Storm Damage: Home Owners Woes After the Storm

6/29/2022 (Permalink)

The best way to avoid storm damage is to prepare ahead of time.

In the wake of any significant storm, homeowners will inevitably have to deal with some level of damage, whether it’s minor or severe. With that in mind, here are some of the not so obvious home-related woes you might face after dealing with storm damage at your residence.

Controlling leaking pipes

Sometimes, pipes burst and cause water damage. If you know that a pipe is leaking, try to shut off the water supply in that area until it can be repaired. Once you turn off your main water valve, don’t forget to turn off any branch lines running from that area as well. Avoid turning on faucets connected to any of these pipes until repairs are made. Not sure how to do this? Contact a professional plumber if needed!

Maintaining your heating system

If you live in a place that gets cold during winter, it’s important to make sure your heating system is still working. You may need to have some repairs done or get a new furnace if yours is not functioning properly. Experts recommend checking the filter and hoses for clogs and debris, as well as oiling moving parts to help prevent rusting. Be aware of any unusual sounds coming from your furnace and note any changes in temperature inside the house. These are all signs that something may be wrong with your heating system so don’t wait until you notice damage before getting it looked at by a professional!

Waterproofing Your Home

Water damage is a common issue for homeowners. Water can destroy a structure in less than an hour; it’s important to waterproof your home before any flooding occurs. First, seal cracks and crevices where water could seep in. Then, check all door thresholds for any leaks; replace warped or damaged thresholds with new ones. If you live in an area prone to flood waters, have flood protection installed by a professional.

Storm Preventative Measures

The best way to avoid storm damage is to prepare ahead of time. If a big storm is coming your way, be sure to trim any trees close to your home and secure any loose shutters or doors that could fly away during high winds. And remember, you should always have an emergency kit prepared for any natural disaster!

4 Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Safe While Cooking (And Avoid a Fire Hazard)

6/23/2022 (Permalink)

Always keep an eye on whatever you’re cooking. No matter how experienced you are, it only takes a second for something to go wrong.

Fire can be devastating, and your home’s kitchen can be one of the most dangerous places in your house if you’re not careful while cooking.

1) Never leave cooking unattended
Always keep an eye on whatever you’re cooking. No matter how experienced you are, it only takes a second for something to go wrong. If your oven is too hot, or your food starts burning or boiling over, don’t hesitate—turn off that burner and keep a safe distance.

Also, never leave kids alone in a kitchen while cooking. They might not understand what they’re doing could be dangerous, and their little hands might get burned by accident.

2) Know where your fire extinguisher is
The National Fire Protection Association website states to have at least one fire extinguisher per floor, and in your kitchen. Remember where it is; you never know when you might need it. It’s also best to locate it near an exit—that way, if there’s an emergency, you can get out of your home fast.

3) Educate yourself about potential kitchen fire dangers
It’s no secret that fires can happen in homes, and kitchens are notorious for having devastating fires. The NFPA reports that in 2014, 10% of all home fires occurred in or around a kitchen. You can protect yourself from kitchen fire hazards by educating yourself about potential dangers and taking actionable steps toward reducing those risks. Start by making sure you have smoke alarms placed throughout your house with fresh batteries installed at least every six months.

4) Shut off kitchen appliances when not in use
Turn off your oven, stovetop burners, and any other appliances when you’re not using them. This includes coffee makers, toasters, and microwaves. Leaving these items on overnight can be a fire hazard. Note: You should always turn off your oven or stovetop burners if you’re going out for more than 30 minutes—even if you’re just turning over some meat or baking bread. Safety is imperative.

4th of July Firework Safety in Manteca and Modesto

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

The 4th of July can be a fun time, filled with celebrations and family fun,

The 4th of July can be a fun time, filled with celebrations and family fun, but it’s important to remember that safety must be considered throughout the holiday period and not just on the 4th itself. With fireworks being one of the most popular ways to celebrate this patriotic occasion, it’s essential to keep safety at the forefront of your mind so you can enjoy the celebrations without worrying about injury. Here are some tips on how to stay safe when using fireworks on the 4th of July.

Avoid using illegal fireworks
Using illegal fireworks can lead to more fires because these explosives are often poorly constructed, under-regulated, or simply dangerous. Make sure you know what your local fire ordinances allow before buying fireworks. And when you’re using legal fireworks, never let children light a firework or hold one that has been lit. This can help ensure their safety while also helping you avoid injuries or fires.

Fireworks safety on your property
While fireworks are a time-honored tradition, they can be dangerous. Before firing up your fireworks on Independence Day or any other time, be sure to follow these safety tips the best way to enjoy fireworks is at public displays organized by trained professionals. If you do set off fireworks yourself, it’s important that you have a plan for firework safety on your property: clear out an area free from flammable materials; keep pets indoors; and supervise children closely.

Before lighting the show, have a plan
If you are planning to set off fireworks, make sure your check the rules in your local area and perhaps makes sure the fire department knows about it beforehand. Inform them where you plan to set off fireworks so they can conduct an inspection of your property and ensure that there are no fire hazards in your backyard. Also, never ignite any type of fireworks while under the influence or if children are nearby—this is a major safety hazard! Fireworks have some potentially serious risks associated with them, so make sure you know exactly what you’re doing before lighting anything up.

After you’re done – Dispose of the leftover fireworks safely
Fireworks should never be stored or used again. Instead, they should be disposed of in a fire-safe manner. Make sure to keep them out of reach from children and animals, as they can cause burn injuries and other damage if handled improperly.

Summer Fire Causes and Restoration: Don't Let Your Home Go Up in Flames!

6/20/2022 (Permalink)

Summer fires are the leading cause of wildfires, which can be devastating to homes and property in their vicinity.

Summer brings warm weather, barbecues, and fireflies. It also brings summer fires! Unfortunately, summer fires are the leading cause of wildfires, which can be devastating to homes and property in their vicinity. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to protect your home from summer fires and ensure that if one does happen near you, you’re ready to deal with it quickly and safely before it becomes too big to handle on your own!

The basic facts about summer fires
Summer is a great time to take advantage of those cool nights and warm days by having cookouts, throwing open windows, or enjoying your porch. And while you’re outside enjoying your summer evening, it’s easy to forget how dangerous fires can be when they break out of control. Here are some common causes of fires that burn into the summer months (and beyond)

How to prevent a summer fire

Summer is a particularly hot and dry time of year, especially in arid parts of North America. With both your home appliances (such as air conditioners, heaters, and clothes dryers) running more frequently during these months, you are at greater risk for summer fires. As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of certain fire risks to protect your property and possessions. Here are some tips to ensure that your home doesn’t go up in flames over the summer months.

1. Have working smoke detectors installed throughout your house. Smoke detectors can save lives and keep fires from spreading—it’s recommended that all homes have one on every floor, including basements and attics, with an additional detector near bedrooms or sleeping areas. If you are unable to install smoke detectors yourself, contact a professional fire restoration company to help you out.

2. Be careful when using space heaters, as they are common causes of fires during summer months. Always use space heaters that have been tested by a certified technician and only use them when necessary; never leave them unattended while running.

3. Check your home for any fire hazards on a regular basis. Items like trash, dead plants, or flammable items should be stored away from combustible materials like drywall, carpeting, or furniture—if you aren’t sure where to put an item safely, contact a professional fire restoration company for advice.

How to handle summer fire damage

Summer fire damage can cause some serious problems to your home. Fortunately, by hiring a fire restoration expert like SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto, you can limit or eliminate damages to your property.

If you have experienced a fire recently, call SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto at (209) 823-8877 right away. We will come out immediately to assess your situation, make recommendations for repairs, and begin working on cleanup as soon as possible. Our staff has years of experience with summer fire damage so we’ll know exactly what steps need to be taken for repair work that is guaranteed not only to meet but exceed all local building codes.

5 Tips to Protect Your Home from Flooding

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

Know your flood risk

It’s not uncommon to hear about floods in other parts of the country, but flooding can happen to you. Whether it happens from an earthquake or heavy rains, staying prepared can help you and your home survive unscathed if flooding does occur. To keep your home safe from flooding, follow these five tips for protecting your home from flooding.

1) Know your flood risk
If you’re at risk of flooding, don’t panic. It is possible to minimize your home’s vulnerability with careful preparation and mitigation measures. These include installing sump pumps, taking other steps, and having a restoration plan if floodwaters rise too high or take hold for too long. Just last year, residents in Modesto and Manteca were forced to evacuate their homes due to rising floodwaters caused by heavy rains that lasted several days. Although no one was hurt, many people lost everything they owned.

2) Prepare for flooding
Flood mitigation techniques may seem like a waste of time and money. Still, suppose you’re planning on living in an area that experiences flooding, like Modesto or Manteca. In that case, it’s worth taking preventative measures. There are many ways you can protect your home—from reinforcing basement walls and flood vents to using flood-proof switches for lighting.

3) Store Important Documents in Waterproof Bags
When at home, make sure important documents are stored in waterproof bags. If a flood does occur, you’ll want to be able to reach these records as quickly as possible. The CDC estimates that some $28 billion worth of damage is caused by flooding each year, so keeping your important documents safe is essential.

4) Keep an Emergency Kit Ready
In case of flooding, it’s essential to keep an emergency kit ready with crucial documents and supplies (e.g., nonperishable food, first aid kit, bottled water, blankets, flashlights). You can buy these items or put them together your own. Keep them in a bag or box and make sure they’re easy to access if you need them. The Red Cross recommends keeping one in your car at all times.

5) Prepare For Rain Storms
When it rains, it pours. And if a rainy day happens when you’re not prepared, you can quickly find yourself knee-deep in trouble. This doesn’t mean that a couple of rain barrels and an umbrella will keep your home dry (that’s what we’re here for). But there are several vital things you can do to mitigate flood damage as much as possible before it occurs. Follow the steps above, and you will have a good start. By all means, read through our blog for more handy tips.

SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto: The Best Choice for Commercial Cleaning and Restoration

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

If you own or manage a business, you understand how important it is to have your property look its best. Whether you’re running an office space or selling goods in a storefront, you want your property to attract customers and make them want to come back repeatedly. But what happens when something goes wrong? Suppose your carpet becomes stained or your ceiling leaks during a storm. How can you be sure that your property will be cleaned and restored by qualified professionals to handle the job?

Service
SERVPRO’s commercial restoration services include immediate response, emergency water removal, professional cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing, contents pack-out, and storage. (p. 3) Commercial businesses can be just as vulnerable to disaster as residential properties. Still, they are even more susceptible to extensive damage without regular maintenance. Your business must protect itself with a reliable commercial cleaning service and an experienced commercial restoration company. We can help! Clean office space can increase productivity and employee morale while creating a better image for your business in front of customers or clients. Your business should also prepare for potential disasters by setting up a plan to mitigate any possible damage.

Expertise
We have certified technicians on staff who will use equipment such as vacuums, foggers, scrubbers, and floor machines. All our employees are trained in commercial restoration techniques that ensure you get exactly what you need each time.

Reliability
You don’t have to worry about whether SERVPRO will show up when they say they will. Our trucks are full of equipment and supplies, ready to go at any time. In most cases, we can even get there within four hours or less after a disaster strikes. It’s just one more way we strive to be your local favorite restoration and mitigation service company.

Performance
SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto has long prided itself on its performance. We like to do fast work out of demanding jobs and go above and beyond to get your commercial property back up to speed as quickly as possible. Some damage can’t be repaired until full restoration is complete. Still, we’ll always do what we can on-site to prevent further damage between cleanings. Just give us a quick call; we are there for you.

7 Steps to Take If There is a Commercial Fire

5/26/2022 (Permalink)

But when it comes to fire or water damage, you need expert commercial restoration service to minimize damages and ensure safety.

While fires in residential buildings are undoubtedly devastating, there are steps you can take to avoid further damage if your business suffers a fire. If you follow these seven steps to take if there's a commercial fire, you’ll be better prepared to deal with the aftermath and get back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Step 1 - Call the Fire Department

Call 911 to report that your business is on fire as soon as possible. When calling, identify yourself by name and business address. Tell them what kind of business you are and if anyone is still inside. The dispatcher will then pass you over to either firefighters or an emergency medical service unit, depending on what has been reported at that time.

Step 2 - Move Guests and Employees

Get everyone out of harm’s way quickly, including any residents staying at your business and any employees on duty. Try to keep people calm, as panicking evacuations can lead to trampling and injury. When relocating guests or customers from your building, you must know where you are sending them and that they know where they need to go.

Step 3 - Put Out the Fire

Immediately put out fires with small extinguishers that can be easily carried from room to room if it is safe. Ensure that everyone in your office knows where these extinguishers are and what type of fire they should use them on (i.e., electrical or chemical).

Step 4 - Secure the Area

Once everyone has evacuated, it’s vital that no one enters or exits. It may seem obvious, but you want to prevent people from getting hurt and damage from spreading. Ensure that all customers and employees have left your business, then ensure that all doors are locked. Shut off electricity and gas in your office or building if safe to do so. Close windows or pull-down metal security shutters if there is any chance of a fire igniting outside; the smoke can travel through open spaces easily. Only do this if it is safe to do so.

Step 5 - Get Help From an Insurance Professional

After you’ve determined that you can safely exit, don’t go anywhere. After the fire event is under control, call your insurance agent and follow their instructions. Your insurer will be able to guide you through what happens next. Get an accurate accounting of what items were damaged or destroyed in the fire. Then document how much it will cost for repairs, collect receipts and find contractors who can fix your business.

Step 6 - File a Claim

This step could take some time. You will also need to file a claim with your local fire department so that they can do an investigation and make sure it is safe for you to re-enter your building. You will also want to call your landlord or other building authority and report what happened. It’s essential not just for liability reasons but also because they may need updates on safety, such as whether or not electrical wiring needs replaced.

Step 7 - Call SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto for Restoration Services

Many business owners rely on nearby family and friends in an emergency. But when it comes to fire or water damage, you need expert commercial restoration service to minimize damages and ensure safety. Call us 24/7 at (209) 823-8877 and we’ll be there fast. Our team is here for you 24/7—no matter where your business is located in Modesto or Manteca.

Emergency Tips in the Event of Water Damage

4/26/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto provides a 24/7 service with mobility any time you need to call for an emergency. We are a leading cleaning and restora

It's no news the havoc water damage can cause. However, in the cause of the water damage event, it's essential to know what to do to mitigate the impact. Here are emergency tips to help in the event of water damage.

Cut off the electricity supply

During a flood or water outbreak, the first thing to turn off the electricity quickly. Ensure you turn off and unplug all electrical appliances to avoid electric shock. Remove all electrical devices away from the reach of the water to prevent damage. Only do this step if it is safe to do so.

Stop the flow from the source

Burst pressure pipes cause a significant amount of household damage. Trace the source of the burst and close the inlet valve. It immediately stops the water from flowing into the burst pipe and spreading into spaces.

Divert the flood to the drainage if it's caused by an uncontrollable natural disaster like a weather storm. This is not an easy task, especially when the water comes from the backed-up sewer pipes. Get your family to a safe place and wait until the flood stops before returning to your property.

Take out your valuables

Remove furniture, mattresses, clothes, carpets, documents, TV, and other appliances from the affected area if it is safe. If there is a limited time, focus on removing essential documents and only your most valuable items from the house. It is a great idea to have all necessary documents in the cloud and a weatherproof bag or container for easy grabbing. However, safety comes first when it comes to flood invasion. If the flood is coming at an unprecedented speed, you should do well to get your family out as quickly as possible instead of considering saving properties. Properties can be rebought or recovered; life cannot.

Contact a water damage restoration company

Quickly contact a cleaning and restoration company like SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto to help with the cleaning. This is important because the longer it takes, the more difficult it is to restore soaked properties. If you call SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto, be assured of a quick and efficient clean-up with special equipment like humidifiers, pumps, and air movers.

SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto provides a 24/7 service with mobility any time you need to call for an emergency. We are a leading cleaning and restoration company.

Three Reasons to Choose SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto

4/24/2022 (Permalink)

In case of a need for cleaning and restoration, choose SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto, as we have been serving them diligently for years.

Are you looking for a reputable and efficient cleaning and restoration company to help restore your home or business from a disaster? Then you're in the right place. We believe that professionals should handle cleaning up after a water or fire disaster, construction work, mold infestation, or other activities in homes and offices. Below are three reasons SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto is your best choice for residential or commercial purposes.

Skilled and Equipped

SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto is a reputable, homegrown cleaning and restoration service provider. We have served many residents and businesses in Manteca and Modesto for many years and are well known for our exceptional services. We have the best, highly skilled staff members for this job. All our technicians are trained and certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certificate). We also train them frequently to sharpen their skills and expertise on the job and in handling special equipment.

These are what we are well known for:

• 24-Hour Emergency Service
• Faster to Any Size Disaster
• Highly Trained Restoration Technicians
• A Trusted Leader in the Restoration Industry
• Locally Owned and Operated
• Usage of Advanced Restoration and Cleaning Equipment

Our residential services include:

• Fire Damage Restoration
• Storm/Water Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Mold Remediation
• Building Services

Our technicians are highly trained to restore your home to a fault using advanced equipment and techniques. We are committed to finesse your home to a great state.

Our commercial services include:

• Water/Storm Damage Restoration
• Cleaning Services
• Fire Damage Restoration
• Mold Remediation

Professionalism

Fire or water damage, we will restore your property, "Like it never even happened". We will assign you a team of specially trained technicians who will draft you a working plan and update you on the progress at every stage. Our clients enjoy the best customer service through the friendly and happy relationship we bank on to build success. Our staff takes customers seriously and puts their worries to bed.

Neighborhood Most Reliable

SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto is a long-standing, locally owned, and operated business. We are known in Manteca and Modesto as a household service provider. In case of a need for cleaning and restoration, choose SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto, as we have been serving them diligently for years.

Top Reasons for Water Damage in your Home

4/19/2022 (Permalink)

For professional repair and preparation to reduce the risks of water damage, kindly contact SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto.

As essential as water is to life, it is capable of causing disaster. The causes of water damage are numerous. From natural causes like in the case of storms, dam breaks, to human negligence. Water disasters can worsen if not quickly averted and can lead to losing part or all of your property. The financial burden caused by water damage can also be high if not mitigated early or if there's a delay in the cleaning and restoration process. Also, if not handled properly, it could leave a damning effect on the building and discoloration.

Water disasters rank top among home disasters. To prepare adequately for a water disaster, you need to know the causes of water damage in homes. Below are the top reasons for water damage.

Bad Weather
In the case of severe natural disasters such as flooding from storms, there is no way of preventing water damage. The heavy wind that comes with rain showers alone can cause damage to your roof and windows, let alone the heavy downpour accompanied by heavy wind. Sometimes, you cannot prevent the cause but can reduce the impact on your property.

Clogged Gutters
Debris and tree leaves can block the gutters over time, and when there's rainfall, the water has nowhere to flow to but flood the house. Flooding may not only occur during rainfall.
Water waste accumulates and flows back into the house when there is a clogged gutter or drainage.

Leaking Pipe
Plumbing pipes hiding inside the walls may begin to wear over time and eventually break. Detecting broken pipes inside the wall may be difficult. As soon as you notice a wet wall surface, immediately contact a technician to check. Pipe leakage inside a wall can weaken and damage the wall painting.

Blocked Indoor Drains
Sometimes, hair particles and food substances get in the drains while bathing or washing. When these particles accumulate for some period, it will be difficult for water to get through the drains. When water cannot get free passage through the drains in the kitchen or toilet, it accumulates and spreads in the space. Initially, it may not seem like a big problem, but it can eventually lead to flooding over time.

How can water damage be prevented?

The best way to avoid water damage is to do general maintenance at least once a month.

General maintenance includes:

• Clearing outgrown lawn
• Removal of debris from drainages and gutters
• Cutting tree branches
• Cleaning kitchen and bathroom drains

It is essential to repair windows, roofs, and other openings before rainfall.

There is also the need to check your water heater, refrigerator, washing machine, and air conditioner for adequate maintenance. And acquire the service of a professional technician to check plumbing areas for care.

For professional repair and preparation to reduce the risks of water damage, kindly contact SERVPRO of Manteca and Modesto.