Commercial Restoration For Fire Damage

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

The Process Of Commercial Restoration For Fire Damage

If your commercial property has been devastated by a fire, there is a need for a commercial restoration service. It is critical that the restoration is done immediately and efficiently ensuring that normal company operations resume quickly. But what are the restoration process of commercial property in a fire disaster? Read on to learn about this.

Evaluation

When you hire a professional, you'll get a complete evaluation of the damage, critical for the restoration, cleanup, and insurance processes. Make an appointment for a damage assessment with your region's most reputable commercial restoration company.

Occupational Safety and Health

Preventing further harm to your property should be your priority. The restoration team will inspect your windows, walls, and roofs to see whether they need to be boarded up or if the roof needs a tarp.

Water removal from the building.

The most crucial step is to remove as much water as possible when the firefighting actions have been completed. It's critical to hire a professional commercial restoration team to check for leaks and areas susceptible to mold growth.

Smoke and soot removal from the work area.

Smoke and soot frequently leave behind stains and smells that extend well below the surface. The following phase for the restoration firm is to remove smoke and soot from every part of the building surfaces using specialist equipment and procedures.

Reorganization and Debris Removal

The next step is to thoroughly clean all damaged goods and buildings that can be repaired. Many different cleaning methods and equipment like industrial air scrubbers and foggers may be utilized to remove smoke odors.

Repair and Restoration

Finally, restoring your house to its pre-fire condition may necessitate work such as painting, drywall restoration, and new flooring installation. Even if a significant piece of your property must be rebuilt, skilled contractors will know how to get the most bang for your buck throughout the restoration process.

We at SERVPRO of San Gabriel take care of the complete restoration procedure for commercial buildings. You may get a free consultation by contacting us today at 626-478-0286

Commercial Flooding in Los Angeles

6/10/2022 (Permalink)

If you had a water loss at your business or home, but do not see any visible water or puddles your not alone! 

Many customers feel their business or home is unaffected by water because they cant see any visible water or they feel since they cleaned the water away nothing is wet! Sometimes customers even use their hands to determine if surfaces or walls are wet, but feel nothing and automatically assume the area is dry!  It would be wonderful if our hands was that magical!

In the restoration industry we have special devices called moisture meters and thermal cameras that show our technicians if something is wet or has elevated moisture levels present.  The meters and thermal cameras are non-invasive and can easily be used to determine if materials in businesses or homes are affected by water.  The meters are also used throughout a drying process to show when the materials are dried and back to acceptable levels!

For more information on wet materials and the drying process give SERVPRO of San Gabriel call at 626-478-0286

3 Ways To Prevent Mold at Your Business Property

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Tips That Can Help You Protect Your Business

Mold can do serious damage to your San Gabriel, CA, business if it goes unchecked. Because most types of fungi tend to grow quickly in moist, humid environments, even the smallest instances of water damage could cause a considerable mold problem. Keeping a few preventative tips in mind can help you protect your business, employees and valued customers.

1. Monitor Humidity Levels
Mold growth tends to increase in humid areas, such as restrooms and in the employee kitchen. Mold does not require sunlight to grow or spread, it can grow unchecked until the odor it releases alerts you to the problem and by then, the growth could be quite large. Monitor and control humidity levels throughout your building and use ceiling or standing fans to prevent high humidity levels.

2. Do Not Delay Flood Repair
Water damage tends to occur most often during incidents of flooding. something as simple as a water line break in the employee fridge. Despite the degree of damage, putting off repairs could lead to serious mold issues. If flooding is severe, you need to call SERVPRO of San Gabriel. 

3. Store Documents Properly
One way to practice mold prevention is to store paper documents and records in a way that does not encourage fungi growth. Choose air-tight plastic containers with lids that snap down so moisture cannot affect the documents or hire a digitizing service to transfer paper records onto a cloud storage server. This can help you save space and reduce the risk of mold growth in your building’s basement or ground-floor storage room.
Water damage and high humidity levels can cause serious mold issues at your San Gabriel, CA business. Knowing how to prevent its encroachment may help you protect your business and avoid costly repairs that might come with water damage.

Call us for a for a consultation at 626-478-0286

Flood Damage to Your Business

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Floods can be the cause extensive headaches, even with preparation. They can happen with little to no warning and hit you with the responsibility of a lengthy, expensive restoration process. You could be facing a mountain of repair bills and extended interruption to your business.

Large-scale damage to your business is an opportunity to rebuild and minimize potential future damage and disruption caused by future floods. If your business has sustained flood damage, do not panic. Think of it as a chance to fortify your business against future flood damage rather than nothing but a misfortune.

If your business does get damaged by a flood, there is no need to worry. SERVPRO of San Gabriel  is here and we will do everything in our power to get your business back up and running in no time.

Call us at 626-478-0286

Emergency Readiness Plan

5/31/2022 (Permalink)

Disasters resulting in business interruption can devastate companies. It's estimated that 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster never reopen, but the few that due had some type of plan in place. Disasters and emergencies always strike without warning. Planning ahead can help save thousands of dollars in secondary damage but, also minimize business interruption.

The ERP:

The Emergency Readiness Program is a contingency program in case of a disaster. Provides a NO COST assessment of your facility. Also, critical information needed during an emergency will be at hand. Most contingency plans are made up of three main parts: incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity. Establishes approved building access in advance for companies like SERVPRO of San Gabriel to accelerate the recovery process, so that we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Call us for for a consultation: 626-478-0286

Massive Fire in Upland CA! 50 residents loose their home in an instant. Do you have rental insurance?

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO San Gabriel, responds to a massive fire that destroyed 50 apartment's in Upland CA.  Our team was on site after being called out by our client to help provided immediate clean up and board up services. 

Our team assisted the residents move any salvageable personal effects into their cars. It was a very challenging situation. Our team rose to the occasion offering aid, water and compassionate assistance to the residents of the building. 

The Red Cross was on site to help the uninsured tenants secure temporary housing. Fortunately no one was injuries but a majority of the tenants did not have active insurance. 

Rental insurance is a very cheep and affordable. Yet many people still do not buy them or keep them current.

If you rent, please make sure your coverage is active and valid.  

Installing a Security Fence and Other Steps To Take After a Commercial Fire

4/21/2021 (Permalink)

A security fence can keep vandals away from your San Gabriel, CA commercial building after a fire

Security Fencing For Your Building After a Fire

The aftermath of a commercial fire can seem overwhelming. You have to survey your building for possible smoke damage. You also have to start the cleanup process.

Many businesses also install a security fence following a fire or other disaster. It is easy to forget about this step. After all, you have so many other things to do to get your business back up and running.
Yet fencing is essential after an emergency. You need some form of security in place to prevent additional damage from:

• Vandalism
• Weather
• Theft

Insurance

While fencing may be costly, refusing to secure your premises could be more expensive. That’s because your insurance company may not cover water damage or other harm that results from your failure to protect your building. Besides putting up a fence, you may also want to cover any holes in the walls or roof.

Additional Steps
Once your security fence is in place, you can work with the insurer to start your rebuild. Make a list of any damaged items to show to the insurance company. Be sure to include the date you purchased each asset and how much you paid for it. Do not throw anything away without taking pictures of it first.

You also need to get the insurance provider's permission before hiring a fire damage cleanup company. Otherwise, the insurer may not cover the costs of this service.
While you wait for the experts to arrive, you should open windows or turn on a fan to keep the air circulating in the building. 

A security fence can keep vandals away from your Temple City CA, commercial building after a fire. It can also prevent thieves from stealing your assets. Installing proper fencing is thus a key part of the disaster recovery process.

Why Flood Cuts Are Made During Restoration

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

Why Should Flood Cuts Need To Be Performed?

Flood cuts serve several important functions inside a commercial structure that has recently been flooded. Restoration professionals may recommend cutting into drywall 12 to 18 inches above the flood line to identify and remove contaminated building materials and promote drying prior to restoration. 

Remove Contaminated Materials
Flood cuts make it easier for restoration professionals to check the condition of several materials in walls. The following substances may need to be torn out and replaced:

• Drywall
• Insulation
• Structural components

A flood cut is a way to tear out damaged materials, provide access behind walls for repairs and increase airflow. This measure is most important when damage that involves contaminated water has occurred.

Speed Up Drying Behind Walls
Flood cuts open up the walls of commercial buildings that have recently been exposed to flooding. If water has saturated drywall or worked its way behind walls in other ways, it can be difficult to promote fast drying without making significant cuts. If the water involved in damage is not contaminated, it may be possible to save walls by drilling small holes behind the baseboard and inserting hoses to circulate air behind walls.

Clear the Way for Rebuilding
Removing damaged drywall and wet insulation lays the groundwork for rebuilding. Once a structure has been cleaned and disinfected to get rid of sources of contamination and then dried thoroughly, the restoration process is ready to proceed.

Commercial building owners and managers who are not sure whether to make flood cuts should seek the expert opinion of damage restoration professionals who specialize in flooding. These specialists can determine the right height for a flood cut to check conditions behind walls, tear out contaminated building materials and speed up drying at a commercial property located in San Gabriel, CA 

Does your fire extinguisher work?

4/13/2021 (Permalink)

One of the best safeguards against a residential or commercial fire is a well placed and fully charged fire extinguisher.  Keep in mind that different types of fires require different fire extinguishers to put them out.  The following facts can help you determine which is the right extinguisher for you.

Type- A

The first type of fire extinguisher is the “A” classification, this means that it is effective against ordinary fuels.  A typical house fire in a garbage can or debris pile uses this type.  A water-based extinguisher will usually only be rated for this type of fire.

Type- B

Oil-based fires fit into the class “B” type of extinguisher.  It is important to not use a water filled extinguisher on an oil fire, as it can cause the fire to spread while the flaming oil moves on top of the water.

Type-C

Class “C” involves combustible fumes, those include fumes from gasoline or aerosols. Foam, carbon dioxide and power-based extinguishers are the most common types of extinguishers rated to deal with this type of fire.

Extinguishers rated to put out an electrical fire is also a “C” rated and is essential for putting out this type of fire.  Most foam and powder type of extinguishers can put out an electrical fire, this type of extinguisher will coat the burning material surface preventing oxygen from reaching the burning components.  If an electrical fire gets out of hand the area should be abandoned immediately.

Remember most small extinguishers are for single use only.  Larger extinguishers with a capacity gauge can be refilled and used multiple times. Many extinguishers are rated to be used on multiple types of fires, so be sure and choose the one that is right for you.

If a fire does strike your business or home, remember that SERVPRO of San Gabriel at.  626-478-0286.

Partial Fire Loss Can Leave Lingering Damage

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

A fire in your business can be overwhelming. Even if there is only a partial fire loss, the post effects of the fire and smoke damage can create long-term issues.

Seek Hidden Damage
Whether small or big, smoke, soot, and flames can quickly become absorbed into the materials of a building, even in areas not affected by the fire.

If a fire breaks out in a neighboring establishment, its residual impact may also affect your building. Calling SERVPRO San Gabriel a respected restoration specialist is the best bet to ensure the building is properly cleaned and inspected. During the inspection, they will check areas of the structure that may be overlooked, including:

HVAC System – Soot can easily begin to circulate through the vents. If not properly cleaned, it creates a long-term odor and affects air quality.

Electric and Plumbing – The accumulation of soot can also involve plumbing and electrical systems. The heat from a fire can impact pipes, potentially resulting in a pipe burst. If the fire was due to an electrical issue, it might be best to contact an electrician to update the wiring.

Mold – If a sprinkler system was set off or water hoses were used to put out a fire, it has the potential to create the right environment for mold. As the water absorbs into porous materials, mold can quickly grow and spread.


While fire loss can seem devastating, help is only a phone call away. We are here to help. 626-478-0286

Prevent Water Damage In Your Business

4/12/2021 (Permalink)

Water is one of the most common causes of commercial and Home damage in the United States. Heavy rains, burst pipes and leaky plumbing can create a year-round problem causing significant water damage, if left unattended. There are a couple of steps you can take to mitigate water damage, but it is best to avoid it altogether by following these tips to prevent water damage.

1. Check Hoses and pluming. 
Outdoor hoses that are left connected to water sources during the winter can freeze and cause ice blocks that may restrict water flow or cause a broken pipe. To avoid this problem, hoses should be drained and disconnected before winter weather arrives.

2. Know Where Your Water Main Shutoff Is and How To Operate It.
Your water main is responsible for supplying water to your entire house. One of the first things you should do when a water emergency, such as a broken pipe or an overflowing toilet, causes water in home is to close your water main shutoff. 

3. Regular Maintenance of landscaping is critical.
Make sure any shrubs or trees that are too close to the property are removed because it can wrap around or grow into pipes which can lead to a leak or possibly a broken pipe. 

Covid 19 Decontamination Job

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Remax office in Lynwood Covid-19 decontamination job

As the pandemic spread like wildfire across the country California ended up being one of the states with the highest infection rate. As more and more people were getting tested the number of positive cases in California were at an all time high. With that information being out there for the public it caused many concerns and many customers that we had done previous work with called us about Covid-19 decontamination. SERVPRO of San Gabriel uses CDC approved chemicals. SERVPROXIDE, SERVPRO’s proprietary disinfectant, is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has demonstrated
effectiveness against viruses similar to SARS-CoV-2 on hard, non-porous surfaces. In addition, SERVPROXIDE
currently has dozens of EPA-approved claims including Feline coronavirus, Canine coronavirus, Staphylococcus
(MRSA), E. coli, Salmonella, Rotavirus, Swine flu (H1N1) and more. Our customer was thrilled with the work done by SERVPRO of San Gabriel. There has not been one case of Covid in their workplace. 

Commercial water damage in Monterey Park

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

Although strong storms can inflict major structural damages, business owners should understand that inclement weather isn’t the only cause of floods and other water-related catastrophes. High levels of moisture, damaged sewer lines, plumbing leaks and other accidents can all result in severe commercial water damage.

If you are a business owner or manager, it’s smart to be aware of the different problems that can lead to indoor flooding and other water disasters. By familiarizing yourself with the four most common causes of commercial water damage you’ll be able to mitigate them properly before things get out of hand

1. Damaged Pipes and Plumbing

Your building’s plumbing system carries large volumes of water each day so if it gets damaged, you can expect water to flood into the workplace.

2. Malfunctioning Sprinkler Systems

There’s no question that your sprinkler system will come in handy during a fire emergency. However, if the sprinklers are outdated, they can cause damage to your building.

3. Broken Appliances and Equipment

Water heaters, dishwashers, clothes washers, and many other appliances can experience problems that may cause them to leak.

4. Backed Up Toilets and Sewer Lines

Backed up sewer and toilet water contains a host of microbes and toxic substances that can cause health problems. Contaminated water can also ruin the quality of your belongings and pollute the air.

Leak caused by sewage line in Temple City, Ca

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

The sewage line in Temple city is backed up and resulted into excessive water damage to business office. A blockage can occur in a city sanitary main. If the blockage is not detected in time, sewage from the main can back up into homes and businesses through floor drains. Usually this happens slowly, giving the owner time to call a licensed plumber to assess the damage. If water is entering your basement at a rapid rate, call the city public works office and report the problem immediately so that a city operator can investigate. A sewer backup can lead to disease, destruction of your valuables, damage to your house or business, and can even result in electrical malfunctions. Prompt cleanup of the affected property can help minimize the inconvenience and prevent mold and further damage. In the event of sewer backup, immediately arrange for the cleanup of your property. SERVPRO of San Gabriel was contacted to clean and treat the affected areas throughout the office.

SERVPRO of San Gabriel is prepared for this years Santa Ana Winds Season

10/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of San Gabriel is well-prepared for this year's Santa Ana Winds. We are monitoring current wind trends arefully with you, our neighbors, and are ready to help in the event that any wind-related damage occurs.

A classic Santa Ana is formed when high pressure over the Great Basin causes dry air to flow out of the interior of the West in a clockwise rotation and enter Southern California from the northeast and move toward lower pressure off the coast.

The air speeds up as it squeezes through mountain passes and canyons, sometimes reaching ferocious speeds.

At the same time, the dryness causes relative humidity levels to plunge, often down to single-digit percentages, drying out living and dead vegetation and making it ready to burn.

Why do we call them Santa Ana winds?

The origin of the winds' name has never been settled, but most discussions mention Santa Ana Canyon in Orange County, southeast of Los Angeles.

Give us a call 24/7 and we can take control of the situation and put you at ease. 626-478-0286

Preparing Your Business to Face Any Emergency Situation | SERVPRO® of San Gabriel

9/19/2019 (Permalink)

What are some of the aspects of running a business that come to mind? There are a multitude of things that must be taken care of, but one of the most important factors to think about is emergency preparedness.

Creating an emergency preparedness plan isn’t going to make your business impervious to emergencies and disasters, but it does offer a sense of security for you and your employees when it comes to safety. Your employees will understand what to do and what is expected of them if a disaster or emergency situation should occur.

Create the Plans

Have you completed an emergency preparedness plan for various disaster situations? If not, may we suggest that you make it a priority and do so soon?

There are numerous emergencies your business should have a preparedness plan in place for, including:

• Fire
• Severe weather, including thunderstorms and winter storms
• Other natural hazards like floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and earthquakes
• Human-caused hazards, including accidents or acts of violence
• Technology-related issues like power outages and equipment failure

Emergencies, whether human-caused or from Mother Nature, can cause panic and chaos. If there is no emergency plan for your business, the situation could escalate and become even more stressful quickly.

You should make sure that safety training and familiarization of emergency preparedness plans are included in the company onboarding process, team-building activities and continuing education opportunities. By helping employees familiarize themselves with proper safety protocol and emergency procedures, you’re not only giving them the tools to protect themselves, but you are also setting them up to help protect guests/visitors and the business itself.

Start Here

As you look into beginning to set up an emergency plan for your business, you’ll first want to evaluate which scenarios are most likely to occur—and also consider even those that may be considered a longshot. After all, it’s better to be prepared for any worst-case scenario and not be caught by surprise.

You can find plenty of online resources to help guide you through this process, including Ready.gov, the American Red Cross, FEMA and the CDC.

Look into conducting a business impact analysis (BIA) to help predict the potential effect a disaster may have on your business. This would include lost or delayed sales and income, increased expenses from repairs, and delayed implementation of business plans. Don’t forget to make sure a crisis communications plan is in place, too.

Reviewing and practicing your emergency preparedness plan is paramount, so once you have come up with a plan, be sure to go over it and practice with employees. This will ensure the process remains fresh in their minds and can help employees feel more empowered and prepared in any sort of situation that could occur. 

Disaster can strike when you least expect it, but by being prepared and having a plan in place, your business will be better suited to handle whatever Mother Nature has in store. If the worst should happen and your business is damaged, know that SERVPRO® of San Gabriel is here to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

Creating a Natural Disaster Plan for Your Business | SERVPRO® of San Gabriel

9/17/2019 (Permalink)

When everything from floods, hurricanes and tornadoes to wildfires and earthquakes happen, our businesses as well as our homes and families can be impacted. It is important to be prepared for these worst-case scenarios—and the key to this is advance preparation and planning.

Being prepared for those scenarios involves creating a natural disaster plan for your business. Some aspects to consider when designing that plan are discussed in this blog.

Looking Into What Causes Water Damage | SERVPRO® of San Gabriel

9/10/2019 (Permalink)

Water is necessary for life, this we know, but one aspect that is not necessary is water damage.

Are you aware of all the different sources of water damage that could impact your home?

Creating a Natural Disaster Plan for Your Business

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

When everything from floods, hurricanes and tornadoes to wildfires and earthquakes happen, our businesses as well as our homes and families can be impacted. It is important to be prepared for these worst-case scenarios—and the key to this is advance preparation and planning.

Being prepared for those scenarios involves creating a natural disaster plan for your business. Some aspects to consider when designing that plan are discussed in this blog.