Why do I Need Commercial Water Removal Services in Riverside?

7/26/2022 (Permalink)

Moisture sensors allow us to detect moisture left behind in soft materials

SERVPRO Ensures Commercial Water Cleanup in Your Riverside Office is Addressed Quickly to Reduce Damage

You arrive at your office to find that a pipe burst, it adds a great deal of stress. However, having the experts help with restoration ensures your business is back up and running sooner than later. The restoration process often includes securing your contents and moving them to a dry area so mitigation can get underway.

How Do Skilled Technicians Rid My Office of Moisture?

Successful commercial water cleanup in Riverside involves more than removing all visible fluids. Your office has carpeting, furnishings, and small cavities where water migrates, leaving behind notable damage and the potential for mold and mildew growth. Our team of skilled technicians at SERVPRO brings along powerful equipment to tackle the job, including:

    •    Submersible and truck-mounted pumps that allow us to remove hundreds to thousands of gallons of water.

    •    Light wand technology for the removal of excess water and moisture from carpets and the padding below.

    •    Moisture sensors allow us to detect moisture left behind in soft materials, while moisture meters help us to monitor the total moisture content in various materials so that we can determine when the structure is thoroughly dry.

    •    Antimicrobial agents are applied to fight against the development of microorganisms and bacteria that cause foul odors.

There are some situations where DIY mopping from your maintenance crew can get the job done. However, the real issue lies in failing to locate all areas of hidden moisture where damage multiplies. SERVPRO is Faster to Any Size Disaster, and we work hard to restore your office space to normal quickly so that you can resume daily operations.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City is available whenever you need help with high-quality commercial water cleanup. Give our team a phone call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at:

(951) 351-8033, and we send out a team as soon as possible to begin the assessment.

Balancing Expectations After Commercial Fire Damage In Riverside

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

Our team handles the core restoration tasks such as cleanup of residues, and bringing your business back to preloss condition.,

Our Crew Is Your Best Option When It Comes To Restoring Your Commercial Property In Riverside To Pre-Damage Condition

The damages left by a fire at your workplace may disrupt regular operations, but perhaps the most pressing issue is the expectations from different parties affected by the blaze. Your customers want you to resume serving them immediately, while your employees could be traumatized by the event thus requiring a few days off. You also need to liaise with the property owner to ensure the restoration done does not lead to friction later on. We offer professional restoration services in Riverside that can help you meet all these needs.

Depending on the intensity of the blaze, restoring commercial fire damage in Riverside can take days or weeks. Giving your regular employees time off as you handle the restoration can help them cope with the loss. Since we send an entire team of restorers from SERVPRO, it is easy for your employees to take days off. Our team handles the core restoration tasks such as cleanup of residues, debris removal and refinishing, as well as mundane tasks such as moving items and rearranging spaces to their preloss state.

Working quickly to fix the damage helps you resume serving your customers as usual. It can also help save costs. For example, smoke residues are acidic so cleaning them from surfaces fast prevents secondary damages like staining. By working in teams, our SERVPRO crew can deliver results faster. We also use different equipment like HEPA vacuums to clean residues from surfaces, and self-propelled scissor lifts to ease access to different sections in a house including high walls and ceilings.

Fire can leave severe damage to structural components necessitating replacement. Apart from the extra costs involved whenever replacements are necessary, there is also a need to involve the property owner to ensure you meet expectations. Our SERVPRO technicians help in different ways. First, we do a thorough inspection to unearth every possible issue including problems in the HVAC system. We also prioritize restorative cleaning over replacement where possible saving unnecessary costs. We also work closely with the parties involved including the property owner and insurance adjusters.

Seeking professional help makes it easier to deal with the different aspects of fire damage. Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City to assist. You can reach us at (951) 351-8033 any time.

Who Helps with Storm and Flood Damage in Riverside?

4/27/2022 (Permalink)

Storm and flood losses can both equally impact and threaten your home. Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside for your Riverside home storm damage.

Our Professionals and In-House Contractors Provide Full-Service Restoration and Recovery after Flooding. 

The combination of both storm and flood damage can be a compromising situation for your entire Riverside household. With so many of the restoration companies that you might choose only capable of addressing part of the problems that your home might face, it can be time and money-saving to choose a more comprehensive and full-service approach that our SERVPRO professionals can provide.

Post-disaster cleaning, repair, and restoration of storm and flood damage in Riverside homes begin the moment that our professionals first arrive at your damaged property. From your initial call to our emergency line, you get the full measure of our restoration and reconstruction team that can arrive together to begin vital mitigation and emergency services after structural damage and potential flooding occurs.

What Are the Emergency Services Offered by Professional Restorers? 

Emergency services are the immediate tasks that our responding technicians and professionals begin upon arrival. While these actions might vary from one structure to the next, there are several common tasks that many can expect in a flood-damaged property. After substantial storm systems pass through the area, some of these same emergency services can help to clean up the debris and remove immediate risks so that our restoration technicians can get to work on recovering the property. Some of these emergency services include:

How Can Flooding Get Resolved Quickly? 

When you recognize flooding has occurred in your home, it can be overwhelming to see. One of the struggles that homeowners face in this situation is taking the appropriate steps immediately to get the flooding cleaned up and extracted. The longer that you wait to address this moisture and standing water, the more destructive it can become to the house. When you choose our SERVPRO professionals, you are choosing:

What Extraction Tools Are Best? 

Because extraction is such a pivotal element to the successful restoration of your home after a flood, the choice of the right equipment for the job becomes a vital decision. Choosing wrong can lead to longer or more costly restoration periods. Some of the ideal choices for this work include:

Does Build Back Start Right After Restoration? 

As a full-service restoration and recovery team, we have a full team of in-house contractors that can oversee the reinstallation of damaged materials. In most cases, reconstruction and repairs can begin as soon as mitigation completes. This seamless transition is one that can prevent West Riverside city longer recovery times or higher costs.

Storm and flood losses can both equally impact and threaten your home. In most situations, you can address both of these scenarios the same by contacting our experienced SERVPRO  team. With our fast response and premier equipment, we can make it “Like it never even happened.” You can reach our experienced team 24/7 at (951) 351-8033.

Steps That Must be Completed When Dealing with Water Removal in Riverside

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

Our moisture reader on this Riverside home shows a high level of moisture within the walls. If you're not sure how bad the water damage is, call us!

SERVPRO Offers Swift, Professional Water Extraction to Mitigate Damages for your Riverside Home

Water damage might occur in your residence in Riverside when you least expect. It can be a shattering experience, and not too many individuals may know what to do when it happens. Note that it demands reaction as soon as possible to help reduce damage and salvage as much property as possible.

Homeowners in Riverside may not have the know-how to deal with water damage efficiently. You are better off working with professionals who have the training and equipment to extract the water and restore your home to its preloss condition.

SERVPRO is your go-to partners when seeking a reputable water damage restoration company that offers 24-hour emergency service and has the expertise and training to handle the removal and drying services. A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry, our SERVPRO technicians, can arrive swiftly to identify the source of moisture in your house. If the water intrusion is caused by a plumbing or appliance issue, we can attempt to shut-off the valve, preventing further water from spilling onto your home.

From here, our experts identify the category and classification of water damage. We do this to ensure that correct techniques are utilized that are based on industry guidelines. Contamination levels affect the restoration process. Many water issues do not soak large areas of possessions and building elements but require a vacuuming to mitigate damage and then the removal of lingering moisture.

Our SERVPRO WRT water damage restoration technicians move property contents and furniture from the affected areas to mitigate secondary damage. We also can block the items to prevent further stains, rust, and degradation. We inspect the carpet pad to determine if it can be salvaged or discarded. We try to restore rather than replace whenever possible. Depending on the extent of damage, experts may also utilize deodorizers and disinfectants as part of the treatment process.

Our SERVPRO crew typically discards non-salvageable items with the approval of the homeowner and if involved, the insurance adjuster. Our aim is complete customer satisfaction with our services. Our technicians go the extra mile.

Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside city anytime you need professionals to handle a water problem. We proudly serve Inland Empire and surrounding areas. Reach us at (951) 351-8033.

Why Professional Biohazard Cleanup and Restoration Is Important For Your Riverside Home

4/20/2022 (Permalink)

When you need biohazard cleanup and restoration services, trust the SERVPRO of West Riverside City team to help you through every step of this process

Be Safe and Let SERVPRO Cleanup Any Biohazardous Conditions at Your Property

There are plenty of disasters that can threaten your Riverside home. Among the most serious and traumatic of these events often require unique practices to safely clean and restore. From something as unfortunate as a sewer backing up into your home to the crime scene and homicide/suicide damage restoration and cleanup, professional assistance is required to remove all of the potential contaminants in the area and to help you and your family move forward in the house.

Biohazard cleanup and restoration in your Riverside home might be a requirement for several different reasons. Exposure to biological materials, bloodborne and airborne pathogens, and the presence of chemicals can make a home unsafe and dangerous to live in. Our SERVPRO team can help you to overcome these obstacles to safely live in your house once again, by providing a professional and thorough cleaning and restoration process that conventional cleaning methods just cannot replicate.

As with any biohazard cleanup, proper training is at the heart of what our SERVPRO technicians offer your home in the wake of a severe disaster or recent tragedy. That is why many specialists on our team get specially trained in the most modern and effective restoration techniques for all manner of contaminants and foreign substance so that this knowledge can get translated into a thorough and efficient process in your own home.

From the moment that our team arrives at your property, we put on our protective equipment and begin meticulously assessing the damage and hazards present in your home. This process provides a concise strategy for our SERVPRO technicians to follow, from the tools that we need, to the techniques to employ. This inspection also details the areas that require our attention overall, from issues with building materials that require cleaning or replacement to widespread concerns that simultaneously affect multiple rooms.

There are unfortunate circumstances that can make it unsafe to live in your own home. When you need biohazard cleanup and restoration services, trust the SERVPRO of West Riverside City team to help you through every step of this delicate process. Give us a call today at (951) 351-8033.

This page provides a listing of the Safety and Health Topics pages OSHA maintains for various biological agents and toxins. here.

What is the Difference Between a Protein Fire and Typical Fire?

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

A protein fire caused the damage in this Riverside home. The smell permeated into the insulation. SERVPRO of West Riverside city was called to help!

You're cooking a ribeye on the stove, you get distracted and forget you have it cooking. 

Wait!  What's that smell?   You've burnt the rib eye that you left unattended in the pan!

Protein Fire occurs when the decomposition of animal fats from beef, poultry, fish among others produces a fine clear mist, which has a very obnoxious odor that is capable of penetrating even the smallest of areas.

Many homeowners may think a home fire is a home fire but there is a big difference between protein fires versus typical fires. Many homeowners underestimate the damage of a protein fire because they don’t see the “typical” black smoke residue commonly associated with home fires. A protein fire produces a fine mist that has a rancid strong odor that can also compromise structural materials and contents in the home. These protein residues can penetrate cabinets, drawers, air ducts, furniture and clothing. A quick fix cleanup will not adequately remove the mist and odors as the proper cleaning steps are required to remove this odor from the structure and contents. It takes extensive cleaning of walls, floors, ceiling and contents of the home to rid the home of this offensive odor.

 How Does the Fire Start?

It’s actually not the meat that catches fire but the grease. As the meat slowly cooks in the pan, the sides get coated with grease, which is what catches fire first. The burnt meat adds to the catalyst and that’s how the flame rises. Grease fire can quickly spread all over the stove if the knobs and other areas are covered with grease too. The soot slowly starts to cover the walls and floor which makes the tiles slippery and greasy.

When you enter the kitchen, the smoke smell goes through you and folds you in its odor. Your clothing smells like smoke, as well as your hair. The smoke smell permeates the house for days.

What Are the Signs of a Protein Fire?

The signs of protein fires may after burning food, but they also will build up over time.

• Persistent meat or grease smells that become rancid over time
• Sticky surfaces that are nearly impossible to clean
• Yellowish to brown stains that form drip-like patterns
• Brown or black soot stain that seems to appear after cooking

There may not be any noticeable damage, but there might be a foul odor that you just can’t seem to get rid of, no matter how many times you Febreeze! This odor permeates furniture and structures in your home even more so than other fires. Since protein fires usually occur in a small space of the kitchen, the odor can be pushed into floorboards, cracks in the wall — even electrical outlets! No wonder it’s such a frustrating and confusing mess.

To prevent a protein fire in your home, make sure that you don’t leave foods such as eggs, meat or beans on the stove when you are not home and make sure to keep these foods from burning or boiling over.

You Need Professional Assistance

Because of the way the residue penetrates into porous materials, standard cleaning job won’t do.  You need a thorough cleaning.  Only specialized cleaners will break up the residue and you need special cleaning techniques to get deep enough to scrub that smell away.  In some cases, even that may not be enough, so it’s necessary to apply a sealing agent.  You may also need to repaint tainted surfaces. The process is lengthy, taking several days and multiple cleanings to completely remove the scent.

Exercise Kitchen Safety

The best way to deal with a protein fire is to avoid having one in the first place.  For that, you just need to follow some basic kitchen safety rules.

Remember to set a timer whenever you cook something. It’s very easy to forget something in the oven, especially if you get distracted.  A timer with a loud alarm will save you from this mistake.

Restoration will use very specific techniques when restoring your home and belongings after a protein fire. Our technicians are professionally trained, with unique products and techniques. Using everyday household cleaners will not remove the residue. The products that we use and their application techniques are implemented in stages to ensure that everything in your home are thoroughly cleaned. This process will possibly take multiple days, but in the end, your home will be restored back to how it was. Fresh and no more rancid smell.

Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside City, we have the experience and knowledge to correctly restore your home!

Call us at 951-351-8033

Extension Cords Can Be the Most Dangerous Piece of Equipment

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

Did you know the extension cord is one of the most abused and misused pieces of equipment on a job?

One of the most common pieces of equipment used in mitigation work, besides air-movers and dehumidifiers, is an extension cord.

They are the easiest way to provide electrical power to a piece of equipment with a cord too short to reach an outlet. But, did you know the extension cord is one of the most abused and misused pieces of equipment on a job?

Have you looked over some water mitigation teams and noticed extension cords that were plugged into an outlet? Were these cords rolled up, laying on the floor? What if it was a 100 feet of cord? My first thought is—my, that is a trip hazard.  Why was such a long extension cord being used for such a short distance?

When a long extension cord is used, this will cause a drop in voltage to the piece of equipment being powered. It will also overload the extension cord. And too, I am sure we have all seen the extension cord that is curled up like an old phone cord. If so, this is a cord that has been overloaded and should be replaced.

By OSHA standards, the maximum length of an extension cord is 100 feet. There are three basic types of extension cords—light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty.

Spring Cleaning - DIY Homemade Cleaners

4/11/2022 (Permalink)

Spring is for cleaning! Try these DIY cleansers!

Spring Cleaning safely and Naturally!

This year for spring cleaning, try making your own cleaning products at home with natural and unprocessed ingredients! Make your home environment safer for your children and pets. 

Here are 7 cleansers you can DIY, give them a try! 

Home Made Glass Cleaner

*Mix 1 part Vinegar with 2 parts water

*Add ½ teaspoon dish soap for every cup of water

*Shake to mix

ALL-Natural Homemade Floor Cleaner

*1 part water

*1 part white vinegar

*1 part 70% Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol

*A few drops of liquid dish detergent

*1/4 part lemon juice

DIY Upholstery & Carpet Cleaner  

(If you have animals this can be a life saver)

*¼ cup of baking soda

*¼ cup of white vinegar

*3/4 cup of warm water

*1/2 tablespoon of dish liquid soap

Homemade Garbage Disposal Cleaner

*3/4 cup baking soda

*1/2 cup salt

*1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap’

*1 lemon

After first 3 ingredients are mixed, grate lemon peel into mixture. Then cut lemon the lemon in half and remove the seeds.  Squeeze both halves into the mixture until lemon is fully incorporated.  Grab a sheet pan, spoon and some parchment paper.  Cover the sheet pan with parchment paper, use the spoon to mold in half rounds, and then tap them out onto the pan.  Allow the tablets to dry overnight.  Place dried mixture into a sealable container.

Clean Your Washer

*2 cups vinegar

*1/4 cup baking soda

*1/4 water

Pour mixture directly  into the machine’s drum.  Run a normal cycle at least twice.  Make another batch and use a brush and scrub the edges.

DIY Dishwasher Detergent

*2 cups of Borax

*2 cups washing soda

*4 packets of sugar-free lemonade Kool-aid.

All-Natural Homemade Floor Cleaner

*1 part water

*1 part white vinegar

*1 part 70% Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol

*A few drops of liquid dish detergent

*1/4 part lemon juice

This information was compiled from various on-line sources. SERVPRO is not responsible for any and all claims made by these sources. If the mess can’t be cleaned then make sure to call the professionals. Our SERVPRO team is here to help!

Why Choose SERVPRO of West Riverside City!

4/6/2022 (Permalink)

Each team member is trained in clean up and restoration which can range from bio hazard, fire, mold to water damage.

Its more than just the brand recognition, it’s also the qualified personnel, the expertise and dedication to the community that make us the place to call.

Below are additional reasons why:  

Qualified

We have the best training in the industry. Each team member is trained in clean up and restoration which can range from bio hazard, fire, mold to water damage. We are IICRC certified (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certificate) for fire and water cleanup and restoration. Our job is to make sure our clients understand the loss and how we will help restore their home or facility. We live up to the motto and we leave each location looking “Like it never even happened.”

Immediate

Our team understands that the best way to limit further damage is to begin the clean up and restore the property as soon as possible. For this reason our team is available 24/7 - day, night, or holiday!  This also helps with keeping costs down. We strive to always answer the first call or respond within a few hours.

Latest Technology

We take pride in the fact that we are able to keep up with some of the advancements technology has to offer. This allows us to restore your property as quickly and efficiently as possible so you can get back to what you were doing preloss.

No Loss Too Big or Too Small

Whether you have multiple locations, or a room that has suffered a loss we can help restore your property.  SERVPRO is a national company and as a result our SERVPRO of Mattapan & Hyde Park team has access to the 1,800+ other franchises to handle any scope of loss.  You call us and we will handle the rest!

Future Loss Prevention

With every job we ensure we understand what the cause of the loss was. We do this to ensure the cause of loss is addressed to prevent similar damage from occurring again.

Our Community

Our office is located in Riverside, California. We love what we're here and we have the ability to help our community. We know the roads, the neighborhoods, and what makes our city so special. It is important to us that our city thrives so we are highly motivated to do all we can to make this an even better city to live in.

Help is always here

Whether you have a question or a loss give us a call and we will help 951-351-8033. We serve ALL - businesses, home owners, property managers and tenants in Riverside and surrounding area.

Cleaning Up After a Fire: 5 Things to Throw Away

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

A hard pill to swallow comes when we realize that certain cherished items may have to go away

We all have a place we call home, where we retire at the end of a hard day's work.

However, the dangers of fires, natural catastrophes and theft remain closer than we may think. When a fire breaks out, the cleaning up process forms a key factor to recovery and healing from the traumatic experience. A hard pill to swallow comes when we realize that certain cherished items may have to go away!

Medication

When a fire razes your home, any medicine present may absorb the high temperature and change the chemical components. The medicine also absorbs the soot and the contents of the fire extinguisher. Ingesting smoke and the contents of the fire extinguisher may expose you and your family to health complications. There are no buts on medications when it comes to choosing what to throw away after a fire. 

Food and Other Consumables

The smoke from the fire and fire extinguisher chemicals contaminate any food products. Food products include perishable and non-perishable food products.

Exposure to heat also alters the chemical elements of the food items, including the containers used for storing the food. Cloth packaging, metal tins, cardboard and plastics all change their chemical composition after exposure to high heat levels. Therefore, do not compromise on health at any standard.

Food stored in the freezer may have a slight chance of non-contamination, but it is better to be safe, discard the food. The trauma after a fire coupled with health complications from ingesting contaminated food may weigh down on your recovery process. 

Cosmetic Products

The standard while deciding what to throw away after a fire should focus on any products of a chemical nature. Cosmetic products such as make-up, oil products, perfumes and hair extensions have a chemical component. The high-temperature exposure during the fire may alter their chemical composition. Warped casings show that the fire contaminated the products. Fire extinguisher chemicals and soot add another chemical component into the products. Applying any of these contaminated products to your skin may result in an allergic reaction that may add to your woes. 

Clothing Material

Any clothes and bedding in the house catch fire. Thus, sort out all the burnt garments and throw them away. Some clothes may have escaped the wrath of the fire but may have soot and fire extinguisher chemicals on their surface. If the clothes belong to children, precaution dictates that you discard them too. However, the use of the appropriate detergents may help to rehabilitate burnt clothes and bedding. 

Burnt Electrical Equipment

Electrical equipment within the house has power cords and wiring that may burn during a fire. Electrical equipment that show signs of damage qualifies in the things to throw away after a fire. Compromised electrical equipment could result in another fire due to short circuits. Equipment includes computers, coffee makers, laundry machine, iron box and television sets. 

Recovering from the trauma after a fire occurs over some time. The healing process may take time and patience from your side. We at SERVPRO of West Denver understand your pain at this trying time and wish to walk you through the healing process. Let us help you rebuild your new home. We help in the clean-up process and follow up on the tiring process of the insurance claim. To get started, contact us today!

Call Us When Disaster Strikes California!

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

No job is too big or too complicated for our field technicians with the right approach, equipment, and attitude.

With decades of experience across the restoration services that we offer, we know how to help when every minute counts.

We have ready trailers and service vehicles prepared to roll out from our SERVPRO facility 24/7 to address the harsh effects of water, fire, storm, and mold losses. We have trained professionals to handle more specific recovery niches like air duct cleaning, biohazard cleaning, abatement, and reconstruction efforts. These talents, aiding in every facet of our customers' work, improve our efficiency and effectiveness in your home or business.

Storm

Storm damage in California homes is a situation that our SERVPRO Professionals can address. Properties I should remain prepared for fires, earthquakes, flooding, damaging winds and other conditions. Our ability to handle these situations is partly due to our commitment to the training and growth of our specialists, ensuring that each loss incidents gets technicians that can:

• Extract and dry up floodwater (WRT – Water Restoration Technician)
• Clean contaminated areas where they exist (Biohazard Cleaning)
• Deploy air movers and dehumidifiers for effective drying solutions (ASD – Applied Structural Drying)
• Clean Carpets and other flooring types (CCT – Carpet Cleaning Technician)
• Prevent microbial growth or address present colonization (AMRT – Applied Microbial Remediation Technician)

The other aspect that has allowed our disaster relief team to become so successful is our commitment to having the top-tier equipment that gets the job done quickly and correctly. SERVPRO keeps storm trucks stocked with a deep inventory of recovery and mitigation tools, including submersible pumps, engine-driven trash pumps, power washers, air movers, and dehumidifiers.

SERVPRO can offer a full-service approach amid a crisis so that our customers do not have to waste time finding secondary contractors to handle other aspects of their recovery. We have the skilled professionals to perform board-up and tarping services for your residence. We can also oversee full-scale reconstruction once mitigation completes in your Riverside property.

Water

We know how easily water loss incidents can develop, and that's why training our restoration technicians in this niche is a constant and continual process. The science of restoring water damage in  homes is evolving and consistently changing. So our professionals have to move along with it – putting these new practices and equipment into use to help our customers with the most efficient and practical approach. Our commitment to customer satisfaction and the outcome of your loss incidents goes far beyond our IICRC training.

Our restoration team has access to equipment and machines that far exceed the limitations of conventional recovery tools. The truck-mounted water extractors that our SERVPRO team uses, for example, can handle the removal of thousands of gallons of water every day. Combined with multiple other impressive equipment pieces, this vehicle sets our professionals apart in water damage restoration for the greater Riverside area.

We also have the capability of addressing the massive loss of water damage for commercial properties and houses. 67 years of industry experience and a roster that features Commercial Drying Specialists (CDS) and those with WRT and ASD endorsements, no job is too big or too complicated for our field technicians with the right approach, equipment, and attitude.

Fire

Our team is responsible for many structures in this area alone; the possibility of fire damage is a persistent threat. Knowing the best approach to handle these conditions hinges on the severity of the situation and what materials, surfaces, and contents have become affected. Our IICRC-Certified Fire & Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) and those with additional training in odor control and upholstery/carpet cleaning have access to equipment that can help our team restore loss incidents quickly.

Much of our efficiency in fire recovery stems from these advanced and cutting-edge machines. Soot removal and cleaning, for example, often fall to a combination of specially-formulated cleaning agents and products with automated surface scrubbers that can eliminate residues on surfaces.

Every minute counts in fire restoration. Our technicians obtain IICRC certifications and train to understand how fire damage in Coral Gables homes and businesses spreads and the best approach to overcome the damages.

Mold

Before our certified AMRTs can set up containment barriers and begin the often-intricate process of mold remediation in your Riverside home or business – our professionals must locate the source of the moisture and dampness. These conditions are likely to happen again without adequately identifying how the water damage facilitated mold growth.

You can count the swift response of SERVPRO of West Riverside City team in a crisis. Give our professionals a call anytime that you need us at (951) 351-8033.

Your Riverside Business is Flooded. Now What?

3/28/2022 (Permalink)

If your business has been affected by flood the most important thing you can do is act quickly.

This reduces the level of damage and helps contain recovery costs. If no one is injured the first thing you want to do is call your insurance company.  Then do the following:

Be Safe

Make sure your building is safe before you enter. Do a quick assessment of the exterior of the building to see if there are any structural damages. You should also check for possible electrical hazards. The safest thing you can do is to turn off the power if possible. Since there is the potential for electrocution if electricity is still running make sure you are wearing protective gear as you walk through the property.

Be Quick

Time is of the essence when dealing with standing water. It takes less than 48 hours for mold to grow and spread. For this reason you want to quickly remove the excess water. Open windows and use air movers to help with drying. You then want to ensure there are no pockets of concealed water – either under carpet or on water absorbing material (i.e. concrete).  If a flood is laden with bacteria or chemicals do not try to clean on your own get a professional like SERVPRO of West Riverside City involved.

If you have suffered a flood or other water disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of West Riverside City 951-351-8033

Be Thorough

Make sure you document everything! Take a picture of the damaged condition and anything you are throwing out. This will be important for the recovery process with your insurance company.

If all of this seems like a lot of work that you are not ready or do not have the time to take on do not worry! SERVPRO of West Riverside City can ease the stress and complete the entire process for you.

If all of this seems like a lot of work that you are not ready or do not have the time to take on do not worry! SERVPRO of West Riverside City can ease the stress and complete the entire process for you. All we need is your insurance carrier name and your claim number and we will take care of the rest. SERVPRO offers claim services to both the client and the insurance professionals. They provide an itemized loss inventory when possible. They also offer pretesting on every loss. Since restoring property is usually less expensive than replacing it, this saves the client time and the insurance company money.

We are here for you during this time of need and our trained technicians will make the damage look “Like it never even happened."

When Disaster Strikes, Choose SERVPRO | SERVPRO of West Riverside City

3/23/2022 (Permalink)

We have custom plans for many situations, and we’re prepared to get your home or business back to normal ASAP!

Homeowners, business owners and property managers, it’s your job to make sure operations run smoothly.

Keeping morale high and the family happy is a priority.

When something like a disaster strikes, the status quo is upset! All of those responsibilities take a back seat, and you now have a new focus. You may have never managed a crisis before—and that’s why we’re here.

Managing and handling a crisis is our job, not yours! Let us handle the pressure, we do it for a living.

When life tries to get a fast one by you, trust SERVPRO to take over and get you back to normal.

Equipped, Qualified & Ready

Our job is to be ready when needed. When you call, we’ll be on the way in a moment’s notice. We understand there is no time to spare when fire damage, flooding or a natural disaster is at hand.

When a crisis happens, we’re queued up and ready to go.

Being Faster to Any Disaster Is What We Do

When a disaster hits, we understand that we need to drop everything and come running. After all, in a disaster situation, every second counts.

For every minute that passes, mold can grow, and you can have more smoke or water damage. A fast response is critical, and with a local office right here nearby, you’ll be the beneficiary of a local company with national resources.

We Know the Best Disaster Recovery Techniques

Disasters don’t care where or when they strike, and homes and businesses can suffer accidental or natural damage.

We have custom plans for many situations, and we’re prepared to get your home or business back to normal ASAP!

Our Expertly Trained Techs Restore Your Property "Like it never even happened."

We’re not a “here today and gone tomorrow” type of operation. SERVPRO is an expert in the recovery and restoration business because we care about your satisfaction enough to ensure your property is restored to its original condition.

We are committed to ensuring your restoration is exceptional from start to finish.

Fires burn, storms rage, pipes leak—it happens. Your local SERVPRO is ready to take on the challenge so you can get back to life.

Regardless of why you need cleanup or disaster recovery, SERVPRO of West Riverside City has the tools, the technicians and the training to get your situation under control. 

We're here for you, call us!

951-351-8033

Planning Ahead in Case of a Burst Pipe | SERVPRO of  West Riverside City

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for restoration assistance.

Burst pipes are something that can happen when you least expect it, causing serious damage in a brief amount of time.

While there is no way to know when a pipe may burst, knowing what to do in the event that one does can help you act quickly to mitigate the damage that the water can cause.

In a perfect world, water damage would be a rare occurrence—but many people are surprised to find out how often it occurs. Every year, one in 50 homes will experience some type of water damage, but a plan can significantly lessen the impact that it has.

Having a Plan in the Event a Pipe Bursts in Your Home

Shut off your water main. When a pipe bursts in your home, in some situations, it can continue pouring water into the area, creating even more damage. If it is safe to do so, shutting off your water main can reduce the overall damages that are caused.

Shut off your electricity. Water and electricity definitely do not mix, so if you are able to get to your circuit breaker to cut your electricity off safely, it is wise to do so. This will ensure that if water comes in contact with outlets or appliances, there is not a shock or fire hazard.

Contact your restoration company. Setting your restoration in motion quickly is one of the best things you can do for water damage, so it is wise to get in touch with your restoration company right away. We recommend always choosing a company that is available 24⁄7 so you never have to wait for a call back when you report your damages.

Take a record of the damages. Not only is keeping good records helpful for you, but it will also be helpful if you are eligible to file a claim with your insurance provider. Take photos and videos in addition to making a list of everything that is damaged by the water.

Contact your insurance company. The type of coverage you will receive for water damage of this nature can vary, so your insurance company is the authority on what is and is not eligible to be covered by filing a claim. Contacting them quickly can help you set this process in motion so you can get it settled as fast as possible.

Open windows and doors if possible. If the weather permits and it is safe to do so, increasing the airflow around water damage by opening windows and doors can speed up the drying time by encouraging evaporation.

If you have water damage in your home due to a burst pipe or another cause, you can count on us for restoration assistance. Contact us at any time 951-351-8033 to learn more about our restoration services.

Have You Considered What Could Cause a Fire in Your Riverside Workplace?

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Immediately clean up spilt grease. Grease left on work surfaces can be extremely dangerous.

A fire in an office or store can be devastating to a community. 

In addition to potential deaths and property loss, people may lose their jobs and the community may lose a vital service provided by the business.  There 18,700 office and store fires in the United States in 2019 that caused $744 million in direct property damage-US Fire Administration.

Electrical Fires

Over 25% of all fires are linked to a malfunction of either a piece of electrical equipment, wiring, or both. Electricity is a common source of ignition for major fires. One way to avoid problems with electrical fires is to establish an electrical safety program.

All employees should be thoroughly familiar with the safety procedures for their particular jobs. To maximize his or her own safety, an employee should always use tools and equipment properly. Extension cords must be inspected before use, and those found questionable, removed from service and properly tagged. Damage or inadequate maintenance can cause equipment to deteriorate, resulting in unsafe conditions.

Flammable and Combustible Materials

There are thousands of chemicals in use in the modern American workplace. One of the most prevalent dangers of these chemicals is their flammability or combustibility. Improper handling of flammable materials brings a great risk of fire. When a flammable liquid is spilled, vapors begin to form immediately. It is the vapors that will ignite, and which pose the greater danger.

Flammable liquid spill cleanup should begin immediately. Vapors will continue to build until the liquid is removed, and they can be ignited by a variety of sources in the average workplace. The best way to avoid fire caused by these materials is to follow all OSHA guidelines when dealing with flammables.

Human Error

The most common reason for a sprinkler system failure is human error. Often times the water supply was turned off at the time of the fire. The success of fire prevention strategies depends primarily on pre-planning, preparation, equipment quality, and the readiness of personnel. Employees and loss prevention practitioners must be knowledgeable about the proper use of extinguishers. If the wrong extinguisher is used, a fire may become more serious.

General Negligence

Negligence is another common cause of fire in the workplace. It’s slightly different from fires caused by human error. Negligence occurs when an employee does not follow established procedures and knowingly undertakes an activity that is a potential fire hazard.

Fire caused by negligence can be the result of:

• Hot surfaces too close to heating equipment
• Open flame that’s not properly located or protected
• Not following smoking restrictions or careless disposal of butts, ashes, and matches

Good common sense, self awareness, and close adherence to policy are a great way to avoid fires caused by general negligence. Posting fire safety signs in common areas is another way to keep fire safety at top of mind.

Grease Fires

If grease is spilt, have it cleaned by staff straight away. Grease left on floors, walls or work surfaces can be extremely dangerous. Not only is it a fire hazard it can also cause falls and other workplace injuries.

Make it a rule within your kitchen – if there’s a spill, clean it up immediately!

 Arson

The premise behind arson prevention, like other prevention programs, is to address the opportunity to commit the crime. Arsonists, like other criminals, typically prefer to start fires in locations that are secluded or hidden. Prevention programs often suggest improving the surveillance in these areas by lighting the area, removing visual obstructions to natural observation, and moving the targets such as dumpsters.

Emergency Response Profile

If your Business would like a free Emergency Response Profile, please call SERVPRO of West Riverside city, we can help you collect pertinent information in the event of a disaster. 

 Contact us:

Office: 951-351-8033

Residents Experience Fire Damage, What To Do While Waiting For Your Contractor

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

After fire damage, SERVPRO helps Riverside county residents take control and restore their homes

Navigate the restoration process with ease by following SERVPRO’s four tips for preparing for fire restoration services while waiting for your contractor, from addressing safety concerns to minimizing the chance of further damage. 

The first step in the fire restoration process should always be calling a trained professional. However, many homeowners find themselves at a loss for what to do after that.

The experts at SERVPRO put together this list of things to do while waiting for a fire restoration contractor to help with that. They also stress that no one should enter the building until it has been cleared for entry by the fire department. 

SERVPRO of West Riverside City is a local leader in the fire damage restoration industry. In addition to fire restoration, they offer a wide range of other emergency restoration services, such as water removal and mold remediation. 

Fire Damage Restoration Tips: What to Do While Waiting for Your Contractor

#1: Start an Insurance Claim

While the fire restoration contractor will likely help manage the insurance claims process, it helps to notify the applicable insurance company of the fire as soon as possible and open a claim. Likewise, it's vital to take pictures of all the damage before moving anything or beginning any clean-up efforts. Detailed documentation is key to a successful claim. 

#2: Air Out the House for Mold and Mildew

Firefighters often use large amounts of water and sometimes even chemicals to put out house fires. A problematic side effect can come in the form of mold and mildew that develops in dark and damp areas. These fungi can compromise the internal strength of the house while also posing potential health effects.

Mold should only be removed by a trained professional due to the risk of exposure to harmful spores. Instead, leave it alone and open the windows to help air out the space. This step may also help with humidity levels. 

#3: Only Move Around the House if Necessary

The main concern with initiating cleaning is the possibility of exacerbating any damage. This also holds true for soot which can stick to shoe soles and transfer to other surfaces.

Avoid spreading unnecessary stains and creating more work by limiting movement throughout the space. To this end, it may be prudent to focus on areas further from the damage and leave more significant damage to the fire restoration contractor.

#4: Inspect and Clean Personal Items 

Smoke can affect clothing and other personal items in addition to interior surfaces. Avoid loading affected clothing in the washing machine as soot and other small particles can build up and cause clogs. Instead, check the local area for dry cleaners that can handle fire-damaged clothing.

Kitchen items may also require attention if the space is still inhabitable. Try soaking any dishes, utensils, and other kitchen gadgets in water and bleach to remove smoke damage. Do not consume any food or ingredients that were near the fire or suppression efforts, whether it remains intact or not.

About SERVPRO

After fire damage, SERVPRO helps Riverside county residents take control and restore their homes.  For more information on fire damage restoration services in the Riverside area, call SERVPRO today at (951)351-8033 for a fast and free quote.

With Chilly Winter Weather, Reduce the Risk of Chimney Fires

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Fire or smoke damage can be an incredibly stressful event, be sure to take the appropriate measures in cleaning and maintaining your fireplace.

There is nothing quite like the warmth and glow of a wood burning fire.

Fire is one of humanities oldest tools. It has the power to heat our bodies, cook our foods, refine our metals and light the darkness. We are connected to fire at a primal level and deep down we are all mystified when we see the flames dancing between logs. Nowadays we may be lucky enough to bring that joy inside but the comfort of a cozy indoor fire brings with it, plenty of danger, especially if the fireplace and chimney are not properly inspected and maintained. Here are a few tips to keep your house and family safe from the danger of an indoor fire:

Here are a few tips to keep your house and family safe from the danger of an indoor fire:

• Inspection
  According to The National Fire Protection Association, “Chimneys, fireplaces, and vents shall be inspected at least once a year for soundness, freedom from deposits, and correct clearances. Cleaning, maintenance, and repairs shall be done if necessary.” An inspector will come and make sure your fireplace is safe to use and let you know if there are any repairs necessary. If you haven’t used your fireplace in a long time, birds or other creatures may have built nests that could clog your flue or chimney chamber. Winter freeze cycles, inclement weather, and moisture combine to take an annual toll on masonry and liner materials. Year in and year out these elements can cause deterioration that will eventually require attention. Seasonal wear and tear that is left unchecked will affect the performance of your system and the longer the defects go without being addressed, the more expensive the repairs are likely to be. That is why staying on top of your systems is not only the smartest and safest choice but the most cost-effective too.
• Chimney cleaning
  The best practice is to keep things simple and safe. Make sure to clean the fireplace regularly and know if it’s well built. It is also a good idea to have a professional initially inspect the fireplace and chimney even if you plan to clean and maintain it yourself. The Chimney Safety Institute recommends cleaning the chimney when creosote is 1/4 inch or thicker on the chimney walls or there is visible build up in the system. A chimney sweeping company will take their time to make sure they clean everything and keep your house soot free while doing it. The best time to schedule a cleaning is at the end of the indoor fire season as acids in the creosote, or humidity combined with creosote, can both damage the fireplace mortar. After an initial professional cleaning you should, with the right knowledge, be able to clean and maintain it yourself. Of interest… after cleaning your own fireplace, you could dispose of the ashes and creosote by sprinkling them on flowerbeds. They are a great source of calcium and other nutrients.
• Chimney cap
  These are a small but important piece of your chimney. Having a chimney cap installed can prevent objects, rain, and snow from falling into your chimney reducing downdrafts which lower the performance of your fireplace. These caps have side vents so smoke escapes and the mesh around the cap sides acts as a spark arrester. Chimney caps also prevent animals and other unwanted guests from making their home in your chimney during the spring and summer months. Another tip is to trim trees back that surrounds the chimney and make sure there is no debris building up on our around it. All in all, even though a chimney cap is a small and generally inexpensive piece of equipment, it can prevent numerous issues from happening. It might also save you thousands of dollars in chimney repairs or damage expense.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City offers these tips from Federal Emergency Management Agency for preventing creosote buildup that can cause chimney fires:

Limited air supply and unseasoned wood encourage the buildup of creosote. To avoid that buildup, do not restrict the air supply by:

• Closing the glass doors
• Not opening the damper wide enough
• The longer the smoke is in the flue, the more likely it is that creosote will form
• By closing down the stove damper or air inlets on a wood stove too soon or too much
• Do not burn unseasoned wood
• In the case of wood stoves, overloading the firebox with wood in an attempt to get a longer burn time also contributes to creosote buildup

Fireplace and Woodstove Safety

• Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out
• Do not burn paper in your fireplace or woodstove
• Put ashes in a metal container with a lid, outside, at least three feet from your home
• Put the fire out before you go to sleep or leave your home

Experiencing fire or smoke damage can be an incredibly stressful event so be sure to take the appropriate measures in cleaning and maintaining your fireplace and chimney. SERVPRO of West Riverside City specializes in water restoration as well as fire and/or smoke damage and we will do our best to get you and your family back on the couch for a cozy, crackling fire on that cold winter evening.

Call Us!

When Riverside residents and businesses have fire damage, they can trust SERVPRO of West Riverside City to restore the damage, “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 951-351-8033.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why Does SERVPRO Use Containment During Mold Remediation?

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Prevents further damage to your property by making it harder for spores to find a new home elsewhere

Riverside Homeowners Can Rely on Us to Control the Spread of Spores

People living in Riverside know that the upkeep of a house is a significant undertaking. There are always items needing repairing or replacing, and there is a list of chores each week. Some jobs require professional help, and you need a company on which you can rely.

If you need mold remediation in Riverside, SERVPRO is your go-to remediation company. We put our technicians through a comprehensive training program, which is the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification certified. Our services are available all day, including on holidays, so you know we have always got your back.

Proper containment procedures are an essential part of our technician training. But what is containment – and why does it matter to you?

How does mold travel?

To understand the necessity of containment, it helps to know how mold travels. Mold spores are microscopic. The mold growth you see as black patches is a network of tiny tube-like filaments called hyphae. A mold colony comprises many hyphae, and the mold grows and lives in areas that provide moisture and a food source.

Unfortunately, mold does not just stay in its colony. Tiny mold spores can break free and become airborne. Once the mold is in the air, it can attach to clothes, bags, shoes, and even pets. It can also enter the home through doors and windows. If the breakaway mold spores find another location with moisture, oxygen, and a food source, they can form a new colony.

How does containment help?

Containment makes it harder for mold spores in Riverside to leave the affected area. If it is harder for spores to go, they are less likely to travel and set up a new colony in another part of your home.

Containment does not only stop mold spores, however. It is also helping to prevent the spread of:

• Silica dust
• Asbestos
• Lead-based paint
• Leftover soda crystal particles from soda blasting 

Containment means we keep the contamination in one area, which makes it easier to handle and produces better long-term results for you.

What exactly is containment?

There are two main types of containment.

We use limited containment for smaller areas (usually less than 100 square feet). SERVPRO technicians wrap the affected area in a single layer of polyethylene sheeting. We use tape to seal up all windows, doors, ducts, and vents to close off potential exit points. The sheeting contains a slit for entry and exit covered by a flap when not in use.

We use full containment in larger areas, or more severe cases of mold. Full containment includes two layers of polyethylene sheeting and the addition of a decontamination area. SERVPRO employees use this area to decontaminate themselves and their equipment before entering the rest of your home.

Are there any other benefits of containment?

Yes. As well as stopping the spread of mold or other harmful particles throughout your home, containment:

• Prevents further damage to your property by making it harder for spores to find a new home elsewhere
• Makes the cleanup process much easier
• Ensures we carry out mold remediation in the safest possible environment

What about air filtration?

Air filtration is an essential part of containment. We use powerful air scrubbers, equipped with HEPA filters, to pull microscopic spores from the air and trap them. The HEPA filters are small enough to capture tiny mold spores, as well as other airborne contaminants.

In some cases, we also use negative air machines. While air scrubbers are self-contained units, negative air machines vent the contaminated air outside of your home. They create a vacuum to prevent mold from becoming airborne and escaping.

Does containment stop mold?

It is impossible to ensure that mold will never take hold in your home again. Because it can enter through doors, windows, on your clothes, or your pets, we cannot truthfully say it will not come back. However, containment means that the mold spores in the currently contaminated area cannot spread. And if they cannot spread, they cannot set up new colonies.

Containment is highly effective for treating the current mold infestation and discouraging spores from traveling elsewhere. We also use moisture meters and sensors, and thermal-hygrometers, to monitor moisture levels in the affected area, so there is less moisture to feed mold.

We also use highly effective cleaning procedures such as baking soda blasting to clean away as many visible colonies as possible. The combination of containment with effective remediation makes your home much less friendly to mold spores and removes existing colonies. If you need help with mold remediation, give SERVPRO of West Riverside City a call at (951) 351-8033.

Unattended Death in Riverside, What Should You Do?

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

When discovering an unattended death, the first step is contact authorities by dialing 911.

Death is always difficult to face, especially when a loved one dies alone.

Death is called an unattended death and requires a thorough, careful approach to remediate the scene.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the steps you can take to clean up after an unattended death, and when to hire after death cleaning services.

What Does Unattended Death Mean?

The term unattended death refers to a case where nobody discovers the deceased’s body for days, weeks, or months.

Today, unattended deaths are most common with older adults, especially those who live alone and do not have family or friends that check on them frequently. In other cases, unattended death can be the result of an accident, suicide, or homicide. 

What to Do after an Unattended Death

When a person dies, the natural process of decomposition begins quickly. Within hours of death, dangerous bacteria are released into the air surrounding the body and will start to impact nearby materials. This bacteria causes the odor of decomposition, and remediating it requires a comprehensive, skilled approach. It’s not enough to bleach the floors and throw away the bedding.

Instead, take the following steps to begin reclaiming the area:

• Contact the authorities. The first thing you should do if you find yourself in the unfortunate position of discovering an unattended death is to call 911. Police will arrive at the scene to investigate and determine the cause of death. Even if the deceased died of natural causes, this is a critical step. The police will help you contact the local coroner’s office, who will transport the body to the morgue. 
• Notify friends and family. Since the death was unattended, friends and family won’t know the deceased has passed. Reach out to notify friends, family members, congregants at the individual’s church, and other individuals in the social circle of the person’s passing. 
• Avoid DIY cleanup. Biohazard cleanup can be dangerous. Don’t risk your health or wellbeing by trying to clean the area on your own. Instead, contact a professional cleanup service to deal with substances like bodily fluids, blood, and other pathogens. You should also wait to collect sentimental items from the deceased’s home, as they may be contaminated. 

Why is Proper Unattended Death Cleanup Important?

Cleaning and sanitizing an area after an unattended death isn’t an easy job. When an unattended death occurs in a residence, it creates a variety of infectious materials that can be dangerous for years–unless they’re dealt with properly. If you intended to sell or rent the property in the future, it’s critical to ensure proper cleanup now. 

Here are a few reasons it’s critical to hire a professional unattended-death cleanup team: 

• Porous material, including wood, carpet, drywall, and concrete absorb body fluids. Unfortunately, surface cleaning these porous materials won’t sterilize them, and you should never attempt to do so on your own. Instead, contact a bioremediation company that can properly dispose of these items for you.
• Depending on the health of the deceased person before their death, there’s a potential to encounter bloodborne pathogens at the unattended death site, which can be dangerous for anyone in the area. Professional cleanup crews wearing commercial-grade personal protective equipment (PPE) are the only ones who can enter the area safely.
• While decomposition is perfectly normal, traditional home cleaning solutions aren’t sufficient to safely clean, sanitize and disinfect areas affected by human decomposition. Instead, you need a professional team that has access to the cleaning compounds and commercial tools needed to resolve contamination resulting from decomposition. 
• It’s impossible to get rid of all traces of biological material with DIY cleaning tactics. Unfortunately, even a trace amount of biological material left behind can make a residence unsafe to live in and render it impossible to sell or rent. 

Don’t the Police Help Clean up? 

The short answer to this question is no. Paramedics, law enforcement officials, the county coroner, and fire rescue teams may all respond to an unattended death scene, but none of them are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing the space afterward. 

Instead, these professionals typically recommend contacting a privately-owned company like SERVPRO of West Riverside for unattended death cleanup services. Teams like ours are the only professionals who understand how to use microorganisms to degrade and neutralize organic contaminants and sanitize an unattended death site. 

What is the Cost of Unattended Death Cleanup?

The costs of unattended death cleanup vary depending on the severity of the scene, your location, how long the body has been unattended, the number of technicians needed to sanitize a space, the amount of time they spend doing so, and the extent of organic matter in the area. 

What Conditions Does Mold Grow In?

1/31/2022 (Permalink)

If you've discovered mold in your property, give us a call about removing it.

While mold is a preventable problem, if it does break out, it can be a serious issue to tackle for homeowners, and if it is not handled properly from the beginning, it can quickly return on a repeat basis.

Fortunately, there are things that every homeowner can do to prevent mold from growing in the first place—namely, by avoiding creating conditions where it is likely to thrive. Below, we will take a look at how mold finds its way into your home as well as the conditions that it likes so you can be on the lookout for susceptible places in your home.

How Does Mold Get Into a Home?

Mold spores are airborne, and they can easily be transported from the outdoors to the inside of a home when the door is opened, when people walk inside with their shoes on or when pets and people carry the spores in on their fur or clothes.

Mold is nearly everywhere, which is normally not an issue because it needs a very specific set of conditions to begin to grow and reproduce.

An indoor mold problem can show itself in different ways. Some common indicators include:

Any of the above should bring about concern with property owners or occupants as they can be an indicator of an indoor mold problem.

Unfortunately, while these conditions should warrant a reaction, many people don’t react until their health or the health of someone they know is impacted.

Despite the indicators, addressing a potential mold problem is important. The first step in this process is to verify whether or not you actually have a problem and, if one is present, the size of the problem.

Several environmental inspection companies are available to investigate a property to determine if a harmful mold growth and environmental contamination exists. During the property inspection, samples of the air and surfaces may be taken during the mold testing process. These samples should then be analyzed by an independent third party lab to detect the presence or absence of mold growth within the area in question.

The Conditions That Mold Finds Favorable

There are many different types of mold that may grow in areas, but they all have one thing in common: They cannot grow without an adequate amount of moisture.

Mold requires dampness to take hold and begin reproducing, which is why it is often found in basements, bathrooms and areas that have experienced water damage.

An indoor mold problem can show itself in different ways. Some common indicators include:

Any of the above should bring about concern with property owners or occupants as they can be an indicator of an indoor mold problem.

Despite the indicators, addressing a potential mold problem is important. The first step in this process is to verify whether or not you actually have a problem and, if one is present, the size of the problem.

Several environmental inspection companies are available to investigate a property to determine if a harmful mold growth and environmental contamination exists. During the property inspection, samples of the air and surfaces may be taken during the mold testing process. These samples should then be analyzed by an independent third party lab to detect the presence or absence of mold growth within the area in question.

 If the investigation of the property concludes that the indoor environment is unsafe, mold remediation should be pursued. It is not recommended that mold be remediated by a private party, regular contractor, or maintenance worker as this can exacerbate the problem. The best choice for mold remediation is a professional mold remediation or damage restoration company that is experienced and certified in environmental remediation and decontamination such as SERVPRO of West Riverside City.

How Can I Discourage Mold From Growing?

One of the best things that homeowners can do to prevent mold from growing is increasing circulation and not letting areas in the home become too humid. Adding a fan to a bathroom or installing a dehumidifier in a basement can go a long way in discouraging mold from making itself at home.

Additionally, if you have any water damage to your home, it is best to get it professionally restored right away so mold does not begin to grow in the damaged area.

If you need help with mold remediation or water damage restoration, we are here to help.

If the investigation of the property concludes that the indoor environment is unsafe, mold remediation should be pursued. It is not recommended that mold be remediated by a private party, regular contractor, or maintenance worker as this can exacerbate the problem. The best choice for mold remediation is a professional mold remediation or damage restoration company that is experienced and certified in environmental remediation and decontamination such as SERVPRO of West Riverside City.

Can Delicate Items Be Cleaned After Flood Damage?

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

We not only restore the structure of your home but the treasured possessions inside.

Not Everything is a Total Loss with Flooding in the City of Riverside – SERVPRO Knows How to Restore Treasured Items with Minimal Damage 

Can Stains Be Removed from My Antique Chair Cover? 

When homes experience flood damage in Riverside City, the initial focus is on emergency mitigation. Dealing with safety issues, water extraction, and drying out impacted areas is the critical focus. Floodwater is highly contaminated, and items may need to be disposed of, more so than in a home water intrusion. But some things may have peripheral damage, such as spots and stains that can be cleaned. Delicate items such as the upholstery on your antique chair can often be cleaned. While regular cleaning takes place, spot and stain removal is a bit different:

Isn’t a Spot and a Stain the Same Thing? 

In most people’s minds, they would be the same if they even gave it much thought. However, there is a difference. A spot is produced when a component is added to the fiber of the material. Things like sugar, gum, or wax produce spots. A stain occurs when the grain of the material becomes discolored by something like wine or coffee. Our technicians are trained in understanding the cause and effect behind water damaged material, allowing them to apply the appropriate treatment. 

How Do Items with Spots or Stains Get Treated?

Different types of soils require specific treatments. Fabric items such as upholstered furniture, carpets or rugs, or drapes are examples of often treated possessions. The kind of dirt on them plays a role in the cleaning agent used. Soils can include: 

When dealing with the home contents that need spot or stain removal, the first step is to extract as much soil as possible. The faster the stain is addressed, the better the chance of repair. The material should ideally be dry, but our technicians advise on the best approach. If the damage is extensive and the item is wet, the technique may vary. 

Restoring Your Possessions 

Once the excess dirt has been removed from flood damaged items, determining the type of soil is necessary. The fiber content of the item is also defined. Understanding the soil type being dealt with and the fiber content is vital to ensure the right cleaning method gets employed. Before SERVPRO begins any cleaning of your items, we explain the process and the expected outcome. Then the best solvent for the job is chosen, and the item gets cleaned. All content is rinsed and dried, and restored as close to preloss condition as possible. 

Flooding can result in devastation to your home and the contents. At SERVPRO, our goal is always to restore rather than replace it if we can. We sympathize with what our customers who have experienced flooding are going through. If we can save even a small portion of your treasured belongings, we are happy to do so.  

Your Home is Important to Us 

For around the clock professional flood damage, contact:

 SERVPRO of West Riverside City 

(951) 351-8033.

We not only restore the structure of your home but the treasured possessions inside.

SERVPRO® Named in Top 10... Again!!

1/24/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Again Named to Franchise 500 List, #1 in Restoration Category!

SERVPRO Again Named to Franchise 500 List, #1 in Restoration Category!

SERVPRO, a cleanup, restoration, and construction franchise company, is proud to announce it has been recognized again as one of the best overall franchise opportunities by Entrepreneur magazine’s 2022 Franchise 500, the industry’s most comprehensive franchise ranking. Evaluated on categories such as growth, financial strength and stability, and brand power, SERVPRO was named the #8 overall franchise system, and #1 in the cleaning and restoration industry for the 19th consecutive year.

“SERVPRO is built on the foundation of outstanding customer service, industry-leading training, and the success of following a proven system,” said SERVPRO CEO Rick Isaacson. “On behalf of the more than 1,900 SERVPRO franchises across the U.S. and Canada, we are honored by this recognition.

“The SERVPRO brand and its franchisees share a strong partnership, working together to set and achieve goals which have allowed us to grow each year for more than half a century despite the challenges many businesses have faced, especially over the past 18-24 months.”

To best understand and evaluate the ever-changing franchise marketplace, the Entrepreneur’s editorial team researches and assesses several factors that go into the evaluation, including costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 in ranking order.

“The past year has been one of the most challenging for businesses in recent memory, which made putting together our 43rd annual Franchise 500 list more enlightening than ever,” said Entrepreneur Editor in Chief Jason Feifer. “The companies named to this year’s list showed us how being resilient, supportive and nimble can help navigate extraordinary challenges and also underscore the grit and innovation that define entrepreneurship.”

SERVPRO franchise owners pride themselves on being “ready for whatever happens,” Isaacson said, which helped the company jump two spots from its #10 ranking in 2021.

“Our franchisees have a ‘never say no’ mentality, working together with other owners to make sure we are able to satisfy all of our customers’ and clients’ cleanup, remediation and restoration needs, which allows us to ‘Keep it Green,’ as we like to say.

“We pride ourselves on rushing in when others are running out – whether that is in response to a natural disaster such as a hurricane, flood, or tornado; cleaning up after a home or business water or fire loss, or helping clean and sanitize spaces from unseen threats like COVID-19. Maintaining our position for nearly 20 years as the best franchise in our category on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list validates our long-standing strategy for growing our brand: invest in franchisee training and support and commit resources to continually improving our infrastructure.”

Visit our "Own a Franchise" page to learn more about joining the SERVPRO family.

About SERVPRO

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, construction, mold mitigation, biohazard, and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,900 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners, and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of West Riverside City Can Help With Bio Cleanup

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Our technician is certified in Crime Scene and Trauma cleanup.

What is a Bio-Hazard? Well the dictionary definition is "a biological substance that's dangerous to people or the environment."

Our Primary Concern

It often comes to our attention as a result of a serious injury or death. Cleaning up a Bio-Hazard has many aspects to it. Our primary concern is to make sure our employees and others in the vicinity do not become injured as a result of working in that environment. Blood and any associated blood borne pathogens need to be properly handled due to their inherent risk to humans.

Required PPE

Proper personal protective equipment is just the start. Anyone working with bio-hazards needs proper training in procedures, respirator protection, health and safety and hazard communications. Items such as needles, broken glass or other sharp objects need to be handled very carefully and preferably with a tool that limits our need to contact it.

What Should be Disposed of

Materials that have come in direct contact with blood need to be properly disposed with a licensed waste hauler. This may include PPE, clothing, items used to actually do the cleanup such as paper products and rags, and any cloth material that needed to be removed from the affected site such as cushions, carpeting, bedding, etc.

This work is not particularly difficult, but being able to do the work properly takes a lot of training, planning, careful following of procedures.

 Certification

Bio-hazard cleanup is different than any other type of cleanup. Not only is there special training to ensure the safety of the workers, occupants, and other people who may have access to the affected area, but there are other issues as well.

We are Empathetic to the Situation

If the cleanup is in a home or residential facility, emotions will be involved. Was it an accident? Was it fatal? What connections to the injured party does everyone have? 

Commercial Safety is Important

If the cleanup is in a commercial facility, is the potential risk of injury to others corrected? Can work continue while the cleanup is being performed, or are critical areas of the facility shut down?

Who Should You Call?

SERVPRO of West Riverside City is fully trained and experienced to handle these cleanups with professional staff that are kind empathetic and caring. 

Our technician is certified in Crime Scene and Trauma cleanup.  We work closely with Sheriff Department and local morgue who contact us for such cleanups.

As tough as these jobs are, it is important to do them right; the first time.

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City: 951.351.8033 

Is Your Riverside Business Prepared To Evacuate in the Event of an Emergency?

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

By keeping a few simple guidelines in mind, designing your evacuation procedure can keep you prepared for any disaster.

Are You Prepared?

While an emergency in the workplace is never expected, disasters happen every day in businesses all around the country. That’s why it’s so important to implement a Evacuation Plan for your employees and customers. By keeping a few simple guidelines in mind when designing your evacuation procedure, you can make sure your business in Riverside, CA is prepared for a worst-case scenario.

1. Pay attention to details.

Where is a fire most likely to break out in your building? How is the customer traffic flow designed? What are the locations of sprinklers and fire extinguishers? These are factors that will need to be considered when planning for an emergency. Map your evacuation route to bypass dangerous areas and allow for the fastest possible exit from the building.

2. Communication is key.

Even the most well-designed fire drill plan is useless if you don’t ensure that every employee knows how to implement it. Keep in mind that your employees will need to guide customers to safety in the event of an emergency, so it’s imperative that they have access to a printed evacuation route and are aware of where all the building exits are located.

3. Repeat, repeat, repeat.

Even the most level-headed employee can panic if a fire breaks out at work. That’s why evacuation drills should be rehearsed on a regular basis to make sure that everyone knows their role in an emergency. Address any issues or confusion after each drill to develop a reliable exit strategy. Shift leaders and managers should have the contact information for a reliable fire damage restoration company to call after ensuring that all customers and employees are out of the building and first responders are on the way.

While no business owner wants to think about a life-threatening emergency in their building, it’s crucial to have a fire drill plan in place to ensure the safety of your employees and customers. By remembering to prepare for the worst-case scenario, you can prevent a tragedy from occurring.

Get Back to Business Quickly After a Fire

As a business owner, you know that any disruption in business affects your bottom line. We have large loss teams that work alongside our local SERVPRO experts. These professionals understand your unique set of problems when faced with fire damage and can respond immediately to your call. Our goal is to help you get your business up and running again as soon as possible after a fire emergency.

Should your business experience a fire, SERVPRO of West Riverside City has the experience and knowledge to make any disaster, "Like it never even happened."

Call for any emergency 951-351-8033

What to do Before and After a Flood in Riverside

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Remember that flash floods can occur suddenly, and miles from the source of water.

In Riverside flooding can happen anytime, but October to April are our rainiest months.

What to do before a Flood

Take steps to protect your home, family, and financial security throughout the year, and take extra precautions when flooding is predicted in your area.

The best way to protect your home and belongings from flood damage is to purchase flood insurance – don’t let your hard work be washed away.

Here are a few steps you and your family can take to be ready for flooding:

• Get Flood Insurance- Most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Do an annual “insurance check-up” with your agent to make sure you have the right coverage and amounts of coverage.
• Know Your Risk- Look up your address in the Flood Map Service Center to learn if you live, work, or travel in areas that are prone to flooding.
• Take a Household Inventory- Take photos and videos of all major household items and valuables. Retain these documents in a safe place because they are important when filing insurance claims.
• Store Important Documents- Save copies of birth certificates, passports, medical records, and insurance papers in a safe, dry place. Keep original documents in a watertight safety deposit box.

Did you know?

When flooding is imminent or predicted, National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders are eligible to receive up to $1,000 to purchase loss avoidance supplies like tarps, sandbags, and more.

Steps to minimize your flood losses

Minimize your potential losses from flooding by taking the following steps:

• Elevate and Anchor utilities- Elevate and anchor your critical utilities, including electrical panels, propane tanks, sockets, wiring, appliances, and heating systems.
• Clear Debris From Gutters- Make sure that you clear any debris from gutters and downspouts to avoid an accumulation of water.
• Elevate or Move Your Furniture- When flooding is predicted or imminent, move furniture and valuables to a safe place, such as an attic or the highest floor of your home.

When flooding is imminent – take care of your physical safety

When a flood is imminent or occurring, your first priority should be the physical safety of you, your loved ones, and your pets.

Stay alert by monitoring the local news and weather reports and sign up for emergency alerts. Have a communication plan ready in the event of a power outage.

In Riverside flooding can happen anytime, but October to April are our rainiest months. When there's a flood risk, the National Weather Service issues alerts. Sign up to receive emergency alerts.

Sand Bag Locations

Driving

Water depth can be difficult to judge, especially at night, and you may not see a road that is washed out too! Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.

Outdoor Activities

Before going out to hike, bike, or another outdoor activity, check the weather forecast and information about the area. Is it prone to flash floods?

Have a back-up plan. After planning and travelling to your destination, it can be hard to decide to cancel your activity. If you have a back-up plan in an area that is known to be safer, you’re less likely to put yourself in a dangerous situation.

Watch for suddenly darkening skies or listen for thunder. Move to your back-up plan if these conditions start to develop.

Remember that flash floods can occur suddenly, and miles from the source of water. You may not be able to hear or see a storm that can cause a flash flood.

Have an escape plan and be prepared to ride it out, even by climbing a tree or other sturdy object. Some floods can take hours to recede, but even getting behind a jutting piece of canyon wall could protect you from the powerful waterflow.

When there's a flood risk, the National Weather Service issues alerts

 Sign up to receive emergency alerts

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City to Inspect your Property for water damage due to flooding.  We can help determine if it's worth submitting a claim through your insurance.

Office 951-351-8033

We are open 7 days a week!

Open 24 hours a day!

Water and Flood Damage in Riverside: What's the Difference?

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

If you are experiencing water or flood damage, SERVPRO of West Riverside City can inspect the damage, remove the moisture, and make repairs!

Water is a necessity, but not when it is causing damage to your home or business.

If water damage does occur, SERVPRO of West Riverside City can clean and restore your home to make it as though it never happened. However, the cleaning and restoration after damage occurs is not the only piece of the puzzle. When water causes damage, consult a restoration company before submitting an insurance claim.

Filing an insurance claim because of unwanted water can be complicated. The first step is knowing the difference between a water damage claim and a flood damage. This information is crucial to the policyholder because it determines what is covered and what is not.

What is Covered

The distinction between a water damage claim and a flood damage claim can best be defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) flood definition. According to FEMA, a flood is a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres and two or more properties of normally dry land.

To simplify the matter, if the water that caused the damage occurred from a natural source and any neighbors are experiencing the same water issues, it is safe to say the situation is a matter of flooding. According to FEMA, flood damage can only be caused by overflow of inland or tidal waters, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, mudflow, or collapse of land along the shore of a lake or similar body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels that result in a flood.

If a flood has caused damage to your home, it is important to know if you currently have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, because home insurance companies do not offer coverage on flood damage. Having flood insurance is extremely beneficial to homeowners who think they might even have the slightest chance of being affected by a flood. The official site of the National Flood Insurance Program states that flood insurance policies cover physical damage to your property and possessions.

Everything from the actual building and its foundation to the refrigerator and the food inside of it is covered by flood insurance and will be taken into consideration when claims are filed. Flood insurance does cover basements and areas below the lowest elevated floor, but it depends on the flood zone and the date of construction. It is important to remember that flood insurance does not cover the sentimental value of any property, so be sure to remove any precious items such as photos, documents, or personal items that cannot be replaced as quickly as possible.

When Water Damage Occurs

When water damage occurs in your home, did not originate from a natural source, and is not affecting any surrounding buildings, a water damage claim is necessary. Circumstances such as overflowing bathtubs, broken toilets, burst water mains, and broken pipes are all grounds for water damage claims that should be filed by contacting your home insurance company.

Working through the process of filing both a water damage claim and a flood damage claim can be tricky and seem overwhelming. SERVPRO offers a Contents Claim Inventory Service for customers who already have enough stress to deal with. What this service does is provide a detailed and accurate list of all of your belongings. Our Technicians have the experience needed to deliver detailed and accurate reports to insurance companies and help settle claims fast.

If you are experiencing either water or flood damage in your home, SERVPRO of West Riverside City can inspect the damage, remove the moisture, and make repairs using state of the art extraction equipment as quickly as possible.

It is important to take immediate action when it comes to both water and flood damage. Refer to our Water Damage Emergency Tips and keep safety as your primary focus. Do not fret, SERVPRO has the ability and resources to go beyond just basic restoration by repairing electronics such as televisions and computers and also dry photographs and documents.

Highly trained Water Restoration Technicians are available around the clock for when damage occurs and are only a phone call away- 951-351-8033

Riverside Residents, 2022 Resolve to Be Ready!

1/5/2022 (Permalink)

Resolve to be ready now, before a disaster happens!

With New Year upon us, now is the perfect time to think about making some resolutions.

While resolutions typically involve committing to personal changes and reaching goals, this industry-leading provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services says the single most important resolution both business and home owners can make is to “Resolve to be Ready.”

Preparing in advance to deal with the unexpected can make a world of difference in how quickly and completely property owners can put the pieces of their lives back together. Emergency readiness plans are the foundation for effective and timely emergency response.

SERVPRO encourages all property owners to take advantage of the no-cost emergency planning tools available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile and READY Plan Mobile App.

For homeowners:

• FEMA resources include guidelines for creating a Family Emergency Plan and Emergency Supply List, with additional tips for pet owners, seniors, people with disabilities, and even commuters.
• SERVPRO offers their free SERVPRO READY Plan app, which stores critical contact and property information electronically in advance, where it can be accessed with a mobile device in seconds if disaster strikes.

For business owners:

• FEMA offers materials on topics ranging from creating a Business Continuity Plan to an Insurance Discussion Coverage Form in addition to guidelines for creating an Emergency Response Plan.
• For businesses, SERVPRO offers a no-cost facility assessment and assistance in creating a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile® (ERP). The ERP includes information about emergency contact numbers, priority and high/risk areas, shut-off valve locations and more that can then be stored in the READY app.

The time to gather and store information like emergency contact numbers; insurance contacts; and the location of emergency shut off valves, and such is before an emergency strikes, not during an emergency, having this information at your fingertips can help emergency responders react as quickly and effectively as possible, helping to limit loss of property and even lives.

SERVPRO specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO, please visit SERVPRO of West Riverside City. To learn about SERVPRO’s Emergency READY plan, please visit http://ready.SERVPRO.com.

If you would like to set up an appointment to meet with an associate to review our FREE Emergency Ready Profile, please contact us at:

Office- 951-351-8033

#ResolveToBeReady

#PrepTips

#NewYear

Understanding the Temperature of Fire Can Help During a Disaster

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Bonfire – The temperature of a bonfire gradually heats up to around 1112°F, but bonfires can reach 1832-2012°F.

What is the Temperature of Fire?

Fire is versatile and dangerous. No matter what kind of industry you belong to, a working knowledge of the properties of fire is an important part of fire safety. The temperature of fire varies depending on the source and kind of fire you’re dealing with.

Understanding the nuances of fire temperature will inform your overall knowledge of fire and how it works, so in this blog we’re looking at the temperature of fire and how you can identify it.

Temperature and color

The two most distinguishing properties of fire are heat and color. The color of a flame is directly influenced by the temperature, so you should be able to estimate the temperature of a fire by identifying the color of the flames.

Fire is a result of combustion – a chemical reaction between a fuel and oxygen – and when the reaction produces enough heat, flames are formed. Flames themselves change color over time, and will usually have multiple colors in different parts of the flame.

The hottest part of the flame is the base, so this typically burns with a different color to the outer edges or the rest of the flame body. Blue flames are the hottest, followed by white. After that, yellow, orange and red are the common colors you’ll see in most fires.

It’s interesting to note that, despite the common use of blue as a cold color, and red as a hot color – as they are on taps, for instance – it’s the opposite for fire. Red is usually seen on the outer edge of the flame, where the temperature is lower, while blue is the fiercest, hottest temperature.

Fire temperature

From- firefighterinsider.com

Of course, just because there is a hierarchy of temperature for fire, that doesn’t mean that red flames are in any way cold. The fact that you can see flames at all means that the combustion rate is high, so the fuel is burning at a very high temperature.

Red flames, while weaker, can still range from 977°F to 1832°F.  The more faint the color, the lower the temperature. A more vibrant red, something closer to orange, will hit the higher end of the scale measuring nearer the 1832°F mark.

Orange flames range from around 2012°F to 2192°F.

White flames are hotter, measuring 2372°F to about 2732°F. The brighter the white, the higher the temperature.

Blue flames, or flames with a blue base, you can expect the temperature to rise dramatically, hitting roughly 4532°F. As you might expect, gas burning fires reach higher temperatures than materials such as wood, paper or textiles, so businesses which store gas tanks such as propane, for example, are most likely to see fires that reach the highest possible temperatures.

Temperature examples

Candle flame – The hottest part of a candle flame burns at around 2552°F, while the average temperature is usually 1832°F.

Wood fire – A household wood fire burns at around 1112°F. Temperature can change depending on the type of wood and its condition.

Bonfire – The temperature of a bonfire gradually heats up to around 1112°F, but bonfires can reach 1832-2012°F.

Burning match – For such a small flame, a household match burns at around 1112-1472°F.

Propane torch – Combustion of propane and air is roughly 3452°F. A butane fire will have a similar temperature.

If you experience a fire in your home or business, SERVPRO of West Riverside City has the knowledge and experience to handle smoke damage from a nearby fire or commercial property containing smoke, soot and water damage.  Home or office fires as devastating as they are, we can make it, "Like it never even happened."

Office-951-351-8033

We are open 24/7 to take those emergency calls!

Not Home For the Holidays, Protect Your Riverside Home!

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

Be sure to notify a trusted neighbor. Ask them to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity and pick up your mail.

Traveling to visit family and friends during the holiday season is a perfect time since many have the time off work and kids are out of school.

For many, we live in another city or state than our family or friends. Which means start packing and get the family ready to head out. Before you leave, it’s important take the proper precautions to keep your house safe while you’re away. The holiday break can be enjoyable, as long as you take the steps needed to protect your house for when you return.

 Here are few to keep in mind:

Turn Down your Thermostat

Not only will you save money on your electricity or gas bill by turning off the heat or AC, but you limit your chances of an AC leak or furnace malfunction while you’re away from you home.

Notify a Neighbor

Be sure to notify a trusted neighbor. Ask the neighbor to keep an eye on your house and report any suspicious activity. You’ll also want this neighbor to pick up your mail and newspapers while you are away. Make sure your house looks like somebody is home to deter a burglar.

Check your Holiday Lights for Fraying or Damage

December is the deadliest month for electrical fires. Before you string lights on the house or the tree, be sure to inspect the strands to make sure there aren’t any frayed cords or cracked lamps. Replace any broken lamps and throw away strands with frayed cords. This will help prevent any accidental fires.

Heating-equipment

Can cause many deaths every year in the United States. In fact, in 2008, the U.S. Fire Administration reported approximately 2,650 people were killed by house fires. Take the time to have a professional come inspect your furnace and clean the chimney before you need to heat your home.

Turn Off your Water

By turning off your water, it ensures that you won’t come home to water damage. Appliances malfunction when you least expect it and if the water is turned off there is no chance your water heater or pipes will leak.

Locally owned, with national Resources SERVPRO of West Riverside is locally owned and operated. When you have a fire, flooding or water emergency, we’re already nearby and ready to help. As fire and water damage specialists, we have the experience, the expertise, and the advanced training that enables us to get your property restored quickly and thoroughly.

Please Call: 951-351-8033

Do You Know What the Top Causes of Fire are in December?

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Constant watering keeps trees fresher longer, but the moment the tree appears to drop its needles, it’s a sign that it is drying out.

Fire damage restoration specialist of SERVPRO of West Riverside City recommend the importance of keeping safety top of mind with a small family gathering as it is with a large holiday party.

Many enjoy bringing the glow of the holiday season to their homes with Christmas trees or menorahs and candlelight, but statistics from the U.S. Fire Administration show how easy it is for home decorating to turn into a home disaster.

Here are are few areas to be watchful of:

• The top three days for home candle fires are Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and New Year’s Eve. More than half of the home decoration fires in December are started by candles.

• A heat source too close to the Christmas tree causes one in every four winter fires. On average, one of every 52 reported home Christmas tree fires resulted in death.

• It is also important to follow manufacturers’ guidelines for holiday lighting. According to the National Fire Protection Association, electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 44 percent of home Christmas tree fires.

• Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable, check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear and don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.

• Water your tree daily. Constant watering keeps trees fresher longer, but the moment the tree appears to drop its needles, it’s a sign that it is drying out.  From the moment a spark ignites a Christmas tree, it can take only a matter of minutes before noxious smoke and scorching heat fill the entire room, igniting everything within it. Seconds later, the fire can travel up a staircase and perhaps make escape virtually impossible for anyone on the second floor of your home.  

For more fire prevention and fire safety tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, visit SERVPRO of West Riverside City. For more information on SERVPRO of West Riverside City, contact us at 951-351-8033.

Did you know that Christmas Day is the Peak Day for Candle Fires?

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

While candles are often used for giving off a warm, romantic light and an appealing aroma, they can cause a candle fire if used incorrectly.

Millions of decorative candles are sold every year.  They bring a soothing ambiance and different aromas for the rooms in your home.   

Are Candles a Fire Hazard? 

Candles might seem harmless on the surface until you look at how significant their damages can and have been in U.S. homes. FEMA estimates that there are more than 15.000 home candle fires every year, many resulting in injury for death. 

Candle Fire Safety Tips 

Here are a few tips to follow to reduce your risk of a fire in your home while your candle is burning: 

• Burning candles should never be unattended. 
• Candles should never be under shelves or other enclosed spaces.  
• Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. 
• Candles should never be placed where children and pets can knock it over. 
• To prevent uneven or rapid burning and excessive dripping avoid drafts, vents or air currents.  
• Always put candles on a heat resistant surface. 
• Use a suitable candle holder sturdy enough to avoid being easily knocked over. 
• NEVER move or touch  a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied. 
• Make sure that you have a working smoke detector in every room where you burn candles. 
• Extinguish candles with a candle snuffer rather than blowing them out, a hot was can splatter. 

What To Do if a Fire Starts

If a candle fire ever happens in your home in Riverside, CA, you need to know how to properly extinguish it. When putting out a candle fire, you should never use water, which causes it to spread. If the wax inside the candle catches fire, grab a cover to remove oxygen from the candle. If the flames spread to other parts of your home and get out of control, quickly contact the fire department and evacuate your home. If any fire damage occurs or your home is in need of smoke cleanup services, a fire damage cleanup company can help restore your home back to its original condition.

Candle Alternatives

The best way to prevent candles from causing a fire in your home is to keep them out of your house entirely. There are many candle alternatives to consider including:

• Incense
• Flameless candle
• Essential oil diffuser
• Wax warmer
• Oil warmer
• Stick diffuser

While candles are often used for giving off a warm, romantic light and an appealing aroma, they can cause a candle fire if used incorrectly. It is important to always use candles responsibly or to try out any of the candle alternatives listed in this guide. Visit SERVPRO of West Riverside -Fire Damage for more information on fire loss. 

Following a Candle Fire - Fire Restoration 

Following these safety tips when you’re enjoying the candle aromas in your home, can lower your risk for a home fire in the future. If candles do happen to cause a home fire and you’re in need of fire restoration solutions, call SERVPRO of West Riverside City at (951)351-8033. Our technicians will be respectful of your home and work with you to put your home back to home sweet home again. 

SERVPRO Can Help Get Your Home Prepared for Out of Town Guest

12/13/2021 (Permalink)

We have the expertise and resources to make any dirt, dust, or grime "Like it never even happened."

Are you expecting out of town guests?  Too busy to prepare the menu, running around for last minute items.  Now you don't have time to deep clean before the arrival of your guests?  Let SERVPRO of West Riverside help you!

Let a professional be entrusted with the care of a home, its furnishings and the health of its occupants.  With the many new materials and surfaces being used in home décor, a professional house cleaner has a much broader range of knowledge than in the past as many of these newer surfaces require specialized care.

In addition to caring for the home and its contents, a professional house cleaning technician helps care for health.  This includes hygienic cleaning, effective sanitizing of surfaces, use of appropriate cleaning agents, and procedures to prevent cross contamination.  A thorough vacuuming with a high-efficiency filtration vacuum is an important contributor to improved indoor air quality.

An IICRC-certified House Cleaning Technician is trained to properly care for homes and health. A consumer who uses a certified professional can confidently trust the cleaning and relax in a clean and healthy home.

You know SERVPRO as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional residential cleaning services can also make a dirty carpet "Like it never even happened."

Our Residential and Commercial Cleaning Services Include:

• Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
• Drapes and Blinds
• Air Duct & HVAC Cleaning
• Odor Removal
• Sewage & Biohazard Cleanup
• Trauma and Crime Scene Cleanup
• Ceilings, Walls, and Hard Floors
• Vandalism Cleanup

We have the expertise and resources to make any dirt, dust, graffiti or grime "Like it never even happened." Give us a call to schedule an appointment today!

How Commercial Property Owners Ensure Building Safety During Year-end Holiday Season

12/8/2021 (Permalink)

Pay attention to safety, reduce the likely hood of damage to buildings by monitoring hazards and more importantly, ensure the safety of all occupants.

Many Commercial business owners are decorating their properties with Holiday decorations, some are also hosting a year-end event right there on the property. 

It’s a way to say thank you to employees, enjoy some good food, maybe games and raffles.  One thing to consider is how to do this safely. 

Here are seven helpful recommendations to help commercial property owners boost holiday safety at their properties:

• Use fire retardant decorations. Choose and install only decorative materials that will not fuel flames. 
• Place decorations wisely so they don’t impede safety systems: sprinkler systems (never hang anything from sprinkler heads), emergency exits, fire alarm pulls, fire extinguishers, hose cabinets, exit signs and fire doors.
• Shun open flames like candles, instead choosing cool lighting like LED bulbs and low wattage illumination. Be particularly careful with holiday cooking, even if conducted outdoors. More than a few fires have been sparked when celebrants explosively deep fried a frozen turkey.
• Don’t overtax electrical circuits and devices. Always follow manufacturer directions for string lights. Don’t overload power strips or outlets.
• Reduce slip, trip and fall hazards such as lighting cords across walkways. During decoration installation and removal, use ladders carefully. If viewers will visit outdoors to appreciate decorations and displays, illuminate walkways and keep them free of snow and ice.
• Put lighting and powered decorations on timers to reduce fire hazards. Few people view commercial holiday decorations during the overnight hours. Timers reduce electricity costs, too.
• Inspect building safety devices during the decoration process. This is an ideal time to verify that smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors have been properly maintained and are operable.  

We don’t want to be distracted from the more important things.  Pay attention to safety, reduce the likely hood of damage to buildings by monitoring hazards and more importantly, ensuring the safety of all occupants.

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City with damage caused by fire, we take the stress of the business owner, ensure the safety of staff members and we can make it, "Like it never even happened."

Office-951-351-8033

What to Do When Making an Insurance Claim After Water Damage

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

If you are not sure if your damage will be covered by your insurance, contact your insurance agent first!

How to begin a water damage claims process

Whether it comes from bursting pipes, a broken appliance or a leaky roof, water can cause significant damage to your Riverside home. It can damage building materials, cause mold growth and ruin electronics. Homeowners insurance can help you pay for repairs. Take the following steps if you find yourself in this situation.

1. Call Right Away

It is important to start your insurance claim as quickly as possible. Not only will this result in completing the process sooner, but it will also help ensure that your claim isn’t affected. Some policies require you to report water damage within a certain time. If this is not done, it can reduce the amount you receive or can result in your claim being denied.

2. Document the Damage

Your insurance adjuster will need information on the areas of the house that were damaged, including whether there are bursting pipes and flooding, as well as any belongings that may need to be repaired or replaced. You should provide a list with pictures and the estimated value of included items.

3. Perform Mitigation

Mitigation is the process of preventing damage from spreading and worsening. This should be done quickly to reduce the amount of time and money needed to make repairs. An emergency cleanup and restoration company can inspect your home, fix broken pipes, remove water and repair the building along with damaged belongings.

4. Go Over Your Policy

Because individual insurance policies will vary, you should read over yours carefully. Make sure that you are familiar with anything that is required of you while making a claim as well as what is covered by your insurance. This will help the process go more smoothly.

Bursting pipes and other causes of damage can be frustrating to deal with. Making an insurance claim can also be stressful if you are unprepared. Following these steps can help you get through the situation more easily.

For help with your water damage claim call the experts at SERVPRO of West Riverside City

 Phone us at 951-351-8033

The Importance of A Clean Restroom In Your Riverside Office Building

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

An area that employees usually don’t clean up after themselves is the bathroom. It is the most important part of the building to be properly and regularly cleaned and disinfected appropriately. A clean and disinfected restroom helps prevent the spread of illness-causing germs, such as Salmonella, E. coli and norovirus which are routinely found in restrooms. If your employees get sick due to these germs it could impact the bottom line of the company.

Areas of the bathroom that are regularly touched such as the toilets & urinals handles and then other hard surfaces are touched need to be professionally disinfected and cleaned to reduce the risk of passing on germs. Bathroom cleaning also includes cleaning dispensers, walls, stainless steel, vents, stall walls and tops, floor boards and floors, drains, pictures, mirrors, showers, locker areas and other bathroom fixtures.

A detailed checklist for an accurately clean bathroom:

Daily

Weekly

Monthly

To reduce the burden on your employees, save money on cleaning supplies and maintain your company’s reputation, leave the professional cleaning to SERVPRO of West Riverside City. For a free, no-obligation consultation and assessment of your needs call us at 951-851-8033

Brand New Generator? Understanding Safety During Emergencies

11/24/2021 (Permalink)

How many times has a generator restored a sense of normalcy to your life during or in the aftermath of a disaster or outage? Providing us with light, cold air in our refrigerators, the ability to charge our phones, and so much more, generators can be a lifesaver. The hope is that we don’t have to use our generators often, but as a result, how many of us feel confident that we have a sufficient grasp on generator safety? According to Consumer Reports, generators can pose safety risks, such as carbon monoxide poisoning and fire hazards, to residential and commercial properties alike, as well as those living or working in them. Here are our top generator safety tips to keep in mind during or after a storm.

Storing your generator indoors, in a garage, or any enclosed space increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. The American Red Cross recommends that generators should be kept away from windows and doors in order to further prevent carbon monoxide from entering your home or business. Out of an abundance of caution, it is also beneficial to install a carbon monoxide detector and alarm system in your residential or commercial property. These devices will alert anyone inside of the home or building of carbon monoxide so that they can exit the property immediately. 

Generators require fuel in order to power your home and in the event of a storm that may cut off your power for multiple days on end, you will likely need to stock up on extra fuel. When storing fuel, it is important to keep it in a cool space that is well-ventilated and outside of any living spaces. Generator fuel is a serious fire hazard, so it is critical that fuel is stored properly in a location protected from any items that may ignite fire.

The fire hazards associated with extension cords can be avoided with the help of a transfer switch, which connects your generator directly to your property’s circuit panel. It is dangerous to plug your generator into a wall outlet. This practice is also known as “backfeeding” and can increase the risk of electrocution. Transfer switches eliminate the need for engaging in this dangerous activity and can also prevent overloading, as they sometimes display wattage use levels.

SERVPRO Is Standing By

If you decide to utilize a generator to power your home or business after a disaster leaves your property without power, be sure to exercise caution. Serious safety hazards, as well as significant risks to your property, accompany generator usage. Therefore, it is important to have an emergency plan in the event that generator usage leads to fire damage to your property. Our team of fire damage restoration experts will respond immediately when you are in need. Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City right away at (951) 351-8033 if your home or business experiences fire damage resulting from generator usage. Visit our website for an overview of our Storm Damage Restoration, Fire Damage Restoration, and Commercial Fire Damage Restoration services. We are standing by, ready to make it “Like it never even happened.”

Burned Turkeys Can Happen... Home Damage Doesn't Have To Happen!

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Despite hazards, if you still plan on using a turkey fryer, please follow these safety guidelines.

November is a month filled with food, family and football, there is also another attribute that may surprise you.

According to the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), Thanksgiving is the peak day of the year in which home fires occur. The NFPA says that "between 2015 and 2019, cooking was the leading cause of reported home structure fires and civilian fire injuries - as well as the second-leading cause of civilian fire deaths. On Thanksgiving Day in 2019 alone, around 1,400 home cooking fires were reported to U.S. fire departments, which is a 228 percent increase over the daily average."

 In order to avoid any potential fire damage or injury, browse these simple guidelines to ensure you have a safe holiday season.

• Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking, even a quick step away can lead to an accident.
• Stay in the home when cooking your turkey and check on it frequently. 
• Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot, and kids should stay 3 feet away. 
• Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns. 
• Wear protective gear when using indoor fryers.
• Ensure floor and kitchen area is clear of clutter and kiddos, so you don't accidentally trip.
• Keep a lid and fire extinguisher nearby to smother cooking fires.
• Avoid the use of outdoor, gas-fueled turkey fryers, especially indoors or in the garage area.
• Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.

What about outdoor deep fryers?

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) discourages the use of outdoor, gas-fueled turkey fryers, which can lead to devastating burns, destruction of property, and other injuries. Additionally, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the organization that certifies safe products, does not certify these types of fryers with its UL label. Both organizations discourage the use of open-flame fryers due to the following:

• Turkey fryers tip easily, spilling their contents, and causing oil to ignite.
• Overfilling the fryer is common. The oil spills out of the pot when the turkey is placed in the fryer, engulfing the whole unit in flames.
• With no thermostat controls, the oil is prone to overheating to the combustion point.
• The handles and lid get extremely hot, which can cause severe burns.
• Since the unit is designed for outdoor use, rain or snow can fall on the unit, splattering the oil and converting the water to scalding steam.

Despite these hazards, if you still plan on using a turkey fryer, please follow these safety guidelines:

• Always use the fryer outdoors on a flat surface, safely away from structures, wooden decks, and covered patios. No matter what, DO NOT be tempted to use the fryer in a garage.
• Have the correct kind of fire extinguisher nearby and ready to use.
• To ensure you are using the right amount of oil, place a thawed turkey in the fry pot and add enough water to cover the bird by ½". Remove the turkey and mark the water level. Dump the water and thoroughly dry the pot and turkey. Fill the pot with oil to the marked level.
• Do not leave the fryer unattended. Monitor the temperature of the oil with a thermometer to prevent the oil from overheating and catching fire. If the oil begins to smoke, immediately turn the gas off.
• Ensure the turkey is COMPLETELY THAWED to prevent a fire or explosion hazard.
• Raise and lower the turkey slowly to prevent oil splatter, burns, and fire.
• Keep children and pets away from the fryer to prevent tipping, even after the turkey is done. The oil is dangerously hot for hours.
• Use your safety tools: Oven mitts, gloves, and safety goggles.
• Stand upwind of the propane tank and fryer so heat blows away from you.

In case you're still wondering, Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires. The day has three times the average number of reported home structure fires involved with cooking equipment. Please be careful this holiday season.

Contact SERVPRO to assist with damage caused by cooking this holiday season.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

Phone 951-351-8033

November, a Big Month for SERVPRO- New Advertising Campaign

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

"There's a PRO for that!"

SERVPRO of West Riverside City sharing Press Release

GALLATIN, TN – (November 1, 2021) – SERVPRO®, one of the nation’s leaders in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, will bring its "Like it never even happened," brand promise to life in a fun, visually-striking advertising campaign. The new “There’s a PRO for that” campaign, which is scheduled to launch on November 1, showcases SERVPRO’s industry-leading arsenal of cleaning and restoration capabilities through a series of extreme scenarios that put its services to the test.

The new integrated campaign will feature national broadcast TV, OTT/overlays, paid and organic social media, online video (OLV) retargeting, and website content.

“The inspiration for this campaign comes directly from the amazing work SERVPRO experts do on a daily basis, taking on challenges of any size with an unmatched level of effectiveness,” said Mike Stahl, SERVPRO’s Chief Marketing Officer. “This campaign showcases how SERVPRO makes "Like it never even happened," happen. It dramatizes how no matter what might come your way, you can be reassured because SERVPRO always has a pro for that.”

The campaign was created by BUNTIN, SERVPRO’s lead brand, and advertising partner. The team at BUNTIN partnered with Los Angeles-based production house Smuggler, the top-rated production company in the United States, to produce two spots that combined massive in-camera special effects with high-quality post-production enhancements. Award-winning Swedish director Filip Engstrom was tapped to direct this project, bringing his modern aesthetic and expertise in large-scale productions to make the campaign even more impactful.

“While we’re well-known for our work in fire and water cleanup and restoration, ‘There’s a PRO for That’ also creates a framework for us to promote the other services we offer as well as potential future offerings,” Stahl added.

In addition to the advertising campaign, SERVPRO is unveiling a brand refresh featuring changes to its logo and several significant updates to its website, including a new “look and feel.” This is the first time SERVPRO has updated its logo since 2013. Featuring a new layout, the website changes offer a better user experience by connecting customers to their local SERVPRO location using auto-location detection, which makes the overall site significantly easier to navigate. The site also features new content demonstrating the processes and steps their PROs use to make it look "Like it never even happened," happen.

“With this brand refresh, we’ve maintained the legacy attributes of our brand, but given it a modern look and feel. Along with the new brand platform, our work to make our logo more modern, functional, and iconic is representative of our system-wide commitment toward maintaining our position as the industry leader,” Stahl added.

About the Production

A crew of 85 film industry professionals in Los Angeles collaborated in real-time with a team of digital effects and cinematography experts in Sweden, carefully following COVID-19 safety protocols over three 12-hour filming days.

The production team selected an abandoned factory outside downtown Los Angeles, which also provided the right environment to create a test facility look and feel and to show what SERVPRO experts are capable of doing. The over-the-top nature of the campaign demanded a large versatile production location that could accommodate space for a helicopter to drop a giant water balloon on top of a model home and for an airplane engine to blast the set of a hair salon, as well as tons of gadgets, rigs, engines, extras and SERVPRO experts with their gear, vans, a big-rig truck, and specialized equipment.

This new campaign replaces SERVPRO’s “Whatever Happens” campaign that has been in circulation since early 2019. A separate campaign to promote Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, an enhanced cleaning program created in response to COVID-19, aired from June through December 2020.

About SERVPRO

For more than 50 years, SERVPRO has been a trusted leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration services, mold mitigation, biohazard, and pathogen remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,900 individually owned and operated franchises spans the United States and Canada, responding to property damage emergencies large and small – from million-square-foot commercial facilities to individual homes. When disaster strikes, homeowners, business owners, and major insurance companies alike rely on SERVPRO to make it “Like it never even happened.”

How Can Residents Thank our Riverside First Responders?

10/27/2021 (Permalink)

A simple "Thank you for your service" can be a great way to show you respect and appreciate what he or she is doing for the community!

First responders' duties bring them into harm's way every day. Police officers, firefighters and paramedics put themselves on the front lines of dangerous and traumatic events, and it's common to wonder how you can thank these individuals, perhaps lessening the emotional burden of their work.

The following list is just a sampling of the many ways you can show a first responder that you care. These are good ideas to start with, and apply at any time of the year.

1. Cook a meal

Bringing home-cooked food to the local police or fire station can show the local first responder community that you care. Day-to-day life as a police officer, firefighter or paramedic can be stressful and the schedule irregular, meaning that home-cooked meals may be a luxury that will make these first responders grateful. And if you take the meal over yourself, you have a great chance to say a verbal thanks as well. Of course, since an alarm can sound at any time, it may be best if the meal is one that can be returned to later if the diners have to leave off in the middle.

2. Donate to a good cause

There are numerous charity drives in any given community to support the fire departments, police forces and more. A gift to one of these causes can make a material difference in the lives of first responders and the family members. Even if you don't possess the material means to make a big donation, there are plenty of ways to help charities, including organizing or volunteering at a drive or other event.

3. Send a letter of thanks

These days, many people don't take the time to write letters – electronic communication has driven paper out of favor. This means that sending a physical letter thanking first responders for their service may take on greater importance, feeling more personal, permanent and heartfelt than email. If you gather multiple letters from the community and deliver them all at once, the impression on the recipients could be significant.

The first responders in your community will be grateful for your thanks and support.

4. Send a practical gift basket

A gift basket is a classy way to express thanks. If you customize one of these presents to suit the tastes and needs of the local fire department or police force, it could be an incredibly thoughtful choice, one that will make your gratitude clear. Such a basket could include gift cards to restaurants in the area, allowing first responders to relax and unwind with good food between their high-stress assignments.

5. Use word of mouth

When you have a good experience with local first responders, spreading the word either online or in person can do a great service to the department. It's not a direct thanks to the police, fire and paramedic personnel, but speaking well of these individuals is a gesture of gratitude, one that is easy and impactful.

6. Just say 'thanks'

Just about every day, you likely pass police officers, firefighters and paramedics going about their daily business. Just saying a simple "Thank you for your service" can be a great way to show that individual you respect and appreciate what he or she is doing for the community. It's extremely simple, and could make a first responder's day.

Does Your Riverside Mobile Home Park Have an Emergency Preparedness Plan?

10/25/2021 (Permalink)

Do you live in one of the mobile home parks in Riverside, CA?  Imagine a fire evacuation, is there clear direction on how you are to evacuate? 

With the roads typically being narrow, some are cul-de-sacs how do you know.  Are you aware of other exits that may be open during an emergency and which exit is closest to your home? 

We will cover some of the things that can be discussed with your park manager if you are not aware of an Emergency Preparedness Plan.

The goal of the emergency plan is to maintain order, and reduce the risk to life, health, and safety of park residents and emergency services personnel in the event of an emergency. The Plan should identify essential evacuation routes that will be used in an emergency situation.

Residents must have access to information on evacuation routes as well as basic emergency preparedness information to enable them to take personal responsibility for themselves during an emergency. An important consideration in any emergency is the ability to coordinate with local responding agencies and personnel. It is imperative that

residents work in conjunction with and assist emergency response personnel as directed or instructed.

Evacuation of a Mobile Home Park

Once evacuation routes have been identified it is essential that park residents have access to this information. Evacuation information could be posted in the park clubhouse or other area within the park, and should be available to park residents before an emergency or disaster occurs. Having this knowledge will enable residents to take personal responsibility for themselves during an emergency.

There may be residents from the park who are willing to volunteer their time and to assist in the evacuation process. This will primarily be accomplished by using a current emergency phone contact list but in cases where phone service is not available or out-of-service, the information can be delivered door to door.

Evacuation considerations:

• Acquire and update emergency phone contact lists for next of kin notifications.
• Consider residents who may require assistance during an evacuation including but not limited to people with disabilities, or those who have access and/or functional needs.

− Residents can voluntarily provide specific limitations or health issues they may have which would require additional assistance during an evacuation.

• Inform other residents of the possibility of an evacuation or of an imminent evacuation during a natural or man-made disaster. Coordinate evacuation of other residents who are unable to transport out on their own.
• Inform/train other residents on procedures for securing their homes prior to evacuation such as gas shut off, water main shut off, electrical shut off, locking doors and windows, and leaving immediately to pre-determined locations.
• Organize and inform other residents of their evacuation route to take in leaving the park in a safe and orderly fashion.
  • Conduct training and practice evacuation sessions.

Planning

The following list of questions and statements is only a sampling of items that could be identified and described in the park’s Evacuation Plan. These suggestions are provided as a tool to assist in the development of each parks customized Evacuation Plan.

• How many entrances and exits are there in the ark?
• Is there two way traffic accessible throughout the park?
• Are there concentrations of households who need special assistance to evacuate congregated in certain sections of the park?
• Would any section of the park be easier and quicker to evacuate first?
• Are there any fixed obstacles in the park that would hinder a sections evacuation route?
• If an entrance or exit is blocked, do you have an alternate evacuation route planned?
• In the event that all evacuation routes are disabled, is there a backup plan for evacuation such as a site for air lifting residents from the park?
• Adding information to the park plan that would inform residents how to prepare for an air lift rescue from their roof.
• Identification of the major safe sites in your community that emergency agencies use for evacuation.
• Supplying park residents with maps of the major routes out of the area.
• Safety issues that park residents can address before a disaster to make their homes safer (example: tie downs for LPG tanks; installation of smoke detectors, securing hot water heaters).

At a minimum, the Plan should include the following information: Essential evacuation routes; elevation of the park property, type of disasters common to your area; public warning signals used in the community; local emergency broadcast station frequency location; phone numbers to the local Red Cross chapter or other emergency agencies’ phone numbers.

Evacuation List of Residents by Section

The order of evacuation is for Section I to evacuate first, then Section 2 evacuates second and continues sequentially by Section number until the entire park has been evacuated. If the park contains numerous recreational vehicles, it is recommended that they maintain mobility functions for quick evacuation.

Evacuation Sites

Predetermined buildings/sites to evacuate to in the case of a Natural Disaster:

• Local High School Gymnasium
• Local Park Community Center
• Red Cross designated safe place
• Local Fair Grounds
• Another city or county government agency designated safe place

In the event of a disaster, which does not require evacuation of the entire park, the

designated site of evacuation within the park could be the community room or club house,

if available.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City is here to assist when disasters strikes.  We're a phone call away at your time of need, night or day!

951-251-8033

International ShakeOut Day is always the third Thursday of October 21

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

As always, you can hold your #ShakeOut drill when and where you want.

While COVID-19 has brought many uncertainties and challenges, one thing's for sure: ShakeOut is still happening this year!

As always, you can hold your #ShakeOut drill when and where you want. You can choose another date or several dates, and include people in multiple locations (home, work, or school), perhaps through video conferencing. It's a good idea to practice earthquake safety in different situations each year!

An earthquake is a sudden, rapid shaking of the ground caused by the shifting of rocks deep underneath the earth’s surface. Earthquakes can cause fires, tsunamis, landslides or avalanches. While they can happen anywhere without warning, areas at higher risk for earthquakes include Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington and the entire Mississippi River Valley.

Prepare Before an Earthquake

The best time to prepare for any disaster is before it happens.

Stay Safe During

If an earthquake happens, protect yourself right away:

Protect Yourself During Earthquakes

1. Drop (or Lock)

Wherever you are, drop down to your hands and knees and hold onto something sturdy. If you’re using a wheelchair or walker with a seat, make sure your wheels are locked and remain seated until the shaking stops.

2. Cover

Cover your head and neck with your arms. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath it for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall (away from windows). Crawl only if you can reach better cover without going through an area with more debris. Stay on your knees or bent over to protect vital organs.

3. Hold On

If you are under a table or desk, hold on with one hand and be ready to move with it if it moves. If seated and unable to drop to the floor, bend forward, cover your head with your arms and hold on to your neck with both hands.

Stay Safe After

After an earthquake, there can be serious hazards such as damage to the building, leaking gas and water lines, or downed power lines.

Once you are safe, pay attention to local news reports for emergency information and instructions via battery-operated radio, TV, social media or from cell phone text alerts.

A Disaster Preparedness Planning Guide for Owners and/or Residents in Riverside Mobile Home Parks

10/19/2021 (Permalink)

Do you know how to shut off damaged utilities?

The most important feature of any home is something you probably do not see when you walk through the door.

But it could save your life. It is safety. Safety comes in all shapes and sizes: smoke detectors; fire extinguishers; escape routes; carefully maintained heating and electrical systems; and knowing what to do and where to go in case of fire, flood, or other disasters. The key to being prepared in the event of a disaster or sudden emergency is preplanning and practice drills.

Disaster Preparedness Emergency Plan

The next time disaster strikes, you may not have much time to act. Prepare now for a sudden emergency. Knowing what to do in an emergency is your best protection and your responsibility. Learn how to protect yourself and your family by planning ahead. To obtain more information, you may want to contact your local emergency management agency or civil defense office and the local American Red Cross chapter - be prepared to take notes.

You will need to gather the following information:

• Find out which disasters are most likely to occur in your area. Ask how to prepare for each disaster.

• Ask how you would be warned of an emergency.
• Learn about your community’s warning signals: what they sound like and what you should do when you hear them.

• Learn your community’s main evacuation routes.
• If needed, ask about special assistance for the elderly or disabled persons.
• Ask about animal care during and after an emergency. Animals may not be allowed inside emergency shelters due to health regulations.

Checklist of Emergency Procedures

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disasters. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather and earthquakes to children, the elderly, and individuals that may need special assistance. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team. The following may be used in creating your own Emergency Response Plan:

• Draw a floor plan of your residence and mark two escape routes from each room.
• Install safety features in your home, such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
• Discuss what to do in an evacuation.
• Find the safe spots in your home for each type of disaster. Post emergency telephone numbers near the telephone.
• Instruct household members to turn on a battery powered radio for emergency information.
• Pick one out-of-state and one local friend or relative for family members to call if separated by disaster (it is often easier to call out-of-state than within the affected area).
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 and a long distance contact person.
• Pick two meeting places: 1) a place near your home in case of fire; 2) a place outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home after a disaster.
• Keep family records in a water and fire-proof container.
• Locate the main electric fuse box, water service main, and natural gas main shut off valve to your mobile home. Learn how and when to turn these utilities off. Teach all responsible family members. Keep necessary tools near gas and water shut-off valves. Turn off the utilities only if you suspect the lines are damaged or if you are instructed to do so. If you turn the gas off, you will need a professional to turn it back on.

• Take a basic first aid and CPR class.
• Prepare a disaster supply kit.

If Disaster Strikes

• Remain calm and patient. Put your plan into action.
• Check for injuries; give first aid and get help for seriously injured.
• Listen to your battery powered radio for news and instructions.
• Evacuate if advised to do so. Wear appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes.
• Check for damage to your home - use a flashlight only. Do not light matches or turn on electrical switches, if you suspect damage.
• Check for fires, fire hazards and other household hazards.
• If you are remaining in your home, sniff for gas leaks, starting at the hot water heater. If you smell gas or suspect a leak, turn off the main gas valve, open windows, and get everyone outside quickly.
• Shut off any other damaged utilities.
• Clean up spilled medicines, bleaches, gasoline and any other flammable liquid immediately.

Remember to:

• Remember to confine or secure your pets.
• Call your family contact - do not use the telephone again unless it is a life threatening emergency.
• Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons.
• Make sure you have an adequate water supply in case service is shut off.
• Stay away from downed power lines.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City has years of experience with water and fire damage.  We have also handled water damage within mobile homes and we understand that they are not your standard stick home.  Call us if you experience an emergency.  We are here to help!

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

951-351-8033

Do you Know the Difference Between Disaster Assistance vs. Flood Insurance?

10/14/2021 (Permalink)

Flood insurance gives you peace of mind that you’ll receive the maximum amount available to fully recover after a flood.

If you experience property damage during a flood, you’ll likely be able to cover your recovery costs through disaster assistance funding—right? Possibly wrong.

In fact, federal disaster assistance isn’t guaranteed, and many residents overestimate the amount of funding they’ll receive (if any). As climate change worsens and residents face an increasing risk of damage from things like hurricanes, levee failures, and post-fire flooding, you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. Take the first step by visiting FloodSmart.gov to learn how flood insurance can best protect you against the financial impact of flooding.

Ready.gov helps us understand five key differences between disaster assistance and flood insurance:

• Disaster Declarations: Federal disaster assistance requires a Major Disaster Declaration from the president to authorize funding for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program. Flood insurance does not require a disaster declaration, so policyholders can make a claim almost immediately after any flood event.
• Coverage: Both disaster assistance and flood insurance cover flood damage to your primary residence—but disaster assistance is only designed to make a home “safe, sanitary, and fit to occupy,” not to restore it to pre-disaster condition. Disaster assistance can sometimes be used for additional expenses like vehicle repairs, temporary housing, or medical fees, but only flood insurance offers building and contents coverage that is customizable to meet your needs.
• Payout: Federal disaster assistance often comes in the form of a FEMA disaster grant, which averages about $5,000 per household, or a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. By comparison, the average flood insurance claim payment over the past five years was approximately $69,000. Unless purchased through a private vendor, flood insurance policies are backed by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) . You will never need to repay the NFIP for your flood insurance, but certain forms of federal assistance, like SBA loans, must be repaid with interest.
• Duplicative Expenses: FEMA cannot provide financial assistance when any other source—such as flood insurance—has already provided such assistance. For example, if your flood insurance company has already provided money for home repairs, you would not be able to receive additional disaster assistance for that claim; however, you could still receive FEMA disaster assistance to cover a separate, not-covered expense like vehicle damage.
• Future Flooding: If you do receive disaster assistance after a flood, you may be required to purchase and maintain a flood insurance policy going forward in order to be eligible to receive aid for any future flooding events.

Flood insurance gives you peace of mind that you’ll receive the maximum amount available to fully recover after a flood. Visit FloodSmart.gov to learn more about how to get started.

Do your Children Know What To Do in the Event of a Disaster?

9/20/2021 (Permalink)

BEFORE an emergency, teach your child how to dial 911 #YouthPrep

National Preparedness Month September 19-25: Teach Youth About Preparedness

Week Four of National Preparedness Month focuses on Youth.  

Many families are not together during an emergency, its important that your children and young adults know what to do during different types of emergencies. 

Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

How Can You Prepare Your Family?

Being prepared for disasters starts at home. Everyone can be part of helping to prepare for emergencies. Young children and teens alike can be a part of the process. As a parent, guardian, or other family member, you have an important role to play when it comes to protecting the children in your life and helping them be prepared in case disaster strikes.

We will touch on how to build your family emergency plan, how you can help children cope if they’ve experienced a disaster, and tips to help your children be ready when disaster strikes. With these tools, both kids and their families can be prepared whether they’re at home, school, or anywhere else.

How to Build and Emergency Plan

Some disasters strike without any warning, and family members may not all be in the same place. How will you get in touch with each other? Where will you meet? How will you get out of your house in case of a fire? What if your neighborhood is being evacuated? It's important to make a plan, now, so that you will know what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency.

 How to Build a Kit

Being prepared for an emergency isn't just about staying safe during a storm or a disaster. It's also about how to stay comfortable, clean, fed, and healthy afterwards—when a storm or disaster may have knocked out electricity.

If you lost power, how would you eat? The refrigerator wouldn’t keep your food cold. The microwave couldn’t warm things up. You might not get clean water out of your faucets. How would you find out if it was safe to play outside? Not from your TV or computer!

If power is out, you also might not be able to go to the store or the bank. Being prepared means having your own food, water, cash, and other supplies to last for at least three days, and possibly longer if you are in a remote or hard-to-reach area.

 Check out our blog on How Build a Basic Disaster Emergency Supply Kit

Helping Children Cope

Disasters can leave children and teens feeling frightened, confused and insecure. Their responses can be quite varied. It's important to not only recognize these reactions, but also help children cope with their emotions.

Encourage dialogue and answer questions

Listen to your kids. Ask them about their feelings and validate their concerns. When they ask questions, give just the amount of information you feel your child needs.

Make time for them and find support

Help kids understand that they are safe and secure by talking, playing, and doing other family activities with them. Build support networks with friends, family, and community organizations to help you cope, which can also help your children cope.

Keep to a routine

Help your children feel as if they still have a sense of structure, which can make them feel more relaxed. When schools and childcare open again, help children return to normal activities like going to class, sports, and play groups.

Risk Factors

For many kids, reactions to disasters are short-term. But some children can be at risk for more long-term psychological distress. Three risk factors for this longer-lasting response are:

• Direct exposure to the disaster such as being evacuated, observing injuries of others, or experiencing injury.
• Loss/grief relating to the death or serious injury of family or friends.
• Ongoing stress from secondary effects, such as temporary housing, loss of social networks, loss of personal property, or parent's unemployment.

 Stay involved with your children and young adults.  Our blogs for the month of September all focus on emergency preparedness.  

SERVPRO of West Riverside City blogs

Emergency Preparedness, Ways to be Involved in Your Riverside Community

9/15/2021 (Permalink)

CERT members can assist others following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help

Week 3 September 12-18: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness

There are many great organizations and groups you can join that will allow you to help in your community during disasters, some of these are at no cost. Knowing you are able to help others is empowering and highly rewarding.

CPR

You can make a save a life by learning hands-only CPR.

Why Learn Hands-Only CPR:

CERT-Community Emergency Response Team

CERT Program educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.

Using the training learned in the classroom and during exercises, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.

CERT members also are encouraged to support emergency response agencies by taking a more active role in emergency preparedness projects in their community.

Visit RivCoCERT.org

You Are the Help Until Help Arrives

designed by FEMA, are trainings that can be taken online or in-person, where you learn through simple steps how to save a life before a professional arrives.

Learn five simple steps that may save a life

How To Prepare for Disaster on a Budget?

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Natural disasters don’t wait for a convenient time. Preparing for them shouldn’t wait either.

National Preparedness Month 

Week 3 September 12-18: Low-Cost, No-Cost Preparedness

Natural disasters don’t wait for a convenient time. Preparing for them shouldn’t wait either.

If you are on a tight budget, there are several steps you can take that won't cost anything or that you could coordinate with a low budget.  Here are some tips from Ready.gov:

Alerts

Start by signing up for alerts, safe-guarding important documents, and taking other low cost and no cost preparedness actions to lessen the impact of disasters and emergencies for you and your family.

Preparedness Products

Download or order your free preparedness products to help your family plan and prepare for the next emergency. 

www.ready.gov/publications

Evacuation Drills

Drills aren’t just for your toolbox. Practice emergency drills with your family regularly. Kids already do this at school, why not implement them on a yearly basis at home.

Have a Communication Plan

Emergencies can happen anytime, and less than half of American families have a communication plan.

Ready.gov provides downloadable resources that are free!  Print out a Communications Plan and fill it in with your family.

Plan ahead:

 www.ready.gov/kids/make-a-plan 

Prepare with Kids

Make preparing fun for kids! Go on a scavenger hunt around your house for items you already have to add to your disaster supply kit. Follow this list: www.ready.gov/kit and see how many items you can check off!

Be aware of disasters in your area

Know what disasters and hazards could affect your area, how to get emergency alerts, and where you would go if you and your family need to evacuate. Visit: www.ready.gov/be-informed.

Here are some tips to help you put together a budget friendly emergency kits

•  Go to a dollar store.  Here you can find kitchen items, first aid, cleaning supplies, lighting, and water
• Look for grocery food sales- buy 10 with a discount, canned goods are often on sale and use coupons. 
• There are many budget grocery stores where you can find many items on your list.
• Buy in bulk for personal items. 
• Purchase items when not in high demand
• Buy throughout the year. 
• Use what you have at home, soda bottles can be cleaned appropriately and filled with water.
• Purchase off-brand items.
• Purchase electronic emergency supplies on eBay or Amazon

How to Build a Basic Disaster Emergency Supply Kit

9/9/2021 (Permalink)

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own. Being prepared means having your own food, water and other supplies to last for several days

Being prepared means being equipped with the proper supplies you may need in the event of an emergency or disaster. 

We've experienced the challenges of gathering supplies during COVID-19 sheltering in place.  Many stores were out of basic necessities such as hand sanitizer, toilet paper, water and N95 masks along with a list of other items.  How can you be prepared in advance?  Week two of National Preparedness Month helps us with building a kit.  We will provide tips with the help of Ready.gov on putting together your kit based on your family's needs. 

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 several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Week 2 September 5-11: Build A Kit

Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home. Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Download a printable version to take with you to the store. Once you take a look at the basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for seniors or pets (Check out our next Blog for pets.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)

• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Masks (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications

• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

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.

Kit Storage Locations

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

• Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
• Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
• Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

How Can You Prepare Your Pets For a Disaster

9/8/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Riverside City's mascot Ellie is ready for any disaster!

Your pets are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan.

To prepare for the unexpected follow these tips with your pets in mind:

• Make a plan.
• Build an emergency kit.
• Stay informed.

Make a Plan

If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency. If local officials ask you to evacuate, that means your pet should evacuate too. If you leave your pets behind, they may end up lost, injured or worse.

What can you do right now?

• Make sure that cats and dogs are wearing collars and identification tags
• Put your cell phone number on your pet's tag.

Things to include in your plan:

• Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.
• Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
• Have your pet microchipped. Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
• Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get additional advice and information if you’re unsure how to care for your pet in case of an emergency.

Here is a list of animal-friendly places handy, and call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home.

• Bringfido.com
• Dogfriendly.com
• Pet-friendly-hotels.net
• Petswelcome.com
• Tripswithpets.com

Build a Kit for Your Pet

Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, such as food and water. Have two kits, one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version for if you need to evacuate.  Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.

Here are some items you may want to include in an emergency kit for your pet:

• Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
• Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
• Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
• First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
• Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag. Have copies of your pet’s registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and available electronically.
• Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
• Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up.
• Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
• A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
• Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

Tips for Large Animals

If you have pets such as horses, goats or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.

In addition to the tips above:

• Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
• Evacuate animals earlier, whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
• Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
• Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
• If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to a barn or turn them loose outside.

Stay Informed

Being prepared and staying informed of current conditions. Here are some ways you can stay informed:

• Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials.
• Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.
• Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service, for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.
• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.

What Is the First Step You Can Take to Plan for a Natural Disaster in Riverside?

9/2/2021 (Permalink)

Discuss with your household or family how you will communicate if there is an emergency.

In 2020, 60,714 weather-related events resulted in 585 deaths and 1,708 injuries. Winter weather, tornadoes and floods resulted in the most deaths that year, according to Injury Facts.

Make a plan today. Your family may not be together if a disaster strikes, so it is important to know which types of disasters could affect your area.  Within Riverside, California, we can face many different disasters.  Riverside is prone to earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, strong winds, thunder storms, lightening, and flash flooding.  The most recent disaster affecting all families world wide is our current COVID-19 pandemic.  With this pandemic, sheltering in place was mandated so it was necessary to have enough food and items to sustain families for more than a month. Were you prepared?  Did you have enough of life's necessities to keep you and your family sustained?   

Ready.Gov has provided steps to make a plan. 

Week 1 September 1-4: Make A Plan

Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the coronavirus.

Creating your Family Emergency Communication Plan starts with one simple question:  "What If"

• What if something happens and I'm not with my family?
• Will I be able to reach them?
• How will I know if they are safe?
• How can I let them know I'm Ok?

During a disaster, you will need to send or receive information from your family.

Communication networks, such as mobile phones and computers, could be unreliable during disasters, and electricity could be disrupted.  Planning in advance will help ensure that all members of your household-including children, pets and people with disabilities, as well as outside caregivers- know how to reach each other and meet up in an emergency. 

Planning starts with these three steps:

•  Collect

• Create a paper copy of the contact information for your family and other important people/offices such as medical facilities, doctors, schools, or service providers

• Share

• Make sure everyone carries a copy in his or her back pack, purse, or wallet.  If you complete your Family Emergency Communication Plan online at Create Your Family Emergency Communication Plan you can print it into a wallet sized card.  You should also post a copy in a central location in your home, such as your refrigerator or bulletin board.

• Practice

• Have regular household meetings to review and practice your plan. 

Best way to communicate?

Text is best!  If you are using a mobile phone, a text message may get through when a phone call will not.  This is because a text message requires much less bandwidth then a phone call.  Text messages may also save and then send automatically as soon as capacity becomes available. 

Know how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated. Establish a family meeting place that’s familiar and easy to find.

• PrepareToProtect means preparing to protect everyone you love. Start by making a plan before disasters and emergencies strike: www.ready.gov/plan
• Discuss with your household or family how you will communicate if there is an emergency.
• Decide and practice your emergency plan with members of your household.
• Houses, mobile homes, apartments, and high-rise buildings have different evacuation considerations. Make a plan for each: www.ready.gov/plan-for-locations 
• Involve your entire family, including your children, in planning for disasters and emergencies so they are prepared, not afraid: www.ready.gov/plan

Keep the number of SERVPRO of West Riverside City in your emergency contact list.  We are available for those unexpected disasters 24 hours a day, 24 days a week.  We are also available during holidays! 

951-351-8033

Riverside, Are You Ready for a Disaster? Prepare Now During National Preparedness Month!

9/1/2021 (Permalink)

"Prepare to Protect” - Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.

"Prepare to Protect”

Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.

National Preparedness Month (NPM) is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.”

Why is it so important to be prepared?  We are facing disasters more frequently.  Not only natural disasters but disaster in our own home or business can happen at anytime. 

Wildfires-2021 Fire Season Outlook

While wildfires are a natural part of California’s landscape, the fire season in California and across the West is starting earlier and ending later each year. Climate change is considered a key driver of this trend. Warmer spring and summer temperatures, reduced snowpack, and earlier spring snowmelt create longer and more intense dry seasons that increase moisture stress on vegetation and make forests more susceptible to severe wildfire. The length of fire season is estimated to have increased by 75 days across the Sierras and seems to correspond with an increase in the extent of forest fires across the state. NIFC predicts portions of the Coast Ranges, Sierra, and Cascades in California increasing to above normal fire danger in June and July and continuing through September.

Hurricanes

Hurricane Ida just made landfall in Louisiana, it was more powerful than Katrina exactly 16 years ago to date.

Katrina first made landfall early on August 29, 2005, as a Category 3 storm with maximum winds of about 125 mph near Buras, Louisiana, the National Hurricane Center said. It had been a Category 5 storm in the Gulf of Mexico and weakened significantly before making landfall, but that prior strength meant that it created a very high storm surge.

Earthquakes

Earthquaketrack.com provided these statistics as of 8/30/21:

California, United States has had: (M1.5 or greater)

• 28 earthquakes in the past 24 hours
• 224 earthquakes in the past 7 days
• 885 earthquakes in the past 30 days
• 11,314 earthquakes in the past 365 days

*Insurance Information Institute calculations, based on ISO®, a Verisk Analytics® business, data for homeowners insurance claims from 2015-2019

Insurance Claims

In additional to natural disasters, there are the disasters that occur at home due to damage caused by fire and water.  These are sobering statistics.  These same causes can also impact your business!

Homeowners Insurance Claims Frequency*

• About one in 20 insured homes has a claim each year.  
• About one in 40 insured homes has a property damage claim related to wind or hail each year.
• About one in 50 insured homes has a property damage claim caused by water damage or freezing each year.
• About one in 365 insured homes has a property damage claim related to fire and lightning.
• About one in 425 insured homes has a property damage claim due to theft each year.
• About one in 1,440 homeowners policies has a liability claim related to the cost of lawsuits for bodily injury or property damage that the policyholder or family members cause to others.

*Insurance Information Institute calculations, based on ISO®, a Verisk Analytics® business, data for homeowners insurance claims from 2015-2019

How can we prepare our families and Business'? 

Ready.gov has provided weekly themes. Review these with you family.  Make everyone aware of yur family or business emergency plan.  Schools hold fire evacuation and earthquake drills.  Each family can plan to do the same.  Ready.gov provides tools and resources to help with your planning.  We will blog about the themes each week!

Weekly Themes

Each week in September, the campaign will focus on a different aspect of preparedness for individuals, families and communities.

Week 1 September 1-4: Make A Plan

Talk to your friends and family about how you will communicate before, during, and after a disaster. Make sure to update your plan based on the Centers for Disease Control recommendations due to the coronavirus.

Week 2 September 5-11: Build A Kit

Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home.  Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

Week 3 September 12-18: Prepare for Disasters

Limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family.  Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of storms and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.

Week 4 September 19-24: Teach Youth About Preparedness

Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

Please follow us on social media for timely tips and ways to keep your loved ones and business ready for any type of emergency. 

Instagram- SERVPRO West Riverside        

Facebook- SERVPRO West Riverside   

Twitter- SERVPRO West Riverside

Please check out our Website for more tips on:

Water Damage

Fire Damage

Commercial Damage

Riverside County Experienced 2 weeks of Summer Thunder Storms and Flash Flood Warning

8/30/2021 (Permalink)

What if Riverside is hit with a random Thunder and Lightening Storm? Are your prepared? Do you know who to call should you experience a water leak?

Is this common for Riverside County?   Not really!  Spectrum News 1 Reports:

What You Need To Know

• Summer thunderstorms are not common in Southern California
• Summer storms most often occur in the mountains
• Some rare, tropical-fueled storms bring significant rain
• Generally, summer thunderstorms don't generate much rainfall for SoCal

What if Riverside is hit with a random Thunder and Lightening Storm?

Prepare for Thunderstorms & Lightning

Know Your Risk

Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms. In most places they can occur year-round and at any hour. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) provide emergency alerts.

Strengthen Your Home

Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home. Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances and electronic devices.

Make an Emergency Plan

Create an emergency plan so that you and your family know what to do, where to go and what you will need to protect yourselves from the effects of a thunderstorm. Identify sturdy buildings close to where you live, work, study and play.

Stay Safe During Thunderstorms & Lightning

If you are under a thunderstorm warning:

• When thunder roars, go indoors! Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof.
• Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
• Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.
• Avoid running water.
• Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways. Just six inches of fast-moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

Riverside County is prone to flash floods and high winds that could make driving challenging. 

Stay Safe After Thunderstorms & Lightning

• Pay attention to authorities and weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and instructions regarding potential flash flooding.
• Watch for fallen power lines and trees. Report them immediately.

Take an Active Role in Your Safety Go to Ready.gov and search for thunderstorm, lightning, or hail. Download the FEMA app to get more information about preparing for thunderstorm, lightning, or hail.

If you experience water damage from heavy down pour, or wind has damaged your roof.  We are here to help!  24 hours a day 7 days a week. 

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

951-351-8033 

Can you Help Spread the Word to Clear Riverside Shelter?

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

I'm a male, 51.10 lbs, white & gray Siberian Husky. Estimated to be about 2 yrs, 2 mo old. I have been at the shelter since 06/08/2! Can I be yours?

NBC Universal Local is teaming up with hundreds of shelters across the country to host Clear the Shelters

A nationwide pet adoption drive in August 2021 that helps find loving homes for animals in need. More than 551,000 pets have found their forever homes since 2015.

SERVPRO would like to share some of the available pups located at Riverside County Department of Animal Services

There are currently 126 dogs available for adoption.  They come in all sizes, breeds and ages.  Some have good training skills, others need a little more attention in training, any dog can be trained out of bad habits. 

Our Rescue Cattle Dog

Take our Cattle dog Ellie, she had so much going against her when we found her at the shelter.  She was just an 8 week old pup found roaming the streets. Due to her biting and hurting the other pups, she was placed in her own kennel and marked aggressive.

Being a herding dog, she was high energy and needed mental and physical stimulation. On top of that she barked…she barked a lot! 

Nothing a dog trainer couldn't help with! This dog grew up to be sociable, obedient, loving pup.  We were able to leave her at day camps and she got along great with other doggos.  Addressing her barking was the most challenging.  We attempted several methods to address the barking as suggested from her trainer, until we found the right remedy.  As far as her high energy, walks and play time twice a day helped along with additional hikes & beach days addressed her energy level.  She is the sweetest!

Visit our social media pages to take a look at some of the pups available at:

Riverside County Department of Animal Services

We will post different groups of dogs, by age, breed, and time at the shelter!  Stop by the shelter and see them for yourself.  It will be hard to make a choice, but we are confident you will find one that will perfectly fit your family.

How to Locate Hidden Water Leaks Before They Cause Severe Water Damage

8/18/2021 (Permalink)

Vigilance is the best prevention for water damage. Knowing where to look and what to look for can detect many leaks before they get out of control

Finding water can sometimes be difficult. Water often travels the path of least resistance, which means water coming in from one area might enter your home in another area.

The water damage mitigation and restoration experts at SERVPRO of West Riverside City are the leading water damage restoration professionals in the Riverside area. A water leak that remains undetected and continues to leak for more than a short time can cause serious property damage. When homeowners or property managers suspect the presence of a water leak, there are several ways to detect the leak before it can do more damage.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City is sharing five tips on how to detect water leaks. Once the leaks are detected, homeowners can either fix the leak as a DIY project if the issue is easily resolved, or they can bring in a qualified, bonded and insured plumber to repair the leak. If the leak is inadequately repaired and not restored to professional standards, the problem could arise again in the future, causing another water damage disaster.

To repair the water-damaged areas of the home, the homeowner should secure the assistance of trained water damage restoration professionals who can safely, efficiently, and properly perform the restoration process. Water leaks that have persisted unnoticed for weeks, months, or even years can cause damage that compromises the structural integrity of the home. Rotted flooring, floor joists, or support beams require special expertise to repair or replace.

Long-term water leaks can also create serious health hazards. An undetected water leak can create a perfect environment for the growth of mold and mildew. In just a few days or weeks, a massive mold infestation can erupt, requiring extensive and expensive mold mitigation. A simple leak that could have been repaired for less than a $100 plumbing bill or for a few dollars in parts from the hardware store ends up costing thousands of dollars to remedy.

Here are the five important hidden water leak detection tips that can save the vigilant homeowner time, money, and stress.

Water leak detection tip #1: Monitor the monthly water bill.

Riverside Public Utilities is proud to serve a city of over 300,000 residents with high-quality water. Monitoring water usage does not require physically reading the meter by the road or sidewalk. Riverside residents can find all the information they need on their monthly water bill. Simply compare last month’s usage with the current month’s usage.

What constitutes a spike in water consumption?

• Standard bath: 27 gallons
• Ten-minute shower: 20 gallons
• Leaky faucet: five gallons per day or 150-300 gallons per month
• Broken or cracked pipe: As much as 500 gallons per hour
• Garden hose left running at an outside faucet (5/8”): 1,000 gallons per hour

An extra bath or two or a long, hot shower after a hard day at work will not show up as a spike in the water usage total or the amount of the water bill. Watering the garden or yard a few times a week or leaving the outside faucet on all night will significantly increase the water bill.

A higher water bill with no known increase in usage signals a problem. At this point, the homeowner may need to run a water usage check at the meter. Make sure all the water in the home is turned off. If the installed meter has a leak indicator, watch for movement. Otherwise, take a meter reading and check back in an hour or two.

Water leak detection tip #2: Conduct a faucet inspection.

A worn rubber washer under the faucet handle is responsible for a portion of the one trillion gallons of water wasted due to household water leaks. The fix for the leak is simple: replace the rubber washer.

Water leak detection tip #3. Perform the toilet tank dye test.

Hundreds of gallons of water can be wasted by a leaking toilet. Remove the tank lid and add some food coloring or a dye tab. If the water in the bowl is still clear after thirty minutes, the system is leak-free. Replacing the flapper takes care of most leaks.

Having to jiggle the handle to stop the toilet from running may indicate that the flush bar and chain are sticking. The remedy may be adjusting the nut that holds the mechanism in place. In other cases, the handle may be so corroded it must be replaced. Plumbing can be intimidating to some homeowners, so do not hesitate to call a qualified plumber to address these simple maintenance issues. The cost of the repairs is worth the peace of mind and the money saved by stopping the leak.

Water leak detection tip #4: Perform a visual inspection of ceilings and walls.

Stains and discoloration on walls and ceilings can go unnoticed for quite a while because the evidence and damage occur so gradually. An infrequent guest may walk into the home and instantly spot the stain, discoloration, bubbled paint or wallpaper, or warping. When dusting or vacuuming, take a few seconds to inspect the walls and ceilings.

Water leak detection tip #5: Be aware of underground water leaks.

Outdoor water leaks may require expensive repairs. A broken pipe can add hundreds of dollars to a monthly water bill. Soft spots, darkened areas, and the smell of water may indicate a major outdoor water leak. If an area of the lawn is moist after many days of dry weather, the cause may be a water leak. Look for unexplained puddles or water flows next to the driveway or along the curb. If an outdoor water leak is suspected, contact the local water company for assistance. If the leak is outside of their coverage area, they can recommend a plumber.

Vigilance is the best prevention for severe water damage. Knowing where to look and what to look for can detect many leaks before they get out of control and cause a water damage disaster and a potential mold infestation.

Trust the water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of West Riverside City  for water, fire, storm, and commercial damage restoration. For more information about water damage restoration in Riverside, contact the office by phone at (951) 351-8033 or by email at office@SERVPROwestriverside.com

We Are in the Midst of Wild Fire Season- Are You Ready?

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

More than 9,700 personnel continue to fight 11 major wildfires/complexes in California.

More than 9,700 personnel continue to fight 11 major wildfires/complexes in California.

We all have a responsibility to prevent wildfires through proper maintenance and use of campfires, vehicles, outdoor equipment and more.

Recognize Warnings and Alerts

• Have several ways to receive alerts. Download the FEMA app and receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area and be aware of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA)- which requires no-sign up.
• Sign up for email updates and follow the latest guidelines about coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 
• Pay attention to air quality alerts.

Make an Emergency Plan

• Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands what to do if you need to quickly evacuate.  

Review Important Documents

• Make sure your insurance policies and personal documents like ID are up to date.
• Make copies and keep them in a secure password protected digital space.

Strengthen your Home

• Use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate or make repairs.
• Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property.
• Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of leaves, debris or flammable materials for at least 30 feet from your home.
• Designate a room that can be closed off from outside air. Close all doors and windows. Set up a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low when smoky conditions exist.

Know your Evacuation Zone

• You may have to evacuate quickly due to a wildfire. Learn your evacuation routes, practice with household, pets, and identify where you will go.
• If you must evacuate to a public shelter, try to bring items that can help protect you and others in the shelter from COVID-19, such as hand sanitizer, cleaning materials, and two masks per person. Children under 2 years old and people who have trouble breathing should not wear masks. 
• Follow the instructions from local authorities. They will provide the latest recommendations based on the threat to your community and appropriate safety measures.

Gather Supplies

• Have enough supplies for your household, include medication, disinfectant supplies, masks, pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk. Being prepared allows you to address smaller medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
• Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
• Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, making essential purchases and slowly building up supplies in advance will allow for longer time periods between shopping trips. This helps to protect those who are unable to procure essentials in advance of the pandemic and must shop more frequently. In addition, consider avoiding WIC-labeled products so that those who rely on these products can access them.
• If you already have one at home, set aside a respirator, like an N95 respirator, to keep smoke particles out of the air you breathe. Respirators are not meant to fit children. Due to COVID-19, it may be difficult to find respirators. While cloth masks, surgical masks, and dust masks provide protection from exposure to COVID-19, they will not protect you from smoke inhalation. To ensure that healthcare workers have access to N95 respirators, it is best to limit your exposure to smoke rather than buy respirators.
• Be cautious when carrying flammable or combustible household products that can cause fires or explosions if handled wrong, such as aerosols, cooking oils, rubbing alcohol, and hand sanitizer.
• If you already have an N95 mask, use this to protect yourself from smoke inhalation. N95 masks also protect against the spread of COVID-19, however they should be reserved for healthcare workers. If are in a public cleaner air space or shelter, use a mask to help slow the spread of COVID-19. 
• Keep your cell phone charged when wildfires could be in your area. Purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.

Know What to Expect at Your Child’s K- 12 School or Child Care Program

8/11/2021 (Permalink)

Improving ventilation can reduce the number of virus particles in the air. SERVPRO can help with disinfecting and cleaning your school or classrooms!

COVID-19 outbreaks can happen in schools and child care programs, but when multiple prevention strategies are used, most children can safely continue to attend these programs in person.  Article from Ready.gov.

Things Your Child’s School or Child Care Program May Consider

When making decisions about how to keep students and staff safe, school and child care program administrators should consider:

As the situation in your community changes, school and child care program administrators may change policies.

Prevention Strategies

Your child’s school or child care program may layer prevention measures in the classroom or during other activities, meaning they may use many prevention measures at the same time. Using layered prevention measures is important when some prevention measures cannot be used. For example, when people are not able to physically distance from each other, using other prevention measures can still help stop the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 Vaccines

Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent COVID-19. When teachers, staff, and students 12 years and older are fully vaccinated, COVID-19 outbreaks in schools or child care programs are less likely to occur.

Everyone 12 years and older is now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.

Your child’s school or child care program may provide information about how to get vaccinated to families. They may also offer flexible options for excused absences to allow students time to get vaccinated and stay home if they have side effects after vaccinations.

Masks

When teachers, staff, and children who are not fully vaccinated wear a mask, they protect others as well as themselves.

School and child care program administrators may choose to make mask use universally required in your child’s school or child care program if

Schools and child care programs can make exceptions for children who cannot wear a mask or cannot safely wear a mask.

Masks are required on all public transportation, including school buses. Regardless of the mask policy at school, passengers and drivers must wear a mask on school buses operated by public or private school systems. Learn more about face masks on public transportation.

Your child’s school or child care program will have a policy about physical distancing.

Young children need to be close to caregivers during diapering, feeding, and comforting. Your child’s program may use cohorting. Cohorting means keeping children together in a small group and having each group stay together throughout an entire day. This is used to limit the number of children and staff who come in contact with each other. Your child’s program may also maximize time outdoors, stagger drop-off and pick-up times, and maintain 6 feet between cohorts.

 Ventilation

Improving ventilation can reduce the number of virus particles in the air.

Your child’s school or child care program may:

• Open multiple doors and windows.
• Use child-safe fans to increase the effectiveness of open windows.
• Make changes to the heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) or air filtration systems.
• Open or crack windows in buses and other forms of transportation, if doing so does not pose a safety risk.

Handwashing

Teachers and staff can:

• Teach students to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Remind students to wash hands frequently and help young children with handwashing.
• Provide hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if handwashing is not possible. Young children should have adult supervision when using hand sanitizer.
• Set up handwashing or hand sanitizing stations at facility entrances.
• Wash their hands after holding, washing, or feeding young children.
• Wash their hands before and after changing a child’s diaper or handling infant bottles.

Keep Your Child Home if They Are Sick

If your child is sick or has symptoms of COVID-19, they should stay home. Call your child’s healthcare provider for testing and care. Staying home when sick with COVID-19 keeps COVID-19 infections out of schools and child care programs and prevents spread to others.

Food Service and Meals

Your child’s school or child care program may adjust where and when children eat meals. This may include:

• Physical distancing as much as possible when moving through the food service line and while eating (especially indoors).
• Using additional spaces outside of the cafeteria for mealtime seating, such as the gymnasium or outdoor areas.
• Reminding children to wash hands, before and after eating.
• Improving ventilation in spaces where children eat.

Physical Education and Physically Active Play

Physical play is important for children. In general, people do not need to wear masks when outdoors. In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, people should consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated. When physical education and play are held indoors, children and staff should wear masks. Children and staff should physically distance when possible.

Sports and Other Activities

Some sports may make players, coaches, and trainers more likely to get and spread COVID-19 because of physical contact and increased breathing. Other extracurricular activities, such as band, choir, theater, and school clubs that meet indoors, may also make students and staff more likely to get or spread COVID-19.

• Students should not participate in these activities when they have symptoms of COVID-19 and should be tested.
• Students who participate in indoor sports and other higher-risk activities should continue to wear masks and physically distance as much as possible.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City hopes for a fantastic school year! 

If you are a school official and would like information on how SERVPRO can help with disinfecting and cleaning your school or classrooms, give us a call 951-351-8033.

We can help if a student develops symptoms and if a positive COVID test result occurs with one of your students. 

Experience a Flood in Your Riverside Home? Here are 3 Important Tips

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

There's nothing worse than the sight of a broken pipe, flooded room, or soaking wet possessions.

If your home in Riverside has suffered from flooding, it can feel overwhelming, but with the right ideas in mind, your home is well on its way to being good as new.

1. Don't Touch Anything

Even if the damage in your home looks minor, hidden electrical wires and waterlogged drywall cause big safety issues. It's best to leave the dangerous work to the professionals. Many people don't realize how dangerous water in homes can be. Think of water damage in the same light you view fire damage: Unpredictable and risky. It may be tempting to wade in and recover a precious item but don't.

2. Schedule Repairs

Before the cleanup can get started, the source of the water must be found and stopped. If you suspect a broken pipe, call a plumber to get it fixed.

3. Call a Professional

After the leak has been repaired, it's time to call in the experts in water damage cleanup to restore your home to normal. With the right equipment, the pros restore homes to a pre-flooded state within a few days. Among several other processes, one of the most important steps that an expert takes is the removal of water from the walls and ceilings. Waterlogged drywall is a serious issue that can lead to collapse, but professionals will save as much as possible by drying the area. Most also employ industrial fans and heaters to dehumidify the area. Along with this, they also test for hidden moisture behind walls. Both of these steps help prevent the growth of mold. A specialist also comes equipped to dry your furniture and other personal items.

Whether it's a broken pipe or another source of water damage, with the right knowledge, you can quickly return your home to normal.

Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside City, we can help.  We are located in Riverside, CA and we can inspect your damage free of charge!

Call us at 951-351-8033

Visit our Website for more information and tips to guide your through the process!

For more information on flood damage visit IICRC

Riverside Grow Houses, SERVPRO Offers Advice and Information

8/2/2021 (Permalink)

What to Do if the House You Rent or Purchase Was a Marijuana Grow House in Riverside?

While it is true that if a home was previously used as a meth lab, potential buyers must be given that information unless the home has been successfully remediated; In California selling a property that's been used for the cultivation, manufacturing of, or distribution of marijuana also requires disclosure, if the real estate agent or broker is aware of the activity.  Because of both potential health and structure issues from use as a grow house, it is vital to find out and have the home professionally cleaned. 

Riverside does have laws regarding grow houses:

According to Riverside Municipal Code section 19.342.030 (B), “no individual or entity may plant, cultivate, harvest, dry, or process marijuana plants inside a private residence, or inside an accessory structure to a private residence located upon the grounds of a private residence, in excess of the limitations imposed by California Health and Safety Code section 11362.2.” And 11362.2 (a)(3) of the Health & Safety code states “not more than six living plants may be planted, cultivated, harvested, dried, or processed within a single private residence, or upon the grounds of that private residence, at one time.”

Ward 4 Councilman Chuck Conder stated “the proliferation of illegal grow facilities in our neighborhoods should not be a surprise to anyone.  These dangerous activities have been seen in every state that has legalized the recreational use of marijuana.  The illegal and shoddy rewiring of electrical connections needed to provide the massive power requirements to serve these facilities is a fire hazard that threatens surrounding homes.  Add to that the volatile chemicals used in the illegal grow houses and you have an explosive situation that could endanger an entire neighborhood.”

How is a Home Used as a Grow House in Riverside?

In a standard grow house operation, each room in the home contains multiple marijuana plants, and usually, no one resides on the property. The windows are often foiled for increase light reflection or blacked out to stop anyone from peeping in and seeing the plants. Little regard is given to the potential for staining floors from the pots or tubs containing the plants. 

SERVPRO Says You Should Care if Your Home Was Used as a Grow House!

Non-disclosure for renters or buyers for a home's previous history as a grow house can be concerning on several levels. First and foremost, unsafe modifications may have occurred to the property such as load-bearing walls removed to expand the size of a grow room. The electrical wiring may have been re-run to hook up grow lights and bypass safety regulations to the point of leaving live wires on insulation in the attic which is both an electrocution and fire hazard. An electrical source may have been Gerry-rigged from a neighboring property placing unintended stress on the electrical panel, circuit breakers, or fuses.

And there is the water. Marijuana plants require copious amounts of water and humidity. In hydroponic grow operations, the plants are grown directly in water with little to no soil. For ease of watering multiple plant stations at once, irrigation systems are created indoors with little thought as to the damage caused to floor, walls, ceilings from leaks and spillage. The high humidity creates a perfect environment for mold colonies to flourish and it spreads quickly both inside and outside the home. Mold colonies have been known to cover walls and ceilings with massive colonies completely.

Landlords should have homes professionally mitigated if a grow operation is discovered after a tenant leaves and prospective homeowners should specifically ask inspectors to look for signs the home was used as a grow house before purchasing. A lower asking price for the home may sometimes be negotiated to account for the professional cleaning needed before the property is at a standard for healthy habitation. A biohazardous condition requires certified IICRC technicians like those employed by SERVPRO for safe and secure removal of all mold residues. 

If a Landlord Suspects a Tenant is Running a Grow House, What are the Signs?

It is a good idea to inspect your rental properties periodically before extreme structural modifications have a chance to happen. Landlords should use some of the same indications that law enforcement looks for when identifying a grow house such as the refusal of a tenant to let the landlord into the property with excuses such as they are traveling or otherwise away. Condensation collected on the windows is a tell-tale sign of highly humid conditions inside the home. Moreover, of course, the strong odor of marijuana is often a dead giveaway. During mold remediation large LGR low-grain refrigerant dehumidifiers are set in strategic location by the AMRT applied microbial remediation technicians from SERVPRO to restore a normal indoor RH relative humidity.

Why Landlords or Sellers Should Never Self-Clean a Grow House Property

Due to the water damage and probability of mold within the structure, cleaning a grow house is rated as an intense Category Three, Class Four biohazard job and is not a cleanup job for your usual make-ready cleaning crew. Often mold remediation teams must don PPE personal protective equipment when removing mold colonies and spores from a grow house. 

The constantly humid conditions can result in structural damage such as buckled sheetrock, crumbling carpet padding from repeated saturation and not being thoroughly dried and staining can occur throughout the home. Every part of the house needs to be inspected for the possibility of mold colonies, including wall cavities, subflooring and even brickwork and eves on the exterior that can harbor mold coming from inside. The ductwork in the home may have been re-routed, cut into and may contain the strong odor of marijuana and mold spores.

The level of cleaning required to return a former grow house to sanitary standards that are safe for habitation needs professional-level remediation techniques. This process can include containment of rooms as they are mitigated for mold and water damage, the use of air scrubbers with HEPA filters to capture mold spores smaller than the human eye can see and disinfection of all surfaces with professional quality solutions designed specifically for biohazard environments. These cleaning, sanitizing, and equipment are in the SERVPRO aresenal. Water can leave a foul odor when it penetrates porous objects in a home, combined with the strong smell of marijuana; the scent can be overwhelming and very difficult to remove. Rather than masking the odor, it requires neutralization at the molecular level. 

There are machines such as the hydroxyl generators that neutralize bacteria and odors using the same methods as the sun for breaking down these offenders by emitting UV rays. Ozone machines combine the O3 oxygen molecules with odors and effectively neutralize them. Another technique that is sometimes employed is ULV (ultra-low-volume) fogging. A SERVPRO technician delivers a heated disinfectant solution as a wet penetrating fog that permeates porous items in the home and removes odors while it also disinfects. 

While walls and baseboards may require thorough cleaning and sometimes replacement, flooring suffers extreme levels of damage in a grow house. Carpet and padding is often a loss in a former grow house due to deterioration from exposure to water and mold along with contaminated marijuana plant parts. On a case by case basis, hardwood flooring that has buckled or warped from constant exposure to high levels of moisture can be dried using specialized techniques and then sanded and refinished. Composite or other types of wood flooring usually cannot be successfully mitigated and are a loss if saturated with enough water and humidity over time. The demolition technicians from SERVPRO can remove all contaminated materials according to OSHA and local codes.

If you have a property you are renting or want to purchase, and you suspect it was used as a grow house, you should get it professionally cleaned by a company that is certified in the handling biohazards. Remember, at this time potential landlords or sellers in our state have no legal obligation to let you know if the property was used for growing marijuana. A clean bill of health after testing by an Industrial Hygienist following mold remediation provides peace of mind that the structure is once again safe for habitation.

We suggest that you contact SERVPRO of West Riverside City for an inspection and assessment of a grow house in your area. We can remediate and prepare your property for a third party inspection. Contact us at (951) 351-8033.

3 Preferred Vendor Program Advantages

7/28/2021 (Permalink)

Advantages Of Becoming A Preferred Vendor

Many advantages accrue to franchise owners and employees who participate in the SERVPRO Preferred Vendor Program. Program participants are more likely to obtain approval for jobs from leading insurance agencies. Whether you are an insurance agent or prospective investor considering opening a franchise in Riverside, here are three advantages of partnering with or becoming a Preferred Vendor.

1. A Large Franchise Network

An extensive network consisting of more than 1,700 franchise locations across North America provides Preferred Vendor Program participants with the support necessary to deliver the highest quality of cleanup and restoration services for any commercial or residential property. When it comes to calling on specialists or summoning reinforcements for large loss events, this network enables the trusted franchises to provide a consistent level of service.

2. Established Insurer Relationships

An insurance agent can count on a straightforward dealings with a Preferred Vendor. Property owners can also rest assured that more of the total estimate calculated by this restoration franchise and provided to insurers is likely to be covered. An electronic claims center makes it easy for representatives to access information on new, in-progress and past jobs and compare costs to national industry averages.

3. Marketing Resource Access

A SERVPRO franchise that becomes a Preferred Vendor gains access to a full suite of marketing and promotional materials. Furthermore, the Institute for Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification program, which is one of the most trusted bodies in the restoration industry, also has a longstanding relationship with this national company and partnered franchises.

When a restoration company in Riverside, CA is accepted into the Preferred Vendor Network, the owner and employees stand to benefit from a connection to other franchises across the continent. On the other hand, an insurance agent can count on participants in this program to provide the highest level of service for commercial and residential restoration projects.

3 Steps to Prevent a Lint Fire in your Riverside Home

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Lint was the cause of this fire. SERVPRO of West Riverside City was there to take care of the smoke, soot, and fire damage!

Three Steps To Prevent A Dryer Fire

Many homeowners in Riverside, are unaware that lint accumulates poses a dangerous fire hazard. Each time the dryer is used, it releases clothes particles that accumulate inside and around the dryer. When its accumulation is neglected, all it takes is a spark to begin a lint fire. Lint is highly combustible and is made up of:

• Cotton
• Wool
• Synthetic fibers from dryer sheets

Here are three steps you can take to prevent a dryer fire.

1. Clean the Dryer Vent and Ensure Proper Ventilation

The hose connection on your dryer leads most of the lint through a pipe to the outside air. When the vent is covered by a mesh screen, the lint will accumulate, forming a combustible blockage. To ensure proper ventilation, make sure the damper is not covered by a mesh screen and that it is opening properly.

2. Check Behind the Dryer for Lint

It is easy to miss the lint behind the dryer because of how well hidden it can be. Often, this is a sign that the hose and vent are clogged. Using a vacuum to clean lint behind the dryer could prevent a lint fire. When this begins to happen, it is recommended to hire a professional service to clean your dryer vents.

3. Clean the Lint Filter Housing

Along with cleaning the lint filter after each use, clean its housing regularly to prevent lint inside of the dryer. One of the most common causes of dryer fires is lint trapped in the filter housing and the hidden corners of the dryer. Use a small brush and a vacuum cleaner to remove the hidden lint.

You can prevent a house fire by taking precautionary measures with flammable substances. Cleaning your dryer and having it serviced by a professional can keep your house safe from fire damage. If you have experienced a lint fire in your home, call a professional fire damage restoration service to clean and restore your property.

Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside City, we are experienced in these types of fires and can help!

 951-351-8033

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Our Water Damage Experts Can Save Delicate Items In Riverside Home

7/23/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage from sprinkler system wet the ceiling and caused the insulation to soak up water. Removal was done by SERVPRO of West Riverside City!

Saving Delicate Items Affected by Water Damage Incidents in Riverside

When there is a water spill, some items in the house are more prone to damage because of their structure and material composition. Some actions can help save the items if taken promptly after discovering water damage.

How Water Damages Carpets

If there is carpet in the area that was hit by water damage in your Riverside home, you might end up disposing of it if you do not take any action. Common problems include delaminating, whereby the backing separates from the rest of the material due to water action. Stains can also develop, especially if there are other items such as furniture resting on carpeted areas.

Saving Wet Carpets

Saving the carpet from water damage takes several actions, including removing items that can cause stains immediately after the spill. Our SERVPRO technicians expedite water extraction to reduce the exposure time using sophisticated equipment such as truck-mounted extractors and other high-speed pumps, which minimizes chances of delaminating. Depending on the amount of water spilled, we can do in-place drying. Floating the carpet helps ensure even drying on the bottom surface of the carpet, reducing the chances of mold developing.

Hardwood floor

Water spills on hardwood floors might necessitate replacement of the entire floor, which is quite costly. When wood absorbs significant amounts of water, it swells. Because they are tightly packed, the floorboards buckle at the joints to accommodate the swelling. Apart from reducing the time wood has to absorb water through fast extraction, our SERVPRO technicians also use specialized moisture control methods such as drying, setting up a drying chamber over the floor surface.

Wet Insulation

Wall materials such as drywall and insulation lose structural integrity when they absorb water. Drywall crumbles when wet, while insulation loses R-value. Although it is rarely possible to save these materials after they are wet, stopping the damage from spreading further from affected areas through wicking is necessary. Our water restoration crews from SERVPRO make flood cuts removing all the wet wall materials.

Quick action can help reduce losses incurred from water loss incidents.

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside at (951) 351-8033 to help save some items affected by the incident, “Like it never even happened.”

How To Handle a Partial Loss Fire in Riverside

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

A fire caused smoke, soot and water damage to this commercial building in Jurupa. SERVPRO West Riverside made it, "Like it never even happened."

A "partial loss" fire is one that damages your commercial property, but doesn't completely destroy it. Before you file a claim, contact a fire restoration service to make a complete assessment of the property. Professionals may uncover damage that you might not notice at first glance. They can also give you an appraisal of what renovations need to take place to get your building back to normal. This information is helpful to your insurance adjuster when they visit your establishment.

What Problems Could Affect Your Insurance Claim?

It's critical to find a reputable fire crew in Riverside to help you through the process, otherwise, it could affect the amount of your settlement. Things to keep in mind include:

How Can You Make the Process Go Smoother?

Before your insurance adjuster arrives, make a list of every item that was destroyed in the fire or damaged by smoke or water. Take pictures of key items that must be replaced. Get quotes from construction crews with itemized details as well. All of these tips can speed up the process so that your claim is filed quicker.

Fire loss doesn't have to destroy your entire building to be devastating. Finding the right renovation service helps the process go much smoother.

How to Recover from Water Damage to Your Riverside Property After a Fire

7/19/2021 (Permalink)

Fire and water damage due to a microwave that effected 3 floors of this apartment. SERVPRO was able to mitigate all damage.

Water Removal After Fire Suppression In Your Riverside Home

Disasters occurring in your Riverside home often do not exclusively fall into one category of damage or another. Recovering from an instance like a fire in your house requires specialists in the effects of the fire, but might also require those with certifications to contend with water damages and drying efforts as well.

While the fire damages to your Riverside home might be more than enough to get overwhelmed as a homeowner when you compound that with the need for water removal services, you need trusted technicians that can arrive quickly like our SERVPRO team. Our rapid response unit is available 24/7 to begin mitigation practices and early stages of restoration work to keep the situation from getting worse.

When it comes to contending with water damages that require extraction, time is of the essence. Our SERVPRO technicians have the tools and equipment to rapidly pull high volumes of water from the affected areas. Extraction is not the only point of concern about the need for water removal, as this damage can spread and saturate quickly through materials in the affected region of the property.

Oversaturation is a common occurrence in these situations, causing construction materials and surfaces to bloat and distort as the abundance of water warps their composition. If managed at the appropriate times, our professionals can work with air movers and dehumidifiers to pull the moisture from the area entirely, pulling the relative humidity in your home back to acceptable parameters to avoid effects like mold growth.

Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside City, we can answer your questions and we provide free estimates.  Call us 951-351-8033

Or you may visit our website with all our contact information. 

SERVPRO of West Riverside Website

Minor is Major When it Comes to Water Damage in Your Riverside Home

7/14/2021 (Permalink)

No job is too insignificant for SERVPRO of West Riverside Cit. If you suspect a tiny leak has become a major problem, give us a call at (951) 351-8033

Prevention and Maintenance Help Impede Significant Damage Due to Leaks.

Homeowners frequently make the mistake of thinking slight leaks cause no problems for their homes. Allowing a slow leak to continue depositing water inside a wall, on the floor, or under a cabinet are examples of things that cause significant damage to the structure of a building without the owner noticing. Eventually, you need our help to restore the harm and prevent collateral damage. 

A small but steady leak in the waste pipe connecting your kitchen sink to the main drain below contributes to a gradual spread of water damage in your Riverside home. Because the pipe damaged by the leak runs behind some cabinets and then down the basement stairs, you rarely take any note of it. Your neglect now results in a massive bulging of the wall near your water heater and furnace, and dirty water has begun to puddle on the floor and run in a ragged stream to a floor drain. There is a musty smell with a note of decaying food. 

One of our SERVPRO water damage teams arrives and assesses the area. We identify problems and devise a plan. Water is extracted from inside the wall with our specialized equipment. If we find mold, we employ EPA approved procedures to contain the area, remove the moldy material, and then sanitize. Our team coordinates with your plumber to replace the drain pipe, essential to make sure the mold remediation is successful. 

We then take moisture measurements and use our high-efficiency air movers and dehumidifiers to dry out the lower level area. SERVPRO’s mission is to restore, but because of the mold growth, we likely replace a portion of the wallboard that was soaked by the leaking over time. Porous materials are difficult to sanitize, and drywall is relatively inexpensive to install new. 

The cabinets in the kitchen also need inspection, and our team tests for moisture as the leaks may have extended closer to the sink. We take off the kick plates to scan for current or old water damage. If standing water reveals itself, SERVPRO team members extract it and aim air movers into the recesses and position a dehumidifier nearby. Again we evaluate for mold involvement and remediate if necessary. 

Although this type of water incursion is hardly dramatic, it is prevalent and causes serious water damage. Our team recommends you remain vigilant for this kind of leaking as it destroys structure from the inside out. 

No job is too insignificant for SERVPRO of West Riverside Cit. If you suspect that a tiny leak has become a major problem, give us a call at (951) 351-8033 to schedule a consultation. 

How To Deodorize your Smelly Riverside Washing Machine

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

To keep your machine smelling fresh, clean the washer every 30 days or so!

Have you noticed a musty odor coming from your washing machine?

Don’t worry, you’re not the first person in Riverside, to have a smelly washer. Today’s machines are more efficient and eco-friendlier than ever before, but they’re also more susceptible to mildew and mold growth. Luckily, with just a little maintenance, you can easily remove smells and keep them from returning.

What’s Causing It

High-efficiency washers use much less water than their predecessors. This makes it harder for the machine to completely dissolve the dust, hair, and body oils from your dirty laundry, and residue can build up over time. In addition, the interior of your machine tends to be warm and humid most of the time, making your washer the ideal environment for rapid mold growth. The door gaskets on front-loading machines can trap dirt and moisture and are also excellent places for mold and bacteria to flourish.

How To Get Rid of It

Follow these steps to eliminate mold and banish the existing funk from your washing machine:

Clean around the rims of the dispensers using a solution of one-fourth cup of vinegar mixed with two cups of hot water. You may need to use a cotton swab or small toothbrush to get into small areas. If you have a front-loading machine, also clean the gasket around the door.

Sprinkle a cup of baking soda into the drum and add two cups of plain white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Don’t add any detergent or clothes. Run a full cycle using hot water.

After the cycle is complete, wipe away any bits of leftover “gunk” that remain on the walls of the drum.

If the mold smell remains, repeat steps two and three.

To keep your machine smelling fresh, be sure to use detergent labeled safe for high-efficiency machines and keep the lid open between washes to allow the drum to dry out. Clean the washer every 30 days or so, using the procedure above or using a commercial washing machine cleaner. Prevention is key to avoiding a stinky, moldy washer.

Avoiding Big Damage to the Walls in Your Riverside Property

7/7/2021 (Permalink)

Drywall exposed to standing water can wick up the wall at a rate of one inch per hour for the first 24 hours!

SERVPRO's Quick Response to Water Damage in Your Home can Often PREVENT Any Secondary Damage.

Did you know that drywall exposed to standing water can wick up the wall at a rate of one inch per hour for the first 24 hours? Extracting standing water immediately stops the wicking and can reduce your drying time by more than a day.

If water damage of any kind has occurred in your home, it is important to take action as soon as possible. When it comes to plaster and drywall becoming wet, some problems arise. Mold growth can begin, framing wood splits and swells, and the structural integrity of your home weakens. Even if you see just minor bubbling, spots, or peeling, you want to move fast, so the problem does not become much larger.

When you need water damage restoration services in your Riverside home, no wall is safe from damages that can occur if they got wet during the disaster. Drywall is at risk to weaken and even collapse. It also many times needs to be replaced, as it is not always repairable. The structure around drywall can also be affected in cases where the damage is severe.

SERVPRO, a professional water removal and restoration company, is always standing by to help when you need. In a situation that involves water, we understand that time is of the essence and arrive at your home quickly so we can assess the damages and begin cleanup right away.

Water ruins plaster as well. It is not resistant to dampness and therefore is easily affected. It is fortunately easy to remove and replace when needed. In areas of your home such as the bathroom, tile walls should be used whenever possible.

Immediate Water Removal Can Save Drywall in Your Widefield Home

With the fast spread of water loss incidents that occur in your Riverside home, it can be challenging to understand the full effects to your construction materials and exposed areas of the property. With advanced detection, extraction, and drying equipment available to our technicians, we have a team that can respond quickly to water emergencies and makes a difference.

To protect exposed materials and structural elements in your home in an emergency like this, you need water removal to begin immediately. Our 24/7 response to water loss incidents can provide the fast response you need to protect your home and your investment in the property. Drywall is often one of the most susceptible materials to both standing water and moisture damages, making it essential to get drying efforts started as promptly as possible to limit the necessary tear out to restore these areas of your home.

From the time that our professionals first arrive at your property, we address the standing water throughout the affected areas of the house. With effective equipment like our extractor trucks, trash pumps, portable submersible pumps, and even wet-vacs with extraction wands, we have a wide array of equipment to make short work of the pooling water. Once the excess water has gotten removed, we can work to identify the full spread of the damage and how it has affected elements like the drywall.

Wicking is a common effect with drywall in which the material begins to absorb moisture and allows it to spread much higher than its direct exposure line with the pooling water. To address this concern our SERVPRO professionals can mark off the moisture line at the height where the drywall returns to an unaffected state and cut off the damaged material beneath this point. Not only does this provide effective access for drying of wall cavities, but it makes reconstruction efforts to come more efficient and cost-effective than removing entire panels.

Protecting your drywall requires a fast response from skilled professionals like our SERVPRO of West Riverside City team. If you want to make water damage “Like it never even happened,” give our rapid response team a call today at (951) 351-8033.

Summer Fun Concerts in the Park Return to Riverside Starting July 7th!

7/5/2021 (Permalink)

This FREE family-oriented event provides a fun and exciting experience for all ages to enjoy and includes live music!

Looking forward to getting outdoors, being with your community and having a good time?

The City of Riverside Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department (PRCSD) is bringing back the Summer Concerts Series just in time to cool down the summer heat!

This FREE family-oriented event provides a fun and exciting experience for all ages to enjoy and includes live music with some of the best local artists from Southern California. Participants are treated to an eclectic variety of excellent music with a different genre on display each Wednesday for the month of July.

In addition, the Summer Fun Concerts in the Park also offers a variety of food vendors and refreshments along with a beer garden. Participants may also purchase an event shirt or hat for $20. A t-shirt and hat combo will also be available for $35 and can be purchased at the event. All proceeds serve to generate scholarships for underserved communities. To add to the fun, the City of Riverside PRCSD Wellness Vehicle will be present, providing fun activities and a variety of PRCSD swag for participants.

Here is the summer concert schedule:

Fairmont Park

2601 Fairmont Blvd.

July 7- Steel Rod - Top 40/variety

July 14- Nueva Era- Latin variety/Rockabilly

July 21- Stone Soul- Motown

July 28- Suave the Band- Latin (Cumba, Merengue, Salsa, Chacha)

Are Fireworks Legal in Riverside?

6/30/2021 (Permalink)

Fireworks cause injuries, spark fires that can endanger firefighters, creates stress for veterans with PTSD, and terrify animals.

Every year, about 10,000 people are treated for injuries in hospital emergency departments due to the mishandling of live, misfired and waste consumer fireworks -   CPSC 2019 Fireworks Annual Report.

In addition, fires resulting from fireworks cause over $100 million in direct property damage- NFPA.  Many U.S. cities are seeing a surge in consumer fireworks usage by the public in 2020.

With the July 4th holiday fast approaching, the City of Riverside is reminding residents that all fireworks are illegal within the city limits, and anyone found using illegal fireworks is subject to a $1,000 fine.

Riverside has been working for several years to reduce the usage of fireworks in the city. Fireworks cause injuries in adults and children, spark fires that can endanger firefighters and the public, create stress for veterans with PTSD, and terrify many animals. Just last year, the City of Riverside confiscated 3,856 pounds of fireworks, wrote 145 citations for fireworks, and received nearly 900 fireworks-related calls.

The City continually promotes an anti-fireworks message in hopes that residents will refrain from purchasing fireworks when they become available in neighboring counties shortly before the holiday. Websites, billboards, electronic parking meters all display the “Fireworks Are Illegal” message, and city officials are monitoring websites for fireworks being offered for sale.

City officials have sent warning letters to people who have received citations and to addresses that were identified as fireworks sites by people who called the City’s 311 line. Calls to 311 regarding specific addresses where fireworks are being used can be made anonymously. RiversideCA.gov

In March 2021, approximately 20 miles from Riverside in the city of Ontario, a massive explosion from a large stash of fireworks took place.  Two people and a dog were killed due to the explosion.  It injured people and animals and damaged 80 homes. 

What can we do to minimize fires and injuries from fireworks?

• The best way to stay safe from fireworks is to not use them. Instead, attend a public fireworks display put on by professionals.
• Fireworks are dangerous to people and pets. Using them puts your property at risk.
• Hand-held sparklers burn at 1,200 F. Remember, wood ignites at 356 F and burns at 575 F.

Riverside county Sheriff's department, City of Riverside, and Riverside county Fire Department all urge:

ALL fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Riverside County.

All fireworks are illegal because they cause serious injuries and very often, cause fires.

Those caught with illegal fireworks will be subject to fines, citation and/or arrest; including confiscation of all illegal fireworks. We urge you to leave the fireworks to the professionals!

Riverside Business Owners Can Prevent Fires in the Break Room

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

Take steps to avoid break room fires!

Keeping your employees happy and safe is an important aspect of owning a productive business.

Let's talk about the beloved breakroom. A lunchtime escape from the cramped office cubicle. A place to eat doughnuts without shame and to converse with coworkers, it's a temporary getaway for many office employees and can provide instant relief for the workday blues. To keep the breakroom enjoyable for everyone, it's extremely important to make sure it's safe. Making safety a high priority, you can prevent the unthinkable from happening.

A breakroom fire is one key area that can bring your business to a halt or even worse cause harm to employees.  One way to prevent a small catastrophe grow into a large one is by having a fire extinguisher installed in the breakroom.  It's a good way to prevent a microwave mishap. Faulty wires and carelessness can easily turn a lunch break into a lunch fire. Provide new employees with instructions on fire safety to keep everyone in the office informed. Check smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly, run a fire drill to ensure organization, and display fire safety information on the breakroom bulletin board to raise employee awareness.

To avoid break room fires, we recommend making the following suggestions:

• Only use commercial or industrial-grade appliances that are UL listed.
• Remove all hot plates, toaster ovens, toasters or any appliance that has an open flame.  Place signs in the break room restricting their use.
• Plug all appliances directly into outlets that have the proper overcurrent protections (breakers, GFCI, etc.)
• Never plug appliances into extension cords.
• Provide all break rooms with smoke/heat detection devices that are monitored by a central station.
• Keep all appliances and outlets free from dirt and debris accumulation.
• Be sure there is a fully operational smoke detector in the break room. Checking the smoke alarm monthly to ensure it is operational may be the first step in proactively preventing an emergency

Do you have employees who smoke?  Employees in California should be made aware of laws and should have an understanding on where they can smoke. NOLO advises, "Workplace smoking laws apply to workplaces with more than five employees  In California, smoking areas must be in a non-work area. No employee may be required to enter that room as part of their job. The air must be exhausted directly outside with a fan and cannot recirculate to other areas of the building." 

Here are some smoking safety tips:

• Set up deep, sturdy ashtrays with a wide, stable base that are difficult to tip over and set ashtrays on something sturdy and difficult to ignite, such as a table.
• Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out before throwing them away.
• Never toss hot cigarette butts or ashes in the trash.
• Chairs and sofas can catch fire fast and burn fast. Don't set ashtrays on them.

Visit our website for more information on commercial fire restoration .  We also have blogs providing tips and best practices!

Remember, if disaster does strike, SERVPRO® of west Riverside City is Here to Help!® Give us a call 24/7 at 951-351-8033.

Smell Something Funny? It Might Be Water Damage in Your Riverside Home

6/23/2021 (Permalink)

Most new homeowners are not water damage specialists, but the human nose is an excellent tool for sniffing out trouble.

How To Spot Water Damage in Your Riverside Home

Do you know when to be worried about a funny smell? Most new homeowners are not water damage specialists, but the human nose is an excellent tool for sniffing out trouble. Your nose is not the only way to spot water damage in your new home. SERVPRO technicians are certified at Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and can help handle any moisture problems you may discover after moving in. 

The sooner you notice a problem, the sooner you can call us to help mitigate ongoing damages. With summer in full session in Riverside, some water damage will be easier to spot. When you notice a problem, a highly trained SERVPRO professional can assess the extent of your damages. We can use our specialized equipment to remedy the issue fast. 

What should you keep an eye out for when cleaning your Riverside home? Start at the top. When looking for roof damages, obvious water stains aren't the only problem. Swollen insulation is usually an indication of water retention. Check your flashing (where the roof meets the walls) for cracks and look for missing shingles as well as more obvious signs like holes. Look at door frames and molding. Unusual stains or dark spots on the walls can mean trouble. 

Inside, make sure you check your appliances after you move in to be certain they are not leaking where you cannot see easily behind them. Cracked hoses and loose connections can be tricky. Ripples, buckling, and changes in texture can tell you the flooring has a water problem. Remember to trust your nose. If it smells wrong, it probably is. 

Outside water damages and mold are often caused by improper drainage. Check your spouts to see that they are clear and make sure you do not have water pooling around the foundation of your new home. At the first sign of damage, you can contact SERVPRO of West Riverside City.

No one wants to find water damages in their new home this spring. If you do, SERVPRO of West Riverside City is available at:

951-351-8033 7 days a week 24 hours a day.

We can make things “Like it never even happened,” so you can relax in your new house.

How To Restore Electronics After A Riverside Business Fire

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

An electrical fire doesn’t have to be the end of your electronics. If you react quickly, most electronics not directly subjected to heat can be saved.

Having an electrical fire in your business is bad news. Damage to your electric wiring, appliances and electronics can be extremely difficult to repair. Soot and smoke damage have incredible penetration, and it only takes a minuscule amount in the wrong place in modern electronics to destroy an entire device.

Smoke Hates Electronics 

Computers and complicated electronics have extremely dense circuit boards. The space between conductors is precisely calculated to be the least distance possible. Unfortunately, this means it takes very little to create a short circuit.

There are three main dangers to electronics from the smoke:

• A black, oily film
• Polarized smoke
• Acid in the soot

Smoke Eats Boards 

Smoke from an electrical fire is a complicated substance and depends on the materials burned and the degree of heat. However, it always contains some soot and oil. If the material wasn’t well-combusted, the amount of soot and smoke increases enormously.

While the oil and soot can short out your circuit board, the acids in the smoke will start to dissolve the board itself. This can loosen connections and allow tracings to migrate slightly, causing spikes in impedances and loose connections that lead to computer failures.

Computer Cleanup Is Usually the Worst 

Unlike most electronic devices, most computers have fans that actively draw in air from the room to cool the CPU and graphics processor. This means the smoke is being pulled in, and it makes computer cleanup extremely difficult.

Professional electronics restoration companies have special solvents that can often save a computer, but it should be removed from power before receiving smoke damage. If you can safely do so before evacuating, you or a manager should shut off the breakers. It makes it safer for the firefighters, too.

An electrical fire doesn’t have to be the end of your electronics. If you react quickly and hire the right experts, most electronics not directly subjected to heat can be saved. Either way, SERVPRO will return your business to “Like it never even happened.”

Are Your Pets Prepared for Riverside Disasters? June is National Pet Preparedness Month!

6/16/2021 (Permalink)

Riverside can experience disasters from earthquakes, wildfires, flooding & winds. If you had to evacuate are you prepared with a plan for your pet?

June is National Pet Preparedness Month

In Riverside, CA we can experience disasters from earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, and excessive winds.  If you had to evacuate are you prepared with a plan for your pet? 

Ready.gov has provided these tips to help pet owners during a disaster. 

Your pets are an important member of your family, so they need to be included in your family’s emergency plan. To prepare for the unexpected follow these tips with your pets in mind:

1. Make a plan.
2. Build an emergency kit.
3. Stay informed.

Make a Plan

If you have a plan in place for you and your pets, you will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry when you need to make a decision during an emergency. If local officials ask you to evacuate, that means your pet should evacuate too. If you leave your pets behind, they may end up lost, injured or worse.

Things to include in your plan:

• Have an evacuation plan for your pet. Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside. Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.
• Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
• Have your pet microchipped. Make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date and include contact information for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
• Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get additional advice and information if you’re unsure how to care for your pet in case of an emergency.

Build a Kit for Your Pet

Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival, such as food and water. Have two kits, one larger kit if you are sheltering in place and one lightweight version for if you need to evacuate.  Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh.

Here are some items you may want to include in an emergency kit for your pet:

• Food. Keep several days’ supply of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
• Water. Store a water bowl and several days’ supply of water.
• Medicine. Keep an extra supply of the medicine your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.
• First aid kit. Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
• Collar with ID tag and a harness or leash. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag. Have copies of your pet’s registration information and other relevant documents in a waterproof container and available electronically.
• Traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet.
• Grooming items. Pet shampoo, conditioner and other items, in case your pet needs some cleaning up.
• Sanitation needs. Include pet litter and litter box (if appropriate), newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
• A picture of you and your pet together. If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet.
• Familiar items. Put favorite toys, treats or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

In addition to the tips above:

• Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
• Evacuate animals earlier, whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
• Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
• Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
• If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to a barn or turn them loose outside.

Stay Informed

Being prepared and staying informed of current conditions. Here are some ways you can stay informed:

• Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings sent by state and local public safety officials.
• Listen to local officials when told to evacuate or shelter in place.

• Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service, for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.

• Always bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster.

Many public shelters and hotels do not allow pets inside, so plan ahead.

• Know a safe place where you can take your pets before disasters and emergencies happen.
• Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so.
• Contact your local emergency management office, animal shelter, or animal control office if you’re unsure how to take care of your pet during an emergency.
• Have your pets microchipped in case they get lost.

• Check out  BringFido for pet friendly hotels in Riverside

Excessive Heat Wave Warning in Riverside County- Tips from Ready.gov

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

Riverside Residents should take precautions during a heat wave!

An excessive heat warning will be in effect in the Riverside metropolitan area and the Riverside County mountains starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday and lasting through 9 p.m. Saturday. 

Temperatures in the Riverside area are expected to peak at 110 on Tuesday, then reach 109 on Wednesday, advised forecasters.

Ready.gov has outlined some tip to help keep safe from dehydration, heatstroke and keeping our families and pets safe. 

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

Remember:

• Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning.
• Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
• Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.

IF YOU ARE UNDER AN EXTREME HEAT WARNING:

• Find air conditioning.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Wear light clothing.
• Check on family members and neighbors.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN EXTREME HEAT THREATENS

Prepare NOW

Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.

Try to keep your home cool:

• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.  
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outside.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness. For more information visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

Be Safe DURING

Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.  Find places with air conditioning. Libraries, shopping malls, and community centers can be a cool place to beat the heat. Stay informed and check with local authorities about possible closures prior to going to cooling centers.

• If air conditioning is not available in your home:
• Contact Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.
• Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
• Spend some time at a shopping mall or public library- even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help. 
• Your community may set up emergency alternatives for cooling centers, such as using parked air-conditioned buses or movie theaters, as normal cooling centers may not have enough space for physical distancing. Pay attention to guidance from local officials to determine where the nearest cooling center is.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Don’t rely solely on fans to keep you cool. While electric fans might provide some comfort, when temperatures are really hot, they won’t prevent heat-related illness.
• Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor what would be best.
• Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees. You could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
• Avoid high-energy activities outdoors. Avoid working outdoors during the midday heat, if possible.
• Check yourself, family members, and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness
• Engage virtually with your community through video and phone calls. Know that it’s normal to feel anxious or stressed. Take care of your body and talk to someone if you are feeling upset.

Recognize and Respond

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and ways to respond. At-risk populations for heat-related illness include older individuals and those with underlying health conditions. Know how to protect individuals especially at risk from extreme heat events.

If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place, if you can. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.

HEAT CRAMPS

• Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs
• Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. If you are sick and need medical attention, call your healthcare provider first. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about whether you should go to the hospital or cooler location yourself, as you may be putting others or yourself in greater risk for contracting COVID-19. If cramps last more than an hour, seek medical attention.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

• Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting
• Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

HEAT STROKE

• Signs: 
• Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) taken orally 
• Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness
• Actions: Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

Riverside County has identified cooling centers during this heatwave, click the link to find one near you.

https://www.capriverside.org/cool-centers

In the 92503 area code here are three centers you can go to during the heat of day:

• La Sierra Senior Center
• Arlanza Community Center Bryant Park
• Janet Goeske Center

City of Riverside Disaster Preparedness

5/31/2021 (Permalink)

The City of Riverside is actively coordinating the City's response to disasters & assisting residents to prepare major events.

If you are a Riverside resident, we captured some important questions and links to understand how the City of Riverside is managing emergency disaster preparedness.  See below for important pieces of information.  Be prepared! Click links below for more information.

Emergency Management Disaster Preparedness

The City of Riverside's Emergency Management Office is actively coordinating the City's response to disasters as well as assisting residents to prepare for major events such as earthquakes, floods, hazardous material spills, plane crashes, train derailments, Africanized honey bees, and civil unrest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an "EOC?"

The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) is a secure facility where City department heads are able to work in the event of a large disaster. The facility provides centralization of City response to major events. The EOC allows for City departments to work closely together to make recovery more efficient for the community.

Does the City have a disaster plan?

Yes. The City is required by state and federal regulation to have a response and recovery plan. This plan covers everything from earthquakes and plane crashes to fires and flooding. This plan is maintained by the Emergency Manager and is continuously updated. A major update of the plan is done every five years. The newly revised plan is available to view at Riverside Public Library, Reference Section.

What is disaster preparedness?

Disaster preparedness is the means of preparing for a disaster before it happens. Some ways of preparing would be storage of food, water, and medicine in the event you had to be on your own for three days, planning escape routes, and setting up out of area contacts. These are just a few of the things you can do.

What types of disasters occur in the Riverside area?

Riverside is most vulnerable to floods. However, we can have earthquakes, draughts, fires, winds, Africanized honey bees, fire ants and situations such as civil unrest, terrorism and energy shortages.

Where are the nearest bomb and fallout shelters?

Bomb and fallout shelters were the direct result of a fear of nuclear war in the 1950's and 60's. With the decline of the Cold War the need for these shelters has disappeared. The City has developed extensive emergency plans and resources to ensure a coordinated response to any disaster, including a terrorist event. The best thing to do is listen to the radio or television for any information such as the location of any shelter - if established, or the need to 'shelter-in-place.

What do you mean by 'shelter-in-place'?

Shelter-in-place is intended to keep you safe while remaining indoors. For other natural disaster you may be directed by local officials to go to a community shelter for safety purposes. However, the intent of a 'shelter-in-place? means selecting a small, interior room, with no or few windows and taking refuge there.

An above ground location is preferable because some chemicals are heavier than air, and may seep into basements even if the windows are closed. Large storage closets, utility rooms, pantries, copy and conference rooms without exterior windows work well. Use duct tape and plastic sheeting (heavier than food wrap) to seal all cracks around the door and any vents into the room. There is no need to seal off your entire home or office with duct tape and plastic sheeting.

It is important to remember that instructions to 'shelter-in-place? mean shelter for a few hours, not days or weeks. There is little danger that the room in which you are taking shelter will run out of oxygen and you will suffocate. Keep listening to your radio or television until you are told all is safe.

Should I buy a gas mask?

Biological and radiological agents, which are airborne, are vapors, not gasses so there's no need for a gas mask. Vapors immediately begin to dissipate once they are released. When you leave an area, the risk of being affected by a vapor diminishes. Gas masks were developed for soldiers who have to remain in a specific area - that's the big difference. You can leave an area and always leave the risk. Chemical gasses need to be delivered in large quantities in order to kill or cause injuries. If you smell a vapor or gas, remember to stay calm. If you panic you have a tendency to breathe faster and you will breathe more of the biological, radiological or chemical agent. Listen to local radio and television broadcasts for information if an airborne attack occurs.

Should I start storing food, water, medical supplies, clothing, etc.?

It makes good sense to store food, water and medical supplies as well as duct tape and plastic sheeting. Natural disasters can occur at any time, and the City encourages you to do all you can to be prepared for all types of hazards. Why not be ready?

What is the City of Riverside doing about terrorist attacks?

The City is involved in a multi-jurisdictional group whose responsibilities are to develop terrorism emergency response plans and training. The Police Department continually assesses threats to determine if they are credible. The City has been very pro-active in its terrorist response planning.

For Further Information Call:

City of Riverside Office of Emergency Management - (951) 320-8100

Building Safety Month-Disaster Preparedness

5/26/2021 (Permalink)

Natural disasters are increasing in severity and frequency. Advance planning supports a faster recovery in the aftermath of a disaster

WEEK FOUR // May 24–31, 2021

Below are some resources the International Code Council has to help you prepare your family and protect your home from natural disasters.

Natural disasters are increasing in severity and frequency. Advance planning for devastating events like hurricanes, floods, snowstorms, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes helps individuals and communities increase the health and safety of their population during a disaster, protects the local tax base, ensures continuity of essential services and supports a faster recovery in the aftermath of a disaster. 

Prepare Your Family

Here are a few tips to follow when preparing your family for any emergency.

• Determine your risk. Identifying and understanding possible
  hazards and emergencies is the first step in preparing for natural disasters.
• Consider incorporating a safe
  room in building plans and improvements. A safe room is a hardened structure specifically designed
  to meet FEMA criteria and provide near-absolute protection in extreme weather events, including tornadoes
  and hurricanes.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric
  Administration Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Develop a family disaster plan that
  includes a list of food and water supplies needed for each member of your family and supplies for your pets.
  Make copies of important documents like insurance policies, the deed to your home, and other personal
  papers, important phone numbers and a home inventory.
• Store important documents in a waterproof container and create password-protected digital copies.
• Review your evacuation route and emergency shelter locations
  with your family. Options for evacuation would include staying with friends and relatives, seeking
  commercial lodging or staying in a mass care facility operated by disaster relief groups in conjunction with
  local authorities.
• Taking shelter is critical in times of disaster. Sheltering in
  place is appropriate when conditions require that you seek protection in your home, place of employment or
  other location where you are when disaster strikes.
• Review your plan regularly. If you make changes that affect the information in your disaster plan, update it
  immediately.
• Visit FEMA’s Prepareathon! to learn more about how to
  prepare for earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and winter storms. Get Involved to help prepare your family and community.

Protect Your Home

The power of natural disasters can be overwhelming. While you can't necessarily stop them from happening, there are steps you can take to increase your home's chance of survival, even in the face of the worst that Mother Nature can dish out. Protecting your home can range from taking simple measures like protecting windows or elevating appliances, to more complete building retrofit measures. See Additional Information and Resources below for links to hazard-specific guidance on protecting your home.

Several lines of insurance are available to cover financial damage from various hazards. To learn more about protecting your home financially through insurance, see FLASH’s Homeowner’s Insurance Guide to Natural Disasters.

Flood insurance can be the difference between recovering and being financially devastated. Just one inch of water in a home can cost more than $25,000 in damages. The average flood insurance claims payment to homeowners was about $90,000 from the Baton Rouge floods in 2016 and $65,000 for Superstorm Sandy that struck the Northeast in 2012.

FEMA's Individual Assistance Program, during times of federally-declared disasters, can provide financial assistance for home repairs, rental assistance, and other needs in the U.S., but the average payouts are much smaller, on the order of $6,000 to $8,000 per household — why risk it? For more information on flood insurance, visit floodsmart.gov.

Three Types of Fire Damage That Affect Homeowners in Riverside

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

A fire is devastating, and when it occurs, an immediate response can prevent damage from spreading throughout your home.

Things to Take Care of After a Fire Damages Your Riverside Property

A fire is devastating, and when it occurs, an immediate response can prevent damage from spreading throughout your home. After a fire loss, you should assess the extent of the damage in the structures and contents of your home. It is also essential to learn if your insurance firm can compensate you for all the relevant destruction.

Fire damage in your Riverside home  can be of three types. All three kinds of destruction come with their issues, so it is crucial to understand what they are and how they can affect your property.

Flame damage

Various types of flame destruction can occur based on what caused the fire. For instance, an electrical fire can have a different effect on your house when compared to a fire caused by a naked flame like a match or candle. Improper restoration can cause unseen structural damage or hidden electrical problems. SERVPRO has expertise in restoring homes after any fire.

Smoke and soot damage

The destruction that soot causes is long-lasting and may hang around for weeks or months after extinguishing the fire. The smoke scent can linger on different structures in your house, including ceilings, walls, furniture, and flooring. Smoke turns into soot, and it may discolor surfaces in your home. Some smoke residues can cause some surfaces to corrode. Our technicians can wipe off light-colored painted surfaces, plastic surfaces, tops of furniture with finished surfaces, Formica countertops and fiberglass surfaces properly to eliminate residues. We can also use air scrubbers to remove the smoke scent from your home.

3rd party damage

A house fire brings about other vulnerabilities and problems. For instance, the water that firefighters used to extinguish the flames can get absorbed in the drywall, flooring, and carpeting. Our SERVPRO technicians can use infrared cameras to check for hidden moisture and then dry the affected areas. Firefighters often use dry chemicals like sodium bicarbonate, monoammonium phosphate, or potassium bicarbonate to extinguish fires. These can leave a corrosive powder on the affected areas. We can clean up the powder quickly to prevent further damage.

After a fire loss, SERVPRO of West Riverside City is ready to help you deal with it. We can work with you to restore your property to normal quickly. Call us today at (951) 351-8033.

Preparing Homes and Communities for the 2021 Wildfire Season

5/19/2021 (Permalink)

Tip from StateFarm and NFPA: Raking and removing pine needles and dry leaves within a minimum of 3 to 5 feet of a home’s foundation.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and State Farm are helping communities take steps toward safety with Last year, 58,950 wildfires burned over 10.2 million acres of land in the United States, resulting in loss of homes, business, and even lives.

Given that in-person gatherings are limited or on-hold in many places, this year’s Prep Day is focused on what residents can do on and around their home to help protect against the threat of wildfires.

Here are tips from StateFarm and NFPA.

 To create defensible space and reduce your risk:

• Raking and removing pine needles and dry leaves within a minimum of 3 to 5 feet of a home’s foundation. As time permits, continue up to a 30-foot distance around the home. Dispose of collected debris in appropriate trash receptacles.
• Cleaning pine needles from roof and gutters and paying attention to maintaining the home ignition zone.
• Getting out your measuring tape and seeing how close wood piles are located to the home. If closer than 30 feet, they need to be relocated and moved at least 30’ away from structures.
• Sweeping porches and decks clearing them of leaves and pine needles. Raking under decks, porches, sheds and play structures.
• Removing items stored under decks and porches and relocating them to a storage shed, garage, or basement. Gasoline cans and portable propane tanks should never be stored indoors and should be located away from the home.
• Posting and sharing Facebook and Twitter messages with tips and best practices with others in your community. (See sample posts from NFPA here.)

State Farm also recommends policyholders:

• Review your insurance policy to make sure you’re covered in the event of a wildfire
• Create a home inventory to assist in the claims process
• Create a disaster preparedness plan that includes your pets and animals

For more resources and information about national Wildfire Community Preparedness Day including videos and tip sheets, visit www.wildfireprepday.org.

Protect Yourself Against Water Flooding in Your Riverside Home

5/18/2021 (Permalink)

Check appliances such as washers, dishwashers, water heaters regularly and replace water lines when needed.

You can’t prevent every catastrophe that might come along, but we pulled together a few solid tips to protect yourself against water flooding in your home. Take a moment to check these out to minimize your flooding risk.

Clean your downspouts and gutters

With the many trees and windy conditions Riverside residents should add this task to their list.  Make sure to clean out your gutters at least once every six months or more often if you have a lot of trees near your Riverside home. When water collects in the gutters it can cause damage to your roof and the gutters themselves. Check to ensure water is running off properly and draining away from your house. Downspouts that aren’t clean can cause damage to walls and even your foundation. At SERVPRO of Riverside City, we see this issue surprisingly often. Clean those gutters and spouts!

Switch off the mains

If you are going on vacation or you are going to be away for a length of time, switch the water off at the main. This will stop any dripping or other water issues while you are away. You wouldn’t want to come home to water rushing out your front door to greet you! Unfortunately, our parched ground often absorbs the water so at first you may not even know you have a leak but at some point, the ground becomes saturated and then you have a big mess on your hands! If you have a drip system or sprinkler system, it may make sense to ask a neighbor, house sitter or your landscaper to turn these on and off manually. There are some systems you can control from your phone to water your landscaping too!

Keep your garden in check

While we’re on the topic of landscaping, trees and shrubs can cause damage to your pipes from the roots wrapping around the pipes. Keep your garden maintained and avoid planting large plants near piping if at all possible.

Take care of those small leaks immediately

Found a little leak? It may seem like a harmless drip, but a small leak can become a big water damage problem if not dealt with as soon as possible. Even tiny drips can cause mildew and mold in your home and even lead to structural damage and dry rot over an extended period of time. If you fix the leaks as they occur, you have less likelihood of the small issue becoming a huge problem later. If you have a sudden spike in your water bill, make sure you investigate for underground water leaks as well.

Check the appliances

Most people think toilets are the cause of most home floods but don’t forget about your appliances! Monitor appliances for leaks and replace any cracked and brittle piping. Things like a dishwasher or washing machine can flood your house out quickly if the appliance is not maintained adequately.

Flood damage in our homes is something most of us experience at some point in our lives. It could be caused by something as simple as an overflowing bathtub or something more serious such as a burst pipe or sewerage pipe rupture.

Flood damages to your home can range from minor to severe and dealing with the issue can be overwhelming. While some water issues cannot be foreseen, there are a few things you can do to prevent flood damages to your home from factors you have some control over.

If you experience flooding in your home, immediately call the water damage experts!

Get the help you need from SERVPRO of West Riverside City

951-351-8033 

Answered: Your Most Burning Questions About Fire Damage in Riverside

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Riverside City has the proper training and tools to return a home to preloss condition.

Odor Removal in Your Riverside Home 

While there are many lingering effects after a fire loss incident in Riverside homes that property owners can overcome with elbow grease and the right focused cleaning efforts, there are other symptoms that ensure that returning a house to preloss condition is a significant challenge. Odor damages, for example, can spread far beyond an ignition source to affect multiple areas of a home, even rooms otherwise unaffected by the disaster. Reducing or eliminating the presence of these harsh scents often requires a higher grade of cleaning agent and units designed for deodorization in the restoration industry. 

When overcoming fire damages in Riverside homes like lingering odors, SERVPRO professionals like ours must utilize multiple pieces of equipment. The best approach for professional deodorization gets determined by the severity of the condition, the affected materials, and the timeline to protect the rest of the household. While there are multiple units and approaches available to our professionals, the most commonly used by our team are: 

These machines utilize both an onboard HEPA filtering system and produce free radicals to break down the molecular structure of foul odors on contact. These units are safe to use around people, pets, and softer materials. 

These units (and the larger chambers at SERVPRO facilities) produce a gas comprised of three oxygen atoms. These irregular compounds bond with odor molecules to neutralize them. This practice is not safe to use around humans and pets. 

As you might expect from the name, thermal foggers generate heat which vaporizes a compound the fogger can use. In these applications, the fogging solution is a highly effective deodorization agent. This practice is ideal for open areas and softer materials. 

Cleaning can help to noticeably reduce the presence of harsh odors in a fire-damaged area of your home. It is always the last resort of our SERVPRO professionals to allow for material removal and later replacement, and this decision only gets made with areas too severely damaged to preserve. 

While there are some aspects of fire damage that homeowners can address on their own when first responders leave the scene, symptoms like odors pose a much more challenging obstacle to overcome.

Let our SERVPRO of Riverside team help you make it “Like it never even happened.”

Give us a call at (951) 351-8033.

Does SERVPRO Work with Homeowners Insurance Company After a Fire?

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, our services go beyond fire cleanup in Riverside. What we do is designed to assist all parties involved!

Riverside Homeowners Can Trust SERVPRO to Work Closely with Insurance Companies.

The leading cause of fire-related deaths, injuries, and property loss is residential fires. Most of these homes, thankfully, are covered by homeowner’s insurance. When it comes to assisting Riverside residents with fire claims, a professional restoration company is vital.

How Does SERVPRO Assist Both the Homeowner and the Insurance Company?

Whenever a fire has occurred, the insurance company works with the owners to decide the extent of the loss. This process involves the homeowner, insurance company, insurance adjuster, and the restoration company. In many cases, the insurance company requires a professional company to work with them to ensure that everything gets done professionally. At SERVPRO, our services go beyond fire cleanup in Riverside. What we do is designed to assist all parties involved and includes:

SERVPRO provides an invaluable service by working closely with residents and their insurance companies. As our company works closely with the adjuster, the stress is taken off the homeowner. The agent’s job goes smoother due to the detailed information we provide early in the process. When our Green Team provides fire cleanup services, we are doing more than cleaning – we are helping you get your life back on track. 

Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside City at (951) 351-8033 for professional fire cleanup services.

We’re Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Why Should I Agree to a Pack-Out of My Riverside Home After a Fire?

3/31/2021 (Permalink)

Removal of furniture and personal possessions allows our Technicians to focus on structural components and fixtures damaged by the fire.

Professional Pack-Outs Managed by SERVPRO Significantly Improve the Outcomes for Fire Damaged Riverside Residences and the Contents of the Homes

The aftermath of an Riverside household fire is hectic at best and often devastating for you and your family. Understandably, you feel panicked and out of control. When the restoration company you choose suggests a pack-out of most or all of your furnishings, household goods, and personal possessions, you might feel unsure, unwilling to allow what feels like an even more intense disrupting of your life.

What Is the Point of a Pack-Out?

Choosing pursuit of a partial or complete pack-out of the movable property in your fire damaged Riverside home has positive outcomes for both the items moved and the spaces cleared in your dwelling.

How Does a Pack Out Benefit the Items Moved?

How Does a Pack Out Streamline Mitigation and Remediation Efforts in Your Home?

What Safeguards Are in Place to Account for Packed Out Articles?

Technicians use protective wrap on large pieces and sturdy boxes for loose, smaller articles. We encourage you to identify the things you might need returned as soon as possible after processing rather than when your home is ready to pack back, such as:

What Happens During Processing of Fire Damaged Contents?

Every item is considered individually as its needs can vary from other damaged articles. Our employees assess each piece of packed out property to determine:

We choose cleaning products and methods on an individualized basis, using our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) training and experience:

Does SERVPRO Help with Insurance Claims?

Many insurance companies suggest working with a reliable and reputable fire damage restoration company, and you might select us because of a recommendation from your carrier. The professional assessment our employees complete and updates recorded outline whether chosen interventions succeed in returning contents to preloss condition. This information forms the basis for your claims' coverage. Our documentation supports your requests for restoration compensation or replacement if we cannot restore an item to previous functionality.

Who Takes Responsibility for Reuniting the Processed Contents with My Fire Damage Restored Home?

Our protocol includes a professional pack back of your property when your dwelling is ready. The same care used when we moved items to our production facility makes the move back respectful and comprehensive. We appreciate how stressful the aftermath of a household fire feels and make every effort to streamline the process for you and your family as you return to your restored abode.

The team at SERVPRO of West Riverside City is ready to muster all our resources to transform your home and its contents to "Like it never even happened." Call us at (951) 351-8033 to begin the partnership with our experts that returns normalcy to your life after fire damage.

What Can Be Submitted in the SERVPRO Emergency Response Profile System in Riverside

3/29/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of west Riverside City for more information on a FREE Emergency Response Profile. 951-351-8033

SERVPRO Allows You to Get Prepared with the ERP System

The SERVPRO ERP system allows business owners to maintain profiles for their businesses, with separate information and details for each location. This makes it easy for companies or landlords with multiple physical locations to watch out for to manage their properties in times of disaster, and get appropriate information to us quickly. There are many options available when you create an Emergency Ready Profile, and although none are mandatory, we allow you to submit everything from technical drawings to contact lists to legal documentation.

Building Plans and Technical Documents

Especially for Riverside commercial water damage in apartments and other tightly-packed businesses, submitting building plans, blueprints, and technical documentation greatly assist our technicians when they are on-site and beginning mitigation. SERVPRO asks that you submit anything that could be helpful to us, from floor plans to breaker locations and from wiring configurations to vent arrangements. There are innumerable documents that may or may not exist for each building, and the more we have access to, the better we can identify threats and the quicker we can work.

Legal Documentation and Insurance Files

Although some legal documents should stay private, the ERP system allows you to upload any relevant information to our servers to make white-collar operations smoother and get better response times from associated law and insurance firms. This is especially important for insurance work, as we work closely with insurance providers and adjusters, and preexisting documents for yours will invariably be helpful.

Contact Information and Local Services

By submitting lists of contacts and perhaps local associates, you are able to help us to be in better touch with all relevant parties in cleanup proceedings. Tenants and investors can be notified and updated on the situation, local contractors can be reached out to more quickly, and our renowned communications expertise can be fully put to use.

SERVPRO of Riverside has the fast response times, passionate customer service, and high-quality equipment necessary for perfect business restorations. Give us a call at (951) 351-8033 for our help or to learn more about our ERP system.

Limiting Loss For Veterinary Clinics in Riverside

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

One way to protect your clinic is with a FREE Emergency Response Profile. Contact us 951-351-8033

Our Trained SERVPRO Technicians Focus on Recovery and Not Just Replacement

Modern small animal clinics feature a growing array of electronic equipment to diagnose and treat their patients. As with other electricity-powered machines, veterinary medical tools have the potential to start fires through improperly wired connections or faulty or overloaded circuits. No matter the cause, SERVPRO restores your animal hospital after a fire.

One of the diagnostic devices catches fire, and commercial fire damage spreads through your Amherst veterinary clinic. Unfortunately for you and your patients, smoldering wiring ends office hours. Your staff stopped the fire quickly with a chemical extinguisher, but a thick and unpleasant smelling smoke moved throughout your facility, including surgical suites and recovery areas. Our highly-qualified technicians know how to clean up the fire residues completely and safely, and restore fresh ventilation so that your business of caring for animals continues.

The SERVPRO crew arrives and ensures the clinic HVAC system halts operation. Our experts inspect the ductwork and arrange for a thorough cleaning, removing as much soot as possible using brushes and powerful vacuums. Areas impossible to clean are sealed using professional products and techniques learned in Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) approved courses our workers attend.

Surfaces covered with smoky and chemical extinguisher residues receive treatment appropriate to the characteristics of the coating deposited by the fire. Our crews use a systematic approach, spraying and wiping away the debris or carefully employing abrasive methods when the soot is sticky and difficult to remove. We understand your exam and treatment rooms must be sanitized, and your boarding kennels, offices, and lobby spaces require a restoration to preloss condition.

SERVPRO deodorization experts use one or more strategies to eliminate smoky smells. Animals are sensitive to the disturbing aroma left after a fire, necessitating comprehensive deodorization. We recommend removal of the damaged equipment wiring as a first step and then use airborne deodorants. Thermal fogging, a procedure that requires a certified technician to complete, replicates the way the odors first pervaded and neutralizes them.

The medications and foods your office stocked before the fire are likely to be compromised by the smoke damage. We work with your insurer to make hard decisions about the supplies and treatments to be discarded. Our pledge is to have you back to caring for the community’s pet population swiftly.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City helps you sort out the challenges an equipment fire poses for your veterinary practice. Call us at (951) 351-8033 as soon as your clinic is cleared by local authorities for fire restoration works.

Can I Afford the Cost of a Restoration Company?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can help homeowners understand issues to make appropriate decisions for their situation.

SERVPRO works with you and your Insurance company.

Once homeowners get over the initial shock of finding a water leak in their home, most begin to worry about the cost of restoration. How much are the restoration and repairs going to cost? Can their budget afford it? Can they cut any corners? Does their homeowner's insurance cover everything? These and other questions can quickly overwhelm people.

SERVPRO provides water damage services in Riverside, as well as restoration and repair and surrounding areas. We have been providing water damage services for many years. Our experience and technical certifications, combined with 24/7 availability and 4-hour response times, are aimed at mitigating the damage and controlling the total cost of recovery. There may be an additional cost and even health effects if homeowners do not take the proper steps to remove all moisture from their homes.

Making Informed Decisions

One of the first actions our crew chief takes upon arriving at your home is to complete an assessment of the damage. We make sure that the source of the water is under control, and we develop a plan to remove standing water, remove the moisture, and lower the humidity. If repairs are required, these can also be discussed with the homeowner and the insurance company adjuster. We prepare an estimate of the cost to complete all of this work.

Homeowners can quickly decide in conjunction with the insurance adjuster what action should be undertaken. Note that it is essential to act quickly to avoid long term damage to floors such as hardwood floors and also the growth of mold and mildew in your home. SERVPRO can deploy a team of people within hours of the initial leak to mitigate the damage.

Homeowners without insurance coverage must carefully decide what action to take. Delays or taking no action at all can lead to costly damage more significant than the initial cleanup and drying. Hardwood flooring can cup, crown, or crack, leading to total replacement. Cabinet structures may swell, become unsightly, and lose structural integrity. Worst of all, mold infestations may appear, leading to structural damage, health effects, and very unsightly looking conditions. All of these conditions can be much costlier to repair. SERVPRO can help homeowners understand these issues and make appropriate decisions for their situation.

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City at (951) 351-8033 for 24/7 service. We proudly serve Riverside and surrounding areas. We're Faster To Any Size Disaster.

Spring Cleaning Tips for a Safe Work Environment

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Spring cleaning isn't just for the home, ensure your workplace is cleaned and sanitize to help keep employees safe from COVID-19

Many plan to clean their homes during the upcoming spring months.  After being cooped up during the winter with heater running, limited outdoor ventilation, spring is the perfect time to clean.  But it's more important than ever to take the annual tradition of thoroughly spring cleaning the home or workplace as seriously as possible.  The following is an article I found to be very informative regarding workplace cleaning taking into account COVID-19  From Amtrust Financial :

Spring cleaning is an essential task to get the home tidy, organized and can even improve the health of the household by removing common asthma and allergy triggers that worsen this time of year. Employers should also take part in spring cleaning chores to not only eliminate dust and grime from the workplace, but also to create a safe, healthy environment that helps reduce employee illnesses and injuries.

The Importance of a Clean Workplace in the Time of COVID-19

Maintaining a clean workplace is essential to the health, wellness and safety of your employees. A tidy, clutter-free environment helps reduce injuries, boosts morale and productivity, and ensures employees are motivated to perform their duties more effectively. Additionally, sanitary offices, public spaces and restrooms help keep workers healthy, reducing the use of sick days taken and the loss of productivity that comes along with them.

The recent coronavirus, known as COVID-19, has had a major impact on people and businesses around the world since it was first detected in Wuhan, China at the end of December. As you start thinking about your spring cleaning checklist this year, there are a few extra precautions to take that can help keep workers safe and healthy – and help stop the spread of COVID-19. These include:

• Clean first, then disinfect. Cleaning removes dirt and germs from surfaces, while disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs. Before applying those chemicals designed to disinfect, first wipe down surfaces using soap or a detergent.
• Properly disinfect surfaces. Once surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, disinfect using a diluted bleach solution, alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol, or a common EPA-registered household disinfectant.
• Take extra care to clean regularly touched objects. In addition to wiping down surfaces like desks and bathroom countertops, make sure to disinfect items employees commonly touch throughout the day, like doorknobs, light switches, refrigerator doors, microwave doors, phones, chairs, etc.

It’s also a good idea to require staff to wash their hands thoroughly – and often. Additionally, now is the time to make sure your business continuity plan is updated to keep operations running smoothly following an unforeseen event that could potentially close your doors, such as COVID-19.

Spring Cleaning Tips for a Safe Work Environment

Hazards can be found in any type of commercial establishment, from office buildings and retail outlets to machine shops and five-star restaurants. As you welcome in the warmer spring weather, it’s the perfect time to take a look around your small business and identify the areas that could use some sprucing up, as well as identify the areas that could increase risk of injury for your employees. A few workplace cleaning tips to keep in mind this spring include:

Clear the clutter

A workspace littered with boxes, bags, equipment, piles of paper, etc. can easily heighten the risk of trips, slips and falls among employees or customers. It’s especially important to remove clutter from high traffic areas and stairs. As one of the most popular spring cleaning tasks is to get organized, do a thorough purge of any items cluttering up work areas, blocking exits or posing tripping hazards.

Remove any potential fire hazards

In addition to clutter increasing the risk for injury, it can also add to the risk for a fire. Stockpiles of papers and boxes on floors, desks, or file cabinets can pose a significant fire hazard, especially if they are located near sources of ignition. If any materials are considered to be flammable, they should be stored in designated areas.

Store items properly

As you’re working to clear clutter from your workplace, items that you’ll be keeping should be properly stored to avoid accidents or injuries. Heavy objects should be placed on waist-high shelves so they can be lifted with minimal bending or reaching. Boxes and other items should be stacked securely and maintained as low as possible to prevent things from falling or toppling over onto employees or customers.

Deep clean the floors

Throughout the year, you’re probably sweeping, vacuuming and/or mopping regularly as clean, dry floors are key in preventing slips and falls. However, during spring cleaning time consider getting any carpets, tile and other flooring professionally cleaned.

Additional Commercial Cleaning Tips for Employee Safety

Consider your cleaning chemicals

Part of any good spring cleaning project will often include use of soaps, detergents, disinfectants, waxes, polishes and various other types of cleaning chemicals. In most cases, these are relatively benign and non-hazardous, however, none of them are good for the eyes. Safety eyewear is a good idea when mixing and using these items, as is the use of gloves to protect potentially sensitive skin. Additionally, some ordinary cleaning compounds can produce toxic gasses or liquids when mixed, so it’s important to only mix chemicals as instructed on the labeling for the chemical. Never assume two chemicals will mix together safely.

Take caution when working at heights

A thorough cleaning often includes windows, stairwells, high atriums or other areas not reachable from the floor. Always try to use pole-mounted brushes, squeegees or other aids to minimize the need to climb. If climbing is absolutely necessary, be sure to utilize only step stools with a sturdy hand hold to help maintain balance. Falls from ladders are a leading cause of injury in both the home and workplace, so minimizing all climbing should be a top priority.

Check first aid supplies

The changing of the season is the perfect reminder to check the state of your company’s first aid kit. Find out what items need to be restocked and get them ordered immediately. A first aid kit is a must in order to fulfill standard safety requirements, and they’re also essential for promptly attending to any type of minor workplace accident or injury.

Schedule safety training

All workers should be properly trained in safety procedures and cleaning protocols at the start of their employment. However, periodic training can help keep these processes top of mind for the entire staff, ensuring that information is better retained over time.

Create a cleaning schedule

Once your workplace is all tidied up and thoroughly cleaned, keep it that way throughout the year! Post written rules for cleanliness, including what types of cleansers and tools should be used, and assign out various tasks to ensure all employees are adhering to the schedule. Regular walkthroughs to inspect the state of the work environment are also recommended.

Are you covered by your Insurance?

2/22/2021 (Permalink)

If disaster strikes SERVPRO can help by working with your Insurance agent or adjuster.

A question everyone should ask themselves, "Do I understand my homeowner’s insurance?"

This is a question everyone should ask themselves, Do I understand my homeowner’s insurance Policy? 

SERVPRO of West Riverside City has witnessed many who have a misunderstanding of how insurance coverage works or what is covered.  Protecting your home and valuables with coverage will give you more security if you have a good understanding.  Many policies are different and insurance carriers also have different guidelines or stipulations that you should be aware of.  After reviewing this article from Investopedia make an appointment with your insurance agent and have them go over your policy.  You will feel more at ease if damage occurs to you home or you experience water or fire loss and you understand exactly what is covered. 

Here are a few tips from Investopedia  Homeowners Insurance Guide:  A Beginners Overview-by Troy Segal:

• Homeowners insurance policies generally cover destruction and damage to a residence's interior and exterior, the loss or theft of possessions, and personal liability for harm to others.
• Three basic levels of coverage exist: actual cash value, replacement cost, and extended replacement cost/value.
• Policy rates are largely determined by the insurer's risk that you'll file a claim; they assess this risk based on past claim history associated with the home, the neighborhood, and the home's condition.
• In shopping for a policy, get quotes from at least five companies, and definitely check with any insurer you already work with—current clients often get better deals.

The article covers "What a Homeowner Policy Provides"

Some key takeaways:

• If you experience damage from fire, lightening, vandalism and other covered disasters you can be compensated for repairs or rebuild. 
• If maintenance on your property is lacking it can impact coverage, such as roofing that may need to be replaced.  If rain causes a leak due to this, it may not be covered.  It is important to keep up the maintenance of your home and keep records of those updates. 
• Most contents within the home would be covered if destroyed or damaged. 
• It is advised that you check with your insurance agent regarding coverage for valuables such as jewelry.  There may be a dollar limit and additional coverage may be needed. 

The article also discusses the "Different Types of Homeowners Coverage":

There are essentially three levels of coverage.

Actual cash value

Actual cash value covers the cost of the house plus the value of your belongings after deducting depreciation (i.e., how much the items are currently worth, not how much you paid for them).

Replacement cost

Replacement value policies cover the actual cash value of your home and possessions without the deduction for depreciation, so you would be able to repair or rebuild your home up to the original value.

Guaranteed (or extended) replacement cost/value

The most comprehensive, this inflation-buffer policy pays for whatever it costs to repair or rebuild your home—even if it's more than your policy limit. Certain insurers offer an extended replacement, meaning it offers more coverage than you purchased, but there is a ceiling; typically, it is 20% to 25% higher than the limit.

It’s a good idea to compare coverage with different Insurance companies.  If premiums seem cheaper with one company, it could mean some coverage may be lacking.  It's important to compare prices and coverage!

Should you experience damage from water or fire, remember to contact SERVPRO of West Riverside City before submitting a claim.  We can help determine from our free inspection whether the damage might be covered by your insurance and if it is worth the claim based on your deductible.  We are here to help.  We can make it, "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

951-351-8033

Local Experts Are in Your Corner When You Need Home Restoration | SERVPRO of West Riverside City

2/17/2021 (Permalink)

The sooner they can get the repair process started, the better the outcome is likely to be.

Every homeowner who files an insurance claim for home repair and restoration in 2021 will have one thing in common. What is it?

The sooner they can get the repair process started, the better the outcome is likely to be.

Homeowners' insurance claims vary widely in type and severity. Sometimes they’re from severe weather issues, like wind, hail and rain. They can also be caused by home accidents and appliance malfunctions.

The level of damage can vary, too. Sometimes homeowners need help repairing basement water damage or repairing mold damage. In other cases, the repairs and restoration work needed is more extensive.

Why Timing Matters

So, you may be wondering why starting early to repair damage to your home is so important.

Some types of home damage only grow worse over time. And the process progresses faster than you might expect.

For example, water damage can cause wood to warp within days. And the smoke, soot and water damage resulting from a fire worsen over hours and days. You can even notice the first signs of mold within a few hours. The longer these problems persist, the more difficult it is to remediate and repair them.

Move Fast When You Need Home Restoration

Your local SERVPRO team understands why it’s so important to get your home restoration process moving quickly. We’re always prepared to help you when an emergency arises.

You can reach out to our team at any time when you need home restoration and repairs. We’ll answer 24⁄7 to help you get the process started. You can trust us to be here when you need our help.

Beyond speed, there are plenty of other reasons, so many residents trust us to do their restoration work.

Our technicians are educated experts. Our technicians are passionate about providing the best services and work possible. That means they’re consistently going through training and earning certifications. They bring that knowledge to work on your home.

Our teams use proven, leading-edge technology. We’re connected with a nationally known and trusted brand. That means we have access to some of the best restoration technology available today.

We are a local business. We are members of the local community. That means when you call us, you’re calling friends and neighbors who are ready and prepared to help you when you reach out.

If your home is damaged due to fire, water or any other cause, you can always count on us for restoration assistance. We have teams who are available 24⁄7 in the event of an emergency. Contact us at any time to learn more about our restoration services and how we can help your family.

Have You Considered SERVPRO for Your Commercial Cleaning Services?

2/15/2021 (Permalink)

Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside City for one time cleaning or as needed. 951-351-8033

SERVPRO franchise professionals offer cleaning services including the removal of biohazard contaminants. We have the specialized training and products to get your property back to business.

We are Here to Help® Get Your Business Back to Normal

SERVPRO is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities. If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while life gets back to normal in the communities we all call home.

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

SERVPRO can respond quickly and effectively to help minimize business interruption to your company.

SERVPRO franchise professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables at a minimum.i These same surfaces are mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces as well.ii

The CDC also recommends regular cleaning of the following areas/items:

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

SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

 i https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html

ii https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/specific-groups/guidance-business-response.html

iii https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html

iv https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html 

Keeping the Work Place Safe

Encourage your employees to...

• Stop shaking hands – use other noncontact methods of greeting
• Clean hands with sanitizer or wash their hands frequently
• Avoid touching their faces and cover coughs and sneezes
• Disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails regularly
• Increase ventilation by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning

Be Careful with Meetings and Travel

• Use videoconferencing for meetings when possible
• When not possible, hold meetings in open, well-ventilated spaces
• Consider adjusting or postponing large meetings or gatherings
• Assess the risks of business travel

Handle Food Carefully

• Limit sharing food with others
• Strengthen health screenings for cafeteria staff and their close contacts
• Ensure cafeteria staff and their close contacts practice strict hygiene

Stay Home if...

• They are feeling sick
• They have a sick family member in their home

About Coronavirus

The CDC is responding to an outbreak of a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and has spread to 60 locations internationally (as of this publication), including cases in the United States. The virus known as “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”)iii is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person or through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.iv

SERVPRO of West Riverside City is trained in adhering to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

5 Ways to Keep Safe During Lightning Storm

2/10/2021 (Permalink)

Lightning can be very dangerous, Call us if you have questions or are impacted by lightning or flooding. We're here to help!

Each year in the United States, there are about 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes and about 300 people struck by lightning. ¹?

Those are some sobering statistics you may want to keep in mind the next time you are trying to decide whether to play one more hole of golf or hike an extra mile when a potential storm may be brewing.

While summer is commonly known as the peak season for thunderstorms and lightning, such storms can strike any time and in almost any location year-round. The following guide and tips can help you and your loved ones stay safe and secure should you be caught in a lightning storm.

• How Should I Protect Myself?

It is important to understand that there is no safe place outside during a lightning storm. If thunderstorms are expected, you should stop any outdoor activities quickly — even if you are still mowing the lawn or enjoying a picnic. Many lightning casualties occur because people fail to seek shelter soon enough. Keep an eye on local weather conditions and have a plan if thunderstorms are expected. Your home’s best protection against a lightning strike is a lightning protection system. In order to find out more you can contact a certified lightning protection specialist for information.

• What if I am Outside During a Storm?

As soon as you hear thunder, stop all outdoor activities and get into a building or a hard-topped vehicle for safety. It may be tempting to get into a golf cart or a lean-to, but those will not provide adequate protection. If you absolutely cannot get to safety, try to stay away from open fields, hilltops, tall trees or other tall objects. Go to the lowest place possible, such as a ravine or valley, and squat in a baseball catcher’s position — with your heels touching, ears covered, and head between your knees. Minimize contact with the ground and do NOT lie flat. You should avoid water and anything metal, such as golf clubs or bicycles.

• What if I am Driving?

Exit the road or highway you are on and park in a safe location. Stay in the vehicle and turn on emergency flashers until the storm subsides. Avoid touching metal or other surfaces that can conduct electricity.

• What if I am Indoors?

You may think that watching television or shopping on-line are good ways to pass the time during a storm, but your best bet is to unplug televisions, computers and any other high-value electronics well before the storm hits. Once the storm begins, do not touch any electrical equipment or cords, including corded phones. It is OK to use cellular or cordless phones during the storm. Be sure to stay away from windows and doors and do not go on porches. Also avoid taking baths or showers during storms. Water is a conductor of electricity so if a lightning strike hits your house during a storm, it may travel through water and shock you in the bath or shower.

• What if My House is Hit by Lightning?

If you think your home has been struck by lightning call 911 immediately and evacuate if you see fire or smoke. You may want to ask your local fire department to check for hot spots in your walls. If you use gas for heating and cooking, contact your gas company or a licensed contractor to conduct a leak test before re-entering your home. Gas system components have been known to sustain punctures as a result of direct or nearby lightning strikes.

Sources: 

¹NOAA, http://www.weather.gov/lightning

Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside City

We can help when storms hit!  Whether its damage from lightning, rain, wind, or flooding we have the knowledge and experience to help.

Call us 24/7 

 951-351-8033

Let Us Help You Worry Less When a Fire Strikes in your Riverside Business

2/8/2021 (Permalink)

For the safety of your employees, establish escape routes within your map.

Worrying about the cleanup and restoration can be stressful, and many business owners are left with a feeling of helplessness and uncertainty.

SERVPRO Franchise Professionals know restoring peace of mind is just as important as restoring property.

This blogprovides information on the steps to take in an effort to prevent costly secondary damage to your property and possessions should a fire strike your home or business. It also reinforces the importance of being prepared and having a fire escape plan in place.

Your local SERVPRO’s Franchise Professionals want to be there in your time of need, helping you and your customers piece their lives back together.

Our goal is simple:

In an emergency situation, like a building fire, every second counts. How quickly you respond could depend on how prepared you are before the emergency. Emergency planning and training directly influence the outcome of an emergency situation. Facilities with well-prepared employees and well-developed plans are likely to incur less structural damage and fewer or less severe employee injuries.

Local Exits

During a fire, the highest priority it getting everyone out of the building, which means having an emergency escape plan. You should establish two escape routes that move people outside simply and efficiently. Then, you should highlight these routes on a clearly marked map. This map should be displayed as well as included in the written plan. Don't forget to designate a meeting spot outside of the building to gather everyone after evacuation; that way you can make sure everyone is accounted for and regroup. When choosing emergency exits, consider the following recommendations.

• Exits should be clearly marked as well  
• Exit routes should be wide enough to accommodate the number/volume of evacuating person
• Exit routes should remain unobstructed and clear of debris at all times.

Assign Duties

A fire escape plan should also include which people are to be doing what during an emergency. Each unique situation may require different or specialized roles, like safety protocols specific to a lab. However, there are some basics that are almost always covered:

• someone in charge of communications; this includes being in charge of contact information
• section leaders who may be in charge of rounding people up to leave and keeping count
• someone designated to call 911 or coordinate with the authorities
• someone in charge of contacting and overseeing fire remediation services

Train Employees

If you want your plan to run smoothly, you should practice. Your employees need to be familiar with the plan to optimize safety. Make sure to simulate an emergency fire situation and use the evacuation routes at least twice per year. Include education about stopping, dropping and rolling- a technique used if your clothes are on fire. Additional fire safety tips include getting low to avoid inhaling smoke and testing door handles before grabbing them.

Emergency preparedness is essential for the safety of any workplace or commercial space. As a responsible business owner you should put together a fire escape plan as soon as possible, and keep it current as time rolls on.

If you are prepare drawings that show evacuation routes and exits, post them prominently for all employees to see.  Once an escape plan is created, it should be practiced to help familiarize staff with emergency exit routes.  It is important to talk to your local fire department, as local codes may require more frequent drills for various facilities.

Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can help with emergency planning by establishing an Emergency READY Profile, (ERP), for your facility. For more information about the ERP or emergency planning, contact:

SERVPRO of West Riverside City 

951-351-8033.

How To Properly Maintain Your Riverside Commercial Irrigation System

2/3/2021 (Permalink)

Basic Irrigation Maintenance

Having a properly maintained irrigation system is essential to the well-being of your commercial property. By relying on this technology to water your lawn and plants, you can save a significant amount of time while enhancing the appearance of your business’s exterior. To consistently keep your Riverside, property in top condition, it’s crucial to maintain your irrigation system properly. Here are some basic irrigation maintenance guidelines that can help you preserve the appearance of your commercial property.

Schedule Regular Inspections

To confirm that everything is in working order, be sure to schedule a regular checkup with your landscape company. During scheduled maintenance, your landscaper can inspect any of the following areas:

• Sprinkler heads
• Valves
• Nozzles
• Pipes

In addition to examining these parts, a professional may give your irrigation system a good cleaning to keep it in proper shape. Remember to schedule these inspections at least twice a year to ensure that there are no leaks or other issues that may lead to sprinkler flooding.

Use in Moderation

To ensure that your irrigation system is at its best, always use it in moderation. Save your sprinklers for dry days only and don’t let them run all day long. Instead, try to set your irrigation timers to go off in the early morning, preferably between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. Not only can this irrigation maintenance strategy ensure that you don’t get your customers wet, but it also allows the water to reach down to your grass’s roots without being affected by intense sunshine or high winds.

Perform a Plant Audit

Be sure to give your plants the right amount of attention when running your sprinklers. Newer plants need more nourishment than older plants, so adjust your irrigation timers accordingly. This ensures that your plants aren’t overwatered and keeps sprinkler flooding at bay.

Maintaining your irrigation system is a crucial part of your job. However, if your sprinkler system causes any water damage despite your best irrigation maintenance efforts, be sure to call commercial building restoration services to bring your business back to normal.

Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside should you experience water damage from irrigation that has caused damage to your commercial building.  We are experienced with commercial building and have years experience with water damage. 

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

951-351-8033

What is Really Going on Behind Closed Doors

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

We are here to help for those sensitive situations.

What do all the following have in common?

Crime Scene Clean Up, Meth Labs, Vandalism, Unattended Deaths, Flooding, Sewage, Smoke Damage, Mold, Hoarders, Infectious Disease Contamination, Bat Guano, Homeless Encampment Clean Up, Medical Waste, Industrial Accidents, Animal Feces, Suicide and Flooding  

They are ALL Bio-hazards!!! 

Unfortunately, bio-hazard claims tend to be very expensive. Most of us do not plan to handle a bio hazard situation. Whether you are a homeowner, insurance agent, property manager or real estate broker some of the issues you are apt to face include: 

• Health & Safety of occupants/insured 
• Cost to clean the bio-hazard 
• Response times of cleaning company—longer response times increases damage and cost 
• Selling or renting a property after a bio-hazard/stigmatized properties 
• Stalling sales time 
• Disclosure issues and liability 

What can you do about it? Well, it is nearly impossible and quite unimaginable to plan for a bio-hazard situation, but here are some tips that may help: 

Have a plan and a reliable company you can turn to in a time of crisis.

 Know who to call?---I hear SERVPRO is very GOOD  

• Faster response times will limit and/or reduce damages. 
• Use certified and reputable vendors with bio-hazard experience and training in order to reduce liability and overall cost. 

Remember to have compassion for the clients 

• Keep in mind that clients are often traumatized by these incidents. 
• Fast restoration response times go a long way towards helping clients move forward emotionally. 
• Use professional vendors that are trained to treat clients with compassion. 

Find out about the procedures and relative costs of a bio-hazard clean up 

• Bio-hazards can be one of the most expensive claims, but if you have an idea of what your restoration vendor will be doing it will help you to understand the costs better and guard against bad vendor price gouging. 
• Use vendors that have a scientific and approved protocol for addressing a bio-hazard 
• Check out this link to The Insurance Journal to get an idea of what procedures are followed by professional bio-hazard restoration vendors. 

Dealing with a biohazard can be very traumatic and at times confusing. SERVPRO is a specialized vendor that is trained and certified to deal with bio-hazard situations. If you have questions concerning bio-hazard issues, give us a call at 951-351-8033 and we will be happy to answer any of your questions.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City has the certification to handle BIOHazard, bloodborne pathogens, or infectious disease.  We can handle all emergencies.

SERVPRO of West Riverside

951-351-8033

https://www.SERVPROwestriversidecity.com/trauma-crime-scene-cleanup

Do you Have a Septic Tank in your Riverside Home?

1/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Riverside City has the certification to handle sewage leak. We are here to help!

We don't run into too many septic system overflows in this part of Riverside, but if you happen to live or have a property in a rural area, for sure you have an idea about how septic tanks and the septic systems work.

One way you’ll know if it’s maintained properly is if you don’t smell anything unpleasant coming from it. Now, there are a number of crucial do’s and don’ts to live by to ensure that your septic tank will last for as long as possible and that your septic system works the way it should. Here they are.

DO use high-quality toilet tissue only.

When shopping for toiletries, pick a toilet tissue that’s been proven to break up easily when wet. This way, it won’t cause any trouble when it’s already in your septic tank.

DO keep trees away from the septic system.

There are trees which have roots that grow and extend aggressively. They should be kept far from the septic system to avoid any damage. You can plant grass instead in the drainfield area to prevent and minimize the instances of soil erosion.

DO divert rainwater away from the drainfield.

When the drainfield is soggy, it would have challenges in absorbing liquid wastes. To prevent this, landscaping and foundation drains should be planned and executed accurately. Consult a professional regarding this matter.

DO perform regular maintenance.

Make sure your septic tank is maintained every one to three years by a professional. Now, the frequency of having your septic tank pumped will depend on its size, the amount of solids that go into it, and the volume of wastewater. It’s best to consult a professional again to know how often you should have your septic tank maintenance done.

DON’T allow an excessive amount of water to be discharged into the septic system.

It will cause the system to back up and will also affect the biological balance within the septic tank.

DON’T dump grease down the drain.

Grease can build up in the septic tank and plug the sewer pipes. So be sure it doesn’t find its way on the drain by having a separate container for it.

  Have you Experienced Septic Tank Issues?  Here's what you should know

Watch out: sewage spills contain contaminants that can cause serious illness or disease. Disease causing agents in raw sewage include bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses and can cause serious illnesses including Hepatitis A.

If a building has been flooded by sewage or wastewater there may be unsafe electrical wiring, bacterial and pathogen hazards, mold hazards, even unsafe mechanical systems.

• Turn off electrical power in the area that has been flooded if there is any chance of electrical wires, extension cords, or electrical appliances or fixtures coming in contact with standing water or wet materials
• Vacate sewage-contaminated areas right away. Areas of sewage spill should not be occupied by people who are not wearing appropriate protective equipment as they are dangerous:
• Stop flushing toilets
• Turn off running water that is sending water into the drain system (clothes washer, sinks etc)

If the sewage or wastewater are being spread by water from a burst plumbing supply or hot water heating pipe, turn off the water to the building and if needed for safety or to stop further you may also need to turn off the (hot water or steam) heating system.

Items that have been soaked and are not salvageable may best be placed outdoors. By removing wet and contaminated materials from the building it may be easier to inspect, repair leaks, and clean the building itself.

Watch out: do not handle sewage-contaminated materials without proper personal safety protection: there are bacterial, pathogenic, respiratory and infection hazards.

• Act promptly.
• Watch out: The longer that sewage waters remain in a building or on its contents the greater the chance of spreading illness or disease and the greater the chance of causing a costly mold contamination problem in addition to the sewage problem. High indoor moisture caused by standing water can cause mold contamination to form on other building surfaces even if they were not directly wet by the sewage spill.
• Don't panic: while prompt action is needed as we just explained, don't be in such a rush that you do something dangerous. Also, if you sound terrified when calling a contractor for assistance the result may be the imposition of inappropriate or costly steps.
• Call a professional water damage restoration authority - For other than a trivial spill on a tiled bathroom floor you may need help from a professional water damage or restoration company.
• Notify your insurance company that there has been a sewage spill in the building
• Notify your municipal authority or sewer department if your home is connected to a public sewer
• Contact your local health department for advice if your home is connected to a private septic system

SERVPRO of Riverside City has the certification to handle sewage leak. We are here to help!

Chemical Drain Cleaners: Should They be Used on Your Riverside Home?

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

There are some drawback using chemical drain cleaners, be informed!

Are you pouring and flushing the wrong things down your pipes? Have you ever had water damage at your property because water was coming out of your toilets, bathtubs, or sinks?

Most water damage at times is caused due to the fact that a main line got clogged. If it's an indoor blockage, it could have occurred because of heavy materials or objects being flushed down into the drain. Blocked drains are often caused by sanitary products, paper towels or other hard to flush materials which can clog pipes and obstruct drains.

When you pour grease down the drain it sticks to the inside of your pipes and the pipes in the street. This can cause the entire pipe to become clogged over time. Other oil-based products are also dangerous to pour down your drain, such as... cooking oil, salad dressings, butter, mayonnaise, and fat. 

Are Chemical Drain Cleaners the Best Option?

A clogged drain has frustrated residents of homes across Riverside City. The fast and easy solution is to pour a bottle of commercial drain cleaner down the problem drain to clear away the blockage. Do they work? Can they damage your home's pipes? Here are some facts and a few tips on alternatives:

Chemical Drain Cleaners

Widely-used and powerful, chemically-based cleaners (caustic, oxidizing, and acid types) can help open up a partially clogged drain. They work by generating heat to break down a clog until it can be flushed out. However, there are drawbacks to their use:

Alternatives to Chemical Drain Cleaners

There are safer ways to clear blocked drain pipes. Mechanical options include flexible drain snakes or augers. Available in manually-operated, hand-cranked, battery-operated and electric models, this device can successfully clear drains without resorting to calling in a professional.

Enzymatic drain cleaners use bacteria or enzymes to devour organic materials like the hair, soap and food waste that collect and clump in drains. Although this biological option requires more time to clear a clogged drain — typically 24 hours — it's non-toxic and environmentally safe.

There are many home remedies, including the use of clothes hangers, wet/dry household vacuums and various mixtures of natural ingredients like salt, baking soda, vinegar and boiling water. All are effective depending on the severity of the clog.

Whether in the kitchen or bathroom, there are a range of proven solutions to stubborn blocked drains. With mounting concerns about health and the environment, chemical drain cleaners should be the option of last resort.

Flood Insurance, what you should know living in Riverside County

1/20/2021 (Permalink)

It may be necessary to purchase flood insurance policy to protect your investment from floods.

Many do not realize that flood damage is not typically covered by homeowners’ insurance policies, so it’s important to have an understanding. 

We hope this information serves as a helpful resource. 

It may be necessary to purchase flood insurance policy to protect your investment from floods. Just because you haven’t experienced a flood in the past, doesn’t mean you won’t in the future.

Here is some information from Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District

National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP for short, offers flood insurance, which can be purchased through the insurance agent who handles your homeowners’ insurance policy. Rates are set and do not differ from company to company or agent to agent. These rates depend on many factors, which include the date and type of construction of your home, along with your building’s level of risk.

What's included with building coverage:

• The insured building and its foundation
• The electrical and plumbing systems
• Central air conditioning equipment, furnaces and water heaters
• Refrigerators, cooking stoves and built-in appliances such as dishwaters
• Permanently installed carpeting over unfinished flooring
• Maximum coverage is $250,000

What's included with content coverage:

• Clothing, furniture and electronic equipment
• Curtains
• Portable and window air conditioners
• Portable microwaves and dishwashers
• Carpeting that is not already included in property coverage
• Clothing washers and dryers
• Maximum coverage is $100,000

What's not Covered:

• Damage caused by moisture, mildew or mold that could have been avoided by the property owner
• Currency, precious metals and valuable papers such as stock certificates
• Property and belongings outside of an insured building such as trees, plants, wells, septic systems, walks, decks, patios, fences, seawalls, hot tubs and swimming pools
• Living expenses such as temporary housing
• Financial losses caused by business interruption or loss of use of insured property
• Most self-propelled vehicles such as cars, including their parts

NFIP flood insurance policies are available to homeowners, renters, condo owners/renters, and commercial owners/renters.

How Do I Find Out if I’m in a Flood Zone?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency maintains official flood zone maps, which designate areas with the greatest risk of flooding. To find the designation for your home in Riverside County, go to FEMA’s Map Service Center and enter your address. Note: If you have a hard time loading the FEMA map, a more user-friendly version is available here.

FEMA’s flood maps display more than a dozen category codes, but they all fall into one of three main zones:

1. High-Risk Zone

This is any area with a FEMA map code beginning with the letters A or V. It’s also referred to as the “100-year floodplain.” Each year, this zone has a 1% chance of experiencing a catastrophic flood. If you’re in a high-risk flood zone, flood insurance is usually required. Unfortunately, flood insurance is most costly for homes in high-risk zones.

2. Moderate-to-Low-Risk Zone

This is an area with a FEMA map code beginning with B, C, or X. It is also referred to as the “500-year floodplain.” This zone has a 0.2% chance, each year, of a destructive flood event. Flood insurance is not mandatory in this zone, but it is still strongly encouraged. Flood insurance is considerably less expensive for this zone than for high-risk zones, especially when compared to the costs of storm damage cleanup after a devastating flood.

3. Undetermined-Risk Zone

These areas may have a FEMA map code beginning with the letter D, or they may have no FEMA flood code. This doesn’t mean your home won’t flood. Heavy rainfall frequently causes flash flooding in all parts of the country.

There are many reasons you might want to know your property’s official flood zone designation: You may be considering selling your house, or maybe you’ve been thinking of buying flood insurance. In any case, understanding your risk level is key to protecting your home from flood damage.

Check out this link to look up your home or business

https://www.lsc.gov/flood-zone-lookup

For more information, contact your insurance agent

Visit FloodSmart or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

How to Prevent Work Related "Accidents" Due to Lack of Sleep

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Should your business experience a loss, we are a phone call away. 951-351-8033

One thing most of us can relate to is being tired.

Our lives are busy and sometimes we feel like there are not enough hours in the day to get through our to-do lists. One thing I hope we can all learn to agree on is that being sleepy really is a hazard and sometimes can be quite dangerous in the workplace. Lack of sleep can lead to multiple consequences that may have a huge effect on us, our work, and our coworkers. Sleepiness can lead to:

• Accidents can happen no matter what, this is why they are called “accidents”. However, we put many precautions in place to help prevent accidents from happening. Getting enough sleep is a good way to do your part in preventing an accident.

• Memory Issues can cause many problems for you in the workplace. Being well-rested and at the top of your memory game will be appreciated by your coworkers and your customers. It’s quite normal to forget once in a while but if you are sleep deprived, your memory loss may very well be affecting your work.

• Difficulty with Thinking and Concentration this can also be an annoyance to you and your coworkers when you are all trying to do the best job you can do. When you are well-rested, you are more likely to do a better job.

• Mood Changes can be difficult for you, your coworkers, and can be detrimental to your customers. Being well-rested can limit your mood changes and keep you more consistent.

• Weakened Immunity definitely affects your workplace. When your immune system is weak, you are likely to get sick more often. This may keep you from work which puts more pressure on your coworkers to pick up the slack. 

Having one, let alone several, of these side effects from lack of sleep can be dangerous in the workplace. Please be mindful of taking care of yourself by resting when your body and mind are tired. This not only protects you but could possibly prevent you from inadvertently making a bad decision or causing an accident that could affect someone else.

Accidents can also impact the business whether it be productivity or damage to the facility.  Incidents can happen in the lunchroom causing property damage.  

Should your business experience a loss, we are a phone call away.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City, 

We can be reached 24/7 at 951-351-8033.

Check out our Website:

https://www.SERVPROwestriversidecity.com/

Why SERVPRO? We Strive to Minimize Interruption to Your Riverside Life

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Riverside City has a solution for every kind of disaster that strikes and damages your home. Call (951) 351-8033

With a keen understanding of the challenges our Riverside, CA customers face after water, fire, mold, or storm damage, our team is committed to turning trauma and chaos around quickly and compassionately.

The ability to provide wrap-around mitigation, remediation, and rebuilding services minimizes the stress for our customers. You can engage just one highly-qualified contractor to take your home from devastated to “Like it never even happened,” using our Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)-trained managers and technicians.

Water Damage

Regardless of the source, water damage in Riverside brings your day to day household agenda to a halt. Waiting even a day or two before starting mitigation and remediation efforts exposes the structural components inside your dwelling to progressively more severe damage. Postponing a professional assessment and follow-up recovery work also increases the risk of mold growth and damage, causing even more damage to the many organic surfaces in your house.

One call delivers an experienced and caring crew of SERVPRO IICRC-certified managers and technicians to your door. Our employees can handle any residential water damage scenario.  From finding the water main shut off to opening the door for you and your family when you return to a fully remediated and rehabbed home, we have you covered. Our service vehicles carry all the equipment needed to commence and complete a water mitigation and remediation job. As our project manager and estimator assess the damage, they create a project plan. Then our Water Damage Restoration Technicians (WRT) are ready to start water removal tasks without further delay.

Throughout the project, we measure moisture levels and use thermal imaging to find any pockets of migrated water. At times we must use controlled demolition strategies such as flood cuts in drywall or weep holes in ceilings.  The initial moisture data forms the baseline for drying goals we meet with a configuration of air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers.

Fire Damage

The aftermath of fire damage in Riverside is almost too much for a homeowner to process. It is nearly impossible for someone unused to the destruction a blaze can inflict to know where to start the cleanup. Fire residues are also highly toxic, dangerous to handle without personal protective equipment (PPE), and challenging to clear away with ordinary household tools and products. We are uniquely qualified to help members of our community recover from the effects of a fire, no matter how it started or how extensive the damage.

Fire damage mitigation and remediation typically start with removal of the water and chemicals the fire department used to quell the flames. The multiple certifications SERVPRO employees hold from the IICRC are of great benefit to our customers, as our crews efficiently manage first the water and then the soot removal. The assessing crew chief puts together a thorough task agenda, and our Fire and Smoke Restoration Technicians (FSRT) match cleaning products and tools to the varying types of soot found throughout your home.

Lighter ash vacuums up well, and dry sponges remove traces on both horizontal and vertical surfaces. Thicker, sticky soot from slow-burning electrical cords or fabric and padding needs help from cleaners with surfactants and wetting agents to break up the coating. Agitation also loosens this type of soot, and cloths or damp sponges wipes it away. Protein-based deposits from the grease and food in a kitchen fire adheres tightly, thin but extremely malodorous. Abrasives and solvents might be needed to remove this common residue.

Mold Remediation

Finding mold damage in your Riverside home can be a stomach-churning moment for a homeowner. The media shares frightening information about household mold infestations, and you might be fearful that the mold could expose your family to the risk of health effects. We recommend you speak to your health care provider about any concerns you have concerning molds and health effects. We are ready to devise a plan to remediate any structural harm a microbial infestation caused.

When the SERVPRO mold remediation crew assesses the fungal growth in your home, we look not only for visible organisms but also consider whether the mold colony also extends behind walls and above ceilings. Mold spores need only water, a food source, and oxygen to thrive, not light.

Once we establish the spread of the mold, we contain the area. Using durable plastic sheeting to partition the affected space, we seal off the area employing the negative pressure of an air scrubbing machine. Mold scrapes and brushes off solid surfaces. We add a soda blasting option to clear mold from porous materials, scouring off the growth, and interfering with the continued growth of deeply embedded hyphae, the “roots” of mold.

We vacuum up debris and residues, bagging them with the moldy material for hazardous waste disposal. Final surface treatment with  EPA-registered antimicrobials completes the job. The procedure we use, developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), eliminates current mold colonies. To inhibit the return of mold growth, you must manage the moisture in your home.

Storm Damage

Strong winds and flash floods can cause flood damage to Riverside home. Trees and utility poles crush roofs and destroy siding when winds knock them over. Fire damaged land, causes the supersaturated ground to loosen roots and also results in landslides. Breaches in your home’s exterior permit substantial quantities of water to invade, flooding several levels before pooling on your property.

Severe storm damage requires the help of SERVPRO’s disaster responders. Fast action is needed to secure your home with tarps and boards, preventing additional rain from entering. An experienced project manager assesses the scene and devises a plan to contain and remove the collected water. The fluid is designated as highly contaminated, often containing sewer backup and debris from overland flooding. Human and animal pathogens may be in the mix, and it is essential that we contain and dispose of the fluid containing them as required by local rules.

We use submersible pumps and high-efficiency wanded extractors to evacuate the flooding. Both types of equipment operate without the need for your electricity, using gas and generator-powered if needed to prevent delays. We use thermal scanners to locate trapped water and employ controlled demolition techniques like flood cuts for fluid release and to enhance structural drying. After the floodwater is gone, our technicians use EPA-registered antimicrobials to sanitize the affected area. The space is then dried thoroughly using air movers, heaters, and dehumidifiers.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City has a solution for every kind of disaster that strikes and damages your home. Call (951) 351-8033 for kind, compassionate, and highly skilled help.

Identify These Water Issues Inside Your Commercial Building

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Check If You Have The Following Water Failures In Your Building

Water issues such as leaking pipes and clogged toilets can happen to any home in the Riverside, area. Unfortunately, these incidents also occur to rental units inside commercial property. These issues can escalate because there are multiple people using larger systems, which requires more inspections and maintenance. If you want to become a commercial property owner, expect to see the following water failures.

1. Clogged Pipes

The pipes throughout your building are designed to move enormous amounts of wastewater and resist strong conditions. Unfortunately, they can still become overwhelmed and clogged. Hair, fat, soap and other contents that accumulate over time are the most likely culprits behind clogs or toilet backup. Mineral elements can also gradually build up over wet surfaces to create blockage. If the system is running underground, tree roots can seek the sewer water, eventually clogging up the pipes.

2. Leaking System

Due to the extensive and complex nature of commercial property plumbing, leaking pipes, faucets and toilets are recurring problems. These systems can wear down and create vulnerable spots that leak. Even though the damage seems small, it can deteriorate into larger malfunctions and property damage. Leaks also signal greater plumbing issues that can be stopped early. Call a plumbing technician to fix the issue and an emergency remediation service to deal with the water damage.

3. Damaged Plumbing

Besides untreated leaks, there are other causes of damaged and broken pipes. For example, the higher pressure inside the plumbing system during winter can result in a pipe break. Additionally, tree root growth, improper maintenance and excessive clogging can also result in breaks. If the pipes are too old, they can suffer from corrosion, making them fragile and vulnerable. Schedule proper maintenance and contact professionals if tenants detect leaks and other issues.

Commercial building owners deal with the same issues as those who own singular homes. Broken or leaking pipes, clogs and other issues appear on a larger scale, so it is important for you to get help immediately.

You can count on SERVPRO of West Riverside City.  We can also help with a free Emergency Response Profile (ERP) to help identify where water shut-off valves are to minimize water damage.  It’s a free APP that can include any type of information needed during a potential disaster.  Call us for a free inspection and we can go over the ERP with you!

What is the SERVPRO ERP?

SERVPRO’s ERP is a system that helps businesses create a readiness profile for all of their locations to be prepared for any disaster. The ERP helps business owners create an Emergency READY Profile (ERP) for their facility, at no charge. The business owner works with SERVPRO to gather and document information that will become critical if a disaster strikes. It allows business owners to create customized, pre-organized profiles of their properties and locations so that in case of a disaster, we have access to any relevant documents and information immediately Once the ERP is created, business owners have access to their information 24/7 online and by using SERVPRO’s free smartphone app, creating a comprehensive emergency plan for the business. A comprehensive emergency plan contains critical information about the location of shut-off valves, fire suppression system controls, emergency contact numbers and more—information that can save emergency responders precious time and help contain damage and minimize injury.

The SERVPRO ERP Creates Faster Responses

With a profile in the ERP system, we can respond to your business emergency faster much quicker than if you had contacted us by phone. The system allows your call to be simplified to the press of a button, saving valuable time otherwise spent searching for phone numbers, relevant documents, and communicating the situation to us. Whether your emergency is water, fire or flooding, the ERP gets us out to your business faster, which can help minimize damage with faster reaction to the emergency.

Our ERP Priority Response

Some events, such as flash flooding, may hit many buildings and neighborhoods at once. This can cause resources to get tied up quickly, and we may have to delay our response to some inquiries. With the ERP system, you can avoid having to contact a representative and get your request in before others around you. The ERP app gives you priority response to any damage emergency you have. We’re dispatched faster to your location to start handling your issue right away.

More Effective Responses with Prior Knowledge

Having critical information such as breaker locations, water lines placement, floor plans, and inventories allow our trained technicians to do their work with unmatched efficiency. By giving us a wealth of information ahead of time, businesses help to ensure that any SERVPRO teams working on your business can better understand what they are working with and the job they are doing, without wasting precious time locations breaker boxes, lines, etc.

Multi-Location Management Damage Control

Many companies operate multiple locations, some of which may be damaged in an event while others remain unscathed or encounter different problems, depending on the situation. The SERVPRO ERP system allows businesses to create separate profiles for each business location, eliminating confusion and ensuring that more severely damaged locations are treated first.

Damage of any kind can impact a business. SERVPRO of West Riverside City is ready to respond to your company's needs 24/7. If water, storm, flood, or fire damage has impacted one or more of your locations, or if you would like to learn more about our ERP system, call us at

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

951-351-8033

Are You Ready for 2021?

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

We are hopeful for 2021! Go over your 2021 goals, and more importantly, include being prepared for emergencies.

As a business owner, thinking forward to the coming year is critical to maintaining current goals and setting new objectives.

People often look at New Year’s resolutions as personal goals like losing weight, being more attentive to loved ones, or giving back to the community. While all of those resolutions are important, people fail to look at New Year’s resolutions as it relates to their own business. From treating your employees well to creating a solid company culture, being introspective this time of year should extend personal life and move into your business world. The most savvy business owners take time each year around the holidays to reflect on successes, analyze failures, and set new goals for the year to come.

December is often chaotic for businesses of all kinds. As such, it is imperative to be diligent in your efforts to shift focus to the year ahead. We suggest spending some time as many of your employees as possible in order to get feedback. In doing so, you will have a well-rounded idea of where to start your business resolutions brainstorming session. Consider the following as your write down your company’s New Year’s resolutions:

Riverside Fire Safety with your Children

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

Create an escape route by mapping out your home on paper. It’s important to know and understand all the possible points of escape.

Most schools teach children about fire safety but have you had the opportunity to discuss the ins and outs with your child about your own fire safety plan in your home?

It’s one of the most important discussions we should have and often do not have with our children. It’s actually a conversation that needs to be discussed multiple times, I would recommend once a month. It can be overwhelming and quite frankly a little scary for our children. If you have babies, it's important for you and your partner to have a plan for a child who is immobile. I have put together a few starter points to have with your family to help keep them safe in case of an emergency. Our goal here at SERVPRO is to help you in times of need. We want your family to be whole and happy. 

Smoke Cleaning Services for Your Smoke Damaged Business

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

We received a call in Jurupa for smoke damage business caused by a nextdoor fire. We were able to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Smoke damage can affect your business long after a fire has been extinguished. A fire restoration company can provide smoke cleaning services to remove stains and odors from the following:

• Air
• Carpets
• Upholstery
• Art

Several methods can accomplish this.

Air Scrubbers

These air filtration systems can remove smoke odor from the air by passing it through a high-tech filter that removes contaminated particles. Purified air returns to the original environment without traces of the odor-causing contaminants.

Ozone Generators

Ozone is oxygen that has three oxygen atoms instead of two. The third atom attaches itself to malodorous particles and neutralizes them. The other two atoms remain in the air as pure oxygen. Ozone generators work best in low-humidity environments where there is less hydrogen to hinder the attachment of the third oxygen atom. They also work quickly, allowing employees to re-enter a business within hours. Ozone treatment is an effective smoke cleaning option because it can effectively penetrate porous surfaces that are difficult to reach.

Hydroxyl Generators

After a fire, a hydroxyl generator can remove smoke odor in high humidity environments flooded by water used to extinguish the flames. One oxygen atom and one hydrogen atom change the molecular structure of the contaminants that produce odor. Hydroxyl generators can purify a wide range of objects, including artwork. They are slower than ozone generators to remove smoke odors. Still, they do not require room evacuation, making them an excellent choice for businesses that don't require relocation after a fire.

Thermal Foggers

After a fire, smoke cleaning objects like rugs and upholstery can be challenging. Thermal fogging is a reliable method of hazardous particle and odor removal. A deodorizer is heated to create a fog that can penetrate the most difficult-to-reach parts of a room and its contents.

A fire restoration company can recommend the appropriate method of smoke odor removal for your Riverside, CA, business.

 With fire season still a danger, being prepared is a good first step.  Keep our contact information handy.  We can inspect for free and help remove any type of odor.  

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

951-351-8033

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Do You Have an Odor You Can't Remove? We Can Help!

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Need help removing odors such as smoke? Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City!

SERVPRO of West Riverside City crew chief and technicians are trained for a variety of situations, including the control and removal of offensive odors.

By definition, an odor is a distinctive (and typically unpleasant) smell that can be picked up by people. SERVPRO technicians have a variety of methods to remove these odors, but they all typically begin with identifying the source of the odor. Some common examples of odor sources include:

-Property Damage (Fire or Water Damage, Mold Growth)

-Animals (Dander, Bodily Waste, Infestations)

-Trash and Waste (Rotting Food, Sewage)

Most people think there are special sprays that can help remove odors, but this is a myth. Sprays usually mask the odor temporarily, resulting in the unpleasant smell coming back after some time. This is why it’s important to identify the source of the odor and remove it before attempting deodorization with sprays or mists.

Once the source has been pinpointed and removed, SERVPRO of West Riverside City technicians have a variety of ways to eliminate remaining odors. We can use two different types of fog, Thermal Fog or ULV Fog, depending on the source of the odor and its strength. We can also use specialty fans and filtration equipment to clean the air.

One of our stronger methods of deodorization is the use of ozone, which is particularly useful against odors from smoke, pet odors, mildew and organic pollutants. Ozone is also called “activated oxygen” because chemically it is an added oxygen molecule (03), which makes it highly reactive with particles it comes into contact with. The extra oxygen atom attaches itself to the other molecules to create a new molecule, one that isn’t smelly, in a process called oxidation. Once the ozone is ventilated and dissipates, most odors are gone and there is only a neutral smell.

A word of caution – Ozone, and ozone generators, should be used and handled by trusted professionals like the technicians at SERVPRO of west Riverside City because there are some risks with the use of these products. There are certain materials that don’t do well when exposed to ozone, such as certain textiles, leather, rubber and certain plastics. Ozone has also been known to bleach materials like carpets and upholstery if the materials are wet when exposed to the ozone gas. Ozone can also be harmful to the human body if it is inhaled, potentially causing lung irritation, breathing problems and headaches.

The bottom line is if you are dealing with unpleasant odors or smells that are really a bother, call SERVPRO of West Riverside City and we can assess and handle the removal of those odors safely and efficiently.

Questions? Give us a call! (951) 351-8033

Santa Ana Winds, Why So Dangerous in Riverside?

12/7/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside if you experience disasters from high winds due the Santa Ana's.

What are Santa Ana Winds?  Why do the strong gusts of wind feel warm, and why do they cause fires? 

Santa Ana Winds are something unique to Southern California.  They can cause a great deal of damage. The fast, hot winds cause vegetation to dry out, increasing the danger of wildfire. Once the fires start, the winds fan the flames and hasten their spread. The winds create turbulence which exhibit substantial change in speed and/or direction with height.

Ready Riverside states:

Santa Ana Winds occur when air from a region of high pressure over the dry, desert region of the southwestern U.S. flows westward towards low pressure located off the California coast. This creates dry winds that flow east to west through the mountain passages in Southern California. These winds are most common during the cooler months of the year, occurring from September through May. Santa Ana winds typically feel warm (or even hot) because as the cool desert air moves down the side of the mountain, it is compressed, which causes the temperature of the air to rise. These strong winds can cause major property damage. They also increase wildfire risk because of the dryness of the winds and the speed at which they can spread a flame across the landscape.

Wildfires are a common hazard across California. When conditions are right, small fires can become raging firestorms in the blink of an eye. Being prepared can make all the difference to your safety.

California Fires are usually named by the dispatcher who takes the initial report and sometimes by the first responder at the scene, The Los Angeles Times reported. Dispatchers will name fires by finding a nearby landmark or feature, like a canyon, river or valley.

In Just recent weeks, we've experienced the Airport Fire which started near the Corona Municipal Airport.  It was reported Tuesday night, on Dec 1, behind the airport at Prado Basin.  It was less than 5 acres but red flag conditions, Santa Ana winds and low humidity kept it going.  On Wednesday it spread to 50 acres and by Thursday had grown to 500 acres with 0% containment. 

Also burning Thursday December 3rd was the Bond Fire in Orange County.  This was initially started by a home fire that quickly turned into a wild fire due to the dry wind conditions.  By end of day Thursday it grew quickly to 7,200 acres!

Here is some information from Riverside Ready regarding terms we should all be familiar with. 

Know the Terms

• Fire Weather Watch – A Fire Weather Watch is issued in anticipation of Red Flag Warning conditions beyond the first 12-hour forecasting period. It is upgraded to a Red Flag Warning once conditions are 12 hours or less in the future, or the forecast changes and the watch is cancelled.
• Red Flag Warning – A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidity's, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.  
• Extreme Red Flag Warning – An Extreme Red Flag Warning is issued when conditions are dangerous enough that enhanced wording is needed to convey the danger present. It is analogous to wording added to severe weather watches and warnings, including use of the phrase “This is a Particularly Dangerous Situation.”
• Evacuation Warning – An Evacuation Warning is issued by Public Safety officials to warn of the potential need for an evacuation due to wildfire. This term replaces the Voluntary Evacuation terminology. If you are under an evacuation warning, be ready to go at a moment’s notice, and consider evacuating early if you feel there is danger or need extra time to move to safety. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts, including if power goes out. NOAA Weather Radios are a great tool, in addition to signing up for local Mass Notification alerts like RiversideAlert.
• Evacuation Order – An Evacuation Order replaced the Mandatory Evacuation terminology. This order indicates imminent danger to life and property, even if it is not readily apparent, and you should leave immediately if you are in this area. Remember, things are replaceable. You are not.

 SERVPRO of West Riverside City is here to help with damage caused by high winds.  Roofs can be impacted and when winds are strong enough, they can down trees.  Most importantly, they cause wildfires.  Please be safe as Santa Ana winds and Red Flag warnings run through sometimes May.

Follow our Social Media accounts for tips to avoid disasters:

• Instagram

• Facebook

• Twitter

 Or call us at 951-351-9088

7 CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE

12/2/2020 (Permalink)

Avoid a dangerous situation with your Christmas tree by following 7 key steps!

For a wonderful while, it’s the most beautiful decoration in your home it may be tall, short, slender or plump, the Christmas tree stands at the center of holiday celebrations. It also stands as a seasonal addition to the house that needs to be treated with special care.

As you make plans to bring home this year’s fir or spruce, are you checking your Christmas tree fire safety list?

We offer this guide for keeping your Christmas tree safe based on our years of experience as Riverside's most trusted fire cleanup company. We want you to celebrate the season with the security that comes from knowing your home is safe for the holidays.

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, Christmas tree fires cause property damage totaling more than $14 million annually. That figure can’t account for the heartbreak of a house fire over the holidays. These seven simple tips can keep your home and family safe while you all enjoy the Christmas tree’s bright lights and warm glow.

1. CHECK FOR FRESHNESS

Look for a tree with soft, green needles, and confirm its freshness by closing your hand over a bough and gently pulling down. If needles fall off at your touch, the tree is already beginning to dry out, and that can pose a fire hazard.

2. GIVE IT A STABLE STAND

Safely show off your Christmas tree in a sturdy, weighted stand with screw-in stabilizers that help anchor its weight. A large stand also holds plenty of water for keeping a thirsty tree fresh inside your home.

3. STAND IT AWAY FROM HEAT

Make sure the tree is standing at least 3 feet away from any heat source including space heaters, radiators and the family fireplace. High temperatures, flames and embers are serious fire hazards around a Christmas tree.

4. WATCH THE KIDS

A beautiful tree can tempt little hands with pretty ornaments and inspire rowdy playtime around its base. Talk to the kids about home fire safety. Explain that running around close to the tree can topple it and start a fire.

5. WATCH PETS TOO

The family dog and cat can create Christmas tree fire hazards too. Discourage dangerous chewing and tangling accidents by hanging tree light strands and decorations above your pets’ playful reach.

6. TURN EVERYTHING OFF

Always unplug tree lights before you leave the house or go to bed for the night. Turn off nearby space heaters, extinguish candles, and make sure embers are out in the fireplace.

7. GIVE IT AN HONORABLE GOODBYE

When a Christmas tree stops taking up water and starts dropping needles, it becomes more of a fire hazard with each passing day. Give the tree an honorable goodbye at one of the recycling centers across Riverside.

HOW TO KEEP A CHRISTMAS TREE FROM DRYING OUT

This part of Christmas tree fire safety deserves special attention because it keeps your tree fresher through the holidays, and that reduces the risk of a house fire. Good tree maintenance starts before you set it up in its stand.

• Saw 2 inches off the bottom of the tree stump, but don’t peel back lower bark or drill holes in the trunk. • If you can’t put the tree in its stand right away, prop it up in a large water bucket, and check it daily. • Monitor the tree’s water level every couple of hours on the first day. Afterwards, top it off every 24 hours.

CAN CHRISTMAS LIGHTS CAUSE A FIRE?

We’re often asked about decorations this time of year, so we finish up our Christmas fire safety guide with important pointers about lights on the tree.

• Always purchase Christmas tree lights that carry the Underwriters Laboratory UL Seal. • Inspect strands for frayed wires and broken sockets, and toss anything that looks damaged. • Don’t overload the tree with older incandescent lights or run too many strands from one extension cord. • Don’t connect incandescent and LED strands together, and keep them on separate extension cords.

WE’RE ALWAYS HERE FOR YOU

This year, gather the family around for a quick review of Christmas tree safety strategies. Make sure everybody understands how important it is to follow the guidelines.

All of us here at SERVPRO of West Riverside City send our warmest wishes to you and your family. It’s our honor to serve and be a part of this wonderful community, and we really value your support. Our teams are always here for you, with the best fire damage cleanup and fire restoration services available.

Do You Rent? Why You Should Have Renters Insurance

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

One fire caused smoke and soot damage within other rental units. Do you have renters insurance?

There is a misconception regarding damage caused by a fire in an apartment or home you rent.  

Renting a single family home, apartment or condo may be the way that you personally choose your housing.  There are many perks when it comes to renting.  The biggest perk is that you are not typically responsible for the major incidents that may occur within those four walls like an electrical fire, busted water pipe, roof leak, or even when that 15 year old furnace decides it has served its purpose.  While those are great perks, you still have the responsibility of your own personal property that may become damaged due to a number of issues that may arise while living in a home you personally do not own.  Many renters mistakenly assume that their landlord's homeowner's policy will cover them if disaster strikes.  I wasn’t knowledgeable in this regard, until I ended up on the restoration side of the disaster.  Some may assume if the homeowner  neglected issues like water pipes, electrical and even the roof, that their insurance would cover my personal property.  How could I be responsible for something I had nothing to do with? Many also don't realize that the property's homeowner insurance only covers the actual property, not anything you own within the unit or home.  

It is so important that renters look into and purchase renters insurance.  I realized this when I was working an apartment complex fire.  The flames were contained to the one apartment, but that wasn't the biggest issue.  It was the smoke and soot that affected other units.  The smoke and soot got into apartments on other floors.  Here's the thing, one smoke particle is half the size of bacteria, 1/8 the size of a red blood cell neither one of those are visible to the naked eye.  Smoke and soot will find little pathways to follow holes around plumbing, and also find its way to your second floor or cooler parts of the home.  So essentially we had to pretest other apartment within that building.  Many renters didn't understand why they were going to have to pay for the smoke and soot cleanup within their apartments when it was a single condo that was the source of the smoke and soot.  

Unfortunately, that was the case for quite a few renters within that complex.  The cleaning of smoke and soot can be very tedious and time consuming even for professionals like SERVPRO of West Riverside City.  Our technicians are trained and certified to identify and remediate smoke and soot properly.    

There are four types of soot: 

• Dry smoke residue: Powdery, dry small and non-smearing particles resulting from fires that burn quickly at a high heat
• Wet Smoke residue: Smearing, sticky and strong-smelling particles caused by fires that smolder at low temperatures, resulting in smoke webs that may be challenging to remove.
• Fuel oil soot: Dispersed by puff backs from furnaces
• Protein Residue: Very strong-smelling, but practically invisible residue that can ruin the color of varnish or paint. 

Renters insurance is typically covered for a small monthly premium, the average renter’s policy has a $20,000 - $25,000 worth of coverage for your contents.  There are even rider policies (Which is coverage for things that may be worth more than the per-item limit on your renter’s insurance policy).  The value of your personal contents can add up quickly.  The most important aspect of renters insurance is deciding whether to purchase replacement value or actual cost value coverage.  While renters insurance is important for smoke and soot, it also covers many other things.

• Fire, lighting
• Windstorm, hail
• Explosions
• Riots
• Damage by aircraft
• Damage by vehicle
• Damage from smoke
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Falling objects
• Weight of snow, ice, sleet
• Damage from steam- heating/water-heating appliances/systems
• Leakage or overflow from water or steam
• Freezing of plumbing, heating, air conditioning
• Short-circuit damage caused by electrical appliances.

Bottom line renters insurance is essential and relatively inexpensive so call you friendly insurance agent and have them go over coverage options. It will protect your property should loss occur within the home or apartment you rent.  It is very inexpensive and well worth it!  

Have you experienced a loss due to fire or water damage?  Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City:

951-351=8033

We are always here to help!

How Can a Staging Area Help During Storm Damage Cleanup?

11/25/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians streamline the restoration of Coram properties through the use of multiple applications.

Flood damage in a Riverside home can happen in many ways, and multiple areas of the structure can receive the effects. One common denominator during the restoration services is how SERVPRO techs handle the cleanup. They use a logical course of action that gets applied to fit the individual circumstances of the property that make each mitigation unique. The staging area for cleanup is one of those actions and usually has the following key elements:  

• Situated near a water source in the home such as a bathroom or laundry room in case the need for mixing specialized products arises
• The floor gets covered with a heavy-duty drop cloth for cleanliness  
• All of the tools needed for the restoration services get placed in an organized fashion so they can be found easily by the techs

Can Flood Damage Occur From a Backed Up Storm Drain?  

When flood damage happens in a Riverside home that affects the drainage of a storm drain in a garage, the resulting mess can be ugly. When these large outtake pipes back up due to getting overwhelmed, there is very little individuals can do. These pipes do not just drop water in the home; they bring debris and usually a smelly, black sludge that coats everything it touches. It is not uncommon for the water to have receded by the time SERVPRO techs arrive on the scene, mostly the sludge is still present. This type of cleanup requires multiple application, including:   

• Manual tools such as shovels to pick up the solids  
• Portable pumps to assist in removing any remaining water  
• Power scrubbers to remove stuck-on residues

Safety During Mitigation is Key  

Until the water gets tested by the techs upon arrival, there is no way to know if any harmful elements are in the water in the home. If it receded quickly, those elements could be in porous materials such as sheetrock or through seepage, and be resident within the subfloor. SERVPRO techs generally advise homeowners to keep both residents of the property and pets out of the work area, mainly until the water gets tested. After testing to determine any hazards present, the techs treat the water with their professional biocides and antimicrobial agents. During the cleanup, they wear protective clothing and set up air scrubbers and often negative air chambers to keep airborne droplets either captured or flowing out and clean air from outside the home flowing in. In some cases, the techs may set up containment around the worksite to inhibit any cross-contamination.

The flooring of all types is the article in the home that needs the most assistance after this type of damage from water.  Concrete is semi-porous. While it does absorb some moisture, the use of the drying equipment SERVPRO utilizes forces the embedded moisture to rise. Then the surface can get disinfected to sanitary levels for reuse. The techs have access to a vast selection and cleaning solutions. Several types developed explicitly for use on concrete to leave no efflorescence, the white powdery residue that occurs when salts and minerals in the concrete come to the surface.  

The final step in the restoration of this type is odor control. While the use of the cleaning solutions goes a long way towards limiting the odor from the water. Other actions include:   

• Removal of articles and building materials too damaged for restoration  
• Use of odor control equipment such as hydroxyl generators and thermal fogging  
• Scoping the property post-drying to ensure all areas show no residual moisture

Once the restoration services complete, the crew chief takes the homeowner through the property and goes over the actions taken, the items disposed of with permission, and any repairs that need to occur in the home. Once this walk-through completes, the property owner gets a written report that includes photographs of items with a detailed description of all restoration for the homeowner to use to file any insurance claims. Assisting individuals in expediting their reimbursement for the damage is another way that SERVPRO tries to make the bad situation in the home a little less stressful.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City at (951) 351-8033 cleans up and restores homes from any size flood damage. The certified technicians arrive quickly and work to make the water damage a thing of the past, "Like it never even happened."

Receiving an Emergency Alert to Evacuate Your Home, What Do You Take?

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Grab the dog and put them into the car. If you plan to take your pets right before you leave, they might hide or struggle, slowing down your escape.

It's the end of October as I write this blog.  My week started with an emergency alert on my device Monday late afternoon.  It read, "Per San Bernardino County Sheriff Dept. - Fire in the Chino Hills State Park.  Evacuation Warning in effect...

Potential threat to life and/or property…".  Needless to say, my heart sank, and a bit of a rush and panic came over me. I gathered my thoughts and since I already had a to-go-bag packed, I felt a little bit at ease.  My son and I had previously created an emergency evacuation plan of what to take, who to contact, and where to go.  We used Ready.gov's printable card and had those already in our wallet containing important information.  We reviewed our plan and confirmed what each of us were responsible for collecting.  We kept everything ready to go by the front door, both cars ready to pull forward with full tank of gas!  We went to bed feeling confident we were ready…until we received Emergency Evacuation Alert level 2.  This one, received at 1am in the morning read, " Due to wildfire burning near LA, Orange, and San Bernardino County borders, an EVACUATION WARNING has been issued in the area south of Diamond Bar.  Those in the area should Get Set for a potential evacuation by gathering loved ones supplies.  Monitor local news, our social media channels and LA County.gov."  I jumped up in a panic, made sure my son was aware of the alert and reviewed updates of the fire. 

How did we know what to plan for or what to take?  Ready.gov was the best tool.  Below are the steps we took, and the plan we created based on our families needs. 

Step 1: Put a plan together by discussing the questions below with your family, friends or household to start your emergency plan.

1. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
2. What is my shelter plan?
3. What is my evacuation route?
4. What is my family/household communication plan?
5. Do I need to update my emergency preparedness kit?
6. Check with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and update my emergency plans due to Coronavirus.
• Get masks (for everyone over 2 years old), disinfectants, and check my sheltering plan.

Step 2:  Consider specific needs in your household.

As you prepare your plan tailor your plans and supplies to your specific daily living needs and responsibilities. Discuss your needs and responsibilities and how people in the network can assist each other with communication, care of children, business, pets or specific needs like operating medical equipment. Create your own personal network for specific areas where you need assistance. Keep in mind some these factors when developing your plan:

• Different ages of members within your household
• Responsibilities for assisting others
• Locations frequented
• Dietary needs
• Medical needs including prescriptions and equipment
• Disabilities or access and functional needs including devices and equipment
• Languages spoken
• Cultural and religious considerations
• Pets or service animals
• Households with school-aged children

Step 3: Fill out a Family Emergency Plan

Download and fill out a family emergency plan or use it as a guide to create your own.

• Emergency Plan for Parents (PDF)

Step 4: Practice your plan with your family/household

Associated Content

• Family Emergency Communication Guide (PDF)
• Family Communication Plan Fillable Card (PDF)
• Emergency Plan for Families or (PDF)
• Emergency Plan for Kids or (PDF)
• Emergency Plan for Commuters (PDF)
• Pet Owners (PDF)
• Family Emergency Communication Planning Document (PDF)
• Family Emergency Communication Plan Wallet Cards (PDF)
• Know Your Alerts and Warnings (PDF)
• Protect Critical Documents and Valuables (PDF)
• Document and Insure Your Property (PDF)
• Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (PDF)
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Disaster Checklist (PDF)
• Make a Plan (Video)

This was also great article that I followed to some degree:

What to Take When Evacuating

From these experiences, I’ve learned:

If you don’t have a mental list already thought out, in an emergency you may forget what’s important and grab stuff that’s not useful or is easily replaced.

The more you mentally rehearse the actions you’d take in a crisis, the more likely you’ll follow your plan in an actual emergency.

My emergency list begins with:

1. Grab the dog and put them into the car. (If you plan to take your pets right before you leave, they might hide or struggle, slowing down your escape. If you’re not leaving soon, keep them in the bathroom nearest the door.)
2. My purse. (It’s big and can hold a lot of stuff.)
3. My laptop. (Fits in my purse.)
4. My to-go bag containing clothes and toiletries. (I always keep one packed and ready.)

I have included more on my list, these were the first five items.

Every time there’s a fire in California, practice running through a scenario where you have to grab what’s on your list and race out the door. 

You can also make a physical list — on paper or a digital one on your phone or tablet for easy access and mobility. Make a copy for each member of the family, designating which items they are in charge of.

PREPARE FOR AN EMERGENCY BEFORE THERE’S A CRISIS

In California, we’re supposed to have earthquake supplies on hand in case our state experiences “the big one.”  I also started keeping an emergency stash in the trunk of my car. If you open my trunk, you’ll find:

Copies of important paperwork.

Pet food, dog leash, other pet supplies,

A pair of tennis shoes and sweats, as well as a change of clothing and shoes for work.

Basic toiletries.

First Aid Kit.

Flashlight.

Radio.

Snacks and water.

Blanket, towel, and small pillow.

A roll of toilet paper.

Extra laptop charger. (An extra phone charger stays in my purse.)

It’s important to keep visual documentation of your home and valuables for insurance purposes. Video your whole house and also open drawers and closets. Keep this record updated. Make sure you store a copy on a cloud service and multiple memory cards/external drives.

WHEN IN EVACUATION LEVEL TWO, DON’T DELAY PREPARING

At the second level of an evacuation request, there’s a good probability of the need to evacuate. Level three is an evacuation request — be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. Level four is immediate evacuation.

Load the car or cars and position them in the driveway headed out. Make sure the gas tank is full. If you never have to leave, then all you’ll have to do is unload the car and unpack. Yes, it’s a tedious job. But better than having to grab and go.

Stay informed through media about the progress of the fire and where to find safe evacuation routes. Watch for emergency personnel who may come by your home or be at certain checkpoints to give instructions regarding the evacuation.

Consider leaving at evacuation level two to avoid congested roads.

THINK OF PACKING IN TWO BATCHES

The first batch will cover the time you’ll stay at a shelter/hotel/with friends and relatives. The second batch is to pack as if you won’t have a home to return to.

BATCH ONE

Addresses staying in shelters. See her article for details.  You can adapt the information to staying in hotels or with friends/family.)

BATCH TWO — PACKING AS IF YOU WON’T RETURN

Take important stuff you can’t live without, treasure, or will need.

Computers. (If you have a desktop, store information on a cloud or download what you need on flash drives.)

Valuables.

Jewelry.

Special photos.

Sentimental items.

Clothes for longer term, such as for work or winter coats.

Bring additional paperwork:

Legal documents — birth certificates, passport, social security cards, will, vehicle registration and ownership papers, marriage/divorce papers.

Financial records — bank account information, credit and debit cards, government benefits, retirement and investment account statements, tax returns, year-to-date receipts if you itemize expenses on your tax returns.

I encourage all households to sit together and create a plan.  Check out Ready.gov and the referenced article.  These are great tools to help you prepare your loved ones and ensure you have necessities and valuables in the event of an emergency.

Be safe California residents!!

SERVPRO of West Riverside City uses State of the Art Equipment for Water Damages

11/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Riverside City understands that to continue to be the leader in restoration we need to use cutting edge technology.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City understands that to continue to be the leader in restoration we need to use cutting edge technology. That's why we've made it a point to add new equipment to our inventory regularly. We want to provide excellent work to our customers and to do that we need the right equipment. 

Here are a few pieces of equipment we use regularly for resolving water damage

Detection Equipment

Scoping damage involves our trained team members locating the areas affected by water and determining the extent to which the structure and contents have absorbed moisture. Our trained team member’s use:

• Moisture Sensors – These are us to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
• Moisture Meters – These are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate moisture readings that enable our SERVPRO® of Sumner County team member to monitor the drying process.
• Thermo-hygrometers – These measure both temperature and relative humidity. In capturing these two readings our trained team members calculate specific humidity, dew point and vapor pressure.

Extraction Equipment

The most effective method of removing moisture from a structure is extraction. This is why it is crucial to respond quickly to a water damage and to provide emergency mitigation services. When the water is extracted quickly, the environment can usually be dried much faster.

• Extractors – These are used in cleaning carpets and upholstery and in removing water from floors following a water damage. Extractors can either be truck-mounted or portable, allowing for greater access inside structures.

Air Moving Equipment

Air movers are used in water damage restoration to enhance evaporation at the surface level, thereby reducing drying time. As airflow at the surface level increases, the moisture in the air increases. This moisture is then eliminated via the use of dehumidification equipment.

Dehumidification Equipment

By extracting water vapor from the air, dehumidifiers lower the relative humidity, which in turn increases the rate of evaporation. In a water damaged, structure, dehumidifiers pull in the moist, humid air and then discharge dry, warm air. The dry air acts like a sponge, absorbing moisture from wet materials. SERVPRO® of Sumner County uses two types of dehumidifiers:

• Refrigerant Dehumidifiers – These work similarly to an air conditioner.
• Desiccant Dehumidifiers – The use chemicals, called desiccants, which readily absorb moisture from the air.

Need immediate help? Please call SERVPRO of West Riverside City 951-351-8033. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We can handle your emergency.

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Inland Empire Death Scene Clean-Up: A Tough Subject

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Families are impacted with the death of a loved one and sometimes don’t know where to turn when that death happens in a home.

I debated writing this blog for quite some time. But this week we received a call from a Property Management company, and it hit me that even though it’s not the easiest topic to discuss, it is worth the discussion. Families are impacted with the death of a loved one and sometimes don’t know where to turn when that death happens in a home.

The clean-up that is needed after an unattended death is not easy to write about and is definitely not something a sales or marketing person wants to talk about. I have never personally experienced a suicide of  anyone close to me and I can't imagine the anguish a family goes through as they process that death is debilitating. The clean-up afterward can obviously prove too traumatic for a family to perform. The same can be said when an elderly loved one dies alone. Body decomposition, though natural, is very hazardous to anyone in and or around the area.

Cleaning up can be emotionally challenging, not to mention dangerous if blood and/or other bodily fluids are involved. Our team at SERVPRO of West Riverside City will treat the family and their loved one’s property with the greatest empathy. Our goal after a death is to remove the burden of cleaning up by those family members left behind.

Many times, our own team is impacted with strong feelings or reactions to the death, despite having no acquaintance with the victim. Our team has the training and experience to stay focused on the unique nature of their cleaning task. They are cleaning and restoring the site of the traumatic event. They are preforming an invaluable service to the customer. Our hope, is that our clean-up process will help the customer recover in a small way from the aftermath of the loss of life.

Many people don’t realize that insurance policies often offer coverage for crime scene and trauma cleaning, so it’s crucial to check with the insurance policy adjuster to determine if coverage is offered.

All these are reasons why I feel it’s important to write this blog. Helping a family in their time of need by responding 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help them restore their lives is of the utmost importance to us.

While we hope that you never have to experience a death that needs Biohazard Clean-up, we do want to let you know that there are experts out there who will help if ever the need arises.

Need help? (951) 351-8033

Why Reach out to SERVPRO?

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can pose serious health consequences. A failure to properly remove such substances can contribute to unhealthy and dangerous environments. SERVPRO of West Riverside City is trained to safely clean and remove biohazardous substances and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

Equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are here to help transform any unsafe environments back into clean, safe homes and offices.

Please refer to our Biohazard Emergency Tips - Until Help Arrives Guide and follow these tips to protect yourself and your property.

The decontamination of a home or business due to trauma, sewage backups, chemical spills, hoarding, or other biohazards can be both dangerous and emotional. Specialized training and experience is key when choosing a cleanup company to resolve these circumstances.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean. SERVPRO has developed the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program, a specialized cleaning program that goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning, providing a proactive viral pathogen cleaning service. Learn more about the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program to safeguard your customers and employees.

The SERVPRO Franchise Professionals provide cleanup and recovery services for many biohazard situations. These include the following:

• Coronavirus - viral pathogen
• Sewage backups
• Crime scene residues

• Suicide/death accidents
• Homicide cleanups
• Blood cleanup
• Accident cleanup
• Hoarding scenes
• Animal waste/remains
• Chemical spills
• Tear gas cleanup
• Meth lab cleanup

Fall or Winter Weather Can Have an Effect During the Holidays- Take Caution!

11/11/2020 (Permalink)

If you and your family plan to hit the road this year, check out Travel Tips from AAA to avoid motor vehicle mishaps. Be safe!

Beware of Fall and Winter Storms!

Fall and winter storms are right around the corner. The effect of these storms can be good or bad. As much as we love the sound of thunder, the jolt of lightning going through the sky and the smell of rain, there are bad things that can come along with it. Power outages are often a risk associated with storms. It’s good to know what to do in case you lose power, because you never know how long it could be out. It could be out for a matter of seconds, or for several hours. Here are some tips on what how to be prepared, and what to do during a power outage.

If a storm occurs, the safety of you and your family is of the utmost importance.

What if your traveling across the country?

Whether you're going down the road this holiday season, or across the country, traveling in fall or winter weather can be a tricky task. AAA provided some simple solutions to avoiding a motor vehicle mishap.

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly

• avoid skids and take time to slow down for a stoplight on icy roads.

• Properly position feet on pedals

• keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.

• Don't stop if you can avoid it

• if you can, slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes. Always stop at stop signs or signal lights when required.

• Uphill Driving

• applying extra acceleration on snow-covered roads can cause your wheels to spin. Try to obtain extra speed before reaching the hill and let inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the top, reduce speed and proceed downhill slowly.

• Safe Following Distances

• normal driving conditions suggest a 3-4 second car spacing. When driving in snow or icy conditions increase that to 8-10 seconds. Doing so allows you time to stop and avoid collisions should you need to.

Please be safe, weather can be unpredictable these days and prepared families can enjoy a safe holiday season. 

What to expect when your call SERVPRO of West Riverside City?

We Answer the phone ready to help!

Call Today - (951) 351-8033

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

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

About SERVPRO of SERVPRO of West Riverside City

SERVPRO of West Riverside City specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Meet Our Crew

Don't hesitate to contact us, we are here to help! 

Holiday Cooking Fire Safety Tips for Riverside Residents

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

If an oven fire occurs, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

November is known for making a turkey feast, where family you haven’t seen in a while, gather and eat.

Although it’s a joyous and happy time, Thanksgiving is one of the worst days of the year for home fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (USFA), the number of cooking fires on Thanksgiving day is three times as high than any other day of the year.

Stovetops and Ovens

Sometimes cooks can be distracted by their guests, cooking fires can easily be prevented by following a few simple precautions:

Turkey Fryers

Never use a turkey fryer on a covered patio, garage, or indoors because it’s a fire hazard risk. Fryers can easily tip over, spilling scalding, hot oil onto anyone nearby, leading to fires, burns, or other serious injuries. Never overfill the oil in a fryer, many turkey fires happen while the oil is being heated. Here are some safety tips for using a turkey fryer:

Each year, from 2016 to 2018, fire departments in the United States responded to an estimated average of

189,300 cooking fires in residential buildings.

These fires caused an estimated:

170 Deaths

3,300 Injuries

$443 million in property loss

Cooking was, by far, the leading cause of all residential building fires and injuries.

Remember these safety tips so you and your family can have a safe and wonderful time together.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City is always ready for any emergency. 

Keep our number handy:

951-351-8033

Steps to prevent Candle Fires in your Riverside Home

11/4/2020 (Permalink)

Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.

There is something calming about candles especially during the holiday season.  They look pretty and enhance the ambiance in a room, they give off a fragrant smell that can be so luring, but they can also be the cause to a house fire.   

December has been noted as the peak month of candle fires.  According to the National Fire Protection Association, 3 out of every 5 candle fires started when they were placed near something that can burn, such as furniture, bedding, or decorations. 

From  2014-2018, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 7,610  home structure fires that were started by candles per year. These fires caused an annual average of 81 deaths, 677  injuries and $278 million in direct property damage. NFPA Home Candle Fires Report

Review the tips below from NFPA to prevent house fires this holiday season:

DO pay attention to proximity. It’s important to make sure that you’re not burning a candle on or near anything that could catch fire. Keep candles at least 12 inches away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, or any other flammable objects. Place burning candles at least 3 inches apart from one another so they don’t melt one another or burn improperly.

DON’T leave burning candles unattended. Try to restrict people and candles to one room in the house so the location of family members can always be accounted for and you can keep an eye on open flames. Extinguish all candles before going to bed or leaving a room.

DO place candles on a fire-resistant surface. Place a handle in its holder on a stable, nonflammable surface, such as a metal cookie sheet, frying pan or ceramic plate.

DON’T light a candle if you smell gas. If you smell gas inside or outside your home, immediately put out all open flames, shut off your gas supply, leave the area, get to a safe place, and call 911.

DO use pillar or container candles. Broader-based candles are a suitable option for power outages, as these are less likely to be accidentally knocked over. When possible, candles should be enclosed within glass hurricane holders or globes.

DON’T use candles as a search guide or night light. Avoid walking around with a candle. Dark rooms can increase the chance of tripping or brushing against a flammable item. Use a flashlight instead.

DO keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Place candles up high to avoid the risk of pets, children, or adults accidentally bumping candles over in the dark.

DO Light candles carefully. Keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame

DON'T let the candle burn all the way to the bottom; put it out before it gets too close to the container or holder

DON'T light a candle if oxygen is used in the home.  Oxygen canisters should be kept at least five to 10 feet away from any open flame, which can be anything from a fire in a fireplace to a gas or a candle.

DO use a flashlight or battery-operated lighting instead of a candle during a power outage.

Candles and Kids

Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles.

• Never leave a child alone in a room with a burning candle.
• Keep matches and lighters up high and out of children’s reach, in a locked cabinet.

Although candles can add to the décor in the room, however, they can also add danger.  Remember candles are an open flame which means they can easily ignite.  Create an environment that is safe for you during this holiday season, use alternatives to prevent any candle fires in homes like using flameless candles. 

Here are some additional tips to prevent fires during the holiday season from Ready.Gov:

• Only use decorations that are flame-retardant or not flammable.
• Check holiday lights each year for frayed wires or excessive wear.
• Don’t link more than three strands of holiday lights.
• Never leave a burning candle unattended. Consider using battery-operated flameless candles.
• Keep your live Christmas tree away from heat sources and room exits.
• Water your live Christmas tree daily to keep it from becoming dry.

As always, remember SERVPRO of West Riverside City is here to help! 

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Water Damage Inspection at City Landmark Home of Rosie Bonds

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Photo of technician inspecting underneath sink, Marketer Letty with Rosie Bonds, High school photo of Rosie Bonds, Front yard landmark.

SERVPRO of West Riverside had the pleasure of meeting Rosie Bonds former Olympic hurdler. 

We received a call from her agent My Tran of Farmers Insurance in Riverside of water damage asking if we could help Rosie out by inspecting the damage.

We sat down and chatted with Rosie about her family home in Riverside and the "hurdles" she's endured during her life.  Rosie was raised in Riverside, California.  Rosie's father worked on the homes built in the neighborhood of her family home in 1956, and purchased it in 1957.  She referred to it as, "a middle class house back in 1956, but it's small now… and although it is old, it's made very well."  With 4 children and 2 adults in a 3 bedroom home they managed as a family.  She compared homes back then to nowadays, "where rooms are large and homes are larger than life".  Everything in the house from furniture to flooring is original, her mother didn't want any changes made and also emphasized they could never sell the house. I was sitting on a sofa that had been with the family since the 1940s and very well taken care of.  She has plans to update some things, but everything costs money. 

Outside, you see an ordinary humble home with a chain link fence and a green lawn.  The house was declared a city landmark in 2009.  You can read the inscription on the stone in the front yard, reading, "Bobby Bonds Residence 1957- Elizabeth and Robert Bonds Sr. moved here in 1957 with their 4 children.  Rosie, was a 1964 Olympic Hurdler.  Robert Jr. and David were also top athletes.  After starring in multiple sports at Riverside's Poly High School, Bobby Bonds signed with the San Francisco Giants in 1964.  As a pro baseball player, he was legendary for power and speed.  He was the first to hit at least 30 home runs and steal at least 30 bases in one season, a feat he repeated 5 times.  He was also the first baseball player in the 20th century to hit a grand slam in his first pro game.  A three time All-Star, with 332 home runs, 1024 RBIs and 461 stolen bases, he played in the 1971 National League Championship Series, was 1973 All-Star MVP and won 3 Gold Gloves.  His baseball legend son, Barry, was born in Riverside, while the family lived here in 1964.  Cultural Heritage Board Landmark No. 122 City of Riverside."  Rosie is proud of their family home and says, "We've had some beautiful days here, beautiful days." 

Rosie who was once an Olympic hurdler, set several national records in the hurdles; won the national outdoor hurdle championship (1963, 1964), and competed internationally, represented the U.S. in the Tokyo Olympics (1964).  After retiring from athletics, she started a career in nursing.  She became a licensed vocational nurse working in the Bay area and traveled back and forth to Riverside to care for her mom.  In 2002 she was disabled in a car accident that left her without a job and without a home; she remained homeless living out of shelters and her car for several months.  Her injuries from the car accident left her destitute.  Rosie has a great outlook on life, she has overcome many struggles.   In speaking with her she still has so much to offer.  She runs Bobby Bonds day for kids in the area (although due to COVID it was canceled this year), she delivers food to those in need and she speaks openly about life's hurdles.  Truly a pleasure speaking with Rosie Bonds!

10/28 community Halloween safety in Riverside County per CDC Guidelines

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses.

There are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween. If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.

Lower Risk Activities

These lower risk activities can be safe alternatives:

Moderate risk activities

What Is Considered Smoke Damage? A Simple List of the 5 Pesky Types

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Riverside commercial building sustained smoke damage from a next door fire. SERVPRO of West Riverside was there to help!

SERVPRO smoke damage repair specialists help homeowners identify what to include in their fire damage claim  

Cleaning smoke damage is an extensive process. Depending on the size of the fire damage, cleanup can take days to months to perform. Worst-case scenarios require removing and replacing damaged drywall to make it “Like it never even happened.”

If your home has recently suffered from a fire loss, you may wonder what is considered smoke damage for insurance purposes.

Insurance companies have a strict set of protocols and documentation they require to qualify for coverage. This article will go into detail about the different types so you can know what to expect!

Smoke damage inspections.

After a fire occurs in your home, the first step is to contact a certified fire damage restoration professional, like SERVPRO. The following inspection will gauge the extent of the smoke damage. 

During this inspection, the fire damage professional will determine which type of smoke damage has affected your home. There can be different types within different areas, depending on the nature of the fire damage.

SERVPRO bases our cleaning procedures based on the information identified during the soot and smoke damage testing.

The 5 types of smoke damage

Five types of smoke damage can affect your walls and ceilings after a home fire–SERVPRO smoke damage repair crews offer services to clean the following type of residues:

• Wet smoke residues. Wet smoke residues result from smoldering fires with low heat. This type has residues that are incredibly sticky, smeary, and possess pungent odors. This type of residue is the most common type of smoke damage that occurs in Dayton home fires. 
• Dry smoke residues. Dry smoke residues come from scorching fires. This type of smoke residue is often dry, powdery, and small. 
• Protein residues. Protein residues are notorious for discoloring the paint and wallpaper on your walls. Protein residues leave an extremely pungent odor. During the SERVPRO smoke damage cleaning, the professional will install an air purifier to deal with the resultant smell from this type of smoke.
• Fuel oil soot. The best example of fuel oil soot is a furnace puff back. This type of smoke damage takes the form of thick black smoke filled with particles–these particles are the soot. 
• Smoke webs. Smoke webs are residues from plastics and other synthetic materials. They form long chains of ionized smoke particles that stick to the walls and ceilings of your home.

Before starting the smoke damage cleanup and restoration process, the homeowner must stop the soot from spreading through the centralized air system. To complete this crucial step, shut off the air conditioning or heating and open all doors and windows to allow fresh air to enter. This action ensures that smoke and soot particles aren’t throughout the rest of the house.  

Smoke damage cleanup tips.

The smoke damage cleaning process begins after the inspection and initial assessment. A trained professional will dust and vacuum any loose soot and smoke particles that have been created by the house fire. 

Next, the professional will use a dry-cleaning sponge (chemical sponge) for any walls and other hard surfaces. The chemicals within the sponge remove the smoke and soot stains. 

Water and any other liquid chemicals will spread the soot, making the affected area more extensive and, therefore, the cleanup more difficult. For this reason, we never use water or any soot cleaner before using the specialized sponge. 

Smoke damage cleaning products.

The smoke damage repair process begins with an inspection by fire damage restoration professionals. During this, they will evaluate the type of smoke your particular fire created, what kind of damage is present, and the materials damaged during the event. 

The smoke damage type will determine what kind of cleaning products are required. Our arsenal contains industrial-grade products to clean every type of smoke damage–from the basic to the most severe.

Rain Season is Coming up for Riverside County, Are You Prepared?

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

Although we don't get mass amounts of rain to cause this type of flooding in Riverside, we do get flash floods that can cause damage.

The chance of wet days in Riverside varies throughout the year. The wetter season lasts 4.2 months, from November 25 to April 1, with a greater than 10% chance of a given day being a wet day.

Though the rain itself usually doesn’t cause structural damage, any water that leaks into a home through gaps in the roof or walls can lead to messes that can be costly to clean up. This water can also lead to damage to walls, ceilings, and floors; as well as mold and mildew problems throughout a home. Also, too much rainwater in a short period of time can overload gutters, causing the rain to fall onto the ground where it can damage the foundation over time. (And of course, rain tends to cause flooding, which has its own problems.)

You may be asking yourself when you should replace your roof. Maybe you live or work in an older building, and you know it will become necessary at some point. Perhaps you have seen some water stains in your attic or you have just gone through a season of really heavy weather and some shingles have disappeared. Today we are going to share some things to think about as you decide when you should replace your roof. 

Even though it is sunny out and the skies are blue, fall is here along with the rainy season just around the corner. If you have not already been thinking about preparing your home for the rain ahead, now is the perfect time. A simple roof cleaning and maintenance checkup can go a long way to prevent disaster from striking this winter.

A skilled roofing technician can catch things as simple as a loose shingle, or as unexpected as an exterior mortar repair around your chimney. Finding these areas of need now, before the rain exposes the problem and causes more damage, can save you money and potential repairs later down the road.

Think of it this way, do you winterize your boat or RV in preparation for the season? Your roof is no different.

A good seasonal checkup should include the following:

- Broom clean roof surfaces

- Probe all welded seams to ensure proper seam condition (Low slope systems)

- Inspect and renew any caulking, cut edge sealant, etc.

- Access exterior condition of penetrations such as skylights and chimney

- Provide brief photo report to client upon completion of service

- Provide any recommended repairs, if any.

If your home or business experiences a water damage loss, know that SERVPRO of West Riverside City is Here to Help.  Our experienced team offers emergency water damage response, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, allowing us to arrive quickly to begin mitigating the damages. 

For more information about our services, call 951-351-8033

How Can Riverside Businesses and Residents Participate in National ShakeOut Day?

10/14/2020 (Permalink)

Earthquakes can strike at anytime without warning. Does your family know what to do when they are home? Away from home?

While COVID-19 has brought many uncertainties and challenges, one thing's for sure: ShakeOut is still happening this year!

What and when is ShakeOut? How do I / we participate?  Here is information from ShakeOut.org

At a minimum, ShakeOut is a one-minute earthquake drill - you decide when, how, and where you want do it, and with whom.

This annual date was selected back in 2009, when most schools agreed this was the best time. In 2020, International ShakeOut Day is October 15. Everyone, everywhere should know how to protect themselves during an earthquake! Thus, anyone can participate - ShakeOut is for everyone.

You or your organization, however, may hold your ShakeOut drill on another day of the year that you find most convenient. This means that wherever you are at the date and time you designate—at home, at work, at school, anywhere—at the very least you should practice Drop, Cover, and Hold On as if there were a major earthquake occurring at that very moment, and stay in this position for one minute (or more, as you see fit).

You can always do much more for your ShakeOut, such as a response or tabletop exercise, communications test, or activity in which you secure items that could fall or fly in a real earthquake. Learn more: ShakeOut.org/howtoparticipate.

The main goal of the ShakeOut is to get the world prepared for earthquakes, so use the ShakeOut as an opportunity to learn what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.

Everyone, everywhere should participate, from an individual in their home (or even car!) to a school and even a major corporate office. Talk to your friends, family, and co-workers about the ShakeOut and encourage their participation.

Register for free at ShakeOut.org/register to be counted and listed in your community, get email updates, and have the peace of mind knowing you can deal with any earthquake in our future.

How do I protect myself in an earthquake? I have heard about Drop, Cover, and Hold On, but what happened to the "Doorframe" or "Triangle of Life" theory? Why shouldn't I run outside?

The safest thing to do during an earthquake is "Drop, Cover, and Hold On," as described at EarthquakeCountry.org/step5. This special report describes how the "Triangle of Life" is promoted with greatly exaggerated or wrong information, and is potentially very dangerous. Running outside or getting into a doorway is not recommended as objects that are falling and flying can injure you , even cause you to trip and fall, as you move and are upright.

Do you have audio or video to help guide our ShakeOut drill?

Yes! Please see ShakeOut.org/drill/broadcast for versions you can download in English and Spanish (audio and video).

How do I register for ShakeOut? Why should I?

Register for free at ShakeOut.org/register to be counted and listed in your community, get email updates, and have the peace of mind knowing you can deal with any earthquake in our future.

As always, you can hold your #ShakeOut drill when and where you want. You can choose another date or several dates, and include people in multiple locations (home, work, or school), perhaps through video conferencing.

It's actually a good idea to practice earthquake safety in different situations each year.

Watch this video to prepare kids:

https://youtu.be/xFVmFNQ2ves

Riverside Business- 5 Steps to Minimize Mold Risk During and After a Prolonged Shutdown

10/12/2020 (Permalink)

Mold will grow on building materials where there is moisture, produced from leaks or condensation from roofs, windows, or pipes, or from a flood.

Mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, such as ceiling tiles, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, and fabric. People with asthma and other respiratory conditions and those with mold allergy or weakened immune systems should avoid buildings suspected or confirmed to have mold contamination. Ensure that your building does not have mold after a prolonged shutdown to maintain a safe working environment for returning occupants.  Here are 5 steps from CDC.gov:

5 steps to minimize mold risk during and after a prolonged shutdown

1. Maintain indoor humidity as low as possible, not exceeding 50%, as measured with a humidity meter. Building managers may consider continuous monitoring of indoor humidity using a digital hygrometer, ideally more than once daily, to minimize the need to access the building.
2.  After a prolonged shutdown and before occupants return, buildings should be assessed for mold and excess moisture.
1. Building inspections by trained industrial hygienists can recognize dampness or mold by sight or odor, without the need for sampling and laboratory analysis. NIOSH offers tools and instructions to assess dampness and mold in schools and general buildings. These tools can be used by building maintenance staff as well as industrial hygienists.
2. If dampness or mold is detected, address the source of water entry first. Clean-up and remediation should then be conducted before the building is reoccupied. Plan the remediation before beginning work. Resources for remediation of buildings and homes with mold are provided by NIOSH, the, the EPA, and CDC .
3.  After an assessment has confirmed that mold and moisture are not detected (Step 2a), OR after remediation has been completed (Step 2b), a building HVAC system that has not been active during a prolonged shutdown should be operated for at least 48 to 72 hours (known as a “flush out” period) before occupants return.
1. During this period, open outdoor air dampers to the maximum setting that still allows desired indoor air temperatures.
2. If an odor is detected that suggests mold growth (such as a musty smell) after the “flush out” period, look for mold that may not have been identified earlier. If mold is found, conduct remediation as described in Step 2b.
3. Continue the “flush out” process until no odors are apparent.
4. The condition of HVAC filters used during the “flush out” period should be carefully assessed prior to building occupancy and replaced with new or clean filters as necessary.
4.  After a building is reopened and occupied, routine (e.g., weekly) checks of the HVAC system are recommended to ensure operating efficiency.
1. During HVAC checks, inspect and replace filters as indicated or needed.
2. The frequency of HVAC system checks can be gradually reduced (e.g., monthly, quarterly), depending on the operational and maintenance specifications for the HVAC system.
3. Maintain indoor temperature and relative humidity within ranges recommended.
5.  If no routine HVAC operation and maintenance program is in place for the building, one should be developed and implemented. At a minimum, consider including the following:
1. Inspection and maintenance of HVAC components
2. Calibration of HVAC system controls
3. HVAC testing and balancing

Give SERVPRO of West Riverside City a call to inspect your facility if you smell mildew or see signs of mold growth.  

National Fire Prevention Week- Helpful Tips for Riverside Residents

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

A home fire escape plan is a great first step in recognizing National Fire Prevention Week!

This year’s FPW campaign, “Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!TM” works to educate everyone about the simple but important actions they can take to keep themselves, and those around them, safe in the kitchen.

These timely tips are from NFPA.  With Riverside going into fire season which runs from September through December, these general safety tips will help protect you, your family and your home!

Smoke Alarms

• Smoke alarms detect and alert people to a fire in the early stages. Smoke alarms can mean the difference between life and death in a fire.

• Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half.

• Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each separate

sleeping area, and on every level of the home, including the basement.

• Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

• Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

Home Fire Escape Planning and Practice

Home fire escape planning should include the following:

• Drawing a map of each level of the home, showing all doors and windows

• Going to each room and pointing to the two ways out

• Making sure someone will help children, older adults, and people with disabilities wake up and get out

• Teaching children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them

• Establishing a meeting place outside and away from the home where everyone can meet after exiting

• Having properly installed and maintained smoke alarms

• Pushing the smoke alarm button to start the drill

• Practicing what to do in case there is smoke: Get low and go. Get out fast.

• Practicing using different ways out and closing doors behind you as you leave

• Never going back for people, pets, or things

• Going to your outdoor meeting place

• Calling 9-1-1 or the local emergency number from a cell phone or a neighbor’s phone

Heating

• Heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires during the winter months.

• Space heaters are the type of equipment most often involved in home heating equipment fires.

• All heaters need space. Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from heating equipment.

• Have a 3-foot (1-metre) “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.

• Purchase and use only portable space heaters listed by a qualified testing laboratory.

• Have a qualified professional install heating equipment.

• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional at least once a year.

Look for more tips on our social media platforms.

Instagram

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SERVPRO of West Riverside City has the knowledge and experience to address damage caused by fire, smoke, or water.  

We're here to help!

951-351-8033

Fire Prevention Week- A little Cooking…a Little History

10/3/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire

The cooking and baking season is just around the corner. In order to avoid a ruined holiday, follow the advice below!

Families gather to celebrate the holidays by preparing a delicious feast, but if you don’t practice safe cooking habits, your holiday could become hazardous very quickly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home injuries.

The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.

Did you know?

Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen. Follow these tips from NFPA

Recipe for safety

Before you serve a meal, it’s essential to serve up fire safety in the kitchen. There’s nothing like spending time in the kitchen cooking a delicious meal for family and friends or an appetizing treat for yourself. But do you know the important steps to take long before anyone takes the first bite?

Cooking

• Cooking is the leading cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Thanksgiving is the leading day for fires involving cooking equipment.

• The leading cause of fires in the kitchen is unattended cooking.

• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, boiling, grilling, or broiling food.

• If you are simmering, baking, or roasting food, check it regularly and stay in the home.

• Always keep a lid nearby when cooking. If a small grease fire starts, slide the lid over the pan and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it’s cool.

• Keep anything that can catch fire away from your stovetop.

• Loose clothing can hang down onto stove burners and catch fire. Wear short, close-fitting, or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking.

• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried.

Importance of fire prevention

In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy. Fire safety education isn’t just for school children. Teenagers, adults, and the elderly are also at risk in fires, making it important for every member of the community to take some time every October during Fire Prevention Week™ to make sure they understand how to stay safe in case of a fire.

On this site, you’ll find loads of educational resources to make sure that every person knows what to do in case of a fire. We have everything from apps to videos to printables and much more, to make sure you have the resources you need to keep your family, your community, and your city safe.

About Fire Prevention Week

Since 1922, the NFPA has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires. Fire Prevention is a dedicated way to try to improve conditions and make efforts to correct an issue before it turns into a problem.

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.  

Click for more on Great Chicago Fire

This fire, according to President Calvin Coolidge, could of been prevented if the conditions of the building were better. Please use this month of October to try and help your home or business from fires.

National Preparedness month- Landslides & Debris Flow in Burned Areas

9/30/2020 (Permalink)

With the recent fires and new burn areas, there is a threat of landslides and debris flow during the upcoming rainy season in Riverside County. 

Here are some tips from Ready.gov:

Landslides occur in all U.S. states and territories and can be caused by many factors including earthquakes, storms, fire and human modification of land. The most deadly landslides are the ones that occur quickly, often with little notice.

In a landslide, masses of rock, earth or debris move down a slope. Debris and mud flows are rivers of rock, earth and other debris saturated with water. They develop during intense rainfall, runoff, or rapid snowmelt, changing the earth into a flowing river of mud or “slurry.” They can flow rapidly, striking with little or no warning at avalanche speeds (faster than a person can run). They also can travel many miles from their source, growing in size as they pick up trees, boulders, cars and other materials. Debris flows don’t always stay in stream channels and they can flow sideways as well as downhill.

When a wildfire burns a slope, it increases the chance of debris flows for several years. Although some landslides require lengthy rain and saturated slopes, a debris flow can start on a dry slope after only a few minutes of intense rain. “Intense” rain means a burst of rain at a fast rate, about half an inch in an hour. With debris flows, the rate matters more than total rainfall.

How to protect yourself or your property depends on the type of landslide. Land-use zoning, professional inspections, and proper design can reduce many landslide problems but evacuation is often the only way to protect lives from a debris flow or other fast-moving landslide. Never ignore an evacuation order.

Before a Landslide

The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family and your property from the effects of a landslide or debris flow:

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Connect with your local emergency services, heed evacuation warnings.
• Leave if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345).
• Prepare for landslides by following proper land-use procedures - avoid building near steep slopes, close to mountain edges, near drainage ways or along natural erosion valleys.
• Become familiar with the land around you. Learn whether landslides have occurred in your area by contacting local officials. However, don’t assume that what happened last time will happen next time. Debris flows can start in places they’ve never been and return to slopes where they’ve already been.
• Get an assessment of your property by a qualified geotechnical professional.
• Consult a professional for advice on appropriate preventative measures for your home or business, such as flexible pipe fittings, which can better resist breakage.
• Protect your property based on of recommendations from the ‘qualified geotechnical professional’ and/or local city/county guidance on protection from debris flow and flooding.  You can't stop or change the path of a debris flow. However, you may be able to protect your property from floodwaters or mud by use of sandbags, retaining walls or k-rails (Jersey barriers).
• In mud and debris flow areas, consider building channels or deflection walls to try to direct the flow around buildings. Be aware, however, that when a flow is big enough, it goes where it pleases. Also, if you divert a flow and it flows on a neighbor's property, you may be liable for damages.
• If you are at risk from a landslide talk to your insurance agent. Debris flow may be covered by flood insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

Recognize Warning Signs

Watch for debris flows and other fast moving landslides that pose threats to life:

• If you are near a wildfire burn area, sign up for emergency alerts and pay attention to weather forecasts for the burn area. The weather in the burn area could be very different from where you are.
• Listen and watch for rushing water, mud, unusual sounds.
• Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.
• A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.
• Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, k-rails, boulders, or trees move.
• Huge boulders in the landscape can be signs of past debris flows.

Watch for slow-moving landslides that pose threats to property:

• Changes occur in your landscape such as patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes (especially the places where runoff water converges) land movement, small slides, flows, or progressively leaning trees.
• Doors or windows stick or jam for the first time.
• New cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations.
• Outside walls, walks, or stairs begin pulling away from the building.
• Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such as streets or driveways.
• Underground utility lines break.
• Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope.
• Water breaks through the ground surface in new locations.
• Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move.
• The ground slopes downward in one direction and may begin shifting in that direction under your feet.

During a Landslide

• Listen to local news stations on a battery-powered radio for warnings.
• Heed all warnings and evacuation notices.
• During a storm that could cause a landslide, stay alert and awake. Many deaths from landslides occur while people are sleeping.
• Be aware that by the time you are sure a debris flow is coming, that will be too late to get away safely. Never cross a road with water or mud flowing. Never cross a bridge if you see a flow approaching. It can grow faster and larger too quickly for you to escape.
• If you do get stuck in the path of a landslide move uphill as quickly as possible.
• Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas during times of danger.
• If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow or water that changes from clear to muddy. These can be signs that a landslide is coming.

After a Landslide

• Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
• Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information.
• Watch for flooding. Floods sometimes follow landslides and debris flows because they may both be started by the same conditions.
• Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to their locations.
• Report broken utility lines and damaged roadways and railways to appropriate authorities. Reporting potential hazards will get the utilities turned off as quickly as possible, preventing further hazard and injury.
• Allow trained professionals to check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage.
• Replant damaged ground as soon as possible since erosion caused by loss of ground cover can lead to flash flooding and additional landslides in the near future.
• Seek advice from a geotechnical expert for evaluating landslide hazards or designing corrective techniques to reduce landslide risk. A professional will be able to advise you of the best ways to prevent or reduce landslide risk, without creating further hazard.

Tip Sheets

• Landslide Information Sheet (PDF)

If you live in a burn area, follow the guidance from READY.Gov, keep SERVPRO's number handy and be sure to follow evacuation orders. 

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

951-351-8033

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for tips and updates.

Check out our blogs throughout the month of Sept for more information on how to prepare for disasters, especially those prone in the Riverside area.  Make a plan, and talk to your kids to keep your family safe. 

National Preparedness Month- Pets and Animals

9/28/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has prepared Ellie our Cattle dog for any emergency!

With the threat of fires and earthquakes in the Riverside area its important not to forget our pets.  Some families have to leave their pets behind because of how quickly many need to evacuate.  This information from Ready.gov will help you prepare your pets.

Get Informed

• Know what disasters could affect your area, which could call for an evacuation and when to shelter in place.
• Keep a NOAA Weather Radio tuned to your local emergency station and monitor TV, radio and follow mobile alert and mobile warnings about severe weather in your area.

• Download the FEMA app and get weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five different locations anywhere in the United States.

Make a Plan

Remember, during a disaster what’s good for you is good for your pet, so get them ready today.

If you leave your pets behind, they may be lost, injured or worse. Never leave a pet chained outdoors. Plan options include:

• Create a buddy system in case you’re not home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your animals.
• Identify shelters. For public health reasons, many emergency shelters cannot accept pets.
• Find pet friendly hotels along your evacuation route and keep a list in your pet’s emergency kit.
• Locate boarding facilities or animal hospitals near your evacuation shelter.
• Consider an out-of-town friend or relative.
• Locate a veterinarian or animal hospital in the area where you may be seeking temporary shelter in case your pet needs medical care. Add the contact information to your emergency kit.
• Have your pet microchipped and make sure that you not only keep your address and phone number up-to-date, but that you also include contact info for an emergency contact outside of your immediate area.
• Call your local emergency management office, animal shelter or animal control office to get advice and information.
• If you are unable to return to your home right away, you may need to board your pet. Find out where pet boarding facilities are located.
• Most boarding kennels, veterinarians and animal shelters will need your pet's medical records to make sure all vaccinations are current.
• If you have no alternative but to leave your pet at home, there are some precautions you must take, but remember that leaving your pet at home alone can place your animal in great danger!

Tips for Large Animals

If you have large animals such as horses, cattle, sheep, goats or pigs on your property, be sure to prepare before a disaster.

• Ensure all animals have some form of identification.
• Evacuate animals whenever possible. Map out primary and secondary routes in advance.
• Make available vehicles and trailers needed for transporting and supporting each type of animal. Also make available experienced handlers and drivers.
• Ensure destinations have food, water, veterinary care and handling equipment.
• If evacuation is not possible, animal owners must decide whether to move large animals to shelter or turn them outside.

Take extra time to observe livestock, looking for early signs of disease and injury. Severe cold-weather injuries or death primarily occur in the very young or in animals that are already debilitated.

Animals suffering from frostbite don’t exhibit pain. It may be up to two weeks before the injury becomes evident as the damaged tissue starts to slough away. At that point, the injury should be treated as an open wound and a veterinarian should be consulted.

Make sure your livestock has the following to help prevent cold-weather problems:

• Plenty of dry bedding to insulate vulnerable udders, genitals and legs from the frozen ground and frigid winds.
• Windbreaks to keep animals safe from frigid conditions.
• Plenty of food and water.

Build a Kit

Include basic survival items and items to keep your pet happy and comfortable. Start with this list or download Preparing Makes Sense for Pet Owners-Emergency Preparedness Pet Kit List (PDF)  to find out exactly what items your pet needs to be Ready.

Your kit should include:

• Food (at least a three day supply in an airtight, waterproof container)
• Water (at least three days of water specifically for your pets)
• Medicines
• Medical records, proof of vaccinations, registration and adoption documents (talk to your veterinarian about microchipping)
• First aid kit (cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors, antibiotic ointment, flea and tick prevention, latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol, saline solution and a pet first aid reference book)
• Collar or harness with ID tag, rabies tag and a leash
• Crate or pet carrier (a sturdy, safe crate or carrier large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down)
• Sanitation needs (litter box and litter, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags and household chlorine bleach)
• A picture of you and your pet together to prove ownership (add species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics)
• Familiar items (treats, toys and bedding can help reduce stress for your pet)

SERVPRO of West Riverside City urges pet owners to plan for your pets.  Include them in your evacuation plan and know where to go and where pets can be taken. 

SERVPRO has prepared Ellie our Cattle dog for any emergency!

National Preparedness Month- Week 4: Teach Youth About Preparedness- Wildfires

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Talk to your family about shut off valves and where they are located.

Each year Riverside county is faced with wildfires. 

How can you ensure your kids are informed on what to do if a wildfire hits your Riverside area.  What if your kids are not with you when this happens?  Ready.gov can help you and your family plan for such disasters.  Here are some tips.

A wildfire is a fire that burns out of control in a natural area, like a forest, grassland, or prairie. Wildfires can start from natural causes, such as lightening, but they are usually caused by humans, such as campers or hikers who did not put out their campfire properly. Wildfires spread quickly, burning brush, trees, and homes in its path. They can also affect natural resources (such as soil, animals, forests), destroy homes, and put people’s lives in danger.

Words to know!

Evacuation

Leaving an area that has been declared unsafe.

Evacuation Notice

An evacuation notice tells you that a fire is nearby, and it is important—or mandatory—to leave the area.

Fire Extinguisher

A fire protection device that sprays foam and is used to help put out small fires.

Fire Weather Watch

A notice that dangerous fire weather conditions are possible over the next 12 to 72 hours.

Red Flag Warning

Also called a Fire Weather Warning, it is a warning for when fire danger exists because of weather patterns.

Smoke Alarms

Sensors attached to the ceiling that sound an alarm when they sense smoke.

Am I at Risk?

Wildfires can happen anywhere, anytime. The chance of wildfires happening is higher when there is little or no rainfall. This makes bushes, grass and trees dry and easier to burn. High winds can spread wildfires. Your community may have a designated wildfire season when the risk is particularly high.

What Can I do?

Before

• Build an emergency kit.
• Make a family communications plan.
• Know your evacuation route.
• Make sure your family has smoke alarms on every level of your home, especially in bedrooms. Ask your parents to check them every month and to change the batteries every year.
• If you don’t have a smoke alarm, check with your local fire department about getting a free one.
• Help your parents to rake the lawn and get rid of leaves and twigs. These can catch fire if a wildfire is near your home. Never play with matches. You could accidentally start a fire.

During

• Listen to emergency officials
• Follow local emergency officials’ orders. If they say to evacuate, do so immediately.
• If you see a wildfire, call 911. You may be the first person to have spotted it!
• If trapped, call 9-1-1.
• An adult might ask you to wear a mask. Keep this on- it will help keep dangerous particles from smoke and ash out of the air you breathe.

After

• Call 9-1-1 and seek help immediately if you or someone you are with has been burned. Cool and cover burns to reduce the chance of further injury or infection.
• If you are at home, keep a “fire watch.” That means, look for smoke or sparks throughout the house. If you see anything, tell a grown-up immediately!
• If you have evacuated, do not go home until safety officials say it’s okay. Stay away from downed or dangling power lines. They could electrocute you.
• Avoid walking on hot/burning surfaces. After a fire, the ground may contain heat pockets or hidden embers. Stay away. They could burn you or spark another fire.
• If you have animals, watch them closely and keep them under your control. Note that hidden embers and hot spots could burn their paws or hooves.
• Do not use water from the faucet unless emergency officials say it’s okay.
• Burned areas should be monitored for at least 12 hours to make sure the fire is out and danger has past.
• Do not attempt to remove heavy debris by yourself. Wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy, thick-soled shoes during clean up. These will protect you from further injury from broken glass, exposed nails or other objects.
• Throw away food exposed to heat, smoke, or soot. When in doubt throw it out.
• Use text or social media to communicate with your family and friends.

Watch a Video

Did you know?

The three elements needed to create and keep a fire burning are heat, fuel, and oxygen, also known as the fire triangle.

Incident Meteorologists (IMETs) are a group of around 70 specially-trained weather experts with the National Weather Service. They work closely with wildfire responders at wildfire sites to monitor, analyze, and report fire and weather conditions. Their forecasts help firefighters plan operations when dealing with the unpredictable nature of fire. This helps keep emergency responders safe.

Please use the link to watch a couple of videos with your kids to help them understand further the threat of a wildfire and what they can do. 

 FEMA Prepare for Kids

 Disaster Dodgers

Wildfires can cause a lot of damage to your home.  Let SERVPRO help you, keep our information handy.  We are an emergency service company.  We know how to address damage due to fire, smoke, soot or water. 

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

951-351-8033

We are available 24/7, we are always here to help!

National Preparedness Month- Week 4: Teach Youth About Preparedness- Earthquakes.

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Prepare now, keep your family safe.

Talk to your kids about preparing for emergencies and what to do in case you are separated. Reassure them by providing information about how they can get involved.

In Riverside County, disasters can hit any time.  Two that have impacted the area recently are Earthquakes and Wildfires.  With the recent 3.3 earthquake in Lake Elsinore and 4.5 earthquake in South El Monte (that was felt all the way to Beaumont), it's important to be prepared for these events.  In light of National Preparedness Month.  We will address how to prepare your kids for earthquakes.  Next blog will discuss how to prepare you kids for wildfires. 

An earthquake is the sudden, quick shaking of the earth. It is caused by rock breaking and moving under the ground. Additional earthquakes, known as aftershocks, can occur for hours, days, or even months after an earthquake. These are usually smaller than the first earthquake. However, they could cause more damage to structures weakened by the first earthquake.

Earthquakes can also cause tsunamis. Tsunamis are a series of waves caused by a large and sudden disturbance of the sea.

Aftershock

Another earthquake that happens after the first earthquake. These are usually smaller than the first earthquake.

Epicenter

The center of an earthquake. Vibrations are sent from the epicenter in many directions.

Fault Lines

Cracks in the rocks below the earth’s surface.

Seismic Activity

This is another word for earthquakes, along with tremors, quakes, and shakers.

Seismograph

A machine that mea­sures an earthquake.

All 50 states and 5 U.S. territories are at some risk for earthquakes. Earthquakes can happen at any time of the year and occur without warning. Scientists are working on a way to detect when an earthquake may happen.

Before

• Build an emergency kit.
• Make a family communications plan.
• Know the safe spots in every room—under a sturdy table or against an inside wall.
• Secure household items.
• Ask your family to hold earthquake drills—drop, cover, and hold on!

During

• If you are inside: DROP to the ground. COVER yourself under a sturdy table or other heavy furniture. If there is nothing to get under, cover your head and neck with your arms and crouch near an inside wall. HOLD ON until the shaking stops.
• If you are using a wheelchair or a walker with a seat: LOCK your wheels. COVER your head and neck with your arms, a pillow, a book, or whatever is available. HOLD ON and maintain your position with your head and neck covered until the shaking stops.
• If you are in bed, stay there and cover your head and neck with a pillow.
• STAY AWAY from windows, glass, lighting fixtures, or furniture that could fall, like bookcases.
• STAY INSIDE! Do not use elevators!
• If you are outside: Stay there. Move away from buildings, streetlights, and wires until the shaking stops. Be very careful before re-entering your home or other buildings. Be sure a parent or adult is with you.

After

• Expect aftershocks. They are usually not as strong but can cause damage.
• Do not enter a damaged building.
• Open cabinets carefully. Objects might have moved and could fall on you.
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and shoes to protect your skin from getting scratched by broken objects.
• Text, don’t talk. Unless there’s a life-threatening situation, send a text so that you don’t tie up phone lines needed by emergency workers. Plus, texting may work even if cell service is down.

Watch this video with your kids

Ready.gov Earthquake Preparedness Video

Earthquakes are prone to causing other disasters such as water or fire disasters.  Keep our number handy:

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

951-351-8033

We are here for you 24/7

We are trained to handle emergency disasters.  We have the tools, gear and experience needed to handle water or fire damage. 

How to Prepare Your Riverside Home for an Earthquake

9/17/2020 (Permalink)

Stay Safe During an Earthquake: Drop, Cover, and Hold On

A new study suggests that the Ridgecrest quakes have increased the chances of another big one occurring, this time in southern California. A big enough quake along the Garlock—magnitude 7.5 or bigger, by the researchers' calculations—could spark a quake along the San Andreas that travels southward toward Los Angeles.  From National Geographic.

Take action now, before an earthquake hits.

• Secure items that might fall and cause injuries (e.g., bookshelves, mirrors, light fixtures).

• Practice how to Drop, Cover, and Hold On by participating in a ShakeOut earthquake drill (www.ShakeOut.org).

• Store critical supplies and documents.

• Plan how you will communicate with family members.

To prevent potential injuries, take the time to secure your space. Secure items that might fall, fly, or slide in an earthquake (see www.earthquakecountry.org/step1). Imagine if the room was picked up and shaken up and down and side to side and then determine what items would be thrown around. Periodically review the locations where you spend time—your home, workplace, or school—to look for potential hazards and secure them.

DO A HAZARD HUNT FOR POTENTIAL HAZARDS AND THINGS THAT MIGHT FALL

1. Cabinet doors can fly open allowing contents to crash to the floor; secure them with latches.

2. Objects such as framed photos, books, lamps, and other items that you keep on shelves and tables can become flying hazards. Secure them with hooks, adhesives, or earthquake putty to keep them in place. Move heavy or breakable items to lower shelves.

3. Mirrors, pictures frames, and other hanging items should be secured to the wall with closed hooks or earthquake putty. Do not hang heavy objects over beds, sofas, or any place you may be seated.

4. Electronics such as computers, televisions, and microwave ovens are heavy and expensive to replace. Secure them with flexible nylon straps.

5. Bookcases, filing cabinets, china cabinets, and other tall furniture should be anchored to wall studs, (not drywall), or masonry. Use flexible straps that allow them to sway without falling to the floor.

6. Secure your water heater, refrigerator, and other major appliances with the appropriate straps screwed into the wall studs or masonry to help keep them from falling over and rupturing gas or electric connections. Gas appliances should have flexible connectors to absorb the shaking while reducing the risk of fire.

ASSEMBLING EMERGENCY SUPPLIES Take the time now to collect the emergency supplies you would need if the power was out, water supplies were cut off, and grocery stores were not open. You can build your supplies over time by adding a few items as your budget permits. Basic emergency supplies should include the following, most of which you probably already have in your home.

WATER – Ensure you have at least 1 gallon of water per person per day for at least 3 days. (Store a longer than 3-day supply of water, if possible). An average person needs to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of fluid daily. Individual needs vary depending on age, gender, health, level of activity, food choices, and climate. You may also need stored water for food preparation.

FOOD – Store at least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food for members of your household, including pets. Consider special dietary needs (e.g., infant formula). Include a non-electric can opener for canned food.

FLASHLIGHT, RADIO, and CELL PHONE CHARGER – You will need to be able to charge these items without electricity. Your flashlight and radio should be either hand-cranked or battery-powered, and stored with extra batteries. Your cell phone charger should be hand-crank, solar, or able to be charged from a car outlet.

MEDICAL – Include first aid kit, prescription and non-prescription/over-the-counter medications, and medical supplies.

SANITATION – Pack supplies for sanitation, such as hand sanitizer, towelettes, paper products, and plastic bags, for use when water resources are limited.

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY – Include battery backup power for power-dependent mobility devices, oxygen, and other assistive technology needs.

CLOTHING AND BLANKETS – Ensure you have clothing with long sleeves and long pants, thick-soled shoes, and work gloves to protect yourself after the earthquake, and a sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person, if you live in a cold-weather climate.

WHISTLE – Include a whistle to signal for help.

CASH – Store cash in case ATMs are not functioning after the earthquake.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER – Earthquakes can cause fires to break out; have a fire extinguisher so you can put out any small fires. Use a fire extinguisher only if you are physically capable.

Consider storing supplies in several locations if possible. This means having basic supplies of food and water in locations, including your workplace, your vehicle, and, if possible, other places you and members of your household regularly spend time (e.g., house of worship, community center, and school). It is important to consider the unique needs of your family, including access and functional needs, and the needs of children and pets. You may need to include: extra water; special food, such as infant formula or pet food; and supplies or equipment, such as diapers, glasses, or medical equipment. Download Emergency Supply Checklist at www.ready.gov/build-a-kit.

DEVELOP A COMMUNICATIONS PLAN Your family may not be together when an earthquake hits, so it is important to know how you will contact one another and how you will get back together in case of an emergency. Landline and cellular phone systems are often overwhelmed following a disaster, so you may need to use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends. Keep important numbers written down in your wallet in case you cannot access the contact list in your phone. For more information, including a sample household communications plan, visit www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.

Check with your insurance agent regarding coverage for earthquakes.  Most likely your normal homeowners policy will not cover damage from earthquake.  It might cover if the earthquake caused a fire, then damage from the fire would be covered. 

Should you experience damage from an earthquake, SERVPRO can inspect for FREE.  Keep us in mind for those unexpected disasters, and be prepared.  

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

951-351-8033

"We are Faster to Any Size Disaster"

National Preparedness Week 3: Prepare for Disasters in Riverside City

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

In 2019, 87% of wildfires were caused by humans.

With fires taking place all over California, being prepared hits close to home especially for residents in Azusa, Yucaipa and those near Sequoia National Forest.  

The information from Ready.gov helps limit the impacts that disasters have on you and your family.  Know the risk of disasters in your area and check your insurance coverage. Learn how to make your home stronger in the face of fires, earthquakes, heat waves and other common hazards and act fast if you receive a local warning or alert.

In this blog we will discuss how to prepare for wildfires and extreme heat.  Look for our next blog covering being prepared for earthquakes.

Wildfires

Wildfires can ruin homes and cause injuries or death to people and animals. A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. Wildfires can:

• Often be caused by humans or lightning.
• Cause flooding or disrupt transportation, gas, power, and communications.
• Happen anywhere, anytime. Risk increases with in periods of little rain and high winds.
• Cost the Federal Government billions of dollars each year.

IF YOU ARE UNDER A WILDFIRE WARNING, GET TO SAFETY RIGHT AWAY

• Leave if told to do so.
• If trapped, call 9-1-1.
• Listen for emergency information and alerts.
• Use N95 masks to keep particles out of the air you breathe.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A WILDFIRE THREATENS

Prepare NOW

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. Sign up for email updates about coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Check AirNow.gov for information about your local air quality.

• Know your community’s evacuation routes and find several ways to leave the area. Drive the evacuation routes while following the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your state and local authorities to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Have a plan for pets and livestock. Remember that some shelters do not accept pets.
• Prepare for long-term social distancing by gathering emergency supplies. Include cleaning supplies, non-perishable foods, first aid supplies, and water. Consider gathering soap, hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol, household cleaning supplies, and masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Set aside supplies in case you must evacuate to your safe location. After a wildfire, you may not have access to these supplies for days or even weeks. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment. Being prepared allows you to address smaller medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
• Being prepared allows you to avoid unnecessary excursions and to address minor medical issues at home, alleviating the burden on urgent care centers and hospitals.
• Remember that not everyone can afford to respond by stocking up on necessities. For those who can afford it, making essential purchases and slowly building up supplies in advance will allow for longer time periods between shopping trips. This helps to protect those who are unable to procure essentials in advance of the pandemic and must shop more frequently. In addition, consider avoiding WIC-approved products so that those who rely on these products can access them.
• If you already have one at home, set aside a respirator, like an N95 respirator, to keep smoke particles out of the air you breathe. Respirators are not meant to fit children. Due to COVID-19, it may be difficult to find respirators. While cloth face coverings, surgical masks, and dust masks provide protection from exposure to COVID-19, they will not protect you from smoke inhalation. To ensure that healthcare workers have access to N95 respirators, it is best to limit your exposure to smoke rather than buy respirators.
• Designate a room that can be closed off from outside air. Close all doors and windows. Set up a portable air cleaner to keep indoor pollution levels low when smoky conditions exist.
• Keep important documents in a fireproof, safe place. Create password-protected digital copies.
• Use fire-resistant materials to build, renovate, or make repairs.
• Find an outdoor water source with a hose that can reach any area of your property.
• Create a fire-resistant zone that is free of leaves, debris, or flammable materials for at least 30 feet from your home.
• Review insurance coverage to make sure it is enough to replace your property.
• Pay attention to air quality alerts.

Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

Remember:

• Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning.
• Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
• Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.

 IF YOU ARE UNDER AN EXTREME HEAT WARNING:

• Find air conditioning.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Wear light clothing.
• Check on family members and neighbors.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN EXTREME HEAT THREATENS

Prepare NOW

Find places in your community where you can go to get cool while following the latest guidelines from CDC about social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Try to keep your home cool:

• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.  
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outside.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness. For more information visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

If you are directly impacted by fire, or even smoke damage we have years of experience on remediating damage.  We can help, and we offer FREE inspections!  Call us 951-351-8033

What to do when smoke and ash invade your Riverside home.

9/9/2020 (Permalink)

In the wake of a fire that has covered homes with smoke and ash, it’s important to begin cleanup as soon as possible.

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

IICRC has many tips and suggestions for consumers. Please consider the following information from the IICRC regarding fire and smoke restoration:

In the wake of a fire that has covered homes with smoke and ash, it’s important to begin clean up as soon as possible in order to prevent permanent damage or discoloration from soot residue. The IICRC provides the following tips for fire victims facing clean up:

• Safety is most important. Wear an N-95 ANSI-approved dust mask (like a

painter’s mask) and work gloves during cleanup.

• Ventilate the home. Place a box fan in an open window to draw

smoke-odor laden air and char out of the building.

• Replace ventilation filters as soon as possible, then run the ventilation system to filter-out smoke-related particles.

• Clean the exterior of the building of fire-damaged debris, smoke and char particles. Exterior cleaning includes washing off the building, sidewalks, driveways and decks with detergent and fresh water scrubbing followed by rinsing.
• Clean the interior by dry HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air), vacuuming the ceiling, upper and lower walls and then flooring. In some situations, detergent wet cleaning must be applied to remove a smoke film which impacts and absorbs onto surfaces.

Vacuum contents and upholstery. Make sure your house or building vacuum is HEPA rated, otherwise, you risk blowing smoke and soot into the air.

• Draperies, clothing and machine-washable items such as towels

may be dry cleaned or laundered.

• Unless the upholstery manufacturer says otherwise, use a mild alkaline cleaner to neutralize acid in smoke, soot, char and ash.
• Most exterior walls (brick, stone, wood, paint, siding) and eaves can be cleaned by spraying with a detergent, agitating soot with a soft-bristled brush, pressure washing from bottom to top, then rinse from top to bottom.
• When smoke and soot damage and residue is moderate or heavy, or you cannot complete smoke and soot odor removal on your own, consider hiring a professional who is certified in fire and smoke damage restoration to cleanup and restore your home or business and belongings.
• Check with your insurance provider to determine if smoke damage from outdoor sources is covered under your policy. Insurance companies can often provide a list of credible restoration companies from which property owners can choose.
• If the fire has warped or distorted the structure, consult a general contractor who can also be found in the IICRC list of approved restorers.

Reduce smoke exposure outdoors

• Take it easier during smoky times to reduce how much smoke you inhale. If it looks or smells smoky outside, avoid strenuous activities such as mowing the lawn or going for a run.
• Know your air quality. Smoke levels can change a lot during the day, so wait until air quality is better before you are active outdoors. Check your state or local air quality agency’s website or airnow.gov for air quality forecasts and current air quality conditions. On AirNow, you can also sign up to get email notifications, download an air quality app, or check current fire conditions. In addition, some communities have visual range programs where you can assess smoke conditions by how far you can see.
• Have enough food and medication on hand to last several days so you don’t have to go out for supplies. If you must go out, avoid the smokiest times of day.
• Reduce smoke in your vehicle by closing the windows and vents and running the air conditioner in recirculate mode. Slow down when you drive in smoky conditions.
• Do not rely on dust masks or bandanas for protection from smoke. If you must be out in smoky conditions, an N95 respirator can protect you, if it fits snugly to your face and is worn properly.
•  Have a plan to evacuate. Know how you will get alerts and health warnings, including air quality reports and public service announcements (PSAs). Public advisories can provide important information such as changing smoke conditions and evacuation notices. Know your evacuation routes, organize your important items ahead of time, and know where to go in case you have to evacuate.

Professional restoration technicians  know that damage increases and restoration costs escalate the longer neutralization, corrosion control and cleaning is delayed. When homeowners prolong the restoration of their home, they extend the effects brought on by the smoke exposure.

When hiring a fire and smoke removal professional in your area, make sure that the technician is a certified Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) to ensure they are educated on the latest techniques for proper remediation. In some cases, a mold remediator may also be necessary as the volume of water used to combat fires can result in an abundance of standing water within a property, leading to mold growth.

For more details, visit https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.IICRC.org/resource/resmgr/docs/112018_cawildfiredoc.pdf

Need a professional? Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City 951-351-8033 today. We are here to help 24/7. 

You can follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westriverside/

National Preparedness Month- Week 2: Build A Kit

9/7/2020 (Permalink)

After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for several days. Are you prepared?

In California, we are affected by wild fires and earthquakes.  However, any other natural disaster can hit at any time.  Week 2 of National Preparedness Month is building a kit.  Do you have the essential items for you and your family should you lose power?  Or if all stores are closed? 

Gather supplies that will last for several days after a disaster for everyone living in your home.  Don’t forget to consider the unique needs each person or pet may have in case you have to evacuate quickly. Update your kits and supplies based on recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control.

Here are some tips on building a kit from Ready.gov:

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 several days. A disaster supplies kit is a collection of basic items your household may need in the event of an emergency.

Make sure your emergency kit is stocked with the items on the checklist below. Most of the items are inexpensive and easy to find and any one of them could save your life. Headed to the store? Download a printable version to take with you. Once you take a look at the basic items consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors.

Basic Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy-to-carry containers such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

• Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation)
• Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• Extra batteries
• Whistle (to signal for help)
• Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
• Plastic sheeting and duct tape (to shelter in place)
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
• Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
• Manual can opener (for food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
• Download the Recommended Supplies List (PDF)

Additional Emergency Supplies

Since Spring of 2020, the CDC has recommended people include additional items in their kits to help prevent the spread of coronavirus or other viruses and the flu.

Consider adding the following items to your emergency supply kit based on your individual needs:

• Cloth face coverings (for everyone ages 2 and above), soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
• Prescription medications
• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives
• Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
• Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Cash or traveler's checks
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
• Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
• Fire extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

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.

Kit Storage Locations

Since you do not know where you will be when an emergency occurs, prepare supplies for home, work and cars.

• Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
• Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
• Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

Whether it's a flood, earthquake, fire, or extreme weather, we must work together as a team to help ensure our family, businesses, places of worship, and neighborhoods are prepared. Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside City to find out how we can help make it “Like it never even happened,” in your life.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City 951-351-8033

We are here to help during those devastating circumstances.  

September is National Preparedness Month, Riverside Residents Are You Prepared?

9/2/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO's Emergency Preparedness Plan can help you because, "Disasters Don't Wait. Make Your Plan Today."

National Preparedness Month is recognized every September to promote community disaster planning, with the theme for 2020 being “Disasters Don’t Wait.  Make Your Plan Today.” 

With August behind us, we are still seeing an extremely active fire season we are also faced with extra preparations and precautions due to COVID-19... preparing yourself, your loved ones, and your property for a disaster situation is of the utmost importance.  Ready.gov offers weekly National Preparedness Month themes to help organize your preparations:

Week 1 (September 1st-5th): Make a Plan

Determine lines of communication, designated meeting places in case of separation, and responsibilities for each member of your household.  Depending on the needs of your family, you may require additional planning steps.

Week 2 (September 6th-12th): Build a Kit

Gather supplies for each member of your family.  You kit may include food, clean water, medications, pet foods, communication devices, and batteries.  Keep your kit as compact as possible, and in an easily accessible location, in case evacuation becomes necessary.

Week 3 (September 13th-19th): Prepare for Disaster

In the Panhandle of Florida, one of the most common disasters you may face is a hurricane.  To prepare for such an event, be sure to follow local and national news as it pertains to hurricane tracking, check your insurance coverage, and make sure your disaster preparedness kit is built. If a storm is forecasted to hit in your area, follow the direction of local officials concerning shelter and evacuation orders.

Week 4 (September 20th-26th): Teach Youth About Preparedness

Make sure children’s needs are included in your preparations.  Include their items in your disaster kit, talk with them about protocols and procedures in the event of a disaster situation, and answer any questions they may have.

As a leader in clean up and restoration, SERVPRO of West Riverside is Here to Help in the event your property is damaged by a fire, or sustains damage as a result of an earthquake or any other disaster situation.   Serving the inland empire, our team is “Faster to Any Size Disaster!”  To learn more about our services, call 951-351-8033.

For more information about National Preparedness Month, visit 

https://www.ready.gov/september

Rain Rain Go Away, Beware of Flooding in Riverside!

8/31/2020 (Permalink)

Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles — including SUVs and pick-ups.

It is important to remember that floods caused by rain can occur anywhere, with floodwaters rising gradually or flash floods striking suddenly. Water's powerful force can easily overtake vehicles and people.

Safety tips for driving in heavy rain:

• If you must drive in the rain, drive slowly and steadily.  Pull over and stop if it is raining so hard that you cannot see.
• DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH FLOODWATERS!
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
• One foot of water will float most vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles — including SUVs and pick-ups.
• Stay away from water that electrical or power lines have fallen into; electric current passes through water easily.
• Stay off your cell phone unless you must report severe injuries or call for help.

Safety tips for walking or cycling on urban trails:

• Move to higher ground and never go into a culvert! If you are on a streamside trail during a rainstorm use the alternate trail up to street level to avoid underpasses and culverts.
• NEVER take shelter in a culvert, under a bridge, or in an enclosed space, especially in low elevations . Always go to higher ground out of the flow of water.
• Do not walk or bike through moving water. Six inches of moving water can cause a person to fall.
• If lightning is present, do not stand under or near an isolated tree or group of trees.
• Never allow children to play around drainage ditches or viaducts, storm drains or flooded areas.

Localized street flooding:

• In underpasses and some areas that are geographical low-points, water cannot be expected to disappear down the storm inlets instantly; the pace and volume of the rainfall may be too quick and too great to immediately drain off. It takes time for the system to accommodate the rainfall.
• If you know that your street tends to flood because it is located in a low point, be sure to move your vehicles to higher ground whenever rain is forecast.

Hazards in Your Riverside Home After Flooding

When water enters your home from a structural breach or through natural flooding scenarios, it can be a hazardous situation for your riverside residence. Knowing these risks and what to do about them can be enough to protect those that matter most and help to protect some of your belongings and possessions in the earliest stages of flood losses as well.

Many of the hazards that can exist after flood damage in Riverside  homes are universal to any disaster, whether natural flooding or roof/property damage is to blame for the intruding water. Our SERVPRO professionals are often not the first individuals in a damaged home after a flood loss situation, so understanding these hazards before entering the property can keep you safe until our qualified technicians arrive to begin mitigation work.

• Structural Concerns

One of the most pressing concerns for those inspecting the damage to their house is oversaturated materials like ceiling assemblies. Sagging materials are often a strong indication of overweight drywall and insulation that can collapse and injure those underneath it. Wall systems are also at risk for becoming oversaturated beyond the capabilities of drywall screws in studs. These are the areas where our team can perform controlled demolition to help with the drying process and protect other materials nearby.

• Electrical Shock Hazards 

When standing water reaches outlets near the floor of your home, or electrically charged equipment still powered on, it can cause the pooling water in the area to become electrified. Unless you can be confident that no hazard exists, such as the power getting severed to the structure, do not enter standing water.

• Contamination Concerns 

Natural flooding presents a real risk of contamination to materials, contents, and occupants. We have disinfection products and cleaning practices that remove these bacterial threats from structural framework remaining installed before full-scale build back begins.

We understand the urgency that you feel when your home gets flooded, but keeping yourself and your family safe should be your priority. Our SERVPRO of West Riverside City team is standing by whenever you need us to help.

Be Prepared for a Commercial Loss in Your Riverside Workplace

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

If you have water or fire damage in your property right now, call us at 951-351-8033 RIGHT NOW. Don’t wait to mitigate - the longer damage sits unattended, the more likely it will develop secondary damage.

If you or someone you know works in a large commercial building, you may benefit from preparing a workplace emergency preparedness kit! SERVPRO of West Riverside City is passionate about preparedness, and as we operate out of a large commercial space, we know how beneficial a kit could be in the event of an emergency.

As you’re building a kit, whether it’s generally applicable and stored in a shared office space, or specific to you and kept at your desk - it’s important to choose the right storage material and to keep your kit updated. Using airtight, water-proof bags and containers to store a kit could keep your supplies in working condition. Additionally, consider transportable containers, such as a backpack.

Whether general or specific, consider the following items to include in your kit:

National Senior Citizen Day August 21st!

8/18/2020 (Permalink)

Spend time with the senior citizens you know. Let them know they are appreciated and loved.

On August 21st, National Senior Citizens Day recognizes the achievements of the more mature representatives of our nation.

The day provides an opportunity to show our appreciation for their dedication, accomplishments, and services they give throughout their lives. 

One way to show we care about our seniors is to ensure they are prepared for an emergency resulting from a storm or natural disaster.  Here are 3 ways READY.GOV recommends for our seniors:

1. Get a kit. 

The first step is to consider how an emergency might affect their individual needs.   A plan to make it on their own, for at least three days. It’s possible that they will not have access to a medical facility or even a drugstore. It is crucial that they and their family think about what kinds of resources they use on a daily basis and what they might do if those resources are limited or not available.

Basic Supplies: Think first about the basics for survival – food, water, clean air and any life sustaining items they require. Consider two kits. In one kit put everything they will need to stay where t hey are and make it on their own for a period of time. The other kit should be a lightweight, smaller version they can take with them if they have to leave their home.

Recommended basic emergency supplies include: 

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation 
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and a can opener if kit contains canned food 
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both 
• Flashlight and extra batteries w First aid kit 
• Whistle to signal for help 
• Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation 
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities 
• Local maps 
• Pet food, extra water and supplies for your pet or service animal

• Make a Plan for What they Will Do in an Emergency

For every aspect of their daily routine, plan an alternative procedure. Make a plan and write it down. Keep a copy of their plan in their emergency supply kits and a list of important information and contacts in their wallet. Share their plan with family, friends, care providers and others in their personal support network.

• Create a Personal Support Network
• Develop a Family Communications Plan
• Deciding to Stay or Go
• Consider Your Pets
• Staying Put
• Evacuation
• Fire Safety
• Contact Your Local Emergency Information Management Office

• Be Informed Some of the Things They Can Do

To prepare for the unexpected, such as assembling an emergency supply kit and making an emergency plan are the same regardless of the type of emergency. However, it’s important to stay informed about what might happen and know what types of emergencies are likely to affect their region. For more information about specific types of emergencies, visit www.ready.gov or call 1-800-BE-READY. Be prepared to adapt this information to their personal circumstances and make every effort to follow instructions received from authorities on the scene. With these simple preparations, they can be ready for the unexpected. Prepare For Emergencies Now. Information For Older Americans. www.ready.gov

Their wealth of knowledge, skill, and experience offer so much. They deserve the respect and dignity their achievements earn them. Supporting our senior citizen to live their lives to the fullest and as independently as possible. 

HOW TO OBSERVE #SeniorCitizensDay

• Spend time with the senior citizens you know.  Let them know they are appreciated and loved.  
• Volunteer at a retirement home. Share your smile with those who may not otherwise get a visitor today. 
• If you are a senior citizen, check for special discounts and promotions that may be offered at stores and restaurants in your area.

 #SeniorCitizensDay

Part II-National Non Profit Day August 17th: Project Boon

8/17/2020 (Permalink)

Project Boon operates events that bring together those in need, those willing to help, and the resources that make a difference.

Project Boon amplifies the power of community through events that bring together committed individuals, organizations, and the underserved.

Their name, boon, means the general good created by meaningful, accessible action. It comes out of a simple idea: that we’re all connected, and we all have the ability to help one another.

About Project Boon

Project Boon, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is based in Rancho Cucamonga, California. As found on their website, They act as the organizing force behind a host of events every year, and while assisting the underserved is one of their primary achievements, they are also proud to:

• Show people the power they have to change the lives of others and how to use this knowledge.
• Offer a meaningful experience to the beneficiaries, participants, donors, and sponsors of events and create a lasting sense of community following these events.
• Engage professionals, executives, and companies, demonstrating the human impact of their business contributions.

Why Project Boon?

Project Boon operates events that bring together those in need, those willing to help, and the resources that make a difference.

When we were children, the neighborhood pulled together when a family down the street faced tough times. Our community made an immediate impact, and we knew the human connection.

Now, our mission is to help people connect with and rediscover the community to which we all belong—next door or a world away—by supporting our neighbors in need.

Board Member Matt Frechette

I  wanted to highlight Matt Frechette who is one of the board members of Project Boon.  He is one of the many members who help support and run the initiative of Project Boon.  Matthew Frechette is the Executive Vice President & co-founder of MyTPG and the founder of Be Intentional Inc. He loves to help protect and grow small businesses and individuals who want to live a life of abundance. He does this by having fun, making a difference, and being intentional. He helps protect businesses from the state, the IRS, and themselves and helps promote individuals. Matthew believes culture is very important in the workplace, community, and home. He has supported multiple charities and been a part of many charity boards. He sees Project Boon as an organization of leaders intentionally having fun and making a difference.

Back Pack Event & Grocery Distribution

Project Boon recently hosted a Back Pack Event and Grocery Distribution in July. 

They teamed up with The Hitch Burger Grill, Hillside Community Church, Firm Media, and OmniTrans to host a drive-thru back-to-school backpack event and grocery distribution for underserved families in Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding areas. The event was held at The Hitch Burger Grill, in Rancho Cucamonga on July 26. Each family had the opportunity to receive fresh groceries, and school children were provided with backpacks filled with school supplies.

The event was on a first-come, first-serve, and they asked that attendees not line up early. Each family could receive one bag of groceries, and each child was given one filled backpack, with a maximum of two per car.

Project Boon received support for the effort by accepting donations of school supplies that could be dropped off at specific locations.  Some of the items donated included:

• Backpacks for young boys and girls and older teens
• Pencils, pens, markers
• Pencil boxes
• Paper & notebooks
• Rulers
• Glue
• Binders & folders

One Business, Propel Chiropractic was able to contribute 90 filled backpacks to families in need! 

Project Boon was able to accomplish this successful event with the  help of many supporters. Because of the generosity of the community, they distributed backpacks to 600+ students and provided groceries to 300+ families. Cars lined up for miles, and they were able to serve everyone who joined. Check out their social media post within Facebook. 

please visit the Project Boon website at www.projectboon.org for more information on how to donate or get involved in future events. 

SERVPRO of West Riverside City encourages all  to look to support a non-profit organization.  We highlighted two with Clear the Shelters and Project Boon, but there are many nonprofit organizations.  Through nonprofits, awareness, research, and aid reach the people who need it most. Nonprofits also produce tremendous benefits to their surrounding communities and the broader world. Take some time to learn more about nonprofits. Understanding that the funding for these organizations often satisfies more than the mission statement will help us see the benefits of supporting nonprofit organizations.

Top 5 things Riverside Residents Need to Have on Hand to Prepare for a Storm

8/13/2020 (Permalink)

Living in Riverside we get the occasional storm that will knock out power for a period of time, especially during high winds.

These 5 thing will come in handy in a time of a storm that cause power loss.

• Canned goods and a manual can opener

Now everyone knows in a natural disaster that canned fruits, vegetables and even things like canned beans are a great food supply. They will last a long time and offer you the nutrients you need. 

However, opening a can without a can opener can be difficult and sometimes not possible. Make sure to add a can opener to your set so in a time of disaster you have access to canned goods. 

Here are some additional items to have :

• Crackers
• Trail mix and other nuts (for those without allergies)
• Protein/Breakfast Bars
• Canned tuna, salmon, etc.
• Canned Soup
• Dried Fruit
• Ensure/ Non-refrigerated individual cartons of organic milk

• Batteries (big and small)

One of the most important things you’re going to need in the event of a storm is power and if you don’t have a generator, you’re going to be relying on batteries to get you through the day.

Not only are they going to be powering the flashlights you’re using to see at night, but they’re going to be powering other things as well that you’ll have to remember. For example, don’t forget to stock up on your hearing aid batteries if that’s one of the things you use. 

• Water

The most important thing, and everybody pretty much knows this, is you want to have drinking water on hand but what everybody doesn’t really know is how much do you need?

The American Red Cross recommends that you have one gallon, per person, per day in the event of a natural disaster. So that means a family of four, over five days is going to need 20 gallons of water.

Your water could be out longer than 3 days, or fresh water could become You can also buy water purification tablets or a filtering system at a camping store or online.

• Cash is King

 When the power is out, credit cards and ATMs are a no-go so cash is a must have. Always keep a handy amount ready to go in case the storm fallout lasts longer than you anticipated and you need to get more supplies or fill up your gas tank.

If your home or business ends up sustaining damage from inclement weather, call SERVPRO of West Riverside City as soon as possible - we can help you get your property restored to preloss condition. Don’t wait to mitigate - call us as soon as you see storm damage on your property: 951-351-8033.

Part I Non Profit National Day- Clear the Shelters

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

Visit the links within the article to locate a shelter dog that might fit your family! Let's Clear the Shelters Riverside!

We observe Aug. 17 as National Nonprofit Day to acknowledge the positive impact that nonprofit organizations have on our local communities and around the world.

NonProfitPro gives 5 ways you can do this, here are two ways:

• Give Voice to Your Cause: Use the hashtag #nationalnonprofitday on your social media channels to be seen and create awareness for your organization among those who may not know about your cause, its goals and why it’s important to get involved.
• Thank Your Volunteers: To commemorate this special day of recognition, thank your volunteers for their support and call those who are regularly active and advocating on their behalf.

SERVPRO of West Riverside would like to highlight two non-profit organizations that Riverside Residents can participate within our own community.  We will cover Part 1 today and Part 2 on August 17th

Part I -Animal Rescues

SERVPRO of West Riverside city is a huge supporter of dogs.  Especially those in need of loving homes.  Our shelters here in Riverside are full and many families are looking for fur babies and don't realize shelters are a great place to find that special pup.  During current conditions with COVID-19, dogs can provide companionship and help relieve stress and anxiety.  

Clear the Shelters 

NBC4 and Telemundo 52 announced the return of their successful Clear The Shelters™ pet adoption drive from August 1-31, 2020. The virtual campaign will raise awareness about the importance of pet adoptions while practicing safe social distancing measures and feature online platforms to make it easy for people to adopt during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

About Clear the Shelters

NBC and Telemundo owned stations are teaming up with hundreds of shelters across the country to host Clear the Shelters, a nationwide pet adoption drive in August 2020 that helps find loving homes for animals in need. More than 411,000 pets have found their forever homes since 2015.

You can check out local Riverside Shelters by clicking on this link:

Clear the Shelters

How to help Riverside County Animal Services

Riverside County Animal Services is joining forces again with NBC and Telemundo for the annual Clear the Shelters campaign.  The Information is from their website:

Riverside County will be offering pets at a $20 adoption fee during the month of August at its two participating shelters in Jurupa Valley and Thousand Palms.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, adoptions are still being handled by appointment only and pet meet-and-greet opportunities will be handled virtually when possible. The number to call for appointments is 951-358-7387. Visit www.rcdas.org, look through the available pets, make a note of the animal ID number, and give us a call at 951-358-7387 to schedule an adoption appointment.

This year’s Clear the Shelters for Riverside County Animal Services will not include a one-day mega event with hundreds of adopters, also due to COVID-19 and social distancing guidance from federal, state and local officials.

“It will be a much different Clear the Shelters for us and many others,” Animal Services Director Julie Bank said. “However, we appreciate NBC and Telemundo and the corporate sponsors for continuing in this mission to saving shelter pets.”

In the five years since Riverside County Animal Services has participated, thousands of pets were saved from its shelters and found homes with loving families. More than 410,000 pets found homes during the international campaign’s history. 

“We’re living in a different world right now,” Bank said. “It’s a stressful time. We know, of course, animals provide us with great comfort. We believe the human-animal bonds are growing that much stronger during all the lockdowns and work-from-home periods."

For those that are unable to adopt, or already have a full house of pets, there is still a way to participate. NBC and Telemundo are teaming with GreaterGood.org, which has a website established to allow anyone to donate to shelters and rescue groups.

Locals can donate directly through Riverside County Animal Services’ website; here’s a link:

https://licensepet.com/wl3/don/rvsdwd/468

Mary S Roberts Pet Adoption

Cards for a Cause  

When you purchase a box of cards through our Cards for a Cause fundraiser, you not only spread joy by letting friends and family know you are thinking of them with hand-written cards, but you are also helping the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center with our mission and allowing us to help many more homeless dogs and cats in our community.Each box of 30 greeting cards costs $31.50 (including tax). Holiday Card box includes 50 cards for $31.50.

•  $13 from the cost of each box will directly benefit the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center.
•  A purchase of one box of cards will cover the cost of microchipping two pets, helping them return home.
•  A purchase of two boxes of cards covers the cost of rabies and other deadly disease prevention for one pet.
•  And, a purchase of three boxes will spay or neuter one pet, helping to reduce pet overpopulation.
•  Watch this video to see the cards in each box: https://youtu.be/yBRJi1bhnu8.
•  Click here to see the Holiday Card box, which includes 50 cards for the same $31.50 price: https://youtu.be/MREG2XcfBBE.
•  The fundraiser will close on August 15 at 11:59pm (PST).
•  Free pick-up of your greeting cards will be available at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center upon arrival of our bulk order by approximately September 1.
•  Alternately, priority mail shipping may be added to your card order for $12 per box. Cards will ship from the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center approximately 2 weeks after fundraiser closes, and tracking numbers will be provided at that time.

 Don't have a need for cards right now? You may choose to make a donation below instead.

Make a Donation

Dates Cards are Available- 

Cards are not being offered at this time, but check her website for other ways to donate.  

• From Monday, 03 August 2020 12:00 AM to Saturday, 15 August 2020 12:03 AM

How SERVPRO Riverside City Removes Water from Different Types of Flooring

8/10/2020 (Permalink)

We dried the floor with the boost target drying system and dying mats. It provides controlled, targeted heat to the surface. We saved the floors!

SERVPRO has the Knowledge for Flooring Restoration After Riverside Water Loss Events

Your home has many different flooring types, and our SERVPRO professionals have different tools and equipment that can help to restore these after water losses. Many materials compose the construction of your home's flooring, walls, and ceiling systems. Different strategies are necessary to remove water and moisture from these structural elements because so many materials make up your home. Our team of professionals has extensive training and experience to provide the ideal approach for whatever wet surface we encounter. 

Recognizing what tools are best for actions like water removal in your homes gets determined during the initial evaluation and damage assessment. Scoping the job is a process where our project manager and crew chief work with the customer to identify preloss conditions and pre-existing conditions so that we can return the property to its original state as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible. 

Can You Remove Water from Carpeting?  

In areas like your living room and bedrooms, carpeting is one of the typical flooring types encountered in area homes. When migrating water reaches the fibers of carpeted floors, this moisture can get quickly absorbed. It is critical to remove water from carpeting as soon as possible so that moisture does not penetrate the padding and, eventually, the subflooring material. When reconstruction is necessary, the cost of recovery amplifies. Some of the water removal tools and practices for carpeted floors include: 

Is Wood Flooring Salvageable After Water Damage?  

The composition of wood surfaces, especially flooring, makes it a sensitive material to standing surface water. Absorption can happen quickly, which can be disastrous if the water does not get removed quickly. Within as little as 48 hours, saturation can reach the point where it begins to warp and distort wood planks, leaving no option but removal and replacement. Some of the approaches for drying wood floors include: 

Does Standing Water Damage Tile?  

Many homeowners believe that tile flooring is impenetrable, even to standing water. While it is far more difficult for water to breach even the grout joints between floor tile, a small opening or breach in this water-tight seal can allow penetration to the mortar bed and subflooring material. The water beneath tiling can be destructive and hard to detect initially. Our SERVPRO team can address potential concerns with a simple three-step formula for removing water: 

While you might not be able to avoid water loss incidents, you can choose the team that oversees your property's restoration and recovery. No matter what materials become affected by water exposure, our SERVPRO of West Riverside City team can help.

Contact us today at (951) 351-8033.

Visit our website for Water Damage information.

How is SERVPRO of Riverside assisting in the fight against COVID-19?

8/5/2020 (Permalink)

When you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence.

COVID-19. It is on everyone's mind daily and the height of most people's concerns.

How is SERVPRO assisting in the fight against this virus? SERVPRO of Riverside is providing proactive cleaning services to customers that want to take measures to protect themselves, their families, and their employees in this fight against Coronavirus. This is not the first time that SERVPRO has taken to the front lines in a pandemic. We have encountered everything from the common cold to the swine flu, and now Coronavirus. Our highly trained professionals have been fighting pandemics for years and adhere to all CDC Guidelines when doing it. We are a firm believer in helping the members of our community stay healthy and ahead of the curve when it comes to health hazards. 

Proactive cleaning takes many forms, all of which should be performed by a trained professional. We have many cleaning products including sterilizing and disinfecting solutions that we use to combat airborne and direct contact diseases. Some are fogged into buildings and others are sprayed directing onto surfaces and wiped off. Dwell time is the duration a product is allowed to sit on a surface in order to perform its function. We always allow for proper dwell time and cleanup of all solutions in order to provide maximum effectiveness in sterilization and disinfecting of buildings.

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities. So how does it work? It’s grounded in our unique 3 C’s:

• Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
• Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
• Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers and community.

So when you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence. Because you’ll know the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration was there.

 If you or anyone you know is interested in proactive cleaning for their home or business, please contact us and we will be happy to assess your needs and provide you with some peace of mind during these trying times. 

Are you interested in our Commercial Services, or are you a consumer who wants to learn more?

Riverside Schools…Back to School or Virtual Classes, Protecting Our Kids and Students against COVID-19

8/3/2020 (Permalink)

Young ones can practice these steps to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Call SERVPRO for a free estimate on our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

August is back to school month for Riverside Students.  However, due to COVID-19, there is still uncertainty when students will actually return to normal school classrooms. 

A note from Riverside Unified School District states,  "As we prepare to welcome you back to the 2020-21 school year, we are diligently working on every aspect of the RUSD school experience from health and safety to the program choices for students and staff. This is a very challenging time as community health circumstances are changing daily".

For now, it looks like classes will continue virtually at home.  But, what can parents do to plan and prepare for closed schools?  Why the concern of sending them back to classroom environment?  How can we keep our homes safe and sanitized for our kids? 

Parents can help protect their family from COVID-19 by practicing and promoting everyday healthy habits. The CDC provides guidance.  Use this checklist to plan and take action.

PLAN AND PREPARE

Practice and reinforce good prevention habits with your family

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Keep your child at home if sick with any illness

If your child is sick, keep them at home and contact your healthcare provider. Talk with teachers about classroom assignments and activities they can do from home to keep up with their schoolwork.

Be prepared if your child’s school or child care facility is temporarily dismissed

Talk with your employer about sick leave and telework options in case you need to stay home with your child. Consider planning for alternate child care arrangements.

IF YOUR SCHOOL/CHILD CARE PROGRAM IS DISMISSED

Keep track of school dismissal updates

Read or watch local media sources that report school dismissals or stay in touch with your school.

• Talk to your school about options for digital and distance learning

• Discourage children and teens from gathering in other public places while school is dismissed to help slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community

• Seek guidance from your school administrator to determine when students and staff should return to schools

Duration of school dismissals will be made on a case-by-case basis based on the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 and the specific situation in your community. Students and staff should be prepared for durations that could last several days. Administrators should work with their local health authorities to determine duration of dismissals.

THE CONCERN OF SENDING KIDS BACK TO SCHOOL 

The more people a student or staff member interacts with, and the longer that interaction, the higher the risk of COVID-19 spread. The risk of COVID-19 spread increases in school settings as follows:

• Lowest Risk: Students and teachers engage in virtual-only classes, activities, and events.
• More Risk: Small, in-person classes, activities, and events. Groups of students stay together and with the same teacher throughout/across school days and groups do not mix. Students remain at least 6 feet apart and do not share objects (e.g., hybrid virtual and in-person class structures, or staggered/rotated scheduling to accommodate smaller class sizes).
• Highest Risk: Full sized, in-person classes, activities, and events. Students are not spaced apart, share classroom materials or supplies, and mix between classes and activities.

COVID-19 is mostly spread by respiratory droplets released when people talk, cough, or sneeze. It is thought that the virus may spread to hands from a contaminated surface and then to the nose or mouth, causing infection. Therefore, personal prevention practices (such as handwashing, staying home when sick) and environmental cleaning and disinfection are important principles that are covered in this document. Fortunately, there are a number of actions school administrators can take to help lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread during school sessions and activities.

KEEPING A CLEAN AND SANITIZED ENVIRONMENT AT HOME

The CDC recommends the following for cleaning and sanitizing

This guidance is intended for anyone, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home. Reopening America requires all of us to move forward together by practicing social distancing and other daily habits to reduce our risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. 

1. Normal routine cleaning with soap and water will decrease how much of the virus is on surfaces and objects, which reduces the risk of exposure.
2. Disinfection using EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19 can also help reduce the risk. Frequent disinfection of surfaces and objects touched by multiple people is important.
3. When EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, alternative disinfectants can be used (for example, 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions). Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together--this can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in. Keep all disinfectants out of the reach of children.

Some surfaces only need to be cleaned with soap and water. For example, surfaces and objects that are not frequently touched should be cleaned and do not require additional disinfection. Additionally, disinfectants should typically not be applied on items used by children, especially any items that children might put in their mouths. Many disinfectants are toxic when swallowed. In a household setting, cleaning toys and other items used by children with soap and water is usually sufficient. Find more information on cleaning and disinfection toys and other surfaces in the childcare program setting at CDC’s Guidance for Childcare Programs that Remain Open.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City is also a resource for cleaning and sanitizing your home, childcare facility or schools.  We use EPA Hospital grade products that are safe for children.  We can tailor the cleaning and disinfecting to your needs.  Ask for our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned service.

We are here to help.  Call us for a free estimate:  951-351-8033

SERVPRO of West Riverside City Spotlights our Very Own Ellie on National Mutt Day!

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Riverside loves Ellie and her owner is happy she rescued a mix breed. She brought joy to their lives!

Unlike most of our doggy days, National Mutt Day, on July 31, focuses on the mixed breed dogs who sometimes get overlooked. This holiday inspires people to learn more about adopting one.

Dogs are special and there are many national holidays to prove it.  

National Mutt Day also brings attention to the many great mixed breed dogs in need of homes. In fact, they benefit from the spotlight so much that we celebrate mixed breed dogs not just once, but twice a year! On both July 31 and December 2, join us in celebrating all the mutts and mixed breed dogs that make our lives so great.

In 2010 we rescued our Ellie from the IVHS in Pomona.  It was December, the dog we went to pick up had been given to another person.  My son, Josh,  was devastated!  Josh was in middle school, and I felt he was now old enough to help care for a dog.  As he sobbed at the shelter for "Kelly" the 2yr old German Shepherd mix, he originally wanted, we attempted to console him.  Staff members  tried to find other dogs that he might like.  One shelter employee thought maybe the puppies might do the trick.  There was one puppy in a cage all by herself.  A sign posted outside the cage read "aggressive", but how could a sweet little pup be aggressive? 

We asked about this puppy, and asked if Josh could hold her.  They opened the crate and handed over this precious, reddish and white speckled pup who looked like a little lion…. he instantly fell in love.  She was listed as a Cattle dog mix.  So I asked about the aggressive behavior noted on the cage.  They said she was in a kennel with other puppies but she was biting them, so they separated her.  I asked if she could be trained to address this behavior, their response was, "all dogs can be trained out of their bad behavior".  This was enough to make me want her even more. 

We took Ellie home in December after she was fixed, I was a little worried that she was too young, but they would not release her to us without this happening.  We brought home this 10 week old puppy and named her Ellie.  Here we were with an aggressive dog, who did not liked to be cuddled, she barked…a lot, and if you know cattle dogs, they are very high energy dogs that need a job to address that energy.  Once all her shots were up to date, we enrolled her in obedience training at "It's a Dog's World" in Chino.  They provided training in a park like setting, a more natural environment for a dog.  They had us purchase a Gentle Leader Harness, which is an amazing way to leash your dog.  After the course, we continued with socialization with other dogs and people. 

As she matured, she grew into this beautiful unusual reddish color with white spots and speckles.  She was no longer aggressive, and she allowed us to hug her, but only for a few minutes!  We love her more than anything and we were so happy we spent the time and energy to get her to this amazing loyal creature. 

If you are not sure about rescuing a dog especially not knowing the type of temperament they have, I hope this story motivates you.  If you spend the time and work with them, I do believe you can train a dog out of any bad habits!  You may need help from an obedience class, and it will be a lot of work, but nothing is better than the satisfaction of rescuing a dog in need of a loving home!

How to Observe National Mutt Day

• Adopt a mixed breed dog
  There are lots of great dogs out there who lack a home just because they don't have the right pedigree. But you can do your part to change all that. Getting any dog is a big responsibility, but a mixed breed will likely be healthier, happier, better behaved — and live longer than a purebred of the same age.

• Donate to your local shelter
  Not in the position to adopt a mutt? You can still help out your local shelter with a donation. Your money goes to things like food, toys and medicine. Every dollar counts, so you can really make a difference in the lives of all the dogs at the shelter.

• Volunteer to help out
  If donations aren't your style, you can always volunteer. Shelters need volunteers to befriend the dogs, play with them and take them for walks. A few hours of your time can make a big difference in their happiness and happy dogs stand a better chance of getting adopted.

Visit your local shelter to see available adoptable dogs, or ones who need rescuing. Here are a few:  

Riverside County of Animal Services

Pet Harbor

Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption

Inland Valley Humane Society

Camping with Your Family this Summer? Here are Some Fire Pit Safety Tips

7/27/2020 (Permalink)

With the increasing popularity of fire pits, knowing how to use them safely has become even more important.

This time of year, Americans look forward to gathering around a fire pit or campfire with family, especially with travel restrictions currently in place. 

But what can be an enjoyable evening can turn into a fire tragedy if you’re not careful. In this article, we address how to safely enjoy your fire pit or campfire.

With the increasing popularity of fire pits, knowing how to use them safely has become even more important. Follow this advice when setting up and using a fire pit.

• Keep flammable material and fluids, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene and charcoal lighter fluid, away from the fire pit while in use.
• Never use flammable fluids such as gasoline, alcohol, diesel fuel, kerosene and charcoal lighter fluid to light or relight fires.
• Exercise the same precautions you would with an open fire.
• Don’t wear loose fitting or flammable clothing such as nylon.
• Keep a three-foot safety zone around the fire pit. Do not allow children to use the fire pit. Keep children and pets away.
• Don’t burn trash, leaves, paper, cardboard or plywood. Avoid using soft wood such as pine or cedar that can pop and throw sparks. Seasoned hardwood is best.
• Don’t overload the fire pit. Before starting the fire, make sure that the lid will still close to extinguish the fire in an emergency.
• Check the wind direction before you light the fire.
• Keep a fire extinguisher, garden hose or bucket of water nearby.

Campfire Safety

Follow these tips to stay safe around your campfire.

• Don’t build a fire in hazardous, dry conditions or if the campground, area or event rules prohibit campfires.
• Use an existing fire ring if available.
• Choose a site that is at least fifteen feet away from tent walls, shrubs, trees or other flammable objects. The site should not have low-hanging branches overhead.
• Keep a three-foot safety zone around the campfire.
• Keep a bucket of water near your campfire.

When you’re ready to put out your fire, follow these guidelines:

• Allow the wood to burn completely to ash, if possible.
• Pour lots of water on the fire; drown all embers, not just the red ones. Pour until hissing sounds stop.
• Stir the campfire ashes and embers with a shovel. Make sure everything is wet and cold to the touch.
• Scrape the sticks and logs to remove any embers.
• If you do not have water, use dirt. Mix dirt or sand with the embers and stir until all material is cool. Do not simply bury the fire, as the fire can smolder and catch roots on fire that will eventually get to the surface and start a wildfire.

If you’ve suffered fire damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of West Riverside City today at 951.351.8033

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Riverside City has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City  (951.351.8033) any time.

How Riverside Businesses Can be Proactive and Not Reactive in the Event of a Disaster

7/22/2020 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Plan is a no cost assessment of your property, great value at no cost! Call us 951-351-8033

For a business owner, a worst-case disaster scenario involving fire or water damage can seem unthinkable until it suddenly becomes reality.  

In the aftermath of a disaster, a quick response time by a disaster recovery company such as SERVPRO of West Riverside City, can help minimize property damage.

Owners need to have a quick and convenient emergency disaster plan that connects them with vendors, necessary contacts, and pertinent information when disaster strikes.  The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) is a respected industry tool during a disaster event. An ERP is so valuable , that in the midst of the confusion and panic that often surround a disaster, an owner or manager can be provided a sense of calm and clarity in reaching out for expert help.  

Our June edition of Restoration Newsline helps us with 4 key areas to remember when building an emergency plan.

1.  Identify your facility's greatest threats in order to assess the overall severity of the event.  

During the discovery mode, what are your greatest threats (i.e. fires, tornadoes, floods, etc.)?  Look at your locations.  Do you have any that would be in a "tornado alley," at risk for hurricane damage, or subject to deep freezing temperatures?  Try to think outside the box, without becoming a doomsday prepper!

2.  Document all vital information and establish clear communication activities.

An ERP needs to contain critical property information that can help speed up response time after a disaster occurs. Consider including any documented prior loss history, and identify and label utility shut off locations, and prioritize your key contacts.  Prior loss history can provide first responders and restoration vendors with historical information on your facility's condition.  Proper utility identification will allow for quicker response times for emergency shut off, requests and key contact information is vital to starting the recovery process, allowing you to quickly contact key personnel and answer priority questions.  

3.  Practice!  Practice!  Practice!  There is no "textbook" event, so expect the unexpected.

You should conduct practice sessions to make sure everyone is clear on the process.  Always have clear evacuation routes in your ERP, and set a distribution chain for your key contacts and various locations.  

4.  Keep it updated, and have all necessary information communicated with your insurance company and emergency restoration vendors.  

The best way for the recovery to begin is remaining proactive by always keeping your ERP updated.  Your SERVPRO representative can help you keep your ERP up-to-date.  People will come and go, updates will be made to the facility, and utilities can change.  This should be a dynamic document that changes as your business does.  If you don't keep it updated, you'll be several steps behind when disaster strikes.  

Are you interested in a free demonstration of how the Emergency Response Plan works?  It's a free service that can be maintained by you or your SERVPRO Representative.  It will not take too much of your time.  It will contain as much information as you would like it to.  If you would like more information, visit our website.  

Contact us at SERVPRO of West Riverside City.  

We are a phone call away 951-351-8033

What can Cause Plumbing Issues on your Riverside Property? Here are 8!

7/20/2020 (Permalink)

A water fountain leaked and flooded this room at a school. SERVPRO of West Riverside extracted the water and complete the drying process.

Plumbing - the home maintenance that nobody wants to do or ever think about until there is a real problem.

It’s not your fault; we’re all guilty. The only way to really understand why you should keep up on it is to educate yourself on all of the worst case scenarios and what causes them. We’ve compiled a list of some of the biggest plumbing issues and we hope it will make you see exactly why you need to stay vigilant.

How Can Riverside Residents Support National Pet Fire Safety Day-July 15, 2020

7/15/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO West Riverside City, we have taken all precautions to keep Ellie, our cattle dog safe in the event of a fire or emergency.

National Pet Fire Safety Day takes place every year on July 15, and it’s a day to learn how to keep your pet safe in a fire.

For many Riverside residents, pets are our most precious asset so it makes sense that we observe a day to keeping them safe during one of the scariest things we can imagine. It was started by the American Kennel Club and ADT Security in 2009 to help pet owners learn safety measures to protect their beloved pets and homes from fire, and it’s a great opportunity to learn how to keep your fur baby safe.

Preventing a Fire

Open flame exposure is one of the most common ways that your pet may accidentally start a fire in your home.

• Never having unsupervised candles
• Fires in your fireplace should also be monitored
• Having flameless candles and an enclosed fireplace instead
• Puppies love chewing and may chew on loose wire
• Secure loose wires and ensure they are out of reach from your pets
• Never put a glass bowl on a wooden porch as the sun’s rays can heat the bowl, causing a fire on your wooden deck
• Try using a ceramic water bowl or stainless-steel dishes instead.

Preparing for a Fire

The number one step in preparing your pet and family for a fire is to talk with your family to determine an emergency plan than includes your pet.

• Practice this plan with the whole family
• Make sure everyone knows whose job it is to grab your pet and whose it is to grab your emergency supplies
• Items to pack in your pets emergency bag:  food, medication, water, a photo of your pet, leashes and carriers, and medical records
• Make sure you know where he or she likes to hide and how to get him or her out of that hiding spot quickly
• Put a decal or sticker in your home’s front window indicating the number and type of pets you have to cut down on the time firefighters spend searching for your pet. 
• In case your pet escapes during the course of a fire, make sure that the contact information on their collar and microchip is up to date.
• install smoke detectors connected to emergency response services so that even if you pet is home alone, should a fire occur, help can still be signaled and dispatched.

During a Fire

As part of your emergency response plan, make sure to grab your pet’s leash or carrier as you grab your pet and escape the building.

• Outside your home will be chaotic, and your pet may try to escape to a safer area, so it is important to keep them nearby and secure.
• If it takes too long to locate or secure your pets, as much as you may not want to, leave, open the door, and call for them once you are outside and at a safe distance from the fire.
• You should never delay escape or endanger yourself or your family to rescue your family pet.
• Once responders get there, immediately inform them your pet is still inside so they can continue looking for your pet.

You can obtain a free window cling by going to www.adt.com/pets or at AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Days events. Details are available at www.akc.org.

At SERVPRO West Riverside City, we have taken all precautions to keep Ellie, our cattle dog safe in the event of a fire or emergency.  We are now in peak fire season.  These tips will help save the lives of our pets.  

What can Riverside Residents do During Drought Conditions

7/13/2020 (Permalink)

Southern California is known for limited rainfall causing drought conditions. In Riverside County, the dry conditions are cause for concern.

Nearly every part of the U.S. experiences periods of reduced rainfall.

Planning in advance for a drought can protect us in dry years.  Southern California is especially known for limited rainfall causing drought conditions.  In areas such as Riverside County, the dry conditions and warmer summer weather are also a cause for concern.  Concerns range from threats of fire, watering your yard, and limiting water usage.

The best way to prepare for a drought is to conserve water. Make conserving water a part of your daily life.  Ready.gov gives these great tips!

Indoor Water Conservation Tips Before a Drought

GENERAL

• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. For example, use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
• Fix dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water a year.
• Check all plumbing for leaks and have any leaks repaired by a plumber.
• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
• Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.
• Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.
• Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage your pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation.
• Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.

BATHROOM

• Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models. Note: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.
• Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow. Make sure it does not interfere with the operating parts.
• Replace your shower-head with an ultra-low-flow version.

KITCHEN

• Instead of using the garbage disposal, throw food in the garbage or start a compost pile to dispose it.

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips Before a Drought

GENERAL

• Check your well pump periodically. If the automatic pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you have a leak.
• Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, your plants won't need as much watering. Group plants together based on similar water needs.
• Don't buy water toys that require a constant stream of water.
• Don't install ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use re-circulated water.
• Consider rainwater harvesting where practical.
• Contact your local water provider for information and assistance.

LAWN CARE

• Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.
• Repair sprinklers that spray a fine mist.
• Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.
• Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper and holds soil moisture.
• Plant drought-resistant lawn seed. Reduce or eliminate lawn areas that are not used frequently.
• Don't over-fertilize your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
• Choose a water-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for your trees, shrubs and flowers.
• Turn irrigation down in fall and off in winter. Water manually in winter only if needed.
• Use mulch around trees and plants to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with plants for water.
• Invest in a weather-based irrigation controller—or a smart controller. These devices will automatically adjust the watering time and frequency based on soil moisture, rain, wind, and evaporation and transpiration rates. Check with your local water agency to see if there is a rebate available for the purchase of a smart controller.

POOL

• Install a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.
• Cover pools and spas to reduce water evaporation.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City is available for any questions.  Ready.gov is a source we use to help guide our neighbors through various situations.  We especially use their storm, fire season, and flooding tips and much more.  We can assist when you do sustain damage from these causes.  Call us for a free inspection-951-351-8033

Riverside Summer Fire Safety Tips When using your Grill

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

Our choice of grill is a smoker, nothing beats the taste of smoked flavored ribs. Practice safe grilling Riverside!

Summer is the time of the year for outdoor activities, but it also carries increased risk of fires started by outdoor cooking, fire pits and campfires.

This article will give Riverside residents important safety guidelines for grilling food outdoors. 

NFPA provides the following statistics:

• July is the peak month for grill fires (18%), including both structure, outdoor or unclassified fires, followed by June (15%), May (13%) and August (12%).
• The grill had not been cleaned in more than one-quarter (29%) of the home grill structure fires.
• The leading area of origin for structure fires involving grills was an exterior balcony or open porch, and 44 percent of the property damage from grill structure fires resulted from fires that started there.
• Five of every six grills involved in home fires were fueled by gas (84 percent), while 12 percent used charcoal or another solid fuel.
• Gas grills were involved in an average of 8,900 home fires per year.  Leaks or breaks were primarily a problem with gas grills.
• Charcoal or other solid-fueled grills were involved in 1,300 home fires per year.

General Grill Safety

• Only use propane and charcoal grills outdoors. This will minimize the risk of fire and exposure to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
• Position the grill several feet away from house siding and deck railings. Don’t locate it under eaves and overhanging branches.
• Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic. Keep children and pets from the grill area by creating a three-foot safety zone around the grill.
• Use long-handled barbecue tools. Wear short sleeves or roll them up when cooking on the grill.
• Periodically clean out the grease or fat that has built up in trays below the grill.
• Keep a bucket of water near your grill.

Charcoal Grills

• At the start of grilling season, make sure your grill is clean and free of ash and grease.
• Purchase the appropriate starter fluid and store it out of reach of children and away from heat sources. Never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid.
• Never add charcoal starter fluid after coals or kindling have been ignited.

Propane Gas Grills

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
• At the start of grilling season, check the burners for clogs, make sure all hoses and connections are secure, and restock the propane if needed.
• Check the propane cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year. A soap and water solution applied to the hose will bubble up to reveal escaping propane. If you detect a leak, turn off the tank and grill. If you can stop the leak, don’t use the grill until you have it serviced by a professional. If the leak won’t stop, call the fire department.
• If you smell gas while cooking, get away from the grill and call the fire department. Do not attempt to move the grill.
• Use only propane cylinders manufactured after April 2002 with overfill protection devices (OPD).
• Never store propane cylinders in buildings or garages.

If you’ve suffered fire damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of West Riverside City today at 951.351.8033

We’re Here for You

The team at SERVPRO of West Riverside City has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster and storm damage cleanup, water damage remediation and chemical cleanup. Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City  (951.351.8033) any time.

How Can Riverside Families Celebrate July 4th, 2020 with COVID-19 Orders Still in Place

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know? Sparklers burn at 1200 Fahrenheit? That is hot enough to cause third degree burns and start a fire with just about anything.

Summer is traditionally known for fireworks, barbeques, and picnics with loved ones.

Fireworks are beautiful to see and enjoy while being outside on a summer night, but it can also be dangerous.  This year can pose a change due COVID-19 and the CDC guidance regarding social distancing.  Many cities may not hold their annual fire work show.  Riverside typically hosts a show at  Mt. Rubidoux or La Sierra parks, however, reports indicate that Riverside will not host the show.  This is because of a need to reduce costs to balance the city budget and also to avoid large crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This may tempt many households to purchase fireworks and have their own 4th of July celebration. There are many reasons they are illegal in Riverside. Riverside County has very diverse terrain. The vegetation is very dry where fireworks can easily start a brush fire.  More fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. In 2018, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks related injuries; half of those injuries were to the extremities and 34% were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36%) of the estimated 2018 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2018 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu and Jason Ng.

Did you know?

That sparklers burn at 1200 Fahrenheit? That is hot enough to cause third degree burns and start a fire with just about anything. 

What Can Families do July 4th 2020?

Since many annual Independence Day events are canceled in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, what can families do to observe this holiday?  Here are 18 4th of July activities for families from CountryLiving.com. 

18 4th of July Activities to Keep the Family Entertained All Day

1. Throw a Family-friendly Fourth U-Pick Party
2. Go Camping in Your Backyard
3. Watch a Patriotic Movie Outside
4. Plan a Soda Float Social
5. Take a Family Bike Ride
6. Play Patriotic Games
7. Dine Al Fresco
8. Create 4th of July Cocktails
9. Make an Unforgettable Dinner
10. Throw a Family Pool Party
11. Go for a Family Picnic
12. Spark Up the Sparklers (Not recommended in Riverside City)
13. Bake a Red, White, and Blue Treat
14. Stage a Hot Dog Eating Contest
15. Play a Little Baseball
16. Make DIY Decorations Together
17. Eat Barbecue with Family
18. Enjoy S'mores Around a Campfire

ALL fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Riverside County. All fireworks are illegal because they cause serious injuries and very often, cause fires. Riverside County has very diverse terrain. The vegetation is very dry where fireworks can easily start a brush fire. Individuals who cause fires by using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all suppression costs. These costs can run into the millions of dollars.

Since Studies show that there is more property damage on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year it is a good idea to check with your home owner’s insurance company regarding your coverage relating to fireworks. If you are involved in illegal fireworks you may not be covered. This could be a costly celebration!

If something happens to go wrong, and you experience fire damage, call SERVPRO of West Riverside City at 951-351-8033

When your Riverside home or business suffers fire damage, it can be especially devastating. In addition to the fire and smoke damage, your property may have substantial water damage from firefighting efforts. You may feel stressed and confused after such a disaster, and you’ll need a caring expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of West Riverside City has the specialized fire and water damage equipment and expertise to help you through this tough time. We promise to treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care. 

Is Your Riverside Water Bill Too High?

6/29/2020 (Permalink)

This water filtration system was leaking water causing damage to the kitchen and dining room, SERVPRO of West Riverside was there to help!

It can be normal for your water bill to fluctuate from month to month - you may be watering your lawn more in the Spring or Summer, or doing extra laundry if you have guests visiting.

As long as you know why your water bill is higher, there shouldn't be any cause for alarm. However, sometimes you may notice an unexpected large increase…and that could be a sign of water a water leak causing damage.

To help you prevent severe water damage to your property, here are 4 common kinds of leaks to look out for that may be causing your water bill to be too high:

Leaking Faucets

A leaky faucet may just release a few drops of water, but if you wind up with a severe leak you could be wasting as much as 20 gallons of water every day. That’s why it’s important to check each faucet to make sure there are no visible signs of a leak.

One way to check is by placing an empty cup underneath the faucet and making sure no water collects.  You’ll also want to take a look at the piping in the cabinets underneath the sink, and don’t forget to check your outside hoses and water sources as well!

Leaking Pipes

Plumbing leaks can sometimes be difficult to detect as many of your pipes may be hidden behind walls or above the ceiling.  Still, you can check all the visible fittings and fixtures for any signs of damage or leaking.

As for your hidden pipes, you can pay attention to the ceiling and walls themselves. If you notice any signs of discoloration, deterioration, or mold, that can be a clue to the source of the problem.

Leaking Toilets

A continuously running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water every day and cause your water bill to soar.

One easy way to check if you have a leak is to dispense a few drops of food dye into the tank of your toilet.  If you see the color start to come into the bowl, that’s a sign of a potentially bad leak.

Purification Systems / Water Softeners

If you use a water softener or purification system, that could be the cause of your bill increase. These systems tend to produce more waste water than other plumbing systems.

If you water bill is suddenly high, you want to make sure that these systems are working correctly and not producing excessive water waste. 

Here at SERVPRO of West Riverside City, we are available 24/7 and can be at your home quickly to help you if you do have water damage.  Our local team is made up of the best advanced technicians with the training and equipment needed to handle any size disaster. 

Water Damage? Respiratory Issues? Kitchen Appliance Maintenance Tips That Can Help!

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

Riverside homeowner was very happy and his mind was put at ease, when we took all precautions for his son with respiratory issues.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City assisted with a leak from water filtration system where the kitchen cabinets and dining room were affected.

The young son of the homeowner had serious respiratory issues and the homeowner was very concerned about the water damage and the demo. To put the homeowner at ease, we contained off the work area, used air scrubbers and a HEPA vacuum.  The HEPA filter will capture small particles such as mold, bacteria, asbestos, lead, dust and many other airborne contaminants. Air scrubbers will continuously clean the air and provide a clean, healthy and productive environment.  HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) vacuums differ from conventional vacuums in that they contain filters that are capable of trapping extremely small, micron-sized particles. A true HEPA filter can trap 99.97 percent of all airborne particles larger than 0.3 microns.  Finally, we cleaned all affected surfaces. The homeowner was very happy and his mind was put at ease.

What can you do to prevent such damage? 

Some of the home floods commonly occur in the kitchen due to its many water outlets.  For most homes, the kitchen commonly incorporates multiple appliances that connect to a water supply line.   It is important to understand that water damages that occur in the kitchen may possibly spread past the kitchen and create larger damages throughout one's home.  Keep your home prepared by periodically checking the appliances to help reduce water damage incidents from occurring.   

However, a few common items that may lead to a kitchen flood are as follows:

Dishwasher

Over time, the water supply line in a dishwasher may degrade.  This can lead to water leaking into enclosed areas under the appliance and rupture entirely.  Check this line twice a year by removing the kick plate at the front of the dishwasher and use a flashlight to inspect the space and surrounding areas.  If the area is wet with no explanation, this should be taken as a red flag.  The dishwasher water supply line shut off should be located under the kitchen sink; turn it off and call a plumber. 

Under Sink System

Underneath the sink, you may find a water filtration system.  As time passes, the lines can degrade and rupture.  A crack in the line can lead to flooding and potentially much worse.  Check the sink twice a year to avoid any costly damages.  

Leaking Sinks

If your kitchen or bathroom sink is leaking, you can find yourself dealing with water and possibly mold damage. The problem is, sometimes it is hard to know why it’s leaking and where it’s leaking from. So we wanted to go over a list of common causes of sink leaks so if you ever find yourself dealing with one you can go down this list and hopefully be able to either fix the problem yourself or better articulate the problem to a plumber/repairman.

• Drain Leak: Leaks can come from a thinly sealed drain or from a  drain that is old and worn. It is possible to identify and fix this situation on your own by tightening the nuts located at the point where the pipes meet. However, if you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself, you can reach out to a plumber to check it.
• Faucet Leak: This type of leak is easier to identify. Water puddling at the top of the sink when the faucet is turned on or water collecting under the sink can be big indicators. This is a problem generally caused by failing washers or worn-out gaskets, and possibly a faucet that needs to be completely replaced. Either way, you can generally take care of these problems on your own and should only need to call a plumber if you are uncomfortable attempting to do it on your own.
• Leaks from the Rim Around The Sink: Simply put, this leak comes from an unsealed section between the sink and countertop. This can be fixed by re-caulking or tightening whatever connects the sink to the counter.
• Loose Water Supply Connection: This leak is generally constant and is out of sight and fairly hard to identify. Usually caused by corrosion or a bad gasket in the connector. Tightening the connection or replacing the gasket can be the solution to the problem.
• Clogged P-Trap: The P-section is a curved section of a pipe which prevents foul smells from seeping through the drains. If it gets clogged, it can prevent proper draining causing leaks. It’s possible you’ll just need to unclog it, but it might need to be replaced, which is definitely the job for a plumber.
• Damaged O-Rings: This is what prevents leaks in the area where the faucet is being held in place. So if there is an issue with the O-ring, you could have quite the mess on your hands. Luckily this is something you should be able to just replace on your own.
• Worn-Out Washers: This is one of the most common leak causes. Constant friction wears them out, and replacing them is something you can do on your own if you want to.
• Corroded Valve Seat: Corrosion can be prevented with regular cleaning, but if the valve seat gets corroded to a certain point you would be better off contacting a plumber to let you know if it needs to be replaced or not.

Refrigerator

Moving the refrigerator may be tricky sometimes.  It's important to be cautious about its placement.  Moving the refrigerator too close to the wall may kink or break the water supply line.  However, having the refrigerator too far out may cause potential over-stress on the line and potentially cause the line to rupture.    Keep in mind, the plastic water supply line degrades over time and can crack or break.   To prevent water damages from potentially happening, it is advisable to remove the plastic line and replace it with a copper or stainless-steel line that has better durability.  

Being prepared can help prevent a disastrous situation.   By regularly checking on these appliances, you will help avoid any catastrophic damages.  SERVPRO of West Riverside City is faster to any sized disaster, and we are here to help 24/7/365 to make it "Like it never even happened."

The New and Improved Payroll Protection Program

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Meet Shaila Chamberlain, a local Riverside CPA. She is very knowledgeable with small businesses!

Shaila Chamberlain is a local Riverside CPA. If you are a business professional, you want to know that your accountant has the expertise required to get the job done.

Shaila is part of Executive TEAM Referral, which SERVPRO of West Riverside is also a member of.  She has a bachelor’s in accounting from Texas Tech University and a master’s in business administration from Pepperdine University.  She has been working with small businesses for over 25 years and understand the unique challenges you face.

We wanted to spotlight Shaila and her newsletter.  In a newsletter sent on June, 4, she discussed the topic, "The New and Improved Payroll Protection Program".  The information was very informative, and she gave SERVPRO the okay to share it in our blog.  In the same newsletter she highlighted SERVPRO of West Riverside City and our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned service.  Take a look:

Payroll Protection Program News (and a little personal commentary thrown in for good measure) – Many small businesses have taken on PPP loans – those SBA loans that were issued in a hurry over the last couple of months that were intended to ease the financial pain of government-mandated COVID-19 restrictions.

The hook of the PPP, was that businesses could receive 2.5 times their average 2019 payroll in the form of an SBA loan, and would have that loan forgiven if they spent at least 75% of the money on payroll and no more than 25% on rent and a few other small expenses during an 8 week period beginning one day after the loan was received.  Like any major undertaking that is ill-conceived and poorly managed, it should come as no surprise that many business owners are finding the stipulations of the loan quite problematic.

For starters, the loans were issued based on 2.5 times an average monthly payroll.  For our math-challenged friends in Congress, 2.5 times a monthly average payroll equates to about 10 weeks of payroll – Hard to spend 10 weeks of payroll in 8 weeks without some kind of “tweaking” along the way.  Hence, the 25% that currently may go towards rent and utilities  This is helpful for some businesses with high rent, low employee costs, but not all.

Secondly and more importantly, the loans are intended to keep people working.  But this is at odds with near nation-wide orders to close businesses and shelter in place.  How do you keep employees working, when business is closed?

Shut down, shelter-in-place and by the way, pay your employees at least as much as they made last year.

And just to keep things interesting, give said employees a big, fat bonus of $600 per week to take unemployment instead, requiring business owners  to compete with the state and federal government to see how much we can pay people not to work. But I digress…

Read more

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned

Can We Ever Be Clean Enough?

The good news -- business is slowly coming back!  The bad news -- Covid-19 is still out there.

Getting back to business relies on getting customers back through your doors.  And that only happens if customers feel safe and secure in your space.

Are you ready to help your customers and employees feel safe and communicate that you've chosen a higher standard of clean?

My friends at SERVPRO of West Riverside City are offering a defensive cleaning program that goes beyond janitorial - A proactive viral pathogen cleaning.

They will not only customize a cleaning plan to your specifications, they provide window emblems and signage to show your customers that you care about their health and safety.  Click now to find out more.

Stay healthy.  Stay safe.  Stay positive.

The content herein is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advice.  

If you would like more information or to be added to her email distribution for her informative newsletters, feel free to reach out to her:

Shaila Chamberlain, CPA, CMA, MBA 

Phone: 951.768.2969

Email: shaila@schamberlaincpa.com

Web: www.schamberlaincpa.com

Riverside Elementary Schools Faces Major Water Damage from a Water Fountain

6/17/2020 (Permalink)

Water damage can quickly lead to a mold infestation and prevent kids from going to school. Contact SERVPRO for remediation.

Education is something that Riverside residents take seriously, and that is why when a disaster threatens one of our local schools, it is critical to get this situation resolved immediately. 

Water damage in a Riverside School is often among the situations that get overlooked by overseers as minuscule or non-threatening. Unfortunately, this is not the case. An inadequately or improperly cleaned and restored water damage incident can lead to many severe effects for the building and also those that use it.

One of the first concerns is the penetration into flooring and wall materials like drywall, wood, and linoleum. In just a brief period these materials can become oversaturated and deform, break loose and fail. This hazard can affect both faculty and students and persist gradually after the water was presumably cleaned up with conventional approaches.

Another pressing concern for school officials should be persistent dampness and moisture. These conditions could lead to hazardous secondary effects like mold growth which could affect those occupying the building. Our SERVPRO team utilizes moisture detection equipment to ensure that our efforts have successfully removed all of the water from the affected areas, not just the areas that can be readily seen.

One of our local elementary schools experienced water damage from a drinking fountain. SERVPRO was called to mitigate the damage.  The water ran into several classrooms, hallways and an office area.   Our first step was to extracted the water.  This step removes the majority of the water from the property. By performing a thorough water extraction, SERVPRO of West Riverside Professionals help reduce the drying time and help to prevent mold and secondary water damage. Once the excess water has been removed, the floors and walls may appear dry, but a quick inspection will reveal they are wet to the touch. Nearly all building materials, like wood, drywall, and flooring materials, are porous and therefore retain water. This retained water can cause the materials to break down, warp, or cause mold damage.  We found it necessary to remove the baseboards, drill ventilation holes for drying, and then reset the baseboards. 

The next step is drying and dehumidifying.  We will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry your property. We will carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals. 

• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.

Our SERVPRO professionals are available 24/7 to help with water damage emergencies faced by any of our Riverside schools. This commitment ensures that your institution is getting highly trained restoration specialists with industry-leading equipment to overcome any level of water damage incident that you face.

SERVPRO completed the job and made it, "Like it never even happened."  

When you are responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of an entire school, there are often hundreds or even thousands of people to consider with every decision. Trust in the experience and rapid response of our SERVPRO of West Riverside City water restoration team to help you through every step of restoring the building. Give us a call today at (951) 351-8033.

SERVPRO of West Riverside Has the Right Tools For the Job

6/15/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPROxide Sanitizes hard and soft surfaces and disinfects as it cleans!

Construction workers and skilled trade workers know that having the right tools for the job is crucial to getting the job done right the first time safely and effectively.

Could you imagine a carpenter trying to build a house without a hammer or a saw? How about a mechanic repairing a vehicle without wrenches? The same logic can be applied to restoration technicians. Without the proper tools and equipment restoring a home or business to preloss condition is near impossible. 

SERVPRO of West Riverside City utilizes some of the latest and greatest tools and equipment on the market. Equipping our technicians with the right tools and equipment is only part of SERVPRO’s winning formula. Training and experience also play a major role in the success of a restoration project. This is why our technicians and drying specialists are some of the most well trained, certified, and most importantly experienced professionals around. In our industry disaster can strike at a moment's notice. Having enough and the right type of equipment on hand is key to a fast response time, and when you’re dealing with water or fire damage, a speedy response can be the difference in a small water cleanup and a major restoration project. 

SERVPRO is known nationwide for being the industry leader in the residential and commercial restoration industry, but did you know SERVPRO of West Riverside City also offers residential and commercial cleanings as well? That’s right the same company that you have trusted for years to mitigate and restore your home or business after a water or fire loss, also offers deep cleaning and proactive cleanings for homes and businesses. 

What is a deep cleaning?

When SERVPRO of West Riverside City is called out to a home or business for deep cleaning services, our customer usually has experienced an event that calls for a more comprehensive cleaning than a maid service or janitorial staff can provide. There could be biological factors or environmental restrictions like hazardous materials or other types of contaminants present that require specialized equipment and training to clean. After a fire SERVPRO technicians will use specialized dry-chem sponges to heavily clean and remove smoke and soot damage from walls and ceilings. HVAC systems can be deep cleaned using SERVPRO’s specialized duct cleaning systems that will remove built up dust and debris from customer's ductwork. Carpets can be cleaned, sanitized, and restored using SERVPRO’s proprietary professional cleaning and restoration products and equipment during a deep cleaning. Deep cleaning services are far more in depth and substantially more thorough than your typical cleaning service. 

What is a proactive cleaning?

Proactive cleanings are great for homes and businesses that want to minimize their exposure to viruses and bacteria. Proactive cleaning procedures consist of cleaning and disinfecting the structure of the facility along with high traffic areas and surfaces. High traffic areas are areas that many people pass through or congregate in like a conference room or lobby. High traffic surfaces are surfaces that people often come in contact with like handrails, door knobs, or water fountains. Both high traffic areas and surfaces are havens for bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. With SERVPRO’s proactive cleaning service home and business owners can minimize their exposure to these types of threats.

Foggers, Sprayers, Misters, and Ozone Generators

Foggers, sprayer and misters are all trade names for different types of cleaning equipment utilized to distribute professional grade cleaning and restoration products. Foggers create thick fog that can be used in any number of applications like coating, sealing, and sanitizing building materials. Sprayers are also very versatile pieces of equipment that can be used to evenly coat building materials with cleaning and sanitizing products during the restoration and/or cleaning process. Misters can be very similar to sprayers but differ themselves by dispensing cleaning and sanitizing products at a far smaller particle size. This creates a fine mist that is capable of covering hard to reach or inaccessible nooks and crannies of a building’s structure. Ozone Generators are different from foggers, sprayers, and misters because they are typically used to clean and disinfect air instead of surfaces. You will find ozone generators in hotels, casinos, and other commercial buildings where large numbers of people congregate.

Electric and Pump Sprayers - Pump sprayers are not all that different from the lawn sprayers you could find at Home Depot or Lowes, and are great for spraying cleaning solutions on carpet or treating a large area with antimicrobial products to prevent mold growth. Electric sprayers utilize an electric pump instead of a manual pumping system in traditional pump sprayers. This allows electric sprayers to produce a more consistent spray pattern or rate of dispersion and allow them to cover large areas very quickly. 

Macro mist ULV Mister - Ultra-low volume (ULV) misters or macro misters compress liquid cleaning and sanitizing products like SERVPROXIDE or Benefect through a specially designed nozzle which produces a fine cold mist or aerosol. These types of misters produce extremely small droplets ranging in size from 1-150 micrometers and have a wide variety of restoration applications including disinfecting surfaces along with mold and odor control. Typically air tight containment is set up around the area to be treated, where technicians, donning personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators, gloves, eye protection, and Tyvek suits, liberally mists the entire area to encapsulate unwanted odors and/or sanitize surfaces.  

Thermal Fogger - Thermal foggers are very similar to mister in that they produce very fine aerosolized particles. They differ from them in the way they produce fog and the size of the particles they produce. Thermal foggers produce particles one micrometer or smaller and utilize heat to vaporize fogging solutions. When thermal fogging an area, air tight containment is erected around the area to be treated. Then a technician wearing the aforementioned PPE will liberally fog the entire area to sanitize surfaces and/or encapsulate unwanted odors.

Ozone Generator - Ozone generators do exactly what the name infers, they create ozone. Ozone is created by splitting oxygen into two solitary atoms. Each oxygen atom then attaches itself to a whole oxygen molecule to create an ozone molecule. Splitting of these molecules can be accomplished in two ways, Corona discharge which uses electrical discharge to split atoms and ultraviolet (UV) radiation which uses UV light to split oxygen molecules. On a molecular level ozone is very unstable meaning that its molecular bonds break down very easily and quickly (typically about 20 minutes). When ozone molecules come in contact with odors and/or bacterial molecules they bond with them, then break down destroying the odor and/or bacterials.

Have You Considered What Areas to Clean in your Riverside Store Before Reopening?

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for a higher standard of clean! 951-351-8033

As business and stores begin opening their doors, more shoppers will be visiting stores, this means more hands touching things.

By giving more attention to germ-prone areas, store workers play a significant role in preventing the spread of viruses. 

How do you properly clean sections of a grocery or retail store? Read our store checklist below!

Store Cleaning Checklist

• Shopping carts: As carts are used throughout the day, constantly wipe down the touch areas of the cart (especially the handles) with disinfectant cleaner. Treat hand baskets the same way. Nightly power washing serves as a proactive measure to sanitize and prepare the carts for use the next day.
• Checkout aisles: Cashiers (and with the assistance of baggers) should frequently clean the checkout area. The conveyor belt, rails on each side of the belt, customer counter, and the bagging area should be wiped down at pace with the number of customers passing through. 
• Credit Card Machines: Keep credit card reading machines clean. Cash and plastic cards are known for harboring germs.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms in a store probably already receive several cleanings per day, but with a recent emphasis on public health, it’s wise to increase the frequency of cleaning. Customer and employee restrooms should be sanitized throughout the day: floors, doors, stall walls/doors, all handles (including paper towel and soap dispensers), sinks, counters, baby changing sections, etc. Once the store is empty for the day, a more comprehensive cleaning should be done from top to bottom. Sanitize everything.
• Floors: Floors are high-traffic areas, and grocery store floors get even more foot traffic now that restaurant traffic is prohibited beyond carry-out. For more efficient and thorough floor sanitization, consider using an industrial auto-scrubber.
• Walk-in freezers and refrigerators: Because freezers and refrigeration units house more prepared food these days, it’s a best practice to keep them clean for food safety. Give extra attention to these areas where products are handled by customers. These areas should be routinely cleaned. At the time that works best for your store schedule, remove the items from the refrigerator or freezer and clean the surfaces with no-touch products. This mitigates contamination.

Be aware of places where hands leave behind germs and coughs/sneezes may leave behind pathogens.

Why Choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned?

If you are need a deep and professional clean, trust your certified SERVPRO cleanup and restoration experts. Our team is trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

Why Choose SERVPRO Disinfectants

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

Our proprietary disinfectant, SERVPROXIDE™ currently has dozens of EPA-approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus (MRSA), E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine flu (H1N1) and more. Porous materials like carpet, rugs, upholstered items, and draperies that are not water sensitive can also be wet cleaned using SERVPROXIDE™.

Trust your certified SERVPRO cleanup and sanitization experts and give us a call today!

As always, we are here to help! Our team is available 24/7 to proactively clean businesses. 

Visit our website SERVPRO of West Riverside City for more information on our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned service. 

Or Call us at 951-351-8033.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City Helps a local Manufacturing Company with Disinfecting

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Riverside disinfected and sanitized this local manufacturing facility.

When you receive a call that a local manufacturing company is requiring to have their facility disinfected, SERVPRO of West Riverside was there to help.

We were ask by Wayne Tallman from  HRM Janitorial company if we handled disinfecting and sanitizing.  Due to Covid-19 a company he regularly maintained was requiring disinfecting and sanitizing in addition to their regular cleaning and maintenance. 

Beyond the cleaning performed by a janitorial company, business owners and companies must understand that persons infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and/or COVID-19 that enter their property will potentially infect others and deposit the virus on surfaces.

According to the CDC, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. This could be between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

The CDC has set up a web page entitled Preventing COVID-19 Spread in Communities which addresses homes, childcare and K-12 schools, colleges and universities, work environments, healthcare settings, and large community events and mass gatherings.

For business purposes, the CDC recommends routine environmental cleaning. This should include routinely cleaning all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs; and provide disposable wipes so that commonly used surfaces (for example, doorknobs, keyboards, remote controls, desks) can be wiped down by employees before each use. For structures that utilize an internal or external janitorial crews, it is recommended that they follow proper cleaning protocols established by the CDC.

This is where SERVPRO of West Riverside City stepped in.  Fortunately for us, their regular janitorial maintenance company, HRM, is an amazing company and the facility was immaculate.  This is the first step that must be completed before disinfecting and sanitizing.  SERVPRO of West Riverside City came in and followed through with the following processes. 

Why Choose SERVPRO

When it comes to sanitization services, adapting advanced equipment is essential. During the time of a viral outbreak, it becomes critical. All around the world, Cleanup and Restoration companies are providing disinfecting sanitizing services, and SERVPRO is no stranger to these efforts. We always go out of our way to stay up to date with technology. Here at SERVPRO, "We utilize the most advanced equipment for cleaning." We have been in the biohazardous removal business for many years. 

How does a ULV (Ultra Low Volume) Fogger help SERVPRO of West Riverside City sanitize and disinfect? 

• Sanitization: A ULV fogger disperses water or solvent-based cleaners as a vapor in the air. ULV foggers make disinfection services go a little faster and make it easier to do regular cleaning maintenance at a quicker pace. "Our certified team knows how to protect your building." 
• Effectiveness: ULV foggers can mist the disinfectant to as small as 20 microns in size to get into hard to reach areas. We use SERVPROXIDE disinfectant, a hospital grade disinfectant with the EPA's lowest toxicity rating. It is suitable for fogging/misting applications (not all disinfectants are!). 
• Equipment: "Safety is important to us." Our techs can wear the proper equipment while using the ULV fogger, ensuring the job is done correctly and safely. Vapor-based equipment should always be used with protective masks and suits, to protect the respiratory system. 
• Technique: Advanced equipment is essential, but training is also important. Our technicians have the knowledge and experience to help you sanitize your workplace. We can give you tips, explain our process, and make sure to come back regularly to help minimize germs and pathogens inside of your building.  

We were able to assist this manufacturing facility accommodating their request to complete this during non business hours.  We followed up for further disinfecting and sanitizing at their request.  If you have specific needs we can work with you.  We can complete a one time cleaning or continual cleaning.   

If you feel your business or facility may need cleanup and disinfection services, don't wait. Get in touch with SERVPRO of West Riverside City 951-351-8033.  We can handle small offices up to large manufacturing facilities.  Call us for more information or visit our website SERVPRO of West Riverside.

Riverside Restaurant Owners, SERVPRO is here to HELP Reopen your Business!

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

Reach out to SERVPRO of West Riverside City if you have any questions regarding the steps necessary to reopen your restaurant.

As Riverside begins to reopen, your restaurant will be able to open for dine-in service. It will not go back to the way it was before COVID-19 right off the bat, but it is important to take precautions to protect you, your staff, and your customers to get back to normal. Here are some tips from the National Restaurant Association to help prepare you for reopening:

• Understand the rules and limitations. Not all states will be following the same limitations, follow up on Restaurants Act to find California's reopening rules.
• Follow established guidelines for reopening safely. Ensure you are following protocols for safe food handling, cleaning, and sanitizing. Implement employee health and hygiene as well as social distancing.
• Deep clean and sanitize your restaurant. Hire a specialty service to deep clean every surface in your restaurant such as SERVPRO. We are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your restaurant according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis. 
• Do not forget to sanitize the drive-thru station and all equipment if you have one. You can check out the CDC guidance and cleaning for more information.
• Rethink the dining room. Space out tables and chairs, even your bar stools. Look into putting barriers between booths.
• Get the word out. Communicate your plans so customers know you are taking proactive measures to provide a safe environment to dine in.
• Update your websites and social media platforms
• Have a sign outside your restaurant or in your window.
• Email blast your customers.
• Implement a “We’re back!” campaign.

We are also happy to announce a new service!!

We are proud to launch Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned—a cleaning and disinfecting program that SERVPRO offers to commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This is a level of clean that goes way beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. When businesses chose SERVPRO, your employees, customers, and community can rest assured that you’ve selected a “higher standard of clean”—Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. 

Protect your staff and customers with a thorough deep clean from SERVPRO. Our team has been called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect and sanitize their properties. We will even provide you with signage to hang in your window for your customers to see. Restaurant workers are serving our friends and families. Allow us to help protect what matters most.

Visit our website for more information or call us at 951-351-8033.  We are available for questions.

We Can Clean and Disinfect Your Riverside Gym

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

Free weights, weight machines, and exercise mats are all handled by so many people all loaded with germs that can lead to viruses. Let SERVPRO Help!

As gyms and workout facilities start to open back up, gym-goers will be eager to get back into their workout routine.

Before letting your members back into your doors, make sure that your gym is prepared for post-pandemic response to protect your staff and members.

According to the CDC, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. This could be between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Gyms are hotbeds of germ activity because of people being so close together and constantly using the same equipment. By implementing enhanced disinfection guidelines in your gym, you can help minimize the spread of germs.

Germ Hot Spots:

• Free weights
• Weight machines
• Exercise balls
• Exercise mats
• Cardio machines

Free weights, weight machines, exercise balls, and exercise mats are all handled by so many people that the equipment is loaded with germs that can lead to viruses like COVID-19 among other illnesses. As gym-goers start to use this equipment, they could be holding or lying on a slew of germs. According to a survey of over 1,000 gym-goers, 31.1% admitted they do not wipe down equipment after use.

Wiping down equipment is not a new gym policy by any means, but to help your members keep peace of mind, read and enforce the tips below:

• Provide hand sanitizer (at least 60% of alcohol) throughout the facility and require members to sanitize hands
• At facility entrance, or before beginning fitness activities.
• After using each piece of equipment.
• Upon completing their fitness routine and leaving.
• Provide disinfecting wipes for members to wipe down equipment surfaces that are in direct contact with skin after each use. Surfaces include:
• Hand grips on cardio equipment (treadmills, bicycles, ellipticals, stair-steppers).
• Hands grips on dumbbells, weight bars, and other strength-training systems.
• Pads/cushioned components (fitness mats, bike seats, lifting benches)
• Fitness balls, rope handles and other fitness equipment.
• Any U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA-registered antimicrobial wipes are appropriate for performing individual wipe-down between uses.
• Consider Benefect Botanical Disinfectant Wipes
• Perform a thorough cleaning and disinfection of all skin-contact surfaces of equipment at the end of the day using an EPA-registered disinfectant.
• Currently there are no disinfectants that have been tested specifically for this particular emerging viral pathogen. The CDC recommends usage of a labeled Hospital Grade disinfectant with claims against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2.

Reopen with a Professional Deep Clean

Now, more than ever, it is important to provide a safe, clean environment for your staff and members. Bring them peace of mind by having your gym sanitized and disinfected by SERVPRO. Our cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste. 

SERVPROXIDE™, SERVPRO’s proprietary disinfectant, is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to COVID-19 on hard, non-porous surfaces. As mentioned before, there are no disinfectants that have been tested specifically for this particular emerging viral pathogen. However, per the CDC, this product can be used against COVID-19.  Porous materials like carpet, rugs, upholstered items, and draperies that are not water sensitive can also be wet cleaned using SERVPROXIDE™.

If you are interested in inquiring about our services we’re here to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, please do not hesitate to call us 951-351-8033.

Can you Clean Porous Materials as you do Non-porous Surfaces?

5/27/2020 (Permalink)

Here we use we used a ULV fogger that can mist the disinfectant to as small as 20 microns in size to get into hard to reach areas.

The CDC describes cleaning as removing germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects.

The CDC describes cleaning as removing germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning works by using a detergent and water to physically remove germs from surfaces. This process does not necessarily kill germs, but by removing them, it lowers their numbers and the risk of spreading infection.

Some materials cannot be cleaned with detergent and water without being damaged. For this reason, paper and paper products are not able to be cleaned and/or disinfected. Cleaning methods typically used on water sensitive materials such as vacuuming or dry sponging would not be capable of removing enough soil and residue to be effective.

Porous materials like carpet, area rugs, upholstered items, and draperies that are not water sensitive, can be wet cleaned using a Hot Water Extraction or Deluxe Preconditioner and Rinse method. Carpets can also be sanitized with SERVPROXIDE™ (product #100) following label directions, if needed.

Non-porous materials like hard surface floors, cabinets, countertops, doorknobs, and plumbing fixtures can be wet cleaned using a variety of SERVPRO hard surface cleaners (general purpose cleaners) and cleaning methods. 

Disinfecting of Non-porous Surfaces

The CDC describes disinfecting as killing germs on surfaces or objects. Disinfecting works by using chemicals to kill germs on surfaces or objects. This process does not necessarily clean dirty surfaces or remove germs, but by killing germs on a surface after cleaning, it can further lower the risk of spreading infection.

Not all surfaces can be disinfected. Because of the porosity of some materials, disinfection is not possible. This includes carpet, area rugs, upholstered items, and draperies.

Non-porous materials like hard surface floors, cabinets, countertops, doorknobs, and plumbing fixtures can be disinfected using a variety of disinfectants within the SERVPRO product line. 

Currently there are no disinfectants that have been tested specifically for this particular emerging viral pathogen. The CDC recommends usage of a labeled Hospital Grade disinfectant with claims against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2.

SERVPROXIDE™ (product #100) is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. Per the CDC, this product can be used against SARS-CoV-2 when used in accordance with the directions for use against Norovirus Feline Calicivirus and Canine Parvovirus, Strain Cornell-780916, ATCC VR2016 on hard, non-porous surfaces. In addition, SERVPROXIDE™ currently has EPA-approved claims for Feline coronavirus (Strain WSU 79-1683, ATCC VR 989) and Canine coronavirus (Strain 1-71, ATCC VR-809). As with all emerging-type pathogens, proper PPE use is of the utmost importance.

SERVPROXIDE™ should be used in accordance with label directions.

These disinfectants are normally applied using a spray bottle, pump-up sprayer, electric sprayer, or ULV Mister and must dwell on the surface for 10 minutes. Once again, follow label directions for the specific disinfectant being used.

The CDC encourages the use of disinfecting wipes on electronic items that are touched often, such as phones and computers. Pay close attention to the directions for using disinfecting wipes. It may be necessary to use more than one wipe to keep the surface wet for the stated length of contact time. Make sure that the electronics can withstand the use of liquids for cleaning and disinfecting. Consider Benefect Botanical Disinfectant Wipes for this purpose.

For more information about our Proactive Cleaning Services, call us at 951-351-8033!

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – a defensive cleaning program

5/25/2020 (Permalink)

 Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.

Let us help you get back to business

As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Extensive training and specialized products

As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.  Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities. 

From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.

3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify

When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.

• Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
• Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials.  In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible. 
• Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation

We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City today at  951-351-8033 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.

* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience.  Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.

Riverside can Trust SERVPRO to Help Disinfect Schools and Universities

5/20/2020 (Permalink)

You can count on SERVPRO of West Riverside to Clean and Sanitize Riverside Schools and Universities! Call us 951-351-8033

COVID-19 has taken the world by surprise and it is still unknown how much longer the pandemic will last.

Riverside has been hit by the coronavirus and has made many residents frightened and worried about their safety.

Those in charge of public spaces everywhere are responding to the pandemic threat by canceling events, recommending “social distancing,” and reminding people of best practices in hygiene.

In March, Riverside schools and universities closed as a precautionary measure. It is unknown what impact there will be, but there are things we can do to be proactive before opening schools and universities back up/The World Health Organization released an advisory for schools that remain open to:

When it comes to preventing the spread of this virus, it is up to us as a community to do the best we can to remain informed and act with thoughtful consideration.

Students and their parents trust administrators to address public health issues and we are here to offer our school cleaning services to help you put together an action plan that includes decontamination.

Cleanliness is how to best be proactive and we are here to help. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your school or university, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

SERVPRO Response to COVID-19

Bring them peace of mind to your students and their families by having your school or university sanitized and disinfected by SERVPRO. Our cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

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

Trust your certified SERVPRO cleanup and sanitization experts and give us a call today!

SERVPRO of West Riverside City 951-351-8033

Protect Your Riverside Childcare Workers and the Children they Care For

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

Here to help childcare workers and children attending daycares, we can clean and sanitize your facility!

As we prepare to slowly start opening businesses, we all want to make sure that buildings are cleaned and sanitized, especially those with our little ones in it.

When returning to work, no parent should have to stress about their children being safe while at a childcare program such as daycare. It is imperative to ensure that all high-touch surfaces and areas are cleaned and disinfected before children come in.

Areas that should be cleaned include:

-Offices

-Playrooms

-Cribs

-Bedding

-Bathrooms

-Common play areas

High-touch surfaces include:

-Doorknobs

-Counters

-Changing tables

-Toys

-Light switches

-Faucet handles

-Toilets

-Tablets

-Keyboards

-Crib railings

Remember to always clean from the least contaminated areas (light switches, doorknobs) to the most contaminated areas (faucet, toilet, handle).

Daycare Health Strategies:

Daycare staff and parents can promote a healthy environment for children to follow. These healthy learning and play measures include:

-Encourage hand washing with real soap for at least 20 seconds.

-Put hand sanitizer in numerous stations around the facility for daycare workers and older children.

-Provide disinfectant wipes for workers to wipe down items and surfaces such as toys, tables, chairs, learning stations, inside recreational areas, outside playground equipment, and other frequently touched items or surfaces.

-Workers may wear disposable gloves when needed and appropriate.

-Remind parents and workers of daycare sickness policy.

-Coordinate with the facility cleaning team regarding special measures to be taken during flu and cold season or during periods of a significant increase in sickness.

These measures are very simple and can help keep childcare programs happy and healthy. For more information about childcare precautions, visit the CDC.

Need a Professional Deep Clean?

It is never too late to have SERVPRO come into your daycare for disinfecting services. Our team is available 24/7 and is ready to help. Using advanced cleaning technologies, tools, and techniques, we clean to the most thorough standard. For worried parents and staff, you can encourage peace of mind by having a professional deep clean. We are here in your community and here to help. For more information about our cleaning services, call 951-351-8033.

How Can SERVPRO Help Senior Living Facilities in Riverside City

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Assisted living workers are serving and caring for our families. Allow us to help protect what matters most.

With our most vulnerable citizens at risk, SERVPRO and Disaster Recovery Teams have been mobilizing cleaning crews to assisted living and senior nursing homes throughout the state.

Recently, a new strain of the coronavirus, COVID-19, has been in news outlets all over the world. What exactly is COVID-19? Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

The disease has spread across the world since 2019, resulting in the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic. A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that is found over a wide geographic area and affects a substantial segment of the population.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that older adults and people with severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at a high risk of developing more serious complications from COVID-19.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City recommends that everyone protect themselves and others by following the advice of the CDC. The CDC urges people to immediately incorporate the following practices into their daily lives.

What Precautions is SERVPRO of West Riverside Taking

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

To protect our employees and our customers, we are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment.

During this pandemic many are already feeling the effects of stress, and throw in the added stress of water damage from rainfall leaks is highly distressing. 

Niki of Kulture Konnect contacted us regarding water damage due to extended rain, to inspect the damage of both her home and business properties.  A concern of hers was allowing service people into her home while having two  kids in the home with the stay at home order.  We assured Niki that we would take all necessary precautions. 

What precautions is SERVPRO taking due to COVID-19?

In these times of stress and uncertainty, the threat of COVID-19 has many insureds unwilling to allow service providers into their home or business. The number one priority at SERVPRO is safety. All SERVPRO processes, procedures, and cleaning products adhere to and follow applicable CDC, EPA, and industry guidelines.

To protect our customers and our employees, SERVPRO franchises, which are independently owned and operated, are required to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) when entering a customer’s home to provide services. This protocol is relevant for services on ALL types of losses: water, fire, smoke, contents, cleanup, etc.

To protect our employees and our customers, we are required to wear (at minimum) the following PPE when entering a customer’s home, regardless of what service we are providing:

• Respiratory protection
• Gloves
• Goggles

As an additional safety precaution, all equipment used is cleaned and decontaminated after EVERY job to help assure the equipment coming into your customer’s home is contaminant-free.  

When it comes to disinfection and sanitization, SERVPRO of West Riverside cleanup practices follow applicable CDC guidelines and use EPA-approved products. We are here to help protect you and your family – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.

SERVPRO  = Peace of Mind

During these unprecedented times,  SERVPRO of West Riverside City remains open and we are actively on the front lines responding to emergency service needs in addition the needs of our customers. 

We have years of experience in biological hazards.  We understand our customer’s concerns and have standard operating procedures in place to protect both our customers and our employees

Our procedures and products all adhere to CDC and EPA Guidelines.

Now, more than ever we are Here to Help!  Trust your certified SERVPRO cleanup and sanitization experts. Health and safety are key during these pandemic times.  

Call us 951-351-8033

Heavy Rains in March caused Water Damage in nearby Riverside City

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

This was the damage that resulted from a water leak from rain last month.

Rainfall and colder than usual weather going into March, is not something Californians are used to. 

Californians experienced wetter than normal conditions into March that led us into our Stay-at-Home order.  Many experienced water leaks and flooding due to this rainfall.  One home owner, and business owner of Kulture Konnect, felt the effects at her place of business and also at her home. 

Niki's work location began with a leak and turned into a stream of water coming through her office ceiling panels.  SERVPRO of West Riverside City, inspected the leak and provided guidance.  As for her home, we were able to inspect using photos, then performed an onsite inspection.  Why address water damage right away?

The initial dangers of a roof leak are damage to the attic area. If there is no attic, or the size of the leak is really big, it will damage the interior ceiling. Affected ceiling paint will darken and ceiling plaster may bubble and expand. The leaking water will also damage paint and plaster on nearby walls. You can also expect damage on ceiling-mounted lights and fans.

Did you know that secondary damage can occur after water damage in your home or commercial building?  If water damage is not properly treated, the perfect environment is created for mold spores to grow in your home and to contaminate the air that is breathed.

After water leaks,  a home or business can develop mold from the moisture.  Black mold is the most common type resulting from chronic water intrusion. Toxic black mold growth is rare, but even non-toxic, black mold attacks wood framing, ceiling tiles, walls and floor coverings. Mold is difficult to get rid of, and can be costly.

 A roof leak repair should take the highest priority on your list of home maintenance issues.

It is crucial that the source of the leak is fixed to make sure that it does not happen again.

It may be hard to identify but this is one of the most important steps of restoration.

Roofing leaks can develop for a variety of reasons: improper roof installation, wind or storm damage, and lack of maintenance. Keep in mind that most roofs are only meant to last 20 to 30 years so it could simply be time to replace your roof.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City strives to prevent secondary damage every time we remediate water damage. Building material and flooring are dried and treated to prevent mold and other allergens/contaminates using specialized equipment and cleaning products.

In Niki's home SERVPRO of West Riverside City contained the area to begin the drying process.  We use scientific drying methods to draw remaining water and moisture from your property with air movers and dehumidifiers.  Then we clean and sanitize.  Water damage also affects your belongings, like furniture, clothing, and personal items. SERVPRO of West Riverside can clean restorable items using a number of specialized cleaning techniques. We also sanitize with antimicrobial treatments and remove odors using industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment.

Our SERVPRO of West Riverside City team can work directly with your insurance provider to make the claim process simple. We achieve that by recording essential details and communicating with the insurance adjuster throughout the process. We also understand the importance of letting our customers know everything about the procedures we use during the restoration process. 

When your residential or commercial property experiences a water damage incident, call SERVPRO of West Riverside City to know your options. We offer emergency cleaning and restoration services at any time of the day or night, call (951) 351-8033 to work with our experienced technicians.

If you would like more information on how SERVPRO can help you, visit our website, we're available for your emergency needs 24 hours a day 7 days a week, including holidays! We are local to Riverside and ready to help.

About Kulture Konnect

If you would like to learn more about Kulture Konnect and how they can help your business, visit their website or their Facebook page.  They are amazing and offer Full design service, Websites, Social Media Management!   

"Kulture Konnect can serve as your design and marketing department taking care of all – or complementing your internal – graphic design and marketing efforts. We are confident that our expertise in graphic design services like branding, print, website design and development, blogging, email marketing, SEO, content marketing, social media marketing, infographic design, e-book design and more will allow us to provide you with a complete and positive experience. Less"

If you're re-opening your business and need some assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to them!

Are You Feeling the Effects of Dry Hands?

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Along with hand soap keep hand lotion, or better yet, hand cream at every sink to prevent dry hands.

We hear of many complaining of dry cracked hands as a result of measures we need to take.  We are urged to follow the direction from CDC and health officials who have emphasized that regular hand washing is imperative to helping curb the spread of COVID-19.

In this blog we will discuss the follow:  When do I need to wash my hands?  Tips from AAD on how to reduce risk of dry, chapped hands.  And what types of hand soaps and hand moisturizers should we look for?

When do I need to wash my hands?

Handwashing throughout the day is important, but even more important during an outbreak. Always remember to wash your hands in these situations:

After returning from a public outing (grocery store, work, school, concert, sporting activity, hospital, nursing home, etc.).

Before leaving the bathroom — both at home and in public bathrooms.

After shaking hands during flu season and virus outbreaks.

Before, during, and after preparing food, especially raw food.

Before eating food.

Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea.

Before and after treating a cut or wound.

After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet.

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste.

After handling pet food or pet treats.

After touching garbage.

After putting on your shoes.

After using public computers, touching public tables and countertops, cash and coins, other people’s phones, etc.

Tips From AAD

Don’t let dry cracked skin stop you from washing your hands regularly or from washing them at least 20 seconds.  We found tips from American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

We naturally have oils and wax on the outer layer of our skin which shields and guards our skin.  This maintains natural moisture.  With the increase of washing our hands with hand soap and the use of alcohol based sanitizers, this causes a break down of this barrier causing  dry, cracked hands.

To reduce your risk of dry, cracked skin from handwashing, follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists:

1. Use lukewarm water

Not hot water, for at least 20 seconds, patting your hands dry with a towel. 

1. Moisturize immediately after washing your hands.
1. Pat your hands dry, then rub a pea-sized amount of moisturizer over your hands.
2. Use moisturizers with mineral oil or petrolatum.
1. Look for ointments and creams — the ones you squeeze out of a tube — as these are more effective than products you pump out of a bottle.
3. Choose fragrance- and dye-free moisturizers.
1. These are less irritating for your skin.
4. When soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer.
1. The CDC recommends using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Since these can be drying, apply moisturizer after your hands dry.
5. Continue washing your hands, even if they feel dry.
1. Washing your hands can remove harmful bacteria and viruses.

Don’t believe everything you hear or see online. Using moisturizer after washing your hands does NOT negate your hand washing efforts, and there is NO evidence that using hand sanitizer makes you more vulnerable to infections or viruses.

What Types of hand soaps and hand creams should we look for?  uclahealth.org helps us with some tips:

How should we wash our hands to avoid skin dryness?

Apply enough mild, fragrance-free soap to remove dirt, but avoid using so much that it creates a thick lather—this washes away natural oils. Wash with warm, not hot water, for at least 20 seconds, patting your hands dry with a towel. Once your hands are dry, apply a moisturizer immediately. Keep small travel sizes of creams in purse, gym bag, and at your work desk to make sure it is within reach.

Are there any ingredients people should avoid when their skin is chapped?

Products that contain fragrance can be irritating to chapped, sensitive skin. Creams and ointments are better than lotions. Hand sanitizers with too much alcohol can be drying to chapped skin. You can try a hand sanitizer with a moisturizing base, just know that it will not be as effective in killing viruses.

Are there common misconceptions about what to look for in hand creams?

Use hand ointment or cream instead of a lotion as these are more effective. Petrolatum (Vaseline) is still the most effective moisturizer out there.

Are there other treatments besides hands creams that people should consider?

At nighttime before going to bed, apply thick moisturizer and then cover with cotton gloves to increase absorption. Beauty product junkies can consider a moisturizing mask for hands. These glove-like masks are applied for 20 minutes, then washed off. Consider a humidifier at night—raising the humidity level in a room can help dry skin.

Again, health and safety are key during these pandemic times.  Keep these tips in mind since this will likely be the "new norm" of regularly keeping our hands clean, and for minimum 20 seconds.  I use petroleum jelly every night and first thing in the morning.  I can see a difference taking these steps.  Please be safe!

SERVPRO's Use of Personal Protective Equipment

5/4/2020 (Permalink)

Appropriate use of PPE keeps SERVPRO Technicians safe when performing Sanitizing and Cleaning.

In our line of work, SERVPRO® technicians come into contact with hazards that could cause injury and must use special personal protective equipment or PPE. Some examples of these hazards could be environments with dust, fumes, smoke or some that pose a biological or chemical threat if exposed and viruses. All technicians are trained in identifying when PPE is necessary on a jobsite, what and how to wear each item. It is also extremely important to understand the limitations of the personal protective equipment, useful life and proper disposal procedures.

On a CAT 3 site, you would see the following PPE on a SERVPRO® of West Riverside City technician:

CDC outlines how to DON and DOFF Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

How to Put On (Don) PPE Gear

More than one donning method may be acceptable. Training and practice using your healthcare facility’s procedure is critical. Below is one example of donning.

Tips for School Age Children while Riverside Schools Remain Closed

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Take a deep breath. Know that we are all in this together. And together we will get through it.

Having school aged children at home during the stay-at-home order can be challenging! But there are some things we can do to help keep children focused on online or virtual school and activities to keep them busy.

Keeping a routine is key

Healthy Children.org recommends the first step: Take a deep breath. Know that we are all in this together. And together we will get through it.

They also recommend to keep a routine.  Children thrive with a routine.  Daily expectations will keep them on track and focused.  Create a daily schedule that can be placed on the refrigerator where they can see it each day.  Be sure to include breaks from tele-work or schoolwork to relax and connect with each other.  Here are some ideas to help you create a daily schedule:

• Wake up, get dressed and have breakfast at the normal time.
• Decide where everyone can do their work most effectively and without distractions.
• List the times for learning, exercise and breaks.
• For younger children, 20 minutes of class assignments followed by 10 minutes of physical activity might work well.
• Older children and teens may be able to focus on assignments for longer stretches, taking breaks between subjects.
• Include your hours as well, so your children know when the work day is done.
• Schedule time for nutritious lunches and snacks. Many schools are providing take-home school meal packages for students who need them.
• Don't forget afternoon breaks as well!
• Have dinner together as a family and discuss the day.
• Enjoy more family time in the evenings, playing, reading, watching a movie or exercising together.
• Stick with normal bedtime routines as much as possible during the week to make sure everyone gets enough sleep.

CDC recommends keeping children active:

Make physical activity intentional.  If you don’t plan it, it probably won’t get done.  Dedicate one-hour blocks of time for exercise each morning and afternoon, with ‘free exercise’ outside after ‘school’. For older children and teens, many coaches have been sending home training ideas. Be intentional about this and include it on their daily schedules.

• Encourage your child to play outdoors—it’s great for physical and mental health. Take a walk with your child or go on a bike ride.
• Use indoor activity breaks (like stretch breaks or dance breaks) throughout the day to help your child stay healthy and focused.

•  Create Your Own Workout-Create your own “high intensity” workout with your family. Each person chooses their favorite moves, such as lunges, jumping jacks, squats, or even hops. Using a timer, do each workout move for 20 seconds, then take a 10-second break. Do four sets of each move, then take a 30 second break. This “interval training” is fun, fast-paced and really gets hearts pumping! 
• Offer a challenge—i.e., challenge your kids to do a certain activity XX number of times, or challenge them to do X in XX number of minutes, with a reward for achieving this.
• Have a dance party
• Start planning your summer garden!
• Create an obstacle course with toys and games from your garage.
• If they play instruments, have them learn new songs.

CDC recommends helping your child stay socially connected

• Reach out to friends and family via phone or video chats.
• Write cards or letters to family members they may not be able to visit.

• Families can connect with Jackbox TV, for great family games. 

 Players play using their phones, tablets, or even computers as controllers – making it the perfect easy-in entertainment piece for your next game night or party.  It can be displayed using Zoom to play with others outside their home.

• Create a scavenger hunt.  This can be done several ways.  Have neighbors place certain items on their windows for kids to find.  You can easily create one in your back yard.  It can also be played on Zoom, where a list of items will be called out.  Kids have 2 minutes to locate the item in their home… the person with the most items collected from the list is the winner!
• Make dinner as a family; find recipes and tips for cooking with children safely on the Cooking with Kids webpage.

Parents can be creative and be flexible.  You have to find a balance that works for your family. The goal should be to stay sane and stay safe.

Understanding Water Damage To Your Riverside Home

4/29/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City can help with your emergency water damage loss. We are open!

Water Damage: Your Quick Reference Guide

If you're like the majority of Americans, your home is your most valuable possession. As such, you want to do all that you can to protect it against man-made hazards and natural disasters. One of the most severe threats to the structural integrity and safety of your home is water damage. By learning more about what causes water damage in Riverside and how to correct it, you can keep your residential property in great condition:

What Causes Water Damage?

As water damage experts know, there are several factors that can lead to water damage. One of them includes natural disasters like floods and storms. Riverside water damage can also transpire as a result of household factors like cracks in the roof, overflowing washing machines, leaky dishwashers, and broken pipes.

The Effects Of Water Damage

Unfortunately, water damage can have a profoundly negative impact on your property. For example, the water can corrode your home's foundation, baseboards, and drywall. It can also ruin your electronics, appliances, upholstery, and furniture.

According to Insurance Business America, “The number of water damage claims resulting from leaks has surged”.

Water Damage Categories

Generally, water damage is classified into three groups. They include:

Category 1- Category 1 is referred to as clean water. This type of water damage poses no significant harm to you or members of your household. Category 1 water typically results from broken appliances and overflowing sinks.

Category 2-  Category 2 water is referred to as grey water. This type results from broken sump pumps and toilets. This water can be contaminated with bacteria and is thus a threat to the safety of you and your loved ones.

Category 3-  Category 3 water is water from the sewer. It is contaminated and can have an adverse impact on your health.

Preventing Water Damage

There are several strategies you can implement to prevent water damage from transpiring on your property. Some of them include:

• Elevating appliances
• Tightening faucets
• Shutting off supply valves

Even when you implement strategies to prevent water damage, excess water can erupt on your property at any moment. To ensure that your home is safeguarded against damage from standing water, call the professionals of SERVPRO of West Riverside City.

Our IICRC-certified technicians will provide you with the detail-oriented, client-centered care that keeps you calm throughout the remediation process and leaves you satisfied with the results.

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of West Riverside City is strategically located to respond quickly to your flood and water emergency event. When water damage occurs in Riverside, we have the resources and personnel to help.  951-351-8033

Bring Out That Grill...Safely, While We're Home

4/27/2020 (Permalink)

Would like more information on hiring a team experienced in Smoke & Fire Damage Restoration? Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City Today 951-351-8033

Take advantage of being "safer at home" and bring out those grills!  The weather is getting nicer, so being outdoors can be a great stress reliever.

To make sure you have a safe grilling season, we will provide a list of safety precautions, such as how to check your gas lines before you start grilling and where to place your grill. Grilling is supposed to be fun and relaxing. Don't let one grilling mistake ruin your spring! 

Before you use your grill:

Check the major connection points between the gas (propane) tank hose and the regulator and cylinder, and where the hose connects to the burners. Tighten if loose.

• Check the gas (propane) tank hose for potential gas leaks. To do that:
• Apply a light soap and water solution to the hose using a brush or spray bottle.
• Turn the propane tank on. If there is a gas leak, the propane will release bubbles around the hose (big enough to see).
• If there are no bubbles, your grill is safe to use.
• If there are bubbles, turn off the tank and check connections If the leaks continue, then have your grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the leak doesn’t stop, call the fire department immediately.

When the grill is on:

• As you are cooking, if you smell gas, turn off the gas tank and burners.
• If the leak stops immediately, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.
• If the smell continues, move away from the grill and call the fire department immediately. Do not move the grill.

Charcoal grills

• There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
• If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire once it starts burning.
• Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.
• There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use an open flame. Be sure to use an extension cord rated for outdoor use.
• When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

By following these steps this will help you have a safe and happy grilling season. 

10 Things Never to Do When You Grill

Play it safe and check out these 10 things you should never …

• Never Leave the Grill Unattended

Never walk away from a lighted grill, because the open flames present a fire hazard. Also, for safety's sake, always have a fire extinguisher on hand.

• Never Use a Metal Brush

Avoid using metal-bristle brushes to clean your grill grates; the bristles can break off and become lodged in your food. Instead, rely on a wad of aluminum foil, dish scrubbers, or clean damp rags to wipe your grill—preferably while the grates are still warm.

• Don’t Run Out of Fuel

Make sure you have enough propane (or charcoal) to finish cooking your food before you start. Keep a spare full propane tank or bag of charcoal on hand, just in case.

• Don’t Use Lighter Fluid

Avoid using lighter fluid or lighter-fluid-infused charcoal briquettes, because the chemicals can impart a nasty flavor to your food. That’s also why you should never use gasoline, kerosene, or oil to start your grill!

• Banish Bacteria

Avoid food contamination both on and off the grill by following safe handling procedures: wash your hands, keep the food in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill, and don't prepare raw meats and vegetables on the same surface. To be sure meats are sufficiently cooked, use a grill-safe thermometer to check that they've reached the proper internal temperature (165 degrees Fahrenheit for poultry, 160 degrees Fahrenheit for ground meat, and 145 degrees Fahrenheit for steaks or roasts).

• Skip the Sloppy Look

Don't wear loose clothing, scarves, or dangling jewelry while grilling; these items can potentially catch fire in open flames. If you have long hair, tie it back or tuck it under a hat to avoid singeing your lovely locks.

• Never Skip Resting Time

As tempting and mouthwatering as that just-cooked steak may appear, don’t cut into it immediately, or you'll end up with a dryer, tougher piece of meat. Rest your meat for a few minutes to give the internal juices time to redistribute through the muscle fibers. You'll be rewarded with juicy goodness in every bite. 

• Don’t Char, Grill!!

Be careful not to overcook your meat. Not only does burned barbecue taste unappealing, but it also forms dangerous carcinogenic compounds, known as heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which have been linked to increased risks of pancreatic, colorectal, and prostate cancer.

• Stay Away From Smoke

Never stand directly over a smoky grill, and avoid inhaling the fumes. Grill smoke contains carbon monoxide as well as substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to increased risk of certain cancers—especially lung cancer.

• Don’t Drink and Grill

Grilling under the influence of alcohol can be a recipe for disaster. Wait to pop open a cold one until the grilling and food preparation is complete, then help yourself to a recreational beverage while your meat is resting.

HAPPY GRILLING!!!

If you would like more information on hiring a team experienced in Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City Today at (951) 351-8033

Keeping Your Riverside Workplace Safe and Healthy

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

You can count on SERVPRO of West Riverside to follow CDC guidelines when cleaning your property!

Workplace Specific Health Strategies

What can employers do to promote a healthy work environment to minimize infectious diseases?

A simple and efficient path to promote workplace health includes the following items:

• Encourage hand washing with real soap for at least 20 seconds.
• Put hand sanitizer in numerous stations around the office or facility.
• Provide disinfectant wipes for employees to wipe down surfaces such as keyboards, mouse, desk, chair, pens, stylus, pencils, touch screens, etc.
• Allow employees to wear disposable gloves.
• Remind employees of the company's sick policy. Sharing virus or Influenza with workspace mates or the production crew could be very costly to all involved parties.
• Coordinate with the facility cleaning team regarding special measures to be taken during flu season or during periods of significant employee sickness.

These measures are very basic yet they go a long way to keep the workplace healthy and happy.

When is the right time to call in a professional cleaning service to clean, disinfect, and sanitize the workplace?

Seeking consultation and assistance from a highly trained, well-informed, and experienced cleaning professional to address workplace health and hygiene is both proactive and pre-emptive. Losing multiple teams or crew members to an outbreak of an infectious disease for a week or two could crush production efficiencies. An office or sales force outbreak could slow or halt sales generation and depress a revenue cycle. The cost of an absentee employee is so much more than paid sick leave.

Qualified cleaning professional like SERVPRO of West Riverside City can provide prevention strategies for a business as well as for a school, daycare or church. People recognize SERVPRO as the industry leader for water and fire damage restoration and disaster recovery. SERVPRO of West Riverside City team also specializes in commercial cleaning at a level that exceeds other cleaning services. Using advanced restoration and cleaning equipment, SERVPRO experts clean to the deepest level.

For a deep clean that can address germs and infection in an office workspace or industrial environment, the team at SERVPRO of West Riverside City offers a comprehensive solution that includes disinfecting all floors and flat surfaces. They can also address the more heavy-duty situations out on the plant floor and in the canteen, showers, and restrooms.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City can make any business look, smell, feeling fresh and clean at the same time making it a sanitary and safe environment. Most people only think of a flooded house, a sewage spill, fire damage, or disaster recovery when they think of SERVPRO. But the professionals at SERVPRO of West Riverside City have been providing deep clean and regular maintenance for businesses, schools, daycares, churches, and homes for decades.

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City today to schedule your cleaning (951) 351-8033.

Everything That Storm Damage Cleanup Entails for your Riverside Home

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

If your Riverside home has faced water damage from a storm, we are here to help. Give us a call and we can provide free inspection.

After your Riverside neighborhood has been hit by inclement weather, now, to call SERVPRO of West Riverside City professionals to make everything look like new again.

However, do you really understand the steps that will take place? Here’s a quick breakdown of everything that a storm damage cleanup job may entail, from start to finish.

1) An Inspection of the Damage

The first thing that the storm damage cleanup professional at  SERVPRO of West Riverside City will do is complete an assessment of damage. They’ll walk through your house and make a note of everything that the storm had affected. Any puddles of water, soaked carpeting, holes in the walls, and more will be thoroughly documented and photographed. The storm damage cleanup team at SERVPRO of West Riverside City will provide you with a punch list of everything that needs to be done.  We will also work with your home insurance company to help mitigate the situation. This assessment will contain costs, scope of work description and a timeline.

2) Removing Any Existing Water

After the storm damage cleanup company has received written permission to begin the restoration process Riverside, they will remove all content from the affected area and start the extraction of water that’s in your home. They’ll use special equipment soak up puddles that a simple set of towels cannot handle and ensure that every bit of standing water in your home is removed. They will go through every step necessary to complete this task, including blotting your carpeting and taking care of any sodden curtains. Know that any content damaged Riverside can also be service by SERVPRO.

3) Running a Dehumidifier and Drying Everything Out

Next, the storm damage cleanup crew will set up dehumidifiers for the drying process. They are necessary. The lack of puddles of standing water doesn’t mean that the job is over. Your floorboards, walls, carpeting, ceilings and everything else that received water damage could still be moist. That dampness, when left alone, will lead to mold. It’s SERVPRO of West Riverside City's duty to make sure that this mold doesn’t have a chance to set in, so they’ll go through the additional steps to completely dry every surface.

4) Sanitizing the Space

Once everything is dry, our team will start cleaning and sanitizing. This ensures that things like mold won’t be able to set up shop, so to speak. The storm damage cleanup crew will SERVPRO patented cleaning solutions to kill off any potential germs or irritants lurking in your formerly waterlogged home. This can only be done once all of the water has been removed, and those carpets and walls are now dry.

5) Performing Restoration Services

Finally, the last of the restoration services are completed. This consists of the storm damage cleanup crew going through and repairing holes in the walls and ceiling, replacing broken windows, and even repainting walls, if necessary. They will do everything required in order to make your home look just like it did before the storm – only cleaner. In addition, the best companies take the time to ensure that you’re pleased with the results.

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City today, if your home has experienced any water damage – large or small! 951-351-8033

Twelve Things You Can Do to Prepare for Spring

4/15/2020 (Permalink)

Ready to prepare your Riverside home for Spring? These steps can help prevent future issues!

Done with Winter? Are your Ready to Prep for Spring?

Here are 12 things you can do to prepare your Riverside home.

Stay Healthy: 6 Tips for Avoiding Cold and Flu

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

To completely get rid of viruses from your skin, you need to scrub hard for 20 seconds or more.

People who are exposed to cold and flu germs every day.

Doctors, flight attendants, teachers -- know a thing or two about how to stay healthy when everyone around them is sick. Their suggestions can help you, too.

Get a flu shot. It's the No. 1 thing you can do to prevent the flu.

Wash your hands -- a lot. No matter what line of work you’re in, if you come in contact with people who are contagious, you have to wash your hands over and over, says Alan Pocinki, MD. Pocinki practices internal medicine at the George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC.

“Wash your hands as much as you can stand, and then some more -- especially after wrapping up a visit with someone who’s sick,” Pocinki says.

It sounds so simple, but soap and water are the constant companions of doctors and nurses. To completely get rid of viruses from your skin, you need to scrub hard for 20 seconds or more. A good way to time yourself is to sing "Happy Birthday" twice while scrubbing the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails. It doesn't matter if the water's hot or cold -- the very act of scrubbing will physically remove the germs.

Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you can’t get to soap and water, sanitizer can kill cold and flu germs.

Avoid getting close to people who are sick. For example, don't shake hands.

“Doctors tend to be very cautious about hand shaking,” says Terri Remy, MD, medical director of Medical Associates at Beauregard in Alexandria, VA. “Just explain, ‘To keep transmission of colds and flu down, I’m not shaking hands. But hello! Nice to meet you!’ They understand.”

Keep your surroundings clean. Arlington, VA, massage therapist Amanda Long asks clients to stay home if they feel bad. But to be safe, she sanitizes doorknobs and light switches between sessions. It's a practice she swears by.

“My hyper-vigilance has paid off,” Long says. “I was sick more often when I worked in an office, where people pawed into shared candy dishes and generally just mingled in a crowded space without much attention to germs. Now that I don't have sick days, I don't get paid if I don't work. And I know my job is to heal, not pass on a cold or the flu.”

Beth Geoghegan, a paramedic in South Florida, says she starts her day by cleaning her work space with virus-and-germ-killing soaps.

“It may sound like overkill, but it’s not -- it’s awareness,” she says. “It’s a matter of looking at your environment and thinking, 'What could be contaminated?' All it takes is a tiny droplet. What could have a droplet on it? And I know someone was in my ambulance for 12 hours before I got there -- both patients and other paramedics. It may already look clean, but it might not be.”

It’s also a matter of context. When Geoghegan gets home from a shift where nothing much happened, she launches into her normal activities. If it’s been a day filled with sick patients, she follows a different routine.

“If I saw 10 patients today, and eight had flu symptoms, I’m likely to take my uniform off the minute I get home, put it in the wash, and get right in the shower. Because you just never know,” she says.

Keep up a healthy lifestyle. It's important to look after your own health, says Ardis Dee Hoven, MD, an internal medicine and infectious disease specialist in Lexington, KY.

“Do all the things we all should be doing on a daily basis anyway,” Hoven says. “Get adequate rest -- which people underestimate -- get good nutrition, don’t smoke, and keep your allergies controlled, because if they’re out of control, then your upper respiratory tree is already inflamed, which sets it up to more easily acquire a virus.”

How Maintaining your Home can effect your Insurance Coverage

4/8/2020 (Permalink)

In general, an insurance company is not going to cover claims involving normal wear and tear.

For some folks, insurance is a double-edged sword. They know they need insurance in case there’s a disaster, but they certainly don’t want to be faced with a disaster despite the “investment” in insurance. But, the fact of the matter is it’s a necessity and every homeowner should have it. It is a good thing.

Generally speaking, a covered insurance claim is designed to “make you whole”. In other words, it gets your home to the pre-damage condition. In insurance-speak, this is called indemnity. The problem that arises here is claims can result in higher premiums or possible policy cancellations. There are some situations in which an insurance company may question the validity of a claim:

It’s possible the last point gave you pause. Surely, a natural disaster isn’t preventable. However, let’s say a natural disaster causes damage to a roof that’s in obvious disrepair. This may end up a denied claim. For this reason, we’ve decided to share some preventative measures and fixes that are more cost-effective to handle yourself versus using home insurance.  

Take Care of Your Roof

Remember when we mentioned the hypothetical roof problem?

If maintained properly, roofs should last about 25 to 30 years. The first inspection should occur 10 years after installation with additional inspections happening every 3 to 5 years.

As far as what you can do on your end, try to look over your roof at least twice a year. Check for damaged or missing shingles. Also, make sure to clean any gutter guards and downspouts so water can flow easily from the roof.

When it comes to a roof, you typically have a good idea of when to use homeowners insurance. For example, if your roof is in great condition and damage is caused by a what your insurance policy considers a covered peril (i.e. fire, wind, hail, etc.), there’s a decent chance a claim is in order. On the other hand, if the damage is due to wear and tear or poor maintenance, a claim denial may be on the way.

Prevent Water Leaks

At SERVPRO of West Riverside City, we have extensive experience in dealing with water damage. It’s one of the most common house problems out there. Luckily, there are several relatively easy tasks you can take on yourself to prevent a water and insurance mess:

It’s worth noting that sewage backup, as well as the replacement and repair of sewer lines, tend to be excluded by insurance companies. But, some companies give the option to add specific endorsements that extend coverage to certain sewer issues.

Maintain Your Water Heater

Here’s the deal, water heater repairs and replacements are not usually covered by insurance. It’s also safe to say that if damage results from an old or malfunctioning water heater, your policy is not going to cover it. You have to stay on top of maintenance and replace equipment when necessary.

Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations, test your pressure-relief valve and flush the tank on a regular basis. If you hear the unit making loud or strange noises or you see rust-colored water leaking out, there’s probably an issue. Also, if the water heater is around 10 years old, it may be time for a new unit.

Protect Your Foundation

Many insurance policies exclude problems caused by cracks in the foundation which means proper care is key. Ensure the soil around your house slopes away from the foundation (6 inches over a distance of 10 feet). Additionally, safeguard your foundation from excess water by pointing sprinkler systems away from the home.

If you start to notice signs of water in your basement (musty smell or water stains), apply water sealant to the walls and floors. Also, be on the lookout for evidence of mold. If it exists, it may be in your best interest to hire a mold remediation specialist. Mold is a pathogen that can be harmful to your health, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Care For Your Appliances and HVAC 

In general, an insurance company is not going to cover claims involving the malfunction or the normal wear and tear of  HVAC units and appliances. If there are issues, you usually have to either troubleshoot it on your own or hire a technician to make repairs. If your appliances shock you, it may be indicative of an electrical issue. Unless you are an electrician, it’s a smart idea to hire a professional to inspect.

While it’s true there’s not a one-size-fits-all care manual for all appliances and HVAC units, there is one task that’s consistently recommended by all manufacturers: On a regular basis, check for damaged hoses and replace them immediately. With an HVAC unit, don’t forget to replace all the hoses every five years.

Connect With A Professional To Handle Repairs And Inspections

As you’re probably well aware of, insurance companies vary in what they do and don’t cover. It is good to seek advice from an insurance agent or consultant to get a definite answer as to when to use homeowners insurance.

That being said, there is a chance your policy may cover various services offered by fire and water damage restoration companies. While wholly contingent upon the provisions of your policy, there could be coverage for services like biohazard cleanup, mold remediation, and fire and water damage inspection, cleanup, and restoration. It might also provide cover for reconstruction services as well.

How do we know all this? At SERVPRO of West Riverside City, we’ve helped tons of customers navigate insurance claims related to our services. We accept all insurance and work with companies to ensure the claims process and paperwork go as smoothly as possible. 

If you’re in the Dallas area and looking for certified professionals who handle fire and water cleanup, look no further! Connect with SERVPRO of West Riverside City today! 

JMW Insurance Solutions Provides this Quick Tip

Home Insurance Vs Home Maintenance

Hey Marty Johnson here with JMW Insurance Solutions with a quick tip here for home insurance. Home insurance is designed for catastrophic losses, it's not a home warranty program so you must do your due diligence for normal wear and tear. You need to inspect your house. Check your roof and make sure that the normal wear and tear is being taken care of so when you file a home insurance claim they can't say it's normal wear and tear. I know, we pay our home insurance premium and then we get denied. I get it. keep a repair log for your home. Note the date, time and what you checked. A home insurance repair log of preventive maintenance goes a long way. Have a great day, be kind.

 JMW Insurance Solutions Blog

Sewage Cleanup: Why It’s Important to Clean Your System

4/6/2020 (Permalink)

If you need sewage cleanup services in Riverside, SERVPRO of West Riverside City can help. Contact us today!

Before the invention of indoor and outdoor plumbing systems, millions of people died from contaminated water and bacterial infections. Luckily, today, these diseases have been mostly eradicated. Plumbing systems work silently in the background to keep us safe, and our homes and communities clean. But what happens when sewage systems back up and sewage cleanup becomes a code red on your to-do list?

Sewage is a bio-hazard and considered a Category 3 Blackwater, posing significant risks to your health. When sewage systems go awry, it must be dealt with efficiently, safely, and fast. Sewage cleanup is a labor-intensive and dangerous job. Homeowners should not attempt to clean up sewage unless it’s a tiny spill. Call a plumber and sewage cleanup specialist as soon as possible if you’re having problems with your system. Here’s what you need to know about caring for your sewage system so that you can prevent costly repairs in the future. 

Why is it Important to Clean Your Sewage System Regularly?

For homeowners, plumbing and septic systems are easy to overlook. These critical systems hardly give us any trouble, and it’s easy to forget about them while they work in the background, on autopilot, and silently. Most people don’t even think about their septic system unless something goes wrong. But a malfunctioning septic system can be an absolute nightmare to deal with. Sewage problems are not only costly to fix; they are a hazard to one’s health and property. While your septic system is working below ground to keep you and your home clean and safe, problems could be forming beneath the surface. Regular maintenance can prevent septic issues. 

Clean the Drains to Maintain Sewage System Integrity

A clogged pipe is the most common problem that your septic system will face if it’s not maintained correctly. As the months and years pass, debris will build up along the sides of the pipes. If water is taking way too long to drain, it could be indicating either a clogged pipe or a sewer system backup. 

A professional should clean and inspect the property’s drains at least every two years. Why, you ask? Well, checking the drains at this interval ensures that any small problems are caught before they become big problems. A clogged drain that goes left unnoticed can cause significant damage to your home if it’s not fixed. Some signs of impending drain trouble include:

While it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect the drains every two years, drains can become clogged in between these inspections. Homeowners can take steps to prevent drain issues in the meantime:

Even wipes that say “flushable” should never be flushed down the toilet. Creating a drain cleaner of baking soda and white vinegar can clear and clean the drains in-between plumbing inspections. 

Clean the System to Prevent Bacterial Contamination

If the sewage system gets backed up with clogged pipes and slow drains, bacteria has a perfect pathway into your home. Even if the pipes are only partially blocked, this gives pathogens the ideal environment to grow and multiply. Germs will gather within not just the shower and sink drains, but also in the appliances where you wash your dishes and clothes. In some cases, bacteria can leach out of the sewage system and contaminate the groundwater on your property. 

Worst case scenario? The sewage system will completely back up. Wastewater will make its way into your home, contaminating your floors and carpets. If this happens, you’ll need to evacuate the home until a sewage cleanup and restoration specialist and a plumber can fix the damage and decontaminate your house. Sewage backups can destroy a basement or a bathroom. 

Clean the Sewage System and Prevent Damaged Drains

A clogged drain will make the plumbing systems corrode much more quickly than usual. With regular septic maintenance, you can extend the life of the pipes. Clogs will corrode the pipes rapidly, causing leaks that may go unnoticed for months. Fixing a leaking pipe takes time and money, and you may end up needing to replace flooring or drywall on top of it. 

Another primary source of sewage system issues is pipe damage from tree roots. Tree roots will search for water, breaking through the pipes in search of moisture and nutrients. By regularly inspecting and cleaning your sewer system, you’ll be able to spot these issues before they become major headaches and hits to your wallet. 

What do you do if you need sewage cleanup services?

Sewage spills can cause significant damage to your property and pose a health risk to you and your family. You’ll need to contact a sewage cleanup professional in Riverside immediately if your septic system fails. The longer the contaminated water is left to pool in the home, the higher the risk of severe water damage and disease. 

How can a professional sewage cleanup specialist help?

Professional sewage cleaners have the skills, knowledge, and equipment to safely and appropriately remove unsafe blackwater from septic failures. They will clean and sanitize the home while decontaminating your property. If the home has water damage issues, a professional can perform necessary water damage restoration throughout the property as needed. In some cases, mold may form and pose another hazard on top of the sewage backup. Professional sewage cleaners can also remove mold and prevent future mold growth, keeping the air you breathe inside the home safe and clean. 

If you need sewage cleanup services in Riverside, SERVPRO of West Riverside City can help. Contact us today to restore your home to its original condition. 

How can SERVPRO of West Riverside City Help you as Many Remain Isolated?

4/1/2020 (Permalink)

CDC recommends the daily cleaning of: Keyboards, phones/tablets, tables/counters. door knobs, light switches, toilets, & bathroom fixtures.