Archived Blog Posts
Faster to your San Diego Water Damage Event
7/6/2021 (Permalink)
Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO Sorrento Valley 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 Sorrento Valley 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 at 858-527-1144
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 Sorrento Valley
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley 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.
Mold Facts
7/6/2021 (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, SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.
Why SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley for Commercial/Large Loss Emergencies
5/26/2021 (Permalink)
There's never a suitable time for a fire or water damage to arise at your commercial property. Commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a quick and efficient response. We have experience ranging from dealing with a small toilet flow in a bathroom to a burst water heater on the roof of a 14 story, 114 unit high rise. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility. However we understand that every minute spent cleaning up is a minute of lost revenue and productivity. So when the need emerges 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 in business.
Are You Ready For A Natural Disaster?
5/25/2021 (Permalink)
From wildfires to earthquakes California is at risk for a natural disaster to strike at any moment. Keeping necessary items centrally located in your home can prepare you for the worst. Take the time to ensure that everyone in your family is aware of the "emergency kit." Periodically check your kit to see that batteries operate properly and food is still viable. The following is a list of items that are suggested to keep in your "emergency kit":
1. Flashlights for each family member
2. Battery-operated radio and clock
3. Extra batteries
4. Containers of bottled water
5. Canned, freeze-dried or dehydrated food, powdered milk, baby supplies for infants
6. Non-electric can opener
7. List of important phone numbers
8. First-aid kit
Following a natural disaster, there may be power outages that could last for several days. Stock canned foods, dry mixes and other staples that do not require refrigeration, cooking, water or special preparation. Be sure to include a manual can opener and eating utensils. The following items are suggested when selecting emergency food supplies. You may already have many of these on hand.
•Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food.
•Choose foods your family will eat.
•Remember any special dietary needs.
•Avoid foods that will make you thirsty.
•Choose salt-free crackers, whole grain cereals and canned foods with high liquid content.
•Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables and a can opener
•Protein or fruit bars
•Dry cereal or granola
•Peanut butter
•Dried fruit
•Nuts
•Crackers
•Canned juices
•Non-perishable pasteurized milk
•High energy foods
•Vitamins
•Food for infants
Customer Service Excellence
5/25/2021 (Permalink)
COS
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley is ready to answer the phone ready to help. Our goal is to exceed customer service from the first initial call, to the end of the completion of the job. We will answer any of your questions to the best of our ability to make you feel secure in your time of crisis.
What to Expect:
When you call, we will ask you several questions to determine what the problem is and help guide you in the right direction. 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.
We do our best to accommodate our customers as far as scheduling, to working with their insurance companies and even in some cases 3rd parties. Our greatest success is seeing our customer happy and satisfied back in their home "Like it never even happened."
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned – A Defensive Cleaning Program
5/24/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO Employee Wearing PPE
Our defensive cleaning program gives your business a way forward by providing your employees and customers ongoing safety and assuredness.
Let us help you get back to business
As our communities re-open, we’re all moving back toward a new kind of normal. The expectations of visitors, customers, and employees who come into our establishments have evolved, and staying safe and well is a top concern. The global COVID-19 pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, and we’ve developed a program to help your business meet the new higher standard of clean that is now expected.
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to businesses and commercial locations to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your employees, your customers, and your community can rest assured that you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard – you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.
Extensive training and specialized products
As the #1 choice in cleanup and restoration*, we stand on more than 50 years of experience and expertise to help your business become Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. Beyond fire & water, SERVPRO professionals are trained and experienced in biohazard decontamination and chemical spills – always adhering to the cleaning and decontamination standards set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities.
From formulating and creating our proprietary cleaning products, like SERVPROXIDE, at our headquarters in Gallatin, TN, to taking the utmost care while disinfecting, we will ensure you and your business are set up to inspire consumer confidence as the economy continues to reopen.
3 C’s – Consult, Clean, and Certify
When the stakes are this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. We’ve cleaned up some of the most challenging biohazards imaginable. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify.
- Consult – Every business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touchpoints, foot traffic and congestion points.
- Clean – Based on your specific business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. 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 cleanup process, and disposal of hazardous materials. In the event of a suspected or confirmed COVID-19 event, we will be there cleaning within 24 hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible.
- Certify - Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that you’ve selected a higher standard of clean available to help protect your employees and customers. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location is being cleaned regularly at this standard.
Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation
We’re Here to Help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week – until life is back to normal in the communities we all call home.
Call SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley today at 858-527-1144 for your Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation.
* #1 Choice in cleanup & restoration based Commercial Attitude & Usage Tracking study. Polling 816 commercial business decision makers on first choice for future needs related to cleanup & restoration work. Study conducted by C&R Research: October 2019
Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned means professionally trained SERVPRO franchises perform the requested cleaning, sanitizing and disinfection services according to proprietary SERVPRO protocols and recognized industry and CDC standards with EPA approved cleaning products to deliver a SERVPRO certified cleaning experience. Each SERVPRO franchise is independently owned and operated.
San Diego Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!
5/24/2021 (Permalink)
Flooded Basement
A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood, including:
- A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
- Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
- Storm sewer backup
- Sanitary sewer backup
- Foundation drainage failure
- Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
- And many more
Have Questions about Basement Flooding?
Call Today - 858-527-1144
If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.
The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.
We are Flooded Basement Specialists:
- We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
- We’re 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 in Water Restoration Techniques
- We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
- Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment
When Storms or Floods hit San Diego, SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley is ready!
5/24/2021 (Permalink)
Flooded Room
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley/University City 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 San Diego, 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 that are strategically located throughout the United States.
Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today (858) 527-1144
Commercial Emergency Fire Services
4/20/2021 (Permalink)
Water and fire damages tend to occur when we least expect them to. For commercial properties, time is of the essence to ensure business operations can resume as soon as possible. The same goes for commercial residential buildings. We recently had one of our client's commercial buildings catch on fire, affecting several units. We responded right away to perform emergency services. Our technicians boarded up doors and windows to ensure the property was safe and secure. Although the HOA ended up filing an insurance claim for the structural damage, the contents are considered homeowner responsibility. With multiple units affected this means we have to work with different insurance companies, multiple claims, and various adjusters. SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley is prepared and ready to handle all types of large, commercial losses. We have the experience and organization needed to properly and efficiently handle this type of work. If your business or commercial property experience a water or fire damage, give us a call!
Restoring Your San Diego Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event
4/20/2021 (Permalink)
Commercial building in San Diego floods.
Flooding and water damage events at San Diego 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.
Outline for Repairing a Fire Damage
4/20/2021 (Permalink)
The remediation professional will evaluate for signs that the property is safe to enter, checking for structural damage. Smoke and soot cause damage to the property after the fire has been dealt with and will need to be cleaned off. Soot stains depending on how long the soot has stayed on a surface but is removable but can leave a stain behind. Mold and mildew can become an issue due to water being used to extinguish the fire. Rust and corrosion are both issues that can affect even small electronics that need to be dealt with care to avoid electric shock. To improve air quality a professional will place an air scrubber and air mover to remove particles that may cause health effects. All surfaces affected by smoke and fire damage are cleaned using cleaning products specifically geared towards cleaning surfaces affected by smoke and fire. Soot and debris are removed from the property further improving air quality. Personal possessions are removed to decrease risk of contamination. Any residual water is removed to try and mitigate the risk of the water being absorbed by the property’s structures. Usually air movers and dehumidifiers are used to ensure that the affected area is completely dry. The last step is to deodorize with cleaning products and devices that remove odors.
We are Cleaning Experts
4/20/2021 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley is Here to Help during this time of need
During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.
Specialized Training
We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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.
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
Specialized Products
The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.
Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning
If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley 858-527-1144
Precautionary Measures
4/20/2021 (Permalink)
It is important to us that our customers know the steps SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley is taking to reduce the risk of team member exposure to the virus. The precautionary steps we have taken as a company include:
- All tools and equipment coming into your property have been cleaned and disinfected.
- All workers wear personal protective equipment to protect themselves while performing work.
- We’ve all been provided with training to safely work in contaminated environments.
- We’ve all been provided with training to identify coronavirus symptoms and carefully monitor ourselves and our co-workers.
- We have stringent safety and health policies and procedures; and we continually strive to follow and improve our safe work practices.
Overall, we are taking the appropriate measures to ensure we don’t cross contaminate our customers, our co-workers, or our families. We cannot make any guarantees that the virus could not enter your property, but we can tell you that we have taken every possible measure to protect customers and team members alike.
Whether it is a water loss, fire damage, or a cleaning request, please know that SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley is still here for the entire community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call us today 858-527-1144
Best Ways to Avoid Water Damage
4/20/2021 (Permalink)
Keep gutters clean, cleaning gutters biannually avoids blockages. Blockages in gutters can cause overflow. Overflow can create standing water and damage the homes foundation. Make sure to keep downspouts clean, secure, and pointed away from home.
Keep an eye out for vegetation that is close to utility pipes. Vegetation, while a great addition to making a property more pleasing to look at, can cause problems for pipes as roots can wrap and break pipes.
Know the location of the water main at your property if any issue arise it can be quickly turned off. If leaving for an extended amount of time, make sure to shut off the water main.
If experiencing a leak, make sure to investigate and try to fix as fast as possible. There is a certain risk if a leak is left unchecked. The main issue for leaks that occur over an extended amount of time is mold and mildew.
Maintain washing machine hoses as they can become old and brittle which can cause leaks.
Install water detection devices near water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, toilets, under sinks, basically anywhere water can be flowing in the house.
Make sure water pressure coming to your housing isn’t too high. Residential systems water pressure systems are designed to handle from 40 to 70 psi. If water pressure exceeds 70psi it is recommended to install a pressure regulator to lower water pressure.
Monitor water bill, if your water usage becomes abnormally high without water usage change, then you might be experiencing a leak and further investigation is needed to find the issue.
Water Removal and Property Drying Importance
4/20/2021 (Permalink)
The most common form of water damage that occurs in Southern California is usually not from natural disasters. The usual culprit of almost all water damages in Southern California are plumbing issues. Just because water damage isn't caused by a significant natural disaster doesn't mean that your property will be any less affected by improper handling of a wet floors, walls, and etc. Timing is everything for mold not to grow, so please don't hesitate to give us a call at any sign of potential water damage.
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley is filled with professional and courteous staff that will tackle the problem from a multi step approach. If there is any stagnant water it will be pumped out. If the walls and carpet or floors are saturated with water they will be removed. Then the team places equipment to dry out the structure of the building.
The equipment used are usually dehumidifiers and fans. The dehumidifiers are industrial grade, not the same as the ones found on fancy cigar boxes. The fan are also industrial grade, the fans produce so much air flow they can probably power a light aircraft.
We here at SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley are available 24/7 and eager to help make your problem "Like it never even happened."
2021 Race for Autism
4/6/2021 (Permalink)
Every year our Director of Marketing and Client Relations Liron Shalom-Hickey participates in the Annual Superhero Race for Autism in an effort to raise awareness and funding for autism research within our community.
Go Liron!
IICRC Certification: Trust The Professionals
11/10/2020 (Permalink)
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley/University City is proud to be a certified member of the IICRC: Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification.
The mission of the IICRC is to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation industries.
The IICRC is also a member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), further ensuring that standards are being followed on a national level.
We proudly invest in our employees and send them to the IICRC for training. After taking the classes they take a test to be certified in a number of areas in the restoration industry. As time progresses and technology advances, the IICRC stays up to date and therefore, so do we. The next time you experience a fire or water damage be assured that our technicians are professionally trained and experienced.
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley provides fire, soot and water damage restoration service in San Diego County
11/10/2020 (Permalink)
The active wildfires here in Southern California are increasing their impact as growing Santa Ana winds add fuel to these devastating blazes that are encroaching in our area. According to the New York Times, new fires broke out in Malibu on December 7, with at least 96,000 acres already burned in the Ventura area and 116,000 acres in Los Angeles County. Evacuations have closed hundreds of schools and forced 200,000 of our neighbors to seek safety. The “Thomas Fire” in the Ventura area continues to burn with the aid of strong winds. This fire has caused the closure of the 101 freeway and a boil-water advisory was issued for Ventura County. Santa Ana winds The Santa Ana winds that are enabling the fires to rapidly increase their reach can have speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour. They are not expected to diminish until Friday into Saturday at the earliest. The National Weather Service has warned of “very rapid fire growth” in this area. SERVPRO Meteorologist Lela Davis said that the Santa Ana winds were already very dry when they reached the Southern California valley, allowing them to quickly pull moisture out of vegetation, increasing the risk for wildfires. For the first time ever, a purple wind warning was issued for today under the color-coded system used to advise about high winds. This purple warning pushed wind expectations from the “high” category to “extreme”. Ready to help Here at SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley we are monitoring this wildfire situation closely. Our thoughts are with those neighbors who may be put in harms’ way during this event. In many cases, a wildfire can result in a total loss for a home or business, but in others it may be a partial loss, or can result in mild smoke damage. If your home or business is affected by a wildfire, SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley is Here to Help®.
About SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley 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.
Fire or Soot Damage? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help 858-527-1144
Why SERVPRO for Mold Remediation
11/9/2020 (Permalink)
If you see visible mold, do not attempt to clean it yourself. If you disturb the mold, the spores can become airborne and spread throughout your home, causing more damage.
What to Do:
- Contain the affected area such as by shutting a door, and stay out of the area.
- Turn off fans and the HVAC system
- Contact SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley/University City for mold remediation services.
What Not to Do:
- Do not touch or disturb the mold.
- Do not attempt to dry and blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
- Do not attempt to clean the area and spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.
If you see mold, call us today!
Our technicians are trained and experienced in mold restoration projects. Call us at (858)527-1144 today to get an estimate.
Water Damage Can Be Costly
11/9/2020 (Permalink)
The key to avoiding a costly restoration is to eliminate water issues before they become a big problem. A simple fix, such as replacing a toilet supply line that is old and rusty, that goes unattended may progress and lead to a large restoration project.
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley/University City has the training, experience and equipment necessary to properly handle any water situation. If water issues go on for too long, secondary damages can become a problem if mold has begun to grow. Many insurance policies don't include long term damage so make sure to have any odors or small leaks inspected and handled right away.
Here are a couple tips below to help avoid water damage in your home:
- Check roof for signs of damage/wear
- Keep gutters and downspouts clear of debris
- Upgrade washing machine hoses
- Check appliances such as dishwasher drains, ice maker lines, and water heater hoses
Returning After A Storm - The First Steps
11/6/2020 (Permalink)
Living in San Diego we generally have mild weather throughout the year. However, like in recent winters, we get storms that cause flooding and water damage. We've put together a list of action steps to take when returning to your commercial or residential building after local authorities have indicated it is safe.
- Notify your insurance agent to determine insurance policy guidelines and steps to take.
- Wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing while entering and dealing with flooded areas.
- Do not enter rooms with standing water where electrical hazards may exist.
- Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
- Move large furniture away from walls, wipe excess water from wood furniture, and place foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpet.
- Do not leave rugs or colored items on the floor as they can cause staining.
- Do not turn on ceiling fans if the ceiling is wet or sagging.
- Throw away all food that has come into contact with flood water, even if it is canned.
While waiting for SERVPRO to arrive we recommend following these steps to avoid further damage.
Power Outages - Are You Ready?
11/6/2020 (Permalink)
Power outages are caused by a number of things: animal contact, natural disasters, equipment failure, vandalism, motor vehicle accidents.
Whether there is a planned power outage to protect us from a potential fire, or it occurs from weather or human contact, would you be prepared?
Here is a list of steps below to help you be prepared:
- Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
- Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
- Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
- Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
- Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
- Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
- Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
- Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.
How To Prepare For Rain Season
11/5/2020 (Permalink)
Fall is officially here and before you know it, the rains will start and water damage will be more likely. We recommend following these steps in order to make sure your home is ready for the wet and cold winter ahead:
- Check your home's heating system and replace filters.
- Inspect the exterior and interior of all windows and doors. If needed, repaint and caulk the areas to prevent water from leaking in.
- Clean your gutters to prevent a back up, which can lead to water flooding down the side of your home.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Most house fires occur during winter.
- Check your trees. Have branches that brush up against or over the house trimmed.
- Divert water: add extensions to downspouts so that the water doesn't pool up right next to the house
- Check the roof for any signs of damage or cracks.
California Asbestos Testing Laws
10/13/2020 (Permalink)
A common misconception customers have is that their home does not require asbestos testing. However, there are certain laws and regulations in place regarding when it is required.
First: What is asbestos? Asbestos occurs naturally in the environment around the world, including Central and Northern California. The term asbestos refers to several varieties of mineral fibers that are mined and processed for commercial uses around the world. Because asbestos fibers are microscopic, lightweight, and are extremely resistant to heat and chemicals, asbestos became a valued building material throughout the 1900s. Although asbestos is no longer used in building materials, many older structures still contain the substance. Asbestos is most commonly found in ceiling insulation, but it is also often found in other materials, including:
- Dry wall joint patching compounds
- Stove or pipe insulation
- Floor tiles
- Furnaces and duct work
- Roofing materials
Second: When is asbestos testing required?
According to District Rule 1206, regarding residential facilities, "A regulated residential facility is any building, condominium, or apartment that contains more than four dwelling units. A regulated residential facility is also a group of buildings located on the same property and managed by a common entity, even when there are fewer than four dwelling units in each building."
For individual homes, there is no exact year where testing is required. However many companies will not perform demo in homes built before 1986 for the safety of
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley Commercial Building Services
10/13/2020 (Permalink)
Commercial Water Damage
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in San Diego County. 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
There's never a convenient time for fire or water damage to strike your 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. Learn more about our commercial services: https://www.SERVPROsorrentovalleyuniversitycity.com/commercial-restoration-cleaning
- Commercial Water Damage Restoration
- Commercial Fire Damage Restoration
Commercial Building Emergency Safety Plan
10/13/2020 (Permalink)
Liron Shalom-Hickey our Director of Marketing and Client Relations
If your warehouse or office building were to experience a sudden water damage from a burst water main, would your employees know what to do?
Make a Plan!
The first step to creating a plan would be to ask yourself some basic questions. For example, would your employees know what to do? Does anyone know where the water main shut off is? Is there an evacuation plan and do all of the employees know it? Start from these questions to begin putting together a safety plan. The plan should compose of 3 parts: first the safety of everyone, second a set of procedures to follow, and third how to carry on with business to avoid a disruption in cash flow.
Here is a list of important things to include in your plan:
- An emergency contact list (also accessible from off-site)
- Emergency procedures
- Emergency staffing instructions
- Vendor lists and contact info
- Data backup plans and other resources to support business operations in case you have to temporarily or permanently relocate your business operations
Emergency Ready Profile - Is Your Business Emergency Ready?
10/13/2020 (Permalink)
Did you know that an estimated 50% of businesses that have to close due to a disaster such as a fire or floor damage, never reopen? For the businesses that do reopen, a majority of them had an emergency preparedness plan. SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley offers the Emergency Ready Profile, a tool that can help prepare your business for any emergency that may happen. The SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile serves as a quick reference document, detailing important building and contact information. It can be an ideal supplement to any existing emergency preparedness plan.
Rather than simply reacting to a disaster, businesses can be proactive by establishing a relationship with a restoration company. SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley is a leader in fire and water damage response and can help you get your property back in working order.
The SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile offers the following:
- A free assessment of your facilities emergency preparedness.
- Secure information in one location that will help you get back into your building following a disaster.
- Facility details such as shut off valve locations, priority contact information and identification of the line of command to authorize emergency work to begin
Please call SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley (858)527-1144 to sign up for this FREE program today!
What Types of Soot Are There?
10/13/2020 (Permalink)
Did you know that after a fire damage, there are 2 types of soot? The soot can be oily or dry and can be determined by running your finger across a soot covered surface. If it smears, this means the soot is oily. If it doesn't, then the soot is dry. Why does this matter, you ask? Depending on whether it is oily or dry there are different cleaning methods.
Oily soot is generally cleaned with a de-greasing agent, such as 409 or scrubbing bubbles. Whereas dry soot can be cleaned with our dry cleaning sponges. Whether oily or dry, SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley is prepared to restore your home to preloss condition.
We promise to make it "Like it never even happened."
Why SERVPRO for Fire Damage
10/13/2020 (Permalink)
Disasters strike when we least expect it, however, all is not lost. We recommend calling SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley right away so that we can assess the damage.
SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley is a fire and water cleanup and restoration company based in San Diego, CA. Since 2005, our experienced technicians have helped homeowners throughout the area with professional fire restoration services to restore your home "Like it never even happened."
Many times restoration services can be costly. Although this may tempt homeowners to open a web browser and search for DIY remedies to these damages, this can cause even more problems and danger. Many DIY homeowners will try to clean and repair the damage themselves, but often times they miss an area that they didn't know was damaged.
For example, firefighters extinguish fires using water or other chemicals. The moisture can affect other areas of the home that aren't visible to the human eye. We have the experience and equipment to detect areas where the moisture may be hiding. It's important to contact a professional service right away so that they can assess the area for moisture and prevent long term damage.
Another example is when there is smoke and soot in the home. There are different types of smoke that take certain specialty products to properly remove the soot and odor.
These products will need to be handled with care by professionals who understand their dangers and how they work. SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley offers home inspections, damage assessment, and fire restoration services that are individualized to each home. We have the training and equipment needed to restore your home back to its original condition.
Fire Damage Prevention Tips
10/13/2020 (Permalink)
Not only can fire damages be very costly, but they can be scary and take the longest to repair and rebuild. We recommend following the tips below to help avoid a fire damage in your home:
- Keep the stove and oven clear of debris, towels, and cookbooks. The most common fires start in the kitchen.
- Stay in the kitchen while you are cooking. Don't leave hot cooking surfaces unattended.
- Empty the lint filter in the dryer every load. Also don't forget to clean out the external dryer vents once a year.
- Maintain electrical cords, checking for frayed or corroded wires. Use extension cords for a temporary fix and switch to a surge protector as soon as possible.
- Don't leave burning candles unattended. Make sure they are a safe distance from any flammable items such as blankets or curtains.
- Shut your doors when you are not home or are sleeping. Fire spreads quickly when there are no barriers.
- Give your fireplace ashes enough time to cool down. We've had several customers who had a house fire due to throwing their warm fireplace ashes into the trash can.
Christmas Tree Fire Hazard
10/13/2020 (Permalink)
If you had a real Christmas tree growing up you may have heard about the potential fire hazard they bring, but why? These are the top 3 reasons according to the National Fire Protection Association. The number one reason is that 44% of Christmas tree fires are caused by faulty electrical distribution or lighting equipment. Make sure to check your lights each year for any damaged bulbs and avoid using extension cords. The second reason is that a heat source, such as a candle or space heater, were too close to the tree. Always check the area around your tree, as well as anything flammable near your candles and space heaters. Additionally, 44% of holiday decoration fires are caused by a heat source. The third Christmas tree fire cause is due to intentionally set fires. Make sure if you are going to burn your Christmas tree, that it is done safely outside away from any structures, trees, or other flammable materials. If you happen to experience a fire in your home whether it is due to a Christmas tree, holiday decor, or cooking, give us a call!
When Does Summer Really End?
9/18/2019 (Permalink)
Summer falls into September.
Summer is the season for basking in the warm sun and rejoicing in the freedom of summer vacation. So when the rest and relaxation is shooed away for cooler days and the start of school, it’s easy to forget that the summer season is far from over.
Many consider Labor Day the final hurrah of summer, but we still have a few weeks after that celebratory first Monday of September. Summer officially ends at the autumnal equinox, when the sun is at zenith, or directly above, the equator. After the autumnal equinox the sun moves south of the equator, leaving behind a chilly autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and beckoning in spring to the Southern Hemisphere.
The year is divided into the four seasons based on the two equinoxes and the two solstices. The summer and winter solstices, which typically land around June 21 and December 22, mark the shortest and the longest days of the year. The autumnal and vernal equinoxes, which fall around September 23 and March 21, mark the points in the year when the day and the night are of equal lengths. Hence the word equinox, from the Latin roots meaning “equal night.” Astronomically speaking, these four solar events mark the middle of the seasons rather than their beginning and ending, but we separate the year into meteorological seasons which reflect the average temperature patterns and climate.
Just as the summer solstice tends to fall a little ways into summer vacation, the autumnal equinox typically falls at the end of September, a few weeks into the school year and well after the Dog Days, the hottest period of the summer.
Are you ready for the start of autumn?
Independence Day in San Diego
6/27/2019 (Permalink)
There are more fires reported on Independence Day than any other day of the year. Half of those fires are caused by fireworks. In 2008, fireworks caused an estimated 22,500 reported fires, including 1,400 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 20,600 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated $42 million in direct property damage. In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Although it is illegal for consumers to set off fireworks in San Diego County and City, you can still take advantage of the numerous fireworks shows put on throughout the county. Below are a list of fireworks shows taking place on the evening of 4th of July:
Record Breaking Heat
10/24/2017 (Permalink)
Arid Santa Ana winds and record-breaking heat are in San Diego County's forecast for the second straight day Tuesday, a day after Ramona, Vista, Alpine and El Cajon shattered old heat records, according to the National Weather Service.
The torrid conditions have San Diego area firefighters on high alert for wildland brushfires and will force several dozens of schools to shut down early again Tuesday as temperatures are forecast to hit 20 to 25 degrees above averages.
All advisories that were in effect Monday remained in effect Tuesday, including a red flag fire warning for the inland valleys and mountains that's set to expire at 6 p.m. Wednesday; an excessive heat warning for most of the county west of the mountains that's set to expire at 8 p.m. tonight; and a wind advisory for the mountains and valleys set to expire 2 p.m. Wednesday.
The U.S. Forest Service increased the threat index Tuesday for Santa Ana-drive wildfires. On Monday, the agency said any fires that erupted "may grow rapidly." Tuesday, the Forest Service said that "upon ignition, fires will grow rapidly and will be difficult to control."
The red flag warning that will expire Wednesday went into effect Sunday, a day after the 10th anniversary of the start of the catastrophic Harris and Witch Creek fires, conflagrations that spread over a total of about 288,400 acres, destroyed more than 1,300 homes and killed seven people.
Wednesday will be the 14th anniversary of the start of the Cedar Fire, which killed 15 people and destroyed more than 2,230 homes while charring about 280,000 acres.
Fire agencies across the region, including Cal Fire and the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, have beefed up staffing to help deal with any possible blazes that erupt. Meanwhile, about 85 schools have announced a second straight day Tuesday of minimum-day schedules to beat the heat.
Several cities set new heat records Monday, the NWS said, with afternoon highs of 104 degrees in El Cajon, beating the prior Oct. 23 milestone of 100, set in 2003; 101 in Ramona, (97 degrees, 2003); 100 in Vista (99, 1965); and 99 in Alpine (98, 1959).
El Cajon is expected to hit 105 degrees Tuesday, which would shatter the previous Oct. 24 record of 98 set in 2007. Chula Vista, Ramona and Vista are also expected to hit triple digits and set new heat records Tuesday, while forecast highs of 98 in Alpine and 96 in San Diego would also set new high- temperature records for Oct. 24.
As for the fire danger, the red-flag warning that was initially supposed to end Tuesday has been extended to 6 p.m. Wednesday as models showed high winds were expected to continue for another day. Forecasters expect Santa Ana winds gusts as high as 60 mph at times in locales and air-moisture levels dipping into the single digits over the period.
Hurricane Harvey
9/13/2017 (Permalink)
The results of Harvey's landfall
We are happy to do our part as many people have come together to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Our hearts go out to all the families who have been affected in this catastrophic event.
Hurricane Harvey was an extremely destructive Atlantic hurricane which became the first major hurricane to make landfall in the United States since Wilma in 2005, ending a record 12-year drought in which no hurricanes made landfall at such an intensity in the country. In a four-day period, many areas received more than 40 inches (1,000 mm) of rain as the system meandered over eastern Texas and adjacent waters, causing catastrophic flooding. With peak accumulations of 51.88 in (1,318 mm), Harvey is the wettest tropical hurricane on record in the contiguous United States. The resulting floods inundated hundreds of thousands of homes, displaced more than 30,000 people, and prompted more than 17,000 rescues.
SERVPRO Sorrento Valley will always have your back throughout any disaster.
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