Tips for Making a Claim After a Fire

8/12/2024 (Permalink)

When a fire damages your home in Riverside, CA, you may not be in the right frame of mind for making good decisions.

The decisions you make regarding your fire insurance claim, however, can affect how much of the fire restoration is covered by your insurer. Here are three tips to help you think through the process rationally and hopefully get the settlement you need to restore your home. 

1. Call Insurance Company

One of the first calls you make after a fire has ravaged your home is to the insurance company. Timely reporting is essential to getting your claim processed and approved. As soon as the company receives your call, an assessor can be sent to review the damage and substantiate your claim. 

2. Call a Professional Restoration Company

After a fire, your home is likely permeated with the odor of smoke and soot damage. Firefighters probably had to use a lot of water to put out the fire, resulting in water damage as well. Certified fire restoration specialists offer both smoke cleaning and water damage remediation to fix the problems in your home. They often offer board-up services to secure the house during the restoration process, and they can give you an estimate on what the repairs are going to cost, which can back up your claim with the insurance company.

3. Don't Touch Anything

Once you have made the necessary calls and the waiting begins, you may be tempted to start cleaning up the damage yourself. Fight the urge to do so. The insurance agent that comes to assess the damage needs to see it as it is, and without the knowledge and skills of the specialists, you may cause more damage. While you wait, it is a good idea to take pictures of the damage as long as it is safe to do so.

You may feel powerless when your home suffers fire damage. By calling the appropriate professionals and waiting on their guidance, however, you can speed up the fire restoration process.

Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside City

Common Mistakes You're Making with Your "Small" Water Damage in West Riverside

8/12/2024 (Permalink)

The most critical mistake to make is failing to hire a professional restoration company to do the dirty work for you.

When Water Damage Strikes

When finding themselves in the midst of a water damage event, many people immediately react by jumping in and cleaning up the mess. Beginning the restoration process as soon as possible is important, but starting before you have taken the necessary steps or know exactly what you are doing could actually make things worse in the end. To help avoid these mishaps, a few of the most common mistakes in water damage clean up are listed below. The most critical mistake to make is failing to hire a professional restoration company to do the dirty work for you. SERVPRO of West Riverside City is your local expert to help you navigate the “waters”.

Mistake #1- Not Having the Job Done RIGHT the First Time

Adopting the “do it yourself” approach when it comes to water damage clean-up is often the go-to mindset. However, this is usually a more difficult process than people think. It can be a long process and following the proper procedures is very important. For example, if you neglect to begin airing out your home by opening up windows and doors for ventilation and using fans to dry things out as soon as possible, the damage will eventually be worse.

Mistake #2- Not Being Completely Thorough

As mentioned above, the water damage restoration process done right requires that you be very thorough. Cutting corners and major shortcuts will not make a big difference and can actually cause more damage. It is better to have the job done right up front, but it will not happen overnight. To ensure all the water is removed and mold will not begin to grow on and in your walls, ceilings, and carpet, you will want to make sure your contractor is certified to do the work needed in an appropriate time frame.

Mistake #3- Waiting Too Long

It can be tempting to put off dealing with flooding or water damage when it’s just a small incident, especially when life is hectic. Even minor flooding can lead to major damage in the long run. The water seeps into walls and flooring over time when not dried properly and can cause structural damage and mold growth. It’s not worth the risk to procrastinate. It could save you a lot of time, heartache, and money in the long run.

Mistake #4- Not Involving a Certified Restoration Company

Trying to tackle the water damage restoration process on your own is great undertaking. Having it done right the first time requires the proper expertise, the right equipment, and enough time to be as thorough as required. Though it may seem like you have the time and resources to clean it up, you will soon realize the process is more involved than originally thought. Should you ever find yourself in a situation where your home or business has been compromised by flooding or water damage, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at SERVPRO of West Riverside City.

Let SERVPRO of West Riverside City help you recover your property properly following a water damage event. Call us today 951-351-8033.

What to Do When Your Riverside Business is a Victim of Burglary, Vandalism, or Arson

8/12/2024 (Permalink)

If your business is a victim of a crime, it can be costly both financially and emotionally. After law enforcement comes and goes, you might find yourself wondering what to do next to get your business up and running again. At SERVPRO® of West Riverside City, we offer a wide array of services to help you get back to business in no time.

Burglary

After a break-in, you might expect to feel uneasy or angry. You might not expect the mess or damage that can come along with a crime scene.

First, there’s the damage the actual break-in may have caused, such as broken windows, damaged entryways, etc. There may even be blood and other bodily fluids or pepper spray residue. However, crime-solving can leave a mess behind, too. Your property might have substances like fingerprint powder and evidence-gathering chemicals as well.

After you file the paperwork and report what’s missing to the police, we can fix your property so you can get back to running your business. Whether you need someone to clean and disinfect or someone to handle larger repairs, we have the knowledge and training needed to restore your property “Like it never even happened® ."

Vandalism

Vandalism can range in severity from graffiti on a wall to destruction of property. You’ll want to take quick action to restore your business for both office morale and safety.

Graffiti may create an unprofessional atmosphere that could potentially drive away clients. At SERVPRO® of West Riverside City we can remove graffiti from most surfaces including, but not limited to:

• Glass
• Masonry
• Wood
• Plastic
• Asphalt

More severe vandalism, like a broken window or entryway, can leave employees feeling unsafe, and it can leave your business open to weather problems and, potentially, more crime.

We have the tools and expertise necessary to get your business up and running in no time. We offer commercial cleaning services above and beyond what a maid service might provide. We can take care of everything from debris removal to board-up services to water damage restoration.

Arson

Even a small fire can cause significant fire and smoke damage to your property. Firefighting efforts may even cause water damage. While police can perform the important work of finding out who committed the crime, you’ll still need to get your business ready to open again.

Our trained professionals understand the urgency of restoring your workplace to professional standards. We work hard to efficiently restore your building and belongings to pre-fire condition. We even help manage the insurance claims process.

When you run a business, you know that time is money. We offer 24/7 service, so don’t hesitate to call us day or night to start the restoration process.

If your business is the victim of a crime, call SERVPRO® of West Riverside City at 951-351-8033, and we’ll make sure your property is cleaned up and ready for business. 

When Fire Damage Strikes Your Riverside Home

7/31/2023 (Permalink)

Board up damaged windows after a fire protects your home from further damage.

Did you know that some insurance companies deny at least part of a fire insurance claim if it finds that a property owner did not try to protect their property from secondary damage?

This can be avoided by hiring SERVPRO of West Riverside city to do emergency board up and roof tarping.  

After fire damage, many properties experience damaged roofs, windows, doors, and even damaged outer walls.  This type of damage makes a building susceptible to secondary damage. Weather can come in and cause water damage and mold.  Easy access also makes it easy for theft to occur.

For these reasons, we recommend emergency fire damage services as soon as the fire department has left.  

We can:

• Attach a weatherproof roof tarp.
• Board up damaged doors, windows, and outer walls.
• Perform an emergency pack out

After your property is secure, we can inspect your property and begin fire damage cleanup and remediation services as well as rebuilding your property.

Call 951-351-8033

SERVPRO of Riverside is Certified in Bio Hazard Cleaning

7/26/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Riverside technicians are trained to safely and effectively remove biohazard.

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup and restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies, SERVPRO of Riverside also offers fast, reliable biohazard and crime scene cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercial property owners.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences for building occupants, employees, customers, and owners.

A failure to properly handle and safely remove such hazardous substances can contribute to unhealthy and even dangerous environments.

SERVPRO of Riverside technicians are trained to safely and effectively remove bio hazardous substances and prepare waste for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA, and state and local health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety equipment and cleaning products, SERVPRO of Riverside will help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe homes and offices. SERVPRO of Riverside can help with the following issues:

* Bloodborne Pathogens

* Methamphetamine Labs

* Crime Scene Residues

* Arson

* Vandalism

* Sewage Backups

* Black Water Intrusions

Contact SERVPRO of Riverside Professionals today for more information at:

Office 951-351-8033

Riverside Residents, Are You Aware of Travel Trailer Fires?

7/20/2023 (Permalink)

Motor homes, campers, and recreational vehicles are used for living and traveling. Each year, fires in them cause deaths, injuries, and millions of dollars in damages. Fires can start in the kitchen. They can start in the engine area. Sometimes the fires are electrical. With a few simple safety tips you can help prevent these fires from happening.

Most people do not realize that every year there are several hundred fires caused by electrical and cook top stoves in travel trailers. These fires can be anywhere from a small amount of soot to the extreme loss. Let SERVPRO of West Riverside city come out to perform a free estimate today.

Here are safety Tips from NFPA:

SAFETY TIPS

• Install smoke alarms. Make sure they work.

• Stay in the kitchen while you cook. Keep anything that can catch fire away from the stovetop.

• Only use one heat-producing appliance plugged into a receptacle outlet at a time. Major appliances should be plugged directly into a wall receptacle outlet.

• Refrigerators, furnaces, ovens and stovetops use propane. Check them for leaks. Keep an updated gas leak detector on board.

• Have your propane system inspected to make sure it still works properly.

• Know two ways out. Make sure windows open easily.

• Have everyone practice the home fire escape plan.

• Do not keep camping heaters and lanterns on while sleeping.

• Before setting up a campfire, make sure it is allowed.

• If campfires are allowed, they need to be at least 25 feet away from anything that can burn.

• Have your vehicle serviced by a qualified mechanic.

• Keep a portable fire extinguisher on board. Only adults who know how to operate it should use it. Only use it if the fire is small and can be contained. Make sure everyone else is leaving. Make sure someone is calling the fire department.

Most of these fires can be cleaned to pre loss condition if the owner acts fast.  The fire Extinguisher dust can penetrate every inch of a trailer making it very difficult to restore. Trailers need to be mitigated professionally by SERVPRO of West Riverside city.

Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside city 951-351-8033 to help with the restoration process after your trailer fire loss so we can get you back on the road and on with your travels. 

Fire or Smoke Damages to your Riverside Home or Business

7/18/2023 (Permalink)

Fire is devastating, we have helped families through this difficult process.

Did you know?  Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas.

Smoke migrates to upper levels of a structure.

Smoke flows through plumbing systems, using holes around pipes to go floor to floor.

The type of smoke will greatly affect the restoration process.

Even what seems to be a small fire can cause odors for years to come if the affected areas are not properly cleaned and deodorized or if the burned material is not addressed properly and removed.

Fire, smoke and soot damage in your home or business can create unpleasant and potentially permanent problems if not addressed properly.

As various materials burn, the smoke produced travels throughout the structure, leaving odorous residues and deposits on surfaces and in hard-to-reach places. Unless fast, professional action is taken, these residues and deposits can cause permanent damage to contents and may result in resurfacing odors. 

Our SERVPRO team members know how to handle a fire loss and have received the proper training needed to address your loss.

SERVPRO is a preferred vendor on all of your major insurance company's lists. 

Contact us today at : 951-351-8033

Learn To Secure Your Riverside Property From Water Damage Related Problems

7/31/2022 (Permalink)

Preventing Leaks to Your Riverside Home Is Better Than Mitigating Damages

Water damage can occur in many ways and all we have to do is to know our options to mitigate the effects. For instance, think about the kind of challenges that a clogged gutter can make your Riverside home experience. By failing to address it in time, the water leaks and accumulates around the foundation of your house. Within no time, cracks appear, and that means foundation damage could be the end-result.

Even when the foundation of your Riverside home does not suffer from water damage, there are chances that the resulting dampness may lead to mold growth. Mildew growth may lead to health effects and to avoid that you need to work with a restoration company like SERVPRO. This is when you need the right equipment to extract that water within the shortest time possible. When there is stagnant water on your property, our team may use water extraction method. Vacuum pumps work in such a way that they remove the water from a given area and direct it to a distant place or in a tank outside the house.

One of the most important activities we undertake during a typical water removal exercise is to identify concealed areas that might contain the moisture. Our SERVPRO technicians use specialized equipment such as infra-red cameras, moisture meters, and detectors to sense the presence of water in such areas and work towards removing it. In the process, we inspect whether the ceilings and wooden floors in your property are safe, and if not, we recommend a replacement.

While some water-related challenges are hard to prevent, there are some that our SERVPRO team can help you reduce chances of happening. I am referring to having an inspection of your plumbing system, washing machine, water heater and air conditioning units which are known to cause moisture build-up.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City is a proven industry leader in water damage restoration. Call us at (951-351-8033)  at any time of the day for service.

How Do Homeowners Choose Among Riverside Water Restoration Companies?

7/30/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO delivers the assistance you and your water-damaged property needs, adhering to the industry’s best practices for restoration

Have Confidence that Water Clean Up Success Will Follow Your Call to SERVPRO After Burst Pipes Cause Basement Flooding in Riverside

As if you do not have enough on your plate when the supply line to your home ruptures, the task of sifting through dozens of Riverside water restoration companies now delays recovery efforts. Finding a reputable local firm is vital for arranging water removal services and regaining your peace of mind. 

How Does SERVPRO Stand Out Compared to Other Riverside Water Restoration Firms?

The sum and substance of premier water mitigation and remediation company is high-caliber workforce training and a scalable inventory of commercial-grade water removal and drying equipment. SERVPRO insists on the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training for all our managers and technicians. Our evaluations, plans, and interventions for your project offer you a clear advantage by prioritizing:

What Does SERVPRO’s Response Look Like at Your Riverside Residence?

SERVPRO delivers the assistance you and your water-damaged property needs, not only adhering to the industry’s best practices for restoration but also working closely with you and your family to minimize disruptions and stress. Our on-site crews use state-of-the-art equipment to extract all water, clean and disinfect thoroughly and dry all wet materials and contents to proper specifications. At the same time, our office staff facilitates insurance claims and finds answers to all of your water damage restoration questions.

The team at SERVPRO of Riverside awaits 24/7. Call us at (951) 351-8033 for prompt and professional water damage repairs.

How to Clean Water Damage in Your Riverside Home

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians evaluate all contents of your home exposed to water or high humidity for cleaning and restoring.

Water Damage Restoration and Cleanup for Your Home in Riverside

Any kind of water disaster in your home in Riverside can be stressful and overwhelming. One minute your home is safe and dry, the next minute it could be underwater from a leaking pipe, overflowing tub or toilet, or a broken washing machine. Whatever the cause, you need help cleaning up the mess and restoring your home.  

Water damage to your Riverside property requires fast action to get it cleaned up before additional damage occurs. When you call our professionals at SERVPRO, you get trained staff who do not hesitate to get to you quickly. Once we get all the excess water out and your home dry again, our job is to clean and sanitize everything that was affected.  

Structural items like subflooring and walls may need cleaning. We use appropriate cleaning methods for each restorable material that was affected by the water using professional products made just for the job. For carpeting, we use a method of cleaning that is right for the level of soiling. We inspect the carpets to see if the dirt is primarily on the fiber tips or ground down into the fibers. We also see if the threads are very matted, or sticky and stiff.  If carpet is not restorable, we remove carpeting and padding and dry the surface below.

SERVPRO technicians evaluate all contents of your home exposed to water or high humidity for cleaning needs. Some wooden furniture can require cleaning and polishing from high humidity exposure. We check all storage areas, closets, and clothing for anything needing deodorizing and cleaning. We also look at wall hangings and photographs for damage from high humidity and condensation. Electronics might need special cleaning and drying services to restore them, as might sensitive items like pool tables, pianos, and clocks.  

When all our restoration services are complete, we finalize the job by ensuring you are happy with our work. We do one last check on the moisture levels to make sure your home is dry and do a complete walk-through as well, and if any issues are found we fix them before leaving.  

SERVPRO of West Riverside City prides ourselves in communication and maintaining a relationship with you throughout the restoration process of your home in Riverside. When you reach out to us at (951) 351-8033, you are getting a trusted company who cares about our customer.