4 Tips for Preventing Flood Damage

8/25/2022 (Permalink)

If you have flood damage, water restoration specialists can help you recover.

Four Guidelines to Avoid Flood Damage

When you live in an area that flood frequently, you know that you need to have a flood safety plan. Even when you don't live in a place that experiences frequent flooding, it is a good idea to think about ways to protect your home in case a storm hits. Here are four safety tips for preventing flood damage to your home in Brentwood, CA, so that you aren't left without a plan.

1. Devise a Plan for Water Flow

As rain falls, you want the runoff to actually run off and away from your home. Keep all gutters and rain spouts clear so that water can run off your roof without pooling. Point rain spouts away from the house. Make sure the grading around your house directs water away from your foundation.

2. Add Flood Resistant Measures

There are changes you can make to your home to essentially floodproof the building. Install flood safety backflow valves on all pipes that enter your home. Consider installing foundation vents to give groundwater space to flow through a designated space in your house instead of seeping into places it's unwelcome.

3. Raise Indoor and Outdoor Electrical Equipment

All electrical sockets and switches should be installed well above the flood line. Large appliances such as your furnace should be anchored above the flood level as well. Outdoor equipment, particularly those items that could contribute to contamination if flooded, should be raised.

4. Have a Flood Emergency Plan

Despite all your efforts, sometimes storms are so bad that you cannot prevent your home from flooding. If you are under a flood warning, move everything you can, particularly electronics, furniture, and textiles, to an upper floor or the highest point you can reach. Shut off the electricity and elevate appliances you can't fully move.

If you have flood damage, water restoration specialists can help you recover. By taking preliminary flood safety measures, though, you can minimize the damage the flood does to your home.

My Flight Was Cancelled During a Storm. Now What?

7/23/2022 (Permalink)

A canceled flight is frustrating and often feels unfair.

Tips When Dealing With a Flight Cancellation

Few things are as frustrating as a cancelled flight. A cancellation during a storm can be even more stressful. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help make the situation better. Here are three storm tips for dealing with a flight cancellation.

1. Seek compensation. It is possible that the airline that cancelled your flight will reimburse you for meals, connecting flights and other expenses you may incur as a result of the cancellation. This is up to the airline, but there is no harm in reaching out and seeing what you may be eligible for. Many times you will at least receive rebooking assistance.

2. Skip the rebooking line. You can do this by calling the airline after you learn about your cancelled flight. Even if the airline itself told you that you should get back in line, giving them a call is your best bet when looking for shorter or nonexistent wait times while rebooking your flight.

3. Don’t forget about your home. If you are at or near your home during the cancellation, make sure that it is prepped for a potentially severe storm and that you and your loved ones are able to stay safe in the case of an urgent situation. If you should suffer from any household damage during bad weather, a local Marsh Creek Springs, CA, residential storm damage restoration company should be called for cleanup assistance. Some are even available 24 hours each day for emergency needs.

A canceled flight is frustrating and often feels unfair. Stormy weather can make even the calmest person feel emotional on top of such a disappointment. Follow the advice above to help yourself find the best outcome from such a situation. Remember that reaching out for help - whether it is from restoration technicians or your airline - can really make a difference in the long run.

Know the Flooding Source Before Cleaning Up

6/12/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage in a laundry room in Brentwood, CA.

If your home in Brentwood, CA, experiences flooding, you know how vital it is to extract water, dry out the affected areas and clean it up to avoid major flood damage. As essential as that is, it’s also important to know what kind of water you are dealing with before starting the process.

Water Damage Categories

The IICRC has a water loss classification system that is determined by the originating water source and potential materials in it.

Category 1: Considered clean, it is safe for humans and animals. It may be caused by a supply line break or an overflowing bathtub. While not harmful, any standing clean water that is not addressed may evolve into the second category.
Category 2: Known as grey water, it may have biological or chemical contaminants. Sources often associated with this type of water loss include a leaking dishwasher, water condensation, or toilet overflow with urine and no waste. Although it poses no immediate danger, it also may evolve into the most severe classification.
Category 3: When water comes from flooding, sewage backups, or rising groundwater, it is black water. It is full of potential contaminants that must be addressed with care.

Cleanup Requirements
If the extent of the damage is minimal, clean and grey water issues are typically easy to clean up without worrying about lingering issues. Once the home experiences a black water problem, regardless of size it's best to contact a certified water and mold damage cleanup company. Not only does black water require adhering to safety protocols during the cleanup, but it also has the potential to affect other areas of the home. Along with tearing out porous materials, such as drywall and carpeting, the HVAC system and hard surfaces will need to be properly cleaned and inspected.
Any type of flooding in a home means taking fast action to avoid more issues. Knowing the source of the issue makes it easier to develop a safe plan of action.

Keep Your Water Pump Working Well

6/5/2022 (Permalink)

Establish a routine for inspecting your sump pump on a regular basis.

Reduce the Chances Of Water Damage In Your Home

Dealing with water in your basement is not a pleasant undertaking. One of the best ways to reduce the chance of water damage is to keep your sump in great working condition.

1. Make Sure the Sump Pump is Plugged in Properly
It may seem like a simple task, but if the pump isn't plugged into a proper ground fault interrupter, called a GFCI, it could cause the unit to malfunction. Talk with an expert at your hardware store if you aren't sure you are using the right connection.

2. Conduct Routine Maintenance in the Unit
Set up a maintenance schedule to check your sump pump periodically. Consult the user's manual to find out how frequently pump maintenance is recommended. Key items to inspect include the following:

Ensure the pump is working well by putting a pail of water into the sump's basin. The float should cause the pump to begin draining the water.
Inspect the cord to ensure there is no damage.
Remove debris in and around the pump. Don't forget to check the intake screen and discharge pipe, as well as the pit itself.
On units with a battery-operated backup, replace the battery as recommended in the user's manual.

3. Consider Purchasing a Backup Sump Pump
If you have frequent power surges or outages in Nortonville, CA, it might be wise to purchase a backup unit. There are several kinds of pumps from which to choose. You might also consider installing an alarm on your unit to alert you if the pump stops working.
It is always a good idea to be prepared in case of an emergency. Research storm damage restoration companies ahead of time so you don't have to spend valuable time after the fact. The quicker you seek help, the faster you can repair the damage.
Keep your water pump working in optimal condition to reduce the risk of water damage in your home.

What To Put in Your Commercial Building's First Aid Kit

4/22/2022 (Permalink)

OSHA-compliant kits must include a box of Band-Aids, a splint, latex gloves, a pair of tweezers, and scissors.

What to Include in the First Aid Kit of Your Commercial Building

Every commercial building owner needs a first aid kit. In fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires businesses to keep one of these kits on the premises at all times. The items in the kit can be used to treat a variety of injuries, such as:

• Cuts
  
• Sprains
  
• Scrapes
  
• Burns
  
  

While these types of ailments can occur at any time, they are particularly common during storms and other emergencies. Making sure your kit is fully stocked is thus a key part of disaster preparation. Below are some important items you should purchase for your kit.

Basic Essentials
No matter what type of business you own, OSHA-compliant kits must include a box of Band-Aids, a splint, latex gloves, a pair of tweezers, scissors, adhesive tape, disinfecting pads and two triangular bandages.

OSHA also requires other items that may not immediately come to mind. For instance, you need to put a blanket in your first aid kit. This could keep a hypothermic employee warm during a winter storm before first responders and emergency restoration professionals arrive at the scene.

In addition, you may not know that the gauze in your emergency kit needs to be a certain size. To meet OSHA regulations, the tape must be at least 2 inches wide, and the pads must include 4-by-4 inch and 8-by-10 inch varieties.

Business-Specific Items
You may also want to put items in your kit that your specific business could need. For instance, if you own a childcare center, you can pack kid-friendly bandages and adhesive tape for dressing infant cuts.

Meanwhile, if an earthquake or windstorm hits a restaurant, hot food could go flying and cause severe burns. If you own an establishment that serves food, you should thus keep plenty of burn dressings in your kit.

A storm can cause lots of damage to your East Concord, CA, property. The shattered glass and broken desks could injure your employees, as well. With a full first aid kit, you can provide immediate medical assistance to hurt workers until help arrives.

3 Reasons Why Your Business Might Need Flood Insurance

4/13/2022 (Permalink)

You should get commercial insurance for floods.

Why Your Business Might Need Flood Insurance

The possibility that your Brentwood, CA, a business building could experience a flood may not be the first thing on your mind. However, it's an important eventuality to prepare for. Flood damage can cause a lot of harm to your belongings, so you'll want to be sure that you can get water damage restoration services. Insurance may be able to cover these services, but you'll need to have the right policy. If you're looking for more information, here are three reasons why your business might need flood insurance.

1. Lack of General Coverage

Unfortunately, it's unlikely that your standard commercial policy will cover flood damage. Therefore, you may not be able to fund the flood restoration process if you experience the following:

• Melted snow
  
• Long rainstorms
  
• Hurricanes
  
• Malfunctioning dams
  
  

Water that comes from above, such as rain, is more likely to be covered by a standard policy, so make sure to check your current one. If you need further information, consider talking with someone in the company that can make your policy clearer.

2. Federal Requirements

If you live in an area with a high risk of floods, you may actually be required to purchase commercial flood insurance. This also depends on whether your mortgage is from a federal lender. In the event that both of these apply to you, it's unlikely that you won't be asked to make said purchase.

3. Building Layout and Location

One of the most important things to do in this process is to assess your layout and location. Start by considering your location. Are you in or near a high-risk area? If so, it's probably in your best interest to get flood insurance. You'll also want to look at the important items in your building. If you have valuables that must be kept on a lower floor, like machinery, such items could be at risk of flood damage.
Determining whether or not you should get commercial insurance for floods can be difficult. Examine your situation, talk to experts, and make an informed decision.

Three Ways Your Business Can Be Ready for Flood Damage

10/8/2021 (Permalink)

Do some research to find the best flood insurance policy for your company.

Prepare Your Business for Flood Damage

Whether your business is in an area that has a high flooding risk, or you work in a very dry area, you should be prepared for flood damage. After a storm, the water damage can be destructive to any business, big or small. Important records could get ruined, employees might be injured, and the smooth flow of your company could be disrupted. To minimize the damage and handle the repairs quickly and effectively, here are three ways you can prepare now.

1. Get Flood Insurance

Your business in Concord, CA, might have a decent business insurance policy, but does it cover storm damage? Floods are one of the top most common disasters and could seriously impact your business if you’re not covered.

Do some research to find the best flood insurance policy for your company. Be sure to find out if you’re in a known flood plain, because this can help you find the right flood insurance. If your company is outside of a known flood plain, try to figure out which kind of flooding risks are likely to occur in your area so that you can make sure it’s covered.

2. Create a Plan

If a severe storm happens, this can create panic and confusion for your employees. Without a good flood plan, you could waste precious time instead of efficiently securing your building and evacuating. A few important parts of a plan may include the following:

• Switching off the equipment
  
• Barricading openings with sandbags
  
• Escaping in a calm manner
  
  

Create a plan beforehand and teach it to your employees. If a flood does occur, everyone will know what to do.

3. Protect Equipment

Basements and main floors are usually the first exposed in a flood. To protect important documents and machinery, move your equipment and file cabinets to a higher level. Along with this, it’s a good idea to back up everything that is vital to your company’s process.

With these three things in mind, you can be safe and smart when flooding occurs. By minimizing damage and maximizing the safety of your employees and equipment, you can make deal with the aftermath easier and faster.

We are here to help

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

A water pipe burst in the top floor that affected the bottom floor of this residential home

At about 10am on a Saturday morning, we got an emergency call to mitigate a water damage that had occurred in Pittsburg, CA. The caller was a sibling of the home owner that lived out of town.

As a team arrived the location, the entrance door to the house was locked, it looked like nobody lived there or had been there in a while.

After several knocking attempts and a call to the home owner’s sibling, the door was open. We realized not only was there a water damage but also a hoarding situation.

Our well-trained mitigation experts swung into action by first clearing up all health and safety hazards for the home owner before the water mitigation process.

The home owner’s family thanked us for our patience in attending to the needs of the home owner while we put his own in a livable state.

We do not only get our jobs done; we care about how getting out job done affects the needs of our client.

We can save that hardwood Floor!

6/28/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Injectidry drying system drying out hardwood floors in a home in Baypoint, CA.

On Monday morning we got a call for a flooded kitchen that has been caused by a loose water line in the toilet on the top floor. The owner of the home was so worried about hard wood floor that had just been polished a week before.

The wood floor was soaked but we assured the home owner that we have the best equipment and technique to dry and restore the hard wood floor.

In this case, we used the Injecti-dry drying system made specifically for floors and cavity drying. All the moisture hidden in the cracks of the hardwood floor and subfloor was dried out with this fantastic SERVPRO equipment.

We dried the hard wood floor to the preloss condition and the home owner was ecstatic about the efficacy of our methods and equipment.

Do you have questions about hardwood floor damage caused by flooding?

Call Us Today – 925-420-5104

Any delay in handling flood water quickly and properly, can jeopardize your health, safety and adversely damage your home’s structure. The further the wait time, the further the adverse damage to your home and property.

The bottom line: a flooded flooring can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. Please call SERVPRO of East Concord/Brentwood and let our trained, professional crews handle the damage with the best equipment and procedure. We have been in business for so many years and earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property managers.

We are Flooded Hardwood Floor Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We are a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill the Insurance Directly – One Less Thing for You to Worry About
• Our technicians are Highly-Trained and Certified in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Wildfire smoke

5/17/2021 (Permalink)

It can be devastating when our property gets affected by disaster we can't control such as wildfires. Though these fires may occur at a distance, the smoke is most likely to spread very far. Wildfire smoke poses great health risk to us and it is recommended we take measures in staying safe. Here are a few measures you can take:

1. Check local air quality reports daily.
2. Keep indoor air as clean as possible if you are advised to stay indoors by keeping all windows shut.
3. Avoid activities that increase indoor pollution such as using candles and incense.
4. Prevent wildfires from spreading to your home by make sure to clear any combustible items such as tree branches and dry leaves.

If you notice smoke damage has affected your property, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of East Concord/Brentwood as we are IICRC certified in fire restoration. This means we have the right training in standard procedures for content and structural cleaning after a fire/smoke damage. SERVPRO of East Concord/Brentwood is ready to assist you 24hours/7days a week.

Fire Season Information

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

In preparation for the wildfire season 2021. We at SERVPRO of East Concord/Brentwood are staying informed about the fire season with the help of The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) responds to all types of emergencies.

"While wildfires are a natural part of California’s landscape, the fire season in California and across the West is starting earlier and ending later each year. Climate change is considered a key driver of this trend. Warmer spring and summer temperatures, reduced snowpack, and earlier spring snowmelt create longer and more intense dry seasons that increase moisture stress on vegetation and make forests more susceptible to severe wildfire. The length of fire season is estimated to have increased by 75 days across the Sierras and seems to correspond with an increase in the extent of forest fires across the state" (CAL FIRE).

We are equipped to handle fire disaster of any size, deodorizing your homes to remove smoke smell to deep cleaning your property and content to remove visible soot stain.

We have Confidence in our Cleaning Protocol

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

With the unprecedented times that we are all facing, SERVPRO is aware of the many concerns and questions you may have with regards to keeping your (facility) clean and sanitized.

We at SERVPRO want you to have the confidence and security in knowing we have the experience and resources to take care of your cleaning and sanitizing needs.  We are working around the clock, and have all of the necessary supplies and resources to perform the work on local properties should the need arise.

In the past six months, due to the COVID 19 pandemic, our well-trained staff has cleaned and sanitized an office space, homes, vehicles and contents with Seproxide disinfectant in Brentwood, CA for preparation to reopen for service.

We strictly follow the Center for Disease Control CDC approved disinfecting protocol for California residents.

We use science to our advantage in deodorizing

8/23/2020 (Permalink)

In recent times we have been asked by our clients about eliminating odors after a storm damage that affected their homes, offices, cars and boats.

Some odors can linger after a storm event and it can be very disturbing to the property owner. Sometimes these smells cannot be completed eliminated without a carpet or padding removal and disposing. Also, for any deodorizing protocol used, the protocol might need to be applied a few times to completely neutralize the pungent odor.

We at SERVPRO like to use the OZONE generator which is used to oxidize organic odors such as smoke, pet odors, mildew, organic pollutants and more without chemicals and that is used for oxidizing, bleaching, disinfecting, and deodorizing.

We use this technology especially for clients that do not like a chemical odor neutralizing protocol in their property.

Protecting my Property

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

The aftermath of a storm event can be very devastating to home or business owner and a community as a whole. A storm situation distorts the daily activities of any one affected.

As we approach storm season, there are certain measures we can take to help prepare for such an unprecedented event, and to reduce further damage it might cause.

In the case of fire, you can ensure we clean up all dry leaves and debris from our surroundings. Dead/dry leaves and branches can act as a perfect fuel in the case of a fire. You can also inspect our surrounding for are plants or trees that might be leaning too close to our buildings or structures and have them removed.

In the case of water damage from storm, you can start by cleaning our roof gutters to prevent water retention in the building structure in a storm event. We can also inspect the structure for any holes that might have been made by pets or pests and have them restored. This will ensure the integrity of the structure is intact in the case of a storm event.

Track record of excellence

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO we understand the aftermath of a storm event and the burden it brings to the property owner to get the structure back to what it was before the damage.

At SERVPRO we are here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and have been trained and prepared to respond to storm events with the best trained staff and state of the art equipment.

We are experts in mitigation to avoid secondary damage, cleaning and restoration services for any size disaster of water, fire, mold or bio-hazards damages. 

We have a an industry track record of bringing smile to the faces of our clients by making it look "Like it never even happened." 

We most importantly work with property owners by walking them through the entire process from inspection to restoration or reconstruction. We understand that this gives the customer a sense of comfort and trust in the us, our products and process. 

Stop! Don't do it yourself!

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

In the event a storm, fire, or any other type of disaster strikes your home, the aftermath can be very devastating. It’s hard to know what to do and where to begin picking up the pieces. Where there is significant damage to your home or business, the cleanup process and all that it entails can be overwhelming. While thinking of the cost of cleanup, you may be tempted to do the cleanup yourself to save the cost of hiring a professional. How hard could it really be? In actual fact, the cleanup and restoration process after a disaster is a complex job that requires a professional. It is not as simple as a DIY job. There are many factors that need to be considered and many hidden dangers that can get worse if not handled properly. Here are some of the reasons why it’s best to hire a professional restoration company after a disaster has struck your property.

For Example, visible smoke stains may be removed with some household cleaning supplies but the smell will linger and can possibly cause respiratory issues. Smoke particle inhalation has been linked to lung diseases.

Also, water damage left unattended or not dried properly can in less than 48 hours turn to a perfect spot for mold growth and infest your home. 

In conclusion, if a disaster strikes, please call a professional.

Safety after a storm event!

5/15/2020 (Permalink)

After experiencing damage from fire, flood, or another natural disaster, safety should always be the number one concern. If you have not had a professional assess the damage to your home, the damage could easily turn to a secondary damage within a couple of hours and because a source of danger. The flooring might have been weakened during flooding and it could collapse or buckle and cause a hazard. Also, the adverse effect on your health associated with mold or smoke exposure. After a storm, your roof may be left vulnerable and a quick repair might be all that you need to avoid extreme and costly damages. To keep your family safe, it is best to have your home properly assessed, cleaned and by a professional.

Damage to your come caused by a natural disaster can be very upsetting and cause a lot of stress to the owner. The thought of spending money on repairs and restoration by professionals can be difficult to think, especially when you think you can try to do it yourself. However, the cost of restoration being done by professional should be considered a worthy investment, in the health, safety, of your family, preserving the structural integrity of the property and its contents as well. Please if you have been affected by a disaster, call a professional today to get your home restored quickly.