How We Respond to your Calls

7/27/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® can guarantee to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today and let us help you.

Did you suffer a disaster in your home or business and don’t know what to do next? Well, after safely removing yourself from the scene, you can begin taking steps forward. It’s difficult to know how to proceed following fire, water or smoke damage, but our team of experts at SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield will help you through the dilemma. Call SERVPRO® as soon as you can and let us assist you!

When You Call

We have a supportive team of representatives ready to answer your call. They will likely ask you a variety of questions which will help SERVPRO® determine the resources and equipment necessary to assist you. By answering our questions, you are allowing our representative to best prepare for response to your disaster.

Some Questions to Expect

• Name and contact information (Phone number, email address)
• Street address of home or business
• What year was the structure built?
• What type of damage has occurred? (Flood, fire, water, etc.)
• What caused the damage? (If known)
• Is there electricity and water available?
• Your insurance company?

SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield

SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is here for you. With the best training in fire, water and smoke cleanup and restoration, we guarantee our SERVPRO® staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your home or business. In addition to our restoration services, we also offer mold mitigation and deep cleans of properties. SERVPRO® can guarantee to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today and let us help you. No disaster is too big or small. Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

Call SERVPRO® After Your Interior Flood

7/25/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® is the best choice for restoration after water damage.

Even the slightest amount of flooding or leaking pipe can cause an unimaginable amount of damage. Water can begin damaging floors and furniture as soon as it hits them, so fast action is required to protect your home or business. At SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield, our rapid action and trained staff will achieve the best results in making your hardwood floors like new again. SERVPRO® is the best choice for restoration after water damage.

Potential Damage to Hardwood Floors

• Crowning: The planks arc upward due to excessive moisture
• Cupping: The planks bend downward and curve due to excessive moisture
• Buckling: Planks lift from place in the floor

To avoid this damage, SERVPRO® responds as quickly as possible to begin water cleanup and removal. Our team at SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is given industry leading training to handle the extraction, drying and replacement of flooring that has been damaged thus far. We use controlled methods to remove specific flooring safely. Additionally, our team will contain the water to further control contamination of unaffected areas. Following our restoration and treatment of the damaged area, we sanitize the home to ensure it’s “Like it never even happened.” Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422. We are the best water restoration team, ready 24/7/365!

Get Your Business Back Up and Running!

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

In addition to restoring your property, SERVPRO® will help with the complicated insurance process to make for a simple experience.

At SERVPRO®, we understand how disheartening it can be to close your store or restaurant doors due to water or fire damage. That is why our franchise professionals work diligently to return your property to its preloss condition as quickly as possible. Having to shut down business operations due to an unforeseen problem can be seen as a shock to your employees, so it’s important to know that SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is your community specialist in disaster recovery. Seeking professionals when there is damage to your property is best for a complete job. At SERVPRO®, we have the right infrastructure in place necessary to handle the smallest to largest problems. Additionally, our staff is made up of experienced franchise professionals who know just what to do to when water, fire or other damages occur.

Our team works hard to restore as much property as possible. We always limit damage to the best of our abilities, and we will save as much as we can. In addition to restoring your property, SERVPRO® will help with the complicated insurance process to make for a simple experience. We will work with you every step of the way, from the initial disaster to the end of restoration, the team at SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is ready to answer your calls 24/7/365. Give us a call at (661) 326-8422.

SERVPRO: Here to Make Your Life Easier

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we take pride in strong customer service and experts in the industry. Our team has years of experience and constant training.

Did you experience a fire, a flood or a plumbing problem in your home or business? There’s no one better to call for your reparations and restorations than SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield. We will make it “Like it never even happened.” Our quick and professional response team will know just what to do when you need assistance.

Highly Trained Professionals

Our restoration technicians are experts at restoring salvageable items from water or fire, and they document their work every step of the way. We guarantee our team will do their best job on your remediation and/or restoration project.

Customer Care

At SERVPRO, we take pride in strong customer service and experts in the industry. Our team has years of experience and constant training to ensure we do the best job in getting your home or business back to normal after we come through it.

Easier Insurance Claims Process

Insurance claims can be confusing and challenging, but we are here to help. Our team assists you in documentation for a quicker, easier insurance claim experience.

Don’t wait, the technicians at SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield are waiting to assist you today! Give us a call at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

What to do After a Flood

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience a flood on your property, let our experienced team of franchise professionals assess the flooding for any potential water damage.

Even while in a drought, Southern California is an area of high flood risk. Floods, when not treated properly, can potentially result in hundreds of thousands in damages. Heavy rain is just one potential cause of flooding. In reality, there are a variety of ways that your property could flood.

Top 3 Common Causes of Floods

1. Poor drainage
2. Broken pipes
3. Damaged foundations

Floodwater often becomes contaminated with sewage and chemicals, and it is unsafe to live in these conditions. It’s important to keep pipes in good condition as water damage is costly to repair.

If you experience flooding in your home perform the below actions to help keep damage down, but only when it is safe to do so:

• Stop the flooding from its source
• Turn off electricity (take extra care to avoid any moisture or collected water)
• Safely evacuate the structure affected by flooding

Once in a dry, safe location:

• Contact your insurance company
• Document the flooding (Take note of what was damaged by the water)

If you experience a flood on your property, let our experienced team of franchise professionals assess the flooding for any potential water damage. We will get your home back to pre-flood condition. Contact SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422 to begin the flood restoration, we are 24/7/365.

Count on SERVPRO to Fix Your Property

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

No matter what time it is or how large the job, the SERVPRO team is always ready to quickly respond to your emergency. Just give us a call today!

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is the restoration service for you! Whether it’s an issue with fire, water, mold or more, the team at SERVPRO is dedicated to responding to your emergency. When there is significant water or fire damage to your property, always seek out professional help. Our professionals have the proper skills, techniques and equipment needed to quickly combat any problems. Quick action to restore damaged property is our number one priority. By trusting the SERVPRO experts, we can ensure as many items will be salvaged as possible, in a safe and healthy way.

In addition to our restoration services, you can contact SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield for any of your cleaning service needs. From air duct cleaning to removing biohazard contaminants, our team will take care of what you don’t want to for a safe, clean and comfortable home.

All it takes to getting your disaster taken care of is a visit to our website or a call to our dedicated 24-hour emergency line. They’ll have all the answers to your questions about next steps following damage to your home or property. No matter what time it is or how large the job, the SERVPRO team is always ready to quickly respond to your emergency. If you don’t know where to turn after your home suffers damage, just call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

Steps to Take After Smoke Damage from a Wildfire

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Even if it's not visible, smoke damage still remains following wildfires.

Wildfires are all too common in Southern California, and smoke and ash damage cause devastating damage to a home if not addressed properly. Contact SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield, as well as your insurance company, and provide information about the damage that has occurred. Most of our work starts off by first contacting your insurance with you or on your behalf and scheduling an inspection of the property. We will go through the difficult process of returning your business or home to its preloss condition. Since smoke damage can be invisible to the naked eye, it is important for qualified experts like SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield to conduct the inspection.

While the inspection takes place it will benefit you to do the following:

• Take note of any damage you observe. Make sure to photograph any noticeable damage due to smoke and ash. The more you can document from the damage, the more it will assist you for insurance claims purposes.
• Move children, pets and anybody else away from the home and to a smoke-free area. Stay away from the residence until restoration is complete.

Smoke released in the air contains an array of toxins, and these toxins may persist if not treated correctly.  Let us work with your insurance company to help with your home’s wildfire recovery. Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

What is My First Step After a Business Fire?

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Our experienced franchise professionals frequently save business items after a fire.

Call The Insurance Company

Your insurance company will need to know the full details of what occurred. Prepare yourself for the first call by collecting as much information as possible. Give the adjuster the extent of the water and fire damages. The following are important point to cover.

• Insurer’s damage documentation requirements
• Scheduling inspection of property with adjuster
• Proof of loss statement deadlines
• Request possibility of extensions and approvals

Don’t Throw Away Your Things

Items can be saved, and it is warranted to review the list of items damaged to determine what can be salvaged. Leave everything in its place so the adjuster can see the full extent of the damages incurred.

Our experienced franchise professionals frequently save business items after a fire. Special techniques developed in the field can salvage nearly any item from paper records to electronics. When speaking with your designated claims manager and project manager, the entire process is discussed and documented from start to finish.

Call a Remediation and Restoration Professional

We regularly work directly with your insurance and keep you in the know on the details. Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.

Water Mitigation or Restoration?

3/30/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage can affect your property from floor to ceiling and everything in between.

Restoration and mitigation are the two most important process to be carried out as soon as possible. There are some who would argue that water damage restoration and water mitigation are the same, however, this is not always true.

Water mitigation refers to any and all services involved in reducing and/or preventing additional damages resulted from leaking pipes or flooding. This can include moisture mitigation between walls after a storm event.

Water damage restoration is the process of restoring your property to its preloss condition, even after being damaged by leaks, sewage, floods, and storms. Water damage can affect your property from floor to ceiling and everything in between. Request assistance from the water damage experts at SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield to help prevent further property damage from developing.

SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield tackles the tough issues from start to finish. We have experienced franchise professionals and the infrastructure to handle any sized loss 24/7/365. We are fully insured and bonded, so you can rest assured that your property is in good hands. Call us today – (661) 326-8422 – for more information on how we can help with all your water damage needs.

Mold, the Water Damage Unseen

3/14/2022 (Permalink)

Understanding the early signs of mold or water damage will help to minimize the extent damage can occur.

Mold thrives in unseen places, and less rather than more property owners are successful in identifying mold. In order to be vigilant, understand the importance of carrying out proper inspections and maintenance. Inspections should be performed at least twice a year, especially for those who live in areas where temperatures and moisture levels rise and fall frequently.

Inspecting for Mold

Check for water damage at the same time you inspect for mold growth. Water damage typically provides the prime spot for mold growth to occur. See below for the more common signs of water damage.

Bubbling walls: 

A telltale sign of mold is bubbling forming on painted walls. These are the areas contain the most moisture and are more likely to bubble up.

Musty odor:

When pipes begin to leak and mildew forms, it will create a very unpleasant scent. This is one of the first signs to check for water damage and mold. The closer you are to the affected area the more extreme the odor.

Rusting in open and/or enclosed spaces: 

Rust is the result of corrosion after the iron particles in an object have been exposed to oxygen and moisture. This can be a sign of excessive moisture in your commercial building. Humidity can also create the optimum conditions for mold growth.

Understanding the early signs of mold or water damage will help to minimize the extent damage can occur. If an inspection happens and a mold infestation discovered, reach out to SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422 to return your business or home to its preloss condition.

Facts and Falsehoods about Fire Suppression Systems

3/9/2022 (Permalink)

Acting fast when a fire breaks out in your business will be the difference in mitigating your losses.

Fire suppression systems are typically the first response to any fire in a commercial building. Acting fast when a fire breaks out in your business will be the difference in mitigating your losses. It is important to know what is true or false when it comes to your fire sprinkler system.

False: Water Damage from Fire Sprinklers is More Costly Than Fire Damage

Fact: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advise sprinkler systems as more cost effective than damaging comparatively to other fire fighting efforts. Since they can keep the fire contained within a single room rather than allowing the fire and smoke to spread throughout the building.

False: Every Fire Sprinkler Will Trigger

Fact: First, confirm with the manufacturer and/or installer what the activation and release methods are for your buildings commercial fire suppression system. Typically, when one sprinkler in your commercial sprinkler system goes off, the others do not. Fire sprinklers act individually and should only release when high levels of heat are detected.

False: Fire Sprinklers are Overly Sensitive

Fact: Fire sprinklers only activate when high heat is sensed. Meaning, employees burning their lunch in the break room will not set off the fire alarm. Protection and safety are most important when keeping operations running.

When the unexpected happens, you are not alone. SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422 is 24/7/365 and committed to helping you every step of the way. Use our fire, smoke, and water damage clean up services to return your business to its preloss condition.

3 Facts About Water Damage

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

Additional inspections are performed after the water extraction process to confirm the extent damage has occurred.

Dealing with water damage is a nightmare. Uneasy questions about what to do, what insurance will cover, and what to save first will begin to pile up. When a pipe bursts or fire suppression system fails, life is put on hold until everything is dried and secured. That is not always the easiest of tasks.

Here are a few facts about the water restoration process to help educate you, and help in securing your property should a water damage disaster occur.

1. Water Type

Generally, water damage invades a property in (3) types: sewage, rainwater, and freshwater. Depending on the water type invading your property, it may need the expertise of a professional remediation company like SERVPRO®. It is critical when dealing with water damage to understand the source of the issue so as to safely remediate current damage and limit any potential future damage. If sewage water damage is suspected, a professional and experienced water damage restoration company will have the appropriate tools to return your property to it’s preloss condition safely and effectively.

2. Water Damage Continues After Extraction

It may be tempting to breathe a sigh of relief once water has been extracted from your property, however, be wary and know that moisture likes to hide. Additional inspections are performed after the water extraction process to confirm the extent damage has occurred. This helps to remove the potential for mold growth. Mold can cause damage to the structural components of a home, leading to serious consequences. Make sure a mold prevention expert inspects your property post clearance to ensure no mold growth has transpired.

3. Attic Spaces Are Cause for Concern

Most common water damage sources include roof leakage and gutters malfunctioning, meaning your attic is at a higher risk for water damage. Have your attic space inspected regularly by water damage professionals to make sure any small leak doesn’t turn into a serious problem.

If your home is flooded, or suspect of water damage, call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield (661) 326-8422. All forms of water damage require immediate attention to minimize further losses. We will help you stay safe and protect your assets.

What to Do When Your Toilet Overflows at Work

2/24/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO®, a water damage restoration company specializing in commercial sewage backup cleanup services.

Toilet overflow at a business is a Category 3 water loss, with damage sometimes reaching beyond the scope of the bathroom. This water is known as black water damage and is filled with contaminants from urine and fecal matter. It is vital to block off the area until it is cleaned professionally. Review the below steps to help reduce the time and money it will take to return your property to its pre loss condition. More damage will occur the longer that water is left sitting.

1. Stop flushing, use a plunger.

If pipes are clogged, flushing again will increase issues and not alleviate them. Be aware of your surroundings and perform this in the safest manner possible.

2. Turn off the water.

If water is overflowing already, spreading all over the floor, turn off the water to the toilet. The shut off valve is usually located on the wall near the base of the toilet, below the tank.

3. Inspect the water damaged area.

Water travels, and depending on the extent of the leak, damage may not be isolated to the bathroom. Water travels farther than you think. You will need to call in a professional to ascertain the extent of damages.

4. Close the Bathroom with Safety Signs.

Being safe is the most important. Safety signs hung up around the affected areas are a good way to notify others the bathroom is off limits. Provide signs to guide people to an alternate restroom until the issue at hand is resolved.

5. Call your insurance company.

Reach out to your insurance agent about what options are available to you. Sometimes damage will go beyond the bathroom. Your insurance will assist greatly with the appropriate next steps.

6. Call a water damage restoration company specializing in sewage backup cleanup services.

Hire a professional, certified remediation company to safely return your home to its preloss condition. Black water contains numerous pathogens which can carry bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Most of what is touched by this water remains unsalvageable. Cleanup doesn’t stop at waste and water; a professional restoration company will sanitize the area before conducting repairs. SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is here 24/7 - (661) 326-8422.

You Can Control Mold

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

Increase the circulation and raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses.

There are many ways to control the internal moisture of your business or home to help with mold prevention. Review below for a comprehensive list of actions that can be taken to help prevent mold growth.

• Fix any leaks and / or seepage. If water is entering your business from outside, remediation efforts can range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. Water collecting in your basement could be a result from a lack of gutters or water flowing toward the house. Water leaks from pipes or around tubs and sinks are a perfect breeding ground for microbial growth.
• Use plastic coverings over dirt in crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming up from the ground. Make sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.

• Exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens help to relocate moisture to the outside.
• Increase the circulation and raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. To increase air circulation, keep doors open between rooms, use fans to increase circulatory air, and place furniture away from corners. This promotes better air and heat circulation and carries heat to cold surfaces.

Moisture problems and their solutions vary from place to place. While the Southwest is hot and dry, the Northeast is cold and wet, the South is hot and wet, and the Western states are cold and dry. All these regions have different and complex moisture problems. The area you live will directly affect the remediation process.

4 Tips for Business Owners After Fire

2/15/2022 (Permalink)

Any delay in seeking professional help could result in damages extending past where they could have been mitigated.

When fire damage does occur, reach out to SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield to assess your fire damage restoration needs. Any delay in seeking professional help could result in damages extending past where they could have been mitigated. Smoke, a byproduct of fire, is acidic. It’s corrosive elements are capable of corroding away nearly any surface. Smoke and soot damage should be addressed immediately by experienced fire restoration professionals.

1. Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield – you need professional services, so before moving to the next step, call the experts.
2. Move children and pets to a smoke-free area. Move them to a relative's or friend's home until the fire cleanup or restoration is complete.
3. Open all the windows to get air circulating to help alleviate the smoke smell.
4. Inventory your belongings. Create a list of your business’s or home’s contents, this will assist when filing a claim with your insurance. Taking pictures of the affected items or damage is also a good idea. You will need these for insurance claims purposes, and for your own records.

Prepare Your Business for Fire Season

2/14/2022 (Permalink)

Fire suppression systems require a minimum of (4) annual inspections performed by a 3rd-party fire protection expert.

As summer and fire season approach, it is important to have your property inspected to ensure your business’s readiness should a fire break out. Keep workspaces clear of combustibles, and have any damaged electrical cords replaced. Work with your team to develop an evacuation plan and have your staff trained on the safety procedures unique to your commercial property. Once determined, the fire escape routes will need to be posted in multiple areas around the office. This way, everyone has an equal opportunity to see them. It takes minutes for a fire to become an inferno and knowing the proper routes for evacuation may be the difference in getting out safely. Fire drills should be performed with your team on a semi-regular basis to help ensure their knowledge of escape routes is up to date. Many commercial properties have fire suppression systems in place that require a minimum of (4) annual inspections performed by a 3^rd-party fire protection expert.

Call the Professionals

Our franchise professionals at SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield are familiar with the risks associated with fire damage to your home. As a leader in the fire damage disaster industry, we use proven systems to address fire damage when the call comes in. If a fire affects your property, contact us 24/7 - (833) WTR-FIRE (987-3473).

Team Safety and Training

2/9/2022 (Permalink)

We never know when or where we can be of service.

As SERVPRO® Franchise of the Year 2020 and consistently in the top five of all SERVPRO® franchises we have a mission and responsibility to our team that helped get us here. As Americans we value life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield insists on its team’s participation in CPR training as we never know when or where we can be of service.

The premiere training company we use, HOMESAFE, Inc. a Division of ACADISAFE, is only made possible with their Training Director and Principal Instructor Gio Fanelli. We’ve included a brief bio on his background and the trainings HOMESAFE, Inc. offer and how to make contact. CPR is only ONE of the many trainings that they offer.

Gio Fanelli, Training Director and Principal Instructor:

Gio is authorized by Federal OSHA as a Construction Safety Outreach Trainer (10 hr & 30 hr), By EPA as a Principal Course RRP Instructor (Lead), State of California CDPH (Lead) and DOSH (Asbestos) Approved Instructor and Director of Training at HomeSafe / AcadiSafe.

He has performed Radon testing evaluations, Clandestine Methamphetamine "Meth" Drug Lab Cleanup, Crime & Trauma Cleanup also called "Biohazard or Biorecovery"?, Healthcare & Life Science, Infection Control, Disaster Response, Critical Cleaning in Sensitive Environments, Project Design & Monitoring, Phase I, III ESA, Initial Site Surveys to Clearance Sampling, H.E.P.A Challenge Testing by "DOP" on Portable Exhaust Equipment Vacuums and Negative Air Machines as well as Respirator Fit Testing Services, Rotameter / Flowmeter NIST Traceable Primary Source Calibration.

HOMESAFE, Inc. a Division of ACADISAFE - State and Federal Accredited Asbestos, Bio, Lead, Mold, HazWoper, Infection Control, Occupational Safety & Health Training Company.

Office | Website | Email
800.789.SAFE (7233) | acadisafe.com / homesafe.org | gio@homesafe.org / gfanelli@acadisafe.com

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giofanelli

Office Address: 18012 Cowan Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92614

Training Location: 16601 Ventura Blvd 3rd floor, Encino, CA 91436

Preparing a Commercial First Aid Kit

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Search for OSHA's First Aid Kit Checklist to get started!

Your Commercial property is important and needs protection, and the people inside it even more so. Know that if the unforeseen happens to your commercial property, the experts at SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield are here to help. We are faster to any disaster and will strive to make it “Like it never even happened.”

There are steps you can take to ensure your workplace is compliant and safe, starting with a First Aid Kit.

Continue reading for tips on putting together a commercial property first aid kit:

Use OSHA’s First Aid Kit Checklist

Go online and search for OSHA commercial first aid kit checklist to start. There you will find the necessary items as required by Occupational Health and Safety Administration; they are the industry experts on these matters. Most items are found at local drug stores or local retailers.

Continued Education

No emergency response is straightforward, and there is no such thing as too much training when it comes to ensuring the safety of the people on your property. Once you finish your kit make sure everyone knows where to access it and that the regular people onsite are trained in it’s use.

OSHA Resources

To find more information on putting together first aid kits or how to use them when needed, consult OSHA’s website. And remember, once you can ensure the health of all the people on-site, you can call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield 24/7 to respond to any restoration emergency at (833) WTR-FIRE (987-3473).

Check Your Smoke Alarm

2/3/2022 (Permalink)

Smoke alarm testing.

The burning rate for objects depends on the substances caught ablaze and, in some cases, it takes less than 30 seconds for a small flame to turn into a major fire. In a few short minutes your entire property could be engulfed in thick black smoke or flames.

Heat is more dangerous than flames. Room temperatures in a fire can rise to 100 degrees at floor level and 600 degrees at eye level. This super-heated air undoubtedly will scorch your lungs and melt clothes to your skin.

As a fire burns it will impair your vision. It might start off bright, but quickly produces black smoke further blocking your sight.

Fire produces poisonous gases that make you disoriented and drowsy. Smoke and toxic gases do more harm to people than actual flames.

Smoke Alarms

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

• Check your batteries recorded lifespan and set a schedule to replace prior to their expiration.
• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, including the basement.
• Review your smoke alarms manufacturing instructions and schedule replacements for the entire smoke alarm in accordance.
• Never disable your smoke alarm while in the process of cooking.
• If you are hearing or visually impaired there are smoke alarms that utilize vibrating pads or flashing lights in lieu of the traditional high pitch alert.

What is Soot?

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damage on rooftop of business park.

Soot, aka that black residue left behind by fire and smoke, is made up of infinitesimally small carbon particulates resulting from incomplete combustion from substances like wood, oil, or coal. 

Soot contains harmful properties from whatever was burned. This can include chemicals, metals, soils, and dust which cause a lingering black substance and horrible smell that is difficult be rid of. Due to its acidic nature, it can even break down your electronics and render them useless. It is a substance which can be extremely damaging to your home and air quality if not cleaned and removed quickly. These harmful characteristics are another reason why it is important to have the professionals at SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield clean it from your fire damaged business or property.

Finding Smoke and Fire Damage Professionals in Bakersfield

Post fire, the removal process for soot from your home can become an arduous and time-consuming process and potentially dangerous depending on the substances burned. With SERVPRO’s proven system, our franchise professionals come in with the right equipment and knowledge to tackle any sized loss. The cleanup / removal process requires protective equipment, professional tools, and extensive expertise and knowledge. It’s best to leave the disaster restoration to the professionals. 

You want to re-enter your home knowing that it is safe for you and your family. The highly skilled technicians at Professional Fire Restoration will make sure to thoroughly clean and remove any soot particles left behind from a fire to ensure you and your family are entering a home that is safe. If you have experienced smoke or fire damage in your home, contact us today. 

What is Gray Water?

1/25/2022 (Permalink)

Burst pipe in wall and deteriorating drywall.

What is Gray Water?

Water Damage is extremely difficult to deal with. Responding in a timely manner is important but take it a step further and prepare yourself in case something should happen to your property. Knowing how to respond is as equally important to responding quickly, prevent further problems from developing by creating an emergency plan. See below for more about where Category 2 and 3 water damage comes from and what you can do to keep your property and family safe with the following information.

How We Determine Next Steps

One of the most critical steps to recovering from water damage is determining what kind of contamination you're dealing with. There are three different types of contaminated water according to The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) which are based on:

• The source of the water damage
• The length of exposure to the structure
• The likelihood of harmful chemicals or contaminants that may be present

What is Category 2 Water?

Also known as gray water or sullage, Category 2 water damage can harbor some amount of contamination that would be harmful to humans and animals. The sources most common to Category 2 water damage are toilet bowls containing urine, dishwasher or washing machine water, and sump pump failure resulting in flood damage.

What is Category 3 Water?

Category 3 is the most extreme and should be handled by the professionals. Also referred as blackwater, this category includes sewage, rising flood waters, seawater, as well as river and ground water. When category 3 water damage occurs, often many items and materials will need to be removed from your property, then after drying has occurred your home will need to undergo significant disinfecting.

Call the Professionals

Our franchise professionals at SERVPRO® here in the Bakersfield area are familiar with the risks associated with water damage to your home. As a leader in the water damage disaster industry, we use proven systems to address water damage when calls come in. There may not be a single source of water damage, so using specific procedures to minimize loss is essential.

How Long Does Residual Smoke Damage Last?

1/17/2022 (Permalink)

Aftermath of fire in utility room.

Ridding a property of smoke damage is a difficult task unto itself. One of the worst things a home or business can experience is a fire as it not only destroys household items but can also affect structural materials as well. The damage can sometimes extend after the fire has been extinguished in the form of water damage due to the fire-fighting efforts.

Residual smoke odor can linger within your business or home until affectively treated after the flames have been put out. If a fire affects your home or are, such as is the case with when a wildfire occurs, take the necessary steps to rid yourself of the smoke smell effectively and fast.

It can be quite difficult to remove the odor of smoke from your property. When the smoke first infiltrates your home, the small imperceptible particulates can stick to all household surfaces and even become embedded in porous materials – carpeting, furniture, fabrics, books, and even paint. Removing them requires a lot of effort and, often, specialized cleaning equipment. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield have the expertise and industry leading equipment (air scrubbers, nano filters, ozone generators, hydroxl technology, etc.) that is required to effectively deodorize after a fire loss. We use safe and efficient odor removal techniques to make it "Like it never even happened."

Difficulties When Choosing Commercial Remediation

1/13/2022 (Permalink)

Water from ceiling leak pouring into bag held by SERVPRO production team member.

It is important to have a plan before disaster strikes. Plan before the worst happens so you know who to call when disaster strikes. As a business owner you know that every day your business is closed or partially operational, you are losing profit. Consider the below when researching and deciding on the right remediation company for you:

Location

As far as the location of the remediation service provider goes, you will want to choose a local company. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield works daily in the community remediating and restoring business and homes to their preloss condition.

Response Time

Choose a restoration company that shares your sense of urgency. SERVPRO accepts calls 24/7/365. You need an immediate response, and our team of best-in-class project managers and technicians gets the work done correctly and quickly.

Size & Experience

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield has the infrastructure to handle any sized loss. Our team of restoration and construction experts can handle even the largest projects with ease. A company that does both the cleanup and the reconstruction work will greatly simplify the entire process for you.

You can count on SERVPRO to:

• Respond immediately
• Identify the cause of loss
• Find the right solution
• Perform work accurately and fast

5 Common Types of Smoke Damage

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Kitchen fire damage.

Depending on the substance that a fire consumes determines the type of smoke damage which occurs. Prior to inspection, in the initial call, we may ask what burned or request photos to get a better grasp on the extent which fire and smoke damage occurred. Below are some common types of smoke damage SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield may inquire about.

1. Tenant Smoking

This is the most common type and is caused by residents that smoke. In multifamily buildings, property managers / owners deal with these odors on a regular basis. This smoke can cause a great deal of damage to the structure, from unpleasant odors to surface damage. Smoking damage typically requires intense cleaning. 

2. Protein Smoke Damage

Second to tenant smoke kitchen fires are the most common. They typically produce protein smoke. Protein smoke damage occurs when food burns and clings to wood or painted surfaces and has the potential to discolor the surfaces it affects permanently.

3. Wet Smoke Damage

This smoke damage occurs when a fire is slow burning with a low temperature. It is one of the more difficult forms of smoke damage to address and is sometimes the hardest form of smoke damage to clean. It tends to be sticky and thick, and latches to almost all surfaces.

4. Dry Smoke Damage

Usually, this is one of the easier forms of smoke damage to take care of. It is nearly the opposite of wet smoke damage and occurs from high-temperature fires. This damage produces finer particulates, however, if it lands on porous surfaces this will make it more difficult to clean up.

5. Petroleum Smoke Damage

When an oil-based substance is burned, petroleum smoke damage occurs. This smoke is darker and lingers on nearly all material it comes in contact with, and often stains surfaces.

How Can Water Damage Structures?

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Flood cut drywall.

Water damage is never an experience a property owner or tenant wishes to experience. Water is meant to stay in drainpipes, supply pipes, basins, and sinks. It should never run unabated within the dwelling or structure. Simple repairs and maintenance can help you to avoid minor to major water damage.

We do not always experience water damage from hurricanes and floods. More commonly, business and homes experience water damage from:

• small, pinhole-sized leaks in pipes
• poor grading techniques on soil
• gutter blockage
• sump pumps that may be malfunctioning

Many cases of water damage result from non-professionals attempting to remediate the problem(s) themselves without the proper equipment or experience. If left unchecked water damage can increase exponentially and will even rot out drywall and cause mold to grow. Talk with a professional like SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield when you experience water damage to get best practices and next steps in addressing your loss.

Mold Can Grow Anywhere

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Thermal imaging of water loss.

Mold can grow on any surface. It is most seen in places of high moisture or lower lighting such as kitchens, bathrooms, basements, cabinets, and near pipes or ducting. Behind drywall is one of the most regular placements to find mold as wood and drywall are excellent potential sources for growth. Ceilings with a lack of ventilation will accumulate moisture over time and can become an additional location for mold to grow. If the temperature is correct, and there are adequate amounts of moisture and oxygen, mold can grow.

Below are some typical ways mold can infiltrate your home or business.

1. Constant Humidity – ensure to ventilate your home properly, especially during warmer months.
2. Leaking Pipes in the Home – Mold behind drywall can also signify a faulty or broken pipe.
3. Poorly Ventilated Homes – A dehumidifier will help humidity stay below a certain range.
4. Leaking AC Unit – leaks anywhere on an AC unit can cause moisture to form and prevent the AC working correctly.

Conclusion

Make sure you have proper ventilation and low moisture content to limit the potential that mold will develop. Mold is a common issue, and many businesses and homeowners have to deal with it. It is important to get the source inspected by professionals and a professional remediation company to perform the remediation work. Call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield once you need remediation work performed.

Dealing with Commercial Sewage Backup

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

Water extraction after flooding occurs.

Sewage backup in your office is not a basic cleaning task. The cleanup process should only be handled by professionals. If signs of sewage backup occur, call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield to return your business to its preloss condition.

Common Causes of Sewer Backup Issues

Sewage issues are difficult to recover from, however, knowing how they occur is the first step to preventing the worst from happening. Some common reasons why commercial properties experience sewage backups are:

• Stress on your plumbing and sewer system from soil settling in and around your building.
• Misaligned connections or cracked pipes within your plumbing system.
• Tree roots infiltrating plumbing / pipes.
• Irregular maintenance and cleaning. Commercial settings usually experience high-volume and require regular maintenance to make sure facilities stay functioning.

Preventative Measures for Sewage Backup

Here are some preventative maintenance measures that can be taken to lessen the impact of what may occur. See below for suggested guidelines:

• Semi-annual / Annual plumbing and sewer inspections.
• Make sure you use a water pressure reducing valve to limit stress on your building's system.
• Add pop-up sewer release valves if your plumbing system does not have them.

It is difficult and potentially unsafe to deal with sewage backup yourself and is a job that should be left to the professionals. With SERVPROs expert processes, training, and customer experience, we are here to help!

What To Do When Your Property Floods

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Hydrometer Reading by SERVPRO Technician

Property damage adds up fast. Whether you are dealing with a burst pipe or a flash flood, water fills up your house within minutes and spreads through each room, causing significant structural damage. Know what to do when your property floods.

Stop the Water Supply

Try to identify the source and prevent additional flooding from happening. It is important to remember to stay safe. If the cause of loss is in unsafe area call a professional to assist you.

If the leak is coming from a flash flood or natural disaster, there could be little you can do to stop the flow of water. However, you may be able to slow the water down. A best practice method for minimizing impact is to start from the bottom and work your way up. If you can, try to place sandbags around the base of your external doorways. This is a good method to reduce flood impact.

Reach Out to a Professional

Remember you are not alone. We are here to help. When the unexpected does happen count on SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield to guide and support you through the recovery process and help get your home or business back up and running again as quickly as possible.

Choosing the Right Water Restoration

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Project Manager performing inspection.

A professional water damage company offers many benefits to both business owners and homeowners. Licensed work is one of the biggest advantages of hiring a water damage restoration company as they are licensed under local government. This means that their methods of restoration have been reviewed and are legally accounted for. Post work being performed, should you find some problem with the electrical restoration or other physical repair work, then you can easily locate the agency and request additional repair work. Government Agency registration is one of the most important aspects of a professional company and is of immense benefit to clients.

1. Reputation is important! Review the online reputation of the selected water damage restoration company you go with. Do not choose a company under the radar, but one with an established presence on the web and in the community.
2. Tried and true, effective and fast protocols. Immediate action during emergencies proves the reliability of any emergency remediation service.
3. Well established and fully geared. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield has the infrastructure to handle any sized loss, commercial or residential.
4. Best Working Tools and Resources. One advantage of a licensed water damage company is that they are likely to have access to the best tools of the trade. This is because a licensed agency will be able to apply for authorial permission to get some of the best water damage control equipment that is available in the market. All in all, opting for a well renowned water damage company is a sure way to restore your home effortlessly.
   

Whether it is a natural flooding incident or some other flooding damage, water damage poses some major risks to your home. By hiring a professional water damage company, you will not only minimize risks but also ensure you the restoration services are handled correctly.

Holiday Emergency Services

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO equipment setup

With holidays coming and going throughout these winter months SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield knows that these times are the worst possible moments to deal with the headache of a fire or water loss. Everyone should be with their loved ones this holiday season. We would much rather everyone be with their loved ones celebrating the joyous season. However, disaster waits for no one and never occurs at convenient times.

We are here to help! Even on holidays our teams are available and working around the clock. No job is too big, too small, too far, and too much of a hassle for us to handle. We have the infrastructure to handle any sized loss. If you suffer from a holiday water and/or fire loss this holiday season, be sure to call the professionals at SERVPRO first.

Recovery After a Storm

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO van towing generator

Storm damage wreaks destruction on buildings as well as surrounding area. Wind damage can loosen the shingles or tiles on a roof which can allow moisture such as rain or snow to infiltrate the roof itself. This can allow said moisture to enter the protective surface of the roof, which will result in swelling wood with later disintegration, and sometimes becoming mold ridden. This outcome leads to a sagging ceiling and further problems. The elements such as wind, rain, lightning, or hail can result in catastrophic losses, turning lives upside down.

This is what you can expect from SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield storm restoration service professionals.

• Regardless of whether it is a business or residence, our company will come to your property with trained experts and perform a thorough inspection of your loss. This helps us to understand and discover the full extent of damage.

• Once the scope of work is confirmed and agreed upon, the work begins. Depending on what type of damage is present, this will determine the type of equipment SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield will use.

• Generators may be brought in to operate the dehumidifiers and air movers to combat potential mold and mildew to not have a change to make matters worse.

It is important to reach out immediately to reduce the extent that damage may occur. Once contacted and scheduled we will work tirelessly to rescue your building from greater structural issues.

Steps To Minimize Water Damage

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage on cabinets.

1. Call a professional immediately. They can coordinate your next steps best and get you scheduled for assistance. A professional will give you advice that you can trust. In addition, remember to turn off your water and power to the affected areas. 
2. Take safety precautions. Even if you are aware of the source of water it still may contaminated. Water can be clear and still contain harmful bacteria and other contaminants.
3. Protect your belongings. If you have things that have objective or sentimental value to you or your family, scoop these things up and store them away in a safe place so that they won’t be exposed to water. It can be helpful to put a dry layer (some plywood, plastic, etc.) between legs of furniture and wet ground to prevent water seeping into the legs and deforming it. 
4. Begin water removal. Follow any specific instructions that were given when you were on the phone when you called for help. Don’t do anything potentially dangerous.

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield has 24-hour emergency services, so don’t hesitate to contact us. Almost everyone experiences a flood in their home at some point make sure you have a plan to address.

Commercial Fire Cleanup Steps

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

pressure washing foundation

These are typical steps in the commercial fire damage restoration process:

1. Inspection

Call your local SERVPRO to come and inspect the damage to your property. Our highly trained Project Managers and Technicians thoroughly inspect your property to determine the extent of the fire, smoke, and soot damage. Hiring a professional restoration company will allow for a complete comprehensive review of the property damage. They will also record and document all damage for your insurer if needed.

2. Safety Work

Property damage can continue even after the fire has been extinguished. The priority should be to prevent further damage to your property. A restoration company will look at what needs to be protected and take the proper steps to do so. With a lot of your windows, walls, and roof potentially damaged, the restoration company will look at what needs boarding up or if your roof needs tarping. This helps to protect your property from further damage.

3. Water Removal

Water removal post firefighting efforts is top of the list. Hiring a professional team to investigate the possibility of leaks or places where mold can develop is very important.

4. Smoke and Soot Removal

Odors and staining left behind from smoke or soot damage go beyond surface level. With SERVPRO’s specialized techniques, the next step for SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is to remove the smoke and soot left behind on the ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

5. Cleanup

There are a variety of cleaning techniques that can be used to clean up these damaged items and structures, along with equipment such as industrial air scrubbers and foggers that will help remove smoke odors.

Commercial Restoration Challenges

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage

Every property loss is different. Being a local business ourselves, we understand the importance of getting your business reopened as soon as possible. Our job is to return your property to its preloss condition and the doors opened.

It’s hard to be prepared when disaster strikes. You can take steps to both prevent disaster from ever happening and make an emergency plan if they do.

Plumbing Maintenance

Make sure your plumbing is well-maintained and in good condition. Plumbing problems cause the biggest share of water damage, so regularly get your plumbing inspected. Regular inspections will end up saving you money over time. Another part of preparing for a disaster is drafting an emergency plan.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider some of the following suggestions:

• Create an emergency contact list
• Make clear emergency procedures
• Train Employees in common emergency scenarios
• Back up data storage offsite

These are suggestions and not a full list. When it comes to water, fire, and smoke damage, keep SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield in mind and call us right away.

5 Common Causes for Bathroom Flooding

10/28/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in bathroom

1. PLUMBING BREAKS

Pipes age over time and can rupture. Excess water pressure is the main cause and can result in a quickly flood a bathroom.

2. OVERFLOWED TOILET

Toilet overflows are common occurrences and can often be the result of blocked toilet traps or backed-up sewer laterals.

3. BLOCKED PIPES

Wet wipes down toilets and hair down sinks are a few examples of the items that we routinely find as the primary cause of loss when performing water mitigation in a bathroom.

4. DRAINING ISSUES

When your overflow drain fails, simply running your bathtub fills the tub to overflowing and can send water cascading behind the shower wall and across the bathroom floor.

5. SEWER BACKUPS

Flooding from storms will often be one of the causes of loss and can cause sewer main backups that fill the bathroom with sewage, but tree roots also can crack, clog and back up sewer lines.

Commercial Restoration Experts

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

Warehouse flood.

Our size and scalability allow us the ability to handle multiple commercial projects at once and enable us to perform work with maximum efficacy. Unforeseen events can have serious effects on your home or business and our business is to keep yours moving forward. We are well trained experts in performing this task. From minor delays to major disasters, we are there 27/7 to support you.

We pride ourselves on being a restoration company that knows what it takes to ensure business continuity, and with our immediate response we can maximize our mitigation services. Timing is key when determining your first response and we are faster to any size disaster. Make us your single remediation and restoration services partner. If your business or home is affected by fire, water, mold, or storm damage call ??SERVPRO of South West Bakersfield.

Round the Clock Emergency Services

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO team on jobsite. q

SERVPRO is known for being “faster to any size disaster,” commercial or residential. When compared to other restoration companies SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is not only on site the fastest. We also maximize our efficiency while on the job to make sure we are fastest at getting you back into your home or place of business as well. Why SERVPRO? Because we understand what it means to be the leader in restoration not just in our city but across the nation, being a company that is available 24/7 we are truly around the clock. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield has a professional always on call to make sure we are ready to jump into action no matter what time it is or what the job call may be! You will never have to worry about what time your emergency may happen knowing that we will be there for you immediately.

Comment, Like, and Subscribe to SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO vans in a row.

Come find us on our Social Media! Our aim is to assist in educating all on SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield. We put out content regularly across our social media pages showcasing our work, helpful tips, product descriptions, day in the life and more. We have done work in cities such as: Bakersfield, Panama, and all over the West Coast. We pride ourselves on the range of the work we have performed from simple toilet leaks to commercial losses.

Being a leader in the remediation industry, SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is outfitted to assist any disaster. We understand the criticality of an immediate response and our “faster to any size disaster” attitude keeps at the forefront of remediation services. There’s a reason SERVPRO placed in the top ten of Entrepreneurs Franchise 500.

Follow us on the below social media account and understand why SERVPRO makes it “Like it never even happened.”

Facebook: click here

Instagram: click here

Twitter: click here

LinkedIn: click here

5 Warning Signs of a Burst Pipe

9/16/2021 (Permalink)

Burst pipe and water damage.

Not all broken pipes cause immediate water damage. It can sometimes be a slow leak that eventually causes water damage to your home or business. Be alert to the warning signs of a broken pipe.

1. Fluctuating Water Pressure:

Don’t immediately blame the city. It may be a busted pipe. Pressure changes are hard on plumbing system and can damage pipe fittings.

2. Water discoloration and or smell:

The water has taken on a brownish or “rust” colored feature and or smells of rotten eggs. Fun fact, that rotten egg smell is hydrogen sulfide, a naturally occurring gas that can also form in sewer lines. Make sure to call in a certified technician to handle this type of issue.

3. Recurring sink puddles:

You try to stop any leaks under sinks to no avail. Inspect your home or business carefully just above pipe cover plates, additionally look for damp spots.

4. Noisy pipes/water movement sounds within walls:

If no water is running in your home, you should not be able to hear water. A single broken pipe can influence the water pressure of an entire structure.

5. Rising water bill cost:

Small drips can add up. Make sure to regular check your water bill and plumbing fixtures for leaks to lessen the chance a pipe burst will occur.

Wildfire Season Preparedness Tips

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Emergency preparedness.

Should a wildfire start in your area you will need to be able to move quickly and efficiently. You may have to leave your home to stay safe. Have different escape routes planned out from your home or community. Make sure to understand the procedure your community follows when making your emergency preparedness plan.

1. Emergency Supplies
   1. Go kit: (3) days of supplies
   2. Stay at home kit: (2) weeks of supplies for home confinement/stay
   3. 1-month supply of medication in child proof container
   4. Keep personal, financial, and medical records in safe, fireproof container.
2. Communication Plan
   1. Sign up for local government emergency alerts
   2. Obtain back up battery/ies for any mobile devices
   3. Obtain a battery-powered radio
   4. Monitor weather conditions near you
3. Emergency Skills
   1. First-aid training
   2. CPR training
   3. Be ready for no power. Plan for your needs, including cell phones and medical equipment.
4. Download American Red Cross Wildfire Safety Checklist: https://bit.ly/Wildfire-Safety-American-Red-Cross

Link to current California Wildfire incidents: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/.

4 Steps Towards Preventing a Complete Business Shutdown

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Side by side SERVPRO vans.

Storm damage can be serious, but it does not mean the end of the world. By creating a plan and partnering with the support and help you will need, there is no reason why you should have to shut the doors to your business. When the damage to your building is serious enough to need repairs, but not catastrophic, you may be concerned about running your business while the emergency mitigation services are being performed. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield works with countless various industries and are experts in commercial remediation. Our various customers’ industries include those such as: residential, hospitality, medical, manufacturing, law, and government.  

We keep a clear line of communication open with our customers. Our highly trained claims managers work in tandem with our schedulers daily to confirm and memorialize the scope of work being performed daily. By understanding to our customers’ needs our team is able to devise the proper mitigation plan to minimize business interruption. Over 60% of small businesses don’t have a plan in place, and more than one in four businesses undergo a critical or significant loss every year.

Preventative Steps:

1. Create a plan.
2. Understand your coverage.
3. Get prepared.
4. Make SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield your remediation partner.

How Old is My Fire Extinguisher?

8/21/2021 (Permalink)

Fire sprinkler with hang tag.

Fire extinguishers do not last forever. Manufacturers prescribe most extinguishers with a lifespan of 5-15 years. What you may not know is how long ago you received yours. Any fire extinguisher with one or more of the following should be headed towards retirement:

• Hose or nozzle is broken, cracked, and or blocked with debris.
• Locking pin is missing or unsealed
• Handle is wobbly or broken
• Inspection sticker or hang tag (the record of checkups and maintenance) is missing

There are different types of fire extinguishers. Those with compressed gas can leak contents slowly as their seals weaken, while those with ammonium phosphate will solidify over the years, rendering the entire device unusable. You’re being proactive and putting your safety first and by asking this question because the answers can mean the difference between successfully responding to an emergency and being caught empty-handed.

Top 5 Difficulties Faced When Working Commercial Remediation

8/16/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in commercial building.

After your home or business structure becomes compromised from unforeseen events such as extreme weather, poor building techniques, or some other circumstance, owners must decide on the best course of action to take.

1. Pathogens

There is a great deal of risk after a disease outbreak when it comes to water damage remediation and cleanup. There is a high risk of potential exposure to bacteria, viruses, mold, and other pathogens. Water damage remediation and cleanup after a disease outbreak both come with the risk of exposure to bacteria, viruses, mold, and other pathogens. This is a special concern relative to sewage and or fire sprinkler water damage. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield ensures that our crews have training in and access to the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning equipment.

2. Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals

Meth labs in homes or hotels, industrial spills etc. all require remediation to rid the chemicals on surfaces where they may be present. Knowing the chemicals which are potentially present will help determine what type of PPE is needed to protect crews from touching or breathing them in. Proper precaution is taken so as to limit exposure to the remediation chemicals and the pathogens being treated. 

3. Decontaminating Both Large Areas and Hidden Surfaces

In your home or building, you may encounter a myriad of surface types and materials, including but not limited to:

• Walls and ceilings
• Metal, wood, or concrete
• Ridged or uneven surfaces
• Carpet, upholstery, and other fabrics
• Hidden spaces behind walls or equipment

Some remediation chemicals require mechanical scrubbing to effectively remove contaminants. This can present challenges in large commercial spaces and can require a lot of manpower.

4. Penetrating Walls to Reach Areas Behind Them

Mold remediation costs can also escalate when sections of walls must be removed to access the areas behind them. Those sections require replacement, which adds to the overall remediation cost, and will require additional work to return the space to its preloss condition. 

5. Working in Areas with Limited Access

Small areas such as crawl spaces and attics are difficult to access for remediation and to perform the visual inspections needed to confirm surfaces have been treated. Fire damage remediation also present unique challenges where structural damage may occur preventing access to affected areas. It is important to have both the right products and equipment in order to ensure all affected areas are treated, no matter the difficulty in reaching them.

Call a SERVPRO certified professional. We are experts in all manner of remediation and restoration. Our Project Managers and Technicians are highly trained, certified, and committed to best in class service and production.

Why You Should Seek Professional Help

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

When there is water damage to your property, there is only one thing that you should do. You should always seek to get professional help. There are two advantages to getting professional help when it comes to having water damage to your property. One is that water damage companies have the proper equipment and they employ the best professionals to do the job. With a water damage restoration professional, your home will be in good hands since you have SERVPRO professionals working with you to combat the water problem.

At the first sign of water damage, call SERVPRO to help mitigate your Bakersfield home or business. We will work on your residential or commercial property immediately. When it comes to water damage, your action must be quick in order to prevent further damage to your property and health.

Certified Commercial Restoration Specialists

3/28/2021 (Permalink)

Sometimes our technicians have pretty cool views while cleaning.

We are your trusted restoration technicians and when it comes to commercial restoration we are #1. Our size and scalability gives us the ability to handle multiple projects at once, so we can move with maximum efficiency.

It's our business to keep yours moving forward, from minor delays to major disasters. Unforeseen events can have serious consequences for your business. That’s where we come in. We respond immediately, so we can maximize mitigation.

From minor delays to major disasters, unforeseen events can have serious consequences for your business. That’s where we come in. We respond immediately, so we can maximize mitigation. Operating with urgency allows us to help our clients in the face of disaster. 

If your business suffers water, fire, or microbial growth damage call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield for an immediate response.

Fire Safety Tips To Protect Your Pets From Potential Danger

3/23/2021 (Permalink)

According to the American Red Cross, home fires are the most common disaster they respond to - and also the most preventable. Planning ahead is the best way to promote the safety of the people and animals in your home. From preventative caution to making an evacuation plan which should include pet safety.

Here are some steps to protect your pets:

• They should have their own disaster supplies kit ready in advance which should include food, water, pet records, spare collars, and/or leashes in case you need to control or calm them from being frightened.  
• Have a safe place for them to stay if you need to leave your home.
• Include your pets and take them with you when you practice your escape plan.  Train them to come to you when you call for them. 

Following these steps can lower the risk of harming your pets from a fire.

Recovering from a Fire: Tips for Commercial Owners

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

Although it is completely understandable to feel overwhelmed following a commercial fire that has damaged your business, there are basic steps you can plan for to get you through to re-opening day. When you tackle the process piece by piece, recovery becomes much more manageable.

1. Assess the damage: you can rely on our experts to verify the safety of your property to be sure windows, the roof, or support walls have not endured additional damage.

2. Call a fire restoration company: SERVPRO will use Specialized techniques, tools, and cleaners are required to soot and smoke from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces before employees can return to work.

3. Restoration and repair: Once you have addressed major structural items and large-scale cleaning needs for rugs, carpets, and fabrics, you can begin to move on to the cleaning of other restorable items and structures. Depending upon the nature of the item, professionals will need to recruit special tools, cleaners, and equipment to remove odors while bringing your materials back to life.

Regardless of your industry, our professionals are prepared to take on any fire restoration damage cleanup project you need handled. 

How to Properly Clean Up After Using a Fire Extinguisher

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

95% of residential fires can be put out if extinguishers are used quickly and correctly after the first flame. But once the fire is out and the household calms, what’s the best way to clean up the messy aftermath? There are 3 different types of fire extinguishers; A is ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth; B is flammable liquids, such as gasoline or cooking oil; and C is live electricity. Read the label to determine what that powdery substance is.

Sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate: Vacuum residue thoroughly, making several passes over affected areas to remove all visible residue. Apply hot water mixed with a little vinegar, which neutralizes the pH of the powder. Allow to sit for a few minutes and rinse with warm water.

Silicone types: Vacuum residue thoroughly, making several passes to remove all visible residue. Spray the area with rubbing alcohol to break down the silicone. Allow the solution to penetrate for several minutes then rinse with warm water.

Monoammonium phosphate: Do not vacuum residue left by monoammonium phosphate. This residue must be cleaned by hand without delay; if it remains in contact with sensitive electronics and other equipment it can cause further damage. Begin by wiping the residue away with a clean cloth. On surfaces that can be wet-washed, clean with a mixture of warm water and baking soda. Thoroughly dry and sanitize the area as needed.

Knowing this information you will only help yourself and your home from further damages.

Advanced Drying Restoration Techniques with SERVPRO

1/26/2021 (Permalink)

After a flood, it is critical to dry water-damaged properties and contents as quickly as possible. In the past, water damage restoration contractors had few options available to them when performing water damage restoration. Equipment was restricted in its availability, variety, efficiency, and effectiveness. It was not only slow but would also result in removing and discarding damaged contents.

Then, of course, it was necessary to install new materials, paint, etc. The result was a long period of disruption to the occupants and extra expenses for insurance companies. Today, however, the “science of drying” has improved significantly. Thanks to modern equipment, we can completely restore water damaged properties and contents with minimal intrusion.

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is equipped with the latest drying technology and has knowledgeable technicians who are regularly trained in drying techniques that are suitable for your commercial properties. 

Should I File A Claim?

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

When you've had water or fire damage in your property one of the questions to ask is should I file a claim. 

A claim whether how big or small gets on your record so it is important for a company like SERVPRO to perform a FREE damage assessment to you property to determine the scope of work. Once that claim is filed there is no turning back and that is why it is important to have a SERVPRO expert inspect the property for FREE to provide you the best guidance about your damages. 

SERVPRO will perform a moisture mapping of the property to determine the extent of the damages or a fire damage inspection report to determine which areas of the property are affected. 

SERVPRO is also an insurance preferred vendor by major insurance companies like State Farm, Farmer's Insurance, AAA of Southern California, Mercury Insurance, Nationwide Insurance, Travelers Insurance, The Hartford, CHUBB and many more. 

Once next steps are determined SERVPRO will do all the heavy lifting for you to help restore your property "Like it never even happened." We are a full service restoration company that does mitigation, remediation, abatement, packout and construction for all your restoration needs. We're available 24/7 every day so just give us a call and someone will be there to assist you. 

For a FREE Damage assessment please call us at (661) 326 - 8422.

Smoke Damage Restoration Professionals

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Any fire restoration professional can tell you when it comes to fire damage, the fire is the easy part. There’s really only one way to get rid of most damage to building materials charred by fire: remove them. Getting rid of the sight of smoke damage is a fairly easy thing to do. You can clean it, paint over it or remove the items. Odor on the other hand is invisible and even more bothersome and must be dealt with immediately. SERVPRO uses scientific methods and quick measures to remove smoke damage after a fire.

1. Get rid of the source of smoke odor

2. Seal salvageable surfaces

3. Clean everything left behind

Having your home professionally cleaned after soot, smoke, and fire damage can impact your health. The hidden damage from smoke can be hard to detect, you should always call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield after experiencing a fire loss of any size. 

Wildfire Risk: Increasing Threat to Businesses

1/19/2021 (Permalink)

Business fire prevention and safety should be of the upmost importance with unprecedented growth in wildfires. In fact, the past few years have seen both a dramatic acceleration in the frequency and intensity of wildfires in Southern California. Here are some ways to protect your business:

• Install a fire suppression system.
• Check your stairwells.
• Stay aware of changes to your local fire code and update your building.
• Make your roof fire-resistant and clear away gutter debris.

Having a simple monthly check list in place can be the difference to hopefully preventing fire damage at your commercial property. Our offices also offer an Emergency Readiness Program customized to your building so in case of an emergency your place of business understands the steps to take to keep safe. 

Professional Storm Damage Restoration

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Get your home and your lives back to normal quickly following a natural disaster. Contact SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield for complete disaster restoration services, including wind damage restoration, water removal, and more. We provide fast, written estimates for storm damage repair and work directly with your insurance company to make it "Like it never even happened." 

Storm damages can pose a large threat to businesses and residential owners because most people aren't prepared for what damage may happen on their property. If you suffer from any type of storm damage you should immediately call professional storm damage restoration technicians. Our office lines are open 24/7 365 days out of the year and our crews can be to you within hours of your initial call. 

Welcoming 2021 with SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

As 2021 kicks off SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield wants to remind and assure you that we are here for you and the community. We saw COVID19 run crazy through Ventura county and we reacted immediately helping homes and businesses sanitize to hopefully help stop the spread. 

If your home and/or place of business suffer from water, fire, mold, storm, or COVID19 damage you should immediately call the professionals at SERVPRO. We are trained to handle crisis situations of any size and we are always here to help. Our phone lines are open 24/7, 365 days out of the year. No job is too large or too small for our teams to take on. We want to work with you to make it "Like it never even happened." Happy 2021!

7 Most Common Causes for Water Damage

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

About 40% of all homeowners have experienced a loss from water damage. The good news is that 93% of all water damage could have been prevented with the right knowledge. Here are 7 items to be aware of that can cause water damage in your home. 

1. Damaged Pipes

2. Appliances

3. Clogged Drains

4. Natural Disasters

5. HVAC

6. Sump Pumps

7. Structural Damage

Residential water damage can be caused by natural disasters, clogged drains or damaged pipes. Water damage is a headache to any homeowner but with the expertise of SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield we can be on the scene immediately and remediating the damage. Our teams are specially trained and have extensive knowledge in how to deal with all sizes of water damage.

The Do's and Don'ts of Dealing with Fire Damage

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Facing a fire in your home or business can be overwhelming, to say the least. It’s crucial, though, to start your fire damage cleanup and restoration process as soon as possible, to get your life back to normal.

The Do's

• Make safety a priority
• Call your insurance agent
• Call SERVPRO
• Remove all clothing from the property and have it cleaned by professional fire damage restoration cleaners, not just a dry cleaner

The Dont's

• Enter the building before the fire department gives you the go-ahead, even if it looks safe
• Start to clean or wipe residue from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces
• Use or try to clean carpets or furnishings impacted by smoke residues or debris until they are professionally cleaned

The residue left behind after fire damage may cause health problems if it’s not handled correctly. Only trained experts with professional equipment can ensure fire damage restoration is done safely and thoroughly. Call SERVPRO immediately when dealing with fire damage in your home or business.

Knowing a Good Commercial Restoration Company Could Save You

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

Damage to any property can be highly stressful, expensive and upsetting for the owners. If you have a commercial property then damage can have a whole extra dimension that makes matters all the worse. Fortunately, commercial restoration services exist to help restore your premises and get them back to functioning normally as quickly as possible. 

If you have a damaged commercial property, then you need to look for a company offering commercial restoration services as quickly as possible. As with any type of property damage, leaving your damage unattended could potentially cause it to get worse.

Knowing a good commercial restoration company is a good way to ensure you will be able to start repairing and restoring your property as soon as possible and to get to work fast. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield has handled hundreds of commercial restoration projects and is fully equipped to handle your damage, no matter how large or small.

HVAC Water Damage

1/1/2021 (Permalink)

Your Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system can cause extensive water damage if it is not maintained correctly and looked after often. Common causes of HVAC water damage include a clogged drain, frozen evaporator coils, and pipes that are not connected correctly. 

Here are some tips to help you prevent HVAC water damage in your home:

• Change the HVAC filter regularly
• Clean the condenser
• Maintain the condensation line and the overflow drain pan

Knowing how to prevent AC from leaking is sometimes not enough to prevent your unit from causing water damage. When leaks occur, the moisture promotes mold growth that can contaminate the air in your home. If you experience HVAC related water damage be sure to contact SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield for immediate restoration.

How to Identify Storm Damage on Your Roof

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Roof damage from storms – particularly hail – causes more than $1.6 billion worth of damage each year in the U.S., according to the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes. Roof damage from a storm can be hard to spot – so, take a walk around your house and look for signs of damage to the exterior of your home. 

Look for: broken or chipped windows, hail dents in your AC unit or rain gutters and shingles, missing shingles, and check in and around your driveway, gutters and the downspouts for excessive tile granules or shingle mineral deposits.

Keep in mind that 95 percent of all roof storm damage cannot be seen from the ground level, so do not assume that your roof has “weathered the storm” because it appears to have escaped damage. If you experience storm damage to your home call SERVPRO immediately.

Look for Damage Inside and Out

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

No matter what climate you live in or what time of year it is, storms are inevitable. And, the unfortunate fact is, where there are storms, there is storm damage. Storms can cause a huge variety of damage to a property, both exteriorly and interiorly. 

Exterior Damage: protect your roof! The structure of your home can suffer from wind damage, hail damage, and falling debris.

Interior Damage: water staining on walls and floors, wet insulation, water seepage in the attic or crawlspace, and cracked skylights.

Interior damage is usually easier to spot than exterior damage. Any time you experience a storm it’s a good idea thoroughly look over both the interior and exterior of your home. If you experience storm damage inside or outside of your home immediately call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield.

Holiday Restoration Experts

12/26/2020 (Permalink)

With holidays approaching rapidly we at SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield know this would be the worst possible time to have to deal with the headache of dealing with a water or fire loss. We would much rather homeowners and business owners be with their loved ones celebrating the happy season. But disaster waits for no one and more than likely never happens at the best time.

Don't be afraid to call us! Even on holidays our teams are available and work around the clock. No job is too big, too small, too far, and too much of a hassle for us to handle. If you suffer from a holiday water and/or fire loss this holiday season be sure to call the professionals at SERVPRO first. 

Why is Commercial Restoration Important?

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

Always seek professional help in the face of water damage.

When there is water damage in your property, there is only one thing that you should do. You should always seek to get professional help. There are two advantages to getting professional help when it comes to having water damage to your property. One is that water damage companies have the proper equipment and they employ the best professionals to do the job. With a water damage restoration professional, your home will be in good hands since you have SERVPRO professionals working with you to combat the water problem.

At the first sign of water damage call SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks to deal with your issues. We will work on your residential or commercial property immediately. When it comes to water damage, your action must be quick in order to prevent further damage to your property and health.

Flooded Carpet Clean Up

12/20/2020 (Permalink)

After a flood, many home and property owners may wonder if their carpet and pad can be saved as carpeting can be an expensive investment. Saving it is more cost-effective than replacing it but successful flooded carpet cleaning depends on many things. While trying to extract the water yourself has some benefits, professional carpet cleaning is a much better solution. A shop vacuum, towels, and ceiling fans are no match for professional extraction and drying equipment. Plus, an expert can evaluate the entire water damage incident and mitigate and remediate the entire loss, not just the carpet. While trying to extract the water yourself has some benefits, professional carpet cleaning is a much better solution. A shop vacuum, towels, and ceiling fans are no match for professional extraction and drying equipment. Plus, an expert can evaluate the entire water damage incident and mitigate and remediate the entire loss, not just the carpet. For any of your flooded carpet cleaning needs, call the SERVPRO professionals. Our restoration teams will provide an industry-standard estimate and create a proper plan of action to restore your carpet quickly.

How to Prevent Mold Growth in Your Closets

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Mold can grow anywhere in homes, including closets. Moisture can accumulate in closets, providing a breeding ground for mold growth. 

• Make sure that clothes are completely dry before storing them in closets. The moisture in clothing can accelerate mold growth.
• Don’t store items on the closet floor to prevent trapping moisture underneath them.
• Empty, clean, and dry closets thoroughly on occasion. Doing so ensures you keep them fresh and aired out, reducing the possibility of mold growth.
• If you have a humidity problem in your home, use the air conditioning unit or a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

Don't let microbial growth take over any part of your home! Make sure to regularly check damp places and help them dry out if you can. If you experience mold call SERVPRO right away. 

Earthquake Safety with SERVPRO

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

Earthquakes are one of the most destructive of nature’s forces and Southern California knows them well. Due to their unpredictable nature and the amount of damage they can cause, everyone should be prepared for an earthquake. 

Creating an earthquake safety checklist can keep you, your family and pets, as well as your home more safe. Having emergency kits that last up to 3 days or practicing the "stop, drop, and hold" protocol can always become of use. 

After an earthquake sometimes home can experience broken pipes or kitchen machines and that brings water damage into the home, or outside forces come indoors. If your home suffers water, fire, or storm damage from an earthquake call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield (once it is safe to do so).

Fireplace Safety Guidelines

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), more than a third of home heating fires in the U.S. involve fireplaces and chimneys. Here are some critical fireplace safety tips that could help prevent a smoke or fire-related accident in your home during these cold months.

• Inspect your chimney cap regularly. If it’s damaged, repair or replace it.
• Make sure there is a fire extinguisher in the room.
• Keep all flammable objects, such as newspapers, books, holiday decorations, and furniture, at least two feet away from the fireplace.
• Have a mesh metal screen or glass fireplace doors installed to prevent embers from shooting out of the fireplace.
• Always supervise the fire and never leave it burning when going to sleep or leaving the home.

Even with all the proper fireplace safety measures in place, accidents can still happen. As smoke can severely damage a home, it’s essential to get the house remediated as soon as possible. The longer soot and smoke sits on a surfacer, the more damage it can do. Our fire damage restoration technicians use the latest equipment and techniques to remove soot and deodorize your house after fire damage, quickly and properly. For professional fire damage cleaning services, contact SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield.

Take Precaution of Storm Damage

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Violent weather such as storm damage can wreak havoc on buildings and homes. Wind damage can be a hazard to the structure of a building, by loosening the shingles or tiles on the roof. This can cause moisture such as rain to infiltrate into the protective surface of the roof, which will result in the wood swelling and later on disintegration and becoming moldy. This outcome will lead to a sagging ceiling and further problems.

Even though in the summer it is still over 90 degrees outside, the winter season is rapidly approaching in SoCal and it will be here before we know it. As a home or business owner we suggest taking the time this season to double check the roof of your home for any prior damage. Taking a few minutes out of your day to check can possibly save you a headache for storm restoration needs later on.

If you experience storm damage to your property, always call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield.

4 Common Restoration Myths

11/28/2020 (Permalink)

Don’t fall for the property restoration myths! When in doubt, always consult a trained professional restoration company, such as SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield. Professionals are the best assurance when it comes to mitigation and restoration. Here are some common myths about restoration:

• Replacing costs less than restoring
• Drying a home/business is complete when the carpets are dry
• A fire-damage home/business will always smell like smoke
• DIY is cheaper than hiring a restoration company 

If a property owner doesn’t act quickly enough or doesn’t take the right actions due to these misconceptions, they can end up with even more damage to deal with, which could’ve easily been avoided. If your commercial property suffers from water, fire, and or mold damage always call SERVPRO. 

What To Do When a Roof Leak Leaves You With Water Damage

11/23/2020 (Permalink)

Over time, roofs weaken due to exposure to the elements, making roof leaks almost inevitable. Unfortunately, leaking roofs lead to water damage and mold growth if they are not repaired within 24 to 48 hours of the water intrusion.

• Move any items that might get damaged by water, such as furniture, electronics, and valuables to a dry area. Cover furniture with plastic sheets if you cannot move it.
• Place a bucket under the leak to collect the water. 
• Water leaks may cause paint on the ceiling to bubble or blister. 
• Locate and repair the leak, call a professional plumber.

It’s also important to act quickly when you have a leaky roof to prevent water damage and mold growth. Call SERVPRO whenever a leak leaves you with water damage in your home.

Fall and Winter Storm Restoration Experts

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Fall/winter weather can include a wide range of weather activity, such as severe storms with powerful winds that can cause serious damage. Or — heavy rainfall that leads to over-the-ground flooding. Severe weather can thus result in costly storm damage repair. So, when the storm is over, it’s important to know what to do, as well as what NOT to do.

Regardless of the circumstances — damage from storms or floods, fire, smoke, or mold, call SERVPRO. Our mitigation experts are standing by to provide storm damage restoration to return the property to a preloss condition. They are well-trained and use the latest state-of-the-art science. We can help you determine the full extent of the damage and perform services following industry standards and best practices.

Fire and Smoke Restoration Experts

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

Whether you suffered from a local wildfire or had an accidental fire in your kitchen… we will make your property look like new again. We clean every affected surface, furniture, etc. as well as remove soot, ash and smoke. You can have peace of mind with our fire & smoke reconstruction services to renovate your home to make it like new again and we will help you and address all aspects of the project. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield provides all of the services to return your home to its original state. If your home or business has been affected by fire and/or smoke damage, give us a call immediately! Our crews are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and no fire loss is too large or too small for our office to handle. 

Dangers of Water Damage

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Halloween might be over but the horror that is water damage can happen anytime of the year!
If you’ve experienced water damage in your home or business, it is crucial that the problem is addressed ASAP! When water damages go unnoticed or neglected, the damage it leaves on your home and family only worsens over time.

Here are some results that come from neglected water damages:

• Microbial growth & mildew
• Structural problems
• Electrical problems
• Bacteria & germs

Ready for expert care? When it comes to finding water damage services near Bakersfield, CA SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield has your back. We have restored thousands of homes and want to be your first call. When this winter hits, keep us in mind for our water cleanup cleanup & restoration services.

Why Commercial Restoration is Important

11/6/2020 (Permalink)

Nobody expects disaster to strike their business, but the fact of the matter is—it could happen to any business. So, just as it’s important to have insurance in place when you need it, it’s vital to have an emergency restoration management plan in place should your business ever need it. Restoration companies give top priority to businesses that are hit with fire, water, mold, storm, or other damages. 

Specifically with COVID19 posing issues to commercial business lately, it is a good idea to contact SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield for a professional cleaning. Keeping you, your employees, and your customers safe is our top priority. 

It is important to have a relationship with a commercial restoration team because you may never know when you need them. Our teams are available 24/7 365 days out of the year and no problem is too small or too large for our team to handle. 

Warning Signs of a Fire Not to Ignore

11/3/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know that faulty electrical wiring and overloaded systems are the most common cause of electrical fires?

Overloaded systems tend to have strong electrical currents running through the wires, causing them to heat up in the process. The situation can become a real danger when the system heats up enough for ignition to happen, causing a fire in the process. Don’t ignore the most common electrical malfunctions that could cause an electrical fire. Taking the precautionary steps to protect your home from fire damage can save you from a massive headache in the long run. 

If you experience an electrical fire in your home, your best chance at fully restoring your home and belongings requires a quick call to the professionals at SERVPRO. 

Commercial Restoration Providers for SW Bakersfield

10/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield professional technicians are trained and certified in the use of the proper products and personal protective equipment (PPE) that enables them to safely clean, disinfect and restore homes and businesses. As providers of essential services by the Los Angeles County, we are prepared to address the most pressing disaster restoration, cleanup, and disinfection issues facing our customers, whether it involves emergency mitigation and recovery, or cleaning and disinfecting homes, schools, healthcare and quarantine facilities, public institutions, and businesses. When dangerous toxins or pathogens, such as microbes and viruses, contaminate a structure, the professionals at SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield employ products approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to clean, disinfect and restore the property.

If your commercial property suffers from water, fire, mold, or storm damage call us immediately at 661-326-8422.

How To Spot Water Damage In Your Home

10/26/2020 (Permalink)

Quick signs that could lead to possible water damage in your home. 

1. Check your floors.

No matter what kind of flooring you have, it will manifest signs of water damage.

2. Look for stains.

Unusual stains could indicate there is a leaky pipe or drain inside the wall. Cracks in the drywall or areas that appear swollen and are soft to touch also may signify trouble. Peeling paint is another sign of loose water within wall spaces. As the drywall gets saturated, paint can lose adhesion.

3. Inspect the outside.

What you want to look for are pools of standing water that can indicate poor drainage in the yard, gutter spouts that aren’t transporting water far enough from the house or leaky rain gutters.

4. Watch for rust and mold.

Inspect your water heater and check for rust on the tank or damp spots on the floor.

By following these tips and being aware as a homeowner you can possibly catch water damage early on and save yourself a headache in the future. 

Smoke Damage Restoration For Your Home

10/20/2020 (Permalink)

Smoke damage is a common side effect of fire damage, but it can happen on its own if a fire is contained. After a fire, even a small one, it’s important not to skip the important step of smoke damage restoration. A fire can devastate you and even affect your sense of security in your home or office. And while fire damage tends to be obvious, smoke damage can be a bit more subtle. However, smoke damage also needs to be repaired to restore the beauty and stability in your building’s interior.

A fire is easier to contain than smoke damage and smoke damage can be destructive even if it doesn't seem that way. Smoke restoration requires special equipment and knowledge, it also takes a special knowledge of where smoke can penetrate, the sources of smoke odor, and the best cleaning and restoration method for specific surfaces and materials.

City of Los Angeles Certificate of Appreciation

10/17/2020 (Permalink)

We are proud to be serving our community!

It was such an honor to receive a Certificate of Appreciation for the work our SERVPRO has done for the City of Los Angeles, California. Absolutely privileged to have Councilman David Ryu to tour our facility.  We were also happy to be able to help and donate much-needed gloves, masks, and supplies to our front line medical workers that are fighting this pandemic.

We are professionals that are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis.

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

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

How To Go About A Water Loss

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

If you, unfortunately, suffer from a water loss it’s good to know your resources. 

Two main priorities are calling your insurance company and getting a water restoration company out to you. The longer you wait the more damage you risk in your home, standstill water can lead to microbial growth and that’s another headache you don’t need on top of a water loss. 

And most importantly, even if you think you can handle it and dry out the water yourself, you should always, and no matter what call SERVPRO. We would hate for you to not be able to complete the job and create a bigger problem for your home, and it’s what we are here to do. We want to handle your water loss!

Summer Heat Safety At Home

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

In sunny southern California, it's hot enough to be outside!  Beat the heat this summer and stay cool indoors with the following tips:

• Cover windows to block extra heat from direct sunlight coming in.
• Use fans strategically. Your ceiling fans should be turning counter-clockwise to force the air downwards. 
• Cook with small appliances, such as a slow-cooker or tabletop grill to minimize the heat level.
• Check on your elderly and disabled neighbors regularly. 
• Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water steadily; don't wait until you're thirsty.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol which causes us to lose water more rapidly.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightly colored, and lightweight clothes.
• Do not exercise outdoors. If you must exercise outdoors, only exercise in the early morning hours, before 8 a.m.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Check the local news and other outlets for important safety information.

Commercial Owners Be Prepared When It Comes To Mold Testing

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Mold becomes a problem only when there is too much of it. In commercial buildings, mold overgrowth occurs in places that collect too much moisture such as air conditioning ductwork, trash chutes, and around water leaks from pipes, fixtures, or into the building envelope. Sometimes overgrowth is obvious to the eye and nose, drawn by a moldy smell, you discover a patch of greenish mold in the bathroom under a dripping sink valve. 

Other mold problems flourish out of sight with faint or no odor clues: behind the wall, for example, fed by a failing roof. 

Always schedule professional cleaning if you suspect the following on your property(s):

• There is no visual evidence of mold but the smell of mold is present.
• There has been a history of leaks or standing water issues.
• Tenants complain of allergy or health symptoms that could be caused by mold such as sneezing, coughing, and headaches.
• Tenants suspect mold issues or are unsure whether mold may be present.

You should call SERVPRO for any mold infestation that is more than a few feet in diameter; related to flooding or water damage; inside ventilation or heating systems or inside walls.

Here Are 10 Tips To Avoid Water Damage To Your Home

10/3/2020 (Permalink)

In Southern California, there are ways to protect yourself against costly water losses and claims. Follow these 10 easy tips to keep your home safe and well-maintained:

On The Outside:

1. Maintain Trees and Vegetation

Thriving shrubs can be a beautiful thing – except when their roots wrap around your pipes and break them.  That’s why it’s important to minimize landscaping near utility pipes or, if necessary, remove trees and shrubs that have become too big.

2. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Clean your gutters at least twice a year to avoid blockage and ice dams. Standing water can cause damage to your gutters and roof, and unmanaged overflow may create puddles that could damage your foundation. Don’t forget to clean downspouts to ensure water can flow through, and secure downspouts so that they point away from the home.

3. Disconnect Hoses

Standing water in a hose may freeze back into the pipe and create an ice block that may bust your pipes and create damage to walls, floor, and foundation.

On the Inside:

4. Know your Water Main

Know the location of your water main and shut it off if you leave for an extended amount of time.  If no water goes into the house, chances are no faucet drips can wreak havoc on your home.

5. Check Appliances Regularly

Check and maintain your appliances regularly for leaks according to the manufacturer’s directions.

6. Investigate Leaks Right Away and Fix Promptly

If you opt to ignore moisture damage or postpone making the necessary repairs be prepared to experience mold, mildew, dry rot, or even structural damage to your home.  Keep in mind that homeowner’s insurance provides coverage for damage that is sudden and accidental.  Damage that results from a lack of maintenance is not covered on a standard homeowner’s insurance policy.

7. Upgrade Washing Machine Hoses

Old, brittle, or leaky washing machine hoses are among the most frequent causes of water loss for homeowners.  Replace yours regularly to avoid a mighty mess and expensive damage.

8. Install Water Detection Devices

A water detector is a small electronic device that sounds an alarm when its sensor is in contact with moisture.  Its main benefit is that it detects low moisture levels or slow leaks that often go unnoticed.  Install it near water heaters, sump pumps, washing machines, dishwashers, and toilets to prevent extensive damage and mold growth.

9. Check Your Water Pressure

If the water pressure to your home is set too high, pipes and hoses may fail under the pressure. Buy a water pressure gauge at a local hardware store, attach it to an outside faucet, and turn the faucet to full force. The gauge will give you a reading of the home’s water pressure. Typical residential water systems are designed for water pressure of 40 – 70 psi. If your home’s water pressure exceeds 100psi, install a pressure regulator (which is available at hardware stores as well.)

10. Do Monitor Your Water Bill

Sometimes, the only way you know that water is leaking is by taking a closer look at your water bill.  If your usage jumps significantly from one month to the next without explanation, put your “water detective’s hat” on.  Is there a leak in your crawlspace? Or, is it a pipe in your front yard? Don’t leave mystery leaks unattended!  

Call us if you have any questions!  We are here to help!

Stop The Spread of Germs with SERVPRO

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

Here are some helpful tips to prevent the spread of germs.  This is to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases.  The first tip is to avoid close contact with people who are sick.  If you feel any ill symptoms, make sure to cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Another helpful tip to avoid getting germs to attack into your immune system is to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.  Also, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.  Some more tips include staying home when you are sick, except to get medical care.  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is one of the important ways to spread germs.

Another way to fight germs in your home or business is to call SERVPRO to professionally disinfect and clean it for you.  Call us anytime!  We are here to help!  

5 Things to Know About Water Damage

9/18/2020 (Permalink)

A pipe burst just happened in your California home and you might be wondering what to do next to avoid water damage. Here are five things you should know to prevent long term problems after flooding:

1. Damage Can Happen Numerous Ways

A waterline may break, a storm could lead to flooding, or you might have a leaky seal around a window. No matter what type of water damage you could be worried about, a SERVPRO professional should still be able to help. Give us a call! 

2. Repairs Should Be Taken Care of Quickly Once Discovered

Any time you have any water damage, whether, from a pipe burst or roof leak, it’s important to make repairs as quickly as possible. A quick cleanup may help save your home from more costly problems long term.

3. Untreated Damage Can Cause Long Term Problems

Fix all the damaged areas as soon as possible. Putting off repairs can lead to additional issues like warped wood or mold growth.

4. Affected Areas Can Be Restored

No matter how bad the damage may appear at first, a restoration company like SERVPRO can conduct cleanup and repairs. With little time and work, we can soon have the space looking “Like it never even happened.”

5. A Professional Can Help

Anytime you think you may have flood water issues of any kind, call SERVPRO for details. We are here to help!

Prevent Storm Damages To Your Home

9/13/2020 (Permalink)

The wind in our area can get pretty extreme; damage develops on your roof, in your walls, windows, and many other areas of your home, causing you to fall victim to storm damage that often requires professional attention to repair. Making you look for someone you can trust to assist you through a pretty hectic time.
 
Many companies specialize in providing you with a single service, but what you need is someone who can manage the entire situation and perform everything you need to get things under control. A stress-free experience awaits, protect your home from storm damage today with full-service solutions from your local restoration company.
 
SERVPRO offers these services and more, creating an experience that meets or exceeds your expectations and returns your home to a quality pre-damage condition that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. We even work with your insurance company and assist you with any paperwork associated with your claim process.
 
SERVPRO can help you become more informed, providing you with prevention and preparation methods to prevent excessive damage to your property. Everything from professional grading to assist with drainage, installation of additional drains, backflow valves, as well as submersible pumps to help during an emergency.
 
When damage does happen on your property, we respond quickly and pay specific attention to each and every area of your home. We have many services available designed to protect the contents of your home and keep valuable personal items out of the loss column.
 

Coronavirus Cleaning Services

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is here to help disinfect, sanitize and clean your home and business!

As we are learning new developments about the Coronavirus COVID-19, we must do our part and take advised measures to flatten the curve and protect ourselves and the ones we love.  

Need Specialized Cleaning Services? 

Call Us Today 818-730-1434

SERVPRO of Southwest Bakersfield professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

Our professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

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

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks

• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are 10 key indicators of Coronavirus symptoms which can appear two to two weeks after exposure:

1. Shortness of Breath
2. Fever
3. Dry Cough
4. Chills and Body Aches
5. Sudden Confusion
6. Digestive Issues
7. Pink Eye
8. Loss of Smell and Taste
9. Fatigue
10. Headache, Sore Throat, Congestion

It is important to consult your medical provider if you develop any severe or concerning symptoms.  

Tips from the CDC on stopping the spread of germs is to:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
• When in public, wear a cloth face covering over your mouth and nose.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touch objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

As a vendor of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, we are always here to help the community. For more information about our services, please contact our Executive Vice President of Sales, Genna Grinblat at Genna@SERVPROwestcoast.com or at 818-730-1434.  Let us know how we can help. 

Sources: 

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/stop-the-spread-of-germs.pdf
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
• https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/15/health/10-key-coronavirus-symptoms-wellness/index.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/summary.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fsummary.html

Follow us on our Social Media pages!

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

Do you already follow us on our social media pages?  If you have not done so already, come find us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram!  We aim to provide great content by giving everyday helpful tips, showcasing our work and just keeping it fun overall.  Some of our posts include the science of identifying and eliminating odors can be tricky, but as professionals in deodorization, we can take care of it.  Some other examples of what we post are many emergency preparedness tips and showing before and after photos. We also like to share the jobs we’ve done in the past in cities such as Los Angeles, Century City, Hollywood, Downtown, Bakersfield, Sylmar, and just all over the West Coast.  What would you like to see us share on our pages? Let us know! We would love to hear from you. 

Here are the links to our pages:

Facebook: click here

Instagram: click here

Twitter: click here

LinkedIn: click here

Working From Home? Here Is Our Guide To Staying Productive And Being Successful

3/31/2020 (Permalink)

As coronavirus changes the daily lives of Americans, lately many of us get the privilege to work from home to be safe.  There are certain perks to working from home. You officially have the shortest commute and your meetings do not happen in the conference room.  But, if you are not careful, working from home can also come with some downsides.  If you are the type to get distracted easily, do not worry, there is hope.  

Here is our guide to staying productive.  Want to know if they work?  Well, this blog you are reading right now was written from home sweet home.

1. Get an office. Set aside a whole room or a portion of your home that is for all business and only business. Your bed would not be the ideal location to set up your office because that is where you sleep. 

2. Get rid of background noise. Be aware of how productive you are while listening to music.  Playing music all day helps some people while it can distract others. So, find out which one you are.

3. Break a sweat! Since gyms are shut down in California for a while due to the Covid-19 virus outbreak, make it apart of your job to set aside about 30 minutes to an hour to get your body moving at home. Working from home can reduce the amount of calories we burn in a day. You can still workout outside in nature. You could even throw on workout video to your liking on YouTube. So, grab that jump rope, some light weights or both.  No excuses.

4. Keep essentials in your workspace. Keep items such as snacks, coffee or a cozy sweater near your desk.  This is a way to prevent you from getting up to grab something and encountering who-knows-what distractions around the house.

5. Know when to take a break.  When your home is also your office, it can feel like you are always working.  Decide when you are done for the day, and stick to it. 

6. Communicate! Make sure to stay in communication with people throughout the day.  Chat with colleagues, schedule phone meetings or even check in on Zoom.  This will make you feel less lonely and it will also make you feel like an asset to the company you are working for.

7. Get Dressed. Keep your outfit casual and comfortable, but not in the pajama family.  It might sound unnecessary, but you will feel more professional, and you will be prepared if a last-minute meeting comes up.

8. Keep things clean! Make sure to always have your workspace clean by the end of the day, so when you come back to it the next day, you are ready to work without clutter.  Also doing this will help reduce trash from piling up.  

9. Look at the perks of working from home.  You are home during the day. Do you realize what that means?  You save on gasoline because you don't have to drive to the office.  Most importantly, you won't get anyone sick if you come to work with a sniffle.  The more you enjoy working from home, the more you will enjoy your job.  Now, get back to work!

Soot and Smoke Damage

1/6/2020 (Permalink)

Soot and smoke can be just as damaging as fire.

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 Encino/Sherman Oaks 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.

Prepared for Any Size Disaster

1/5/2020 (Permalink)

Our crews can handle any disaster at any magnitude, so never be afraid to call.

While everything is going well, and no disaster is on the horizon, take proactive steps to manage the potential risk disaster could bring your commercial property. Take time to establish a working relationship with a commercial emergency restoration management company, such as SERVPRO, that you may need in the future. Here are some things to look for when you are shopping around.

• Are they a 24 hour emergency response team? If 25/8 was a thing SERVPRO is on it, never be afraid to call us because we will be there.
• Do they work with your insurance? Of course, we want you to be covered so we will do our part to help you and communicate with all parties involved.
• Are they safe and reliable? Absolutely, we hold team meetings every morning to go over a new or refresher topic of safety to keep everyone reliable and aware.
• Do they have expert technicians and the experience? All of our technicians and office staff are IICRC trained and have continual training to ensure they are up to date and aware of all possible losses.
• Will they update you and keep your file safe? Yes, we promise daily updates to both you and your insurance company so you will never be in the dark.

These are all great questions to have and to ask. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield can guarantee that you will be satisfied with us as your primary commercial disaster response team because we know we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Learning About Fires and the Damages They Cause

1/4/2020 (Permalink)

Fires can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time.

Fires are fast and in less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire. It can take only minutes for thick black smoke to fill a home. Fire is dark and even though it starts out bright the thick smoke can produce complete darkness. Fire is hot and the heat is more threatening than the huge flames; inhaling the hot air can scorch your lungs and melt your clothes. And lastly, fire is deadly; smoke and toxic gases kill more people than actual flames do. You and your family should always have a safety plan if a fire were to ever occur and once you and your pets are safely out of the house call 9-1-1. Once the flames are out safely then call SERVPRO to come out immediately and begin restoration to hopefully save everything possible

The Best in Commercial Restoration

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Sw Bakersfield is the best in our class.

Even if it seems like everything is going well, and no disaster is on the horizon, you and your company should be taking proactive steps to manage the potential risk that a disaster could bring your commercial property. Take time to establish a working relationship with a commercial emergency restoration management company, such as SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield, that you may need in the future. Here are some things to look for when you are shopping around and don't know where to start.

• Are they a 24-hour emergency response team? If 25/8 was a thing SERVPRO is on it, never be afraid to call us because we will be there.
• Do they work with your insurance? Of course, we want you to be covered so we will do our part to help you and communicate with all parties involved.
• Are they safe and reliable? Absolutely, we hold team meetings every morning to go over a new or refresher topic of safety to keep everyone reliable and aware.
• Do they have expert technicians and the experience? All of our technicians and office staff are IICRC trained and have continual training to ensure they are up to date and aware of all possible losses.
• Will they update you and keep your file safe? Yes, we promise daily updates to both you and your insurance company so you will never be in the dark.

These are all great questions to have and to ask along with many others. Never be afraid to ask too many questions. At SERVPRO we can guarantee that you will be satisfied with us as your primary commercial disaster response team because we know we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

We Specialize in Water Damage

12/25/2019 (Permalink)

Never be afraid to call SERVPRO when you need us!

An influx of water into your home or business can happen for any number of reasons; a burst pipe, a washing machine malfunction or a toilet overflow. Regardless of the cause, excess water can have serious adverse effects and cause water damage very quickly. Water damage can cause wood floors to rot, destroy furniture and personal belongings, and even compromise the structural stability of a building. We understand that water damage is not an every day occurrence for most people but for SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield  it is our specialty. Every single one of our technicians and office staff goes through training to understand what goes on in the field. You'll never have to be stressed with SERVPRO even though dealing with water damage is one of the most stressful situations. We know how to take care of you, your family, your possessions, and most importantly your home. 

SERVPRO Partners with RedCross

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

We are proud partners with the Red Cross

SERVPRO began a National partnership in March of 2013 with the American Red Cross as the largest corporate sponsor for the Ready Rating Program. As a Disaster Responder member, SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is among an elite group of companies and foundations from almost every industry. The Red Cross, and SERVPRO alike, are very refutable companies that people know and trust and by working together we are able to come together for our communities and neighbors in any time of need. Even though Southern California may not experience storms like the rest of the country doesn't mean that when storms do hit they are taken lightly. Partnering with the Red Cross allows our company to be apart of something bigger than just water and fire remediation. We are always here to help.  

Be Prepared and Recover from Frozen Pipes

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

It's obviously not very cold in Southern California but it is possible for your home to suffer from frozen pipes. A burst pipe can have serious and costly effects on your home or business. However, there are things you can do to be prepared for these freezing conditions. Any areas of your home or business where pipes are present should be well heated during the winter, or at the very lease well insulated. It's optimal to keep the temperature well above freezing and not letting it get below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

When you know temperatures are going to dip close to freezing, leaving your faucets dripping can also help prevent pipes from freezing. 

But what should you do if a pipe has already burst? Know where your main water shutoff valve is! This is one of the most important things to be aware of to quickly stop the extent of damage being done, shutting the water off can prevent additional areas from damage. 

After all this is said and done and if you have still suffered a water damage from a frozen or burst pipe call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield for immediate assistance. 

Faster to Your Water Damage in Bakersfield

12/20/2019 (Permalink)

We specialize in water damage restoration.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield 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 the floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. The immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (805)529-5600

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 SW Bakersfield

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield 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.

Community Lives in Us

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

Community is important to us, not just in our office but around the cities!

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield wants to serve our communities in the best way possible; we participate in our city chamber events, love to sponsor the Boys & Girls club, and you can catch us at all the emergency readiness preparation meetings. We find it necessary to be connected with those surrounding us and not only show up when there is a loss or disaster. It’s very important that we are not just another company entering your home but we are truly someone that you would trust to take care of you when a not so happy situation happens. Our previous clients have loved the work we provided and wish it wasn’t under bad circumstances and we take true pride in being involved. If you have a community event you think we would fit in please feel free to reach out, we want to benefit anyone anyway we can!

SERVPRO Vendor Qualifications and Professionalism

12/19/2019 (Permalink)

We take our professionalism seriously, so we treat our vendors to the same level.

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield only uses the best of the best when it comes to vendors that we bring in on clients claims. Whether it’s a fire claim and we have to bring in someone to clean the smoke smell out of your clothes, or a storage pod after a water damage to make sure other items are not involved we only trust sub vendors that we hold to SERVPRO standards. We treat clients like family and we want all of them to know that their claim is just as serious as the next, no matter the damage done or the size; everyone is important and will be treated as such. We also expect the same from our vendors when they interact with any customers and are proud to be working with them, if you ever experience water, fire, or mold damage you should always call SERVPRO for immediate assistance.

Are You Prepared for a Storm?

11/30/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding can affect inside and outside of your home.

There is always potential for flood damage no matter where you live. According to the American Red Cross, floods cause more damage in the United States every year than any other weather-related disaster. The American Red Cross offers these flood safety tips:

-Stay away from flood waters. If you come up on a flowing stream where water is above your ankles, stop, turn around and go another way. Six inches of swiftly moving water can sweep you off your feet.

-If you approach a flooded road while driving, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are riding rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most cars can be swept away by less than two feet of moving water.

-Keep children out of the water. They are curious and often lack judgment about running water or contaminated water. 

If a flood occurs and affects you, call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield at (818) 995-6444.  Even minor floods have potential to cause major damage. Let us help you get your life back on top.

Be Wary of Kitchen Grease Fires

11/28/2019 (Permalink)

Sparked by unattended stovetop pans or forgotten items in toaster ovens, kitchen grease fires are extremely dangerous. Grease fires create thick, foul, acidic, dangerous smoke residue that doesn’t just affect visible appliance surfaces, finishes and controls. This thick sooty residue coats the insides of appliances including motors, electronics, interior structural fittings and even areas inside door seals. Our experienced technicians know that action within 48 hours is recommended to prevent further damages. Odor is a concern, too. Often combined with protein, grease fires can leave extremely pungent, difficult to eradicate, long-lasting smoky odor on and in appliances. You shouldn't only worry about the appliance that caught fire but all the other appliances as well, as they have also been affect from being in the same vicinity. Always be aware and always call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield for any fire remediation in your home.

Unexpected Water Damage?

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

It can happen when you least expect it and don't want it to!

What do you do when you experience a water loss? The obvious answer should be: call SERVPRO. But that might not always be on the forefront of people’s minds. We understand the panic most people feel because they are worried about their items and probably the expenses that might come with everything they are experiencing. We want to let all current and future customers to know that our technicians and office staff are fully prepared to handle anything that has happened. SERVPRO of Sw Bakersfield is the franchise that you can trust with any of your water needs. This isn't something that everyone experiences and most people might not know where to begin, and it can be a lot to deal with in the beginning. We are here to make everything easy and "Like it never even happened."

We Are Your Neighborhood Large Loss Response Team

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial jobs are just as important as residential.

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield has been deemed as a Large Loss Reponse Team (LLRT) which means we have the capability to handle any size loss. Within the last few months we have had the opportunity to work with large companies all over Southern California. With this title it allows us to really make a difference on corporations and businesses that need to get back to operating hours quickly. But just because we have these opportunities doesn't mean we can or could forget about our other claims, we understand the importance and clients needs to get back to a normal life quickly no matter the size of their damage. You can always trust that SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is reliable and will make it "Like it never even happened."

What to Expect from a Storm Damage Loss

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

Wind damage can be a hazard to the structure of a building, by loosening the shingles or tiles on the roof. This can cause moisture such as rain and snow to infiltrate into the protective surface of the roof, which will result in the wood swelling and later on disintegrating and becoming moldy. This outcome will lead to a sagging ceiling and further problems. Elements such as wind, rain, hail, and lightning can result in turning people’s lives upside down, this is why having a storm damage restoration service to help this type of emergency is a good option. Whether it is a business or residence, SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield will come to your property and their trained experts will do a thorough examination of the interior and exterior of your building. This will help them discover the level of the damage. Depending on what type of damage is present, this will determine the type of equipment the professional will use. In the case of flooding, they will use specialized pumps and vacuums to remove water from the affected areas. Generators will be brought in to operate their dehumidifiers and air movers so mold and mildew do not have a change to make matters worse. Using customized cleaners, the specialist will then disinfect hard surfaces and shampoo salvageable carpets as well as apply deodorant to combat any odors. If contacted in time, a storm damage restoration company will be able to rescue your building from greater structural issues, by inspecting the roof and replacing the dilapidated areas.

Stay in Business After a Storm

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

As a business owner or manager, you are a leader in your community, and have the opportunity to set an example for your employees, customers, and community to follow.

This year, join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters of all types, and leading efforts to encourage the community as a whole to become more prepared.

Disasters not only devastate individuals and neighborhoods, but entire communities, including businesses of all sizes. As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your company, its employees, and its infrastructure, and maximizes your chances of recovery after an emergency or disaster.

Ready Business asks companies to take three simple steps: - Plan to stay in business - Encourage your employees to become ready - Protect your investment

Ready Business, an extension of the Ready Campaign, helps business owners and managers of small and medium-sized businesses to prepare their employees, operations, and assets in the event of an emergency. At ready.gov/business, companies can find vital information on how to get started preparing their organization and addressing their unique needs during an emergency.

We Are Around the Clock

11/24/2019 (Permalink)

Ready to aid you no matter what time or day it may be.

SERVPRO is known for being faster to any size disaster, commercial or residential. When compared to other restoration companies SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is not only on site the quickest but maximizes the job to make sure they are faster when also getting you back into your home or place of business. Why SERVPRO? Because we understand what it means to be the leader in restoration not just in our city but across the nation, being a company that is available 24/7 we are truly around the clock. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield has a professional always on call to make sure we are ready to jump into action no matter what time it is or what the job call may be! You’ll never have to worry about what time your emergency may happen knowing that we will be there for you immediately.

Commercial Fire Loss Experts

11/22/2019 (Permalink)

A point of contact will always be onsite for you to refer and ask questions to, as well as contact with the office claims managers.

Recently, SERVPRO was able to be onsite for a commercial large loss fire. As a Large Loss Response Team (LLRT) we are equipped with the technicians, equipment, and ability to handle some of the largest jobs. This food production company went up in flames late one night and our crews were out there the next day to help pack out all the contents in the affected building. All of the contents were affected with soot and smoke damage and most of the electronics had already been removed to be cleaned and salvaged. It was extremely important to work quickly because of the circumstances of the business being run out of this large warehouse. We were able to help get them on their way to being back to normal and running a flawless operation. 

If you or your clients suffer from fire, soot, or smoke damage always call SERVPRO for immediate help. Once the firefighters have cleared the property we will start work quickly for you.

IICRC

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

IICRC, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoring Certification, is a nonprofit organization that develops and publishes standards detailing the proper procedures for safe cleaning and restoration. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield prides ourselves on having our technicians as well as office staff to be IICRC certified.  Being up to IICRC standards allows all of our employees to have the best knowledge industry standard training giving each and every one of our customers the best service.  We are constantly holding classes for employees and professionals be up to date and work towards new certifications in areas such as: Applied Structural Drying, Commercial Drying, Fire and Smoke, Mold Removal, etc. This helps us to ensure that no matter what situation clients can always rest assured that they are choosing the best restoration company.

It's Our SERVPRO Promise

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

You would think this questions would be easy but it isn’t. In your city there could be dozens of restoration companies that you could choose from. Your insurance agent will probably recommend some restoration companies to you but you might want to research for yourself. And we are to tell you that SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield can promise that we are around the clock, reliable, and professional. We have been around for just under a decade and we understand that you might Google names like Service Master or Restoration Management Company but we promise we want to work with you and your insurance agent to get you back to living like normal. You can always check out our Yelp page for more customer testimonials or we are just a call away to explain to us what your issue is, we want to deal with your restoration issues! Our promise is that you won’t be disappointed you chose us as your experts.

Space Heater Safety in Your Home

10/26/2019 (Permalink)

Heating and electrical are some of the top causes for structure fires in the United States, especially in homes. Even though they are great for the cold months approaching they can pose a serious threat. Space heaters should be setup at least a few feet away from furniture or other combustible items. You should check the equipment regularly and it is a good idea to make sure the appliance is turned off or even unplugged whenever you leave your home or are not using it. Cleaning your space heater can be done by spraying compressed air throughout the inside and vents to get rid of dust and debris that may accumulate. You may need to remove the front cover to do so.

While many modern space heaters do have a safety shut off feature built in it is still a good idea to turn it off when it will not be monitored.

Home fires can still be unpredictable and if you fall victim to one you should always call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield for your immediate remediation needs. 

Faster To Any Size Disaster

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

Within hours we can be drying out your home.

There's no such thing as a small disaster, especially when the water you don't see has bacteria or causes mold. Water damage can and will affect the value of your property. Before you try and take care of it yourself consider how the damage can affect your home, SERVPRO professionals know how disruptive water damage can be for anyone. Our technicians are trained and equipped to manage the drying process by using equipment and moisture measuring devices. Your home or building will be quickly and thoroughly dried to industry standards. Which, in turn, will prevent secondary water damages. With rapid response time SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield can and will help you regain control and make sure your property is protected. Never put anything you love at risk and let your franchise professionals handle it. 

Large Loss Response Team

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

Large Loss isn't just commercial buildings, it's also schools and buildings within your community.

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is a Large Loss Response Team (LLRT) which means we can handle just about any size of job we are given. The purpose of the LLRT is to have Franchises pre-qualified to handle Large Losses for the Commercial Large Loss Division. SERVPRO requires that Large Loss Response Teams to be detailed and complete all jobs thoroughly, as well as have the performance capabilities to perform to corporate standards. Within the last few months SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks has completed a handful of commercial jobs with our Large Loss Response Team. This includes highly trained technicians, detail oriented office personnel, and hard work around the clock. Most of the time Large Loss jobs are commercial clients that need to get back to business ASAP, SERVPRO is well aware of the time crunch business owners are on to open back up their doors.

3 Ways to Prepare for Commercial Water Damage

10/22/2019 (Permalink)

It's good to always have a plan.

When you own a business, you have a bit of pressure on your shoulders to protect your assets as well as the assets and information of your clients. Here are some ways to protect yourself from a commercial water damage on your property.

• Computer Backups – the most necessary thing you can do!
• Plastic and Metal Filings – sometimes computers aren’t reliable and having paper backups can save you in case computers can’t be saved.
• Dehumidifier and Ventilation – this can help with microbial growth problems later on after a water damage and keeps your office air dry.

There isn’t a guarantee that you will always be safe from water damage but if you are prepared it can make the headache a lot easier. When it’s time always call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield, we understand that you need to get back into business quick and we will work with you to make that happen. Keeping not only you but your customers satisfied!

Reasons to Stop Stressing About Water Damage in Your Home

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

When water loss incidents threaten your home, getting the right professional assistance responding quickly to the disaster is critical to protecting both your property and its contents. Effective solutions for removing standing water and drying out saturated elements is only the beginning to fully recovering your property exposed to higher volumes of spreading water. Our team has a 24/7 response to these emergencies, arriving with the full measure of our recovery equipment and experienced technicians to begin effective mitigation tactics right away.

There are many steps to water loss recovery in your Bakersfield home, but water removal is among the priorities for technicians responding to the emergency. Standing water can pose significant risks to exposed materials including flooring, walls, and ceiling spaces. Without adequate removal and drying techniques to follow, you can find this water damage continuing to spread throughout your home and degrading construction materials, weakening structural elements, and facilitating the growth of hazardous secondary effects like mold.

From the time that our SERVPRO professionals first arrive at your home, we work to establish the full scope and spread of the water damage. We can utilize moisture detection equipment for areas difficult to see clearly. We must gain a fast understanding of affected materials and determine when flood cuts and other controlled demolition techniques are necessary to gain access to damp or highly saturated areas of your property.

With industry-leading extraction equipment like our extractor trucks, wet-vacs with wands, and portable submersible pumps, we have a variety of options to handle standing water we encounter in your home. Our SERVPRO professionals can work quickly to remove all excess water to ensure that we can get to critical drying efforts as promptly as possible.

While standing water might be difficult to see in your home, our SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield professionals have a broad inventory of recovery equipment designed to reduce this threat quickly. You can count on our IICRC-certified professionals to respond 24/7 to this water loss emergency and make it “Like it never even happened." Give us a call today.

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield

10/17/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield was recently taken over by its now owner, Alan Reed, and has been added to very successful multi franchise operation in Southern California. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield will be joining territories of Moorpark, Fillmore, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, and Encino which have all been onsite for the Thomas Fire in 2017 and the Malibu Fires in 2018 as well as other natural disasters around California. His offices are filled with technicians that are passionate about their line of work and claims managers that are compassionate about restoration. There is not a job that Alan and his team cannot handle and they thrive in hard situations where they can pull through to fix everything in their power. If you ever have any doubts about working with SERVPRO please feel free to read our testimonials page or Yelp reviews from clients we have had the pleasure of working with in the past to be assured that you are making the best decision when it comes to hiring a restoration team. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield can and will make it "Like it never even happened."

Who Should You Call for a Fire Loss?

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

We will be there for you in your time of need.

No one ever plans for a water or fire damage in their homes, but if you were to ever experience one SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield should be your first call for mitigation and remediation. Having a fire in your home can be a life altering event and you want your property to be restored back to the way it was before the fire. When a fire occurs at your house or commercial property, you should take swift action to handle the cleanup and restoration left behind by the fire itself and the efforts of the fire department. At SERVPRO we value your home as if it were our own because we understand clients in their time of need. If you need more opinions on who to call ask friends/family, neighbors, or even your insurance agents they will be able to help you in this process because we understand what a stressful time this can be. 

Recovering from a Storm Damage

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Don't panic when a storm rolls through, call SERVPRO.

Storms can cause serious damage to your home and/or place of business, and the worst part about storms is that they can catch you off guard just like any other type of damage. Recovering from a storm can be long and difficult, the following are some steps to use when recovering from a storm damaged home. Insurance claims; make sure to contact your insurance right away to see what you are covered for. Don’t dwell on the loss; focus on what you can start recovering or rebuilding. Start with what you can fix yourself; but leave the really gritty stuff to the professionals at SERVPRO. Recovering from a storm is difficult but not impossible and with the help of those at SERVPRO of Encino/Sherman Oaks we are confident that we will be able to help restore your home and your belongings.

Back to Basics

10/8/2019 (Permalink)

After a leak into the front room, this home had to have their carpets removed to lessen aby further damage.

Water damage, something SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is well immersed in and we are not a stranger to. Over 80% of damages we receive from clients are water-related, and they come in all shapes and sizes. All of our technicians are IICRC trained to understand different categories and types of water damages. This way they can best assess the damage and know where to place equipment, where to perform moisture readings, and how to effectively dry the space in the most efficient way possible. Insurance agents, as well as brokers, are also trained in our "world" to understand water damage this way we can work hand in hand in helping homeowners, property managers, business owners in dealing with a water loss. We all understand the high pressure you can feel from dealing with something uncommon such as a water loss but SERVPRO will always make it "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Readiness Profile

10/3/2019 (Permalink)

A little bit of information to further your knowledge about ERP's.

Emergency Readiness Profile, better known as an ERP, provides the critical information needed to begin mitigation and recovery services. It is designed to serve as a quick reference of important building and contact information

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. You can never be too prepared when it comes to your business and wanting to protect it, and we want to help you protect it as well.

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield offers personalized ERP's to both residential and commercial clients. By developing and utilizing at ERP you are able to minimize business interruption and have an immediate plan of action. SERVPRO is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Responding To Flood Damage Caused By Heavy Precipitation

7/13/2018 (Permalink)

Flood

Responding To Flood Damage

Rain clears the air and washes the plants, roads, and other outdoor surfaces of dust and grime around Bakersfield. However, when rain falls too fast or in amounts more significant than usual, water on the soil's surface can fail to drain away rapidly enough.

If your Bakersfield residence lies in the path of moving water, flood damage can cause your home serious problems. Changes near your home from road construction, new buildings, or even clogged curbside drains can all force the accumulation of too much rainwater on the ground's surface. Isolated events affecting only a few homes can devastate the individuals and families involved just as much as more widespread events.

SERVPRO is locally owned and able to respond Faster To Any Size Disaster, meaning that we handle jobs involving even slight flooding. A rapid response by our IICRC-certified team can help protect your home from other issues that flooding often causes. Water from the outside environment carries pathogens and other dangerous elements into homes. Removing the water alone cannot provide sufficient protection for residents, especially children. This is why our technicians train in learning and understanding the most effective methods for removing such dangers.

After we remove the water with our different sized pumps, we begin to remove the debris, silt, and garbage that entered your home. When these items no longer pose a threat, we can begin cleaning and sanitizing your home's surfaces. Flooding, unfortunately, often damages carpeting beyond repair. We remove both carpet and the padding underneath, and then completely dry the area so the installation of new carpeting or other floor coverings can safely proceed without risk of water damage or mold growth.

Knowing that disasters strike at all hours of the day and night, SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is always ready to take your call and start restoring your home. Flood damage can leave a lasting mark on your home if work does not begin immediately, so we as quickly as possible. Contacting us at (661)326-8422 for this and any other catastrophe can restore and protect your property.

Essential Emergency Apps For When Disaster Strikes

6/29/2018 (Permalink)

Our cellphone devices have become an essential in our day to day lives. We use them for planning out our schedules, keeping in touch with friends and family, and even to get the daily news. There really is an App for everything, including Apps that could help you during a disaster or emergency. Here are five useful Apps that will help during an emergency.

1. ubAlert

This App is a global social network where users share alerts about disasters (both natural and man-made). People can post what they are experiencing first hand as the disaster unfolds.

2. Official FEMA App

Use this app to arrange a meeting spot with your family, find an interactive emergency kit, and learn basic disaster safety tips.

3. Life 360 Family Finder

This app lets you and your family members’ share your exact location at all times. You can turn off the location feature when there is no emergency and use the chat to stay in touch.

4. !Emergency!

If you travel outside the country this app is ESSENTIAL. Don’t know where the nearest embassy is? Haven’t memorized the equivalent for 911, police or other medical services in the country you are visiting? Not a problem because this app will do it all for you.

5. Winter Survival Kit

A perfect app designed for WNY winters. This app details what you should keep in your car and notifies emergency services for you. It even alerts you to turn off the car every 30 mins to check the exhaust pipe for snow build up, protecting against carbon monoxide poisoning.

https://mashable.com/2013/10/07/storms-emergency-apps/#NegV8q1Akiqc

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield Services

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO

Yes, We Do Than Water & Fire Restoration and Mold Remediation... But we do a whole lot more!

Most people know that SERVPRO handles fire and water damage clean-up and restoration as well as mold remediation. Our 1-4-8 service standard says that we commit to responding to a call from an insurance carrier or call into the Call Center within 1 hour, be on scene in 4 hours and have an update to your insurance carrier within 8 hours to report on the condition of the loss. Because of this SERVPRO is one of the fastest and most trusted restoration companies in America!  SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is a locally owned franchise and we go even further and try to respond to your calls in Bakersfield and surrounding areas within 30 minutes and be on scene within 1 to 2 hours!

Water Damage Clean-Up

Water damage issues are an extremely time sensitive problem. Water damage clean-up costs generally average between $1000 to $4000 depending on the area affected and the length in time it takes for a professional to get on scene to start the clean-up. Additionally, the longer an area stays wet, the higher the chance that mold will surface and become a problem. That causes a significant increase to the cost of the clean-up as well as the time it takes to restore your home or business to its original condition. We use the best equipment and most innovative approaches to dry out water damage issues quicker than anyone else. Along with being on scene within 1 to 2 hours, this experience gives us the best chance to keep your water damage losses to a minimum! Our dry out times are generally within 2 to 3 days for a project that it would take most companies 4 to 5 days. Our goal is to have a dry out completed within 48 hours.

Fire Damage Clean-Up

Our 24-Hour Emergency service provides you with the peace of mind that if your crock pot (or slow cooker) causes an electrical fire in the middle of the night, we can be there in a flash to get working on cleaning up any time of the day or night so you can get back to living your life as quickly as possible! According to the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning Restoration and Certification) “Ash and smoke, if left unhindered, will cause extensive corrosion, etching and discoloration, not to mention lingering powerful odors.” The IICRC requires it’s registrants to take extensive coursework in fire restoration techniques before they are certified. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield are IICRC certified For Fire, Water clean-up and mold remediation.

Mold Remediation

There are over 100,000 different types of mold spores! We breathe them into our lungs every day. Most people don’t know that all types of mold aren’t bad. In fact, there are only a handful of those mold spore types that are actually hazardous. The MBL (Mold & Bacteria Consulting Laboratories) lists hazardous mold types in three categories. You can see these categories and their definitions here: https://www.moldbacteria.com/mold-types.html. It is important to make sure that when you are taking care of mold in your home or business that you are using experts who have extensive training in how to identify different mold types and how to eradicate them to protect your structure and your health. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield technicians are IICRC certified for mold remediation and have been trusted to help hundreds home and businesses owners in the Bakersfield and surrounding areas take care of their mold problems for over 13 years!

But wait!... There’s More!

In addition to what you already know about Did you know that SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield also Provides the following Services?

• Biohazard Clean-up
• Trauma and Crime Scene Clean-up
• Commercial and Residential Carpet Cleaning
• Property Pack-Outs
• Reconstruction Services
• Storm Repair
• Real Estate Binsr Report Fulfillment
• Vandalism and Trauma Clean-Up

3 Main Causes of Fire Damages

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

No one wants to have to deal with a house fire. I have personally had a kitchen burn out and have dealt with several houses suffer a total loss from fires while working with SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield We have noticed a few things people should look at when trying to prevent the possibility of a house fire.

Some of the most common causes of house fires are:

1. Cooking Equipment
2. Smoking
3. Heating Equipment. 

Cooking equipment such as microwaves, cooking oil and turkey fryers (Or a slow cooker if you are a This is Us Fan) are the leading cause of house fires at 47%. They also cause 20% of home fire deaths and 45% of fire injuries. Always watch food that is cooking and make sure that flammable items are kept away from heating elements. Also, avoid cooking while sleeping or intoxicated with alcohol or medication.

While smoking materials only account for 5% of house fires, it causes 21% of home fire deaths which causes it to be the most deadly cause of house fires. Faulty lighters and cigar/cigarette butts that have not been extinguished are the leading culprits. Of course, the best way to avoid a fire from smoking materials is to not smoke. But if you do smoke, make sure lighters are put in areas where they are less likely to ignite (ie: extreme heat) and make sure all butts are extinguished after use. Also, with the rise of vaping, make sure batteries are removed from vaping devices while not in use. 

Space heaters and uncleaned chimneys are the leading causes of house fires from heating sources. To avoid this, make sure that chimneys are cleaned out regularly  and don't leave space heaters unattended. According to the National Fire Protection Association, from 2011-2015 fires from home heating sources caused about "$1.1 Billion in direct property damage."

*blog information from 2011-2015 statistics from the National Fire Prevention Association

Fire Damage Bakersfield - Dealing with Bakersfield Fire Damage

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Bakersfield frequently strikes homes large and small, often in unpredictable and unusual ways. Large fires can engulf entire buildings or portions of them, and smaller fires can still cause enough damage so as to make the home temporarily unlivable. It can be difficult for many homeowners to cope with the effects of a fire, both financially and emotionally. Luckily, many services exist to help with the transition back into normal life after a fire in your Bakersfield home. 

Homeowners' Insurance 

If you have homeowners' insurance, a great deal or all of the financial loss associated with a house fire is typically covered by the insurance provider. You should contact your provider as soon as possible after the fire, to find out what is and is not covered under your policy. The provider may also launch an investigation to ensure that the fire was not started purposefully, but you should be able to receive significant financial help in most cases. 

Restoration and Repair Services 

Professional restoration companies help to salvage and rebuild all that can be recovered from a Bakersfield fire, and assist in potentially hazardous repair work. These teams are composed of professionals and experienced workers, and can typically help you to get back to your home and repair most damages as quickly as possible. 

Counseling and Therapists 

Many mental health professionals are used to interacting with victims of fire damage, as many objects and records of sentimental value may be lost in a fire. Finding a mental health professional willing to take on and experienced in cases related to fire damage to your home may be worth the money, even if you felt stable and composed in the aftermath. 

Housing Charities 

If you lack the money to stay at a hotel while the house is being repaired, many charities and locations exist with the purpose of giving families a roof to stay under for short periods of time. Additionally, many churches and other religious organizations may be willing to let you stay on their property. If this is an issue for you, be sure to ask around at local charitable organizations for help. 

Locally Owned Company with National Resources

A locally owned and operated company, SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is committed to helping all residents in repairing and restoring their homes in the face of natural disaster. If you are in need of repair and restoration services, give us a call at 661-326-8422. 

Lightning Safety Tips

6/28/2018 (Permalink)

Although lightning can strike anytime, the chance for lightning increases in the summer months. Stay safe with these basic tips.

• Have a lightning safety plan, and cancel/postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are expected.

• If you do get caught outside, avoid high ground, open spaces, and all metal objects including electric wires, fences, etc. Seek shelter in a substantial building or a fully enclosed metal vehicle. 

• If you are indoors, stay away from doors and windows. Do not use the telephone.Consider unplugging computers, power tools, & TV sets. Lightning may strike exterior electric/phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment

The Science of Drying Your Bakersfield Property

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Do you know the science SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield uses to dry out your home or business?

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? The knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chance of any secondary damages. If your business suffers from water damage, your local SERVPRO professionals will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether that materials are drying
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does “speed up Mother Nature” mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material- but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. For this reason, the professionals at SERVPRO have been trained to use top-of-the-line equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield also state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business.

The bottom line? Your local SERVPRO have the training and equipment to help make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us today at 661-326-8422.

Help! My Bakersfield Home Caught On Fire and Damaged My Property!

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Have You Heard of Home Fire Sprinklers?

We’ve seen them in commercial and industrial properties and public buildings, but did you know you can get fire sprinklers installed inside your home? 85% of all US fire deaths occur inside the home*; installing an automatic fire sprinkler could save your life. There is an 80 percent reduction in the risk of occupants dying in a fire when fire sprinklers are present. Additionally, there is a 70 percent reduction in direct property damage per fire.* On top of reducing fire damages, fire sprinklers are cost effective. A report commissioned by the Fire Protection Research Foundation places the average national cost of installing sprinklers in new homes at $1.35 per sprinklered square foot, or about one percent of the total construction cost.

*Source NFPA.org and firesprinklerinitiative.org

Mold Prevention in Bakersfield Area

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

Have you ever gotten mold in your home or business?

The kitchen is one of the most susceptible areas of the house to mold growth and it is very easy for mold to occur there if preventative actions are not taken. It is important to keep kitchens mold free because this is the same space in which food is prepared and consuming mold can be harmful. Preventing mold from growing in your kitchen is quite simple and it only takes a few preventative actions to ensure that your kitchen is safe, otherwise, you may need a professional mold remediation service like SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield.

The kitchen has a higher level of moisture in it than most other rooms of the house and as a result, surfaces such as the wall may become moldy. If there is some mold growth on the wall, make sure to remove it and keep an eye on that area as mold is likely to grow back in the same spot if the humidity rises again.

• One option for preventing mold growth on the walls is using mold resistant paint which is water resistant and will prevent mold from penetrating through the painted layer. Adding mold resistant paint to your kitchen will also rejuvenate the look of the kitchen walls.
• Another way to prevent mold from growing in your kitchen is to make sure your kitchen is dry and free of standing water. As you do the dishes or clean up the kitchen, water can get into small spaces around the sink which increases the risk of mold. It is important to dry the water from these hidden places as they are the most likely places for mold to grow with or without the excess water. After you clean your kitchen, use a separate towel to dry the water from the counters, cracks, floor, and other areas that are wet.
• Humidity is another common cause of mold growth and limiting the humidity within the kitchen will greatly decrease the risk. The best way to keep the humidity down within the kitchen is by opening the windows and making sure there is always good ventilation. It is important to remember that excess moisture, standing water, or high humidity is at the root of every mold outbreak and the key to keeping your kitchen mold free is eliminating each of these sources. Keeping mold out of your kitchen will not only contribute to a cleaner space but also make it a safer place to prepare food.

If you do happen to find more mold than you can safely clean yourself, contact a professional such as SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield.

Does Your Bakersfield Business Have Mold?

6/11/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield can help when mold strikes in your  business!

Besides causing a major business interruption, a mold problem can present a serious health risk for people exposed at your commercial property. Mold infestations can be caused by minor water intrusions, like a slow roof leak or loose plumbing fitting. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. 

Mold can spread quickly through a property if left untreated. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield can respond quickly, working to first contain the infestation to help prevent its spread to other parts of the building. Next, we will begin the remediation process, working safely and effectively to manage the situation. We have the training, experience, and equipment to contain the mold infestation and remediate it to preloss condition.

If you suspect your property has a mold problem, call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield at 661-326-8422!

Bakersfield's Water Removal Specialists Explain Moisture Testing

6/5/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Any time water gets inside your Bakersfield residence, removing the excessive moisture within 48 hours is essential. If wood or paper materials stay wet for longer, then microbial formation can take place. Water can also saturate contents and building materials inside your home ruining them.
 
After something like a pipe break or an appliance malfunctioning takes place and causes water to flood your house, extraction occurs to pull out any standing water and moisture inside porous materials. The next step in any water removal project in Bakersfield is the drying process. Rapid drying of contents and structural components is essential to prevent secondary damage and mold growth.
 
Before drying begins, the area gets tested to determine the extent of damage the moisture has caused. Our SERVPRO technicians check the temperature, relative humidity, and moisture content of wood and drywall. Once we figure out how wet the region got, we can formulate a drying plan.
 
The initial drying plan includes how many air movers and dehumidifiers get set up in the affected area. The plan also indicates drying goals. The drying goals are set by determining what the conditions were before the loss took place.
 
The ending goal is determined by coming up with a dry standard. To establish a dry standard, humidity, temperature, and the moisture content of drywall and wooden materials in unaffected areas of the building get tested. Once the standard is designated as the drying goal, our IICRC certified team uses their knowledge and experience to determine the right pieces of drying equipment to rapidly dry out moisture until it is back to preloss conditions.
 
The air movers and dehumidifiers get set up so that the air movers use the hot, dry air coming out of the dehumidifiers to circulate air in the room in a counterclockwise motion. We return each day and test the moisture levels in the affected area. Once the levels return to the established goals, we remove the equipment and the cleaning and reconstruction phases take place.
 
During the final stage, baseboards get reinstalled, and everything inside your home gets put back where it was before the damage occurred. A final cleaning process takes place to remove any dust or debris created by the restoration work. If you ever need help with moisture damage restoration, call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield @ 661-326-8422 seven days a week.

Water Extraction Reduces Overall Costs

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

As an insurance agent, adjuster or property manager you may wonder why SERVPRO extracts water from soaked rugs and carpets that will most likely end up being thrown away anyway! There are a few reasons for this; first, the weight of a wet carpet or rug requires more manpower to remove and move, so extracting water reduces the weight of the carpets to be removed significantly. This not only makes the material easier to lift and requires fewer technicians but it is safer for our technicians to handle, reducing on-site injuries. Also, by removing the weight of the water we reduce the amount of total weight of the waste removed, helping to keep waste removal fees down. Finally, by extracting and removing the water from wet carpets and rugs we are removing the water from the property entirely! The importance of this cannot be understated because removing water from the property quickly is the first step in preventing further structural damage and mold growth. Dragging wet rugs and carpets from a property without extraction can leave water behind and exasperate an already dire situation.

How to Prevent Mold

6/4/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can grow everywhere, from your carpet to your window seals, and even inside of your walls! Sometimes it is easy to detect mold, and other times it’s more difficult. While it is impossible to completely eliminate mold, here are some tips on how to prevent mold from growing.

Dry Wet Areas

Mold needs moisture to grow. You can help prevent mold from growing by wiping away condensation and by not leaving wet items around. Always make sure you wipe down the bathroom after you shower and hang wet towels in a room with good air circulation to dry.

Proper Ventilation

Poor ventilation allows water to stay in the area and may help mold grow. If you are doing an activity that produces a lot of moisture, like cooking, make sure you are using the exhaust fan. You can always open up a window in addition to using an exhaust fan.

Monitor Humidity

The EPA recommends indoor air humidity should be between 30 and 60 percent. You can keep an eye on humidity levels in your home with a moisture meter which can be picked up at your local hardware store.

If your home has high humidity levels, you may want to get a dehumidifier. This will help keep humidity levels down.

Direct Moisture Away from your Home

If your property constantly is flooded, you may want to develop a way to prevent water from getting inside of your home. This will help prevent water damage and it may help prevent mold from growing inside of your home. This can be done in a few ways.

1. Create a barrier
2. Dig a trench
3. Build a dry well

If you suspect that you have mold growing in your home, call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield at 661-326-8422. The experts at SERVPRO will inspect and assess your property with our specialized training and equipment. We will make your property look “Like it never even happened”.

Here is a tip from the EPA about removing standing water in your home:

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/flooding

Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed

Mosquitos can sharply increase after a flood, due to the sudden availability of standing water which they require for breeding -- even very small amounts of water. As flood waters recede be sure to drain, overturn, or empty areas -- no matter how small -- to reduce mosquito breeding areas and help reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

• Get rid of standing water in rain gutters, old tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys, pools, or any other containers.
• Empty water from damaged materials that aren't usually outdoors, such as discarded furniture, household items, bookshelves, building materials, trash, etc.
• Drain wet areas and puddles of water, or fill them with dirt.
• More ideas for controlling mosquitoes
• Why? The importance of controlling mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus or Zika

Here is a link to a few ideas from the EPA about mold and moisture control after floods:

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/flooding

Mold

• Mold cleanup: Mold can cause serious health problems. The key to mold control is moisture control. After the flood, remove standing water and dry indoor areas. Remove and discard anything that has been wet for more than 24-48 hours.
• Mold cleanup in schools and commercial buildings. Information for building managers, custodians, and others who are responsible for commercial building and school maintenance.
• Basic mold hazards. Cleaning up mold. What to wear
• More about mold from Centers for Disease Control

During a flood cleanup, the indoor air quality in your home or office may appear to be the least of your problems. However, failure to remove contaminated materials and to reduce moisture and humidity can present serious long-term health risks. Standing water and wet materials are a breeding ground for microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and mold. They can cause disease, trigger allergic reactions, and continue to damage materials long after the flood.

Here is a link to some ideas on what you can do to clean mold yourself or when to call in a professional:

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Mold Cleanup

If you already have a mold problem - ACT QUICKLY. Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it can cause.

 Leaky window - mold is beginning to rot the wooden frame and windowsill.

Who should do the cleanup depends on a number of factors. One consideration is the size of the mold problem. If the moldy area is less than about 10 square feet (less than roughly a 3 ft. by 3 ft. patch), in most cases, you can handle the job yourself, follow the Mold Cleanup Tips and Techniques. However:

• If there has been a lot of water damage, and/or mold growth covers more than 10 square feet, consult EPA guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings. Although focused on schools and commercial buildings, this document is applicable to other building types.

• If you choose to hire a contractor (or other professional service provider) to do the cleanup, make sure the contractor has experience cleaning up mold. Check references and ask the contractor to follow the recommendations in EPA guide Mold Remediation in Schools and Commercial Buildings, the guidelines of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygenists (ACGIH), or other guidelines from professional or government organizations.

• If you suspect that the heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated with mold (it is part of an identified moisture problem, for instance, or there is mold near the intake to the system), consult EPA guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your Home Cleaned? before taking further action. Do not run the HVAC system if you know or suspect that it is contaminated with mold - it could spread mold throughout the building.

• If the water and/or mold damage was caused by sewage or other contaminated water, then call in a professional who has experience cleaning and fixing buildings damaged by contaminated water.

• If you have health concerns, consult a health professional before starting cleanup.

Some Facts About Black Mold

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Black Mold

What is Black Mold?

Stachybotrys chartarum is the type of mold often called “black mold” or “toxic mold”. Sensational news reports warn about the dangers of black mold and these stories can be alarming and confusing. Any mold in your home should be treated with caution – stay out of affected areas and don’t touch or disturb the mold.

What to do until SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield arrives?

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact a SERVPRO of Reno Southwest for mold remediation services.

In as little as 48 hours, mold can quickly become a problem in your home or business when there’s a water intrusion, like a roof leak or leaking water line. Mold can cause health effects and can also cause significant damage to your property. SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training, protective gear, and specialized equipment necessary to handle your mold problem. 

If you have a mold problem in your home or business, your primary focus should be safety:

• Significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours.
• Mold may present a greater risk to children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory problems.
• A strong, musty odor may indicate hidden mold behind drywall or under carpeting.

Tips for Personal Rentals

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a good article if you have any rental properties or are living in a rental property.

https://www.today.com/money/3-tips-make-sure-your-rental-home-safe-carbon-monoxide-t125921?cid=public-rss_20180327

3 tips to make sure your rental home is safe from carbon monoxide and fire

The death of a family of fourfrom Iowa at a property in Mexico has illustrated the potentially lethal hazards when renting a home or condominium for vacation.

Authorities say Kevin and Amy Sharp and their two children were found dead on March 23 after theyinhaled a toxic gas in their vacation rental in Tulum.

Websites like Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO), which rented the condo to the Sharp family, indicate that the company is not responsible for the condition of the property.

So how do you know if a vacation rental property is safe for your family?

TODAY national investigative correspondent Jeff Rossen spoke with an expert who provided three things you should do the moment you first arrive at your vacation rental in order to protect your family.

Experts believe the toxic gas that killed the Sharp family was most likely carbon monoxide, which is tasteless, odorless and invisible.

Dave Hamilton with the Morris County Public Safety Training Academy in New Jersey noted to Rossen how it's not possible to tell that a hot water heater is leaking gas even by standing right next to it. So there is a crucial item to bring on vacation - a carbon monoxide detector.

Hamilton suggests mounting a battery-operated or plug-in carbon monoxide detector, which can be purchased for under $30, right outside the room that contains the furnace and water heater. Those are usually the common generation points for carbon monoxide.

In many popular vacation destinations in foreign countries, carbon monoxide detectors are not necessarily required by law.

"One of the best things you can do is take one, and put it in your suitcase,'' Hamilton told Rossen. "Travel with it. They're going to protect you."

Another potential danger in vacation rentals is fire, as you would have no idea if the home you rented is up to code.

Hamilton suggests immediately learning where the fire extinguisher in the rental is located and double-checking so that you know how to get to it quickly in case of an emergency.

Hamilton's third tip is making sure you know where all the exits to the home are located so that you have a fire escape plan.

"Not just the front door, you need to know where the secondary exits are,'' he said. "For example, there's a doorway hidden behind this curtain and there's also another doorway half way down the stairs that you would not be able to find in thick black smoke."

Three simple steps - bringing carbon monoxide detector, locating the fire extinguisher and knowing all the exits - can make sure your family can fully relax on vacation.

Large Loss Disaster Recovery

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Large Loss Response

The SERVPRO Commercial Large Loss Division is composed of our best of the best in restoration. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle any size disaster.

Every large loss is supervised by a commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation.

At SERVPRO of Reno Southwest, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals, call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield.

Clients for the Commercial Large Loss program include the following:

• Hospitality Industry
• Property Managers
• Universities
• Municipalities
• Hospitals

With the ability to mobilize local command centers, along with the resources of more than 1,700 Franchises nationwide, no disaster is too big. Here locally we helped the cleanup after a fire at a popular pistachio warehouse. We cleaned up the smoke and soot and helped them get up and running again very quickly.

Call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield for any commercial disaster.

Commercial Disaster Help

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Help Arrives

Water damage can strike your commercial property at any time. Water damage can sideline your business, regardless if the damage occurs from a major storm event or a broken water line. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when you have an emergency water event, SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield offers fast, 24 hour emergency services, 365 days per year.

At SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield we have the training, experience, and equipment to manage water and flooding damage. Whether you have a large water emergency or a small water damage event, we will respond quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. 

We are here to help in any way possible to get you back into doing what you do best, serving your customers. Just like our tagline states "Like it never even happened."

Tips for dealing with water damage

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Water damage can be devastating to your home. It can ruin your floors, your walls, and your possessions. However, if you act fast after the initial damage, you can severely mitigate the amount of damage done. Here are a few tips to dealing with the effects of water damage in your home, as listed by Concrobium.

• Immediately turn off, disconnect, and remove any electronics in the area. Electrical items are some of the most vulnerable possessions in terms of water damage, but can possibly be saved if removed quickly. Additionally, if the water rises above the level of your outlets and electronics, having them connected could lead to you or anyone in the area being electrocuted, so remove them as soon as possible.
• Begin pulling carpet. Carpet can be saved if immediately removed and cleaned.
• Remove the water. There are a few methods you can utilize to begin removing the water from your home. The first is to just start getting rid of it manually. Use any buckets, mops, and towels to soak up and dispose of as much water as you can. Pour the water into drains or into your lawn. Another tool you can use is a wet/dry vacuum. If you choose to go this route, remember to be mindful of using electronics around water. Do not plug in a vacuum if it is susceptible to water damage.
• Once the water is removed, you need to dry out the area. Open all your windows, turn on fans, and use a dehumidifier to dry the affected areas. This is also when you should begin removing any damaged drywall from your home.
• Lastly, you will need to begin to dispose of damaged items. This includes drywall, carpet, furniture, and any other damaged possessions. Find out where in your area you can dispose of these things and do so.

Hopefully, these steps have given you a clear idea of how to being to clean your home after experiencing water damage. As always, if you are a resident in or around Bakersfield, feel free to contact us with any questions regarding home restoration after water damage.

Water Damage

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Water may seem very unlikely to cause damage. Do not be quick to dismiss it just yet. Water in the presence strong winds can be very destructive. It is for this reason that hurricanes and strong rains have claimed lives and destroyed millions worth of property. Water damage can also be as minimalist as broken water pipes that cause molding and rusting. These broken pipes are ranked second from hurricanes in causing water damage.

There are three types of water damage.

Category 1

This is does not cause any threat to human life. It is from is from broken house appliances and pipes which can flood a house or basement.

Category 2

This is also known "gray water". The water is contaminated and contains chemicals, micro-organisms, nutrients and biological contaminants. This water can cause serious health damage and discomfort when consumed.

Category 3

This is also known as "black water". This water is very unsanitary and contains harmful bacteria, fungi and harmful physical components like sharp tools. The source of this water is sewage, seawater, water rising from water bodies due to heavy rains and ground water.

Classes of water damage

The several classes of water damage help in evaluating water control options.

• Class 1- Water damage is minimal and the materials do not absorb a lot of water making repairs easy and less costly
• Class 2- This class has a fast evaporation rate but other materials like cushions and mattresses may be damaged.
• Class 3- water has the fastest rate of evaporation here and the damage caused is greater and difficult to repair. The water may come from overhead sources and may soak the walls and furniture.
• Class 4- This stage requires professional technique and procedures to control. It may damage concrete and hard floors and plaster

Smoke and Fire Damage Restoration Services

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Fire

Fire damages could be the most devastating incident you can ever experience. Being a stressful time for you, we believe that all you need is a professional service to help you recover to your usual self again. Our restoration company will always be here to meet all your needs as regards any incident related to the fire. We will always empathize with you, hence provide you with services that will give you satisfaction.

Our restoration company in Bakersfield has competent staff who are thoroughly trained to meet any of your need. We have the most modern and specialized fire restoration equipment and techniques that will always meet the needs of your home at any time of the year.

Our specialized services are tailored to meet any smoke and fire damages in your home. We, therefore provide various cleaning procedures for the multiple materials burnt.

Our restoration process includes:

• Emergency Contact
• Inspection of the related incident
• Fire Damage Assessment
• Board and Roof tarp services (if any)
• In cases where water damage has been experienced, we provide water removal and drying services
• Cleaning off smoke and soot off all affected surfaces
• Overall cleaning and repair services
• Finally, we give restoration service

Why You Need Us?

• We've always cared for our client's property like our own.
• We ensure convenient services all through the year; 24/7
• We act quicker to any fire-related incident; to lessen and limit further damages and reduces potential loses as well
• We can deal with any size of fire and smoke incident experienced
• Our company is specialized in fire and water-related damages; hence we assure you the most reliable and quality services
• Our fire and smoke restoration technicians have the required skills and capacity to meet your needs.
• We have odor our control technicians
• Our fabric cleaning technicians provide satisfaction
• Our Restoration technicians are qualified to meet all your concerns

This Day In History - June 1st

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

June 1

Interesting facts about this day in history - June 1st

1792 : Kentucky became the 15th state.

1796 : Tennessee became the 16th state.

1813 : The mortally wounded commander of the USS Chesapeake, Capt. James Lawrence, gave the order, "Don't give up the ship" during a losing battle with the British frigate HMS Shannon in the War of 1812.

1927 : Lizzie Borden, accused but acquitted of the 1892 ax murders of her father and stepmother, died in Fall River, Mass., at the age 66.

1943 : A civilian flight from Portugal to England was shot down by Germany during World War II, killing all 17 people aboard, including actor Leslie Howard.

1980 : CNN, the Cable News Network, made its debut.

Fire Damage Restoration Process

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Having fire damage in your residential or commercial property can be upsetting and shocking. When you experience such losses, you get reassurance from getting clear support and guidance in rescuing as much as possible from the fire damage. We are here to help you get your property back to its prior state before the damage. Our crew of technicians is experienced and trained to help you get back your home or commercial property as fast possible. We can fix any imaginable kind of fire damage. Fire damage comes in different forms and causes which include;

• Kitchen grease and stove burners fire
• Electrical fires probably due to overloaded electrical outlets and faulty wiring
• Accidental fire ignitions such as from flammables like propane and gasoline

These are just a few of the many probable causes of fire at your home or business property. If you experience such tragedies in Bakersfield, we are here to help you by;

Identifying the source of the fire

This helps us to come up with the best solution possible for restoration. We evaluate the degree of the loss so that we can determine the best approach to start the restoration.

Assessing the damage

In this process, we evaluate to see if there are further damages like water damages that might have resulted from the firefighting process. We then deal with the water damage if there is any.

Removal of items from the building

We will need to vacate the building to ensure that all parts are touched during the restoration process.

Structural restoration

This involves the cleanup of charred contents, evaluation of floor coverings and carpets that may need removal, inspecting the house for safety, disinfection and treatment of the areas and smoke odor removal.

Returning the items

We help you get the items back to their location assisting you to restore your normal life.

Fire damage in Bakersfield is at times an inevitable tragedy, and we are here to see things get easier for you. Contact us for help. We are available 24/7 to offer you help whenever you need us.

Be Prepared By Building An Emergency Check List

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

·        Water (one gallon per person per day)

·        Food (non-perishable 3-day supply)

·        Manual can opener

·        Battery operated radio, preferably a NOAA Weather Radio

·        Flashlight and extra batteries

·        First aid kit

·        Whistle to signal for help

·        Clothing

·        Dust masks or bandanas

·        Plastic sheeting, garbage bags and duct tape

·        Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

·        Hygiene items

·        Important documents; copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account information

·        Cash

·        Fire extinguisher

·        Matches in a waterproof container

SERVPRO of Washington, DC is locally owned and operated—so we’re a part of this community too. We are also part of a national network of over 1,700 Franchises, which enables us to respond quicker with more resources. For major storms and disasters, we can call upon special Disaster Recovery Teams strategically located throughout the country.

Tips on Cleaning and Organizing Workspaces

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Divide Your Workspace Into Zones:

Determine how you want and need to use the space and set up zones for your daily functions. You may require a workspace for your computer, a library area for your research, a storage area for supplies and a filing area for your archives. This will provide a foundation for a more efficient use of space.

Keep Only What You Need at Arm’s Length:

Boxes of pens, stacks of papers and old coffee cups need to go. Rid your desk of visual clutter by paring down the items on top to the essentials only. Supplies, paperwork and personal items should be kept in the zones you’ve established for them.

Sort Your Catch-All Drawer:

Use drawer dividers to give everything a place, like compartments for paperclips and rubber bands. Go through the drawer every six weeks and clear out anything that is out of place or isn’t being used.

Eliminate Digital Clutter:

Digital clutter can be just as stressful as physical clutter. Organize digital files and your e-mail inbox just as you would paper files – with a system of logical and clearly labeled folders. Also, keep the icons on your desktop to a bare minimum, and trade in sticky notes on your monitor of calendar reminders.

Create A Daily Paper System:

Consider creating hanging files or baskets labeled “To Read,” “To Do,” and “To File.” Establish set days for each, so that you don’t get behind or feel the overwhelming need to do everything at once.

Disinfect Regularly:

Prevent the buildup of dust, dirt, food stains and fingerprints. Wipe down your desk, phone, keyboard, and monitor once a week with disinfecting wipes.

Tips provided by Forbes, The Dangers of a Messy Desk.

Clean Up Your Workspace

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Carpet Cleaning

Birds are chirping and the temperatures have warmed up – spring is finally here! Spring Cleaning is a tradition allowing us to freshen our environment and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer. While many people deep clean their homes, this is also a great time to clean and organize your business.

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield can help get your facility in tip top shape. In addition to air duct and HVAC cleaning, SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield's Professionals are trained to use state-of-the-art equipment to remove soils hiding deep within your carpet, as well as focused stain removal and stain resistance applications. Other services include: upholstery and drapery cleaning, hard floor cleaning and care, and odor deodorization.

A clean environment is a healthy environment! Improve your living and work spaces this spring. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield has the tools to make your home or business sparkle in no time!

Where and Why Mudslides Happen

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

Mudslides, also known as debris flows, are a type of landslide that can occur after a natural disaster, such as a wildfire. Debris flows often contain mud, rock and other materials.

“Human modification” of land can also make certain slopes and steep areas “vulnerable to landslides during and after heavy rains,” according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which estimates that roughly 25 to 50 people die each year in the United States because of land and mudslides.

But mudslides can also occur without a wildfire preceding it, such as what happened recently in Mendocino, CA.

A few different factors contribute to debris flows in Southern California, David Peterson, a professor of forest ecology at the University of Washington, told Fox News.

The Thomas Fire, which burned more than 280,000 acres and primarily affected Ventura, Montecito, Carpinteria and Santa Barbara Counties, among others, removed “all of the living and dead vegetation that protected the soil beneath,” Peterson said. The land quickly eroded when there was no vegetation to hold it in place.

The fire was also hot enough to “cook out” the organic matter in the soil, which helps the earth to absorb water when it rains.

“When you have five or more inches of water in a day or two, it doesn’t buffer the impact of the rain on the soil,” he said, adding that the soil also became very hot from the wildfires. This results in the so-called “hydrophobic effect” which causes the soil to repel water.

What Happens If Your Tree Falls on Your Neighbor's House?

6/1/2018 (Permalink)

In most cases, if your tree falls on your neighbor’s property, they will need to make a claim on their home’s insurance policy. If you were notified the tree needed to be removed before it actually fell and caused damage, you would then need to file a liability claim on your insurance

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield can handle emergency tree removal safely and quickly. We ensure that your property is secure by performing any tarp and board-up services needed. Remember After any storm damage or water damage situation in Bakersfield, 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!

As a trusted leader in the water damage restoration industry, SERVPRO of South Durham & Orange County has highly trained technicians that are dedicated to responding faster to any size disaster. We provide 24-hour emergency service and have the training and expertise to handle your restoration and cleaning needs. "Like it never happened". Contact us for more information.

Bakersfield Office Building Water Damage

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

Drying Out Structure

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield was called out to an office building in downtown Bakersfield after a toilet had ran all night and left a large portion of the building with standing water. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield responded and had the water extracted and drying equipment placed before the doors opened for the day. Although it was very stressful for the managers, they were very appreciative of our quick response and compassion during this difficult process with minimal disruption to the busy morning. SERVPRO helped get the office functional enough to open for business.

Call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield at 661-326-8422 for any water damage needs. We respond 24/7 and our professional and well trained crew are ready for any emergency situations you may have.

Get ready for the weekend rain.

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

Are you and your home ready for the upcoming rain predicted for the weekend?

As we know here in Bakersfield, rain is not something we see very often. The forecast is for rain Saturday and Sunday that could bring some significant levels of moisture. If you should have some structure damage caused by the rains, please call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield at 661-326-8422 and we will respond immediately to help.

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is trained in water mitigation and restoration and we have an excellent, professional crew to assist with any disaster you may have. Even a small amount of water intrusion can have large long term affects to your property.

Call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield at 661-326-8422 and let us help. We respond 24/7.

Today in History - August 3rd

8/3/2017 (Permalink)

1492 - Christopher Columbus left Palos, Spain, with three ships. The voyage led him to what is now known as the Americas.

1900 - Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. was founded.

1933 - The Mickey Mouse Watch was introduced for the price of $2.75.

1949 - The National Basketball Association (NBA) was formed. The league was formed by the merger between the Basketball Association of America and the National Basketball League.

2004 - In New York, the Statue of Liberty re-opened to the public. The site had been closed since the terrorist attacks on the U.S. on Sept. 11, 2001.

Wild Fire Safety Tips

7/13/2017 (Permalink)

Wildfires rage across California every year causing millions in damages.

A wildfire can spread quickly across forests and fields, giving you little time to evacuate to safety. Drought, dry conditions, and the careless use of fire all contribute to increased risk of wildfire. Get the facts about wildfires and learn what to do to keep you loved ones safe!

1. Listen to local area radio, NOAA radio or TV stations for the latest wildfire information.

2. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment's notice.

3. Check your emergency kit and replenish any items missing or in short supply, especially medications or medical supplies. Keep it in the car.

4. Arrange for temporary housing at a friend or relative's house outside the threatened area. Identify nearby shelter sites and know you routes to get there.

STAYING SAFE OUTDOORS

If you are trapped, crouch in a pond, river or pool.

Do not put we clothing or bandanas over your mouth or nose. Moist air causes more damage to airways than dry air at the same temperature.

If there is no body of water:

*Look for shelter in a cleared area or among a bed of rocks.

*Lie flat, face down and cover your body with soil.

*Breathe the air close to the ground to avoid scorching your lungs or inhaling smoke.

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is here to help in any disaster situation. Call us at 661-326-8422.

For Homeowners, putting out a FIRE can be worse than the FIRE ITSELF.

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

A backdraft of emotions often sweeps over the homeowners after a fire ravages a home. Fear, uncertainty, stress and doubt about the future of the property can overwhelm the homeowner long after the flames have been extinguished and the smoke has cleared.

So after the first wave of heroes have rescued the property, let SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield help you to restore it. With the industry-approved training to employ rapid response, the utmost professionalism, cutting-edge technology and open communication, we strive to restore not only the home, but the customer's peace of mind, as well.

So, before you risk doing further damage by attempting to clean up the damage youself, call the fire damage cleanup and restoration professionals at 661-326-8422.

Emergency Fire Damage Tips for the Insured

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

* Limit movement in the home to prevent further damage.

* Place dry, colorfast towels or old linens on carpeted traffic areas to prevent more soiling.

* If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.

* wipe soot from chrome on kitchen and bathroom faucets and appliances then protect with a light coating of lubricant.

* Do not attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield.

* Do not attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture without first consulting SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield.

* Do not attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire or water without consulting a repair service.

Call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield at 661-326-8422 to handle any fire and/or smoke and soot damage.

Property Management

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield help with your rental properties.

At SERVPRO, our priority is returning damaged property and items to preloss condition.

Whether natural or man-made, a disaster at one of your client's facilities needs to be handled by experienced professionals who understand the importance of your tenants' safety. At SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield, our teams are experienced in helping manage both commercial and multi-family properties during the recovery process while maintaining the security and safety of the facility and tenants. Our professionals work hard and fast to minimize the interruption for your tenant's daily operations. SERVPRO is a reliable resource when an emergency occurs at your properties. SERVPRO responds fast and works with the property owner/property manager to get tenants back to their lives.

Call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield at 661-326-8422 for more information.

Retail Facilities

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield, our number one priority is getting your business back in operation as quickly as possible.

When disaster strikes your store, you need the expertise of a specialized team who is experienced in limited business interruption. At SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield, we are able to work around unaffected areas and after hours to allow you to continue your business operations. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is experienced in working with retailers to make sure that all merchandise and structure materials are restored to preloss condition and you get back to normal retail operations.

Call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield for information or help with any disaster help at 661-326-8422. We are available 24/7 for all of your disaster needs and/or questions.

Heat wave to continue with highs at or near 110 through Friday 6/23

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Bakersfield has been experiencing record breaking heat since Monday, with todays high set to top 110 degrees. The National Weather Service has extended its excessive heart warning through Friday due to temperatures expected between 105 and 115 degrees.

There are many dangers to prolonged exposure to excessive heat which includes potentially life-threatening impacts such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Voluntary electricity conversation is being asked for between the hours of 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. Customers can help prevent power outages by turning off all unnecessary lights and using major appliances before 2 p.m. and after 9 p.m.

Remember to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is "Faster to any Disaster"

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

When a wildfire takes control of your life, we help you take it back.

The cleanup afterwards is just as important.

Wildfires can strike almost anywhere. A wildfire can cause more than just the damage that you see. If fire damages your property, it can throw your life into chaos, SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield are dedicated to restoring you damaged property back to preloss condition and helping your life get back to normal.

Even if you property didn't suffer fire damage, there may be soot particles and residues left to clean up. If cleaned improperly, the odor and effects can linger long after the fire has been put out. From the structure itself to the contents inside, your SERVPRO Professionals use the latest technology and training to leave your property smelling fresh and clean.

Call SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield for help with any disaster. 661-326-8422 

National Milkshake Day!

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

National Milkshake Day!

Today is National Milkshake Day and also National Ice Cream Soda Day!! What better way to cool off on this "EXTREME HEAT" we are having. 109 yesterday and predicted even hotter today. Enjoy some creamy cool treats on this "National" day.

When Storms or Floods hit Kern County, SERVPRO is ready!

6/6/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield 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 Kern County, 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 http://www.SERVPROswbakersfield.com/storm-flooding-restoration that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 661-326-8422

Kern County Residents: Follow These Mold Safety Tips If You Suspect Mold

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Be careful! Without proper training, you could be spreading mold throughout your home

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 SW Bakersfield 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 SW Bakersfield 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 – 661-326-8422

Faster to your Kern County Water Damage Event

6/1/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield 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 SW Bakersfield 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 – 661-326-8422

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 SW Bakersfield

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield 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.

Restoring Your Bakersfield Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

5/26/2017 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Bakersfield 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.

About SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield 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.

Bakersfield Smoke and Soot Cleanup

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

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 SW Bakersfield 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 – 661-326-8422

For Immediate Service in Bakersfield. Call SERVPRO

5/22/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in Bakersfield. 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 – 661-326-8422

Residential Services

Whether your Bakersfield 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 Bakersfield 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.

• Commercial Water Damage Restoration
• Commercial Fire Damage Restoration

Mold Damage Remediation For Your Bakersfield Area Home

5/16/2017 (Permalink)

Bakersfield Properties and Mold Conditions

Having mold growth under your kitchen sink is nothing to ignore because the problem does not go away on its own. Waiting gives mold additional time to spread to other areas of your home, taking hold of more rooms, exposing your family to risks that they do not need to endure.  
 
A proper mold damage remediation company in the Bakersfield area can limit your families exposure and get mold growth under control quickly, with little to no disruption of your normal routine. Making a quick, decisive decision to eliminate mold growth found in your home, protects your family and helps prevent future incidents.  
 
SERVPRO technicians understand how mold operates, how fast it can spread, and how dangerous it is to ignore. If allowed, mold can make its way into every room of your home. Hitching a ride on your clothing, or a household pet, entering through windows, doors, or your ventilation system. Microscopic spores thrive on moisture, quickly growing into colonies, producing allergens and irritants that may cause health problems to those exposed.
 
Take control of mold growth in your home, make the call to SERVPRO the moment you discover any signs that mold may exist. Keep an eye out for dark water stains on your walls, a dark, musty odor that permeates specific areas, or areas with excessive humidity levels. Our technicians work their way through the suspected area, determine the extent of your problem, and communicate all findings to you and your insurance company.  
 
SERVPRO technicians collaborate with everyone involved, answering any questions you may have and taking the time to describe each of our services in detail so that you fully understand the lengths we take to deliver the solutions you deserve. We consider finding mold in your home a severe issue, following strict guidelines developed by the EPA to ensure proper containment, handling, and disposal of contaminated materials found in your home.  
 
Contacting SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield provides you with access to IICRC certified remediation specialists with several years of experience performing mold remediation services in your area. We produce quality results for our customers and help prevent future growth. Call today. (661) 326-8422  

SERVPRO's Four Key Actions After Water Damage in Bakersfield

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

Our Remediation Process Takes Many Factors into Consideration

The rains have stopped for now, but plumbing issues still happen to California homes just like they always have. The damage from a broken kitchen sink or a pipe behind a wall is indistinguishable from storm water that finds its way in from under the roof.

Regardless of the source of the water damage to a Bakersfield home, SERVPRO has four key actions we take before moving on to restoring furniture. First, we move every piece of furniture off the carpeting. Next, we clean any furniture stains before we even start to dry the home. Next, we tent all cushions to prevent color bleeding and speed up drying time. Finally, we calculate the restoration cost against the replacement price for the customer.

With that accomplished, our technicians move on to drying and protecting the upholstery. They take the first step by tenting the cushions. Tenting is simply standing the cushions up and leaning them against each other with a sheet of waxed paper between them to stop or at least reduce color bleeding. Now, they place air movers and dehumidifiers underneath or next to them to speed the process. Zippers and most metal buttons quickly rust, so they are hand-dried immediately. We also insert waxed paper between the zippers and cushions and place pads around the buttons to prevent any possible transfer of rust, no matter how small.

It may be necessary to dampen the entire fabric of a piece of furniture to keep a uniform color. Then, water extractor wands are used to draw out any moisture evenly. We use a variety of upholstery tools to ensure the nape of the fabric is carefully brushed out to its correct form as it dries.

Restoring furniture damaged from broken plumbing is an intensive, drawn-out process. To do it correctly takes a professional restoration company. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is ready to walk you through every step and make sure you understand the costs associated with restoration, replacement, and when to choose. If you need our help, call today at (661) 326-8422.

Does Your Kern County Home Have A Mold Problem?

5/4/2017 (Permalink)

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 – 661-326-8422

Bakersfield 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

5/3/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield 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 - 661-326-8422

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 SW Bakersfield 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 SW Bakersfield

SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield 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.

Torrential Rains in Bakersfield Cause Unexpected Water Damage

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Certified SERVPRO Technicians Deal Successfully with Water Damage on an Every Day Basis

Areas that rarely see heavy rains find businesses unprepared when historic rainfall occurs. Paved areas around commercial buildings flood, causing water to enter commercial areas. Harm to inventory, structure, and contents needs a solution. SERVPRO has the equipment and the employees to manage unexpected water damage.
 
A wall of water caused by unusually heavy rains damages your Bakersfield grocery store. The vast parking areas around the supermarket had nothing in place to slow the flow of water pooling on the surfaces. Flat ingress and egress into and out of the store, built for ease of shopping carts full of wares, permitted several inches of water to encroach into your store. The industrial strength water extraction equipment we make available to our customers makes short work of these flood waters, minimizing the commercial water damage inside your store.
 
When water invades your retail space, you probably do not own the pumps or water extractors that prove essential to clear the moisture. Speedy removal and then effective drying are the keys to avoiding the secondary issues that arise when standing or seeping water infiltrates. Extracting the relatively clean rainwater fast means your inventory is unharmed and your fixtures, shelving, and cashier lanes sustain little lasting harm. SERVPRO has pumps and super-effective vacuums to remove the water swiftly. Air movers and dehumidifiers join the extraction equipment once standing water is gone. These powerful machines reduce the moisture content of the air and flooring, ensuring that collateral damage like microbial growth does not occur.
 
Wet, slippery floors create a hazard for your customers, but SERVPRO's drying specialists make certain these dangers do not result in harm. Rely on our well-trained teams of water damage technicians to take all the steps needed to clear away the wetness before actual water damage takes hold. As they dry the surface, our techs are also viewing the subflooring and tile or other surfaces for damage and saturation. If water made its way under the tiles, we have methods to pull the water with drying mats to be certain the floor remains free from warping.
 
Although it is a rare occurrence, SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is fully prepared for the water damage sustained heavy rains can do. Phone us at 661) 326-8422 to investigate the help we offer.

Restore Your Bakersfield Area Home Affected By Storm Damage Today

4/7/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Has the Resources to Remediate Your Storm Damaged Home

The wind in our area can get pretty extreme; damage develops on your roof, in your walls, windows, and many other areas of your home, causing you to fall victim to storm damage that often requires professional attention to repair. Making you look for someone you can trust to assist you through a pretty hectic time.
 
Many companies specialize in providing you with a single service, but what you need is someone who can manage the entire situation and perform everything you need to get things under control. A stress-free experience awaits, protect your Bakersfield area home from storm damage today with full-service solutions from your local restoration company.
 
While many of these businesses exist, only a handful offer the services that you deserve and manage the entire process. SERVPRO gives you access to IICRC certified technicians, those who follow EPA and OSHA guidelines, treat you with respect and keep you informed throughout your restoration.
 
SERVPRO offers these services and more, creating an experience that meets or exceeds your expectations and returns your home to a quality pre-damage condition that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. We even work with your insurance company and assist you with any paperwork associated with your claim process.
 
Do you have damage to your roof? Why call a roofer when you have access to a company that provides you with professional roofing contractors as well as water removal, drying, and cleaning experts to get the entire job done correctly after the first call. We help you avoid spending hours on the phone trying to locate individual companies.
 
SERVPRO can help you become more informed, providing you with prevention and preparation methods to prevent excessive damage to your property. Everything from professional grading to assist with drainage, installation of additional drains, backflow valves, as well as submersible pumps to help during an emergency.
 
When damage does happen on your property, we respond quickly and pay specific attention to each and every area of your home. We have many services available designed to protect the contents of your home and keep valuable personal items out of the loss column.
 
Contact SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield today for additional information and schedule the services you deserve. (661) 326-8422

Certified Mold Remediation Professionals In Bakersfield

3/26/2017 (Permalink)

For Bakersfield Homeowners, SERVPRO Provides Solutions to Mold Damage and Cleanup

Ever wonder what a proper remediation company does to combat mold damage in your home? If you have never had the process done before, it can be quite amazing to watch. The process itself is not simple; it mainly involves controlling water sources on your property, removing the mold, disinfecting the affected areas, and, when necessary, performing the necessary repairs to return your home environment to a safe, healthy one.

Of course, as with any restoration or recovery carried out on your Bakersfield property, safety during mold damage remediation takes priority. Major steps in the process remain the same, but each situation presents technicians with a unique challenge, requiring them to think on their feet to get the job done right and prevent future contamination.
 
SERVPRO technicians use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, respirators, and full-body suits to avoid spreading mold throughout your home or becoming contaminated themselves. Your protection and the protection of our workers during your remediation process is always our number one concern.
 
After an initial inspection, SERVPRO technicians establish a containment area using 6 Mil Polypropylene plastic sheeting material, perfect for containment barriers. Using negative air pressure to prevent spreading the infestation to unprotected areas of your home. We also cover your ventilation systems HVAC vents and establish clean rooms for decontamination of equipment and materials, or entering and leaving the work area.
 
SERVPRO removes mold infestations from various surfaces of your home and prevents loss of a generous amount of materials. However, more porous materials, such as drywall, untreated wood, insulation, fabrics, or carpeting often require disposal. Each of these porous materials requires specific handling and disposal methods to prevent exposure.
 
While an EPA-registered broad spectrum disinfectant can help mitigate damages to nonporous materials such as glass, metal, and plastic we also use industrial-grade wet-dry vacuums with HEPA filters installed to remove mold from various surfaces and remove layers of soils that exist. Mold spores are always top of mind and must not be allowed to circulate with the structure.
 
Negative air machines and directional airflow helps decontaminate the entire structure, speeds up the drying process used on affected materials, and produces quality results for our customers. Our mold remediation process helps prevent future mold growth and returns your home to a quality pre-mold damage condition that you and your family can enjoy. "Like it never even happened."
 
Contacting the IICRC certified remediation specialists at SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield gives you access to professionals who are on your side, call us today. (661) 326-8422

Water Damage for Bakersfield Residents Has a Solution

3/15/2017 (Permalink)

Rely on SERVPRO for Water Removal in Bakersfield

Residents of this area of California know of the risks of water damage to their homes – from storms coming up the coast to Santa Ana winds. Flooding is an obvious threat to your home, but there is a greater and far more common danger from water damage because it can occur at any time of the year. Leaking pipes inside of your home can go unnoticed for weeks or even months, resulting in insect and rodent infestation, physical damage to interior walls, possible mold proliferation, and the expensive price tag attached to the cleanup.

One overlooked fact about water is that it seeks its own path. In your home, this means the water from a leaking pipe can be absorbed into walls, carpets, and woodwork or it can flow into hidden recesses. The size of the leak does not matter. The only way to stop the flow is to turn off the water at the source. Once the source of the water leak is stopped, cleaning up the water damage in your Bakersfield home is the next step on the list. SERVPRO is a company that can address all of your water cleanup needs.
 
The services you need when recovering from any water damage should be both comprehensive and thorough. SERVPRO is a company that has more than 50 years of experience serving homeowners whose lives have been impacted by major flooding or the minor leak that has ballooned into a major problem. All types of water damage need the best professional solution that can return your home – and your life - to normal.

"Like it never even happened" is the professional approach and the personal goal we have when responding to every emergency, large or small. Technical knowledge is essential, and having the training and certifications from the IICRC are proof of our expertise and skill sets. However, knowing the specific problems of the homeowners and empathetically dealing with the issues is what defines SERVPRO quality and customer service. Our local franchise is available 24/7 to respond to any water, fire, or mold emergency you encounter in your home or place of business.

Contact SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield any time of the year, day or night, for water damage assistance. Call (661) 326-8422 to have a professional assess  and restore your water damaged home.

Why It Is Important to Have the Right Equipment for Smoke & Fire Damage Restoration in Bakersfield

3/14/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Offers Expertise to Return a Home to Pre-Fire & Smoke Condition

There is much uncertainty in the aftermath of a residential fire. Even in relatively minor emergencies, there is likely to be confusion and disruption to normal routines. Fortunately, SERVPRO can ease the pressure and become a stable source of practical support.

When repairing fire damage in Bakersfield, our technicians concentrate not just on the obvious signs of damage (burned materials and stains), but also on the more insidious effects of fire. Smoke and soot, for example, can be very stubborn and much harder to remediate than charred furniture or fabrics.

To ensure a fast, effective fire damage restoration, SERVPRO utilizes a variety of techniques and tools. Keep reading for information on the most significant.

Pressure Washers
In the case of low oxygen fires, it is often necessary to bring pressure washing equipment onto the site. It is because this type of fire creates oily, sticky soot instead of the dusty residues you might be expecting. Manual cleaning risks smears and permanent blemishes, but high-pressure washing provides the force needed to dislodge these soot accumulations. It is also possible to disperse deodorizing chemicals, but we tend to use this method only in large spaces.

Ventilation Box (Axial) Fans
Ventilation box fans are an efficient way to drive clean air into a fire damaged property, while also pushing the smoky, odor filled air back out. The machines used by our SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians are very powerful industrial grade devices. If an HVAC is present on the property, it must be turned off to prevent the circulation of smoke particulates to unaffected areas of the structure.

If smoke odors are very heavy, we may leave the fans switched on for an overnight period. Sometimes, we combine them with deodorizing machines, which disperse neutralizing chemicals into the air. The big advantage of deodorizers is that they penetrate fabrics and porous surfaces. If ozone is used to deodorize, the SERVPRO technicians insist on some precautionary measures. The substance can be an irritant in large doses, so occupants and workers must vacate the building when ozone generators are set up until the process is complete. We can also place hydroxyl generators during the work day to chemically alter the pungent odors within the home and improve air quality.

Safety/Containment
It is not necessary to set up containment measures in every home, but they can be a useful way to stop smoke smells from spreading throughout the building. They are also helpful when it comes to keeping deodorizing chemicals in the right place, so they do their job.

 To learn more about fire and smoke damage restoration and why it is effective, you can talk to our expert team. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield is on hand to answer all your queries and to provide emergency assistance when needed. Call us 24/7 at (661) 326-8422.