What to Do When You Spot Mold

5/16/2024 (Permalink)

In the event of mold similar to the photo SERVPRO is here to help

Introduction

Mold is a common issue, especially in damp or poorly ventilated areas. Whether you’ve noticed a small patch of mold on your bathroom ceiling or suspect hidden mold behind your walls, it’s essential to take action promptly. In this blog post, we’ll cover what to do when you spot mold, along with some helpful tips to prevent its recurrence.

1. Assess the Situation

When you first notice mold, assess the severity of the problem. Is it a small, localized area, or has it spread significantly? Understanding the extent of the issue will guide your next steps.

2. Safety First

Before you start cleaning or removing mold, prioritize safety:

• Protect Yourself: Wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection to avoid direct contact with mold spores.
• Ventilate the Area: Open windows and doors to improve ventilation.
• Turn Off HVAC Systems: Prevent the spread of mold spores through your home’s air circulation.

3. Remove Moisture Sources

Mold thrives in damp environments. Identify and address any moisture sources:

• Fix Leaks: Repair any leaks in pipes, roofs, or windows.
• Improve Ventilation: Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Reduce Humidity: Consider using a dehumidifier in high-humidity areas.

4. Clean Small Mold Infestations

For small areas (less than 10 square feet), follow these steps:

1. Prepare: Gather cleaning supplies (soap, water, and a scrub brush) and put on protective gear.
2. Scrub: Use soap and water to scrub the mold off hard surfaces.
3. Dry Thoroughly: Ensure the area is completely dry to prevent mold from returning.

5. Consult Professionals for Larger Infestations

If the mold covers a larger area or is in hidden spaces (e.g., inside walls), consult a professional mold remediation service. They have the expertise and equipment to handle extensive mold problems safely.

6. Prevent Future Mold Growth

To prevent mold from coming back:

• Regular Inspections: Check for signs of moisture or mold regularly.
• Proper Ventilation: Ensure good airflow in all rooms.
• Use Mold-Resistant Materials: Consider using mold-resistant drywall and paints.

7. Contact SERVPRO for Expert Assistance

If you’re dealing with a significant mold issue or need professional guidance, don’t hesitate to contact SERVPRO. Our experienced team specializes in mold remediation, water damage restoration, and other home-related services. We’re here to help you restore your home to a safe and healthy condition.

Beat the Heat: Summer Safety Tips with SERVPRO

5/16/2024 (Permalink)

Introduction

As the sun blazes down on sunny southern California, staying cool indoors becomes essential. Whether you’re sipping iced tea or cranking up the air conditioning, beating the heat is a top priority. In this blog post, we’ll explore practical tips to keep your home comfortable during the scorching summer months, all while highlighting the expertise of SERVPRO®, your trusted restoration professionals.

• Window Coverings: Cover windows to block extra heat from direct sunlight coming in. Well-sealed windows play a crucial role in maintaining indoor comfort. If you need assistance with window maintenance or repair, SERVPRO has you covered.
• Fans: Use fans strategically. Your ceiling fans should be turning counter-clockwise to force the air downwards. Proper air circulation is essential for a comfortable home. If you encounter any issues with your HVAC system or ventilation, reach out to SERVPRO for expert advice and solutions.
• Cooking Smart: Cook with small appliances, such as a slow-cooker or tabletop grill, to minimize the heat level. Efficient cooking appliances not only save energy but also reduce indoor heat. If you ever face fire damage due to kitchen mishaps, SERVPRO’s rapid response team can restore your home promptly.
• Community Care: Regularly check on your elderly and disabled neighbors during hot weather. Community matters! SERVPRO’s commitment extends beyond restoration services. If you notice any property damage or safety concerns in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to contact us.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water steadily; don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Adequate hydration is vital for both humans and homes. Just as water flushes toxins from your body, SERVPRO’s water damage restoration services ensure your property stays dry and mold-free.
• Lightweight Attire: Wear loose-fitting, lightly colored, and lightweight clothes. Just as you choose comfortable attire, SERVPRO’s technicians wear protective gear when handling hazardous materials during restoration. Safety first!
• Exercise Timing: Do not exercise outdoors during peak heat hours. If you must, exercise before 8 a.m. Timing matters! Just as you avoid outdoor exercise during extreme heat, SERVPRO’s 24/7 emergency response team is always ready to tackle property emergencies, no matter the hour.
• Cool Showers: Take cool showers or baths to cool down. Water damage restoration often involves cleaning and sanitizing affected areas. If you ever face water-related issues, SERVPRO’s thorough approach ensures your home is restored to its pre-damage condition.
• Stay Informed: Check the local news and other outlets for important safety information. Staying informed is key! Just as you keep an eye on safety updates, SERVPRO monitors industry trends and best practices to provide top-notch restoration services.

Remember, SERVPRO is more than just a restoration company; we’re your partners in creating a safe and comfortable living environment. Whether it’s fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation, SERVPRO has the expertise to handle it all. Stay cool, stay safe, and let SERVPRO be your go-to resource this summer!

Flooded? Here to Help

5/14/2024 (Permalink)

A SERVPRO technician removing insulation due to water damage

Floods can be devastating to your property, leaving behind a trail of destruction. But with the right approach, you can restore your property to its preloss condition. Here are some tips for commercial business owners to tackle emergency property restoration after a flood.

Immediate Response: As soon as it is safe to do so, assess the damage. It's necessary to contact professional restoration services like SERVPRO to help with the cleanup and restoration process.

Safety First: Before entering your property, ensure it is safe. Check for structural damages, such as cracks or collapses, that might make the building unsafe.

Water Removal: Begin by removing standing water. This might require pumps or professional equipment, depending on the severity of the flooding.

Drying Out: After water removal, it’s crucial to dry out the property to prevent mold growth. Use dehumidifiers and fans to circulate air and dry out the premises.

Remember, acting quickly can minimize damage and help in faster restoration.

Backyard Fire Pit Safety

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Keep your fire pit far from any structures, brush, and trees.

It’s summertime, and there’s no better time for an outdoor barbecue and some s’mores by the fire pit. If not cared for properly, however, a relaxing night around the fire could turn into a disaster. Use these tips to help keep your summer nights fun!

Positioning

Keep your fire pit far from any structures, brush, and trees. Ensure no branches or leaves hang anywhere above the fire pit so smoke has a clear escape path into the air. Keep the fire on a non-flammable surface such as concrete or sand. Avoid setting up the fire on grass, and never create a fire on a wooden deck.

Preparation

Keep any flammable materials away from the fire. Staying approximately 10-20 feet from surrounding vegetation and brush will help to prevent flames from jumping or spreading. Dig the pit about six inches deep in the center with a two-foot diameter to contain all embers and flames.

Extinguishing

Always use the proper method to extinguish the flames of a fire as described by your local fire marshal/fire department. Water is usually a primary source to extinguish fire. In addition, a shovel can help with putting out the remaining flames and suffocating the fire. Once the flames are drowned with water, stir with shovel until no flames remain. Ashes remain hot for several days, so ensure they are properly disposed and left to cool. Never dispose of ashes in a compost pile or flammable material.

Stay safe this summer and enjoy the outdoors! If you ever have a fire at your home, Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422 to help with the restoration, we are 24/7/365.

Keep your Business Mold-Free

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Mold grows anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. The mold spores are invisible to humans, so you may not even know when mold takes over.

Mold grows in places you cannot even see, and it sometimes grows increasingly worse before it’s noticeable. Mold, however, pollutes the air and can threaten the structural integrity of a structure.

When mold grows on a commercial property, it can be devastating for business owners as they must shut down operations to decontaminate the business. These tips will help prevent mold from growing in your business.

Mold grows anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. The mold spores are invisible to humans, so you may not even know when mold takes over.

1. Use a dehumidifier: It can be challenging to maintain proper humidity inside your business. To ensure 50% humidity, install commercial dehumidifiers throughout the property.
2. Repair plumbing issues: As soon as you notice a leak in your business from a roof, pipe, or window, call a restoration company to mend the damages. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of mold growth.
3. Ensure proper ventilation: If not properly maintained, mold will grow around HVAC systems. Mold spores can spread from vents, so a clean HVAC system will keep mold out.
4. Stay Vigilant: It’s not easy to notice mold growth in its early stages. By inspecting your property frequently and monitoring high moisture levels, you can notice mold before it becomes a problem. Early signs of mold growth include stains on walls, smells, and marks on floors.
5. Call a professional: If the mold has spread or you can’t find the origin of the problem, call a professional mold remediation company to assist you.

At SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield, we have a team of certified franchise professionals to take care of your mold problem. Our team is trained with the best equipment and techniques to locate and remove your property of mold and residual pores. Trust SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield for your commercial property mold remediation needs. Call us at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

Have Water Damage? Here's What to Do.

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth.

Oh no! You notice a leaking pipe or a plumbing issue in your home or business. Don’t fret, SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is here for you. Before we arrive, however, here are some tips to safely take care of water damage. Keep in mind, these tips apply to clean water only. Sewage water causes different kinds of damage, and it is contaminated, so SERVPRO® treats that damage differently. SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is the perfect call to begin the water removal process, as our professional team will quickly and properly dry out your home or business from any water damage.

• When you notice damage occurring, immediately shut off the water source and turn off the power.
• If safe, remove as much water as possible with a mop and towels to soak up water.
• Place aluminum foil between wood furniture legs and carpet. Do not keep rugs and furniture upholstery wet against each other, as more damage will occur.

Safety is number one priority, so these steps are only recommended if they are safe to do so. Do not enter a room with standing water, as there could be a risk of an electrical shock. Ensure all power is disconnected as soon as flooding occurs. Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to try and remove water. SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth. Call us at (661) 326-8422 to assist you today, we are 24/7/365.

Returning Home: How to Remove the Smoky Smell from your Property

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Deodorizing and sanitizing a home or business after a fire is not an easy task, and you should not have to be forced to do it yourself.

If you’ve ever been around a campfire or experienced an indoor fire, you’ll know exactly what that lingering smoky smell is like after the fire’s been put out. When you suffer from a home or business fire, it’s important to minimize as much of the remaining odor as possible before SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield arrives. These tips will be helpful in maintaining the healthiest living conditions as possible after a fire occurs.

Tip 1: If safe, open any windows to increase airflow and circulation. Additionally, keep doors open to allow air to flow through and out of the structure.

Tip 2: Replace air filters. Toxic smoke particles and soot can become trapped in air filters, which results in unhealthy air being released after a fire. Replace the filters to avoid the spread of the odor.

Tip 3: Deep clean the affected areas. Kitchen counters, curtains, windows and carpets are commons places for smoke particles to stick after a fire. Target these areas to remove the remaining odor from smoke damage.

SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is the expert fire restoration team for you! Deodorizing and sanitizing a home or business after a fire is not an easy task, and you should not have to be forced to do it yourself. Here at SERVPRO®, we have a team of experienced professionals with advanced odor removal products and equipment that will take care of your fire-related needs. Let our team make your home or business look like the fire “Never even happened.” Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

Stay Safe from Fires in the Workplace

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire does occur in your business, call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield to get the restoration process underway.

A fire is never fun. At the office or workplace, fires can cause danger to personnel in addition to property damage. Read these tips on basic fire prevention to stay as safe on the job as possible.

Steps of Prevention

• Ensure all staff is properly educated on fire prevention procedures, evacuation routes and fire hazards.
• Maintain a clean workspace to reduce the risk of fire.
• Be aware of potential combustible materials and flammable items.
• Keep a working fire extinguisher in the business and know its whereabouts.

General Safety

• Dispose of combustible or flammable materials in and around the workplace.
• Keep combustible materials in approved containers and away from other flammable items.
• Keep fire extinguisher in an accessible place not blocked by furniture or clutter.

Preventative Safety

• Keep fire equipment up to date, receive inspections on a regular basis.
• Have a working alarm system with both sound and lights.
• Be aware of local authority and fire department information for easy contact when necessary.
• Keep staff up to date on training, be aware of what’s going on.
• Work with SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield to create an emergency response plan for your business.

If a fire does occur in your business, call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield to get the restoration process underway. We know a fire can be devastating, and that is why we take great care in restoring as many of your items as we can. No job is too big for SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield. Call today at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

Flooded Property? Act Fast!

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

The sooner you begin the recovery process to stop the flood, the more likely you will be to save damaged items and foundation.

When you experience a flood in your home or business, it is important to act fast and not delay. Water damage quickly builds up and will become more devastating as time goes on. The sooner you react and clear the contents from the flooded area, the more likely they are to be restored to previous conditions. Your items and possessions are important to you, and that’s why SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is here to help!

The sooner you begin the recovery process to stop the flood, the more likely you will be to save damaged items and foundation.

To prevent further damage and the potential for widespread mold build-up, call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield within the first 48 hours that you notice flooding. After giving us a call, take these steps to prevent a greater problem:

1. Turn off the electricity. It can be extremely dangerous if your property is flooded and there are items with electrical current nearby. Do not touch flood waters or any surrounding electronics until you’ve turned off the power first.
2. Contact your insurance company. Each insurance policy may differ, but homeowner’s insurance typically covers damages due to water leaks and plumbing malfunctions.
3. Remove water as fast as possible. By now, SERVPRO® will be on their way to begin the water extraction and restoration process. Until then, and if safe, you can try removing water with a shop-vac, “floor sucker” or bucket.

Once SERVPRO® has arrived, our experienced team will take over and determine the next steps to ensure your home or business is dry and safe. Don’t hesitate, call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield as soon as you notice flooding or additional signs of water damage. Our number is NUM, we are 24/7/365.

Catching Water Damage Before It's Too Late

8/1/2022 (Permalink)

To avoid severe damage after weeks or even months of water buildup, the key is to act fast in getting expert help.

Often, water will create problems in a building without being noticed in the slightest. Water damage can accumulate fast, the longer a leak goes on the higher the affected cost will be. To avoid severe damage after weeks or even months of water buildup, the key is to act fast in getting expert help. Water can ruin flooring, furniture and walls, but it can also cause more severe damage to structural components within the property.

There are many causes of water damage:

• Leaky roof: An old or damaged roof may suffer from rainfall leakage, leading to the accumulation of damage over time.
• Broken pipe or gutter: Broken plumbing can cause leaks or gushes of water when not handled properly. You may notice a broken pipe due to backups in the toilet or sink, but bursts are not always apparent.
• Condensation: Over time, air conditioning units can leak if not properly maintained. When this happens, small water droplets penetrate the foundation of buildings, leading to mold.

By responding quickly to water leaks, you increase the chances of preventing further damage. Water damage can become significantly worse in a matter of hours, but taking the proper steps will put you in the right place to stop the problem. Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.