Swift Action for a Safer Recovery

8/30/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damaged apartment from kitchen fire.

Experiencing a fire, even without physical injuries to yourself or your loved ones, can be profoundly distressing. Witnessing the place you've built and cared for now marred by damage is both traumatic and heart-wrenching.

Undertaking the restoration of your home after fire damage is a critical undertaking. The fire might have compromised the structural integrity of your home, impacting its foundations and other crucial elements. Moreover, the combustion of various materials during the fire could have released a range of hazardous substances, such as heavy metals, methane, sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide, which can pose serious health risks upon exposure.

Addressing the damage promptly is of paramount importance. Swift action minimizes the extent of consequences and streamlines the restoration process, ensuring a more seamless recovery.

If you need fire damage repair, storm damage cleanup or an odor cleaning company, call 818-650-4221 and contact the team at SERVPRO® today!

Fire Damage Companies Reducing Environmental Impact

8/25/2023 (Permalink)

Fire cleanup at apartment complex.

Fire damage cleanup companies like SERVPRO® have a big role in lessening the environmental impact of fires.

Getting Rid of Debris and Properly Disposing

After a fire, places that got hit are often left with a mess of debris, some of which could have harmful stuff. It's really important to clean up this mess and get rid of it properly so that the bad stuff doesn't seep into the ground and water. At SERVPRO, we follow set rules for cleaning up debris and make sure we throw it away safely without harming the environment.

Cleaning Up and Fixing Affected Areas

We're a fire damage cleanup company in Louisiana, and we do a thorough job cleaning off soot and smoke residue from damaged structures. This helps make the air inside better to breathe and gets things back to normal. We use special tools and ways to clean things up well without making the environment worse.

Using Safe and Eco-Friendly Methods and Materials

We care about the environment, so we use cleaning stuff that's eco-friendly and materials that are sustainable when we do the restoration work. This way, we don't add more to the environmental problems caused by fires.

Being quick is really important to stop more damage to the environment. If we act fast and do a good cleanup job, we can prevent more problems like water damage from pipes breaking and mold growing because of leftover moisture from putting out the fire.

The Hazards of Smoke & Soot: Understanding the Risks

8/24/2023 (Permalink)

Trash from commercial fire cleanup.

When a fire ignites, not all materials burn completely, resulting in the formation of smoke and soot. These byproducts, encompassing solids, liquids, and gases, often comprise a range of harmful chemicals that pose health risks. Materials like plastics, foams, fabrics, carpets, wood products, synthetic textiles, wool, and even materials containing asbestos can become toxic when burned.

For effective fire restoration, it's imperative to entrust the task to professionals equipped with proper training, tools, and safety gear. During the process of fire restoration, individuals can be exposed to smoke and soot through inhalation, ingestion, and direct contact with the skin and eyes. Airborne soot particles are invisible, and once they enter the bloodstream, they can trigger a host of severe health complications.

Regrettably, the dangers linked to fire extend beyond the extinguished flames. The aftermath of fire damage can persist for years if not properly addressed. Effective ventilation strategies are vital for restoring and safeguarding indoor air quality post-fire, involving measures like HEPA filtration and adsorption (activated carbon) to maintain clean air. Relying solely on basic tools and equipment is insufficient. A comprehensive and secure fire restoration requires the application of professional tools, knowledge, and expertise.

5 Steps to Take After a Storm Event

8/17/2023 (Permalink)

Apartment complex affected by wildfire.

Step One: Prioritize Safety First

It's crucial to evacuate if necessary. While possessions can be replaced, remaining in a hazardous environment poses severe risks. After a powerful storm, structural weaknesses and materials prone to falling might endanger your safety.

Step Two: Establish Contact with Your Insurance Provider

The earliest communication with your insurance company is key. Initiate a dialogue to review your policies and clarify coverage extents.

Given the potential influx of claims, acting promptly expedites the process.

Step Three: Assess and Secure Your Property

Engage a reputable local restoration contractor, preferably with ample experience like SERVPRO®, to conduct a thorough property assessment and ensure its security.

The contractor should meticulously inspect the property, identifying vulnerabilities, leaks, flooding, and more. Document these findings to present them to your insurance company before embarking on repairs.

Step Four: Verify the Electrical System

Engage a certified electrician for this task. Prioritize experience in storm-related damage over cost when making your selection. Inadequate electrical work could lead to additional system failures.

Step Five: Engage Local Storm Damage Restoration Services

Identify and enlist a local restoration company to address storm damage on your property. Seek a comprehensive provider that offers inspection, cleaning, hazard mitigation, remediation, and construction services to ensure a holistic restoration process.

Backyard Fire Pit Safety

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

Positioning

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

Preparation

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

Extinguishing

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

Stay safe this summer and enjoy the outdoors! If you ever have a fire at your home, Call SERVPRO® of Studio City / Valley Village at (818) 508-7282 to help with the restoration, we are 24/7/365.

Keep your Business Mold-Free

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

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

At SERVPRO® of Studio City / Valley Village, we have a team of certified franchise professionals to take care of your mold problem. Our team is trained with the best equipment and techniques to locate and remove your property of mold and residual pores. Trust SERVPRO® of Studio City / Valley Village for your commercial property mold remediation needs. Call us at (818) 508-7282, we are 24/7/365.

Have Water Damage? Here's What to Do.

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Studio City / Valley Village 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 Studio City / Valley Village 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 Studio City / Valley Village 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 Studio City / Valley Village knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth. Call us at (818) 508-7282 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 Studio City / Valley Village 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 Studio City / Valley Village 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 Studio City / Valley Village at (818) 508-7282, we are 24/7/365.

Stay Safe from Fires in the Workplace

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

If a fire does occur in your business, call SERVPRO® of Studio City / Valley Village to get the restoration process underway.

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

Steps of Prevention

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

General Safety

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

Preventative Safety

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

If a fire does occur in your business, call SERVPRO® of Studio City / Valley Village to get the restoration process underway. We know a fire can be devastating, and that is why we take great care in restoring as many of your items as we can. No job is too big for SERVPRO® of Studio City / Valley Village. Call today at (818) 508-7282, we are 24/7/365.

Flooded Property? Act Fast!

8/4/2022 (Permalink)

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

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

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

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

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

Once SERVPRO® has arrived, our experienced team will take over and determine the next steps to ensure your home or business is dry and safe. Don’t hesitate, call SERVPRO® of Studio City / Valley Village as soon as you notice flooding or additional signs of water damage. Our number is (818) 508-7282, we are 24/7/365.