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Being Prepared for Anything | SERVPRO of Morro Bay/King City
10/7/2024 (Permalink)
Restoring your business is a top priority for SEVRPRO of Morro Bay/King City. Call us today!
When you own or run a business, you know how important it is to be prepared for anything. Each day can bring some new crisis to deal with—whether it is being understaffed or finding a mistake on the latest office supply order. No matter how large or small the situation is, you need to be able to handle it efficiently.
Just as you need to be equipped to get through normal daily disasters, you also need to prepare yourself and your business to handle potential natural disasters as well. None of us want to imagine losing time at work due to a particularly nasty battle with Mother Nature, but when you are prepared, you can respond quickly before in order to get back to work fast after.
Make a Plan
You likely have several contingency plans for all things large and small in your business, like what to do when an employee calls out sick or how to handle a delayed supply truck. You should also build a disaster plan for your business that you can initiate with a single word and know that you and your staff will be able to flow seamlessly from one step to the next, which is something SERVPRO® can help you with.
As you build your plan, consider risks that could lead to an interruption in your business. While you need to be the most prepared for the risks that are most likely to occur, a good plan should be universal enough to put into action even when something out of the ordinary happens.
Assign staff members to secure different areas of your building ahead of strong storms. Show employees where water shutoff valves are in order to stop a leak (or a full-on flood) fast. Make sure you and your team understand your individual responsibilities well so that little direction is needed when your disaster plan is enacted.
Practice your plan often. This should not only include talking through various responsibilities for different incidents, but it should also mean you are physically walking through the process.
Map out and then use fire exits, have regular fire extinguisher training and check for leaks around plumbing every few months so that everyone is on the same page with the disaster recovery efforts.
Stay Proactive
Creating a plan and practicing it often is a great way to know that recovery can start from the moment a disaster is predicted to hit your business. You can also stay proactive in protecting your business from disasters with a few other steps.
Conduct safety audits of both your building and your employees regularly. Check smoke detectors and other safety equipment during these audits, and test your staff to make sure they know the right procedures to take for different situations.
This is also a good time to double-check your communication plan. Make sure information is up to date and that you have multiple ways to talk with your employees and your customers.
Regularly check system networks and other equipment that would be utilized if your business had to move to remote work. When it comes to disasters, there is often very little to no time to plan. With a solid plan that you actively practice, you can stay ahead of anything that comes your way.
Has your business experienced damage during a disaster? Contact us and we will get you back to work fast.
Water Damage Prevention Inside and Out | SERVPRO of Morro Bay/King City
6/7/2024 (Permalink)
Dealing with home water damage can feel overwhelming. That's why SERVPRO of Morro Bay/King City is quick to restore your space. Call now!
Can you count the number of ways you use water in a single day? Washing the dishes, washing clothes, washing the dog or the kids—the list could go on and on. Water plays a crucial role in making our days run just a little more smoothly.
Just as there are countless ways in which we utilize water in a day, there are also countless ways in which water can leave our home damaged. Water is particularly good at playing hide and seek, and when you don’t know where to look for it, you can end up finding not just water itself, but also mold, structural damage and lingering odors.
By taking a whole-home approach, you can protect your home from multiple different kinds of water damage. It can actually be pretty simple, too—some regular maintenance outside and inside your home will help keep you safe and dry.
Start Outside
Mother Nature can deal some pretty nasty blows, and even she can leave us dealing with water damage from a number of different sources. The best way to prepare for nature-based water damage is to take care of the outside of your home.
Clean your gutters regularly, or invest in covers that will keep debris out. Even with covers, you should still check your gutter system at least twice a year. Make sure everything is well-connected and replace anything that is showing signs of aging.
Take a look at downspouts to ensure they are free of blockages. Both of these steps are especially important to do after a storm has blown through or winds have been high.
When you check your gutters, take a look at your roof as well. Repair loose shingles or other materials, and make sure there are no soft spots. That could indicate a leak and deserves some deeper digging to keep things in good repair.
Make sure your yard is sloped to move water away from the base of your house. You can use organic material to create additional sloping as well as increase absorption to prevent puddles from forming. If you have a spot in your yard that stays wet, consider installing a rain garden with plants that will naturally draw water down into the soil.
Work Inside
While the outside of your home will likely only require maintenance a few times a year and after any big storms, preventing water damage inside your home should be a weekly part of your routine. A single leak can drip nearly 200 gallons per day, which is a lot of water that could be creeping around your walls and floorboard.
Check for leaks under all your sinks and around toilets, tubs and showers often. Look for small puddles, drips hanging out on a pipe, or even splashes of water on the floor.
Make sure seals are tight, and replace anything that has begun to age. Mold and musty odors are another indicator that moisture is getting in the wrong places, especially if you notice them near an appliance that uses water. Check behind and under the appliance as much as you are able for leaks in the water lines if you do notice an odor.
Take note of any regular water payments you make—a sudden change is a good indicator that there is a leak somewhere in your home. A change in water pressure is another sign that something is not quite right.
Protect your home from water damage by keeping a close eye on things inside and out. By keeping things well-maintained, you can count on water to make your life easier without worrying about damage.
Do you have water damage in your home? Contact our SERVPRO® team, and we will get things dried out fast.
Preventing Kitchen Fires | SERVPRO of Morro Bay/King City
2/7/2024 (Permalink)
Has your home been impacted by a disastrous fire? SERVPRO of Morro Bay/King City wants to help restore it. Call us today!
Where do you spend the most time when you are at home? You might assume it is your living area or a bedroom, but the more likely place is the kitchen. Think about everything you do in the kitchen and it makes sense—it really is the heart of the home.
The kitchen is also one the most common places that house fires start. There are so many potential hazards in the kitchen that it makes the place you spend most of your time one of the more dangerous spots you can be.
With some easy preventive steps, you can keep your house safe and continue enjoying the heart of your home. Keep reading to learn more from our SERVPRO® team.
Identify the Risks
The first step to protecting your kitchen and your home is understanding the risks. When you get to know the ways in which fires can start and spread, you can stay alert and stop problems before they ever begin.
Your stove and cooktop are the biggest risks in the kitchen. Any time you cook, there are a number of ways a fire could start.
Hot grease can pop out of a pan, water can boil over and cause an electrical spark or the kids’ favorite casserole can get too hot and flame up inside the stove. Even a loose sleeve or kitchen towel in the wrong place can lead to a fast-spreading fire disaster.
Other cooking appliances pose a risk as well. The microwave is another hazard, as foods inside it can overheat and burn or an electrical spark can cause flames. Any time you are cooking, in any appliance, stay close by.
Even an electric pressure cooker or slow cooker can lead to a fire. The closer you are, the faster you can react to prevent a total disaster.
Simple Prevention
While the risks in the kitchen may be great, so are tools for prevention. Staying close by is the best way to keep everything from going up in flames, quite literally.
When you cook, make sure you have a lid and a fire extinguisher within arms’ reach to put out sparks fast. Grease fires should be smothered, so even if the recipe doesn’t call for it, make sure you get a lid out when you are cooking on the stovetop.
Another simple way to keep things safe in the kitchen is to avoid clutter. It can be easy to toss a hand towel around while you cook, but make sure you keep it far from the oven or any other device that is turned on.
Don’t store items too close to the stove, either, including spoons or other utensils you may be using while you cook. Always turn on your oven light when you have something baking, and if it does catch fire, don’t open the door. Turn the oven off and wait for the flames to go out.
Paying close attention during cooking is crucial for preventing fires, but consider how you close down your kitchen for the day as well. We generally have a lot of electronic appliances in our kitchen that help make getting meals on the table easy.
Unplug as many of these as possible when they are not in use, and keep an eye on their electric cords. Clean grease or other residue off regularly, and don’t use cords that have visible fraying.
If your home is older, consider upgrading your outlets to GFCI outlets. These outlets have a fast-acting circuit breaker to prevent potential electrical surges. They are especially helpful in places like the kitchen where water may accidentally splash.
Make sure you have a smoke detector either in your kitchen or directly outside of it. Many kitchen fires spread because the smoke detector closest to where the fire started was disabled. Even if you frequently burn dinner, keep your smoke detector working and ready to protect your home.
Let the kitchen be the best room in your home by keeping things fire-safe. Stay close and keep safety equipment nearby so you can stop things before they get out of control.
Do you have smoke, soot or other fire damage in your home? Contact us to get things cleaned up fast.
2023 Storms on the Central Coast. Are you ready?
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
You may not be thinking about any storms coming our way right now with this 90-100 degree weather right now. The truth is, storm season is upon us. It’s that time of the year when the skies darken, the winds howl, and rain pours like there’s no tomorrow. While it’s tempting to cozy up indoors, let’s not forget about the roof over our heads literally. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements, and it takes a beating during storm season. Ignoring it is like playing Russian roulette with Mother Nature, and trust us, she doesn’t bluff.
Are you ready?
Call us if you have any questions for preparedness!
Preparedness is key to avoiding and damage to your home or business!
805-574-6771
Why are clean gutters necessary?
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
A clogged gutter is a disaster waiting to happen, especially during storm season. When gutters are blocked, water can’t flow away from your home, leading to potential flooding and water damage. It’s a simple task, but one that many homeowners overlook.
Regularly cleaning your gutters ensures that water can flow freely, reducing the risk of flood damage. The experts suggest making gutter cleaning a part of your regular home maintenance routine. It’s a small task with big benefits, so don’t underestimate its importance. A clean gutter is a functional gutter, and a functional gutter is a flood-free home.
Have a question or need some advice on how to safeguard your house?
Call us! 805-674-5771
Remember, being properly prepared will prevent damage to your home, property or business.
Do You a Flood Safety Measure in Place?
9/19/2023 (Permalink)
Always have an emergency plan and flood safety measures in place. This includes knowing where to go in case of an evacuation, having an emergency kit ready, and installing flood barriers if you live in a flood-prone area. These measures may not directly impact your roof, but they are crucial for overall home safety during a storm.
It’s best to have a comprehensive emergency plan that all family members are familiar with. This should include contact numbers, evacuation routes, and the location of your emergency kit. Flood safety is not just about avoiding water damage; it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of your family.
Remember, being properly prepared will prevent damage to your home, property or business.
Call us for advice!
805-674-5771
Mold Damage Remediation Services Available In The San Luis Obisbo, Cambria, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Cayucos, Templeton, Atascadero and King City Area
3/22/2022 (Permalink)
Mold Damage Remediation Services Available In The San Luis Obisbo, Cambria, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Cayucos, Templeton, Atascadero and King City Area
Mold on your property can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. However, there can also be mold that is invisible to the naked eye, making mold contamination considerably hard to diagnose without the right equipment.
Just having the right conditions allows mold to grow anywhere on your property. Whether it is clear and sunny, or cloudy and rainy mold damage can occur in your San Luis Obisbo, Cambria, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Cayucos, Templeton, Atascadero and King City Area
Fungus or mold has obtained a rather bad reputation over the years. However, the truth is, that mold is no more damaging than fire, or water. In fact, water itself is a major element mold needs to grow.
Mold is a fungus that occurs naturally within our environment. Our eco-system uses these microscopic organisms to process decomposing materials. Without mold, many forms of antibiotics, vitamins, and other medical solutions used today would be impossible.
Our expert mold remediation specialists at SERVPRO provide you with a variety of services that make locating and controlling mold found in your home easier. While also helping you avoid creating the conditions that need to exist for regrowth to occur. You should begin by having our technicians perform a full inspection of your property. You may notice some problems, while our technicians find larger issues hiding just out of sight.
SERVPRO technicians understand where mold might begin. Starting with locating water sources found in your home that can cause mold to get out of control. Water issues including from plumbing leaks, excessive condensation on your windows, and HVAC system drain off can cause mold growth in your home. Many of the materials used to build your home serve as a food source, so, anywhere that you find excessive or constant moisture adds the final ingredient mold needs to spread.
Even if the only mold you find on your property is completely dry, it is important to have a trained professional perform your remediation. Dry mold spreads microscopic mold spores through the air that you cannot see, leading you to spread contamination to other areas and cause more problems. SERVPRO’s expert team utilizes air movers and negative-airflow machines in combination with HEPA filters to trap microscopic spores and get mold growth under control.
Ceiling Tile Discoloration in San Luis Obispo: Culprits and Causes
1/4/2022 (Permalink)
Imagine it, you’ve found the perfect home for your business, with just one or two pesky discolored ceiling tiles. It’s not a big deal, right? Not quite. Beyond being unsightly, ceiling tile discoloration can have serious causes, from water damage to tile mold. Before you overlook a stain or two, learn some of their top causes in San Luis Obispo, Ca.
About Ceiling Tiles
Dropped tile ceilings are a common go-to for many commercial buildings across the country. Reasons include:
- Affordability
- Easy removal for access to HVAC and electrical system
- Clean, simple appearance
Drop tiles can create a pleasant, conservative look but can quickly take on a downright ugly appearance when they become stained. Here are some of the reasons that happens.
Age
Dropped tile ceilings have been popular for decades and in some buildings, have been in place for that long. The older the tiles the more likely they’ve been exposed to cigarette smoke and other pollutants. The result can be a darker color that may be impossible to get rid of.
Water Damage
Brown spots are often the biggest giveaway to a leak somewhere above the tile. They often start small and radiate outward over time. Beyond being an eyesore, these spots often signal bigger problems like tile mold, and should never be ignored.
Lighting
The ultraviolet light so common in offices is not great for ceiling tiles. Over time, tiles exposed to UV rays can take on a sickly hue that isn’t very attractive.
From water leaks and tile mold to harsh light, there are lots of things that can trigger tile discoloration. When you see tile discoloration, it’s worth the time and money to replace the tile. Because tile mold can spread, if you suspect water damage is the culprit, make sure you consult a mold remediator. It could save you expense and headaches in the long run.
SERVPRO Shares Nine Benefits of hiring a Professional Restoration Company
1/2/2022 (Permalink)
9 Benefits of Hiring a Professional Restoration Company like SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City
After a storm, fire, or water damage to a property, a DIY cleaning may seem tempting but is a recipe for further damage and loss. SERVPRO shares below the benefits of hiring a professional water damage restoration company to help return a property to its original state.
Restore instead of replace
Only a professional team has the expertise and know-how to quickly investigate and identify what can be restored and what simply needs to be replaced. An amateur eye with limited skills and equipment may decide to discard contents that a professional may be able to restore. This enables cost-saving by avoiding replacements, eliminates the need for an insurance claim, and saves precious contents that may have sentimental or legal value.
At the same time, a professional restoration expert would not waste time and money on restoring something unsalvageable.
- Distinguish between materials
It takes a professional eye to analyze the different types of surfaces and apply the right cleaning method for optimum results. An amateur cleaning gone wrong won’t just lead to a waste of money but also a permanent loss of the contents. For instance, professionals have the experience to clean and restore a section of drywall, which saves a lot of mess, time, and cost of replacing it. An amateur may not have the skills or the knowledge to address this issue.
Work with insurance companies
A professional damage restoration company that works with a property owner can assist with insurance claims from the initial call through the completion of mitigation. Most homeowners don’t have the expertise or the experience in filing insurance claims, which may be required in cases of severe property damage. A professional restoration team offers the additional advantage of commitment and smooth processing of insurance claims.
Provide correct estimates
Professional restoration firms provide correct estimates which enables them to process claims quickly and efficiently. The awareness of the most current technologies and methods for the restoration process enables the team to reduce property claims costs.
- Offer state-of-the-art equipment
A professional restoration company like SERVPRO has the latest equipment and technology to assess the damage accurately. The complete restoration process is monitored and documented from the beginning till the end. An amateur may hire the equipment but may not have the skill to use it efficiently. This may in turn lead to a lot of time wastage while secondary damage escalates.
Professional restoration teams undergo constant training and development to stay at par with current industry certifications. This continuous up-gradation keeps the team on top of their game and ensures that property owners experience the most updated restoration process.
Additionally, a professional restoration company has the business licenses and insurance coverage necessary for such a business.
A professional water damage restoration company is punctual and accurate in its work. It takes just one call to schedule an appointment with a professional restoration company like SERVPRO that offers its services 24X7. Its competent technicians with their top-notch training and advanced restoration tools can get the job done. Swiftly and accurately.
Severe water damage caused by floods or fire extinguishing activity poses a massive risk of secondary water damage such as mold and contaminated water. These adverse conditions can lead to severe health effects. A professional water damage restoration company can remedy the contaminated water situation as well as other related issues. It is important to get a property sanitized and cleaned at the earliest by a professional team to protect one’s health.
Why SERVPRO?
- SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City is constantly updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo, Cambria, or surrounding areas can quickly access the services.
- With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.
- The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.
For water damage restoration, call SERVPRO of Morro Bay / King City today at (805-674-5771) or e-mail at admin@SERVPROmbkc.com
King City Flooding
12/30/2021 (Permalink)
Water Where It Doesn't Belong?
Many King City residents have had to deal with flooded basements and are continuing to see the damages.
The recent storm has affected so many families. Some unfortunately have experienced water damage before and many this is their first time. It is so disheartening that so many folks are on lists for restoration companies to get help. There is such a great need and please stay patient as all companies are working hard to help.
What Can You Do?
Keep in mind the wet carpet isn't the only concern, it is your walls, behind your walls and the framing. If these materials stay wet it begins a breeding ground for mold that can start in a few days.
Here are some things that you can do while waiting for help to arrive, or if you chose to perform all the work yourself.
Water that came in from windows, doors, and foundation:
- Move all belongings out of the area
- Remove carpet pad
- Remove carpet
- Remove baseboard
- Remove drywall 2 feet up around all walls
- Remove Insulation and plastic sheeting
- Clean floor:
- Clean surface with soap and warm, clean water.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Sanitize using a mixture of 1 cup (240 mL) of bleach to 5 gallons of water.
- Allow to air dry.
- Place any types of fans to help evaporate the moisture from the wet materials and install a dehumidifier to absorb the evaporation and dry everything down.
If water came in due to sump pump overflowing or failing. Follow steps above with the exception that the carpet can be saved. In addition, the interior walls do not have to be cut 2 feet up. If you can't remove drywall at least drill holes under the baseboard line every several inches.
What's Next
If you worked on your basement with out professional help, the next step would be to hire a restoration company as they catch up to perform a water assessment. During the assessment we can determine if the basement is dry or if there are still wet materials that need attention. We can advise you on what else can be done or continue to assist you to make sure the home is safe, dry, and a healthy environment.
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