Is Rain on it's Way?

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Is the Rain Over Yet?

Last year around this time, southern California had approximately 27 more days of rain than the year prior.  It seems as though the San Gabriel Valley is off to a dry start, if you will. Who else is ready for rain? The California wildflowers will hopefully be here soon! Nothing is more beautiful than our freeway views littered with Golden Poppies and Mustard Seed flowers as far as the eye can see. 

Rain is so beneficial for our state's drought. Is there anything more beautiful than our San Gabriel Mountain range after a torrential downpour?

Speaking of downpours, being a wildfire state and all, rain after fire season means flood risk. The high temperatures change the composition of the Earth’s soil, making it “slick” (for lack of better words), and a slick surface makes it very easy for water to travel far and quickly. 

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, make sure your home is prepared!

In the event of water damage in your home, call SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas. Joe McCann and his team are available for water damage services 24/7/365!

Dryer Fire Prevention

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Each year, firefighters across the country respond to around 14,630 home fires caused by clothes dryers, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Unfortunately, most dryer related fires can be prevented. An estimated 34 percent of these fires occur due to failure to clean the machines

If dryer fires are relatively common, but preventable, what can you do to make sure a fire doesn’t occur at your home? Here’s how to prevent an incident:

Clean Your Lint Filter: The most common cause of a clothes dryer fire is lint build-up and reduced airflow. Lint is an extremely combustible material. Clean your lint screen after each dryer load. 

Take Care When Washing Stained Items: Clothes stained with flammable chemicals or substances, such as gas, cooking oil, cleaning agents, or paint thinners, need special care. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends washing the clothing more than once to minimize the volatile chemicals, then hanging to dry. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and a drying cycle that concludes with a cool-down period.

Clean the Vent Line: Cleaning should not only take place inside of vent hoses and inside of dryers, but also outside of the machines. The vent line is the wall area that is behind the dryer and goes toward the outside flap of the dryer. If this area is difficult to clean yourself, you can hire a professional to do so for you.

Maintain a Clear Drying Space: The entire surrounding area near a dryer should be clean and free of debris. No clothes, towels, cleaning supplies, or other materials should be gathered outside of a dryer.

This extra clutter, especially if cleaning supplies or flammable materials are present, will enhance the chance of a fire spreading across the home if one sparks. Fires spread rapidly, and anything that can contribute to that spread should be removed.

In the case of a dryer fire, immediately call 911. For after fire care, contact SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas at 626.852.9922

Past Water Damage

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

A Trip Down Memory Lane:

The morning is June 1, 2016:

It’s 8:30 am, morning of June 1st, SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas receives a call from progressive orthopedic solutions requesting the crew to come restore the office from water damage due to a toilet leak in the upstairs women’s restroom. A plumber has been hired to stop the leak until SERVPRO crew members arrive. Project Manager Drew Weaver, Estimator Justin Calorino, technician’s Pete Fregoso (Crew Chief), Danny Guzman (Crew Chief), Brandon Gibons (Technician), and Jose Muro (Technician) arrive on site, with equipment in hand within 2.5 hours. By 11am, equipment has been set up and the restoration process begins.

The crew inspects the damage and concludes that the coffee area, two storage rooms, the hallway, the downstairs hallway, and the men’s restroom have been affected by the leak. In order to restore the facility, the team first extracts the excess water. Next, the crew begins to remove sagging ceiling tiles to prevent more ceiling tiles from collapsing.

SERVPRO crew left four dehumidifiers and 16 fans to dry out the structure to ensure the commercial building would be as good as new. The job was completed by June 8th.

 Thanks to Drew, Justin and the technicians of SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, Progressive Orthopedic Solutions’ commercial building received quality service for the water damage. In the end, it was "Like it never even happened."

Joe McCann and his team specialize in large loss and commercial jobs. Always feel free to reach out to our office at 626-852-9922.

Wild Fire Can Cause Damage

9/29/2023 (Permalink)

Intense Wildfire

About eight years ago, Glendora experienced a very intense wildfire, in the foothills directly behind the city.

It was started by a group of young men, who had illegally started a campfire. The Santa Ana winds had picked up embers from the campfire and chaos ensued. It is now known as the Colby Trail Fire. In total, it burned over 1,992 acres of land, destroyed 5 homes, and injured one person. 3,600 city residents were evacuated. 

Concern For Our Homes

Many Glendora and Azusa residents were very concerned about their homes. Removing dry debris around them and watering their lawns was a tactic that many residents used in the hope to protect their property. 

Residents shut their windows and doors to keep falling ash and poor air from coming into their homes. Others take pieces of plywood or tarp and cover the vents on the roof or chimney, in order to prevent embers from entering their housing structures. 

Water Bombs

Homeowners with pools would fill up their pools and spas with additional water from their garden hoses. It is not unusual for water-bombing helicopters to pick up water from residents' backyard pools in order to aid in putting out wildfires. It is a small gesture that can be of huge help to the air bombers looking for bodies of water nearby. 

The Colby Fire lasted approximately ten days.

Here For You

Glendora residents are always encouraged to call SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas if their home is ever affected by a fire. SERVPRO specializes in fire restoration and is available 24/7.

Address:

SERVPRO Glendora/ San Dimas 

433 Fleetwood Place

Glendora, CA 91741

(626) 852-9922

Commercial Large Loss

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

In the Fire and Water Restoration Industry, there are relatively small jobs that can occur in a home or business that may be easy and quick to remedy.  However, there is a common term for jobs that are much bigger, these jobs are called “Large Loss” projects.  The word loss refers back to an insurance term for property-loss or claim.

Some SERVPRO Franchises have certifications to provide emergency services specifically for restoring Large Lose projects.  These Franchises are called Large Loss Response Teams (LLRT).  For any LLRT Franchise in a metropolitan area, being prepared for a natural or man-made disaster is a continuous process.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a Certified Large Loss Response Team Franchise and is located on the Eastern perimeter of the Los Angeles Basin where approximately 10 Million residence live and work.  The number of commercial “large loss” events in a city this large occurs on a daily basis.    Also, the technical complexity of a large loss event can be extreme as the downtown districts of many communities within the LA Basin have high rise structures, reaching dozens or more floors above ground and frequently multiple stories below ground level.   The required technical capability can frequently be a critical resource and one method that SERVPRO has to quickly adapt to extraordinary cases is to have a diverse staff of subject matter experts available at any time, day or night, who can be on their way to a disaster site within hours.

Also, as a Large Loss Response Team Member, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is ready to address potentially millions of square feet of commercial and residential properties in a disaster situation.     The very high density of property in Los Angeles creates the need to have a large inventory of reserve equipment and people to handle losses on a massive scale.  The method to handle the equipment and skilled labor requirements at this scale is to draw on stores of equipment located in strategic locations around the metropolitan area and to partner with other SERVPRO Franchises to deploy the right level of skilled Technicians and Management support.  This is our way of assuring consistent high quality service, expertise, and processes are available when major disasters strike.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas (LLRT) is a restoration partner you can depend on when a commercial loss occurs to a single property or on a city wide scale.

Sewer Water Damage

9/1/2023 (Permalink)

While floods are probably best known for causing extensive water damage to homes and businesses, they can also cause sewage from sanitary sewer lines to back up into houses through drain pipes. These backups not only cause damage that is difficult to repair, but also create health hazards. 

Much like drain pipes, the main sewer line can become clogged, this can cause sewage backups in the home. Sewer backups should be considered an emergency since water may contain bacteria and/or other microbes that may cause illnesses and/or serious health issues.

If it is just one toilet, sink, or tub that seems to be the problem, it may just be a clog in the drain. If, however, every flush creates a sewage backup in your home, you likely have a blockage in your main sewer line.

SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas is just a phone call away for any water damage caused by sewer drains. We also are able to fully clean out, and sanitize crawl spaces affected by build up.

Emergency Travel Kit

8/30/2023 (Permalink)

Driving during a storm can be incredibly stressful if you’re not prepared. Generally speaking, seeking shelter during a storm is best. However, if you must travel during bad weather, having an emergency kit for your car can be very helpful.

Emergency kit contents can vary according to region. Being up to date on the weather in your area will help you decide which of the following items are appropriate for your vehicle emergency storm kit.

Consider including the following:

• Water and snacks that have a longer shelf life and that will not perish

• Flashlight(s), with extra batteries

• Blankets, hats, gloves, and other warm clothes

• First Aid Kit

• Spare Tire

• Tow Rope

• Sand or Cat Litter

• Jumper Cables, and/or a self-charging car battery with cables

• Cell Phone Charger

• Tire Chains

• Flares

• A list of Emergency Contact Numbers

If You Must Travel

If you must travel during a storm, consider an emergency storm kit in your vehicle(s). When arriving home, or to your destination, access any water or storm damage. Call SERVPRO Glendora & San Dimas if you discover any moisture damage, or if mold has begun to set in. SERVPRO Glendora & San Dimas specializes in water restoration and mold remediation and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Did Someone Say Glendora Fire?

6/30/2023 (Permalink)

Did Somebody Say Fire?

Accidents happen which is why SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here to help! Recently, we received a job out in Hollywood for an apartment that had completely burned and destroyed the place. The ceilings were scorched, the walls had melted and started to peel, and there was broken glass everywhere. We have a 5 step process in order to make this apartment safe to live in again!

Step 1:

The first step that our technicians have to take is to get approval from the city to start working as well as getting permits due to the electrical damage. We have gotten approval from the city for this downtown Pasadena job, so we are all set to start working on the apartment.

Step 2:

The second step is to completely strip the apartment and clear out the debris in order for our restoration team to start the restoration process. Because this apartment is on the second floor, our crew innovatively created a man-made chute to send all the trash down to the dumpster. Items that are cleared out include appliances, broken glass, smaller debris, and bigger furniture such as bookshelves, lamps, beds, etc. 

Step 3:

The next step is the removal process which can take a couple of days to complete.  Our workers have to first determine if cabinetry, fridges, stoves, sinks, showers, etc can be salvaged. If they are unsalvageable, then we remove everything. Construction and demolition experts will just remove everything on the site. However, what sets us apart is that our crew aims to restore your business or home to cut down customer’s expenses. Once everything is removed, we will check the foundation to make sure that it is safe for the owner to return. We do this because when there is a fire, it burns down the wooden foundation which can be harmful in the long run. Once the foundation is secured, we remove all the excess debris. 

Step 4:

The fourth step is to get rid of the smell. We use SERVPRO Orange to degrease the areas, Wall and All Surface Cleaner to clean the areas, Concrobium as the disinfectant, and lastly Wintergreen deodorizer to take care of the smokey smell.

Step 5:

Lastly, the final step is to take care of the hallways or any other areas of the building that were affected by the fire. We use a decontaminate cleaning spray to make sure that no soot remains on the walls, ceilings, elevators, or other doors. We do this to protect other residents. The entire process for this job takes roughly 5 whole days.

Here For You

If you or a loved one ever experience immense fire damage, don’t hesitate to give our office a call (626)-852-9922. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week at your convenience.

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

We Are Hiring a Sales & Marketing Manager!

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

We Are Hiring!

SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas, also known as Team McCann, is looking for a Sales and Marketing Manager.

Our incredibly busy restoration business keeps growing - and we need you! Your primary role would be: Manage the sales and marketing team, and all sales and marketing initiatives. Develop and implement an annual marketing plan. Train and coach our current sales and marketing team. Developing and maintaining customer relationships.

Qualified? We would love to hear from you! Sales and marketing management experience is a MUST, and restoration experience is a PLUS! 

Joe McCann has built an amazing team over the last seventeen years, and we would love to have you join us!

Email your resume to Connie@SERVPROgsd.com today!

Is Your Commercial Building at Risk?

3/27/2022 (Permalink)

It’s very rare for a commercial property that has stood for decades to be free of the most common disasters that eventually affect all structures.  

The roof ages until it no longer keeps out the water, ultimately resulting in a water loss

The plumbing becomes stressed and fails from foundations that are shifting from settling 

Remodel projects move utility services around and workmanship can be substandard

Storms can damage windows, tear off roofing, and rising flood waters can rush in.

Fire sprinklers can be activated causing widespread flooding

There are so many ways an owner of a commercial building can be affected which may negatively impact their investment in the property and the revenue from tenants. 

Knowing who to call on those days when a powerful storm or a twist of fate presents a potential financial disaster can make all the difference in minimizing the impact. 

SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas is a company you can call on to repair damages caused by Fire, Flooding, Sewer Spills, Slab Leaks, Mold, Storm Damage, pretty much anything that can disrupt businesses and cost the owner and tenants money.  

We serve all locations in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.  Restoration experts are available 24/7 by calling 626-852-9922.  Stay safe out there.  Sincerely, SERVPRO Joe McCann.

Always Willing to Give Back

3/13/2022 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO Glendora & San Dimas, we pride ourselves in being an active part of the Glendora and San Dimas communities. Team McCann is big believers in giving back, when possible.

For the most part, Joe McCann, allows his sales and marketing team to use the resources that SERVPRO has to offer in order to help our fellow chambers, rotary clubs, and other humanitarian organizations. Truthfully, we don’t think Joe has ever said no to a project or special event that has been brought to his attention.

Whether it’s donating our trucks gas and time to transport food for food drives, or raising money for Saint Jude’s Hospitals, selling raffle tickets for Vietnam Veterans, or simply showing up to an event to help others, SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas is not only on the move in business but we’re constantly on the move on how to make our communities better. It is one of the reasons why we have been so successful for over 17 years.

Have an Emergency Plan

3/3/2022 (Permalink)

As a business owner, it is always a great idea to have an emergency plan in place. You never know when a flood will occur, causing water damage throughout your business place. Or when a fire will take place in your busy kitchen. There is also the possibility of a windy storm transpiring that goes on to cause damages to your property. Emergencies can happen at any time and day of the year. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas offers what we call an emergency ready profile, which aims to have you prepared for unexpected events and to limit damages to your property. 

There are a variety of benefits in having an emergency ready profile including

• It’s completely free of charge, so there is no need to worry about paying extra for your safety
• We can complete it in as little as 10 minutes. You don't have to worry about us interrupting your workplace operations
• It gives us crucial information about your business place including the location of your electricity panel, gas, and water valves.
• Saves you time, if an emergency does occur we can begin work quicker
• Gives our team an idea of what to expect so we can better prepare
• Higher chance of us mitigating the damage
• Most importantly you will have a plan of action for your business

If you ever have any water, fire, storm, mold damages or you just want to create an emergency ready plan for your business, feel free to contact SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas at (626) 852-9922.  We are always ready to help. We are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!

Join Our Sales Team!

3/2/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas has a job opening for a full time Sales and Marketing Rep preferably experienced in the Construction, Trades, and Restoration Industries.

The ideal candidate must have previous Sales experience and bring the following attributes to the position:

~ Self Motivation

~ Strong interpersonal skills

~ Can Make “Things” happen when called upon

~ Strong communication skills

~ Positive attitude

~ Can inspire a team to execute effectively, accurately, and in a timely manner

~ Comfortable meeting new people and building relationships

Primary Responsibilities include:

~ Build and grow our core customer base by routine contact

~ Willing to expand their knowledge base with education in our field

~ Know how to professionally put the SERVPRO brand in front of our customers

~ Become articulate in our business so you can educate our customers

~ Comfortable being in front of large crowds sharing our capabilities and values

~ Available to clients during emergencies

~ Attending Business and Professional events (Chambers, Associations, Business Networks)

~ Organizing and participating in networking events

Email your resume to Connie@SERVPROgsd.com

Glendora & San Dimas Homeowner Tips

2/28/2022 (Permalink)

1) Maintain a Security System and Smoke Alarms: A burglar alarm that is monitored by a central station, or that is tied directly to a local police station, can help lower homeowner's annual premiums by 5% or more. Smoke alarms can save the homeowner 10% or more in annual premiums and, in case of fire, could save your life!

2) Raise Your Deductible: Like health insurance or car insurance, the higher the deductible a homeowner chooses, the lower annual premiums. However, the problem with selecting a high deductible is smaller claims/problems, which typically will cost only a few hundred dollars to fix, will most likely be absorbed by the homeowner.

3) Look for Multiple Policy Discounts: Many insurance companies give discounts of 10% or more to customers that maintain other insurance contracts. Consider obtaining a quote for other types of insurance from the same company. 

4) Plan Ahead for Construction: If a homeowner plans to build an addition to a home or structure, they should consider materials that will be used. Wood-framed structures will cost more to insure while cement or steel-framed structures will cost less because it is more durable in fire and adverse weather.

5) Pay Off Your Mortgage: Obviously this is easier said than done, but homeowners who pay off their mortgage debts will most likely see premiums drop. Why? The simple reason is the insurance companies figures if you own the home, you'll take better care of it.

6) Make Regular Policy Reviews and Comparisons: Investors should, at least once a year, compare costs of other insurance policies to their own. In addition, they should review existing policies and make note of changes occurred that could lower premiums. 

Why SERVPRO Joe

2/22/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO Joe and Team McCann

At SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas, we understand that accidents happen. When a fire occurs in your residence, we know that you need professional restoration services as soon as possible.

Our crew is staffed with highly trained and experienced professionals that can restore any fire damage that has occurred. The technicians assigned to assist you will have completed a certification through the IICRC.

We also are a franchise that has advanced technology and equipment to speed up the process as much as possible. Our experts deal with soot cleanup, odor removal, air purification, water removal, and sanitization. We also use air scrubbers that help with indoor air quality concerns such as debris and particles which are not safe for home owners or the environment. To clean up the odors left from fire damage, we use our thermal fogger and deodorizing agents to neutralize harsh odor molecules on contact.

We certainly hope that nothing ever happens to your property. But, if an accident or event occurs, we want you to know that we are here to serve and make sure your residence or business is restored to like new condition.

Please give our office a call if an emergency strikes at 626-852-9922 and we will be happy to assist you. We service properties throughout the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties.

SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas 

433 Fleetwood Place

Glendora, CA 91740

Stop by our office sometime and introduce yourself! Joe and crew would love to say hi!

Researching Water Damage for Your Glendora or San Dimas Home

2/21/2022 (Permalink)

When your home has sudden water damage, researching a solution may become confusing. Unless you are someone that works in the restoration industry, certain key terms may be foregien to you. Two primary examples would be restoration and mitigation.

If water damage strikes in your Glendora or San Dimas home, it is usually because of a plumbing leak or an appliance malfunction. The water spreads from the original leak, overflow, or breakage, causing additional harm to structures or contents nearby. If this occurs, be sure to call Joe McCann and his team at SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas. They are restoration and mitigation professionals.

Mitigation can refer to actions you or SERVPRO technicians take to reduce, lessen, or decrease the damage. Your quick thinking in picking up clothing, shoes, and toys before the water flows to saturate them is an example of mitigation. Placing blocks or foil under furniture legs on wet carpeting is also something a homeowner can do to minimize damage to their home and furniture before help arrives.

When Joe and his team arrives, they will work fast to mitigate the impact of excess water in many different ways. Partially saturated carpeting retain dry sections when we use wanded extractors to reduce the moisture level on the leading edge. Pack-outs of contents halt water intrusion into storage boxes and reduces humidity levels in the affected structural spaces, which has the effect of reducing drying times.

Remediation refers to efforts made to remove the disaster-causing water or other agents with pumps and truck-mounted extractors. Drying with air movers and dehumidifiers is another example. Remediation improves the circumstances so that the damage done can be corrected. 

Restoration can include repairs, rebuilding, and refinishing in addition to the mitigation and remediation tasks that come before.

SERVPRO will use a mixture of mitigation, remediation and restoration to bring your home back to pre-water damage conditions.

Helping Our Local Rotary Club

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Why SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas

Humanitarian work is very important to Joe McCann and his team! We would like to think of SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas as a tool to help our local community. 

Recently, The San Dimas Rotary Club was in need of some major assistance for a food drive for local United States Military Veterans. Their goal was to collect four tons of non-perishable food items! And did they ever!

Recently retired, Doug Beach (former SERVPRO GSD sales manager), was more than willing to make truck arrangements, and make the trek to Twenty-Nine Palms to deliver the items!

This past Valentine’s Day, we were able to help out our local rotary club, who also put their community before themselves. Donating the use of our box truck and gas was the very least we could do to help such an amazing cause!

Got Water? Call SERVPRO Joe!

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

If you find yourself in a situation where water is suddenly rushing into your residence, immediately call SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas. We are available 24/7/365 - Yes! We have an after hours line available for customers!

Until the water restoration professionals from SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas arrive, there are a few things you can do to help with damage to your home, condo, apartment, or personal business.

Move anything of value out of the affected room that you are able to: photos, important documents, artwork, etc. Take old books, or pieces of scrap wood and use them to elevate your furniture. Place wood, books, or even brinks underneath the feet of your furniture to raise them above the waterline. This will help prevent any fabric or wood damage to your couches, chairs, tables, and other furniture of value. 

If you own a Shock Vac or have a neighbor to borrow one from, use it to help remove water that has a puddle in your home and help prevent further damage to your carpet or hardwood flooring. Open all the windows in your home, and turn on any ceiling fans. This will help start the drying process. 

Make sure to take pictures of all the damaged areas. This includes walls, baseboards, carpets, hardwood flooring, and all valuables. This will be important to turn into your insurance company when you file your claim. The more you document, the easier it will be to file your claim with your insurance company.

Joe McCann and his team have 17+ years of restoration experience. Trust us when we say, calling Joe will be the best decision you can make for your home or business!

When Snow Storms Shut Down the Roads

2/4/2022 (Permalink)

Many San Gabriel Valley residents often like to retreat to the mountains for some winter snow fun! Gloves, jackets, snow sleds are likely on the list to pack for a weekend of leisure. However, if we can learn anything from the 24-hour traffic jam back east last month, it is to be prepared in case of an emergency snow storm stop on the road.

In addtion to your snow gear and snow toys, it is important to have emergency supplies in your vehicle.

Here is a simple list to consider:

• Flashlights with extra batteries
• Consider a re-chargeable battery pack for your car (one that has compatible jumper cables and/or jumpe cables
• Non-Perishable snacks
• First Aid Kit
• Bottled Water
• Spare tire and jack
• Blankets
• Antifreeze and Oil

Pro Tip: If ever stuck in a storm, in your vehicle, to help prevent your engine from freezing/freezer temperatures, turn your car over each hour, for ten minutes. Avoid leaving your car running the entire time you might be stuck, to save gasoline.

Commercial Fire Clean Up

2/2/2022 (Permalink)

Large Commercial Fire Clean Up By SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas:

This time last year, SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas acquired a very large commercial job that contained a lot of loss for our client. Fortunately, our team of professional estimators and restoration technicians were able to give the client a sense of relief during this difficult time. Joe McCann, owner of SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas has 17+ years of restoration experience. When you call his team, you are in knowledgeable, reliable, professional, caring hands. 

The job we received this time last year was a restaurant in Pasadena that had sustained a structure fire in a ventilation system. The fire originated from the main floor and worked its way to the second floor where it affected offices and the stairwell. Smoke made its way throughout the entire building, including the basement level.

Roughly everyday there are 15-20 general laborers and 3-4 restoration supervisors on site. Joe made his way to Pasadena frequently, and often to double check all of the restoration work being done by his crew. Heavy demolition was required to properly clean the commercial building, and prevent odor lock. 

In case of a fire emergency in your commercial building, call 911 first and evacuate immediately. After the fire department has completed their job, call SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas at 626-852-9922 and someone from our team will be happy to serve you. We handle projects all over the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties. Joe McCann and his team specialize in large losses. No job is too big!

Is Your Commercial Building Santa Ana Wind Prepared?

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

Is Your Commercial Building Santa Ana Wind Prepared?

If you have ever lived in Southern California, you know how magical the Santa Ana winds can feel rolling in from the desert. They are warmer, can occur throughout the day and evening, and also can be considered a light breeze that can suddenly turn into a 80 mile per hour gust.

Our homes are not the only important thing to protect during a Santa Ana wind storm. If you own or rent a commercial property, it is crucial to protect your business.

Are you a restaurant owner? Keep your patio covered. Bring in outside furniture that can be light enough to be blown away, or knocked over by the wind. Patio umbrellas especially should be brought in doors. They can easily be damaged, or worse, they can damage your property. Imagine an umbrella going through a building window at 60 miles per hour. 

Overhangs, especially cloth ones, can be easily destroyed during a windstorm. Roof tiles that need repairing are also a large risk. Consider calling SERVPRO Glendora & San Dimas for a temporary roof tarp installation. Roof tarps are a great way to protect overhangs and your roof from heavy wind damage. 

Always be aware of power lines around your commercial building. Always call 911 if you have a down powerline on your commercial property, and never go near it.

When Fire Damage Affects Your Glendora Home

1/28/2022 (Permalink)

When a Fire Affects Your Home:

One of the most troublesome points about fire damage in your Southern California residence is that there are often far more negative effects than you can see through a visual inspection of the damage after the flames have gotten extinguished. Worse still, your home might not be safe to enter until it has gotten cleared by certified and competent parties like our SERVPRO estimators. Smoke damage can be a health hazard. Smoke damage that is not properly taken can of, may lead to health problems down the road. 

Water damage will also be assessed by one of our professional team members. It is common to have some water damage after a fire has been extinguished. Water that is not properly cleaned up and dried, may lead to mold growth. It is essential to have a SERVPRO team come out after a fire to see if any moisture is still present in your walls, roof or furniture.

The aftermath of a fire in your home doesn’t have to be rectified on your own. Our SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas fire restoration technicians are available 24/7/365 to help you overcome the broad effects of this disaster throughout your property. Give us a call any time that you need us at (626) 852-9922.

The Types of Jobs SERVPRO Performs

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

Residential 

A residential job would be pertaining to an issue with a house or property in relation to residents. However, an apartment complex would be considered a commercial job because the nature of the business would be dealt with by the property manager and or owner rather than the resident. 

Commercial 

Which brings us to the next type of job: commercial. A commercial job consists of an issue with a place of business such as an office building, professional space, and as mentioned above an apartment complex.

Industrial 

An industrial job involves a property that contains hundreds of thousands of square feet. This could be characterized by a manufacturing plant or large business property of some sort. 

If you ever have any questions on any of these types of restoration jobs, feel free to call our office! 626.852.9922

SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas would be honored to work with you!

A Year Ago...

12/29/2021 (Permalink)

A year ago, we wrote this description of March weather in Southern California... and it makes you wonder, is January 2022 destined to be identical to March 2021?

It has been three weeks of off and on rainy weather in December of 2021 so far... what do the 2022 rain clouds have in store for the SGV and SERVPRO JOE and his Team?

March 2021:

Rain, sunshine. Rain again, hail, clear blue skies. Snow in Pasadena. When was the last time Pasadena received snow? Clear skies again. More rain, hail the size of marbles, blue skies. All over a span of four days. With more rain to come this weekend. Off and on, of course. And doesn't South Pasadena and San Marino always look beautiful after the rain?

Wild Southern California weather, a storm that has continued to come and go, come and go. 

Stay Prepared:

WIth rain and hail being so unpredictable this past week, paying close attention to weather reports is a must. It should go without saying that driving during crazy hail storms is not particularly safe. Try to plan any errands during the pockets of clear blue skies. It is also suggested not to travel during crazy weather storms.

If you have experienced flooding in your home or garage before, what preventive measures can you take to prevent that from happening again? Sandbags are always very helpful in directing water away from your home. Depending on the city that you live in, they might offer these at no cost for residents. Some cities will also provide barricades in high flooding areas. Make sure that your gutters and rain drains are free of debris so that rainwater can flow freely away from your home. You might also be able to obtain a rain barrel from your city or town as well, at no charge. 

Call SERVPRO:

In case of any water damage to your home, be sure to call SERVPRO South Pasadena / San Marino. Joe McCann and his team are available for emergency services 24/7. Joe is a plethora of restoration knowledge and would be happy to answer all of your questions.

Water Damage? Our Equipment Has You Covered!

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

How Our SERVPRO Equipment Can Serve You:

Air movers are an essential tool when mitigation services are needed due to water damage or restoring flood or disaster damage. Their main job is to increase air circulation. Increased circulation speeds up water evaporation. This, of course, reduces drying time.

SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas uses three types of air movers:

Axial: Axial blowers are designed to move large amounts of air across a wide space. These tend to be larger air movers that produce high airflow. Unlike centrifugal air movers, which can direct air in several directions, axial air movers only move air horizontally. They’re ideal for drying walls or top-down drying treatments on carpets. They’re sometimes used for ventilation and equipment cooling.

Centrifugal: This type offers a more compact air mover designed for spot treatments. Centrifugal air movers draw air from several sources and direct it to a particular spot. They are often used in restoration work to dry hard to reach areas like under cabinets and in crawl spaces and closets. Most centrifugal air movers can be adjusted to provide airflow at a few different angles. Centrifugal blowers are heavy-duty air movers that produce lower CFM than axial air movers.

Compact: Compact air movers are versatile enough to be used for both large floor areas and small spot drying. With 1/4 horsepower motors, they still have the power to quickly and effectively dry areas, while also being quieter than centrifugal air movers and taking up less space. Small and lightweight, compact air movers are the perfect solution for drying small, hard-to-reach spaces such as closets, corners or under counters.

Our technicians will always assess each water damage situation independently and determine if any of our air movers are appropriate for your water damage situation.

Keep Your Home Safe During the Holidays!

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas would like to wish everyone a safe holiday season. Between lighting candles for a dinner party, or putting a log on the fire for ambiance, it’s easy to have a beautiful home turn into a fire danger zone. Please look over the 9 main cause of fires below:

1: Cooking- House fires happen most during dinner hours—between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m because they are the most common dinner times.

• For grease fires, only use a fire extinguisher or baking soda. NEVER water.
• Never leave your food unattended. Fires can easily start in a matter of seconds. 

2: Heating Equipment - Almost 13% of all residential fires are caused by heating equipment. Make sure to turn off all heating equipment once you have finished using them.

3: Electrical Equipment- Keep an eye out - Look for frayed wires, surge marks in wire, and damaged cords.

4: Carelessness -Leaving a curling iron next to some facial tissue would fall under this category.

5: Open Flame- Candles, fires in the fireplace, and outdoor bonfires are enjoyable when controlled, but disastrous when they’re not, or left unattended. 

6: Appliances- If you feel like any of your appliances are acting weird, have a professional come out and service them.

7: Intentional- It should go without saying, arson is a felony and can result in up to 20 years in prison.

8: Smoking - Make sure your cigarettes and cigars are extinguished properly every time.

9: Natural- If you live in an area prone to wildfires, be sure to be aware of your local conditions.

More SERVPROS, the better!

11/28/2021 (Permalink)

Fun Facts

Joe McCann has been a franchise owner for 16+ Years…

When one SERVPRO isn't enough, we call in two! For many large commercial projects, SERVPRO franchises are likely to call on another for assistance. Multiple SERVPRO mean mulitiple the team members, twice the resources, and half the time! And Joe McCann has three!

Commercial Flood This Season

It is not uncommon for large commercial properties to experience an intense amount of restoration damage. Fire is an obvious example. A fire can, depending on physical and weather conditions, spread incredibly quickly. Water can also spread damage very quickly. A broken sprinkler system can easily damage a multi-story building fast. 

Putting The Customer First

Putting the customer's needs before our own is one of our top priorities here at SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas. We are extremely committed to providing the best quality restoration services that we are open 24/7/365 in case one of our customers experiences a disaster in the middle of the night or on weekends.

Where Mold Can Grow

11/28/2021 (Permalink)

Where Mold Can Grow:

There are a handful of areas of the house that mold can be found in your home or your commercial building space. It is important for the safety of your health, home and building to be familiar with the multiple areas mold can be found.

Any area of a home or a commercial building space that is prone to water, humidity, being damp or lack of ventilation is prone to mold growth. 

Any area of the home or office building that has major appliances, those areas are especially susceptible to mold growth.

Ventilation ducts, carpets, furniture and crawl spaces are other places to be concerned for mold growth.

Always be aware of odd odors in these areas. They are almost a sure sign of mold.

If you are concerned about mold in your own home or office space, call Joe McCann at SERVPRO Glendora / San Dimas. His team is available 24/7/365. They can be reached at 626-852-9922.

SERVPRO Joe in the Commuinty

11/4/2021 (Permalink)

What Can We Do To Help?

SERVPRO is a Fire and Water Cleanup company.  Our mission has been to reliably help residents, business owners, and commercial property owners deal with property damage from storms, fires, sewer spills, and the disruption these calamities can cause. 

The last 18 months has definitely been a momentous time in history.  People around the world have been through a global crisis with few precedents.  The shut down of all but the most critical infrastructure affected whole nations for many months.  Boarders, governments, and even great distance between continents failed protect us.  But life was still happening behind all those closed doors.

Because SERVPRO is in the business to help people recover from property damage, in many cases cleaning up pathogens like the bacteria in sewer spills and the health concerns from mold spores, we were one of those businesses deemed an Essential Service, staying open to help restore and maintain healthy living and working spaces.  

Hence, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas remained active throughout the Pandemic providing our usual restoration services with the addition of Certified Antiviral Cleaning, disinfecting properties with confirmed Covid contamination. We were also asked to support several of the major insurance carriers by providing cost estimates for insurance claims, acting on behalf of insurance adjustors who were directed to avoid unnecessary contact with their customer base.  In short, the pandemic kept the restoration business very busy throughout the crisis.

It’s true, we are one of those industries that benefited from the increased work created by the global situation.  However, it’s been very hard.  For many months, our employees worked incredible hours meeting the needs of our customers.  But despite the challenges, finding meaning in what we do and being good at it has helped keep our team motivated and moving forward.

On a philosophical level, our business has always supported giving back to the community.   In the spirit of answering the question above “What Can We Do To Help?”, SERVPRO of Glendora has traditionally tried to share our good fortune when we can help make a difference.  Our contributions are modest in the context of the needs of the organizations we support, but we hope we have also inspired others to extend themselves to share what they can, making the effort go a little further.

Some of the organizations we have raised donations for include Relay For Life, House of Ruth, Wounded Warrior Project, Ann Roush Burn Foundation, and Kiwanis and Rotary Food Drive events.

Directly related to the Pandemic, in early 2020, during the first months when hospitals in Los Angeles County began to fill with infected patients, the shocking reality settled in that many medical institutions were going to run out of supplies.  

Among the shortages, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was identified as critical to First Responders who themselves would be at great personal risk unless they had the proper safety equipment, including masks and face shields.  LA County Leadership was called upon to help figure out how to get PPE to these heroes who would be so critical to saving lives and controlling the outbreak.  

One of the solutions was to get help from organizations who had production capabilities and expertise to make up the shortfall in the required PPE.  Among the organizations who stepped up was a Non-Profit called the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI).   Provided with philanthropic donations, LACI proposed to mobilize and coordinate production facilities and enlist out-of-work people as elements of a Face-shield production program.  

Using our company Trucks, SERVPRO of Glendora volunteered to support the distribution of thousands of face shields LACI would eventually produce to hospitals throughout Los Angeles County.  

Fast forward to June of 2021.  The Pandemic and personal protection protocols in many parts of the country, including Southern California, is starting to recede and life is creeping towards to a new normal.   The LACI organization has fulfilled their commitment to LA County First Responders, producing and delivering approximately 125,000 medical grade face shields to doctors, nurses, and other care workers.

For our part delivering these face shields, SERVPRO of Glendora was actively answering the question, What Can We Do To Help?  We feel like we have been part of something important, something bigger than ourselves, pretty much right where we want to be every day.

We certainly hope you never need our property restoration services, but the reality is wildfires, storms, and common plumbing failures will continue to be a part of our lives. Our advice is:

1. Prepare for the unexpected with periodic maintenance inspections 
2. Know who to call when you need reliable emergency services 
3. Be ready to get out when the order to evacuate comes from emergency responders

Contact our office about a free Emergency Ready Profile (ERP), a very useful application for your smart device that we help you install.  You’ll be better prepared when an emergency does strike, saving time, property, maybe even lives. 

As we inch up on our new reality, SERVPRO’s core business remains restoring properties and returning control to those affected. 

Is Your Glendora Business Safe?

7/30/2021 (Permalink)

How to Keep Your Commercial Property Safe:

Keeping your commercial property safe can help you protect your employees, patrons, and business equipment. From keeping up on building maintenance to installing a security system, there can be plenty of preventative problems that can be found around your property. Here are a few ways you can keep your commercial property safe and secure.

Maintenance Audits:

The more attention you pay to your building maintenance, the less likely you are to face any issues. Keep your property current and routinely check for any slippery surfaces, damaged floors, sharp objects, frayed or damaged wires, or blocked hallways. Staying vigilant helps you avoid problems before they become a much bigger issue.

Increase Lighting In & Around the Building:

When it comes to your building, it’s important to keep it well lit. Not only does it help to avoid trips and falls, but it can also help to avoid burglaries. Install extra lighting and make sure your building is well-lit. The brightest building on the block tends not to fall victim to crimes.

Prepare for an Emergency.

Disasters are unpredictable, which means it’s important to be prepared. Take precautions to minimize potential damage from a disaster, and make emergency exits readily available. Check that all your fire alarms are working properly and that all the emergency exits are well marked.

Install Security to Protect the Property.

Businesses require a significant amount of expensive materials to operate, making it a prime target for burglaries. Take measures to increase security on the property. Install security cameras and alarms, and hire a security guard. Additionally, consult with local law enforcement to see what precautions they recommend

SERVPRO & LACI Working Together

7/6/2021 (Permalink)

Draft LACI New Article 6/25/21

During the past 15 months, the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the entire planet in so many ways, from the most profound losses to examples of great heroics.  We have lived through a once in a century global disaster.

In early 2020, during the first months of the Pandemic when hospitals in Los Angeles County began to fill with infected patients, given the scale of the emergency there was a realization that many medical institutions were going to run out of supplies.  

Among the shortages, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was identified as critical to First Responders who themselves would be at great personal risk unless they had the proper safety equipment.  LA County Leadership was called upon to help figure out how to get PPE to these heroes who would be so critical to saving lives and controlling the outbreak.  

One of the solutions was to get help from organizations who had production capabilities and expertise to make up the shortfall in the required PPE.  Among the organizations who stepped up was a Non-Profit called the Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI).   Provided with philanthropic donations, LACI proposed to mobilize and coordinate in-house design staff, raw material suppliers, access production facilities, and enlist out-of-work people as elements of a Face-shield production program.  

The goal was to produce and deliver tens of thousands of medical grade face-shields over the months that these devices were expected to be in short supply. This was not an easy commitment to deliver on.  There were many hundreds of man hours invested in the up-front design, material selection, prototyping, and the piece-part manufacturing phase.  Following the development work, approval of the final product was needed before production could even start.  Through all of this, the clock was ticking and the cost from delays in delivery could honestly be measured in lives-at-risk.

Fast forward to June of 2021.  The Pandemic and personal protection protocols in many parts of the country, including Southern California, is starting to recede and life is creeping towards to a new normal.   The LACI organization has fulfilled their commitment to LA County First Responders, producing and delivering approximately 125,000 medical face- shields designed for use by doctors, nurses, and other care providers.  An outstanding accomplishment, not just in applying technology and project management, but certainly for the humanitarian good that was done.

The Leadership staff of LACI and all of the supporting material suppliers, designers, engineers, production, supervision, and other non-profit entities that contributed to this effort can all take pride in knowing that they were part of something really important, something bigger than themselves, an effort that has given every member of the team the right to take some credit for making it safer for First Responders to continue saving lives during this epic time.  

As part of the logistics for delivering many of these faceshields to medical centers all over Los Angeles County, SERVPRO of Glendora would like to extend our sincere gratitude and respect to the LACI organization and all the parties who helped to change the course of what would certainly have cost even more in human lives without their involvement.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a building and property restoration business which exists to help home and business owners recover from disasters that have impacted their lives.  Over the years, we’ve assisted thousands of people confronting personal calamities that require a helping hand.  We pride ourselves on making the recovery from property losses a little easier by providing quality restoration services and giving back control to those affected by disaster.

In Case of Fire Damage

6/14/2021 (Permalink)

In Case of Fire Damage: 

Fires can involve a combination of damages including thermal damage, smoke damage, and damage caused by fire departments and sprinkler systems. SERVPRO of Irwindale and Baldwin Park offers the following fire and smoke restoration processing and procedures: 

* Full Contents Cleaning and Restoration 

* Partial or Complete Pack Out 

* On-Site Storage Facility 

* Demolition 

* Deodorization 

* 24 Hour Emergency Board Up 

* Fire and Smoke Odor Cleaning 

It takes specialized training and a great deal of professional experience to effectively restore a structure which has survived a fire. Joe McCann and his team at SERVPRO Irwindale and Baldwin Park are skilled and trained for such fire disaster events. If you have any questions about fire, smoke, or soot damage? Please call our office at 626-852-9922. We handle projects all over the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties.

Spring Is Here!

4/7/2021 (Permalink)

Retirement Home Post Mitigation

Springtime Weather:

Beautiful Southern California weather is back again! The beautiful foothills of the San Gabriel Valley are green and the California Poppies are blooming! Getting out of town soon? Make sure you are prepared! 

Leaving Town: 

It is always a good idea to reach out to a family member, friend, or neighbor that you trust to let them know you will be leaving. They can help keep an eye out on your house: mail, pets, and most importantly: water damage. A broken pipe or leaky water heater does not care if you are vacationing in Cabo. The sooner water damage is detected, the sooner the damage can be reversed. 

Call SERVPRO: 

Joe McCann and his team at SERVPRO Glendora are available for emergency water damage services 24/7! Joe has over 16 years of restoration experience, his team is friendly, knowledgeable, and reliable.

Supporting the Healthcare Industry

3/24/2021 (Permalink)

Face shield boxes being loaded into a SERVPRO Truck

Coordinating with LACI

For the past few months, SEVRPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has been coordinating with LACI, Los Angeles CleanTech Incubator, to transport manufactured face shields to hospitals throughout Los Angeles County. In April of 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic was in full swing, the LACI organization quickly jumped into action. They utilized the Advanced Prototyping Center (APC) to manufacture face shield donations for healthcare workers. This collaboration brought together organizations such as the Los Angeles Public Library’s Octavia Lab, Los Angeles County’s Youth@Work program, Goodwill of Southern California, City of Baldwin Park, the Greater Los Angeles Hospital Registry, and others. LACI plans to donate 100,000 shields by June 1st, 2021. As of February 19th, 2021, LACI was able to deliver over 42,000 face shields to doctors and nurses working in 25 different LA County Hospitals, including:

• Community Hospital of Huntington Park
• Long Beach Medical Center
• Adventist Health Glendale
• MLK Community Hospital
• Lakewood Regional Medical Center
• Sherman Oaks Hospital
• Valley Presbyterian Hospital
• Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center
• White Memorial Hospital
• Centinela Hospital Medical Center
• Monterey Park Hospital
• Mission Community
• Whittier Hospital
• Beverly Hospital

Recycled Material and Incorporating the Youth

The face shield design was originally tested by ER doctors at Cedar Sinai and helps prevent infectious droplets from entering the facial area. Additionally, these shields are designed so that they may be reused from one to five years. LACI works to recycle almost all plastic remnants leftover from manufacturing into 3D print filament that is then used in 3D printers, as opposed to being thrown away. 

The LA Country Youth@Work program helps place youth in a paid job that leads to a long-term career pathway. The youth involved in this program have helped assemble and box face shields, creating jobs for over 140 people. LACI has also introduced these youth to their APC Fellowship Program, a paid fellowship that provides technical training, interpersonal skills, and industry-recognized certifications to succeed in the green economy. Due to the shortage of many entry-level employment opportunities, LACI organizers say that is grateful for the opportunity to provide paid employment and learning opportunities.

SERVPRO Delivery Trucks = More Faceshield Deliveries

At the beginning of 2021, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas’ Sales Manager, Doug Beach, connected with a member of the LACI organization at a community meeting and asked how we could help with the efforts. Previously, the Los Angeles Library had been coordinating deliveries whenever possible. Now, with the help of SERVPRO’s huge box trucks, we are helping make deliveries of over 50 boxes of face shields every other Thursday, sometimes twice in one week. All shipments consist of 50 boxes containing 100 face shields. Each delivery contains 5,000 shields per delivery. Peyton Russell, Sales and Marketing Representative for SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, accompanies Doug on these deliveries and takes photos/videos of the deliveries, something that seldom happened before. Additionally, Ms. Russell and Mr. Beach help to load and unload the face shields at the facilities, track the delivery forms, and persist in social media efforts for the cause.

Dedication To The Community

When disaster strikes, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is there to help. Our owner, SERVPRO Joe, believes in giving back to the community and making a difference whenever we can. Our Sales Team is highly involved in humanitarian efforts, such as the San Dimas Rotary Food Drive in January and the upcoming House of Ruth donation collection in early May. To learn more about how to get involved with the LACI donation efforts, please visit their Instagram @laincubator, or call 310.699.5724. If you want a restoration company that is trustworthy and actively involved in the community and fighting against coronavirus, call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas today! Our estimators and office staff are happy to help you through your water damage emergencies.

Consult an Authority When Questions Arise

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Consult an Authority When Questions Arise

Whenever a commercial or residential property is damaged by a storm, fire, sewer spill, vandalism, or any disaster, man-made or natural, there is certainly going to be cleaning and repairs necessary.  In many cases, there will be an insurance claim submitted to help the property owner pay for the restoration and any reconstruction required. 

We Work Closely With Insurance

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has handled thousands of projects when insurance companies have been called in to help assess damages and establish the coverage limits.

Normally, the Insurance Carrier will send an adjustor who will determine if a claim is approved and what specifically is covered.  At times this process can become a challenge to the property owner who may have little or no experience in the claims process. 

It is highly recommended that the property owner, in cases where the cost to return the property to its preloss condition can be many thousands of dollars, consult an authority.  You can always rely on SERVPRO of Glendora to be that authority. 

If you call us, at no charge we will come to the property, create a comprehensive quotation meeting Insurance Industry standards for documentation and charging rates, and represent your interests using facts and experience to make the case for the maximum coverage allowed by your policy.  We are experts in this part of the business and will help you get the coverage you have been paying for and have come for just these situations.

Satisfied Parties

At the end of the day, you as the property owner, the insurance carrier, the claims adjuster, and SERVPRO of Glendora will agree to a project scope that satisfies all parties so the work can proceed and your life and/or business can get back to normal as fast as possible.

We are SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, serving all of the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles Basin, and are here for you when you need a Restoration/Reconstruction specialist to represent your interests.

Continue to be safe out there and stay connected. 

Teaming with our Commercial Customers

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Teaming Up

Maybe it’s not surprising that one of the largest costs to a fire or water loss in a commercial building may not be the expense to repair the damaged structure.  There is a case to be made that the larger financial impact comes from a disruption in productivity caused by delays in services, product deliveries, inefficiencies, and lost business good-will from the loss of use of the facilities and infrastructure.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has been working in the Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino Counties for over 16 years supporting the recovery of hundreds of commercial properties damaged by broken fire sprinklers, storms, sewer backups, fires, and broken plumbing which happens to almost all structures in time.

There is always a lot of urgency by business owners that production continues uninterrupted in spite of the complications and SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas have become experts at working with businesses impacted so the expense and downtime is minimized. 

Top Restoration Companies - SERVPRO GSD

Whenever possible, our efforts include: working around the clock to shorten the overall recovery time; working off-hours to reduce interference with business activities during working hours, and tactically working on “sections” of the building that enable shifting personnel and equipment to areas safe to work in during the restoration process.

On all of the restoration projects we have worked on over the years, there is one principle our business will never compromise on, which is to look out for the health and safety of our Customers, Sub-contractors, and SERVPRO personnel during the restoration process.  When we contract to do a commercial restoration project, we will do everything “by the book” to assure the business owner and property owners are getting the very best certified results they deserve while remembering that time is of the essence to the business(s) impacted.

If you experience a commercial fire or water loss, you can depend on SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to help with a fast and professional recovery.

Continue to be safe in these challenging times and remember to stay connected.

Increased Fire Risk During Summer

3/18/2021 (Permalink)

Technician Cleaning Soot From A Wildfire

Ideal Summer

When you think of summer, you picture trips to the beach, family vacations, fireworks, and a beautiful night out in the warm breeze. What you don’t think about is firework embers landing on your roof and in your yard, increasing the potential for fires.

While fireworks are beautiful in color, they can also be very dangerous and can result in burns and other injuries. Sparklers can burn up to 2,000 degrees, and are responsible for starting approximately 18,000 fires each year. 

Risks of Leaving Campfires Unattended

Another fun activity families partake in during the summer is camping. While roasting marshmallows is a family treat, one must be responsible and extinguish their campfire properly after usage. Keep in mind that if the remains of your fire are too warm to touch, they are not okay to leave.

Here For You

SERVPRO of South Pasadena/San Marino is an Emergency Response Services Provider and we are always open and ready to support our community when needed. Unfortunately, fires in this upcoming season are too common and we see the damage they can cause first hand. 

Always check if you are inside a Fire Hazard Severity Zone before building a campfire or lighting fireworks. If you do find yourself in need of a restoration company to come in and clean your home of soot or smoke smell, give us a call. We’re happy to inspect any property and give you an estimate before filing a claim with your insurance. Call today! (626)-852-9922

Why SERVPRO? We Love Giving Back

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Our Sales and Marketing Rep. Peyton Russell and Sales Manager Doug Beach collecting donations for San Dimas residents

San Dimas Community Members

Joe McCann and his wife Dani have been members of the San Dimas community for over 16 years. Joe has stated that he enjoys giving back to the community in any way he can, especially supporting small businesses and humanitarian organizations.

San Dimas Rotary Food Drive 2021

One way Joe has given back to the community this year was by participating in a food drive to support the hungry. The pandemic has affected all families differently, but Joe agrees that no one should go hungry. Our Sales and Marketing Representative, Peyton Russell, and Sales Manager, Doug Beach, volunteered their Saturday to help promote and collect donations for a food drive hosted by the San Dimas Rotary Club and the San Dimas Masonic Center. Together, we collected over 2 tons worth of supplies: food, water, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, toys, etc. That next Tuesday, we loaded up the supplies into one of our huge box trucks and transported them to the Salvation Army. Raymond Foster, former president of the club, noted that without our box truck, they would've had to make over 10 trips back and forth with their pickup trucks.

Community Members

You'll see Joe McCann's team members regularly at community events. Our Sales department is dedicated to promoting Joe's kindness within our franchise areas: Glendora, San Dimas, Irwindale, Baldwin Park, South Pasadena, San Marino, etc.! If you need a water damage restoration company that you can trust, call Joe today (626)-852-9922. We'd be happy to speak with you about the damage your home or business occurred, and work together to get your home restored "Like it never even happened." Call now!

Here For You x2!

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Joe and Thomas from SERVPRO of Azusa/Covina work together on a big commercial job

Here For You x2

When one SERVPRO isn't enough, we call in two! For many huge commercial projects, SERVPRO franchises are likely to call on another for assistance. This is one of the many benefits that SERVPRO has over other water restoration and fire restoration companies. Two SERVPRO's mean twice the team members, twice the resources, and half the time! 

Commercial Property Flood

This commercial property experienced a fire a few weeks ago. The fire caused damage to one of the rooms in this property, setting off the fire sprinkler system. If this wasn't bad enough, the fire sprinkler system poured out too much water and flooded the property! Approximately 10 other rooms experienced flooding, and residents had to be evacuated while our team restored the building. SERVPRO of Azusa/Covina called in Joe and Amir’s team and we coordinated on the project right away. When one SERVPRO isn't enough, we call two!

Putting The Customer First

Putting the customer's needs before our own is one of our top priorities here at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas. We are so committed to providing the best quality restoration services that we are open 24/7 in case one of our customers experiences a disaster in the middle of the night or on weekends. We understand that you need a company that you can trust, and Joe McCann at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas should be your first call. 

Concerned about bathroom mold growth? Recently experience a flood from your toilet or washing machine? Leave your stove on too high and experience damage from a kitchen fire? Call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas today! 

Board Ups and Roof Tarps

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

More Than Just Restoration

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas provides board-up services that will prevent further damage to your property. California is getting hit with unfortunate fires, our board-up services are intended to close any openings to your property following a catastrophe like a fire or a flood. Broken windows, broken doors, damaged hinges, and knocked-down walls all provide easy entrance to natural elements and thieves.

Benefits Before Damage

Even if you do not require damage restoration, you may still want to protect your property with board up services, including temporary shoring, power restoration, and temporary fencing after vandalism, an earthquake, fire, or other disasters. Placing fencing around your home deters burglars from entering and stealing furniture, electronics, or other expensive items.

Installing roof tarps also prevents exposure to weather conditions, which cause unexpected water or sun damage while cleanup and construction are being performed.

Here For You 24/7

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here to help 24/7. Our experienced technicians are available at any time of any day, even on holidays! Don't hesitate to reach out with any concerns regarding your home or business. Call us today at 626-852-9922!

Peace of Mind While Working From Home

3/4/2021 (Permalink)

Working From Home

With the current state of the world, many businesses have their employees working from home. Being in a confined space for a long amount of time can really dampen someone's mood. We've put together some small tips to help boost your energy at home work days! 

• Create a new Playlist. Music can always uplift the spirit.
• Do some virtual tour of destinations!
• Meditation. This helps release the stress out during the day
• Daily exercise

Peace of Mind

The last thing anyone working from home wants to experience is a bathroom flood, toilet overflow, leaking dishwasher, or kitchen fire.

Keep SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas' phone number handy, in case you ever experience one of these catastrophic events. We will work quickly and around your work/school schedule to restore your home back to working conditions.

Remember SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas always open 24/7 for all your water, fire, mold, and biohazard needs. Give Joe McCann a call today if you have any questions!  (626) 852-9922

Why Choose SERVPRO?

3/2/2021 (Permalink)

Joe and Dani

Joe and Danielle McCann have owned SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas for over 16 years now. They are an amazing representation of the SERVPRO brand in the San Gabriel Valley. Their partnership is phenomenal, and they've both got your back for any type of water and fire emergency. They care immensely about both Glendora and San Dimas communities because it is their community too, they live locally! Joe is always just a phone call away to answer any questions about SERVPRO’s services, or to share his journey as a franchise owner! He is a plethora of restoration knowledge!

Part of the Glendora and San Dimas Communities

Together, Joe and Dani have three small children, sons Colton, Finn, and Parker. The future franchise owners of SERVPRO Glendora and San Dimas. They are the “official” first line of defense for the franchise. They have big shoes to fill, but if they are anything like their hard-working parents, the cities of Glendora and San Dimas will be in good hands for decades to come!

Joe and Dani are firm believers in giving back to the Glendora and San Dimas communities as much as possible. SERVPRO Glendora and San Dimas often donate their trucks to be of service for local, charitable events! Such events include food drives, distribution of COvid-19 PPE, local rotary, and the chamber of commerce events. If using the SERVPRO trucks to help take goods from point A to point B for the party organizing helps their cause, the McCann’s are always honored to do it.

Stop by SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas sometime and say hi to the McCann’s!

Address:

SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas

433 Fleetwood Street

Glendora, CA 91741

626.852.9922

What To Do Until Help Arrives

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Moisture Reader Checking for Moisture

Sudden Water Damage to Your Home

can be incredibly frustrating. If you find yourself in a situation where water is suddenly onboarding in your residence, immediately call SERVPRO of Glendora and San Dimas. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

Until the water restoration professionals are SERVPRO arrive, there are a few things you can do to help with damage to your home. 

What To Do

Move anything of value out of the affected room that you are able to: photos, important documents, artwork, etc. Take old books, or pieces of scrap wood and use them to elevate your furniture. Place wood, books, or even brinks underneath the feet of your furniture to raise them above the water line. This will help prevent any fabric or wood damage to your couches, chairs, tables and other furniture of value. 

If you own a Shock Vac, use it to help remove water that has puddle in your home and help prevent further damage to your carpet or hardwood flooring. Open windows in your home, and turn on any ceiling fans. This will help start the drying process. 

Take pictures of all the damaged areas. This includes walls, baseboards, carpets, hardwood flooring, and all valuables. This will be important to turn into your insurance company when you file your claim. 

Here For Your Water Restoration Needs

Always remember that SERVPRO has a staff of qualified professionals to answer any and all of your questions. Not only will they help you with your water damage, but they are also qualified to help with mold prevention and remediation.

We Set The Bar High

2/18/2021 (Permalink)

Staff Meeting Going Over Every Single Job with owner Joe

Set for Success

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a restoration company that sets the bar high. Specializing in water restoration, fire restoration, and mold remediation, our team is equipped and trained to handle all your restoration needs. Our National Training Center has developed a training program to educate restoration and mitigation skills for all of our Glendora and San Dimas employees. Our technicians are the best in the business.

Certified 

At SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas, we certified by The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification IICRC sets the standards for the cleaning and restoration industries. Our employees study these standards in water restoration, fire restoration, and mold remediation. As professionals, we strive to hit all of The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certifications best practices. 

We Have the Training

Every SERVPRO franchise receives a fifteen-day initial training course. New franchise owners are taught in great detail about water and fire restoration, mold remediation, and other valuable cleaning practices. Afterward, franchise owners and employees have a plethora of online training classes, courses, and webinars. There are videos available to learn from, and even tests to check your knowledge. It is a priority for franchise owners to keep their knowledge in fire and water restoration and mold remediation up to speed with overall industry standards.

Privately Owned & Operated

Each SERVPRO is privately owned, and in most cases, locally owned. This is a great driving force to keep standards high. Franchise owners want to be of the highest standard to serve their community to the absolute best of their ability.

Vacationing In Peace

2/11/2021 (Permalink)

Fans Drying Out A Kitchen After Flood

Vacations Are Much Needed

Leaving for a few days? A week? A couple of weeks? Make sure to have a plan in place to keep your home safe. Vacationing can be fun, but coming home to a house in one piece is even better. There is always a possibility of flooding and water damage in your home when you are away.

Reliable Neighbors

Considering having someone available to check on your home while you are away. A good rule of thumb would be to have a family member, close friend, or trusted neighbor check on your home every other day. In addition to taking your mail in for you, they are able to check on your major appliances associated with water. 

Let's Conserve Water

If you are out of town for more than a week, it might be a good idea to turn off your sprinkler system. The person you have asked to check in on your house can hand water your plants and lawn in the meantime. A broken sprinkler head while you are away, has the potential to cause a lot of water damage, if it is in close proximity to your home. 

Another option is to set up a low-cost security camera in a few main rooms of your house to check for water damage while you are away. Having one in the kitchen and one set up to view your water heater is a great way to give yourself peace of mind while you are gone.

We're Here For You

In the event you do return home to any type of flooding or water damage, call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas. SERVPRO is available for water restoration and mold remediation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Dark or Clear Skies - We Are Here For You

2/9/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Vehicle Driving in Rainstorm

Sporadic Rainstorms in Los Angeles County

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has seen a lot of storms in our 16 years of business, but our recent rainstorms have been some of the most extreme. When the rain comes, residential and commercial businesses discover holes in their foundations that cause flooding and other types of disruptive water damage. 

A few weeks ago, freezing temperatures and sudden rainfall caused it to snow in Glendora, San Dimas, and surrounding communities - for the first time in almost 50 years!

Changing Temperatures

Randomized weather patterns leave southern Californians wondering if their home and business are as well protected as they can be. Good questions to ask your insurance provider are:

1. Do we have a preferred restoration company?

2. What types of water damage are included in my insurance plan?

3. Does my policy cover actual cash value or replacement cost?

One of the worst feelings for a customer is being told that the damage they experienced will have to be paid out of pocket. No one can predict the future, so be sure to have these essential conversations with your insurance agent early on to avoid any mishaps when huge storms pop up in your community.

Here For You Always

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has a 5-star rating on Yelp, Google, and Facebook because we travel any distance and put in our best efforts on every job. As you can see in the photo, our vehicles will travel in any weather at any time of day to serve you in an emergency. Our owner Joe McCann and his team of experts will service any loss caused by storm damage, water damage, mold damage, fire damage, etc! If you have any questions about our services or would like an estimate for a loss you recently experienced, give us a call today at (626) 852-9922.

Flash Floods - Be Prepared!

2/5/2021 (Permalink)

Technicians Removing Floorboards After Flood

Committed to Helping

The SERVPRO team of Glendora/San Dimas is committed to providing safety tips to its community to ensure safety and readiness when disaster strikes.

A Few Helpful Tips

After a season of dryness, a rapid overflow of water can cause flash floods. In the United States, flash floods are the single most common natural disaster. Below are a few tips on how to be prepared before a flash flood warning is issued:

• Be sure you’re signed up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio provide emergency alerts
• Create an emergency supply kit in case you have to leave immediately or if services are cut off.
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. Homeowner’s policies typically do not cover flooding. Keep in mind it typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect so the time to buy is well before a disaster strikes.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes with those living in your household & other family members/friends.
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container, and create digital copies of other essential files.
• Declutter drains and gutters.
• Keep valuables at a higher level in your house/business.

Flood Recovery Experts

If you experience any type of flooding or residential disaster in your home, trust SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to make it “Like it never even happened.” Give us a call to learn more about our drying process or for additional flooding tips anytime at (626) 337-3374. Our experts are available 24/7 and are happy to help you in any way they can.

For more information on how to prepare and survive a sudden flash flood, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods 

These tips are reprinted by SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas as a part of our commitment to the community and the environment. 

Wildfires = Massive Amounts of Soot

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

Technicians Cleaning Soot Covered Items

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas specializes in fire damage restoration. No matter the size of the commercial building, our team of experts are here to restore your business back to working conditions. 

Wildfires = Massive Amounts of Soot

In this case, this building in Monrovia is located right next to the mountains that were affected by the fires about a month ago. While their building was not directly affected by the flames, the soot in the air filled the entire building and covered everything inside. 

Cleaning Services

What many may not know about SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is that our cleaning services are not just limited to coronavirus cleaning. Part of our restoration process is restoring the home or business “Like it never even happened.” In the photo, you can see our experienced technicians wiping down every item in the space with our specialized disinfectant. Every box, folder, crawl space, and wire gets treated. After packing up, one customer compared our abilities to their cleaning service by their maid, and noted that their building “hadn’t even been this clean when they first moved in”. 

Dedication to the Community

Part of our promise to the community is to treat your home/business like it was our own. No matter how big or small, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas can handle any sized disaster. We work with most insurance companies, and are here for your 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call today, (626) 852-9922. 

SoCal Fire Season Preparations

1/21/2021 (Permalink)

Technicians Restoring Home & Removing Affected Material

Fire Season

Living in Southern California, residents are very aware of the impact the Santa Ana winds can have during brush fire season. Increased wind speeds can dramatically change the outcome of a fire.

Key Tips

SERVPRO of Glendora & San Dimas would like to remind residents of the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding areas tips to keep your home safe during fire season.

• Keep trees pruned. Wildfire can spread to treetops. Check with your local fire department to determine the appropriate amount of trees that should be trimmed.
• Always clear debris from around your home. Leaves and dead foliage should always be removed from gutters, porches, decks, and other outside areas. This also applies to dry, overgrown grass. These items make perfect fuel for a traveling fire.
• Fix or replace broken roof tiles and cover exterior attic vents. This helps prevent ember penetration. 
• Keep front, back, and side yard lawns properly hydrated.

Documents, Pets, Furniture! 

Have an emergency plan set in place for your home? Important documents should be readily available in case of evacuation. If you are a pet owner, have emergency supplies set and ready to go. Any outdoor furniture or wooden gardening boxes should be moved away from your home, as far as possible. Close all doors and windows to prevent embers from entering. Make sure garden hoses are all connected to a water source – they can be useful to firefighters. 

Here For You

In the event that a wildfire does damage your home, please call SERVPRO Glendora & San Dimas. Joe McCann and his team are able to handle any sized fire restoration job. Stay updated on all Santa Ana wind and fire alerts in your area.

Keeping the Momentum Up

1/12/2021 (Permalink)

Wet Packaging From Warehouse

Pandemic Concerns

In the last year, many businesses have been working very hard to catch up with the revenue sacrificed in a world turned upside down by the pandemic.

Imagine this, your business is just starting to see a return in demand for your products and you experience another calamity, water damage from flooding caused by a broken pipe that’s now putting your profits at risk again!

Here For You

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has been helping commercial businesses in the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles Basin recover from flooding and fire damages for over 16 years and we have seen it all. More importantly, whenever possible we work to compliment the needs of businesses to stay open while performing fire and water restoration services.  Our office can prioritize our services to assure health and safety concerns are addressed first and then work around plant operations to address those parts of the facility that require additional restoration.  For example, we will work on off-hours to stay out of the way during business hours yet still get the work done in a timely way.  Also, we can set up 24-hour around-the-clock work schedules to accelerate the restoration process when that makes a difference to the business owner.

Remember, If disaster strikes, whatever we can do to help meet your production and service goals, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas will be ready to assist the business owner to stay on the job and keep momentum up.

With that, we wish you all health and a successful business year in 2021. From our team at SERVPRO of Irwindale/Baldwin Park Stay safe.

Mold Doesn't Stand A Chance

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Technician Removing Floorboards

It's Just Mold, Who Cares? We Do!

And you should too. The tricky aspect of mold is that when a building experiences a flood, it’s not solely the floors that retain the damage. If the surrounding walls contain insulation, it is highly likely that they will absorb much of the moisture. The moisture then gets trapped in the walls behind the insulation, and mold begins to grow. Mold can cause health effects. 

The How

When our technicians are first called to a job, the first thing they do is identify what the source of the issue is. Then, they check the moisture in the walls where the damage occurred, and also the surrounding walls to see how far the moisture has spread. Once they get a clear reading, they will go to work immediately. 

Saving the structure of your building, our technicians will remove the affected areas and flooring, and treat the remaining structure with microbial spray. The disinfectant and primer combined with our humidifier and fans will dry out and kill any remaining mold. This makes it safe for contractors from your insurance to come in and restore your business back to its aesthetic appeal.

The Why

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas cares for your home and business because it is a part of our community. We recognize the danger of living in a mold-infested environment, and the frustration that comes with water damage and flooding. We want to do our part to help, and your safety is a top priority. If you were in need of any mold remediation services caused by a flood, or have any concerns that mold growth might be apparent in the walls or flooring, give us a call today. We are open 24 hours seven days a week and on-call for whenever you need us (626)-852-9922

Warehouse Flood - We Got This

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Technician Absorbing Water From The Carpet

Got Flood Damage?

No need to fear, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here! We have the manpower and specialized equipment to handle any size of water damage. Take this commercial flood in Irwindale, for example. We were called in by another SERVPRO to handle this massive warehouse flood that seeped into the office space, and our guys were there in less than 30 minutes! 

Faulty Pipes

A pipe in the back of a warehouse burst, soaking hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of packaging and supplies. Once the water to the warehouse was turned off, there was water underneath The merchandise. Since the building was at a slight slant, the water flooded down into the office space in the front of the building, soaking into the carpet. We were able to get most of the water out of the warehouse within the first couple of hours because we had the manpower and supplies to do so. The carpet was a little trickier because it had soaked beneath the surface. We had to set up fans and carpet vacuums to suck up the water so mold wouldn’t develop. Water is tricky that way, moisture had immediately begun to soak into the walls due to the insulin. Our technicians are headed back there to dry out the building and make it “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas can handle any water damage, flooding, mold growth, and roof leaks! Call today. (626)-852-9922

Team McCann To The Rescue!

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Team McCann to the rescue!

Meet the McCann family! Joe & Dani have individually owned and operated SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas for over 15 years! Their boys Colton, Finn, and Parker keep them on their toes and are always trying to help out. The McCann's care about your home & business because it is apart of their community too, let SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas be the first to be called to handle any Residential or Large-Loss Disaster in the San Gabriel Valley or LA Basin.

Here at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, our team specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup, and repair services, making it “Like it never even happened.” for both commercial and residential customers.

Our team of highly trained restoration specialists is experts in restoring your home from water damage, fire damage, storm damage, and mold repair. The SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas crew is equipped with the knowledge needed to restore any property. Our crew's main goal is to restore a property back to preloss condition quickly, reliably, and effectively. We are open 24 hours a day 7 days a week to best accommodate your schedule and offer as little disruption to your personal life as well. Call the McCann family today!

Clogged & Overflowing Disaster

12/28/2020 (Permalink)

Clogged & Overflowing Toilet

Nothing is worse then too much toilet paper clogging not only your toilet, but also your pipes, bathtub, and laundry room. This is a job for SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas. Have a problem after hours? We got you covered!

The Story

We had a customer call after hours that there was a back up. Their children clogged it with toilet paper that clogged deeper down the drain line towards the street. In turn, it backed up sewage water in all of the openings in the surrounding area, tub, toilet, and laundry drain in the garage. It affected the surrounding areas including the vanity area, family room, bedroom, hallway, and two closets. Tile floor in all rooms allowed the water to spread to the walls and seep into the carpet of the bedroom. 

Our techs were dispatched at 8:30 PM to extract water from all areas (including the tub/toilet) before wiping down the tile, tub, and toilet. Before we left, we set up our drying equipment to expedite the process. 

"Like it never even happened."

Here at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, we take our slogan "Like it never even happened," seriously. If you or someone you know is faced with a disaster such as this, or any other type of extreme flooding or water damage, call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas today! (626)-852-9922

Reversing Flood Damage in a Glendora Home

12/4/2020 (Permalink)

Flood damage to your home is devastating enough without the knowledge every second water is in the home secondary damage may be occurring. The process of removing any standing water needs to begin as soon as possible to mitigate damage to your home and possessions as well as prevent the growth and spread of mold.

When our SERVPRO technicians come to your flooded Glendora home, they will immediately access the scale of the cleanup and determine if there are contaminants in any standing water that also need to be addressed. We use powerful equipment to quickly pull flood water out of your home. Then, industrial air movers are often employed to quickly dry surfaces and objects as fast as possible. Our team uses moisture detecting technology to determine if a room that looks dry is actually dry so the next phase of your home restoration can begin.

Our technicians use antifungal and antibacterial formulas to deep clean the surfaces and possessions affected by water. SERVPRO technicians are highly trained in the remediation of both water-damaged building materials and household items. Our goal is to restore so you can minimize the cost of replacing items affected by flood damage. We apply many different methods such as wet and dry hand cleaning, residue-lifting foam and immersion cleaning as the individual needs of each area of the home and possessions dictate. Because of the odor that can remain even after eradicating the water and moisture, we also utilize effective methods to completely deodorize your carpets and furnishings, so your home smells fresh and clean. During the restoration process, our certified technicians replace any structural damage to your home such as drywall or carpeting that could not be restored through cleaning efforts.

Flood damage in your Glendora home needs to be handled as fast as possible. Contact SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas at (626) 337-3374 and speak to one of our knowledgeable technicians who are available 24/7 to begin the process of fully restoring your home to its pre-flood condition.

Fire Damage To A Structure

10/7/2020 (Permalink)

Fire in the Azusa Mountains

When a fire has caused damage to a structure, there may be several sources of damage that could affect what restoration process is the best.  For instance, the fire itself will burn, char, and heat up building materials that can ultimately create the need to remove and replace these damaged areas.  Then there is consideration given to the materials or fuel the fire was burning that could determine how and what processes are used in the cleaning process.  For instance if the fire is fueled primarily by plastic or petroleum based materials the soot and byproducts from the fire are different than if the source of fuel is predominantly wood or cellulose.  Also, much of the fire damage comes from the particulates suspended in the smoke which can fill the property and saturate into the porous furnishings and surfaces inside the building.  Furniture, carpeting, drapes, and clothing are examples.  These soft products are saturated with the smoke and debris from the fire resulting in surface contamination and the smell of burnt building materials.  A decision will need to be made which of these items will be cleaned and deodorized.  Because the byproducts of burning wood and manmade products are both commonly part of a structure fire, the smoke can contain a mix of high levels of acidic and oxidizing compounds.  These will settle on the surfaces of fixtures and furnishings and if not cleaned properly will begin to corrode their finishes.  Metal plated and paint surfaces should be cleaned as soon as practical to help reduce the chances of permanent damage.  In many fire damaged structures, electronics will be contaminated and the long term effects of these corrosive byproducts can affect their performance.  Replacement and or restoration may be recommended. 

So, the considerations and cleanup options vary with the scope and type of fires. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has equipment, cleaning processes, materials, the training and experience to determine the best approach to help property owners completely recover from a structure fire, or being caught down-wind from a wildfire in the foothills.  If the property is in the San Gabriel Valley or anywhere in Southern California, Give SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas a call today for an assessment if you need a professional service with answers to your restoration questions.

What To Do If A Fire Starts

9/4/2020 (Permalink)

Fire Located in Tulare County

Fires can cause intense damage fast & cause immediate alarm. Here at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, our fire experts have years of experience restoring homes after a great loss has occurred. As part of our commitment to ensuring safety to Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Covina, Azusa, and surrounding communities, we have provided tips on what to do if a fire starts. 

If a Fire Starts:

1. If the fire is manageable & you are in a safe position to do so, locate & try to use a fire extinguisher on a fire. Note: if the fire does not immediately die down, drop the extinguisher and get out. Most portable extinguishers empty in 8 seconds.
2. Call 911.
3. Locate an exit route. Note: If closed doors or handles are warm or smoke blocks your initial escape route, find an alternative way out. NEVER attempt to open doors that are hot or warm to the touch.
4. Shout "Fire!" numerous times to alert those around you and go outside right away. Note: If you are in a building with elevators, use the stairs. Save yourself and do not waste time grabbing things
5. If your only escape is through smoke, duck close to the ground & go under the smoke.
6. If your exit is blocked by smoke, heat, or flames, stay in the room with doors closed. Note: If you’re able to do so safely, place a wet towel under the door and call 9-1-1. Open a window and wave a brightly colored cloth or flashlight and shout to signal for help.
7. Once you find a way outside, get away from the building/fire. Note: contact your local fire department if you were unable to do so already. 

For more information on what to do if a fire starts, visit https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/if-a-fire-starts.html 

These tips are reprinted by SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas as a part of our commitment to the community and the environment. Assuring the quality of life for generations to come is something we all must be working on together. For more information regarding our water/fire damage restoration, mold remediation, storm damage repair services, please visit our website at https://www.SERVPROglendorasandimas.com or call us at (626) 852-9922

Flash Flood Survival Tips

8/20/2020 (Permalink)

The SERVPRO team of Glendora/San Dimas is committed to providing safety tips to its community to ensure safety and readiness when disaster strikes.

After a season of dryness, a rapid overflow of water can cause flash floods. In the United States, flash floods are the single most common natural disaster. Below are a few tips on how to seek shelter & survive during/after a flash flood strikes:

Find Shelter:

• Do not attempt to walk, drive, or swim through floodwater. It only takes six inches of fast-moving water to be knocked over, and only one foot of water to sweep away your vehicle.
• Stay off of bridges hovering fast-moving water. Fast-moving water can wash bridges away without warning.
• Depending on the severity of the flood:

• Evacuate if flash flood warning tells you to

• Move to higher ground
• In some cases, it may be best to stay where you are

Survive During:

• If told to evacuate, do so immediately. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.
• If your car is trapped in rapidly moving water stay inside. If water is rising inside the car get on the roof.
• If trapped in a building go to its highest level. Do not climb into a closed attic. You may become trapped by rising floodwater. Only get on the roof if necessary and once there a signal for help.
• Listen to EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems for current emergency information and instructions.

Ensure Safety Afterwards:

• Listen to authorities for information and instructions. Return home only when authorities say it is safe.
• Avoid driving
• Animals may have been swept into your house during the flood. Put on heavy protective gear to clean up, such as boots & gloves.
• Be aware of the risk of electrocution. Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. If it is safe to do so, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock.
• Try not to wade in floodwater: it can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Unknown underground or downed power lines can also electrically charge the water.

If you experience any type of flooding or residential disaster in your home, trust SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to make it “like it never happened”. Give us a call to learn more about our additional flooding tips anytime at (626) 852 - 9922. Our experts are available 24/7 and are happy to help you in any way they can.

For more information on how to prepare and survive a sudden flash flood, visit https://www.ready.gov/floods 

These tips are reprinted by SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas as a part of our commitment to the community and the environment.

Prepare for the Rain

8/8/2020 (Permalink)

Can you guess which natural disaster is the most common in the U.S.? If you guessed rainstorms, you would be correct! Heavy precipitation can result in a high amount of free-flowing water, causing disastrous events such as flash flooding, mudslides, and overflowing dams.  

There are several action items you can consider that can protect your home from heavy rain flow:

• Regularly inspect your home for any leaks (even the smallest ones can quickly become an issue)
• Install roof protection, such as a rubber roof underlayment or a waterproof barrier to guard against water intrusion
• Double-check with your insurance agent that your plan covers your home for floods
• Rinse & brush out your rain gutters and/or drainage systems

Driving in hazardous conditions also places you in immediate risk, so here are a few tips for driving in the rain:

• Leave plenty of room between you & the car in front of you
• Drive at a decreased speed (this will help cutback the risk of hydroplaning)
• Avoiding using cruise control (usage increases the risk of losing control of your vehicle)

Be assured that we understand life happens. If any of these events occur to you or a loved one, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Give a call today at (626) 852 - 9922 for an estimate or to learn more about our fire damage, water damage, storm damage, mold remediation, & COVID-19 disinfectant restoration services.

Water Damage On Your Roof

7/17/2020 (Permalink)

Wind damage to aging roof uncovers water damage to roof structure

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park has been working in the San Gabriel Valley and LA County for over 15 years, helping residents and business owners clean up flood and fire damaged properties.

Since most of the year in Southern California the weather is so mild, it is easy to take property maintenance for granted, hoping when the seasonal changes do bring wet weather there will be no roof leaks.  

Roof leaks can come from lots of sources. Damage from falling objects like tree limbs, wind, construction work, and excessive walking on them. Often, roof leaks can come from simply getting older, and depending on the type of roofing materials, more frequent inspections should be considered.  

Damage from leaking roofing can be tricky to spot, as frequently it starts slow and is not always obvious from the inside of the building but gets progressively worse. Allowing water to migrate into the roof structure, ceiling, and walls of a building can result in damaged structure and finish materials that could cost thousands of dollars to repair.  Over time, wood rot and mold growth can begin to turn into problems for the building and can be a health concern for those who might have preexisting conditions or who are otherwise vulnerable to elevated mold spores inside the building. 

SERVPRO can help with inspections that isolate if there is water damage and where the water is coming from. If you think you might have a damaged or aging roof, consider a roof inspection during the dry season when contractors are not as busy handling emergencies. Usually, these inspections are free and repairs can be implemented at a relatively low cost if leaking is discovered. 

Enjoy our beautiful Southern California living and remember if you do need assistance with any kind of damage from fire or water, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park is a trusted professional you can have confidence in.

Classifications of Water: One, Two, & Three

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas specializes in water damage restoration, and it is our expertise that sets us apart from competitors. Our team not only cleans and dries the mess water leaves behind, but restores the substructures the moisture has affected. Wet disasters cause a plethora of headaches, so our team strives to walk alongside you every step of the way and answer any questions you may have.

IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) places SERVPRO technicians above others in the restoration industry because of the unique and specific training received. As stated in the IICRC, there are three levels and classifications concerned with liquid demolition.

Category One Liquid: Water from a sanitary source (drinking fountains, faucets, etc.)

Category Two Liquid: Contaminated grey water that could cause illness if ingested (dishwasher leakage, overflow from washing machine, toilet spillage containing urine but no feces, etc.)

Category Three Liquid: Most unsanitary classification that results in serious illness or death if consumed (black water, sewer, toilet spillage containing feces, etc.)

Familiarizing yourself with these classifications allows you to accurately categorize the damage you are experiencing. Allow our certified cleaning crews to walk alongside you during this stressful process, and build a lifelong partnership with professionals you can trust in your local area. Call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas today at (626) 852-9922. We are open 24 a day, 365 days a week for your convenience. 

For more information on IICRC professional water damage restoration see: https://www.IICRC.org/page/SANSIIICRCS500

Dangers of Broken Plumbing

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

Are you experiencing water flooding in your residence or business from broken plumbing?  This can be very disruptive and stressful.  

SERVPRO of Glendora San Dimas & Irwindale Baldwin Park has been helping customers recover from flooding for over 15 years.  We have seen the most common sources over and over.  The good news is with very little effort, there are ways you can help avoid the most common sources of flooding. 

Plumbing failures are very common but in some cases can be easily checked for symptoms before they do:

Refrigerator Ice Maker – Look for water at the valve behind the refrigerator or someplace along the plastic line to the back of the freezer

Water line to the back of the toilet tank - Where the water line attaches to the valve at the wall or at the bottom of the toilet tank

Water Heater tank – Signs of water dripping around the base of the water heater or water dripping from connections at the top of the heater

Leaking water lines under Sinks – Line connections at the valves on the wall and connections at your sink facet and dish washer

Water lines to Washing Machine – The hot and cold water lines connected to the wall and the back of your washing machine

Running your finger around the connections and checking for moisture where water lines connect to the appliance and at the valves on the wall will help determine if there is minor leaking that could eventually become a flood.

The inspection should include looking for wet flooring, walls, and cabinets as signs there is water leaking; musty smells in closed spaces like under sinks where water has leaked and mold has begun to grow; visual evidence there is mold growing where building materials have become wet from a leaking appliance.  

If you determine you need a seasoned professional to help with your situation, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas and Irwindale/Baldwin Park is always here to help when you need assistance.

Crucial First 48 Hours

7/1/2020 (Permalink)

Importance of Speed After A Fire:

The first 48 hours after a fire has started is when the most severe damage to your property occurs. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas makes a point to “restore” your home and business versus “replace” your personal items. This process is not only faster than replacing property, but also lowers overall cost. More specifically, our services range from soot removal, smoke replacement, and fire repair.

What To Expect From SERVPRO After You Call Regarding Fire Damage:

One: Inside an hour of contacting our team, a lead respondent will connect with you.

Four: Inside four hours of contacting our team, our qualified technicians are onsite to evaluate the loss.

Eight: Inside eight hours of contacting our team, certified professionals not only restore and clean,  but deodorize the area which is especially important with small children in the house. Preventative maintenance is conducted to avert future issues with soot and smoke.

Walk Through: Post completion, our technicians will take you step by step through the restoration process and answer any questions you may have.

We understand how frustrating it can be when an emergency team doesn’t arrive at your home or business for several days, and proceed to take weeks to create a plan to replace the damaged property. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas aims to be onsite not only as fast as possible with the correct supplies, but be informative and reassuring to our consumers.

New Meaning To The Word Clean

6/19/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas brings a whole new meaning to the word clean. As a result of the recent pandemic, many consumers and business owners are very cautious about re-opening doors and returning to business as usual. Many guidelines from the CDC have issued a new standard of clean, and SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here to help guarantee a smooth and sanitary system of opening your doors to the public again. With members of the community easing out of sheltering in place orders, the vulnerability of exposure is heightened, along with the demand for proper disinfectant services. Our team offers specialized disinfecting treatments in addition to our usual services, so that you and your consumers feel safe and reassured when entering your establishment. Our restoration team is available 24 hours a day 365 days a week to ensure fast results, and minimize the interference with business spaces. We understand that revenue has been affected by the shut down, which is why our team is available to work after regular business hours to ensure a shorter time that your business may be disrupted. 

Joe McCann of SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has years of experience helping to safely sanitize and restore businesses in Glendora, San Dimas, Covina, Azusa, and La Verne communities. If your restaurant or business needs sanitation and cleaning services, one of our representatives at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas would be happy to connect with you at (626) 852 - 9922.

5 Most Common Causes of House Fires

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Choose SERVPRO to restore your home from fire damage

#1: KItchen Fires

Most house fires occur between the hours of 5:00pm & 8:00pm, right around dinner time when parents have come home from work. When utilizing kitchen appliances, it’s important to remember to never leave cooking food unattended. One small fire can quickly become uncontrollable if left alone for too long. 

**Pro Tip: Use a fire extinguisher or baking soda to extinguish grease fires. Using water will only spread the oil.

#2: Heating Appliances

It’s very easy to become distracted and forget to turn off heating equipment in the home. Make a habit of turning off any hot appliances when leaving the room, such as curling irons or ovens.

#3: Electrical Accidents

Statistically, faulty electrical equipment causes up to 6% of all house fires. Routinely check your appliances for frayed or damaged chords and be sure to replace them as soon as possible.

#4: Carelessness

We understand that mistakes happen. However, properly putting out cigarettes and candles, while ensuring your hot appliances are not near combustible items can save your home and family time and money.

#5: Open Flames

Home amenities like fireplaces, sweet smelling candles, and outdoor bonfires are enjoyable when controlled, but can quickly turn disastrous if left unattended. 

It’s important to be aware of your surroundings and knowledgeable about where fires are most common. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas wishes you a safe, fire-free summer!

Risk of Fires Increase During Summer Months

6/16/2020 (Permalink)

Trust SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to restore your home from fire damage

Summer months can mean trips to the beach or increased time spent with friends and family. With the Fourth of July next month, many groups will join together and watch fireworks, a favorite pastime when celebrating Independence Day. While fireworks are beautiful in color, they can also be very dangerous, and can result in burns and other injuries. Sparklers can burn up to 2,000 degrees, and are responsible for starting approximately 18,000 fires each year. 

To avoid firework related injuries, we suggest never lighting fireworks indoors, never pointing fireworks at another person, and also keeping a bucket of water close by in order to extinguish them in case something goes awry. 

Camping is also a favorite pastime during the summer months. While roasting marshmallows is a family treat, one must be responsible and extinguish their campfire properly after usage. Keep in mind that if the remains of your fire are too warm to touch, they are not okay to leave.

Since SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is an Emergency Response Services Provider we are alway open and ready to support our community when needed.  Unfortunately fires in this season are too common and we see the damage they can cause first hand. 

Always check if you are inside a Fire Hazard Severity Zone before building a campfire or lighting fireworks. Have fun and be safe!

Concealed Water Damage

6/10/2020 (Permalink)

Concealed Water Can Cause Serious Damage To Your Shower

Concealed water damage can be exceptionally startling and a burden for many. 

Whenever left untreated, a spill in your restroom can cause serious deterioration to paint, floors and walls. Regardless of how well and how regularly you clean your restroom, mold or buildup can indicate that you have a concealed water spill. 

It's typical for a little mildew to accumulate any place water gathers, like the side of a shower, however, mold and mildew on other walls in your household can be reason for alarm. This is an unmistakable sign that water is spilling and finding its way to those areas.

Faulty piping can result in small cracks that cause leaks. The longer that these leaks provide unwanted moisture to your home, the more time mold will have to develop and generate damage. When drywall is exposed to dampness, it becomes delicate and starts to bubble, distorting and breaking into pieces. In the event that the leak reaches the ceiling, it causes it to cave in and potentially leak a portion of the water accumulated. If this occurs, an expert must come in and replace the drywall and then paint over the repair. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here to help with any amount of water damage to your home. Don’t leave mysterious leaks or mold unattended, trust our cleaning experts to return your home to the best it can be. Our motto is to make it "Like it never even happened.”

Deep Cleaning In A Time of Need

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

As the world reacts to the Coronavirus outbreak (or COVID-19) here at SERVPRO, we are looking to help our community with our resources during this time. In addition to fire and water damage restoration, SERVPRO additionally offers specialized cleaning services. We adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards to ensure a safe and healthy space. 

We are prepared to help you disinfect your home or business and have experience in dealing with biological contaminants and will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff performs on a daily basis. 

Areas that we can clean and suggest considering for sanitation are… 

• Kitchen/Food Area 
• Bathrooms 
• Schools/Classrooms 
• Retail Spaces 
• Water Fountains 
• Shelving Racks 
• Sales Counters 
• Carpets and Rugs 
• Stair Handrails 
• Elevator Cars 
• Playground Equipment 
• Fitness Equipment  

If your home or business needs deep cleaning services, call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas today at (626)852-9922.

Being Proactive About Spring Cleaning

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

These days you may be spending some extra time at home and since spring is about to begin, you may be thinking about doing some spring cleaning. On average, the American typically spending 90% of their time at home. That means that whether you’re simply relaxing, sleeping, working, or doing any sort of activity, you are spending a majority of your time at home. With all of that time, it can be incredibly difficult to keep your house spotless or much less even just simply clean.  The average household collects around 40 pounds of dust, dirt, and allergens each year. Dust can live on surfaces and in a variety of materials such as rugs, curtains and pillows. 

At SERVPRO, we’re here to help we specialize in sanitation and cleaning of living spaces, furniture and rugs. Moreover, here are some tips from us about what should be on your spring cleaning list… 

• Clean and sanitize all surfaces such as counter tops, baseboards, sinks, fridges, etc. 
• Have you HVAC checked and cleaned for any buildup 
• Dust window blinds, clean curtains, and clean windows and screens 
• Unclog all drains and rain gutters 
• Make sure washer and dryer are properly clean and free of any buildup. 

As you clean, make sure to let us know if you need any help or notice any mold or water damage as you begin tidying. We can send a specialist out to help you or provide estimates, just give us a call at (626)852-9922. 

How to Prepare Your Business for Professional Cleaning

3/18/2020 (Permalink)

During this time, your business may be less full or even empty, even if not, you may be 

considering having your office professionally cleaned and sanitized. As Spring begins, we come to the end of another cold and flu season, but even not considering that, Spring is a great time to take note of your office cleanliness. Over time, dust build up as well as germs can become prevalent in work spaces. 

Here at SERVPRO, we can offer cleaning services from specialized professionals who can help restore your business back to full health. Our team has the ability to clean and sanitize work spaces from biohazards to traces of mold. We offer services for furniture, floors, rugs, and all other surfaces. 

Upon having a professional cleaning service come in, here are some tips to offer to your office… 

• Make sure as many surfaces are cleared as possible and that vital technology is safely stored
• Try to get as much off the ground as possible, especially cable and cords 
• Declutter and Vacuum beforehand 

If your office needs cleaning and sanitation, please call one of our representatives at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas at (626)852-9922. 

What To Expect From Us

3/12/2020 (Permalink)

If you have experienced fire or water damage and need assistance, here’s what you can expect from us… 

24/7 Service

We know that accidents or disasters don’t wait until business hours, that’s why we have someone on call in our office 24/7, so when disasters do happen, you can call us and be assured we get some out to you as soon as possible. 

Quick Response

We’re faster to any disaster! We know that when a property has been damaged, timing is everything. Timing can affect both the extent of and cost of restoration, so it’s important to us that we get to your property as quickly as possible. Once the necessary information is provided, we can move forward with preparation to address your needs. 

Inspections and Briefings 

Once our specialists arrive, they will begin their inspection, looking for the various signs of damage and the extent of it. Included in this could be advice on whether or not it’s worth it to make an emergency claim. 

Call us at (626)852-9922 for any more information or if you need help restoring your property.

A Team Dedicated To You

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Our team is here to help you 24/7

Here at SERVPRO, we are dedicated to providing quality service to those in need after a disaster. We strive to truly make your property look “Like it never even happened,” as well as provide 24/7 quality service to our customers. Our staff works to provide excellent customer service with training to restore properties after water or fire damage. Our office seeks to give customers the best service and knowledge we can.

As a certified large loss provider, our restoration experts can extend beyond the threats to residential properties and offer the same level of quality work for commercial buildings. We have the equipment and personnel to handle substantial losses in industrial and commercial settings. This expertise and preparedness have made us a premier option in the restoration industry for local homes and businesses, accentuated by our Outstanding Sales Performance awards we’ve received annually since 2008.

How We Serve Our Community

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Serving our community through the Joe McCann Food Drive

At SERVPRO we want to make sure we are serving our community in multiple ways. Of course, we are dedicated to serving our community by through our services of fire and water damage restoration but we also seek to meet the other needs of our Glendora/San Dimas and Irwindale/Baldwin Park communities.  

This past Fall, we were able to connect and partner with some local businesses to set up a food drive for the Glendora/San Dimas and Irwindale/Baldwin Park communities for the holiday season. We believe in investing in our community and local area and want our customers to know that we are constantly seeking to provide superior service 24/7.

What does it mean to be IICRC Certified?

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, we help our customers when they experience fire or water damage and need restoration. One of the ways SERVPRO ensures that our work is done in an accurate and superior manner is through our certification with the IICRC or the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. The IICRC is a non-profit organization for the cleaning and restoration industry who’s mission is “to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation industries.” 

This certification is just another way that we at SERVPRO are seeking to give you the best service possible, 24/7. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a Large Loss, full-service fire, smoke, wind, water repair, and restoration company. We offer immediate response to residential, commercial, industrial, and commercial property owners. We are faster to any disaster and can help you when the next storm hits. 

Call us at (626)852-9922 for any more information or if you need help restoring your property.

A National Brand With a Local Heart

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO was founded in 1967 and has been working ever since to be not just the fastest to any disaster but also making properties look like disasters “never even happened”. SERVPRO as a company believes in providing customers with superior service and 24/7 care. As a national company, SERVPRO has 1,700 locations across the US and Canada each with trained workers who can help you in your restoration process after any fire or water damage occurs. Your local SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park are here to help our community whenever a disaster occurs and has access to the support of other SERVPRO’s in the area should we ever need more resources. We are here to help you 24/7! SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a restoration partner you can depend on when a commercial loss occurs.

Call us at (626)852-9922 for any more information or if you need help restoring your property.

How To Be Prepared For The Next Big Storm

2/28/2020 (Permalink)

Even though SoCal may not have the most rain during the wintertime. You never know when the next big storm is going to hit. Is your property ready for when that happens? In case of a surprise storm, it’s important to have supplies ready and on hand. Supplies that can aid in the health and safety of you, your office, or your family could make a big difference in keeping yourself safe until help arrives. Here are some things you may want to include in a Storm Preparedness Kit… 

Here are some supplies to keep in your kit:

1. First Aid Kit 
2. Vital and necessary medication 
3. Flashlights/glow sticks
4. Cash and other important documents in a waterproof case 
5. Food & Water food for several days 
6. Basic necessary tools (i.e.pocket knife with tools attached)
7. Sanitation wipes and hygiene products.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a Large Loss, full-service fire, smoke, wind, water repair and restoration company. We offer immediate response to residential, commercial, industrial, and commercial property owners.We are faster to any diaster and can help you when the next storm hits. 

Call us at (626)852-9922 for any more information or if you need help restoring your property.

What Clean Up and Restoration Looks Like Post Construction

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Our crews will work to make sure your property is restored like it never happened.

Although you can’t always be fully prepared for when water or fire damage happens you do have control over what happens after. When damages happen like these, it’s important to us that we help you get your business back up and running. Here are some tips and a general timeline for what happens with your business after you discover water or fire damage. 

The Drying Process 

Especially if you’ve experienced water damage, it’s important that you make sure there is no moisture trapped in any of the surfaces of your building. Mold has the ability to travel by air and can grow anywhere moisture is present. Ensuring that your building has low humidity and no moisture is detected is the best way to prevent future mold damage.  

Finals Repairs and Post-Construction Cleaning   

After re-construction on your property has been completed, it’s ready to prepare for the next stage. Construction work can leave behind materials, debris, and dirt, SERVPRO teams can make sure that all of these things are cleaned and removed from the premises before the next stage of interior design begins. 

Finals Preparations to Re-Open 

Before you prepare to re-open your business, you’ll want to make sure that everything is in the best condition. At SERVPRO, we can help you make sure that your business looks even better than before by including additional services such as carpet cleaning and floor preparation and finish, surface cleaning (walls, ceiling, light fixtures, etc.), deodorization, air duct cleaning, and window cleaning. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a restoration partner you can depend on when a commercial loss occurs.

Earthquake Preparedness For Your Business

2/10/2020 (Permalink)

Here in the State of California, it is always possible that an earthquake can occur when you least expect it. Making sure you and your business are prepared in the case of an earthquake is the best way to ensure safety when an earthquake does occur. Here are some tips for preparedness planning for your business. 

First, practice and make sure your office knows the plan in the case of an earthquake. According to ready.gov, drop, cover, and hold on is the best method to refer to when you realize an earthquake is occurring. 

Second, make sure that heavy items are secured in your workspace. Bookcases, filing cabinets, refrigerators, and desks should be stable and secure in the case shaking occurs. Additionally, make sure that anything hanging on the walls such as televisions, pictures, and other objects are secured as well. Heavy and breakable objects are best stored on low shelves. 

Third, make a supply kit and emergency communications plan for your office. The supply kit should have enough to last for at least three days and include items such as flashlights, fire extinguishers, whistles, batteries, charging devices for critical equipment as well as any personal items that may be needed for specific needs of employees. Your communication plan should include information about what to do in the case of an emergency, emergency contact information, and if necessary, where to meet in case of separation 

Shaking from earthquakes can trigger water and fire damage. If your business should endure any damage from an earthquake, contact SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas, we can help ensure your business is restored "Like it never even happened." and can provide emergency contact information, tools, and resources as needed.

Tips for Maintaining Your Commercial Building

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas can help you maintain your commercial building.

When you own a commercial building that you run your business out of, you may not often be thinking about the constant maintenance that needs to be done on that building until something goes wrong. However, there are steps you can take before or when something goes wrong to ensure that your building and your business remain intact and functioning. 

Initial Inspections 

While it is good to keep an eye on the general surface of a building, there is often much happening in, around, or between the surfaces of the building that really need attention. Calling in technicians such as Joe from our site allows them to check on the pipes, plumbing, building structures, rain gutters, etc. with a professional’s eye. He or other technicians can then ensure that everything is working properly. Moreover, this can help you save time and money in the long run by doing service check now instead of when disaster strikes. 

Outside Cleaning 

Often the outside of the building is more connected to the inside than you may initially think. Clogged rain gutters and storm drains can easily lead to a build-up of water that can then create water damage or mold within your building. Hiring a certified professional can help you maintain those drains and prevent damage. 

If you need a professional restoration company to inspect your commercial building to make sure everything is working properly, then call your local SERVPRO of Glendora  / San Dimas to confirm everything is working properly.

Prepared for the Unexpected

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

Restoration work after fire damage.

While no one can really be fully prepared when an emergency happens or disaster strikes, there are proactive steps you can take to help you, your family, and your business be as prepared as possible in the case of an emergency. 

First steps 

Communication as a first step can make a huge difference in the stress that can come when a disaster hits. Sitting down with friends, family, your household or co-workers and talking through the details of a plan is a good start to making sure everyone is on the same page. Some ideas to consider discussing could be  

• What are our current ways of receiving warnings and alerts? How will we continue to receive these warnings after a disaster or emergency? 
• What is our plan for shelter in case anything should happen to our home? 
• Is everyone clear on an evacuation route? 
• What is our plan as a family/household or business for communication? 

Assess Your Specific Needs 

This can be daunting but in case of an emergency, it is always best to be prepared than caught even more so off guard. If there are family members, household members, or co-workers that have certain dietary or medical needs make sure you have that necessary food or medicine on hand. If your household has pets, make sure you know the plan for them as well in the case of an emergency. Make sure you either have what they need or have a plan to get them into temporary care.  

Most Importantly 

In case of an emergency or disaster, make sure that above all, you, your family, your household, or your business are somewhere safe. Whether it’s a fire, flood, or earthquake, make sure to contact emergency services as soon as possible and do not try to handle the situation on your own.  

In the event water damage does occur to your home or building, call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, we are faster to any disaster!

Keeping Mold Out of Your House This Winter

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

Removal after water damage and mold inspection.

As spring approaches, you may be doing some Spring cleaning and realize that your house has been harboring and unwelcome guest: mold. The fact of the matter is that this issue started far before Spring began. Mold has the ability to really grow almost anywhere that moisture is present. The spores of mold are carried by air currents which begin to grow once they land on surfaces. Here are some precautions you can take during the winter months to ensure that mold does not make an appearance in your home…

In general, making sure all areas are clean is a good first step to ensuring that mold does not have a place to grow. During these months, especially after rainy seasons it’s important to make sure that you have good air circulation in areas of your home, especially in places that could be susceptible to moisture. This could be areas like near your windows, kitchen areas, laundry rooms, and bathrooms. Where there is moisture, make sure there are also methods and tools available to dry those area and keep air circulating. 

Additionally, if you know if the forecast that rain is approaching, take some proactive steps to preparing your home to stay dry during the season. If you home slopes downward and water can pool near the base of your home, make sure you are prepared with enough sandbags to line the foot of your property. Make sure that seals near and around doors, drains, and windows are properly in tact. Finally, make sure your storm drains and rain gutters are cleared so that rain water can be driven away from your home and not clogged at any bases. 

If your roof is leaking, you discover mold on a wall, or suspect internal water damage to a wall, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here to help 24/7. Most importantly though, take proper safety precautions. If you need additional assistance in anything from checking seals to cleaning your rain gutters, call a professional. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has local business we can refer you to, please call us today to find out more. 

What To Do After A Flood

2/7/2020 (Permalink)

Damage repair after flood.

Whether it’s from pooled up storm waters or a leaky pipe, a flood in your home can create serious damage. While there’s not much you can do before help arrives here are some general tips to keep in mind when facing that situation. 

First, avoid moving water. Even though water may look fine from a distance, it could contain contaminated substances such as gas, oil, or raw sewage. Do not try to wade through it, especially in your house. Additionally, there could be other dangers that you cannot see through the water that you will want to avoid.  

Call for help. Whether you need to first alert authorities or immediately call a professional, do not try to handle the situation on your own. Avoid any damaged areas that authorities or professionals deem to be unsafe. Calling companies such as SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas will give you access to licensed professionals who will be able to accurately assess any water damage that may have occurred and can help you rebuild in your restoration process. Our professionals are trained to detect any residue of water or mold and can ensure your home or business is a safe place to return to after a flood. 

SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas is experienced with water damage and Large Loss events that may have occurred to your home or business. You can trust us to make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Shut Off Valve

1/3/2020 (Permalink)

Water shut off valves are very important if you discover a burst pipe in your home or business. Turning off the flow of water immediately upon discovery of the leak can prevent large water damage losses. But, where are water shut off valves? Could you identify their locations in your home or business? It is important to know the location of water shut off valves before an emergency occurs. Here are a few tips for locating your water shut off valve.

Generally, water shut off valves – connecting the city water supply to your home or business – are located near the perimeter of a building. If your structure has a basement, it is likely there. Otherwise, look around the perimeter of your building near utility areas. Your water shut off valve might be in a plastic box.

If you cannot identify where the main shut off valve is for your home, there are likely shut off near fixtures that often cause water damage. For example, your toilet, washer, sink, and bathtub should all be connected to a water source and have a water shut off valve. These are immediately near the fixture’s connection to the wall or on tubing itself. Be careful, as some of these are plastic and can easily break.

In case of an emergency, make sure you and all those in your home or business know where all water shut off valves are. Further, ensure these valves are able to turn to off (generally, requiring a few clockwise turns). Sometimes, due to age and lack of use, the main water shut off valve becomes very tough to turn.

In the event water damage does occur to your home or building, call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, we are faster to any disaster!

Diablo and Santa Ana Winds of California

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

What are the Diablo and Santa Ana winds?

The hot, dry California winds referred to as the Santa Ana winds in southern CA and Diablo winds in northern CA have become a popular topic with the wildfires occurring all over CA. In the fall months, these strong winds whip through land that has remained dry from May through October. As the Santa Ana and Diablo winds move from high pressure, to low pressure, they build in force, achieving maximum strength upon reaching CA. While these winds are capable of clearing dense marine fog, they also spark fires across California regions with especially low humidity.  

Why are the winds a problem?

Santa Ana and Diablo winds have recently contributed to a string of fires across CA. The winds cause power lines to arc. Arcing is when an electrical current travels through the air between two points, more common to occur in high winds, low humidity, or cold temperatures. These conditions can cause an arc fault, or commonly, Arc Flash.  As the electrical current is traveling through the air sparks can result which can ignite nearby fuel (brush, tree branches, or other flammable material) and start a fire.

Not only can these winds spark fires, but they also exacerbate the magnitude of fires as the Santa Anas and aptly named Diablos quickly blow embers to other areas.

One utility, PG&E planned power outages across CA last month in conjunction with forecasted high winds in an attempt to prevent fires sparking from vulnerable electrical lines, which are more likely to arc, by turning off power to these hazardous lines.

There is a greater issue of the maintenance of exposed electrical lines which are inherently dangerous in high wind conditions. Ensuing criticism of PG&E led to a lawsuit against the company for recent CA wildfires, resulting in PG&E having to settle for $11 billion and declare bankruptcy.

How can I be prepared for high wind conditions?

Winds threatened to reach up to 75mp the last week of October in southern CA. People are cautioned to drive carefully and avoid areas with high wildfire risk. As a family, if you live in a high-risk area for wildfires, have an evacuation plan ready that everyone knows. Additionally, have all important documents easily accessible if you must leave your home. If you see a poorly maintained power line, call authorities immediately. Remember, in the unfortunate case of a fire, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here to help, we are faster to any disaster!

Clean Gutters to Prevent Damage

12/5/2019 (Permalink)

The rains have come to Southern California. After months of heat, the air has cooled and downpours, hail, and grey skies are more frequent. With this weather change, dry leaves have likely fallen from trees and into your gutters. When rain floods into your gutters filled with debris, problems can ensue. Here are a few reasons clean gutters are important.

If debris is blocking water from adequately running through your gutters, it can drip over the side and onto your house. Siding can end up rotting from this undesired water drippage. If you suspect mold in your walls from overflowing gutters, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas can assess the damage and provide the needed remediation. Overflowing water from gutters can also negatively impact your roof leading to leaks. If a roof tarp is needed and assessment of roof damage, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here to help.

Gutters are designed to direct water away from structures and onto ground that is suitable for absorbing or draining water. Overflowing water from clogged gutters can pour onto ground not suitable to drain. This could cause water damage to the foundation of your home, resulting in mold, rot, cracks, and more. Foundations are expensive to repair. Cleaning your gutters can prevent this undesirable home damage.

If your roof is leaking, you discover mold on a wall, or suspect internal water damage to a wall, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here to help 24/7. Most importantly though, before climbing on a ladder and your roof, take proper safety precautions. If you are not comfortable doing this, call a professional. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has local business we can refer you to, please call us today to find out more.

What to do and what NOT to do until help arrives after fire damage.

10/7/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas, team of trained technicians are unloading the trucks to start the fire restoration process at a fire damaged home.

Fire & Smoke Damage:

DO

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean. Soot on hands can further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Blow or brush-vacuum loose soot particles from upholstery, drapes, and carpets.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• Wash both sides of leaves on house plants.
• Change HVAC filter
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers to stop particles of soot from getting in or out of the HVAC system.

DON'T:

• Attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces without first contacting your local SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas.
• Attempt to shampoo carpet or upholstered furniture with out first consulting your local SERVPRO professional.
• Attempt to clean any electrical appliances, TV, sets, radios, etc. that may have been close to fire, heat or water without first consulting an authorized repair service.
• Consume any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored close to fire,heat, or water. (They may be contaminated.)
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. Wiring may be wet or damaged.
• Send garments to the dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke order.

Fire and Soot Damage

9/5/2019 (Permalink)

Fire and smoke damaged home with soot all over the walls and doors

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 inspdamage 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.

Commercial and Residential Property Damage from Storm Damage

8/8/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded crawl space under the house from storm damage

Every year flooding damages residential and commercial properties in every community across the nation. Natural and man-made events including, broken plumbing, storms, and leading appliances will account for thousands of flooded properties and tens of millions of dollars in insurance claims and costs to property owners. 

When flood water begins saturating building materials, damages can be temporary, requiring only drying out or permanent, requiring replacement. Drying out floors, walls, and cabinetry as quickly as possible following a flood can help control for damage that comes from mold growth and structural damages. 

The cost to recover from a flood is obviously associated with the size of the affected property, the type of building materials involved, the nature of the water (clean or contaminated), and the speed to begin cleanup operations. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has been in business for many years and is an expert at drying out and reconstructing properties damaged by water from any source. Also, SERVPRO can represent a property owner to an insurance carrier to get the very best solution in place, returning the property back to pre-flood condition as quickly as possible. 

Let SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas send an expert to your property for a free estimate to remedy a recent disaster, or one that may need our experience and recommendations. 

Storm Damage

8/6/2019 (Permalink)

Major rain and thunder storms were heading towards San Gabriel Valley near the foothills.

Which also meant the possibility of major storms in the mountains as well.

There's no telling what kind of damage the weather of a storm can have on one's home or business properties. 

When property damage happens from a storm it can be extremely detrimental to your property and lifestyle!

However, there is power in knowing who to call to help you with the damages. Calling SERVPRO Glendora / San Dimas we arrive onsite and we do what we do best, get the property to "Like it never even happened." 

That's exactly what happened with this hotel building in Big Bear, CA. 

The damages came from the roof from the storm so they called us immediately.  

Water Damage and Mold Growth in your Glendora, CA home?!

7/17/2019 (Permalink)

This Glendora, CA home was affected with major and unexpected water damage due to a leak from their A/C unit!

They gave us a call right away but it seems as though it was leaking for a long time before it reached their attention.

The water leak was beneath the floor boards and mold started to form and grow underneath but was not visible until we tested and went beneath the house to inspect.

The damages were surprising to the homeowner because they had no idea. Thankfully no one was affected by the mold growing underneath their home from the water leak.

We then were able to isolate the affected areas so that we can start the drying and removal process of the water and mold.

The process went very smoothly and we were able to get the home back to a safe and comfortable environment so the homeowners could continue to live in peace in their home knowing the damage and potential threat to their health has been taken care of by SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas.

Major water damage in Hotel Building

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

The call came in call at 6 am in the morning from a hotel property saying that they had water leaking in their building.

We've dealt with emergencies like this before but this time it was different.

The weather had been raining for days and it didn't seem like it was going to improve at all.

When we showed up the property manager seemed very alarmed and he had a right to be.

The water was leaking from almost everywhere you could think of in the building. The worst part was that their was still guests staying in the hotel. 

We knew we needed to get to work fast so that the company can get back to business!

The longer that building is filled with water, the more damages occur, the higher the cost can be and the longer they have to hold off business.

When you call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas you can assure that we will have you back to business "Like it never even happened." 

What is Dehumidification ?

7/9/2019 (Permalink)

Dehumidification is the process in which moisture is removed from the air. This process of using a dehumidifier for water damage is common after your home experiences a flood.

Water damage restoration professionals, like SERVPRO, will use an industrial grade dehumidifier to reduce the levels of humidity in the air, which is to say, removing the moisture in the air. If your home is left untreated, you can fall captive to the growth of mold and mildew in as little as 24 hours.

It is important to differentiate that a heater and a dehumidifier for flood damage do not serve the same purpose. A dehumidifier is designed to extract the damp air and pull it into the dehumidification equipment, cool it while condensing the moisture, and redistribute the dried, dehumidified air throughout your home using a fan. A heater’s primary goal is to raise the temperature of the air, allowing the air to hold more humidity and moisture.

The specialized dehumidification equipment used by professional water restoration crews is industrial grade and very powerful. Typically, the high-speed dehumidifiers that are used are specially arranged to facilitate the most effective drying process until the air is back to normal. The drying equipment that SERVPRO technicians use is strategically placed within your home or other structure to ensure quality restoration.  

In addition, every water-damaged site is somewhat unique and should be treated as such. Because certain areas of the home may be more difficult to dry than others, each job should have a customized monitoring plan to ensure that all areas are dried thoroughly.

SERVPRO drying equipment and air sanitizers are left on site at your home or business to complete the water clean-up process as quickly and efficiently as possible. Our equipment is removed only when the temperature, humidity and moisture testing confirms that affected areas have been dried to approved standards.

How to Make Sure to Have a Fun & Safe Fourth of July

7/3/2019 (Permalink)

Aftermath of a residential fire.

It's that time of year again...the summer is heating up and Americans have the privilege to celebrate our independence! The Fourth of July is known for barbecues, hot dogs, and yep... fireworks!  All throughout California, on the night of July 4th, loud "BOOMS!" echo around the state. However, due to the large amount of wildfires that have occurred in the past year, fireworks have become a controversial topic.

Whether you choose to watch fireworks at your local high school, light them off in your neighborhood, or stay inside for the evening, it is important to know a few things about safety when being around fireworks. Here are three easy tips to remember this Fourth of July! 

1. Try leaving the fireworks to the professionals this year

- We know that the block party will love to light off a few legal fireworks, but due to the dryness in California, it may be a good idea to enjoy them at a public venue. 

2. Watch out for the sparklers

-These sparkling sticks of fun are a classic and July 4th must have. But be careful where you light them. Do not light indoors, on grass, or around brush. Instead, light these up on concrete floor or on the beach! Remember, no matter how tempting, DO NOT CHASE ANYBODY AROUND WITH SPARKLERS. 

3. Lookout for baggy clothes

-A little fire safety tip is to wear clothes that are form fitting, rather than baggier clothes with lots of extra material. This extra material can catch fire without you even noticing. 

So, enjoy the Fourth of July safely! We hope these few tips will help you have a fun-filled and fire-free Fourth!

How to Protect your Business from a Natural Disaster

6/17/2019 (Permalink)

The after effects of a commercial/business fire .

Natural disasters can happen anywhere, at any time, and can affect everyone. If you own a business, you need to prepare for natural disasters, just as you would at home. By being prepared for disaster, you can mitigate some potential damage. While taking preventative measures is a good first-line of defense, sometimes disasters are inevitable. Insurance is also important to help protect your small business. These tips can help you prepare your business from natural disasters.

Keeping Your Employees Safe

• Establish an evacuation and emergency plan. Make sure that all employees are informed on what to do if disaster strikes. Hold drills so that everyone can practice and is familiar with the plan.
• Have a back-up generator or emergency lights in case the power goes out. That way, your employees can find a safe exit..
• Make sure that your business has proper alarms and systems to alert employees of danger. Be sure to test these alarms so that they function properly in the times of need. Be sure to change batteries if needed.

Keeping Your Business Safe.

• Create an up-to-date inventory. List all of your assets and make copies of important documents so you can access them in the future. You may also want to take video of your assets of your business as a record. Keep a copy of your inventory in a safe place so they won’t get lost in a disaster situation.
• Create a backup of important systems and documents. This way it will be easier to recover it even if your equipment is damaged. Store them in a safe and secure location outside of your business’s property.
• Hire a professional to assess your commercial property. They can give recommendations on ways to make your business safer. A professional can assess the situation and provide ways to make your business more resistant to disaster.
• Talk to your insurance agent about your small business insurance. They can make sure that your coverage is up to date and can help guide you to the right coverage for your business. Depending on what area your business is located, you may want to consider getting additional policies, such as flood or earthquake insurance. You may also want to ask about an umbrella policy, also known as excess liability coverage.

From fires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornadoes – natural disasters can cause some serious damage to your business. Take action and help protect your business before disaster strikes. Sometimes damage is preventable. Sometimes it is not. Make sure to talk to your insurance agent to help protect your business financially.

Wildfire Response in Butte County

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

A firefighter courageously battles a life-threatening wildfire .

On November 8th, 2018 in Butte County, Northern California, a fire starts in a secluded area near the Feather River. As firefighters are trying to reach the fire, it spreads to about 10 acres in half an hour. After seventeen days, on November 25th, 2018, the fire reached 100% containment. The Camp Fire destroyed more than 18,800 structures and has become the deadliest and most destructive wildfire on record in the State of California.

After the fires were contained, residents and business owners began dealing with the smoke damage. Smoke damage from wildfires can cause a wide range of issues with the property and health, as such, it is best to have this damage cleaned up as soon as possible.

If left untreated, the health risks, living and working in smoke damaged structures include potential problems with your breathing, skin, and eyes. Though the smoke is no longer present, the effects of the smoke linger in furniture, carpet, walls and ceiling of the structure. Each time that you come in contact with the smoke damaged area of your property, you risk inhaling soot and other particles that are left behind after the fire has cleared.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas responded to the fire damaged properties in Butte County with our Disaster & Recovery crews that helped residential and commercial property owners recover from the widespread smoke-damage.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a Large Loss, full-service fire, smoke, wind, water repair and restoration company. We offer immediate response to residential, commercial, industrial, and commercial property owners.

9 Most Common Causes of Fires

6/11/2019 (Permalink)

Aftermath of fire damage at a commercial site.

#1: Cooking

House fires happen most during dinner hours—between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. That’s because people are cooking.Here's what you should remember when using the kitchen:  

• For grease fires, only use a fire extinguisher or baking soda. Do not use water! It will spread the oil/grease and make your fire worse.
• Never leave your food unattended. Fires only need 30 seconds to go from a small flame to an out-of-control blaze, so even going to the bathroom could endanger your home.

#2: Heating Equipment

Almost 13% of all residential fires are caused by heating equipment. Make sure to turn off all heating equipment once you have finished using them.

# 3: Electrical Equipment

Electrical equipment causes over 6% of house fires. Look for frayed wires, surge marks in wire, and damaged cords.

#4: Carelessness

Mistakes happen. For house fires, negligence causes 5.8% of blazes. Carelessness includes not putting our cigarettes, leaving candles burning, putting heating equipment near combustible items, and more.

#5: Open flame

Candles, fires in the fireplace, and outdoor bonfires are enjoyable when controlled, but disastrous when they’re not. About 4% of all house fires start from an open flame.

#6: Appliances

Appliances cause about 4% of house fires. You can decrease the chances of something malfunctioning and catching on fire by making sure it’s approved by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

#7: Intentional

Arson is a felony and can result in up to 20 years. But, people still do it. Out of all house fires, 4.2% are intentionally set.

#8: Smoking

About 2% of fires are caused by cigarettes. Just put your cigarettes out.

#9: Natural

Nature happens. Which means wildfires and those caused by lightning are unavoidable. Don’t worry though! Natural causes only account for 1.6% of all house fires.

Remember, house fires claim a life every 7 seconds. To protect yourself, home, and business, be aware of where fires are most common.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas wishes a safe, fire-free summer! 

Water Damage From Your Shower

6/10/2019 (Permalink)

Water damage started from the shower in San Dimas, CA.

Water damage can be very unexpected and an inconvenience for many!

If left untreated, a water leak in your bathroom can cost you, especially if it leads to serious water damage to walls, floors and paint.

No matter how well and how often you clean your bathroom, mold or mildew can appear if you have a hidden water leak.

It's normal for a little mildew to occur wherever water accumulates, such as corner of a shower, mold or mildew on non-shower walls or in corners of the bathroom is a clear sign that water is leaking somewhere and finding its way to those areas.

A leaky pipe provides plenty of moisture, so the longer it takes you to detect and fix the leak, the easier and faster mold will grow.

When a drywall is exposed to moisture, it becomes soft and begins to bubble, ultimately warping and breaking into pieces. If the leak reaches the ceiling, it causes it to sag and possibly leak some of the water that has accumulated.

To fix this a restoration company must tear out the drywall, requiring someone to patch and paint when the job is finished.

A Holiday Miracle

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

The technicians here at SERVPRO are specially trained to handle any size disaster. Nothing is too big or too small for our highly equipped team, no matter what day.

The holidays are a great time rejoice and be surrounded by your loved ones but unfortunately one Thanksgiving morning, an apartment complex 8 miles down from the SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas was struck by a burst pipe.

A small family of 3 had left earlier in the week to go celebrate Thanksgiving with relatives, leaving their home vacant for some days but their neighbors were still home. The neighbors were getting ready for a Thanksgiving feast later in the day so as they were prepping the food they noticed some water on the floor against the baseboard, along the shared wall with the neighbors. They didn't think too much of it and figured someone had spilled some water so they wiped it up with a towel and continued prepping. They noticed the water again and wondered where the water was coming from but choose to ignore it. Few moments passed and they noticed the water again but it was gray this time, they knew something was wrong and called the maintenance man to come and inspect their home. The maintenance man wasn't able to find  anything inside their apartment so he went next door and found the problem, against that same wall was the neighbors laundry room and one of the pipes inside the wall burst. Everyone was frustrated and annoyed that such an event had to have happen on Thanksgiving but with SERVPROS 24 hour emergency, we’re able to save the day. The damage was minor because it happened so suddenly but the team of SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas were able to restore the affected area. Getting in and out of the job site very quickly so that they were all able to enjoy their Thanksgiving Feast.

Why SERVPRO

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

Just like grocery shopping, there are many different brands to choose from. Here at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas understand and want to make the choice easier for you.

Why Should you work with us?

Well, we’re a Fire & Water-Cleanup & Restoration franchise that is independently owned and operated. Our motto is to restore your property, like it never even happened.

Our services in Restoration:

• Fire,smoke, and soot
• Water removal and dehumidification
• Mold mitigation and remediation
• Catastrophic storm response
• Move-outs and contents restoration
• Electronics and equipment
• Document drying
• Contents claim inventory service

Our services in Cleaning:

• Air ducts and HVAC
• Bio-hazard, crime scenes, and vandalism
• Carpet, upholstery, drapes, and blinds
• Ceilings, walls, and hard floors
• Deodorization

Anytype of damage to your property isn’t easy, so let SERVPRO alleviate some the headache. With our 24 hour emergency service and the SERVPRO Ready Plan Mobile App, help is at your fingertips.

SERVPRO to the rescue

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

It’s June 10th, around 3:30pm, and SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas responds to a call from a resident in the Diamond Bar area located in the Eastern Los Angeles County. There was a request for residential restoration for a two story home. The homeowner has experienced water damage coming from a pipe leak in the laundry room.

Project manager, Drew Weaver, Crew Chief Pete Fregoso, Technician Brandon Gibons, and Technician Jose Muro, arrived at the site within 30 minutes of the call. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas crew members stack their box truck full of drying equipment and by 4pm the crew begins inspection.

The pipe leak, located in the wall of the laundry room, is causing damage not only in the laundry room, but also the family room. After inspecting the walls and floors with a tramex moisture encounter plus and a fluke thermal camera. The crew began removing the affected wet material and began the restoration process.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas teamed up with a nearby Plumbing Service in order to stop the water leak. SERVPRO restoration and cleanup crew removes the laminate flooring from the areas that were affected by the water damage. After the removal, the drying process begins. SERVPRO’s equipment, which included one dehumidifier and three fans were left behind to dry out the moisture in the floor and walls.

By Wednesday the site was completely dried from the water damage! The crew from SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas performed a swift and effective cleanup. “Like it never even happened.”

SERVPRO saves the day

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

Dehumidifiers and Fans drying out the carpets in Alexander's Steakhouse.

Dealing with any kind of water damage is not something you want your business to ever face. Water damage is wet, messy, and it can be difficult to clean up, especially if you don't have the proper equipment.

We recently had a business owner in Pasadena contact us after he discovered a leak from the water supply line to the coffee maker located in the server area. This leak affected the server area, the hallway, and three dining rooms. Drew Weaver, the Production Manager at SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas, met the General Manager at the job site. Drew scoped the project and updated the General Manager on what to expect in the mitigation process. Soon after, technicians Pete, Brandon, and Martin arrived at job site and began manipulating contents from the affected areas and extracting water. Water was extracted from the server area and hallway. Fortunately, these areas were hard surfaced which made it easier for cleanup. The remaining affected areas were commercial grade, glued down carpet.  These areas were extracted multiple times to remove as much water as possible. Once extraction was complete, the technicians sanitized the affected area and wiped all contents. SERVPRO technicians utilized twenty fans and three dehumidifiers to effectively dry out the area.

Alexander's Steakhouse is a popular destination spot for those who are looking for a bite to eat in Pasadena. The General Manager wanted to know if his restaurant would be available for dining services by 5:30 pm. Drew advised against opening the affected dining areas to patrons due to a potential slip, trip and fall hazard since the floor covering would not be 100% dry. The General Manager agreed and only opened the unaffected area to diners for the night. Drew scheduled an inspection to monitor the drying area for the following morning.

On Saturday, July 9th at 8am, Drew arrived at Alexander Steakhouse.  He shifted and moved the equipment to focus on areas that still showed minor dampness. Thankfully, all other areas were nearly dry. Technicians Pete and Martin returned to the job site at 3 pm, confirmed all affected building materials were at the dry standard and removed all equipment.

When it comes to our customer service, we do everything in our power to make sure you get the best service possible. Because of our quick response and restoration/ clean up time, we were able to attack the situation and restore the damaged area within hours.  The general manager was satisfied with SERVPRO's restoration/ cleanup service.  Alexander Steakhouse in Pasadena minimized their loss of business use by acting fast and calling SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to expedite their drying needs.  The general manager stated that he was elated with the professionalism and promptness of our team.  He would definitely use our services again in the future.

If you find water damage in your home or business, be sure to contact SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas – we’re experts in water damage remediation!  

SERVPRO of Glendora fire in attic

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

It all started at approximately 11:00pm on Monday night, July 25^th.  Returning home after an evening out, Jason and his family entered their house in Glendora ready to call it a night. That’s when their 9 year old daughter happened to notice an unusual discolored spot on the ceiling about 15 feet from the front door.

They were all about to find out how important this little girl’s casual observation would be.

Upon examining the ceiling, Jason reached up and discovered there was heat coming from the ceiling where the spot was.  Climbing a ladder to get to the attic access opening, Jason discovered a fire was burning above the ceiling. He immediately dialed 911. Within minutes, the Glendora Police and the Fire Department arrived on scene. Preparations were being made to penetrate the roof while Fire Fighters inside the home removed the ceiling where the flames were burning. 

Because of the quick observation of the resident and the immediate action of the first responders, the roof did not have to be penetrated avoiding extensive structural damage to the property. As the fire hadn’t spread, only a minimal amount of water was induced to suppress the fire.  Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Once the property was stabilized, the fire investigator was on site to determine the source of the fire. It appears there was an electrical short that damaged a flexible gas line allowing gas to leak from the line and ignite.

Attic fires are not that unusual. However, in this case the chance observation of the discolored spot on the ceiling by Jason’s 9 year old daughter was indeed fortunate. If it wasn’t for her noticing this when they first arrived home, the trouble brewing in the attic could have been a much bigger problem for their home and their safety.

In our next article, SERVPRO will share how this damaged home was restored back to its pre-fire condition, using specialized processes and products to restore belongings and eliminate the smoke damage and smell that comes with residential fires.

GCCC Holiday Food Basket Program

3/7/2019 (Permalink)

On Thursday, November 10, SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas went to Williams Elementary School cafeteria to assist Glendora Community Coordinating Council (GCCC) in the sorting of canned food for their Holiday Food Basket Program.

The SERVPRO team sorted cans of vegetables, beans, corn, canned fruit, and other non perishable items, moving them from overflowing boxes and bags into organized and categorized groups on the cafeteria tables. Once sorted, another team of volunteers came through with packing lists and assembled boxes from the tables. Each box contains a variety of items in addition to vouchers. GCCC began collecting food late September by placing collection boxes around the Glendora area at locations such as the Glendora Public Library and Glendora Police Department. They also connected with institutions who have participated in past years to compile donations. The food was then collected and taken to Williams Elementary School where the sorting took place.

One key purpose of the GCCC is “to mobilize a voluntary association of community organizations; to support citizens; to enable groups using different techniques to agree on mutual goals.” SERVPRO was able to utilize our people and equipment resources to aid the GCCC on several occasions. SERVPRO used our box trucks to pick up and transport food to Williams Elementary.   

SERVPRO learned of GCCC’s food project through the Glendora Police Department’s Community Services Officer Nita Ulloa-Pedroni. SERVPRO’s Sales Manager, Doug Beach, reached out to her looking for a new way for SERVPRO to serve the community and Ulloa-Pedroni suggested GCCC’s food sorting day. 

Mr. Greg Gillham was the lead coordinator for the event, fostering the relationship between SERVPRO and GCCC. He is a retired electrician working with GCCC, Kiwanis Club, and other charitable organizations.

SERVPRO aided GCCC in completing approximately 250 food boxes that will be distributed to needy families in the Glendora community during this Holiday Season. GCCC will also deliver part of the food collected to the Shepards Pantry in Glendora.

Mold Infestation

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Where does mold come from?

Mold is a natural piece of the environment and can be useful for thriving wildlife. It breaks down dead organic matter, for example, leaves and trees, but when mold makes it way indoors, it wreaks havoc.

When there is mold infestation in your home is mostly likely due to the moisture in the air or any surfaces that are wet. It doesn’t matter what type of mold it is, all mold cannot grow without water or moisture.

Things you should know about Mold.

1. There are health effects associated with mold exposure.
2. There is no guarantee to permanently remove mold from your property, only prevention.
3. If there is mold, clean up and eliminating the source of moisture feeding the mold prevents it from growing. Clean-up within 24-48 hours after detection.
4. Repair the water/moisture problem.
5. Reduce indoor humidity to 30-60%.
6. Mold can be found and grown on any surface; mold on hard surfaces can be easily cleaned with water and some sort of detergent but mold on absorbent materials will have to be replaced by your local restoration company.

Customer Success Story

3/4/2019 (Permalink)

Any implication on a business impacts the regular operational flow of a business. For James, water damage almost completely wiped out his business.

James, is the owner of a small, local shop for office supplies. He went to work to open up the shop, nothing was out of the ordinary. As he made his way to the back he noticed the carpet in shop started to become damper. James headed straight to the storage room where he keeps inventory, when he opened up the door, water leaking through the walls and ceiling and all his inventory was destroyed. Apparently, a faulty water pipe was located in the storage room  and had water leakage issues in the past but James simply ignored it because the cost to repair it wasn't in his budget at the time. Over time, he forgot to have it inspected and repaired, finally, the pipe burst.

He called the SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas to help restore his storage room to an even better condition than it was before the disaster.

James finally got his business up and running again but he now knows even if there is a small leakage, action is needed; he now knows who to call.  

Prepare For the Winter

2/28/2019 (Permalink)

California winters seem to carry great variety from year to year. Some winter seasons the rain comes down for multiple days in one week with chilly temperatures. Other years, the rain may never come and balmy seventies will persist until a few surprise days of cold in the spring. Whatever the case may be, as homeowners and community members it is important to be prepared for winter.

Heavy rain fall can lead to flooding in Southern California. The drought conditions cause dry soil, which leads to poor absorption of ground water. Keeping storm drains clear is one way to alleviate the potential of flooding. This includes using sandbags and plastic tarp to create better flow of water. Also, keeping home gutters free of leaves and other environmental debris will lead to a more consistent and controlled flow of water away from your house, to the well functioning storm drains.

Floods can cause millions and millions of dollars in damages and unfortunately great injury to people. This makes community members involvement crucial in flood preparedness. Local fire stations provide free sandbag materials and the Department of Public Works can provide services to clear storm drains, 1-800-675 HELP (4357). Utilizing these local resources can help prevent flooding. Families should also put together disaster kits in case of emergency. 

Tips on sandbag barrier: http://www.water.ca.gov/floodmgmt/docs/brochure_floodfightingathome.pdf

Important things to include in your disaster kit:http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/be-red-cross-ready/get-a-kit

In the worst case scenario, if water enters your home it is important to take care of the moisture immediately to prevent hazardous mold from growing. SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas provides mold remediation services.

While Los Angeles County does not face severely cold of temperatures, it is still important to be educated for if and when the cold does come. According to the Los Angeles County Emergency guide, every year there is carbon monoxide poisoning due to incorrect heating sources. Barbeques, ovens, and stoves should not be used as sources of heat. Make sure that all heating devices, such as central heating and electric heaters, are clean and in appropriate working condition. All types of chimneys should be cleared of debris. As a general practice, it is always a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. If you or someone you know needs a safe and warm place to escape possibly health damage temperatures, call 2-1-1 for information on places of shelter.(Information provided by LACOA Emergency Survival Guide)

For the health and safety of you and your family, educate on how to handle severe winter weather conditions in Southern California.

Furniture Mold Cleaning

2/26/2019 (Permalink)

Extreme Mold Growth

Water and mold can not only affect the structure of your home, but also your belongings. If your home has suffered damage from a leak or flood, it’s important to check all indoor furnishings and fixtures for signs of mold damage.

SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home.

Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water and mold damage.

We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. If you suspect mold growth in your home, call today for a free estimate. -(626) 852-9922

Defense Against Mold Growth

2/25/2019 (Permalink)

Mold can grow anywhere, where there is an accumulation in moisture.

Prompt mitigation is vital to avoid mold growth, which can be visible in as little as 24-48 hours under certain conditions.

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

Prevention

• Keep the humidity between 30 to 60 percent

You can measure humidity levels with a moisture meter or by being attentive to potential problem areas in your home.

• Provide for proper drainage away from building foundations

Directing water away from your home with a proper drainage system.

• Regularly inspect plumbing and appliances for leaks

Drying the wet area and restoring it to its original condition before any moisture seeps in.

• Keep gutters and drains clear of debris

Having your gutters cleaned and inspected for any damages, especially after a storm.

1. Inspection

Inspecting the roof, windows, and other areas where water might enter the building, and perform necessary maintenance.

Just like keeping your gutters cleaned, you want to inspect your roof, windows, etc., where water can seep through and collect moisture.

1. Respond to all water intrusions

Don't hesitate to clean up any water.

Water Damage in Your San Dimas Home

2/21/2019 (Permalink)

Water damaged home in the kitchen in the San Dimas area.

A San Dimas resident experienced water damage resulting in hazardous mold. The water damage affected the San Dimas home living room, bathroom, and kitchen area. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas was called to provide mold remediation and water damage services.

The crew hauled away all wet and mold invested materials, including drywall, flooring, and wood trim. The SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas crew set up containment of a barrier with airlock between the affected area of the San Dimas home and the unaffected area.

The crew removed pieces like the toilet, sink, and medicine cabinets in order to reach the water damaged area and insure drying. The mold affected areas were carefully treated and sanitized and an air scrubber was set up. Hazardous mold affected material was disposed of properly by the Glendora/San Dimas crew. The home was restored from the water damage and extensive mold by the crew and the San Dimas resident's home was cleared after a mold clearance test by a third party. 

Who's Responsible

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Damage in your apartment? Who’s Responsible in the State of California?

The Disaster

Rain in California nowadays seems like a supernatural phenomenon but back in January of 2018, violent downpours of rain hit the City of Montecito; killing 21 people.

If you’re a renter, you may have been displaced during this storm. Also, if there was a broken pipe, drain damaged, you wouldn't know where to turn to.

Renters Rights

If the rental unit is in need of a repair for broken furnishings, pipes burst, broken A/C unit,water damage, etc, it is the landlords responsibility to fix those repairs under the implied warranty and signed/verbal contract. Failure to fix those repairs can be dangerous and possibly affect your health and might even affect the surrounding tenant. According to California Civil Code section 1941, the landlord is responsible for providing tenants with habitable living conditions and repair any problem that prevents an uninhabitable environment. Unless, if the problems were caused by tenant, guests, children, and or pets.

Steps for the Renter:

Take Action

• Do not enter area if affected by electrical outlets, switches, electrical equipment that are exposed to water.
• If possible, turn off the water source or any running water
• Remove as much excess water as possible
• Place Aluminium foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
• Move any personal belongings to a dryer place

Contact for help

• Contact the landlord immediately
• Address if any of your personal property was ruined
• In case of a severe water damage, speak with your landlord if lease can be evicted, cancelled, and or evicted with or without penalty.

Steps for the Landlord

Assess the Damage

• The facility itself, all attached furnishings, and utilities will be covered under the landlords property insurance
• Damages to the tenants/landlords personal property is not covered by the landlords property insurance. Whichever party is at fault for the water damaged will be held responsible for repairing/replacing personal property.

How Can SERVPRO Glendora / San Dimas Help?

SERVPRO is a trusted leader in the restoration industry and is dedicated to providing quality service. Our highly trained technicians are quick to respond with our 24-hour emergency, for your water damage restoration needs.

No disaster is too big for SERVPRO Glendora / San Dimas.

Carpet Cleaning your Commercial Business

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

Carpet Cleaning

Running a business can be hard and expensive, but having your business looking at its best is another challenge, especially for a large commercial property. According to statistics, having carpet increases revenue by 22%. No wonder 60% of businesses today have carpet.

The downside of owning carpet is that it gets messy fast. No matter how many signs or warnings you give your staff members and or customers to be careful, there is bound to be a stain.

Top Common Stains:

• Coffee spills
• Ink
• Wine
• Blood
• Animal excrement

What many commercial property owners don't know is that there are different soil levels and different methods and approaches of cleaning.

Levels & Restoration

Light 

Carpet is lightly sprayed with a cleaning solution

• Dirt must be pulled from the carpet with a “bonnet” pad

Medium

• A portable extraction unit applies a cleaning solution with hot water while vacuuming the carpet.
• A soil emulsifier is sprayed onto the carpet, letting it set for 10- 15 minutes. Then an extraction unit removes soil.

Heavy

Heavy soil levels often require a multi step process:

•  Shampooing the carpet
•  Rinse and extract entire carpet for deep cleaning

The goal is to remove the dirt, moisture, and any harmful bacteria that may be settling in the carpet to prevent any further damage. In some cases, it may end up costing more if not treated correctly.

Overall, you want your carpets to last long and look healthier. Your facility should look its best when you open your doors. So call a professional commercial damage restoration company, SERVPRO Glendora / San Dimas to effectively and efficiently remove those stains to make it "Like it never even happened."

Professional Maintenance on your Commercial Building

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

If water damage happens to your commercial building it can jeopardize a businesses ability to run and function! If there is an excess of water then it can lead to more severe damage to the building and if not addressed immediately by your local emergency water damage restoration company, then health problems can occur because of the mold growth that may occur. This is not an ideal situation for any business or individual.

Inspection

Just as you pay attention to the business that goes on in your commercial building, keeping an eye on your commercial building is just as important. Inspect the building's pipes, plumbing fixtures, structure, and roof to check whether everything is working properly. If you find anything abnormal then have a professional like SERVPRO JOE from SERVPRO Glendora / San Dimas do an inspection.

Professional Maintenance

When inspecting the building yourself, you may miss things that a professional wouldn't. A professional is trained to know the system and to find and fix problems. Remember, just because you don't notice anything concerning doesn't mean everything is okay. It's highly possible for leaks to occur in hidden areas and cause extensive damage that may not be noticeable. With the help of a professional, any small issue can be found and fixed before they turn into larger issues.

Outside Cleaning

If your building's gutters aren't regularly cleaned, you risk water leaking into the building through the roof or foundation. If gutters are not cleaned and become clogged, water will be accumulate and overflow. The water then settles by the base of the building and may leak into the buildings foundation. This is why it is important to have your building's gutters cleaned out often.

Repairs and Upgrades

With a large number of people who use water fixtures in a commercial building, the fixtures may wear out quicker. Sometimes older piping may not be able to handle the high-volume usage and this may lead to leakage. 

If you need a professional restoration company to inspect your commercial building to make sure everything is working properly, then call your local SERVPRO of Glendora  / San Dimas to confirm everything is working properly.

Arguably the Biggest Wildfire in California History

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

This year in late 2018 we have experienced one of the most devastating wildfires in LA history.

Destroying over 96,949 acres in the Malibu area and 1,500 homes from the beaches to the valley. 

Malibu issued a city wide evacuation at 10:00am! The fire was spreading very quickly through the Malibu Mountains, as well as residential neighborhoods of Malibu West, Point Dume, Zuma Canyon, and Malibu Lake.

Ventura county that same week had a shooting at a local bar, people lost their lives and barley 72 hours later people are losing their homes from this wildfire. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas & Irwindale/ Baldwin Park was called to help out many families that were affected by this natural disaster.

You never know when a disaster is going to hit, so we hope that you call SERVPRO JOE at SERVPRO Glendora / San Dimas to help you recover. The faster you call, the faster we can be on site.

Protect your Southern California Commercial Business from a Fire

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

All of the time, money, and effort that you invest in your business has the potential of disappearing in just one fire. The most common and costliest types of commercial property damage is fire, so it it crucial to take all the precautions needed to protect your business from a fire hazard.

The following are way to protect your business from a serious fire:

1. Remove Clutter that Could Potentially Fuel a Fire

Keep work areas clear of paper, trash, and anything that could potentially kindle a fire. You should perform a close inspection of all work spaces to remove anything that could create sparks or fuel a fire. Also, ensure that there are no obstacles blocking access to emergency exits.  

2. Watch Appliances and Machinery

Old, faulty, or misused appliances have the potential to cause fires. Get rid of broken appliances, check for recalls, and make sure employees turn off appliances when they are not in use. Do not overload power outlets or exceed voltage limits.

3. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are two crucial, potentially life-saving devices. Be sure to replace batteries periodically and test all devices regularly to make sure they’re functioning properly.

4. Make Sure Fire Extinguishers Are in Working Order

Ensure that your business has the proper type of extinguisher for your facilities and regularly check that everything is in working order. You should also provide your employees with training on how to use these extinguishers.

5. Train Employees

Make sure employees are properly trained in the correct use of all equipment and in the storage and disposal of fire hazards. All employees should know what to do if a fire occurs, including the location and operation of fire extinguishers, the emergency number to call, and the exits to use.

6. Have an Evacuation Plan

You should also be ready for the unexpected. Make sure all exit signs are visible and adequately lit by a reliable power source at all times. Conduct regular fire drills so that your employees know how to respond in the event of a fire emergency. You can also contact SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to help develop a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile plan for your business to help guide you in the event of an emergency.

Practice good fire safety prevention now to prevent heartache and financial loss later. In the event that your San Gabriel Valley business does suffer from fire damage, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to assist in the remediation and restoration process.

Disaster Preparedness Plan

2/5/2019 (Permalink)

With about 3 million small businesses in California alone, according to NFIB National Small Business Poll, only 38% is these businesses have an emergency preparedness plan. Natural disasters have impacted more than 30% of small businesses, but many people believe a disaster will never affect them.

Most never think that a disaster will never happen to their business, but once it does it'll be too late to develop a plan. Getting back to business after a disaster, greatly depends upon the amount of advanced planning you do for your business. 

Now is the best time to start if you haven't already put a disaster plan in place for your business.

Here are 7 steps to help prepare your business:

1. Risk Assessment: Identify what kinds of emergencies are most likely to affect your company then evaluate your preparedness level. Questions you can ask yourself include: Do we have emergency equipment on site? Do I have any employees trained to help in a medical emergency? Do we have our data backed up and stored someplace safe?

2. Review Your Insurance Coverage: Based on your risk assessment, talk with your insurance agent to make sure your business is covered should a disaster strike. Many times business owners think they have plenty of coverage, only to find out later that their policy didn’t cover a particular disaster situation.

3. Create a contingency Plan: Review all your business operations and identify those areas most critical for your business survival. Establish a procedure for managing those functions in the event of a disaster. It may also be helpful to determine an alternate business location that you and your employees can continue to run business.

4. Create a Communications Plan: Establish a calling tree or create a password protected area where employees can report in. Deciding how communications will be managed in advance will minimize panic and the relay of misinformation.

5. Backup Your Data: Be sure to backup all of your data and keep it stored in a safe location off-site. Important documents such as contracts, business licenses, and corporate records should be kept in a fireproof box or bank lock- box.

6. Build an Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit on-site at all times. It should include items such as water, batteries, flashlights, a fire extinguisher, non-perishable food, water, a whistle, and first-aid items.

7. Review and Rehearse Your Plan: After making a plan, be sure to review and rehearse it with your team throughout the year, so when disaster strikes they will know what to do. You should also provide a copy of the plan to each employee as well.

It is crucial for your business to create a disaster plan. If you have trouble deciding how to prepare your Southern California business for disaster, call SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas and we can help you develop a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile. Let us help you prepare your business disaster plan! Call Today 626.852.9922

Fire Restoration Process

1/28/2019 (Permalink)

The first thing you want to look for when contacting a fire restoration company is if they offer emergency services so that they are able to come out very quickly when initially contacted to provide immediate relief to the property.

It really is the job of the emergency services and fire department to put out the fire, but you will still need a restoration company to prevent the damage from spreading throughout your property.

The next step in the fire restoration process is assessing the fire, smoke and soot that has traveled throughout the building as well as checking walls and furniture.

This step is important because only by assessing the extent of the damage can the restoration company come up with a plan to execute upon and give you a quote for how much it should cost and an estimate of how long it should take.

When the restoration project first begins, the main priority will always be to prevent damage from getting worse. Also, for SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas we prioritize restoring rather than replacing and this can significantly reduce of the overall cost. 

Sometimes fire damage restoration and water damage restoration go hand in hand. For instance if a building has a fire that causes a pipe to burst or a water tank burst then the restoration company will work first to stop the damage from spreading.

After a fire you will notice your property looks dark, stained and charred. First the restoration company will clean up all this damage and get your property looking as normal as possible. Also, during the restoration process, companies will make sure to remove any odors that are from the smoke & fire.

This next stage is where companies begin restoring furniture and repairing the damage cause by the fire. The goal of this step is to get your property looking as good as possible.

Before, During and After the Storm

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Before a storm hits the three main areas to protect from storm damage are: roof, windows, and doors. Review your insurance policies. Make sure you have hurricane protection and a flood policy if you live in a flood prone area and it protects your home and your belongings. You can also take photos of your home before the emergency just in case you have to file a claim. Also, having your emergency bag ready can save you time if you need to evacuate your home. 

During the storm you want to stay in a safe place away from windows or doors. Don't go into the streets, disconnect all unnecessary electronic appliances. Avoid fires by use a battery flashlight instead of candles or gas lamps. Remember to protect your pets as well by having food and water for them in a designated area in your house. 

After the storm, assess your property to see if there has been any damage that may have occurred. Protect your property from further damages. If there are any damages that have occurred you should call your insurance adjuster or call your nearest SERVPRO to come assess, work with your insurance if needed, and to help restore any damage to help get you back to normal.

SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas is experienced with storm damage and Large Loss events that may have occurred to your home or business. You can trust us to make it "Like it never even happened."

Why the Mold Hype?

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of Glendor / San Dimas today to make your mold growth or water damaged home safe to live in again Like it Never Even Happened.

One of the major reason to dry water-soaked materials quickly is to prevent permanent damage caused by fungi. Molds, mildew, and bacteria are responsible for the decomposition of organic materials. Understanding the basics of mold is important if you are in the restoration industry or even a property owner. Next thing you should know is what to do when you find it!

Mold Basics

The typical life of mold begins as a tiny spore. The spore is like a seed but smaller and simpler than real seeds. When something disturbs those spores masses, thousands of mold spores are set free. Airflow carries the spores off and they remain in the air until gravity causes them to settle. A mold spore mass is a lot like a dandelion seed head: when the seeds are released, seeds float everywhere. Spores are built for survival and may or may not start growing immediately. Sometimes they lay dormant waiting for the right conditions for growth. Those conditions include food, temperature, and moisture.

Harmful Effects of Molds

Many different kinds of molds are present in buildings and not all molds are as harmful as others. There research done by The Institute of Medicine found evidence that shows when mold is present in damp indoor situations, people exposed may experience health reactions such as:

• Nasal Congestion
• Sneezing
• Runny or Itchy nose
• Hay Fever
• Sore Throat
• Coughing, Wheezing

Chemical Compounds

Molds produce two types of chemical compounds in which people in water-damaged buildings may be exposed:

• Mycotoxins are poisonous substances that are known to cause health problems.
• Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOCs) result in unpleasant smells in our homes. These are not known to cause health effects, but odors may indicate a level of mold contamination requiring remediation and are a clue that active mold growth may be present.

If you are living in the Glendora / San Dimas area and have recently experienced water damage to your home or business and want SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas to help assess the damage before any mold starts to grow, give us a call and we'll come out to give you an estimate today and even work with your insurance to get the job done right!

Commercial Property Restoration with us at SERVPRO

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas have completed many commercial property projects, are experienced and qualified to get the job done.

We know that as a commercial property management professional, your clients and tenants rely on you for efficient day to day operations of their property. We also know that they rely on you to protect it when something goes wrong. We understand that there's no such thing as a small emergency when it can negatively impact occupant safety, revenue loss and business continuity.

That's why it is so important for timely mitigation to minimize damage, business interruptions and recovery costs. You and your tenants will appreciate the rapid response, expertise and training from your local SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas to help you get your facility back into operation quickly. 

Thankfully, SERVPRO franchise Glendora / San Dimas is part of the Large Loss Response Team in order to serve your commercial large loss needs. We are a network of over 1,600 locations strategically positioned throughout the United States.

Like many commercial properties, your facility probably has a evacuation plan in place of an emergency occurrence. Everyone in the work place must understand the evacuation plan, how they should exit the building and where they should go once they are outside. 

Your local SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas can provide emergency contact information, tools and resources needed to help ensure an effective evacuation plan is in place.

Why Water Damage Restoration Is So Important

1/3/2019 (Permalink)

This house in Corona, CA had water damage. We were notified to come dry-out the affected area.

Why Is Water Damage Restoration So Important?

SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas and Irwindale Baldwin Park provide restoration services for water damaged structures and contents. When a home or business is damaged by water, the normal lifestyle of the home owner or property owner is disrupted.

Indoor water damages can possibly create health risks for occupants. Water damage has a destructive effect on most building materials. Properly and effectively restoring a water-damaged structure is a valuable service to the insurance industry, as well as to the homeowner and business owner. 

A quick response is key to preventing further water damage. Properly drying and restoring water-damaged structures requires training, expertise and specialized equipment and if not resolved properly the water causes severe damage to structure and contents. In other words, it gets worse over time.

In addition to understanding the technical aspects of water damage restoration, our SERVPRO technicians have great communication skills. This is important because we work with different customers that have different needs and goals throughout the process such as insurance agents, adjusters, and insureds.

Arguably the Biggest Wildfire in History

12/6/2018 (Permalink)

This year in late 2018 we have experienced one of the most devastating wildfires in LA history.

Destroying over 96,949 acres in the Malibu area and 1,500 homes from the beaches to the valley. 

Malibu issued a city wide evacuation at 10:00am! The fire was spreading very quickly through the Malibu Mountains, as well as residential neighborhoods of Malibu West, Point Dume, Zuma Canyon, and Malibu Lake.

Ventura county that same week had a shooting at a local bar, people lost their lives and barley 72 hours later people are losing their homes from this wildfire. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas & Irwindale/ Baldwin Park was called to help out many families that were affected by this natural disaster.

Storm Damage To Your Home

11/27/2018 (Permalink)

If you are a California resident, you know you must be ready at any moment for the unexpected to happen.

In California, you never know when a storm is going to occur in your area and you never know how severe the storm will be or what kind of disaster it might bring.

Whether it's a hurricane that causes devastation to your whole community, strong winds that cause a tree to fall through the house or even rain and intense hail that causes unforeseen damage can always bring major stress to a family. 

Every year in the United States millions, sometimes billions, of dollars are spent by the insurance companies to repair damage caused by natural disasters.

Here at SERVPRO, we help families recover from these types of situations and make the restoration process for the client and insurance company as smooth as possible.

We know that most people have other responsibilities to take care of. Leave it SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas to take care of those unexpected storm, water, fire and mold damage. There is no job that is to big or to small for us!

Keep Your San Dimas Home Safe This Halloween

10/12/2018 (Permalink)

Glowing Jack-O-Lanterns, paper ghosts, and plastic spiders are all signs that Halloween is near! Unfortunately, these spooky symbols also can present lurking fire risks that have the potential to become truly scary. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Halloween decorations are the cause of over 1,000 homes fires each year. Before you start adorning your San Dimas home with spooky Halloween decorations, learn five quick ways to ensure your Halloween holiday is safe, festive, and fun!

The majority of these fires are easily preventable. By following some simple safety precautions, you can ensure the holiday remains festive and fun.

• Keep decorations far away from open flames and other heat sources like lightbulbs and heaters. Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o'-lanterns.
• Use flashlights as alternatives to candles or torch lights when decorating walkways and yards. They are safer for trick-or-treaters whose costumes may brush up against the lighting as they walk to from your door.
• Choose costumes that don't require long-trailing fabric. If your child is wearing a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so they can clearly see where they are walking to prevent trips or falls near dangerous or flammable items.
• Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o'-lanterns with candles inside. Provide them with flashlights or glow sticks to carry for lighting as part of their costume.

California Storm Ready

8/7/2018 (Permalink)

California's historic drought remains severe, and residents must continue to conserve water. At the same time, we must also prepare for the possibility of large storms and coastal/bay flooding.

Storms in California sometimes cause flooding, mud flows, landslides, electrical outages and other impacts.

Using water wisely while taking steps to prepare for winter storms and coastal/bay flooding will help to protect our households, our communities and our state.

Failing to evacuate flooded areas, entering flood waters, or remaining after a flood has passed can result in injury or death. Flooding is a temporary overflow of water onto land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. Floods may:

• Result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges, and overflows of dams and other water systems.

• Develop slowly or quickly – Flash floods can come with no warning.

• Cause outages, disrupt transportation, damage buildings, and create landslides.

 IF YOU ARE UNDER A FLOOD WARNING, FIND SAFE SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

• Do not walk, swim, or drive through flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!

  • Just six inches of moving water can knock you down, and one foot of moving water can sweep your vehicle away.

• Stay off of bridges over fast-moving water.

• Determine how best to protect yourself based on the type of flooding.

  • Evacuate if told to do so.

  • Move to higher ground or a higher floor.

  • Stay where you are.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN A FLOOD THREATENS

Prepare NOW

• Know types of flood risk in your area. Visit FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for information.

• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

• If flash flooding is a risk in your location, then monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain.

• Learn and practice evacuation routes, shelter plans, and flash flood response.

• Gather supplies in case you have to leave immediately, or if services are cut off. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget the needs of pets. Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.

• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect and can protect the life you've built. Homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

• Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Create password-protected digital copies.

• Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

For more information visit: https://storms.ca.gov/

Flood Waters Rising...

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

Every year flooding damages residential and commercial properties in every community across the nation. Natural and man-made events including, broken plumbing, storms, and leading appliances will account for thousands of flooded properties and tens of millions of dollars in insurance claims and costs to property owners. 

When flood water begins saturating building materials, damages can be temporary, requiring only drying out or permanent, requiring replacement. Drying out floors, walls, and cabinetry as quickly as possible following a flood can help control for damage that comes from mold growth and structural damages. 

The cost to recover from a flood is obviously associated with the size of the affected property, the type of building materials involved, the nature of the water (clean or contaminated), and the speed to begin cleanup operations. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has been in business for many years and is an expert at drying out and reconstructing properties damaged by water from any source. Also, SERVPRO can represent a property owner to an insurance carrier to get the very best solution in place, returning the property back to pre-flood condition as quickly as possible. 

Let SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas send an expert to your property for a free estimate to remedy a recent disaster, or one that may need our experience and recommendations. 

Have you looked under your sink...?

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, water damage under kitchen sinks are more common than perhaps you realize! Have you looked under your sink recently? 

We have you covered with a step by step process to help out with water damage under your sink. 

In order to prevent water damage to the wood floor under the kitchen sink in the future, you will need to cover the wood with waterproof materials such as plastic or vinyl. You can buy a roll of wide vinyl or plastic and cut them to size, or you can buy few pieces of vinyl tile. You also have the option of choosing glue-down vinyl tile or self adhesive vinyl tile. If you are going to use self adhesive vinyl tiles, here are the steps:

1. Clean the surface of the board
2. Test out the layout of the vinyl tiles
3. Draw lines on either sides of the vinyl tiles as guidelines for cutting to right sizes
4. Use a pair of scissors or utility knife to cut the vinyl tiles
5. Peel off the backing paper of the vinyl tiles and place them in the right position
6. If the self adhesive vinyl tiles don't stick well to the surface, use the help of glue
7. You can either apply the glue onto the board or on the back of the vinyl tiles
8. Optionally, you can use small nails to help keep the vinyl tiles in place
9. After you are done placing all the vinyl tiles, use water proof sealant to seal along the edges.

We hope you find this helpful! To read more visit: 

https://dengarden.com/home-improvement/How-to-Replace-Rotted-Wood-Under-A-Kitchen-Sink

Recovering from the Carr Fire

8/6/2018 (Permalink)

In 2018, fires have charred about 7,200 square miles across the USA, which is about 1,400 square miles above average, according to the National Interagency Fire Center.

Although it could be weeks or months away, the deadly Carr Fire and other horrific wildfires in California and across the western USA will eventually be doused.

But how long will it be before things return to "normal"?

For some folks, it could be years, or perhaps never: "In the communities where these large fires hit, there can be a decades-long impact," said Merritt Turetsky, an ecosystem ecologist at the University of Guelph in Canada. 

Fires can leave entire neighborhoods ruined. Turetsky related a story from years ago of people who moved back to a neighborhood into the only home a wildfire spared – then realized they were alone in a blackened and charred landscape, one that might never be rebuilt.

Nationally, only 25 percent of burned homes were rebuilt within five years, according to a study in 2015 in the "International Journal of Wildland Fire."

Big fires can decimate the environment. When man-made materials from houses, cars or other buildings burn, they can release toxins into the soil, rivers or streams, Turetsky said. They're also released into the air we breathe.

Overall, "the aftereffects of a wildfire on watershed can be drastic," according to Cal Fire. "Rates of erosion and runoff can increase to dangerous levels following wildfires in California. Normally trees, shrubs, grass and other protective ground cover help prevent soil detachment and allow rainfall to infiltrate into the soil."

Thus, landslides and mudslides can bring further misery to fire-scarred areas when winter rains come. This winter, an El Niño is likely, the Climate Prediction Center said, which generally means additional rainfall for California.

If you or someone you know are experiencing smoke damage from fires, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is here to help. Our services cover fire and smoke restoration. 

To everyone impacted by the wildfires in California, we are truly sorry for your loss and offer our services to you.

To read more please visit: 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/07/30/carr-fire-what-happens-when-blazes-doused/865806002/

Water Damage Prevention

7/24/2018 (Permalink)

Most Homeowners insurance policies cover basic water damage claims up to the purchased limit.

But you know what’s a lot easier than going through the claims process? Preventing the water damage in the first place!

Check out these 5 suggestions for preventing water damage:

1. Be careful where you plant

Some plants and trees, like weeping willows, have pretty invasive roots. If you’re not careful, they’ll grow right into your sprinkler system, drainage field, pipes, and septic tanks. Plan before you plant to keep roots away from any water lines.

2. Clean out roof gutters

You know it’s on your to-do list anyway, so if you can, take a safe climb up to your roof next Sunday and check out your gutters. If you’re seeing lots of leaves, birds’ nests, sticks, and whatnot up there, your gutters may not be doing the job you hired them for. And on a rainy day, a clogged gutter can send water spilling into your home’s foundation, through the roof, or down to your basement. That could cause some serious water damage! So next time you’re doing some seasonal cleaning, make sure those gutters are clean. And if your gutters are too high, be safe and get a professional to check them.

3.  Keep an eye on your water bill

With so many water pipes hidden behind walls and in the floors in your house, you might not know there’s a leak until the damage is done. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on your monthly water bill. If you see it starting to creep up, or get one that’s uncommonly high, it’s a pretty good sign that you may have a leak somewhere.

4. Use a drain snake instead of unclogging chemicals

No matter how crazy clean you are, from your shower to your kitchen sink, clogs are going to happen. And chances are at some point in your life you’ve used one of those powerful chemical drain cleaners to get things moving again. But as convenient as they may be, most folks don’t realize those caustic chemicals are also eating away at their pipes (and they might not be too good for you either). If you rely on them a lot, you could be setting yourself up for leaks. That’s why owning a drain snake is a good solution to clear away clogs. They’re pretty inexpensive, you can get them at your local hardware store, and they can cut through most any clog you’ll have without damaging pipes or making your eyes red and teary.

5. Never pour grease down your sink

You’ve probably heard this before, but you should definitely avoid pouring grease down your kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter if you flush it with hot or cold water. It can still congeal and cling to your pipes, and could still cause some serious damage and blockage.

Some people use detergent to break up grease before pouring it down the drain…and that may help sometimes. But there’s no guarantee that it’ll keep the grease from sticking to your pipes, so why take the risk?

The safest thing to do is just to pour your grease in an empty can, and either let it sit or put it in the refrigerator. Once it hardens you can toss it in the trash and get rid of it. Done and done.

We hope these few tips will help prevent water damage in your home! 

https://www.farmers.com/inner-circle/home-tool-kit/5-ways-to-prevent-water-damage/

What is an Air Mover?

7/11/2018 (Permalink)

What’s an Air Mover?

Air movers (aka “industrial air blowers”, “commercial blower fans” or “floor drying fans”) are used in construction and water restoration projects, having a wide variety of industrial applications. Their primary use is to increase air circulation, which speeds up water evaporation and reduces drying time. Compressed air is also used to maximize airflow in a blower fan or air mover.

Air movers are an essential tool when mitigation services are needed due to water damage or restoring flood or disaster damage. Some advantages of drying a building with the use of air movers are as follows:

• Low power draw
• High velocity, making them ideal for cooling and ventilation purposes
• Reduces water damage dry out time to carpets and floors, as well as wall cavities behind drywall
• Dries concrete and paint
• Removing fumes or gases from a workspace

TYPES OF AIR MOVER UNITS

The type of air blower affects the speed and direction of airflow and the amount of space that can be covered by the air mover. There are three major types of air blower units used in most commercial dry out scenarios:

1. Axial: Axial blowers are designed to move large amounts of air across a wide space. These tend to be larger air movers that produce high airflow. Unlike centrifugal air movers, which can direct air in several directions, axial air movers only move air horizontally. They’re ideal for drying walls or top-down drying treatments on carpets. They’re sometimes used for ventilation and equipment cooling.
2. Centrifugal: This type offers a more compact air mover designed for spot treatments. Centrifugal air movers draw air from several sources and direct it to a particular spot. They are often used in restoration work to dry hard to reach areas like under cabinets and in crawl spaces and closets. Most centrifugal air movers can be adjusted to provide airflow at a few different angles. Centrifugal blowers are heavy-duty air movers that produce lower CFM than axial air movers.
3. Compact: Compact air movers are versatile enough to be used for both large floor areas and small spot drying. With 1/4 horsepower motors, they still have the power to quickly and effectively dry areas, while also being quieter than centrifugal air movers and taking up less space. Small and lightweight, compact air movers are the perfect solution for drying small, hard-to-reach spaces such as closets, corners or under counters.

We at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas will always assess each water damage situation independently and if our highly trained IICRC certified technicians determine that air movers are a necessary step to speed up the drying process, we have all the resources needed to help make it “Like it never even happened®.”

We sincerely hope these unfortunate situations never happen, but if they do we are standing by 24/7 and can be reached at 626.852.9922

How to Save Water

7/11/2018 (Permalink)

What is something we ALL love, especially in the summer time? Water. That's right, some would even say water makes the world go round. However, California has recently been experiencing some heat waves, meaning that we all have a part to play in helping save some WATER. Here are a few ways you can help out our state & planet by saving water! 

Step 1: Change your diet 

It takes water – a lot of it – to grow, process and transport your food. When you eat lower on the food chain, eat more whole foods and waste less food, you also save water.

Step 2: Cut indoor water use 

Every day, you rely on water for a wide variety of uses around the house. There are lots of opportunities to cut back on water use in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room and even by fixing leaks.

Step 3: Use less water outdoors 

Of all the residential water we use in the US, on average we use about a quarter outdoors. In some western states it’s half to three-quarters, primarily for lawns and gardens. A few simple steps can reduce your outdoor water consumption, so tighten those taps, eliminate those leaks and use water wisely.

Step 4: Change buying habits 

Practically everything you buy, use and consume has a water footprint because it took water to process and transport it. Being thoughtful about purchases, reusing where you can and recycling can reduce your water footprint.

Try to remember these few things this summer (and beyond) to reduce your ecological footprint and be a part of lasting change! 

Fire, Fireworks, and the Fourth of July!

7/3/2018 (Permalink)

It's that time of year again...the summer is heating up and Americans have the privilege to celebrate our independence! The Fourth of July is known for barbecues, hot dogs, and yep... fireworks!  All throughout California, on the night of July 4th, loud "BOOMS!" echo around the state. However, due to the large amount of wildfires that have occurred in the past year, fireworks have become a controversial topic.

Whether you choose to watch fireworks at your local high school, light them off in your neighborhood, or stay inside for the evening, it is important to know a few things about safety when around fireworks. Here are three easy tips to remember this Fourth of July! 

1. Try leaving the fireworks to the professionals this year

- I know that your block party will love to light off a few legal fireworks, but due to the dryness in California, it may be a good idea to enjoy them at a public venue. 

2. Watch out for the sparklers 

-These sparkling sticks of fun are a classic and July 4th must have. But be careful where you light them. Do not light indoors, on grass, or around bush. Instead, light these up on concrete floor or on the beach! Remember, no matter how tempting, DO NOT CHASE YOUR FRIENDS AROUND WITH SPARKLERS. 

3. Lookout for baggy clothes 

-A little fire safety tip is to wear clothes that are form fitting, rather than baggier clothes with lots of extra material. This extra material can catch fire without you even noticing. 

So, enjoy the Fourth of July safely! We hope these few tips will help you have a fun-filled and fire-free Fourth! 

11 Tips to Keep Your San Dimas Business Clean & Safe

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

To some people, the word “housekeeping” calls to mind cleaning floors and surfaces, removing dust, and organizing clutter.

But in a work setting, it means much more. Housekeeping is crucial to safe workplaces. It can help prevent injuries and improve productivity and morale, as well as make a good first impression on visitors. It also can help an employer avoid potential fines for non-compliance.

Workplace safety programs should incorporate housekeeping, and every worker should play a part. In addition, housekeeping should have management’s commitment so workers realize its importance. Here are 11 tips for effective workplace housekeeping.

1. Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls were the second leading cause of nonfatal occupational injuries or illnesses involving days away from work in 2013, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Ways to help prevent slip, trip and fall incidents:

• Report and clean up spills and leaks.
• Keep aisles and exits clear of items.
• Consider installing mirrors and warning signs to help with blind spots.
• Replace worn, ripped or damage flooring.
• Consider installing anti-slip flooring in areas that can’t always be cleaned.
• Use drip pans and guards.

2. Eliminate Fire Hazards

Employees should keep unnecessary combustible materials from accumulating in the work area. Combustible waste should be stored in covered metal receptacles and disposed of daily.

Ways to prevent fire hazards:

• Keep combustible materials in the work area only in amounts needed for the job. When they are unneeded, move them to an assigned safe storage area.
• Store quick-burning, flammable materials in designated locations away from ignition sources.
• Avoid contaminating clothes with flammable liquids. Change clothes if contamination occurs.
• Keep passageways and fire doors free of obstructions. Stairwell doors should be kept closed. Do not store items in stairwells.
• Keep materials at least 18 inches away from automatic sprinklers, fire extinguishers and sprinkler controls. 
• Hazards in electrical areas should be reported, and work orders should be issued to fix them.

3. Control Dust

Dust accumulation of more than 1/32 of an inch – or 0.8 millimeters – covering at least 5 percent of a room’s surface poses a significant explosion hazard, according to the Quincy, MA-based National Fire Protection Association. This dust accumulation is about as thick as a dime or paper clip.

Methods of cleaning include vacuuming, sweeping, and water wash-down. Ensure you are using wet methods or a high- efficiency vacuum system as using a shop vac or compressed air to blow it will only redistribute the dust. 

4.  Avoid Tracking Materials

Work-area mats – which can be cloth or sticky-topped – should be kept clean and maintained to help prevent the spread of hazardous materials to other work areas. Separate cleaning protocols may be needed for different areas to prevent cross-contamination. Avoid using the same mop to clean both an oily spill and in another area, for example.

5. Prevent falling objects

Protections such as a toe board, toe rail or net can help prevent objects from falling and hitting workers or equipment.

Other tips include stacking boxes and materials straight up and down to keep them from falling. 

Place heavy objects on lower shelves, and keep equipment away from the edges of desks and tables. Also, refrain from stacking objects in areas where workers walk, including aisles.

Keep layout in mind so workers are not exposed to hazards as they walk through areas. 

6. Clear Clutter

When an area is cluttered, you’re going to likely have a cut or laceration injury. You’re not going to have as much room to set up your workstation like you should and move around. You’re going to be twisting your body rather than moving your whole body. 

Workers should return tools and other materials to storage after using them, and dispose of materials that are no longer needed.

Keep aisles, stairways, emergency exits, electrical panels and doors clear of clutter, and purge untidy areas. Empty trash receptacles before they overflow.

7. Store Materials Properly

Storage areas should not have an accumulation of materials that present hazards for tripping, fire, explosion or pests. Unused materials and equipment should be stored out of the way of workers and you should avoid using workspaces for storage. Everything should be returned to its proper place after it is done being used. 

8. Use and inspect personal protective equipment and tools

Wear basic PPE – such as closed-toe shoes and safety glasses – while performing housekeeping. Tools should be regularly inspected, cleaned, and fixed and any damaged tools should be removed from the work area. 

9. Determine Frequency

All workers should participate in housekeeping, especially in terms of keeping their own work areas tidy, reporting safety hazards and cleaning up spills, if possible.

Before the end of a shift, workers should inspect and clean their workspaces and remove unused materials. This dedication can reduce time spent cleaning later.

10. Create written rules

Experts agree that housekeeping policies should be put in writing that way they are formal and defined. Written protocols could specify which cleaners, tools and methods should be used.

11. Think long-term

Keep records, maintain a regular walkthrough inspection schedule, report hazards and train employees to help sustain housekeeping. Set goals and expectations, and base auditing on those goals.

Read More: http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/12470-tips-for-effective-workplace-housekeeping?page=2

Avoiding Dryer Fires in your Glendora Home

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

The fear of a dryer fire is one that is not commonly heard of, however, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated annual 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries due to clothes dryer fires. Several hundred people a year are also subjected to carbon monoxide poisoning from improper dryer vent setups. The financial costs come to nearly $100,000,000 per year. In some cases faulty appliances are to blame, but many fires can be prevented with proper dryer venting.

Here are some small steps to take to Avoid a Dryer Fire:

1. Dryer's produce large amounts of lint. Be sure to clean the lint trap after EVERY use of the dryer.

2. Dryer Vents should ONLY be made of metal and be short and straight. Bends and curves result in lint buildup increasing the risk of a fire. 

3. Do not run the dryer when you are away from home or sleeping. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is faster to any size disaster!!

626.852.9922

5 Things You Should Know About Mold this Summer

6/26/2018 (Permalink)

6/26/2018

As the summer is heats up, it is important to remember that mold does not take a vacation! In fact, the warmer conditions can actually trigger dormant mold spores into active mode.

Here are 5 things to know about mold this summer: 

1. Symptoms of mold can include allergic reactions, respiratory problems, and asthma. 

2. The way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture. 

3. Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth. 

4. Certain molds can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and floods. 

5. Try to clean and dry any water or moisture you may find within 24-48 hours. This will help prevent mold!

Remember these 5 facts this summer in order to have a fun and mold-free summer! 

Large Loss Response

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

In the late Fall of 2017, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties experienced serious wildfire conditions.  

The Thomas Fire started before dawn on December 4, 2017. The fire ignited on the south-facing hillslopes along State Route 150 above Santa Paula.  Before it was contained, one thousand sixty-three structures were destroyed in both counties, and 280 additional structures received fire damage. The Thomas Fire is the largest fire in modern California history.

After the fires were contained, residents and business owners began dealing with the smoke damage. Smoke damage from wild fires can cause a wide range of issues with the property and health, as such, it is best to have this damage cleaned up as soon as possible by professionals.

If left untreated, the health risks living and working in smoke damaged structures include potential problems with your breathing, skin, and eyes. Though the smoke is no longer present, the effects of the smoke linger in furniture, carpet, walls and ceiling of the structure. Each time that you come in contact with the smoke damaged area of your property, you risk inhaling soot and other particles that are left behind after the fire has cleared.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas responded to the fire damaged properties in Ventura and Santa Barbara with crews that helped residential and commercial property owners recover from the widespread smoke-damage.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a Large Loss, full-service fire, smoke, wind, and water repair and restoration company. We offer immediate response to residential, commercial, industrial, and commercial property owners.

Timely Restoration in Diamond Bar, CA

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Why timely restoration following a water loss is important….

When a customer or an insurance carrier reports a water loss to SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, a person to person response can be expected within one hour.  This is the start of our priority service that may result in the immediate dispatch of a crew and equipment in an emergency, or scheduling of the property for inspection prior to restoration.  

However, the complexity and cost of restoration generally increases with the amount of time that passes before the start of the job.  So a timely request for help by the affected customer is essential.

In a flooded structure, if water is allowed to pool up, wood and other building materials in contact with the water will absorb it increasing the drying time, potentially increasing the amount of work to assure proper drying, and increased costs to reconstruct the property after drying is complete.  Also, after the first 48 hours the chances of mold growth increases rapidly.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has a standard for responding to a call in a timely manner to help keep the cost and time to recover from water damage to the absolute minimum.  This rapid reaction helps both the property owner and the insurance carrier to control for avoidable expenses and inconvenience.

Making Your San Gabriel Valley Home Mold Resistant

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

There is no such thing as a mold-proof home. Mold spores exist in the air inside our homes, but we can cohabit peacefully as long as those spores don’t find moisture and start growing. If they do, it’s only a matter of time before mold spreads, and once that happens, it can be difficult to eradicate. While you cannot eliminate mold, you can discourage its growth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mold growth can exist practically anywhere. All mold needs to thrive is moisture, a food source, and warmth. The “food source” can be any number of household items or materials such as bedding and draperies, shower walls and windowsills, wallpaper and ceiling tiles. Here are some steps you can take to help make your home mold resistant:

1. Prevent Moisture- Be sure to reduce moisture in your home whenever you can. For example, keep humidity below 50% in basements, improve outside grading and drainage by keeping gutter clean and soil sloping away from your home, and cover dirt crawl space floors with plastic to reduce moisture
2. Ventilate- Poor or missing ventilation fans in damp spaces like baths and kitchens can leave enough moisture behind to sustain a mold problem. Make sure all baths and kitchens are vented by properly sized fans that take moisture outside.
3. Store Safely- Keep all storage at least several inches up off concrete floors and away from foundations where dampness can easily seep in.
4. Heat Finished Basements- Below grade spaces like finished basements are more likely to become infested and should always be heated to at least 60 degrees, even when not being used.
5. Reduce Humidity- Use dehumidifiers to reduce humidity to 30%- 50% and fans to increase airflow in your home, especially if you live in a hot, humid climate.
6. Insulate Ducts- Duct systems that carry heated or cooled air throughout your house must be insulated whenever they pass through unheated or uncooled spaces like attics or basements. If not, condensation can form inside the ducts and when combined with dust in the air, can allow mold to grow in the ducts.
7. Clean Carefully- Use mold-inhibiting cleaners in the bathrooms and kitchens. Portable air conditioning units should be taken apart and cleaned at the start of every season.
8. Fix Floods Fast- If you do have a major leak or flood, quick action can stop mold before it starts. Thoroughly dry soaked carpets and padding, and remove any wet upholstery.

By taking these steps to make your home mold resistant, you’ll avoid the headaches of remediation and repair, as well as the potential health problems mold can cause. If you do suspect mold growth in your home, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas can inspect, assess and remediate your property. CALL TODAY 626.852.9922

Common Causes of Commercial Water Damage

3/12/2018 (Permalink)

There’s nothing quite like water damage to put a damper on your business. Not only can you lose out on days or weeks of productivity, but you could also find yourself repairing or replacing valuable equipment like electronics, tools, and inventory. In order to determine how to prevent water damage in your business, you have to first determine what the causes of water damage are. The following are common causes of commercial water damage:

Appliances & Equipment:

If your facility has equipment that utilizes water, leakage is an ever-present danger. Air conditioners, water heaters, or anything that uses tubes, pipes, gaskets or filters to operate has the potential to leak.

The best thing to do is to regularly look over and maintain your equipment. If you notice anything that concerns you-- like rust, cracks, bulges or signs of moisture-- take preventative measures.

Sprinkler Systems

Many commercial buildings are equipped with sprinkler systems which are ideal for minimizing fire damage, but are not ideal for water damage when they malfunction. Always check your sprinkler system for signs of damage or rust, and replace them regularly to make sure they are functioning properly.

Roofing

Make sure you are checking your roof regularly. If you have water gathering on the roof, your drainage isn’t working effectively. Over time, this can cause strain and lead to leaks.

Natural Disasters

Mother nature can be unpredictable, and she can also do untold damage to your business. In Southern California, we experience natural disasters like severe thunderstorms and flash flooding. We cannot control the weather, but we can control how ready we are for it.

To keep the damage minimal, you should keep the gutters clear, installing barriers and storing important files and electronics at a higher level. You may also want to consider getting a risk assessment and adding flood insurance if you’re in an area where your risk is higher.

Pipes & Drains

Your plumbing system is susceptible to stoppages, clogs, and damage. You should keep an eye out for outward signs of moisture, blue stains, rusting, cracking and bulging. If you’re having plumbing work done or you have a cut pipe for any reason, check for scale buildup.

Ultimately, there is no way to completely eliminate all risk of water damage to your facility, but knowing common culprits, practicing good maintenance and taking preventative measures will reduce your risks and help you respond better if something does occur. If your Los Angeles business experiences water damage do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas.

Tips to Preparing Your Southern California Business For Disaster

2/28/2018 (Permalink)

In California alone there are over 3 million small businesses. According to an NFIB National Small Business Poll, only 38% of these businesses have an emergency/disaster preparedness plan. Many people think that a disaster would never affect them, but natural disasters have impacted more than 30% of small businesses.

You never know when a disaster might strike your small business and once it does, it’ll be too late to develop a plan. How quickly you get back on your feet after a disaster hits depends greatly upon the amount of advanced planning you do for your business. If you haven’t already put a disaster plan in place for your business, now is the best time to start.

Here are seven steps to help prepare your business:

1. Risk Assessment: Identify what kinds of emergencies are most likely to affect your company then evaluate your preparedness level. Questions you can ask yourself include: Do we have emergency equipment on site? Do I have any employees trained to help in a medical emergency? Do we have our data backed up and stored someplace safe?

2. Review Your Insurance Coverage: Based on your risk assessment, talk with your insurance agent to make sure your business is covered should a disaster strike. Many times business owners think they have plenty of coverage, only to find out later that their policy didn’t cover a particular disaster situation.

3. Create a Contingency Plan: Review all your business operations and identify those areas most critical for your business survival. Establish a procedure for managing those functions in the event of a disaster. It may also be helpful to determine an alternate business location that you and your employees can continue to run business.

4. Create a Communications Plan: Establish a calling tree or create a password protected area where employees can report in. Deciding how communications will be managed in advance will minimize panic and the relay of misinformation.

5. Backup Your Data : Be sure to backup all of your data and keep it stored in a safe location off-site. Important documents such as contracts, business licenses, and corporate records should be kept in a fireproof box or bank lock- box.

6. Build an Emergency Kit: Keep an emergency kit on-site at all times. It should include items such as water, batteries, flashlights, a fire extinguisher, non-perishable food, water, a whistle, and first-aid items.

7. Review and Rehearse Your Plan: After making a plan, be sure to review and rehearse it with your team throughout the year, so when disaster strikes they will know what to do. You should also provide a copy of the plan to each employee as well.

Creating a disaster plan is simple, but crucial for your business. If you have trouble deciding how to prepare your Southern California business for disaster, call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas and we can help you develop a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile. Let us help you prepare your business for disaster!! Call Today 626.852.9922

Furniture Mold Removal

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

Severe Mold Damage

Water and mold can not only affect the structure of your home, but also your belongings. If your home has suffered damage from a leak or flood, it’s important to check all indoor furnishings and fixtures for signs of mold damage.

SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas understands that your home is more than a structure; your family’s furniture, clothing, keepsakes, and other belongings help transform a house into a home. Our expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes that can’t be replaced. We pretest your contents to determine what items can be restored back to their condition before the water and mold damage.

We utilize several methods of cleaning your contents, including:

• Dry Cleaning - Used for cleaning light residues or to pre-clean prior to wet cleaning.
• Wet Cleaning - An effective cleaning method for removing moderate to heavy residues.
• Spray and Wipe -Effective for items that can’t withstand wet cleaning.
• Foam Cleaning - Used for upholstery fabrics that might shrink or bleed if wet cleaned.
• Abrasive Cleaning - Involves agitation of the surface being cleaned.
• Immersion Cleaning - Contents are dipped into a bath of the cleaning product.

SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. If you suspect mold growth in your home, call today for a free estimate. -(626) 852-9922

The Importance of Gutters

2/16/2018 (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.”

https://disastersafety.org/ibhs/commercial-roofs-gutters-drains-and-scuppers/

https://disastersafety.org/hurricane/roof-damage-checklist/

Is Your Los Angeles Business Prepared for the Next Big Earthquake?

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

If you are a California native, you know that the Golden State is known for being an earthquake hot zone. California is a highly seismically active area and has more than 300 fault lines that span across the state. One of the highest risk areas, the southern part of the San Andreas fault, is as close as some of our backyards.

Many believe that the San Andreas fault is due for an earthquake because a lot of pressure has built up along the fault line, as there hasn’t been an earthquake since a magnitude 7.9 in 1857. Preparing your commercial business for a major earthquake is important to ensure that your business continues running in the event that one strikes Southern California.

Here are 7 steps to an Earthquake Resilient Business:

1. Identify Potential Hazards

You should recognize potential problems and analyze how they may interrupt your business. First, identify critical assets that would cause a disruption to your business. Then, identify the level of impact these assets could have if lost. Begin to address these hazards now that they have been prioritized.

2. Create a Disaster Plan

Once you’ve identified the potential hazards that an earthquake could have on your Los Angeles business, you will need to create an emergency plan. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas can assist in developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile plan that will help guide you in the event of an emergency. Ensure that all employees know and understand the plan and conduct annual training and regular drills so that the plan will be second nature by the time disaster strikes.

3. Prepare Disaster Supplies Kits

Your commercial business should also take basic measures to be self-sufficient during the early phases after disaster. Not only should there be a first aid kit, but also disaster supplies such as food, water, and flashlights. Ensure that all emergency supplies are easily accessible and in protected locations.

4. Identify your Building’s Potential Weaknesses and Begin to Fix Them

Address any structural hazards that could interrupt your business, especially high impact and high cost hazards. Strengthen weaknesses and replace elements that may injure people or keep you from reopening.

5. Protect Yourself and Employees During Earthquake

Drop, Cover, and Hold Up. When at work and an earthquake hits, the critical initial step for safety is to: Drop underneath a sturdy table, Cover your head and neck, and Hold On to the furniture as it moves and stay until the shaking stops. Stay clear of objects that may fall, windows, or anything that may harm you.

6. After the Earthquake, Check for Injuries and Damage

Once the earthquake has stopped, check for people injured, then look for serious damage and decide if it is safe to stay. Once life safety is stabilized, focus on the building and any potential structural hazards.

7. When Safe Continue to Follow Your Disaster Plan

Begin recovery activities to resume your business operations. Create a more detailed assessment of operational issues, prioritize your findings, then create an action plan to address them.

Preparing for an earthquake is critical for your Los Angeles business, will your business be open or closed after the next big earthquake?

Protecting Your Los Angeles County Business From Fire

2/5/2018 (Permalink)

All of the time, money, and effort that you invest in your business has the potential of disappearing in just one fire. The most common and costliest types of commercial property damage is fire, so it it crucial to take all the precautions needed to protect your business from a fire hazard.

The following are way to protect your business from a serious fire:

1. Remove Clutter that Could Potentially Fuel a Fire

Keep work areas clear of paper, trash, and anything that could potentially kindle a fire. You should perform a close inspection of all work spaces to remove anything that could create sparks or fuel a fire. Also, ensure that there are no obstacles blocking access to emergency exits.  

2. Watch Appliances and Machinery

Old, faulty, or misused appliances have the potential to cause fires. Get rid of broken appliances, check for recalls, and make sure employees turn off appliances when they are not in use. Do not overload power outlets or exceed voltage limits.

3. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are two crucial, potentially life-saving devices. Be sure to replace batteries periodically and test all devices regularly to make sure they’re functioning properly.

4. Make Sure Fire Extinguishers Are in Working Order

Ensure that your business has the proper type of extinguisher for your facilities and regularly check that everything is in working order. You should also provide your employees with training on how to use these extinguishers.

5. Train Employees

Make sure employees are properly trained in the correct use of all equipment and in the storage and disposal of fire hazards. All employees should know what to do if a fire occurs, including the location and operation of fire extinguishers, the emergency number to call, and the exits to use.

6. Have an Evacuation Plan

You should also be ready for the unexpected. Make sure all exit signs are visible and adequately lit by a reliable power source at all times. Conduct regular fire drills so that your employees know how to respond in the event of a fire emergency. You can also contact SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to help develop a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile plan for your business to help guide you in the event of an emergency.

Practice good fire safety prevention now to prevent heartache and financial loss later. In the event that your San Gabriel Valley business does suffer from fire damage, do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to assist in the remediation and restoration process.

Is Your San Gabriel Valley Business Ready for Disaster?

2/2/2018 (Permalink)

Did you know? As many as 50% of businesses close down following a disaster.

Of these businesses that survive, a majority of them had an emergency preparedness plan in place.

By Developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business. Being “Ready for whatever happens” speaks trust to your clients and employees that in the event your business is affected by a disaster, they don’t necessarily have to be.

Contact SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to help develop an emergency ready Profile for your San Gabriel Valley business. Some benefits of the plan include:

• No cost assessment of your facility
• A concise Profile Document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency
• A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.
• Establishment of SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.
• Establishing the line of contact for authorizing work to begin.
• Facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information.

Ready to get started? Contact SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas at 626.852.9922 TODAY!

9 Tips to Prevent Mold In Your San Gabriel Valley Home

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

While mold is necessary for the decomposition of organic matter in nature and in the making of brie and penicillin, it can be very dangerous when found in your home or business.

Mold spores can spread easily and cannot be completely eradicated. It can grow in places such as your carpet, clothing, food, paper, and even in places you cannot see such as the backside of the drywall and above ceiling tiles. The presence of mold in your home can also produce allergens and irritants that could compromise your health.

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

Here are 9 ways to prevent moisture indoors:

1. Identify Problem Areas and Correct Them

Do an audit of your home and decide where the problem areas are. 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.

2. Dry Wet Areas Immediately

Mold cannot grow without moisture so take care of wet areas right away. If you’ve experienced a water loss, remove items that cannot be dried such as bedding, carpets, and furniture. Also, be mindful of everyday occurrences such as wet clothes in the washing machine and wet shower walls.

3. Prevent Moisture with Proper Ventilation

Vent appliances that produce moisture and use AC units and dehumidifiers. 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 areas.

4. Equip Your Home with Mold Resistant Products

If you are building a new home or renovating an old one, be sure to use mold-resistant products like mold-resistant drywall or mold-resistant Sheetrock, and mold inhibitors for paints. Traditional drywall is more susceptible to mold and removal and replacement can be expensive.

5. Monitor Humidity Indoors

The moisture levels in your home should be anywhere in between 35% and 50%. If you reach 60% relative humidity it is best to look for the source of the added moisture and at 70% certain species of mold can be growing.

6. Direct Water Away From Your Home

Slope the ground around your home or business away from the foundation to prevent water from collecting and seeping into the crawlspace or basement.

7. Clean or Repair Roof 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

Without good airflow in your home, 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 that the rooms they are in.

9. Call a Professional

If you aren’t sure how to correct a problem you find, call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas. We provide free inspections to our customers and can help with all of your mold remediation needs.  

https://www.mnn.com/your-home/at-home/stories/how-to-prevent-mold-9-tips

Mold Vs. Mildew: What's The Difference?

1/29/2018 (Permalink)

Mold and mildew are both types of fungi that are commonly found in homes. They thrive in moist environments, spread easily,  and can live on many surfaces which makes them very difficult to get rid of and clean. If they are not taken care of properly, harmful microorganisms can quickly affect your property, which could result in structural damage.

While mold and mildew are similar it is important to know their different characteristics to help with the cleaning and prevention of these household fungi.

What is Mildew?

Mildew is a specific type of mold. It is usually a thin dusting of a black, grey, or white growth appearing on fabric, upholstery and occasionally walls. The most commonly encountered kind of growth in homes is a grey-black powdery mildew and is easily recognizable. It is most commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. To identify mildew growth, check for a musty smell, change in color, and any areas that mildew might have eaten away.

What is Mold?

Mold is a fungus that contains multiple identical nuclei and grows in the form of black or green patches which penetrate beneath the surface of the affected material. It is often the result of a much larger infestation and can appear almost “fuzzy” or even slimy in nature. Mold growth requires moisture which could come from washing, cooking, condensation, or leaks from plumbing. Mold also releases small "spores" into the air. 

The key to treating mold and mildew is to remove it from your home immediately. If you find mold or mildew in your home be sure to call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas for all of your mold remediation needs.

5 Myths About Mold

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

When it comes to mold, there is a lot of misinformation told. Even mentioning the word “mold” can cause people to flee in panic. In reality, mold can be a serious problem, but with the right information you can learn to distinguish myth from fact. To help you learn facts from fiction, here are 5 common myths about mold.

Myth #1: “Your house can and should be completely free of mold.

This statement is false on both accounts. Mold spores are apart of the natural environment, and it would be virtually impossible to remove every last spore from your home. Mold is only an issue when its concentration reaches unhealthy levels, typically as large, visible colonies.

Myth #2: “Mold is harmless.”

Even though you can’t completely remove mold from your house, allowing it to grow unchecked is not wise. The health effects of mold are still unclear, and vary person by person, but there is not question that mold can and will damage your personal belongings if allowed to grow on them.

Myth #3: “Once you’ve killed mold, the removal is optional.”

The allergens in mold are still present and can become airborne even when mold is dead. After mold has been killed in your home, it should be fully removed. Care must also be taken when removing the affected areas so that the allergens and mold is not spread throughout the house.

Myth #4: “Bleach kills mold.”

This statement is half true. Bleach can kill certain kinds of mold on non porous surfaces, however, it is not clear if bleach can kill all kinds of mold or mold on porous surfaces such as wood. Using bleach to kill mold also poses its own health risks and could cause further damage if not used correctly.

Myth #5: “A little mold is nothing to worry about.”

If mold is to the point where it is visibly growing on surfaces in your home, there is a problem. Mold is like an iceberg, you generally only see the tip of it while the majority is below the surface. If you see a small amount of mold, you most likely have more growing under the surface.

Because mold can produce allergens and irritants, you will want a professional that has training and experience to properly resolve your mold infestation. If you suspect that your Glendora home or business has a mold problem, SERVPRO of Glendora / San Dimas can inspect, assess and remediate your property.

Learn more about mold and what to do until help arrives by reviewing these mold damage tips.

Categorizing Water Damage in Your Home

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

Many of the damages we encounter are caused by broken water pipes or faulty appliances. With these types of water damages, it is important to know the source of the water to properly clean it up.

Water damages are categorized into three major types of water. -- clean water, gray water, and black water. The categories are based on where the water came from and how dangerous it is to human health.

Category One- Clean Water

Clean water is treated water that does not contain waste products. Burst pipes, overflowing sinks, and defective appliances are sources of clean water. This type of water has not been used and resents few health risks for humans during removal. Natural disasters can damage roofs severely and open up buildings to rain and snow, but if the water flows through soil it is no longer considered to be clean.

Category Two- Gray Water

Water that has been used and carries waste products, but does not contain human waste is considered to be grey water. An overflowing washing machine that dumps wash water on the floor is gray. A toilet overflow with no solid matter is gray. Generally, gray water does not present the hazard of spreading diseases, but it can cause sickness for those exposed through touching, drinking, or other contact.

Category 3- Black Water

Black water is considered to be unsanitary water. Floodwaters are considered to be black water. Floods cause severe damage to the structures and contents. Floodwaters carry silt and debris of every type. They can contain disease-causing organisms as well as possible contaminants. Carpets and other porous materials must be replaced when contaminated with black water.

It is also important to note that black water may not look black in color and grey water may not look gray in color. The categorization of water depends on the source of water and what’s in it, not the actual color.

If you ever experience water damage in your home, do not hesitate to contact SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas. We have highly trained technicians who have all the skills needed to take care of your water damage and make your home “Like it never even happened.”

Storm Safety Tips

12/19/2017 (Permalink)

No matter where you live in Southern California, you will encounter storms. Most of the time they are routine, but some can cause serious damage and wreckage. Here are some tips for preparing for storms, and weathering them safely.

Before the Storm

• Keep a battery-powered radio in your home so that you can tune to radio stations if you lose electricity. Check the batteries monthly, and replace them as needed.
• Keep a flashlight on every floor of your home in an easily accessible spot.
• Keep a supply of candles on hand in case of power failure.
• Before leaving your house for an extended period of time be sure to unplug all electrical appliances.
• Nail down roof shingles or use adhesive to keep them from blowing in a violent wind.
• Place grounding rods at opposite corners of your home to protect against lightning.
• Keep an eye on large trees that could damage your house in the event of a storm and cut them back if necessary.

During the Storm

• If there are flood threats, seek high ground and stay inside as much as possible.
• Close shutters, board windows, or tape the inside of larger panes with an “X” along the full length of their diagonals.
• If there is a tornado threat, leave windows slightly ajar.
• Take shelter underground, far from your home (in case the roof falls)  and away from the gas and sewer systems.
• Try to avoid water because it is a great conductor of electricity.
• Do not use electric equipment.

After the Storm

• Stay tuned to local news organizations for important announcements concerning the storm area.
• Avoid driving as roads may be blocked.
• Avoid metal fences and downed power lines.
• Assume the water is not safe and use properly stored water or boil your tap water.
• Telephone lines will likely be busy in the area so only use a phone for emergencies.
• Contact SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to inspect your home for damage and aid in repairs.

If your home experiences storm damage in the San Gabriel Valley or LA Basin be sure to contact SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas for all of your restoration needs.

The Greatest Storm on Earth

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

Few things in nature can compare to the destructive force of a hurricane. Hurricanes, the greatest storm on Earth, is capable of annihilating coastal areas with sustained winds of 155 miles per hour or higher, intense areas of rainfall, and a storm surge.

Hurricanes form over tropical waters in areas of high humidity, light winds, and warm sea surface temperatures. During development, certain characteristics become more prominent as the storm strengthens. At the center of the hurricane is the eye, a cloud-free area of sinking air and light winds that is usually from 10 to 65 kilometers in diameter. As air rises in the thunderstorms surrounding the eye, some of it is forced towards the center, where it converges and sinks.The eye is the calmest part of the storm because the strong surface winds converging towards the center never actually reach the exact center of the storm, but instead form a cylinder of relatively calm air. Bordering the eye of a hurricane is the eye wall, a ring of tall thunderstorms that produce heavy rains and very strong winds. The most destructive section of the storm is in the eye wall on the side where the wind blows in the same direction as the storm’s forward motion.

As a hurricane moves closer to land, coastal communities begin to feel the effects of heavy rain, strong winds, and tornadoes. It’s most destructive weapon is the accompanying storm surge, a rise on the ocean level of up to about 33 feet. When a hurricane approaches the coast, an 80-160 kilometer wide dome of ocean water sweeps over the coastline. Storm surges have demolished marinas, piers, boardwalks, houses, and other shoreline structures while eroding beaches and washing out coastal roads and railroads.

In the early 1970s a classification system was designed to quantify the level of damage and flooding expected from a hurricane. This system is called the Saffir-Simpson Scale and consists of 5 categories with 1 being the weakest and 5 being the strongest. The scale corresponds to a hurricane’s central pressure, maximum sustained winds, and storm surge. Categories 3, 4, and 5 are considered major hurricanes, capable of inflicting great damage and loss of life.

As a Certified Large Loss Response Team Franchise, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has access to Semi-truck Trailers of emergency equipment and hundreds of experienced personnel to assist any communities affected by hurricanes in a moment’s notice.

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Features/Hurricanes/hurricanes_1.php 

Wildfires Spread Across Southern California

12/6/2017 (Permalink)

On Tuesday, flames swept inside the city limits of Ventura burning homes and palm trees as it approached the downtown area. This fire, known as the Thomas Fire, tore across 65,000 acres by Wednesday morning, and the blaze destroyed hundreds of homes, threatened 12,000 structures and forced 27,000 people to evacuate. The burn zone is twice as large an area as Manhattan, and about the size of Seattle. Emergency responders hurried to evacuate residents, protect homes and shut down roads across the region, even as authorities warned that the biggest fire was “still out of control” early Wednesday.

Meanwhile, other major wildfires sprung up further inland. In the San Fernando Valley an 11,000-acre fire forced the evacuation of at least 2,500 homes. Another fire near Santa Clarita forced the closure of Interstate 5, California’s main north-south highway. Late Tuesday, another fire broke out in San Bernardino, near the California State University, San Bernardino campus, forcing more evacuations.

The wildfires are being fed by unusually strong Santa Ana winds, blowing in from the dry desert to the east. Wind gusts from 50 mph- 70 mph are expected through Thursday. A smoke advisory was issued for the Los Angeles area urging residents to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.

If your home or business suffers from smoke or soot damage due to the wildfires sweeping across Southern California, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas for all of your fire restoration needs. As a Certified Large Loss Response Team Franchise, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas has access to Semi-truck Trailers of emergency equipment and hundreds of experienced personnel to assist any communities affected by wildfires in a moment’s notice.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2017/12/06/ferocious-wildfires-burn-across-southern-california-destroying-homes-and-forcing-thousands-to-evacuate/?utm_term=.d072bad5bb97

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/wind-fueled-southern-california-wildfires-spread-likely-to-worsen-2017-12-05

Sophie the Elf & Frank the Reindeer

11/3/2017 (Permalink)

Sophie and Frank taking the SERVPRO Green Machine on a route.

Earlier this week, Sophie the Elf and Frank the Reindeer from the San Dimas Chamber stopped by our office to live a day as a SERVPRO sales representative.

Here is a blog post written by Sophie about her experience as a SERVPRO employee:

“Before coming to SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park, I did not know anything about restoration or what it took to be a sales representative for this business.

When I first arrived to the office, everyone greeted Frank and I with a warm welcome and open arms. We even got our own SERVPRO merchandise so we truly looked like members of the SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park family. Then we were able to learn all about the operations behind SERVPRO and the services they provide from the franchise owner, SERVPRO Joe himself.

Once we learned all there is to know about SERVPRO, we headed over to the sales office to prepare for our route. Before we could leave for our sales route, we had to prepare the pop-by gifts that the sales representative drops off to the various contacts on this route. Once we got everything put together, we headed off on the road. I was even able to drive the SERVPRO Green Machine with Frank “riding shotgun”. We made stops all around San Dimas and even got to stop at Civic Center Park to enjoy the nice Southern California weather we were having.

I had a fun, eventful day as a SERVPRO sales representative, and overall it was a great experience. I can’t wait to visit my friends at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park again.”

Annual Holiday Food Drive

11/1/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Supports the Glendora 2017 Holiday Canned Food Drive

This November, SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park will go to the Williams Education Center cafeteria to assist the Glendora Community Coordinating Council (GCCC) in the sorting of canned food for their Annual Holiday Food Basket Program.

The GCCC began collecting food late September by placing collection boxes around the Glendora area at locations such as the Glendora Public Library, Glendora High Scholl, and Glendora Police Department. They also connected with institutions who have participated in past years to make donations.

The food is then taken to Williams Education Center where the sorting took place.  The SERVPRO team will help sort cans of vegetables, beans, corn, canned fruit, and other non-perishable items, moving them from overflowing boxes and bags into organized and categorized groups on the cafeteria tables. Once sorted, another team of volunteers will came through with packing lists and assembled boxes. Each box gets a variety of food items in addition to food vouchers.

One key purpose of the GCCC is “to mobilize a voluntary association of community organizations to support it’s citizens.” SERVPRO has been able to utilize our employees and equipment resources to aid the GCCC on several occasions.

SERVPRO learned of GCCC’s food project through the Glendora Police Department’s Community Services Officer Nita Ulloa-Pedroni. SERVPRO’s Sales Manager, Doug Beach, reached out to her looking for a new way for SERVPRO to serve the community and Ulloa-Pedroni suggested GCCC’s Glendora Holiday Food Basket event. 

Mr. Greg Gillham is the lead coordinator for the event, fostering the relationship between SERVPRO and GCCC. He is a retired electrician working with GCCC, Kiwanis Club, and other local charitable organizations.

Last year, SERVPRO aided GCCC in completing approximately 250 food boxes that will be distributed to needy families in the Glendora community during the Holiday Season. GCCC will also deliver part of the food collected to the Shepard’s Pantry in Glendora.

The Santa Ana Winds

10/9/2017 (Permalink)

As Southern California residents, we know that the autumn season brings pumpkin spice lattés, trendy cardigans, and the Santa Ana winds.

The Santa Ana winds are strong down slope winds that blow through the mountain passes in southern California. The three ingredients for the perfect Santa Ana wind are high winds, dry trees and bushes, and low humidity. These three things together create “critical fire weather” conditions for most of Southern California. Critical areas include the San Bernardino Mountains, the Inland Empire below Cajon Pass, the Santa Ana mountains, and the Foothills.  

Santa Ana winds can reach wind speeds anywhere between 30 mph and 75mph, with some winds reaching 115 mph at times. These high speed winds can send trees and power lines toppling making driving conditions treacherous, especially for high profile vehicles. Fires can also be quickly spread with these winds and could cause great damage.

In the event that the Santa Ana winds cause damage to your home or business, don’t hesitate to call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park for all of your restoration needs.

Hurricane Watch 2017

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

The 2017 hurricane season has proven to be intense and highly active. This may be because of the ideal conditions for a lot of big, powerful storms. These conditions include low wind shear and high ocean temperatures.

On average, 12 tropical storms form in the Atlantic during hurricane season and this year has already seen 13. Of these 13 named tropical storms, eight were hurricanes and of those, four were major hurricanes. These major hurricanes have been Category 3 and greater and hurricane season still has two months left to go.

 Hurricane Harvey hit Southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana, dropping 19 trillion gallons of rain water on the unfortunate cities in these areas. The heavy rains triggered unprecedented flooding, that is estimated to cost $180 billion in damages, which is more costly than Hurricane Katrina was.

Hurricane Irma was the next hurricane and quickly became one of the strongest ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. Irma set the record for most intense storm for a long duration with wind speeds of 180mph blowing for 37 hours. Irma began in the Florida Keys before rolling through both Florida coasts causing much damage and knocking out power to millions of people is some areas.

Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico and was the strongest storm to hit the island since 1928 when the San Felipe hurricane terrorized the island. All of Puerto Rico lost power and was plagued with many flash flood warnings. The storm thrashed the island with winds over 100mph and more than 30 inches of rain.

People are still reaping the affects of these hurricanes and the total damages are still unknown. As a Certified Large Loss Response Team Franchise, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park has access to Semi-truck Trailers of emergency equipment and hundreds of experienced personnel so if any of these areas affected by hurricanes need us to respond, we can be there in a moment’s notice.

Thunderstorms in Southern California

8/1/2017 (Permalink)

The weather in southern California this time of year proves to be perfect for beach trips, picnics, and any other summer fun. What most people don’t know is that it can also be perfect weather for thunderstorms, which can potentially be dangerous. The highest risk areas are cities in the foothills including Azusa, San Dimas, Glendora and La Verne because flooding can do the greatest amount of damage in these areas.

Thunderstorms occur most often during the warmer months and thrive under specific conditions. The two most basic elements of a thunderstorm are moisture and rapidly rising warm air. The two biggest threats associated with thunderstorms are lighting and flash floods, which are very dangerous because they can come on suddenly and cause massive amounts of damage. The presence of lighting can cause wildfires if the storm contains very little rain while flash flooding can cause property damage and great loss.

Keeping an eye on the weather forecasts will prove to be beneficial in avoiding loss from storms. Also, if your home or business does suffer from damage at the hands of a thunder storm do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park. During a storm, SERVPRO can assist by putting temporary covers on a property until the roof leaks can be properly fixed. After a storm, SERVPRO can clean-up water inside of a property that may have been caused by heavy rains.

Regency Inn, Baldwin Park Fire

8/1/2017 (Permalink)

Across the U.S, fire departments respond to approximately 3,500 structure fires in hotels and motels each year which result in over $84 million in direct property damage.

The Regency Inn hotel located in Baldwin Park, California added to this statistic earlier this year. The cause of the fire was unknown but one unit on the third floor was completely charred. The Los Angeles County Fire Department was quick on the scene and contained the fire to one room to prevent anyone from being seriously injured. However, 18 units suffered extensive smoke damage.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/ Baldwin Park was called to aid in the restoration of the hotel.  As a Large Loss Response Team (LLRT) Franchise, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park has access to Semi-truck Trailers of emergency equipment and hundreds of experienced personnel along with subject matter experts in specialties associated with large loss events. The restoration that SERVPRO will be performing will be asbestos abatement, smoke clean-up, and smoke and fire remediation.

No water or fire restoration project is too large or too small for the Team at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park. 

Wind Storm in California

7/31/2017 (Permalink)

Composition Roofing Material Blown off a Residence in California Winds.

Sometimes a storm may take on other qualities other than one of rain or snow fall. 

In Southern California, there are frequently natural disasters that take the form of Fire and/or Wind.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park helps recovery efforts from Fire and Wind storms and the damage they cause homeowners and businesses every year.

Recently, in Hacienda Heights California, there were unusually high winds that gusted locally to such high speeds that residential roofing materials were blown off homes causing the owners the expense of repairs along with the additional risk from exposure to water damage with possible seasonal rain storms.

Wind Storms that occur in California generally are seen in the Summer and Fall months.

The so called Santa Ana winds are strong, extremely dry down-slopewinds that originate inland and affect coastal Southern California.  Santa Ana winds are known for the hot dry weather that they bring in the fall (often the hottest of the year), but they can arise at other times of the year as well. 

Seasonal Santa Ana Winds are a source of potential property damage to homes and businesses that SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park can help customers recover from.

Insurance Offices in Diamond Bar, California

7/25/2017 (Permalink)

Fire Sprinkler System Failure in an Insurance Office

Thursday, July 20, 2017, a fire suppression line burst in the first floor under the concrete slab of a commercial building located in Diamond Bar, California.    SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/ Baldwin Park is called in to support Emergency Services. 

Fire Suppression lines are high pressure water lines intended to safeguard the building in the event of a fire.  Ocassionaly, these lines can break and lead to very large volumes of water being released quickly, causing a lot of damage to the building.  The rupture in Diamond Bar flooded the entire 1^st floor, approximately 25,000 square feet.  The first floor of the facility is a mix of offices and open cubicles, conference rooms, lobby, and kitchen/break room areas. 

The interior/exterior of the walls of the structure are steel framed and insulated.  Standing water was found in the C-channels and the insulation was saturated.  Drywall was wet up to 24 inches throughout the facility.  Upon arrival, 2-4 inches of standing water was present throughout the first floor.  Water extraction of the entire area was performed and necessary drying equipment was set in place. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park has been a “Large Loss Response Team” serving the Los Angeles Basin for many years.   This project will be expertly handled, keeping the time to get back to normal as short as possible and keeping the cost to recover as low as possible.

There is no job too big or too small for SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park.

"Working Together"

7/17/2017 (Permalink)

Working off-hours to support the affected business

Commercial Water Loss projects are generally costly not just because the expense of the restoration can be higher based on the larger size of the project, but also from the potential lost business that will be a concern if normal operations are disrupted.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park has been very good at working with commercial customers over the years who have been concerned that the restoration process could be expensive from the point of view that their customers will not be able to continue using the business during the recovery.    

Routinely, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park will work with the business owner to schedule the restoration work to minimize potential lost business.    

One way to handle this challenge is to perform the restoration off peak-business-hours so normal operations can continue during the day with a minimum of impact.     We were able to arrange this work plan with Bixby Knolls Carpet in Orange California early in 2017.  They had a loss that required we set up our containment barriers after business hours, working through the night and early morning and removing the barriers so the showroom could be available to customers during the day.    The business owner was very grateful for this cooperation and experienced very little impact to their business during the restoration. 

Another way we help minimize operation losses to businesses is to schedule the recovery for extended hours, at times, performing the clean-up on a 24 hour work plan to expedite the completion.    Given circumstances where operating the business in parallel with our cleaning crews is possible, or, if there is no way to operate until the clean-up is completed, performing the restoration as quickly as possible could be a critical decision when planning the restoration work. 

In 2016, we were able to perform our restoration on the AES Inc. Manufacturing Plant in Upland by performing the restoration in parallel with the normal operations of the facility.  At the same time, AES and SERVPRO acknowledged that the AES and SERVPRO employees would be working around each other and a loss of efficiency could result to both companies.  A mutual decision was made that the most effective approach would be to work our clean-up crews on a 24/7, 7 days a week schedule until the work was completed, which minimized the overall impact to both companies.

Whatever lengths may be necessary to assist in keeping the overall cost of the loss as low as possible, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park will do what it takes to help the customer recover from the disaster with a minimum of disruption.

Hot Water Heaters

7/12/2017 (Permalink)

One of the most common sources of flooding in a residential property is a failed water heater.   At the same time, property owners tend to put very high expectations on it to operate with no malfunctions.   In fact, Hot Water Heaters are relatively simple appliances and tend to be trouble free and last a long time, making it easy take them for granted.

 The typical expectations are:

• Heat up between 30-80 gallons of cold water and maintain the desired temperature, 24 hours a day
• Depending on the size of the household, it may get emptied and refilled one or more times a day
• Rarely does a water heater get serviced by anybody, let alone a trained plumber, at any time during its lifetime
• Its proper function is critical to the users, just listen to the disappointed comments when it unexpectedly shuts off, or begins leaking.
• its literally shoved into an out of the way corner and forgotten for years until something goes wrong

At the same time, the failure of this appliance has a predictable track record studied by the insurance industry.  The typical failure mode is for the containment vessel to rust through over time and begin slowly leaking or suddenly bursting via corrosion issues.   The age at failure ranged widely from 1-30 years (average of 10.7 years). 

Finding out the age of your water heater can sometimes be tricky. But, all water heaters have a Rating Plate that lists important data such as the model and serial numbers, manufacturing company’s name, length of warranty, wattage of elements installed (on electric models), gallon capacity, input BTU rating (gas models), and more.

If you would like to save yourself the cost and heartache of having water damage from a failed water heater, consider taking a look at the make/model and determine the date of manufacture so you can take action with repairs or replacement before a disaster takes control of your life. 

Also, consider calling SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park.  We will come out free of charge and give you our expert advice on next steps to eliminate the risk before a failure occurs. 

Water Heater Troubles

7/12/2017 (Permalink)

One of the most common sources of flooding in a residential property is a failed water heater.   At the same time, property owners tend to put very high expectations on it to operate with no malfunctions.   In fact, Hot Water Heaters are relatively simple appliances and tend to be trouble free and last a long time, making it easy take them for granted.

 The typical expectations are:

• Heat up between 30-80 gallons of cold water and maintain the desired temperature, 24 hours a day
• Depending on the size of the household, it may get emptied and refilled one or more times a day
• Rarely does a water heater get serviced by anybody, let alone a trained plumber, at any time during its lifetime
• Its proper function is critical to the users, just listen to the disappointed comments when it unexpectedly shuts off, or begins leaking.
• its literally shoved into an out of the way corner and forgotten for years until something goes wrong

At the same time, the failure of this appliance has a predictable track record studied by the insurance industry.  The typical failure mode is for the containment vessel to rust through over time and begin slowly leaking or suddenly bursting via corrosion issues.   The age at failure ranged widely from 1-30 years (average of 10.7 years). 

Finding out the age of your water heater can sometimes be tricky. But, all water heaters have a Rating Plate that lists important data such as the model and serial numbers, manufacturing company’s name, length of warranty, wattage of elements installed (on electric models), gallon capacity, input BTU rating (gas models), and more.

If you would like to save yourself the cost and heartache of having water damage from a failed water heater, consider taking a look at the make/model and determine the date of manufacture so you can take action with repairs or replacement before a disaster takes control of your life. 

Also, consider calling SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park.  We will come out free of charge and give you our expert advice on next steps to eliminate the risk before a failure occurs. 

Fourth of July and Fireworks

7/5/2017 (Permalink)

As the Seasons change in Southern California those special holidays that mark the calendar become a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate.

One of those Holidays which occurs in early Summer is our National Independence Day, the Fourth of July.   Frequently, people enjoy this special occasion by having BBQ’s, viewing sponsored fireworks shows, and sometimes, participating by lighting off fireworks they have purchased for the occasion. 

In some areas of our Country, fireworks are approved for sale by Local and State Agencies who control their use.   For instance, in Southern California, many locations allow the sale and use of fireworks.  However, other areas in Southern California strictly prohibit the use of fireworks due to local high-fire-danger.  Too often, the purchase of fireworks from approved, and illegal sources presents a problem for Law Enforcement and Fire Departments.   The most common concerns result from fireworks that are used in High-Fire-Risk designated areas and the use of illegal fireworks which are much more likely to start fires.  Misused and illegal fireworks cause significant damage to property and injury to people annually.   

Every year SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas and Irwindale/Baldwin Park gets called to support recovery of fire damaged property.  Occasionally, those fires are a result of fireworks that were not approved and were being used in an unsafe manner.   The problem is not unique to Southern California, but with the very high density of people living in the Los Angeles Basin, the patchwork of communities in LA that approve or prohibit the use of fireworks, and the ready access to very high volumes of unapproved fireworks every year, the probability of property damage and personal injury is high.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park will always be available to support those residences and businesses that may be affected by fires caused by misuse of fireworks, or from any other cause. 

Also, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park is a Large Loss Response Team (LLRT) Franchise which means when it comes to Fire Restoration there is no job too big or too small for our expert services.

Metropolitan Restoration

6/28/2017 (Permalink)

In the Fire and Water Restoration Industry, there are relatively small jobs that can occur in a home or business that may be easy and quick to remedy.  However, there is a common term for jobs that are much bigger, these jobs are called “Large Loss” projects.  The word loss refers back to an insurance term for property-loss or claim.

Some SERVPRO Franchises have certifications to provide emergency services specifically for restoring Large Lose projects.  These Franchises are called Large Loss Response Teams (LLRT).  For any LLRT Franchise in a metropolitan area, being prepared for a natural or man-made disaster is a continuous process.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park is a Certified Large Loss Response Team Franchise and is located on the Eastern perimeter of the Los Angeles Basin where approximately 10 Million residence live and work.  The number of commercial “large loss” events in a city this large occurs on a daily basis.    Also, the technical complexity of a large loss event can be extreme as the downtown districts of many communities within the LA Basin have high rise structures, reaching dozens or more floors above ground and frequently multiple stories below ground level.   The required technical capability can frequently be a critical resource and one method that SERVPRO has to quickly adapt to extraordinary cases is to have a diverse staff of subject matter experts available at any time, day or night, who can be on their way to a disaster site within hours.

Also, as a Large Loss Response Team Member, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale Baldwin Park is ready to address potentially millions of square feet of commercial and residential properties in a disaster situation.     The very high density of property in Los Angeles creates the need to have a large inventory of reserve equipment and people to handle losses on a massive scale.  The method to handle the equipment and skilled labor requirements at this scale is to draw on stores of equipment located in strategic locations around the metropolitan area and to partner with other SERVPRO Franchises to deploy the right level of skilled Technicians and Management support.  This is our way of assuring consistent high quality service, expertise, and processes are available when major disasters strike.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park (LLRT) is a restoration partner you can depend on when a commercial loss occurs to a single property or on a city wide scale.

Concerns With Mold

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

Mold Growing Under a Sink

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 & Irwindale Baldwin Park 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.

Summer Fires in the LA Basin

6/26/2017 (Permalink)

Southern California goes through a predictable Winter-Rain and Summer-Fire cycle every year.

Fire Storms in Southern California devastate millions in private and public property annually.  SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park can help recover when restoration is an option. 

The Fall and Winter Rains combined with mild temperatures provide a great growing season for plants, and, the arid climate and Summer heat then quickly dries out the ground cover making it perfect fuel for fires in the foothills.

During fire season, fires burn off the ground cover and the soil loses the stabilizing plant roots.  The soil is then easily washed away as mud during the following Winter-runoff. 

K-rails, sand bags, and other barriers are set up in strategic locations along the foothills to the LA Basin to block the flow of mud that can threatened areas below the burn areas.

The Helicopter in the picture is spreading red fire retardant (Foscheck) over a burn site in the Southern California foothills during the 2016 Fire Season.  Fire retardants work three ways: removing heat, coating the surface (so the fuel can't find oxygen), or by diluting the air (oxygen) near the fire.  

The men and women who specialize as Pilots flying these Fire Bombers are already out there doing their job again in June, 2017

As a "Large Loss" Franchise SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park have the resources to help whole communities with Emergency Services when Southern California needs help digging out. 

Custom Home Fire Sprinkler Failure

6/20/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas received a call from a Large Loss Adjuster at Chartis Insurance.  A Fire sprinkler failed in a 15,000 sq.ft. home in La Habra heights, CA.  Crews were dispatched. 

Fire Sprinklers are standard in commercial buildings as part of current Fire Code requirements.  They are not as common in residential buildings, but are becoming more common as Fire Codes evolve in California to include residential structures.

Upon arrival, crews found that 10,000 sq.ft. of the home was affected by water damage.  Standing water was extracted and drying equipment was set.  Joe McCann arrived on site the following morning.  He met with Mr. Patel and the Large Loss Adjuster to discuss the scope of work.  The scope was agreed to and approved.  Mr. Patel mentioned he had a prior engagement and that the work must be completed in 3 day`s time.  The adjuster authorized SERVPRO to bring in any resources necessary to have the job completed in 3 days.

Swing shifts were set up with crews of 30 working day and night.  The TES equipment (TES is a unique water damage restoration system that utilizes Directed Heat Drying™ and the "Reets Evaporation Method" combining controlled heat and air flow to produce high-speed evaporation, dramatically improving the drying process for the fastest drying possible) SERVPRO uses is a trailer-mounted unit set up to optimize the commercial dehumidifiers and air movers to speed up the dry times.

The job was completed within the required time frame and the property owner and Insurance Adjuster were very pleased to have SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park on the project.

Mold Prevention Tips

3/14/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is a common household problem, developing in warm, damp environments. Mold can be colored green, purple, white, and orange. While mold plays an important role outside in the environment, breaking down dead plants, mold is unwelcome in homes.

Showers and bathrooms are a common location for mold to grow, but it is possible for mold to grow anywhere in a home. Mold can come inside a home from an outside growth through inadequately sealed windows or doors. Mold spores cannot be eliminated entirely, but they will not grow if the environment is dry and well ventilated. Mold growth can be prevented by ensuring if water damage occurs, clean up occurs quickly. Using air conditioners during humid seasons and exhaust fans in kitchen can help prevent mold from growing.

Other areas to monitor moisture to prevent mold growth: exterior walls and surfaces in need of insulation where condensation can build, air conditioner drip pans, check for leaks around refrigerator, ensure crawl spaces are well ventilated, and check for leaks around a tub.

These are a few simple tips for making sure mold is not growing in your home. If you do discover a mold growth, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas provides mold remediation services for all types of residential and commercial properties.

http://www.medicinenet.com/mold_exposure/page5.htm

http://www.webmd.com/women/home-health-and-safety-9/mold-mildew?page=2

The Modern Office

3/14/2017 (Permalink)

Even though our world is becoming more and more digital and work is being done over internet platforms, office workplaces are still thriving and needed. Offices should seek to serve their staff, creating an environment to encourage productive and enjoyable work as employees often spend a majority of their day in the office.

Knowing your employees and knowing what they need from an office is the first step to a productive office environment. Even if employees can work remotely and come in only on occasion, creating a space that is the “epicenter” (blueprint.cbre.com) of your business, and enjoyable, could lead to more in office work and utilization of the work community. Commercial real estate experts say people are still looking for office environments cultivating collaboration while also providing quiet space for individual work. Consider if your office allows for both spaces, appealing to a broad range of personalities and work styles.

The office environment is a key component of appeal to employees. Having and maintain a space conducive to the type of work your business is producing is a worthy investment as it will create greater employee enjoyment, productivity, and longevity. If your ideal office ever faces water or fire damage that could inhibit work, contact SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas as we provide 24 Hour Emergency services. We want your commercial space to be back to full functionality as quickly as possible.

https://blueprint.cbre.com/how-to-make-your-workplace-work-for-you/

https://blueprint.cbre.com/4-ways-to-create-and-maintain-a-productive-workforce/

Roof Leak and Mold in Temple City

3/1/2017 (Permalink)

A Temple City residential home suffered a loss to their guest house due to a roof leak during a rain spell in Southern California. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park was contacted to attend to the water damage and mold damage. The mold and water affected walls and ceilings in the bedroom, living room, closet and bathroom.Two dehumidifiers and one air scrubber were initially placed by the SERVPRO crew in the space. Asbestos testing was done. The materials affected by water from the roof leak had to be removed in order order to access insulation which was affected my mold. 

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas & Irwindale/Baldwin Park crew removed drywall and insulation, set up all needed equipment, and monitored moisture levels until the Temple City guest home job was complete and mold clearance results were clean. 

Spring Cleaning Prevents Mold

2/28/2017 (Permalink)

Spring cleaning often means a “deep clean” of the long forgotten areas of our homes. We clean closets, vacuum around base boards, and replace air filters. Could there be other areas of your home needing cleaning that are being missed? Possibly areas of mold growth you can help prevent? Here are a few tips for your yearly spring cleaning to make it as profitable as possible.

1. Cabinets in a kitchen can accumulate grease build up, especially those over a stove area. There are products available that offer cleaning and rejuvenating of cabinets, available at a local home improvement store.
2. Dishwashers, while serving to clean dishes, need to be cleaned as well. Food build up can occur, leaving an odor and poor quality washing. To clean your dishwasher, first check manufacture guidelines to see if there are details of areas needing to be emptied of debris or specific solutions to use. A common way of cleaning a dishwasher is to run a cycle without dishes and a specialty cleaner instead of dish detergent. Mold can build up in crevices. 
3. Ovens in kitchens can begin to smell of burnt food, signaling it is especially time for a cleaning. House Beautiful suggests first chipping away old food, then, spraying an oven approved cleaner, finally, wiping clean of all materials and grime.
4. Clean your cleaning tools! Brooms often accumulate annoying dust bunnies. To ensure your floors are being swept as well as possible, dip brooms in warm, soapy water and stir around until dust bunny’s release. Another option is using the hose of your vacuum to remove debris in a broom and empty hose when finished.
5. When was the last time your carpets were cleaned? Carpet cleaning is important not only for the look of your carpet but for the removal of dust, dirt, gasses, and other debris not easily removed by a household vacuum. Carpets should be cleaned once a year, as waiting until they appear dirty may mean never fully restoring carpets. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas provides a variety of carpet cleaning services.

Union Cowork Opening Glendora

2/14/2017 (Permalink)

Union Cowork Glendora

Glendora is always developing with new locally owned and operated businesses. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas prides itself on not only providing quality services to the local community and LA Basin, but also being involved with community events. A Union CoWork office space has recently opened near the SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas office. Union Cowork is a co-working office space where individuals can pay a monthly fee to have access to working spaces, conference rooms, and various other services as an independent business owner would need without having to own an entire office. Union Cowork had their neighborhood opening party and SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas was invited after meeting the Union Cowork at a Glendora Chamber Event. The space is beautifully designed with cements and brick, long tables, and a unique staircase leading to the second floor of private office spaces. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas was grateful to be involved in this community event to welcome Union Cowork to the neighborhood. 

Commercial Property Emergency Preparedness

2/6/2017 (Permalink)

Now is the perfect time to think about making some resolutions, according to Joseph McCann, owner of SERVPRO^® of Glendora/San Dimas. While resolutions typically involve committing to personal changes and reaching goals, McCann says the single most important resolution business owners can make for 2017 is to “Resolve to be Ready.”

“Preparing in advance to deal with the unexpected can make a world of difference in how quickly and completely business owners can continue with business,” says McCann. “Emergency readiness plans are the foundation for effective and timely emergency response.”

McCann encourages all commercial property owners to take advantage of the no-cost emergency planning tools available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (www.ready.gov/publications), as well as SERVPRO’s Emergency READY Profile and READY Plan Mobile App (http://ready.SERVPRO.com). 

• FEMA offers materials on topics ranging from creating a Business Continuity Plan to an Insurance Discussion Coverage Form in addition to guidelines for creating an Emergency Response Plan.


• For businesses, SERVPRO offers a no-cost facility assessment and assistance in creating a comprehensive Emergency READY Profile^® (ERP). The ERP includes information about emergency contact numbers, priority and high/risk areas, shut-off valve locations and more that can then be stored in the READY app.

“The time to gather and store information like emergency contact numbers; insurance contacts; and the location of fuse boxes, fire suppression system controls, and such is before an emergency strikes, not during an emergency,” says McCann. “Having this information at your fingertips can help emergency response teams react as quickly and effectively as possible, helping to limit loss of property and even lives.”

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remedy damage, making it “Like it never even happened,” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, please contact Joseph McCann at (626) 852-9922 or hcotterman@SERVPROgsd.com. 

Water Shutoff Valves

2/2/2017 (Permalink)

Frequently when a home or business owner needs to shut the water off to an appliance or at the “main”, there are questions where to look for the valves and how they operate.   The need to shut of the water may become urgent when a pipe breaks inside the building or even in the main line from the street to the property.

The cause of a broken pipe can be from aging plumbing and fixtures, construction mishaps, and ground and buildings shifting from earthquakes common to Southern California.  Certainly, the time to become familiar with the valve locations and function is not when there is an emergency.

The pictures below illustrate the water valves and locations common to sinks, water heaters, toilets and at the “main” source from the city service.   In each case, there is a valve to isolate the leaking plumbing.

The Meter: The Meter is located next to the street at the curb area. This is where the water branches off from the City and comes to your property. There is a shut-off located underneath the meter box lid. Shutting the water off here, will turn the water off to the entire house exterior and interior, including pools and irrigation.

Main Service: From the “meter box” a water line is ran up to the front of the house to a hose bib (water spigot). Usually where the hose is located (newer homes in garage). This shut-off valve turns the water off to the inside of the home, excluding irrigation.

The Water Heater: From the “main service” the plumbing lines then provide water to the water heater. The water heater shut-off valve is located at the top of the water heater next to the water flex lines. 

Angle Stops: From the “water heater” hot and cold water lines split off to provide water to plumbing fixtures including those in the bathrooms, kitchen, laundry, etc. You may have heard of an angle stop before. A shiny oval piece behind the toilet or underneath the sink. Behind the toilet is 1 angle stop and underneath a sink there are 2.

It is important as home and business owners to know how to turn off your water supply in the case of an emergency. If water damage still occurs, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas provides water remediation services for commercial and residential properties. 

Kids and Germs

1/26/2017 (Permalink)

Kids are exposed to germs every day. Germs are part of life and building immunity, but germs can also bring unnecessary sicknesses and overexposure to contaminants like E.coli. Here are a few common places germs live that should be considered for weekly disinfecting.

Remote controls and other small electronics: Hands often aren’t washed before touching small electronics. Electronic surfaces house germs and after a few days will be holding a variety of germs from a variety of hands and places. Disinfect frequently.

Backpacks: Where does your child’s backpack sit each day? Classroom floor? Cafeteria floor? Public restroom floor? Backpack surfaces hold onto germs. So, if upon arrival home the backpack is placed on a counter, bed, or couch, these germs are being transferred to new surfaces. Backpacks should have a designated area, especially away from kitchen counters.

Sinks: Faucets, soap dispenser, or other surfaces touched before hands are cleaned should be disinfected.

Fridge handles: And other places where towels hang collect all the germs on the towel from cooking and dishes, then are left to accumulate on handles. The fridge handle is often the middle ground between food and eating and should be given frequent disinfecting. 

http://www.webmd.com/women/home-health-and-safety-9/places-germs-hide

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g4124/gross-things-kids-touch/

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/a37762/how-a-microbiologist-who-studies-germs-cleans/

San Dimas Extensive Mold

1/25/2017 (Permalink)

Mold resulting from water damage in San Dimas

A San Dimas resident experienced water damage resulting in hazardous mold. The water damage affect the San Dimas home's living room, bathroom, and vanity area. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas was called to provide mold remediation and water damage services.

The crew hauled away all wet and mold invested materials, including drywall, flooring, and wood trim. The SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas crew set up containment of a barrier with airlock between the affected area of the San Dimas home and the unaffected area.

The crew removed pieces like the toilet, sink, and medicine cabinets in order to reach the water damaged area and insure drying. The mold affected areas were carefully treated and sanitized and an air scrubber was set up. Hazardous mold affected material was disposed of properly by the Glendora/San Dimas crew. The home was restored from the water damage and extensive mold by the crew and the San Dimas resident's home was cleared after a mold clearance test by a third party. 

Southern California Winter Storms

1/17/2017 (Permalink)

Southern California was drenched with rain the first few weeks of the New Year. The storms brought damage to roads, homes, and resulted in mudslide conditions north of the 210 freeway. But, for the first time in five years, a majority of California is no longer classified as the most extreme drought conditions.

After the onslaught of water, less than 60% of California is in drought conditions for the first time since 2013, cited USA Today in a recent article. The rain has alleviated the severe drought condition, but Southern California still remains in some level of drought conditions as a few days of rain will not reverse the multi-year lack of water. [1]

The recent rain should NOT provide Californian’s with the feeling of not needing to maintain drought conscious practices. Drought conditions persist in many areas, especially southern California. California faces long term water supply issues due to climate change. Conservation of water in homes, business, and other services should be maintained.

Some simple ways to conserve water in homes are: not using toilets to flush trash like facial wipes; making sure sprinklers only hit the lawn and not pavement; running only full loads of laundry on water saving settings; and installing water saving shower heads.[2] While reservoirs in Northern California are filling, many in Southern California remain close to empty, causing the drought to still be of statewide concern. [3]

[1] http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2017/01/12/northern-california-drought-ends/96487788/

[2] http://eartheasy.com/live_water_saving.htm

[3] http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-drought-monitor-20170112-story.html

Irwindale Sewage Loss Clean Up

1/17/2017 (Permalink)

A residential home in Irwindale suffered a sewage loss due to a drain pipe behind the kitchen sink bursting. The water affected the kitchen walls, kitchen cabinets, kitchen flooring, and the crawl space.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas was called to the Irwindale home. The sink and counter top were removed in order to access the source of the water. Wet cabinetry, wet plaster, and non-salvageable vinyl, was removed and disposed of. An asbestos test was done to insure no toxic materials were in the air from the water coming in contact with insulation in the crawl space.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas set up dehumidifiers and air movers in order to dry the Irwindale kitchen and crawl space. A barrier was set up to separate the affected area from the other area of the house. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas finished the job, making sure the affected kitchen area and crawl space was free of water.

Burbank Residential Fire

1/5/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas immediately responded to a residential structure fire in Burbank, CA.

AAA Insurance contacted SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas direct in the late hours of November 2016. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas is a 24 hour emergency services company and was able to respond immediately. A fire from an unknown source burned several voids into the roof structure and elevations. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas arrived on site to find Los Angeles County Fire Department – LAFD - still on site. The embers were still a concern to LAFD so access was not allowed. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas returned the following day to secure the structure with roof tarps and a board up once the site was safe from re-ignition. It is important to secure a property after fire damage to prevent the possibility from re-ignition. The Burbank property is now safe, secure and inaccessible until the reconstruction process takes place.

Winter Preparedness

12/7/2016 (Permalink)

California winters seem to carry great variety from year to year. Some winter seasons the rain comes down for multiple days in one week with chilly temperatures. Other years, the rain may never come and balmy seventies will persist until a few surprise days of cold in the spring. Whatever the case may be, as homeowners and community members it is important to be prepared for winter.

Heavy rain fall can lead to flooding in Southern California. The drought conditions cause dry soil, which leads to poor absorption of ground water. Keeping storm drains clear is one way to alleviate the potential of flooding. This includes using sandbags and plastic tarp to create better flow of water. Also, keeping home gutters free of leaves and other environmental debris will lead to a more consistent and controlled flow of water away from your house, to the well functioning storm drains.

Floods can cause millions and millions of dollars in damages and unfortunately great injury to people. This makes community members involvement crucial in flood preparedness. Local fire stations provide free sandbag materials and the Department of Public Works can provide services to clear storm drains, 1-800-675 HELP (4357). Utilizing these local resources can help prevent flooding. Families should also put together disaster kits in case of emergency. 

Tips on sandbag barrier: http://www.water.ca.gov/floodmgmt/docs/brochure_floodfightingathome.pdf

Important things to include in your disaster kit:http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/be-red-cross-ready/get-a-kit

In the worst case scenario, if water enters your home it is important to take care of the moisture immediately to prevent hazardous mold from growing. SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas provides mold remediation services.

While Los Angeles County does not face severely cold of temperatures, it is still important to be educated for if and when the cold does come. According to the Los Angeles County Emergency guide, every year there is carbon monoxide poisoning due to incorrect heating sources. Barbeques, ovens, and stoves should not be used as sources of heat. Make sure that all heating devices, such as central heating and electric heaters, are clean and in appropriate working condition. All types of chimneys should be cleared of debris. As a general practice, it is always a good idea to have a carbon monoxide detector in your home. If you or someone you know needs a safe and warm place to escape possibly health damage temperatures, call 2-1-1 for information on places of shelter.(Information provided by LACOA Emergency Survival Guide)

For the health and safety of you and your family, educate on how to handle severe winter weather conditions in Southern California.

http://storms.ca.gov/factsheet/

http://dpw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/

https://www.ready.gov/kit

http://lacoa.org/pdf/emergencysurvivalguide-lowres.pdf

Holiday Gift Idea

11/21/2016 (Permalink)

Looking for a Great Holiday Gift Idea? Give Your Family a Fire Safety Plan

Local SERVPRO^® restoration specialist highlights the difference between fire prevention planning and fire safety planning

Glendora, CA (Grassroots Newswire) November 16, 2016 -- The holidays are approaching and many families are finalizing plans for elaborate meals, get-togethers with friends, and decorating with festive lights. Amidst all this planning, Joseph McCann of SERVPRO^® of Glendora/San Dimas reminds homeowners that they may be overlooking the most important plan they can make—a fire safety plan.

“Each year, statistics¹ show the incidence of home cooking and candle fires peaks during the holiday season. This tends to focus homeowners on fire prevention precautions—and that’s a good thing,” said McCann. “But to truly protect your family from the dangers of a home fire, at the holidays and throughout the year, you need to start with a fire safety plan. Developing a fire safety plan and practicing it regularly with your family is the most important step you can take to help prevent a house fire from turning into a devastating tragedy.”

SERVPRO is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services, and their disaster response professionals know from experience how devastating a home fire can be. They also know that when fire causes a loss of life, there is no “remediation” possible. This is why SERVPRO has teamed up with the American Red Cross (ARC) by supporting the ARC Disaster Responder² program, and in particular the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign³. As a Disaster Responder, SERVPRO pledges dollars and support in advance to help the ARC develop and distribute educational materials and respond immediately when they are needed.

McCann encourages all Glendora-area homeowners to follow these fire safety guidelines, developed by the ARC through their Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, to help minimize injury or loss of life due to a residential fire.

1. Install the right number of smoke alarms⁴. Test them once a month and replace the batteries at least once a year.
2. Teach children what smoke alarms sound like⁵ and what to do when they hear one.
3. Ensure that all household members know two ways to escape⁶ from every room of your home and know the family meeting spot outside of your home.
4. Establish a family emergency communications plan and ensure all household members know who to contact if they cannot find one another.
5. Practice escaping from your home at least twice a year. Press the smoke alarm test button or yell “Fire” to alert everyone they must get out.
6. Make sure everyone knows how to call 9-1-1.
7. Teach household members to STOP, DROP and ROLL if their clothes should catch on fire.

“Fire prevention and fire safety planning are two very different things,” said McCann. “Fire prevention planning helps control or eliminate the causes of a fire. Fire safety planning helps prevent injury and loss of life when a fire does break out. To protect your family and your property, you need both.”

For more fire prevention and fire safety tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit www.SERVPRO.com. For more information on SERVPRO^® of Glendora/San Dimas, please contact Joseph McCann at (626) 852-9922.

¹ http://www.nfpa.org/public-education/by-topic/top-causes-of-fire/

² http://www.redcross.org/donations/companies-and-foundations/giving-opportunities/SERVPRO

³ http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/home-fire-preparedness

⁴ http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire/fire-safety-equipment#Smoke-Alarms

⁵ https://youtu.be/YH5YNkzl1dI

⁶ http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m38640160_Home_Fire_Escape_Plan.pdf

GCCC Holiday Food Basket Program

11/14/2016 (Permalink)

On Thursday, November 10, SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas went to Williams Elementary School cafeteria to assist Glendora Community Coordinating Council (GCCC) in the sorting of canned food for their Holiday Food Basket Program.

The SEVPRO team sorted cans of vegetables, beans, corn, canned fruit, and other non perishable items, moving them from overflowing boxes and bags into organized and categorized groups on the cafeteria tables. Once sorted, another team of volunteers came through with packing lists and assembled boxes from the tables. Each box contains a variety of items in addition to vouchers. GCCC began collecting food late September by placing collection boxes around the Glendora area at locations such as the Glendora Public Library and Glendora Police Department. They also connected with institutions who have participated in past years to compile donations. The food was then collected and taken to Williams Elementary School where the sorting took place.

One key purpose of the GCCC is “to mobilize a voluntary association of community organizations; to support citizens; to enable groups using different techniques to agree on mutual goals.” SERVPRO was able to utilize our people and equipment resources to aid the GCCC on several occasions. SERVPRO used our box trucks to pick up and transport food to Williams Elementary.   

SERVPRO learned of GCCC’s food project through the Glendora Police Department’s Community Services Officer Nita Ulloa-Pedroni. SERVPRO’s Sales Manager, Doug Beach, reached out to her looking for a new way for SERVPRO to serve the community and Ulloa-Pedroni suggested GCCC’s food sorting day. 

Mr. Greg Gillham was the lead coordinator for the event, fostering the relationship between SERVPRO and GCCC. He is a retired electrician working with GCCC, Kiwanis Club, and other charitable organizations.

SERVPRO aided GCCC in completing approximately 250 food boxes that will be distributed to needy families in the Glendora community during this Holiday Season. GCCC will also deliver part of the food collected to the Shepards Pantry in Glendora.

Industrial Fire Loss in Santa Fe Springs August 2016

10/11/2016 (Permalink)

Piles of burnt materials, equipment and supplies in the storage yard before SERVPRO arrived.

On August 11^th, SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas was contacted regarding a fire damaged and smoke damaged business in an industrial building located in Santa Fe Springs.    The structure is an 18,000 sq. ft. masonry building and the owner was notified of a fire in the storage yard on the South side of the structure. 

There were people working inside the facility at the time and loading dock doors were rolled up which allowed smoke to enter the facility causing damaging contamination of contents and structure.  SERVPRO Franchise owner Joe McCann was on the site early on August 11^th to survey the damage and begin the process of returning this business back to its pre-fire condition.  

Immediately, dozens of “Air Movers” and “Air Scrubbers” with HEPA Filters were set up inside the building to remove airborne particles and smells so normal operations could resume in parallel with the bigger job of cleaning and restoring the fire damaged and smoke damaged facility.   Piles of burned materials, equipment, and supplies in the storage yard were removed to clear the way for SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas recovery vehicles to bring in the needed supplies and equipment to begin the clean-up process.  An industrial Hygienist was brought in to take samples of the air quality and surface contamination caused from the smoke to determine the type and extent of cleaning required to return the facility to a safe working environment.

Man-lifts were brought in to give clean-up Technicians access to the ceiling, walls, and upper shelves of inventory that needed to be wiped down to remove the acidic contamination caused by the smoke that entered the building.    

This business was potentially going to experience severe financial losses if they had to shut down operations during the clean-up and the owner asked if SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas could do the clean-up while allowing the business to continue operating.  Though challenging, a plan was agreed to that would allow both the SERVPRO clean-up and the business to continue operations in parallel with minimal impact to either party.

Initial Clean-up was completed on August 26^th returning the business to full operational status.  Reconstruction was on track and would cause minimal disruption to the business until completed.

This project is a great example of a “Fire Loss” where a business could possibly be seriously handicapped or even shut down from fire damages and smoke damages.   However, teaming with SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas, a solution was reached allowing the Santa Fe Springs business to continue while assuring a safe working environment to employees, customers, and SERVPRO Technicians minimizing the costs to all parties involved.

Glendora Residential Fire

8/9/2016 (Permalink)

It all started at approximately 11:00pm on Monday night, July 25^th.  Returning home after an evening out, Jason and his family entered their house in Glendora ready to call it a night.   That’s when their 9 year old daughter happened to notice an unusual discolored spot on the ceiling about 15 feet from the front door.

They were all about to find out how important this little girl’s casual observation would be.

Upon examining the ceiling, Jason reached up and discovered there was heat coming from the ceiling where the spot was.  Climbing a ladder to get to the attic access opening, Jason discovered a fire was burning above the ceiling.  He immediately dialed 911.  Within minutes, the Glendora Police and the Fire Department arrived on scene.  Preparations were being made to penetrate the roof while Fire Fighters inside the home removed the ceiling where the flames were burning. 

Because of the quick observation of the resident and the immediate action of the first responders, the roof did not have to be penetrated avoiding extensive structural damage to the property.   As the fire hadn’t spread, only a minimal amount of water was induced to suppress the fire.  Thankfully, no one was hurt.

Once the property was stabilized, the fire investigator was on site to determine the source of the fire.  It appears there was an electrical short that damaged a flexible gas line allowing gas to leak from the line and ignite.

Attic fires are not that unusual.  However, in this case the chance observation of the discolored spot on the ceiling by Jason’s 9 year old daughter was indeed fortunate.  If it wasn’t for her noticing this when they first arrived home, the trouble brewing in the attic could have been a much bigger problem for their home and their safety.

In our next article, SERVPRO will share how this damaged home was restored back to its pre-fire condition, using specialized processes and products to restore belongings and eliminate the smoke damage and smell that comes with residential fires.

"SERVPRO Restores Home in Diamond Bar June 2016"

7/1/2016 (Permalink)

Pipe leak coming from laundry room walls

It’s June 10th, around 3:30pm, and SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas responds to a call from a resident in the Diamond Bar area located in the Eastern Los Angeles County. There was a request for residential restoration for a two story home. The homeowner has experienced water damage coming from a pipe leak in the laundry room. Project manager, Drew Weaver, Crew Chief Pete Fregoso, Technician Brandon Gibons, and Technician Jose Muro, arrived at the site within 30 minutes of the call. SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas crew members stack their box truck full of drying equipment and by 4pm the crew begins inspection.

The pipe leak, located in the wall of the laundry room, is causing damage not only in the laundry room, but also the family room. After inspecting the walls and floors with a tramex moisture encounter plus and a fluke thermal camera. The crew began removing the affected wet material and began the restoration process.

SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas teamed up with a nearby Plumbing Service in order to stop the water leak. SERVPRO restoration and cleanup crew removes the laminate flooring from the areas that were affected by the water damage. After the removal, the drying process begins. SERVPRO’s equipment, which included one dehumidifier and three fans were left behind to dry out the moisture in the floor and walls.

By Wednesday the site was completely dried from the water damage! The crew from SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas performed a swift and effective cleanup. “Like it never even happened.”

Santa Fe Commercial Building Water Loss June 2016

7/1/2016 (Permalink)

Danny checking for moisture in the walls

It’s 8:30 am, morning of June 1st, SERVPRO of Glendora/ San Dimas receives a call from progressive orthopedic solutions requesting the crew to come restore the office from water damage due to a toilet leak in the upstairs women’s restroom. A plumber has been hired to stop the leak until SERVPRO crew members arrive. Project Manager Drew Weaver, Estimator Justin Calorino, technician’s Pete Fregoso (Crew Chief), Danny Guzman (Crew Chief), Brandon Gibons (Technician), and Jose Muro (Technician) arrive on site, with equipment in hand within 2.5 hours. By 11am, equipment has been set up and the restoration process begins.

The crew inspects the damage and concludes that the coffee area, two storage rooms, the hallway, the downstairs hallway, and the men’s restroom have been affected by the leak. In order to restore the facility, the team first extracts the excess water. Next, the crew begins to remove sagging ceiling tiles to prevent more ceiling tiles from collapsing.

SERVPRO crew left four dehumidifiers and 16 fans to dry out the structure to ensure the commercial building would be as good as new. The job was completed by June 8th.

 Thanks to Drew, Justin and the technicians of SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, Progressive Orthopedic Solutions’ commercial building received quality service for the water damage. In the end, it was "Like it never even happened!"

SERVPRO PLEDGES ONGOING SUPPORT TOTHE AMERICAN RED CROSS DISASTER RESPONDER PROGRAM

6/24/2016 (Permalink)

Red Cross recognizes SERVPRO for their contribution to disaster preparedness and recovery efforts

Glendora, CA (Grassroots Newswire) June 1, 2016 —The American Red Cross recently recognized SERVPRO®, a clean up and restoration company, for participating in its Disaster Responder Program. As a member of this program, SERVPRO pledges a donation to the Red Cross as an action of preparation against the calculated 66,000 disasters that occur annually. SERVPRO is entering their third year of partnership with the Red Cross, and to date their donations to the organization exceed one million dollars.

The majority of the disasters that occur every year are house fires. Statistics cited by the Red Cross state that in the U.S. seven people die in a home fire each day. The Red Cross has aimed to reduce deaths and injuries caused by home fires 25 percent by the year 2019. Because of this goal, they launched a Home Fire Campaign in October of 2014. The support of SERVPRO and other Disaster Responder Program members allows the Red Cross to pursue their home fire prevention goals while continuing to provide critical services to disaster victims.

“Statistics compiled by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) show the majority of home fires are related to cooking accidents.” Joseph McCann, owner of SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas, states, “the risk for home fires exists all year long,” further educing their pledge to help Red Cross to respond and prevent such a disaster as a home fire.

Not only does SERVPRO help other business and home owners with recovery for fires, floods, and other disasters, the company and its franchises actively support disaster preparedness education, including fire prevention efforts. When disaster strikes, the relationships with major insurance companies combined with the industry-leading job-management technology that SERVPRO has can smooth the path to rebuilding and restoration for home and business owners affected by disastrous events.

“SERVPRO’s commitment to the Red Cross Disaster Responder Program means that when disaster strikes, homeowners can count on the Red Cross to address their immediate needs and supply essential services, “ said McCann. “Once the immediate emergency is under control, homeowners can count on the expertise of restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Glendora/San Dimas to help restore their property and move forward with their lives.”

For fire prevention tips and information about fire and water damage restoration services, please visit www.SERVPRO.com. For more information on SERVPRO® of Glendora/San Dimas, please contact Joseph McCann at (626) 852-9922 or hcotterman@SERVPROgsd.com

About SERVPRO®

Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO® Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services, and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO's professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO® System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.

Relay For Life and SERVPRO GSD

5/14/2015 (Permalink)

http://bit.ly/2dpK8H5

SERVPRO Glendora/San Dimas supports Relay For Life. What is Relay For Life? A run raising funds for the American Cancer Society's research, patient care, education, and prevention.  

Survivors Lap

During the Survivors Lap, all cancer survivors at the event take the first lap around the track, celebrating their victory over cancer while cheered on by the other participants who line the track. Relay For Life events also recognize and celebrate caregivers, who give time, love, and support to their friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers facing cancer.

Luminaria Ceremony

The Luminaria Ceremony takes place after dark, so we can remember people we have lost to cancer, honor people who have fought cancer in the past, and support those whose fight continues. Candles are lit inside of personalized bags and are placed around the Relay track as glowing tributes to those who’ve been affected by cancer.

Fight Back Ceremony

This emotionally powerful ceremony inspires Relay participants to take action. The Fight Back Ceremony symbolizes the emotional commitment each of us can make in the fight against cancer. The action taken represents what we are willing to do for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our community to fight cancer year-round and to commit to saving lives.

History of Relay For Life

In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern cancer. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay For Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer.

6 Home-Owner tips

6/24/2013 (Permalink)

1) Maintain a Security System and Smoke Alarms: A burglar alarm that is monitored by a central station, or that is tied directly to a local police station, can help lower homeowner's annual premiums by 5% or more. Smoke alarms can save the homeowner 10% or more in annual premiums and, in case of fire, could save your life!

2) Raise Your Deductible: Like health insurance or car insurance, the higher the deductible a homeowner chooses, the lower annual premiums. However, the problem with selecting a high deductible is smaller claims/problems, which typically will cost only a few hundred dollars to fix, will most likely be absorbed by the homeowner.

3) Look for Multiple Policy Discounts: Many insurance companies give discounts of 10% or more to customers that maintain other insurance contracts. Consider obtaining a quote for other types of insurance from the same company. 

4) Plan Ahead for Construction: If a homeowner plans to build an addition to a home or structure, they should consider materials that will be used. Wood-framed structures will cost more to insure while cement or steel-framed structures will cost less because it is more durable in fire and adverse weather.

5) Pay Off Your Mortgage: Obviously this is easier said than done, but homeowners who pay off their mortgage debts will most likely see premiums drop. Why? The simple reason is the insurance companies figures if you own the home, you'll take better care of it.

6) Make Regular Policy Reviews and Comparisons: Investors should, at least once a year, compare costs of other insurance policies to their own. In addition, they should review existing policies and make note of changes occurred that could lower premiums.