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Fire Prevention Tips

12/23/2021 (Permalink)

Update Smoke Detectors and Sprinklers

Smoke detectors are an absolutely must when it comes to fire safety. Ensure you have one on each level of the home and in bedrooms. Test them once a month and replace their batteries as soon as they die. Depending on the type of batteries, you might need to replace them at least once a year.

Install home fire sprinklers for even more fire prevention. Home sprinklers reduce the risk of fire spreading to the rest of your home and use significantly less water than fire department hoses.

Be Aware of Fire Prone Areas

Most fires begin in the kitchen. In fact, cooking is the leading cause of fires in homes to date. Never leave the kitchen while you’re cooking on the stove top. Set a timer when baking.

Stay updated on how often your heating system gets cleaned. Chimneys often require much more cleaning since they are susceptible to creosote buildup. After winter use, thoroughly clean all fireplaces and chimneys. Never leave a fire unattended and avoid burning highly flammable substances without a screen.

Replace Old Equipment and Appliances

When it comes to fire safety, anything with a frayed wire must go. Damaged cords are a contributing factor to starting house fires. Be sure to replace appliances and equipment with fraying cords or damaged plugs. Check labels on all new appliances to stay updated on specific fire safety instructions.

Create a Fire Safety Plan

Review fire safety tips once a year with your family. Fire prevention and safety knowledge could decrease the amount of fire-related deaths.

Twice a year, you and your family should practice your fire escape plan, says the American Red Cross. If you have children in the home, it’s a good idea to draw your escape plan on graph paper for easy comprehension.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke,or Soot Damages?

Call Us Today 650-931-6060

To schedule a service call, contact SERVPRO of San Mateo today at (650) 931-6060. 

Click here for more information about San Mateo.

Water Intrusion in San Francisco?

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPROof San Mateo responds to water damage emergencies often in San Francisco. Here are some tips from the Insurance Information Institute for protecting your home from water intrusion: 

Exterior Inspection and Repair

  • Water can be prevented from entering a structure’s exterior through routine inspection and maintenance and making repairs as needed.
  • Caulk and seal windows
  • Inspect the roof for missing and aging shingles
  • Check rain gutters and drainage systems and remove any debris
  • Check downspouts and clear any clogs and make sure they are draining away from the structure
  • Check sprinkler systems and make sure the sprinklers are not spraying water onto the structure and that water is not pooling around the structure’s foundation
  • Make sure water drains away from the building as water is invasive and will find its way into a structure easily when water is allowed to pool around the foundation. After a storm, or when the ground is already saturated by rainwater, the water may enter into the foundation wall through any cracks.

Call Us Today!

When your San Francisco home or business needs water damage restoration services, SERVPROof San Mateo is Here to Help. We have a team of highly trained technicians on-call 24-hours a day to assist you. Call us today at 650-931-6060.

Post-Fire Checklist: 6 Things To Do Immediately

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

What To Do After a House Fire

House fires don’t only happen to other San Mateo, CA, homeowners. If you find yourself dealing with a residential fire, you probably want to stare fire restoration as soon as possible. Still, jumping the gun can be disastrous. Here are six things you should do immediately after a house fire.

1. Find a Place To Stay
Staying safe after a fire must be your primary concern. If your house has sustained fire damage, look for a long-term solution. Remember, you must find housing that accommodates you, your family and your pets.

2. Board-Up Damaged Windows and Doors
Your post-fire home may not be weathertight. It may also attract criminals. To protect your home until you can begin fire restoration, board up damaged windows and doors.

3. Contact Your Insurance Company
Your insurance adjuster will probably want to inspect fire damage as soon as possible. Once you are your family members are safe, contact a representative from your fire insurance company.

4. Work With Law Enforcement
Police investigators and firefighters will likely prepare an incident report. This report identifies the cause of your house fire. It is also essential for collecting insurance payments.

5. Prepare a Damage List
For both insurance and remediation purposes, you need a list of damaged property. Before a fire, try to create a list of your personal belongings. Add and subtract items occasionally to keep your list current and accurate.

6. Contact a Restoration Service
Even if your house fire is minor, you may have extensive smoke damage. By working with a reputable restoration service for smoke cleaning and other remediation, you put specialized skills and equipment to work for you.
House fires can be devastating. Fortunately, you don’t have to leave your home’s recovery to chance. By taking a few critical steps in the days following a fire, you increase your odds of having a successful fire restoration.

Water-damaged Business in Redwood City?

11/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPROof San Mateo responds to commercial water damage emergencies throughout the year in Redwood City. Our fast emergency response time saves our business customers time and money in many cases. Water damage can happen at any time, and the longer the damage goes unmitigated, the more extensive and expensive the repairs will become. Here is a water damage timeline that illustrates the damage water does over a short period:

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

Call Us!

When your Redwood City commercial business or home needs water damage restoration services, SERVPROof San Mateo is Here to Help.  We have a team of highly trained technicians on-call 24-hours a day to assist you. Call us today at 650-931-6060.

Professional Water Removal Services For Your Saturated Commercial Property

11/9/2021 (Permalink)

Having water make its way into your commercial property in Oakland means that you need fast, effective water cleanup and restoration services. With access to these restoration services, you can reduce the amount of damage you may face and drastically limit the amount of time it takes to return things to normal.   

Getting help with water removal in your Oakland commercial property is much easier than you might think. Regardless of whether you are dealing with water issues of an internal or external nature. Our IICRC-industry standard professionals stand ready to provide you with the quality services you deserve. The fact that we are a local restoration company enables us to arrive, Faster To Any Size Disaster.

SERVPRO understands how water damage affects your commercial property. We work hard to keep the doors of your business open. Using advanced water removal equipment, experienced personnel and advanced cleaning methods to get things done right the first time. We help prevent conditions that affect your food storage, appliances, or important documents and office equipment.

SERVPRO technicians remove excess water immediately, using hand-held, truck-mounted, and submersible pumps. The idea behind our water removal service involves getting rid of any standing water as soon as possible, making the drying process that much quicker. We use portable heaters, dehumidifiers, moisture detectors, and a variety of evaporation equipment to restore the relative humidity inside your property.

SERVPRO’s entire team of water removal specialists work together to provide excellent results. We use both air movers and dehumidifiers to channel water caught inside of your property to the outside. A process that helps quicken the drying process and promotes drying of contents found throughout the building. When contents have the opportunity to dry naturally, it dramatically reduces the possibility of developing secondary damages.

Have you found yourself facing water problems on your property? Contact SERVPRO of San Mateo for access to quality, professional water removal services you can trust. We have highly trained professionals available 24/7 to help you confront the unexpected and regain control of disastrous situations. (650) 931-6060

We Have Storm Flooding and Our Sump Pump Failed in San Francisco, Now What?

11/3/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Can Handle Water Removal from Flood Damage to Your San Francisco Home – Call to Have a Crew Deployed ASAP!

While having a sump pump in the crawlspace or basement of your San Francisco home gives you added peace of mind during storm season, there can come a time when the system fails. Whether you had an appliance failure or an outage where your sump pump didn’t turn on, you may be in for some flooding and water damage. The good news is that the SERVPRO crew is available 24/7, and we are happy to come out to your home to take a look so that you can minimize the loss and restore your interior to the pre loss condition.

Is There Anything I Can Do Until You Arrive?

Until SERVPRO’s Green Fleet arrives at your home to help with flood damage in San Francisco, there are numerous measures that you can take to minimize property damage, including:

  • If you can locate the source of the water coming in and stop it.
  • Always avoid hazards, such as unsanitary water, slippery floors, electricity near the water loss zone, and unsafe structures.
  • Put plastic underneath furniture legs or remove furniture to try and prevent rust or permanent staining.

A sump pump failure can happen for several reasons, such as:

  • Power Failure – A power outage is the most common reason for a sump pump failure. Many homeowners like to have their sump pump connected to a back-up generator to be activated manually if the main power to the house is off.
  • Wrong Size Sump Pump – If the wrong size pump gets installed on your property, you will likely run into issues. A smaller pump is just as capable as the larger sizes. However, a sump pump that is too big will work harder than it needs to, or a smaller sump pump installation might not be able to pull out enough water. Each instance can lead to a shorter lifespan.
  • Installation Issues – The sump pump should always be installed according to specific manufacturer recommendations to avoid the potential for severe water damage. If you are not quite sure of the appropriate way to install one, it is better to call in the assistance of a trained technician.
  • Switch Malfunction – A switch issue is a common problem with sump pumps, which can happen when it shifts position in the basin, and it leaves the float ineffective.
  • Not Maintained – It is often recommended that a sump pump gets tested every few months. Yearly service is also best to ensure that your unit will work when it is needed most.
  • Clogged Discharge Line – If the water is unable to exit the property through the discharge line, the sump pump is unable to work. This line must be free from rocks, dirt, and other debris at all times.
  • Appliance Defect – While it might be rare, there is always the possibility that your sump pump is defective. It is best to check and test out the pump upon installation to ensure proper function.

Will My Insurance Cover this Sump Pump Failure?

The failure of a sump pump is usually not covered with a standard homeowner’s policy. In many cases, there will be an endorsement, or an add-on, that you can choose to help with a failed sump pump and back-up. It is always best to consult with your home insurance provider to determine what your coverage might be, if any.

What Can I Do to Avoid Water Damage in the Future?

While it is impossible to avoid a natural disaster, you can be proactive about protecting your property. SERVPRO has enough experience to tell our customers some of the things to do to prepare for the future:

  • Know the flood risk for your area
  • Put together a flood plan in advance
  • Make sure that you always have an emergency kit readily available
  • Have essential documents stored in a safe and dry place
  • Always test out your sump pump and back-up generator periodically
  • Choose a restoration team before the disaster even happens

When you have our number handy, you will have access to emergency flood damage services 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We know that a significant storm and flooding event can be overwhelming and devastating. Whenever you have flooding in your home, simply give us a call. We will:

  • Remove and dispose of any materials damaged beyond repair
  • Dry out any contents or provide pack-out services for off-site cleaning
  •   Monitor the entire drying process, ensuring everything is dry in a timely manner

SERVPRO of San Mateo has the resources and manpower to tackle any storm or disaster that leaves you with flood damage. Call us at 650-931-6060, and we can send out a team as soon as possible to get started on an assessment.

The Importance of a Home Escape Plan

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

The Value Of Having A Home Escape Plan

Preparing for a fire may seem simple but having a set plan for evacuating your home in San Mateo, CA, can save your life and the lives of your family members. Not matter how small the fire appears to be, fire damage specialists recommend immediate evacuation. The American Red Cross outlines a model fire escape plan to help keep a bad day from becoming your worst day.

1. Install smoke alarms. Every bedroom and at least one communal area in every level of your home should have a smoke alarm. For a two-story, five-bedroom home, this means you should have at least seven smoke detectors. Test the batteries in each device monthly and replace all the batteries at least once a year.

2. Discuss escape routes. Have a family conversation about what the smoke alarm sounds like and what to do if it goes off. Your emergency escape plan should include backup paths from every room just in case the quickest path is blocked.

3. Have a meetup plan. Pick a location outside your home where family members will meet if they are separated during the fire. Have a secondary place or a point of contact in case someone cannot get to the meetup area. Teach children how to call 9-1-1.

4. Practice the plan. Once you have a solid fire escape plan, practice it at least twice a year. This increases the chances of muscle memory overriding the stress inherent in an actual emergency.

5. Stop, drop and roll. Discuss with your family what to do if they or their clothing come in contact with the fire. Incorporate the stop-drop-and-roll method of putting out these smaller fires into your emergency preparedness practice sessions.

As unpleasant as the thought of a home fire in San Mateo , CA, may be, it is important to know what to do in case such an event ever occurs. By having a fire escape plan, discussing it with your family and giving yourselves regular fire drills, you can be more prepared to face it if it happens.

Preparing Now can Help Reduce Your Need for Water Removal Services in San Mateo

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Techs Eliminate Water Damage in San Mateo Homes with Sophisticated Tools

Did you know that freezing isn’t the only cause of burst pipes? When this type of disaster occurs in your San Mateo residence, it can be both sudden and overwhelming. However, there is a team that is ready to assist you.

If a plumbing malfunction requires water removal for your San Leandro home, SERVPRO can begin the cleanup process within hours of your initial contact. Your local SERVPRO is also licensed to render general contracting services to restore your residence after disaster cleanup has finished.

Preventing Burst Pipes in the Sunshine State

Californians might not have to worry as much about frozen climates causing burst pipes, but plumbing clogs and obstructions can cause similarly costly issues.

Common sources of pipe clogs include:

  • Fats, oil, and grease buildup in pipes
  • Non-flushable paper products such as paper towels
  • Sewer line obstructions caused by tree roots and debris

If carpeting outside of the bathroom has been affected by contaminated water, disposal may be necessary to prevent the spread of mold or microbes in your home.

SERVPRO Technicians Sanitize Your Bathroom

When a water damage situation involves the sewer system, sanitation is key to keeping your home safe. SERVPRO uses a variety of cleanup modalities paired with EPA-registered biocides to combat microbes and bacteria. These can include:

  • Pumps and sprays
  • Manual application with cleaning cloths and sponges
  • Injection systems

Sanitation is critical to successful drying and to mitigating odors in tandem with deodorization equipment like ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers. After sanitation in a gray or black water situation, structural drying and repairs can begin.

SERVPRO of San Mateo offers a 24/7 cleanup that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call 650-931-600 to have an emergency response crew at your home within hours.

Who Can Get Rid of Water Damage from a Burst Bathroom Pipe?

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Techs Eliminate Water Damage in San Mateo Homes with Sophisticated Tools

Did you know that freezing isn’t the only cause of burst pipes? When this type of disaster occurs in your San Leandro residence, it can be both sudden and overwhelming. However, there is a team that is ready to assist you.

If a plumbing malfunction requires water removal for your San Mateo home, SERVPRO can begin the cleanup process within hours of your initial contact. Your local SERVPRO is also licensed to render general contracting services (license #937457) to restore your residence after disaster cleanup has finished.

Preventing Burst Pipes in the Sunshine State

Californians might not have to worry as much about frozen climates causing burst pipes, but plumbing clogs and obstructions can cause similarly costly issues.

Common sources of pipe clogs include:

  • Fats, oil, and grease buildup in pipes
  • Non-flushable paper products such as paper towels
  • Sewer line obstructions caused by tree roots and debris

If carpeting outside of the bathroom has been affected by contaminated water, disposal may be necessary to prevent the spread of mold or microbes in your home.

SERVPRO Technicians Sanitize Your Bathroom

When a water damage situation involves the sewer system, sanitation is key to keeping your home safe. SERVPRO uses a variety of cleanup modalities paired with EPA-registered biocides to combat microbes and bacteria. These can include:

  • Pumps and sprays
  • Manual application with cleaning cloths and sponges
  • Injection systems

Sanitation is critical to successful drying and to mitigating odors in tandem with deodorization equipment like ultra-low volume (ULV) foggers. After sanitation in a gray or black water situation, structural drying and repairs can begin.

SERVPRO of San Mateo offers a 24/7 cleanup that is Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call 650-931-6060 to have an emergency response crew at your home within hours.

What Is the Best Approach to Handle the Different Flood Damage Issues in San Leandro Homes?

10/15/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Sends Well Equipped and Trained Teams to Help You Respond Appropriately to Flood Damage

If your San Francisco property is affected during a storm, various structural damages might occur, including roof cave-ins and shattered windows. Seeking the help of a professional is the best way to address the damage. However, deciding which professional to choose can be challenging because the loss also includes other aspects of flood damage like inundation and contamination from groundwater intrusion. 

Your choice of a restorer to handle flood damage at your San Francisco home should be based on their capability to simultaneously address all aspects of the loss. For instance, SERVPRO sends teams equipped to clean, repair, remove wastes, decontaminate and remove odors from a property. With such a team at work, you only have to worry about the overall outcome. 

Restoration after a flooding incident involves many tasks like:

Having the correct tools is a crucial resource necessary for tackling these tasks. SERVPRO sends fully stocked production trucks to every loss site, so we have the most essential tools. For instance, we have various equipment to handle a single task like water removal since our technicians are provided with regular and specialized pumps, including truck-mounted and submersible ones.

The right skills are also necessary since the different restoration processes require different types of knowledge. Our SERVPRO technicians are professionally trained in structural drying, specialized cleaning processes, and microbial remediation, among others. 

SERVPRO of San Mateo has what it takes to handle any flood-related problem, "Like it never even happened." Call us at (510) 352-2480.