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.

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

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.”

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

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!

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.”

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.”

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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!

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"

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/

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?

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.

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.

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.

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

Cleaning your Riverside Home for Spring, What you Might have Missed

3/25/2020 (Permalink)

Spring is just around the corner. Traditionally, people feel the need to deep-clean their homes once they feel the warm air arrive and can open their windows to welcome the new season. There are many areas in your home that you will want to clean once you begin tackling this spring-time chore. Here are a few tips to help you get started that you may not have considered.

Wash Your Curtains and Drapes

When you start your spring cleaning, one of the first things you should do is clean your window coverings. This includes blinds, shutters, curtains or drapes. This should be done early on in the process as dirt and dust from the coverings can fall to the floor below, so you don't want to clean your floor before the drapes.

Test Your Smoke Detectors

Another step that should be included in spring cleaning is testing your smoke detectors. Most detectors have a test button on them that allows you to ensure they are working. If they don't work, you probably just need to replace the batteries.

Replace Water and Air Filters

As part of your spring-cleaning checklist, be sure to replace water filters and air filters. Filters catch debris from water and air. When they get full, they cannot filter as effectively as they should. The filters should be routinely replaced to ensure that they can work efficiently.

Clean Your Dryer Vent

Your dryer vent can easily become filled with lint and debris. Clean the dryer vent to help improve drying time and energy efficiency and also to prevent a fire. The vent inside your dryer should be cleaned with each load, but in the spring, you should check your exterior vent as well, making sure there is nothing accumulating in the tubing from the dryer to the outside.

Clean Your Grill

Once it begins to get warmer, people start thinking about cooking and eating outside. Now is the perfect time inspect your grill, refill your tanks if it is a gas grill, and clean all the cooking surfaces so it is ready to use when you want to make delicious meals.

Check Your Windows and Doors For Leaks

As you spring clean, take the time to check your windows and doors for leaks or air drafts. If you feel outdoor air seeping in, the seals may need to be replaced.

Check Your Plumbing for Leaks

Lastly, take the time to check your plumbing for leaks. Look for leaks under your sinks and for leaking faucets. If you notice any leaks, call in a plumber to make the needed repairs.

Are you looking to get your home clean for spring but lack the time to do it all yourself? Here at SERVPRO of West Riverside City, we can help you with some of your cleaning needs. We offer many services including fire and water clean-up services, mold remediation, and routine house cleaning, including duct cleaning and carpet cleaning. Give us a call at 951-351-8033 so we can get started today.

We are Cleaning Experts

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Call us 951-351-8033. We hope all Riverside residence remain safe, follow guidelines as expressed by City & Gov organizations!

SERVPRO of West Riverside City is Here to Help during this time of need.

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

Specialized Training

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

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

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

Specialized Products

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

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of West Riverside City, 951-351-8033

Is Spring the Best Time to Clean Your Riverside Home?

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City for your Spring Cleaning needs. We can handle the deep cleaning for you! 951-351-8033

Spring seems to be the perfect time of year for deep cleaning your home due to the change in seasons. The weather is perfect for opening windows and letting the fresh air flow through your home.

The truth of the matter is that spring cleaning could be the most boring task or could be the easiest.  It all depends on how you arrange tasks and the actions you take every day in order to have a clean and a cozy home.  Every Riverside new home or older home has its own unique characteristics and needs.  There are a few basics that anyone can fall back on when it comes to spring cleaning.

Kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living areas, washing, replacing, dusting, sorting…not sure where to start? Don’t feel overwhelmed, here are a few handy tips that can be used as a checklist to make your spring cleaning easier. We also recommend you have all cleaning products beforehand so you won’t be tempted to put it off.

Kitchen

We recommend you start by cleaning something that needs to be shined, this task will be more appealing as you will see the results immediately.

• Clean inside and outside of the refrigerator.  Take the opportunity to throw out expired food products since you will be emptying the shelves to clean them.
• Clean stove and oven and wipe down microwave.
• Wipe down shelves in cupboards and inside drawers.
• Clean garbage disposal blades by grinding ice and freshen it with baking soda and/or citrus rinds.
• Clean or replace your range hood filters.
• Sweep and mop floors with a nice clean fragrance…You're done!

Bathrooms

This task could be one you would rather leave for last, but think of entering a fresh, clean bathroom. 

• Wipe down shower and tub and re-caulk if your caulking has cracks or is moldy.
• Clean toilet, counter tops, and mirrors.
• Sweep and mop the floor.
• Wipe down shelves in cupboards and inside drawers.
• Clean/wash bath mats, shower curtain, rugs, etc.

Bedrooms

In case you have many bedrooms you can take one per day.

• Wash all bedding including your mattress cover
• Wash pillows (or replace if needed it)
• Rotate and flip mattress
• Organize and clean out closet (take the opportunity to collect clothing you no longer wear.  Place them in a bag and keep it somewhere you'll remember to take to a donation center).

Living Areas

These areas (living room, family room, loft, game room, dining room) are the most used, so we recommend you leave these for last so you can clean and organize them properly.

• Vacuum/sweep and mop floor.
• Polish furniture.
• Dust electronics/media centers other.
• Organize DVDs, remote controls, magazines, etc.
• Clean sofas and pillows.

Throughout the House

This task can be done one per day and depending on the amount of work needed.

• Dust furniture surfaces and ceiling fans.
• Vacuum, wash or dry clean all carpets, rugs, and draperies.
• Wipe down walls, baseboards, and light switches.
• Wash windows (inside and out) and windowsills.
• Wipe down blinds.
• Change air filters.
• Apply a light coat of wax to wood cabinets and furniture.

Seasonal Maintenance:

The following tasks are more for maintenance but essential.  Completing these tasks will reflect a well maintained home and will contribute to the safety of your family.

• Test all smoke detectors (this should be done monthly).
• Check caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors, inside and out.
• Check for cracks on the exterior of your home and seal them up with proper caulking.
• Clean sliding door track and apply silicone lubricant if necessary.
• Oil moving parts of garage door.
• Visually inspect roof for broken shingles and clean rain gutters.
• Check your attic for evidence of roof leaks, and ensure your attic soffit vents are not blocked with insulation.
• Pressure wash soffits, walkways, and roofing to rid of mildew.

Contact us SERVPRO for your cleaning needs.  SERVPRO has the expertise to provide deep cleaning service, more than your basic house cleaning. Our residential cleaning services will ease the burden of the constant maintenance cleaning of your home, but will also create a safe, clean, and comfortable living environment for you and your family.

You know SERVPRO as a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. If you would like to schedule service for your home or business, please call today! SERVPRO of West Riverside City specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage. 

Don’t wait, be ready to enjoy your fresh, clean home by organizing the activities during the coming months with this useful checklist or by contacting us, don’t rush for spring or summer time we are here to give you a hand!

Winter Weather in Riverside Brings Cold Temperatures, Do Your Pets Get Cold?

1/1/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Riverside loves our furry friends. Keep them warm during the cold wet winter months. Mascot Ellie wears a scarf and hat to keep warm.

You're probably already aware of the risks posed by warm weather and leaving pets in hot cars, but did you know that cold weather also poses serious threats to your pets' health?

Here are some tips to keep your pets safe during cold weather:

Winter wellness: Has your pet had his/her preventive care exam (wellness exam) yet? Cold weather may worsen some medical conditions such as arthritis. Your pet should be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year, and it's as good a time as any to get him/her checked out to make sure (s)he is ready and as healthy as possible for cold weather.

Know the limits: Just like people, pets' cold tolerance can vary from pet to pet based on their coat, body fat stores, activity level, and health. Be aware of your pet's tolerance for cold weather, and adjust accordingly. You will probably need to shorten your dog's walks in very cold weather to protect you both from weather-associated health risks. Arthritic and elderly pets may have more difficulty walking on snow and ice and may be more prone to slipping and falling. Long-haired or thick-coated dogs tend to be more cold-tolerant, but are still at risk in cold weather. Short-haired pets feel the cold faster because they have less protection, and short-legged pets may become cold faster because their bellies and bodies are more likely to come into contact with snow-covered ground. Pets with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or hormonal imbalances (such as Cushing's disease) may have a harder time regulating their body temperature, and may be more susceptible to problems from temperature extremes. The same goes for very young and very old pets. If you need help determining your pet's temperature limits, consult your veterinarian.

Provide choices: Just like you, pets prefer comfortable sleeping places and may change their location based on their need for more or less warmth. Give them some safe options to allow them to vary their sleeping place to adjust to their needs.

Stay inside. Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. It's a common belief that dogs and cats are resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it's untrue. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and should be kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather.

Make some noise: A warm vehicle engine can be an appealing heat source for outdoor and feral cats, but it's deadly. Check underneath your car, bang on the hood, and honk the horn before starting the engine to encourage feline hitchhikers to abandon their roost under the hood.

Check the paws: Check your dog's paws frequently for signs of cold-weather injury or damage, such as cracked paw pads or bleeding. During a walk, a sudden lameness may be due to an injury or may be due to ice accumulation between his/her toes. You may be able to reduce the chance of iceball accumulation by clipping the hair between your dog's toes.

Play dress-up: If your dog has a short coat or seems bothered by the cold weather, consider a sweater or dog coat. Have several on hand, so you can use a dry sweater or coat each time your dog goes outside. Wet sweaters or coats can actually make your dog colder. Some pet owners also use booties to protect their dog's feet; if you choose to use them, make sure they fit properly.

Wipe down: During walks, your dog's feet, legs and belly may pick up deicers, antifreeze, or other chemicals that could be toxic. When you get back inside, wipe down (or wash) your pet's feet, legs and belly to remove these chemicals and reduce the risk that your dog will be poisoned after (s)he licks them off of his/her feet or fur. Consider using pet-safe deicers on your property to protect your pets and the others in your neighborhood.

Collar and chip: Many pets become lost in winter because snow and ice can hide recognizable scents that might normally help your pet find his/her way back home. Make sure your pet has a well-fitting collar with up-to-date identification and contact information. A microchip is a more permanent means of identification, but it's critical that you keep the registration up to date.

Stay home: Hot cars are a known threat to pets, but cold cars also pose significant risk to your pet's health. You're already familiar with how a car can rapidly cool down in cold weather; it becomes like a refrigerator, and can rapidly chill your pet. Pets that are young, old, ill, or thin are particularly susceptible to cold environments and should never be left in cold cars. Limit car travel to only that which is necessary, and don't leave your pet unattended in the vehicle.

Prevent poisoning: Clean up any antifreeze spills quickly, as even small amounts of antifreeze can be deadly. Make sure your pets don't have access to medication bottles, household chemicals, potentially toxic foods such as onions, xylitol (a sugar substitute) and chocolate.

Protect family: Odds are your pet will be spending more time inside during the winter, so it's a good time to make sure your house is properly pet-proofed. Use space heaters with caution around pets, because they can burn or they can be knocked over, potentially starting a fire. Check your furnace before the cold weather sets in to make sure it's working efficiently, and install carbon monoxide detectors to keep your entire family safe from harm. If you have a pet bird, make sure its cage is away from drafts.

Avoid ice: When walking your dog, stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and other water. You don't know if the ice will support your dog's weight, and if your dog breaks through the ice it could be deadly. And if this happens and you instinctively try to save your dog, both of your lives could be in jeopardy.

Provide shelter: We don't recommend keeping any pet outside for long periods of time, but if you are unable to keep your dog inside during cold weather, provide him/her with a warm, solid shelter against wind. Make sure that they have unlimited access to fresh, non-frozen water (by changing the water frequently or using a pet-safe, heated water bowl). The floor of the shelter should be off of the ground (to minimize heat loss into the ground) and the bedding should be thick, dry and changed regularly to provide a warm, dry environment. The door to the shelter should be positioned away from prevailing winds. Space heaters and heat lamps should be avoided because of the risk of burns or fire. Heated pet mats should also be used with caution because they are still capable of causing burns.

Recognize problems: If your pet is whining, shivering, seems anxious, slows down or stops moving, seems weak, or starts looking for warm places to burrow, get them back inside quickly because they are showing signs of hypothermia. Frostbite is harder to detect, and may not be fully recognized until a few days after the damage is done. If you suspect your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Be prepared: Cold weather also brings the risks of severe winter weather, blizzards and power outages. Prepare a disaster/emergency kit, and include your pet in your plans. Have enough food, water and medicine (including any prescription medications as well as heartworm and flea/tick preventives) on hand to get through at least 5 days.

Feed well: Keep your pet at a healthy weight throughout the winter. Some pet owners feel that a little extra weight gives their pet some extra protection from cold, but the health risks associated with that extra weight don't make it worth doing. Watch your pet's body condition and keep them in the healthy range. Outdoor pets will require more calories in the winter to generate enough body heat and energy to keep them warm – talk to your veterinarian about your pet's nutritional needs during cold weather.

Cold weather safety for livestock

Companion animals aren't the only animals in need of protection during the winter months. Livestock, including horses, have their own unique considerations and needs when the weather gets colder.

Recognize the importance of early veterinary care: Schedule a veterinary exam early in the season to address any concerns before the harshest conditions arrive. This is a good time to discuss vaccinations, nutritional supplementation, deworming, and other parasite treatment needs. Veterinary attention is especially important for animals that are pregnant, and very young or very old animals may require special attention.

Provide appropriate shelter from the elements: Livestock can generally tolerate cold temperatures, but wind, rain, or snow will require a greater expenditure of calories. With that in mind, be sure they have a way to get out of the elements, especially the wind. Blankets can help protect horses, but a structural shelter with proper ventilation and dry bedding is the best method of protection. If you do blanket your horses, be sure to check underneath often for signs of injury, infection, or malnutrition.

Keep ice to a minimum to prevent injury, and remember to keep driveways clear so veterinarians and farriers can access your animals. Prevent mud management issues in the winter with proper preparation, whether that's through use of material like gravel, sand, or woodchips, or through other methods.

Consider the amount and quality of feed: Besides taking shelter, livestock keep warm by expending energy, which means they need to consume enough calories to heat themselves. Consider talking with your veterinarian to develop a feed plan that meets your animals' nutritional needs. This may mean increasing the amount of feed available to your animals, and/or increasing the quality of feed. Very young, very old, or sick animals will typically have additional nutritional needs during the winter compared to healthy, middle-aged animals.

Ensure access to water: It is crucial that your herd has access to fresh and unfrozen water. Tank heaters or heated buckets can help keep water at a temperature your animals are more comfortable drinking. Livestock will not consume adequate amounts of water if it is near freezing, and consuming enough water is important to your animals' health and well-being in winter months.

Why Mold Protocol and Post-Remediation Testing is Recommended for your Riverside Home

12/16/2019 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation Protocol

Mold Remediation protocol accurately assesses the proper treatment and removal of mold in areas of a building that have been affected by mold. Mold lab results can be combined with the findings of the professional mold inspection and an intimate understanding of the property’s layout. Using all of this knowledge and data, the remediation professionals can devise a plan that is tailored to the specific mold problems impacting a client’s property. Adhering to the protocol’s instructions ensures that the company performing the remediation can complete the process safely and promptly. Among other things, the protocol can specify when carpets, furniture, and other items that have been impacted by mold can still be cleaned and when it’s time for these materials to be removed.

Steps of the Protocol

The following are the steps required during the protocol process.

Interview

The property’s present conditions are surveyed and discussed with a person who is authorized to handle the property’s affairs.

Site Assessment

The areas that were affected are given a physical site assessment. The site assessment accomplishes several functions: the site assessment visually inspects the damage(s), gathers temperature and relative humidity (RH) readings, takes air samples and direct samples for mold (if necessary), and collects room dimensions to draft the required floor and room drawings to specify the location(s) of concern.

Air Sampling

Non-viable spore trap air sampling is designed to get an approximation of the concentration of airborne microbial (fungal) spores. The most commonly used entrance of the property is used to collect at least one outside sample. After the outside sample is taken, air samples are gathered in the property’s areas of concern. If elevated airborne spore concentration levels are detected, this may mean that there is one or more indoor microbial reservoir(s). It may also mean that the microbial remediation plan must include either the cleaning of the HVAC system(s) or of personal effects within the building.

Direct Sampling

Direct sampling is used to pinpoint the type and relative concentration of the microbial spores that have affected tested materials. The direct sampling results are also used as source contamination reference material during the air sampling process.

California State Guidelines

At present, California has no state regulations about mold inspection, assessment, or remediation. Any business is subject to local requirements, such as for a business license. A company performing building construction or improvement valued at $500 or more (labor and materials costs) must have a state contractors’ license.

Benefits of a Protocol

A protocol ensure that mold contaminations are properly assessed to facilitate the remediation process. It protects property owners from having to pay for additional remediation fees. It also provides a safe and healthy environment for visitors, residents, remediation companies, and property owners.

Why Post-Remediation Testing is Recommended

Mold is not always visible and is capable of hiding away quietly inside of walls and deep under foundations eating away at the crucial structures of your home. It is also very common that complications related to the health of those who come into contact with mold are reported. Mold remediation, the treatment and/or removal of mold, can be costly but not nearly as costly as a failure to address the issue. The longer mold goes unnoticed and unmitigated, the further it can spread and more damage it can cause. If you discover a potential mold problem, you should absolutely have it tested and addressed. However, remediation efforts should always be followed up with a post-remediation mold test.

Why Do I Need the Post-Remediation Test?

A post-remediation test is sometimes referred to as a clearance test. It is essentially the same test that was conducted to find mold in the first place, only this time there should be no high concentrations of mold spores in the samples taken. If the air samples show the number of spores have been reduced to normal levels or below, the problem has been addressed correctly.

If proper protocols are not followed, however, mold will continue to grow without you being aware of it. A post-remediation clearance test is the only true way to determine if your remediation was successful. Ordering the test allows you to either have the peace of mind of knowing your home is mold-free or have the remediation company revisit the remediation to achieve the necessary results.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

Our franchise performs the remediation portion of the mold process and has certified professional mold technicians. If you believe you have a mold issue and are seeking the help of a highly trained professional, give us a call today at (951) 351-8033.

I keep Experiencing Mold Regrowth in my Riverside Home

12/11/2019 (Permalink)

After a water heater leak, mold was found underneath drywall on the shear wall.

8 Reasons Mold Can Keep Coming Back

Mold is stubborn. It can spread throughout a property very quickly and even cause a variety of health issues for individuals who occupy the same space. Mold is extremely persistent and has been known to return even after it has been cleaned. Many homeowners and business managers make the choice to handle mold issues themselves and try using ordinary cleaning methods that just are not effective when dealing with this type of problem. 

What is Mold Exactly?

Mold is commonly mistaken for and treated as a stain or dirt, however, mold is actually a living organism that grows, especially in damp places. Mold spreads by releasing microscopic spores into the air. In fact, mold spores are naturally in the air all around us. It is actually impossible to completely remove mold spores from the air. Understanding why mold can keep coming back can help ensure that you make the right decisions towards removing it if it becomes your problem to handle. Here are some reasons that mold can return in a property:

1. Neglecting Water Damage

Water damage can occur in numerous ways in properties including roof leaks, overflowing toilets, leaky pipes, faulty dishwashers, etc. Disasters happen. However, making sure that water is cleaned up and any moisture is removed from affected materials quickly can prevent further damage. Water damage that has been neglected or gone unnoticed can lead to mold growth in as quick as 48 hours.

2. Cleaning Porous Materials

DIY cleaning methods can sometimes be effective if the surface being cleaned is non-porous. Most cleaning methods will not work for porous materials, such as wood and drywall, because the mold will avoid the cleaning agent by retreating deeper into the material, only to resurface again later. Cleaning portions of the mold is ineffective if the nucleus is not destroyed. Affected materials should be carefully removed, discarded, and replaced to ensure the mold does not return.

3. Painting Over Mold

It is not uncommon to find that a previous mold problem was simply painted over to hide the temporarily hide the issue from new tenants or homeowners. The mold usually does not take long to eat through the paint and reappear. Not to mention, hiding the mold does nothing to solve the issue of damage spreading behind the wall.

4. Excess Moisture and Ignoring Source

Since mold thrives in damp areas, the first step to removing it is to reduce the moisture levels in a home. Disregarding the source of the mold issue only means that the problem may occur again. Call a professional to fix leaky pipes, broken air conditioning units, roof damage, etc. and use a dehumidifier to get the moisture out of the air. Similarly, it is important that all damp fabric is allowed to completely dry. Hang up towels so that they can fully dry. Kitchens, basements, and bathrooms are common places for mold.

5. Indoor Humidity

Mold is extremely common in Florida due to high humidity levels that allow mold to thrive. Making sure your air conditioning is running correctly and constantly can help prevent high humidity in your property making it more difficult for mold to grow. Indoor humidity that exceeds 60% can become a source for mold all on its own. Also, make sure that every room has proper ventilation so that any excess moisture in the air does not become stagnant and cause an ideal environment for mold to grow in.

6. Generic Cleaning Products

Generic or all-around cleaners will not work on mold. Bleach does not work for all species of mold. It can be effective on certain species of mold but inefficient for others sometimes making the situation worse. Make sure to experiment with natural alternatives and invest in mold-specific cleaners. Be generous as you spray and do not wipe it right away. The cleaner needs to work its magic and kill the living mold at its nucleus. The most effective method is to test for mold and receive a treatment protocol from a licensed mold assessor.

7. Keeping Affected Items

Some items may be permanently affected by mold. If an old couch has a lot of mold on it, you may have to get rid of it instead of trying to save it. Similarly, glass is easy to clean whereas wood is harder and will most likely have to removed and replaced. Wash clothing and discard any items deeply affected by the mold. This can minimize the risk of the mold spreading back to the structural components of your home. To be on the safe side, it is best to hire a professional remediation company with experience in salvaging materials affected by mold.

8. Not Consulting Professionals

If you have dealt with major water damage to your home, it is wise to try and get ahead of mold issues by consulting professionals. Experts know where mold is likely to fester, and they can use the best equipment and techniques to properly remediate the issue. You may not have the expertise to do everything yourself. They know why mold may be returning, and they have the tools to get rid of it for good. Investing in professionals' services protects your home, furniture and family's health. Proper air quality testing by an environmental hygienist can provide accurate insights into the type of mold you have, its source, areas affected, and how to remove it for your specific instance.

Mold is persistent and can grow very quickly. If you have tried to remove it and it returns, know that this is normal. Oftentimes, homeowners can make a mold situation worse, which makes the remediation more costly. For the best results, call in professionals to keep mold from returning. The quicker you act, the better.

SERVPRO is a leader in Fire and Water Cleanup and Restoration, but our professional mold remediation service can also make it "Like it never even happened."

ABC's of SERVPRO of West Riverside and the Restoration Industry

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

How many of these facts did you already know?

August has arrived and with August comes back-to-school time! In the spirit of the back-to-school season, we thought this would be a great time to present the ABC’s of SERVPRO and the restoration industry! Why leave the learning just for the kids?! How many of these facts did you already know?

A - Air: SERVPRO of West Riverside City inspects heating, ventilation and air conditioning units (HVAC). Keeping them clean can extend the life of the equipment. This can in turn save you money and give you cleaner air to breathe.

B – Biohazard: 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 remove biohazards and dispose of them properly in accordance with OSHA and health regulations.

C - Commercial Services: Cleaning and restoring commercial properties require a unique blend of training, experience, and equipment. SERVPRO of West Riverside City has the resources and expertise to give you excellent results while minimizing the disruption to your clients.

D - Disaster Recovery: The SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help whether you're dealing with a wild fire, wind damage or flood. The SERVPRO System has a network of strategically positioned storm teams on standby should a disaster strike near you.

E – Equipment: In the event of water damage, expert knowledge and state of the art equipment are paramount for effective drying and restoration. Trained SERVPRO of West Riverside City professionals use exceptional equipment and expertise to first create an environment favorable for drying and then to extract and eliminate moisture from the structure.

F - Fire Damage: SERVPRO of West Riverside City has the specialized fire and water damage cleanup and restoration training and experience to quickly restore your home to pre-fire condition. We also have specific training and equipment for odor removal and deep cleaning of upholstery and carpet. 

G – Guidelines: As one of the nation's leading providers of restoration services, SERVPRO has developed the most extensive performance guidelines in the industry. These guidelines assure you receive the best restoration service in the industry.

H - Highly Trained: In addition to training at the regional level, SERVPRO developed the National Training Center to teach restoration and mitigation skills to Franchise Owners, employees, and insurance industry employees.

I - Insurance Services: SERVPRO strives to maximize the satisfaction of insurance companies and customers by developing and managing business-to-business relationships within the insurance industry.

J – Job: No job is too large for SERVPRO to handle. Our elite large-loss specialists are pre-qualified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

K – Knowledge: SERVPRO professionals are equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are highly trained in property damage restoration, from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certification.

L – Local: SERVPRO of West Riverside City is a locally owned and operated business. We live and work in this community too, so we are close by and ready to respond immediately when you need cleaning or restoration services. 

M – Mold: Any home or commercial property can quickly become infested with mold if a source of water is present. And mold can spread throughout a property in as little as 48 hours. If mold is found, we have the training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

N - National Network: SERVPRO of West Riverside City is part of a national network of over 1,650 Franchises, which allows us to respond quicker with more resources. 

O - Odor Removal: As experts in deodorization, SERVPRO of West Riverside City Professionals are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors.

P - Property Restoration: Restoring property is the first priority of SERVPRO of West Riverside City. Customers appreciate the immediate response and should know that everything is being done to limit the damage.

Q - Quick Response: In many cleaning and restoration situations, immediate action is needed. SERVPRO of West Riverside City provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

R - Restore First: SERVPRO of West Riverside City Professionals clean and restore property using specialized equipment and cleaning techniques. Their “restore first” mentality reduces interruption and gets customers back to their life.

S - Storm Damage: Storms occur with little warning and can be devastating. Regardless of the type of storm, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals can handle any size disaster. During catastrophic storms and major events, our Disaster Recovery Team can respond quickly with additional resources.

T – Trusted: SERVPRO is a Trusted Leader in the industry with over 1,650 Franchises.

U - Upholstery Cleaning: Upholstery and carpet materials vary dramatically. The SERVPRO System offers a number of cleaning options to match any type of upholstery or carpet.

V – Vandalism: SERVPRO of West Riverside City will act quickly to remove vandalism and graffiti from home and commercial spaces. In addition to removing spray-painted graffiti from exterior walls, we can also clean driveways, walkways, asphalt, metals, wood, glass, plastic, and masonry.

W – Water Removal: Professionals at SERVPRO of West Riverside City are water removal and cleanup specialists and are ready to help when flooding or water leaks cause water damage. Crews quickly dry the property using state-of-the-art water removal equipment and advanced drying techniques, documenting the drying process to make sure the property is dry and the job is done right.

X – eXtraction: Water extraction removes the majority of the water from the home or property. By performing a thorough water extraction, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals help reduce the drying time which helps to prevent mold and secondary water damage.

Y - Your Peace of Mind: The goal of SERVPRO of West Riverside City is to restore both the customer’s property and their peace of mind through timely mitigation.

Z – oZone: SERVPRO of West Riverside City uses commercial grade ozone machines to eliminate odors in spaces. Ozone machines efficiently and effectively break down organic matter, killing the odor at its source.

Have You Reviewed Your Insurance Policy Recently?

7/29/2019 (Permalink)

Avoid a gap in your coverage, contact your insurance agent to review your policy.

Insurance policies are living documents. They can, and should be, changed periodically to accommodate changes in circumstances and needs of the policyholder.

A home renovation or upgrade can affect the value of your home and the coverage you need, and may qualify you for additional discounts. Furthermore, if you insured your home for a certain amount when you bought it, the home may have increased in value significantly over the years, even without renovations. This could leave you with a gap in coverage, making it difficult to rebuild if the home is lost through fire or other disaster.

Finding Available Discounts

Ensuring you have adequate coverage is not the only reason to review your insurance policies at least once a year. It is worth doing to make sure you benefit from any available discounts. For example, you may qualify for a discount on your homeowners insurance if you have installed a security system, or a roof that is resistant to hail. Many people save more than 20 percent on premiums by bundling insurance – buying their auto, home, and life insurance policies from one insurance provider.

Insurance companies are constantly creating new products and services to stand out and attract customers from other insurance companies. For those who qualify, some of these new features can save policyholders money in the long run.

Update Home Inventory

Your home inventory is a tool that your agent can use to determine the right level of coverage for your homeowners insurance. Plus, if you have a claim, having an up-to-date inventory will benefit you and get your claim paid faster. If you haven't done an inventory on your home in a while, we have some tips on where to start. If you have completed an inventory, right after the holidays are and ideal time to update! Be sure to share the updated home inventory with your agent when you're done.

Right-Size Your Life Insurance

Life insurance is not one-size-fits-all. Your coverage needs to evolve over time. If you don't have a policy yet, now is a great time to talk to your agent about what type of policy would best suit your needs (and your budget.) We have six things you should consider when you are looking at coverage. 

If you do already have life insurance, is it working hard for you? Could you get more benefit out of your policy while you are still living? Maybe. Talk to your agent about the ways you can make your existing policy work for you and your family.

Prepare for the Unexpected

You try to be as prepared as possible, but you never know what is right around the corner. Prepare for unexpected risks with an umbrella policy. Umbrella earns its name because the coverage arches over your vehicle and homeowner's insurance to provide an extra layer of protection: it starts where vehicle and homeowner's insurance liability limits stop. You might be surprised by all the things umbrella policies cover for an affordable price. 

Call Your Agent

When was the last time you evaluated your coverage's with your agent? Your agent can do an annual review  and make sure you are covered where you need it (and aren't paying for coverage's you've outgrown). Life changes fast, make sure your insurance keeps up.  Contact your agent and schedule a brief review today.

Like home maintenance, an annual insurance review is something that can go a long way to protecting what is likely your biggest investment. Your local agent will know the details of coverage for your neighborhood.

When was the last time you reviewed or updated your homeowners insurance policy?

Why Won't My Water Damage Mitigation Company Give Me an Estimate?

7/15/2019 (Permalink)

It's considered standard practice in the construction industry to expect an estimate of the cost prior to the work being performed. Why then would a Water Damage Mitigation Company refuse to provide an estimate?

It saves money

There are actually a number of reasons why estimates are not normally supplied for water damage drying and mitigation services. First and foremost, when a water damage loss or flood occurs to a property, time is of the essence. Even small delays in getting the mitigation and drying started can result in a substantial amount of additional damage, and associated cost, to the property. The Insurance Industry, which has spent countless billions of dollars paying water damage claims, does not require Mitigation Companies to provide a quote prior to performing the work. These Insurance Companies have learned that the delays associated to waiting for an estimate only increases the overall damage to the property as well as the amount the insurance company ends up paying out in damages.

Additional / subsequent damage may be the property owner's responsibility

The property owner's insurance policy typically includes a clause which places an obligation on the property owner to take action to mitigate further damages. This requires the property owner to protect the property from this further damage. In a water damage loss (pipe break, etc.) or flood, proper and timely drying and mitigation are considered necessary to stop secondary water damage. The water will continue to wick from wet building materials to dry materials, often in hidden locations such as inside wall cavities, etc., until there are no longer any dry materials thereby causing this secondary damage. Timely, professional mitigation initially slows and finally stops this process. If the property owner fails to mitigate a water loss in a timely manner, the Insurance Company can, and will, refuse to pay for any additional damage (secondary damage) caused by this delay. As a result, secondary property damage as a result of unnecessary delays while the property owner waits for price quotes could cost the property owner directly.

It prevents delays that could result in mold

In addition to secondary water damage, Mold contamination is also a factor. Delaying mitigation, even less than a day in some cases, can result in the beginning of mold growth. Once mold begins to grow, costs can skyrocket, increasing the overall job costs by 4 to sometimes 10 times what would have been necessary prior to mold contamination. Prompt, professional, and timely drying and mitigation is essential to reducing costs when a water damage loss or flood occurs. Any delays, even delays associated to getting estimates, generally only increase the overall cost.

Water Damage estimates are inaccurate

Last, it is virtually impossible for a Mitigation Company to accurately estimate the price of a water damage drying and mitigation job. There are too many variables that can affect the nature of the drying, and the time and labor that may be needed to properly dry out a building. As the property dries, water infiltration, by its very nature, will still continue to wick from wet to previously dry areas until the drying is complete. As well, different building materials dry out at different rates. For instance, drywall is more easily dried out when compared to plaster. Also the humidity and temperature within the home, as well as the weather conditions outside, can often affect the drying and mitigation services to your property. It is impossible for any professional Mitigation Company to predict where water will migrate during the drying process or how quickly the property will dry. This makes it impossible to provide any accurate estimate.

Because of this, it is important to only use companies you know you can trust for your water damage drying and mitigation needs. SERVPRO is trusted by the Insurance Industry (both Insurance Adjusters and Agents), many Commercial Property Managers, and the local Real Estate Industry for their water damage drying and mitigation needs.

Should you have a need for Water Damage Mitigation, please Contact Us today! We have crews available 24 / 7 to respond to Emergency Water Damage Claims.

Why SERVPRO is a better Choice in Riverside City

6/13/2019 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of West Riverside City prove we are the right team to help with your disaster. Call us and we can inspect your loss at no charge.

What sets us apart from other restoration companies?

We have a network of over 1700 other franchises and Disaster Relief teams that are ready to help your business get back in business 24/7. We don’t rely on phone answering services after normal business hours. If you call us between 5 pm and 8 am you will speak directly with one of our staff members. Our business hours are 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year. We understand the effects water damage can have on your business.  Our certified technicians will arrive on site and preform any emergency services necessary to minimize the damage to your commercial property. We will work directly with your insurance to relieve any added stress from you.

We are Honest and Ethical

Every consumer has at least one horror story about a company or sales person who has lied to them or stretched a bill to get an extra sale. SERVPRO of West Riverside City is determined to be an ethical company who is honest with our customers about situations and billing. When your home is disrupted by things like a washing machine overflow the last thing you need is to not feel like anyone is there to advocate for you with transparency and trust. If you should experience damage to your home call the team committed to working ethically for you, SERVPRO of West Riverside City

Clean and Organized business

Every evening- sometimes it is even in the middle of the night- we return to our facility after responding to a loss.  We clean all of the equipment, including the vans and trailers, so that when we respond to our next customer, we are clean, organized, and ready to spring into action!

Why is this important?  When we enter your home or business, it is important that we are prepared to handle your needs immediately and efficiently.  We also treat your home or business like it is ours!  We believe everything should be fresh, tidy, organized, and ready to go- exactly what we would expect from someone responding to a situation at our home or business.

We are committed to giving each client "White Glove" Service. As defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary, "White Glove" means to be marked by special care or attention : meticulous.  As you can see- we fit that definition precisely! We are meticulous- even before we get to your property! 

Call us today and we will provide "White Glove" service and make it "Like it never even happened"- and maybe even a bit better!

Our Training and Technology

At SERVPRO of West Riverside City we are using the latest in technology to help us perform mitigation services.

Moisture mapping technology is used to give you the best options available to get you back to "Like it never even happened."

We also do in house training on a regular basis to keep even our senior technicians fresh in the field. We look to organizations such as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and Restoration Sciences Academy to learn proven techniques that work.

Our biggest piece that sets us apart would be our detailed moisture mapping, documentation, and thorough inventory processes. We have great people who make these things work behind the scenes and it makes the difference if you were to compare.

Our Process for Making, Processing and Settling an Insurance Claim

Several features set SERVPRO apart from other mitigation and restoration companies. These distinctions should be clear to an insurance adjuster as well as homeowners. Here are four ways this company facilitates the process of making, processing and settling an insurance claim.

1. Fast Response A fast response on the part of a mitigation and restoration company benefits clients and insurers. The sooner that damage can be professionally assessed, the sooner mitigation can start. A call response time of one hour, a four hour window for an on-site visit and an eight hour window for a verbal briefing can limit extensive primary and secondary damage.

2. Accurate Estimates A company can make more accurate estimates by hiring certified professionals, relying on a national network of locations for training and maintaining data on locations. An insurance adjuster can use the Claims Information Center to obtain information about individual estimates and compare different companies, causes of loss and job files costs. All of this data adds up to more accurate estimates that account for mitigation and restoration.

3. All-In-One Service Rather than working with separate mitigation and restoration companies, clients and insurers may prefer a one-stop shop. A company that handles the damage remediation process from start to finish can provide a more accurate estimate from the start. There will also be less need to worry about adjusting schedules or necessary tasks getting lost in the shuffle.

4. Electronic Claims Service In addition to the aggregated data available through an electronic claims service, this portal can also make it easy for a restoration service and insurer to share information. This resource can speed up insurance claim processing and allow for faster settlements. All of these are ways in which SERVPRO, a national mitigation and restoration company with local and regional franchises, can support insurers and clients. Whether you are an insurance adjuster or homeowner in the Inland Empire area, you should consider hiring this Preferred Vendor for the best results.

Why Can you Turn to SERVPRO of West Riverside City

5/13/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Riverside City is always here to help! Call us 24/7 at 951-351-8033.

Why should I choose a professional restoration company for water intrusion/ damage?

Why should I choose SERVPRO of West Riverside City for water cleanup and restoration?

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City today at 951-351-8033. No water damage is too big or too small. 

6 Fire Damage Restoration Tips from your Friends at SERVPRO of West Riverside City

4/22/2019 (Permalink)

We’re not going to kid you. Fire damage restoration is tough work.

People call SERVPRO of West Riverside City frequently to ask for advice on how to clean up after a fire.  Here are seven of the best tips we give people who ask about fire damage restoration.

Most people can put these tips into practice. But remember that fire damage restoration takes time, work, and skill. Realistically consider whether you want to try these ideas on your own or whether you’d be better off hiring highly trained restoration specialists who will guarantee their work.

Join SERVPRO of West Riverside in Supporting RIVERSIDE COUNTY PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS BENEVOLENT FUND

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

Every day, firefighters are exposed to a soup of toxins and biohazards. These exposures can happen on a call, or even while at the station. Sometimes, the effect of these exposures is immediate. More often, it builds up over time, leading to job-related cancer, heart disease or PTSD.

The Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund is proud to support the firefighters and cooperators in Riverside County.  The firefighters of Riverside County provide fire and EMS services to one of the largest counties in California.  It is the goal of the Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund to be able to support those men and women in their time of need.  The Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund is a 501c3 (Non Profit) and is comprised of a board of Directors.  The Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund not only supports the firefighters of Riverside County, it also supports other nonprofit originations that are affiliated with the fire service, such as cancer research and the burn institutes.  The Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund has also aligned itself with CDF Firefighters Riverside Chapter Employees Association a 501c4, to help support the organizations that are directly represented by its membership, such as, diabetes and cancer research, RAGNAR and several sporting teams that are directly comprised of CALFIRE Local 2881 members.  These teams in turn also raise funds for other nonprofit organizations represented by the fire community.  In addition to direct assistance to the firefighting community and other non-profits, we have aligned ourselves with financial organizations to assist our members with their other financial needs.

General Donations:

Our funding comes from several sources.  The Riverside County Professional Firefights Benevolent Fund has entered into commercial fundraising contracts with different firms.  Firms are under non exclusive contracts and receive fees for their service that are commensurate with the services they provide and the projected outlays the fund would incur if it was to undertake the same efforts for fundraising.  Companies are required to present themselves in a professional manner when dealing with the public, they must state who they are working for; have a company ID stating their companies name and that they are  certified as a fundraising company by the Attorney General’s Office.  The company that is currently under contract is Associated Programs Inc.  Companies conduct telemarketing and direct mailing campaigns on behalf of the fund.   In addition to our contractual fundraisers the fund also does direct corporate fundraising activates.  Both corporate and private donations can also be made via our web.  We are also working on developing other social media donation locations.   Additionally, we are working on other fundraising events such as our annual “Shop with a Firefighter” event, which pairs children in custody of Riverside Co. Protective Services with Firefighters for a Holiday Shopping event. The newest fundraiser is the “Bacon Fund”, we are sponsoring an underprivileged youth through a local county high schools FFA program, to raise and show a pig at this year’s Perris Fair.  Usually the pig is auctioned off, but in our case the pig will be processed and each half of the pig will be raffled off, allowing the youth to complete the production cycle.

Fundraising Time Periods:

January through  September :  General Solicitation: Direct and indirect solicitation by the RCPFBF and commercial contract companies, via all types of media including written, telephone and internet.

July through Early October:   Bacon Fund: Direct Solicitation thru tickets sales via the RCPFBF Board Members; fund representatives and the RCPFBF web page.

September through December:  Shop with a Firefighter: Direct and indirect solicitation by the RCPFBF and commercial contract companies, via all types of media including written, telephone and internet.

SERVPRO of West Riverside City would like to thank the firefighters and first responders in the surrounding areas for their incredible service to the community. As a fire damage restoration company, the jobs of the local fire departments are integral to our day-to-day actions, as the volunteers and staff members fight dangerous fires and recover property that SERVPRO can restore.

More importantly, however, our local firefighters work daily to keep us and the members of our community safe and protected from fire emergencies.

We at SERVPRO of West Riverside City encourage everyone to thank their local fire departments for all that they do!

MAKE A DONATION TO RCPFBF

The Riverside County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Fund is organized for the purpose of providing physical, financial, and emotional support to our members and their families during times of need. Our support is provided by an all-volunteer Board of Directors in a non-political and non-denominational manner.

All donations made are tax deductible, under IRS 501(c)3 laws and regulations. A receipt will be provided to you on request. All monetary donations are used to assist the members of the Association and/or for other charitable ventures that our Association supports.

If you would like to make a donation click the link to access their Website

https://www.rcpfbf.com/

Upcoming Events

Baseball Game @ Storm Stadium

RCPFBF vs ??? – April 28, 2019

Before Regularly Scheduled Storm Game. More to come.

The Equipment We Use to Restore your Riverside Property

4/3/2019 (Permalink)

Our Mascot Ellie displays some of the equipment we use to restore Riverside property.

The SERVPRO of West Riverside City franchise takes pride in making sure our customers are helped to the best of our ability.

To do this, our products and equipment need to be the best available so we can make sure the property and situations we encounter during disasters are able to be restored and brought to preloss conditions. With that in mind, we will take you through a behind the scenes look at some of the equipment we use to help get your property and structure to preloss condition. Each machine and piece of equipment has a crucial role in the restoration process. Our technicians are trained to use each piece of equipment to its highest potential. Here are a few of our most commonly seen and used machines, and their purpose.

PORTABLE EXTRACTORS: Extractors are used for cleaning carpets, cleaning upholstery, and removing water from floors after a water loss. An extractor has three major components: a heater, a pump, and a vacuum system. Our technicians use this machine for variable heat controlled cleaning, including to heat the rinse solutions to clean more effectively. The vacuum system and waste recovery tank remove soils and moisture from the surface and collects it in the tank. With this machine, we can expedite the removal of water and moisture from damaged materials and textiles to help restore it to preloss conditions. In doing this, the potential of having to replace materials or belongings is lowered.

THE OZONE GENERATOR: The portable ozone generator eliminates a variety of odors caused by animals, cigarette smoke, mold and mildew, fire, and water damage. This machine generates “ozone”, which consists of unstable oxygen molecules (containing three oxygen atoms). Ozone chemically reacts with odor-causing molecules to oxidize residues and remove the odors. When using this piece of equipment, we follow the absolute and necessary guidelines of use with the purpose of all people and pets should be removed from the environment during ozoning for health and safety reasons. Once the deodorization process is complete, ozone quickly reverts to the normal oxygen molecule, leaving no residues. Once the odor is gone, the results are permanent. One of the features of the ozone generator is that it is made to be compact and portable, yet also be a durable and professional unit.

WEARING AND FIT CHECKING OUR RESPIRATORS: Safety for not only our technicians, but also our customers, is a priority in our company. We enforce that respirators must be worn during all times by our technicians during exposure to hazardous situations. To be safe, we follow one rule of thumb: if the work environment is unpleasant or if it makes you dizzy, our crew is to wear their respirators. No if’s, and’s or but’s. If we are using respirators, we inform customers in the general area of this and advise them with the necessary precautions associated with the work going on for their safety.

DEHUMIDIFIERS: Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air after it has evaporated.  Our technicians position dehumidifiers strategically in a water-damaged structure so the moist, humid air moves through the unit while dry, warm air is discharged from the unit circulating back into the wet areas. Did you know that dry air acts like a sponge to absorb moisture from wet materials? Since it does, we use the dehumidifiers especially because it provides a continual source of dry air to enhance the restoration process. Refrigerant dehumidifiers remove water vapor through condensation, and based on the specific job, we will use a small commercial refrigerant dehumidifier because it removes approximately 8 gallons of water per day from the atmosphere, while an extra-large commercial refrigerant could remove as much as 20 gallons per day.

AIR MOVERS: Air movers are used in water damage restoration to enhance evaporation at the surface level and reduce drying time. These machines introduce airflow at the surface level and replace the highly saturated air with drier air to enhance evaporation. Our crew has gone through specific training on the science of drying to know how many air movers they will need and how to position them to create airflow across all wet surfaces. In some cases, when the lower portion of multiple walls are wet, involving wet drywall behind baseboards, enough air movers are positioned to create a vortex of circular airflow around the walls. Our technicians operate the air movers in several different positions, offering flexibility in how to direct the airflow with the best possible outcome. 

There are many other machines and equipment accessories we use, but for today’s behind the scenes look we are proud to show you some our most commonly used pieces of equipment. These machines help us get your personal disaster back to preloss condition and to make it “Like it never even happened!” because SERVPRO of West Riverside City is always here to help!

Supply Line Burst in your Riverside Home? Causes and Signs

4/1/2019 (Permalink)

Supply Line Burst in the attic of this Riverside home

Did a Supply line Burst in Your Riverside Home?

Rust, installation issues and physical damage to the pipe can cause a hole to form. Even a trickle of water from a small hole can damage drywall, ruin flooring and cause other damage that costs you hundreds or thousands of dollars to repair. Identifying the signs of a problem in your pipes can help you stop the leak before it becomes a major issue.

What causes pipes to burst? There are a number of potential reasons why pipes inside a home can experience too much stress and break open, causing major flooding and damage problems for homeowners. But there are four chief causes of burst pipes:

• Moving Pipes

If water pipes aren’t secured, they can sometimes move around inside the walls whenever water is suddenly turned on or off. If you’ve ever heard pipes clanging inside walls or floors, it’s called water hammer. The pipes move back and forth and gradually can weaken joints in the pipe until one fails and allows pressurized water to escape the pipe. The resulting damage can be catastrophic and expensive.

• Water Pressure-

A hole in a pipe means less water comes through to your faucets. That can cause a decrease in the water pressure that you notice when you wash your hands, fill your sink or take a shower. Lower water pressure can also increase clogs in your toilet or sinks because the decreased water pressure can't push everything down the pipes. A sudden or unexplained drop in pressure could mean water is leaking somewhere in the system. In the case of frozen pipes, you might notice that no water comes out of the faucet.

• Water Marks-

Pipes often run through your walls behind the drywall. A leaking pipe behind one of your walls can leave marks or dampness on the drywall. On a multi-story home, pipes running to upstairs bathrooms or laundry rooms can leak down into the ceiling. If you can see the visible signs of water, you already have a good idea of where the leak is located. Depending on the location, you may need to remove the drywall or a portion of the ceiling to get to the damaged pipe.

• Standing Water

If the leak is bad enough or goes on for some time, you may notice puddles, drips or gushing water coming out of the area. Follow the source of the water to get a good idea of where the leak is in the pipe. A break in the water main leading into your home can cause a sinkhole or puddles in your yard near the source of the leak. If you notice unexplained water or sinkholes, call a professional right away to investigate.

Water Discoloration and Odors

Discoloration of the water that comes out of your faucets can be a clue that you have a leak or may soon have one. Brownish water sometimes indicates your pipes have rust in them, which often leads to leaks. Water odor can also occur when the pipe leaks. The leak can make it difficult for your plumbing system to push sewage out of your home and into the main line, causing the odor.

Strange Sounds Associated With Water Use

Broken pipes sometimes cause issues within the plumbing system that cause you to hear unusual sounds. You might notice bubbling and whistling sounds. Bubbling can happen when air gets in the sewer line caused by the leak. Dented pipes that may eventually leak can cause whistling sounds as the water tries to fit through the constricted section. You might also notice a dripping sound within your walls when you run the water if a leak has already happened.

Pipe Issues

Exposed pipes, such as those that pass through an unfinished basement or beneath your sink, can show signs of an issue or the potential for bursting. Frost, ice or condensation can let you know that the water inside the pipe is freezing or may freeze soon. Bulges in the pipe often mean the water is already frozen and expanding, which often causes a burst. If the pipe hasn't burst yet, you may be able to thaw the water before any damage happens to prevent issues.

Increased Water Bills

Wondering why your water bills are suddenly higher even though your water usage habits haven't changed? That high bill could be your clue that you have a leak. The water pouring out of the leak adds to your water bill even though you're not actually using it. If you notice your water meter seems to be running constantly even when you're not using water, that can be another indicator of an issue.

Locating the Leak

Some burst pipes or leaks are easy to spot. You may be able to trace the source of a puddle or drip. You might see water stains on the drywall. If the damage happens on an exposed pipe, you can see the hole. Other leaks are hidden behind walls and not so obvious.

If you suspect a leak, your first step is to figure out if it's inside your home or outside in the water main. Turn off all appliances that use water, and don't use any faucets, toilets or other sources of water during the test. Look at the water meter. After 30 minutes, check it again to see if it moved at all during that time. If it did, you have a leak.

The next step is figuring out if it's inside or outside the home. Shut off the main water valve coming into the home. Watch your water meter. If it stops moving, your leak is likely inside the house somewhere. If the meter continues moving, the source is likely a water main leak outside the home.

Once you know you have a leak, you can do a little more digging within your home to locate the source. Look for the visible signs of leaks to figure out where the problem lies. Start with obvious spots like toilets, sinks and showers. If you can't find the leak yourself, a plumber can help you find and fix the problem.

Please follow the tips outlined in our Water Damage Tips—Until Help Arrives Guide to protect yourself and your property.

No matter the extent of the damage, our team will respond to any-sized disaster!

Have Water or Flood Damage?

Call Us Today – (951) 351-8033

5 Common Questions Regarding Home Restoration Insurance Claims

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Fire, Water, Mold? Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City

Whether your home is damaged by a flood or a fire, getting things back to the way they were can take time—and money.

However, when you have the support of your home insurance policy and a trusted restoration company, you can save yourself from the heavy stress and high expenses that are associated with water and fire damage repairs. Since navigating restoration insurance claims can be complex, SERVPRO of West Riverside City answers a few common questions homeowners have about the process.  

5 FAQs About Using Home Insurance for Water & Fire Damage Repairs

Will Water & Fire Damage Repairs Be Covered By My Policy?

Technically, most home insurance providers cover restoration work related to fire and water damage. However, this damage typically has to be connected to an event that is covered by your policy—also known as a “peril.” For instance, plumbing emergencies and electrical fires may be acceptable perils, but floods may require additional coverage.

Will Putting Off Repairs Affect My Insurance Policy?

In some cases, fire and water damage may seem minor enough to put off repairs. But, if more damage occurs as a result of negligence, your insurance company may not cover those future claims. By staying proactive and making repairs as soon as possible, you can protect yourself against denied claims down the road.

Should I Call My Insurance Company Before the Restoration Company?

When you have a water and fire damage repair company in mind, it is often best to call them before reaching out to your insurance provider. These professionals will fully document the damage, making it easier to file an accurate claim. They will also provide the proactive care to keep your home safe, as well as prevent further damage.

Can I Choose My Own Restoration Provider?

If you do call your insurance provider first, they may recommend a company for your home repairs. While it’s perfectly acceptable to use these references, it is not required. In fact, it is your right as a policyholder to choose who repairs your property.

When Should I Pay Out-of-Pocket?

If your insurance deductible is higher than the cost of the repairs, it is generally best to pay out-of-pocket. In these instances, you would have been required to pay the whole price anyway without any coverage from your provider. However, many water and fire restoration jobs will exceed the cost of the deductible.

In a perfect world, homeowners would always be able to avoid these situations—but accidents still happen. Fortunately, it’s easy to stay prepared when you have SERVPRO of West Riverside City at your side. Providing everything from mold remediation to fire damage repairs, this restoration company will ensure you receive fast, expert care. Visit them online to learn more about their services or call (951) 351-8033 to request 24/7 emergency assistance.

Why Choose SERVPRO?

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City, we are here to help you with your needs, visit our website for a description of our services.

How to Select A Carpet Cleaning Company in Riverside

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO for you carpet cleaning needs.

The following information comes from an article listed on IICRC.org, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification. This information is helpful when deciding which company should handle your carpet cleaning needs.

“Cleaning Carpet Can Be a Dirty Business” “Not All Scum Is In the Carpet” “Don’t Let them Pull The Rug Out From Under You” “Clean Your Carpets Without Cleaning Out Your Wallet” “Don’t Get Taken To The Cleaners.”  These clever phrases have appeared recently in newspaper articles and televised news programs across the nation warning consumers about carpet cleaning scam operations. The media has related horror stories of trusting consumers who have responded to low-price carpet cleaning specials only to become victims of unethical cleaners who refuse to honor the advertised price, intimidate the consumers and do poor quality work.

Bait-and-switch operators are prevalent in many industries, and the carpet cleaning industry is no exception. This does not mean that all carpet cleaners are rip-off artists. How do you know who is and who is not? The professional carpet cleaning industry has cited these scam activities as a major industry concern and is taking action to help eliminate unprofessional workmanship and unethical tactics. One of the leaders in this campaign is the IICRC, an international, non-profit organization that certifies cleaners who meet prescribed levels of technical proficiency and pledge to operate by a Code of Ethics.

To help educate consumers so they will not become victims of fraudulent practices within the cleaning industry, the IICRC has released a list of guidelines to consider when selecting a carpet cleaner.

• Price – If an advertised price sounds too good to be true – it is! Often carpet cleaners advertise a low price just to get their foot in the door. Use common sense; a low price usually equates to low quality for any product or service. Legitimate business people have expenses they must cover, including license, taxes, insurance, employee wages, and benefits, and quality tools of the trade. A professional carpet cleaner who must cover all of these business expenses and make a profit to stay in the business cannot afford to drive to your house for $5.95, much less clean a room of carpet when there.
• Quality – Never should the price of cleaning services be the sole criterion for selecting a carpet cleaner. A price that sounds high may not be a signal of a rip-off. In all professions, quality work deserves a quality price.
• Truth in Advertising – Read the fine print in advertised specials to find out exactly what the price includes, and request a firm price in writing before the work begins.
• Training – Professional cleaning firms require management and employees to engage in formal training in a variety of cleaning disciplines, and these educational efforts will be ongoing.  Consumers should ask about the formal training background of technicians who will be cleaning their carpet.
• Certification – Professional firms require technicians who have certification from organizations like the IICRC or through comparable franchise or independent training and testing organizations.
• Experience – The years of experience a firm has, combined with formal training programs, contribute significantly to the experience and proficiency of its employees.
• Knowledgeable – Professional firms employ and train technicians who have the ability to answer basic questions regarding carpet performance and maintenance, as well as spotting and cleaning.
• References – Consumers should ask for references from previous customers, and they should consult friends and business acquaintances about the reputation of the cleaning firm they are considering. Do not hesitate to call the Chamber of Commerce and the Better Business Bureau.
• Trade Associations – Professional cleaning firms are members of regional or national trade associations or other organizations that promote high ethical standards and continuing education. Look for trade association logos in advertising.
• Credibility – Community involvement through the Chamber of Commerce and/or professional business, charitable or similar organizations will be undertaken by concerned, caring professionals. Look for logos indicating involvement in these organizations.
• Method – Ask the cleaner which method of cleaning will be used and the advantages and disadvantages of this method compared to other methods.
• Proof – Never hesitate to ask for proof. Ask to see the cleaner’s certification card, business license and insurance certificate.
• No Pressure – Technicians must be courteous and willing to take the time to thoroughly explain the cleaning and to answer all questions. The consumer should never feel pressured.

There is no single criterion for selecting a carpet cleaning service. Several combined factors must be considered in the selection decision.

Choose a trusted Service such as SERVPRO of West Riverside City, we also handle Upholstery Cleaning. 

We will get the job done right. For a cleaning backed by state-of-the-art equipment, over 40 years of experience and Professionals trained to the highest standards.

Call us for your carpet cleaning or upholstery cleaning needs 951-351-8033!

Important Tips for Choosing a Biohazard Cleanup Service in Riverside City

2/11/2019 (Permalink)

Always Choose a Trained Professional

Licensed Bonded & Insured

Will Work with Insurance Companies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Can I just use my regular cleaning or janitorial service for bio hazard cleanup of blood or bodily fluids?

A: Not unless your regular cleaning or janitorial service has been properly trained and equipped to handle bio hazard cleanup and waste such as blood or bodily fluids, and has a legal place to dispose of the recovered bio hazardous waste.

Q: Who pays for bio-recovery services?

A: In many cases home, business or auto insurance will pay for bio-recovery services. Ultimately the property owner may be responsible for cost of the service.

Q: Can I have an employee of my business clean the scene?

A: Federal Regulation 29cfr1910.1030 states that no employee can be placed in a position to be exposed to bio hazard cleanup of blood spills without first:

SERVPRO to the Rescue to Remove Debris From Your Fire Damaged Riverside Home

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

Riverside home caught fire by a candle left on unattended. Call SERVPRO today to remediate any type of Fire Damage!

Why SERVPRO is the Choice for Fire Debris Cleanup for Riverside Homeowners

Homeowners in Riverside work diligently on their home's maintenance year-round. One disaster can wipe out all that effort instantly, however. Getting things corrected and back to normal can save your family from an ongoing nightmare, which is why SERVPRO is always ready to help out in Riverside with fire debris cleanup teams.

After a house fire in Riverside, the amount of debris left inside and around your home seems staggering. It also poses a high number of risks to anyone wanting to grab a few items needed, including documents or other belongings. Nails, broken glass, and other sharp objects can cause injury. We get all this removed for you, carry it out of your home, and make things safe for restoration work to begin.  

Outside, your yard and driveway might also contain burnt siding sections, nails, more broken glass, torn pieces of the gutter, shingles, and many other things. All of this requires removal before work can begin on your home. Without it, even if work did occur, your family's health and safety could suffer.  

Our highly trained teams work together in putting their IICRC-certificates to work for you. We obtain the containers required by local ordinances so we can immediately dispose of the damaged items in your property, both inside and out, and get things cleaned up.  

Many homeowners are surprised at how much their homes contain that the fire destroyed. We take great care in filling out detailed inventory lists of these items, helping you even more with your recovery efforts. We know it is no small task, and we can help you with experienced guidance. Some items might seem covered only in soot, and undamaged in any other manner. However, the porosity of certain materials makes it almost impossible to clean them to acceptable standards.  

We also eliminate the water, and any foam firefighters used during their work. This water can allow mold to begin growing on both existing materials and any new materials that absorb the water vapor in the air. Damage from water can also occur so including this as part of fire debris cleanup gives your house extra protection.  

Removing the debris after a fire restores a level of safety to your house and yard, making it safe enough for restoration work to commence. Once this work finishes, we can perform the final touches to your home, including odor control methods.  

Contact SERVPRO of West Riverside city by calling (951) 351-8033, day or night, 365 days a year. When your family experiences a house fire, call us for thorough fire debris cleanup and other mitigation services.

What To Do After A Fire

What NOT To Do After A Fire

Contents Restoration

SERVPRO of West Riverside City specializes in restoring contents damaged by water, fire, or mold. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your belongings to determine what items we can restore to pre-fire condition. We use several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage, SERVPRO of West Riverside City can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

When restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

Electronic Cleanup

Fire-damaged electronics can present a serious hazard. Do not attempt to turn on or operate any electrical device that you suspect has been damaged by fire. Smoke residues can contain acids that corrode metal surfaces. If the residues are not removed, corrosion causes electronic failure in the device. We will coordinate the restoration of your electronics, including:

The key to restoring electronics is taking prompt action to prevent further damage. Electronics will be cleaned and inspected by a qualified electronics technician.

Document / Photograph Drying

When your valuable documents, including photographs, are damaged by water or fire, extreme caution should be taken to help ensure the fire damage does not destroy the document. Although some documents may not be restored to pre-fire damage condition, SERVPRO of West Riverside City can save a great deal and help minimize additional damage. 

Depending on the type of documents and the level of fire, smoke, or soot damage, they have five options for the restoration of documents:

Contents Claim Inventory Service

When a fire emergency strikes, the damage can often feel overwhelming. We can help ease the worry and confusion during the recovery process by offering our Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a detailed and accurate list of your belongings. We take a room-by-room inventory of your contents, including digital photos, and in some instances, bar coding.

Our Contents Claim Inventory Service:

Peace of mind when you need it most!

Why Many Insurance Agents And Adjusters Use SERVPRO

12/19/2018 (Permalink)

We aim to make the insurance agent's and the claim adjuster's jobs easier

SERVPRO of Riverside City has worked with many insurance agents and claim adjusters. We understand your situation. As an agent or adjuster, you have a responsibility to keep claim costs down while providing the best services possible for your clients. Here are a few reasons we’re trusted by so many insurance agents and adjusters:

Fast Emergency Response

Restoring commercial or residential property is the first priority at SERVPRO of Riverside City. Your insurance client will appreciate our immediate response and you will know we’re doing everything we can to limit the damage and the costs.

Pretesting Reduces Claims Expense

Like insurance agents and claim adjusters, we know restoring property is less expensive than replacing property. Our goal is always to restore whenever possible and replace only when necessary. That’s why SERVPRO of Riverside City performs pretesting on every loss so we can determine restorability.

Claims Inventory Service

SERVPRO of Riverside City can provide insurance agents and claim adjusters with an itemized loss inventory. We give you an Excel formatted report and pictures of important items. Your work is made simpler and clearer because we provide you with a complete and accurate picture of the incident.

Electronic Claims Information

Our corporate Claims Information Center provides the fast, accurate information you need to make sound decisions, including:

•    A complete electronic job file (by email or on paper)

o    First notice of loss

o    Detailed estimate

o    Digital loss photos

o    Scanned forms and paperwork

•    Informative reports (including job cost data) to improve results 

•    Performance comparison to industry standard

Superior, Time-Tested Training

Effective training is the best way to help ensure your clients receive the service they deserve. All SERVPRO of Riverside City crews are trained to IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards in fire and water cleanup and restoration. We also conduct continuing education classes.  

Vendor Qualification Compliance and Professionalism

If you call SERVPRO of Riverside City, we will use only qualified vendors to service your clients. Our commitment means you receive:

•    Access to the SERVPRO National Call Center to achieve prompt handling of your claims

•    Assurance that our crew uses industry best practices

•    Efficiencies through our insurance and file documentation requirements

•    The benefits of our quality assurance program

Serving Adjusters and Your Clients

A SERVPRO of Riverside City professional's job is to reassure your clients, perform quality service, and report to you quickly. We know your job is to interpret the policy and adjust the claim. We don’t want you to have to deal with problems from vendors. Working with you, we strive to save you time so you can focus on priority files, while having complete control of every loss you’re assigned. We offer you 24-hour emergency response, damage mitigation, loss assessment, and an electronic file within hours. SERVPRO of Riverside City documented, measured performance increases value for you, your agency, your managers, and your clients.

Hard-earned results have made SERVPRO leaders in the fire and water cleanup and restoration industry. The SERVPRO System is geared to achieve customer satisfaction and mitigation results, adding to your competitive advantage.

Insurance Services

As a leader in fire and water cleanup and restoration, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals offer your insurance company an array of competitive advantages. Our goal is to restore both your customer’s property and their peace of mind through timely mitigation and adherence to IICRC standards. The result? Lower claims costs and satisfied customers – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

 Why SERVPRO?

The SERVPRO Difference - SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are uniquely qualified to keep claims costs down while still providing the best services possible for your customers.

Large Loss Response

No Restoration Project Is Too Large Whether it’s a large commercial project or a major storm event, the SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team can provide help quickly.

Training

From initial training at SERVPRO's Corporate Training Facility to IICRC certifications, SERVPRO Franchise Professionals are highly trained in property damage restoration.

SERVPRO offers both credit and non-credit courses for insurance agents, insurance adjusters and Real Estate professionals.

 The CE courses provide you with information to better service your customers

These programs are designed to improve the knowledge of your staff regarding emergency mitigation. 

Here are some of the Continuing Education courses that are offered by SERVPRO

• Fire Damage Restoration
• Understanding Mold in the Restoration Industry
• Restorative Drying for Water Damage
• Mitigation Awareness Response Seminar
• Biohazard Cleanup

Here To Help 

The team at SERVPRO of Riverside City has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, natural disaster cleanup, and natural disaster restoration. 

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City (951.351.8033) anytime, 24/7.  

Like it never even happened.

10 Reasons To Use SERVPRO of West Riverside City

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

People and businesses rely on SERVPRO to restore damaged property for many reasons. Here are just 10

1. We Get It

SERVPRO of West Riverside City understands your situation. You want to keep costs down, repair the damage, and get back to normal. Those are our goals, too.

2. SERVPRO Is Qualified

Our repair and restoration team members have the best training in the industry. SERVPRO of West Riverside City is among the top 10% of SERVPROs in the nation. Our results will create a measurable difference for you.

3. We Respond To You Immediately

You can reach us 24/7. When a disaster strikes we respond as quickly as possible. SERVPRO of West Riverside City can draw on more than 1,650 U.S.  locations to get the right equipment and right professionals to you faster than other companies.

4. You’re Part Of Our Team

We work with you and for you. You are in charge. You receive a complete explanation of the work we will do and why it needs to be done a certain way. Like you, we don’t appreciate surprises.

5. We Use The Latest Technology

The past few years have seen a rapid advancement in the technology and techniques used in the restoration industry. These advancements allow SERVPRO of West Riverside City to restore your property to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and more effectively.

6. We Practice The Golden Rule Of Restoration

Restoring property is less expensive than replacing property. SERVPRO of West Riverside City professionals practice the golden rule, "Restore whenever possible, replace only when necessary." We make sure pretesting is completed on every loss to determine restorability.

7. For Claim And Other Purposes, Your Loss Is Itemized

SERVPRO of West Riverside City can give you an itemized loss inventory. You will receive an Excel formatted report and pictures of important items. 

8. We’ll Help You Prevent Losses, Not Just Deal With Them

Our services start with prevention. We’ll come out to your business or home and do a review of how you can protect yourself, your family, your business, and your property from potential losses. That’s another old rule (from Ben Franklin) we like: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Check out our SERVPRO Ready Plan. 

9. We Handle Any Loss From A Natural Disaster—Big Or Small

Have multiple locations? No problem. Suffer a small loss from water or fire or wind? We can handle it. Have a massive, complex disaster to recover from? That’s within our scope of services, too.

10. We’re Approved, Certified, And Experienced

We’re trained to IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) standards in fire and water cleanup and restoration. Our professionals attend SERVPRO continuing education classes. SERVPRO has been in business for more than 45 years.  Hard-earned results have made SERVPRO a leader in the fire and water cleanup and restoration industry. 

California, Help Is Here 

The team at SERVPRO of West Riverside City has specialized training and experience in fire restoration services, natural disaster prevention, and natural disaster cleanup.

Call SERVPRO of West Riverside City (951.351.8033) anytime, 24/7.

We've served clients in Riverside, Corona, Murrieta, Placentia, Walnut, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Hemet, Redlands, Perris, Eastvale, Bloomington, Lake Elsinore, Rialto, and beyond. 

SERVPRO of West Riverside City

IICRC Certified

Gary Shank

Certified SERVPRO technician

24 hour emergency service