Reasons You Should Hire a Mold Remediation Professionals

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Mold is a serious problem that can cause serious damage to your home.

Mold remediation is a specialized field. It requires the expertise of not only a trained professional but also the right type of equipment and chemicals. The wrong type of mold remediator can make matters worse, so it's important to choose someone with the right skill set, experience, and certifications. Here are some reasons why you should hire a professional mold remediation company if you suspect mold in your home or business: 

Locate Hidden Mold more Easier

Although you can't see them, mold spores are everywhere, and they're microscopic. The moisture in your home can provide ideal conditions for this growth process to take place. If you suspect you have mold growing in your home and aren't sure how to remove it yourself, contact an expert who will be able to inspect your home for signs of mold growth and provide solutions for treating the underlying cause of condensation before it becomes a bigger problem.

Mold can be hidden in more places than you might expect. Mold can be found behind wall coverings, under carpets, within HVAC systems and ducts, in crawl spaces and attics—even high on the walls of your home.

Mold remediation professionals are trained to identify mold growth patterns inside buildings. They use tools like moisture meters and thermal cameras to pinpoint problem areas that may otherwise go unnoticed by homeowners who don't have those specialized skills or training.

Trauma Cleanup in San Mateo County

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Bio-Hazard

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae has a fully trained staff capable of dealing with all aspects involved with a loss this sensitive in nature.

Bio-Hazard Remediation, death cleanup, and suicide cleaning is never an easy situation for a family to be faced. We at SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae recognize this and make every effort to relieve the stress associated with the loss. While following the strict cleaning guidelines to remove all hazards associated with bodily fluids. Assuring all contaminated materials are properly boxed and identified as medical waste. Many homeowners don't realize that this type of loss is typically covered by insurance. Our staff will communicate with your insurance company regarding the property and remain open conversation until the job is complete. Please call us at 650-651-7290

Holiday cleaning can be a pain, don't stress let us help

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Call us for all your cleaning needs.

Need to get your place ready for get-togethers? Call us at SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae (650)651-7290. We'll make your house feel like home for the holidays. We take pride in producing high-quality general cleaning for our commercial and residential customers. SERVPRO has deep roots in the general cleaning world with staff chemists creating breaking-edge cleaning products for our franchise community. The supplies SERVPRO corporate produces are far superior to anything you might find in a store. Not to mention with over 2000 franchises to reach out to for the unusual situation that might pop up... Chances are someone in our SERVPRO family has seen it. Just remember we're here to help make it "Like it never even happened"

The Fire Restoration Process

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Fire damage in San Francisco, Ca

4 Steps in Getting Your Home Back to Normal

After a fire in your Burlingame, Millbrae CA, home, you may feel overwhelmed by the fire restoration process. Knowing what to expect beforehand can make the situation less stressful for you and your family. Every fire and home is different, and the restoration process varies accordingly. Here are four general steps that occupants take in getting their homes back to normal after a fire:

1. Inspection

Surveying the damage after a fire is critical to know the next steps that you need to take. However, this can be dangerous if you are not careful. Do not re-enter your home until the fire department has said it is safe to do so. Do not turn on any appliances or lights that were near the fire.

2. Preventing Further Damage

Preventing further damage is key to the fire restoration process. This includes boarding up or tarping over any openings in the structure to prevent wildlife, criminals, etc. from getting inside. Additionally, it is important to remove any water left over from the fire extinguishing efforts because mold growth begins quickly. After the water has been removed, smoke damage should be addressed. Smoke and soot are corrosive. The longer they are allowed to sit, the more damage they cause.

3. Cleaning

After taking precautions to prevent further damage, clean-up efforts can begin. Damage cleaning takes many forms and may occur on-site or at another location. In addition to cleaning the surfaces of your home and the items within it, it may be necessary to address any lingering smoke odor. From air scrubbers to ozone machines, there are a variety of methods to remove smoke particles from the air in your home.

4. Repair and Restoration

After the smoke (and soot and water) clears, it is time to repair the damage caused by the fire. You may have to repair drywall, replace carpeting and windows, or even fully reconstruct parts of your home to get it back to normal.
Regardless of the extent of damage done, an experienced restoration service can help you with every step of the fire restoration process.

Experiencing Water Damage In Your Commercial Building

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Our certified technicians are on call 24/7 to quickly get your building cleaned up and minimize any potential downtime for your business.

Due to the wide variety of issues that can stem from water damage, it is one of the most difficult challenges a property owner can face. Depending on the severity, water damage can compromise structural integrity and damage belongings. When left unresolved or if not taken care of properly, water can result in the growth of mold. 

What is water damage?

Water damage is the type of damage that occurs on a structure and to personal property due to excessive moisture and collected water. Most often water damage will occur where water can collect without notice. For example, they will occur in the lowest depths of one's property such as crawl spaces and the basement.

Here are some examples of the equipment used for water damage repair services:

• Air Movers - help dry water-damaged flooring and surfaces by forcing moisture to evaporate more quickly
• Dehumidifiers - by maintaining the humidity of the room, a dehumidifier is a catalyst for drying an area that has excessive moisture
• Air Scrubbers - filter out any particles in your indoor air which may include airborne contaminants including the smell of musk and smoke
• Moisture Meters - gauges the severity of water damage on a surface or an area by assessing the moisture preset

At SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae, we have state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that your property is taken care of properly. By reducing the time it takes to dry your property, you'll be saving time and money. Call our SERVPRO Team today at (650) 651-7290.

Preventing Fires At Your Commercial Property

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Call the trusted experts at SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae for all of your fire restoration needs.

Fire damage to your business is a serious concern. Even moderate damage can result in your facility being closed for repairs for weeks on end, and this can be financially devastating.

The unfortunate reality is that no business is immune to the risk of fire. Some facilities may be more likely to endure damage from a fire, such as a restaurant that uses open flames throughout the day. However, there are many fire hazards that are present in most workplaces on a daily basis regardless of the type of activities that take place in the building. When you know what these hazards are, you can take proper steps to address and mitigate those risks and prevent possible fire damage and smoke damage.

Electrical Concerns
Damage to electrical wiring can result in sparks that quickly lead to damaging fires. Electrical wiring damage may include frayed cords, such as those connecting desktop computers to the wall power outlets. It may also include damage to internal wiring inside the walls, and these may be damaged by pests and other forces. Electrical fires may also start when power sockets are overloaded or when equipment gets too hot. Periodically review your company's wiring to identify areas of concern that need to be addressed.

Poor Equipment Maintenance
Other hazards in workplaces are related to poor equipment maintenance. For example, failing to service your furnace regularly may result in the accumulation of dust and other flammable debris. A gas leak in the furnace could result in a fire or an explosion. Fire hazards related to poor maintenance may also include dusty, dirty, or greasy components, such as air ducts and vents, kitchen exhaust vents, and many other features that are used throughout your facility. Scheduling necessary maintenance can decrease fire risk in these areas.

Flammable or Combustible Materials
Flammable and combustible materials are most commonly associated with industrial and warehouse environments, but even restaurants, hotels, dry cleaners, and many other types of businesses may store combustible materials on-site. These materials should remain properly sealed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations at all times.

As you can see, there are numerous fire hazards that could result in serious damage to your business. If your business has already experienced fire damage, it is essential that repair work is completed as soon as possible. SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is your trusted leader in the restoration industry. We can quickly restore your building to its previous condition so that operations can resume in your place of business. Call us today!

Why Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)?

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Our SERVPRO Team always wears PPE to protect ourselves!

Personal protective equipment, commonly referred to as "PPE", is equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. These injuries and illnesses may result from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards. Personal protective equipment may include items such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, coveralls, vests, and full-body suits.

It is important at SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae that our technicians are as safe as possible while working for our wonderful customers so we can get the job done right and efficiently.  

Although it isn't the most fashionable outfit of the season, it is absolutely necessary for some situations!

Our SERVPRO Team protects ourselves so we can better serve you!

You Need Proper Flood Damage Mitigation Allowing Your Family to Move Back into Your Home Safely

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

After flooding occurs in your home, you want everything dealt with properly. Contact SERVPRO for certified professionals to help you.

SERVPRO Provides the Services to Mitigate Flood Damages

Before and during a flood, your family's reaction can often reveal how much stress and shock they feel. At times, it might seem as if the flooding event equals the end of as they know it and that nothing can ever bring things back to normal again. SERVPRO wants to assure you that we can help your family by remediating most things affected by the flood and helping you manage your belongings so that your family recovers as quickly as possible.

Our services include taking an inventory of your belongings that we box up while in your home to protect you from any damage Items that you disclose to SERVPRO workers that require special handling or that your family needs during the mitigation process receive priority treatment so you can relax and take care of other issues affecting your family.

After your home's mitigation process comes to a conclusion and the time for your family to return home comes closer, we begin returning your belongings so your family can easily find them. After we begin cleaning boxed items in our warehouse, we rebox them according to matching labels, keeping things orderly for your convenience. When we return your family's belongings to your home, we place each box or larger item back in the place designated at the time we packed it for cleaning, drying, and other restorative work. This inventory control helps reduce confusion and keeps things neat and tidy for unpacking items. We catalog non-salvageable items in a CCIS, Contents Claim Inventory Service, providing assistance with your insurance carrier and protecting our customer's interests.

Flooding can cause problems with plumbing, gas lines, and electrical systems. Before your family's arrival, experienced and IICRC-certified technicians and other specialists that SERVPRO partners with thoroughly checked to ensure these all met safety code and other standards of safety. Air vents and ducts in positions below the water line also required cleaning and disinfecting. All materials in your home are now in a preloss state, "Like it never even happened," and safe once again for all members of your family.

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae can assist you and your family from start to finish when flood damage threatens your home. Call our emergency services hotline at (650) 651-7290 so we can help you through the entire process of damage repair and mitigation.

Understanding the Components of Water Removal in Homes

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Water damage mitigation by SERVPRO using advanced drying equipment can often salvage belongs for our customers

Mitigation Starts with Water Removal

Standing water can quickly threaten your household with flooding, broken pipes, appliance failures, and other major water damage events. More than this, several types of water removal services might be necessary to avoid costlier structural damage.

Getting Emergency Services Started Early

Water mitigation hinges on early efforts like water removal from your homes. Because there are multiple ways to reach this goal, we first prioritize the pressing issues like standing water and saturated building materials. The prompt arrival of our SERVPRO professionals ensures no delay in getting these mitigative steps started fast.

What Tools Influence Water Removal Services?

With how important the water removal objective is to the restoration process, it is no surprise that many of the tools and equipment in our inventory are designed for this purpose. We utilize several strategies and approaches to minimize moisture migration through the structure, however possible. Some of the common implements and instruments include:

• Extractors: Water removal services begin with eliminating surface water by using pumps and vacuums. 
• Air Movers: High-velocity blowers promote the evaporation of wet materials, often preserving these elements in the process. 
• Special Drying Tools: Some of our equipment is exclusively designed for specific materials that get wet, such as drying mats pulling moisture from plank flooring. 
• Dehumidifiers: These tools help remove water in the air, which can increase with evaporative drying tools like air movers. 
• Positive Pressure Systems: These units (injection-dry) infuse dry air into the wall systems to promote the evaporation of moist cavities. 

Water removal services combine several efforts of our professionals to eliminate as much water and harmful moisture from the property as possible throughout the mitigation and restoration processes. Our SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae team arrives with the tools listed here to get emergency services started as soon as possible and protect your property from avoidable harm. Call now at (650)651-7290.

Steps to Help Prevent Trees from Falling on Your Home?

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

When people are looking to purchase a new house the curb appeal, amount of acres, and layout are the primary focus. Counting the number of trees that surround the house is possibly the last thought on a prospective buyer’s mind. It’s essential, however, that house hunters do take into account how many trees there are near or on the property for the protection of their investment. Severe weather may pose the most likely risk to that investment through the possibility of ice storms in the winter and powerful winds in the spring. 

An ice storm and powerful winds may cause weakened trees to fall on your property; through a window or even the roof. Pertaining to ice storms a quarter-inch of ice may begin to weigh down branches and a half-inch of ice may even lead to them breaking. Likewise, powerful winds from a hurricane, tropical storm or any other strong system that has the potential to spawn tornadoes may result in the down of trees. Especially if the ground is saturated from recent rainfall.

To help reduce the possibility of a tree falling on your home our team has listed several steps you can take below. 

1. Look to see if there are any trees on your property or even near it that may be weakened and pose a risk to your home. Perform this task regularly, especially at the beginning of the winter and spring. 
2. Consider having a professional tree service company cut down trees that are weakened or are in close proximity to your property. 
3. Continuous severe storms can cripple a tree’s integrity leaving it vulnerable to a strong ice storm or hurricane completely toppling it over. After every storm makes sure to examine the trees around your home for abnormalities. 
4. Check with your home insurance provider to ensure you’re properly covered if a tree does fall on your roof. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae (650) 651-7290  

Fire Damage needs Swift Action. Fire Damage needs SERVPRO.

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO will be there a few minutes after these brave boys go back to the station!

If your home or business experienced any fire damage during the Holiday Season, you need to act quickly to handle the cleanup, and the first step is finding a Fire Damage Cleanup and Restoration Company, and that company is SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae! We specialize in finishing the entire job, from cleaning walls, ceilings, and floors, to deodorizing carpets and upholstery, to cleaning out air ducts, which can keep the smell of smoke alive in your home for weeks if not taken care of. If you hire a cleanup and restoration company that only finishes half the job and moves along (almost certainly charging you the same price despite doing an inferior job!), your damage won’t actually be fully restored, and you’ll be back to where you started. So get someone who can do it right the first time and finish the job with excellence.

Does your Business have a Disaster Plan?

4/4/2023 (Permalink)

Do you have a Disaster Plan?

If you own a business in the San Francisco Bay Area, developing a disaster plan is a vital part of making sure you are covered in case an emergency were to arise. Having a written plan in place will help your employees stay safe in an emergency situation, keep everyone informed, and help you reopen your business quickly. There are a few key elements that can help you be certain that you are fully prepared.

Path for Building Evacuation & Staying Put 

Depending on the type of disaster you are facing, it may be necessary to evacuate while other disasters may necessitate staying in place. To be fully prepared for whatever situation your business faces, it is important to have a procedure in place regarding both of these things. 

Make sure that you have well-marked evacuation routes in the building in case employees must leave suddenly in the event of a fire or flood, and practice evacuation drills frequently so everyone knows what to do. In the event that you must stay put, pack an office emergency kit with enough food, water, and medical supplies to sustain you and your staff until official help arrives. 

Effective Communication Strategy for Employees and Management

In the event of a disaster or emergency, there will likely be a lot of confusion from staff regarding what this means for the business and their livelihoods. Making sure that you and upper management have a strategy for communicating with staff will help you (most importantly) ensure everyone is safe, communicate pertinent information, and keep any rumors at bay. 

Outline of the Recovery Process 

For business owners, stakeholders, and management, your livelihood is likely on the line if your business or organization has an unexpected closure.  It’s recommended that you have a recovery plan in place in advance so you can expedite your time to reopen. 

Make sure you are aware of how to start recovery, including knowing your insurance information, and the preferred commercial restoration company that you will be using to mitigate damage, restore your property, and get your business reopened as quickly as possible. 

Need Assistance?

If your business has experienced a disaster, you can count on our restoration services. Contact SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae at (650) 651-7290  to learn more about our commercial restoration process.

Restoring Your Home After a Fire

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

How Do You Restore a House After a Fire

Having your home and belongings damaged by a fire can be devastating for everyone involved. However, by getting content cleaning and fire restoration services on the job right away and investing in a few things like dry-cleaning and content storage, you can help to bring your home back to its former glory. There are a few steps you should follow to get everything on track for recovery:

• Getting in touch with your insurance company
• Locating a reliable fire and smoke cleanup crew
• Finding a storage space for undamaged belongings
  
  

Contacting Insurance

After dealing with emergency services, your insurance company should be the first call you make. Your insurance professionals can help estimate how much your repairs will cost and direct you to fire cleaning professionals in Burlingame, Millbrae who are covered by your homeowners' insurance. This can help you get the financial support you need during the recovery process.

Choosing Your Crew

While your insurance company will likely suggest and endorse a number of cleanup crews, it’s ultimately up to you to decide who you want to trust with your home content cleaning. Do your research and find a company that has a reputation for getting the job done right and for following up on their results after you’re settled back into your home.

Finding Storage Solutions

During your cleanup process, crews are likely to use machines and chemicals that rid your home of smoke smells. It’s always a good idea to move undamaged belongings into a storage unit until your home is completely repaired to protect them from dust, debris, and even water from damaged roofing or pipes. Dry cleaning may be appropriate for some minimally damaged belongings.

Between dry-cleaning, working with insurance agents, and all of the other steps of content cleaning after a fire, the home recovery process can be a long one. However, it’s well worth it to feel safe and secure in your own home again.

Commercial Insurance for Flood-Related Damage

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

What To Look For In Terms Of Flood Insurance

Any attempt to make an insurance claim for flooding on a standard commercial insurance policy will quickly reveal the need for a separate flood policy. Find out why general property insurance often excludes flood damage and what to look for in terms of flood insurance for a commercial building in Burlingame, Millbrae.

Most General Policies Exclude Flooding
Primary commercial property insurance policies often exclude incidents in which external water breaches the interior of a structure, with the exception of leaks in an otherwise well-maintained roof. Check to see whether the following types of damage are cut out of a general policy:

• Flooding
• Sewer backups
• Storm surges
  
  

It is necessary to obtain endorsements or supplemental policies to cover this damage. Flood policies typically cover storm surges, but an additional rider or policy is required for cleaning and restoring sewer damage. The National Flood Insurance Program
The NFIP is a relatively easy way for commercial property owners to get coverage for flooding. Property must be located in a community that participates in the program. If the owner of a property located in an area with a high flood risk has a mortgage from a federally-backed lender, flood coverage may be a requirement. This policy may include up to $500,000 in coverage for a structure and up to $500,000 for business or personal content.

Private Commercial Insurance
If the NFIP is not available in a particular area, a property owner may want to obtain an independent flood policy through a private insurer. Check to see whether a primary commercial insurer also offers flood coverage.
If you own a commercial building in Burlingame, Millbrae you should be aware of the extent of your insurance coverage. General property insurance, flood insurance, and additional policies or riders to cover interruptions can keep a business afloat in the event of major flooding or other storm damage.

Tips for Water Damage Prevention

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

When homeowners think of water damage, they usually imagine a large flooding event from a storm or water main break, but small things such as undetected leaks can cause a lot of problems, too. Damage from water in your home in Burlingame, Millbrae, is not inevitable, though. There are several things you can do to prevent it from happening.

4 Tips to Prevent Water Damage

1. Have a Consistent Maintenance Schedule

Most water damage is entirely preventable. All you need to do is update your maintenance checklist to ensure that it includes leak prevention tasks:

• Clean gutters and downspouts
• Minimize landscaping near pipes or sewer lines
• Check pipes and supply lines for weak spots or leaks
• Maintain appliances
• Winterize pipes before the first big freeze of the year

2. Improve Water Loss Detection

Another way to prevent damage is to head potential problems off at the pass. To do this well, you have to know when they start. An unusually high water bill could be a sign of a leak that leads to water in your home. A working sump pump in your basement protects it even when you are not there.

3. Know Where Your Water Main is Located

A broken pipe is not always something you can prevent, but you can minimize the amount of water it releases by turning off your water main. The shutoff valve stops the flow of water into your pipes so that you can get the issue resolved.

4. Fix Leaks and Damage Quickly

Even if your home is damaged by an unpredictable accident, quick pipe cleanup can help you prevent secondary damage. It's important to call water restoration experts as soon as you know there is an issue so that they can stop the progress of the seepage and prevent mold growth.

To prevent water in your home from causing extensive problems, you have to be diligent. Proper maintenance and vigilant attention to changes help you safeguard the structural integrity of your house.

Why a 24 Hour Response Matters

8/17/2022 (Permalink)

Why a 24-Hour Response Matters

As an insurance adjuster in the Bay Area, you are part of the front line for residential disasters. Some events, like those involving water, require an immediate response to slow or stop the course of damage. SERVPRO has a 24-hour response because they understand that every hour of exposure has a crucial impact on the extent of damage, and cost, since the chance of restoration goes down as the clock ticks away. Here is the typical progression of water damage to a home:
First 24 Hours

• Porous items such as drywall, upholstery, carpets, and floors begin to absorb the water immediately.
• Stains from finishes and pigments may occur from contact between items.
• Documents and photos absorb water and warp.
• Materials become saturated with water and begin to break down or crack from swelling.
• Metal begins to tarnish.
• Molds begin to grow.
  
  

After 24 Hours

• Wood studs, flooring, windows, and doors warp.
• Paint bubbles and peels.
• Metal corrodes.
• Mold and mildew multiply.
• Sitting water becomes “black water” due to exposure.
  
  

To minimize costs and damage, a 24-hour response is critical. As an insurance adjuster, you know that damage increases dramatically in a matter of hours and the costs increase exponentially during that time.

How a 24-Hour Response Is Possible

With the power of a national company, SERVPRO is always open. The national call center operates every day of the year, 24 hours a day. With this first contact being crucial, your customer will talk to a professional on the phone within the first hour and, thanks to the power of local reach, on-site work will be able to begin within four hours of that initial call. As an adjuster, you will receive your first verbal briefing within eight hours.

Selecting a national vendor with more than 2000 locations ensures a 24-hour response for your customers. You also know you can count on consistent standards and procedures, and big company quality. That fast response is why they are the preferred vendor for many national insurance companies.

Can Your Business Experience Serious Water Damage Unrelated to Weather?

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

Water damage? SERVPRO is prepared with restoration equipment and certified technicians. Call us right away!

SERVPRO can clean up and restore your Burlingame, Millbrae business after all types of water damage

Although a storm may damage everything in the area, a broken pipe or burst water heater may put just one business out of operation. If that happens to you, what should you do? Call SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae for Water damage, Clean up and restoration Here’s why:

SERVPRO water damage training:

• We’re trained in the best methods of water removal and restoration. Our technicians are IICRC certified. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification.
• We bring and know how to use the industrial equipment necessary. Specific issues often require special equipment for the best results. Pumps, wet/vacs, riding extractors, air movers, and various dehumidifiers.
• We have additional skills as needed to solve your unique water damage issues. In addition to floors, subfloors, and walls, we can help with furniture and carpets for moisture removal and water damage mitigation.
• We will evaluate the damage to determine what needs to be done and keep you informed as we progress toward completion. We’re ready to restore your business “Like it never even happened.”

When you’re facing a major water issue, you cannot afford to have the job partially done or delayed. Our job is to keep your doors open for our customers, clients, and employees.

Call SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae at (650) -651-7290 to get started on cleanup and restoration right away!

Laundry Safety

6/15/2022 (Permalink)

Laundry can easily pile up, but it is essential to practice basic safety techniques to protect your home.

Not clearing your laundry filter after each use can be dangerous. It is reported that there are over 17,000 fires related to home dryers each year.
Here are a few simple tips to follow to help prevent a clothes dryer fire:
-Clean the filter screen after each load to prevent lint buildup.
-An adult should be at home whenever the dryer is in use and the home should have working smoke alarms.
-Clean the vents outside twice a year to clean out any accumulated dust and lint.
-Commercial dryers should be cleaned out regularly because of their frequent use and shared venting system.
-Don't dry mop heads in the dryer. The dryer's heat can ignite the chemical residue on mop heads.
-Keep the surrounding area clean. The dryer's heat may ignite anything left too close to the dryer.
-The safety of your family is important to us and we hope that you don't encounter such a fire. Be sure you follow these steps to avoid a fire in your home.

Summer's Natural Disasters

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

Every summer, the U.S. goes through an “active weather” season. The middle of spring through summer is a prime time for hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, thunderstorms, and fires. Here at SERVPRO, we’ve already begun to see the impact of the severe weather. In California, we have already experienced a massive amount of fires. Luckily, our SERVPRO team is here for any natural disaster. We respond to water, wind, and fire damage! Here are some weather events to look out for during the spring and summer months:

• Hurricanes–Hurricanes, with the accompanying wind, water, and flood, cause a lot of destruction in areas where they hit. When hurricanes gather strength, buildings, trees, and water infrastructures are commonly destroyed. The storms can also knock down power lines, posing a risk of electrocution.
• Tornadoes– Tornadoes are characterized by whirling winds and debris and can endanger life and property. They are common from spring until the middle of summer but can occur any time of the year.
• Floods– Floods are becoming more common in the U.S., with flash floods as the top weather-related killer. A few inches of water could bring extensive damage to homes and buildings. Heavy rains, levee breaches, and tsunamis cause floods. Many floods occur in areas that cannot absorb rainwater.
• Fires– The heat of the summer and the years of drought experienced in many parts of the country can precipitate massive forest fires that, in many instances, affect dwellings. Spontaneous combustion, volcanic eruption, and faulty electrical wires are other common causes of fires.

 Call SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae if you are ever in need after a natural disaster!

Drying Up After Water Damage

6/14/2022 (Permalink)

When water affects your business or home SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is here to help with equipment and trained staff.

This business had water damage after a heavy rain storm in a short amount of time. The water came into their building and affected the entire location. We extracted the standing water and set equipment. We set a total of 65 fans on this particular job, as well as desiccants and generators as you can imagine it took lots of power to run all this equipment. We have the means to be able to dry the structure.  Airflow is a big part of the drying process. Having the right amount of airflow is crucial to the drying process.  We use calculations to figure out the right amount of equipment needed to properly dry the structure and contents in a facility.  We are here to help you with our trained professionals when disaster happens to get you back to your home and business faster, making it "Like it never even happened."

Urgent and Immediate!

6/12/2022 (Permalink)

Disasters can strike your commercial property while you are sleeping! We understand the urgency for immediate repairs and can act fast to help minimize further damage. SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae emergency response helpline is always open and standing by to take your phone call 24/7!
 
Regardless of the cause, we will fast respond and help you assess problems or issues the water damage produced and start the mitigation and recovery process. Before emergency repairs are started, we remove any salvageable items and assess the extent of the damage and contamination to put together a repair plan.
 

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae has professionals with the training, experience, and equipment to manage water and flooding damage. Whether you have a large water emergency or a small water damage event, we will respond fast to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion.

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae provides a wide scope of services. Some are biohazard cleanup and removal, and general construction for rebuilding and remodeling structures. Those are in addition to the fire, water, and mold cleanup and restoration services you may already be familiar with. Below is a list of some of our services offered.

• Fire, Smoke, and Soot Cleanup and Restoration
• Water Removal and Dehumidification
• Crime Scene, Biohazard, and Vandalism Cleanup
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation
• Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Care
• Stain Removal, Stain Resistance Applications
• Odor Identification and Deodorization
  Upholstery and Drapes: Wet and Dry Cleaning Methods

If you are unsure if we can help with an issue you are having, give us a call at 650-651-7290

Fire Mitigation Process

6/12/2022 (Permalink)

When you have a fire it can be devastating. Most of the time the hard part is losing so much of your content. When you have fire damage, you also have soot, odor, and water damage.

We at SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae want to help restore as much as we can for you. We have specialized training in doing just that.

First, we do an inspection and fire damage assessment to begin to form a plan of action.

Immediately if needed, we will properly board up your home and a roof tarp. 

The water removal will begin immediately as well as the drying.

We have specialized equipment and techniques to remove smoke and soot from ceilings, walls, and other surfaces.

We will clean, disinfect, and sanitize all of the restorable items. 

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae can even help you with the restoration process afterward! Give us a call for any and all questions you may have about the fire mitigation process!

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

5/24/2022 (Permalink)

Call the experts at SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae.

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

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

The Different Stages of Water Damage and What To Do During Each Stage

5/23/2022 (Permalink)

When water is left to sit too long, it can affect and destroy materials like carpet. Often, the carpet will need to be removed for proper drying.

When water enters your home, it can be a stressful experience. There are many things you can do yourself during each stage of a water disaster to reduce the damage and restoration your Burlingame, Millbrae home will need. Knowing the signs of each stage and their effects is the first step to restoring your home to a safe, healthy space.

Stage 1

Water enters your home, flowing freely into any openings it can find, especially through floors and walls. Depending on the source of the water and the time that passes, your home can see inches of water in little time. At this stage, if possible, try to stop the source of the water and begin to dry up the areas you can.

Stage 2

Permeable materials like carpet, wood, drywall, and fabric furniture take on water. The longer the water sits, the more moisture that accumulates. Though the damage is not visible, swift water extraction is crucial in salvaging any wet material, lessening the need for complete water removal.

Stage 3

At this point, water that is able to evaporate will begin to create humid air. Areas that were not previously affected are in contact with moisture present. Paint may begin to chip from walls or bubbles may form on ceilings or carpets from the trapped condensation. This leads to further destruction of building materials as there is little room for drying to begin. To combat this stage, dehumidifiers are needed to remove moisture from the area and prevent mold growth.

Stage 4

Mold spores, found naturally in the air, settle on wet material, quickly growing. When left untreated, mold can spread in as little as 1 day. Entire homes can be affected by mold if it is not contained. Recovering valuable items and building materials is less likely at this stage. Serious water damage restoration and potential mold remediation are needed.

Flooding or leaks can occur at any time and quickly move through each stage before there is a chance to take action. If caught in time, water damage can be mitigated, reducing the need for a major restoration of your home and its contents.

4 Reasons You Should Have A Business Emergency Plan

5/20/2022 (Permalink)

Always have an evaluation plan for your business in case of an emergency.

Have you ever thought about what you would do if your business was affected by floodwaters after a storm? A business continuity plan can help you prepare for the worst-case scenarios. As a business owner in Burlingame, Millbrae you may want to create this type of emergency plan for a number of reasons:

1. Figure out who to call. If you never think about the possibility of storm damage hurting your property, you may not know who you should call when disaster strikes. In your business plan, you can outline which insurance provider needs to be informed of any impending claims. You can even pick a commercial storm damage cleanup expert you would want to work with this type of situation.

2. Think about how to keep the business running. The continuity plan should also go over what you would do to help keep your business running. If floodwaters made your building off-limits, would you have to shut down until it is fixed or could you rent a temporary workspace?

3. Consider the financial impact of natural disasters. Flooding can also affect the finances of your company. Not only could you lose inventory and business, but you also have to pay for damages. When you create a business plan, it gives you a chance to make sure you have the best insurance policies for your commercial property.

4. Help you prepare employees. This type of plan can also help you think about evacuation methods. You can train employees on where to go in the event of flooding, fires, or other emergencies. You can also outline who they should call if you are not around.

As a business owner, you want to be prepared for any type of situation. Creating a business continuity plan helps you think about the what-ifs associated with owning commercial property. You can become better prepared for any damages caused by storms.

Is Your Family Prepared For a Fire?

5/17/2022 (Permalink)

Know your smoke alarm’s noise and be familiar with what it means.

You never envision a fire in your Burlingame, Millbrae home, but you should be prepared for one. Preparation can be the difference between a disaster being manageable or catastrophic. There are a few ways to get your household ready to go if there is a fire in your home. SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is here to help!

The most important preparation tool for your household is a Fire Escape Plan. Most people think they have one, but are they really prepared? Here’s a look at what a Fire Escape Plan really consists of so you can execute one if you have a fire:

• Make sure everyone knows two escape routes from each room
• Establish a rallying point outside
• Make sure everyone can contact each other and emergency services
• Know your smoke alarm’s noise and be familiar with what it means
• Stay calm! If you have a plan, you do not need to panic during a fire
• Draw your plan out! Label all rooms and exit points
• Practice your Fire Escape Plan twice each year

This is very important for you and your household to have. Practicing is key! If you practice your plan and are comfortable with it, then you should be just fine in the event of a fire.

Let’s say you do have a fire, and you execute your Fire Escape Plan to keep your Burlingame, Millbrae household safe. What do you do next? After you contact emergency services, you need to begin getting your home back to preloss condition. There’s no one better to do this than SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae. Here’s a look at what we can do for you if your home experiences fire damage:

• Board up and roof tarping
• Water damage clean up from firefighting effort
• Smoke removal
• Soot removal
• Cleaning and sanitization
• Restoration
• Carpet and upholstery cleaning
• Caring for your belongings

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is faster to any size disaster and is committed to helping our local area. Call us today at (650) 651-7290 or visit our Website if you experience a fire. Remember to practice your Fire Escape Plan, and after you experience a fire, SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is here to help!

How To Prevent Plumbing Issues on Your Commercial Property

5/16/2022 (Permalink)

It is important to spend money wisely in business, and when you take the necessary measures to prevent plumbing problems on your commercial property.

As a business owner in Burlingame, Millbrae, you have a vested interest in knowing everything that goes on in your building. Plumbing problems are no exception. The cost of a broken pipe or an undetected leak can put a big dent in your budget, especially if your insurance doesn’t end up covering it. Your best bet for minimizing plumbing costs is to prevent small issues from becoming large ones.

Common Problems

There are many things that could lead to water damage on your property. Most problems are caused simply by parts that wear out:

• Maladjusted water heater
• Worn-out O-rings on faucets
• Loose seal on flapper in the toilet
• Faulty gaskets

Just about every part eventually has to be replaced, and failure to do so can result in major plumbing problems. Foundation issues, poor construction, and even your building’s age can also contribute to complications with your pipes and fixtures.

Best Solutions

Preventative maintenance and early detection are the keys to protecting your building from water damage. Hire and develop a good working relationship with your plumber before you need his or her services. Plumbers can conduct regular checks and maintenance on your property. The minute you know there is a problem, shut off the water main and call water restoration specialists to take care of it while it’s still small. Your quick response time can mean the difference between a leaky pipe that makes it necessary to replace some of your insulation and a deluge that involves replacing a significant portion of the walls and flooring.

It is important to spend money wisely in business, and when you take the necessary measures to prevent plumbing problems on your commercial property, you are doing just that. No matter how much quality plumbing maintenance costs you, it is nothing compared to the potentially astronomical cost of repairing water damage from an unresolved issue. For more information, visit http://www.SERVPROBurlingamemillbrae.com/.

IICRC Certified Firm

5/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration, and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: from initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

What is a flood cut?

5/7/2022 (Permalink)

What is a flood cut?  Removing the bottom 12-24 inches of drywall in a flood-affected room. 

Examples of why we flood cut:

·         If we detect there is wet insulation

·         The water is contaminated from the sewage or another storm-related contaminates

·         If any microbial growth is detected

After the lower wall portions are removed, any studs or framing are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Once the walls are completely dried out new insulations can easily be installed and the finalization of the build back can continue. 

Some of our steps:

The water removal process begins almost immediately and removes the majority of the water. We use powerful pumps and vacuum units to quickly remove hundreds or thousands of gallons from your property, which helps prevent secondary water damage and mold growth.

We use specialized equipment to remove the remaining water that is harder to access. Our Professionals will use room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers needed to dry your home or business.

Give SERVPRO of Rockville-Olney and SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae a call: 650-651-7290...Here to help!

What Does Fire Damage Restoration Involve?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

You can contact our professionals 24/7. Our fire damage experts are trained in fire & smoke restoration, odor control, upholstery and fabric cleaning.

Burlingame, Millbrae Remediation Services Generally Restore Fire-Damaged Homes by Removing Soot Residues, Deodorizing Interiors, and Replacing Things Beyond Repair.

The damage a fire does to your Burlingame, Millbrae home involves much more than burned structural elements and furnishings. A large part of the harm a house fire does results from the soot residues and odors produced by the burning, or combustion, process. In this process, heat converts solid materials into gases but, since the reaction is almost always inefficient, it leaves behind waste products in the form of harmful residues and airborne particles. These waste products include:

Corrosive residues that could discolor and further damage any surfaces they are deposited on

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which often smell like asphalt or car tires could be detrimental to your health if breathed in

Other persistent odorous airborne particles

If not cleaned up quickly and correctly, these residential fire leftovers can further harm your property. Moreover, they might also negatively impact your health.

How Do Local Fire Damage Restoration Companies Like SERVPRO Handle Soot Residues?

One of the most troublesome issues faced by Burlingame, Millbrae fire damage restoration services following a fire is cleaning up soot residues. These wastes are the solid remnants of burned materials, and they are left where something burns or is deposited around your home by smoke. Since smoke can travel almost anywhere, even into the most difficult-to-access parts of your house, it can be quite challenging to find and remove. If not found and cleaned up swiftly, these often acidic deposits can corrode metallic surfaces and change the color of any materials they land on. In order to effectively deal with residues and prevent these problems, SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae technicians employ the following methods and gear: 

Eliminating difficult to remove charred smoke residues with wire brushes, scraping techniques, or abrasive blasting

Using the peroxide active cleaning method to remove thick residues from delicate surfaces and materials

Wiping away non-grease residues around your home with dry-cleaning sponges

Whatever residues your residence has, we usually have the right tools and techniques to safely remove them.

What Methods Does SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae Use to Resolve Airborne Issues Like Residual Smoke and Persistent Odors?

After a fire, your house may still have residual smoke and the airborne particles that go along with it. It also likely suffers from persistent foul, fire-related smells. These result from the odorous particles and compounds produced by the fire found in both smoke particles and deposited residues. In order to rid your residence of airborne issues like residual smoke and unpleasant odors, SERVPRO:

Ventilates your house with high-velocity box fans and advanced air movers to remove smoke and smells related to it

Uses air-filtering scrubbers to replace interior air, fouled by noxious gases and odorous particles, with cleaner exterior air

Neutralizes unwanted smells with Vaportek systems and Ozone machines

Cleans your HVAC ducts with specialized systems that prevent it from spreading damaging odorous particles around your home

Cleans impacted exterior areas of your home with pressure washers

Employs ultra-low volume and thermal foggers to deodorize affected surfaces and materials around your residence

Deodorizes upholstery and carpets with high-tech injection devices

These actions are often highly effective in returning your home to its pre-fire condition. After SERVPRO technicians have finished, homeowners are usually surprised to find that their residences no longer smell like smoke and seem to have never even experienced a fire.

How Do Air Movers, One of SERVPRO’s Most Useful High-Tech Ventilation Tools, Work?

One of our most useful ventilation tools is air movers. Air movers are mechanical devices that are more effective than regular fans in higher pressure, post-fire environments. Their other key benefits are they often use less energy than other ventilation appliances and exchange air more rapidly because of their higher operating velocities. Unlike typical fans, air movers have a rotor instead of a propeller and, using centrifugal force, suck in and blow out fouled air rather than simply pushing it around. This has the ultimate effect of clearing smoky, particle-filled air from your home in a timelier manner.      

Remember, the risk of fire is always present, no matter where you live. Considering this, it is exceedingly important that you anticipate potential fire events, take the proper precautions to avoid them whenever possible, equip your home with essential fire safety equipment like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, have a planned escape route before a fire ever occurs, and know what your local options are if you ever need fire damage repair. With that said, whatever you do, there is no way to entirely safeguard your home from fire damage. While this is not a comforting thought, it does indicate the importance of having good fire damage restoration services like SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae in the local area.

So, if your home ever experiences a fire, contact SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae at (650) 651-7290 for help restoring its fire damage.

How Does a Pack-Out Work After a Property Disaster?

5/4/2022 (Permalink)

Our pack-ins are tailored to original records so that your space looks "Like it never even happened."

Move-Outs/Pack-Outs

If your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning after storm and fire damage, SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae can conduct an organized, efficient pack-out of the affected area. Pack-out will provide several benefits such as a quicker remodeling process and protection of your items from potential damage.

By itemizing, recording, and relocating your contents to a secure location, the pack-out will provide several benefits, including:

• A quicker remodeling process.
• Protecting items from potential damage.
• Provide extensive restoration to contents.
• Protecting contents from further on-site damage.

The pack-out process usually consists of six steps:

1. Video and photograph the job site.
2. Perform an initial scope & job estimate.
3. Electronically inventory items.
4. Pack, tag, inventory, and sort clean and claim items.
5. Move to a warehouse, clean, deodorize, and repack.
6. Claim list suggestions from the customer.
7. Pack-in: Move items back to the customer's property after remodel.

When restoration is completed, SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae will work with you to coordinate the move-in/pack-in according to your needs. Our pack-ins are tailored to original records so that your space looks "Like it never even happened."

Keep in mind:

• After the initial inspection, we will let you know whether or not an item can be restored.  You will find that most items can be brought to preloss condition. All contents will be inspected and any pre-existing damage will be documented before being packed out and restored. Our electronic documentation helps to estimate the losses and facilitates the filing of your insurance claim.
• When the transportation begins, items will be loaded and secured in a covered box truck using pads and the appropriate packing protocols.
• Small items will be individually wrapped in paper, boxed, labeled, and inventoried. This includes kitchen utensils, dishes, pots, storage containers, etc.
• Large items like upholstery and wooden furniture will be carefully inspected, often using high-intensity light to detect all damages that existed before the disaster.
• In some cases, affected items are cleaned in place to prevent acidic residues from causing any further damage.
• If an item does not require packing out, it will be secured and protected while structural repairs are made to the property.
• The restoration process is constantly monitored and you will be informed of the status of your claim before the items are ready to be sent back to your property.
• You will receive a copy of every inventory sheet with noted preexisting damage.

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae processes and returns contents as quickly and conveniently as possible while caring for your items as if they were our own. Contact SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae after a disaster to make sure you are getting the best care!

Hygienic Houses Sell More Quickly

5/1/2022 (Permalink)

People Notice the Small Things

If you are looking to rent out or sell your house, ensuring its total cleanliness before putting it on the market is pivotal to finding a buyer faster. Old tenants can leave behind stains on walls, ground-in dirt on the carpeting, and all other kinds of wear-and-tear in and around your property. Hygienic homes don't only look better, they sell faster, so here are a few steps you can take to get your property in tip-top shape for selling:

1) Air ducts

The first step to making your property smell and feel clean is to get the air ducts cleaned out. Clean ducts (and a fresh filter in the AC unit) can help to eliminate allergens in the air. The buildup of dust and other particles in ducts can also lead to dank or musty odors in your place, so cleaning before selling, and continuing their upkeep regularly, can keep your building safer and more pleasant to be in.

2) Upholstery

If you are looking to rent or sell your house fully furnished, have all the upholstery cleaned next. Years of use means years of food stains and other messes on your furniture. Make your chairs and sofas like new again with professional cleaning.

3) Floors

Getting your floors cleaned comes with a host of health benefits as well as making your place look good. Clean floors and carpets help people breathe easier, especially if they have known allergies or other conditions such as asthma.

4) General upkeep

Of course, the general upkeep and appearance of your building are to be kept in consideration. If you know you'll be showing someone a house, make sure the common areas like hallways and stairwells have been cleaned recently. First impressions are important!

Remember, for all your commercial cleaning needs give us a call!

Give us a call at (650) 651-7290 or visit our website at SERVPROburlingamemillbrae.com

Tips to Prevent Kitchen Fires

4/28/2022 (Permalink)

Safety tips to avoid fire damage from cooking equipment

A leading cause of fire damage and fire injuries in the home comes from cooking equipment. SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae wants to be there for you if this ever happens in your home.

SERVPRO of North Pensacola shares these tips to help prevent fire damage. They make more sense than not cooking at home.

• Many kitchen items can catch fire, including dishtowels, oven mitts, recipes, wooden tools, and loose clothing
• Never operate the stove or oven when you are tired or have been drinking alcohol
• If you are frying, broiling, grilling, or boiling food, stay in the kitchen. If you leave, even for a short time, turn off the heat
• Keep flammable items at least three feet from the stovetop
• Do not allow children within two to four feet of the stove or oven
• If you must leave the house while cooking of any kind, turn off the heat sources

Remember that fire is fast. If you cannot contain a fire immediately, leave and bring everyone with you. Call 9-1-1 from outside the home.

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae reminds you that fire prevention is the best strategy against fire damage.

Are you prepared?

4/25/2022 (Permalink)

1. What’s in your basement that you would be devastated to lose? MOVE IT!

• Tubs are helpful but not a ‘for sure’ method of something being saved because they can flip upside down!
• Be sure your sump pump is on its own electric circuit. Have a battery-operated one for a true backup!
• Keep it at least 3-4ft off the floor. Shelving at these heights can be more helpful for storage.

2. Where are your important documents, pictures, passwords/usernames, codes, and keys?

• Make sure you have copies in a lockbox at a different location than your home.
• Use flash drives, DVDs, or CDs along with a notebook entry. Keep a copy with someone else and in the lockbox.

3. How many items do you have plugged into electrical outlets?

• Do you regularly leave your phone charger plugged in WITHOUT the phone? A growing number of fires are caused this way!
• Know the amps available in your home. Just because there is an outlet doesn’t mean you can plug multiple items into all of them and carry the load without it causing an issue.

The lesson is don't keep your most important items in your basement because it's the most likely place to endure a loss.

For further questions, contact SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae at (650) 651-7290

The Terrifying Truth about Laundry

4/21/2022 (Permalink)

Don't let your laundry become an absent-minded activity. It needs more attention and supervision than you realize.

Most of us pride ourselves on being incredibly talented multi-taskers, going through life, and getting stuff done. That’s great and all, but there comes a time when it’s actually dangerous to multi-task. For instance, laundry is not something you want to do while you’re away from home because two major disasters can happen the minute you leave your home.

Water Loss Potential

The first one is a water loss when your washing machine’s water line breaks or starts leaking. Another possibility is the hose hooked up to your washer can actually become detached due to the shaking and shifting of the machine. Wouldn’t that be a fun surprise to come home and see your entire laundry room floor is covered in water? Actually, no. It’s not fun. We would know.

Fire Loss Potential

The second major disaster that is likely to occur is a fire sparking from the clogged lint in your dryer vent. With fires being so unpredictable, we strongly advise you not to hit the start button before you run some errands in town. An extra precaution we advise is cleaning out your lint trap before and after each use, and on a yearly basis, clean out the vent pipe or have a dryer lint removal service do it for you.

Protect Your Home Against Flooding

4/18/2022 (Permalink)

Clean storm drains at least once a year.

Keep Your Home Secure Against Flood Damage

Flooding of your Burlingame, Millbrae, home can cause major problems. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your home from heavy rains.
Maintain Existing Flood Prevention Structures
Many homes have common flood prevention features, such as gutters and sump pumps, already installed. It is important to maintain this equipment. The following are some routine maintenance activities that will help keep your home secure against flood damage:

• Clean and inspect gutters (fall and spring)
• Clean storm drains (at least once a year)
• Test sump pump and clean screen (every season)
• Inspect roof (every year)
  
  

When completing the above tasks, be sure to check for damage such as loose gutters or missing shingles. The suggested frequency for each task will vary depending on your specific situation. For example, if you have trees near your home, you will likely need to clean your gutters more often. If you suspect that you will be unable to do any of these jobs, you may wish to hire a professional contractor for some or all of your home's routine maintenance tasks.

Consider Home Improvement Projects

In addition to maintaining whatever flood-proofing systems your home already has, you may decide to do some home improvement projects to further protect your home from flooding. The following are some common improvements that you can make to keep your house safe in heavy rains:

• Install any of the above items (gutters, storm drain, sump pump) that you do not already have
• Grade your lawn so that it slopes away from the house
• Upgrade seals around windows and doors
  
  

Employ Temporary Solutions

Even well-prepared homes may need additional protection during very heavy rains. If a severe storm is headed your way, you may want to install sandbags or other flood protection devices such as inflatable dams.
The above suggestions will help protect your home from flooding. However, even the most well-prepared homes can suffer storm damage. You may need to enlist the help of experienced restoration professionals to get your home back to normal quickly and safely.

What To Expect After Contacting SERVPRO

4/17/2022 (Permalink)

Our green truck is available 24hrs 7 days a week.

What To Expect After Contacting SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae

If you suffered damage to your Burlingame, Millbrae home, it is important to act quickly. SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae's 24-hour availability makes it a top choice for many insurance agencies. Here is what you can expect during the first several hours after contacting the restoration company.

1. A Quick Response
When a building has been damaged, the response time is an important factor in how time-consuming and how costly restoration will be. SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is always open, so you can expect to hear back within an hour after you have contacted us about the emergency. Once you have provided us with the necessary information, we will begin preparing to address the needs of your loss.

2. Arrival at the Damaged Site
 SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae can arrive quickly in an emergency. We can be on-site to begin the restoration process within the hour. This fast response can make a huge difference if your home or business has suffered a great deal of damage. Beginning the process more quickly will result in less damage overall which can end up costing the insurance agency less money.

3. Inspection and a Verbal Briefing
Once the damage restoration specialists have arrived, they can inspect the home to determine the extent of the damage and decide on the best course of action moving forward. This should all happen within the first hour of your initial call. They will provide a verbal briefing so that you are aware of what will happen next. Our quick 24-hour response will allow us to begin mitigation as soon as possible to prevent any further damage before we begin work on necessary repairs.
Because it can spread and worsen quickly, the 24-hour period after the damage has occurred is crucial. SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae's fast response will save the agency money and allow your to have your home back sooner.

The Essentials After Fire Damage

4/15/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage experts will perform a thorough cleaning of all areas of your property affected by the fire.

When fire damage occurs, you need to get immediate fire damage restoration help to prevent further damage to your property. Any delay in getting professional assistance could result in extensive damage to your property.

After commercial fire damage, the probability of further damage due to standing water or excessive moisture is higher. It is imperative that you protect your investment by acting fast to get professional help.

Smoke is a byproduct of fire and because it is acidic, it is capable of causing corrosion and staining of surfaces such as counters and walls. In some cases, there is extensive smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke, which need to be addressed appropriately.

Flooding and methods used to extinguish fires in homes or fire in businesses lead to excessive water in the affected area. Fire cleanup professionals provide fast services for smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell.

What You Should Do

• Call the professionals – you will need the services of professionals, so before you do anything else, call the experts.
• Open all the windows to get air moving to remove the smoke smell.
• Move kids and pets to a smoke-free area. Move them to a relative's or friend's home until the fire cleanup or restoration is complete.
• Inventory your belongings. Make a list of the contents of your home or business that need replacing. Taking pictures of the affected items or damage is a good idea. You will need these for insurance claims purposes, and for your own records.

The Initial Assessment

Fire cleanup professionals enter the property to conduct the necessary assessment and determine how to approach the situation. During the assessment, they will be able to come up with an approximate estimate for the fire cleanup.

Filing The Insurance Claim

Fire damage restoration teams can also file your insurance claims for you to accelerate the process. They will be able to provide details about the fire in-home or commercial fire damage to your insurance company. This gives you immediate access to money to pay for fire damage restoration services.

They will answer your questions, address your concerns, and explain the entire process to you. They get everything is taken care of so you can get back to your normal life.

Water Removal

The most important step for remediation is removing all water in-home or water in the business. All standing water increases the risk of weakening the framing and support. Fire damage restoration professionals use state-of-the-art vacuums and high-power dryers to remove all water and moisture from the area.

Eliminating Damaged Materials

Fire cleanup experts remove all damaged materials and smoke smell using the appropriate protocol. They wear protective clothing and remove the materials prior to beginning the fire cleanup efforts.

Commercial fire damage experts will perform a thorough cleaning of all areas of your property affected by the fire, including smoke damage, soot damage, and smoke smell. Fire damage technicians will examine your property after the fire in the home or fire in business cleanup to ensure that their efforts are successful.

Reputable Fire Damage Team

Dealing with a fire in a business or fire in a home is something most property owners have never had to experience. Restoration teams deal with this type of crisis often and they know exactly how to handle it. 

It is crucial that a highly experienced and dedicated restoration team of professionals can get in quickly to provide the fire cleaning service.

If you need commercial fire restoration, you should contact a reliable commercial fire damage company with a team of professionals. Experienced technicians have great expertise in mitigating fire in homes, fire in businesses as well as smoke damage and soot damage.

After your commercial fire restoration service has been handled by a reliable team, you will be certainly amazed at the quality and condition of your property. If you need fire restoration, do not hesitate to contact a fire damage restoration company right away.

What Should You Do in a Property Damage Crisis? You Hire SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae.

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

Fire damaged home and car in the garage.

What to do when a property damage emergency happens 

Most importantly, be sure everyone including your family and pets is safe. If the building is compromised, tell everyone to get out of the building immediately and call 911. Call our SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae team immediately at 650-651-7290. Our IICRC approved technicians will arrive at your home or business within 2 hours for an immediate response, day or night! The sooner we arrive on-site the faster we can begin mitigating the damage.

Next, be sure to call your insurance company to explain the situation. This is the best way to get started with any potential claims process. Because of our deep restoration industry knowledge and experience, our technicians will be sure to document everything according to your insurance company's specifications.

How SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae can help you through a property crisis 

If you find yourself in the midst of a building damage crisis, don't hesitate to give us a call. The sooner we respond and begin our mitigation tasks, the less expensive and more effective our service will be for you. Because our focus is property restoration, our teams are trained to assess any kind of property damage to quickly plan and execute an efficient and effective restoration strategy to protect and restore as much of your home, business, and personal belongings as possible. We employ IICRC certified technicians who understand your predicament and know how to quickly help get you back on your feet.

The benefits of working with our SERVPRO team 

Working with our SERVPRO team means that you'll get the help you need to get your property back in proper working order faster. For example, here are several things that we do when you choose to work with our team:

Rapid, Advanced Structural Drying - We have the proper restoration equipment for ANY size of property loss. From a single affected bathroom to a flooded or burnt 100,000+ sf industrial facility, our teams know exactly how to set up the right equipment at the right time.

Fire & Smoke Restoration - We eliminate smoke damage odors using industrial air scrubbers, fogging equipment, & several specialized cleaning compounds. Just ask us about our Ozone treatment! Whether it's smoke or fire damage in an apartment building or smaller scale of residential, workplace, or vehicle restoration needs, SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is here to help and capable of it.

Mold Cleaning & Remediation - All molds are not created equal. SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae technicians know how to quickly and safely remove any mold species from your property. In many cases the affected area must be isolated, a containment system put in place, and special equipment brought out to assure that all mold spores are destroyed. Our team has the knowledge and experience to quickly stabilize any dangerous mold infestations.

Employee IICRC Training - SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae employees are trained and certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). This is an international certification organization that ensures our technicians are qualified to serve you in your time of need the way you need it.

The Most Advanced Technology - Our cleaning and restoration equipment & supplies are top of the line. We utilize state-of-the-art technology to properly restore your home, office, or other commercial property back to preloss condition.

Emergency Board Up Services - In many cases it's necessary to board up a building that has been damaged by either a storm event, fire, or water. Our teams know exactly what needs to be done to protect your home or business from further damage.

Commercial Damage Restoration - If you're looking for an experienced commercial damage restoration company in the Bay area look no further! we are one of the top 5 franchises in the number 1 brand in restoration. And we work hard to grow and maintain that reputation of excellence.

How we can help you get your life back on track after a property damage emergency

The fire, the flood, or the storm can leave you feeling overwhelmed and out of control. You need help now to get your life back on track as quickly as possible without having to worry about all the details. SERVPRO offers a range of services designed to help your property return to its preloss condition faster than ever before. And, our service is backed by decades of industry experience and advanced training in how best to restore business value after even the toughest property loss. No matter what kind of damage you're faced with (big or small) we are here for you!

If you hire SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae, you can trust that your property damage crisis is in good hands with our knowledgeable, highly trained technicians on the job. We'll work fast to assess the situation, establish what needs to be done (and how best to do it) and get your home or business back to its former glory.

Call us today to see exactly why SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is the number 1 trusted property restoration team.

4 Things Your Property Insurance Should Cover

4/5/2022 (Permalink)

4 Things Your Property Insurance Should Cover

The commercial building you own in the Bay area is a big investment. It is wise to make sure that it is protected in the event of a fire or some other catastrophe. When you purchase commercial insurance, your package should include a property policy. Here are five things that you should expect such a policy to cover.

1. The Property Itself

Property insurance is designed to pay for fire restoration services for the structures you own that have fire damage. There are several structures it includes:

• Building
• Signs
• Satellite dishes
• Fencing

It also includes damage to the part of the property that you own that surrounds your building. Your landscaping, sidewalks, and driveway are also included in the coverage.

2. Manufacturing Equipment and Supplies

If you produce goods in your building, the machines used to do so can get damaged by fire just as easily as the building. You may also lose some of the inventory of completed products in storage or the materials used to make them. If any of these items are in the building and get damaged, the property policy of your commercial insurance package can reimburse you for the loss.

3. Office Equipment and Furniture

During a fire, your furniture, phones, computers and other office equipment can be damaged. Even if it's not burned by the flames, smoke and soot can damage sensitive equipment. The items you and your office employees use every day are protected by your property insurance. 

4. Documents and Records

The recovery of important documents may be on your to-do list after a fire. Unless they are completely destroyed, it is likely that restoration experts can restore accounting records, payroll documents, and other important items.
The specific policies found in a commercial insurance package may vary slightly from business to business, but any business owner who has property needs a property policy. It covers damage to your building and the important items inside it.

Call SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae at 650-651-7290.

What Sets SERVPRO Apart From All Other Restoration Companies Near Me?

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Certified door sticker.

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is the restoration company for YOU! We are proud members of the Burlingame, Millbrae community, and surrounding areas. We are here for you when disaster strikes. Our goal is to get your Burlingame, Millbrae home, or business back to normal as soon as possible. 

What Is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned And What Are The 3 C’s That Go Into It? 

• Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a uniquely SERVPRO brand that is here to usher in a new standard of cleanliness for your Burlingame, Millbrae business! It is easy to remember by the 3 C’s. 
• Consult: We tailor a unique program for YOUR business’s needs since we know that no one business is the same. 
• Clean: This is the heart of Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. An expert deep-clean is conducted based on the agreed plan. We use our proprietary EPA-approved hospital-grade cleaning solutions while always following protocol established by the CDC. 
• Certify: If you see a shield posted on the front of your or someone else’s business, you’ll know that that business has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned. This beacon symbolizes a business’s dedication to keeping themselves, their employees, and their customers safe. You can walk into any Burlingame, Millbrae business knowing that the #1 choice in cleaning and restoration has put their stamp of approval. 

Where To Check For Mold Growth In Your Commercial Business

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

After picture of a clean office.

As a business owner, you take care to be ready for all kinds of weather conditions. From heavy rainstorms and thunderstorms to extreme heat.  You are already aware that high temperatures paired with humid conditions will create an environment that is right for mold to establish itself in your commercial property, but did you know that the warm atmosphere indoors during winter is also attractive to these organisms? The best way to stay on top of a mold issue is to do regular inspections of your property for the sights and scents that spell trouble.

You will want to take a look around a day or two after extremely wet weather. Move machinery and office equipment, and look at the places where the walls join the floor and in the corners. Check out the ceiling closely, and if the lighting is bad, this is a great time to schedule an upgrade of your interior lighting so that you can catch a colony before it gets large. Mold will thrive in dark, moist, and unventilated places such as closets, warehouses, and office storage. Any places where there is, or has been, standing water that has soaked into materials of any kind are going to be places that can develop mold, especially if they are in warmer surroundings, and if your roofing or walls have experienced any kind of damage that can result in leaks, this is another prime area that could be in danger of infestation.

The best way to handle mold is to use preventive measures in the first place. Here are a few ideas that can help:

• Keep all workspaces well-ventilated
• Use a dehumidifier, especially during the more humid months
• Make sure exterior doors are properly sealed
• Organize all stored items on shelves, using the floor and walls as little as possible
• Don’t keep the cardboard in storage areas
• Remove any standing water immediately and dry the area completely
• Trim back shrubs and plants near structures, not allowing overgrowth

If you suspect that your home or business has developed a mold problem, SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is here to help; we are mold remediation specialists and experienced in the cleanup after water and fire damage, as well.

Odor Removal In Your Apartment Complex

4/4/2022 (Permalink)

As the owner of an apartment complex, you are familiar with the handling of odor issues. When there are lots of people living close to one another, there are bound to be situations that arise that create unpleasant, and sometimes overpowering, odors. Many times they are easily dealt with by opening doors and windows, allowing spaces to air out, such as unpleasant cooking smells, for example. If a tenant has had a leak or small flood in their unit and wet carpeting is causing a bad odor, the carpet can always be professionally dried and cleaned if necessary. It may even require the removal and replacement of the carpeting (and it might be time to consider renovation of all units to wood or linoleum floors to alleviate this kind of issue in the future). Whatever you decide, you’ll need to get carpeting dried as soon as possible, completely and thoroughly, because we all know what comes next in a damp environment: Mold, along with all its odors and unhealthy aspects.

Sometimes an odor event is just too big, and you know it is going to require professional help;  that’s where SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae comes in. We are experts in deodorization, and our team is trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors by determining the conditions that are causing the issue. Many times, the problem can be removed without a trace, given a little time.

SERVPRO teaches IICRC technical classes for our crew members on the proper removal of odors, and our team members know that simply masking them or using shortcuts just won’t work when it comes to a serious and persistent problem.

The science of identifying and eliminating odors can be tricky, so give SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae a call and leave the restoration to us! We are here to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We are experts when it comes to mold prevention and remediation and damage from fire or water, and we are proud to serve the homeowners and entrepreneurs of our cities. Call us today!

Biohazard Cleanup in Burlingame, Millbrae

4/1/2022 (Permalink)

When we are on a Biohazard job, we display this sign.

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae offers cleaning services for the scenes of suicide, homicide, and accidental death in both commercial and residential properties.   The importance of professional cleaning and thorough sanitizing in these scenarios is compounded by the potential presence of contamination through blood and other bodily fluids. Proper cleaning services eliminate the risk of contamination or endangerment through blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, MRSA, or HIV.  If the cleanup situation you are encountering appears to be over your head, then it probably is.  Let our Highly Trained Water Bio-hazard Technicians handle the cleanup process.  In many cases, this cleanup is covered by your insurance company.

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae understands the stress and worry that comes with fire or water damage and the disruption it causes your life and home or business. Our goal is to help minimize the interruption to your life and quickly make it "Like it never even happened."

For help restoring your property after a Bio Hazard incident, call SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae 24/7/365 at 650-651-7290. We’ll make it “Like it never even happened.”

Ways to control the moisture in your home to prevent mold damage

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Mold Remediation in Progress.

It’s that time of year when the climate is changing rapidly around us and moisture is filling the air. Many storms and rainfalls are causing flood damage and leaving their mark on homes and buildings. As the water sits and dampens furnishings and materials within the home, it creates an easy breeding ground for mold to live and produce. It’s important to take control of moisture immediately to prevent the growth of mold and mold damage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gives some tips on how to prevent mold. 

• Ventilation in homes is essential. We see fans in bathrooms and kitchens many times used to ventilate the area. These are important in making sure that moisture does not get trapped in the room.
• Since bathrooms are constantly filling with moisture, it’s important to clean them with mold-killing cleaners.
• Be sure to clean furnishings or damp areas within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
• Watch out for any leaks present in the home. Whether it be through the roof, the walls or even the plumbing, this allows more moisture to enter the home and creates breeding grounds for mold.
• Many people don’t use carpets in rooms such as bathrooms or basements that are prone to flooding due to the fact that carpeting holds moisture easily. If carpeting or upholstery is damaged by water and is not able to be dried quickly, make sure to dispose of the property as it may be holding mold spores.
• Keep in mind that with the changes in the weather, humidity is likely to range throughout the day from the moisture in the area. Make sure that you’re keeping humidity levels as low as possible in the home. It is recommended to keep levels no higher than 50% throughout the day. Air conditioners or humidifiers can help with this.

Basement flooded in Woodside, CA

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

This flooded basement was caused by a recent storm.

What Should You Do Before The SERVPRO Professionals Arrive? 

• Keep children and pets away from standing water because this is often contaminated. 
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 
• You can remove excess water by blotting and mopping. 
• Move all precious objects to a safe, dry place. 
• Keep all damaged material for proof of loss. This is useful for insurance purposes. 

What Should You NOT Do Before The SERVPRO Professionals Arrive? 

• While there are several precautions you should take, there are also certain things you shouldn’t do; one example is leaving wet fabrics in place. If you have any furs or leather goods, hang them!
• Do NOT use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water! Regular vacuum cleaners are not made to pick up liquids, and doing so can run the risk of electrocution and damage to your vacuum. If the flooding is minor, you may be able to use a wet-dry shop vacuum for water removal. 
• Do NOT use TV or other household appliances. Contact with water can cause metal pathways in your TV’s circuit board to corrode, making it unusable. 
• If the ceiling is wet, do NOT turn on ceiling fixtures. This also goes for sagging ceilings where you have to keep out of the room altogether. 
• Do NOT leave colored items like books or magazines on wet carpets or floors. 

As always, the main question you have to ask yourself when your basement floods would be, “is it safe to stay in the house?” If you answered “no” to that question, know that SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae move-outs, and pack out help make the remodeling process quicker while protecting items from further on-site damage. You also want to be mindful of wet materials as they can be heavier than they look. As always, we work with your insurance company for a stress-free claims process to help you manage the paperwork. If you need us, you can contact us at (650) 651-7290. We’ll bring your home back to its preloss glory. This franchise is independently owned and operated. 

House fire in Menlo Park

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Air Scrubber to remove smoke smell.

Team SERVPRO Offers Remediation Services Regardless if the Fire Damage is Large or Small

It is never a pleasant experience when a fire starts inside your Burlingame, Hillsborough, Millbrae home. Fires not only threaten the safety of you and your family but are costly to repair as well. The heat, flames, and smoke produced by fire many times cause extensive damage to your building.
 
Whether the fire is small or large, it is a smart move to let the professionals come in and assess the situation. SERVPRO's fire damage experts in Burlingame, Hillsborough, and Millbrae are IICRC certified and have experience with different types of scenarios.
 
Both the heat and smoke created by a blaze cause different types of damage to your home. Flames burn contents and building materials inside the building. Smoke spreads throughout the structure leaving behind soot and foul odors. Our professional crews at SERVPRO get taught how to mitigate fire damage by putting each case into a category based on the severity of the damage.
 
In fire damage situations, there are three main types of severity. Putting each damage scenario into a certain level of severity helps our specialists know what types of methods to use when mitigating the problem. The three levels are minor, medium, and major fire damage.
 
In minor fire damage situations, smoke residues only affect individual rooms of the building that are near the source. The amount of soot left behind from the smoke is minimal. Very few areas get re-painted, and only some minor items get replaced. Most of the mitigation process involves wet and dry cleaning of the ceiling, walls, and other surfaces.
 
In medium fire damage cases, the amount of smoke residues is moderate and more areas need wet cleaning. The areas that need to be re-painted and items that require replacement increase. Most of the time with medium fire damage contents inside the home get cleaned on-site, but there is heat damage to building materials.
 
In major fire damage scenarios, there is a lot of heat and flame damage at the fire's source, and structural charring is even possible. In these cases, emergency procedures such as boarding up the exterior of the building and detailed cleaning of the structure possibly take place. The building gets filled with smoke damage and foul odors, and usually, our crews must pack out the house and clean the contents offsite.
 
No matter how severe the damage in your home is, hiring professionals always gets you the best results. SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae can be reached at (650) 651-7290, and we are available 24 hours a day and seven days a week to help you.

Contamination

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

Containment Prevent Contamination.

When taking or removing materials from home, cleanliness and containment are two of the most important aspects to consider. Containing surfaces not only reduces clean-up but also keeps items safe from contamination.

There are a lot of different ways your items and home can get contaminated. One way is through water contamination. Your home can have a pipe burst, there can be a flood, or there can be a leaky area in your house letting water in. No matter what way it happens, water contamination needs to be dealt with as soon as possible. If you find the problem in time there is a chance you can save your items as well as reduce the cost of repairs.

SERVPRO of Burlingame, Millbrae is always here to help when you need us. We have trained employees who know how to deal with this very problem.