Dealing with Sewage Backup: Guide by SERVPRO

8/29/2023 (Permalink)

Category 3 loss at commercial client.

Facing a backed-up toilet or sink can already be a source of stress for commercial property owners and small business operators. However, when sewage becomes part of the equation, a minor inconvenience can quickly escalate into a hazardous and complex cleanup situation. Refer to this informative resource from SERVPRO experts to understand the immediate steps to take after a sewer backup occurs, along with effective prevention strategies to avert such incidents in the future.

Navigating Sewer Backups: Critical Actions to Take

Tackling a sewage backup within your commercial establishment transcends routine cleaning tasks. Given the inherent dangers of handling sewage, it's imperative that only trained professionals undertake the cleanup process. The moment you detect signs of a sewage backup, promptly reach out to a reputable professional company to address the issue and restore normalcy to your business operations.

Seasoned experts possess the knowledge to manage health risks while effectively eradicating all biohazards. An adept cleaning crew can adeptly perform the following crucial tasks related to sewage cleanup:

• Removal of All Items Damaged Due to Sewage Backup
• Appropriate Disposal of Irreparable Items
• Proper Disinfection of Salvageable Materials Off-Site
• Thorough Extraction of Water and Sewage Using Specialized Equipment
• Dehumidification of Affected Areas
• Dispersal of Hazardous Fumes and Airborne Particles
• Disinfection of Flooring and Surfaces in Contaminated Zones

Have Water Damage? Here's What to Do.

8/12/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth.

Oh no! You notice a leaking pipe or a plumbing issue in your home or business. Don’t fret, SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills is here for you. Before we arrive, however, here are some tips to safely take care of water damage. Keep in mind, these tips apply to clean water only. Sewage water causes different kinds of damage, and it is contaminated, so SERVPRO® treats that damage differently. SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills is the perfect call to begin the water removal process, as our professional team will quickly and properly dry out your home or business from any water damage.

• When you notice damage occurring, immediately shut off the water source and turn off the power.
• If safe, remove as much water as possible with a mop and towels to soak up water.
• Place aluminum foil between wood furniture legs and carpet. Do not keep rugs and furniture upholstery wet against each other, as more damage will occur.

Safety is number one priority, so these steps are only recommended if they are safe to do so. Do not enter a room with standing water, as there could be a risk of an electrical shock. Ensure all power is disconnected as soon as flooding occurs. Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to try and remove water. SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills knows the safe and best way to remove excess water and minimize the chance of mold growth. Call us at (818) 465-2882 to assist you today, we are 24/7/365.

Returning Home: How to Remove the Smoky Smell from your Property

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

Deodorizing and sanitizing a home or business after a fire is not an easy task, and you should not have to be forced to do it yourself.

If you’ve ever been around a campfire or experienced an indoor fire, you’ll know exactly what that lingering smoky smell is like after the fire’s been put out. When you suffer from a home or business fire, it’s important to minimize as much of the remaining odor as possible before SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills arrives. These tips will be helpful in maintaining the healthiest living conditions as possible after a fire occurs.

Tip 1: If safe, open any windows to increase airflow and circulation. Additionally, keep doors open to allow air to flow through and out of the structure.

Tip 2: Replace air filters. Toxic smoke particles and soot can become trapped in air filters, which results in unhealthy air being released after a fire. Replace the filters to avoid the spread of the odor.

Tip 3: Deep clean the affected areas. Kitchen counters, curtains, windows and carpets are commons places for smoke particles to stick after a fire. Target these areas to remove the remaining odor from smoke damage.

SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills is the expert fire restoration team for you! Deodorizing and sanitizing a home or business after a fire is not an easy task, and you should not have to be forced to do it yourself. Here at SERVPRO®, we have a team of experienced professionals with advanced odor removal products and equipment that will take care of your fire-related needs. Let our team make your home or business look like the fire “Never even happened.” Call SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills at (818) 465-2882, we are 24/7/365.

What to do After a Flood

7/15/2022 (Permalink)

If you experience a flood on your property, let our experienced team of franchise professionals assess the flooding for any potential water damage.

Even while in a drought, Southern California is an area of high flood risk. Floods, when not treated properly, can potentially result in hundreds of thousands in damages. Heavy rain is just one potential cause of flooding. In reality, there are a variety of ways that your property could flood.

Top 3 Common Causes of Floods

1. Poor drainage
2. Broken pipes
3. Damaged foundations

Floodwater often becomes contaminated with sewage and chemicals, and it is unsafe to live in these conditions. It’s important to keep pipes in good condition as water damage is costly to repair.

If you experience flooding in your home perform the below actions to help keep damage down, but only when it is safe to do so:

• Stop the flooding from its source
• Turn off electricity (take extra care to avoid any moisture or collected water)
• Safely evacuate the structure affected by flooding

Once in a dry, safe location:

• Contact your insurance company
• Document the flooding (Take note of what was damaged by the water)

If you experience a flood on your property, let our experienced team of franchise professionals assess the flooding for any potential water damage. We will get your home back to pre-flood condition. Contact SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills at (818) 465-6444 to begin the flood restoration, we are 24/7/365.

Count on SERVPRO to Fix Your Property

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

No matter what time it is or how large the job, the SERVPRO team is always ready to quickly respond to your emergency. Just give us a call today!

SERVPRO of Arleta, Hansen Hills is the restoration service for you! Whether it’s an issue with fire, water, mold or more, the team at SERVPRO is dedicated to responding to your emergency. When there is significant water or fire damage to your property, always seek out professional help. Our professionals have the proper skills, techniques and equipment needed to quickly combat any problems. Quick action to restore damaged property is our number one priority. By trusting the SERVPRO experts, we can ensure as many items will be salvaged as possible, in a safe and healthy way.

In addition to our restoration services, you can contact SERVPRO of Arleta, Hansen Hills for any of your cleaning service needs. From air duct cleaning to removing biohazard contaminants, our team will take care of what you don’t want to for a safe, clean and comfortable home.

All it takes to getting your disaster taken care of is a visit to our website or a call to our dedicated 24-hour emergency line. They’ll have all the answers to your questions about next steps following damage to your home or property. No matter what time it is or how large the job, the SERVPRO team is always ready to quickly respond to your emergency. If you don’t know where to turn after your home suffers damage, just call SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills at (818) 465-2882, we are 24/7/365.

Steps to Take After Smoke Damage from a Wildfire

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Even if it's not visible, smoke damage still remains following wildfires.

Wildfires are all too common in Southern California, and smoke and ash damage cause devastating damage to a home if not addressed properly. Contact SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills, as well as your insurance company, and provide information about the damage that has occurred. Most of our work starts off by first contacting your insurance with you or on your behalf and scheduling an inspection of the property. We will go through the difficult process of returning your business or home to its preloss condition. Since smoke damage can be invisible to the naked eye, it is important for qualified experts like SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills to conduct the inspection.

While the inspection takes place it will benefit you to do the following:

• Take note of any damage you observe. Make sure to photograph any noticeable damage due to smoke and ash. The more you can document from the damage, the more it will assist you for insurance claims purposes.
• Move children, pets and anybody else away from the home and to a smoke-free area. Stay away from the residence until restoration is complete.

Smoke released in the air contains an array of toxins, and these toxins may persist if not treated correctly.  Let us work with your insurance company to help with your home’s wildfire recovery. Call SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills at (818) 465-2882, we are 24/7/365.

Team Safety and Training

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

We never know when or where we can be of service.

As SERVPRO® Franchise of the Year 2020 and consistently in the top five of all SERVPRO® franchises we have a mission and responsibility to our team that helped get us here. As Americans we value life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

SERVPRO® of Arleta, Hansen Hills insists on its team’s participation in CPR training as we never know when or where we can be of service.

The premiere training company we use, HOMESAFE, Inc. a Division of ACADISAFE, is only made possible with their Training Director and Principal Instructor Gio Fanelli. We’ve included a brief bio on his background and the trainings HOMESAFE, Inc. offer and how to make contact. CPR is only ONE of the many trainings that they offer.

Gio Fanelli, Training Director and Principal Instructor:

Gio is authorized by Federal OSHA as a Construction Safety Outreach Trainer (10 hr & 30 hr), By EPA as a Principal Course RRP Instructor (Lead), State of California CDPH (Lead) and DOSH (Asbestos) Approved Instructor and Director of Training at HomeSafe / AcadiSafe.

He has performed Radon testing evaluations, Clandestine Methamphetamine "Meth" Drug Lab Cleanup, Crime & Trauma Cleanup also called "Biohazard or Biorecovery"?, Healthcare & Life Science, Infection Control, Disaster Response, Critical Cleaning in Sensitive Environments, Project Design & Monitoring, Phase I, III ESA, Initial Site Surveys to Clearance Sampling, H.E.P.A Challenge Testing by "DOP" on Portable Exhaust Equipment Vacuums and Negative Air Machines as well as Respirator Fit Testing Services, Rotameter / Flowmeter NIST Traceable Primary Source Calibration.

HOMESAFE, Inc. a Division of ACADISAFE - State and Federal Accredited Asbestos, Bio, Lead, Mold, HazWoper, Infection Control, Occupational Safety & Health Training Company.

Office | Website | Email
800.789.SAFE (7233) | acadisafe.com / homesafe.org | gio@homesafe.org / gfanelli@acadisafe.com

LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giofanelli

Office Address: 18012 Cowan Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92614

Training Location: 16601 Ventura Blvd 3rd floor, Encino, CA 91436

Recovery After a Storm

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO van towing generator

Storm damage wreaks destruction on buildings as well as surrounding area. Wind damage can loosen the shingles or tiles on a roof which can allow moisture such as rain or snow to infiltrate the roof itself. This can allow said moisture to enter the protective surface of the roof, which will result in swelling wood with later disintegration, and sometimes becoming mold ridden. This outcome leads to a sagging ceiling and further problems. The elements such as wind, rain, lightning, or hail can result in catastrophic losses, turning lives upside down.

This is what you can expect from SERVPRO of Arleta, Hansen Hills storm restoration service professionals.

• Regardless of whether it is a business or residence, our company will come to your property with trained experts and perform a thorough inspection of your loss. This helps us to understand and discover the full extent of damage.
• Once the scope of work is confirmed and agreed upon, the work begins. Depending on what type of damage is present, this will determine the type of equipment SERVPRO of Arleta, Hansen Hills will use.
• Generators may be brought in to operate the dehumidifiers and air movers to combat potential mold and mildew to not have a change to make matters worse.

It is important to reach out immediately to reduce the extent that damage may occur. Once contacted and scheduled we will work tirelessly to rescue your building from greater structural issues.

Five Steps Towards Water Damage Recovery

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage resulting in mold.

First, get in touch with your insurance.

Insurance claims take time and paperwork. It is a good idea to check with your insurance company what they cover in terms of water damage to be prepared.

Second, Get an Inspection

SERVPRO of Arleta/Hansen Hills is a water damage restoration expert in Arleta and Hansen Hills that offers inspections, and our best-in-class technicians work tirelessly to return your home to its preloss condition.

Thirdly, Take Care of Your Home

Commercial buildings tend to have water resistant materials, some parts can still receive damage, especially from corrosion or mold growth.

Fourth, Check Your Electrical

Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. Make sure the contractor you go with is properly licensed and has the experience to handle the job at hand.

Fifth, Cleaning and Remediation

Mold growth is the most common outcome from water damage. Restoration contractors should be able to detect the source and take proper remediation measures during the restoration process. Untreated mold can easily grow and spread, especially through your home or business’s ventilation system.

5 Steps to Protect Your Home in a Storm

11/13/2021 (Permalink)

Crew cleanup.

1. Have Your Roof Inspected

A roof is the primary line of defense against extreme weather. Your roof should be in good condition to minimize any potential damage which may occur. Hire a professional roof inspector to ensure your roof's health. This should happen roughly twice a year.

2. Power Surge Danger

Unplug your appliances prior to a storms arrival if you know one is on its way. To help with the safety of your home make sure to unplug your appliances to reduce the risk of a power surge damaging your appliances.

3. Invest in Storm Shutters

If you live in an area of high wind powerful enough to break your windows, storm shutters can provide an impact resistant feature that will prevent the wind damage from occurring in the first place.

4. Trim Trees

Trim the trees that are at risk of damaging your property. Any overgrown trees can damage their surrounding area and cause damage to your home. They have the potential to take down power lines, damage nearby vehicles and other outdoor items. It is worth the time invested to take care of your home landscaping.

5. Have Evacuation Plans

There are times when certain authorities will call for evacuation and inform you when it is safe to stay or leave. Create an emergency preparedness kit to get ready for any storm event which may occur for when you need to hunker down and stay home. 

Wildfire Season Preparedness Tips

10/20/2021 (Permalink)

Emergency planning.

Should a wildfire start in your area you will need to be able to move quickly and efficiently. You may have to leave your home to stay safe. Have different escape routes planned out from your home or community. Make sure to understand the procedure your community follows when making your emergency preparedness plan.

1. Emergency Supplies
   1. Go kit: (3) days of supplies
   2. Stay at home kit: (2) weeks of supplies for home confinement/stay
   3. 1-month supply of medication in child proof container
   4. Keep personal, financial, and medical records in safe, fireproof container.
2. Communication Plan
   1. Sign up for local government emergency alerts
   2. Obtain back up battery/ies for any mobile devices
   3. Obtain a battery-powered radio
   4. Monitor weather conditions near you
3. Emergency Skills
   1. First-aid training
   2. CPR training
   3. Be ready for no power. Plan for your needs, including cell phones and medical equipment.
4. Download American Red Cross Wildfire Safety Checklist: https://bit.ly/Wildfire-Safety-American-Red-Cross

Link to current California Wildfire incidents: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/.

4 Steps Towards Preventing a Complete Business Shutdown

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Side by side SERVPRO vans.

Storm damage can be serious, but it does not mean the end of the world. By creating a plan and partnering with the support and help you will need, there is no reason why you should have to shut the doors to your business. When the damage to your building is serious enough to need repairs, but not catastrophic, you may be concerned about running your business while the emergency mitigation services are being performed. SERVPRO of Arleta, Hansen Hills works with countless various industries and are experts in commercial remediation. Our various customers’ industries include those such as: residential, hospitality, medical, manufacturing, law, and government.  

We keep a clear line of communication open with our customers. Our highly trained claims managers work in tandem with our schedulers daily to confirm and memorialize the scope of work being performed daily. By understanding to our customers’ needs our team is able to devise the proper mitigation plan to minimize business interruption. Over 60% of small businesses don’t have a plan in place, and more than one in four businesses undergo a critical or significant loss every year.

Preventative Steps:

1. Create a plan.
2. Understand your coverage.
3. Get prepared.
4. Make SERVPRO of Arleta, Hansen Hills your remediation partner.

SERVPRO Safety Work Plan for COVID-19

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

LEARN PROPER SAFETY PROCEDURES TO REDUCE RISK AT YOUR BUSINESS

Reviewing and understanding Federal, State, OSHA, and/or CDC guidelines for maintaining a healthy and safe work environment is a critical step to minimizing risk to your business. Proactively taking steps to create and maintain a clean and safe work environment demonstrates that you take the health and safety of your employees and occupants seriously.

DEVELOP A WORK SAFETY PLAN

• Inspect space and develop a plan to maintain social distancing requirements and allows for flexible work schedules including maintaining remote work capabilities

• Commit to monitoring and following public health guidelines

• Implement and maintain safe, social distancing practices

• Encourage frequent hand washing

• Provide hand sanitizer stations

• Develop a daily disinfection plan

• Remind employees to stay home if they are sick

HAVE YOUR ENTIRE OFFICE CLEANED AND DISINFECTED

• Disinfect spaces, furnishings, and mechanical systems before employees return to the workplace

• Inspect for obvious signs of damage like broken windows or doors or water leaks

• Inspect for hazards (electrical, mechanical, structural, physical, etc.)

SERVPRO of Arleta/Hansen Hills is certified to disinfect your offices for a safe return, call our offices to schedule with our crews. 

Wind Damage Restoration Specialists

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

No matter where you live, you’re prone to some type of storm damage, even if it’s just a little wind damage. This is why we should all be prepared, especially in Southern California with the Santa Ana winds. 

At SERVPRO of Arleta/Hansen Hills, we have knowledgeable storm-damage restoration technicians prepared to offer assessment, repairs, and cleanup services. We’re prepared for any challenge, from massive storm damage to minor wind damage. Time and time again, we’ve helped homes get back to the way they were before the damage occurred.

We are here to help you pick up the pieces of your life after wind or storm damage. Wind damage may not happen often but when it does we know it can be a headache to deal with. You can always trust the storm damage restoration specialists at SERVPRO.

Flood Facts

2/23/2021 (Permalink)

While it may not be common in Southern California to get a lot of rain but when we do it seems to come in insane amounts. Here are some flood facts from SERVPRO corporate:

Flash floods can bring walls of water 10 to 20 feet high.

Flooding can be caused by spring thawing (snow and frozen grounds melting in the spring), heavy rains, snowmelt runoffs, flash floods, and mudflows.

Floods are the most widespread natural disaster aside from wildfires. 

In preparation for a flood, it is important to stock up on first aid items, non-perishable foods, gallons of water, battery-operated electronics, extra batteries, and personal hygiene necessities. 

SERVPRO of Arleta/Hansen Hills is your flood exper and we are always here to help.

Southern California and Storms

2/16/2021 (Permalink)

Storms in Southern California! While they are not common when the storms hit sunny California, it seems as if this state falls apart. Although, we do need the water because we are in a drought.

If you were to ever experience a storm damage loss to your home or business your first call should always be SERVPRO.

We have the experience, trained technicians, and detailed office staff ready to go in case of an emergency. Mostly, we have seen leaking roofs and clogged drains outside causing standing water to seep into homes, even though it doesn't happen often it is always best to be prepared until SERVPRO can get on site.

You should check your home's rain gutters and clear them of all debris as well. You can always ask your local fire departments for sandbags if you have water seeping in from under your doors. Just like SERVPRO, they are always here to help too.     

How to Handle Severe Storm Damage

11/13/2020 (Permalink)

Severe flooding causes structural damage and creates health and fire hazards. While we don’t experience tornadoes or hurricanes, Southern California does experience heavy rain during the year, and it can lead to massive floods. Always wait for severe weather to calm down before trying to call professionals out to come help, it may not be safe still. But don’t wait too long after, because it’s a fine line for microbial growth to start forming in your home. It’s better to let the SERVPRO crew handle this process due to potential hazards. Floods can bury and move chemical containers and hazardous waste far from their original locations. Let officials handle chemical and electrical hazards. The longer you wait after a storm the more hazards you risk; insurance companies stress that storm cleanup begin as soon as possible. Always call SERVPRO of Arleta/Hansen Hills if you ever experience storm damage.

American Red Cross Partner

10/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO began a National partnership in March of 2013 with the American Red Cross as the largest corporate sponsor for the Ready Rating Program. As a Disaster Responder member, SERVPRO of Arleta/Hansen Hills is among an elite group of companies and foundations from almost every industry. The Red Cross, and SERVPRO alike, are very refutable companies that people know and trust and by working together we are able to come together for our communities and neighbors in any time of need. Even though Southern California may not experience storms like the rest of the country doesn't mean that when storms do hit they are taken lightly. Partnering with the Red Cross allows our company to be apart of something bigger than just water and fire remediation. We are always here to help.