Prevent Home Fires

12/15/2018 (Permalink)

Home fires are preventable! The following are simple steps to prevent a tragedy. 

Cooking

Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food. If you leave the kitchen for even a short period of time turn off the stove. 

Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a " kid free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.

Position barbecues grills at least 10 feet away from siding and deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. 

Smoking

Smoke outside and completely stub out butts in an ashtray or a can filled with sand. 

Soak cigarette butts and ashes in water before throwing them away. 

Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used, even if it is turn off. 

Be alert! don't smoke in bed! If you are sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine that makes you drowsy. 

Electrical and Appliance Safety

Frayed wires can cause fires. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately and do not run cords under rugs or furniture. 

If an appliance has a three prong plug, use it only in three slot outlet. Never force it into a two slot outlet or extension cord. 

Immediately shut off, then professionally replace, light switches that are hot to the touch and lights that flicker. 

Fireplaces and Woodstove 

Inspect and clean woodstove pipes and chimneys annually and check monthly for damage or obstructions. 

Use a fireplace screen heavy enough to stop rolling logs and big enough to cover the entire opening of the fireplace to catch flying sparks. 

Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving the house or going to bed. 

Children

Take the mystery out of fire plays by teaching children that fire is a tool, not a toy. 

Store matches and lighters out of children's reach and sights, preferably in a locked cabinet. 

Never leave children unattended near operating stoves or burning candles, even for short time. 

After A Fire Tips

12/15/2018 (Permalink)

Contact your local disaster relief services, such as The Red Cross, if you need temporary housing, food and medicines. 

If you are insured, contact your insurance company for detailed instructions on protecting the property, conducting inventory and contacting fire damage restoration companies. If you are not insured, try contacting private organizations for aid and assistance. 

Check with the fire department to make sure your residence is safe to enter. Be watchful of any structural damage cause by fire.

The fire department should see that utilities are either safe to use or are disconnected before they leave the site. 

Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items. Do not throw away any damage goods until after and inventory is made. 

Try to locate valuable documents and records. Refer to information on contacts and replacement process inside brochure. 

Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on income tax. 

Notify your mortgage company of the fire.

Try to locate valuable documents and records. Refer to information on contacts and the replacement process inside brochure. 

Prepare For Storm

12/15/2018 (Permalink)

Here are some steps you can take:

• Fill up your gas tank and stock your vehicle with supplies with food that does not need to be store in a refrigerator and drinking water. Get refills of your medication now for any needed prescriptions.
• Banks may be closed and ATMS may not be work after the storm. Make sure you have enough cash for the basic needs.
• If you are told to evacuate by local officials, do so immediately. If you are sheltering in place, move to a small windowless room for the best protection.
• Know your evaluation route and shelter locations. To locate the nearest open emergency shelter.
• Sign up for your community's warning system.
• Keep important documents in a safe. 

Call Us Today 213-315-5136

Does Your Home Has A Mold Problem?

12/11/2018 (Permalink)

Mold can spread through a home in as little as 48 hrs

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.

Have a mold problem? Call us today 213-315-5136

Fire Restoration

12/8/2018 (Permalink)

Another day at SERVPRO Of Westlake

 West Village 

If you are dealing with fire damage from the California wildfires, the experienced team at SERVPRO of Westlake  is ready to respond. Since we are locally owned and operated, we are prepared for damage from California’s wildfires, and are able to respond quickly. Immediate action and a fast response can limit damage, prevent further damage and reduce restoration costs. Our highly trained crews have the specialized equipment and resources to handle the job, large or small, residential and commercial. Our teams are prepared with strategically located equipment in case of fire emergency. 

Choose SERVPRO of Westlake  a local company that specializes in fire, water and storm damage restoration. We are Here to Help® and ready to respond to fire, wind and soot conditions.

Floods

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Westlake is ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage.

When Floods hit Florida, SERVPRO of Westlake is ready!

SERVPRO of Westlake 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 Florida 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.

We are Flood 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

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 213-315-5136

Emergency Ready Profile (ERP)

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Profile 

Are you “Ready for whatever happens?”

Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire, or an area flood.  The best time to plan for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens.

The SERVPRO® Emergency READY Profile serves as a quick reference of important building and contact information or can be an ideal supplement to any well-designed emergency preparedness or existing contingency program.  Rather than simply reacting to disaster situations, most prefer proactive measures to establish a relationship with a restoration services company.  

By working with SERVPRO® of Westlake  to develop your personalized Emergency READY Profile your business will receive the benefit of over 40 years of experience in reducing the impact of any natural or man-made disaster.  SERVPRO® is a leader in water and fire damage response and can help you quickly get your property back in working order.

Call SERVPRO of Westlake at 213-315-5136 Today for a No Cost

Smoke And Soot Facts

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

Smoke and soot is very invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allows us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, SERVPRO of Westlake will test the soot to determine which type of smoke damage occurred. The cleaning procedures will then be based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is a little different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 213-315-5136

Storm Preparedness

12/4/2018 (Permalink)

• Know your area’s risk of hurricanes.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• If you are at risk for flash flooding, watch for warning signs such as heavy rain.
• Practice going to a safe shelter for high winds, such as a FEMA safe room or ICC 500 storm shelter. The next best protection is a small, interior, windowless room in a sturdy building on the lowest level that is not subject to flooding.
• Based on your location and community plans, make your own plans for evacuation or sheltering in place.
• Become familiar with your evacuation zone, the evacuation route, and shelter locations.
• Gather needed supplies for at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets.
• Keep important documents in a safe place or create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves in plumbing to prevent backups. Consider hurricane shutters. Review insurance policies.

Why choose SERVPRO of Westlake?

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Westlake provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration services.

Why SERVPRO of Westlake?

SERVPRO of Westlake specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

• 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

Need Emergency Service? Call SERVPRO of Westlake 213-315-5136 

www.SERVPROwestlakeca.com