Dangerous Weather

9/27/2022 (Permalink)

In Southern California, atmospheric weather patterns are relatively mild and predictable.   That’s why when you speak with people from states that really have four seasons, the joke is “Californians don’t know what weather is”.

However, there is a case to be made that California does have dramatic weather.  The evidence starts piling up when you hear about the catastrophic fire seasons that have become more common as the weather patterns have become drier, hotter, and longer.   Severe fire seasons have become much more common recently. Case in point, the 5 largest fires recorded in California have all occurred in the last 15 years.

Late in 2017, the fire season hit with such force, the largest fire in state history (over 273,000 acres) struck the West Coast of California in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

The devastation and disruption from fires like these is a cycle that Californians have come to expect.  When the fire season slows down and actually ends, there comes a high risk for mudslides from the loss of vegetation in fire-damaged foothills.

If fire or water damage occurs to your property, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas can be a helpful resource for restoration services, expert advice on unique situations, and emergency response when immediate help is needed.

Why Gutters Are Important

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Gutters are a very important part of roofs for commercial and residential buildings as they are responsible for transporting water and debris off of roofs. Especially in stormy seasons, it is important to ensure gutters are functioning to their highest ability.

Removal of water and debris in gutters lightens the load on the roof, preventing the possibility of roof leaks and caving under stress from weather. It is important gutters are maintained in optimal working condition to prevent damage to the entire commercial or residential structure.

Gutters should be inspected twice yearly and cleared of debris that could prevent flow of water and materials from roof. Also, check for standing water in gutters as it could indicate inadequate flow of water. Water should be moving down off the roof toward storm drainage areas. Keeping trees trimmed near the roof will alleviate stress on gutters because the branches will not slow water flow or contribute more debris to gutters.

Ensure water is being funneled away from the building once off the roof, as flooding can sometimes occur due to runoff not having proper.

Water stains on the internal ceiling can indicate a roof leak.

In the case of water damage, roof leaks, and storm damage, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas provides “24 Hour Emergency Services.”

Smoke and Soot Damage in Your California Home

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

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

Smoke and soot facts:

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

Different Types of Smoke

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

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

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

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

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

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

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

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

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

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?

Call Us Today – 626-852-9922

A Fire from Team McCann Past!

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

A Blast from Team McCann Past. This fire was one of our largest jobs in 2017.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas received a call from the Garden Grove Unified School District about an arson fire in one of the classrooms at Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove, CA.    

Joe McCann arrived on the site and met with the Superintendent, principal, facilities manager and building engineer.  An unknown assailant had lit a desk on fire in classroom 219 on the South end of the 200 quad block over the weekend.  Significant fire damage was evident in classrooms 219, 217, 215, 220, and 218.  Smoke damage and water damage was found in classrooms 213, 214, and 216.  All surrounding corridors were affected with visible smoke damage.  Adjacent classrooms had very light smoke damage.  A scope of work was verified and approved by the school district.

Asbestos and lead testing was performed prior to commencement of work.  Asbestos was found in the tile floor covering and mastic below in all the classrooms.  All TL items were removed from the classrooms and inventoried.  Additional salvageable items were removed and taken to a staged cleaning area.  Once cleaned, these items were stored in portable storage units.  All Remaining debris was removed and disposed of.  Asbestos abatement to all of the flooring was performed.  All scorched block walls were ice blaster and encapsulated. A temporary roof was configured to allow the district time to continue the planning of the revitalization process already slated.   Pressure washing to the surrounding corridors was performed.   Light cleaning and air scrubbing was performed in the affected adjacent classrooms.

  The restoration process was completed in 2 and one half weeks.

Skunk Odor Clean Up in San Dimas Building

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas saves the day in an odor cleanup job in San Dimas, CA. 

A San Dimas resident contacted SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas with an overwhelming skunk odor to her facilities.  She had her building tented for termites a few days prior. A family of skunks were living under her deck outside her business and the skunks we killed by the fumigation process. Unfortunately, prior to death, the skunks sprayed multiple times around the structure. The odor made it through all available voids to the structure leaving a unbearable stench throughout the facilities. Skunk spray odor is one of the most difficult odors to remove. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas arrived on site and immediately took charge. All contents in the structure were packed out, cleaned offsite, and stored. Insulation was removed from the attic and the duct-work was cleaned. All interior horizontal and vertical surfaces were wet cleaned. A proprietary odor treatment was utilized along with hydorxyl generators. In the end, the skunk smell was removed and we had another happy customer!

Types of Mold & its Concerns

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Concerns with Mold

Mold spores are in the air everywhere. Inside, mold is at home in moist, dark places—like basements, bathrooms, and behind kitchen appliances—circulating via heating and air-conditioning systems. Outside, mold thrives in the woods, on fallen leaves and dead plants in the garden, and even on some grains and grasses.  

Generally, mold and people can coexist without serious concerns. However, there are some groups that need to be concerned with possible problems that come with exposure to mold.  The elderly and very young can be more vulnerable to adverse symptoms from mold exposure due to possible lower immunity to allergens, and those with respiratory conditions can be seriously affected when exposed to mold.

MOLD ALLERGY SYMPTOMS

Mold allergies can affect us all year long and bring on nasal allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose, and itchy/watery eyes.  And in serious cases, difficulty breathing.

TYPES OF MOLD THAT CAN CAUSE ALLERGIES:

BLACK MOLD

This type of mold tends to grow on building materials like fiberboard and gypsum board, and on paper, dust, and lint. Black mold growth is a result of excessive moisture from extreme humidity, flooding or other types of water damage.

SNOW MOLD

As the snow begins to melt in the spring and the ground warms up, the conditions become perfect for snow mold’s fungal spores to thrive. Snow mold comes in two varieties—grey and pink—and both can bring on nasal allergy symptoms.

LEAF MOLD

Piles of rotting leaves provide the ideal conditions for mold to thrive. Leaf mold generally goes dormant in the winter but begins growing as soon as the weather warms up in the spring.

When mold is discovered inside of a business or residence, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas will be happy to provide a free inspection to help determine if mold is present and if so, propose steps to eliminate the cause and remove mold from the structure.

Flash Flood Safety TIps

8/9/2022 (Permalink)

Flash flooding is defined as a sudden, local flood, usually due to heavy rain. All types of flooding can be dangerous to humans, animals, vehicles and structures.

Even if rainfall has not occurred in your area, run-off water can travel.

Here are a few tips to keep you safe from a flash flood:

• Do not drive your vehicle into any areas that have been flooded with water. It is difficult to judge how deep the water is, or the road conditions underneath.
• Do not play in any diversion canals. Only 6 inches of water is enough to sweep away a person.
• Do not drive past or around roadblocks.
• Flooding is more difficult to see at night - avoid driving at night in flooded areas.
• More to higher ground if flooding occurs in your area.

If your residential or commercial structures are damaged from flooding, call SERVPRO Joe at 626.852.9922 to set up an inspection appointment!

SERVPRO Joe Loves Events!

7/20/2022 (Permalink)

We Love a Golf Event!

SERVPRO Joe loves an event! We take pride in participating in Chamber events, and charity events around our local communities. We especially love a golf tournament!

For the last two years, the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce has hosted an incredible golf tournament to raise money for the chamber and the city of Irwindale. Both years, the SERVPRO Joe sales team has created an incredible “Flop Wall” for the event. The flop wall allowed us to advertise our services, but a “face to a name” (we used a picture of Joe and his oldest son on the advertisement), and provide tournament participants with our contact information. 

In addition to the flop wall, our team also donated two silent auction baskets, and participated in the actual golf game! 

We love to support our community events, and always give 100%!

Droughts in California - How YOU can help!

7/1/2022 (Permalink)

Living in Southern California, residents are used to living in a drought ridden state. Water conservation throughout the long, west coast state is common throughout the entire year. Not just during fire season.

Owning property in California can be stressful. On one hand, you would like the area around your home (front and back yards, side areas, etc) to look well groomed and presentable. On the other hand, respecting the water regulations is also incredibly important for the safety of our state in case of wildfires.

How you can help:

• Avoid watering your yard within 48 hours of rainfall
• Do not wash your car without a shut off nozzle
• Fix any water leaks in or around your home, including leaky toilets
• Keep shower time to 5 minutes or less
• Turn off water while brushing your teeth or shaving
• Plant drought tolerant plants and trees around your home
• Use a broom or leaf blower to clean concrete and brick ares, instead of your hose
• Water your outdoor plants during cool times or day, early in the morning, or in the evening

Always keep any overgrown vegetation, or debris build up at least 30 feet away from your home. It will help potential fire damage to your home during fire season.

Is the Rain Back?

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Is the rain in Southern California back again?

The constant bouncing back and forth between rain, hail, snow and blue skies is as fun as it is exhausting. With most families still working remotely and engaged in distance learning, this wacky week of weather can be a welcomed change of pace. For those of us that are commuting to work, and back to in person learning, it can be a headache.

If you fall under the category of still doing all of life's daily things remotely from home, you are in luck in the sense you are able to keep an eye on your home during these sudden downpours. The biggest tool in flood prevention is being present.

Most cities have a number of resources to help you protect your home during bad weather. Sand bags, rain barrels, and even barricades for high flood areas may be available at no cost to the homeowner. Call your City Hall, and they will be able to direct you to the right department to see if these resources are available for you. Sand bags are great tools to direct water runoff away from your home. Rain barrels can help collect water runoff to prevent flooding, and barricades can block runoff, especially if you are in an area prone to mudslides.

In the event that your home or garage does flood during a rainstorm, call SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas. Joe McCann and his team have a plethora of mitigation knowledge. They have emergency services available 24/7. They can be reached at 626.852.9922