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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Blog Posts

COVID Variant Sanitation Cleaning Offered in Glendale by SERVPRO

11/20/2022 (Permalink)

Technician in a PPE suit fogging a break room. Glendale's technicians are all thoroughly trained for the SERVPRO: Certified Cleaned program.

COVID In 2022

Since March 2020 when the outbreak of the Coronavirus, we have lived in very unpredictable times. SERVPRO® of Central Glendale, which is part of a nationally trusted company for fire, water, mold, and biohazard cleanup, started a certified cleaning program explicitly designed to provide our community with an answer. And with the recent rise of COVID variants, we need to be more cautious than ever to ensure safety. We provide services to structure sanitizing and fogging and disinfecting the entire area to minimize harmful pathogens.   

Sanitized and Disinfected - Guaranteed

The Certified SERVPRO Cleaned program allows business locations like offices, retail stores, and restaurants to address the COVID-19 pandemic in a healthy way. It is a level of cleaning beyond janitorial and carpet cleaning since our cleaning solutions are medical-grade certified. It is considered a proactive viral pathogen cleaning, approved by our corporate office. Our crews use multiple cleaning steps to ensure a space is thoroughly disinfected. For example, our disinfectant spray and our fogging system use non-toxic, EPA-registered proprietary cleaning disinfectants that kill 100 percent of bacteria & viruses when applied at full strength. And we include ALL areas that may be overlooked by janitorial cleaners.                                           

In school offices and classrooms, we also wipe down and disinfect doorknobs, light switches, office chairs, computers, and phones. In retail spaces, we not only disinfect counters and other surfaces but also focus on shelving, racks, drawers, carpets & rugs, and even toilet flush handles. In kitchens and break or coffee rooms, we won’t miss cabinets, faucets, sinks, light switches, knobs, and any hard-to-reach spots.

Glendale’s Sanitation Experts

The SERVPRO® of Central Glendale team have been quite busy with disinfecting services as businesses small & large are bringing back their workforce. When businesses choose us, their employees, customers, and community can rest assured they have selected a higher standard of clean – Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned (CSC). Our goal is to always help keep our communities safe and protected during this pandemic.

The #1 Restoration Fire & Water Company in Southern California

11/13/2022 (Permalink)

The logo of SERVPRO of Central Glendale Your #1 Glendale, California choice in fire and water restoration services.

The Restoration Company You Can Trust

Did you know that SERVPRO® of Central Glendale provides 24-hour emergency service? Our goal is to be the fastest fire and water restoration company for any-sized disaster in Glendale, California. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour emergency service
  • Faster to any-sized disaster
  • Highly trained fire/water restoration technicians
  • Trusted leaders in the restoration industry
  • Locally owned and operated
  • Advanced restoration and cleaning equipment 

Residential Restoration Services

Whether your Glendale home needs emergency services for flood damage, water damage, or fire damage, you can depend on us. Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training that is required to work with our company. Each of our expert techs has been certified by the state of California and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Mold Remediation
  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Flood Damage Services
  • Cleaning Services
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Building / Reconstruction Services

Commercial Fire & Water Damage Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Glendale commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

Have Any Questions? Call Us 24/7 – (818) 246-2200

Emergencies happen at the most convenient times. That’s why we are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week – yes, that even includes holidays. Please keep in mind any services performed after our office hours (7:30am-4 pm Monday through Friday) are considered emergency restoration services and will be charged accordingly. Call our office now and speak to anyone of our restoration experts about your unique situation so we can get a sense of how we can assist you.

Biohazard and Sanitiation Cleaning in Glendale

10/31/2022 (Permalink)

Two biohazard technicians cleaning a residential home. SERVPRO of Central Glendale's biohazard technicians are certified and ready to go.

Biohazards: The Basics

A biological substance that may pose a threat to another living creature’s health is considered a biohazard. Some common examples of biohazards include bacteria, fecal matter, blood spores, mold growths, yeast, and viruses. Also, any waste known to contain, or potentially contain, infectious substances is considered biohazardous. Liquid substances along with specific items can be considered biohazardous. Types of biohazardous waste include, but are not limited to:

  • Sharp Objects (needles, blades, glass shards)
  • Human or Animal Blood & Blood Products (plasma)
  • Microbiological/Laboratory Items (cultures, tubes)

The above examples are considered biohazardous waste because they can be carriers of infectious pathogens that are known to lead to and cause diseases. Pathogens can spread directly or indirectly from person to person and require following specific protocols and methods for disposal to mitigate the risk of spreading any biohazardous contaminants. It’s crucial to contact experienced, trained professionals like the SERVPRO® of Central Glendale team to take care of this type of hazardous situation. We use only top-grade disinfectants and equipment to ensure the safety of all involved.

  • Crime Scene Cleanup - After the police have concluded processing the crime scene, you can reach out to our professionals to meticulously restore the impacted area.
  • Blood Cleanup - Blood pathogens can be especially hazardous and should always be treated and cleaned by experienced professionals.
  • Unattended Death Cleanup – The passing of someone could have biohazardous impacts requiring trained, professional assistance to clean and decontaminate.

A Deep Dive on the Subject

Biohazard materials are substances that may expose you or others to dangerous pathogens or diseases. A few of the most common biohazard cleaning services are:

  • Human blood and byproducts
  • Urine & feces
  • Vomit
  • Bodily Fluid Cleanup
  • Death Cleanup
  • Decomposition Cleanup
  • Dirty hypodermic needles
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathological waste
  • Soiled clothing
  • Animal waste
  • Sharps waste

Why Biohazards Should Be Taken Seriously

Many people are familiar with the biohazard symbol, but not everybody realizes how serious dealing with biohazards can be. Proper disposal and cleaning after contact with biohazards are critical for human health and safety. You should always take biohazards seriously.  Numerous biohazard risks might be present at the scene of a crime or traumatic accident. Reducing the transmission and spread of these biohazards is vital after an incident has occurred on your private or commercial property. 

Understanding the numerous risks associated with biohazards is a great place to begin the process of properly handling them if they are present on your property. SERVPRO® of Central Glendale can help you with emergency bio cleanups. Our emergency response team acts fast to eliminate biohazards before they can cause serious health concerns. Here is why you should always take biohazards seriously. 

Speak to a Specialist Today

If you find yourself in a biohazard cleanup situation, you are not alone. Give our office staff a call at 818-246-2200 today and speak to a certified restoration specialist that has many years of experience. Our team will guide you through the process step by step, so you never have to worry.  

The Most Important Facts About Fire Damage

10/20/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO of Central Glendale fire damage technician wiping ash with a commercial vacuum off a wall of a home. Our certified fire damage services are available to you 24 hours a day.

Fire can be terrifying there’s no doubt about it.

Fire damage falls into a severe type of property damage category. This is because it involves damage from flames, smoke, and water used to put out the fire.

Prevention is essential when it comes to avoiding these situations. This means well-maintained fire detectors and charged batteries. Be sure to routinely check the fire detector system and batteries regularly. You won’t regret the extra effort on your part.

Unfortunately, fires still happen even in the safest and most well-prepared properties. We recommend creating an escape plan set out for your family or employees.

Create a plan for every room in the house and/or office, and your family and staff should be able to respond immediately regardless of where they are in the building. This post looks at a few vital facts about fire and smoke damage restoration.

FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE RESTORATION SERVICES

Fire restoration businesses like SERVPRO® of Central Glendale are run by professionals who deal in restoring a property to its previously undamaged state. We are Glendale, California’s experts who deal with hundreds of homes and business facilities damaged by fire. We are ready, willing, and able to react as soon as you give us a call. Usually working 24/7 all year round, we can help you get your home or commercial building back to normal.

The first move we will make will be visiting your property and inspecting the damage to create an estimate and scope of work for the repairs and restoration needed. We will also share a detailed assessment and explanation of the repair process, so you understand every step. Fire restoration companies can coordinate with insurance companies and be there with any information they need.

Of course, some things can’t be repaired or aren’t worth the effort and the cost. A reputable fire damage restoration company like us will make this clear to you and your insurance adjuster.

THE DAMAGE FROM FIRE AND SMOKE

The first course of action for fire restoration services is to ensure the property’s foundation and structure are both secure and perform any emergency repairs to prevent secondary damage. Cleaning up after a fire is almost impossible without professional help.

The team will then remove any standing water, via extraction methods, and eliminate moisture in the affected areas by utilizing dehumidification processes. Then the smoke and soot will need to be managed.

Smoke from a fire contains a dangerous mixture of chemicals and toxins that can be harmful to your health, as well as your property.

And smoke damage cleanup is complicated. Inhaling smoke can be damaging to your lungs, and smoke will not only leave a dreadful odor, but it can also cause discoloration and corrosion of materials that will be extremely difficult to remedy.

The extent of the smoke damage is often due to the smoke’s origin, be it wet, dry, protein and/or fuel or oil.

  • As a result of low heat, wet smoke is exceedingly difficult to clean.
  • A fire at hot temperatures will result from a fast-burning fire.
  • Invisible, protein smoke will cause the most discoloration to varnishes and has a nasty odor.
  • As a result of a furnace malfunction, fuel-oil smoke will create soot.

Glendale’s Fire Damage Restoration Experts

If you have been dealing with a recent fire and fire damage to your property, you don’t have to go at it alone. If you need assistance, give us a call at 818-246-2200 anytime 7 days a week. Fire damage can strike at any time, and we are ready to restore 24 hours a day.  

Why You Should Use a Mold Remediation Company

10/19/2022 (Permalink)

A mold remediation technician scraping mold off of wood slabs of a residential home. Mold can quickly grow in many houses, especially in the hidden dark, and damp areas.

Mold damages your health, and your property and causes horrible effects. It is essential to know how to recognize mold signs to take fast action and prevent more severe damage.

Below are all signs and reasons why mold remediation is essential. Keep in mind that you need a mold removal specialist, a professional to take care of your mold inspection. It is necessary to remove all the damages professionally.

Reasons Why You Need a Mold Removal

To know the importance of taking care of your mold remediation as soon as possible, you need to understand the reasons why.

1.     Mold Can Damage Your House in No Time

Mold will quickly devastate your place and properties before you notice. To prevent damage soon, hire a professional restoration company.

2.     Mold Damage Can Be Unhealthy

If you leave mold untreated, it can have adverse effects like allergy symptoms, headaches, sinus congestion, fatigue, and weakness. Mold can be harmful to people with asthma, as well as your pets.

3. Structural Damage

There are various species of mold that exist and can usually be found in the invisible parts of a building. And if you leave mold untreated, it causes structural damage to your house so that nothing will be left. 

Important Signs That Show You Need Mold Remediation

As mold damage may be hard to notice, homeowners should regularly inspect for mold growth in dark and wet areas. Meanwhile, if you notice these signs, you should immediately contact mold remediation experts.

1.     Water Damage

As you may know, mold grows in humid areas. Whenever there is a water leak, there are more possibilities for mold damage.

For water damage cleanup, experts inspect to find how they can solve it as soon as possible. Calamities, broken plumbing systems and pipes, defective household appliances, bulk water, and many more reasons cause water damage.

2.     Mold Smell & Odor

Some molds have a strong and musty smell. So, you need to notice any strange smells, especially if you have not been at your house for a while. Although you may not see the spot, a horrible smell is a great way to figure out mold infestations.

3.     Condensation

Condensation can happen on walls, windows, and air ducts. This type of moisture causes mold growth, mainly if it occurs regularly. To prevent such a bad condition, consider using a good humidifier to regulate your home temperature appropriately.

4.     Dark Spots

If you are moving into a new place, be sure to check every wall for any dark spots, especially in the basement or the bathrooms. Mold growth that has been left unchecked for a long time can result in discoloration. But molds are not always black; they may appear white and gray-brown, pink, or grayish-green. As a result, if you notice such spots on the walls, it could be a sign that something is wrong. In this case, you should contact SERVPRO® of Central Glendale today at 818-246-2200.

Water Damage in the Middle of the Night

10/6/2022 (Permalink)

A water damage technician checking a carpet for water damage. Our water damage technicians always know what to do with every situation.

When You Need Help the Most

Did you know that SERVPRO® of Central Glendale is available for any fire or water damage services 24 hours a day? That was the case for a residential home in a nearby area. We received a call from a homeowner that was in complete shock that an old pipe had burst from under the structure, flooding the restroom, hallway, and a room holding valuable instruments.

A Watery Situation Turned Good

When our specialists got to the property within 10 minutes, they discovered the entire half of the house was flooded. What was worse, there were electric guitars, amps, and a drum set sitting in 2 inches of water. As soon as our crew chief saw this, he ordered the rest of the team to begin extracting as soon as possible. The property owner immediately signed the paperwork and got in contact with his insurance company.

As the water technicians extracted the water, they made sure every inch of it was removed until the area was manageable. They then set up our professional-grade drying equipment and placed it where it was needed the most. Every 24 hours, one of our techs went to the location, monitored, and recorded how dry the area was getting based on things like humidity. The instruments were luckily covered by the owner’s insurance company, and they had a blast picking out newer ones (as they explained to our office staff). They told us that it was a good thing they called us when they did, or else the damage would have been much worse, and may have had to replace the carpet. They were relieved we were able to save it.

Your Local Water Damage Heroes

When events like this happen, please know you are not alone. Our certified staff is trained to understand what to do when different water damage situations occur. Give us a call now at 818-246-2200 if you are experiencing damage like this. We will help you every step of the way! 

Storm Damage Will Invade Your Residence Anytime

10/1/2022 (Permalink)

A water damage technician in a PPE suit with a wand in hand extracting water from a carpet. Our Storm technicians are experts in extracting all water from rain right out of your home.

Flooding in a Residential Home

If you happen to be experiencing water damage from the recent storm that hit Southern California, you are not alone. Many Glendale residents as well as those in the surrounding areas experienced water damage and flooding in their homes and businesses. Once the storm passed, not everything was sunshine and rainbow.

This residence in Glendale, California had the same unpleasant situation with rainwater flooding into their home from the backyard. The sliding patio door was not enough to keep the stormy weather out. Because of this, all the carpeting in the family room was completely soaked. When our technicians got to the residence, they checked the saturation level and the water had made it to the padding, located under the carpeting. The first call to action was to extract all the excess water from the residence. It was finding its way down the hallway, which our water damage technicians discovered could be saved and dried.

SERVPRO® of Central Glendale’s Storm Technicians Got to Work  

Once the carpeting in the family room was damp enough to handle, our technicians began to remove it, so it would not begin the mold growth process. Our experts understood that if the carpet was left, it would have been subject to mold growing under it in no time. That could lead to bigger issues in the coming weeks, with foul smells and possible health scares.  

Once the residential property owner signed paperwork and our storm damage techs got to work removing the rainwater, the home was like new again. The family living in the house got to choose new carpet for the family room plus they did not. have to worry about replacing anything in the hallway area.

Call on the Water Damage Experts   

If you live in a residence that has experienced recent storm damage, we would like to help. Call us at 818-246-2200 today and speak to our certified staff. Every situation is different, and we will accommodate to your unique circumstances.

Department Store Suffers Water Damage

9/30/2022 (Permalink)

Technician wiping down a restroom from water damage. Our water damage technicians are available 24/7 for all your commercial property needs!

Major Water Spill in the Restrooms

When we say our team can handle any sized water damage situation, we mean it. That was true for the local Nordstrom in Glendale, California. We got a call from mall management explaining that an old pipe had busted, and they had their plumbers stop the leak, but there was an inch of water all throughout the restroom area. As soon as our office received the call, we arrived at the department store immediately.

Our crew chief inspected the damage and explained to the mall manager on duty that it was a good thing they called when they did. Any more time and the water would have begun to absorb into the walls and possibly invade the first floor of the luxury store. This could have been a disaster, damaging inventory and losing sales.

Acting Fast and By the Book

After inspecting the damage, documenting it with photos, as well as measuring and sketching the affected areas, the rest of our certified water damage experts got to work. They extracted all the excess water before it became stale and dangerous. Once that was done, they began checking the walls around the area to confirm there was no further absorption happening. They also began to extract the carpet found outside the hallway. Once the techs got as much as they possibly could with professional extraction equipment, they strategically placed our commercial fans in place.

Completely Dry in Less Than a Week

It took 5 days for the hallway to completely dry, but business was as usual thanks to SERVPRO® of Central Glendale’s team. Mall management was relieved that they did not have to close at all (restrooms were just out of order), saving the company thousands of dollars in revenue. All in a day’s work!

If you are a commercial property owner and are experiencing water or fire damage, give us a call today to see how we can help you. Interested in having us on your vendor list? We can accommodate that as well, contact our office at 818-246-2200 today.   

How to Dry Carpets After a Storm Flood

9/23/2022 (Permalink)

A staircase stripped of carpet and padding due to water damage from a storm. It is best to remove carpet and padding as soon as possible if it can't be saved. Your pros at SERVPRO can take care of this for you.

Rainfall Can Affect Carpets and Rugs

If the recent rainy weather from Tropical Storm Kay has flooded your home, it can quickly lead to various forms of water damage. Porous materials like rugs and carpets tend to be more severely affected by water. This means it is crucial to restore any wet carpeting as soon as possible. It is best to take immediate action, or it can lead to mold growth as well as other types of damage. Keep these guidelines in mind to properly clean your carpet and help it recover from water damage after after a storm.

Dry the Area
To prevent any further damage from happening, be sure to thoroughly dry all wet areas of your home immediately. Be sure to call water damage companies that are certified. Our office for example will point fans towards your carpets as well as the surrounding space to ensure that all moisture evaporates completely. Drying your home during the restoration process can help accomplish the following:

  • Circulating fresh air
  • Removing excess moisture
  • Preventing mold growth

In addition, removing any leftover water from your carpeting can keep water damage under control until help arrives.

Inspect Your Home
Water damage has a way of hiding in the most unexpected areas of your home. To properly assess the level of damage after a storm has passed, be sure to inspect your living space from top to bottom. This includes checking your carpet padding as well as the carpets themselves to identify any traces of moisture.

Call a Professional
After flooding has happened in your home, it is crucial to take the proper measures to keep any additional harm away. Once you have done this, be sure to call an experienced professional who can handle the watery problem. An expert like SERVPRO® of Central Glendale can identify any signs of water damage that you may not have notice on your own and help restore your home back to the way it was.
Flooding after a thunderstorm is a major source of stress for many homeowners. However, with the help of water damage restoration professionals, your home can return to its normal state in no time. Please give our water damage experts a call at 818-246-2200 to see how our office can help you today.

Glendale, CA Restaurant Suffers Fire Damage

9/21/2022 (Permalink)

A fire damage technicians wearing a PPE suit wiping soot from a sink. Our fire damage technicians understand how to get rid of soot and ash completely.

Local Fine Dining Eatery in Flames

SERVPRO® of Central Glendale is always happy to help local businesses in the surrounding areas with any water or fire damage that may occur. That is exactly what happened to a local restaurant near the Glendale Galleria. The kitchen caught fire, which forced smoke to spread into the vents. It was good that our trained fire technicians got there just in time to reverse the damage early.

The entire fine dining establishment was affected, unfortunately. What was worse, the fire happened during business hours with customers in the restaurants. Once the restaurant guests were safely evacuated, the city’s fire department put the fire out. The owner, understandably distraught, did not know what to do. Our project manager explained the process and helped him every step of the way. He answered all his questions and recommended our SERVPRO® crew begin removing the ash and suit immediately. The property owner agreed, signed paperwork with us, and our fire techs got to work.

Our Fire Technicians Work Fast

First, the crew split up into two teams – one team to tackle all the water left by the fire department that extinguished the fire and another to work on clearing out the vents and wiping up ash and soot. The first team extracted all the dirty water that was on the floor and all over the stoves and ovens. It can get messy when water hits a fire, since it smudges. SERVPRO®’s formulated cleaning materials cut the time in half when deep cleaning a surface.  

Since ash and suit smear, it takes commercial-grade solutions to remove it. In our experience, one wipe just does not cut it. Once surfaces are wiped down, suit and ash tend to settle back onto it. Because of this, our crew wiped all areas of the affected restaurant two to three times to confirm it was gone entirely.

Within 5 days, the entire establishment was like new again. The owner was thrilled since her business was not closed for too long and they opened their days just in time for the weekend rush. We are happy that she decided to give us a call, we were able to show her that fire damage can disappear when our team is involved.

Call Your Local SERVPRO® 

If you live in the Los Angeles or San Fernando area and have experienced a fire, do not panic. Call our expert fire damage staff at 818-246-2200 today to see how we can help you. The sooner you deal with fire damage, the less expensive it will be.

How To Deodorize A Smoky Residence

9/16/2022 (Permalink)

A fire damage technician fogging a residential property from smoke damage. Fogging is one of the tactics our professionals use to remove smoke damage from your property.

Getting Rid of the Smell

Home deodorization after a fire can be tricky to handle by yourself. Especially if you are dealing with smoke odor. There are “odor-eliminating” products that you can purchase at a local market, but beware. Short-term solutions can trick you into thinking you have removed the odor, however the truth is it only lasts for a day or two. Not all permanent solutions work for every situation.

Our staff here at SERVPRO® of Central Glendale have outlined a few “fix-it quick” solutions for the strong smell until we are able to deodorize your entire Glendale, California home. Please note this list does not include smoke residue that goes hand in hand with smoke.  

Temporary Solutions

When dealing with strong, lingering odors, it is important to remove the particulates that are causing the smell rather than simply covering them up with other fragrances. The following are some common items that may cover up an odor for a bit:

  • Air fresheners
  • Oils
  • Candles
  • Sprays (like Febreze)
  • Incense

Please understand the nice smelling aroma from these items will eventually fade and the smoke odor will come back. In some cases, the fragrance from the air freshener may combine with the smoke smell and create an even more unpleasant odor.

Permanent Smoke Removal

Whether from a fire or cigarette smoke, smoke odor is a very long-lasting problem. The particulates tend to get trapped in porous and non-porous surfaces and give off an unpleasant smell until they are properly removed. Fortunately, our SERVPRO® team have several methods of home deodorization that can effectively handle smoke odor:

  • Air scrubbing (filters the smoke particles out of the air)
  • Ozone treatment
  • Thermal fogging

What Is an Ozone Treatment?

Ozone treatments allows ozone into the area. It combines with the smoke particles to form a new particle that does not produce a smoky odor. Thermal fogging is better for areas affected by fires where the high temperatures caused surfaces to expand and trap the smoke odor. A certified restoration service can help you choose the best odor removal method for your home.

Let the Odor Removing Pros Help

Home deodorization is often frustrating, especially if the offending smells linger for long periods or reappear. The best deodorization methods are those that permanently remove or alter the smoke particles so that they no longer emit unpleasant odors. To schedule a smoke odor removal session, give our Glendale office a call at 818-246-2200 and speak to one of our experts today.

How to Prepare for Water Damage from Tropical Storm Kay

9/9/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial-grade drying fans drying out water damage. SERVPRO of Central Glendale has the equipment to handle water damage from tropical storm Kay.

Freak Storms Cause Havoc in Southern California

If your home has been affected by water damage from tropical storm Kay, you are not alone. Please know the hours following the incident are crucial. Whether a leak from the roof or flooding, it is important that the first thing to consider doing is calling a water damage restoration company in the area. SERVPRO® of Central Glendale for example is equipped to assess, restore, and repair any sort of water damage that occurs in your home.

The initial appointment is generally a consultation and inspection of the damage. Before we arrive, there are a few things that you can do to prepare.

What to Do When the Storm Hits

  1. Have your insurance information close by. Most restoration companies can assist you in filing an insurance claim. Before they arrive, make sure that you have your homeowner’s insurance policy available. If you have time, it could be beneficial to look it over or call your carrier to find out if your policy covers the water damage.
  1. Think about your next move. In some instances, water damage is so severe that it is impossible to repair the structure. In other instances, it is completely possible to restore your belongings. Before your water damage consultation, think about if you would rather restore your belongings or purge them. Purging them would require you to throw them out and start again.
  1. Prepare yourself for the process. During water damage consultation, the professionals will take their time to look over your property and assess all issues. It can take time for everything to be detailed and examined. Your patience is greatly appreciated!
  1. Trust your restoration professionals. When calling a company to assess the water damage in your home, it’s important to trust them and their opinions. While you may think that certain walls are dry to the touch, there may still be risk of mold and deterioration. Experts can detect and assess these types of issues. If you aren’t willing to listen to their opinions or trust their methods, it will prolong the process and could lead to further damage. Trust those who are trying to restore your home. It is in their best interest to get the structure of your home and your belongings back to normal as soon as possible.
  1. Vacate the premises if needed. If your water damage technicians need you to leave the home while they restore it, have a place in mind where you can stay. Whether you choose a hotel or with extended family, mentally preparing to stay somewhere else can make it easier if it ends up being a reality.

Water Restoration Is Slow and Steady But Worth It

The water damage restoration process can be a slow one. There are specific procedures that must be executed to ensure that water damage does not spread and that your home remains safe. If you are dealing with the aftermath of tropical storm Kay or any other storm, be prepared for the road ahead of you. Water damage repair should only be left to the professionals, like the technicians from SERVPRO® of Central Glendale. Dealing with flood water (or even a sprinkler that busted), you will not want to attempt to clean the damage on your own. Give us a call 24 hours a day for water damage help at 818-246-2200.

Hotel Water Damage Emergency

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial-grade fans drying out carpet and walls in a hotel hallway. This hotel had a significant leak from an old pipe. Our commercial water damage techs got the call at 3 AM and were extracting within the hour.

Businesses Have No Time to Waste

SERVPRO® of Central Glendale is ready for any sized water or fire damage situation. Take the hotel we recently had the opportunity to help. Since it is local to Burbank Airport, it is always very busy. That meant there was no time to waste – even in the middle of the night.

The 3 AM Call

Our office received a call in the middle of the night from the night manager explaining there was a significant leak from a broken pipe that flooded a room and into the hallway. Our fully trained water damage technicians were there within the hour. Since our employees are part of the Glendale community, it was easy for them to check on the situation.

The production manager on duty that night inspected the cause of damage, took photos of the rooms that were affected and began sketching the area. After he spoke to the manager in charge and the paperwork was filled out by the building owner, our commercial water damage crew got to work immediately. It was a great thing the hotel manager on duty called us when he did. By doing this, he prevented the hotel from getting mold, which can cost thousands of dollars to remediate.

Our water techs began extracting the excess water soaked into the carpet. Once they got as much of it out as possible, they began to set up fans in different areas. Unfortunately, some of the water began to absorb into the walls, since it is made up of nonporous materials. Our experts figured it would be best to angle some fans directly at the wall to dry it. The entire drying process took about 6 days to dry completely. What is better is the hotel did not have to replace the carpet at all, saving them even more money. All in a night’s work for the SERVPRO® of Central Glendale team.

Commercial Building Fire/Water Damage Experts

If you are an owner of a commercial building, you understand time is money. Each day your business is closed due to water or fire damage, the more money you lose. Please don’t let this happen to you! Give us a call at 818-246-2200 today and we will help you each step of the way to make sure that does not happen. Our staff is on-call and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Yes, that also includes all major holidays too.     

Professionally Certified and Available 24/7

8/26/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage technician checking the attic space. Certified, professional and experienced technicians are on hand for any fire or water damage emergency.

Work With the Best

There is no doubt that SERVPRO® of Central Glendale is the number one fire and water damage restoration company. Each day, our technicians prove it by always sticking to protocol, whatever that may be. Going by the guidelines put in place by OSHA and the IICRC, we make sure each job we tackle has the very best results.  

SERVPRO® of Central Glendale’s Restoration Standards

Our professional technicians are not only experienced, but they also understand how important it is to follow strict rules put in place by the IICRC. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification is the only organization that can train, test and certify a technician. These trainings and certifications play a vital role in our daily routine and are an important part of our industry.  

They are the people who develop all major industry standards and reference guides for expert water damage repair and professional fire damage restoration. These IICRC standards take years to create and must be overseen by specialists in the field: insurance experts, manufacturers, trade organizations, contractors, training institutions and public health professionals.

The guidelines are updated every five years to reflect current best practices. With so many developments in technology and science, the fire and water damage restoration business is ever-changing. Because of this, they require the standards to change as well.

Efficiently Trained and On Call

We take a proactive approach to training: from corporate training at SERVPRO's headquarters to regular IICRC-industry certification, you can be confident that our experts have the skills to restore your property. Since we are locally owned and operated in the heart of Glendale, our office will respond quicker with the right resources to save as much of your home or office as possible. Our team’s quick response rate lessens the damage, stops further damage and reduces the restoration cost.

If you have recently experienced fire or water damage to your property, call our office today at 818-246-2200. Our specialists are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week.   

Do This Before You Purchase a Home

8/18/2022 (Permalink)

A brand new home for purchase. Before you purchase a home, inspect the property for mold.

Mold is Everywhere

Mold spores exist everywhere, whether you are indoors or outdoors. What does that mean? It means unfortunately, it is easy for it to grow and become a problem wherever moisture is present.

It is crucial to be able to identify mold growth before purchasing a home. It is a huge life accomplishment, so you need to be careful and take precautions. Follow these four tips that will help you identify possible mold risks in a new home.

Tip 1: Look for musky odors

At times, mold can be hidden from view. Fortunately, your sense of smell can help point you in the right direction. If you notice a musty or mildewy smell in the home, this may indicate there is mold growth. This is very true when the smell is stronger in certain areas and rooms of the property.

Mold has a strong, distinct odor. The scent can also be described as earthy, stale and wet. Use your nose as the first sign that there may be mold in the home.

Tip 2: Look Around

While touring a home, it is important to keep an eye out for potential mold growth. The green and black stuff tends to accumulate in dark, moist areas. Be sure to look in these areas. Common places you should always check include:

  • Beneath counters and under sinks
  • Bathtub grout
  • Crawlspaces, attics and basements
  • Inside toilets
  • Windowsills

There are other visual indicators of possible mold, even if you don’t see the mold itself. It is possible for it to grow on the other side of the wall. Look out for water stains on walls and ceilings. Look for leaking pipes and faucets too.

Tip 3: Ask Questions

Be sure to ask the current homeowners about past water damage and flooding. You may also want to investigate whether the home is in a flood zone. If there has been water damage in the past, pay extra attention to whether there is mold currently present in the home. Be sure to inquire about how they remediated past water damage. Also ask as if water damage has been reoccurring or not. This can be a sign of future water and mold problems.

Tip 4: Have the Home Inspected

Home inspectors are trained to spot water damage and signs of mold in a home. Look to see if any signs of mold were noted in the inspection report. Also see if they provide any kind of mold guarantee.

If you happen to find mold after you already purchased the home, give SERVPRO® of Central Glendale a call. We can start the mold remediation process immediately and fix any other water damage the structure may have. Give us a call today at 818-246-2200.

Local Property Damage in Glendale - It Happens

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

Green commercial truck parked in front of a hotel lobby. SERVPRO of Central Glendale specializes in commercial property damage, whether it is fire/water damage or mold.

Commercial Property Damage is Serious

If you are a commercial property owner, you understand water damage can be bad news for business. It has the potential to ruin your assets as well as disrupt the flow of transactions and productivity that keep your business growing. Whether you own an office building, a retail store, a restaurant, or even a manufacturing plant, whatever the size of your business, you need to get back to “business as usual” as soon as you can.

If your commercial property has been struck by water damage, fire damage or mold, you will want to act quickly to minimize any losses. Time is of the essence when it comes to salvaging what you own while preventing further damage. Unfortunately, expensive items, like electronics and furniture, are often the most prone to be ruined first, so you will want to do as much as you can to bring in assistance as quickly as you can to reduce the long-term costs.

What to do When Commercial Damage Happens

If you are dealing with damage to your business, here are four tips that can help you deal with the problem and minimize the extent of the damage:

  1. Cut the Power and Remove Any Salvageable Large Items

The first thing you must remember is safety first. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity, and focus on removing valuable assets from the affected area.  You might be able to salvage area rugs and carpeting if they are removed and dried quickly.  The same is true for electronics, furniture, and other important movable items you need for your business.

  1. Remove as Much Water as You Can

There are multiple methods for removing water. A sump pump can be an effective tool for removing lots of water. It may be possible to safely access an electrical outlet that is far enough away from the water, but we do not recommend that. Instead, give our SERVPRO® of Central Glendale staff a call now.

If need be, manual methods of water removal can work.  Buckets, mops and towels can be safe and effective, especially if the water damage is contained to a delimited area.

Your professional cleaning and restoration services provider will be able to bring industrial grade tools and expert techniques to clean up your water damage, so if your problem is extensive, you will want their help as soon as possible.

  1. Allow for Ventilation and Drying

Once you’ve cleared out as much standing water as you can, you want to speed up the drying process as much as possible. Open any doors or windows to allow maximum ventilation. If you have access to electricity, you can also use fans and/or a dehumidifier. Turn them up to the highest possible setting for the quickest results.

  1. Clean and Disinfect

Once the water has dried out, use a disinfectant to clean the affected area and get rid of any bacteria contamination. Make sure to wear protective clothing and only where it is safe to do so. You want to prevent any contamination from spreading and affecting other areas of your business property. This includes odor control and the prevention of mold growth.

Call Glendale’s Top Fire/Water Restoration Service

If your business requires emergency professional mold remediation or fire/water restoration services, your local SERVPRO® of Central Glendale experts are here to help.  We have the professional certifications, training, skills and equipment to respond to any size water damage problem and restore you back to business fast. You can reach SERVPRO® of Central Glendale anytime 24/7 at 818-246-2200. Call us today!

What To Do When a Storm Hits

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

Four green airmovers dry a wooden floor and ceiling. SERVPRO of Central Glendale's fast drying equipment will have your home dry in no time after a storm.

Before a storm hits

Before rain ever hits, you need to make sure you have knowledge of the following:

  • Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage
  • Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Look for lightning and go indoors if you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder; stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder strike in the area
  • Consider investing in a personal lightning detector
  • Unplug electronic equipment
  • Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall
  • Shut all windows and secure outside doors

Waiting it out

As bad as this sounds, it is the best thing you can do for the safety of yourself and others. Be sure to:

  • Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords, including devices plugged in for recharging (consider unplugging valuable electronics in case of power surge)
  • Any contact with plumbing is bad news since water conducts electricity
  • Stay away from windows and doors and stay off porches
  • If you are driving, safely exit or pull over and park; do not touch any surface that conducts electricity in or outside of the vehicle
  • Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls
  • Avoid natural lightning rods, such as tall, isolated trees, and avoid isolated small structures in open areas
  • Avoid contact with metal, including farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts and bicycles

After the storm damage is done

Once the storm has gone, now is the time to do the following:

  • Never drive through a flooded roadway
  • Stay away from power lines that are down and report them immediately
  • Avoid storm-damaged areas
  • Help people who may require special assistance
  • Watch your pets closely; keep them indoors if possible
  • Give SERVPRO of Central Glendale a call now!

If the recent flash flood warnings have you stressed out, do not worry. Give the best professional water damage technicians in your area a call at 818-246-2200 today.

Storm Damage in Glendale

7/28/2022 (Permalink)

A water damage technician placing an air scrubber down in a room. The water damage technicians at SERVPRO of Central Glendale are highly trained for every situation.

If there is one thing about California, the weather can be unpredictable. One moment, we are trying to survive a heatwave and then we are dealing with a flash flood the next. When a random storm strikes, disaster can wreak havoc on your property.

Flash flood emergency in Glendale

There are precautions you can take to prepare for a storm, but what if the damage is already done? This is what happened to a local Glendale resident when a random storm came rolling in. The couple was at work when the storm damage happened to their home. The rains were so heavy, it completed flooded their backyard and seeped into the kitchen. There was so much water that flooded their home, it even made it to the living room and the guest bedroom.

As soon as the couple got home, they were over their heads. With rainwater all over the first story of their home, they had no idea what to do. They acted fast and called SERVPRO of Central Glendale right away. Since it was so close, our water damage technicians were there within twenty minutes of them calling. After the homeowners signed paperwork and contacted their insurance company, our team got to work.                     

Water damage technicians to the rescue

First, our team inspected the damage and took information down regarding the water damaged area. They took photos and drew out a sketch of the floorplans that helps the team locate all the affected areas. After that, the water damage technicians began extracting all the access water in the home. After the water was completely extracted out, the floors and carpet were still very damp, and it began to smell like mildew.

From there, they began to place air movers and air scrubbers to help clean the air and dry the floors. Each day for a week, our technicians visited the property to check the dryness and humidity percentage. It took about 6 days for everything to be completely dry.

Our water damage technicians are standing by

If you are experiencing water storm damage, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 818-246-2200 anytime - 24 hours a day, seven day a week.

Fire Damage Can Get Soggy

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

A technician picking up ash and soot from a recent fire. One of our fire damage technicians carefully cleaned ash and soot after a major fire.

When the unpleasant situation of dealing with a fire arises, water damage is not far behind. There are many people that don’t realize with fire comes water – and lots of it.

Fire Damage Restoration Process

SERVPRO of Central Glendale takes pride in knowing that we can get fire restoration done no matter the size, day, or time. Our certified team of specialist not only know how to deal with fire but with water damage as well. As we all know, water puts out the flames. Unfortunately, the water from the fire department tends to completely soak all contents of the home or office. Valuables like rugs, curtains, clothing, furniture, and even fine art can be damaged. 

The fire damage repair process doesn’t have to be painful. We follow SERVPRO’s strict protocols from beginning to end to ensure things are getting done fast in a productive way. This is what happens during a fire damage restoration process with us:

  1. Inspection - One of our certified team members will inspect your property thoroughly to locate the cause of the problem.
  2. Board-up/Tarping (If necessary) - In some instances, tarping a roof or boarding up a window or wall is necessary. This also maintains the security of the premises.
  3. Smoke/Soot Removal - SERVPRO of Central Glendale uses equipment made exclusively to pick up tiny particles of soot. The techniques to remove any smoke or soot in walls, ceilings, and other important surfaces can only be done through special certification. 

Inventory Can Be Lost

Although typically not given much thought, salvage after a fire has a significant impact on a claim and the claim process. Losing your valuables can be stressful but inquiring with the insurance company can help to see what your options are. If there is sufficient insurance on the damaged goods, the insured still has the first choice in the handling of the goods whether they are salvageable or not. If the owner of the damaged goods has no insurance for his/her loss, every penny that can be recouped from the pile of debris is even more critical for the owner.

Local Fire Damage Experts

SERVPRO of Central Glendale is a local fire and water damage restoration company located in Glendale. We are nestled in the industrial neighborhood of Glendale where we are here to help you every step of the way. Give us a call now at 818-246-2200 today!  

When the Washing Machine Floods: How SERVPRO of Central Glendale Saved the Day

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO of Central Glendale water damage technician extracting water from a carpet in a home. SERVPRO of Central Glendale's water damage technicians are certified experts ready to remove any excess water from your home.

When the Washer Gives Out, What Next?

When water starts flowing into your home from a washing machine, it can feel like the end of the world. All your possessions are getting wet, and you don't know what to do. If this happens to you, remember one name: SERVPRO of Central Glendale. We are here to help you when water damage strikes. This is precisely what happened to a local family when their washer finally gave out and flooded their home. The heroic efforts of our water damage technicians saved an entire family's belongings, saving them thousands of dollars.

The Laundry Gone Wrong

The washing machine in the laundry room flooded the entire space and flowed into one of the bedrooms. After the family panicked and were confused about what to do next, one of the daughters in the insurance industry remembered her restoration representative from our team. She gave her a call and SERVPRO of Central Glendale was at the residence within the hour. The crew wasted no time extracting all the excess water out of the two rooms.

It took the technicians a few hours to completely remove all the category 2 water. After that, they placed state-of-the-art fans to dry the space completely. Doing so, they saved the furniture including an antique rocking chair which was not damaged at all since they called the IICRC certified technicians removed the water right on time.

Early Water Extraction Can Save Homeowners Thousands

When our SERVPRO of Central Glendale water damage team arrived on the scene, they wasted no time getting to work. They extracted all the water and set up state-of-the-art fans to dry out the space. This saved the family's carpet, which would have been ruined if we had not been called so quickly. There was no damage to the drywall either, since the techs dried up the entire space, saving the family thousands of dollars.

Our Restoration Company is Local, Certified and Available Now

If you find yourself in a similar situation, don't hesitate to give us a call. We are here to help you 24/7, and we will do whatever it takes to get your home back to normal. Water damage is never fun, but with SERVPRO of Central Glendale on your side, it doesn't have to be the end of the world. Contact us at 818-246-2200 today!

Dealing With Hotel Water Damage

7/8/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage technician extracting water from a hotel hallway. IICRC certified and experienced water damage technicians are available 24/7. SERVPRO of Central Glendale specializes in hotel water damage.

It Happens All the Time

Did you know that water damage is one of the most common types of property damage? It's true! Water damage can occur any time, day or night.

One of the most common places water damage occurs are travel lodges like hotels and Airbnb properties. Water can leak through pipes or from the toilet or sink, causing extensive damage to the guest rooms. It can also occur during storms when flood waters seep into the property. Water damage can even happen in office buildings when sprinklers go off or when water leaks from the ceiling.

Be Sure to Handle Water Damage Right Away

It's best to deal with the aftermath as soon as possible to avoid higher costs and a worse-off property. Water damage can cause mold to grow, which will lead to serious problems. Moisture also has the power to warp wood and ruin carpeting and drywall. This includes flooring like vinyl, that tends to swell within hours of being saturated. It’s best to extract the water as soon as possible.  

If you're dealing with water damage, the first thing you should do is call a professional water damage restoration company. They will have the experience and equipment necessary to deal with the issue quickly and correctly.

Water damage is never fun, but it doesn't have to be the end of the world. With quick action and help from our IICRC certified techs, you can get your property back to normal in no time.   

We’ll Help You Every Step of the Way

 If you think you might have water damage, don't hesitate to call us at 818-246-2200 for help!     

Our office staff here at SERVPRO of Central Glendale have helped numerous property management companies with flooded hotel rooms, hallways and exercise rooms. A hotel flood can happen by several factors, such as a busted pipe or even heavy rain. If a hotel flood occurs in the middle of the night, it can be especially difficult to deal with.

No matter where water damage occurs, it's important to have our certified technicians assess the situation and help you dry out and repair the affected areas. If water damage is unchecked, it can lead to serious problems like mold growth and structural damage.

That's why it's so important to have professional water damage technicians on speed dial to help you deal with water damage. Our restoration company can assess the situation and take the necessary steps to prevent further damage to your property.

What to do Next

If your hotel is dealing with water damage, don't hesitate to give SERVPRO of Central Glendale a call anytime. Our experienced professionals are always happy to answer any questions you have. Contact us now at 818-246-2200 so we can help you every step of the way.

Dealing with a Commercial Building Fire

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

A fire damage technician wiping soot from a restaurant kitchen. A certified fire damage technician wiping soot from a restaurant kitchen. Our team knows exactly what they are doing.

When Commercial Buildings Catch Fire

Dealing with the consequences of fire is never fun. Especially for a business, going through the insurance process, cleaning, and salvaging anything that survived can be hard. That is why SERVPRO of Central Glendale is here to assist building owners with recent fire damage and make the process as easy as possible.

A Restaurant in Glendale was Saved

This popular Glendale restaurant for example recently had a kitchen fire. After the local firefighters stopped the flames, the manager and building owner still had to deal with the aftermath of wet soot and a bad smoke odor. The commercial building owner called SERVPRO of Central Glendale for help and within the hour, our crew was there. After the paperwork was signed by the property owner, we got to work immediately.

Once our fire damage technicians were done cleaning the smeared black contents off the walls, ceiling and every cooking utensil, it was just how it was before. The heavy smoke smell was removed with our specialty equipment and was replaced with a fresh lemon scent.    

Our Fire Damage Experts do it All

We specialize in restoring contents damaged by fire. We make sure we do our best to check what items we can restore to pre-condition. In order to do that, we use different cleaning methods such as Wiping and Spraying, Wet Cleaning, and Abrasive Cleaning to name a few. Fire damage cleaning requires study and certification. There is a certain way to handle each fire situation; especially when it comes to professional buildings.  

We Offer Pack-outs, CCIS and More

We specialize in Pack-outs, which are necessary if your home needs major cleaning as a result of the fire cleanup. In addition to cleaning your valuable belongings, we also specialize in Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), which provides a very detailed list of all your belongings. We go room by room and make an inventory of your contents including photos of the items. 

We offer comprehensive inventory services for both residential and commercial customers in addition to cleaning your treasured goods. We do a room-by-room survey of your belongings, including photographs of them, and provide you with a thorough list.

Call SERVPRO of Central Glendale Now 

If you experienced a fire in your commercial property, call us for more information at (818) 246-2200. We are always ready to go. 

SERVPRO of Central Glendale - IICRC Certified

6/22/2022 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO of Central Glendale technician performing mold remediation. Each of our technicians is IICRC certified and participates in ongoing education courses to keep up to date with the latest in the industry.

SERVPRO of Central Glendale is an IICRC company. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) establishes industry standards and delivers training and accreditation to restoration firms. Firms that are certified by the IICRC have gone through complex training to understand the science of drying, the different water categories and how to handle each water damage situation. 

IICRC Certified Requirements

To become certified through this strict organization, there are certain requirements we need to follow. Some of these sternly enforced rules are as follows:

  • To always present accurate information to property owners while conducting business with honesty and integrity.
  • At least 1 water damage technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests needs to be on the premises at all times (each of our technicians has been trained and passed all tests)
  • A required education program that is ongoing to keep technicians up to date on the latest changes in the industry.

The IICRC Develops Restoration Industry Standards

The IICRC has played a leadership role in developing the major industry standards and reference guides for expert water damage repair and professional mold removal. These IICRC standards take years to create and must be overseen by specialists in the field: manufacturers, trade organizations, insurance experts, training institutions, contractors, and public health professionals.

The guidelines are updated every five years to reflect current best practices. With developments in technology and science, the water damage restoration business is ever-changing, necessitating that the standards change as well.

SERVPRO of Central Glendale is Proudly Certified

SERVPRO of Central Glendale specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, mold or water damage event. Our staff in the office and out on the field is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC certified firm. We take a proactive approach to training: from corporate training at SERVPRO's headquarters to regular IICRC-industry certification, you can be certain that our experts have the skills to restore your property.

If you're experiencing a water damage emergency or mold situation, give us a call now at (818) 246-2200. We're open 24/7 and always here to help.

Why Mold Must Never Be Disturbed

6/9/2022 (Permalink)

A moldy green wall. Mold grows on non-porous surfaces including walls.

Eliminating mold from large areas of the home or office requires expertise and protection and should never be touched.

What is Mold?

Mold is a type of fungus that thrives in moist, dark environments. It can grow on a variety of non-porous surfaces, including wood, paper, and carpet. Mold is often found in homes, schools, and businesses. While small amounts of mold are not harmful, large amounts can be. Disturbing mold can release spores into the air which is never good.

It is commonly found in homes and businesses that have suffered water damage or have high humidity levels. Mold can damage the structure of a building and negatively impact the quality of life for residents.

For this reason, it is crucial that mold growth is removed by trained professionals.

Damp Areas Not Only Grow Mold

Although mold and its spores are literally everywhere, active mold growth requires moisture. Whether on visible surfaces or hiding behind drywall, in attics, or under carpets, indoor mold grows in the presence of excessive dampness or water. Also found in damp indoor environments are:

  • dust mites
  • bacteria
  • airborne chemicals, gasses, and particulate matter caused by the destruction of materials.
  • Microorganisms and molds break down organic compounds into products, including proteins, cell-wall fragments (glucans), and volatile organic chemicals (the actual source of the musty odor associated with mold)

If you suspect there is mold in your home or business, it is important to call a professional mold removal company like SERVPRO of Central Glendale. Our trained technicians will safely and effectively remove the mold from your property.

Mold removal from large areas (such as entire houses or offices) requires both skill and safety. This is for the experts as well as people who live in the affected area. Give SERVPRO of Glendale a call at 818-246-2200 and we will schedule our mold remediation team to remove it fast.

What To Do if Fire Damage Happens

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

The interior of a house and cieling aftter a fire. Fires can affect your life and damage your home or office. Call the experts at SERVPRO of Central Glendale to restore it back to the way it was.

When Fire Damage Happens Call the Experts

A fire can be extremely damaging and harmful to your property. It's crucial to note that fire destroys the structure of the house in addition to causing massive smoke damage once it has been put out. SERVPRO of Central Glendale specializes in smoke cleanup and fire damage repair. Our experienced staff is well trained on the importance of acting quickly. For your property to be restored back to its original condition, we ask that you give us a call as soon as the firemen have done their job. As always, our first concern is for you, your safety, and your happiness.

Avoid Cleaning Fire and Smoke Damage Yourself

Another thing to keep in mind is that you should not try to clean or even touch the affected areas since doing so might make things worse. It may even cause the cost to rise. Here are some tasks we recommend you do (and don't do) before our fire technicians arrive: 

  1. Do not attempt to wash any walls or clothing, doing so can smear the soot and settle it into the material.
  2. Do not try to shampoo your carpet or upholstery.
  3. Do not clean any electrical equipment that was near the fire, doing so can be extremely dangerous.
  4. Do not use any fans near the affected area as it will spread the smoke damage.
  5. Try to stay out of the affected areas as much as possible as it will make it harder for our team to work.

What To Do After the Damage is Done

All is not lost after a fire. There are things throughout the house you could do to reduce the

  • Cover air registers 
  • Change HVAC filters
  • Limit movement inside your home to prevent soot particles from further damaging your carpet. 
  • Protect all restorable items such as furniture, rugs and upholstery (note - only if they weren't directly affected by the fire). 

Schedule a Fire Damage Inspection Today

If you have experienced recent fire damage in your home or office, schedule a fire damage inspection with us today. If you have any questions, give us a call today at 818-246-2200. Our staff will be more than happy to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to do When Water Damage Strikes

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

A restroom that was flooded after water damage. When water damage hits your home or office, be prepared by understanding the process and with these great tips.

When you walk into your house or business and see that the place is flooded with water, it's natural to be frightened, perplexed, and unsure where to begin. SERVPRO of Central Glendale's most helpful suggestion for you is to stay calm and contact us right away. Water damage has occurred. Here are a few things to consider following this urgent phone call.

Things to Know When Water Damage Happens

  • Shut off the water if possible. If you know where your main water valve is located and can safely access it, shut the water off to your home or business. This will greatly reduce the amount of water damage caused by the flooding.
  • If your entire home is flooded, it can mean real danger and should be avoided. Instead, shut the water off to the house or office. Remember, water and electricity do not mix.
  • When picking up cardboard boxes, coats and rugs, be careful when lifting them. The water adds more weight and will make them extra heavy.
  • While waiting for SERVPRO of Central Glendale to get there (within an hour), try removing some moisture with towels, brooms or squeegees. The longer the water settles, the more damage it can cause

Prepare to Speak to Your Insurance Company

When contacting your insurance company, be sure to have your policy number ready when you call your insurance company. The adjuster will likely want to assess the damage before authorizing SERVPRO of Central Glendale to begin work. Be sure to ask when they will be able to come out.

If you need more water damage tips or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call at 818-246-2200. We'll be more than happy to assist you. 

The Dos and Don'ts of Fire Damage Safety

3/16/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage safety is SERVPRO of Central Glendale's top priority. Follow these dos and don'ts to keep you and your family safe.

After any fire damage situation, the primary focus should be safety first. It is best to think of these important questions if there is ever a fire in or around the residence. 

  • Is it safe to stay in the house?
  • Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are the most prevalent concerns.
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
  • Wet materials can be heavier than usual. Be careful!

Smoke Damage Safety

With fires come smoke damage to cause more headaches. The questions above should always be applied if there are nearby fires. The smoke from neighboring fires can find its way inside the windows and under the doors. Smoke can leave a bad odor in curtains, upholstery, clothing, and even leave soot on the walls.     

What To Do After a Fire

  • 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 electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome with a light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of the leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After a Fire

  • 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 the smoke odor. Inquire with us so we can get everything like it was. 

If you have experienced fire or smoke damage to your home or office, give us a call at 818-246-2200 today. We can give you even more advice on your unique fire damage situation.

Certified and Trained by the IICRC

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Glendale's water damage technicians are certified to make strategic calls when it comes to water damage.

SERVPRO of Central Glendale is #1 in the fire and water damage industry.

It's an understatement to say that we love our job. That's why the beautiful city of Glendale chooses us for any fire or water damage emergencies. We are always available and offer our services 24 hours a day. 

Once technicians join SERVPRO of Central Glendale's team, they are put through rigorous training. It even includes hands-on training where a life-sized house is filled with water and flooded on purpose. Throughout the entire house, each room is saturated with category 1 water that's about 6 inches deep. It is a real-life scenario our techs face each day. They are trained to quickly take action and extract all the excess water quickly and efficiently. The goal is always to extract before moisture begins to saturate into the drywall. 

Even if the water extraction process is prolonged due to the homeowners not being home (which happens sometimes), our SERVPRO of Central Glendale technicians is fully trained to handle the situation. With our commercial grated drying equipment and powerful moisture detectors, the crew can see if the water has saturated into the drywalls. The water damage technicians are trained to understand and figure out what the best course of action is. There are so many strategies that can be done, but whichever one is performed, it will always be to save as much as possible. 

It is tough to become a certified SERVPRO water and fire damage technician only because the fire and water damage situations in real life are even tougher. It is crucial that when the SERVPRO of Central Glendale techs makes a strategic call on the damage, they perform the task. Always the right way and always on the first try. We are proud of each of our crew members being certified through the IICRC. It is a difficult task to do, but each of our experts is certified in both water and fire damage restoration. Your home or office is in the best of hands.   

If you have experienced fire and water damage to your home or commercial building, don't hesitate to contact us anytime at 818-246-2200. One of our experts will be happy to give you a hand. 

Things To Avoid When Dealing With Water Damage

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can be stressful. What you do next is crucial since the damage can spread. Give SERVPRO of Central Glendale a call first to save time.

Stepping into a huge puddle of water as you enter your residence can cause immediate stress to both you and your family.    

What you do next is crucial since even more damage to your home is a possibility if SERVPRO of Central Glendale is not contacted immediately. If you ever find yourself in this situation, keep these tips in mind to avoid further damage to your home.

Check the building before entering

Avoid entering the home or building without checking to see if it is safe first. Checking the home from the outside through a window will give you a general idea of the damage. Inspect to see if it is even safe to enter back into the home. If the water has completely flooded the structure, we suggest staying out until help arrives. This also depends on how the water leak happened. Toilet overflow? We suggest staying out. Water pipe leak from the kitchen sink? You would most likely be able to enter.

Avoid using electricity when a flood occurs

Never try to use a vacuum cleaner to suck puddles of water up. Remember that electricity and water is never a good idea. The typical household vacuum is not meant to handle water of any kind and can be very dangerous if attempted. There is a possibility that water got inside the light bulbs as well. Do not try to turn on the lights or other ceiling fixtures. Since the wiring can be damaged, it is best to avoid it for the time being. The results can be fatal and we recommend contacting us before electricity is handled.

Never use portable fans to dry water damage

Do not try to use portable fans to dry out the affected areas. Water damage calls for specialized air movers to dry out moisture that may still be present. This includes under your floors as well as drywall. Household fans have only so many watts to maintain a room’s cool temperature, but our commercial grade air movers do just the trick.  

Be sure to give us a call first

For more information about water damage and more advice, give us a call at (818) 246-2200. You will be able to speak to one of our specialists today. We are always happy to help. Be sure to give our Glendale office a call first!


SERVPRO of Central Glendale Is Known for Good Reviews

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Two SERVPRO of Central Glendale technicians cleaning a home after a fire.

Choosing SERVPRO of Central Glendale will be the best decision you will ever make for your property. 

We are locally owned and operated in Glendale, California meaning our response times are always within the hour. We use advanced state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure the best outcome and speed up the overall process. SERVPRO of Central Glendale is locally owned and operated in Glendale, California. We chose to be in Glendale’s industrial business area to get to every part of the city in no time.  

Our reputation reflects how we treat each job – with careful planning, strategic skills, and most importantly helping our customers every step of the way. We are known for responding to our customer calls quickly and treating each one as an emergency. When it comes to any fire or water damage disaster, our Glendale team is prepared for any size that may come. Just check out our Yelp reviews to see what our past customers have said about our services. SERVPRO is there and ready to go.  

SERVPRO of Central Glendale provides 24-hour service, including holidays and weekends. Our crew understands that fire and water disasters can happen anytime; especially when you least expect it. This is why we are dedicated to being there for you when you need it the most. Please check out our emergency services page for more information.  

Even if it is not an emergency and the damage has been done, we are still there for you every step of the way. Certified and highly trained, our professional technicians are committed to servicing all your fire and water damage needs. We take extensive measures to show our customers that we guarantee their satisfaction. By skillfully removing mold, extracting excess flood water, or removing ash from a recent fire, we are dedicated to taking extensive measures to ensure things get done right the first time.                                                                                

See what SERVPRO of Central Glendale has done for past customers and their properties. We just so happen to be lucky enough to have a knowledgeable, hardworking, and caring crew. Our crew is a crucial part of SERVPRO of Central Glendale's core. 

If you have any questions, please give us a call at 818-246-2200. We are always happy to help!

SERVPRO of Central Glendale Is There When You Need Them

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

A certified water damage restoration technician extracting water from a commercial building. No job is too big or small for our SERVPRO team.

SERVPRO of Central Glendale can handle any fire or water restoration job.

Serving the Glendale community and its surrounding cities for 10 years, there is no fire or water job we can't handle. The central Glendale team is known for getting to those out-of-hand situations that happen sometimes. If you're a homeowner of a commercial building, you understand all the maintenance that comes with it. One of the worst things that can happen during an emergency is being unprepared. That's why SERVPRO even offers emergency service after hours - 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Flooding from a pipe that has burst or smoke damage from a nearby fire doesn't happen only during office hours. We understand the worry that comes with unexpected situations like this. 

Each one of our water and fire damage technicians is certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification also known as the IICRC. Each of our technicians is an expert in the restoration industry, including a few people that work in the office. SERVPRO of Central Glendale feels it is crucial to understand each aspect of restoring buildings from water damage, fire, mold, and even the science of drying. Each certified member can easily explain to our customers what each process consists of as well as the knowledge to know what to do next. All practices are always up to OSHA's standards and are never compromised - we do everything by the book. Doing things the right way is something we take pride in. 

If you have recently experienced a fire that has left damage to your building, or your commercial building has sprung a leak and caused water damage, call us now at 818-246-2200. We are happy to give you our professional opinion on your unique situation. Remember, we are here 24/7 for all your fire and water restoration needs.     

A Flooded House - Every Honeymooner's Nightmare

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

An overflow in the restroom can cause flooding throughout the house, including carpet.

Coming home after a vacation to a flooded house is not the best feeling in the world, but it does happen.

Coming home after a vacation to a flooded house is not the best feeling in the world, but it does happen. SERVPRO of Central Glendale has seen this situation time and time again, and we are here to tell you it's an easy fix. A local couple returning from their honeymoon experienced this watery tragedy. They had just purchased their home, only to discover the plumbing was not as new as they had thought. 

As they entered their home, they discovered the carpet was completely soaked. They followed where the water was coming from, only to find it was coming from the restroom. There it was, an overflowing toilet and water everywhere. They called SERVPRO of Central Glendale immediately for help and explained what had happened. Within the hour, our highly trained water damage technicians were there to remove the excess water. 

The project manager sketched a blueprint of the entire home and marked every affected area. He split the crew up into two teams, half taking care of the restroom, master bedroom, and hallway, while the other half removed the excess water from the carpet in the living room and entranceway. It took the team of water damage technicians about an hour to completely remove all the water from the hardwood floors and carpet. From there, they began to sanitize, then dry the floors without carpet. 

The project manager spoke to the new homeowners and explained they would need to remove the carpet and padding from under it since it was considered category 3 black water. Doing this would also make it easier to dry the floor under it. It would save the floor from any further water damage and prevent mold from growing. They agreed and the crew got to work. 

Afterward, the crew set up drying equipment throughout the affected areas of the house. It took six days for each of the rooms to be dried completely. The couple requested a move-out, where our team documented, tagged, and moved the furniture into a secure storage space. When the project was completed, everything was moved back in just the way it was. The new homeowners were thrilled that it was like a brand new home all over again. 

If you have experienced a leak, flood, or any other water damage, give us a call now at 818-26-2200 to speak to a water restoration expert today.  

How SERVPRO of Central Glendale Handled This Mold Problem

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

Mold can grow in moist places like under the sink. That's what happened here in this Glendale home.

Mold can grow anywhere and everywhere! 

Dark, moist places like under the sink, in the back of a closet, and even where the water heater is can all be perfect homes for mold and mildew to grow colonies. That is exactly what happened to a local Glendale homeowner when she began to smell something foul under the sink. She cleared the space for a better look, and that's when she noticed a small leak coming from a pipe. Water from the leak had seeped down and caused mold to grow at the bottom and along the walls.

When SERVPRO of Central Glendale's mold remediation technicians arrived at their scheduled appointment, the project manager investigated the mold growth under the sink. He advised the homeowner to first call a plumber to fix the leak. The project manager explained that the mold problem would continue if there was still moisture, even if the mold remediation crew removed what was already growing. 

After a plumber was called in and the leak under the sink was fixed, our mold remediation techs got to work immediately. Since the mold did not grow beyond the small area, it was easier to remove it. Our SERVPRO of Central Glendale mold remediation experts began to build a small containment around the kitchen sink, guaranteeing that any mold spores would not escape the area. From there, they begin to cut through the moldy wood. Equipped in head-to-toe PPE suits, they professionally removed all affected areas, leaving no trace of mold behind.  

During the mold removal process, the technicians ran our air filtration equipment that cleaned the air within the surrounding area. They knew cleaning the air assured all mold spores would be eliminated. It also helped get rid of the unpleasant smell taking over the kitchen. After the mold remediation process was complete, the grateful homeowner thanked us for helping her get rid of a big problem. We were happy to help! 

If you are experiencing a mold problem, please call SERVPRO of Central Glendale's office at 818-246-2200 to schedule an inspection. Remember, mold is not something you want to handle yourself. Call our mold removal experts and see what we can do for you today.           

Kitchen Fire Caused Damage, but SERVPRO Restored It

2/7/2022 (Permalink)

This ceiling had severe fire damage, but SERVPRO of Central Glendale's fire restoration technicians saved half of it, saving thousands of dollars.

Flames can spread fast, but when the brave firefighters from the Glendale fire department put it out, SERVPRO's skilled fire damage technicians were there to clean up the ash and soot.

This residential home in Glendale, California suffered a grease fire in the kitchen. Grease fires are more common than people think and can spread very fast. The good news was that nobody got hurt from the fire, but it resulted in severe damage along the walls and ceiling. 

It took the fire department a few hours, but they finally confirmed the fire was 100% out within the early morning hours. We received a phone call from the homeowner the next day to inquire about our fire damage services. She explained to our office what had happened and provided us with all the information we needed to begin the services. The homeowner contacted her home insurance company and provided us with the assigned adjuster's contact information.

Once the paperwork required by SERVPRO was signed by the homeowner, the office staff immediately got in touch with the insurance adjuster assigned to the fire claim. The office spoke to the insurance adjuster to get more information about the claim, while the fire damage restoration techs scoped the affected areas of the kitchen. SERVPRO of Central Glendale's goal is to save any part of the house that could be saved. The project manager concluded that half of the ceiling along with two walls had to be removed, but would be able to save the other two walls in the kitchen. The HVAC and air ducts had to be cleaned to improve the air quality and remove the smoke smell. The fire damage was drastic in the kitchen but luckily did not spread to other parts of the house. 

As always, we worked with the insurance adjuster every single day (yes, weekends too). We provided them with plenty of photos and a report on everything our Glendale fire damage team had done. It took three weeks to complete the project, but by the end, the homeowner could not find one speck of ash or soot (which spreads and can get muddy). With our commercial-grade solutions, our fire technicians left her home spotless, while professionally removing the burned drywall and ceiling. To reduce the overpowering smoke smell, our team made sure to clean the air in the home from any odor from smoke damage using our specialty equipment. 

If your home or office has experienced a fire recently or been affected by smoke damage, we are here to help. Give our office a call 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 818-246-2200. We are here to help reduce your worries and make a tragedy like this like there was never a fire to begin with.    

A Roof Caved In at the Dentist Office

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Fans drying out excess water that flooded this local dentist's office.

When the rain was bad in Glendale, many buildings had flooded and suffered water damage.

A local dentist's office was affected by the recent rains too. The morning staff opened the office doors Monday morning after a rainstorm and to their surprise, stepped into a puddle of water. After the building owner of the dentist's office was notified, they gave SERVPRO of Central Glendale a call right away.

Within the hour, the crew arrived on site and began extracting all the access water that had flooded the office. After inspecting each room in the 1,200 square foot dental office, our SERVPRO’s team leader sketched out the area and marked where the ceiling had fallen. After cleaning up the debris and extracting the water from each of the rooms, the crew then set up equipment to immediately dry the floors, baseboards, and some drywall.

Over the next few days, a certified water damage specialist visited the office and took measurements of the drying process. Measuring the amount of moisture, the room’s temperature, and the humidity of the room allows us to see how fast it is drying. Unfortunately, since the leak happened over the weekend, a small area in the records room had already begun to grow mold underneath the wooden floor. Due to this, a small section, about 4’ x 2‘, had to be removed.

Once it was cleared by the building manager, our crew got to work immediately. They began to demo the small section of the wooden floor and removed the mold by securing the area while wearing PPE suits (safety first). They also built a containment around it from top to bottom to prevent any airborne spores from escaping. After five days, the wall and baseboards were dried completely and any signs of mold were removed.

Certified by the IICRC and always practicing OSHA’s procedures, the technicians here at SERVPRO of Central Glendale are the ones you want when a water damage emergency hits. Give us a call at 818-246-2200 if you find water damage in your home or office. 

A Leaky Roof at the Glendale Galleria

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Glendale's certified water damage techs marked a blue "X" where water damage was found.

When a storm hits Los Angeles, so does SERVPRO of Central Glendale.

Last week, our crew helped the nice property managers that manage the Glendale Galleria. The heavy rain wreaked havoc on the roof, forcing storm water to leak into the building.

The water damage technicians of Glendale’s very own SERVPRO were onsite in minutes. Greeted by a property management representative and mall manager, our lead technician evaluated the damage, took lots of photos. He also took measurements of the damaged ceiling and sketched a small blueprint of the surrounding area, which was one of the hallway entrances for mall employees. The lead tech eased the managers by assuring them it was a roof leak that could have turned disastrous if it wasn’t taken care of.

After the paperwork was signed, our certified water damage technicians got to work extracting the storm water that had fallen through and flooded the walkway with an inch of water. Two of our most experienced techs climbed up 20 feet to the roof and tarped the hole. Since there was a break in the rain, our techs were able to go up and tarp it safely. Once the hole in the roof was securely covered, the lead technician checked the ceiling and surrounding drywall with a moisture meter to confirm there was no moisture from the rain that may have seeped through it. Unfortunately, there was a small section of drywall towards the ceiling that was wet, which had to be removed to prevent an even bigger mold problem.

Although there was some minor storm damage done to the drywall, the crew saved as much as they could. At the end of the day, SERVPRO of Central Glendale’s own water techs saved the Glendale Galleria thousands of dollars by handling the storm situation as soon as possible and avoiding mold. If the southern California rains have given your property water damage or you suspect a mold problem, give our office a call at 818-246-2200 to see how we can help today.      

Glendale Gym Floods and SERVPRO Saves the Day

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Our certified water technicians extracted and dried a local Glendale gym after a water leak.

Time and time again, SERVPRO of Central Glendale has proven that we are number one in the fire and water restoration industry serving the community and greater Los Angeles area. No fire or water emergency is too big for our experts to handle. The SERVPRO crew recently did a commercial job helping a local gym in the downtown area with water damage. After the commercial building owner gave us a call, we arrived in minutes to save the day.

When our crew leader arrived, he stepped into a puddle of water that was coming from the restroom. The crew leader inspected the area, took photos for reference, and explained to the building owner the next steps. After the paperwork was signed, he immediately instructed the rest of the crew to set up equipment and begin extracting the category 3 water. With so much contaminated water flooding the rest of the gym, the water damage technicians acted fast and had the entire 1,500 square foot gym extracted in a record time of 20 minutes. By doing this, it saved the building owner thousands of dollars by saving the drywall, the wooden flooring, and avoiding a huge mold problem. The gym was only closed for a day, which didn’t hurt the business too much and solved the soggy situation they were in.


Expertise is key when it comes to fire and water restoration for commercial buildings including restaurants, offices, dorms, malls, and even entertainment venues. The SERVPRO of Central Glendale restoration team is fully trained and certified by the IICRC. We have an excellent relationship with all major insurance companies that we work with daily. We are confident in what we do, experienced in the industry, and will restore the space just as it was before. Give us a call at 818–246–2200 if you ever find yourself with water damage, we are here to help!

SERVPRO of Central Glendale is Part of the Community

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

We have helped thousands of homeowners in the Glendale community and surrounding areas when water or fire damage hits.

SERVPRO of Central Glendale joins the ranks as one of the top leaders in the fire and water restoration industry. Our brand of 1,700 franchises is known throughout the U.S. as one of the fastest restoration companies that can get your home looking new again. The fast and dependable professionals that make up our team are the same pros you want at your door when an emergency hits. Rest assured, we have over 20 years of experience in fire and water restoration under one roof. Drying out a home after a major leak or removing ash and soot from your living room is what we are specially trained to do. Homeowners and business owners alike have called on SERVPRO of Central Glendale to handle any size fire or water disaster cleanup.

Our friendly crew of trained water damage technicians and fire cleanup specialists live and work in the Glendale area. The main SERVPRO of Central Glendale office is even located in the heart of the city, where we offer the community emergency restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Fire and water damage does not just happen on the weekdays during office hours. We understand a flooded home or the aftermath of a fire in a building can happen any day at any time. Keep calm, give us a call, and we will take care of the rest. 

We are proud members of the Glendale community, supporting and working with other local businesses to keep our city thriving. Our experienced crew of technicians has helped thousands of residents and business owners save their properties by reducing the damage they experience. This can save thousands of dollars and big headaches. We are actively involved in community events and are proud members of our local Chamber of Commerce. If you are a homeowner experiencing a fire or water emergency, contact us at 818-246-2200. We’re here to help! 

We Are a Top Leader

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

We are SERVPRO!

SERVPRO has been ranked as one of the top leaders in the restoration business. With over 1,700 franchises nationwide, it is no wonder our customers love how fast and reliable we are. Since our expandable family is growing, it is no surprise we can handle any size disaster. We are a national brand but most importantly a local business, we live and work in the Glendale, which makes it the best of both worlds if you ask me! We are proud members of our local Glendale Chamber of Commerce; we love being active in the community and being involved with as much as we can. Click here to visit their website.

Are you or anyone you know interested in knowing more about our Franchise? Contact us at (818) 246-2200. 

Water Backup Flood

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Damaged janitor's room.

We received a call from our customer informing us that his business was affected by a water backup flood. We went to the store immediately, upon our arrival we noticed that the entire store was affected including the office, janitors’ room and restrooms. After obtaining approvals from the insurance we went ahead and sanitized and placed drying equipment. Their business was up and running in no time.

Something important to know when experiencing a major water loss or flooding is to never turn on electrical appliances that have been exposed to water. All repairs to electrical wiring must be performed by a professional.

For more Water damage tips visit our Social Media accounts, see links below.  

SERVPRO of Central Glendale Instagram

SERVPRO of Central Glendale Facebook

Why Choose us?

8/26/2020 (Permalink)

We care, that's our pride!

SERVPRO of Central Glendale has accumulated many great and positive reviews from our happy customers, one thing that stood out to me after reviewing all of the reviews that were left on our multiple platforms such as Google, Facebook and Yelp, and I couldn’t help to notice that the majority of the reviews talked about our amazing crew! We are happy and grateful to have an amazing, hardworking, knowledgeable and most importantly, caring crew. SERVPRO of Central Glendale believes in unity and family. Our crew is what makes SERVPRO of Central Glendale! Check out our Social platforms review section (Facebook, Google and Yelp) and see for yourself what our happy customers are saying about us.  

Do you have any questions? Call us at (818) 246-2200, we are here to help!

Roof leak problems!

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

Demolished ceiling cause by water damage.

It is no secret that when a roof leaks, the water will travel to the attic and eventually make its way to the inside of the property affecting cabinets, flooring and important contents.  

You may be wondering, what’s next? We got you covered!  

Here is a helpful protocol to follow when you go through water damage.  

You must begin by minimizing the damage as soon as possible. In order or to do that you must stop the water damage by discovering where the water damage is coming from.  

Once you find where the water is coming from you must contain it as much as possible in order to prevent further damage. You must contact your insurance agent to file a claim. Do you have water damage? Call us at (818) 246-2200  we will be more than happy to guide you through the process.  

Sewage Clean Up

8/19/2020 (Permalink)

Moisture reading is process.

When sewage cleanup is left untreated it can lead to potential illnesses, therefore this can be considered an emergency service which SERVPRO of Central Glendale provides.

Did you know that there are three types of water categories?

1) Category 1: Clean Water

This normally occurs from a leaking faucet or a broken water supply. If left untreated, it could turn into a category 2 or 3.

2) Category 2: Gray Water

This category is when the water is contaminated, it typically happens when the dishwasher overflows, toilet overflows with urine but no feces, it can also be caused by bacteria and viruses.

3) Category 3: Black Water

This contains severe contamination that can cause illness or even death if the water is ingested. Black water normally stems from rivers and stems, feces from toilet overflow or standing water.

Would you like to know more about out sewage clean-up process? Gives us a call at (818) 246-2200.

What is the Fire and repair process?

8/12/2020 (Permalink)

No matter what, we are here to help.

SERVPRO of Central Glendale takes pride is knowing that we can get the job done no matter the size, day or time. We don’t just specialize in Water restoration; did you know that we also specialize in Fire Damage Repair and restoration? Yes, we do it all! Here is a glimpse of what the Fire Damage repair process is:

1. Inspection One of our certified team members will inspect your property thoroughly to locate the root of the problem.

2. Board-up/Tarping (If necessary) In order to maintain security, our team will place tarps on the roofs and will board up anu damaged walls of windows.

3. Smoke/Soot Removal SERVPRO of Central Glendale uses specialized equipment and techniques to remove any smoke of soot in walls., Ceilings, and other important surfaces of your property. 

If you have any questions regarding the process please gives us a call (818) 246-2200 We are happy to help!

Unexpected Rain In Glendale

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

Insulation installation!

SERVPRO of Central Glendale is known to be fast to respond to any disaster and with the unexpected rain in Los Angeles, we are ready and prepared for anything. This Glendale home suffered from unexpected rain but we were there to make them feel at ease. Unfortunately, their home was damaged due to the rain causing their roof to leak and damage their attic, effecting their insulation. Something very important to know as a homeowner is that when the insulation in your home gets soaked, the insulation will retain absorbed water for an extended period of time. During that time, it is likely that it will degrade wooden structure and cause attic mold growth. Lucky for them, we also specialize in mold remediation and restoration. Do you think you may have mold growth? Give us a call at (818) 246-2200, we are happy to help!

Fire Damage Aftermath

7/29/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke clean up in Calabasas, California.

Dealing with the aftermath caused by a Fire is no fun, in fact it it’s very difficult, but we are here to help and make the process a lot less stressful.  

We specialize in restoring contents damaged by Fire; we make sure we do our best to check what items we can restored to pre-condition. In order to do so we use different cleaning methods such as: Wiping and spraying, Wet Cleaning, Abrasive Cleaning etc.  

As part of our process, we also specialize in Pack-outs, this is done if your home needs extensive cleaning due to the fire cleaning.  In addition to cleaning your valuable belonging, we also specialize in Contents Claim Inventory Service (CCIS), this provides a very detailed list of all your belongings. We go room by room and make an inventory of your contents including photos of the items.  

Call us for more information at (818) 246-2200 we are here to help!  

Commercial Water Damage Restoration

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Getting this business back on track!

Did you know your business can suffer from severe long-term damages due to water damage? It can lead to damaging furniture, appliances and other useful things for your business. Despite what the cause is, SERVPRO of Central Glendale will be able to determine the problem and solve it immediately. If your facility suffers from water damage, it is imperative that you call a professional to stop the problem from further damages. Our team is fully committed to assisting you and getting you and your business back on track.

It is important to know that long term damage can cause the buildup of bacteria, mold and unpleasant odors. Attending to the root of the problem in the first days is vital, this will ensure your restoration cost does not increase and further damage does not occur to your business.

Do you think your business may be affected by Water Damage? Give us a call at (818) 246-2200 We are always here to help!

Why Choose SERVPRO of Central Glendale

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Central Glendale we are family!

Why choose us? Here is why!  

We have a great reputation of being quick to respond and we are extremely proud of that. When it comes to any disaster, we make sure we let our customers know that we are ready and prepared whenever they need us.  

We provide 24-hour service and we are dedicated to all emergencies and non-emergencies.  

Our technicians are highly trained professionals, committed to servicing all your needs, we take extensive measures for guaranteed satisfaction.  

We are locally owned and operated in Glendale, California therefore, our response times are immaculate. We use advanced state of the art equipment and techniques to ensure the best outcome and speed up overall process.  

Last but not least we love to help and make sure we bring our customers at ease. But don’t let me do all the talking! Check out our website, see what our satisfied customers are saying about us! https://www.SERVPROcentralglendale.com/testimonials  

Fire Damage Tips

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke damage clean up in Calabasas, California

Fire can be extremely damaging and catastrophic to your home. It is important to know that after the fire is put out, the properties suffer from massive smoke damage. SERVPRO of Central Glendale we specialize in smoke clean up and fire damage repair. Our highly trained staff understands the urgency and measures that need to be implemented to ensure that your property is returned to its original state. As always, our main priority is you, your safety and your satisfaction.  

One very important thing to remember is to not attempt to clean or even touch the area, doing so can actually make things worse and can lead the cost to be higher. Here are some things we recommend to be done prior to our arrival:  

  • Cover air registers 
  • Change HVAC filters 
  • Keep hands clean to avoid soiling woodwork, walls and upholstery 
  • Limit movement inside your home to prevent soot particles from further damaging your carpet.  
  • Protect all restorable items such as furniture, rugs, upholstery etc.  

Commercial Fire Damage

7/24/2020 (Permalink)

We get the job done!

SERVPRO of Central Glendale understands how vital to act fast and get to any facility up and running as soon as possible, whether it’s a business, hospital, school, banks, hotels, you name it! No matter the size of the commercial property we are ready and prepared for anything. Not only do we specialize in Water restoration, we also specialize in Fire damage restoration and repair. Our highly trained technicians understand the importance of urgency and will take any measure to bring any business back to normality in no time.  

Did you know that we provide 24-hour service? We are fully dedicated to immediate response. The reason why we believe in immediate response is because we want to make sure that we reduce any likelihood of further damage and restoration costs.  

Do you have any further questions regarding our Fire damage clean-up process? Click the link below:  

https://www.SERVPROcentralglendale.com/commercial-fire-damage

We Are Prepared and Ready!

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Always ready!

When there is water damage in your property, it is crucial to take immediate action. Mold can be very unpleasant to smell, especially in your home. Needless to say, water damage can ruin your furniture, appliances and electrical systems. The following scenarios can lead to water damage if not prepared; Heavy rains, broken pipes, floodwaters, overflowing toilets etc. We understand how important Water damage restoration is, therefore, we make it a priority to respond immediately to prevent further damages. We are fully committed to help you anytime, any day.

You may be asking yourself, when is time for Water Damage Restoration? Here are some signs that will make it clear that it is time for you to consider contacting us for an inspection:

· Discoloration and stains on ceilings or walls

· Sudden Increase in utility bills

· Unusual dampness or humidity

· Musty or moldy odor

· Wet spots on ceilings or walls

Call us at (818) 246-2200 we will be more than happy to assist you!

Water Damage Can Strike

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

Take action immediately when water strikes to avoid further damages.

Should you experience damage to your property due to heavy rains, flooding, immediate action is crucial to prevent further damage. It can happen at any second and by waiting, you exacerbate the problem. If action is not taken immediately, you can put your property at risk. At SERVPRO of Central Glendale, we specialize in Water damage restoration. Our experts will take significant measures to ensure your property is back to its original state. Our goal is your complete satisfaction. Call our team today!

Water Damage? Call (818) 246-2200 For Water Damage Restoration Services!

Why SERVPRO of Central Glendale? 

  • Quick To Respond To Any Disaster

At SERVPRO of Central Glendale, we provide 24 hour service and are dedicated to responding immediately to all emergencies and non-emergencies. A quick response reduces the likelihood of further damage and restoration costs. 

  • Highly Trained Professionals

With our highly trained staff, we are committed to servicing all your needs. We will take extensive measures to make sure you are satisfied with our service. 

  • Use Of Advanced Restoration Equipment

Our team uses state of the art equipment and techniques to ensure the best outcome and speed up your overall restoration process.

When Is It Time For Commercial Water Damage Restorations?

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

Water trouble in a Glendale business.

It is no secret that water damage can have a severe negative impact on your business.  It may ruin electrical systems, furnishings and appliances in your facility. Regardless of the cause, our team will locate the issue and resolve it "Like it never even happened." It is important to give us a call right away if your facility has water damage. SERVPRO of Central Glendale understands how essential water damage restoration is and respond immediately to help prevent further damage. We are committed to assisting you in all water damage repairs, creating an eco-friendly environment.

Long term water damage can cause the buildup of bacteria, mold, and unpleasant odors. If you notice any signs of water damage, it is crucial to give us a call right away. Attending to the root of the problem in the first few days is vital, ensuring your restoration cost does not increase and further damage does not occur. Once the underlying issue is addressed, we can salvage all retrievable items. 

There are various signs that will make it clear it is time for you to consider calling us. Some common signs of water damage include: 

  • Wet spots on ceilings or walls 
  • Cracks and flakes on drywall
  • Musty or moldy odors
  • Sudden increase in utility bill
  • Unusual dampness or humidity 
  • Discoloration & stains on walls or ceilings
  • Sounds of water running

While we cannot predict how severe an issue is based on the signs alone, we can assure you that any odd behavior is worth having inspected by one of our service professionals at SERVPRO of Central Glendale. Call us now at (818) 246-2200.

When Rainwater Damage Attacked a Glendale Property

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Glendale to the rescue! Extracting water with the best equipment.

Discovering a flood in the restroom and rooms of this finance office in Central Glendale was not making the property manager happy. After the not so common rain came to Los Angeles, it did some major damage to the carpet, drywall and baseboards. When we did our walk through with the property manager of the commercial building, our production manager suggested what should be done. After all of his questions had been answered, he was confident that we would have his building in tip top shape and the finance office back in business.

Our SERVPRO technicians began to measure every inch of the drywall to see exactly how much moisture was soaked up. After doing a sketch of the entire office and marking where the water damage was, we began to extract excess water from the carpet and dried it in place. As for the drywall, we had to do some demolition and cut about 1 foot up from the floor. This was not too bad, since we saved the rest of the wall in the office. We had a very trusted vendor do the reconstruction, while our team was closely involved.

The property manager was happy to see that we performed and completed everything that had to be done in under two weeks. If you would like to schedule an inspection for storm damage that has happened to your commercial property, call us at 818-246-2200 and we will explain the next step to you.

Saving a Glendale Office from a Soggy Carpet

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Our team is on standby and is ready to help whenever you need us.

Rain can be unpredictable enough, but when storm damage is involved it can make matters even more complicated. In fact, this office located in Glendale, California for example experienced just that. Through the holiday season, they were closed for business and did not discover the damage from the rain until the office manager returned two days later.

When she and the rest of the staff saw that every inch of the carpet was soaked and files in cardboard boxes have been saturated, they began to panic. When we arrived on the scene, we let them know everything was going to be okay. Our production team began to extract water immediately from the wet carpet while the production manager measured what areas were wet and which were dry in the corners. After thoroughly checking for moisture, extracting all water and drying for a few days, we were able to save the carpet, saving the office and property manager hundreds of dollars.

If you have water damage due to a recent storm, let our office help! Give us a call at (818) 246-2200 to schedule an inspection today. Our team is standing by and would be happy to help.  

Storm Flooding at a Glendale Elementary School

12/26/2019 (Permalink)

We believe in restoring before replacing.

When the teachers, staff and students went on Thanksgiving break, no one expected the heavy rains to flood an entire section of their classrooms. The recent storms damaged multiple classrooms, completely saturating the carpets, baseboards and drywall with rainwater. When our technicians arrived at the Glendale elementary school, the staff worried that it would not be reversible. After the water extraction wands began to immediately suck the water up from the carpet, they were overjoyed.

We moved desks, chairs, wet boxes filled with paperwork and even a few instruments out of the rooms (content manipulation) and saved as much as possible for the teachers and students. We did not even have to cut any drywall, since our certified crew strategically drilled holes into it and dried it out. Just one way our experienced professionals dry out water damage.

We believe in restoring versus replacing, saving you thousands of dollars and precious time. If you have recently experienced water damage from the rain, do not hesitate to give SERVPRO of Central Glendale a call at 818-246-2200 and set up an inspection today.

SERVPRO Techs Are Fast, Experienced and Certified

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Our technicians are highly trained to know what is exactly needed for any damage.

It may seem like an easy task to restore and clean after a water flood or fire, but our techs are
professionally trained to make it look easy. The truth is, each person on our production team has gone
through extensive training. In order to be a technician, they must attend classes for each of the services
that we offer.

Did you know there is a science behind drying? There are many techniques of how to dry say, hardwood
floor or even behind drywall (if it can be saved, that is). There are certain aspects to look out for when
extracting water. Does the job require our water extracting wands? Or is it going to need something
bigger? By being certified by the IICRC, it guarantees you expertise and quality work.

Be Storm Prepared with These Helpful Tips

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Be prepared for the next storm that hits, our tips can be helpful.

As busy as we are every day, the last thing on anyone’s mind is storm damage. From our experience,
when business and homeowners are storm prepared, they usually avoid watery situations. Imagine
stepping into a puddle of water inside your building in complete darkness! Follow these storm damage
tips and be prepared for the next rainfall that comes.
-Have a battery powered radio handy for the latest news
-Keep a flashlight handy with spare batteries
-Check for any storm warnings and weather advisories
-Be sure there is a good amount of canned and packaged food available
-Always keep a two-week water supply for every person in your household
If the storm has already hit your business or place of residence, reach out to us and give us a call at
(818) 246-2200.

We Can Get the Job Done from Beginning to End

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

Find out why we are rated 5 stars on Google and why our customers love us!

We take pride in knowing that our SERVPRO has some of the best people in restoration on the team. Each tech specializes in water damage, fire damage and mold remediation, but what about putting your home back together?

You will be happy not know that our list of contacts is quite long! We maintain excellent repertoire with many specialists like plumbers, general contractor and electricians just to name a few. We work with these partners and highly recommend them. Our main goal is to get your home or office back to how it was before the emergency. Contact us for recommendations today!

When it comes to water damage and mold remediation, it is common for our techs to remove affected drywall and/or ceiling. Rest assured, the reconstruction will be completed for you with people we trust.

Preparing for the L.A. Rain

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

Collect as much water to help prevent more damage.

Southern California tends to be sunny and dry through most of the year. Now that the rains are coming
down in Los Angeles, it is important for homeowners and business owners alike to take precautionsthat save can save you time and money in the long run. 

A Leaky Roof
It is easy to forget about in southern California, but a roof leak can turn things sour quick, causing
damage to the ceiling, carpets, hardwood floors and furniture. As a safety precaution, we suggest
tarping your roof with a thick plastic and weighing each of the 4 corners down with weights.

Prepare with Sandbags
If a heavy rainfall is predicted, it is a good idea to line your front entryway, back and crawlspace with
sandbags. This will block the water from flooding your home and minimize the chance of water damage.

Mop Up and Blot Excess Water
If water has already found its way into your home, do mope it up and dry quickly with towels (microfiber
towels absorb even more moisture). Collecting as much moisture as possible as fast as possible will help
from further damage.

If you are experiencing water damage from the L.A. rains, give us a call at (818) 246-2200 and speak to
one of our water specialists to schedule an appointment.

Water Damage Tips you Need to Know

12/13/2019 (Permalink)

If you come across a major water leak due to a pipe burst, try to shut the main water line off immediately.

When you walk into your place of residence or business and see that there is a watery mess everywhere, it is understandable to panic, be confused and not know where to start. Our best advice to you is to remain calm and give SERVPRO of Central Glendale a call. After this important phone call has been made, here are a few things to keep in mind when water damage has happened.

Water Damage Tips You Need to Know

  • Stop the source of the leak if possible. If a major water leak happened due to a pipe burst, shut the main water line off and give a plumber a call
  • If your home is completely flooded, the safest thing to do is to turn the power off to avoid any real danger. Remember, water and electricity do not mix.
  • Be careful when picking up cardboard boxes, coats, rugs and anything else that maybe on the floor. Water makes adds a lot more weight, making them extra heavy
  • While waiting for our crew to get there (usually within the hour) try to soak up some of the moisture with towels, brooms or squeegees. The longer the water settles, the more damage it can cause

If you have more questions about water damage tips or are experiencing water damage right now, give us a call at 818-246-2200 and we will be more than happy to assist you. 

Why Ash is Messy When Cleaning

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

All of our technicians have received the best training and knowledge to get the job done.

When a water or fire damage strikes, the aftermath can be stressful and a whole lot of messy. Did you know fire and water emergencies require major cleanup by specialists?

When a fire occurs, it is burning not only wood but everything else that makes up a structure. This includes insulation, paint, drywall, vinyl and plaster to name a few. Because these materials are not meant to be burned (the components can be harmful), the ash, soot and debris requires a specialist to handle it.

Ash for example is not easy to clean. Once wiped, it will smear and make the walls or furniture discolored. It can easily be sent up into the air when wiped just to settle back onto another section of your home or office. SERVPRO of  Central Glendale‘s commercial grade cleaning products gets the ash cleaned fast and our technicians have gone through hours of training for the knowledge on how to do so. 

If you are having trouble with the aftermath of a fire, please do not hesitate to give us a call at 818-246-2200 to speak to a specialist today.

Water Damage and What NOT to Do

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage requires specialized air movers to dry out any moisture that may still be present.

Stepping into a huge puddle of water as you enter your residence can cause immediate stress to both you and your family. What you do next is very crucial in causing even more damage to your home or not. If you ever find yourself in this situation, keep these tips in mind to avoid further damage to your home.

What NOT to Do with Water Damage

  • Inspect to see if it is even safe to enter back into the home. If the water has completely flooded the structure, we suggest staying out until help arrives. This also depends on how the water leak happened. Toilet overflow? We suggest staying out. Water pipe leak from the kitchen sink? You would most likely be able to enter 
  • Never try to use a vacuum cleaner to suck puddles of water up. The typical household vacuum is not meant to handle water of any kind and can be very dangerous-never attempt
  • Do not try to turn lights and other ceiling fixtures on as the wiring can be damage or there may be water inside the light bulbs. Be very cautious 
  • Do not try to use portable fans to dry out the affected areas. Water damage calls for specialized air movers to dry out any moisture that may still be present including under your floors and drywall 

For more information about water damage and what not to do, give us a call at (818) 246-2200 and speak to one of our specialists today! We are always happy to help.

Water Damage in a Boutique Store

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Our technicians are IICRC certified to extract water just like the our technician is doing above.

Silver lake, California is usually the place to go for good food, people watching and shopping for unique pieces of clothing. Our team’s visit to Silver Lake was a very different experience. When we arrived at the trendy boutique we were called to, the small vintage store’s floor was submerged by water. The employees were trying their best to sweep the excess water with brooms, but there was just too much water.

We got to work immediately and began extracting the water with our extracting wands. After there was less water, our techs placed 8 air movers and a dehumidifier to help dry and remove any excess water that was still there. In 2 days, they were back in business and the owner was relieved that he made the call to SERVPRO of Central Glendale.

Water damage can happen anywhere at any time-in even the trendiest places. If you need water damage help for your business, give us a call at 818-246-2200 and set up an inspection with us today.         

What to Expect After a Fire

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

When a fire strikes, smoke and ash can get all over the outside of your home. Our technicians take care of that too!

The experience of having a fire is like no other. It can be a very scary, confusing and hectic time for both you and your family. This is why SERVPRO of Central Glendale is here to help with all of your needs. We assure you our team has the right equipment and experience to bring you peace of mind.

After a fire, there is usually water in your home or office from those brave fire fighters putting the flames out. We understand what it takes to clean and restore the wet, ash covered walls, ceiling and even contents in your home or business. Our specialty cleaning products remove even the toughest odors with no lingering smoke odor.

It is unfortunate when the flames spread to the structure of your building, damaging drywall and paint. Our technicians are specially trained to perform demolition to the affected areas only, leaving anything that can be saved. If the right side of a wall was burned and the left unaffected, our techs will always make sure you know that it can be saved. Check out more of our fire damage services here.    

After a Fire-The Dos and Don'ts

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

Knowing what to do after a fire will alleviate a stressful situation. Let us SERVPRO of Central Glendale take care of it for you!

A fire in your home or business can be devastating and stressful. If you ever find yourself in this situation, here are some tips on what to do and what not to do while you wait for your local SERVPRO to arrive on scene.

What to Do After a Fire

  • To avoid further damage to your upholstery, make sure hands are clean when handling sofas, chairs, woodwork and walls
  • A safe way to clean and protect chrome around the house or office is by applying petroleum jelly or oil to them
  • Place clean towels or linen where there are high traffic areas
  • Empty out the refrigerator and freezer while propping open the doors if the electricity is off
  • Change the HVAC filter in your building
  • Take double layers of cheese cloths and tape them over air registers to avoid constant debris blowing out into a room

What NOT to Do After a Fire

  • Never attempt to clean electronic appliances that may have been close to the fire, heat or water (from the fire department) without consulting an authorized professional first
  • Do not attempt to wash or paint any walls after a fire. There is guaranteed to be ash on the walls which needs to be removed with our sponges (designed specifically for fire ash and soot removal)
  • Don’t turn on any ceiling fixtures when the ceiling is wet. There may be damaged wires that are not visible
  • Do not send clothing to a regular dry cleaning service. Improper cleaning of garments after a fire can cause the smoke smell to settle into the material
  • Never eat or drink any canned / boxed food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water

If you have any more questions regarding what and what not to do after a fire, contact us at 818-246-2200 and we will be happy to answer!

A soggy situation

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

The after math of this water damage was tough, but not tough enough for our techs.

When this soggy situation happened at a local Glendale clothing store, the management did not know what to do. Calling our SERVPRO of Central Glendale team was the best thing they could have done. It turns out an old water pipe busted from the cold weather, creating a slow slab leak. When the store’s opening team opened their back storage room, they found their merchandise wet and damaged. They tried to mop the water up, but it was just too much.

When our techs arrived at the scene, they measured the water to be 2 inches throughout their 1500 square foot storage room. They immediately began to extract the category 2 water while other techs in the team searched for items that could be saved. Once the water was low enough, they plugged in air movers and got down to business. The air movers ran for 3 days and with the help of a few dehumidifiers, this retail store was back to normal in no time.   

This clothing store gave us a chance and did not regret it. If you give us a chance, you will not regret it either. Give our office a call at (818) 246-2200 and let us show you what we can do.   

A Professional Well-Known Restoration Company

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

With our advanced equipment, we can reverse any water or fire damage that you may have.

The last few years, we have seen a spike in companies claiming to be pros at what they do. Make no mistake, SERVPRO of Central Glendale is the best at what we do. With an amazing track record for getting things done right is all in a day’s work for our team of water and fire damage specialists. In fact, SERVPRO is a known brand nationwide as well as Canada. We are the trusted restoration company for your fire or water emergency. We communicate with you every single step of the way and accept all insurance plans. We have experience working with pretty much every insurance company out there and are confident that we can help you take your life back. Have more questions? We are happy to answer! Give us a call at 818-246-2200 to speak to a specialist.

Spill on Aisle 3

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Our top notch equipment dried this retail warehouse in no time.

At first glance, it was like a tornado went through this men’s suit store. There were boxes of suits drenched from this unfortunate disaster. When we received the call from the store manager, they were in a frenzy. We assured them that everything was going to be okay, since SERVPRO of Central Glendale was on the job.

When our technicians arrived, the water was about an inch high. It had just happened an hour before and we were still able to extract the water without any damage done to the floor. Our highly trained crew knew just what to do and after removing all the water from this store’s warehouse, they setup the proper equipment to dry the floor completely. All in a day’s work!


If you’re in a frenzy and need a professional restoration company that can handle the situation, give us a call at 818-246-2200.

IICRC Certified Technicians at Your Service

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Our professional techs have the knowledge and equipment to measure the moisture levels.

Our team of experts check every inch of your home and office for water damage of all kinds. Did you know that damage from water have categories? Our technicians at SERVPRO of Central Glendale specialize in each of these and know just what to do. In fact, we are IICRC certified which means we can recognize and fix the damage for you fast.

Our goal is to always find the affected areas and dry it as soon as possible to avoid even more of a catastrophe. With our high-grade restoration equipment, we are able to extract water out to avoid further damage (if any at all!) and dry it with ease. Everything from air movers to dehumidifiers, we have all of the things we need to get your home or office back to the way it was. 

We have a motto in our office: “save as much as possible and restore what you can.” Our team of water technicians will always restore what they can to save you time, money and headaches. Let us prove it to you and give us a call today. 

West Hills Smoke and soot clean up

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Smoke Damage Can Cause a Pervasive Odor in Your Home.

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

  • Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
  • Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
  • The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Central Glendale will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

  • Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

  • Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

  • Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today –  (818) 246-2200

Commercial Water Damage

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Water damage

How to Handle Commercial Water Damage Cleanup

 

Water damage can strike your Glendale commercial property at any time and without notice. The effects of commercial water damage can be devastating to a business owner who is now faced with having to cleanup the water damage and reopen their business as soon as possible.

Do you know how to handle water damage at your commercial property? Are you prepared to make the necessary decisions after a pipe breaks, your roof leaks, or the streets flood to protect your property? What is your plan?

Thankfully, this doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds. A little preparation for a water damage emergency and a plan of action in the event it ever happens can significantly reduce property damage and will get you back to business as soon as possible.

Commercial Water Damage Prevention

Large-scale losses can be prevented by following a few simple guidelines. Know where your emergency water shut off valves are located, and have a contingency plan in place in case you are not available. Create an emergency plan with directions for what to do in an emergency as well as a list of phone numbers of approved companies to call in an emergency situation. Make sure someone you can trust has the authorization to make decisions if you are unavailable.

It is a good idea to locate a water damage restoration company in Glendale who provides emergency response before disaster strikes. Do your due diligence and call a few different companies to ask any questions you might have about their services or their experience with companies similar to yours. How quickly cleanup begins will impact the size of the loss.

Causes of Commercial Water Damage

Water damage can happen at any time. Whether from natural disasters, leaking roofs, frozen pipes, sewage backups, or flooding, water damage is a serious concern and a major threat to your commercial property.

Understanding the source of the flooding is essential for proper cleanup, as clean water from a broken pipe or a leaking roof during a rainstorm will be treated differently than floodwaters and sewage backups. Always protect your health, and let the commercial water damage experts handle the cleanup and restoration of your property.

Preventing Mold Growth After Water Damage

Every water damage restoration company is going to be concerned with preventing or mitigating mold growth after water damage in your commercial property. Mold growth can begin 24-48 hours after water damage, and starting extraction and drying as soon as possible after water damage is your best line of defense against mold.

Proper removal and drying of the water is critical after a water damage emergency, and will prevent any long-term problems some experience after attempting water damage cleanup themselves, or by hiring someone who doesn’t have the proper equipment or experience.

Commercial Water Damage Experts in Indianapolis

When your commercial property has been affected by water damage, call the professionals at Total Restoration to extract the water, dry your structure and to clean and remove any potentially dangerous contaminants. We will respond anytime, day or night, and our team will get to work immediately to mitigate the damage and begin cleanup. 

A cure for water damage to your property: Planning and preparation

6/12/2019 (Permalink)

Plan and prepare for water damage

Water damage in office and residential buildings can impact not only revenue, but also people’s jobs and quality of life. To help prevent significant losses due to water, owners and managers should plan and implement water damage prevention programs. Effective programs will involve:

  • Engineering controls such as excess flow shutoffs
  • Administrative controls such as education of staff on reporting small leaks and locations of shutoff valves
  • Emergency procedures such as having equipment on hand to mitigate the effects of a spill

Mitigate damage the moment leakage is discovered

Quick action is necessary the moment water is discovered. This would include turning the power off, shutting off the water supply where the leak is coming from, covering up equipment that could be impacted. After these safety steps are completed you must then begin to remove the water and the wet items, before initiating the clean-up procedures.

Emergency phone numbers should be readily available to all management and personnel responding to the incident, including professional cleanup company(s), professional equipment restoration company(s), servicing companies for critical and valuable equipment and sources for renting additional wet vacuums and dehumidifiers, if required.

Protecting your piping

Piping and other systems in older facilities are more prone to failure. Greater maintenance and testing is needed to assure the integrity of the pipe, fittings and equipment. Some areas of the country have public or private water supplies containing certain minerals that increase the corrosion rate of water. Proper water treatment, system maintenance and testing of the integrity of systems must be practiced.

Protecting your building

Professional cleaners have the equipment necessary to quickly remove large volumes of water and properly clean and treat buildings and furnishings. Professional equipment restorers have the experience and resources to effectively clean and repair electronic equipment and get it recertified if necessary. Taking immediate steps can ultimately help in the overall cleanup process in the long run. This includes removing all wet items and extracting the water on floors as soon as possible. Setting up dehumidifiers if outside temperatures are greater warm and opening any doors and windows can help reduce humidity as well.

Protecting your equipment

When leakage does occur, immediate and proper action is vital to preventing further damage and assuring a faster return to normal services. Be sure to turn off the power immediately; do not re-energize equipment until authorized by qualified restoration personnel; drain all water; remove equipment; set up fans; wipe down and dry metal surfaces as soon as possible and follow up with professional restoration services.

Taking quick and effective action when water infiltration occurs can help you reduce the number and size of losses. Reducing the likelihood of such incidents also helps minimize the disruption to operations.

Protect against water-related risks under your own roof

While weather-related flooding grabs headlines, the potential for property damage and business disruption due to unanticipated water released inside your own facility demands just as much concern and preparation. By raising your own awareness of your risks, you will be better able to take proactive, positive steps toward prevention. We hope that some of the tips provided here may be of assistance in that journey.

Commercial Water Damage

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage

If you own commercial property, you know that water damage can be horribly bad for business.  It can ruin your assets and disrupt the flow of transactions and productivity that keep your business growing. Whether you own an office building, a retail store, a restaurant, or even a manufacturing plant, whatever the size of your business, you need to get back to “business as usual” as soon as you can.

If your commercial property has been struck by water damage, you’ll want to act quickly in order to minimize any losses. Time is of the essence when it comes to salvaging what you own. Unfortunately, expensive items, like furniture and electronics, are often the most prone to be ruined by water damage, so you’ll want to do as much as you can and bring in assistance as quickly as you can to reduce the long-term costs.

If you’re dealing with water damage to your business, here are 4 tips that can help you deal with the problem and minimize the extent of the damage:

Cut the Power and Remove Any Salvageable Large Items

The first thing you must remember is the truism: safety first.

If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity, and focus on removing valuable assets from the affected area.  You might be able to salvage area rugs and carpeting if they are removed and dried quickly.  The same is true for electronics, furniture, and other important movable items you need for your business.

Remove as Much Water as You Can

There are multiple methods for removing water.  A sump pump can be an effective tool for removing lots of water and can sometimes even be rented from a nearby hardware store if you don’t have one on hand.  If It is possible to safely access an electrical outlet that is far enough away from the water, you might also be able to use a wet/dry vacuum.

If need be, manual methods of water removal can work.  Buckets, mops and towels can be safe and effective, especially if the water damage is contained to a delimited area.

Your professional cleaning and restoration services provider will be able to bring industrial grade tools and expert techniques to clean up your water damage, so if your problem is extensive, you will want their help as soon as possible.

Allow for Ventilation and Drying

Once you’ve cleared out as much standing water as you can, you want to speed up the drying process as much as possible.

Open any doors or windows to allow maximum ventilation.  If you have access to electricity, you can also use fans and/or a dehumidifier. Turn them up to the highest possible setting for the quickest results.

Clean and Disinfect

Once the water has dried out, use a disinfectant to clean the affected area and get rid of any bacteria contamination.

Make sure to wear protective clothing and use a 10% bleach solution or other proven disinfectant on areas where it is safe to do so.

You want to prevent any contamination from spreading and affecting other areas of your business property. This includes odor control and the prevention of mold growth.

If your business requires emergency professional cleaning and restoration services, your local SERVPRO experts are here to help.  We have the professional training, skills, and equipment to respond to any size water damage problem and restore you back to business fast.  You can reach SERVPRO of Central Glendale anytime 24/7 at 818-246-2200.

What To Do If You Experience Fire Damage At Your Business

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

We are here to help!

Fire is unpredictable and can occur in any in any business. Fire at your business premises can cause fire damage, soot damage, fire damage and smoke damage in the workplace. Utility room fire or electrical fire can cause commercial fire damage and require specialized immediate fire suppression Here is a guide on what to do when you experience commercial fire damage.

Emergency Contact

Fire restoration process begins when you contact the firefighters or fire restoration professionals. The firefighters provide emergency services and will respond promptly once contacted. The firefighters will inquire about the spread of fire to help them understand resources required. The appropriate equipment to minimize the spread of fire damage, soot damage or smoke damage include fire hose, fire trucks, fire suppression systems and fire sprinkler system.

Fire Damage Assessment

After putting off the fire at your business using fire sprinkler system or fire hose, the next thing is to assess the extent of commercial fire damage at your business premises. The fire restoration experts will examine the property to determine how far utility room fire, smoke or soot has spread. They will also investigate walls, office furniture, ceilings and floors to assess smoke damage and soot damage. Understanding the extent commercial fire damage in your business assists in creating an accurate action plan and cost estimation of soot damage. Additionally, an assessment will help identify the source of fire whether utility room fire or electrical fire and appropriate method to put off the light. In case of electrical fire, it is crucial to cut off electrical system supply to your business. Fire trucks use the fire hose to pour water on the fire from utility room or kitchen.

Sealing Services

The primary purpose of fire restoration at your offices is to minimize commercial fire damage. Firefighters and experts after extinguishing the fire using fire sprinkler system, fire hose, fire trucks, and fire suppressions will leave burned holes in roofs. The fire damage creates holes in walls and water pipe leakages causing water damage to your property. The fire restoration expert will guide you on securing business files or office furniture to minimize further smoke damage, soot damage or water damage.

Cleaning

Fire clean-up is the next thing to do in fire restoration of your business premises. Clean up involves cleaning away soot, dust, and smoke from business furniture. The smoke damage leaves stains and dark spots on your property. The experts will also carry out water damage restoration. Standing water pools from fire hose, fire trucks, fire suppression, fire sprinkler system or from broken pipes during damage is removed using pumps. Clean up removes smoke smell from business offices. You can remove all damaged items of business. The insurance company takes a full inventory of damaged items. Air scrubbers and fogging equipment remove odors left by smoke.

Repairs and Renovations

Next, carry out repairs and renovations on damaged business items. For electrical fire, install the electrical systems again. Faulty electrical wires can be replaced to avoid future electrical fires in the workplace. Cabinets and furniture destroyed by smoke can be repaired or replaced with new ones. Repaint all the walls. The utility room fire door can be fixed or installed in the kitchen or laundry. Destroyed offices or rooms in your business may require significant reconstruction.

When your business experiences fire outbreak, it is essential to contact the firefighter to put off the flames and guide you in the restoration of your offices. The restoration experts will assess smoke damage on your property and provide seal services on the business property. Next, they will clean dust, smoke, and soot on surfaces of your office items. Clean all smoke and odor. Renovate and repair damaged furniture. The premises will look presentable, and business operations will continue as usual. However, it is crucial to consult emergency services and the fire department who will guide on fire preventive measures to be undertaken.

Fire Damage Emergency Tips

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Residential Fire Damage

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

  • Is it safe to stay in the house?
  • Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
  • Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.
  • Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

Have Smoke or Fire Damage? Call (818) 246-2200!

What To Do After A Fire

  • 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 electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
  • Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
  • Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
  • Change HVAC filter.
  • Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

  • 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 ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
  • Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

Why You Should Clean Your Dryer Vents!

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Dryer Vent Cleaning Can Prevent Fires

According to FEMA, failure to clean dryers and dryer vents causes 34% of home dryer fires. Home dryer fires cause $35 million in property loss and can even cause injury or death.

To reduce the risk of these fires happening in your home, clean dryer vents regularly. Every few months be sure to wash the lint filter with detergent to get rid of residue buildup that might be impeding airflow. Also clean the whole exhaust duct line yearly to reduce clogs and risk of fire.

Other tips for keeping your dryer vents clean from the National Fire Protection Agency include cleaning the lint filter before and after each load, and making sure the outdoor vent flap will open and is not restricted by snow, a bird’s nest, or other potential obstacles.

If you have a high efficiency dryer, look for easy-access panels and check inside for any additional lint buildup.

Reduce Your Risk of Mold By Repairing Leaky Appliances

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Leaky Appliances Can Cause MOLD!

Leaky appliances in your home can lead to extensive water damage and even mold growth if not taken care of quickly. If the conditions are right, it only takes 24-48 hours for mold to start growing. By keeping an eye on your appliances, you can help catch leaks early and reduce the risk of mold growth.

Follow these tips to help reduce the risk of leaky appliances and pipes in your home and reduce your risk of mold growth.

  • Regularly check your washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, water heater, sinks and toilets for signs of leaks.
  • Routinely check for leaky pipes, appliance hoses and faucets.
  • If you see signs of leaks, such as condensation or water collecting anywhere, dry it quickly and find the source of the leak and fix it.
  • Fix plumbing problems immediately.
  • Monitor your utility bills each month. An unusually high water bill can be a sign of an unseen leak.

By keeping an eye out for leaks from appliances and other water sources in your home, you can catch leaks early and reduce the risk of water damage and mold growth. If you do encounter mold growth or other water damage, give us a call at (818) 246-2200. SERVPRO of Central Glendale can make it “Like it never even happened.” 

Tips for Spotting Mold in a Potential Home Buy

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Have Your Home Inspected

Mold spores can exist just about anywhere inside or out. Unfortunately, that means it’s easy to develop a mold growth problem wherever moisture and a food source are present.

It’s important to be able to identify potential mold growth before buying a new home. Follow these four tips to help identify possible mold risks in a new home.

Tip 1: Use Your Nose

Of course, some mold is hidden from view. Fortunately, your sense of smell can help point you in the right direction. If you notice a strange odor in the home, particularly if the smell is stronger in certain areas of the home, this may indicate there is mold.

Mold has a musty, distinct odor. The smell could also be described as stale, wet, and earthy. Use your nose as the first sign that there may be mold in the home.

Tip 2: Look Around

While touring a potential home buy, it’s important to keep an eye out for potential mold growth. Mold tends to accumulate in moist, dark areas, so be sure to take a look in these areas. Common places you should check include:

  • Window sills
  • Beneath counters and under sinks
  • Bathtub grout
  • Inside toilets
  • Attics and crawlspaces

There are other visual indicators of possible mold, even if you don’t see the mold itself. Look out for water stains on ceilings or walls. Look for leaking pipes and faucets as well.

Tip 3: Ask Questions

Be sure to ask the current homeowners about past water damage and flooding. Also look into whether the home is in a flood zone. If there has been water damage in the past, pay extra attention to whether there is mold currently present in the home. Also inquire about how they remediated past water damage. Also ask as if water damage has been reoccurring or not. This can be a sign of future water and mold problems.

Tip 4: Have the Home Inspected

Home inspectors are trained to spot water damage and signs of mold in a home. Look to see if any signs of mold were noted in the inspection report. Also see if they provide any kind of mold guarantee.

If after buying a new home you find mold, give SERVPRO of Central Glendale a call. We can start the mold remediation process immediately and fix any other water damage the structure may have. Give us a call today at 818-246-2200.

Be Ready For Whatever Comes Your Way!

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Be Ready for Any Disaster

National Preparedness Month is just around the corner and it’s a great time to make sure you and your family is prepared for potential disasters. National Preparedness Month, which takes place in September, strives to increase the overall number of individuals, families, and communities that engage in preparedness actions at home and work.

Join in the effort to get your home ready for potential disasters. Only 51.5% of U.S. homes have an emergency kit ready. By creating an Emergency Kit you can be “Ready for whatever happens.”

Ready.gov suggests you have enough supplies to last for at least three days. Below is a quick list of suggested items to include in your kit:

  • 3-day supply of nonperishable foods
  • Water (one+ gallon per person per day)
  • First-aid kit
  • Prescription medication
  • Sleeping bag or blankets
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Hygiene products
  • Flashlights
  • Extra batteries
  • Cell phone charger
  • Change of clothes
  • Matches in waterproof container
  • Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Pet supplies
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Important documents such as insurance policies, IDs, and bank records in a plastic container

Also, keeping a small emergency kit in your vehicle can be useful during an emergency. 

Tips on Staying Safe During Windstorm

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

There’s not always a lot of warning before a large windstorm hits, so it’s important to prepare your home well beforehand.

Windstorms cause millions of dollars of damage across the Pacific Northwest every year. There’s not always a lot of warning before a large windstorm hits, so it’s important to prepare your home well beforehand. Small fixes now can prevent more costly repairs after a storm.

Trim Your Trees

Check your property for any tree branches that hang over your roof, cars, power lines, or shed. Overhanging branches can cause significant damage to your property if they fall, which you can easily prevent by cutting them down before a storm hits.

If you have dead trees or branches on your property, get them professionally removed.

Inspect the Roof and Garage

Any loose roofing material will be particularly susceptible during a windstorm. Further damage can occur when a windstorm rips loose material off the roof. Before the windstorm hits, check your roof for loose shingles, flashing, gutters, edging strips, etc. Make sure any problems you find are fixed ASAP.

Your garage door, if it is not in top shape, can be a liability as well. If you haven’t had it professionally inspected in a while, consider doing so.

Protect Your Windows

Strong winds and flying debris can damage windows, so make sure they are prepared before the storm comes in. If you don’t have stormproof windows installed, you can use aluminum or steel shutters or plywood to protect your windows from damage.

Secure Items Around Your Property

While wind can cause a lot of damage on its own, loose items around the yard can severely increase the damage potential. If you received a report of an impending windstorm, secure or safely store items like:

  • Grills
  • Patio Furniture
  • ATVs
  • Garbage and recycling bins
  • Container plants
  • Wind chimes and other decor
  • Trampolines
  • Swing sets and toys
  • Bicycles

Make sure to store cleaning chemicals, motor fuels, and pesticides in safe places as well. You don’t want chemicals to mix together or spread throughout your yard or home

Put Together an Emergency Kit

If the windstorm takes out the power, in some cases you may have to go without electricity for a few days until it gets fixed. Prepare emergency kits with food, water, and anything else your family might need to get through three days without power.

Even the most prepared home can sustain damage during a bad windstorm. Fortunately, at SERVPRO® of Central Glendale, we’re prepared to restore your home “Like it never even happened.”

We offer a wide range of services (like board-ups, water damage restoration, tree removal, tarp-ups, and other roofing services) to help repair your property after a storm. 

My Home Has Water Damage, What Should I Do?

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know what to do if your home suffers from water damage?

Sometimes we discover water damage in our home or business. Whether from a hot water tank or a washing machine supply line breaking, there are a few crucial steps you can take right away to mitigate the damage.

  1. Locate and stop the source of water flow. Shut off the valves to the source of leaking water. If needed, call a plumber or SERVPRO of Central Glendale. We work with plumbers and can get you the right help quickly.
  2. Do not turn on electrical items that may be wet. Avoid using electrical items that may have gotten wet until they have been checked and it is safe. Seeing water come through an light in your ceiling is not a good sign. You and your family's safety should come first.
  3. Call SERVPRO of Central Glendale to help determine how far the damage has spread. Water travels quickly and extensively through any vertical or horizontal surface. It can spread out on floors, go behind the baseboards and start wicking up the drywall. Damages and overall cost could increase with delayed response. The sooner you can extract water and get those surfaces drying the more you can help prevent secondary damage.
  4. Look at your homeowner's insurance policy and call your agent. Your insurance agent can guide you on what coverage you have, and sometimes in the case of pipe breakage or other sudden water issues, may be able to provide you with some immediate information to help you determine whether you should open a claim.

At SERVPRO of Central Glendale, we work to provide timely care to your property to help get you back into your home as soon as possible. Our highly-trained technicians can help make the damage "Like it never even happened." Give us a call today at 818-246-2200.

Leak Preventions

11/21/2018 (Permalink)

Learn how to prevent water leaks in your home. Be sure to keep your gutters cleared.

Some water damage is easy to spot and receives attention immediately. But unnoticed leaks that are left unattended can lead to extensive damage in your home. So how can you reduce the risk of these leaks in your home? Follow these tips to help prevent water leaks in these common areas.

Tip 1: Inspect and Repair Your Roof and Chimney

Let's start at the top with your roof. Your roof is there to protect your home from the elements. But over time debris build up and natural wear and tear may lead to weak areas in your roof and potentially to leaks. These leaks can start causing unseen damage in your attic and elsewhere in your home.

Be sure to inspect your roof regularly. Check for broken shingles and clear your roof of debris. Also be sure to check your chimney for damage as well as the flashing. For more detailed information on what to keep an eye out with your roof, check out our other blog post.

Tip 2: Clear Your Gutters

Similar to your roof, your gutters often get filled with debris such as leaves and twigs. The debris can clog and dam up your gutters. This may cause excess water to flow onto your roof or walls of your home, weathering them quicker.

Over time, the water can start to leak through and cause mold to grow on the roof. Make sure to clear out your rain gutters regularly to prevent these dams from happening.

Tip 3: Seal Your Doors and Windows

Over time your home may shift and windows and doors may not fit as snuggly as they did when installed. If your exterior doors and windows aren’t fitting properly, small gaps may allow water leaks into your home.

Be sure to install weather stripping around doors and windows and apply caulk along edges to both sides of windows. This will help prevent water leaks around your windows and doors.

Tip 4: Check Your Plumbing

Broken and leaky pipes are one of the more obvious causes of water damage in a home. If a leaky pipe is hidden away or the leak is small, it may go unnoticed for quite some time.

Be sure to inspect your pipes regularly and fix any small leaks before they become bigger. Making sure your plumbing is functioning properly can help prevent future damage. Also make sure you know how to prepare your pipes for the colder winter months. Frozen pipes can lead to extensive damage.

Tip 5: Protect Your Foundation

Protecting the foundation of your home from water damage is important. Cracks in your foundation can lead to water leaks in your basement and can go unnoticed for great lengths of time, causing significant damage.

Be sure to inspect your foundation regularly for cracks and get them repaired. Make sure the ground surrounding your foundation is sloped away from your home to help avoid water building up around your foundation. Also, be sure to remove any trees that are too close to your home to avoid roots growing into and damaging your foundation.

Even small leaks can spread water throughout your home, causing both apparent and hidden damage. However, leaks don’t just cause water damage, they can also lead to mold growth.

At, SERVPRO of Central Glendale, we have the training and experience to make your home “Like it never even happened.” Our technicians can help locate and fix the leak as well as handle the mold remediation process.

If you think you have a water leak in your home, or if you’ve seen signs of mold in your home, give us a call at 818-246-2200.

Pomona tenants allege cockroach infestation, pervasive mold growth in lawsuit

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Grows in Pomona, CA Apartment

Current and former tenants in three Pomona apartments have filed a lawsuit, alleging their units were crawling in cockroaches that were  getting into their clothes, had to be picked off their kids’ bodies and were even found in their hair. The conditions were so deplorable, residents had to regularly toss food because of the feces and filth the roaches left behind.

Thursday’s filing by 16 current and former tenants of Casa Grande and Pomona Grove Apartments allege the absentee landlord allowed inhumane conditions to occur as far back as 2014. That includes exposure to bedbugs, incidents of raw sewage seeping into a common area and faulty utilities, according to the suit.

Mold growth was so pervasive, it would return despite numerous attempts to clean the flooring and walls in units, they allege.

The 39-page filing from Santa Monica-based law firm Cypress LLP paints a picture of a landlord who not only failed to take corrective measures but allowed his onsite management to threaten tenants when they complained about the conditions.

“Defendants know that they can prey on vulnerable, low-income tenants in an area suffering a severe affordable housing shortage,” the claim states. “If tenants exercise their rights or speak up, defendants threaten them with eviction, which for many plaintiffs means homelessness.”

The suit claims William C. Chu, who has owned the complexes — Casa Grande at 700 N. East End Ave. and Pomona Grove Apartments at 707 N. East End Ave. since 2011 — was not only negligent but committed fraud by requiring the tenants to pay for shoddy cleanup and maintenance work, never deducting it from their rent or compensating them for costs incurred. The occupants also claim the uninhabitable living conditions caused them emotional distress.

Neither Chu nor the property manager responded to requests for an interview. A representative from Chu’s office was not aware of the lawsuit and asked for details. The lawsuit notes that Chu “resides comfortably” in a $4.5 million home in San Marino.

“Mold Removal” vs. Remediation

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Mold in Attic

Since microscopic mold spores exist naturally almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, removing all mold from a home or business is impossible. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold. This is a fallacy.

A qualified restoration company understands the science behind mold and mold growth. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and expertise to remediate the mold in your home or business. Mold remediation focuses on getting mold levels back to normal, natural levels.

Every mold damage scenario is different and requires a unique solution, but the general mold remediation process stays the same. To learn more about our mold remediation process.

  • Step 1: Emergency Contact 1-800-SERVPRO
  • Step 2: Inspection and Mold Damage Assessment
  • Step 3: Mold Containment
  • Step 4: Air Filtration
  • Step 5: Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials
  • Step 6: Cleaning Contents and Belongings
  • Step 7: Restoration

Understanding Mold

When water intrudes into your property, mold growth can start in as little as 48 hours. Consider the following mold facts:

  • Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
  • Mold spores are microscopic, float along in the air, and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
  • Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants and have the potential to cause other health effects. 
  • Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
  • Mold often produces a strong, musty odor, and that odor can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
  • Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

Rain in the forecast for California fire areas brings concern over possible debris flow

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Victor Lobl, loads sandbags provided by the LA County Fire Department on Monday with the help of friends to protect what's left of his home

or residents whose homes were spared by massive wildfires burning throughout the state this month, rains expected this week are prompting concern about another potentially destructive and deadly phenomenon: mudslides.

Weather experts said that rain is likely to fall midweek over areas recently affected by the Camp and Woolsey fires. The area hit by the Woolsey Fire, which spread west of the San Fernando Valley and burned to the coast, is expected to see between half an inch to an inch of rain late Wednesday into early Thursday. Showers could linger into Thursday morning, said David Sweet, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard.

The Woolsey blaze ravaged nearly 97,000 acres and destroyed 1,500 structures in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Three people died and three firefighters were injured.

Heavier precipitation is anticipated in Northern California, in the area of the Camp fire. A series of storms beginning early Wednesday and lasting through Saturday is expected to bring 3 to 5 inches of rain. That fire charred 151,000 acres and destroyed more than 12,000 homes. The death toll of 79 is expected to rise as workers comb through the ruins.

During a Landslide

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Aftermath of a Mudslide

What should I do if a landslide is occurring or likely to occur?
  • If you suspect imminent danger, evacuate immediately. Inform affected neighbors if you can, and contact your public works, fire or police department.
  • Listen for unusual sounds that might indicate moving debris, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together.
  • If you are near a stream or channel, be alert for any sudden increase or decrease in water flow and notice whether the water changes from clear to muddy. Such changes may mean there is debris flow activity upstream so be prepared to move quickly.
  • Be especially alert when driving— watch for collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks and other indications of possible debris flow.
  • If you are ordered or decide to evacuate, take your animals with you.
  • Consider a precautionary evacuation of large or numerous animals as soon as you are aware of impending danger.
During Severe Storms
  • Stay alert and awake. Many deaths from landslides occur while people are sleeping.
  • Listen to local news stations on a battery-powered radio for warnings of heavy rainfall.
  • Consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

5 Early Signs of Water Damage in Roofing Systems

11/20/2018 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Central Glendale for Roof Leak Repair

1. Water Spots on the Ceiling

Water spots on the roof ceiling indicate leakage; however, it may be hard to pinpoint the origin of the leak. A slow leak is usually harder to find than a big leak. The reason is, a slow leak often migrates from the original opening, making it difficult to find the source of the leak. If you spot a leak, it is advisable to get in touch with a professional residential roof repair company for inspection. The professional will conduct a thorough inspection to find the source of the leak and provide a solution to reverse the damage.

2. Granule Filled Gutters

Shingle granules may come off the roof surface due to aging, rain or storm. If the roof is losing a lot of shingles, it indicates that you need to replace the granules of the roofs. Shingle damage is often visible in the form of smooth or bald spots with a majority of the granules ripped off. Before you consider a shingle replacement, the first step is to check the manufacturer’s warranty followed by contacting a residential roof repair professional to gauge the extent of shingle damage and the need to repair or replace them.

3. Cracking and Blistering Shingles

As the shingles get old and lose granules, they are exposed to direct sunlight and turn brittle. UV radiation damages the shingles from the inside, leading to cracking and blistering. Apart from damaging the aesthetic appeal of the property, cracking and blistering of shingles leave the roof susceptible to water leaks that may cause an irreversible damage to the roofing system. If you notice any cracks or blisters in the shingles, get in touch with a roofing professional to avoid further damage and costly repairs.

4. Soft or Spongy Wood Decking

Soft and spongy wood decking is an indication of a longstanding water damage. Water damage may cause the decking to rot and leave the roof susceptible to potential leaks in the future. You should be able to notice water spots on the decking while walking on the roof. It is, however, unsafe to walk over spongy decking and the area must not be used until appropriate repair work is carried out.

5. Water Spots on the Exterior of Walls

Water spots on the exterior walls of a building indicate damage to the step flashing – the section where the roof meets the wall. The step flashing may rust or become loose with time, which causes the rainwater to leave those water spots. Though replacing the step flashing can mitigate the issue, the job is quite tricky which makes it necessary to get the help of a roofing professional. If you notice water spots on the exterior walls of your property, waste no time in contacting a roofing company.

The Bottom Line

Roofing systems deteriorate due to consistent exposure to weather and other elements. Though the damage may seem to have a little impact during early days, if ignored, it may lead to either a permanent damage to the roof or would need costly repairs. Having a preventive maintenance plan helps in detecting early signs of damage, making it easy to fix. If you think the roofing system of your property needs expert attention, look no further than SERVPRO of Central Glendale. Our experts possess extensive experience in handling complex water repairs and can help you maintain a roof that continues to serve, year after year. Feel free to speak with one of our residential roof repair professionals by calling at (818) 246-2200.

Pet Fire Safety

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

Never leave pets alone around an open flame. If your pet is rowdy, it's best to avoid candles.

Prevent Your Pets from Starting Fires

The National Fire Protection Association estimates that nearly 1,000 home fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners' pets.

The American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services have joined forces to provide the following tips:

  • Extinguish Open Flames - Pets are generally curious and will investigate cooking appliances, candles, or even a fire in your fireplace. Ensure your pet is not left unattended around an open flame and make sure to thoroughly extinguish any open flame before leaving your home.
  • Remove Stove Knobs - Be sure to remove stove knobs or protect them with covers before leaving the house - a stove or cook top is the number one piece of equipment involved in your pet starting a fire.
  • Invest in Flameless Candles - These candles contain a light bulb rather than an open flame, and take the danger out of your pet knocking over a candle. Cats are notorious for starting fires when their tails turn over lit candles.
  • Secure Young Pets - keep them confined away from potential fire-starting hazards when you are away from home such as in crates or behind baby gates in secure areas.
Help Firefighters Help Your Pets
  • Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
  • Affix a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.

SERVPRO to the Rescue!

10/11/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO restores a commercial water damaged building.

Dealing with water damage is not easy. If you’ve ever walked into your home or office and realized you have water damage, you know how frustrating and stressful it can be. Sewage backup, earthquakes and floods, as well as house fires mean water in areas where it should not be. When water invades your property, you need professional water damage restoration in Glendale to solve the problem.

Floods, hurricanes and other natural disasters aren’t the only things you can associate with water damages. In fact, many water damage issues happen due to broken pipes, failed sump pump, clogged toilets or leaking washing machine hose. These can destroy your space in just a matter of hours. Don’t let a seemingly small problem becomes worse. Immediately find a reliable water damage restoration Glendale. Don’t skip the services of a reputable damage restoration company, as the problem can become even more expensive when not treated right away.

Although we always do everything we can to respond as quickly as possible, there may be times when it will take us some time to get to your property. While waiting for our arrival, there are certain things you can do in order to minimize further damage. The process does not have to be too complicated. Once you do the following tips, you can speed the process of helping you get back to normal.

  • Blot or mop up the wear areas using towels.
  • If you can access the circuit breakers safely, make sure that you turn the power off in every affected area. This must also be done for your water shut off valve in order to stop the water flow.
  • Remove anything that could stain on wet floors or carpets like newsprint items and books.
  • Remove wet upholstery cushions from furniture and put in a dry area.
  • Remove all items that are sensitive to moisture from any affected areas and place them in a dry, safe area.
  • Avoid any contact with wet areas if the water didn’t originate from a clean source.
  • In case you’ve come in contact with the contaminated water, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly and immediately.
  • Don’t enter a room where there’s a possible electric shock hazard.
  • HVAC units must be turned off, as they can spread contaminated air.
  • Don’t try to extract water using a household vacuum cleaner or use fans to try drying the structure. This is an unsafe practice that could cause an electric shock or the machine could be damaged.
  • Don’t use any of your electrical appliances while standing on concrete, wet carpets or any types of flooring.
  • Place plywood or foil under furniture legs in order to separate them from wet flooring or carpeting.

Restoring

1/26/2018 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events present unique challenges

Flooding and water damage events at Los Angeles commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges
Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need. You may contact us 24/7 at (818) 246-2200.

About SERVPRO of Central Glendale
SERVPRO of Central Glendale specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

Basement Flood

1/26/2018 (Permalink)

A storm caused the basement to flood

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Los Angeles basement could flood, including:

A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
Storm sewer backup
Sanitary sewer backup
Foundation drainage failure
Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
And many more
A flood could be caused by heavy rain runoff. For the past few days, we have had more rain in Los Angeles than we could remember! Calls about this issue have been swinging in!

If water damage is not handled quickly and properly, it can cause severe damage to your home’s structure not to mention the potential harmful health effects of mold. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques
We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
We have advanced inspection and extraction equipment
Have Questions? Call Us Today – We’re Here To Help - (818) 246-2200

Damages

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO drying the carpets.

A roof leak caused this buliding in Glendale, CA to have a flood in the office rooms. This picture shows you how the carpet is soaking wet and we removed the furnitures so it would be easy for us to remove the carpet and start inspecting if there is any mold. The incident happened overnight and the very next day the ceo of the company called SERVPRO of Central Glendale and we did an inspection within the hour we went back to grab our equipment. Once we came bak we started to do our work and the we finished within three days. The total progress was within five days of work. The owner was very pleased and surprised that we finished the work so fast. 

Fire!

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Fire in the classroom.

A fish tank in a classroom exploded overnight caused half the classrooms and the basement to catch on fire in a school in the Los Angeles area. This picture shows that one of the classrooms that got more damaged than any other rooms. SERVPRO of Central Glendale was called in by the principle of the school the very next day within thirty minutes we have arrived to the damage areas. Fire is very dangerous and its usually hard to get rid of when it spreads rapidly. The process of the work took about a week and two days to finish. The owner was thrilled when he saw the aftermath of the work we did for them and he said "The classrooms look amazing and thank you again!" 

Heavy Rain

1/15/2018 (Permalink)

Roof leak

A roof leak caused this room to have damages to the walls and floors of a church located in the Los Angeles area. This picture shows the mess left behind after all the water had receded. SERVPRO of Central Glendale was called in to do an inspection and withinn an hour we came back with our equipment, and than we started to do our work. SERVPRO of Central Glendale finished the job within five days. The owner of the buliding was thrilled when we arrive prepared and ready to work. He said, "I was very impressed with the work that they did, they were very polite and organized. Now I know who to call just in case if I ever have any damages at all."

When storms hit LA, SERVPRO is ready!

1/12/2018 (Permalink)

Storms hit LA area, SERVPRO will be ready to take action!

SERVPRO of Central Glendale specializes in storm and flood damage restoration. Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response
Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms
When storms hit Glendale, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (818) 246-2200

Does your home have a Mold Problem?

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold located on the walls of a Glendale home.

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.
If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (818) 246-2200

Mold Problems

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

Be careful! Mold can be very dangerous.

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:
Stay out of affected areas.
Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
Contact SERVPRO of Central Glendale for mold remediation services.
What Not to Do:
Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.
About Our Mold Remediation Services
SERVPRO of Central Glendale specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business. Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – (818) 246-2200

Water Damages

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Glendale is here to help!

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Central Glendale provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Central Glendale arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (818) 246-2200
Water Damage Timeline
Within Minutes

Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.
Hours 1 - 24:

Drywall begins to swell and break down.
Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
Furniture begins to swell and crack.
Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
A musty odor appears.
48 Hours to 1 Week:

Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
Metal begins to rust and corrode.
Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
Paint begins to blister.
Wood flooring swells and warps.
Serious biohazard contamination is possible.
More Than 1 Week:

Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.
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.

Smoke and Suit up

1/11/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Glendale is on 24/7!

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.

Smoke and soot facts:
Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.
Different Types of Smoke
There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Central Glendale will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.
Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.
Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor.
Our Fire Damage Restoration Services
Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage. We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – (818) 246-2200

Floods

1/8/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is on the move for 24/7!

SERVPRO of Central Glendale is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (818) 246-2200
We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of 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.

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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.

Pipes Burst

1/3/2018 (Permalink)

Pipes Burst in a church

A pipe burst in the middle of the night at a church located around the Los Angeles area. This before picture shows the mess that was cause from a pipe burst. Water usually floods either the whole floor or the whole buliding. It travels from one place to the other within seconds. It is a big mess to clean usually it takes about a few days or few weeks to get everything back to where it came from. Usually water floods either half the room or all the way to ceiling. Once this room got flooded the owner called SERVPRO of Central Glendale. The next day we arrived to the damage and we did an inspection, once we did it, we started the following day. 

Prepare, prepare, prepare!

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

Most electrical fires are caused by faulty electrical outlets and old, outdated appliances

In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.

Learn About Fires

  • Fire is FAST! In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It only takes minutes for thick black smoke to fill a house or for it to be engulfed in flames.
  • Fire is HOT! Heat is more threatening than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can be 100 degrees at floor level and rise to 600 degrees at eye level. Inhaling this super-hot air will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.
  • Fire is DARK! Fire starts bright, but quickly produces black smoke and complete darkness.
  • Fire is DEADLY! Smoke and toxic gases kill more people than flames do. Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three-to-one ratio.

Before a Fire

Create and Practice a Fire Escape Plan

In the event of a fire, remember that every second counts, so you and your family must always be prepared. Escape plans help you get out of your home quickly.

Twice each year, practice your home fire escape plan.  Some tips to consider when preparing this plan include:

  • Find two ways to get out of each room in the event the primary way is blocked by fire or smoke.
  • A secondary route might be a window onto a neighboring roof or a collapsible ladder for escape from upper story windows.
  • Make sure that windows are not stuck, screens can be taken out quickly, and that security bars can be properly opened.
  • Practice feeling your way out of the house in the dark or with your eyes closed.
  • Teach children not to hide from firefighters.

Smoke Alarms

A working smoke alarm significantly increases your chances of surviving a deadly home fire.

  • Install both ionization AND photoelectric smoke alarms, OR dual sensor smoke alarms, which contain both ionization and photoelectric smoke sensors.
  • Test batteries monthly.
  • Replace batteries in battery-powered and hard-wired smoke alarms at least once a year (except non-replaceable 10-year lithium batteries).
  • Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement, both inside and outside of sleeping areas.
  • Replace the entire smoke alarm unit every 8-10 years or according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Never disable a smoke alarm while cooking – it can be a deadly mistake.

Smoke Alarm Safety for People with Access or Functional Needs

  • Audible alarms for visually impaired people should pause with a small window of silence between each successive cycle so that they can listen to instructions or voices of others.
  • Smoke alarms with a vibrating pad or flashing light are available for the hearing impaired. Contact your local fire department for information about obtaining a flashing or vibrating smoke alarm.
  • Smoke alarms with a strobe light outside the home to catch the attention of neighbors, and emergency call systems for summoning help, are also available.

Mold 101

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

Molds and other fungi grow easily in damp indoor environments. People who spend time in such environments sometimes complain of respiratory effects.

Mold is a non-scientific term for many types of fungi - unwanted, unappealing patches of black, brown, yellow, pink, green, smelly, fuzzy growths. Countless species of mold are found both indoors and outdoors.

"Mold" and "fungus" have many connotations, most of them unpleasant: musty odors, damp basements, moldy carpets, water leaks, soggy drywall, athlete's foot, and poisonous mushrooms, among others. On the positive side, molds are also responsible for penicillin and blue cheese; yeasts are fungi (plural of fungus) used to make bread, beer, and wine; and some types of mushrooms are considered edible delicacies. And without fungi to break them down, the world would be buried in leaves, trees, grass, and garbage.

Although mold and its spores are literally everywhere, active mold growth requires moisture. Whether on visible surfaces or hiding behind drywall, in attics, or under carpets, indoor mold grows in the presence of excessive dampness or water. Also found in damp indoor environments are:

  • bacteria;
  • dust mites;
  • break-down products of bacteria and molds, such as proteins, cell-wall particles (glucans) and volatile organic compounds (the actual cause of the musty odor associated with mold);
  • airborne chemicals, gasses, and particulate matter caused by destruction of materials by growing molds.

Indoor mold may be unsightly and smelly, but the potential problems are more serious than that. By definition, actively-growing mold damages the material it lives on, thereby impairing structural integrity. In addition, mold is associated with some untoward health effects in humans, including allergies and infections. (Some health effects attributed to mold may in fact be caused by bacteria, dust mites, etc., found in mold-colonized environments. So-called "toxic mold" has been claimed as the cause of "toxic mold disease"; this syndrome remains undefined and "toxic mold" as a cause remains unproven. "Toxic mold" is also unproven as a cause of the various symptoms associated with "sick building syndrome".

Mold growth in homes, schools, and businesses should be eliminated for the sake of human health, structural integrity, and quality of life. Cleaning up small amounts of mold can be done by homeowners. Eliminating mold from large areas requires expertise and protection both for the removal specialists and occupants of the affected space.

How Mold Effects Human Health

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

Spending time in damp and moldy buildings seems to increase the risk of bronchitis and respiratory infections, but is not proven to do so.

Molds and other fungi grow easily in damp indoor environments. People who spend time in such environments sometimes complain of respiratory effects, headaches, and other physical symptoms. In addition to visible or hidden mold, damp spaces likely harbor mold break-down products, dust mites, bacteria, and chemicals, gasses, and particulate matter released from the materials on which molds are growing. Given the difficulties in testing for all of these elements, hard evidence of precise cause-and-effect can be elusive.

In an extensive 2004 report, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) did not find enough evidence to identify health effects which were definitely caused by spending time in damp indoor spaces. However, the experts found that being in damp indoor spaces seemed related to respiratory illnesses: nose and throat [upper respiratory] symptoms, cough, wheeze, and asthma symptoms. They also found limited evidence that these environments can be associated with shortness of breath, the development of asthma in people who did not previously suffer from it, and lower respiratory symptoms (coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath) in healthy children. Based on available research, IOM was not able to substantiate claims of numerous other symptoms such as skin irritations, fatigue, cancer, lung disease, or respiratory infections. There was enough evidence of health effects overall, though, that IOM identified damp indoor spaces as a public health problem that needs to be addressed.

 It can be difficult or impossible to assess all types of molds, spores, fungal fragments, chemicals from destruction of mold-colonized materials and second-hand smoke, and other airborne matter indoors at any given time. Though numerous studies associate the presence of dampness and mold with respiratory allergies and asthma, it can be equally difficult or impossible to establish the presence of these substances as the definitive cause of illness in particular patients.

What to do during a storm?

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

Most of the U.S. will experience thunderstorms from time to time, but the state with the highest occurrence of storms might be surprising.

Before

  • Remember the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule: Look for lightning and go indoors if you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder; stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder-clap
  • Consider investing in a personal lightning detector
  • Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall
  • Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage
  • Shut all windows and secure outside doors
  • Unplug electronic equipment

During

  • Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords, including devices plugged in for recharging (consider unplugging valuable electronics in case of power surge)
  • Water conducts electricity, so avoid contact with plumbing
  • Stay away from windows and doors and stay off porches
  • Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls
  • Avoid natural lightning rods, such as tall isolated trees, and avoid isolated small structures in open areas
  • Avoid contact with metal, including farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts and bicycles
  • If you are driving, safely exit or pull over and park; do not touch any surface that conducts electricity in or outside of the vehicle

After

  • Never drive through a flooded roadway
  • Avoid storm-damaged areas
  • Help people who may require special assistance
  • Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately
  • Watch your pets closely; keep them indoors if possible

Tornado Safety

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

A tornado is a violently rotating column of air that extends from a thunderstorm.

When a severe thunderstorm is imminent or already occurring in your area, it's time to put your plan into action. Pay close attention to any storm watches or warnings that have been issued for your location.

If You're in a Building

  • Make sure you have a portable radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio, for weather alerts and updates.
  • Seek shelter in the lowest level of your home, such as a basement or storm cellar. If you don't have a basement, go to an inner hallway, a smaller inner room or a closet.
  • Keep away from all windows and glass doorways.
  • If you're in a building such as a church, hospital, school or office building, go to the innermost part of the building on the lowest floor. Do not use elevators because the power may fail, leaving you trapped.
  • You can cushion yourself with a mattress, but don't cover yourself with one. Cover your head and eyes with a blanket or jacket to protect against flying debris and broken glass. Don't waste time moving mattresses around.
  • Keep pets on a leash or in a crate or carrier.
  • Stay inside until you're certain the storm has passed, as multiple tornadoes can emerge from the same storm.
  • Do not leave a building to attempt to "escape" a tornado.
 

If You're Outside

  • Try to get inside a building as quickly as possible and find a small, protected space away from windows.
  • Avoid buildings with long-span roof areas such as a school gymnasium, arena or shopping mall, as these structures are usually supported only by outside walls. When hit by a tornado, buildings like these can collapse, because they cannot withstand the pressure of the storm.
  • If you cannot find a place to go inside, crouch for protection next to a strong structure or lie flat in a ditch or other low-lying area. Cover your head and neck with your arms or a jacket, if you have one.

If You're in a Car

  • If you can safely drive away from the tornado, do so.
  • If there is a sturdy structure available, go inside.
  • If no building is available,  it might be better to pull over, stop the car (but leave it running so the air bags work), and crouch down below the windows.   The airbags and frame of the car will offer some amount of protection, but certainly not absolute safety.
  • A long-standing safety rule has been to get out of the car and into a ditch.   If you do that, you should get far enough away from the car that it doesn’t tumble onto you.   Being below the prevailing ground level may shield you from some of the tornado wind and flying debris, but there is still danger from those.
  • Do NOT get out of a vehicle and climb up under the embankment of a bridge or overpass.   This often increases your risk.

If You're in a Mobile Home

  • Do not remain in a mobile home during a tornado. Even mobile homes equipped with tie-down systems cannot withstand the force of a tornado's winds.
  • Heed all local watches and warnings, and leave your mobile home to seek shelter as quickly as possible before a tornado strikes, preferably in a nearby building with a basement.
  • If no shelter is immediately available, find the lowest-lying area near you and lie down in it, covering your head with your hands.

Buying a house with water damage?

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

As with any water loss, the first thing we will do upon arriving at your property is assess the full scope of the damage.

You found your dream home. It's in the perfect neighborhood, has the right number of bedrooms and bathrooms, an updated kitchen, spacious family room and sprawling backyard. The only negative: it's a water damaged house. Buying a House with Water Damage: Important Facts to KnowYou don't have to give up your dream home just because the house has suffered water damage or currently has water damage. You do need to determine some facts before making an offer on the property. Schedule Inspections Before BuyingBegin by scheduling a home inspection. A home inspection before you purchase any property is wise and especially important when dealing with known water damage. Only work with a certified home inspector who can provide a comprehensive water damage inspection including the extent of the mold problem. The inspector needs to be able to find any hidden damage, including structural issues, leaking windows, foundation cracks and bad pipes. You also may opt for an inspector who specializes in foundations or a roofing expert depending on where the mold issue is concentrated. Important: Request written copies of all home inspection reports. Consult a ContractorA contractor can provide an estimation on how much it will cost to repair the damage caused by water, including any repairs needed after mold removal. It's important to factor in the cost of water damage repair and mold remediation (if mold is present in the home) before placing a bid on the house. The mold experts at SERVPRO of Central Glendale can provide full mold remediation for any type of mold issues. Evaluate Repair and Remediation CostsWater damage from a leaking bathtub pipe may have effected more than what can be seen. Water can seep through the walls, soaking the back of drywall, structural supports and insulation, especially if the leak had been undetected for some time. Flood damage to a basement can create significant mold issues that need to be treated by professionals. It's essential to factor in full water damage repair and mold remediation costs before making an offer on the house. Thoroughly read all inspection reports and don't be afraid to ask questions of the inspectors, contractors and other experts. Get all the facts and then sit down with your real estate agent. It may be possible to work the repair costs into the offer or to have the seller cover the costs of repair and mold remediation. Be sure your realtor includes the water damage repair costs in writing in the bid presented to the seller. Everything in WritingNegotiations may go back and forth. However, once a final deal has been agreed upon, double-check to ensure the agreement regarding water damage costs is correct. A real estate attorney can be consulted if any of the contractual terms need clarification.

Prevent Water Damage from Toilets

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

If you experience backups or blockages regularly even after having the pipes cleaned, then you may have an underlying issue.

Common toilet problems and plumbing issues can lead to water damage. Plumbing problems can be prevented by regular plumbing maintenance. Taking care of a toilet repair as soon as toilet plumbing problems occur is the best way to prevent toilet-related water damage. Follow the IBHS recommendations below to avoid costly water damage repair and water damage restoration.

Toilet Maintenance

Water damage in your bathroom can drain your wallet, which is why IBHS urges property owners to complete preventive maintenance before trouble strikes. IBHS conducted a study of closed water damage insurance claims and used that information to identify the leading causes of water damage and develop solutions.

Toilet Failure

  • The study found that toilet failures cost more than $5,500 per incident after the deductible was paid.
  • One-third of all toilet failures in the study resulted from an overflowing or clogged toilet.

Ways to Reduce Damage

  • Be patient after you flush and wait for the valve to completely finish refilling the tank and bowl. If an overflow looks imminent, lift off the tank cover and lift the float to shut off water flow to the tank, and then turn off the supply valve.
  • Twice a year, inspect a toilet’s components, such as the fill, supply and flush valves and the supply line. Make sure that you can turn off the supply. If you have older screw type valves that are hard to turn or start leaking, consider replacing them with simpler ball valves that are easy to shut off quickly.

Tip: It is a good idea to look over your insurance policy and familiarize yourself with any exclusion to your water damage coverage. For instance, most policies cover sudden damage, like water damage from a really bad storm or from an overflowing washing machine. On the other hand, any water damage that happens because you didn’t maintain the property may be excluded, as well as gradual leaks that caused water damage over time.

How to prepare for a water damage consultation

10/13/2017 (Permalink)

Sensitive moisture meters detect trapped and hidden moisture in and below the surface of building materials.

If your home has been affected by water damage, the hours following the incident are crucial. Whether due to a flood or a leaky pipe, one of the first things you should do is to call a company who specializes in water cleanup in Glendale. These professionals are equipped to assess, restore, and repair any sort of water damage that occurs in your home. Their first appointment is generally just a consultation. Before they arrive, there are a few things that you can do to prepare.

    • Have your insurance information close by. Most restoration companies can assist you in filing an insurance claim. Before they arrive, make sure that you have your homeowner’s insurance policy available. If you have time, it could be beneficial to look it over or call your carrier to find out if your policy covers the water damage.
    • Think about what you want to do. In some instances, water damage is so severe that it is impossible to repair the structure. In other cases, it’s completely possible to restore your belongings. Before your water damage consultation, think about whether or not you would rather restore your belongings or purge them. Purging them would require you to throw them out and start again.
    • Prepare yourself for the process. During water damage consultation, the professionals will take their time to look over your property and assess all of the issues. It could take quite a bit of time for everything to be detailed and examined.
  • Trust your restoration professionals. When calling a company to assess the water damage in your home, it’s important to trust them and their opinions. While you may think that certain walls are dry to the touch, there may still be risk of mold and deterioration. Experts can detect and assess these types of issues. If you aren’t willing to listen to their opinions or trust their methods, it will prolong the process and could lead to further damage. Trust those who are trying to restore your home. It’s in their best interest to get the structure of your home and your belongings back to normal as soon as possible.
  • Be prepared to vacate the premises if needed. Not all water damage warrants an evacuation. However, in the event that your water damage professionals need you to leave the home while they restore it, have a place in mind that you can stay. Whether you choose a hotel or with friends, mentally preparing to stay somewhere else can make it easier if it ends up being a reality.

The restoration process can be slow. There are deliberate procedures that must be executed to ensure that water damage doesn’t spread and that your home remains safe for you and your family. If you are dealing with water damage, be prepared for the road ahead of you. Water damage repair should only be left to the professionals, like the technicians from SERVPRO of Central Glendale. Whether you are dealing with flood water or a burst sprinkler pipe, don’t attempt to clean up the damage on your own. 

Avoid Hazards & Fires in your California Home

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

From overly hot faucets to tipped-over coffee cups, burns are a potential hazard in every home. In fact, burns (especially scalds from hot water and liquids) are some of the most common childhood accidents. Babies and young children are especially at risk — they're curious, small, and have sensitive skin that needs extra protection.

Here are some important ways to protect kids from burns — as well as electrical shocks and household fires — in your home.

In General

Make a fire escape plan with two ways out of the house, plus a designated meeting place once out of the house. Practice the fire escape plan regularly.

  • Keep an emergency ladder on upper floors of your home in the event of a fire. Keep the ladder in or near the room of an adult or older child capable of using it.
  • Make sure you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home and in each bedroom. Test smoke alarms monthly and remember to change the batteries twice a year.
  • Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years or older.
  • Install a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and know how to use it.
  • Keep matches, lighters, chemicals, and lit candles out of kids' reach.
  • Don't smoke inside, especially when you're tired, taking medication that can cause you to be drowsy, or in bed.

Electrical Equipment and Appliances

  • Put child-safety covers on all electrical outlets.
  • Get rid of equipment and appliances with old or frayed cords and extension cords that look damaged.
  • Bind excess cord from lamps or other electrical equipment with a twist-tie to prevent injury from chewing on cords. You also can purchase a holder or spool specially designed to hide extra cord.
  • Position television and stereo equipment against walls so small hands don't have access to the back surfaces or cords. It's best to secure TVs by attaching them to the wall.
  • Make sure all wires to seasonal lighting, such as holiday tree lights, are properly insulated (for example, make sure they don't have exposed or broken wiring). Bind any excess cord and unplug lights when they're not in use.
  • Check electronic toys often for signs of wear and tear; any object that sparks, feels hot, or smells unusual must be repaired or thrown away immediately. Replace batteries in electronic toys regularly and look for any signs of corrosion in the toys.
  • Clean the clothes dryer vent of lint after each use.
  • Don't run electrical wires under rugs or carpet.
  • Don't overload electrical sockets.
  • Keep any decorative items away from windows, doors, and ceilings. Make sure anything you have near the ceiling is not blocking any sprinklers you may have installed.

Living Room

  • Screen fireplaces and wood-burning stoves and always keep kids 3 feet away from them. Radiators and electric baseboard heaters also might need to be screened.
  • Teach kids never to put anything into the fireplace when it is lit. Also make sure they know the doors to the fireplace can be very hot and cause a burn.
  • Make sure to have all chimneys inspected and cleaned regularly

Wildfire Preparation

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

Southern California is infamous for its wildfire seasons. With high temperatures and winds, fires can spring up and can spread very quickly. It is important to take the time to prepare for evacuation should an emergency situation arise.

Below is a checklist that can help you with this:

1. Pack an emergency bag for you and your family (basically act like you’re going on a weekend camping trip):


    • Water and nonperishable food (3 day supply per person). If you have animals, ensure you include their food.

    • A first aid kit, including any absolutely needed medications or medical items.

    • Emergency tools including flashlights, batteries, radio, etc.

    • Sanitation and hygiene items, including any items needed for any infants such as diapers.

    • Cellphone chargers.

    • Extra clothes and footwear for each person.

    • One blanket or sleeping bag per person.

    • Some cash and emergency credit cards (if you have them).

2. Put a plan together:


    • Plan two ways out of your neighborhood in case a usual road is blocked

    • Select a meeting place for your family members in case you are evacuated, can’t get home, etc. Also select one person who is out of the area to be a central contact point in case you are not able to meet up or get a hold of one another.

    • Figure out what documents you should take with you. Make sure the documents are all in one location that is easy for you to access. You can also make copies of all of them and keep them specifically with your emergency bag.

    • Figure out any cherished (irreplaceable) items you would want to take (jewelry, artwork, etc.). Make a list ahead of time so that if you do HAVE TIME to pack, you can quickly gather up these items (NOTE: These are the LAST things you would gather up, the first being your family and pets, the second being your emergency supplies, the 3rd being your documents and this being the LAST. If there is something so important to you that you must take it with you, put it with your emergency bag).

    • Don’t let your vehicle get to empty on gas. You don’t want to have to evacuate and be out of gas, that would be bad. Try to keep at least 1/2 a tank of gas throughout the fire season.

3. Prepare your home:


    • Clear dead brush, dead or dry plants and pine needles from around your home

    • Keep your roof and rain gutters clean and clear of all pine needles, dry leaves, etc.

    • Keep trees and bushes trimmed and not hanging over your roof

    • There are many other steps you can take, including using fire resistant material for your roof and fence, but the above 4 are things you can do immediately. For longer term fire proofing of your home, here are some great tips.

If and once you’re told to evacuate, do so immediately, don’t wait. Don’t panic. Take your emergency kit, family and pets and then anything else you have time for, lock your home and go to your emergency meet up location.

Are You Sick of The Mold In Your Home?

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

Mold and Your Home

Mold is found both indoors and outdoors. Mold can enter your home through open doorways, windows, vents, and heating and air conditioning systems. Mold in the air outside can also attach itself to clothing, shoes, bags, and pets can and be carried indoors.

Mold will grow in places with a lot of moisture, such as around leaks in roofs, windows, or pipes, or where there has been flooding. Mold grows well on paper products, cardboard, ceiling tiles, and wood products. Mold can also grow in dust, paints, wallpaper, insulation, drywall, carpet, fabric, and upholstery.

You Can Control Mold

Inside your home you can control mold growth by:

  • Controlling humidity levels;
  • Promptly fixing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes;
  • Thoroughly cleaning and drying after flooding;
  • Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas.

If mold is growing in your home, you need to clean up the mold and fix the moisture problem. Mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of household laundry bleach in 1 gallon of water.

Mold growth, which often looks like spots, can be many different colors, and can smell musty. If you can see or smell mold, a health risk may be present. You do not need to know the type of mold growing in your home, and CDC does not recommend or perform routine sampling for molds. No matter what type of mold is present, you should remove it. Since the effect of mold on people can vary greatly, either because of the amount or type of mold, you can not rely on sampling and culturing to know your health risk. Also, good sampling for mold can be expensive, and standards for judging what is and what is not an acceptable quantity of mold have not been set. The best practice is to remove the mold and work to prevent future growth.

If you choose to use bleach to clean up mold:

  • Never mix bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners. Mixing bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products will produce dangerous, toxic fumes.
  • Open windows and doors to provide fresh air.
  • Wear non-porous gloves and protective eye wear.
  • If the area to be cleaned is more than 10 square feet, consult the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guide titled Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document also applies to other building types. You can get it by going to the EPA web site.
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using bleach or any other cleaning product.

Mold Prevention

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

MOLD PREVENTION TIPS
  • Keep humidity levels as low as you can—no higher than 50%--all day long. An air conditioner or dehumidifier will help you keep the level low. Bear in mind that humidity levels change over the course of a day with changes in the moisture in the air and the air temperature, so you will need to check the humidity levels more than once a day.
  • Be sure your home has enough ventilation. Use exhaust fans which vent outside your home in the kitchen and bathroom. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside your home.
  • Fix any leaks in your home’s roof, walls, or plumbing so mold does not have moisture to grow.
  • Clean up and dry out your home thoroughly and quickly (within 24–48 hours) after flooding.
  • Add mold inhibitors to paints before painting.
  • Clean bathrooms with mold-killing products.
  • Remove or replace carpets and upholstery that have been soaked and cannot be dried promptly. Consider not using carpet in rooms or areas like bathrooms or basements that may have a lot of moisture.
  • To learn more about preventing mold in your home, see the Environmental Protection Agency's publication A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home at http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldguide.html.

Rules for Storm Safety

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

1. Have a storm safety kit handy. You can make your own kit at home.

2. Stay inside during thunderstorms and blizzards. Lightning, wind and ice can damage power lines, making them very dangerous. It's also important to stay off the phone and computer during a storm too.

3. Use flashlights instead of candles. Using candles during a storm is a big fire hazard.

4. Don’t open the refrigerator or freezer unless you absolutely need to. Keeping the door closed as much as possible will make the food last longer.

5. If your power goes out,  notify the power company right away. The more calls or notifications they get, the faster they can find and fix the problem.

6. Don’t try to use a gas appliance to keep warm. Using a gas appliance the wrong way can cause deadly carbon monoxide. Bundle up in layers of clothes instead.

7. Ask someone to unplug as many appliances as possible. This will help prevent damage when the power comes back on.

8. Don’t stand near portable generators or heaters. This equipment is very dangerous, so stay far away.

9. Stay away from damaged or downed power lines. Even utility workers can't tell if a power line is energized just by looking at it.

10. Watch out for power lines when they're cleaning up outside. If power lines are running through damaged trees, call the electric company for help.

Thunder and Safety Thunders

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

Learn how to protect you and your loved ones during a thunderstorm.

The weather forecast calls for a slight chance of thunderstorms, but you can only see a few fluffy white clouds overhead. So you and your tennis partner grab your racquets and balls and head for the tennis court. You spend a few minutes warming up and then—wait! Is that thunder you hear? Was that a lightning flash?

What do you do? Keep playing until the thunder and lightning get closer? Go sit on the metal bench under the trees to see what happens? Or get in your car and drive home?

Correct answer: If no substantial, non-concrete shelter is nearby, get in your car and wait out the storm.

Why? Because being outside when lightning is present is not something to take lightly—ever.

Risks of Lightning Strikes

Although the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are only around 1 in 500,000, some factors can put you at greater risk. Lightning most often strikes people who work outside or engage in outdoor recreational activities. Regional and seasonal differences can also affect your risk of being injured by lightning.

In 2016, Florida, Louisiana, New York, Mississippi, Colorado, North Carolina, and Texas had the most lightening deaths. 

The consequences of lightning strikes are serious. Lightning is one of the leading causes of weather-related fatalities. During 2004–2013, lightning caused an average of 33 deaths per year in the United States.

When you see lightning, take safety precautions.

Protect Yourself from Lightning Strikes

You can protect yourself from risk even if you are caught outdoors when lightning is close by.

Safety precautions outdoors

  • If the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, postpone your trip or activity.
  • Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors. Find a safe, enclosed shelter.
  • The main lightning safety guide is the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend activities for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
  • If no shelter is available, crouch low, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly over 100 feet away.
  • Stay away from concrete floors or walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
    Although you should move into a non-concrete structure if possible, being indoors does not automatically protect you from lightning. In fact, about one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors.

Safety precautions indoors

  • Avoid water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing.
  • Avoid electronic equipment of all types. Lightning can travel through electrical systems and radio and television reception systems.
  • Avoid corded phones. However, cordless or cellular phones are safe to use during a storm.
  • Avoid concrete floors and walls.

Lightning strikes may be rare, but they still happen and the risk of serious injury or death is severe. So take thunderstorms seriously.

Learn and follow these safety rules to keep yourself safe from lightning.

Household Checklist: SAFETY FIRST!

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

Electrical

  • Are all unused outlets covered with safety plugs?
  • Are all major electrical appliances grounded?
  • Have cord holders been used to keep longer cords fastened against walls?
  • Have you checked for and removed other potential electrical fire hazards, such as overloaded electrical sockets and electrical wires running under carpets?
  • Are televisions, computers, and stereo equipment positioned against walls? Are they secured to the wall with brackets so they can't tip forward?

Heating & Cooling Elements

  • Are all radiators and baseboard heaters covered with childproof screens if necessary?
  • Have gas fireplaces been secured with a valve cover or key?
  • Do all working fireplaces have a screen and other barriers in place when in use?
  • Have any chimneys been cleaned recently?
  • Are all electric space heaters at least 3 feet (91 centimeters) from beds, curtains, or anything flammable?

Emergency Equipment & Numbers

  • Have you placed a list of emergency phone numbers near each phone in your home?
  • Are there fire extinguishers installed on every floor and in the kitchen? Do you know how to use them?
  • Do you have an emergency ladder for the upper floors of your home?
  • Are there smoke detectors on each floor of your home?
  • Have smoke detectors been installed in the hallways between all bedrooms of your home?
  • Have you tested all smoke detectors within the last month?
  • Have you changed the batteries in the smoke detectors within the past 6 months?
  • If you cook with or heat your home with natural gas or have an attached garage, have you considered installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home?

Electrical Safety

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

Water and electricity make a dangerous combination. That's especially true in your bathroom, where you use water from the sink and shower to clean yourself, but also rely on electrical devices like shavers and hair dryers. That's why you need to take special care with your devices in the bathroom to protect yourself and your family from shock, electrocution or fire. Read on for tips on how to ensure safety when it comes to the electrical work in the bathroom.

Bathroom Electrical Safety is Paramount

Water is essential to human health and hygiene. Unfortunately, it's also a great conductor of electricity. That means that you could receive a severe shock when you are standing in water, and even wet skin allows electricity an easier path to pass into your body. Electrical shocks can cause burns, heart arrhythmia, nervous system damage and death, and bad wiring or improper grounding can also start a fire. That's why safety in your bathroom electrical work should be one of your primary concerns. Follow these tips to avoid an emergency:

  • Make sure your electrical sockets are located a safe distance away from the shower. Cover the outlets when they aren't in use.
  • All the outlets in the bathroom should be equipped with ground fault circuit interrupters, which can sense when an electric current is improperly grounding and automatically shut down the power, potentially saving a person holding a hair dryer in the shower from a nasty shock.
  • On that note, never use electrical devices in the bathroom when you are standing in or otherwise in contact with standing water. This should be common sense, but sometimes people forget or get careless.
  • Any exposed or frayed wiring in the bathroom should be addressed and repaired immediately.
  • If you use an electric heater in your bathroom, it should be hardwired into a circuit, and preferably installed into the wall or ceiling.
  • The less wiring you have in your bathroom, the better, so recessed or enclosed lights are better than light bulbs or fixtures that hang freely from the walls or ceilings.
  • Pull strings for your lights are safer than switches because they prevent wet hands from getting anywhere near the circuit.
  • Electrical work must be performed by a licensed professional so you have assurances that the job is done well, and recourse if it isn't.

Don't Leave the Quality of Your Electrical Work to Chance

In addition to these tips, certain requirements about the installation of electrical work in bathrooms are found in local municipal codes as well. For all the electrical work in your bathroom, make sure you hire a qualified electrician who can adhere to all of the applicable quality and safety standards.

Pet Safety Matters Too!

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

If you have a dog or cat, you know that they can get into just as much trouble as kids. Dogs and cats are naturally curious. They might go snooping around your home, and you don’t want them to get into anything that could hurt them. That means you have to try to keep your house as pet-friendly as possible. There are plenty of safety tips you can follow to protect your pets as well as ways you can keep your home clean even with pets.

Keeping Your House Safe

As you start the process of keeping your home safe for your pets, you need to remember that certain things that are not threats to humans can still be dangerous to animals. For instance, certain plants can be hazardous to animals, so if a cat eats a lily, her kidneys can shut down. As a homeowner, you must do some research to find out what is really dangerous for your pets. Beyond knowing exactly what is dangerous for them, you can just try to keep everything out of reach. Here are some ways you can make sure that your pets stay safe and healthy:

    1. Childproof Latches
      Use childproof latches on kitchen and bathroom cupboards. This will prevent animals from getting to foods and chemicals that can cause them harm.
    2. Store Items High
      Keep medications, cleaners and other chemicals on high shelves, so if the childproof latches don’t keep your pets out they still won’t be able to get the dangerous stuff.
    3. Cover the Garbage
      Keep garbage cans covered, and, if possible, store them in a cabinet, closet or outdoors. Garbage cans are usually filled with a collection of old food, dangerous chemicals, and small indigestible pieces of trash that can all be harmful to your animals.
    4. Use Blockades
      Animals can get trapped behind large units and overheat. To prevent this, put up blockades so they can’t get behind appliances like washing machines, dryers, refrigerators or air conditioning units.
    5. Keep Food Out of Reach
      Make sure food is out of reach or behind a closed door. Different food causes problems for dogs and cats, and the wrapper could also present a choking hazard. It is best if you keep all food where they cannot get to it.
    6. Close the Toilet Lid
      Keep the toilet lid down to prevent small animals from drowning. Allowing your pets the opportunity to drink out of the bowl is dangerous too, as it exposes them to all sorts of harmful chemicals.
    7. Avoid Dangling Wires
      Try to eliminate dangling wires from lamps, gaming systems, TVs, stereos or anything of the sort. Your animals might get hurt if they chew on any wires.
    8. Hide Breakable or Chewable Items
      Be wary of placing knick-knacks, picture frames, vases or other dangerous items on low shelves where your cat or dog can get at them. Smaller or breakable items should be kept higher than your pet can get to.
 
  1. Dangerous House Plants
    Be aware of plants that may be a danger to your animal, and try to avoid bringing them into the house. Common houseplants that are actually dangerous for your animals to ingest are Lilies, Azaleas, Oleander, Tulips, Yew, Chrysanthemum and English Ivy, and there are many more. Be sure to research if your houseplants are hazards to your beloved animals.
  2. Strings and Threads
    Make sure all thread and string is safely put away. Sewing rooms in general can be very dangerous for pets. It is easy for a cat to choke on some thread while playing with it. Needles also pose a real danger to animals.
  3. Laundry and Shoes
    Keep your laundry and shoes in closets or proper bins, so your pets can’t eat them. Not only can pets ruin your clothes for you, but small pieces like buttons and zippers can be choking hazards.
  4. Closet and Cupboard Traps
    Be careful not to close your cat or dog in closets, cupboards or drawers. You don’t want to trap them without food and water! Make sure all cabinets are clear of animals before you shut the doors.
  5. Rugs and Claws
    Pick rugs that resist stains, such as indoor-outdoor rugs, as well as ones that do not have high loops. Cats in particular can get hooked by their claws and hurt themselves.

Risk of Water Damage for Hotels & Shopping Centers

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

Large buildings often have a long and confusing system of water pipes that deliver water from floor to floor. This makes the potential for water damage from flooding after a burst pipe much higher in these types of buildings than in a typical home or small business. Buildings that are prone to this type of damage include high-rises, hotels, hospitals, dormitories and shopping centers.

Some of the most common causes of flood damage in these types of buildings includes:

  • Malfunction of level detection devices
  • Malfunction of fire water sprinkler systems
  • Burst pipe
  • Human error
  • Natural disaster
  • Roof leak
  • Foundation leak
  • Leaking or rupturing water chiller lines for HVAC systems

When water leaks on an upper floor, it will often flow down several floors by following the path of least resistance. That means that it can get into ceilings, behind walls and under carpet. When water damage strikes, the consequences can be serious. Not only is the space damaged, resulting in high repair costs, but the longer it takes to repair the space the more revenue is lost. Further, damage from the water itself is only the beginning of the problem. If untreated, water damage can lead to mold and mildew, necessitating even more cleanup and repair.

Inventory Loss

8/24/2017 (Permalink)

The more difficult part is establishing the accurate salvage value of the damaged goods.

Although typically not given much thought, salvage has a significant impact on a claim and the claim process. It can either be a means to be fully indemnified for a loss, or potentially impede the recovery. If there is sufficient insurance on the damaged goods, the insured still has the first choice in the handling of the goods whether they are salvageable or not. After all, it’s his/her goods until paid for by the insurance company. If the owner of the damaged goods has no insurance for his/her loss, every penny that can be recouped from the pile of debris is even more critical for the owner.

The Basics of Salvage
The dictionary describes “salvage” as

  1. The act of saving imperiled property from loss.
  2. The property so saved.
  3. Something saved from destruction or waste and put to further use.

The owner of damaged goods (insured or not) will always want to recover as much as possible for the salvageable items. How that is accomplished could fill volumes of books, as almost every salvage effort is unique. This is because the major factors that affect salvage value are market conditions, and time and place of loss. Each of these components is ever-changing.

The following scenarios provide a basic look at salvage principles.

1. Salvage Turned Over to the Insurance Company
Insured A has $100,000 in inventory value. They have $100,000 in coverage without

a coinsurance clause or a deductible in the policy. In the event of a total loss to the coinsurance clause or a deductible in the policy. In the event of a total loss to the insured property, the insured would be paid the policy limits of $100,000 and surrender title and ownership of the damaged inventory. The inventory, now owned by the insurance company, would be removed by them and salvaged if possible.

2. Salvage Retained by the Insured
Insured A has $100,000 in inventory value. They have $100,000 in coverage without a coinsurance clause or a deductible in the policy. In the event of a loss to the insured property the insured decides to retain and attempt to salvage the inventory themselves.

The insurance company places a salvage value of $30,000 on the damaged inventory. The $30,000 value is deducted from the policy limits of $100,000 and the insured would be paid $70,000. It is then up to the insured to salvage the inventory.

3. Salvage in an Underinsured Loss
Insured A has $100,000 in inventory value. They only have $50,000 in coverage and no coinsurance clause or a deductible in the policy. In the event of a total loss the insured is paid $50,000 — the limit of liability of their policy. The insured also retains the damaged inventory and, if salvageable, those monies contribute to the reduction of the policyholder’s uninsured loss. Salvage becomes a means to become more fully in terms of the consignment with respect to damage while the goods are in the “care, custody, and control” of the insured?

 

Happy Customers

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

Our customer's come first!

We love sharing letters and testimonials from our satisfied customers. We take our time to listen to our customer's needs, provide them with excellent service, and treat them the way we would treat our own family. Here are some great reviews that our happy customers left us! Hope you enjoy the as much as we do :)

 

"We woke up to a burst hot water pipe under the house. It must have been going on through the night without us waking up from it, because there was a lot of standing water under the house and steamed up windows in the house. We had no idea what to do and a friend recommended we call SERVPRO of CENTRAL GLENDALE. She had used that specific one and highly recommended them. So we called and within an hour had them arrive to check out what was going on. They confirmed what we thought that there was moisture in the walls and floors. They put fans in all the areas affected and also under the house. Fast forward to a week or so later, there was still moisture in the walls and we were told that the dry walls/hardwood floors need to be cut into so they can dry it and mold doesn't form. They completely packed all our stuff (I need to call these guys next time we want to move!) and did a very thorough job with drying out our walls. With having 3 kids under 4 I wasn't going to take a chance with mold. The job was done right and completely taken care of. I also want to add that they were very clean. The guys cleaned up after themselves every time they left and were very courteous when there. It's never comfortable to have strangers in your house and it's very stressful when your family is going through something like this, but if you're in the situation, I highly recommend SERVPRO of central Glendale!!"

 

"I am extremely satisfied with SERVPRO Of Central Glendale's professional work and caring personnel. It was a very stressful week for my family, going through the water damage. My insurance agent recommended them and I am glad they chose SERVPRO. They do live up to their slogan "Like it never even happened " Everything that was promised by Mike was delivered on time! I highly recommend it! Bravo to them!"

 

"Amazing amazing service! My parents house had water damage so I contacted SERVPRO of central Glendale. They were quick, professional, caring, and very friendly. They made sure everything was dry and put in place before the job was down. I will contact them again if I need their service."

For Immediate Service in Glendale, Call SERVPRO

9/8/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Glendale provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Glendale. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service
  • Faster to Any-Sized Disaster
  • Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
  • A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
  • Locally Owned and Operated
  • Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment 

Have Questions? Call Us 24/7 –(818) 246-2200

Residential Services

Whether your Glendale home needs emergency flood damage or your upholstery cleaned, you can depend on us.  Our technicians have extensive cleaning and restoration training and can make your property look its best. Learn more about our residential services:

  • Water Damage Restoration
  • Fire Damage Restoration
  • Mold Remediation
  • Storm Damage Restoration
  • Cleaning Services
  • Building/Reconstruction Services

Commercial Services

There's never a convenient time for fire or Water damage to strike your Glendale commercial property. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services we have the training and expertise to respond promptly with highly trained technicians to get your property back to business.

IICRC Certified Firm

9/8/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Central Glendale 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 Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

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