Archived Storm Damage Blog Posts
Have Water Damage? Here's What to Do.
8/12/2022 (Permalink)
SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth.
Oh no! You notice a leaking pipe or a plumbing issue in your home or business. Don’t fret, SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is here for you. Before we arrive, however, here are some tips to safely take care of water damage. Keep in mind, these tips apply to clean water only. Sewage water causes different kinds of damage, and it is contaminated, so SERVPRO® treats that damage differently. SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is the perfect call to begin the water removal process, as our professional team will quickly and properly dry out your home or business from any water damage.
- When you notice damage occurring, immediately shut off the water source and turn off the power.
- If safe, remove as much water as possible with a mop and towels to soak up water.
- Place aluminum foil between wood furniture legs and carpet. Do not keep rugs and furniture upholstery wet against each other, as more damage will occur.
Safety is number one priority, so these steps are only recommended if they are safe to do so. Do not enter a room with standing water, as there could be a risk of an electrical shock. Ensure all power is disconnected as soon as flooding occurs. Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to try and remove water. SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth. Call us at (661) 326-8422 to assist you today, we are 24/7/365.
Returning Home: How to Remove the Smoky Smell from your Property
8/10/2022 (Permalink)
Deodorizing and sanitizing a home or business after a fire is not an easy task, and you should not have to be forced to do it yourself.
If you’ve ever been around a campfire or experienced an indoor fire, you’ll know exactly what that lingering smoky smell is like after the fire’s been put out. When you suffer from a home or business fire, it’s important to minimize as much of the remaining odor as possible before SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield arrives. These tips will be helpful in maintaining the healthiest living conditions as possible after a fire occurs.
Tip 1: If safe, open any windows to increase airflow and circulation. Additionally, keep doors open to allow air to flow through and out of the structure.
Tip 2: Replace air filters. Toxic smoke particles and soot can become trapped in air filters, which results in unhealthy air being released after a fire. Replace the filters to avoid the spread of the odor.
Tip 3: Deep clean the affected areas. Kitchen counters, curtains, windows and carpets are commons places for smoke particles to stick after a fire. Target these areas to remove the remaining odor from smoke damage.
SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is the expert fire restoration team for you! Deodorizing and sanitizing a home or business after a fire is not an easy task, and you should not have to be forced to do it yourself. Here at SERVPRO®, we have a team of experienced professionals with advanced odor removal products and equipment that will take care of your fire-related needs. Let our team make your home or business look like the fire “Never even happened.” Call SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield at (661) 326-8422, we are 24/7/365.
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!
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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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 3rd-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).
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.
- 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.
- Tried and true, effective and fast protocols. Immediate action during emergencies proves the reliability of any emergency remediation service.
- Well established and fully geared. SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield has the infrastructure to handle any sized loss, commercial or residential.
- 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.
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.
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.
- Emergency Supplies
- Go kit: (3) days of supplies
- Stay at home kit: (2) weeks of supplies for home confinement/stay
- 1-month supply of medication in child proof container
- Keep personal, financial, and medical records in safe, fireproof container.
- Communication Plan
- Sign up for local government emergency alerts
- Obtain back up battery/ies for any mobile devices
- Obtain a battery-powered radio
- Monitor weather conditions near you
- Emergency Skills
- First-aid training
- CPR training
- Be ready for no power. Plan for your needs, including cell phones and medical equipment.
- 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:
- Create a plan.
- Understand your coverage.
- Get prepared.
- Make SERVPRO of SW Bakersfield your remediation partner.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
These 5 Apps could be life savers in an emergency situation. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- !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.
- 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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
24/7 Emergency Service