Commercial losses don't have to be the end of your business!

1/18/2021 (Permalink)

Let us help you handle your commercial loss.

Commercial losses can be devastating and the disruption of your business could lead to closure. If you find yourself in an emergency maintenance situation and you need help, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of La Jolla.

We will contact you within the hour that you called, get out to the job in no more than 4 hours and you will have a plan with the scope of the work needed to be completed within 8 hours. Prior to any of that, with your approval, we can isolate the issue to avoid any further damage or disruption to your business. 

We understand that timing is everything! Every second that goes by without addressing the issue can cause further damages and more expenses to fix things. Let us do our jobs to help you get things back to normal again. We are trained and experienced in handling commercial losses and will get the job done right. 

Give us a call if you need anything at any time of the day! 858-271-5234

SERVPRO of La Jolla customizes a plan that is just right for you!

1/15/2021 (Permalink)

Select a company that will develop a plan that is custom to your situation.

California wildfires happen every year and effect so many families. SERVPRO of La Jolla will be there for you at any time of the day to help you recover after a fire has struck. It's never an easy process to recover after a fire, but we are trained and experienced to handle the worst of situations. 

We will develop a plan to get things back to normal for you as quickly as possible. We will walk you through the process so you feel comfortable and confident in our services that we provide. Selecting a restoration company for the job can be overwhelming as there are so many in San Diego. Go with a company that has been around and knows what they're doing. SERVPRO is a company you can rely on.

We offer free estimates if you would like for us to analyze the situation and provide you with a plan of action. 

Cleaning up after a fire is our expertise!

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

We are experienced in cleaning smoke soot from your home after a fire.

SERVPRO of La Jolla works together and communicates the appropriate plan of action to tackle your damages with care and proper execution. 

Removing soot from your home can be timely and burdening. It's also hard to see sometimes with the naked eye. SERVPRO of La Jolla uses testing as well as special equipment and cleaning products to properly remove the soot from your home. Tiny particles can easily be left behind from a fire and be harmful to you, your family and your pets. It's important to ensure all the soot is removed after a fire. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla will work with you to develop a plan and make sure you understand the process and feel comfortable with our services. We will work to restore your items rather than taking on the expense of replacing things the best we can. 

Let us know if you need help with clean up after a fire. We've got you covered and will get the job done right. 

Call us for a free estimate, 858-270-5234

We can take care of your commercial cleaning needs and get the job done right!

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can work quickly to handle your commercial cleaning needs.

SERVPRO of La Jolla works together as one big team to handle all of our corporate losses. We can assist in the following services: 

*Air Duct Cleaning 

*HVAC Cleaning 

*Covid Cleaning (both preventative and confirmed cases) 

*Drapes & Upholstery Cleaning 

*Carpet Cleaning 

*Biohazard & Trauma Scene Cleaning 

*Fire & Water Damage 

*Mold Remediation 

SERVPRO of La Jolla uses hospital grade products to ensure best service in all aspects to guarantee your satisfaction the safety of you and your staff. Our equipment is checked regularly to provide the highest quality cleanings we can. We also work to ensure our technicians are well trained and certified to handle all commercial jobs. We work to provide the best service to guarantee your satisfaction. 

Call us for a free estimate. 

We can take care of commercial fire jobs

1/11/2021 (Permalink)

We can handle commercial fire losses such as this. Give us a call if you need help.

SERVPRO of La Jolla can help with any size fire loss. We can also take care of water damages resulting in a fire. Our team is experienced in cleaning up soot and smoke. We also pre-test ahead of time to determine the best cleaning method for the job. We work to make sure that we are handling each job with customization and care. We want our customers to feel confident in our services and feel that they chose the right company to handle their loss. 

We can also offer resources to build up a barrier to ensure the safety of you and others if you need time to sort things out. Fire losses can be catastrophic and emotional. We will do our part in taking away some of that stress for you so you can be with your family and friends. 

We understand the process that needs to take place and will communicate that to you so you feel secure with us. SERVPRO of La Jolla is here for you at the worst of times. 

Let us deal with the cleanup after a storm

1/8/2021 (Permalink)

Storm cleanup can be a hassle to deal with. Let us take on that burden for you.

SERVPRO of La Jolla works as one big team to help you at the worst of times. We have reliable equipment and technicians that you can trust in. Cleanup after a storm can be a big job for a homeowner. Let us take the stress off you and help with something we are experienced in. 

If you have items that are damaged, we will work in making sure we restore them to their original state to avoid additional costs to replace them. We also offer free estimates if you would like for us to come out to your home to assess the damages done. 

We will explain the scope of work so that you feel confident and secure in the work that we will perform. We will also communicate every step of the way and work quickly and correctly to get the job done right the first time. We are a company that you can rely on. 

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla if you need help with cleanup after a storm. We've got you covered! 

858-271-5234 

When a storm strikes, we are here for you!

1/5/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO can handle your storm clean up needs!

Storms don't happen too much for us in Southern California, but when they do we are often times not prepared to handle them. Clean up from a storm can be burdening on you and your family. SERVPRO of La Jolla can help get your home back to normal. Call us if you find yourself in an overwhelming situation and need to take a step back from it with storm damage. 

Stay inside with your family where it's warm and let us tackle the job. We perform quickly and efficiently. We are trained in handling any type of cleanup job and will communicate every step of the way with you. We also offer free estimates if you would like for us to simply come out and take a look. 

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla for your storm clean up needs! 

858-270-5234

No Job is too big for SERVPRO of La Jolla!

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla can handle the hardest jobs whenever you need our help.

We handle it all. We work together as a team to make sure that we are efficient in our work. It is important to us that we communicate daily on the work that has been done and the work that needs to be completed. 

When you have water damage in your home or your business, it's imperative to act fast! Each minute that goes by is more damage. We are open to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla is a company that you can trust will be there for you in the toughest of times and get the job done right! We offer free estimates, and can come out to inspect your property to give you a clear understanding of the issues and scope of work that is needed to get your home or business back to normal. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla Gives Back!

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

We believe in community!

The Covid-19 pandemic has hurt so many individuals and their families. We understand the importance of community and coming together during difficult times. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla works regularly with the American Red Cross to give the gift of life. We are a company that believes in giving back whenever we can! SERVPRO of La Jolla participates in 2-3 blood drives per year and will be hosting the next one in March, 2021. 

During the pandemic, the blood supply in the U.S has dramatically been affected and we are doing our part to try and help.  We hope to inspire other companies to do the same. 

"Alone we can do so little; Together we can do so much." -Helen Keller 

Let SERVPRO of La Jolla fix the job!

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

If you have unwanted odors in your home, let SERVPRO of La Jolla help you!

SERVPRO of La Jolla specializes in cleaning. Our team of technicians approach each job with customization and care. It's important to treat each job as it's own and create a customized cleaning plan to best solve the problems. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla can handle any size cleaning job and we are experienced in cleaning: 

*Air Ducts & HVAC 

*Biohazard 

*Carpet & Upholstery 

*Ceilings, Floors & Walls 

*Drapes & Blinds 

*Odor Removal 

*Sewage 

*Trauma & Crime Scene 

*Vandalism 

*Mold Remediation 

We are experts in getting rid of odors and use special cleaning products to ensure the job gets done right. When jobs are not cleaned properly, often times you are left with unwanted odors. We understand the burden this may cause you and your family. Let us help you! 

SERVPRO of La Jolla can get the job done quickly and properly! Call us for a free estimate! 

858-270-5234

SERVPRO of La Jolla can fix damages from water

12/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla can help!

It's never a fun feeling to walk into your kitchen and find a puddle of water. Water travels fast and in a matter of minutes you could find yourself in a much bigger problem than you are willing to take on yourself. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla is a company that works hard to locate the problem, stop the water from leaking, and restore your home. Our equipment is checked daily to ensure the highest quality and get the job done right the first time! Our technicians are ready to act at any time of the day and address your water damages. We work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area so that you can get back to your everyday while we restore things. 

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla. You can trust we will handle the job professionally from start to finish. 

858-270-5234

Trust SERVPRO of La Jolla with any maintenance related issue!

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

You can trust SERVPRO of La Jolla!

SERVPRO of La Jolla works with both residential business as well as commercial. We work efficiently and as one team in our office to ensure that you receive the highest quality of work with our customer service as well as our service we provide. 

We want you to feel more than satisfied when the job is completed and know that you can trust us when you are in the worst of situations. We work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days of the year to make sure you have a restoration company you can rely on. 

In emergency type situations, it's important to act quickly and work to stop the problem so that you can focus on the solution. Our team is skilled in handling various situations and is READY to help you! 

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla to get the job done right! We are READY to help!

Tips For Cleaning Your San Diego Yard After A Storm

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla can help with the cleanup after a natural disaster strikes!

Storms can take a toll on you. When a natural disaster strikes, it is stressful, time consuming, and burdening. Natural disasters seem to always take place at the worst times! In southern California, we have beautiful weather for the most part however, we definitely have our fair share of storms that knock down power lines and trees. We are left with unplanned and unwanted damages and a huge mess to clean. 

After a storm, the cleanup process begins. Handling debris in your yard may be simple enough but fallen trees can be backbreaking, and dangerous for the average person to take care of. 

*It is important to look for downed power lines after a storm, take plenty of pictures just in case you feel you need your homeowners insurance to help, and check your trees. After you know it is safe, take a look around your yard to access the damage. 

*Check for broken glass to clear. Once the glass is clear, the environment is a lot safer and you may even be able to have family members help clean up debris. Be sure to wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts when cleaning up glass. If you do get a cut, be sure to clean the cut right away!

*When you see that trees have fallen, be sure to check to see if power lines near the tree have as well. If power lines have fallen, do not touch the tree or the lines to keep yourself safe. It is best to contact the electric company. You may need to also contact a professional with moving the tree as well. 

*Check your hardscaping for any shifts or loose parts. Check in with your homeowners insurance to see if any damage is covered under your policy. You may need to contact a professional to assist with damages done to any hardscaping after a storm. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla is a resource for any cleanup or water damage after a storm. 

Get SERVPRO of La Jolla involved with your San Diego water loss

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla can help with any type of water loss!

When water losses strike, it can be a very stressful and lengthy process. SERVPRO of La Jolla will be here for you at any time of the day. We will start executing a plan to help get you back on track and help get things back to normal. 

Water damages due to water losses can include rotting wood, mold growth, bacteria growth, rusting of steel, swelling of composite woods, and de-laminating of materials. Water damages can be much bigger due to a burst pipe, an underground leak, or a flood. SERVPRO of La Jolla can assist with any of these issues. Our team is trained and can get the job completed right and quickly. We will communicate every step of the process so you can feel confident in our plan. 

Insurance may or may not cover the damages incurred from a water loss but it is important to act quickly as the more time that passes, the more damages occur and overall higher costs if you are left to pick up the bill. 

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla for any San Diego water loss. We can help! 858-270-5234

SERVPRO of La Jolla can help with your emergency maintenance needs!

12/18/2020 (Permalink)

Our team can help you!

SERVPRO of La Jolla is a company that you can trust will get the job done right. We offer a variety of services and can also help with repairing your loss so you can work with one less vendor! 

We specialize in: 

• Water extraction (CAT I, II, III)
• Mold remediation
• COVID-19 Cleanup
• Biohazard cleanup
• Historically significant document and item restoration
• Post-Construction cleanup
• Structural Drying
• HVAC/ Duct Cleaning
• Fire & Smoke damage restoration
• Deodorization/ Odor Removal
• Removal of Debris
• Cleaning of content and structure
• Decontamination
• Pack-Out Services
• Rebuild/Repairs

You can call us at any time of the day with our 24 hour emergency team ready to assist you in the most difficult situations. We also offer free estimates! 

SERVPRO of La Jolla understands the importance of time in an emergency situation and we work fast to help you! 

SERVPRO of La Jolla works 24/7/365!

12/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla works on holidays!

Rest assured this holiday season that SERVPRO of La Jolla will be here for you if you need us. If you find yourself in an unfortunately emergency maintenance situation, you can all our 24 hour emergency after hours line, and someone will get back to you within the hour! Let us handle the stress so you can enjoy your family and loved ones during this holiday season. 

From the time that you report your loss to us, we will have a technician or a team out to your home or business within 4 hours and an entire scope of the work needed to fix the issue within 8 hours. This includes an estimate of the costs as well! Maintenance issues are burdening and timely. We have worked to ensure our technicians are trained properly and are able to handle your emergency maintenance needs. 

We wish you a safe holiday season.

Please contact our 24 hour emergency line at 858-271-5234 if you need our help. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla can help!

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Let SERVPRO of La Jolla help you!

SERVPRO of La Jolla is here for you at any time of the day. If you find yourself in an emergency maintenance situation, call our emergency line at, 858-271-5234. 

We promise that one of our team members will respond to your call within the hour, come out to your home or business within 4 hours, and within 8 hours, we will deliver you an estimate and scope of the work. 

Our technicians are experienced and certified to handle any emergency maintenance issue you may find yourself in. We hope that you don't call us, but in the event that you do, we can help you!

We offer free estimates and a repairs division to help you put things back together as well. 

When the rain comes so do the leaks!

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Call us for a free estimate!

Living in San Diego, we don't get much rain. When the rain does come, often times that is when we find that there is a leak in the roof. No matter the size of the storm, water travels quickly and can damage your home or business fast. The longer that you wait to address the issue, the more damages you have and more costs you incur. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla understands that we need to act quickly if you are affected by a storm. You can call us at any time on our 24 hour emergency line. 858-270-5234

We will stop the leak and give you a plan of action so that you feel confident in the services we can provide to help get things back to normal for you. We will also work to repair the roof so that you have one less vendor to work with! 

Be sure to practice fire safety tips for preventing kitchen fires this holiday season!

12/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla can help with any fire damage or restoration!

With the holidays here, your favorite recipes to make for family and friends come as well. While spending time with loved ones is important, it is also important to practice proper fire safety tips to prevent a kitchen fire. 

* Did you know that when grease is too hot, it can catch fire? If you find yourself in this situation, place a lid over the pan immediately to cut off the oxygen levels. Always call 911 if you are in need of emergency help. 

* Be alert and set kitchen timers. It is very easy to get distracted during the holidays with cooking multiple items, and interacting with family. Set timers to be sure you don't forget that something is cooking and stay near the heat source. 

*Save getting in your planned outfit for later and wear clothing that is suitable for cooking in. Avoid wearing long, bagging clothing that can easily catch fire. 

* Plan to have the children looked after. It's easy to get distracted with small children. Keep the children away from the heating sources to avoid accidents. 

* Clean as you go to avoid items catching fire such as napkins, towels, plastic and wooden spoons. 

If you find yourself in an unfortunate situation, always call 911. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla can help with clean up and restoration with any fire. 858-270-5234

What are the most common ways house fires start?

11/2/2020 (Permalink)

Ensure your home is safe of fires with practicing proper safety measures.

Fires can start in the smallest of ways and turn into the biggest problems. It's important to check your home regularly and be aware of the most common ways a fire can start to protect you and your family. 

So, what are the most common ways that a fire can start in your home? 

* Lighting: Most people do not think that lighting can be the cause of a home fire. Make sure that lamps cannot be knocked over, and that lamp shades are not too hot. 

* Cooking: Be sure to not leave foods that are being cooked on the stove unattended to. If you need to leave the kitchen, ask someone to keep an eye on the food. it is very easy to get distracted by a phone call or tending to a child and forget you have food on the stove. 

* Flammable Liquids: Do you keep flammable liquids in your garage? If you answered yes, you are not alone as most people do keep flammable liquids in their garage. Be sure to keep them away from heat sources and check the label before selecting an area for storage. 

* Smoking in Bedrooms: It's best to not smoke in bedrooms as the cigarette bud can still be lit for hours after the cigarette bud has been put out. 

* Bad Wiring in your Home: If you notice the lights go down with you use a certain appliance, this could be an indication that the wiring in your home is bad. To be safe, have an electrician come out to check. 

* Children & Curiosity: Make sure to keep matches, and lighters away from children. Teach your children how to stop, drop and roll just in case!

* Portable Heaters: Be sure to keep portable heaters away from fabrics as they can get really hot and cause a fire. 

* Candles: Candles are a great way to add ambiance to your home and fill the room with your favorite scents! Be sure you don't leave candles unattended to, they're kept away from fabrics, and also kept on sturdy surfaces and away from children. Practice these tips so you can continue to enjoy your favorite scents of every season! 

Holiday Safety Tips from SERVPRO of La Jolla

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Practice proper safety tips this holiday season!

Winter time means the holidays are approaching and the time for small gatherings is near. Below are some helpful tips for the holiday season to prevent fires. 

Decorating Tips 

* When choosing decorations, it's best to choose flame resistant.

* Turn off lights before going to bed. 

* Prior to hanging lights, check the cords for broken or damaged pieces.

* Instead of using nails, use clips to hang décor to avoid damaging the cords.

* Always keep candles away from fabrics or décor that can catch fire.

* Never leave candles unattended. 

* Notice lights that are dedicated for indoor use and outdoor use and follow their instructions.

*Be sure your holiday tree is well watered to avoid drying out.

Entertaining Tips 

*Go through your house and be sure that matches and lighters are kept in higher places if children are coming over.

* Keep children and pets away from candles.

* Show your guests the designated smoking area and have deep ash trays handy.

*Test your smoke alarms prior to having a gathering.

* Stay close to the kitchen if you are using the stovetop.

* Ensure you have a fire extinguisher.  

Stay safe this holiday season!

Keep your pet safe for when a storm happens!

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Keep your pets safe during a storm!

Storms can be very stressful for your pets. Follow these tips to make a less stressful experience for your pet. 

* Anxiety Levels: Many pets have anxiety with fireworks or storms. If your pet has been prescribed medication for anxiety, talk to your vet about the best course of action leading up to fireworks or a storm. 

* Finding Shelter: Often times during a storm, it may be the best course of action to take shelter in a small bathroom or basement. Make sure your pet is familiar with this area just in case you need to take shelter there. Practice going to this designated place beforehand. 

*Hazardous Material and Poisons: Poisons and other hazardous materials are typically kept in household basements. Ensure that the area you are using as shelter during a storm is free of any harmful material that can be a threat to your pets. 

* Evacuation Plan: Make sure you have an evacuation plan that everyone in your household is aware of. Create an area that you can easily locate your pets leash, carrier, medication and food if you need to evacuate. Be sure to know where your pets most desired hiding place is just in case you cannot find him/her when you need to evacuate. 

*First Aid Kit: Talk to your vet about adding items to your first aid kit that are dedicated for your pet. Keep your first aid kit stocked so it is always plentiful of supplies.

Stay safe!

Candle Tips & Advice

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

Be safe this holiday season and practice proper candle safety!

With the holiday season quickly approaching, your favorite candle seasonal scents are hitting the shelves in the store! While you are filling your home or business with different aromas, it is important to practice proper safety techniques when enjoying candles. Unattended candles have caused numerous fires in the homes of San Diego. Follow this simple advice below this season while enjoying candles. 

* Consider candles that are not lighted (There are options for unlighted scented candles!) 

* Ensure your candles are in a sturdy container to avoid them falling over 

* Be mindful of small children or pets near candles and don't keep them in their reach

* Remember to blow out your candles before you go to bed or leave the house

* Make sure your candles are not near any sort of fabrics or decorative items 

* Don't leave your candles unattended 

Be safe this holiday season and practice proper candle safety! 

Water Damage can happen quickly and get worse if it is unattended to!

10/23/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla can handle your water damage job!

Water damage happens quickly and only gets worse as more time lapses with no mitigation. Whether you have a pipe burst, a leak that causes a flood, or a fire that lead to water damage, SERVPRO of La Jolla can help you with any water damage. We understand the importance of acting quickly. 

We can also assist you with water damage that has caused other issues such as mold. We understand that sometimes these things happen unnoticed and by the time you do notice, the damage is more than you can handle. Our experienced technicians can help restore your home or business in a timely fashion so you can get back to the things you enjoy. 

Rest assured that SERVPRO of La Jolla will ensure the job is done properly! 

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla for a free estimate! 

858-270-5234 

SERVPRO of La Jolla can handle commercial losses

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla can handle any type of commercial job

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla for any type of commercial loss.

SERVPRO of La Jolla understands the importance of responding to commercial losses quickly. Our teams are trained in helping both commercial and multi-family properties during the recovery process all while maintaining the security and safety of the facility and tenants. Our team will work hard and fast to minimize the downtime and interruptions for your daily operations. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla has experience in the following types of facilities: 

* Multi-Level Commercial Buildings  

* Multi-Tenant Facilities 

* Shopping Malls 

* Apartment Complexes 

* Hotels 

* Industrial Facilities 

It's challenging getting your building back and running after a disaster. SERVPRO of La Jolla can help in making sure the process is as smooth as possible. It is our priority to return damaged property and items to their preloss condition. We have a team of professionals who are ready to execute an action plan. 

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla for your commercial job. We can help you at any time of the day. 

858-270-5234 

SERVPRO of La Jolla offers professional cleaning services

10/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla can offer professional cleaning services

SERVPRO understands that now more than ever, it is important for your facility to be safe and clean for you and your patrons. With the pandemic we are facing, store cleanliness is a top concern. SERVPRO of La Jolla offers a higher standard of cleaning and you can rest assured that you are Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned when we come into your facility. 

When you call us for a cleaning job we will consult with you to understand your needs to ensure we have a customized plan that is geared towards your facility, we will professionally clean and certify the work. 

SERVPRO stands on over 50 years of experience! We are trained and experienced in biohazard cleaning and decontamination for porous and non-porous surfaces. SERVPRO adheres to the cleaning standards for your facility set by the CDC.  We use EPA-approved products, including our proprietary cleaning agent SERVPROXIDE, a hospital-grade disinfectant that is NSF certified for direct food surface use.

We also provide signage for your use to let your staff and customers know that your business has been cleaned by a professional company. It is important to us that you, your staff and guests feel safe. Upon you calling us, we will assign you a cleaning protocol specialist who understands your business. 

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla for any cleaning job, 858-270-5234.

When Water Damage Threatens the Hospitality Industry, Call SERVPRO of La Jolla.

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO is the number one choice when it comes for Commercial Cleanup and Restoration!

SERVPRO is the number one choice when it comes for Commercial Cleanup and Restoration! When water or fire damage strikes, SERVPRO of La Jolla is there for you day or night, 365 days a year. 

We understand that keeping your guests satisfied and your business open is your top priority. You can rest assured that with SERVPRO of La Jolla, you are our top priority! 

Our experienced technicians are a critical part in ensuring that normal business operations can resume as quickly and as safely as possible. We will work efficiently to isolate the damaged area so that basic functions can resume and your guests can enjoy their experience with minimal impact. 

We have the ability to provide a variety of detailed services for the following hospitality facilities: 

* Hotels

* Convention Centers 

* Casinos 

* Resorts 

* Entertainment Venues 

* Banquet Halls 

Our professionals are trained to work with your management and maintenance team to provide the best plan of action so that all of the affected areas are restored to your complete satisfaction. 

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla. We are here for you! 

858-270-5234

Are you ready for when disaster strikes?

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla today for your no cost assessment of your facility to ensure you are Emergency Ready!

SERVPRO of La Jolla can prepare an Emergency Ready Profile for your business to help get things back to normal as quickly as possible.

The best way to reduce business interruption is to plan for it NOW! Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is important in reducing the amount of time it takes to restore your business and the amount of damage that takes place. 

The advantages of the SERVPRO Emergency Ready Profile: 

* A no cost assessment of your facility 

* A detailed profile document that contains the key contacts needed in the event of an emergency 

* A guide to help you get back to your building following a disaster 

* Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin to reduce time and further damages 

* Provides facility with details such as shut off valve locations, priority areas and priority contact information. 

Call SERVPRO of La Jolla today for your no cost assessment! 858-270-5234 

San Diego Water Damage Event

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of La Jolla provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of La Jolla arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Storm or Flood Damage in San Diego?

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises

Storms and inclement weather can be devastating to any business. Wind damage, heavy rain, and flooding can occur suddenly and cause substantial damage in a matter of minutes. There’s never a convenient time for flooding or storm damage to strike your business. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give SERVPRO of La Jolla a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

•  24 Hour Emergency Service 
•  Faster to Any Size Disaster
•  A Trusted Leader in the Storm and Water Restoration Industry with over 1,700 Franchises
•  Highly Trained Water Damage and Storm Specialists 

When Storms or Floods hit San Diego, SERVPRO is ready!

9/23/2020 (Permalink)

Our highly trained crews are ready to respond 24/7 to storm or flood damage in San Diego.

SERVPRO ofLa Jollaspecializes 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 San Diego, 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.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today 858-270-5234

For Immediate Service in San Diego, Call SERVPRO

9/21/2020 (Permalink)

San Diego Residents: We provide immediate service day or night!

SERVPRO of La Jolla provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any-sized disaster in San Diego. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

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

Restoring Your San Diego Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

9/16/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Events Present Unique Challenges

Flooding and water damage events in San Diego commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of La Jolla

SERVPRO of La Jolla 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.

Faster to your San Diego Water Damage Event

9/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in San Diego

Visualize this: 250 gallons of water. It’s not something you want flooding your home, is it? Well, it’s about what one 1/8-inch crack in a house’s water pipe can leak in 24 hours. Burst pipes aren’t rare — they damage literally millions of homes each year. The best way to avoid the issue is to be prepared. If the worst happens anyway and a pipe bursts, you’ll need to move fast to safely halt further damage and ensure your home is properly repaired.

Know What to Do

Assess the amount of water and probable location of the leak — it may be necessary to turn off the electricity to your home to avoid electrocution. Never touch a wet outlet, switch, or appliance.
Turn off the house’s main water valve.
If the leaked water is warm, it may be necessary to turn off the water valve to the water heater.
If appropriate to the situation, place an appropriately sized container under the leak to catch the water.
Turn on the faucets throughout the house to drain the water left in the system.
Call a plumber immediately to help repair or replace the pipe.
Call a water remediation company (e.g., SERVPRO®) immediately. This is important as it affects your insurance claim and helps prevent mold from growing in your wall space, under your floor, or between the floor and ceiling between stories. Your homeowners insurance policy may cover costs you incur with the remediation company.

Take photos of the burst pipe and of all the damage to the house’s structure and your personal property for your insurance claim.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.

Contact SERVPRO La Jolla or SERVPRO Scripps Ranch, Mira Mesa, Rancho Penasquitos any time of the day for emergency services.

Fully equipped and always prepared

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla is fully equipped with everything needed to dry out your commercial building. We specialize in water, fire and mold damage in both commercial and residential. Our crew members are specifically trained for detailed cleaning and restoration. You may have in house maintenance for minor issues however when your in over your head and dealing with something that is out of your hands, call us! We are here to help. We have everything in house from the contents to the demolition to the reconstruction and we are confident in our workmanship. With a warehouse full of drying equipment and crews on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year SERVPRO of La Jolla is faster to any size disaster. Yes SERVPRO of La Jolla is a one stop shop for your cleanup and restoration needs. Please call (858)583-3155 with any questions and we will be happy to help. 

Restore your business faster

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

When flooding and water damage occurs in commercial properties they are often complex or complicated and require a knowledgeable flood technician. Our flood technicians are IICRC certified in water damage and they know exactly how to respond to any situation. So whether we are dealing with a small flood or a large scale loss, we quickly assess the damage, isolate the area and devise a drying plan. We determine what needs to take place in order to properly restore the area. We start the drying process immediately to get the business back to its pre loss condition as soon as possible. In most cases we can dry the area without having to stop business at all. SERVPRO of La Jolla is faster to any size disaster so in the event of an emergency, call us to be the help and expertise that you need. We are an emergency service and we are always available. If you have any questions please call (858) 583-3155 

Flooded crawlspace or under structure?

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

The benefit of having a home that is on a raised foundation (crawlspace/under structure) is that there may not be a lot of damage in your home in the event that a pipe burst. However it is imperative that the space beneath your home is thoroughly inspected as well. Any standing water in a crawlspace needs to be immediately extracted. It is also recommended to spread a pebble like mineral named absorbent over the dirt. This is because when a crawlspace floods the moisture and humidity become a danger to the sub floor of the home. If the moisture sits there over a period of time it will start to cause mold or corrosion to the sub floor. Once all standing water has been extracted and the absorbent has been spread, the moisture will be absorbed by the pebbles and release the humidity safely so that there is no damage to the home. A flood in the crawlspace is never fun for anyone but we are always here to help.

SERVPRO of La Jolla (858)583-3155

How fast should you respond to a dishwasher leak?

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

Dishwasher leaks can be extremely destructive.

Dishwashers are hooked up to multiple plumbing connections including waste and drain pipes, and a pressurized supply line that provides hot water to wash dishes. If any of these connections becomes compromised, the damage can be significant. Most dishwasher leaks occur when the supply line becomes brittle and cracks, causing hot water to rapidly blast into the adjoining cabinetry.

Just a few minutes of water spraying like this can cause thousands of dollars in damage and could potentially create a significant mold hazard. Even after the water stops flowing, it is vital to have a trained professional like the technicians at SERVPRO of La Jolla examine the area and begin remediation work right away. In addition to being a good idea, homeowner's insurance companies typically will require their owners to start mitigating the damage as soon as it is discovered. Let the experts at SERVPRO of La Jolla help, call us 24/7.

Do the ducts in your home need to be cleaned?

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

Residential duct cleaning is an often ignored activity that is important to maintaining respiratory health.

Our air conditioning and heating systems accumulate a tremendous amount of dust, debris and bacteria through their normal usage. Those particles are then recycled into the rooms of your house or condo over and over. If someone in the home was sick or had a cold, those germs may still be lingering in the dirty ducts just above your head.

The cleaning experts at SERVPRO of La Jolla know how to ensure duct cleaning is done correctly. Whether it is a small condo unit, or a large multi-story structure, SERVPRO of La Jolla's experience across all job sizes lets you rest easy that the job will be done right. Duct cleaning needs to be done carefully, call the dedicated professionals at SERVPRO of La Jolla today.

My water heater leaked and the pan overflowed. Now what?

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

Call the experts at SERVPRO of La Jolla.

By code, most residential water heaters are required to be set into a "drip pan" designed to catch water that may leak. Sometimes these drip pans are not connected to a drain, and instead simply delay an inevitable water overflow. A water heater leak and overflow can cause damage to surrounding walls and flooring, and can rapidly create a hazardous mold situation. As water heaters generally leak hot water, the high temperature creates a perfect environment for microbial growth including potentially black mold.

By having the experts at SERVPRO of La Jolla address the situation right away, you can prevent extensive damage that will continue to spread. Our team has decades of experience dealing with water heater leaks in the least destructive method possible. By utilizing methods such as dry-in-place and selective demolition we can keep costs down and get your water back on asap.

Wind-Driven Rain and Roof Damage

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

In a city like San Diego, rain can be elusive. 

Regularly, six months at a time will pass between precipitation events. This general lack of rainfall is great for beach-goers, but presents a problem to homeowners and those who are responsible for maintaining roofs. The tendency to put roof maintenance on the back-burner is especially common.  

While all types of roof leaks during a storm can cause significant interior damage, only certain types of roof damage are covered by typical homeowner’s insurance policies. Insurance adjusters will often deny coverage for leaks that they consider to be “maintenance and repair issues.” They will often provide coverage for damage interpreted as “wind-driven rain damage,” which means that the wind was blowing so fast that rain entered a home horizontally. The damage experts at SERVPRO of La Jolla can help identify the type and cause of storm damage, conduct a thorough cleanup and dry-out, and provide any construction services needed to get you back to normal. Call SERVPRO of La Jolla today.

Copper Pipe Leaks in La Jolla, California

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

Copper piping is very common in houses and condos throughout La Jolla and the greater San Diego area.

Copper is assumed to be a safe alternative to the notorious plastic-style piping that has been popularized by some low-cost builders. Homeowners assume that solid, copper pipes should be worry-free. In many parts of California however, this isn’t always the case, because additives in the water cause the copper pipes to break down. This leads to “pin hole leaks” that tend to spray water inside of the walls and cause tremendous damage.

The restoration experts at SERVPRO of La Jolla are skilled at addressing pinhole leaks, fixing the damage they may have caused, and getting homes repaired like it never even happened. Call SERVPRO of La Jolla today.

Storm Damage to neighboring Structures

12/18/2019 (Permalink)

While San Diego enjoys generally mild and pleasant weather, there are occasions when a serious storm shows up in town.

High winds and serious rains can easily lead to flying debris, a difficult to predict property hazard. Many homeowners in La Jolla have multiple structures on their property, with each of them needing to be paid special attention after a storm event. Windows can be cracked by flying rocks, roofs can be compromised by airborne branches, and stucco can be sheared off in high winds.

SERVPRO of La Jolla has a thoughtful, educated team of professionals who are experts are identifying exterior storm damage. Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because water didn’t get it that there isn’t damage that needs to be addressed. Let SERVPRO of La Jolla conduct an inspection and have peace of mind that your house is in great hands. 

Weather in Southern California in Fall 2019

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Weather in SoCal may be unpredictable at times, and this week is a prime example. Today's highs are in the mid-80's while we wait for rain mid-week. Weather patterns can be especially frustrating for parents who dress their children in cold-weather gear in the mornings, but things heat up outside rather quickly. By lunchtime the sun is beaming and almost as warm as a summer day. Below is an excerpt from Los Angeles Eyewitness News, channel 7.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Southern California can expect one more day of hot, dry conditions before cooler temperatures and rain move in by mid-week.

Monday will be warm and dry in most areas, with some lingering danger of fire conditions. But temperatures will drop by about 10-15 degrees by Tuesday and rain is likely in many communities by Wednesday.

Los Angeles and Orange counties will see a high of 88 on Monday, dropping to 74 by Tuesday.

Fires Cause Smoke Damage to Surrounding Neighborhoods

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

While some fires cause direct physical damage to structures, many people are not aware that smoke can travel for many miles and cause significant harm to far away homes and businesses. Soot, ash, and other airborne chemicals released by fires adhere to window coverings, stucco, and attic ducting. These chemicals create pungent fire and smoke odors that can make a home or business uninhabitable. Once affected by smoke in this way, simple home cleaning or air sanitizing won’t get the job done.  
SERVPRO of La Jolla’s experts can examine the scope of damage caused by wafting wildfire smoke, and can provide a strategic plan to clean, deodorize, encapsulate and sanitize affected surfaces and building materials. Our team works together to make sure that your smoke smell is appropriately remediated.

SERVPRO of La Jolla, leaders in post Fire Cleanup

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Everyone knows that SERVPRO is the industry leader in mitigation and restoration services for residential and commercial buildings. Here at SERVPRO of La Jolla we have taken that expertise a step further and created a professional detail-cleaning team as well. Our full time, certified cleaning staff is experienced in difficult circumstances like ultra-picky post-construction cleaning, sewage overflow cleanup, smoke and soot damage remediation, restaurant kitchen steam cleaning and more.  
 
While many other companies may claim to be able to tackle a particularly difficult cleanup job, SERVPRO of La Jolla has the equipment, certifications, trained personnel and first-hand experience to get it done right and done quickly. Our broad suite of proprietary cleaning products ensures that we have the right tool for the job in all circumstances.  

Rainstorm Causing Damage? SERVPRO of La Jolla can help!

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

In a city like San Diego, rain can be elusive. Regularly, six months at a time will pass between precipitation events. This general lack of rainfall is great for beach-goers, but presents a problem to homeowners and those who are responsible for maintaining roofs. The tendency to put roof maintenance on the back-burner is especially common.  
While all types of roof leaks during a storm can cause significant interior damage, only certain types of roof damage are covered by typical homeowner’s insurance policies. Insurance adjusters will often deny coverage for leaks that they consider to be “maintenance and repair issues.” They will often provide coverage for damage interpreted as “wind-driven rain damage,” which means that the wind was blowing so fast that rain entered a home horizontally. The damage experts at SERVPRO of La Jolla can help identify the type and cause of storm damage, conduct a thorough cleanup and dry-out, and provide any construction services needed to get you back to normal.

SERVPRO of La Jolla responding to water losses caused by household appliances.

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

Going to bed and waking up to a kitchen floor soaked in water is unfortunately not a rare occurrence. Common residential dishwashers have numerous internal and external plumbing connections, any of which can break and cause a massive amount of water to flow into surrounding areas. As you can imagine, dishwasher leaks can damage cabinetry, flooring, baseboards, drywall and more.  
Responding to a dishwasher leak responsibly is a specialty of SERVPRO of La Jolla. Our technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to map moisture levels in all affected building materials, ensuring that only the minimum amount of demolition is conducted in order to properly mitigation damages. While dishwasher leaks are almost always destructive, SERVPRO of La Jolla knows how to get your kitchen back to normal so quickly that it will seem like it never happened.

SERVPRO of La Jolla works closely with Insurance Carriers

11/14/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla Has Great Relationships with Insurance Carriers
While no one ever hopes to have a flood or fire at their property, it is good to know that there are insurance companies there to cover a loss and restoration companies like SERVPRO of La Jolla to help fix the damage. The reality of most fire or flood scenarios is that the cause enough damage to potentially trigger an insurance claim. Property owners can typically file a claim with their insurance carrier, who will then assign an insurance adjuster to evaluate the merits of the claim.  
SERVPRO of La Jolla has years-long relationships with most insurance adjusters in the San Diego County area. By often being on a first-name basis with adjusters, we have an edge in communication, negotiation and providing a positive customer experience. If you have an insurance claim for your property, call SERVPRO of La Jolla for help.

Local Commercial Fire makes the news

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

A local business unfortunately experienced an early morning fire that interrupted their normal course of business. Cause of the fire was an electrical issue in the server room. A prime example of why its so important to back up valuable data to a cloud or off-premise host. SERVPRO of La Jolla was one of the first on the scene that was able to help and come up with a plan of action in order to restore the business so that way its back up and running like normal again.

SERVPRO of La Jolla understands what it takes in order to help - trained and certified staff, top of the line equipment for cleaning surfaces, the air and also deodorize and disinfect the air. 

If you or your business experience a small size or even large catastrophic commercial fire loss or commercial water loss, please contact SERVPRO of La Jolla. We are here for you around the clock. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla restores a La Jolla area historic restaurant

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

When we heard our favorite Asian Restaurant in La Jolla had a kitchen fire, we were devastated. When we were invited on the jobsite to help restore it to its original condition, we were extremely relieved. All we could think about is the amazing authentic taste of their orange chicken and spicy soups that we grew up with. From elementary school, to high school and college - the delicious taste has been the same. Helping this small restaurant was like helping our own family. 

In a way, these fire losses encourage the restaurant owners to revamp and even update the style and decor of their restaurants, and that's exactly what they did! SERVPRO of La Jolla not only helped bring the business back up and running, but we helped restore and build back the restaurant as beautiful as ever! This included cleaning surfaces that were undamaged but just soiled with soot and ash, packing furniture and other contents in order for them to be cleaned/restored, and deodorizing the rooms which were affected. 

How Fire Damage Can Affect Your Health

11/8/2019 (Permalink)

Although smoke may smell good, it sure isn't good for your health.

While not everyone has the same sensitivity to wildfire smoke, it’s still a good idea to avoid breathing smoke if you can help it. And when smoke is heavy, such as can occur in close proximity to a wildfire, it’s bad for everyone.

Smoke is made up of a complex mixture of gases and fine particles produced when wood and other organic materials burn. The biggest health threat from smoke is from fine particles. These microscopic particles can penetrate deep into your lungs. They can cause a range of health problems, from burning eyes and a runny nose to aggravated chronic heart and lung diseases. Exposure to particle pollution is even linked to premature death.

Some people are at greater risk than others.

It’s especially important for you to pay attention to local air quality reports during a fire if you are

• a person with heart or lung disease, such as heart failure, angina, ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema or asthma.
• an older adult, which makes you more likely to have heart or lung disease than younger people.
• caring for children, including teenagers, because their respiratory systems are still developing, they breathe more air (and air pollution) per pound of body weight than adults, they’re more likely to be active outdoors, and they’re more likely to have asthma.
• a person with diabetes, because you are more likely to have underlying cardiovascular disease.
• a pregnant woman, because there could be potential health effects for both you and the developing fetus.

source: www.epa.gov 

Safety Tips for Halloween in San Diego

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Halloween is just around the corner and its so important to be prepared and plan a safe and fun Halloween with the family. Below are safety tips in order to stay safe this Halloween.

-Plan your night ahead. Know who you are going to take trick or treating and where you are going trick or treating.

-Wear bright colors if possible. Reflective tape or reflective strips on shoes helps, too.

-Accompany the younger kids all the way to the door. Keep at eye on the older kids to and from the front doors. Only attend the homes that are well-lit from the street. Don't go to any homes without porch lights on. 

-Always, always check each piece of candy before allowing anyone to consume it. Anything without factory packaging or evidence of tampering should be thrown away immediately. 

If you are in the neighborhood of SERVPRO of La Jolla, please stop by and say hello! Our staff is ready to say hello and of course give out candy the entire week of Halloween. Be safe, everybody!

Frying a Turkey this Thanksgiving? Please read these tips!

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Everyone loves to enjoy Turkey on Thanksgiving, but what's your style? At SERVPRO of La Jolla, we love to share celebrations at work, as well as home, so we will be preparing a delicious meal to share. One of the main entrees will be Fried Turkey and its very important to be safe while doing so. The following are tips to safely fry a turkey.

- Always make sure the fryer is attended. 

- Kids and Pets should never be close. Please keep them away from the fryer at all times.

- Protect your eyes and hands! Wear protective gloves and eyewear.

- Never fry a frozen turkey! Please make sure it is completely defrosted before placing it in the hot oil.

- Always select a place far from trees or structures.

- Do not overfill fryer.

- Never operate fryers in the rain or snow.

- Make sure fryer cools overnight before safely disposing of the oil.

Have a fun and safe Thanksgiving!

Strong Winds Raising Threats of Wildfires in San Diego

10/29/2019 (Permalink)

Strong Santa Ana winds are expected to start on Tuesday night and continue through Thursday evening. 

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning will be in effect Tuesday 6 p.m. through Thursday 11 p.m. in San Diego County's mountain and valleys.

The wind gusts could reach the strongest this season thus far - 55mph in the valleys and 75mph near the mountain ridge tops. Strong winds combined with very low humidity, as low as 5%, could pose a threat of wildfires.

Officials warned that these strong winds could blow down trees and power lines. SDG&E may be considering precautionary power outages as an effort to lower the chance of power lines sparking wildfires. 

Areas that could be affected by the precautionary power shutoffs include Alpine, Boulevard, Campo, Descanso, Dulzura, portions of El Cajon, portions of Encinitas, portions of Escondido, Jacumba, portions of Jamul, Julian, portions of Lakeside, Mount Laguna, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Pine Valley, Potrero, Poway, Ramona, Ranchita, portions of Rancho Santa Fe, portions of San Clemente, portions of San Juan Capistrano, Santa Ysabel, portions of Valley Center and Warner Springs.

SERVPRO of La Jolla is ready for Trauma Scene Cleanup

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla has a team of trained specialists ready for any crime, trauma scene or hazardous waste removal services, 24 hours a day. We know what it takes in order to properly remove, clean,  thoroughly sanitize and treat your property - step by step. Our team at SERVPRO of La Jolla is IICRC Certified and is fully compliant with the EPA rules and regulations. We ensure our clients receive the highest level of service possible and return properties to a livable and most importantly - safe condition. SERVPRO of La Jolla understands what our clients are going through and provide a special level of service - respect, empathy and patience. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla provides trauma and crime scene cleanup services in addition to drug/meth lab cleanup, hoarding and animal infestation cleanup, infectious disease, viral and microbial site decontamination, airborne pathogen and blood cleanup and suicide/accidental death cleanup and decontamination. 

Beat the Heat this Summer in San Diego

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

When temperatures rise in San Diego, so do health and safety risks. But there are simple steps to take that can help keep you and your pets safe.

To avoid heat-related problems, health officials recommend the following:

• Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
• Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty
• Take cool showers
• Never leave a child or pet unattended in a car.
• Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun
• Avoid using the oven to cook

Elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children, and people with disabilities or chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress. People with elderly relatives or neighbors should check on the well-being of the older persons.

An extremely high body temperature (103 or higher), dizziness, nausea, confusion, and headache are signs of heat stroke or exhaustion. If someone shows these signs, call 9-1-1 and begin cooling the individual by:

• Moving them to a shaded area
• Spraying with cool water and fanning them
• Placing them in a cool shower if they are alert
• Monitoring the body temperature, and continue cooling efforts
• Do not give the victim fluids to drink

Call 211 in San Diego for information on "cool zones".

Source: countynewscenter.com 

Water Damage Specialists

7/25/2019 (Permalink)

Even during the peak of summer, SERVPRO of La Jolla stays busy with non-weather related water losses. Commercial water damage occurs when water lines break, pipes burst or even neighboring businesses floods overspill. SERVPRO of La Jolla recently helped a local retail clothing store who experienced a sewage backup. Over 5,000 square feet of retail space was affected, but SERVPRO of La Jolla was there to help within the hour. After hours and even overnight work for SERVPRO of La Jolla is not a problem, as we are happy to help our local businesses get back up and running as soon as possible! 

SERVPRO of La Jolla specializes in commercial water damage, residential water damage, industrial water damage, commercial fire damage, residential fire damage, industrial fire damage and more. SERVPRO of La Jolla has staff ready to take care of Mold Remediation, Trauma Scene Cleanup and even hazardous waste removal. SERVPRO of La Jolla is happy to serve San Diego County in areas not limited to La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Pacific Beach, Bird Rock, Mission Beach, Mira Mesa, Rancho Penasquitos and Scripps Ranch. SERVPRO of La Jolla provides emergency services around the clock. Please contact us for water damage and fire damage needs!

SERVPRO of La Jolla Attends Crawford Contractor Connection

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla was in attendance at the annual Crawford Contractor Connection Convention in June of 2019. The convention was hosted at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, Texas. 

Many valuable meetings were attended with many insurance carriers in attendance such as USAA, The Hartford and Nationwide. Each of these carriers hosted informative workshops and meetings in order to update their vendors on what they have in store in their future or any changes they might have in their programs. 

SERVPRO of La Jolla ensures attendance so we can be up to date and provide the best service with any water damage mitigation, fire damage mitigation or trauma scene cleanup. SERVPRO of La Jolla is also happy to help with any rebuilds necessary in order to restore commercial or residential properties. 

May Showers in San Diego

5/6/2019 (Permalink)

Are you ready for more rain, San Diego? SERVPRO of La Jolla is ready to help, rain or shine-night or day. SERVPRO of La Jolla has highly trained technicians who specialize in water damage repair, fire damage repair, commercial flood damage repair, residential water damage repair, mold remediation and emergency services. Examples of recent work include - flood damage at a local Church, flood damage in a large preschool, flood damage at a local restaurant and more. Please contact us for help at any time!

How to maintain Commercial HVAC systems

4/23/2019 (Permalink)

Your tenants rely on the HVAC system in your business building to ensure indoor comfort, while you take precautions to keep the equipment working properly, efficiently and at the lowest possible cost. Regular preventive maintenance is the best way to keep a commercial HVAC system working correctly. Here are some ways to maintain the HVAC system in your business building to sustain performance, reduce costs and increase equipment longevity.

Maintenance Tasks and Procedures: Maintenance Staff

There are some relatively simple tasks your building maintenance staff can perform to maintain the HVAC system in your business building. If your maintenance personnel are knowledgeable about heating and cooling equipment, they don't have to be restricted to these tasks. However, these are some of the easiest preventative maintenance procedures that can be performed by most anyone.

• Check and change air filters: The air filters in the HVAC system help clean the air inside the facility. They also contribute to the airflow the system needs to function properly. Filters should be checked at least once a month and changed when they get dirty.
• Clean evaporator and condenser coils: Heat transfer occurs at the evaporator and condenser coils, so these components should be kept clean and free of nearby blockages. Use a recommended commercial cleaner to remove dirt and other build-up on the coils.
• Clean the exterior unit: The outdoor unit of the HVAC system should be cleaned and kept free of any material that could interfere with airflow. Accumulations of leaves, grass, dirt, sticks or other material should be removed from the vents and from around the unit. Vegetation such as shrubs, trees or hedges should be trimmed to allow plenty of open space around the outdoor unit.
• Avoid blockages: Ensure that the supply and return vents are not blocked by furniture, boxes or other material that could interfere with proper airflow.

When maintenance and preventative measures like the above mentioned are utilized, the chances of leaking and a water loss are much slimmer. Sometimes these occurrences do occur, and SERVPRO La Jolla is here to help with any water damage repair from an HVAC unit. Please contact us and we will have our highly trained technicians there to help!

Sewage Cleanup

4/16/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of La Jolla Sewage Cleanup

When commercial restrooms or residential bathrooms run into trouble, SERVPRO of La Jolla is here to help. Sewage backup is an unfortunate occurrence that our highly trained technicians specialize in thoroughly cleaning, disinfecting, odor removing and restoring to its original condition. Toilets, showers, sinks and tubs can all cause water damage. Whether is a commercial restroom flood or residential restroom flood, SERVPRO of La Jolla is here to help, any time of day or night! SERVPRO of La Jolla is capable of handling large losses as large as multi unit condos to small losses such as an individual bathroom in a studio. Examples of recent commercial work include Churches, preschools and retail storefronts. Please call 858.270.5234 anytime and we will get our team right over to help. SERVPRO of La Jolla is happy to help, anytime! Our staff is on call seven days a week, twenty-four hours daily!

www.SERVPROlajolla.com 

Commercial Water Damage Specialists

4/9/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial Damage Restoration Specialists

Did you know that SERVPRO of La Jolla has a team of highly trained, certified technicians who are ready to handle any size Commercial Water Damage or Commercial Fire Damage? From 50,000 square foot warehouses with 4 inches of standing water to small offices with mold damage, SERVPRO of La Jolla is here for you, whenever you need! Examples of recent commercial work that SERVPRO of La Jolla has performed include a warehouse that unfortunately had water line burst and overnight accumulation 6 inches of standing water in a 20,000 square foot building.  SERVPRO of La Jolla was contacted and on site within 60 minutes of the call. Crew was ready to extract and begin the dryout process. Please contact SERVPRO of La Jolla for Commercial Water Damage, Commercial Floods, Commercial Mold Remediation, Commercial Fire, Commercial Smoke Damage, Commercial post construction clean up, Commercial Critical Cleaning and more!  Please contact us anytime! 858.270.5234

Ways to Keep Mold Out of the House

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Mold. The very word is enough to make a person cringe.

Yes, mold can be good — it's essential in making brie and penicillin, for example, and necessary for the decomposition of organic matter in nature — but it can also be very, very bad, especially when it grows undetected in your home.

Mold spores spread easily and cannot be completely eradicated.

Mold can grow anywhere: on carpet, clothing, food, paper, and even in places you can't see, such as the backside of drywall, areas inside walls around leaking or condensing pipes, and above ceiling tiles.

Not only is a mold problem difficult and costly to fix, but mold can also produce allergens and irritants (and, rarely, toxins) that may compromise your health.

So what can you do if you're concerned about mold growing in your home?

The best approach is preventing mold before it becomes a problem. The key to mold prevention is simple: moisture control.

Here are ways to curb moisture indoors, and the mold that thrives on it.

1. Identify problem areas in your home and correct them. You can't mold-proof your home, but you can make it mold-resistant. Do an audit of your home: where are the problem areas? Does the basement flood? Do you notice frequent condensation on an upstairs window? Is there a water stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak? Preventing mold from growing or spreading might be as simple as ripping up carpet in a damp basement, installing mold-resistant products, or repairing damaged gutters. Or it may be a matter of major excavation and waterproofing. Whatever the case, address the problem now. It might cost some money up front, but it will surely be more costly down the road if mold continues to grow unchecked.

2. Dry wet areas immediately. Mold can't grow without moisture, so tackle wet areas right away. Seepage into the basement after a heavy rainfall, accumulation from a leaky pipe, even a spill on the carpet should be dried within 24 to 48 hours. If you've experienced a flood, remove water-damaged carpets, bedding, and furniture if they can't be completely dried. Even everyday occurrences need attention: don't leave wet items lying around the house, and make sure to dry the floor and walls after a shower. Don't leave wet clothes in the washing machine, where mold can spread quickly. Hang them to dry — preferably outside or in areas with good air circulation.

3. Prevent moisture with proper ventilation. It may be that your routine domestic activities are encouraging the growth of mold in your home. Make sure an activity as simple as cooking dinner, taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry doesn't invite mold by providing proper ventilation in your bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and any other high-moisture area. Vent appliances that produce moisture — clothes dryers, stoves — to the outside (not the attic). Use AC units and dehumidifiers (especially in humid climates), but make sure they don’t produce moisture themselves by checking them periodically and cleaning them as directed by the manufacturer. Your energy-efficient home may be holding moisture inside, so open a window when cooking or washing dishes or showering, or run an exhaust fan.

4. Equip your home with mold-resistant products. Building a new home or renovating an old one? Use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. Traditional drywall is composed of a gypsum plaster core pressed between plies of paper. Mold-resistant drywall is paperless — the gypsum core is covered in fiberglass, making the surface highly water-resistant. Moisture-resistant drywall is especially valuable in areas prone to wetness, such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens. Not only is traditional drywall more susceptible to mold than the paperless kind, but it is also difficult to rid of mold, and removal and replacement can be expensive. Mold-resistant gypsum board is also available; the core of the drywall is developed in such a way to prevent moisture absorption, and thus prevent mold growth.

5. Monitor humidity indoors. The EPA recommends keeping indoor humidity between 30 and 60 percent. You can measure humidity with a moisture meter purchased from your local hardware store. You'll also be able to detect high humidity by simply paying attention to potential problem areas in your home. Telltale signs of excessive humidity include condensation on windows, pipes, and walls. If you notice condensation, dry the surface immediately and address the source of moisture (for example, turn off a humidifier if water appears on the inside of nearby windows).

6. Direct water away from your home. If the ground around your home isn't sufficiently sloped away from the foundation, water may collect there and seep into your crawlspace or basement.

7. Clean or repair roof gutters. A mold problem might be a simple matter of a roof that is leaking because of full or damaged gutters. Have your roof gutters cleaned regularly and inspected for damage. Repair them as necessary, and keep an eye out for water stains after storms that may indicate a leak.

8. Improve air flow in your home. According to the EPA, as temperatures drop, the air is able to hold less moisture. Without good air flow in your home, that excess moisture may appear on your walls, windows and floors. To increase circulation, open doors between rooms, move furniture away from walls, and open doors to closets that may be colder than the rooms they’re in. Let fresh air in to reduce moisture and keep mold at bay.

9. Keep mold off household plants. They're beautiful and help keep your indoor air clean — and mold loves them. The moist soil in indoor plants is a perfect breeding ground for mold, which may then spread to other areas of your house. Instead of getting rid of your plants, try adding a bit of Taheebo tea to the water you give to your houseplants. The oil of this tree, which withstands fungi even in rain forests, helps hinder mold growth in plant soil and can be found at natural food stores.

Finally, educate yourself on your region's climate — be it the cold and wet Northeast, the hot and wet South, the hot and dry Southwest, or the cold and dry West — and how it responds to moisture. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to mold prevention. Knowing what works for your climate and your home is an important first step.

Call our team of highly trained professionals at SERVPRO La Jolla for your mold remediation needs. 858.270.5234 

source: www.mnn.com 

Tips on Keeping Your Washing Machine Clean

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

Step 1: Clean the seal

Your first step in decontaminating your washer is checking the seal around the door.

The seal catches lint, coins, paperclips and all manner of pocket fodder. If you don't clean it out, that junk can mold or, even worse, it can make its way down to the trap. Just swipe your hand around the seal and remove any junk. Then, wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Step 2: Clean the trap

When items don't get caught in the washer door seal they go to a place inside the washer ominously called "the trap." (It's also called a filter.) These items languish and mildew until you either remove them or the washer stops draining water.

My washer had to stop draining water before I even learned that the trap was a thing. My husband deftly took apart the washer and found that our washer trap was full of Legos and about $5 worth of change.

Here is how you can clean your own trap:

1. Unplug your washer.
2. On the front or back of the washer there should be a little door.
3. Place a small bowl by the little door to catch drips.
4. Pry open the door using a flathead screwdriver or a coin.
5. There will be a black tube inside the door. Gently pull the top end of the hose out and pull off the plastic cap.
6. Drain the hose in the bowl.
7. Place a towel in front of the door.
8. Beside the black hose will be the trap cap, also called the filter cap. Twist it to the left and pull it forward.
9. Clean out the trap and replace the trap and hose.
10. Close the little door and you're done.

These directions may vary depending on the year and model of your washer. Be sure to check your owner's manual before attempting to clean your washer's trap.

source: www.cnet.com 

March A Fairweather Friend As Serious Storms Hit East And West Coasts

3/26/2018 (Permalink)

No matter the adage or that the calendar tells us spring has sprung, March is still roaring like a lion on both sides of the country. On Wednesday, the West Coast braced for potential mudslides and flooding following heavy rain, and much of the East Coast dealt with a major snowstorm.

Southern California was on alert Wednesday as thousands of people evacuated their homes. Heavy rain combined with denuded land and loosened soil from recent wildfires made for a dangerous mix.

A flash flood watch was in effect for the region into Thursday, and forecasters called for several inches of rain from "a large and powerful storm system," with warnings that debris flow was likely.

Officials said a portion of State Route 33 in Ventura County was closed Wednesday because mud and debris flows.

In Los Angeles, the fire department was offering free sandbags and urging residents to remain alert. Officials called for evacuations beginning 6 p.m. local time for burn areas from recent fires.

source: www.npr.com 

Ways to Handle Stress in the Workplace

3/21/2018 (Permalink)

The average business professional has 30 to 100 projects on their plate. Modern workers are interrupted seven times an hour and distracted up to 2.1 hours a day. And four out of 10 people working at large companies are experiencing a major corporate restructuring, and therefore facing uncertainly about their futures. This may be why more than 40% of adults say they lie awake at night plagued by the stressful events of the day.

"People are asking me for answers," says Sharon Melnick, Ph.D., a business psychologist and author of just released Success Under Stress. "Everyone feels overwhelmed and overly busy."

Is there a way to maintain steady focus throughout the day? Is it possible to do everything that needs to get done and still have energy left over after work? How do you keep cool under so many demands? Informed by 10 years of Harvard research and field-tested by more than 6,000 clients and trainees, Melnick offers the following strategies to take your work stress down a peg, before it takes over your life.

Act Rather Than React

"We experience stress when we feel that situations are out of our control," says Melnick. It activates the stress hormone and, if chronic, wears down confidence, concentration and well-being. She advises that you identify the aspects of the situation you can control and aspects you can't. Typically, you're in control of your actions and responses, but not in control of macro forces or someone else's tone, for example. "Be impeccable for your 50%," she advises. And try to let go of the rest.

Take A Deep Breath

If you're feeling overwhelmed or are coming out of a tense meeting and need to clear your head, a few minutes of deep breathing will restore balance, says Melnick. Simply inhale for five seconds, hold and exhale in equal counts through the nose. "It's like getting the calm and focus of a 90-minute yoga class in three minutes or less at your desk," she says.

Eliminate Interruptions

"Most of us are bombarded during the day," says Melnick. Emails, phone calls, pop ins, instant messages and sudden, urgent deadlines conspire to make today's workers more distracted than ever. While you may not have control over the interrupters, you can control your response. Melnick advises responding in one of three ways: Accept the interruption, cut it off, or diagnosis its importance and make a plan. Many interruptions are recurring and can be anticipated. "You want to have preset criteria for which response you want to make," she says. You can also train those around you by answering email during certain windows, setting up office hours to talk in person or closing the door when you need to focus.

Schedule Your Day For Energy And Focus

Most of us go through the day using a "push, push, push" approach, thinking if we work the full eight to 10 hours, we'll get more done. Instead, productivity goes down, stress levels go up and you have very little energy left over for your family, Melnick says. She advises scheduling breaks throughout the day to walk, stretch at your desk or do a breathing exercise. "Tony Schwartz of the Energy Project has shown that if we have intense concentration for about 90 minutes, followed by a brief period of recovery, we can clear the buildup of stress and rejuvenate ourselves," she says.

Eat Right And Sleep Well

"Eating badly will stress your system," says Melnick, who advises eating a low-sugar, high-protein diet. "And when you're not sleeping well, you're not getting the rejuvenating effects." According to the CDC, an estimated 60 million Americans do not get sufficient sleep, which is a critical recovery period for the body. If racing thoughts keep you from falling asleep or you wake up in the night and can't get back to sleep, Melnick suggests a simple breathing trick that will knock you out fast: Cover your right nostril and breathe through your left for three to five minutes.

source: www.forbes.com 

What is Mold?

3/21/2018 (Permalink)

Fire and Smoke Restoration

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

In the wake of a fire that has covered homes with smoke and ash, it’s important to begin clean up as soon as possible in order to prevent permanent damage or discoloration from soot residue. The IICRC provides the following tips for fire victims facing clean up:

• Practice safety first. Use a dust mask (like painters use) and gloves as you work.
• Ventilate the home. Place a box fan in an open window to draw the air and dust out.
• Clean from top to bottom. Start with the ceilings, walls and fixtures, and work your way down to the contents of the room, then to the floor.
• Vacuum floors and upholstery. Make sure your vacuum cleaner has a high efficiency filter. Otherwise, you risk blowing soot back into the air.
• Some draperies, clothing and machine-washable items may be laundered. Use a mild alkaline cleaner to neutralize the acid in the soot. Fine clothing should be dry cleaned.
• Most exterior walls (brick, stone, wood, paint, siding) and eaves can be cleaned by spraying with a detergent, agitating soot with a soft-bristled brush, pressure washing from bottom to top, then rinsing from top to bottom.
• If the damage and residue are heavy, it may be best to hire a professional to thoroughly restore your home and belongings.
• Check with your insurance company to see if smoke damage from outdoor sources is covered by your policy.
• If the fire has warped or distorted the structure, consult a licensed general contractor.

Professional restoration technicians know that damage increases and restoration costs escalate the longer neutralization, corrosion control and cleaning is delayed. When homeowners prolong the restoration of their home, they extend the effects brought on by the smoke exposure. The following is a timeline of the effects of fire and smoke on a home.

source: www.IICRC.org 

Commercial Fire Insurance

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

Most businesses that own property need insurance to protect themselves against damage caused by fire. Fire insurance for businesses is widely available. Many insurers offer this type of coverage.

Need for Coverage

Fire is a major cause of property damage. In 2015, 1,345,000 fires were reported in the United States according to the National Fire Protection Association. These fires killed 3,280 people (excluding firefighters) and caused about $14.3 billion in property damage.

A fire can devastate a small business. Fires generate flames, smoke, and heat, any of which can damage buildings and their contents. Water, foam and other materials used by firefighters to extinguish a blaze can also damage property. A business that has no fire insurance will have to pay for repairs or reconstruction out of pocket. It may also have to reimburse the fire department for the cost of extinguishing a fire if the local fire department charges for its services.

If a company lacks the funds to pay these costs, it may be forced to cease operations. By purchasing adequate fire insurance, a company can significantly improve its chances of surviving a large fire loss.

Hostile Versus Friendly Fire

In the insurance industry, fires are classified as friendly or hostile.

Commercial Property Policies

Until the mid-twentieth century, businesses protected themselves against fire damage to buildings and personal property by purchasing a fire insurance policy In the 1960s, insurers began offering commercial multi-peril policies. 

ACV Versus Replacement Cost

Many property policies pay losses based on the actual cash value (ACV) of the damaged property. Actual cash value is typically calculated by subtracting a property's accumulated depreciation from its replacement cost.

For example, suppose that your building is insured for its actual cash value. The building will cost $3 million to replace. It is ten years old and has depreciated by $500,000. The building's actual cash value is $2.5 million. If you insure the building based on its ACV, your insurer will not pay more than $2.5 million if the building is completely destroyed.

You will need to come up with an additional $500,000 to rebuild the structure. 

Business personal property includes items like machinery, equipment, and office furniture. Such property can be costly to replace. You can protect your business against a large out-of-pocket expense by insuring your personal property on a replacement cost basis.

Replacement cost coverage pays the cost of repairing damaged property or replacing it with similar property. This coverage costs more than coverage based on actual cash value.

Don't Underinsure Your Property!

Like many business owners, you may think your insurance premiums are too high. Perhaps you've considered saving money on property insurance by insuring your property for less than its full value. This is a bad idea!

For one thing, your policy won't cover the entire cost of repairing or replacing property that is destroyed by a fire or other peril.

For example, suppose your property policy includes a coinsurance requirement of 80 percent. Assume that your policy covers losses on a replacement cost basis. If the replacement cost of your building is $2 million, you must insure your building for at least $1.6 million (80 percent of $2 million). If a loss occurs and you have failed to purchase the required amount of insurance, your insurer will not pay the full amount of the loss. You will be stuck paying a portion of it yourself.

You can avoid penalties for underinsurance by taking these steps:

• Insure your property for 100% of its value.
• Hire an experienced appraiser to reassess the value of your property every year or so. The best time to do this is before your policy's renewal date.
• Don't insure your property based on property tax evaluations or estimates provided by your insurance agent or broker.

Excluded Property

Property policies contain exclusions and limitations that apply to certain types of property. For example, most policies exclude loss or damage to land, building foundations, and money and securities. Many provide a small amount of coverage for valuable jewelry, and outdoor plants.

Business Income Coverage

When its property has been severely damaged, a company may be forced to reduce its operations or to shut down its business altogether. A full or partial shutdown may cause the business to lose income or incur extra expenses. Income losses and extra expenses are not covered by basic fire insurance. To protect itself, the business can purchase business income insurance.

Building Codes

Many businesses operate in older structures that do not meet current building codes. Building laws vary from state to state and city to city. Generally, existing buildings need not meet current codes unless they are refurbished or rebuilt. If a building is severely damaged by a fire or other peril and is repaired or reconstructed, the structure may be subject to current codes. The required upgrades can be costly. The extra costs imposed by building codes aren't covered under a typical property policy. Coverage for such costs is available under building ordinance coverage.

Finally

Here are some tips for maintaining your fire insurance policy.

• Review your policy annually. Make sure it includes all of your buildings and all of your locations. Check the addresses listed in the policy ensure they are accurate.
• If you own multiple buildings, consider insuring them under a single policy with a blanket limit. One policy will be cheaper than several individual policies. 
• Draft and maintain a fire prevention plan. Train your workers on the steps they should take if a fire occurs. Your insurer may provide a discount for an active fire prevention program.

source: www.thebalance.com 

Tips for Fire Prevention and Preparedness at the Office

3/9/2018 (Permalink)

“Putting out a fire” is a common phrase used by businesspeople every day. But what if the fire is more than a metaphor? Do you know what to do to lessen the likelihood of an office fire breaking out — and how to react if one does?

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), there were more than 98,000 non-residential building fires in 2012, the most recent year for which data is available. Many of them were in small offices and buildings. Estimated property loss from these blazes was $2.6 billion.

A 5-year NFPA analysis found that:

• Most “business and mercantile” fires occurred when the premises were less populated. One-third of the fires (31 percent) occurred between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am, but created two-thirds (67 percent) of the direct property damage. Nineteen percent occurred on weekends and created 31 percent of the damage. A lot of fires also broke out between noon and 2:00 pm.

• Twenty-nine percent of commercial blazes were caused by cooking equipment and resulted in 6 percent of the direct property damage; 22 percent began in the kitchen or cooking area, causing just one percent of direct damage.

• The most damaging fires started in an office. Though only 12 percent of business fires began in this location, they caused the most direct property damage (24 percent).

“Staples’ studies show that a majority of employees don’t feel their employers are prepared for any kind of emergency, including fires,” says Bob Risk, the company’s national sales manager for safety. “The truth is, most are, but they haven’t communicated their fire prevention plan well to employees.”

What do you — and your employees — need to know to lower the odds that your office becomes another statistic? It starts with the four P’s of fire prevention: plan, procure, practice and prevent.

1. Plan

“No matter the size of the office or the number of employees, someone should be designated as the safety officer,” says Ernest Grant, chairman of the board of the NFPA. This person leads the creation and execution of the emergency response plan, which includes:

• Escape Routes and Meeting Places: Determine and mark the fastest and safest paths to safety. Post maps (with “you are here” marks) in breakrooms and near exits — which should be clearly indicated with signs. Put up reminders that elevators cannot be used during most emergencies. Check emergency lighting in stairwells and make sure they aren’t used as storage areas. Create a procedure for evacuating employees and patrons with special needs, especially if the escape route includes stairs. Select a meeting place far enough away from the building to allow full access to the property by firefighters and other emergency personnel.

• Emergency Procedures: Make sure employees know that the safety officer is in charge during emergencies. Identify by name and title (whenever possible) the people responsible for contacting the fire department, accounting for employees at the meeting place and assisting emergency personnel with information on equipment or chemicals housed in the building. Keep an up-to-date list of emergency contact information. Outline who notifies the next of kin of injured parties, and designate one person to notify emergency responders of people still in the office or unaccounted for.

2. Procure

There are a few specific items you need for fire safety, such as fire extinguishers and smoke alarms — but most commercial buildings are required to have these items installed to meet local building codes. Check with your fire marshal to learn the requirements for your municipality. Test alarms and check extinguisher charges each month; replace/recharge immediately when indicated.

Additional emergency supplies include a stocked first aid kit, bottled water and flashlights. “One company we work with supplies every one of their employees with an escape mask,” Risk notes. “That’s important since most people don’t succumb to the fire or the heat, but to smoke inhalation.”

3. Practice

The safety officer also schedules regular fire prevention trainings, refreshers and drills. “When you have a fire or another emergency, it’s an extremely scary, confusing and rushed situation — and many people don’t operate well that way. So it’s almost like you need to be in muscle memory.”

Hold drills and review procedures frequently, and include emergency response information in new employee orientation. Play the alarm to make sure employees know what it sounds like — it can be a beep, a horn and/or an overhead announcement — and what to do when they hear it. Inspect nuisance alarms (like those false alarms from burning popcorn in the microwave) so employees don’t start ignoring the sound. Include real-time shutting down of critical equipment if required by law or regulation in the event of an emergency. Run contests to see how quickly employees can exit their workspace, reminding them that personal items may need to be left behind. Ask the fire department to conduct periodic trainings for all employees on how to use a fire extinguisher.

4. Prevent

Grant, who’s also outreach coordinator for the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center in Chapel Hill, offers these tips for lowering the risk of fire in the first place:

• Follow manufacturers’ recommendations for maximum volt/wattage load for surge protectors, power strips and adapters, and ask your electrician to periodically inspect these items and outlets for potential overload
• Replace frayed power cords; never run them under rugs or carpeting, use cord protectors instead
• Unplug appliances (coffeemakers, microwaves) and other equipment not in use at the end of the day and over the weekend
• Replace appliances that feel warm or hot to touch
• Ask the fire marshal to inspect chemical and equipment storage areas periodically to ensure proper ventilation and stowage
• Store hazardous materials according to manufacturers’ instructions and OSHA regulations. Clearly mark these items to help emergency personnel identify and stabilize them
• Don’t prop fire doors open or block exits with furniture or boxes
• Don’t allow paper and other trash to accumulate outside of garbage or recycling receptacles, and never store this material near hot equipment, electrical outlets or the smoking areas
• Don’t permit employees to burn candles, scented oils, etc., even in their personal work areas

Following the four P’s is the best way to protect your business and your employees. “Having an evacuation plan and practicing a fire drill will ensure that employees know what to do in case of a real fire emergency,” says Bill Mace, who oversees education and outreach for the Seattle Fire Department.

Adds Grant: “This prevents confusion and minimizes the possibility of someone sustaining an injury.”

After all those fire drills in school, too many of us take fire prevention and safety for granted. That’s why it’s crucial for business owners, office managers and safety officers to set the right tone, Risk says. “If you don’t take it seriously, your employees won’t either. I always say, ‘It’s a lot easier to prepare for an emergency than to explain why you didn’t.”

Note: Don’t disregard professional fire prevention and emergency preparedness advice, or delay seeking it, because of what you read here. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation by fire marshals, insurance agents and others; it is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Always consult the fire marshal or your insurer if you have specific questions about any fire safety matter.

source: www.staples.com

International Women's Day 2018

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

As people around the world celebrate International Women’s Day on Thursday — an annual March 8 observance — countries from Kyrgyzstan to Cambodia will officially honor women’s rights and achievements across the political, economic, social and cultural spheres. The day has been designated as an official United Nations observance since 1975, which was International Women’s Year, and is a national holiday in many parts of the world.

But the day’s origins go much further back than 1975 — and are more radical than what we might expect from a day so widely celebrated.

Centering around the socialist movements of the early 20th century, here’s more on the history of how International Women’s Day (IWD) came to be:

How did International Women’s Day start?

The impetus for establishing an International Women’s Day can be traced back to New York City in February 1908, when thousands of women who were garment workers went on strike and marched through the city to protest against their working conditions. “Like today, these women were in less organized workplaces [than their male counterparts], were in the lower echelons of the garment industry, and were working at low wages and experiencing sexual harassment,” says Eileen Boris, Professor of Feminist Studies at the University of California Santa Barbara.

In honor of the anniversary of those strikes, which were ongoing for more than a year, a National Women’s Day was celebrated for the first time in the U.S. on Feb. 28, 1909, spearheaded by the Socialist Party of America.

Led by German campaigner and socialist Clara Zetkin, the idea to turn the day into an international movement advocating universal suffrage was established at the International Conference of Working Women in 1910. Zetkin was renowned as a passionate orator and advocate for working women’s rights, and her efforts were crucial to the day’s recognition throughout much of Europe in the early 1910s.

Effects of Water Damage

3/1/2018 (Permalink)

Water Damage

Water damage is a problem that most property owners dread. When it rains heavily or snow melts quickly, the risk of this type of damage increases. Water can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage by damaging wood furniture, upholstery, electronics, household appliances, and plumbing equipment. Water damage also increases the risk of mold growth, which is a very expensive problem to remediate. Hiring a water damage restoration company can make the cleanup process easier to handle, as these companies employ experienced workers who know the best ways to repair or replace damaged items and help with water damage cleanup.