Fire Damage and What To Do Next

2/3/2023 (Permalink)

When a fire happens, our team has the tools and commercial cleaning solutions to restore your home.

The causes of a fire

Fire damage is a devastating reality for many people and can cause significant physical, emotional, and financial losses. It is important to be aware of the potential for fire damage and the best ways to prepare for, respond to, and recover from such an event. All the damage from a fire can be caused by a variety of sources, including natural disasters, electrical problems, and human error. The most common cause of fire damage is accidental, resulting from a failed electrical system, faulty appliances, or improper use of flammable materials. In addition, natural disasters such as wildfires and tornadoes can cause extensive fire damage.

The effects of fire damage

The effects of fire damage can be far-reaching and can vary depending on the size and intensity of the fire. Structures, such as homes and businesses, can be destroyed, while smaller items, such as personal belongings, can be damaged or destroyed. The smoke and fumes created by fire may be dangerous for you, your family, and your pets. In addition, fire can cause serious damage to the environment, including air and water pollution.

The most important step in preventing fire damage is to take proper precautions. Homeowners should ensure that their electrical systems are up-to-date and inspect for any potential hazards. Businesses should regularly check and maintain fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, and ensure that all personnel is trained in the proper use and maintenance of such equipment. In addition, it is important to ensure that flammable materials are stored properly and away from any potential sources of heat or sparks.

What to do and how to recover

In the event of a fire, it is important to call the fire department immediately and evacuate the premises. If safe to do so, it is important to attempt to extinguish the fire before it spreads. However, if the fire is too large or is spreading quickly, it is best to leave the area and allow the fire department to handle the situation.

The recovery process following a fire can be extensive and costly. It is important to contact your insurance company immediately to report the fire and begin the claims process. Additionally, you should contact a fire damage restoration company to assess the damage and begin the cleanup process. The restoration company will be able to provide the necessary services to restore the affected area and items to their pre-fire condition.

Call Glendale’s top restoration company

In conclusion, fire damage is a serious issue that can have devastating effects. It is important to be aware of the potential for fire damage and take the necessary steps to prevent it. In the event of a fire, it is important to call the fire department and evacuate the premises. Finally, it is important to contact a fire damage restoration company like SERVPRO® of Central Glendale to begin the cleanup and restoration process. Give us a call today at 818-246-2200 to schedule an inspection.

Storm Damage in Glendale California

1/30/2023 (Permalink)

Our storm restorarton technicians are certified, experienced, and know exactly what they're doing.

Preparing for Los Angeles rain

One of the greatest attractions in southern California is our weather. Especially in the Glendale area, Mother Nature plays a great part in the beauty of our community. Our late summers in the fall months often dictate how much rain we’ll get during the fall and winter. This year, Summer was cut short, with the first downpour in late October, flooding streets, homes, and other structures in our area. Before the next storm arrives, practice prevention from water damage by checking all these key areas of your property:

• Roof
• Gutters
• Crawlspace

In addition, storm drains along the exterior of your structure need to be cleared of debris, leaves, branches, and other materials that can block ways for water to escape. Note that the best times to check these areas are the months right before expected rain arrives!

When a water damage emergency happens

Imagine this: After a long busy work week, it’s Friday, and all you want to do is get home, get comfy, and put your feet up for the rest of the night. Problem is, the minute you take your shoes off at the front door, you step into WET CARPET! Your socks are soaked, it’s cold, and your weekend has just begun, but not the way you hoped. What do you do?

Simple! Call SERVPRO of Central Glendale for your next steps. Whether it is from a storm backup, or an overflowing faucet that a family member may have forgotten to turn off, water losses are unexpected, and an inconvenience. The first thing first is to identify the source that caused the loss, to prevent more loss to occur. Please note:  There are safety precautions when looking for the source.  Electricity and water are dangerous if (unfortunately) found together.  Call 9-1-1 ASAP if this is the situation.

Call Glendale’s #1 Storm Damage Restoration Service

If you have questions or require services, call SERVPRO of Central Glendale at 818-246-2200.

Our highly trained, professional staff will: 

• Determine the extent of the water damage.
• Provide steps and a plan for drying.
• Use highly technological equipment to correctly mitigate the water for extraction; and
• Restore your property, “Like it never even happened."

If you’re ready for southern California’s #1 water and storm damage professionals to take care of your property, look no further. Give us a call today and see how easy it is to work with us!

Flood Damage In a Glendale Dentist Office

1/19/2023 (Permalink)

Commercial building flooding from rainfall happens more often than you think.

Commercial Property Restoration Experts

Did you know SERVPRO® of Central Glendale specializes in commercial fire and water restoration? Clean-up doesn’t stop at residential properties! If you are a commercial building owner and have experienced water damage, fire damage, or mold, we have got you covered. If you are a commercial building owner and have experienced water damage, fire damage, or mold. This is what happened to a local dentist's office that experienced major water damage from the recent rainfalls.

A Flooded Dental Office  

When the dental staff arrived at the office in the morning, they got a wet surprise. Right when they entered, they all stepped into huge puddles of water. When they looked up, they saw that the entire ceiling had come caving in with lots of rainwater following. Once the owner of the building got word of this, he gave us a call immediately. Our water damage restoration specialists were there in no time to tarp the roof.

Covering the enormous hole temporarily helped to stop any further damage from happening. The other part of the staff began extracting all the excess water that had flooded the main lobby. Once all the extra water was out, it was then time to dry the walls. Since the flood began earlier in the evening the night before, the moisture of the rain began to seep up the drywall of the lobby.

Commercial Fans Dry Everything

This problem called for our commercial fans to be strategically placed toward them. Angling them at the right place guaranteed fast drying time and optimal space. That was something our experienced team measured, according to the distance away from the wall, humidity, and temperature of the room. Once they figured all of this out, the fans continued to dry for the remainder of the week. Since the moisture was saturated into the drywall, it took seven days to dry completely. On the seventh day, the walls were dry as a bone with no sign of mold at all.

Once the owner of the building found out that there was no further damage to worry about, he was very happy. We worked with him every step of the way including assisting his insurance company with pictures and any information they needed on a daily basis. Both our technicians and office staff worked every day to take notes, and photos of the damage, and met with adjusters to help with anything they needed. Our experienced staff has helped thousands of business owners with their properties and has done so for over 10 years.        

Glendale’s #1 Business Building Restoration Company

Water damage can devastate businesses because it can spread quickly through the building and cause significant damage. It is vital to get the damage cleaned up as soon as possible to minimize the damage and protect your staff and business from potential safety issues. The best thing to do is to give our SERVPRO® office a call. We are available to you 24 hours a day, seven days a week for all your restoration needs.

Top Reasons Why SERVPRO of Central Glendale is the Best Fire & Water Restoration Choice

1/16/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Glendale is experienced, certified, and available to you 24/7.

If you’re in need of fire and water restoration services, it’s essential to consider the quality of service.

As a trusted leader in the fire and water restoration industry, you can depend on SERVPRO® of Central Glendale to be there for you 24/7. Whether you need emergency flood damage restoration or your upholstery extracted, our company is equipped with all the tools necessary to remove any type of damage to your property. Our Glendale SERVPRO office provides many of the services you may need after heavy rain passes through your area.

We provide everything from emergency roof tarping to board-up services to help prevent additional damage while providing security to your property. If your home is suffering from water damage due to flooding or leaking pipes, we can extract the water from your property using advanced drying equipment so we can begin the restoration process.

Here are the top reasons why you should go with SERVPRO® of Central Glendale:

1. We are available 24 hours a day, seven day a week to respond to your water damage emergencies. You can count on us to be there whenever you need us. We will be with you every step – from mitigation to reconstruction.
2. Our technicians are highly trained in water restoration techniques. We can handle any size job, large or small. We can even assist with the insurance process right along with you. We understand the stress and anxiety that comes with dealing with the aftermath of a water damage situation. Let us help you put your life back on track so you can get back to your regular routine.
3. We have over 10 years of experience cleaning and restoring fire and water damage throughout the Glendale area. Any restoration project can be very stressful for you and your loved ones. That’s why we work quickly to help you pick up the pieces and get your life back to normal as quickly as possible.
4. Our IICRC certified office will work with your insurance company to address your claim quickly and accurately. We want to make sure your home is restored and any damaged belongings are Please inquire with us about an estimate, we work hard to be sure that we fully restored to your satisfaction before the project is done.
5. We are dedicated to exceeding your expectations with every service we provide. Contact us today to learn more about your services and how we can help get your home back to normal after a water or fire damage incident.
6. Your residential and/or commercial property is not just an asset, it is a place you call home and work hard at. That is why you need to take steps to prevent damage and loss from occurring in the first place.
7. Commercial property owners: we can help you protect your property with our preventative maintenance programs. These beneficial steps can help keep your business running smoothly for many years to come. We also offer emergency response services for those times when accidents happen. Whenever disaster strikes, we will be here to help get the restoration process started. Our certified technicians have the expertise to handle any job, no matter how big or small.  

Give us a call today!

Wikipedia defines water damage as “a wide variety of structural elements affected by water, including wood and steel beams, concrete foundations, and electrical and mechanical components.” If this sounds like the definition of what your property is going through right now, give us a call at 818-246-2200 today and see how we can help you. 

Strict Restoration Process for Fire and Water Damage

1/6/2023 (Permalink)

By going by a strict restoration process, we are able to remove fire or water damage faster than anyone else.

SERVPRO® of Central Glendale’s Restoration Process

Where do you start after a fire in your Glendale, California property? One thing we recommend to all our customers – it is crucial to start any restoration work as soon as possible. This will prevent further damage - or even irreversible odors – in your residence. Quickly resolve any fire or water damage and cleanup problems by calling SERVPRO® of Central Glendale, the leading expert in mitigation and restoration. Our local restoration team is always ready to help you regain your life back. Here are the main steps you can expect in the restoration process.

1. Phone Consultation

Our office is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That means you can contact us about fire damage restoration, water damage emergencies, mold concerns, and more. An expert will ask various questions to assess the situation and determine what resources they will need to help you.

2. In-Person Inspection

A certified team member will arrive on-site to the property and assess the damage of your residence. Yes, that even means if you need us after-hours! It is custom for them to sketch where the affected areas are on the property and create a rebuild plan. This also goes with taking many photos of the damage so that we can figure out where to start.

3. Initial Restoration Measures

If you have a property that has severe structural damaged, we will install tarps and boards to protect against weather, animals and intruders. This procedure also gives technicians more time to survey damaged areas before starting repairs.

4. Fire and Water Damage Removal  

The next step of the restoration process depends on if you are facing water or fire damage. If the home or office involves damaged structures and belongings from water, we will begin the extracting process. This will allow any excess water to be removed as soon as possible. If a fire was involved, our team will begin removing any severely burnt pieces of drywall and start removing smoke odors and soot left behind. Technicians detoxify your residence by removing these “hard to get out” substances from contaminated surfaces such as floors and ceilings.

5. Cleaning and Deodorizing 

SERVPRO® thoroughly cleans and deodorizes the residence and any damaged possessions before proceeding to more in-depth repair work. This is done with the upmost care, we understand how delicate things can be in the residence. Our team also goes above and beyond when it comes to our customers - If storage is needed for home furnishings for example, we can take care of that.

6. Cleaning and Rebuilding Services

The last stages in fire and water damage restoration are rebuilding and refurbishing. Minor repairs may include sanding and other surface-level improvements. Some restoration projects may require major reconstruction of entire rooms or sections of the residence. Please contact us for more information on rebuilding.

Glendale’s Trusted Restoration Experts

Recovering from a residential fire or water damage emergency doesn't have to be overwhelming. Simplify restoration by coordinating with SERVPRO® of Central Glendale, your trusted local emergency restoration company. We will quickly and efficiently help return your residence to its pre-fire state, give us a call at 818-246-2200 today.

Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Water Damage Restoration Pro

12/28/2022 (Permalink)

The faster you hire a water damage professional, the more money you'll save.

Prepare For The L.A. Rain

Projections show that general disaster restoration services will hit an all-time high in the next few years. Most buildings in the Los Angeles area are over 60 years old with their original plumbing and pipes.

Water restoration covers a range of things that can damage property, and one of the most prevalent types is water damage. It can occur in all kinds of properties in any area, and without proper water damage restoration, all kinds of problems can occur.

Here are the top 5 main benefits of hiring a professional water damage restoration service.

1. Reduce the Damage

Water damage can make homes unlivable, and commercial properties unusable. Hiring professional restoration experts will help reduce any damage that has been done. This includes removing water, drying the area, full disinfection, as well as repair work.

If water damage is left, it can get worse over time. The faster things are dealt with, the better for you and your family. SERVPRO® of Central Glendale is available 24/7 and will respond immediately to help you deal with any problems.

2. Safety and Peace of Mind

One of the main issues that can come from water damage is mold growing where the wet areas are. There are various types, and they can grow almost anywhere. These vary in terms of how bad they are, but any mold can be harmful to people’s health.

Service First will ensure all mold is wholly eradicated. After this, our mold remediation services will help prevent future mold growth

3. Save Money

The extent of water damage can vary greatly, and as such, so can the cost. In some cases, you could be looking at huge amounts of damage in just a few hours. Calling in professionals as soon as possible could help you save a lot of money.

For example, you may have some drywall where a stain has appeared, which can simply be sanded and painted over. If left for too long, however, you may end up having to remove the entire section of the wall. Acting fast and getting things done professionally is the best way to minimize the cost of water damage to your property.

4. Speak to a Professional

It can be difficult to assess the severity of water damage. Things like walls, carpets, furniture, etc. may be salvageable, or they may be too damaged.

A professional will be able to give you a good idea of what can be saved, and what can’t. This will stop you from throwing out things that are still good, or holding on to items that are too far gone.

5. Familiar with Insurance Claims

Many people have never previously dealt with insurance claims, which can be quite complicated. Getting everything done right isn’t always easy, and it can be quite stressful after suffering damage to your property.

SERVPRO® of Central Glendale has over 15 years of experience. In that time, we’ve dealt with all kinds of insurance claims. Our team can assist you through the process to make sure everything is done right.

Professional Water Damage Restoration Pros

Water damage can be devastating, and it’s important to act fast when it happens. Our certified water damage professionals provide professional water damage restoration services throughout Glendale and surrounding cities. Don't hesitate to get in touch with us today at 818-246-2200 and schedule an inspection. See how SERVPRO® of Central Glendale can help you.

Seven Tips To Remember When Your Crawlspace Floods

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

One out of 5 Californians will experience flooding according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

Californians should expect floods in their homes.

According to the Public Policy Institute of California, 1 out of every 5 California homeowners will experience flooding. That means many homeowners will encounter flooding they may not have seen coming or expected before. The flood restoration process is not common knowledge but hiring certified restoration specialists can help you through the process.

If you’ve experienced a recent flood, here are seven tips to remember when dealing with any future water emergency.

Ensure Safety

Before entering a crawlspace to begin flood restoration, it needs to be safe. The impact of flash flooding can create gas leaks or turn the crawlspace into an electrical hazard. Turning off the electricity beforehand will prevent damage from electric shock, so shut down the breaker system or contact an electrical company for assistance.

Stop the Flooding

It isn’t easy to recover from crawlspace flooding if the water keeps leaking. Finding the source of the leak and covering it up will prevent any more water from coming in and make the water removal process quicker.

Bring Furniture and Valuables Upstairs

One of the numerous threats of crawlspace flooding is the damage it can inflict on anything you store downstairs. Precious keepsakes from family members, old or unused furniture, and other valuables are at risk of permanent damage from water. To save as many furnishings as possible, carry them upstairs and away from the flooded area so they can dry out. Placing them in a location with strong ventilation will help speed up the process and prevent further damage.

Remove the Water

Removing water is the most pivotal part of flooding restoration, and there are multiple methods of doing so. Using a water pump or wet vacuum will help suck up the mess quickly, but buckets and mops will suffice if those aren’t available. Extracting the water as soon as possible reduces the risk of mold, as it requires damp conditions to grow. 

Dry the Crawlspace

Even after removing the water, the aftermath of the crawlspace flooding still needs to be dealt with. Large industrial-sized fans and dehumidifiers will assist in removing any remaining dampness and moisture, so mildew has fewer opportunities to grow. Place fans several inches away from the walls to help airflow circulate and replace their filters regularly so they can function optimally. Depending on the material used for flooring and walls, it could take several days to air out, so don’t expect results to happen overnight.

Repair Broken Infrastructure

The last step in flood restoration is to repair any damage caused by the flooding water. Having flood insurance will help pay for the costs to replace any broken walls or repaint surfaces. While the crawlspace undergoes construction to fix the flood’s destruction, it’s also a great opportunity to prevent future damage by addressing potential water leaks and waterproofing the crawlspace if future flooding does occur.

Call the Water Damage Professionals

If you need help removing the dampness from your crawlspace after a severe flood in your home, SERVPRO® of Central Glendale’s water damage services will help restore your home back to how it was in no time. Call us today at 818-246-2200 and schedule an inspection today.

How to Avoid Water Damage and Mold During Heavy Rain

12/12/2022 (Permalink)

Rainwater can cause serious damage including mold and leaks.

If there are heavy rains and your home has undiscovered leaks, you will likely have a mold problem soon.

Rainwater damage and mold go hand in hand. Mold may sound like a rare issue found in only the dingiest of homes, but mold lives everywhere. Even in the cleanest spaces, mold spores can be found floating around. When it comes to mold in your home, the key is to ensure mold levels stay in an acceptable range. It is impossible to eliminate mold entirely but if one area gets too damp, mold can fester at elevated levels without your knowledge. Mold becomes problematic in these concentrated, unseen situations.

The Good and Bad Things About Mold

Though it may sound surprising, mold can be a good thing in specific settings. In nature, mold breaks down organic materials to feed and nourish the soil. Mold makes some cheese taste great too. If you notice mold in your home, don’t freak out! Mold is natural and fixable.

Mold only becomes a problem when it grows excessively. As we said, all it takes for a mold infestation to grow is a damp, dark area. Often caused by heavy rains, humidity, or leaks, excessive mold can become hazardous to your home and family. The key is to remain diligent and take preventive measures before the rainy season approaches to fend off water damage and mold.

Water and mold damage restoration

If mold infests your home, it is important to understand the water and mold damage restoration process. The first thing that should be on the top of your list - hire an expert! Mold is not something to mess around with. To solve the problem efficiently and effectively, you will need a qualified restoration company to handle your water and mold damage restoration.

Water and mold damage restoration includes a wide spectrum of services and solutions. In some cases, you may be able to clean mold problem areas to resolve the infestation. Sometimes, mold damage requires more intensive solutions. Additionally, mold restoration may require testing for asbestos and lead. It’s important to get these done before the rain causes more serious damage.

To determine which route to take in getting rid of mold in your home, contact a professional to inspect and give you advice. Before you can begin the remediation and treatment process, it is essential to get the affected space tested. A certified mold inspector can take samples from your home and get them tested in a laboratory. Without taking this step, it’s impossible to say if you have a mold problem or not.

Mold damage from water leaks

As we enter the rainiest season of the year, it is important to be on the lookout for mold damage. Though rainy days can feel cozy and relaxing, they may be causing serious, underlying issues in your space. If your home leaks in any place, the rain can saturate building materials and cause mold to grow. After all, as we mentioned before, all it takes is a damp place for mold spores to latch on and thrive.

To protect your home most effectively, it’s crucial to think about moisture itself rather than mold. To put it in simple terms, moisture is the illness and mold is just a symptom. You can remove mold all you want but if the leak or moisture source is not diagnosed, the pesky mold will keep coming back. Before the rainy season approaches, ensure your gutters are intact and clear of debris.

Glendale, California’s #1 Water and Mold Damage Experts

If the rain comes before you get the chance to perform these prevention tips, make sure to inspect your home once the rain stops. Look for wet areas, moisture or other signs of leaks. Checking for visible mold from water leaks will give you peace of mind and confirmation that there is no serious problem. We recommend calling in an expert to confirm that your home is waterproof and mold-free. Give SERVPRO® of Central Glendale a call now at 818-246-2200 to see how we can help you today.

Things You Should Know in a Recent Fire

12/5/2022 (Permalink)

Try these important things to do (and not to do) during a fire.

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first.

Even if the situation is hectic, there are important questions to ask yourself for the safety of you and your family:   

• Is it safe to enter the home?
• Is it safe to stay in the house?
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns. Are there electric outlets that are sparking?
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform. Is it safe to do so?
• Wet materials can be weighty, is it too heavy to carry or pick up?

What To Do After a Fire  

If you have had a recent fire, here are a few crucial things you should act on immediately:  

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls, and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery, and carpet traffic areas.
• If the electricity is off, empty the freezer and refrigerator and prop the doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of the leaves.
• Change the HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After a Fire

As tempting as it may be, under no circumstances should the following things be done:

• Please don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if the ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO of Central Glendale today at 818-246-2200. Our expert and certified technicians are on standby. 

Dealing with a Flood Emergency

11/27/2022 (Permalink)

Floods are prone to happen after heavy rainstorms in the San Fernando Valley.

Flooding Services for Your Home or Business

SERVPRO of Central Glendale is available 24 hours a day for flooding and water emergencies, large and small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of even a few hours may increase the severity of the water damage. The more that time passes, the worse it can get.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help

We understand that when you pick up the phone and call us, you may feel confused, stressed, and vulnerable. A flooding incident in your home or business can turn your world upside down. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Central Glendale has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business. If you are experiencing a flood emergency, please give us a call at 818-246-2200.

What to Expect from Our Restoration Team

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Central Glendale

SERVPRO of Central Glendale specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.