But you know what’s a lot easier than going through the claims process? Preventing the water damage in the first place!

Check out these 5 suggestions for preventing water damage:

1. Be careful where you plant

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean out roof gutters

You know it’s on your to-do list anyway, so if you can, take a safe climb up to your roof next Sunday and check out your gutters. If you’re seeing lots of leaves, birds’ nests, sticks, and whatnot up there, your gutters may not be doing the job you hired them for. And on a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some serious water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. And if your gutters are too high, be safe and get a professional to check them.

3.  Keep an eye on your water bill

With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere.

4. Use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

No matter how crazy clean you are, from your shower to your kitchen sink, clogs are going to happen. And chances are at some point in your life you’ve used one of those powerful chemical drain cleaners to get things moving again. But as convenient as they may be, most folks don’t realize those caustic chemicals are also eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is a good solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.

5. Never pour grease down your sink

You’ve probably heard this before, but you should definitely avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. It can still congeal and cling to your pipes, and could still cause some serious damage and blockage.

Some people use detergent to break up grease before pouring it down the drain…and that may help sometimes. But there’s no guarantee that it’ll keep the grease from sticking to your pipes, so why take the risk?

The safest thing to do is just to pour your grease in an empty can, and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done.

We hope these few tips will help prevent water damage in your home! 

https://www.farmers.com/inner-circle/home-tool-kit/5-ways-to-prevent-water-damage/

Flood Waters Rising

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

Every year flooding damages residential and commercial properties in every community across the nation.  Natural and manmade events including, broken plumbing, storms, and leaking appliances will account for thousands of flooded properties and tens of millions of dollars in insurance claims and costs to property owners.

When flood water begins saturating building materials, damages can be temporary, requiring only drying out or permanent, requiring replacement.  Drying out floors, walls, and cabinetry as quickly as possible following a flood can help control for damage that comes from mold growth and structural damages.

The cost to recover from a flood is obviously associated with the size of the affected property, the type of building materials involved, the nature of the water (clean or contaminated), and the speed to begin cleanup operations.  

SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park has been in business for many years and is expert at drying out and reconstructing properties damaged by water from any source.  Also SERVPRO can represent a property owner to an insurance carrier to get the very best solution in place, returning the property back to pre-flood condition as quickly as possible.

Let SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park send an expert to your property for a free estimate to remedy a recent disaster, or one that may need our experience and recommendations.

What is Mold?

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

What is Mold?

We hear a lot in the media these days about the dangers of exposure to mold, but what is mold exactly, anyway? Mold is not a plant or an animal, but a type of fungi. We eat some types of fungi, like many kinds of mushrooms and the yeast we use to make bread rise. Some types of mold are even used to make medicine, like the type of mold that is used to make penicillin, a life-saving antibiotic.

There are hundreds of different kinds of mold found both indoors and outdoors. Mold grows in damp, dimly-lit areas. Indoors, it can often be found in places like attics, basements, crawl spaces, and bathrooms. Mold is also common in other areas if there is a leak in the roof, leaky windows, leaky pipes, or seasonal flooding. Some molds commonly found indoors include aspergillus, chaetomium, cladosporium, penicillium, and stachybotrys.

Mold growth requires moisture. The sources of moisture could be washing, cooking, air humidifiers, condensation or leaks from plumbing or from the outside. Poor ventilation contributes to higher humidity levels and leads to condensation, which also allows mold growth.

You may begin to notice a damp, must odor in a specific area of your home. This means you should check for damp walls, carpet, flooring and any other spaces that may be breeding grounds for mold. The key is to treat a mold problem immediately, before the infestation becomes worse or causes permanent damage.

What is Mold Remediation?

Mold remediation is the process of removing mold and repairing mold-related damage in the home. It’s a complicated process and must be done carefully in order to prevent further exposure to potentially harmful mold spores. Mold can be cleaned from some materials, like bathtubs and tile, and the surfaces disinfected. Some materials, though, like drywall, wood, and carpeting, are impossible to clean thoroughly and instead must be removed and replaced.

Mold remediation is challenging in part because mold can grow in so many out-of-sight places, including inside walls, under carpeting, above ceiling tiles, and inside heating and air conditioning ducts. Just locating all the mold can be difficult, and if you miss even a little bit, it will just continue to grow and spread. Soon you’ll have a full-blown mold problem on your hands again.

When it comes to mold in your home, leave it to the professionals and call SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

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What is An Air Mover?

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

What’s an Air Mover?

Air movers (aka “industrial air blowers”, “commercial blower fans” or “floor drying fans”) are used in construction and water restoration projects, having a wide variety of industrial applications. Their primary use is to increase air circulation, which speeds up water evaporation and reduces drying time. Compressed air is also used to maximize airflow in a blower fan or air mover.

Air movers are an essential tool when mitigation services are needed due to water damage or restoring flood or disaster damage. Some advantages of drying a building with the use of air movers are:

• Low power draw
• High velocity, making them ideal for cooling and ventilation purposes
• Reduces water damage dry out time to carpets and floors, as well as wall cavities behind drywall
• Dries concrete and paint
• Removing fumes or gases from a workspace

TYPES OF AIR MOVER UNITS

The type of air blower affects the speed and direction of airflow and the amount of space that can be covered by the air mover. There are three major types of air blower units used in most commercial dry out scenarios:

1. Axial: Axial blowers are designed to move large amounts of air across a wide space. These tend to be larger air movers that produce high airflow. Unlike centrifugal air movers, which can direct air in several directions, axial air movers only move air horizontally. They’re ideal for drying walls or top-down drying treatments on carpets. They’re sometimes used for ventilation and equipment cooling.
2. Centrifugal: This type offers a more compact air mover designed for spot treatments. Centrifugal air movers draw air from several sources and direct it to a particular spot. They are often used in restoration work to dry hard to reach areas like under cabinets and in crawl spaces and closets. Most centrifugal air movers can be adjusted to provide airflow at a few different angles. Centrifugal blowers are heavy-duty air movers that produce lower CFM than axial air movers.
3. Compact: Compact air movers are versatile enough to be used for both large floor areas and small spot drying. With 1/4 horsepower motors, they still have the power to quickly and effectively dry areas, while also being quieter than centrifugal air movers and taking up less space. Small and lightweight, compact air movers are the perfect solution for drying small, hard-to-reach spaces such as closets, corners or under counters.

We at SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park will always assess each water damage situation independently and if our highly trained IICRC certified technicians determine that air movers are a necessary step to speed up the drying process, we have all the resources needed to help make it “Like it never even happened®.”

We hope these unfortunate situations never happen, but if they do we are standing by 24/7 and can be reached at 626.337.3374.

Water Shutoff Valves

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

The worst time to learn where your water shut-off valve is when your home or business has an emergency. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the valves can help you avoid a disaster later.

The cause of a broken pipe can be from aging plumbing and fixtures, construction mishaps, and ground and buildings shifting from earthquakes common to Southern California.  Certainly, the time to become familiar with the valve locations and function is not when there is an emergency.

Here are some common locations of valves:

The Meter: The Meter is located next to the street at the curb area. This is where the water branches off from the City and comes to your property. There is a shut-off located underneath the meter box lid. Shutting the water off here, will turn the water off to the entire house exterior and interior, including pools and irrigation.

Main Service: From the “meter box” a water line is ran up to the front of the house to a hose bib (water spigot). Usually where the hose is located (newer homes in garage). This shut-off valve turns the water off to the inside of the home, excluding irrigation.

The Water Heater: From the “main service” the plumbing lines then provide water to the water heater. The water heater shut-off valve is located at the top of the water heater next to the water flex lines.

Angle Stops: From the “water heater” hot and cold water lines split off to provide water to plumbing fixtures including those in the bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, etc. You may have heard of an angle stop before. A shiny oval piece behind the toilet or underneath the sink. Behind the toilet is 1 angle stop and underneath a sink there are 2.

It is important as home and business owners to know how to turn off your water supply in the case of an emergency. If water damage still occurs, SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park provides water remediation services for commercial and residential properties.

When weather becomes a problem..

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

In Southern California, atmospheric weather patterns are relatively mild and predictable.   That’s why when you speak with people from states that really have four seasons, the joke is “Californian’s don’t know what weather is”.

However, there is a case to be made that California does have dramatic weather.  The evidence starts piling up when you hear about the catastrophic fire seasons that have become more common as the weather patterns have become drier, hotter, and longer.   Severe fire seasons have become much more common recently. Case in point, the 5 largest fires recorded in California have all occurred in the last 15 years.

Late in 2017, the fire season hit with such force, the largest fire in state history (over 273,000 acres) struck the West coast of California in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

The devastation and disruption from fires like these is a cycle that Californians have come to expect.  When the fire season slows down and actually ends, there comes a high risk for mud slides from the loss of vegetation in fire damaged foothills.

If fire or water damage occurs to your property, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas can be a helpful resource for restoration services, expert advice on unique situations, and emergency response when immediate help is needed.

What is Efflorescence?

8/1/2018 (Permalink)

Efflorescence is a crystalline deposit of salts that can form when water is present in or on brick, concrete, stone, stucco or other building surfaces. It has a white or greyish tint and consists of salt deposits left behind when water evaporates. In addition, efflorescence can appear as a powdery substance on floors and walls and requires special care to treat.

What Causes Efflorescence?

Three conditions must exist for efflorescence to occur:

• Water-soluble salts must be present.
• Moisture must be available to transform salts into a soluble solution.
• Salts must be able to move through a material to its surface. The moisture will then evaporate and cause the salts to crystallize, resulting in efflorescence.

Water, rain and snow are the primary sources of moisture and may impact the degree of efflorescence. Condensation, groundwater wicking and interior activities also may affect the degree of moisture generation.

Efflorescence can occur in natural as well as developed environments. The effect often looks cosmetic but what it’s communicating is that water intrusion has/is occurring and needs to be addressed. It is important to note that over time this process can weaken structures and also lead to additional damage if not taken care of properly. Efflorescence can be removed with the application of various phosphoric acids, followed by a thorough rinsing of water. However, if the source of the water penetration is not taken care of, efflorescence may continue to occur. Contact your local contractor to help seal and strengthen your structure by creating vapor-permeable barriers to your porous materials - often attained through applying hydro-phobic sealers to keep the water out of your porous materials

Hopefully, next time you spot efflorescence coming out of your home or office - you can help diagnose the problem and prevent further damage.

Is Your Irwindale Business Safe?

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

Keeping your commercial property safe can help you protect your employees, patrons, and business equipment. From keeping up on building maintenance to installing a security system, there are plenty of dangers lurking around your property. Check out these ways you can keep your commercial property safe and secure.

Conduct Maintenance Audits.

The more attention you pay to your building maintenance, the less likely you are to face any issues. Keep your property current and routinely check for any slippery surfaces, damaged floors, sharp objects, frayed or damaged wires, or blocked hallways. Staying vigilant helps you avoid problems before they become an issue.

Increase Lighting In & Around the Building.

When it comes to your building, it’s important to keep it well lit. Not only does it help to avoid trips and falls, but it can also help to avoid burglaries. Install extra lighting and make sure your building is well-lit.

Prepare for an Emergency.

Disasters are unpredictable, which means it’s important to be prepared. Take precautions to minimize potential damage from a disaster, and make emergency exits readily available. Check that all your fire alarms are working properly and that all the emergency exits are well marked.

Install Security to Protect the Property.

Businesses require a significant amount of expensive materials to operate, making it a prime target for burglaries. Take measures to increase security on the property. Install security cameras and alarms, and hire a security guard. Additionally, consult with local law enforcement to see what precautions they recommend.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in your Kitchen

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

Since food is stored in the kitchen (most of the times), keeping your kitchen clean and well-aired will have a major impact on your food’s life. For example, mold will develop anywhere where there is a leak, and if you are storing food close to that it can easily transfer from a corner and attack your favorite otherwise fresh food.

In order to prevent mold on food you will have to work on overall kitchen mold prevention. In most cases it includes either ensuring there is enough fresh air or regular cleaning. Here are a few tips that can help you prevent mold in the kitchen

• Mold can grow in the fridge and, thus, it is important to keep the inside of the refrigerator clean. We suggest cleaning it every few months with one tablespoon of baking soda dissolved in a quart of water. Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly before storing food again.
• Ensure your food is still fresh by checking it every day or two. Toss away anything that has a sign of mold or that started rotting away.
• Replace sponges at least once a week and always use clean dishcloths and towels. If you notice a musty smell coming from a sponge or towel, replace it immediately.
• Wash the dishes at least once a day. Don’t leave food leftovers in your sink behind you once you are done with the meal. Throw them away immediately. If you are in a rush, keep your dishes under water to prevent food stains from hardening until you can wash them properly.
• Mold can be found in dishwasher and garbage disposals. It can be the reason behind the odors, thus keeping it clean should be your priority. At least once a week pour baking soda, salt and vinegar (or lemon) own the sink and leave it for 10 minutes. After that all you have to do is pour boiled water to wash it up and your disposal and sink will be clean, mold-free and refreshed.
• Kitchen tools, especially wooden ones should be washed and well dried before set aside, because wood is one of the favourite food for mold. All you have to do is simply wash them after you used them and leave them to dry well somewhere where it is not wet and it has enough fresh air and light.
• Don’t forget about unused kitchen appliances. They are often sealed and if not well dried, mold can form due to water evaporation inside. The best way to prevent mold from developing inside is to ensure it is well dried before storing and, if there is a possibility, keep it open.
• And last but not least, make sure that the relative humidity in your home is between 30% and 50%, especially in the warmer months, when mold is known to flourish. The easiest thing you can do to control the humidity level is to keep your windows open as often as possible. If that is not possible your next steps should be either air vents or even a dehumidifier.

If you find that the mold has spread and become a larger issue in the house, you need to take action. Never hesitate to seek professional help from SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park.

How to Detect Mold in Your Baldwin Park Home

5/22/2018 (Permalink)

Here are some common signs to watch out for that could indicate you have mold growing in your house.

Smelling a Mold Odor

When you have mold growing hidden away in your house, often a moldy smell might be the only clue that it's there. Don't ignore mold odors if you can't see any mold. You should thoroughly inspect your home before any mold problems get worse.

Seeing Signs of Mold Growth

Visible mold growth might seem like an obvious sign of mold. However many people don't notice small amounts of mold growth or they think it's just soot or dirt. Sometimes people simply ignore visible mold in their house.

If you can see mold growth, even if it's only small, you should take action immediately. Small mold patches can spread and the fact that there is any mold shows that the conditions in your home are right for mold to grow.

If you don't take care of mold it will soon become a bigger problem. Visible mold growth could also be a sign that there is a much larger mold colony growing hidden away from view.

Sometimes you might not realize there is mold in your house, especially if it is unusual looking mold. Some mold growth looks white and thread-like. Other mold appears as clusters of small black spots. Mold can be black, gray-brown, gray-green or white in color. Mold growing behind wallpaper made of vinyl can even appear orange, pink or purple.

Signs of Water Problems

If you have had any long term moisture problems in your house it's usually inevitable they will lead to mold beginning to grow. So if you know you've had some water problems in your home then it's a pretty good sign you could have mold.

Some signs that you have a moisture problem include water stains or discoloration on walls, floors or ceilings in your house. Seeing these could be a clue that there is mold growing within or behind the material.

Another sign of a moisture problem is surface abnormalities like peeling, bubbling or cracking of the paint or wallpaper. If your walls are bowed, bulging or warped it probably means moisture has gotten into them. Another clue is if the surface of walls or other materials feel damp.

Water Leaks

The above signs of water problems in homes are usually created by leaks. However if you already know that you have had a water leak (such as leaking pipes or a leaking ceiling) then just that knowledge by itself, even if you don't see signs of water damage, is a good sign that you might have mold growing in your house around the area where the leak was.

Mold growth from leaks can often be hidden. If the leak was behind a wall or other surface then any mold will probably be hidden behind the surface too. Even if the leak was not behind a surface there could still be mold hidden out of view behind a wall or other surface from water which seeped through.

Past Flooding

If your house has been flooded in the past then it's likely that mold would've started to grow. Any mold would probably be growing in places where flood water remained the longest such as in the basement. Floods can often create mold growing out of view behind walls or under floors.

Condensation

If you see a lot of condensation in your home then it's a sign that you have a high amount of moisture and hence a sign that you could have a mold problem. Condensation will occur on surfaces such as glass windows or metal pipes. Mold could be growing where the condensation builds up and collects. Rusting indoor pipes are a sign that you could have a lot of condensation in your house.

Besides the fact that condensation creates a buildup of moisture for mold to grow on, condensation can also be a sign that you have a humidity problem in your home. A high humidity level can feed mold and it is another sign that you might have a potential mold problem.