Escape Plan

10/3/2022 (Permalink)

Fire experts agree, people have as little as two minutes to escape a burning home before it’s too late to get out. In a matter of moments, a small flame can become a major fire, making it critical to be prepared and have an escape plan in place. A survey conducted by the American Red Cross shows only 26 percent of families have developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. Once a plan is developed, it is critical everyone in the home understands the plan; the best way to do this is by practicing the escape plan at least twice a year. Increase your chance of surviving a fire by ensuring you have working smoke detectors in place, building an escape plan, and then practicing the escape plan. The following are suggestions to help you develop an emergency escape plan: 

Draw a map of each level of your home and show all doors and windows. Find two ways to get out of each room. Make sure all doors and windows that lead outside open easily. 

Consider escape ladders for sleeping areas on the second and third floors. Only purchase collapsible escape ladders evaluated by a recognized testing laboratory. Store them near the window where they will be used. 

Choose an outside meeting place a safe distance in front of your home where everyone can meet after they’ve escaped. Make sure to mark the location of the meeting place on your escape plan. 

Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them. Plan for everyone in your home with special considerations for elderly or disabled individuals. 

Practice your fire escape plan? during the day and at nighttime. 

Do You Need Water Removal Services? Contact The Experts at SERVPRO

9/30/2022 (Permalink)

After the removal of pooling water, what is left behind can be unsightly and produce unpleasant smells. Getting rid of staining and soiling often requires professional knowledge and specific products, and this is where SERVPRO excels. We have built our reputation on the removal, remediation, and cleanup of water and we stick to simple principles that have served us well.

The infrastructure of the home usually takes on the immediate impact of water damage. Subfloor mats can become saturated with moisture and quickly become hotbeds for bacteria and fungi. Equally, wall cavities or furniture fittings can take on moisture undetected to the naked eye causing long-term problems. SERVPRO of West Sacramento are experts at spotting potential problem areas that may have slipped your notice.

A professional solution is best left to the water damage experts. Contact SERVPRO of West Sacramento at 916.626.0426 for assistance.

Essential Ways to Prevent a Sewage Backup

1/27/2022 (Permalink)

Only things that disintegrate should be flushed!

A sewage backup is something that no homeowner wants to experience. Not only can this water be difficult to clean up, but it can also cause lasting damage to your property. While it is possible to repair the damage, it is best to prevent it from occurring in the first place. The following are a few ways that you can do that.

1. Dispose of Items Properly
   There are only a select few items that are designed to be flushed down your toilet or poured down your kitchen sink. Disposing of other things in this way can cause a backup. Make sure you are not flushing napkins, paper towels, or other products that do not disintegrate quickly. You should also refrain from pouring grease or food down the drain.
2. Remove Plant Roots
   Plants can be drawn to the moisture in your pipes and begin growing their roots there. This can make it difficult for the water to drain, resulting in flooding in your yard or in your home. Check for overgrown roots and remove these when necessary.
3. Unclog Your Drains
   If there is nothing on the outside affecting your pipes, then you might simply have a clog. If you cannot identify the source of your backup, this is likely the case. Use chemical cleaners or a plumbing snake to remove anything that may be blocking the pipes.
4. Maintain Pipes Regularly
   Storm damage, plants, and aging can result in your pipes not performing as well as they should. If your pipes are broken or blocked, water will not be able to move through them efficiently. In some cases, repairs can be done, but your pipes may need to be replaced depending on their type and age as well as the severity of the damage.
   If clogged or broken pipes result in water overflowing into your bathroom or kitchen, you may need to have sewer cleaning done by a professional. A cleanup and restoration company can remove water and can make repairs to return your home to its previous condition.

Did you know there are 3 Categories of Water Damages?

1/26/2022 (Permalink)

There are 3 categories of water damage:

Category 1—Clean Water

Category 1 water damage is water damage from broken pipes, overflowing sink, or rainwater. Health risks associated with category 1 water damage is low, provided, you respond to the situation in less than 48 hours.

Category 1 water damage if left untreated for more than 48 hours gets exposed to different contaminants which can turn it into category 2 water damage.

Category 2--Greywater

Some common sources of greywater are equipment discharges, chemical wastes like detergent, laundry, and soap. Category 2 water damage can pose mild to severe contamination risks. Greywater can promote microbial growth and the severity of the condition usually escalates with time. Both direct and indirect exposure to greywater damage can affect your personal health and property.

Category 3--Blackwater

Waters from sewers or water containing grease, oil, urine, etc. are ideal examples of black water. Presumably, this water type hoards bacteria, viruses, and other toxic allergens, which makes it contagious.

It is mandatory to exercise special caution when dealing with black water.

If you have any questions regarding water damage. Call SERVPRO of West Sacramento at 916.626.0426

Smoke Damage can be killer!

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

Smoke, included carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and sediment, influences a structure in startling ways. Contingent upon temperature, the earth, and wind current, smoke can convey in a wide range of territories and cause more harm than you understand. To secure your well being and save your property speculation, rely on SERVPRO of West Sacramento to reestablish your structure back to new.

Since sight-seeing rises, the smoke buildup is most normally found on the roof legitimately over the wellspring of the fire. Sediment can likewise reach out to within edge as cool air beneath opens a way for smoke to head out to outside dividers and windows. Along these lines, perceptible recoloring and smell stays present all through.

Furniture, improvements, and encased spaces collaborate with the smoke in irregular manners. As particles become energized in hotter air, they move from hot zones to colder territories of the room, dropping out of the air and onto generally encased zones. These particles rest behind cool curtains or under shades, and they travel into drawers, storage rooms, and cavities. Since smoke particles are regularly ionized (having an electrical charge), smoke harm may likewise happen on encompassing nail heads in the roof and engineered materials, for example, vinyl, because of their more prominent ionization attributes. You may likewise observe web-like shapes toward the edges of the room brought about by the solid charge of consuming plastics.

Moreover, air flows may divert smoke from the fire, causing harm in astounding zones. To begin with, the smoke will discover its way into the cool ventilation work, harming rooms found away from the fire. Air streams may then haul it around entryways, similar to water passing items in a stream. Thus, buildup expands on the most distant side of entryway openings with the example decreasing further away from the fire. Understanding the material science removes riddle from an upsetting circumstance.

Smoke coming about because of fire can carry on in unintended manners. It saturates a house as it looks for new places to settle. The subsequent impacts can be durable and affect your well being. Until experts fix the harm and supplant smoke recolored regions, the room is practically dreadful. In the event that you end up in such a circumstance, SERVPRO of West Sacramento will make them inhale better.

Prepare Your Home for Winter Whether

12/27/2021 (Permalink)

As winter is approaching, here are some tips for preparing your home for the winter weather:

• Keep all cabinets doors open during cold spells. This will allow the warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing through faucets, especially if the pipes for faucets run through unheated or uninstalled areas of your home.
• Consider shutting off outdoor faucets. Find the shut off valve in the basement or crawl space and turn it to "off."
• If you shut off the outside faucets, then open the outdoor faucet to help ensure it drains completely and the inner valve is shut off.

Make sure all your gutters are clean and secure around our house. Leaves and debris can accumulate which can cause a damming effect on your gutters, which could lead to roof problems and water damage around your house

THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTAINMENT

10/4/2021 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO of West Sacramento building a containment is a critical part of our restoration, remediation, and abatement projects. These barriers, often made with poly-sheeting held in place by tape, are used for a range of jobs. This may include the abatement of mold, lead, and asbestos, the clean-up of damage caused by fire, smoke, or water, or to keep contaminants and even crime scenes contained. Containment systems are also useful in reconstruction projects, particularly where stone or wood cutting occurs and particles such as sawdust are released into the air. 

Building an airtight containment is paramount to protecting interiors during restoration projects and minimizing the risk of contact with hazardous materials during abatement. Containments serve to:

• Prevent potentially hazardous substances such as mold spores, asbestos, lead-based paint, and silica dust from spreading throughout the entire structure. These substances are very small and can easily hitch a ride on normal air currents found in most buildings.
• Address concerns for health and safety, especially where airborne hazardous materials are present. If not contained properly, these materials can cause health effects and affect the well-being of nearby tenants, workers, and others in the surrounding area.
• Function as a barrier to keep dust and other particles confined within a workspace, prevent further property damage, and make clean-up easier. Without proper containment, the cost of the loss can increase dramatically.

Containing the site remains not only a priority, but a necessity. A safer work site benefits all parties, and mold testing is more likely to pass the first time, reducing the cost of re-cleaning and re-testing. When you call SERVPRO of West Sacramento, you can rely on us to construct a proper containment and restore your home or business back to new.

Emergency Preparedness Planning for Your Business

10/1/2021 (Permalink)

As many as 50% of businesses may never recover following a disaster, according to the latest industry research. Of the businesses that survive, most of them had a preparedness plan in place. Pre-planning can serve as an insurance policy aimed at peace of mind. By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business 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. Preparation is a key component for making it through any size disaster, whether it’s a small water leak, a large fire or an area flood. The best time for planning for such events is not when the event happens, but well before it happens. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you can plan for it. Now is the time to ask yourself, “Are you ready for whatever could happen?” Give the professionals at SERVPRO of West Sacramento a call today at 916.626.0426.

Tips for Home Owners to Help Identify Mold

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

Mold is everywhere. It is a type of fungus that grows from tiny spores that float in the air. It can grow almost anywhere that spores land and find moisture and a comfortable temperature, between 40 and 100 degrees F. Typically that includes about every damp place in your home.

You can easily spot the most visible type of mold, called mildew, which begins as tiny, usually black spots but often grows into larger colonies. It is the black stuff you see in the grout lines in your shower, on damp walls, and outdoors on the surfaces of deck boards and painted siding, especially in damp and shady areas.  

Mildew is a surface type of mold that will not damage your home’s structure. But other types of mold cause rot.  If the wood is soft or crumbles, the fungi have taken hold and rot has begun.

If you have a high concentration of mold, you may smell it. If you detect the typical musty odor, check for mold on damp carpets, damp walls, damp crawlspaces and wet wood under your floors, wet roof sheathing and other damp areas. 

If your property has mold call the professionals at SERVPRO of West Sacramento at 916-626-0426 "Like it never even happened."

The Pack-Out After a Fire or Water Damage

1/28/2021 (Permalink)

One of the most challenging times you may experience, is when your home or business is affected by a water or fire damage. As difficult as it may be during a time like this, you can count on your local SERVPRO of West Sacramento to save the day. Depending on the size or extent of the damage caused by the water loss or fire, we may be obligated to remove all the contents from the affected area. The process begins by taking a detailed inventory of your items with photos to ensure that all your items are documented. After all your items are inventoried, it is then packed up brought back to our facilities where they are stored and cleaned. You can trust our professional staff to pack, inventory, clean and store your contents in our warehouse facility. If you have any questions call SERVPRO of West Sacramento at 916-626-0426.

Water Damage Repair Near Me

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

When you are frantically completing a google search for 'water damage repair near me' you are most likely in a dire situation and require a prepared team of water damage repair technicians to quickly arrive on the scene and manage the situation. This is why SERVPRO of West Sacramento is the first and ONLY call you need to make. We are available 24/7/365 and will arrive quickly to stop the damage and restore your home or business as quickly as possible. Furthermore, we provide all phases of construction services. This way, if there is further damage to the home your single search for 'water damage near me' will give you a complete repair experience! 

Give SERVPRO of West Sacramento a call at 916-626-0426. “Like it never even happened.”®

Who To Call For Fire And Water Damage Emergencies?

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Homeowners and business owners have many choices when they have a fire or water damage emergency. The choices can be overwhelming and sometimes confusing on who to call. Should you call a local company or take the recommendation of a friend or insurance agent? The choice comes down to ultimately who you feel confident in and comfortable having in your home and who will take care of your property. We here at SERVPRO of West Sacramento try to be the best restoration company in the area with great communication, trust and being there when called upon. If you have questions about us or our services, please do not hesitate to call. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Having a company that can coordinate the whole process from start to finish to make your life easier and gets you back in your home or business faster. “Like it never even happened.”®

If you would like more information on hiring a team experienced in Water Damage Restoration call SERVPRO of West Sacramento today at 916-626-0426.

We are disaster ready! We Are Available 24/7/365!

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

When your residence or commercial property is impacted by water, weather, flood, fire, or mold damage, it is crucial to respond quickly. SERVPRO of West Sacramento is available to our customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will always speak to one of our team members who will be able to guide you through the process. SERVPRO of West Sacramento also works closely with many of the insurance agencies personally with the goal to make it " Like it never even happened.”
Here are a few of the customer first things you can expect from our team.
A quick response. Time is money. We understand that the faster our response, there is the potential of a less costly restoration.
Prompt arrival at the damaged site; Our professionally trained technicians will be able to continue to offer support and guidance to you every step of the way.
A thorough inspection and one on one communication. We take on each project as if it were our property. It is important to us that we communicate with you every step of the way, providing the next steps.
Call SERVPRO of West Sacramento 916- 626-0426. Let our team help you the next time you are faced with a property disaster.

4 Tips for Winter Fire Safety

10/4/2020 (Permalink)

House fires spike when the weather gets colder. The leading cause of these house fires is the use of heating equipment. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the US Fire Department responds to an average of 50 thousand fires per year just from heating equipment.

Here are a few simple tips that you can follow to prevent house fires in your home this winter:

1.) Be mindful when using space heaters.

Space heaters account for more than two in five of house fires due to heating equipment (source: NFPA). Of these fires, 86% result in fatalities. The biggest cause of space heater fires is having them placed too close to flammable objects. To prevent this, you can follow the "3 feet" rule (see tip #2).

2.) Follow the "3 feet" rule.

A good rule of thumb is to keep anything that is flammable a minimum of three feet from any heating equipment, such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove and portable space heaters. This will lessen the chance of anything accidentally catching fire. 

3.) Turn off all heating equipment before going to bed.

Most heating equipment fires do not occur overnight. However, the ones that do account for almost half of house fire fatalities from heating equipment. Make sure to turn off all heating equipment before going to bed. You are better off using an extra blanket or two than unnecessarily risking your life.

4.) Remember that ovens are not heaters.

Ovens should never be used for a source of heat. This is an inefficient way to heat your house, and it can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Stick to using your oven to make food as it is designed to do. 

Contact Information:

If you have any questions about wintertime fire safety or fire damage, please do not hesitate to call the SERVPRO of West Sacramento office at 916-626-0426. 

Choose SERVPRO of West Sacramento and here are 5 Top Reasons Why!

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

You may be wondering why you should choose SERVPRO of West Sacramento instead of one of the other dozens of restorations companies, let us tell you why:

1. 40+ Years Experience in the Industry.
2. Respond immediately when you need us most.

• Home emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of West Sacramento provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays. You can expect an immediate response time, day or night.

3. Qualified Technicians and Team Members

• Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s Corporate Training Facility to regular IICRC industry certifications; rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property. Our training program includes the following: IICRC training, Employee Certification training, E-Learning programs, and Continuing Education Classes.

4. We are ready and equip to handle any loss whether it be small or large

• SERVPRO of West Sacramento is ready to handle your loss whether it is a water loss caused from a leaky dishwasher in your home, or water loss in your commercial business caused by fire sprinklers throughout the entire structure.

5. We understand the stress of a loss in your home

• We at SERVPRO of West Sacramento understands the stress a hardship in your home can cause and our staff is there to make it as easy as possible. Our technicians know it is your home but treat it with respect like their own.  Our hope is to take that stress from you and make it “Like it never even happened.”

Give SERVPRO of West Sacramento (916) 626-0426 a call today.

Do't Turn Off the Drying Equipment

1/29/2020 (Permalink)

When you call SERVPRO of West Sacramento to help restore your property after suffering a water damage, our professional technicians will place the appropriate equipment to dry out the area as quickly as possible. It is important to always following our instructions and keep the equipment running at all times. We realize that the equipment is noisy and can become bothersome if you remain in your home during the restoration process, however, turning off the air movers and/or dehumidifiers can delay the drying time and can cause further damage to your property such as microbial growth. It is also important to note that oftentimes your insurance coverage will only pay for the drying equipment for a specific length of time, depending on the category of damage. Your SERVPRO of West Sacramento project manager will monitor the moisture readings of the equipment daily to determine the appropriate time for removal. If you have any concerns or questions about the drying equipment, be sure to speak to any of our crew members.

Give SERVPRO of West Sacramento (916) 626-0426 a call today!

Why does my Carpet Smell?

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

Sometimes, moisture can get underneath the carpet and carpet pad, leading to musty odors.

This moisture can come from humidity, spills or potted plants that drip onto the carpeting.

A flood can also cause carpet odor, such as when a finished basement floods during a rainstorm.

If not addressed properly, continued moisture exposure can cause mold and mildew to grow under the carpet padding. Not only will it increase the smell, it also creates a health risk.

Pet odor

When pets use the carpet as a bathroom, the smell can really linger.

Even after a carpet cleaning, the smell of pet urine may return. This is due to the gases released by the bacteria that are digesting the urine. If any of the urine remains in the rug fibers, it will continue to smell.

The same is true for vomit, another common problem associated with pets and carpeting.

These bacteria are activated by water, which is why the smell may intensify after a thorough cleaning.

Dry carpet cleaning treatments or treatments that use enzymatic odor removal products are the best solution for eliminating pet smells. Enzymes are particularly effective because they attack the bacteria, thus eliminating the source of the smell.

Cigarette smoke

If a smoker lives in the home, the carpet can collect the cigarette smoke odor.

While the homeowners may not notice the stench because they live with it, visitors or someone who purchases the home will definitely notice the smoke smell.

A professional carpet cleaner may be able to remove the smell, but if the smoking was excessive, a carpet deodorizer may not be enough, and the carpeting may need to be replaced.

Old age

Carpeting is made from fibers. Over time, those fibers break down. When the carpet begins to smell old, there is little that can be done.

Carpet cleaning cannot take the old, musty smell from carpet. This is when it simply needs to be replaced.

In addition to the smell, old carpet starts to release dust, which can contribute to indoor allergies.

Food and drink spills

Food and drinks that spill onto carpet can lead to odors.

Like pet smells, these organic products attract bacteria. As the bacteria break down, they release smelly gasses. Again, professional carpet cleaning is the best solution to remove the smell.

Once you find the source of your carpet odor, you can decide on the best treatment. For organic smells like pet odors or food spills, consider two professional cleanings to thoroughly remove the bacteria.

For other problems, like old age or mold, you may need to replace the carpet. Knowing where the odor is coming from will help you make the right decision for treatment.

If you have a smell you can’t get rid of – call SERVPRO of West Sacramento to see if we can help you (916) 626-0426

How can SERVPRO help with Biohazard concerns?

12/30/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of West Sacramento does more than just fire and water restoration.  Our professionals can also help you with Biohazard, Vandalism and Crime Scene Cleanup.

Bloodborn pathogens can be scary.  Bodily fluids, tissues and other potentially risky substances can be removed and disposed of properly by our technicians who are trained in proper biohazard removal.

Crime scene residue can be overwhelming.  Once law enforcement is finished with the area, let our professional technicians come in and deal with the fingerprint powder, evidence-gathering chemicals and residues from tear gas or pepper spray.  

Arson and vandalism can leave a home or business owner feeling vulnerable, violated and unsafe.  Let SERVPRO of West Sacramento take care of the aftermath.  Our team can remove spray paint, clean up broken glass and clean up after a fire.

Sewage backups are the worst!  Black water carries with it a terrible odor as well as potentially harmful microorganisms into your home or business.  SERVPRO of West Sacramento can remove the black water, contaminants and dry the area.  They will disinfect and clean the property and leave it "Like it never even happened." 

Mold Remediation Specialists

10/21/2019 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home or business. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home or business.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Rancho Cordova for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold, as this will only discolor the growth and do nothing to remediate it.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of West Sacramento specializes in mold cleanup and restoration; in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely. Call today if you need an inspection (916) 626-0426

Fall Allergy Quick Guide

10/9/2019 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of West Sacramento, we are professionals when it comes to restoration and remediation. What we really care about is helping people. So, we have come up with a quick guide on how to get through this allergy season:

• Check the pollen count when you wake up.
• Try not to walk through leafs; they attract moisture that lets mold flourish.
• Make sure to drive to work with your windows up and the AC on.
• Wash your hands to clean out any remaining pollen from your hands.
• Keep your work station uncluttered and clean of any dust.
• Shower and change clothes as soon as you get home.
• Don't let the temperature get above 72 degrees overnight; mold grows in warmth.
• Wash your sheets to remove any lingering pollen.
• Keep your windows closed overnight.