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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Archived Commercial Blog Posts

Minimizing Smoke Odors in Your Facility

8/17/2023 (Permalink)

Soot particle testing Soot particle testing.

In the aftermath of a fire, there are proactive measures you can take prior to the arrival of restoration experts to mitigate potential business losses. Once authorities have confirmed the building's safety for entry, consider these actions to diminish smoke odors within your establishment:

Ventilate: If the external temperature exceeds 60 degrees Fahrenheit, ventilate the space by opening doors and windows to facilitate air circulation.

Air Filters: Replace the air filters on your furnace, especially if it operates through forced air, to enhance indoor air quality.

Soot Capture: Employ cheesecloth to cover return and supply registers, capturing airborne loose soot particles and preventing their dispersion.

While undertaking these tasks, it's crucial to adhere to practices that prevent exacerbating damage. Conversely, there are actions you should abstain from during your smoke odor reduction efforts:

Avoid Physical Contact: Refrain from touching surfaces with bare hands, as natural oils can permeate materials like upholstery, walls, and woodwork, potentially causing extensive damage.

Avoid Improper Cleaning: Do not attempt to wash walls that have become yellowed or damaged due to smoke. Inappropriate cleaning techniques can worsen soot residue, rendering it advisable to entrust the cleanup to trained professionals.

By adopting these informed measures and refraining from detrimental actions, you contribute to mitigating the impact of smoke odors and safeguarding your premises while awaiting professional assistance.

Keep your Business Mold-Free

8/15/2022 (Permalink)

Machine pumping out mold from closet Mold grows anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. The mold spores are invisible to humans, so you may not even know when mold takes over.

Mold grows in places you cannot even see, and it sometimes grows increasingly worse before it’s noticeable. Mold, however, pollutes the air and can threaten the structural integrity of a structure.

When mold grows on a commercial property, it can be devastating for business owners as they must shut down operations to decontaminate the business. These tips will help prevent mold from growing in your business.

Mold grows anywhere there is moisture and oxygen. The mold spores are invisible to humans, so you may not even know when mold takes over.

  1. Use a dehumidifier: It can be challenging to maintain proper humidity inside your business. To ensure 50% humidity, install commercial dehumidifiers throughout the property.
  2. Repair plumbing issues: As soon as you notice a leak in your business from a roof, pipe, or window, call a restoration company to mend the damages. The longer you wait, the higher the chance of mold growth.
  3. Ensure proper ventilation: If not properly maintained, mold will grow around HVAC systems. Mold spores can spread from vents, so a clean HVAC system will keep mold out.
  4. Stay Vigilant: It’s not easy to notice mold growth in its early stages. By inspecting your property frequently and monitoring high moisture levels, you can notice mold before it becomes a problem. Early signs of mold growth include stains on walls, smells, and marks on floors.
  5. Call a professional: If the mold has spread or you can’t find the origin of the problem, call a professional mold remediation company to assist you.

At SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito, we have a team of certified franchise professionals to take care of your mold problem. Our team is trained with the best equipment and techniques to locate and remove your property of mold and residual pores. Trust SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito for your commercial property mold remediation needs. Call us at (805) 669-6662, we are 24/7/365.

Returning Home: How to Remove the Smoky Smell from your Property

8/10/2022 (Permalink)

A ceiling with smoke damage Deodorizing and sanitizing a home or business after a fire is not an easy task, and you should not have to be forced to do it yourself.

If you’ve ever been around a campfire or experienced an indoor fire, you’ll know exactly what that lingering smoky smell is like after the fire’s been put out. When you suffer from a home or business fire, it’s important to minimize as much of the remaining odor as possible before SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito arrives. These tips will be helpful in maintaining the healthiest living conditions as possible after a fire occurs.

Tip 1: If safe, open any windows to increase airflow and circulation. Additionally, keep doors open to allow air to flow through and out of the structure.

Tip 2: Replace air filters. Toxic smoke particles and soot can become trapped in air filters, which results in unhealthy air being released after a fire. Replace the filters to avoid the spread of the odor.

Tip 3: Deep clean the affected areas. Kitchen counters, curtains, windows and carpets are commons places for smoke particles to stick after a fire. Target these areas to remove the remaining odor from smoke damage.

SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito is the expert fire restoration team for you! Deodorizing and sanitizing a home or business after a fire is not an easy task, and you should not have to be forced to do it yourself. Here at SERVPRO®, we have a team of experienced professionals with advanced odor removal products and equipment that will take care of your fire-related needs. Let our team make your home or business look like the fire “Never even happened.” Call SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito at (805) 669-6662, we are 24/7/365.

Get Your Business Back Up and Running!

7/22/2022 (Permalink)

Burnt materials outside after a fire In addition to restoring your property, SERVPRO® will help with the complicated insurance process to make for a simple experience.

At SERVPRO®, we understand how disheartening it can be to close your store or restaurant doors due to water or fire damage. That is why our franchise professionals work diligently to return your property to its preloss condition as quickly as possible. Having to shut down business operations due to an unforeseen problem can be seen as a shock to your employees, so it’s important to know that SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito is your community specialist in disaster recovery. Seeking professionals when there is damage to your property is best for a complete job. At SERVPRO®, we have the right infrastructure in place necessary to handle the smallest to largest problems. Additionally, our staff is made up of experienced franchise professionals who know just what to do to when water, fire or other damages occur.

Our team works hard to restore as much property as possible. We always limit damage to the best of our abilities, and we will save as much as we can. In addition to restoring your property, SERVPRO® will help with the complicated insurance process to make for a simple experience. We will work with you every step of the way, from the initial disaster to the end of restoration, the team at SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito is ready to answer your calls 24/7/365. Give us a call at (805) 669-6662.

Count on SERVPRO to Fix Your Property

7/11/2022 (Permalink)

SERVPRO truck parked outside a home No matter what time it is or how large the job, the SERVPRO team is always ready to quickly respond to your emergency. Just give us a call today!

SERVPRO of Ojai / Montecito is the restoration service for you! Whether it’s an issue with fire, water, mold or more, the team at SERVPRO is dedicated to responding to your emergency. When there is significant water or fire damage to your property, always seek out professional help. Our professionals have the proper skills, techniques and equipment needed to quickly combat any problems. Quick action to restore damaged property is our number one priority. By trusting the SERVPRO experts, we can ensure as many items will be salvaged as possible, in a safe and healthy way.

In addition to our restoration services, you can contact SERVPRO of Ojai / Montecito for any of your cleaning service needs. From air duct cleaning to removing biohazard contaminants, our team will take care of what you don’t want to for a safe, clean and comfortable home.

All it takes to getting your disaster taken care of is a visit to our website or a call to our dedicated 24-hour emergency line. They’ll have all the answers to your questions about next steps following damage to your home or property. No matter what time it is or how large the job, the SERVPRO team is always ready to quickly respond to your emergency. If you don’t know where to turn after your home suffers damage, just call SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito at (805) 669-6662, we are 24/7/365.

What is My First Step After a Business Fire?

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

contents stored safely after property experienced fire damage Review the list of items damaged to determine what can be salvaged.

Call The Insurance Company

Your insurance company will need to know the full details of what occurred. Prepare yourself for the first call by collecting as much information as possible. Give the adjuster the extent of the water and fire damages. The following are important point to cover.

  • Insurer’s damage documentation requirements
  • Scheduling inspection of property with adjuster
  • Proof of loss statement deadlines
  • Request possibility of extensions and approvals

Don’t Throw Away Your Things

Items can be saved, and you will want to review the list of items damaged to determine what can be salvaged. Leave everything in its place so when the adjuster / inspector arrives onsite they can see the full extent of the damages incurred.

Our experienced franchise professionals frequently save business items after a fire. Special techniques developed in the field can salvage nearly any item from paper records to electronics. When speaking with your designated claims manager and project manager, the entire process is discussed and documented from start to finish.

Call a Remediation and Restoration Professional

We regularly work directly with your insurance and keep you in the know on the details. Call SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito at (805) 669-6662, we are 24/7/365.

Prepare Your Business for Fire Season

2/19/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial fire suppression system Fire suppression systems require a minimum of (4) annual inspections performed by a 3rd-party fire protection expert.

As summer and fire season approach, it is important to have your property inspected to ensure your business’s readiness should a fire break out. Keep workspaces clear of combustibles, and have any damaged electrical cords replaced. Work with your team to develop an evacuation plan and have your staff trained on the safety procedures unique to your commercial property. Once determined, the fire escape routes will need to be posted in multiple areas around the office. This way, everyone has an equal opportunity to see them. It takes minutes for a fire to become an inferno and knowing the proper routes for evacuation may be the difference in getting out safely. Fire drills should be performed with your team on a semi-regular basis to help ensure their knowledge of escape routes is up to date. Many commercial properties have fire suppression systems in place that require a minimum of (4) annual inspections performed by a 3rd-party fire protection expert.

Call the Professionals

Our franchise professionals at SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito are familiar with the risks associated with fire damage to your home. As a leader in the fire damage disaster industry, we use proven systems to address fire damage when the call comes in. If a fire affects your property, contact us 24/7 - (833) WTR-FIRE (987-3473).

Preparing a Commercial First Aid Kit

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

First Aid Kit depicted Search for OSHA's First Aid Kit Checklist to get started!

Your Commercial property is important and needs protection, and the people inside it even more so. Know that if the unforeseen happens to your commercial property, the experts at SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito are here to help. We are faster to any disaster and will strive to make it “Like it never even happened.”

There are steps you can take to ensure your workplace is compliant and safe, starting with a First Aid Kit.

Continue reading for tips on putting together a commercial property first aid kit:

Use OSHA’s First Aid Kit Checklist

Go online and search for OSHA commercial first aid kit checklist to start. There you will find the necessary items as required by Occupational Health and Safety Administration; they are the industry experts on these matters. Most items are found at local drug stores or local retailers.

Continued Education

No emergency response is straightforward, and there is no such thing as too much training when it comes to ensuring the safety of the people on your property. Once you finish your kit make sure everyone knows where to access it and that the regular people onsite are trained in it’s use.

OSHA Resources

To find more information on putting together first aid kits or how to use them when needed, consult OSHA’s website. And remember, once you can ensure the health of all the people on-site, you can call SERVPRO® of Ojai / Montecito 24/7 to respond to any restoration emergency at (833) WTR-FIRE (987-3473).

What To Do When Your Property Floods

12/28/2021 (Permalink)

Hydrometer Reading by SERVPRO Technician Hydrometer Reading by SERVPRO Technician

Property damage adds up fast. Whether you are dealing with a burst pipe or a flash flood, water fills up your house within minutes and spreads through each room, causing significant structural damage. Know what to do when your property floods.

Stop the Water Supply

Try to identify the source and prevent additional flooding from happening. It is important to remember to stay safe. If the cause of loss is in unsafe area call a professional to assist you.

If the leak is coming from a flash flood or natural disaster, there could be little you can do to stop the flow of water. However, you may be able to slow the water down. A best practice method for minimizing impact is to start from the bottom and work your way up. If you can, try to place sandbags around the base of your external doorways. This is a good method to reduce flood impact.

Reach Out to a Professional

Remember you are not alone. We are here to help. When the unexpected does happen count on SERVPRO of Ojai / Montecito to guide and support you through the recovery process and help get your home or business back up and running again as quickly as possible.

Commercial Restoration Challenges

12/15/2021 (Permalink)

Commercial Water Damage Commercial Water Damage

Every property loss is different. Being a local business ourselves, we understand the importance of getting your business reopened as soon as possible. Our job is to return your property to its preloss condition and the doors opened.

It’s hard to be prepared when disaster strikes. You can take steps to both prevent disaster from ever happening and make an emergency plan if they do.

Plumbing Maintenance

Make sure your plumbing is well-maintained and in good condition. Plumbing problems cause the biggest share of water damage, so regularly get your plumbing inspected. Regular inspections will end up saving you money over time. Another part of preparing for a disaster is drafting an emergency plan.

If you’re not sure where to start, consider some of the following suggestions:

  • Create an emergency contact list
  • Make clear emergency procedures
  • Train Employees in common emergency scenarios
  • Back up data storage offsite

These are suggestions and not a full list. When it comes to water, fire, and smoke damage, keep SERVPRO of Ojai / Montecito in mind and call us right away.

Commercial Restoration Experts

9/10/2021 (Permalink)

Equipment warehouse Equipment warehouse.

Our size and scalability allow us the ability to handle multiple commercial projects at once and enable us to perform work with maximum efficacy. Unforeseen events can have serious effects on your home or business and our business is to keep yours moving forward. We are well trained experts in performing this task. From minor delays to major disasters, we are there 27/7 to support you.

We pride ourselves on being a restoration company that knows what it takes to ensure business continuity, and with our immediate response we can maximize our mitigation services. Timing is key when determining your first response and we are faster to any size disaster. Make us your single remediation and restoration services partner. If your business or home is affected by fire, water, mold, or storm damage call SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito.

Top 5 Difficulties Faced When Working Commercial Remediation

8/27/2021 (Permalink)

Water damage in commercial building Water damage in commercial building.

After your home or business structure becomes compromised from unforeseen events such as extreme weather, poor building techniques, or some other circumstance, owners must decide on the best course of action to take.

  1. Pathogens

There is a great deal of risk after a disease outbreak when it comes to water damage remediation and cleanup. There is a high risk of potential exposure to bacteria, viruses, mold, and other pathogens. Water damage remediation and cleanup after a disease outbreak both come with the risk of exposure to bacteria, viruses, mold, and other pathogens. This is a special concern relative to sewage and or fire sprinkler water damage. SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito ensures that our crews have training in and access to the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning equipment.

  1. Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals

Meth labs in homes or hotels, industrial spills etc. all require remediation to rid the chemicals on surfaces where they may be present. Knowing the chemicals which are potentially present will help determine what type of PPE is needed to protect crews from touching or breathing them in. Proper precaution is taken so as to limit exposure to the remediation chemicals and the pathogens being treated. 

  1. Decontaminating Both Large Areas and Hidden Surfaces

In your home or building, you may encounter a myriad of surface types and materials, including but not limited to:

    • Walls and ceilings
    • Metal, wood, or concrete
    • Ridged or uneven surfaces
    • Carpet, upholstery, and other fabrics
    • Hidden spaces behind walls or equipment

Some remediation chemicals require mechanical scrubbing to effectively remove contaminants. This can present challenges in large commercial spaces and can require a lot of manpower.

  1. Penetrating Walls to Reach Areas Behind Them

Mold remediation costs can also escalate when sections of walls must be removed to access the areas behind them. Those sections require replacement, which adds to the overall remediation cost, and will require additional work to return the space to its preloss condition. 

  1. Working in Areas with Limited Access

Small areas such as crawl spaces and attics are difficult to access for remediation and to perform the visual inspections needed to confirm surfaces have been treated. Fire damage remediation also present unique challenges where structural damage may occur preventing access to affected areas. It is important to have both the right products and equipment in order to ensure all affected areas are treated, no matter the difficulty in reaching them.

Call a SERVPRO certified professional. We are experts in all manner of remediation and restoration. Our Project Managers and Technicians are highly trained, certified, and committed to best in class service and production.

SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile Advantage

8/7/2021 (Permalink)

Did you know 50% of businesses may never reopen after suffering a disaster? According to the latest research, half of the time when businesses are affected by a fire or water damage, they end up having to close down. For the businesses that do survive, the majority of them had a preparedness plan in place.  By developing a SERVPRO Emergency READY Profile for your business, you minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. Knowing what to do and what to expect in advance is the key to timely mitigation and can help minimize how water and fire damage can affect your business.

Emergency Ready Program, ERP for short, allows SERVPRO to help commercial properties to be ready in case of a water or fire emergency. By entering detailed information before an event happens, you can minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action. 

There's also useful information such as how to turn off electrical panels, main water, gas, etc. to stop any more damage from happening. It's at no cost of your company, as well as a concise profile document, and a guide to help get back into your building after a disaster. This approach is a great investment of your time and is designed specifically with the customer in mind. If you or someone you know would love to have an ERP done, don't hesitate to call SERVPRO today! 

How To Reduce Fire Damage

4/20/2021 (Permalink)

Reducing fire damage is one of the first considerations after a fire in a home or a fire in a business in Ojai, California, and Montecito, California. Commercial fire damage can greatly affect the ability of a business to continue operations. In order to recover as much value as possible from a property that has undergone fire damage, smoke damage, and soot damage, a restoration company like SERVPRO should be contacted immediately after the premises are secure. The fire cleanup team can assist in evaluating the damage to the property and listing the items that are present.

They can also perform fire damage restoration and offer an estimate onsite. The fire cleanup will also involve drying up all the water that firefighters may flood the premises with in order to put out the fire. This water can cause extensive water damage causing the growth of mold. A certified technician can dry out the property and prevent mold growth using industrial equipment that sometimes includes a water extractor, a dehumidifier, and an air current mover.

All surfaces are sanitized and cleaned after all the soot damage and smoke damage has been reversed. The fire clean-up team will also instruct property owners how to prevent commercial fire damage in the future. Any residual smoke smell will be ventilated until gone. If the smoke smell continues, chemical solutions like an ozone treatment or thermal fogging are also options depending on the needs of the property owner. Additional treatments may be needed weeks or even months after the initial incident.

Fire cleanup can be extremely daunting for someone who is shocked by a fire whether in a home or a fire at their business. However, fire damage restoration is normal for a fire cleanup specialist, even in the aftermath of commercial fire damage. A specialist who has the experience and the expertise to guide a property owner will ensure that fire damage is minimized as much as possible. 

Smart Devices to Protect Your Business

1/25/2021 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, even the most cautious of business owners can experience fire or flooding in their homes. In recent years, however, it has been possible to diminish that risk with smart devices that can detect danger before it has time to wreak havoc on your business. These devices are connected to your Wi-Fi network and send you alerts via your smartphone if it detects something dangerous.

  • Smart Water Leak Detectors
  • Smart Smoke & CO Alarms
  • Smart Fire Detectors
  • Smart Batteries
  • Smart Outlets

Even with all the proper safety measures in place, disasters can still occur. If that happens, call the professionals to help you get your home and life back on track. For professional commercial damage restoration and water damage restoration, contact SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito.

SERVPRO Safety Work Plan for COVID-19

1/22/2021 (Permalink)

LEARN PROPER SAFETY PROCEDURES TO REDUCE RISK AT YOUR BUSINESS

Reviewing and understanding Federal, State, OSHA, and/or CDC guidelines for maintaining a healthy and safe work environment is a critical step to minimizing risk to your business. Proactively taking steps to create and maintain a clean and safe work environment demonstrates that you take the health and safety of your employees and occupants seriously.

DEVELOP A WORK SAFETY PLAN

• Inspect space and develop a plan to maintain social distancing requirements and allows for flexible work schedules including maintaining remote work capabilities

• Commit to monitoring and following public health guidelines

• Implement and maintain safe, social distancing practices

• Encourage frequent hand washing

• Provide hand sanitizer stations

• Develop a daily disinfection plan

• Remind employees to stay home if they are sick

HAVE YOUR ENTIRE OFFICE CLEANED AND DISINFECTED

• Disinfect spaces, furnishings, and mechanical systems before employees return to the workplace

• Inspect for obvious signs of damage like broken windows or doors or water leaks

• Inspect for hazards (electrical, mechanical, structural, physical, etc.)

SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito is certified to disinfect your offices for a safe return, call our offices to schedule with our crews. 

Avoid Disaster with Smart Home Devices

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Unfortunately, even the most cautious of business owners can experience fire or flooding in their homes. In recent years, however, it has been possible to diminish that risk with smart devices that can detect danger before it has time to wreak havoc on your business. These devices are connected to your Wi-Fi network and send you alerts via your smartphone if it detects something dangerous.

  • Smart Water Leak Detectors
  • Smart Smoke & CO Alarms
  • Smart Fire Detectors
  • Smart Batteries
  • Smart Outlets

Even with all the proper safety measures in place, disasters can still occur. If that happens, call the professionals to help you get your home and life back on track. For professional commercial damage restoration and water damage restoration, contact SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito.

The Benefits of Advanced Drying Techniques with SERVPRO

12/19/2020 (Permalink)

After a flood, it is critical to dry water-damaged properties and contents as quickly as possible. In the past, water damage restoration contractors had few options available to them when performing water damage restoration. Equipment was restricted in its availability, variety, efficiency, and effectiveness. It was not only slow but would also result in removing and discarding damaged contents.

Then, of course, it was necessary to install new materials, paint, etc. The result was a long period of disruption to the occupants and extra expenses for insurance companies. Today, however, the “science of drying” has improved significantly. Thanks to modern equipment, we can completely restore water damaged properties and contents with minimal intrusion.

SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito is equipped with the latest drying technology and has knowledgeable technicians who are regularly trained in drying techniques that are suitable for your commercial properties. 

Why Commercial Restoration is Important

11/30/2020 (Permalink)

Nobody expects disaster to strike their business, but the fact of the matter is—it could happen to any business. So, just as it’s important to have insurance in place when you need it, it’s vital to have an emergency restoration management plan in place should your business ever need it. Restoration companies give top priority to businesses that are hit with fire, water, mold, storm, or other damages. 

Specifically with COVID19 posing issues to commercial business lately, it is a good idea to contact SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito for a professional cleaning. Keeping you, your employees, and your customers safe is our top priority. 

It is important to have a relationship with a commercial restoration team because you may never know when you need them. Our teams are available 24/7 365 days out of the year and no problem is too small or too large for our team to handle. 

Certified Commercial Restoration Experts

9/11/2020 (Permalink)

We are your trusted restoration technicians and when it comes to commercial restoration we are #1. Our size and scalability gives us the ability to handle multiple projects at once, so we can move with maximum efficiency.

It's our business to keep yours moving forward, from minor delays to major disasters. Unforeseen events can have serious consequences for your business. That’s where we come in. We respond immediately, so we can maximize mitigation.

From minor delays to major disasters, unforeseen events can have serious consequences for your business. That’s where we come in. We respond immediately, so we can maximize mitigation. Operating with urgency allows us to help our clients in the face of disaster. 

If your business suffers water, fire, or microbial growth damage call SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito for an immediate response.

Summer Heat Safety At Home

8/7/2020 (Permalink)

In sunny southern California, it's hot enough to be outside!  Beat the heat this summer and stay cool indoors with the following tips:

  • Cover windows to block extra heat from direct sunlight coming in.
  • Use fans strategically. Your ceiling fans should be turning counter-clockwise to force the air downwards. 
  • Cook with small appliances, such as a slow-cooker or tabletop grill to minimize the heat level.
  • Check on your elderly and disabled neighbors regularly. 
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water steadily; don't wait until you're thirsty.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol which causes us to lose water more rapidly.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightly colored, and lightweight clothes.
  • Do not exercise outdoors. If you must exercise outdoors, only exercise in the early morning hours, before 8 a.m.
  • Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
  • Check the local news and other outlets for important safety information.

Coronavirus Cleaning Services

4/17/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO crew SERVPRO is here to help disinfect, sanitize and clean your home and business!

As we are learning new developments about the Coronavirus COVID-19, we must do our part and take advised measures to flatten the curve and protect ourselves and the ones we love.  

Need Specialized Cleaning Services? 

Call Us Today 818-730-1434

SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect your home or business according to the protocols set forth by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

Our professionals are trained to perform a proactive cleanup that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools, and/or supplies used for the cleanup process, and disposal of waste.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

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

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), here are 10 key indicators of Coronavirus symptoms which can appear two to two weeks after exposure:

  1. Shortness of Breath
  2. Fever
  3. Dry Cough
  4. Chills and Body Aches
  5. Sudden Confusion
  6. Digestive Issues
  7. Pink Eye
  8. Loss of Smell and Taste
  9. Fatigue
  10. Headache, Sore Throat, Congestion

It is important to consult your medical provider if you develop any severe or concerning symptoms.  

Tips from the CDC on stopping the spread of germs is to:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth.
  • When in public, wear a cloth face covering over your mouth and nose.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touch objects and surfaces.
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

As a vendor of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, we are always here to help the community. For more information about our services, please contact our Executive Vice President of Sales, Genna Grinblat at Genna@SERVPROwestcoast.com or at 818-730-1434.  Let us know how we can help. 

Sources: 

Commercial Restoration

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Fertility Clinic with SERVPRO equipment Clients would never know our crews were here overnight.

This fertility clinic in the Ojai community suffered a large water loss due to a broken toilet supply line. Our technicians had to work carefully and quickly with this high-end fertility clinic because relocation of the IFV clinic was not an option nor was it allowed. The business was to remain open during business hours, which meant that our crews worked from 5PM to 6AM, this way not to disturb the business.  Every morning when our large loss response team left you would never have known they were there all night taking care of the water damage that was in the clinic. Being an elite large loss destination means that we have the ability to accommodate any emergency circumstance such as this one where we had to work over night and in under a week to ensure that the company was able to still run smoothly and take care of their patients. The clinic was impressed and thankful for our diligence in their facility and couldn't rave about us enough.

Tips for Choosing the Right Commercial Restoration Company

12/31/2019 (Permalink)

Restored stairs after water damages Restoration can be tricky if you don't hire the right company.

3 tips for choosing the right commercial restoration company. 

None of us ever consider the possibility of a burst pipe, flooded basement or other water damage reckoning our home or buildings. But when such damage occurs, it can create serious issues. As a homeowner or manager of a commercial building, it is important to consider hiring a professional water damage restoration company to prevent the damage from getting worse.

Check for certification: IICRC promotes high standards, ethics, advance communication and technical proficiency amongst restoration services. All SERVPRO franchises are IICRC certified.

The more services the better: Ideally, you should choose a restoration company that not only offers water damage restoration services but also provides other services such as mold damage remediation. Mold remediation is an important part of restoration work and any reputable restoration company should provide this service.

Emergency services: The key to effective restoration after water damage is a quick response. It is important to look for a water damage restoration company that is operational 24/7 and provides emergency services. Water damage can strike at any moment without warning. 

Business Owners - Pay Attention to These Simple Tips to Reduce Fire Hazards

11/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Crews Unloading Equipment From Trucks We can be on the scene immediately, but try these tips to help yourself out first.

The most common measures include servicing equipment regularly, avoiding power strip overload and turning off equipment at the end of the day.

Clearing Stairwells: If there is a stairwell in your place of business, clear steps of boxes, stored items, detritus and anything else that could impede rapid evacuations if a fire breaks out. These items can also be flammable fuel that feeds a fire.

Inspecting wiring twice a year. Many businesses occupy older buildings with aged wiring. Schedule inspections twice yearly and upgrade electrical equipment as professionals recommend.

Completing these two items alone along with other fire hazard precautions can save you time and money. But if you are to ever experience a fire loss in your commercial building you should always call SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito to your side. Our technicians are readily available 24/7 and will get to you swiftly.

Important Things to Look for in a Commercial Restoration Company

11/25/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO technicians on a boom lift We have everything you are looking for in a restoration company.

While everything is going well, and no disaster is on the horizon, take proactive steps to manage the potential risk disaster could bring your commercial property. Take time to establish a working relationship with a commercial emergency restoration management company, such as SERVPRO, that you may need in the future. Here are some things to look for when you are shopping around.

  • Are they a 24 hour emergency response team? If 25/8 was a thing SERVPRO is on it, never be afraid to call us because we will be there.
  • Do they work with your insurance? Of course, we want you to be covered so we will do our part to help you and communicate with all parties involved.
  • Are they safe and reliable? Absolutely, we hold team meetings every morning to go over a new or refresher topic of safety to keep everyone reliable and aware.
  • Do they have expert technicians and the experience? All of our technicians and office staff are IICRC trained and have continual training to ensure they are up to date and aware of all possible losses.
  • Will they update you and keep your file safe? Yes, we promise daily updates to both you and your insurance company so you will never be in the dark.

These are all great questions to have and to ask. At SERVPRO we can guarantee that you will be satisfied with us as your primary commercial disaster response team because we know we can make it “Like it never even happened.”

Commercial Disaster Help With SERVPRO

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO Fleet of Cars and Trucks When disaster strikes call us, always there when you need us.

Water damage can strike your commercial property at any time. Water damage can sideline your business, regardless if the damage occurs from a major storm event or a broken water line. Every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when you have an emergency water event, SERVPRO franchises offers fast, 24 hour emergency services, 365 days per year.

At SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito we have 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 quickly to mitigate the damage and manage the restoration project through to its completion. 

We are here to help in any way possible to get you back into doing what you do best, serving your customers. Just like our tagline states "Like it never even happened."

Emergency Readiness Profile

8/7/2019 (Permalink)

Why you should take advantage of an ERP.

Emergency Readiness Program, ERP for short, allows SERVPRO to help commercial properties to be ready in case of a water or fire emergency. An ERP allows you to minimize business interruption by having an immediate plan of action, SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito will team up with property managers to show them all the basic steps. How to turn off electrical panels, main water, gas, etc. to stop any more damage from happening. It's at no cost of your company, as well as a concise profile document, and a guide to help get back into your building after a disaster. This approach is a great investment of your time and is designed specifically with the customer in mind. If you or someone you know would love to have an ERP done don't hesitate to call SERVPRO of Ojai/Montecito today!

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